Accounts Receivable and Loans (Details 4) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Impaired loans and receivables
Loans over 90 days past due and accruing interest	$ 243		$ 224
Non-accrual loans	222		248
Loans and receivables modified as a Troubled Debt Restructuring	386		428
Total impaired loans and receivables	851		900
Unpaid principal balance	799		842
Related allowance for Troubled Debt Restructurings	116		122
Average balance of impaired loans	906	1,290
Interest income recognized	20	16
Accounts Receivable and Loans Textuals [Abstract]
Total loans and receivables modified as a TDR, non-accrual	91		92
Total loans and receivables modified as a TDR, past due 90 days and still accruing	27		26
U S Card Services [Member] | Card Member Loans [Member]
Impaired loans and receivables
Loans over 90 days past due and accruing interest	181		170
Non-accrual loans	220		244
Loans and receivables modified as a Troubled Debt Restructuring	337		373
Total impaired loans and receivables	738		787
Unpaid principal balance	687		731
Related allowance for Troubled Debt Restructurings	80		84
Average balance of impaired loans	793	1,105
Interest income recognized	16	12
U S Card Services [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member]
Impaired loans and receivables
Loans over 90 days past due and accruing interest	0		0
Non-accrual loans	0		0
Loans and receivables modified as a Troubled Debt Restructuring	49		50
Total impaired loans and receivables	49		50
Unpaid principal balance	48		49
Related allowance for Troubled Debt Restructurings	36		38
Average balance of impaired loans	50	115
Interest income recognized	0	0
International Card Services [Member] | Card Member Loans [Member]
Impaired loans and receivables
Loans over 90 days past due and accruing interest	62		54
Non-accrual loans	2		4
Loans and receivables modified as a Troubled Debt Restructuring	0		5
Total impaired loans and receivables	64		63
Unpaid principal balance	64		62
Related allowance for Troubled Debt Restructurings	0		0
Average balance of impaired loans	63	70
Interest income recognized	$ 4	$ 4