American Express (AXP) 10-K 25 Feb 14 2013 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Billions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Feb. 14, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'AMERICAN EXPRESS CO	'	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000004962	'	'
Document Type	'10-K	'	'
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-13	'	'
Amendment Flag	'true	'	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'FY	'	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'	'
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	'Yes	'	'
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'	'
Entity Public Float	'	'	$80.80
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	1,062,568,163	'
Amendment Description	'No	'	'

Consolidated_Statements_of_Inc

Consolidated Statements of Income (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Non-interest revenues	'	'	'
Discount revenue	$18,695	$17,739	$16,734
Net card fees	2,631	2,506	2,448
Travel commissions and fees	1,913	1,940	1,971
Other commissions and fees	2,414	2,317	2,269
Other	2,274	2,425	2,164
Total non-interest revenues	27,927	26,927	25,586
Interest income	'	'	'
Interest on loans	6,718	6,511	6,272
Interest and dividends on investment securities	201	246	327
Deposits with banks and other	86	97	97
Total interest income	7,005	6,854	6,696
Interest expense	'	'	'
Deposits	442	480	528
Long-term debt and other	1,516	1,746	1,792
Total interest expense	1,958	2,226	2,320
Net interest income	5,047	4,628	4,376
Total revenues net of interest expense	32,974	31,555	29,962
Provisions for losses	'	'	'
Charge card	789	742	770
Card Member loans	1,229	1,149	253
Other	92	99	89
Total provisions for losses	2,110	1,990	1,112
Total revenues net of interest expense after provisions for losses	30,864	29,565	28,850
Expenses	'	'	'
Marketing, promotion, rewards and Card Member services	10,267	9,944	9,930
Salaries and employee benefits	6,191	6,597	6,252
Other, net	6,518	6,573	5,712
Total	22,976	23,114	21,894
Pretax income from continuing operations	7,888	6,451	6,956
Income tax provision	2,529	1,969	2,057
Income from continuing operations	5,359	4,482	4,899
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax	0	0	36
Net income	$5,359	$4,482	$4,935
Earnings per Common Share Basic: (Note 18)	'	'	'
Income from continuing operations attributable to common shareholders	$4.91	$3.91	$4.11
Income from discontinued operations	$0	$0	$0.03
Net income attributable to common shareholders	$4.91	$3.91	$4.14
Earnings per Common Share Diluted: (Note 18)	'	'	'
Income from continuing operations attributable to common shareholders	$4.88	$3.89	$4.09
Income from discontinued operations	$0	$0	$0.03
Net income attributable to common shareholders	$4.88	$3.89	$4.12
Average common shares outstanding for earnings per common share:	'	'	'
Basic	1,082	1,135	1,178
Diluted	1,089	1,141	1,184

Consolidated_Statements_of_Inc1

Consolidated Statements of Income (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Consolidated Statements of Income [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Earnings allocated to participating share awards	$11	$12	$13	$11	$7	$14	$14	$14	$47	$49	$58

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income	'	'	'
Net income	$5,359	$4,482	$4,935
Other comprehensive (loss) income:	'	'	'
Net unrealized securities (losses) gains, net of tax	-252	27	231
Net unrealized derivative gains, net of tax	0	1	6
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax	-336	-72	-179
Net unrealized pension and other post retirement benefit gains (losses), net of tax	89	-7	-17
Other comprehensive (loss) income	-499	-51	41
Comprehensive income	$4,860	$4,431	$4,976

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Cash and cash equivalents	'	'
Cash and cash due from banks	$2,212	$2,020
Interest-bearing deposits in other banks (including securities purchased under resale agreements)	16,776	19,892
Short-term investment securities	498	338
Total cash and cash equivalents	19,486	22,250
Accounts receivable	'	'
Card Member receivables (includes gross receivables available to settle obligations of consolidated variable interest entities), less reserves	43,777	42,338
Other receivables, less reserves	3,408	3,576
Loans	'	'
Card Member loans, (includes gross loans available to settle obligations of consolidated variable interest entities), less reserves	65,977	63,758
Other loans, less reserves	608	551
Investment securities	5,016	5,614
Premises and equipment, less accumulated depreciation and amortization	3,875	3,635
Other assets (includes restricted cash of consolidated variable interest entities)	11,228	11,418
Total assets	153,375	153,140
Liabilities	'	'
Customer deposits	41,763	39,803
Travelers Cheques and other prepaid products	4,240	4,601
Accounts payable	10,615	10,006
Short-term borrowings (includes debt issued by consolidated variable interest entities)	5,021	3,314
Long-term debt (includes debt issued by consolidated variable interest entities)	55,330	58,973
Other liabilities	16,910	17,557
Total liabilities	133,879	134,254
Shareholders' Equity	'	'
Common shares	213	221
Additional paid-in capital	12,202	12,067
Retained earnings	8,507	7,525
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	'	'
Net unrealized securities gains, net of tax	63	315
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax	-1,090	-754
Net unrealized pension and other postretirement benefit losses, net of tax	-399	-488
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss	-1,426	-927
Total shareholders' equity	19,496	18,886
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$153,375	$153,140

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Card Member receivables, gross	$44,163	$42,766
Card Member loans	67,238	65,229
Other assets	11,228	11,418
Short-term borrowings	5,021	3,314
Long-term debt	55,330	58,973
Cash and cash equivalents	'	'
Securities purchased under resale agreements	143	58
Accounts receivable	'	'
Card Member receivables, reserves	386	428
Other receivables, reserves	71	86
Loans	'	'
Card Member loans, reserves	1,261	1,471
Other loans, reserves	13	20
Premises and equipment, accumulated depreciation	5,978	5,429
Restricted cash	486	568
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	'	'
Net unrealized securities gains, tax	33	175
Foreign currency translation adjustments, tax	-526	-611
Net unrealized pension and other postretirement benefit losses, tax	-177	-233
Common shares, par value	$0.20	$0.20
Common shares, authorized	3,600,000,000	3,600,000,000
Common shares, issued	1,064,000,000	1,105,000,000
Common shares, outstanding	1,064,000,000	1,105,000,000
Variable Interest Enterprise [Member]	'	'
Card Member receivables, gross	7,329	8,012
Card Member loans	31,245	32,731
Short-term borrowings	2,000	0
Long-term debt	18,690	19,277
Loans	'	'
Restricted cash	$58	$76

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Cash Flows from Operating Activities	'	'	'
Net income	$5,359	$4,482	$4,935
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax	0	0	-36
Income from continuing operations	5,359	4,482	4,899
Adjustments to reconcile income from continuing operations to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'	'
Provisions for losses	2,110	1,990	1,112
Depreciation and amortization	1,020	991	918
Deferred taxes and other	-283	218	818
Stock-based compensation	350	297	301
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions and dispositions:	'	'	'
Other receivables	-73	153	663
Other assets	335	390	-635
Accounts payable and other liabilities	88	-358	2,186
Travelers Cheques and other prepaid products	-359	-540	-494
Premium paid on debt exchange	0	-541	0
Net cash provided by operating activities	8,547	7,082	9,768
Cash Flows from Investing Activities	'	'	'
Sale of investments	217	525	1,176
Maturity and redemption of investments	1,292	1,562	6,074
Purchase of investments	-1,348	-473	-1,158
Net increase in Card Member loans/receivables	-6,301	-6,671	-8,358
Purchase of premises and equipment, net of sales	-1,006	-1,053	-1,189
Acquisitions/dispositions, net of cash acquired/sold	-195	-466	-610
Net decrease in restricted cash	72	31	3,574
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	-7,269	-6,545	-491
Cash Flows from Financing Activities	'	'	'
Net increase in customer deposits	1,195	2,300	8,232
Net increase (decrease) in short-term borrowings	1,843	-1,015	705
Issuance of long-term debt	11,995	13,934	13,982
Principal payments on long-term debt	-14,763	-14,076	-21,029
Issuance of American Express common shares	721	443	594
Repurchase of American Express common shares	-3,943	-3,952	-2,300
Dividends paid	-939	-902	-861
Net cash used in financing activities	-3,891	-3,268	-677
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-151	88	-63
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	-2,764	-2,643	8,537
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	22,250	24,893	16,356
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	$19,486	$22,250	$24,893

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas1

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Change in debt exchange [Line Items]	'	'	'
Sale of premises and equipment	$72	$3	$16
Non Cash [Member]	'	'	'
Change in debt exchange [Line Items]	'	'	'
Impacts of debt exchange on long-term debt	$0	$439	$0

Consolidated_Statements_of_Sha

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity (USD $)	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2010	$16,230	$238	$11,937	($917)	$4,972
Net income	4,935	'	'	'	4,935
Other comprehensive (loss) income	41	'	'	41	'
Repurchase of common shares	-2,300	-10	-494	'	-1,796
Other changes, primarily employee plans	744	4	774	'	-34
Cash dividends declared	'	'	'	'	'
Common shares	-856	'	'	'	-856
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	18,794	232	12,217	-876	7,221
Net income	4,482	'	'	'	4,482
Other comprehensive (loss) income	-51	'	'	-51	'
Repurchase of common shares	-4,000	-14	-765	'	-3,221
Other changes, primarily employee plans	570	3	615	'	-48
Cash dividends declared	'	'	'	'	'
Common shares	-909	'	'	'	-909
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	18,886	221	12,067	-927	7,525
Net income	5,359	'	'	'	5,359
Other comprehensive (loss) income	-499	'	'	-499	'
Repurchase of common shares	-4,000	-11	-648	'	-3,341
Other changes, primarily employee plans	717	3	783	'	-69
Cash dividends declared	'	'	'	'	'
Common shares	-967	'	'	'	-967
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	$19,496	$213	$12,202	($1,426)	$8,507

Consolidated_Statements_of_Sha1

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Cash dividends declared	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Common stock, dividend per share	$0.23	$0.23	$0.23	$0.20	$0.20	$0.20	$0.20	$0.20	$0.89	$0.80	$0.72

