Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Cardmember receivables, gross	$ 42,319	$ 40,890
Cardmember loans, gross	61,750	62,621
Other assets	12,144	12,655
Long-term debt	56,271	59,570
Cash and cash equivalents
Securities purchased under resale agreements	68	470
Accounts receivable
Cardmember receivables, reserves	409	438
Other receivables, reserves	85	102
Loans
Cardmember loans, reserves	1,459	1,874
Other loans, reserves	18	18
Premises and equipment, accumulated depreciation	5,307	4,747
Common shares, par value	$ 0.20	$ 0.20
Common shares, authorized	3,600,000,000	3,600,000,000
Common shares, issued	1,122,000,000	1,164,000,000
Common shares, outstanding	1,122,000,000	1,164,000,000
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income
Net unrealized securities gains, tax	192	168
Net unrealized derivatives losses, tax	0	(1)
Foreign currency translation adjustments, tax	(614)	(459)
Net unrealized pension and other postretirement benefit losses, tax	(214)	(233)
Variable Interest Enterprise [Member]
Cardmember receivables, gross	7,070	8,027
Cardmember loans, gross	31,043	33,834
Long-term debt	15,597	20,856
Loans
Restricted cash	$ 1,297	$ 207