Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Net income	$ 1,256	$ 1,177
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Provisions for losses	412	97
Depreciation and amortization	254	227
Deferred taxes and other	48	(129)
Stock-based compensation	92	76
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions and dispositions:
Other receivables	807	29
Other assets	473	(171)
Accounts payable and other liabilities	502	(371)
Travelers Cheques outstanding	(412)	(398)
Net cash provided by operating activities	3,432	537
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Sale of investments	177	589
Maturity and redemption of investments	449	3,204
Purchase of investments	(58)	(272)
Net (increase) decrease in cardmember loans/receivables	1,724	2,522
Purchase of premises and equipment, net of sales	(266)	(255)
Acquisitions/Dispositions, net of cash acquired	(2)	(577)
Net (increase) decrease in restricted cash	(76)	3,452
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	1,948	8,663
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Net increase in customer deposits	267	2,011
Net increase (decrease) in short-term borrowings	(540)	92
Issuance of long-term debt	1,609	0
Principal payments on long-term debt	(4,501)	(5,731)
Issuance of American Express common shares	231	229
Repurchase of American Express common shares	(171)	0
Dividends paid	(211)	(217)
Net cash used in financing activities	(3,316)	(3,616)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	125	87
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	2,189	5,671
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	24,893	16,356
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	$ 27,082	$ 22,027