Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Net income	$ 3,845	$ 3,743
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax	0	(36)
Income from continuing operations	3,845	3,707
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Provisions for losses	1,352	703
Depreciation and amortization	751	733
Deferred taxes and other	79	1,045
Stock-based compensation	232	227
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions and dispositions:
Other receivables	323	46
Other assets	1,112	(234)
Accounts payable and other liabilities	3,595	732
Travelers Cheques outstanding	(675)	(585)
Net cash provided by operating activities	10,614	6,374
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Sale of investments	427	944
Maturity and redemption of investments	1,085	4,714
Purchase of investments	(311)	(904)
Net increase in cardmember loans/receivables	(1,877)	(1,971)
Purchase of premises and equipment, net of sales	(765)	(885)
Acquisitions/dispositions, net of cash acquired	(456)	(610)
Net (increase) decrease in restricted cash	(1,089)	3,658
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities	(2,986)	4,946
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Net (decrease) increase in customer deposits	(316)	3,455
Net (decrease) increase in short-term borrowings	(346)	738
Issuance of long-term debt	7,831	9,311
Principal payments on long-term debt	(11,417)	(14,113)
Issuance of American Express common shares	393	507
Repurchase of American Express common shares	(2,953)	(1,950)
Dividends paid	(675)	(646)
Net cash used in financing activities	(7,483)	(2,698)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	105	(33)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	250	8,589
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	24,893	16,356
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 25,143	$ 24,945