Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Card Member receivables, gross	$ 44,654	$ 44,163
Card Member loans, gross	64,016	67,238
Other assets	11,253	11,228
Short-term borrowings	2,821	5,021
Long-term debt	54,095	55,330
Cash and cash equivalents
Securities purchased under resale agreements	241	143
Accounts receivable
Card Member receivables, reserves	414	386
Other receivables, reserves	66	71
Loans
Card Member loans, reserves	1,191	1,261
Other loans, reserves	9	13
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	6,090	5,978
Restricted cash	698
Common shares, par value	$ 0.20	$ 0.20
Common shares, authorized	3,600,000,000	3,600,000,000
Common shares, issued	1,059,000,000	1,064,000,000
Common shares, outstanding	1,059,000,000	1,064,000,000
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Net unrealized securities gains, tax	56	33
Foreign currency translation adjustments, tax	(549)	(526)
Net unrealized pension and other postretirement benefit losses, tax	(162)	(177)
Variable Interest Enterprise [Member]
Card Member receivables, gross	6,387	7,329
Card Member loans, gross	28,687	31,245
Short-term borrowings	0	2,000
Long-term debt	15,192	18,690
Loans
Restricted cash	$ 698	$ 58