Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Net income	$ 2,685	$ 2,595
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Provisions for losses	1,090	873
Depreciation and amortization	497	507
Deferred taxes and other	(201)	219
Stock-based compensation	197	164
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions and dispositions:
Other receivables	190	862
Other assets	964	880
Accounts payable and other liabilities	5,247	1,228
Travelers Cheques and other prepaid products	(440)	(586)
Net cash provided by operating activities	10,229	6,742
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Sale of investments	131	267
Maturity and redemption of investments	601	779
Purchase of investments	(606)	(164)
Net increase in cardmember loans/receivables	(1,374)	(634)
Purchase of premises and equipment, net of sales	(475)	(496)
Acquisitions/dispositions, net of cash acquired/sold	(191)	(457)
Net increase in restricted cash	(16)	(1,066)
Net cash used in investing activities	(1,930)	(1,771)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Net increase (decrease) in customer deposits	347	(1,503)
Net decrease in short-term borrowings	(219)	(748)
Issuance of long-term debt	3,109	4,194
Principal payments on long-term debt	(8,427)	(7,703)
Issuance of American Express common shares	501	369
Repurchase of American Express common shares	(2,142)	(1,949)
Dividends paid	(443)	(446)
Net cash used in financing activities	(7,274)	(7,786)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	(146)	(6)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	879	(2,821)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	22,250	24,893
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 23,129	$ 22,072