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure Text Block [Abstract]	'
Basis of Presentation	'
	NOTE 1
	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	The Company
	American Express Company (the Company) is a global services company that provides customers with access to products, insights and experiences that enrich lives and build business success. The Company's principal products and services are charge and credit payment card products and travel-related services offered to consumers and businesses around the world. The Company also focuses on generating alternative sources of revenue on a global basis in areas such as online and mobile payments and fee-based services. The Company's various products and services are sold globally to diverse customer groups, including consumers, small businesses, mid-sized companies and large corporations. These products and services are sold through various channels, including direct mail, online applications, targeted direct and third-party sales forces and direct response advertising.
	Principles of Consolidation
	The Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company are prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). Significant intercompany transactions are eliminated.
	The Company consolidates entities in which it holds a “controlling financial interest.” For voting interest entities, the Company is considered to hold a controlling financial interest when it is able to exercise control over the investees' operating and financial decisions. For variable interest entities (VIEs), it is considered to hold a controlling financial interest when it is determined to be the primary beneficiary. A primary beneficiary is the party that has both: (1) the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact that entity's economic performance, and (2) the obligation to absorb losses of, or the right to receive benefits from, the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. The determination of whether an entity is a VIE is based on the amount and characteristics of the entity's equity.
	Entities in which the Company's voting interest in common equity does not provide it with control, but allows the Company to exert significant influence over the operating and financial decisions, are accounted for under the equity method. All other investments in equity securities, to the extent that they are not considered marketable securities, are accounted for under the cost method.
	Foreign Currency
	Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars based upon exchange rates prevailing at the end of each year. The resulting translation adjustments, along with any related qualifying hedge and tax effects, are included in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income (AOCI), a component of shareholders' equity. Translation adjustments, including qualifying hedge and tax effects, are reclassified to earnings upon the sale or substantial liquidation of investments in foreign operations. Revenues and expenses are translated at the average month-end exchange rates during the year. Gains and losses related to transactions in a currency other than the functional currency, including operations outside the U.S. where the functional currency is the U.S. dollar, are reported net in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Income, in other non-interest revenue, interest income, interest expense, or other expenses, depending on the nature of the activity. Net foreign currency transaction gains amounted to approximately $108 million, $120 million and $145 million in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	Amounts Based on Estimates and Assumptions
	Accounting estimates are an integral part of the Consolidated Financial Statements. These estimates are based, in part, on management's assumptions concerning future events. Among the more significant assumptions are those that relate to reserves for Card Member losses on loans and receivables, the proprietary point liability for Membership Rewards costs, fair value measurement, goodwill and income taxes. These accounting estimates reflect the best judgment of management, but actual results could differ.
	Total Revenues Net of Interest Expense
	Discount Revenue
	Discount revenue represents fees generally charged to merchants with which the Company, or a Global Network Services (GNS) partner, has entered into card acceptance agreements for facilitating transactions between the merchants and the Company's Card Members. The discount fee generally is deducted from the payment to the merchant and recorded as discount revenue at the time the charge is captured.
	Net Card Fees
	Card fees, net of direct card acquisition costs and a reserve for projected membership cancellations, are deferred and recognized on a straight-line basis over the 12-month card membership period as Net Card Fees in the Consolidated Statements of Income. The unamortized net card fee balance is reported net in Other Liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets (refer to Note 11).
	Travel Commissions and Fees
	The Company earns travel commissions and fees by charging clients transaction or management fees for selling and arranging travel and for travel management services. Client transaction fee revenue is recognized at the time the client books the travel arrangements. Travel management services revenue is recognized over the contractual term of the agreement. The Company's travel suppliers (e.g., airlines, hotels and car rental companies) pay commissions and fees on tickets issued, sales and other services based on contractual agreements. Commissions and fees from travel suppliers are generally recognized at the time a ticket is purchased or over the term of the contract. Commissions and fees that are based on services rendered (e.g., hotel stays and car rentals) are recognized based on usage.
	Other Commissions and Fees
	Other commissions and fees include foreign currency conversion fees, Card Member delinquency fees, service fees and other card related assessments, which are recognized primarily in the period in which they are charged to the Card Member (refer to Note 19). In addition, service fees are also earned from other customers (e.g., merchants) for a variety of services and are recognized when the service is performed, which is generally in the period the fee is charged. Also included are fees related to the Company's Membership Rewards program, which are deferred and recognized over the period covered by the fee. The unamortized Membership Rewards fee balance is included in other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets (refer to Note 11).
	Contra-revenue
	The Company regularly makes payments through contractual arrangements with merchants, corporate payments clients, Card Members and certain other customers. Payments to such customers, including cash rebates paid to Card Members, are generally classified as contra-revenue unless a specifically identifiable benefit (e.g., goods or services) is received by the Company or its Card Members in consideration for that payment, and the fair value of such benefit is determinable and measurable. If no such benefit is identified, then the entire payment is classified as contra-revenue and included in the Consolidated Statements of Income in the revenue line item where the related transactions are recorded (e.g., discount revenue, travel commissions and fees and other commissions and fees). If such a benefit is identified, then the payment is classified as expense up to the estimated fair value of the benefit.
	Interest Income
	Interest on Card Member loans is assessed using the average daily balance method. Unless the loan is classified as non-accrual, interest is recognized based upon the outstanding balance, in accordance with the terms of the applicable account agreement, until the outstanding balance is paid or written off.
	Interest and dividends on investment securities primarily relates to the Company's performing fixed-income securities. Interest income is accrued as earned using the effective interest method, which adjusts the yield for security premiums and discounts, fees and other payments, so that a constant rate of return is recognized on the investment security's outstanding balance. Amounts are recognized until such time as a security is in default or when it is likely that future interest payments will not be received as scheduled.
	Interest on deposits with banks and other is recognized as earned, and primarily relates to the placement of cash in interest-bearing time deposits, overnight sweep accounts, and other interest-bearing demand and call accounts.
	Interest Expense
	Interest expense includes interest incurred primarily to fund Card Member loans, charge card product receivables, general corporate purposes, and liquidity needs, and is recognized as incurred. Interest expense is divided principally into two categories: (i) deposits, which primarily relates to interest expense on deposits taken from customers and institutions, and (ii) long-term debt and other, which primarily relates to interest expense on the Company's long-term financing and short-term borrowings, and the realized impact of derivatives hedging interest rate risk.
	Balance Sheet
	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	Cash and cash equivalents include cash and amounts due from banks, interest-bearing bank balances, including securities purchased under resale agreements, and other highly liquid investments with original maturities of 90 days or less.
	Premises and Equipment
	Premises and equipment, including leasehold improvements, are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation. Costs incurred during construction are capitalized and are depreciated once an asset is placed in service. Depreciation is generally computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of assets, which range from 3 to 10 years for equipment, furniture and building improvements. Premises are depreciated based upon their estimated useful life at the acquisition date, which generally ranges from 30 to 50 years.
	Leasehold improvements are depreciated using the straight-line method over the lesser of the remaining term of the leased facility or the economic life of the improvement, which ranges from 5 to 10 years. The Company maintains operating leases worldwide for facilities and equipment. Rent expense for facility leases is recognized ratably over the lease term, and includes adjustments for rent concessions, rent escalations and leasehold improvement allowances. The Company recognizes lease restoration obligations at the fair value of the restoration liabilities when incurred, and amortizes the restoration assets over the lease term.
	The Company capitalizes certain costs associated with the acquisition or development of internal-use software. Once the software is ready for its intended use, these costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over the software's estimated useful life, generally 5 years.
	Other Significant Accounting Policies
	The following table identifies the Company's other significant accounting policies, the Note and page where the Note can be found.
		Note
	Significant Accounting Policy	Number	Note Title	Page
	Fair Value Measurements	Note 3	Fair Values	Page 68
	Accounts Receivable	Note 4	Accounts Receivable and Loans	Page 72
	Loans	Note 4	Accounts Receivable and Loans	Page 72
	Reserves for Losses	Note 5	Reserves for Losses	Page 77
	Investment Securities	Note 6	Investment Securities	Page 79
	Asset Securitizations	Note 7	Asset Securitizations	Page 80
	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	Note 8	Other Assets	Page 81
	Membership Rewards	Note 11	Other Liabilities	Page 87
	Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities	Note 12	Derivatives and Hedging Activities	Page 87
	Income Taxes	Note 17	Income Taxes	Page 94
	Stock-based Compensation	Note 20	Stock Plans	Page 97
	Retirement Plans	Note 21	Retirement Plans	Page 98
	Regulatory Matters and Capital Adequacy	Note 23	Regulatory Matters and Capital Adequacy	Page 100
	Legal Contingencies	Note 24	Commitments and Contingencies	Page 101
	Reportable Operating Segments	Note 25	Reportable Operating Segments and Geographic Operations	Page 102
	Recently Issued Accounting Standards
	The Financial Accounting Standards Board recently issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2014-01, Investments – Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323): Accounting for Investments in Qualified Affordable Housing Projects.   Provided certain conditions are met, this standard permits entities to account for investments in qualified affordable housing projects using the proportional amortization method, which results in amortizing the initial cost of the investment in proportion to the tax credits and other tax benefits received, and recognizing the net investment performance in the income statement as a component of income tax expense. Additionally, the standard requires new disclosures about all investments in qualified affordable housing projects irrespective of the method used to account for the investments.  The standard, which is to be retrospectively applied, will be effective beginning in the first quarter of 2015; however, early adoption is permitted. This standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's financial position or results of operations upon adoption.
	Classification of Various Items
	Certain reclassifications of prior period amounts have been made to conform to the current period presentation. These reclassifications did not have a material impact on the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Acquisitions_and_Divestitures

Acquisitions and Divestitures	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Business Combination Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Acquisitions	'
	NOTE 2
	Acquisitions and Divestitures
	Loyalty Partner Acquisition
	On March 1, 2011, the Company completed the acquisition of a controlling interest in Loyalty Partner, a leading marketing services company that operates loyalty programs in Germany, Poland, India and Mexico. Loyalty Partner also provides market analysis, operating platforms and consulting services that help merchants grow their businesses. Total consideration was $616 million. Upon acquisition, the Company had an option to acquire the remaining non-controlling equity interest (NCI) over a three-year period beginning at the end of 2013 at a price based on business performance, which had an estimated fair value of $148 million at the acquisition date.
	This acquisition did not have a significant impact on either the Company's consolidated results of operations or the International Card Services segment (ICS) for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011.
	The following table summarizes the assets acquired and liabilities assumed for this acquisition as of the acquisition date:
				Loyalty
	(Millions)			Partner(a)
	Goodwill		$	539
	Definite-lived intangible assets			295
	Other assets			208
		Total assets		1,042
		Total liabilities (including NCI)		426
	Net assets acquired		$	616
	The final purchase price allocation was completed in 2012. The above amounts do not differ significantly from the estimates at the acquisition date.
	In November 2013, the Company entered into an agreement to extinguish a portion of the NCI in exchange for a cash payment of $132 million and to convert the remaining NCI to an option that is accounted for as a long-term liability with an initial value of $121 million. The Company reduced equity by $107 million in connection with this agreement.
	Global Business Travel Divestiture
	As announced during the third quarter of 2013, the Company plans to create a new joint venture for its Global Business Travel (GBT) operations. It is expected that GBT's operations, business relationships and other assets would be held and operated by the joint venture entity. As presently contemplated, at the closing of the transaction the Company would maintain an approximate 50 percent ownership stake in the joint venture, while an investor group would own the remaining interest. The transaction remains subject to the execution of definitive agreements and receipt of regulatory and other approvals. Assuming these conditions are met, the Company would plan to close the transaction in the second quarter of 2014.

Fair_Values

Fair Values

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Fair Value (Disclosures) [Abstract]

'

Fair Values

'

NOTE 3

Fair Values

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date, based on the Company's principal or, in the absence of a principal, most advantageous market for the specific asset or liability.

GAAP provides for a three-level hierarchy of inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value, defined as follows:

Level 1 ― Inputs that are quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that the entity can access.

Level 2 ― Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability, including:

-       Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets;

-        Quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active;

-        Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability; and

-       Inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means.

Level 3 ― Inputs that are unobservable and reflect the Company's own estimates about the estimates market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on the best information available in the circumstances (e.g., internally derived assumptions surrounding the timing and amount of expected cash flows). The Company did not measure any financial instruments presented on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) during the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, although the disclosed fair value of certain assets that are not carried at fair value, as presented later in this Note, are classified within Level 3.

The Company monitors the market conditions and evaluates the fair value hierarchy levels at least quarterly. For any transfers in and out of the levels of the fair value hierarchy, the Company discloses the fair value measurement at the beginning of the reporting period during which the transfer occurred.

Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities Carried at Fair Value

The following table summarizes the Company's financial assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis, categorized by GAAP's valuation hierarchy (as described in the preceding paragraphs), as of December 31:

2013

2012

(Millions)

Total

Level 1

Level 2

Total

Level 1

Level 2

Assets:

Investment securities:(a)

Equity securities

$

124

$

124

$

―

$

296

$

296

$

―

Debt securities and other

4,892

320

4,572

5,318

338

4,980

Derivatives(a)

701

―

701

942

―

942

Total assets

5,717

444

5,273

6,556

634

5,922

Liabilities:

Derivatives(a)

213

―

213

329

―

329

Total liabilities

$

213

$

―

$

213

$

329

$

―

$

329

Refer to Note 6 for the fair values of investment securities and to Note 12 for the fair values of derivative assets and liabilities, on a further disaggregated basis.

Valuation Techniques Used in the Fair Value Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities Carried at Fair Value

For the financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis (categorized in the valuation hierarchy table above) the Company applies the following valuation techniques:

Investment Securities

When available, quoted prices of identical investment securities in active markets are used to estimate fair value. Such investment securities are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.

When quoted prices of identical investment securities in active markets are not available, the fair values for the Company's investment securities are obtained primarily from pricing services engaged by the Company, and the Company receives one price for each security. The fair values provided by the pricing services are estimated using pricing models, where the inputs to those models are based on observable market inputs or recent trades of similar securities. Such investment securities are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. The inputs to the valuation techniques applied by the pricing services vary depending on the type of security being priced but are typically benchmark yields, benchmark security prices, credit spreads, prepayment speeds, reported trades and broker-dealer quotes, all with reasonable levels of transparency. The pricing services did not apply any adjustments to the pricing models used. In addition, the Company did not apply any adjustments to prices received from the pricing services.

The Company reaffirms its understanding of the valuation techniques used by its pricing services at least annually. In addition, the Company corroborates the prices provided by its pricing services for reasonableness by comparing the prices from the respective pricing services to valuations obtained from different pricing sources as well as comparing prices to the sale prices received from sold securities at least quarterly. In instances where price discrepancies are identified between different pricing sources, the Company evaluates such discrepancies to ensure that the prices used for its valuation represent the fair value of the underlying investment securities. Refer to Note 6 for additional fair value information.

Derivative Financial Instruments

The fair value of the Company's derivative financial instruments is estimated by third-party valuation services that use proprietary pricing models or by internal pricing models, where the inputs to those models are readily observable from actively quoted markets. The pricing models used are consistently applied and reflect the contractual terms of the derivatives as described below. The Company reaffirms its understanding of the valuation techniques used by the third-party valuation services at least annually. The Company's derivative instruments are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

The fair value of the Company's interest rate swaps is determined based on a discounted cash flow method using the following significant inputs: the contractual terms of the swap such as the notional amount, fixed coupon rate, floating coupon rate (based on interbank rates consistent with the frequency and currency of the interest cash flows) and tenor, as well as discount rates consistent with the underlying economic factors of the currency in which the cash flows are denominated.

The fair value of the Company's total return contract, which serves as a hedge against the Hong Kong dollar (HKD) change in fair value associated with the Company's investment in the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), is determined based on a discounted cash flow method using the following significant inputs as of the valuation date: number of shares of the Company's underlying ICBC investment, the quoted market price of the shares in HKD and the monthly settlement terms of the contract inclusive of price and tenor.

The fair value of foreign exchange forward contracts is determined based on a discounted cash flow method using the following significant inputs: the contractual terms of the forward contracts such as the notional amount, maturity dates and contract rate, as well as relevant foreign currency forward curves, and discount rates consistent with the underlying economic factors of the currency in which the cash flows are denominated.

Credit valuation adjustments are necessary when the market parameters, such as a benchmark curve, used to value derivatives are not indicative of the credit quality of the Company or its counterparties. The Company considers the counterparty credit risk by applying an observable forecasted default rate to the current exposure. Refer to Note 12 for additional fair value information.

Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities Carried at Other Than Fair Value

The following table discloses the estimated fair value for the Company's financial assets and financial liabilities that are not required to be carried at fair value on a recurring basis, as of December 31, 2013 and 2012:

Carrying

Corresponding Fair Value Amount

2013 (Billions)

Value

Total

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Financial Assets:

Financial assets for which carrying values equal or

approximate fair value

Cash and cash equivalents

$

19

$

19

$

17

$

2

(a)

$

―

Other financial assets(b)

48

48

―

48

―

Financial assets carried at other than fair value

Loans, net

67

67

(c)

―

―

67

Financial Liabilities:

Financial liabilities for which carrying values equal or

approximate fair value

60

60

―

60

―

Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value

Certificates of deposit(d)

7

8

―

8

―

Long-term debt

$

55

$

58

(c)

$

―

$

58

$

―

Carrying

Corresponding Fair Value Amount

2012 (Billions)

Value

Total

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Financial Assets:

Financial assets for which carrying values equal or

approximate fair value

Cash and cash equivalents

$

22

$

22

$

21

$

1

(a)

$

―

Other financial assets(b)

47

47

―

47

―

Financial assets carried at other than fair value

Loans, net

64

65

(c)

―

―

65

Financial Liabilities:

Financial liabilities for which carrying values equal or

approximate fair value

55

55

―

55

―

Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value

Certificates of deposit(d)

10

10

―

10

―

Long-term debt

$

59

$

62

(c)

$

―

$

62

$

―

Reflects time deposits.

