Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Income from continuing operations	$ 1,280	$ 1,256
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Provisions for losses	497	412
Depreciation and amortization	245	254
Deferred taxes and other	2	48
Stock-based compensation	96	92
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions and dispositions:
Other receivables	486	807
Other assets	330	473
Accounts payable and other liabilities	4,946	502
Travelers Cheques and other prepaid products	(335)	(412)
Net cash provided by operating activities	7,547	3,432
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Sale of investments	80	177
Maturity and redemption of investments	187	449
Purchase of investments	(472)	(58)
Net decrease in cardmember loans/receivables	1,510	1,724
Purchase of premises and equipment, net of sales	(204)	(266)
Acquisitions/dispositions, net of cash acquired/ sold	(11)	(2)
Net increase in restricted cash	(1,058)	(76)
Net cash provided by investing activities	32	1,948
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Net increase in customer deposits	1,141	267
Net (decrease) increase in short-term borrowings	166	(540)
Issuance of long-term debt	598	1,609
Principal payments on long-term debt	(3,001)	(4,501)
Issuance of American Express common shares	275	231
Repurchase of American Express common shares	(787)	(171)
Dividends paid	(222)	(211)
Net cash used in financing activities	(1,830)	(3,316)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	(35)	125
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	5,714	2,189
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	22,250	24,893
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	$ 27,964	$ 27,082