Accounts Receivable and Loans (Details 4) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Impaired loans and receivables
Loans over 90 days past due and accruing interest	$ 220	$ 224
Non-accrual loans	188	248
Loans and receivables modified as a Troubled Debt Restructuring	353	428
Total impaired loans and receivables	761	900
Unpaid principal balance	696	842
Related allowance for Troubled Debt Restructurings	102	122
Accounts Receivable and Loans Textuals [Abstract]
Total loans and receivables modified as a TDR, non-accrual	87	92
Total loans and receivables modified as a TDR, past due 90 days and still accruing	20	26
U S Card Services [Member] | Card Member Loans [Member]
Impaired loans and receivables
Loans over 90 days past due and accruing interest	160	170
Non-accrual loans	188	244
Loans and receivables modified as a Troubled Debt Restructuring	309	373
Total impaired loans and receivables	657	787
Unpaid principal balance	594	731
Related allowance for Troubled Debt Restructurings	70	84
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	44	50
Total impaired loans and receivables	44	50
Unpaid principal balance	43	49
Related allowance for Troubled Debt Restructurings	32	38
International Card Services [Member] | Card Member Loans [Member]
Impaired loans and receivables
Loans over 90 days past due and accruing interest	60	54
Non-accrual loans	0	4
Loans and receivables modified as a Troubled Debt Restructuring	0	5
Total impaired loans and receivables	60	63
Unpaid principal balance	59	62
Related allowance for Troubled Debt Restructurings	$ 0	$ 0