2.2.0.25falsefalse0110 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of IncometruefalseShare data in Millions, except Per Share datafalse1falsefalseUSDfalsefalse1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010
USD ($)
USD ($) / shares
$Jan-01-2010_Dec-31-2010http://www.sec.gov/CIK0000004962duration2010-01-01T00:00:002010-12-31T00:00:00PureStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancepurexbrli0SharesStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0USDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDEPSDividehttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso4217http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0USDUSD$2falsefalseUSDfalsefalse1/1/2009 - 12/31/2009
USD ($)
USD ($) / shares
$TwelveMonthsEnded_31Dec2009http://www.sec.gov/CIK0000004962duration2009-01-01T00:00:002009-12-31T00:00:00USDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170PureStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancepurexbrli0USDEPSDividehttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso4217http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0SharesStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0USDUSD$3falsefalseUSDfalsefalse1/1/2008 - 12/31/2008
USD ($) / shares
USD ($)
$TwelveMonthsEnded_31Dec2008http://www.sec.gov/CIK0000004962duration2008-01-01T00:00:002008-12-31T00:00:00USDEPSDividehttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso4217http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0USDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170PureStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancepurexbrli0SharesStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0USDUSD$4true0us-gaap_NoninterestIncomeAbstractus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalse5false0axp_DiscountRevenueaxpfalsecreditdurationRepresents revenue earned from fees charged to merchants with whom the Company has entered into a card acceptance agreement...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse1511100000015111000000falsetruefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse1338900000013389000000falsetruefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse1502500000015025000000falsetruefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryRepresents revenue earned from fees charged to merchants with whom the Company has entered into a card acceptance agreement for processing cardmember transactions. The discount fee generally is deducted from the Company's payment reimbursing the merchant for cardmember purchases. Such amounts are reduced by contra-revenue such as payments to third-party card issuing partners, cash-back reward costs, and corporate incentive payments.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse6false0axp_NetCardFeesaxpfalsecreditdurationRepresents the charge card membership fees earned during the period. These fees are recognized as revenue over the covered...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse21020000002102000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse21510000002151000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse21500000002150000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryRepresents the charge card membership fees earned during the period. These fees are recognized as revenue over the covered card membership period (typically one year), net of provision for projected refunds for cancellation of card membership.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse7false0axp_TravelCommissionsAndFeesaxpfalsecreditdurationCommissions and fees earned by charging clients transaction or management fees for selling and arranging travel and travel...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse17790000001779000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse15940000001594000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse20100000002010000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryCommissions and fees earned by charging clients transaction or management fees for selling and arranging travel and travel management services. Client transaction fee revenue is recognized at the time the client books the travel arrangements. Travel management services revenue is recognized over the contractual term of the agreement. The Company's travel suppliers (for example, airlines, hotels, car rental companies) pay commissions and fees on tickets issued, sales and other services based on contractual agreements. Commissions and fees from travel suppliers are generally recognized at the time a ticket is purchased or over the term of the contract. Commissions and fees that are based on actual usage that is unknown at time of purchase (for example, hotel and car rentals), are recognized when cash is received.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse8false0us-gaap_FeesAndCommissionsOtherus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse20310000002031000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse17780000001778000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse23070000002307000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryFee and commission revenue earned from sources not otherwise specified in the existing taxonomy.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 04
-Paragraph 13
-Article 9
Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name FASB Staff Position (FSP)
-Number EITF85-24-1
falsefalse9false0axp_SecuritizationIncomeNetaxpfalsecreditdurationNon-credit provision components of the net gains or losses from securitization activities, excess spread related to...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse400000000400000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse10700000001070000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryNon-credit provision components of the net gains or losses from securitization activities, excess spread related to securitized cardmember loans, changes in the fair value of the interest-only strip, and servicing income, net of related discounts or fees. Excess spread, which is recognized as earned, is the net cash flow from interest and fee collections allocated to the third-party investors' interests.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse10false0us-gaap_NoninterestIncomeOtherOperatingIncomeus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse19270000001927000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse20870000002087000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse21570000002157000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryRepresents other forms of revenue earned, excluding interest, which is not otherwise specified in the taxonomy.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 04
-Paragraph 13
-Article 9
falsefalse11false0us-gaap_NoninterestIncomeus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotallabel1truefalsefalse2295000000022950000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse2139900000021399000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse2471900000024719000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe total amount of noninterest income which may be derived from: (1) fees and commissions; (2) premiums earned; (3) insurance policy charges; (4) the sale or disposal of assets; and (5) other sources not otherwise specified.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher OTS
