Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash due from banks	$ 2,190	$ 2,020
Interest-bearing deposits in other banks (including securities purchased under resale agreements)	19,867	19,892
Short-term investment securities	229	338
Total cash and cash equivalents	22,286	22,250
Accounts receivable
Card Member receivables (includes gross receivables available to settle obligations of a consolidated variable interest entity), less reserves	43,068	42,338
Other receivables, less reserves	3,429	3,576
Loans
Card Member loans, (includes gross loans available to settle obligations of a consolidated variable interest entity), less reserves	61,689	63,758
Other loans, less reserves	526	551
Investment securities	5,137	5,614
Premises and equipment, less accumulated depreciation and amortization	3,746	3,635
Other assets (includes restricted cash of consolidated variable interest entities)	10,222	11,418
Total assets	150,103	153,140
Liabilities
Customer deposits	42,487	39,803
Travelers Cheques and other prepaid products	4,088	4,601
Accounts payable	11,361	10,006
Short-term borrowings	3,247	3,314
Long-term debt (includes debt issued by consolidated variable interest entities)	52,529	58,973
Other liabilities	17,175	17,557
Total liabilities	130,887	134,254
Shareholders' Equity
Common shares	215	221
Additional paid-in capital	12,193	12,067
Retained earnings	8,147	7,525
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income
Net unrealized securities gains, net of tax	105	315
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax	(1,016)	(754)
Net unrealized pension and other postretirement benefit losses, net of tax	(428)	(488)
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss	(1,339)	(927)
Total shareholders' equity	19,216	18,886
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$ 150,103	$ 153,140