Includes accounts receivable (including fair values of Card Member receivables of $7.3 billion and $8.0 billion held by consolidated VIEs as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively), restricted cash and other miscellaneous assets.

Includes fair values of loans of $31.0 billion and $32.4 billion, and long-term debt of $18.8 billion and $19.5 billion, held by consolidated VIEs as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Presented as a component of customer deposits on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

The fair values of these financial instruments are estimates based upon the market conditions and perceived risks as of December 31, 2013, and require management judgment. These figures may not be indicative of future fair values. The fair value of the Company cannot be reliably estimated by aggregating the amounts presented.

Valuation Techniques Used in the Fair Value Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities Carried at Other Than Fair Value

For the financial assets and liabilities that are not required to be carried at fair value on a recurring basis (categorized in the valuation hierarchy table above) the Company applies the following valuation techniques to measure fair value:

Financial Assets For Which Carrying Values Equal or Approximate Fair Value

Financial assets for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value include cash and cash equivalents, Card Member receivables, accrued interest and certain other assets. For these assets, the carrying values approximate fair value because they are short term in duration, have no defined maturity or have a market-based interest rate.

Financial Assets Carried At Other Than Fair Value

Loans

Loans are recorded at historical cost, less reserves, on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. In estimating the fair value for the Company's loans the Company uses a discounted cash flow model. Due to the lack of a comparable whole loan sales market for similar credit card receivables and the lack of observable pricing inputs thereof, the Company uses various inputs derived from an equivalent securitization market to estimate fair value. Such inputs include projected income (inclusive of future interest payments and late fee revenue), estimated pay-down rates, discount rates and relevant credit costs.

Financial Liabilities For Which Carrying Values Equal Or Approximate Fair Value

Financial liabilities for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value include accrued interest, customer deposits (excluding certificates of deposit, which are described further below), Travelers Cheques and other prepaid products outstanding, accounts payable, short-term borrowings and certain other liabilities for which the carrying values approximate fair value because they are short term in duration, have no defined maturity or have a market-based interest rate.

Financial Liabilities Carried At Other Than Fair Value

Certificates of Deposit

Certificates of deposit (CDs) are recorded at their historical issuance cost on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Fair value is estimated using a discounted cash flow methodology based on the future cash flows and the discount rate that reflects the Company's current rates for similar types of CDs within similar markets.

Long-term Debt

Long-term debt is recorded at historical issuance cost on the Consolidated Balance Sheets adjusted for the impact of fair value hedge accounting on certain fixed-rate notes and current translation rates for foreign-denominated debt. The fair value of the Company's long-term debt is measured using quoted offer prices when quoted market prices are available. If quoted market prices are not available, the fair value is determined by discounting the future cash flows of each instrument at rates currently observed in publicly-traded debt markets for debt of similar terms and credit risk. For long-term debt, where there are no rates currently observable in publicly traded debt markets of similar terms and comparable credit risk, the Company uses market interest rates and adjusts those rates for necessary risks, including its own credit risk. In determining an appropriate spread to reflect its credit standing, the Company considers credit default swap spreads, bond yields of other long-term debt offered by the Company, and interest rates currently offered to the Company for similar debt instruments of comparable maturities.

Nonrecurring Fair Value Measurements

The Company has certain assets that are subject to measurement at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. For these assets, measurement at fair value in periods subsequent to their initial recognition is applicable if determined to be impaired. During the twelve months ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company did not have any material assets that were measured at fair value due to impairment.

Accounts_Receivable_and_Loans

Accounts Receivable and Loans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Loans Notes Trade And Other Receivables Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Accounts Receivable and Loans	'
	NOTE 4
	Accounts Receivable and Loans
	As described below, the Company's charge and lending payment card products result in the generation of Card Member receivables and Card Member loans, respectively.
	Card Member and Other Receivables
	Card Member receivables, representing amounts due on charge card products, are recorded at the time a Card Member enters into a point-of-sale transaction with a merchant. Each charge card transaction is authorized based on its likely economics reflecting a Card Member's most recent credit information and spend patterns. Additionally, global spend limits are established to limit the maximum exposure for the Company.
	Charge Card Members generally must pay the full amount billed each month. Card Member receivable balances are presented on the Consolidated Balance Sheets net of reserves for losses (refer to Note 5), and include principal and any related accrued fees.
	Accounts receivable as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 consisted of:
	(Millions)		2013			2012
	U.S. Card Services(a)		$	21,842		$	21,124
	International Card Services			7,771			7,778
	Global Commercial Services(b)			14,391			13,671
	Global Network & Merchant Services(c)			159			193
	Card Member receivables(d)			44,163			42,766
	Less: Reserve for losses			386			428
	Card Member receivables, net			43,777			42,338
	Other receivables, net(e)		$	3,408		$	3,576
	Includes $7.3 billion and $7.5 billion of gross Card Member receivables available to settle obligations of consolidated VIEs as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Includes $476 million of gross Card Member receivables available to settle obligations of a consolidated VIE as of December 31, 2012. Also includes $836 million and $913 million due from airlines, of which Delta Air Lines (Delta) comprises $628 million and $676 million as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Includes receivables primarily related to the Company's International Currency Card portfolios.
	Includes approximately $13.8 billion and $13.7 billion of Card Member receivables outside the U.S. as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Other receivables primarily represent amounts related to (i) purchased joint venture receivables, (ii) certain merchants for billed discount revenue, and (iii) GNS partner banks for items such as royalty and franchise fees. Other receivables are presented net of reserves for losses of $71 million and $86 million as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Card Member and Other Loans
	Card Member loans, representing revolving amounts due on lending card products, are recorded at the time a Card Member enters into a point-of-sale transaction with a merchant, as well as amounts due from charge Card Members who elect to revolve a portion of the outstanding balance by entering into a revolving payment arrangement with the Company. These loans have a range of terms such as credit limits, interest rates, fees and payment structures, which can be revised over time based on new information about Card Members and in accordance with applicable regulations and the respective product's terms and conditions. Card Members holding revolving loans are typically required to make monthly payments based on pre-established amounts. The amounts that Card Members choose to revolve are subject to finance charges.
	Card Member loans are presented on the Consolidated Balance Sheets net of reserves for losses (refer to Note 5), and include principal, accrued interest and fees receivable. The Company's policy generally is to cease accruing interest on a Card Member loan at the time the account is written off, and establish reserves for interest that the Company believes will not be collected.
	Loans as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 consisted of:
	(Millions)			2013			2012
	U.S. Card Services(a)		$	58,395		$	55,953
	International Card Services			8,790			9,236
	Global Commercial Services			53			40
	Card Member loans			67,238			65,229
	Less: Reserve for losses			1,261			1,471
	Card Member loans, net			65,977			63,758
	Other loans, net(b)		$	608		$	551
	Includes approximately $31.2 billion and $32.7 billion of gross Card Member loans available to settle obligations of consolidated VIEs as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Other loans primarily represent loans to merchants and a store card loan portfolio. Other loans are presented net of reserves for losses of $13 million and $20 million as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Card Member Loans and Card Member Receivables Aging
	Generally, a Card Member account is considered past due if payment is not received within 30 days after the billing statement date. The following table represents the aging of Card Member loans and receivables as of December 31, 2013 and 2012:
								30-59			60-89			90+
								Days			Days			Days
								Past			Past			Past
	2013 (Millions)				Current			Due			Due			Due			Total
	Card Member
		Loans:
	U.S. Card Services			$	57,772		$	183		$	134		$	306		$	58,395
	International Card
		Services			8,664			43			28			55			8,790
	Card Member
		Receivables:
	U.S. Card Services			$	21,488		$	125		$	69		$	160		$	21,842
	International Card
		Services(a)			(b)			(b)			(b)			83			7,771
	Global Commercial
		Services(a)			(b)			(b)			(b)			132			14,391
								30-59			60-89			90+
								Days			Days			Days
								Past			Past			Past
	2012 (Millions)				Current			Due			Due			Due			Total
	Card Member
		Loans:
	U.S. Card Services			$	55,281		$	200		$	147		$	325		$	55,953
	International Card
		Services			9,099			47			30			60			9,236
	Card Member
	Receivables:
U.S. Card Services			$	20,748		$	116		$	76		$	184		$	21,124
International Card
	Services(a)			(b)			(b)			(b)			74			7,778
Global Commercial
	Services(a)			(b)			(b)			(b)			112			13,671
For Card Member receivables in ICS and GCS, delinquency data is tracked based on days past billing status rather than days past due. A Card Member account is considered 90 days past billing if payment has not been received within 90 days of the Card Member's billing statement date. In addition, if the Company initiates collection procedures on an account prior to the account becoming 90 days past billing, the associated Card Member receivable balance is considered as 90 days past billing. These amounts are shown above as 90+ Days Past Due for presentation purposes.
Data for periods prior to 90 days past billing are not available due to financial reporting system constraints. Therefore, it has not been relied upon for risk management purposes. The balances that are current to 89 days past due can be derived as the difference between the Total and the 90+ Days Past Due balances.
Credit Quality Indicators for Card Member Loans and Receivables
The following tables present the key credit quality indicators as of or for the years ended December 31:
		2013						2012
		Net Write-Off Rate						Net Write-Off Rate
						30 Days						30 Days
				Principal,		Past Due				Principal,		Past Due
		Principal		Interest, &		as a % of		Principal		Interest, &		as a % of
		Only	(a)	Fees	(a)	Total		Only	(a)	Fees	(a)	Total
Card Member Loans:
U.S. Card Services		1.8	%	2	%	1.1	%	2.1	%	2.3	%	1.2	%
International Card Services		1.9	%	2.3	%	1.4	%	1.9	%	2.4	%	1.5	%
Card Member Receivables:
U.S. Card Services		1.7	%	1.9	%	1.6	%	1.9	%	2.1	%	1.8	%
						2013				2012
						Net Loss				Net Loss
						Ratio as		90 Days		Ratio as		90 Days
						a % of		Past Billing		a % of		Past Billing
						Charge		as a % of		Charge		as a % of
						Volume		Receivables		Volume		Receivables
Card Member Receivables:
International Card Services						0.2	%	1.1	%	0.16	%	0.9	%
Global Commercial Services						0.08	%	0.9	%	0.06	%	0.8	%
The Company presents a net write-off rate based on principal losses only (i.e., excluding interest and/or fees) to be consistent with industry convention. In addition, because the Company's practice is to include uncollectible interest and/or fees as part of its total provision for losses, a net write-off rate including principal, interest and/or fees is also presented.
Refer to Note 5 for additional indicators, including external environmental qualitative factors, management considers in its monthly evaluation process for reserves for losses.
Impaired Card Member Loans and Receivables
Impaired loans and receivables are defined by GAAP as individual larger balance or homogeneous pools of smaller balance loans and receivables for which it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the original contractual terms of the Card Member agreement. The Company considers impaired loans and receivables to include: (i) loans over 90 days past due still accruing interest, (ii) non-accrual loans and (iii) loans and receivables modified as troubled debt restructurings (TDRs).
The Company may modify, through various company sponsored programs, Card Member loans and receivables in instances where the Card Member is experiencing financial difficulty in order to minimize losses and improve collectability while providing Card Members with temporary or permanent financial relief. The Company has classified Card Member loans and receivables in these modification programs as TDRs. Such modifications to the loans and receivables primarily include (i) temporary interest rate reductions (possibly as low as zero percent, in which case the loan is characterized as non-accrual in the Company's TDR disclosures), (ii) placing the Card Member on a fixed payment plan not to exceed 60 months and (iii) suspending delinquency fees until the Card Member exits the modification program. Upon entering the modification program, the Card Member's ability to make future purchases is either cancelled or in certain cases suspended until the Card Member successfully exits the modification program. In accordance with the modification agreement with the Card Member, loans revert back to the original contractual terms (including the contractual interest rate) when the Card Member exits the modification program, which is either (i) when all payments have been made in accordance with the modification agreement or (ii) when the Card Member defaults out of the modification program. In either case, the Company establishes a reserve for Card Member interest charges and fees considered to be uncollectible.
Reserves for Card Member loans and receivables modified as TDRs are determined as the difference between the cash flows expected to be received from the Card Member (taking into consideration the probability of subsequent defaults), discounted at the original effective interest rates, and the carrying value of the Card Member loan or receivable balance. The Company determines the original effective interest rate as the interest rate in effect prior to the imposition of any penalty interest rate. All changes in the impairment measurement are included in the provision for losses in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
The following table provides additional information with respect to the Company's impaired Card Member loans, which are not significant for GCS, and Card Member receivables, which are not significant for ICS and GCS, as of or for the years ended December 31:
			As of December 31, 2013																	For the Year Ended December 31, 2013
			Loans over
			90 Days						Loans &			Total									Average
			Past Due			Non-			Receivables			Impaired			Unpaid						Balance of		Interest
		& Accruing				Accrual			Modified			Loans &			Principal			Allowance			Impaired		Income
2013 (Millions)			Interest	(a)		Loans	(b)		as a TDR	(c)		Receivables			Balance	(d)		for TDRs	(e)		Loans		Recognized
Card Member Loans:
U.S. Card Services		$	170		$	244		$	373		$	787		$	731		$	84		$	943	$	46
International Card Services			54			4			5			63			62			―			67		16
Card Member Receivables:
U.S. Card Services			―			―			50			50			49			38			81		―
Total		$	224		$	248		$	428		$	900		$	842		$	122		$	1,091	$	62
			As of December 31, 2012																	For the Year Ended December 31, 2012
			Loans over
			90 Days						Loans &			Total									Average
			Past Due			Non-			Receivables			Impaired			Unpaid						Balance of		Interest
		& Accruing				Accrual			Modified			Loans &			Principal			Allowance			Impaired		Income
2012 (Millions)			Interest	(a)		Loans	(b)		as a TDR	(c)		Receivables			Balance	(d)	for TDRs		(e)		Loans		Recognized
Card Member Loans:
U.S. Card Services		$	73		$	426		$	627		$	1,126		$	1,073		$	152		$	1,221	$	47
International Card Services			59			5			6			70			69			1			75		16
Card Member Receivables:
U.S. Card Services			―			―			117			117			111			91			135		―
Total		$	132		$	431		$	750		$	1,313		$	1,253		$	244		$	1,431	$	63
			As of December 31, 2011																	For the Year Ended December 31, 2011
			Loans over
			90 Days						Loans &			Total									Average
			Past Due			Non-			Receivables			Impaired			Unpaid						Balance of		Interest
		& Accruing				Accrual			Modified			Loans &			Principal			Allowance			Impaired		Income
2011 (Millions)			Interest	(a)		Loans	(b)		as a TDR	(c)		Receivables			Balance	(d)	for TDRs		(e)		Loans		Recognized
Card Member Loans:
U.S. Card Services		$	64		$	529		$	736		$	1,329		$	1,268		$	174		$	1,498	$	52
International Card Services			67			6			8			81			80			2			98		26
Card Member Receivables:
U.S. Card Services			―			―			174			174			165			118			145		―
Total		$	131		$	535		$	918		$	1,584		$	1,513		$	294		$	1,741	$	78
The Company's policy is generally to accrue interest through the date of write-off (at 180 days past due). The Company establishes reserves for interest that the Company believes will not be collected. Excludes loans modified as a TDR.
Non-accrual loans not in modification programs primarily include certain Card Member loans placed with outside collection agencies for which the Company has ceased accruing interest.
Total loans and receivables modified as a TDR includes $92 million, $320 million and $410 million that are non-accrual and $26 million, $6 million and $4 million that are past due 90 days and still accruing interest as of December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
Unpaid principal balance consists of Card Member charges billed and excludes other amounts charged directly by the Company such as interest and fees.
Represents the reserve for losses for TDRs, which are evaluated individually for impairment. The Company records a reserve for losses for all impaired loans. Refer to Card Member Loans Evaluated Individually and Collectively for Impairment in Note 5 for further discussion of the reserve for losses on loans over 90 days past due and accruing interest and non-accrual loans, which are evaluated collectively for impairment.
Card Member Loans and Receivables Modified as TDRs
The following table provides additional information with respect to the Card Member loans and receivables modified as TDRs, which are not significant for ICS and GCS, during the years ended December 31:
2013					Aggregated
(Accounts in thousands,			Number of		Outstanding
Dollars in millions)			Accounts			Balances(a,b)
Troubled Debt Restructurings:
U.S. Card Services ―
	Card Member Loans		60		$	448
U.S. Card Services ―
	Card Member Receivables		20			247
Total			80		$	695
2012					Aggregated
(Accounts in thousands,			Number of		Outstanding
Dollars in millions)			Accounts			Balances(a,b)
Troubled Debt Restructurings:
U.S. Card Services ―
	Card Member Loans		106		$	779
U.S. Card Services ―
	Card Member Receivables		37			425
Total			143		$	1,204
2011					Aggregated
(Accounts in thousands,			Number of		Outstanding
Dollars in millions)			Accounts			Balances(a,b)
Troubled Debt Restructurings:
U.S. Card Services ―
	Card Member Loans		147		$	1,110
U.S. Card Services ―
	Card Member Receivables		50			402
Total			197		$	1,512
Represents the outstanding balance immediately prior to modification. In certain modifications the principal balance was reduced in the aggregate amount of $4 million, $24 million and $59 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
Includes principal and accrued interest.
The Company has evaluated the primary financial effects of the impact of the changes to an account upon modification as follows:
Temporary Interest Rate Reduction: For the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, the average interest rate reduction was 10 percentage points, 12 percentage points and 11 percentage points, respectively. None of these interest rate reductions had a significant impact on interest on loans in the Consolidated Statements of Income. The Company does not offer interest rate reduction programs for U.S. Card Services (USCS) Card Member receivables as these receivables are non-interest bearing.
Placing Card Members on a Fixed Payment Plan: For the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, the average payment term extension was approximately 12 months, 13 months, and 15 months, respectively, for USCS Card Member receivables. For USCS Card Member loans, there have been no payment term extensions.
The following table provides information for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, with respect to the Card Member loans and receivables modified as TDRs that subsequently defaulted within 12 months of modification. A Card Member will default from a modification program after one and up to two consecutive missed payments, depending on the terms of the modification program. For all Card Members that defaulted from a modification program, the probability of default is factored into the reserves for Card Member loans and receivables. The defaulted ICS Card Member loan and receivable modifications were not significant.
							Aggregated
2013						Outstanding
(Accounts in thousands,				Number of			Balances
Dollars in millions)				Accounts		Upon Default(a)
Troubled Debt Restructurings
That Subsequently Defaulted:
U.S. Card Services ―
	Card Member Loans			18		$	159
U.S. Card Services ―
	Card Member Receivables			3			38
Total				21		$	197
							Aggregated
2012						Outstanding
(Accounts in thousands,				Number of			Balances
Dollars in millions)				Accounts		Upon Default(a)
Troubled Debt Restructurings
That Subsequently Defaulted:
U.S. Card Services ―
	Card Member Loans			23		$	182
U.S. Card Services ―
	Card Member Receivables			1			37
Total				24		$	219
							Aggregated
2011						Outstanding
(Accounts in thousands,				Number of			Balances
Dollars in millions)				Accounts		Upon Default(a)
Troubled Debt Restructurings
That Subsequently Defaulted:
U.S. Card Services ―
	Card Member Loans			46		$	343
U.S. Card Services ―
	Card Member Receivables			6			45
Total				52		$	388
The outstanding balance includes principal, fees, and accrued interest on Card Member Loans and principal and fees on Card Member Receivables.

