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Accounts Receivable and Loans (Details 1) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Loans segment information
Cardmember loans	$ 62,286	$ 65,229
Less: Reserve for losses	1,367	1,471	1,680	1,874
Cardmember loans, net	60,919	63,758
Other loans, net	541	551
Accounts Receivable and Loans Textuals [Abstract]
Other loans, reserves	18	20
Variable Interest Enterprise [Member]
Loans segment information
Cardmember loans	30,063	32,731
U S Card Services [Member]
Loans segment information
Cardmember loans	53,606	55,953
U S Card Services [Member] | Variable Interest Enterprise [Member]
Loans segment information
Cardmember loans, net	30,100	32,700
International Card Services [Member]
Loans segment information
Cardmember loans	8,631	9,236
Global Commercial Services [Member]
Loans segment information
Cardmember loans	$ 49	$ 40

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Amount of allowance to cover probable credit losses on loans and leases. Includes carryover of or adjustments to the allowance for loan losses in connection with business combinations. Excludes allowance for loans and leases covered under loss sharing agreements.

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Amount before allowance of credit card loans issued to individuals. Includes deferred interest and fees, undisbursed portion of loan balance, unamortized costs and premiums and discounts from face amounts. Excludes loans and leases covered under loss sharing agreements.

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Amount after allowance and deduction of deferred interest and fees, unamortized costs and premiums and discounts from face amounts, of loans and leases held in portfolio, including but not limited to, commercial and consumer loans. Excludes loans and leases covered under loss sharing agreements.

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Amount after allowance and deduction of deferred interest and fees, unamortized costs and premiums and discounts from face amounts, of other loans and leases not otherwise specified in the taxonomy. Excludes loans and leases covered under loss sharing agreements.

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The allowance for other loan and lease losses represents the reserve to cover probable credit losses related to specifically identified other loans and leases, as well as probable credit losses inherent in the remainder of the other loan portfolio as of the balance sheet date. For banks, include currently required allocated transfer risk reserves. Include carryover of or adjustments to the allowance for other loan losses in connection with business combinations determined to be appropriate.

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