Transactions with Affiliates (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Loans to affiliates and other	$ 10,659	$ 14,262	$ 15,303
American Express Company [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Loans to affiliates and other	4,044	6,923
American Express Services Europe Limited [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Loans to affiliates and other	2,484	2,981
Amex Bank Of Canada [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Loans to affiliates and other	1,593	1,770
American Express Australia Limited [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Loans to affiliates and other	1,290	1,193
American Express Co. (Mexico) S.A. de C.V. [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Loans to affiliates and other	765	778
American Express Bank (Mexico) S.A. [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Loans to affiliates and other	291	337
American Express International, Inc. [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Loans to affiliates and other	107	110
Amex (Saudi Arabia) Limited [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Loans to affiliates and other	0	75
American Express International Nz Inc Member [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Loans to affiliates and other	$ 85	$ 95