Reserves_for_Losses

Reserves for Losses	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Reserves For Losses Card Member Receivables And Loans Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Reserve for Losses	'
	NOTE 5
	Reserves for Losses
	Reserves for losses relating to Card Member loans and receivables represent management's best estimate of the probable inherent losses in the Company's outstanding portfolio of loans and receivables, as of the balance sheet date. Management's evaluation process requires certain estimates and judgments.
	Reserves for losses are primarily based upon statistical and analytical models that analyze portfolio performance and reflect management's judgment regarding the quantitative components of the reserve. The models take into account several factors, including delinquency based loss migration rates, loss emergence periods and average losses and recoveries over an appropriate historical period. Management considers whether to adjust the models for specific qualitative factors such as increased risk in certain portfolios, impact of risk management initiatives on portfolio performance and concentration of credit risk based on factors such as vintage, industry or geographic regions. In addition, management may increase or decrease the reserves for losses on Card Member loans for other external environmental qualitative factors, including various indicators related to employment, spend, sentiment, housing and credit, as well as the legal and regulatory environment. Generally, due to the short-term nature of Card Member receivables, the impact of additional external qualitative factors on the probable losses inherent within the Card Member receivables portfolio is not significant. As part of this evaluation process, management also considers various reserve coverage metrics, such as reserves as a percentage of past due amounts, reserves as a percentage of Card Member receivables or loans and net write-off coverage.
	Card Member loans and receivables balances are written off when management considers amounts to be uncollectible, which is generally determined by the number of days past due and is typically no later than 180 days past due. Card Member loans and receivables in bankruptcy or owed by deceased individuals are generally written off upon notification, and recoveries are recognized as they are collected.
	Changes in Card Member Receivables Reserve for Losses
	The following table presents changes in the Card Member receivables reserve for losses for the years ended December 31:
	(Millions)					2013			2012			2011
	Balance, January 1				$	428		$	438		$	386
	Additions:
		Provisions(a)				647			601			603
		Other(b)				142			141			167
			Total provision			789			742			770
	Deductions:
		Net write-offs(c)				-669			-640			-560
		Other(d)				-162			-112			-158
	Balance, December 31				$	386		$	428		$	438
	Provisions for principal (resulting from authorized transactions) and fee reserve components.
	Provisions for unauthorized transactions.
	Consists of principal (resulting from authorized transactions) and fee components, less recoveries of $402 million, $383 million and $349 million, including net write-offs from TDRs of $12 million, $87 million and $82 million, for the years ended 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	Includes net write-offs resulting from unauthorized transactions of $(160) million, $(141) million and $(161) million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively; foreign currency translation adjustments of $(4) million, $2 million and $(2) million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively; a reclassification of Card Member bankruptcy reserves of $18 million from other liabilities to credit reserves in 2012 and other items of $2 million, $9 million and $5 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	Card Member Receivables Evaluated Individually and Collectively for Impairment
	The following table presents Card Member receivables evaluated individually and collectively for impairment and related reserves as of December 31:
	(Millions)			2013			2012			2011
	Card Member receivables evaluated
		individually for impairment(a)		$	50		$	117		$	174
	Related reserves(a)			$	38		$	91		$	118
	Card Member receivables evaluated
		collectively for impairment		$	44,113		$	42,649		$	40,716
	Related reserves			$	348		$	337		$	320
	Represents receivables modified in a TDR and related reserves. Refer to the Impaired Card Member Loans and Receivables discussion in Note 4 for further information.
	Changes in Card Member Loans Reserve for Losses
	The following table presents changes in the Card Member loans reserve for losses for the years ended December 31:
	(Millions)					2013			2012			2011
	Balance, January 1				$	1,471		$	1,874		$	3,646
	Additions:
		Provisions(a)				1,114			1,031			145
		Other(b)				115			118			108
			Total provision			1,229			1,149			253
	Deductions:
		Net write-offs
			Principal(c)			-1,141			-1,280			-1,720
			Interest and fees(c)			-150			-157			-201
		Other(d)				-148			-115			-104
	Balance, December 31				$	1,261		$	1,471		$	1,874
	Provisions for principal (resulting from authorized transactions), interest and fee reserves components.
	Provisions for unauthorized transactions.
	Consists of principal write-offs (resulting from authorized transactions), less recoveries of $452 million, $493 million and $578 million, including net write-offs from TDRs of $(1) million, $25 million and $29 million, for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Recoveries of interest and fees were de minimis.
	Includes net write-offs resulting from unauthorized transactions of $(130) million, $(116) million and $(103) million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively; foreign currency translation adjustments of $(12) million, $7 million and $(2) million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively; a reclassification of Card Member bankruptcy reserves of $4 million from other liabilities to credit reserves in 2012 and other items of $(6) million, $(10) million and $1 million, for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	Card Member Loans Evaluated Individually and Collectively for Impairment
	The following table presents Card Member loans evaluated individually and collectively for impairment and related reserves as of December 31:
	(Millions)			2013			2012			2011
	Card Member loans evaluated
		individually for impairment(a)		$	378		$	633		$	744
	Related reserves(a)			$	84		$	153		$	176
	Card Member loans evaluated
	collectively for impairment(b)			$	66,860		$	64,596		$	61,877
	Related reserves(b)			$	1,177		$	1,318		$	1,698
	Represents loans modified in a TDR and related reserves. Refer to the Impaired Card Member Loans and Receivables discussion in Note 4 for further information.
	Represents current loans and loans less than 90 days past due, loans over 90 days past due and accruing interest, and non-accrual loans and related reserves. The reserves include the quantitative results of analytical models that are specific to individual pools of loans and reserves for external environmental qualitative factors that apply to loans in geographic markets that are collectively evaluated for impairment and are not specific to any individual pool of loans.

Investment_Securities

Investment Securities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]	'
Investment Securities	'
	NOTE 6
	Investment Securities
	Investment securities include debt and equity securities classified as available for sale. The Company's investment securities, principally debt securities, are carried at fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheets with unrealized gains (losses) recorded in AOCI, net of income taxes. Realized gains and losses are recognized in results of operations upon disposition of the securities using the specific identification method on a trade date basis. Refer to Note 3 for a description of the Company's methodology for determining the fair value of investment securities.
	The following is a summary of investment securities as of December 31:
		2013												2012
					Gross			Gross			Estimated						Gross			Gross			Estimated
					Unrealized			Unrealized			Fair						Unrealized			Unrealized			Fair
	Description of Securities (Millions)		Cost		Gains			Losses			Value				Cost		Gains			Losses			Value
	State and municipal obligations	$	4,060		$	54		$	-79		$	4,035		$	4,280		$	199		$	-5		$	4,474
	U.S. Government agency obligations		3			―			―			3			3			―			―			3
	U.S. Government treasury obligations		318			3			-1			320			330			8			―			338
	Corporate debt securities		43			3			―			46			73			6			―			79
	Mortgage-backed securities (a)		160			5			-1			164			210			14			―			224
	Equity securities (b)		29			95			―			124			64			232			―			296
	Foreign government bonds and obligations		272			5			-1			276			134			15			―			149
	Other (c)		50			―			-2			48			51			―			―			51
	Total	$	4,935		$	165		$	-84		$	5,016		$	5,145		$	474		$	-5		$	5,614
	Represents mortgage-backed securities guaranteed by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac or Ginnie Mae.
	Primarily represents the Company's investment in ICBC.
	Other comprises investments in various mutual funds.
	The following table provides information about the Company's investment securities with gross unrealized losses and the length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position as of December 31:
				2013												2012
				Less than 12 months						12 months or more						Less than 12 months						12 months or more
							Gross							Gross					Gross						Gross
				Estimated			Unrealized			Estimated			Unrealized			Estimated			Unrealized			Estimated			Unrealized
	Description of Securities (Millions)			Fair Value			Losses			Fair Value			Losses			Fair Value			Losses			Fair Value			Losses
	State and municipal obligations			$	1,320		$	-63		$	106		$	-16		$	100		$	-1		$	73		$	-4
	Foreign government bonds and obligations				208			-1			―			―			―			―			―			―
	U.S. Government treasury obligations				166			-1			―			―			―			―			―			―
	Mortgage-backed securities				35			-1			―			―			―			―			―			―
	Other				30			-1			17			-1			―			―			―			―
	Total			$	1,759		$	-67		$	123		$	-17		$	100		$	-1		$	73		$	-4
	The following table summarizes the gross unrealized losses due to temporary impairments by ratio of fair value to amortized cost as of December 31:
			Less than 12 months								12 months or more								Total
								Gross								Gross								Gross
	Ratio of Fair Value to		Number of		Estimated			Unrealized			Number of		Estimated			Unrealized			Number of		Estimated			Unrealized
	Amortized Cost (Dollars in millions)		Securities		Fair Value			Losses			Securities		Fair Value			Losses			Securities		Fair Value			Losses
	2013:00:00
	90%–100%		228		$	1,665		$	-53		6		$	24		$	-2		234		$	1,689		$	-55
	Less than 90%		13			94			-14		5			99			-15		18			193			-29
	Total as of December 31, 2013		241		$	1,759		$	-67		11		$	123		$	-17		252		$	1,882		$	-84
	2012:00:00
	90%–100%		46		$	100		$	-1		4		$	73		$	-4		50		$	173		$	-5
	Total as of December 31, 2012		46		$	100		$	-1		4		$	73		$	-4		50		$	173		$	-5
	The gross unrealized losses are attributed to overall wider credit spreads for state and municipal securities, wider credit spreads for specific issuers, adverse changes in market benchmark interest rates, or a combination thereof, all as compared to those prevailing when the investment securities were acquired.
	Overall, for the investment securities in gross unrealized loss positions identified above, (i) the Company does not intend to sell the investment securities, (ii) it is more likely than not that the Company will not be required to sell the investment securities before recovery of the unrealized losses, and (iii) the Company expects that the contractual principal and interest will be received on the investment securities. As a result, the Company recognized no other-than-temporary impairment during the periods presented.
	Supplemental Information
	Gross realized gains and losses on the sales of investment securities, included in other non-interest revenues, were as follows:
	(Millions)		2013			2012			2011
	Gains		$	136		$	127		$	16
	Losses			―			-1			―
	Total		$	136		$	126		$	16
	Contractual maturities of investment securities, excluding equity securities and other securities, as of December 31, 2013 were as follows:
						Estimated
	(Millions)		Cost			Fair Value
	Due within 1 year		$	505		$	505
	Due after 1 year but within 5 years			489			496
	Due after 5 years but within 10 years			215			224
	Due after 10 years			3,647			3,619
	Total		$	4,856		$	4,844
	The expected payments on state and municipal obligations and mortgage-backed securities may not coincide with their contractual maturities because the issuers have the right to call or prepay certain obligations.

