Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash due from banks	$ 3,433	$ 2,020
Interest-bearing deposits in other banks (including securities purchased under resale agreements)	24,294	19,892
Short-term investment securities	237	338
Total cash and cash equivalents	27,964	22,250
Accounts receivable
Cardmember receivables (includes gross receivables available to settle obligations of a consolidated variable interest entity), less reserves	42,961	42,338
Other receivables, less reserves	3,143	3,576
Loans
Cardmember loans, (includes gross loans available to settle obligations of a consolidated variable interest entity), less reserves	60,919	63,758
Other loans, less reserves	541	551
Investment securities	5,793	5,614
Premises and equipment, less accumulated depreciation and amortization	3,713	3,635
Other assets (includes restricted cash of consolidated variable interest entities)	11,821	11,418
Total assets	156,855	153,140
Liabilities
Customer deposits	41,301	39,803
Travelers Cheques and other prepaid products	4,232	4,601
Accounts payable	14,230	10,006
Short-term borrowings	3,359	3,314
Long-term debt (includes debt issued by consolidated variable interest entities)	56,366	58,973
Other liabilities	18,077	17,557
Total liabilities	137,565	134,254
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 24)	0	0
Shareholders' Equity
Common shares	220	221
Additional paid-in capital	12,220	12,067
Retained earnings	7,830	7,525
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Net unrealized securities gains, net of tax	280	315
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax	(799)	(754)
Net unrealized pension and other postretirement benefit losses, net of tax	(461)	(488)
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss	(980)	(927)
Total shareholders' equity	19,290	18,886
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$ 156,855	$ 153,140