Reserves for Losses (Details 2) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Changes in the Card Member loans reserve for losses
Balance, January 1			$ 1,471	$ 1,874
Additions:
Card Member loans provisions			824	669
Card Member loans provisions - other			97	84
Total provision	282	264	921	753
Deductions:
Card Member loans net write-offs - principal			(888)	(970)
Card Member loans net write-offs - interest and fees			(113)	(121)
Card Member loans - other			(110)	(77)
Balance, September 30	$ 1,281	$ 1,459	$ 1,281	$ 1,459