Asset_Securitizations

Asset Securitizations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Asset Securitizations [Abstract]	'
Asset Securitizations	'
	NOTE 7
	Asset Securitizations
	The Company periodically securitizes Card Member receivables and loans arising from its card business through the transfer of those assets to securitization trusts. The trusts then issue securities to third-party investors, collateralized by the transferred assets.
	Card Member receivables are transferred to the American Express Issuance Trust II (the Charge Trust II) During 2013, the Company transferred Card Member receivables from the American Express Issuance Trust (the Charge Trust) to the Charge Trust II, collectively referred to as the Charge Trusts, and as such, the Charge Trust was dissolved, and the Company intends to utilize the Charge Trust II for securitization of Card Member receivables.. Card Member loans are transferred to the American Express Credit Account Master Trust (the Lending Trust). The Charge Trust II and the Lending Trust are consolidated by American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. (TRS), which is a consolidated subsidiary of the Company. The trusts are considered VIEs as they have insufficient equity at risk to finance their activities, which are to issue securities that are collateralized by the underlying Card Member receivables and loans.
	TRS, in its role as servicer of the Charge Trust II and the Lending Trust, has the power to direct the most significant activity of the trusts, which is the collection of the underlying Card Member receivables and loans in the trusts. In addition, TRS, excluding its consolidated subsidiaries, owns approximately $1.1 billion of subordinated securities issued by the Lending Trust as of December 31, 2013. These subordinated securities have the obligation to absorb losses of the Lending Trust and provide the right to receive benefits from the Lending Trust, both of which are significant to the VIE. TRS' role as servicer for the Charge Trust II does not provide it with a significant obligation to absorb losses or a significant right to receive benefits. However, TRS' position as the parent company of the entities that transferred the receivables to the Charge Trust II makes it the party most closely related to the Charge Trust II. Based on these considerations, TRS is the primary beneficiary of both the Charge Trust II and the Lending Trust.
	The debt securities issued by the Charge Trust II and the Lending Trust are non-recourse to the Company. Securitized Card Member receivables and loans held by the Charge Trust II and the Lending Trust are available only for payment of the debt securities or other obligations issued or arising in the securitization transactions. The long-term debt of each trust is payable only out of collections on their respective underlying securitized assets.
	There was approximately $2 million and $3 million of restricted cash held by the Charge Trusts as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and approximately $56 million and $73 million of restricted cash held by the Lending Trust as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, included in other assets on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets. These amounts relate to collections of Card Member receivables and loans to be used by the trusts to fund future expenses and obligations, including interest payable on investor certificates, credit losses and upcoming debt maturities.
	Under the respective terms of the Charge Trust II and the Lending Trust agreements, the occurrence of certain triggering events associated with the performance of the assets of each trust could result in payment of trust expenses, establishment of reserve funds, or in a worst-case scenario, early amortization of investor certificates. During the year ended December 31, 2013, no such triggering events occurred.

Other_Assets

Other Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Other Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Other Assets	'
	NOTE 8
	Other Assets
	The following is a summary of other assets as of December 31:
	(Millions)	2013		2012
	Goodwill	$	3,198	$	3,181
	Deferred tax assets, net(a)		2,443		2,458
	Prepaid expenses(b)		1,998		1,960
	Other intangible assets, at amortized cost		817		993
	Restricted cash(c)		486		568
	Derivative assets(a)		329		593
	Other		1,957		1,665
	Total	$	11,228	$	11,418
	Refer to Notes 17 and 12 for a discussion of deferred tax assets, net, and derivative assets, respectively, as of December 31, 2013 and 2012. Derivative assets reflect the impact of master netting agreements.
	Includes prepaid miles and reward points acquired primarily from airline partners of approximately $1.5 billion and $1.4 billion, as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, including approximately $0.9 billion and $1.1 billion, respectively, from Delta.
	Includes restricted cash of approximately $58 million and $76 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, which is primarily held for coupon and certain asset-backed securitization maturities.
	Goodwill
	Goodwill represents the excess of acquisition cost of an acquired company over the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The Company assigns goodwill to its reporting units for the purpose of impairment testing. A reporting unit is defined as an operating segment, or a business that is one level below an operating segment for which discrete financial information is regularly reviewed by the operating segment manager. The Company evaluates goodwill for impairment annually as of June 30 and between annual tests if events occur or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of the reporting unit below its carrying value. The goodwill impairment test utilizes a two-step approach. The first step in the impairment test identifies whether there is potential impairment by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit to the carrying amount, including goodwill. If the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, the second step of the impairment test is required to measure the amount of any impairment loss. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, goodwill was not impaired and there were no accumulated impairment losses.
	Goodwill impairment testing involves management judgment, requiring an assessment of whether the carrying value of the reporting unit can be supported by its fair value using widely accepted valuation techniques. The Company uses a combination of the income approach (discounted cash flows) and market approach (market multiples).
	When preparing discounted cash flow models under the income approach, the Company uses internal forecasts to estimate future cash flows expected to be generated by the reporting units. Actual results may differ from forecasted results. The Company calculates discount rates based on the expected cost of equity financing, estimated using a capital asset pricing model, to discount future cash flows for each reporting unit. The Company believes the discount rates used appropriately reflect the risks and uncertainties in the financial markets generally and specifically in the Company's internally developed forecasts. When using market multiples under the market approach, the Company applies comparable publically traded companies' multiples (e.g. earnings, revenues) to its reporting units' actual results.
	The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill reported in the Company's reportable operating segments and Corporate & Other were as follows:
										Corporate &
	(Millions)	USCS		ICS		GCS		GNMS			Other	Total
	Balance as of January 1, 2012	$	175	$	1,023	$	1,543	$	160	$	271	$	3,172
	Acquisitions		―		1		―		―		―		1
	Dispositions		―		-2		-1		―		―		-3
	Other, including foreign currency translation		―		9		2		―		―		11
	Balance as of December 31, 2012	$	175	$	1,031	$	1,544	$	160	$	271	$	3,181
	Acquisitions		―		―		―		―		―		―
	Dispositions		―		―		―		―		―		―
	Other, including foreign currency translation		-1		21		-1		―		-2		17
	Balance as of December 31, 2013	$	174	$	1,052	$	1,543	$	160	$	269	$	3,198
	Other Intangible Assets
	Intangible assets, primarily customer relationships, are amortized over their estimated useful lives of 1 to 22 years on a straight-line basis. The Company reviews intangible assets for impairment quarterly and whenever events and circumstances indicate their carrying amounts may not be recoverable. In addition, on an annual basis, the Company performs an impairment evaluation of all intangible assets by assessing the recoverability of the asset values based on the cash flows generated by the relevant assets or asset groups. An impairment is recognized if the carrying amount is not recoverable and exceeds the asset's fair value.
	The components of other intangible assets were as follows:
			2013						2012
	(Millions)		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Net Carrying Amount		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Net Carrying Amount
	Customer relationships(a)	$	1,297	$	-660	$	637	$	1,238	$	-526	$	712
	Other		269		-89		180		428		-147		281
	Total	$	1,566	$	-749	$	817	$	1,666	$	-673	$	993
	Includes net intangibles acquired from airline partners of $290 million and $358 million as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, including approximately $117 million and $156 million, respectively, from Delta.
	Amortization expense for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $193 million, $198 million and $189 million, respectively. Intangible assets acquired in both 2013 and 2012 are being amortized, on average, over 6 years.
	Estimated amortization expense for other intangible assets over the next five years is as follows:
	(Millions)		2014		2015		2016		2017		2018
	Estimated amortization expense	$	184	$	164	$	123	$	72	$	61
	Other
	The Company had $541 million and $427 million in affordable housing and other tax credit investment partnership interests as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, included in other assets in the table above. The Company is a non-controlling partner in these tax credit investment partnerships, and therefore accounts for its ownership interests in accordance with GAAP governing equity method investments and joint ventures.

Customer_Deposits

Customer Deposits	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Deposit Liabilities Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Customer Deposits	'
	NOTE 9
	Customer Deposits
	As of December 31, customer deposits were categorized as interest-bearing or non-interest-bearing as follows:
	(Millions)				2013			2012
	U.S.:
		Interest-bearing			$	40,831		$	39,649
		Non-interest-bearing (includes Card
			Member credit balances of:
			2013, $340 million; 2012, nil)(a)			360			10
	Non-U.S.:
		Interest-bearing				121			135
		Non-interest-bearing (includes Card
			Member credit balances of:
			2013, $437 million; 2012, nil)(a)			451			9
	Total customer deposits				$	41,763		$	39,803
	Beginning the first quarter of 2013, the Company reclassified prospectively its Card Member credit balances from Card Member loans, Card Member receivables and other liabilities to customer deposits.
	Customer deposits by deposit type as of December 31 were as follows:
	(Millions)					2013			2012
	U.S. retail deposits:
		Savings accounts ― Direct				$	24,550		$	18,713
		Certificates of deposit:
			Direct				489			725
			Third-party				6,929			8,851
		Sweep accounts ―Third-party					8,863			11,360
	Other retail deposits:
		Non-U.S. deposits and U.S. non-
			interest bearing deposits				155			154
	Card Member credit balances ― U.S.
		and non-U.S.					777			―
	Total customer deposits					$	41,763		$	39,803
	The scheduled maturities of certificates of deposit as of December 31, 2013 were as follows:
	(Millions)		U.S.			Non-U.S.			Total
	2014		$	2,735		$	3		$	2,738
	2015			1,223			―			1,223
	2016			1,658			―			1,658
	2017			571			―			571
	2018			1,040			―			1,040
	After 5 years			191			―			191
	Total		$	7,418		$	3		$	7,421
	As of December 31, certificates of deposit in denominations of $100,000 or more were as follows:
	(Millions)		2013			2012
	U.S.		$	324		$	475
	Non-U.S.			2			1
	Total		$	326		$	476

