Regulatory Matters and Capital Adequacy (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Regulatory Matters And Capital Adequacy [Abstract]
Well-capitalized ratios	10.00%	10.00%
Minimum capital ratios	8.00%	8.00%
Leverage capital required, Well-capitalized ratios	5.00%	5.00%
Leverage capital required, Minimum capital ratios	4.00%	4.00%
Risk-based capital required, Well-capitalized ratios	6.00%	6.00%
Risk-based capital required, Minimum capital ratios	4.00%	4.00%
Parent Company [Member]
Regulatory capital ratios
Tier 1 capital	14,920	14,881
Total capital	17,349	17,271
Tier 1 capital ratio	11.90%	12.30%
Total capital ratio	13.80%	14.30%
Tier 1 leverage ratio	10.20%	10.20%
American Express Centurion Bank [Member]
Regulatory capital ratios
Tier 1 capital	5,814	6,029
Total capital	6,227	6,431
Tier 1 capital ratio	17.60%	18.80%
Total capital ratio	18.90%	20.10%
Tier 1 leverage ratio	17.00%	19.10%
American Express Bank, FSB [Member]
Regulatory capital ratios
Tier 1 capital	6,649	6,493
Total capital	7,556	7,363
Tier 1 capital ratio	16.50%	17.40%
Total capital ratio	18.70%	19.80%
Tier 1 leverage ratio	17.50%	18.40%

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The amount of total capital as defined in the regulations.

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The minimum Total risk based capital ratio (total capital divided by risk weighted assets) required for capital adequacy purposes under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action.

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The Total risk based capital ratio (total capital divided by risk weighted assets) required to be categorized as "well capitalized", in the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action.

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Total Capital divided by risk weighted assets as defined in the regulations.

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The minimum amount of Tier 1 Leverage Capital for capital adequacy purposes divided by average assets as defined in the regulations.

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Tier 1 Leverage Capital divided by average assets as defined in the regulations.

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The minimum Tier One Capital Ratio (Tier one capital divided by risk-weighted assets) required for capital adequacy purposes under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action.

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The Tier 1 capital ratio (Tier 1 capital divided by risk weighted assets) required to be categorized as "well capitalized" under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action.

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Tier 1 capital divided by risk weighted assets as defined by regulations.

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