-Name Federal Regulation (FR)
-Number Title 12
-Chapter V
-Section 563c.102
-Paragraph 13
-Subsection II
Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 04
-Paragraph 13
-Article 9
truefalse12true0us-gaap_InterestAndDividendIncomeOperatingAbstractus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalse13false0us-gaap_InterestAndFeeIncomeLoansAndLeasesus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse67830000006783000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse44680000004468000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse61590000006159000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe aggregate interest and fee income generated by: (1) loans the Entity has positive intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future, or until maturity or payoff, including commercial and consumer loans, whether domestic or foreign, which may consist of: (a) industrial and agricultural; (b) real estate; and (c) real estate construction loans; (d) trade financing; (e) lease financing; (f) home equity lines-of-credit; (g) automobile and other vehicle loans; and (h) credit card and other revolving-type loans and (2) loans and leases held-for-sale which may include mortgage loans, direct financing, and sales-type leases.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 04
-Paragraph 1
-Article 9
falsefalse14false0us-gaap_InterestAndDividendIncomeSecuritiesus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse443000000443000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse804000000804000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse771000000771000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryInterest and dividend income on all securities.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 115
-Paragraph 14
Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 04
-Paragraph 2, 3
-Article 9
falsefalse15false0us-gaap_InterestIncomeDepositsWithFinancialInstitutionsus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse6600000066000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse5900000059000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse271000000271000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryInterest income derived from funds deposited with both domestic and foreign financial institutions including funds in money market and other accounts.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 04
-Paragraph 4
-Article 9
falsefalse16false0us-gaap_InterestAndDividendIncomeOperatingus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotallabel1truefalsefalse72920000007292000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse53310000005331000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse72010000007201000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryRepresents the total of interest and dividend income, including any amortization and accretion (as applicable) of discounts and premiums, earned from (1) loans and leases whether held-for-sale or held-in-portfolio; (2) investment securities; (3) federal funds sold; (4) securities purchased under agreements to resell; (5) investments in banker's acceptances, commercial paper, or certificates of deposit; (6) dividend income; or (7) other investments not otherwise specified herein.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Audit and Accounting Guide (AAG)
-Number AAG-BRD
-Chapter 4
-Paragraph 9, 51, 54
-IssueDate 2006-05-01
Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 04
-Paragraph 1, 2 , 3, 4, 5
-Article 9
truefalse17true0us-gaap_InterestExpenseAbstractus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalse18false0us-gaap_InterestExpenseDepositsus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse546000000546000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse425000000425000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse454000000454000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAggregate amount of interest expense on all deposits.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher OTS
-Name Federal Regulation (FR)
-Number Title 12
-Chapter V
-Section 563c.102
-Paragraph 6
-Subsection II
Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 04
-Paragraph 6
-Article 9
falsefalse19false0us-gaap_InterestExpenseShortTermBorrowingsus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse30000003000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse3700000037000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse483000000483000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe aggregate interest expense incurred on short-term borrowings including commercial paper and Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 04
-Paragraph 7
-Article 9
Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher OTS
-Name Federal Regulation (FR)
-Number Title 12
-Chapter V
-Section 563c.102
-Paragraph 7
-Subsection II
falsefalse20false0axp_InterestExpenseLongTermDebtAndOtheraxpfalsedebitdurationInterest expense on the Company's long-term debt and on all other items not previously classified.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse18740000001874000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse17450000001745000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse26180000002618000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryInterest expense on the Company's long-term debt and on all other items not previously classified.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse21false0us-gaap_InterestExpenseus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotallabel1truefalsefalse24230000002423000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse22070000002207000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse35550000003555000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe cost of borrowed funds accounted for as interest that was charged against earnings during the period.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 34
-Paragraph 21
Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher OTS
-Name Federal Regulation (FR)
-Number Title 12
-Chapter V
-Section 563c.102
-Paragraph 9
-Subsection II
Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 04
-Paragraph 9
-Article 9
truefalse22false0us-gaap_InterestIncomeExpenseNetus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotallabel1truefalsefalse48690000004869000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse31240000003124000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse36460000003646000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAmount of net interest income or expense derived from banking operations.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 04
-Paragraph 10
-Article 9
