Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $) In Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Net income	$ 3,743	$ 2,995
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax	36	0
Income from continuing operations	3,707	2,995
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Provisions for losses	703	1,968
Depreciation and amortization	733	689
Deferred taxes and other	1,045	735
Stock-based compensation	227	185
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions and dispositions:
Other receivables	46	(232)
Other assets	(234)	(424)
Accounts payable and other liabilities	1,346	1,843
Travelers Cheques outstanding	(585)	(532)
Net cash provided by operating activities	6,988	7,227
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Sale of investments	944	1,759
Maturity and redemption of investments	4,714	8,998
Purchase of investments	(904)	(7,054)
Net decrease in cardmember loans/receivables	(1,971)	66
Purchase of premises and equipment, net of sales	(885)	(586)
Acquisitions/Dispositions, net of cash acquired	(610)	(254)
Net decrease in restricted cash	3,658	2,369
Net cash provided by investing activities	4,946	5,298
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Net increase in customer deposits	3,455	2,055
Net decrease in short-term borrowings	124	(274)
Issuance of long-term debt	9,311	3,423
Principal payments on long-term debt	(14,113)	(12,814)
Issuance of American Express common shares	507	375
Repurchase of American Express common shares	(1,950)	0
Dividends paid	(646)	(650)
Net cash used in financing activities	(3,312)	(7,885)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	(33)	102
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	8,589	4,742
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	16,356	16,599
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 24,945	$ 21,341