Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Card Member receivables, gross	$ 45,117	$ 44,163
Card Member loans, gross	66,057	67,238
Other assets	10,845	11,228
Short-term borrowings	3,382	5,021
Long-term debt	55,712	55,330
Cash and cash equivalents
Securities purchased under resale agreements	232	143
Accounts receivable
Card Member receivables, reserves	432	386
Other receivables, reserves	44	71
Loans
Card Member loans, reserves	1,146	1,261
Other loans, reserves	11	13
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	6,327	5,978
Restricted cash	44	58
Common shares, par value	$ 0.2	$ 0.2
Common shares, authorized	3,600,000,000	3,600,000,000
Common shares, issued	1,035,000,000	1,064,000,000
Common shares, outstanding	1,035,000,000	1,064,000,000
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Net unrealized securities gains, tax	52	33
Foreign currency translation adjustments, tax	(485)	(526)
Net unrealized pension and other postretirement benefit losses, tax	(148)	(177)
Variable Interest Enterprise [Member]
Card Member receivables, gross	6,253	7,329
Card Member loans, gross	28,310	31,245
Short-term borrowings	0	2,000
Long-term debt	15,501	18,690
Loans
Restricted cash	$ 44	$ 58