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Accounts Receivable and Loans (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Accounts receivable segment information
Card Member receivables	$ 44,163	$ 42,766
Less: Reserve for losses	386	428	438	386
Card Member receivables, net	43,777	42,338
Other receivables, net	3,408	3,576
Accounts Receivable and Loans Textuals [Abstract]
Other receivables, reserves	71	86
Variable Interest Enterprise [Member]
Accounts receivable segment information
Card Member receivables	7,329	8,012
Card Member receivables, net	7,300	8,000
U S Card Services [Member]
Accounts receivable segment information
Card Member receivables	21,842	21,124
U S Card Services [Member] | Variable Interest Enterprise [Member]
Accounts Receivable and Loans Textuals [Abstract]
Gross Card Member receivables available to settle the obligations of a variable interest entity	7,300	7,500
International Card Services [Member]
Accounts receivable segment information
Card Member receivables	7,771	7,778
Global Commercial Services [Member]
Accounts receivable segment information
Card Member receivables	14,391	13,671
Global Commercial Services [Member] | Airline [Member]
Accounts Receivable and Loans Textuals [Abstract]
Gross Card Member receivables available to settle the obligations of a variable interest entity	836	913
Global Commercial Services [Member] | Airline [Member] | Delta [Member]
Accounts Receivable and Loans Textuals [Abstract]
Gross Card Member receivables available to settle the obligations of a variable interest entity	628	676
Global Commercial Services [Member] | Variable Interest Enterprise [Member]
Accounts Receivable and Loans Textuals [Abstract]
Gross Card Member receivables available to settle the obligations of a variable interest entity		476
Global Network And Merchant Services [Member]
Accounts receivable segment information
Card Member receivables	159	193
Global Network And Merchant Services [Member] | Non United States [Member]
Accounts Receivable and Loans Textuals [Abstract]
Gross Card Member receivables available to settle the obligations of a variable interest entity	$ 13,800	$ 13,700

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- Definition

Represents the amount of gross receivables available to settle the obligations of a consolidated variable interest entity.

+ References

No definition available.

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- Definition

Reserves for losses relating to other receivables represent management's best estimate of the losses inherent in the Company's outstanding portfolio of other receivables.

+ References

No definition available.

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- Definition

For an unclassified balance sheet, the amount due from customers or clients for goods or services that have been delivered or sold in the normal course of business, reduced to their estimated net realizable fair value by an allowance established by the entity of the amount it deems uncertain of collection.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

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-Number 210

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- Definition

For an unclassified balance sheet, a valuation allowance for receivables due a company that are expected to be uncollectible.

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Amount representing an agreement for an unconditional promise by the maker to pay the entity (holder) a definite sum of money at a future date. Such amount may include accrued interest receivable in accordance with the terms of the note. The note also may contain provisions and related items including a discount or premium, payable on demand, secured, or unsecured, interest bearing or noninterest bearing, among a myriad of other features and characteristics. Excludes amounts related to receivables held-for-sale.

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Carrying amounts due as of the balance sheet date from parties or arising from transactions not otherwise specified in the taxonomy.

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