Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Net income	$ 4,438	$ 4,051
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Provisions for losses	1,462	1,353
Depreciation and amortization	764	763
Deferred taxes and other	(497)	(111)
Stock-based compensation	210	275
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions and dispositions:
Other receivables	275	(38)
Other assets	850	1,432
Accounts payable and other liabilities	1,793	981
Travelers Cheques and other prepaid products	(709)	(503)
Net cash provided by operating activities	8,586	8,203
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Sale of investments	122	175
Maturity and redemption of investments	966	856
Purchase of investments	(825)	(873)
Net (increase) in Card Member loans/receivables	(2,349)	(791)
Purchase of premises and equipment, net of sales	(854)	(635)
Acquisitions/dispositions, net of cash acquired	(130)	(170)
Net increase (decrease) in restricted cash	90	(29)
Net cash used in investing activities	(2,980)	(1,467)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Net increase in customer deposits	917	2,303
Net (decrease) in short-term borrowings	(1,595)	51
Issuance of long-term debt	11,329	7,887
Principal payments on long-term debt	(10,659)	(13,492)
Issuance of American Express common shares	251	552
Repurchase of American Express common shares	(3,205)	(3,200)
Dividends paid	(770)	(693)
Net cash used in financing activities	(3,732)	(6,592)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(96)	(108)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	1,778	36
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	19,486	22,250
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 21,264	$ 22,286