Debt

Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Debt Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	NOTE 10
	Debt
	Short-Term Borrowings
	The Company's short-term borrowings outstanding, defined as borrowings with original maturities of less than one year, as of December 31 were as follows:
		2013					2012
	(Millions, except percentages)	Outstanding Balance		Year-End Stated Rate on Debt	(a)		Outstanding Balance			Year-End Stated Rate on Debt	(a)
	Commercial paper	$	200	0.19	%		$	―		―	%
	Other short-term borrowings(b)(c)		4,821	1.08				3,314		1.46
	Total	$	5,021	1.03	%		$	3,314		1.46	%
	For floating-rate debt issuances, the stated interest rates are based on the floating rates in effect as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Includes interest-bearing overdrafts with banks of $489 million and $615 million as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. In addition, balances include fully drawn secured borrowing facility (maturing on September 15, 2015, which was repaid on February 18, 2014), certain book overdrafts (i.e., primarily timing differences arising in the ordinary course of business), short-term borrowings from banks, as well as interest-bearing amounts due to merchants in accordance with merchant service agreements. The secured borrowing facility gives the Company the right to sell up to $2.0 billion face amount of eligible certificates issued from the Lending Trust.
	The Company paid $12.5 million and $1.4 million in fees to maintain the secured borrowing facility in 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Long-term Debt
	The Company's long-term debt outstanding, defined as debt with original maturities of one year or greater, as of December 31 was as follows:
			2013									2012
	(Millions, except percentages)		Maturity Dates	Outstanding Balance		(a)	Year-End Stated Rate on Debt	(b)	Year-End Effective Interest Rate with Swaps	(b)(c)	Outstanding Balance		(a)	Year-End Stated Rate on Debt	(b)	Year-End Effective Interest Rate with Swaps	(b)(c)
	American Express Company
	(Parent Company only)
	Fixed Rate Senior Notes		2014-2042	$	8,784		5.43	%	4.6	%	$	8,848		5.78	%	4.95	%
	Floating Rate Senior Notes		2018		850		0.84		―			―		―		―
	Subordinated Debentures(d)		2036		749		6.8		―			749		6.8		―
	American Express Credit Corporation
	Fixed Rate Senior Notes		2014-2018		14,875		3.13		2.03			17,163		4.2		2.39
	Floating Rate Senior Notes		2014-2016		2,855		1.14		―			2,203		1.59		―
	Borrowings under Bank Credit Facilities		2015-2016		4,012		4.18		―			4,672		4.87		―
	American Express Centurion Bank
	Fixed Rate Senior Notes		2015-2017		2,102		4.12		3.32			2,120		4.12		3.32
	Floating Rate Senior Notes		2015-2018		675		0.67		―			550		0.76		―
	American Express Bank, FSB
	Fixed Rate Senior Notes		2017		999		6		―			2,764		5.68		3.68
	Floating Rate Senior Notes		2017		300		0.47		―			300		0.51		―
	American Express Charge Trust II
	Floating Rate Senior Notes		2016-2018		4,200		0.49		―			3,000		0.49		―
	Floating Rate Subordinated Notes		2016-2018		87		0.8		―			―		―		―
	American Express Lending Trust
	Fixed Rate Senior Notes		2015-2016		2,600		0.72		―			2,100		0.65		―
	Floating Rate Senior Notes		2014-2018		10,685		0.81		―			12,810		0.9		―
	Fixed Rate Subordinated Notes		2015		300		1.08		―			300		1.08		―
	Floating Rate Subordinated Notes		2014-2018		847		0.81		―			1,091		0.93		―
	Other
	Fixed Rate Instruments(e)		2014-2030		239		3.95		―			123		5.94		―
	Floating Rate Borrowings		2014-2016		276		0.62		―	%		292		0.65		―	%
	Unamortized Underwriting Fees				-105							-112
	Total Long-Term Debt			$	55,330		2.56	%			$	58,973		3.04	%
	The outstanding balances include (i) unamortized discount and premium, (ii) the impact of movements in exchange rates on foreign currency denominated debt and (iii) the impact of fair value hedge accounting on certain fixed-rate notes that have been swapped to floating rate through the use of interest rate swaps. Under fair value hedge accounting, the outstanding balances on these fixed-rate notes are adjusted to reflect the impact of changes in fair value due to changes in interest rates. Refer to Note 12 for more details on the Company's treatment of fair value hedges.
	For floating-rate debt issuances, the stated and effective interest rates are based on the floating rates in effect as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Effective interest rates are only presented when swaps are in place to hedge the underlying debt.
	The maturity date will automatically be extended to September 1, 2066, except in the case of either (i) a prior redemption or (ii) a default. See further discussion on this page.
	Includes $109 million and $118 million as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, related to capitalized lease transactions.
	As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Parent Company had $750 million principal outstanding of Subordinated Debentures that accrue interest at an annual rate of 6.8 percent until September 1, 2016, and at an annual rate of three-month LIBOR plus 2.23 percent thereafter. At the Company's option, the Subordinated Debentures are redeemable for cash after September 1, 2016 at 100 percent of the principal amount plus any accrued but unpaid interest. If the Company fails to achieve specified performance measures, it will be required to issue common shares and apply the net proceeds to make interest payments on the Subordinated Debentures. No dividends on the Company's common or preferred shares could be paid until such interest payments are made. The Company would fail to meet these specific performance measures if (i) the Company's tangible common equity is less than 4 percent of total adjusted assets for the most recent quarter or (ii) if the trailing two quarters' consolidated net income is equal to or less than zero and tangible common equity as of the trigger determination date, and as of the end of the quarter end six months prior, has in each case declined by 10 percent or more from tangible common equity as of the end of the quarter 18 months prior to the trigger determination date. The Company met the specified performance measures in 2013.
	Aggregate annual maturities on long-term debt obligations (based on final maturity dates) as of December 31, 2013 were as follows:
	(Millions)		2014		2015			2016		2017			2018			Thereafter		Total
	American Express Company (Parent Company only)	$	1,250	$	―		$	600		$	1,500		$	3,850		$	3,939	$	11,139
	American Express Credit Corporation		4,420		7,010			7,293			1,500			1,340			―		21,563
	American Express Centurion Bank		―		1,305			―			1,300			125			1		2,731
	American Express Bank, FSB		―		―			―			1,300			―			―		1,300
	American Express Charge Trust II		―		―			3,000			―			1,287			―		4,287
	American Express Lending Trust		4,000		5,423			500			1,623			2,886			―		14,432
	Other		179		143			161			―			―			32		515
		$	9,849	$	13,881		$	11,554		$	7,223		$	9,488		$	3,972		55,967
	Unamortized Underwriting Fees																		-105
	Unamortized Discount and Premium																		-960
	Impacts due to Fair Value Hedge Accounting																		428
Total Long-Term Debt																	$	55,330
As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company maintained total bank lines of credit of $7.0 billion and $7.7 billion, respectively. Of the total credit lines, $3.0 billion was undrawn as of both December 31, 2013 and 2012. Undrawn amounts support commercial paper borrowings and contingent funding needs. $4.8 billion and $2.2 billion of these credit facilities will expire in 2015 and 2016, respectively. The availability of these credit lines is subject to the Company's compliance with certain financial covenants, principally, the maintenance by American Express Credit Corporation (Credco) of a 1.25 ratio of combined earnings and fixed charges to fixed charges. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company was not in violation of any of its debt covenants.
Additionally, the Company maintained a 3-year committed, revolving, secured borrowing facility that gives the Company the right to sell up to $3.0 billion face amount of eligible notes issued from the Charge Trust II at any time through July 15, 2016. As of December 31, 2013, $3.0 billion was drawn on this facility. This facility was repaid on January 15, 2014.
The Company paid $44.9 million and $46.7 million in fees to maintain these lines in 2013 and 2012, respectively. These committed facilities do not contain material adverse change clauses, which might otherwise preclude borrowing under the credit facilities, nor are they dependent on the Company's credit rating.
The Company paid total interest primarily related to short- and long-term debt, corresponding interest rate swaps and customer deposits of $2.0 billion, $2.2 billion and $2.4 billion in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Other_Liabilities

Other Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	NOTE 11
	Other Liabilities
	The following is a summary of other liabilities as of December 31:
	(Millions)		2013			2012
	Membership Rewards liability		$	6,151		$	5,832
	Employee-related liabilities(a)			2,227			2,224
	Rebate and reward accruals(b)			2,210			2,079
	Deferred card and other fees, net			1,314			1,286
	Book overdraft balances			442			532
	Other(c)			4,566			5,604
	Total		$	16,910		$	17,557
	Employee-related liabilities include employee benefit plan obligations and incentive compensation.
	Rebate and reward accruals include payments to third-party card-issuing partners and cash-back reward costs.
	Other includes accruals for general operating expenses, client incentives, advertising and promotion, restructuring and reengineering reserves and derivatives.
	Membership Rewards
	The Membership Rewards program allows enrolled Card Members to earn points that can be redeemed for a broad range of rewards including travel, entertainment, retail certificates and merchandise. The Company records a balance sheet liability that represents management's best estimate of the cost of points earned that are expected to be redeemed. An ultimate redemption rate and weighted average cost per point are key factors used to approximate Membership Rewards liability. Management uses statistical and actuarial models to estimate ultimate redemption rates based on redemption trends, current enrollee redemption behavior, card product type, enrollment tenure, card spend levels and credit attributes. The weighted-average cost per point is determined using actual redemptions during the previous 12 months, adjusted as appropriate for certain changes in redemption costs that are not representative of future cost expectations.
	The expense for Membership Rewards points is included in marketing, promotion, rewards and Card Member services expenses. The Company periodically evaluates its liability estimation process and assumptions based on developments in redemption patterns, cost per point redeemed, partner contract changes and other factors.
	Deferred Card and Other Fees, Net
	The carrying amount of deferred card and other fees, net of deferred direct acquisition costs and reserves for membership cancellations as of December 31 was as follows:
	(Millions)			2013			2012
	Deferred card and other fees(a)			$	1,609		$	1,566
	Deferred direct acquisition costs				-164			-154
	Reserves for membership cancellations				-131			-126
		Deferred card and other fees, net		$	1,314		$	1,286
	Includes deferred fees for Membership Rewards program participants.

