Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Cardmember receivables, gross	$ 43,371	$ 42,766
Cardmember loans	62,286	65,229
Other assets	11,821	11,418
Long-term debt	56,366	58,973
Cash and cash equivalents
Securities purchased under resale agreements	118	58
Accounts receivable
Cardmember receivables, reserves	410	428
Other receivables, reserves	86	86
Loans
Cardmember loans, reserves	1,367	1,471
Other loans, reserves	18	20
Premises and equipment, less accumulated depreciation and amortization	5,649	5,429
Common shares, par value	$ 0.20	$ 0.20
Common shares, authorized	3,600,000,000	3,600,000,000
Common shares, issued	1,098,000,000	1,105,000,000
Common shares, outstanding	1,098,000,000	1,105,000,000
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Net unrealized securities gains, tax	157	175
Foreign currency translation adjustments, tax	(622)	(611)
Net unrealized pension and other postretirement benefit losses, tax	(212)	(233)
Variable Interest Enterprise [Member]
Cardmember receivables, gross	6,950	8,012
Cardmember loans	30,063	32,731
Other assets	1,103	76
Long-term debt	$ 16,833	$ 19,277