Transactions with Affiliates (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Short-term debt to affiliates	$ 4,559	$ 5,439	$ 4,334
AE Exposure Management Ltd. [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Short-term debt to affiliates	3,361	3,047
American Express Swiss Holdings [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Short-term debt to affiliates	376	389
American Express Europe LLC [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Short-term debt to affiliates	515	1,163
American Express Holdings (Netherlands) C.V. [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Short-term debt to affiliates	192	190
American Express Funding Management (Europe) Limited [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Short-term debt to affiliates	73	51
Accertify Inc. [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Short-term debt to affiliates	42	0
American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Short-term debt to affiliates	$ 0	$ 599