Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Net income	$ 2,595	$ 2,508
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax	0	(36)
Income from continuing operations	2,595	2,472
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Provisions for losses	873	454
Depreciation and amortization	507	505
Deferred taxes and other	219	380
Stock-based compensation	164	156
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions and dispositions:
Other receivables	862	(86)
Other assets	880	(572)
Accounts payable and other liabilities	1,228	1,113
Travelers Cheques outstanding	(586)	(446)
Net cash provided by operating activities	6,742	3,976
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Sale of investments	267	893
Maturity and redemption of investments	779	4,497
Purchase of investments	(164)	(650)
Net decrease (increase) in cardmember loans/receivables	(634)	(1,569)
Purchase of premises and equipment, net of sales	(496)	(558)
Acquisitions/Dispositions, net of cash acquired/ sold	(457)	(582)
Net (increase) decrease in restricted cash	(1,066)	3,476
Net cash provided by investing activities	(1,771)	5,507
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Net increase in customer deposits	(1,503)	2,545
Net (decrease) increase in short-term borrowings	(748)	617
Issuance of long-term debt	4,194	3,328
Principal payments on long-term debt	(7,703)	(8,597)
Issuance of American Express common shares	369	430
Repurchase of American Express common shares	(1,949)	(750)
Dividends paid	(446)	(433)
Net cash used in financing activities	(7,786)	(2,860)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	(6)	103
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	(2,821)	6,726
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	24,893	16,356
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 22,072	$ 23,082