Derivatives_and_Hedging_Activi

Derivatives and Hedging Activities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Derivatives and Hedging Activities	'
	NOTE 12
	Derivatives and Hedging Activities
	The Company uses derivative financial instruments (derivatives) to manage exposures to various market risks. Derivatives derive their value from an underlying variable or multiple variables, including interest rate, foreign exchange, and equity index or price. These instruments enable end users to increase, reduce or alter exposure to various market risks and, for that reason, are an integral component of the Company's market risk management. The Company does not engage in derivatives for trading purposes.
	Market risk is the risk to earnings or value resulting from movements in market prices. The Company's market risk exposure is primarily generated by:
	Interest rate risk in its card, insurance and Travelers Cheque and other prepaid products businesses, as well as its investment portfolios; and
	Foreign exchange risk in its operations outside the U.S. and the associated funding of such operations.
	The Company centrally monitors market risks using market risk limits and escalation triggers as defined in its Asset/Liability Management Policy.
	The Company's market exposures are in large part byproducts of the delivery of its products and services. Interest rate risk arises through the funding of Card Member receivables and fixed-rate loans with variable-rate borrowings as well as through the risk to net interest margin from changes in the relationship between benchmark rates such as Prime and LIBOR.
	Interest rate exposure within the Company's charge card and fixed-rate lending products is managed by varying the proportion of total funding provided by short-term and variable-rate debt and deposits compared to fixed-rate debt and deposits. In addition, interest rate swaps are used from time to time to economically convert fixed-rate debt obligations to variable-rate obligations or to convert variable-rate debt obligations to fixed-rate obligations. The Company may change the mix between variable-rate and fixed-rate funding based on changes in business volumes and mix, among other factors.
	Foreign exchange risk is generated by Card Member cross-currency charges, foreign currency balance sheet exposures, foreign subsidiary equity and foreign currency earnings in entities outside the U.S. The Company's foreign exchange risk is managed primarily by entering into agreements to buy and sell currencies on a spot basis or by hedging this market exposure to the extent it is economically justified through various means, including the use of derivatives such as foreign exchange forwards and cross-currency swap contracts, which can help mitigate the Company's exposure to specific currencies.
	In addition to the exposures identified above, effective August 1, 2011, the Company entered into a total return contract (TRC) to hedge its exposure to changes in the fair value of its equity investment in ICBC in local currency. Under the terms of the TRC, the Company receives from the TRC counterparty an amount equivalent to any reduction in the fair value of its investment in ICBC in local currency, and the Company pays to the TRC counterparty an amount equivalent to any increase in the fair value of its investment in local currency, along with all dividends paid by ICBC, as well as ongoing hedge costs. The TRC matures on August 1, 2014.
	Derivatives may give rise to counterparty credit risk, which is the risk that a derivative counterparty will default on, or otherwise be unable to perform pursuant to, an uncollateralized derivative exposure. The Company manages this risk by considering the current exposure, which is the replacement cost of contracts on the measurement date, as well as estimating the maximum potential value of the contracts over the next 12 months, considering such factors as the volatility of the underlying or reference index. To mitigate derivative credit risk, counterparties are required to be pre-approved by the Company and rated as investment grade. Counterparty risk exposures are centrally monitored by the Company. Additionally, in order to mitigate the bilateral counterparty credit risk associated with derivatives, the Company has in certain instances entered into master netting agreements with its derivative counterparties, which provide a right of offset for certain exposures between the parties. A significant portion of the Company's derivative assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 is subject to such master netting agreements with its derivative counterparties. There are no instances in which management makes an accounting policy election to not net assets and liabilities subject to an enforceable master netting agreement on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets. To further mitigate bilateral counterparty credit risk, the Company exercises its rights under executed credit support agreements with certain of its derivative counterparties. These agreements require that, in the event the fair value change in the net derivatives position between the two parties exceeds certain dollar thresholds, the party in the net liability position posts collateral to its counterparty. All derivative contracts cleared through a central clearinghouse are collateralized to the full amount of the fair value of the contracts.
	In relation to the Company's credit risk, under the terms of the derivative agreements it has with its various counterparties, the Company is not required to either immediately settle any outstanding liability balances or post collateral upon the occurrence of a specified credit risk-related event. Based on the assessment of credit risk of the Company's derivative counterparties as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company does not have derivative positions that warrant credit valuation adjustments.
	The Company's derivatives are carried at fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The accounting for changes in fair value depends on the instruments' intended use and the resulting hedge designation, if any, as discussed below. Refer to Note 3 for a description of the Company's methodology for determining the fair value of derivatives.
	The following table summarizes the total fair value, excluding interest accruals, of derivative assets and liabilities as of December 31:
				Other Assets						Other Liabilities
				Fair Value						Fair Value
	(Millions)			2013			2012			2013			2012
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
	Interest rate contracts
		Fair value hedges		$	455		$	824		$	2		$	―
	Total return contract
		Fair value hedge			8			―			―			19
	Foreign exchange contracts
		Net investment hedges			174			43			116			150
	Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments				637			867			118			169
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
		Foreign exchange contracts, including certain embedded derivatives(a)			64			75			95			160
	Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments				64			75			95			160
	Total derivatives, gross				701			942			213			329
	Cash collateral netting(b)				-336			-326			―			-21
	Derivative asset and derivative liability netting(c)				-36			-23			-36			-23
	Total derivatives, net(d)			$	329		$	593		$	177		$	285
	Includes foreign currency derivatives embedded in certain operating agreements.
	Represents the offsetting of derivative instruments and the right to reclaim cash collateral (a receivable) or the obligation to return cash collateral (a payable) arising from derivative instrument(s) executed with the same counterparty under an enforceable master netting arrangement. Additionally, the Company received noncash collateral in the form of security interest in U.S. Treasury securities with a fair value of nil and $335 million as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, none of which was sold or repledged. Such noncash collateral effectively further reduces the Company's risk exposure to $329 million and $258 million as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, but does not reduce the net exposure on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets. Additionally, the Company posted $26 million and nil as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, as initial margin on its centrally cleared interest rate swaps not netted against the derivative balances.
	Represents the amount of netting of derivative assets and derivative liabilities executed with the same counterparty under an enforceable master netting arrangement.
	The Company has no individually significant derivative counterparties and therefore, no significant risk exposure to any single derivative counterparty. The total net derivative assets and derivative liabilities are presented within other assets and other liabilities on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	Derivative Financial Instruments That Qualify For Hedge Accounting
	Derivatives executed for hedge accounting purposes are documented and designated as such when the Company enters into the contracts. In accordance with its risk management policies, the Company structures its hedges with terms similar to that of the item being hedged. The Company formally assesses, at inception of the hedge accounting relationship and on a quarterly basis, whether derivatives designated as hedges are highly effective in offsetting the fair value or cash flows of the hedged items. These assessments usually are made through the application of a regression analysis method. If it is determined that a derivative is not highly effective as a hedge, the Company will discontinue the application of hedge accounting.
	Fair Value Hedges
	A fair value hedge involves a derivative designated to hedge the Company's exposure to future changes in the fair value of an asset or a liability, or an identified portion thereof that is attributable to a particular risk.
	Interest Rate Contracts
	The Company is exposed to interest rate risk associated with its fixed-rate long-term debt. The Company uses interest rate swaps to economically convert certain fixed-rate long-term debt obligations to floating-rate obligations at the time of issuance. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company hedged $14.7 billion and $18.4 billion, respectively, of its fixed-rate debt to floating-rate debt using interest rate swaps.
	To the extent the fair value hedge is effective, the gain or loss on the hedging instrument offsets the loss or gain on the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk. Any difference between the changes in the fair value of the derivative and the hedged item is referred to as hedge ineffectiveness and is reflected in earnings as a component of other expenses. Hedge ineffectiveness may be caused by differences between the debt's interest coupon and the benchmark rate, primarily due to credit spreads at inception of the hedging relationship that are not reflected in the valuation of the interest rate swap. Furthermore, hedge ineffectiveness may be caused by changes in the relationship between 3-month LIBOR and 1-month LIBOR, as well as between the overnight indexed swap rate (OIS) and 1-month LIBOR, as basis spreads may impact the valuation of the interest rate swap without causing an offsetting impact in the value of the hedged debt. If a fair value hedge is de-designated or no longer considered to be effective, changes in fair value of the derivative continue to be recorded through earnings but the hedged asset or liability is no longer adjusted for changes in fair value resulting from changes in interest rates. The existing basis adjustment of the hedged asset or liability is amortized or accreted as an adjustment to yield over the remaining life of that asset or liability.
	Total Return Contract
	The Company hedges its exposure to changes in the fair value of its equity investment in ICBC in local currency. The Company uses a TRC to transfer this exposure to its derivative counterparty. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the fair value of the equity investment in ICBC was $122 million (180.7 million shares) and $295 million (415.9 million shares), respectively. To the extent the hedge is effective, the gain or loss on the TRC offsets the loss or gain on the investment in ICBC. Any difference between the changes in the fair value of the derivative and the hedged item results in hedge ineffectiveness and is recognized in other expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
	The following table summarizes the impact on the Consolidated Statements of Income associated with the Company's hedges of its fixed-rate long-term debt and its investment in ICBC for the years ended December 31:
			Gains (losses) recognized in income
	(Millions)		Derivative contract											Hedged item							Net hedge
			Income Statement		Amount									Income Statement	Amount						ineffectiveness
	Derivative relationship		Line Item		2013			2012			2011			Line Item	2013		2012			2011	2013		2012		2011
	Interest rate contracts		Other expenses		$	-370		$	-178		$	128		Other expenses	$	351	$	132	$	-102	$	-19	$	-46	$	26
	Total return contract		Other non-interest											Other non-interest
			revenues		$	15		$	-53		$	100		revenues	$	-15	$	54	$	-112	$	―	$	1	$	-12
	The Company also recognized a net reduction in interest expense on long-term debt of $346 million, $491 million and $503 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, primarily related to the net settlements (interest accruals) on the Company's interest rate derivatives designated as fair value hedges.
	Cash Flow Hedges
	A cash flow hedge involves a derivative designated to hedge the Company's exposure to variable future cash flows attributable to a particular risk. Such exposures may relate to either an existing recognized asset or liability or a forecasted transaction. The Company hedges existing long-term variable-rate debt, the rollover of short-term borrowings and the anticipated forecasted issuance of additional funding through the use of derivatives, primarily interest rate swaps. These derivative instruments economically convert floating-rate debt obligations to fixed-rate obligations for the duration of the instrument. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company did not hedge any of its floating-rate debt using interest rate swaps.
	For derivatives designated as cash flow hedges, the effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivatives is recorded in AOCI and reclassified into earnings when the hedged cash flows are recognized in earnings. The amount that is reclassified into earnings is presented in the Consolidated Statements of Income in the same line item in which the hedged instrument or transaction is recognized, primarily in interest expense. During the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, the Company reclassified nil, $(1) million and $(13) million, respectively, from AOCI into earnings as a component of interest expense. Any ineffective portion of the gain or loss on the derivatives is reported as a component of other expenses. If a cash flow hedge is de-designated or terminated prior to maturity, the amount previously recorded in AOCI is recognized into earnings over the period that the hedged item impacts earnings. If a hedge relationship is discontinued because it is probable that the forecasted transaction will not occur according to the original strategy, any related amounts previously recorded in AOCI are recognized into earnings immediately. No ineffectiveness associated with cash flow hedges was reclassified from AOCI into income for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011.
	In the normal course of business, as the hedged cash flows are recognized into earnings, the Company does not expect to reclassify any amount of net pretax losses on derivatives from AOCI into earnings during the next 12 months.
	Net Investment Hedges
	A net investment hedge is used to hedge future changes in currency exposure of a net investment in a foreign operation. The Company primarily designates foreign currency derivatives, typically foreign exchange forwards, and on occasion foreign currency denominated debt, as hedges of net investments in certain foreign operations. These instruments reduce exposure to changes in currency exchange rates on the Company's investments in non-U.S. subsidiaries. The effective portion of the gain or (loss) on net investment hedges, net of taxes, recorded in AOCI as part of the cumulative translation adjustment, was $253 million, $(288) million and $(26) million for the years ended 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Any ineffective portion of the gain or (loss) on net investment hedges is recognized in other expenses during the period of change. Ineffectiveness associated with net investment hedges of nil, nil and $(3) million were recognized as a component of other expenses for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. No amounts associated with net investment hedges were reclassified from AOCI to income during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011.
	Derivatives Not Designated As Hedges
	The Company has derivatives that act as economic hedges, but are not designated as such for hedge accounting purposes. Foreign currency transactions and non-U.S. dollar cash flow exposures from time to time may be partially or fully economically hedged through foreign currency contracts, primarily foreign exchange forwards, options and cross-currency swaps. These hedges generally mature within one year. Foreign currency contracts involve the purchase and sale of a designated currency at an agreed upon rate for settlement on a specified date. The changes in the fair value of the derivatives effectively offset the related foreign exchange gains or losses on the underlying balance sheet exposures. From time to time, the Company may enter into interest rate swaps to specifically manage funding costs related to its proprietary card business.
The Company has certain operating agreements containing payments that may be linked to a market rate or price, primarily foreign currency rates. The payment components of these agreements may meet the definition of an embedded derivative, in which case the embedded derivative is accounted for separately and is classified as a foreign exchange contract based on its primary risk exposure.
For derivatives that are not designated as hedges, changes in fair value are reported in current period earnings.
The following table summarizes the impact on pretax earnings of derivatives not designated as hedges, as reported on the Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31:
		Pretax gains (losses)
				Amount
Description (Millions)		Income Statement Line Item		2013			2012			2011
Interest rate contracts		Other expenses		$	1		$	-1		$	3
Foreign exchange contracts (a)		Interest and dividends on investment securities			―			―			9
		Interest expense on short-term borrowings			―			―			3
		Interest expense on long-term debt and other			―			-1			130
		Other expenses			72			-56			51
Total				$	73		$	-58		$	196
Foreign exchange contracts include embedded foreign currency derivatives. Gains (losses) on these embedded derivatives are included in other expenses.

Guarantees

Guarantees	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Guarantees [Abstract]	'
Guarantees	'
	NOTE 13
	Guarantees
	The Company provides Card Member protection plans that cover losses associated with purchased products, as well as certain other guarantees in the ordinary course of business which are within the scope of GAAP governing the accounting for guarantees. For the Company, guarantees primarily consist of card and travel protection programs, including:
	Return Protection — refunds the price of qualifying purchases made with the eligible cards where the merchant will not accept the return for up to 90 days from the date of purchase; and
	Merchant Protection — protects Card Members primarily against non-delivery of goods and services, usually in the event of bankruptcy or liquidation of a merchant. When this occurs, the Card Member may dispute the transaction for which the Company will generally credit the Card Member's account. If the Company is unable to collect the amount from the merchant, it will bear the loss for the amount credited to the Card Member.
	In relation to its maximum potential undiscounted future payments as shown in the table that follows, to date, the Company has not experienced any significant losses related to guarantees. The Company's initial recognition of guarantees is at fair value, which has been determined in accordance with GAAP governing fair value measurement. In addition, the Company establishes reserves when a loss is probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated.
	The following table provides information related to such guarantees as of December 31:
		Maximum potential
		undiscounted future
		payments(a)				Related liability(b)
		(Billions)				(Millions)
	Type of Guarantee	2013		2012		2013		2012
	Card and travel operations(c)	$	44	$	44	$	88	$	93
	Other(d)		1		1		73		93
	Total	$	45	$	45	$	161	$	186
	Represents the notional amounts that could be lost under the guarantees and indemnifications if there were a total default by the guaranteed parties. The Merchant Protection guarantee is calculated using management's best estimate of maximum exposure based on all eligible claims as measured against annual billed business volumes.
	Included in other liabilities on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	Primarily includes Return Protection and Merchant Protection.
	Primarily includes guarantees related to the Company's business dispositions and real estate.

Common_and_Preferred_Shares_an

Common and Preferred Shares and Warrants	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]	'
Common And Preferred Shares And Warrants [Text Block]	'
	NOTE 14
	Common and Preferred Shares
	The following table shows authorized shares and provides a reconciliation of common shares issued and outstanding for the years ended December 31:
	(Millions, except where indicated)		2013	2012	2011
	Common shares authorized (billions)(a)		3.6	3.6	3.6
	Shares issued and outstanding at beginning
		of year	1,105	1,164	1,197
	Repurchases of common shares		-55	-69	-48
	Other, primarily stock option exercises
		and restricted stock awards granted	14	10	15
	Shares issued and outstanding as of
		31-Dec	1,064	1,105	1,164
	Of the common shares authorized but unissued as of December 31, 2013, approximately 63 million shares are reserved for issuance under employee stock and employee benefit plans.
	On March 25, 2013, the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of 150 million common shares over time, in accordance with the Company's capital distribution plans submitted to the Federal Reserve and subject to market conditions. This authorization replaces all prior repurchase authorizations. During 2013 and 2012, the Company repurchased 55 million common shares with a cost basis of $4.0 billion and 69 million common shares with a cost basis of $4.0 billion, respectively. The cost basis includes commissions paid of $1.1 million and $1.0 million in 2013 and 2012, respectively. As of December 31, 2013, the Company has 108 million common shares remaining under the Board share repurchase authorization. Such authorization does not have an expiration date.
	Common shares are generally retired by the Company upon repurchase (except for 3.5 million, 3.9 million and 4.2 million shares held as treasury shares as of December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively); retired common shares and treasury shares are excluded from the shares outstanding in the table above. The treasury shares, with a cost basis of $260 million, $236 million and $217 million as of December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, are included as a reduction to additional paid-in capital in shareholders' equity on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	The Board of Directors is authorized to permit the Company to issue up to 20 million preferred shares at a par value of $1.662/3 without further shareholder approval. There were no preferred shares or warrants issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011.

