Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Net income	$ 4,051	$ 3,845
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Provisions for losses	1,582	1,352
Depreciation and amortization	763	751
Deferred taxes and other	(340)	79
Stock-based compensation	275	232
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions and dispositions:
Other receivables	(38)	323
Other assets	1,432	1,112
Accounts payable and other liabilities	981	3,595
Travelers Cheques and other prepaid products	(503)	(675)
Net cash provided by operating activities	8,203	10,614
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Sale of investments	175	427
Maturity and redemption of investments	856	1,085
Purchase of investments	(873)	(311)
Net increase in Card Member loans/receivables	(791)	(1,877)
Purchase of premises and equipment, net of sales	(635)	(765)
Acquisitions/dispositions, net of cash acquired/sold	(170)	(456)
Net increase in restricted cash	(29)	(1,089)
Net cash used in investing activities	(1,467)	(2,986)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Net increase (decrease) in customer deposits	2,303	(316)
Net increase (decrease) in short-term borrowings	51	(346)
Issuance of long-term debt	7,887	7,831
Principal payments on long-term debt	(13,492)	(11,417)
Issuance of American Express common shares	552	393
Repurchase of American Express common shares	(3,200)	(2,953)
Dividends paid	(693)	(675)
Net cash used in financing activities	(6,592)	(7,483)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	(108)	105
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	36	250
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	22,250	24,893
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 22,286	$ 25,143