Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Cardmember receivables, gross	$ 41,540	$ 40,890
Cardmember loans	60,979	62,621
Other assets	12,459	12,655
Long-term debt	55,953	59,570
Cash and cash equivalents
Securities purchased under resale agreements	65	470
Accounts receivable
Cardmember receivables, reserves	392	438
Other receivables, reserves	85	102
Loans
Cardmember loans, reserves	1,547	1,874
Other loans, reserves	18	18
Premises and equipment, accumulated depreciation	5,105	4,747
Common shares, par value	$ 0.20	$ 0.20
Common shares, authorized	3,600,000,000	3,600,000,000
Common shares, issued	1,139,000,000	1,164,000,000
Common shares, outstanding	1,139,000,000	1,164,000,000
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income
Net unrealized securities gains, tax	182	168
Net unrealized derivatives losses, tax	(1)	(1)
Foreign currency translation adjustments, tax	(446)	(459)
Net unrealized pension and other postretirement benefit (losses), tax	(220)	(233)
Variable Interest Enterprise [Member]
Cardmember receivables, gross	7,235	8,027
Cardmember loans	31,522	33,834
Long-term debt	15,976	20,856
Loans
Restricted cash	$ 1,196	$ 207