Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Card Member receivables, gross	$ 43,464	$ 42,766
Card Member loans, gross	62,970	65,229
Other assets	10,222	11,418
Long-term debt	52,529	58,973
Cash and cash equivalents
Securities purchased under resale agreements	129	58
Accounts receivable
Card Member receivables, reserves	396	428
Other receivables, reserves	77	86
Loans
Card Member loans, reserves	1,281	1,471
Other loans, reserves	16	20
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	5,868	5,429
Common shares, par value	$ 0.20	$ 0.20
Common shares, authorized	3,600,000,000	3,600,000,000
Common shares, issued	1,071,000,000	1,105,000,000
Common shares, outstanding	1,071,000,000	1,105,000,000
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income
Net unrealized securities gains, tax	55	175
Foreign currency translation adjustments, tax	(528)	(611)
Net unrealized pension and other postretirement benefit losses, tax	(196)	(233)
Variable Interest Enterprise [Member]
Card Member receivables, gross	6,416	8,012
Card Member loans, gross	29,491	32,731
Long-term debt	15,711	19,277
Loans
Restricted cash	$ 162	$ 76