truefalse23false0axp_TotalRevenuesNetOfInterestExpenseaxpfalsecreditdurationRevenues from discount revenue, net card fees, travel commissions and fees, other commissions and fees, securitization...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotallabel1truefalsefalse2781900000027819000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse2452300000024523000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse2836500000028365000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryRevenues from discount revenue, net card fees, travel commissions and fees, other commissions and fees, securitization income, net, other related income, and net interest income during the period.No authoritative reference available.truefalse24true0us-gaap_ProvisionForLoanLeaseAndOtherLossesAbstractus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalse25false0axp_ProvisionsForLossesChargeCardaxpfalsedebitdurationThe sum of the periodic provision charged to operations, based on an assessment of the uncollectibility of the cardmember...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse595000000595000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse857000000857000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse13630000001363000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe sum of the periodic provision charged to operations, based on an assessment of the uncollectibility of the cardmember receivable portfolio, the offset to which is either added to or deducted from the allowance account for the purpose of reducing receivables to an amount that approximates their net realizable value (the amount expected to be collected).No authoritative reference available.falsefalse26false0us-gaap_ProvisionForLoanAndLeaseLossesus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse15270000001527000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse42660000004266000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse42310000004231000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe sum of the periodic provision charged to operations, based on an assessment of the uncollectibility of the loan and lease portfolio, the offset to which is either added to or deducted from the allowance account for the purpose of reducing loan receivable and leases to an amount that approximates their net realizable value (the amount expected to be collected).Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Audit and Accounting Guide (AAG)
-Number AAG-DEP
-Chapter 5
-Paragraph 168, 169, 170
-IssueDate 2006-05-01
Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 04
-Paragraph 11
-Article 9
falsefalse27false0us-gaap_ProvisionForOtherLossesus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse8500000085000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse190000000190000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse204000000204000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe provision charged to earnings in the period, the offset to which is either added to or deducted from the allowance account, for the purpose of reducing receivables, other than loans, leases, or credit losses, to an amount that approximates their net realizable value (the amount expected to be collected); includes provision for losses associated with foreclosed assets.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 95
-Paragraph 28
Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 03
-Paragraph 5
-Article 5
Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 04
-Paragraph 11
-Article 9
falsefalse28false0us-gaap_ProvisionForLoanLeaseAndOtherLossesus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotallabel1truefalsefalse22070000002207000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse53130000005313000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse57980000005798000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe sum of the periodic provision charged to earnings, based on an assessment of uncollectibility from the counterparty on account of loan, lease or other credit losses, to reduce these accounts to the amount that approximates their net realizable value.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 95
-Paragraph 28
Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Audit and Accounting Guide (AAG)
-Number AAG-DEP
-Chapter 5
-Paragraph 168, 169, 170
-IssueDate 2006-05-01
Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 04
-Paragraph 11
-Article 9
truefalse29false0axp_TotalRevenuesNetOfInterestExpenseAfterProvisionsForLossesaxpfalsecreditdurationRevenues from discount revenue, net card fees, travel commissions and fees, other commissions and fees, securitization, other...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotallabel1truefalsefalse2561200000025612000000[1]falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse1921000000019210000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse2256700000022567000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryRevenues from discount revenue, net card fees, travel commissions and fees, other commissions and fees, securitization, other related income, and net interest income offset by provisions for losses during the period.No authoritative reference available.truefalse30true0us-gaap_NoninterestExpenseAbstractus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalse31false0axp_MarketingPromotionRewardsAndCardmemberServicesaxpfalsedebitdurationMarketing and promotion expense includes advertising costs. Cardmember rewards expense includes the costs of rewards programs...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse86440000008644000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse64670000006467000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse73610000007361000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryMarketing and promotion expense includes advertising costs. Cardmember rewards expense includes the costs of rewards programs (including Membership Rewards). Cardmember services expense includes protection plans and complimentary services provided to cardmembers.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse32false0us-gaap_LaborAndRelatedExpenseus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse55660000005566000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse50800000005080000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse60900000006090000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe aggregate amount of expenditures for salaries, wages, profit sharing and incentive compensation, and other employee benefits, including share-based compensation, and pension and other postretirement benefit expense.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse33false0us-gaap_ProfessionalFeesus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse28060000002806000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse24080000002408000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse24130000002413000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryA fee charged for services from professionals such as doctors, lawyers and accountants. The term is often expanded to include other professions, for example, pharmacists charging to maintain a medicinal profile of a client or customer.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse34false0us-gaap_OtherNoninterestExpenseus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse26320000002632000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse24140000002414000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse31220000003122000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryOther noninterest expenses that are not separately presented in any other noninterest expense category.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse35false0us-gaap_NoninterestExpenseus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotallabel1truefalsefalse1964800000019648000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse1636900000016369000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse1898600000018986000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryTotal aggregate amount of all noninterest expense.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher OTS
