That journal was part of a huge cache of intelligence acquired during the U.S. raid in Pakistan. Other seized items included about 100 flash drives and five computers.
The officials spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss publicly what was found in bin Laden's hideout.
/*Bin Laden*/ has long been known to record his thoughts and had been thought to keep a diary. Bin Laden's son, in a memoir, has described his father as recording his thoughts and plans when the family lived in Sudan and Afghanistan.
U.S. officials said bin Laden had a hand in every recent major al Qaeda threat. The information shatters the notion that he was mostly an inspirational figurehead.
A spokesperson for a Maryland congressman said Wednesday that some members of Congress will be allowed to view pictures of bin Laden's body.
Members of the House Intelligence Committee, including Democratic Rep. C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger, were offered a chance to view the photos.
Ruppersberger's spokesperson said that the lawmaker plans to view the photos at CIA headquarters either on Wednesday afternoon or Thursday.
/*Al Qaeda*/ has vowed to take revenge on America for the death of bin Laden. The terrorist organization said Americans will "pay the price" for the killing.
In an Internet posting, al Qaeda's official media outlet said the U.S. has committed what it calls a big mistake and a serious sin.
The media message calls on Muslims to avenge bin Laden's death in the May 2 raid on the compound in Pakistan.
One of the bin Laden's sons, Omar, is calling the killing an assassination of an unarmed man in violation of international law.
Former Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf told ABC News he is appalled that bin Laden was able to hide out in Pakistan for the last five or six years.
"There is no excuse for this great, massive slip-up and an investigation is in order," Musharraf said. "People must be punished."
The death of bin Laden continues to draw cheers for President Barack Obama. A new Associated Press-GfK poll shows that Obama's approval rating is at its highest in two years.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
