Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Cardmember receivables, gross	$ 44,097	$ 42,766
Cardmember loans, gross	63,074	65,229
Other assets	10,647	11,418
Long-term debt	52,675	58,973
Cash and cash equivalents
Securities purchased under resale agreements	177	58
Accounts receivable
Cardmember receivables, reserves	386	428
Other receivables, reserves	84	86
Loans
Cardmember loans, reserves	1,342	1,471
Other loans, reserves	16	20
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	5,711	5,429
Common shares, par value	$ 0.20	$ 0.20
Common shares, authorized	3,600,000,000	3,600,000,000
Common shares, issued	1,084,000,000	1,105,000,000
Common shares, outstanding	1,084,000,000	1,105,000,000
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income
Net unrealized securities gains, tax	85	175
Foreign currency translation adjustments, tax	(480)	(611)
Net unrealized pension and other postretirement benefit losses, tax	(202)	(233)
Variable Interest Enterprise [Member]
Cardmember receivables, gross	7,117	8,012
Cardmember loans, gross	30,098	32,731
Long-term debt	15,923	19,277
Loans
Restricted cash	$ 63	$ 76