-Name Federal Regulation (FR)
-Number Title 12
-Chapter V
-Section 563c.102
-Paragraph 14
-Subsection II
Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 04
-Paragraph 14
-Article 9
truefalse36false0us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestmentsus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse59640000005964000000[2]falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse28410000002841000000[2]falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse35810000003581000000[2]falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetarySum of operating profit and nonoperating income (expense) before income (loss) from equity method investments, income taxes, extraordinary items, cumulative effects of changes in accounting principles, and noncontrolling interest.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 08
-Paragraph h
-Subparagraph 1(i)
-Article 4
falsefalse37false0us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse19070000001907000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse704000000704000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse710000000710000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe sum of the current income tax expense (benefit) and the deferred income tax expense (benefit) pertaining to continuing operations.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 08
-Paragraph h
-Article 4
Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 109
-Paragraph 45
-Subparagraph a, b
falsefalse38false0us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotallabel1truefalsefalse40570000004057000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse21370000002137000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse28710000002871000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis element represents the income or loss from continuing operations attributable to the reporting entity which may also be defined as revenue less expenses and taxes from ongoing operations before extraordinary items and cumulative effects of changes in accounting principles, but after deduction of those portions of income or loss from continuing operations that are allocable to noncontrolling interests, if any.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 29
Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 28
Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 38
-Subparagraph b(1)
truefalse39false0us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTaxus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-7000000-7000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse-172000000-172000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis element represents the overall income (loss) from a disposal group that is classified as a component of the entity, net of income tax, reported as a separate component of income before extraordinary items and the cumulative effect of accounting changes before deduction or consideration of the amount which may be allocable to noncontrolling interests, if any. Includes the following (net of tax): income (loss) from operations during the phase-out period, gain (loss) on disposal, provision (or any reversals of earlier provisions) for loss on disposal, and adjustments of a prior period gain (loss) on disposal.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 04
-Paragraph 13
-Article 7
Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 03
-Paragraph 15
-Article 5
Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 29
Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 144
-Paragraph 43
Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 144
-Paragraph 47
-Subparagraph c
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-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 03
-Paragraph 19
-Article 5
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-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 38
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-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph A7
-Appendix A
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-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 38
-Subparagraph a
Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 04
-Paragraph 20
-Article 9
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-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 130
-Paragraph 10, 15
Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)
-Number 87-21
Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 95
-Paragraph 28, 29, 30
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-Number 210
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-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
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-Number 210
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-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
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-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 128
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-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
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-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 04
-Paragraph 18
-Article 7
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-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 04
-Paragraph 21
-Article 9
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-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
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falsefalse1 Upon adoption of new GAAP effective January 1, 2010, the Lending Trust was consolidated. The December 31, 2009 non-consolidated outstanding balance was $25.0 billion and the year-end stated rate was 0.87 percent.2 The data in the above table is, in part, based upon internal allocations, which necessarily involve management's judgment. Certain revisions and reclassifications have been made to 2009 and 2008 to conform to 2010 classifications and internal allocation methodology.3Represents income from continuing operations or net income, as applicable, less (i) accelerated preferred dividend accretion of $212 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 due to the repurchase of $3.39 billion of preferred shares issued as part of the Capital Purchase Program (CPP), (ii) preferred share dividends and related accretion of $94 million for the year ended December 31, 2009, and (iii) earnings allocated to participating share awards and other items of $51 million, $22 million and $15 million for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively. 348Consolidated Statements of Income (USD $)NoRoundingMillionsNoRoundingUnKnownfalsetrue
