Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash due from banks	$ 2,300	$ 2,212
Interest-bearing deposits in other banks (including securities purchased under resale agreements)	18,772	16,776
Short-term investment securities	192	498
Total cash and cash equivalents	21,264	19,486
Accounts receivable
Card Member receivables (includes gross receivables available to settle obligations of a consolidated variable interest entity), less reserves	44,685	43,777
Other receivables, less reserves	2,631	3,408
Loans
Card Member loans, (includes gross loans available to settle obligations of a consolidated variable interest entity), less reserves	64,911	65,977
Other loans, less reserves	855	608
Investment securities	4,750	5,016
Premises and equipment, less accumulated depreciation and amortization	3,921	3,875
Other assets (includes restricted cash of consolidated variable interest entities)	10,845	11,228
Total assets	153,862	153,375
Liabilities
Customer deposits	42,703	41,763
Travelers Cheques and other prepaid products	3,539	4,240
Accounts payable	11,510	10,615
Short-term borrowings	3,382	5,021
Long-term debt (includes debt issued by consolidated variable interest entities)	55,712	55,330
Other liabilities	16,800	16,910
Total liabilities	133,646	133,879
Shareholders' Equity
Common shares	207	213
Additional paid-in capital	12,216	12,202
Retained earnings	9,335	8,507
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Net unrealized securities gains, net of tax	94	63
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax	(1,285)	(1,090)
Net unrealized pension and other postretirement benefit losses, net of tax	(351)	(399)
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss	(1,542)	(1,426)
Total shareholders' equity	20,216	19,496
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$ 153,862	$ 153,375