Changes_in_Accumulated_Other_C

Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure Text Block [Abstract]	'
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income	'
	NOTE 15
	Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income
	AOCI is a balance sheet item in the Shareholders' Equity section of the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets. It is comprised of items that have not been recognized in earnings but may be recognized in earnings in the future when certain events occur. Changes in each component of AOCI for the three years ended December 31 were as follows:
	(Millions), net of tax(a)		Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investment Securities			Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Cash Flow Hedges			Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments			Net Unrealized Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Losses		Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income
	Balances as of December 31, 2010		$	57		$	-7		$	-503		$	-464	$	-917
	Net unrealized gains (losses)			245			-2								243
	Reclassification for realized (gains) losses into earnings			-14			8								-6
	Net translation of investments in foreign operations									-153					-153
	Net losses related to hedges of investment in foreign operations									-26					-26
	Pension and other postretirement benefit losses												-17		-17
	Net change in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income			231			6			-179			-17		41
	Balances as of December 31, 2011			288			-1			-682			-481		-876
	Net unrealized gains (losses)			106											106
	Reclassification for realized (gains) losses into earnings			-79			1			1					-77
	Net translation of investments in foreign operations									215					215
	Net losses related to hedges of investment in foreign operations									-288					-288
	Pension and other postretirement benefit losses												-7		-7
	Net change in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income			27			1			-72			-7		-51
	Balances as of December 31, 2012			315			―			-754			-488		-927
	Net unrealized gains (losses)			-159											-159
	Reclassification for realized (gains) losses into earnings			-93											-93
	Net translation of investments in foreign operations									-589					-589
	Net gains related to hedges of investment in foreign operations									253					253
	Pension and other postretirement benefit gains												89		89
	Net change in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income			-252			―			-336			89		-499
	Balances as of December 31, 2013		$	63		$	―		$	-1,090		$	-399	$	-1,426
	The following table shows the tax impact for the three years ended December 31 for the changes in each component of accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income:
		(Millions)		2013			2012			2011
		Investment securities		$	-142		$	7		$	149
		Cash flow hedges			―			1			3
		Foreign currency translation adjustments			-49			24			-40
		Net investment hedges			135			-176			-14
		Pension and other postretirement benefit losses			56			―			-7
		Total tax impact		$	―		$	-144		$	91
	The following table presents the effects of reclassifications out of AOCI and into the Consolidated Statement of Income for the year ended December 31, 2013:
	(Millions)
	Description		Income Statement Line Item		Amount
	Net gain in AOCI reclassifications for previously unrealized net gains on investment securities		Other non-interest revenues		$	145
	Related income tax expense		Income tax provision			-52
	Total				$	93

Restructuring

Restructuring	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Restructuring And Related Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Restructuring Charges	'
	NOTE 16
	Restructuring
	From time to time, the Company initiates restructuring programs to become more efficient and effective, and to support new business strategies. In connection with these programs, the Company typically will incur severance and other exit costs.
	During 2013, the Company recorded $(4) million of restructuring charges, consisting of revisions to prior estimates.
	During 2012, the Company recorded $403 million of restructuring charges, net of revisions to prior estimates. The 2012 activity primarily relates to $400 million of restructuring charges recorded in the fourth quarter as the Company committed to undertake a Company-wide restructuring plan designed to contain future operating expenses, adapt parts of the business as more customers transact online or through mobile channels, and provide the resources for additional growth initiatives worldwide.
	During 2011, the Company recorded $119 million of restructuring charges, net of revisions to prior estimates. The 2011 activity primarily relates to $105 million of restructuring charges the Company recorded throughout the year to further reduce its operating costs by reorganizing certain operations that occurred across all business units, markets and staff groups.
	Restructuring charges related to severance obligations are included in salaries and employee benefits in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Income, while charges pertaining to other exit costs are included in occupancy and equipment and other expenses.
	The following table summarizes the Company's restructuring reserves activity for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011:
	(Millions)			Severance(a)			Other(b)			Total
	Liability balance as of December 31, 2010			$	199		$	16		$	215
		Restructuring charges, net of $27 in revisions(c)			96			23			119
		Payments			-121			-8			-129
		Other non-cash(d)			-4			-1			-5
	Liability balance as of December 31, 2011				170			30			200
		Restructuring charges, net of $16 in revisions(c)			366			37			403
		Payments			-124			-9			-133
	Liability balance as of December 31, 2012				412			58			470
		Restructuring charges, $4 in revisions(c)			-7			3			-4
		Payments			-206			-23			-229
		Other non-cash(d)			-3			-1			-4
	Liability balance as of December 31, 2013(e)			$	196		$	37		$	233
	Accounted for in accordance with GAAP governing the accounting for nonretirement postemployment benefits and for costs associated with exit or disposal activities.
	Other primarily includes facility exit and contract termination costs.
	Revisions primarily relate to higher than anticipated redeployments of displaced employees to other positions within the Company, business changes and modifications to existing initiatives.
	Consists primarily of foreign exchange impacts.
	The majority of cash payments related to the remaining restructuring liabilities are expected to be completed in 2014, and to a lesser extent certain contractual long-term severance arrangements and lease obligations are expected to be completed in 2015 and 2019, respectively.
	The following table summarizes the Company's restructuring charges, net of revisions, by reportable operating segment and Corporate & Other for the year ended December 31, 2013, and the cumulative amounts relating to the restructuring programs that were in progress during 2013 and initiated at various dates between 2009 and 2013.
						Cumulative Restructuring Expense Incurred To Date On
				2013		In-Progress Restructuring Programs
			Total Restructuring
			Charges, net
	(Millions)		revisions				Severance			Other			Total
	USCS		$	-7		$	71		$	6		$	77
	ICS			-8			110			1			111
	GCS			-4			204			18			222
	GNMS			7			55			―			55
	Corporate & Other			8			89			68			157	(a)
	Total		$	-4		$	529		$	93		$	622	(b)
	Corporate & Other includes certain severance and other charges of $147 million related to Company-wide support functions which were not allocated to the Company's reportable operating segments, as these were corporate initiatives, which is consistent with how such charges were reported internally.
	As of December 31, 2013, the total expenses to be incurred for previously approved restructuring activities that were in progress are not expected to be materially different than the cumulative expenses incurred to date for these programs.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	NOTE 17
	Income Taxes
	The components of income tax expense for the years ended December 31 included in the Consolidated Statements of Income were as follows:
	(Millions)					2013			2012			2011
	Current income tax expense:
		U.S. federal			$	1,730		$	982		$	958
		U.S. state and local				288			189			156
		Non-U.S.				514			445			434
			Total current income tax expense			2,532			1,616			1,548
	Deferred income tax expense (benefit):
		U.S. federal				113			359			464
		U.S. state and local				4			39			68
		Non-U.S.				-120			-45			-23
			Total deferred income tax expense			-3			353			509
	Total income tax expense on
		continuing operations			$	2,529		$	1,969		$	2,057
	Income tax benefit from
		discontinued operations			$	―		$	―		$	-36
	A reconciliation of the U.S. federal statutory rate of 35 percent to the Company's actual income tax rate for the years ended December 31 on continuing operations was as follows:
				2013		2012		2011
	U.S. statutory federal income tax rate			35	%	35	%	35	%
	Increase (decrease) in taxes resulting from:
		Tax-exempt income		-1.6		-1.6		-1.5
		State and local income taxes, net of
			federal benefit	3.1		2.5		2.6
		Non-U.S. subsidiaries earnings(a)		-2.8		-5.2		-4.4
		Tax settlements(b)		-1.9		-0.2		-1.9
		All other		0.3		―		-0.2
			Actual tax rates(a)	32.1	%	30.5	%	29.6	%
	Results for all years primarily included tax benefits associated with the undistributed earnings of certain non-U.S. subsidiaries that were deemed to be reinvested indefinitely. In addition, 2012 and 2011 included tax benefits of $146 million and $77 million, which decreased the actual tax rates by 2.3 percent and 1.1 percent, respectively, related to the realization of certain foreign tax credits.
	Relates to the resolution of tax matters in various jurisdictions.
	The Company records a deferred income tax (benefit) provision when there are differences between assets and liabilities measured for financial reporting and for income tax return purposes. These temporary differences result in taxable or deductible amounts in future years and are measured using the tax rates and laws that will be in effect when such differences are expected to reverse.
	The significant components of deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31 are reflected in the following table:
	(Millions)				2013			2012
	Deferred tax assets:
		Reserves not yet deducted for tax purposes		$	3,813		$	3,828
		Employee compensation and benefits			721			761
		Other			546			537
			Gross deferred tax assets		5,080			5,126
			Valuation allowance		-121			-162
			Deferred tax assets after valuation allowance		4,959			4,964
	Deferred tax liabilities:
		Intangibles and fixed assets			1,325			1,346
		Deferred revenue			453			403
		Deferred interest			363			378
		Asset Securitization			130			73
		Other			245			306
			Gross deferred tax liabilities		2,516			2,506
	Net deferred tax assets			$	2,443		$	2,458
	A valuation allowance is established when management determines that it is more likely than not that all or some portion of the benefit of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The valuation allowances as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 are associated with net operating losses and other deferred tax assets in certain non-U.S. operations of the Company.
	Accumulated earnings of certain non-U.S. subsidiaries, which totaled approximately $9.6 billion as of December 31, 2013, are intended to be permanently reinvested outside the U.S. The Company does not provide for federal income taxes on foreign earnings intended to be permanently reinvested outside the U.S. Accordingly, federal taxes, which would have aggregated approximately $3.0 billion as of December 31, 2013, have not been provided on those earnings.
	Net income taxes paid by the Company (including amounts related to discontinued operations) during 2013, 2012 and 2011, were approximately $2.0 billion, $1.9 billion and $0.7 billion, respectively. These amounts include estimated tax payments and cash settlements relating to prior tax years.
	The Company is subject to the income tax laws of the U.S., its states and municipalities and those of the foreign jurisdictions in which the Company operates. These tax laws are complex, and the manner in which they apply to the taxpayer's facts is sometimes open to interpretation. Given these inherent complexities, the Company must make judgments in assessing the likelihood that a tax position will be sustained upon examination by the taxing authorities based on the technical merits of the tax position. A tax position is recognized only when, based on management's judgment regarding the application of income tax laws, it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained upon examination. The amount of benefit recognized for financial reporting purposes is based on management's best judgment of the largest amount of benefit that is more likely than not to be realized on ultimate settlement with the taxing authority given the facts, circumstances and information available at the reporting date. The Company adjusts the level of unrecognized tax benefits when there is new information available to assess the likelihood of the outcome.
	The Company is under continuous examination by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and tax authorities in other countries and states in which the Company has significant business operations. The tax years under examination and open for examination vary by jurisdiction. The IRS has completed its field examination of the Company's federal tax returns for years through 2007; however, refund claims for certain years continue to be reviewed by the IRS. In addition, the Company is currently under examination by the IRS for the years 2008 through 2011.
	The following table presents changes in unrecognized tax benefits:
	(Millions)				2013			2012			2011
	Balance, January 1			$	1,230		$	1,223		$	1,377
	Increases:
		Current year tax positions			124			51			77
		Tax positions related to prior years			176			64			247
	Decreases:
		Tax positions related to prior years			-371			-44			-457
		Settlements with tax authorities			-94			-25			-2
	Lapse of statute of limitations			-21			-37			-19
	Effects of foreign currency
		translations		―			-2			―
Balance, December 31			$	1,044		$	1,230		$	1,223
Included in the unrecognized tax benefits of $1.0 billion for December 31, 2013 and $1.2 billion for both December 31, 2012 and 2011, are approximately $427 million, $452 million and $440 million, respectively, that, if recognized, would favorably affect the effective tax rate in a future period.
The Company believes it is reasonably possible that its unrecognized tax benefits could decrease within the next 12 months by as much as $632 million principally as a result of potential resolutions of prior years' tax items with various taxing authorities. The prior years' tax items include unrecognized tax benefits relating to the deductibility of certain expenses or losses and the attribution of taxable income to a particular jurisdiction or jurisdictions. Of the $632 million of unrecognized tax benefits, approximately $474 million relates to amounts that if recognized would be recorded to shareholders' equity and would not impact the effective tax rate. With respect to the remaining $158 million, it is not possible to quantify the impact that the decrease could have on the effective tax rate and net income due to the inherent complexities and the number of tax years open for examination in multiple jurisdictions. Resolution of the prior years' items that comprise this remaining amount could have an impact on the effective tax rate and on net income, either favorably (principally as a result of settlements that are less than the liability for unrecognized tax benefits) or unfavorably (if such settlements exceed the liability for unrecognized tax benefits).
Interest and penalties relating to unrecognized tax benefits are reported in the income tax provision. During the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, the Company recognized benefits of approximately $31 million, $8 million and $63 million, respectively, of interest and penalties. The Company has approximately $144 million and $155 million accrued for the payment of interest and penalties as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Discontinued operations for 2011 included the impact of a $36 million tax benefit related to the favorable resolution of certain prior years' tax items related to American Express Bank, Ltd., which was sold to Standard Chartered PLC during the quarter ended March 31, 2008.

Earnings_Per_Common_Share_EPS

Earnings Per Common Share (EPS)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings Per Common Share (EPS)	'
	NOTE 18
	Earnings Per Common Share (EPS)
	The computations of basic and diluted EPS for the years ended December 31 were as follows:
	(Millions, except per share amounts)				2013			2012		2011
	Numerator:
		Basic and diluted:
			Income from continuing operations		$	5,359	$	4,482	$	4,899
			Earnings allocated to participating
				share awards(a)		-47		-49		-58
			Income from discontinued
				operations, net of tax		―		―		36
			Net income attributable to common
				shareholders	$	5,312	$	4,433	$	4,877
	Denominator:(a)
		Basic: Weighted-average common stock				1,082		1,135		1,178
		Add: Weighted-average stock options(b)				7		6		6
		Diluted				1,089		1,141		1,184
	Basic EPS:
		Income from continuing operations
			attributable to common shareholders		$	4.91	$	3.91	$	4.11
		Income from discontinued operations				―		―		0.03
		Net income attributable to common
			shareholders		$	4.91	$	3.91	$	4.14
	Diluted EPS:
		Income from continuing operations
			attributable to common shareholders		$	4.88	$	3.89	$	4.09
		Income from discontinued operations				―		―		0.03
		Net income attributable to common
			shareholders		$	4.88	$	3.89	$	4.12
	The Company's unvested restricted stock awards, which include the right to receive non-forfeitable dividends or dividend equivalents, are considered participating securities. Calculations of EPS under the two-class method exclude from the numerator any dividends paid or owed on participating securities and any undistributed earnings considered to be attributable to participating securities. The related participating securities are similarly excluded from the denominator.
	For the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, the dilutive effect of unexercised stock options excludes 0.1 million, 7.6 million and 19.2 million options, respectively, from the computation of EPS because inclusion of the options would have been anti-dilutive.
	For the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, the Company met specified performance measures related to the Subordinated Debentures of $750 million issued in 2006, which resulted in no impact to EPS. If the performance measures were not achieved in any given quarter, the Company would be required to issue common shares and apply the proceeds to make interest payments.

Details_of_Certain_Consolidate

Details of Certain Consolidated Statements of Income Lines	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Other Income And Other Expense Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Details of Certain Consolidated Statements of Income Lines	'
	NOTE 19
	Details of Certain Consolidated Statements of Income Lines
	The following is a detail of other commissions and fees for the years ended December 31:
	(Millions)			2013			2012			2011
	Foreign currency conversion revenue			$	877		$	855		$	861
	Delinquency fees				667			604			567
	Service fees				375			362			355
	Other(a)				495			496			486
		Total other commissions and fees		$	2,414		$	2,317		$	2,269
	Other primarily includes fee revenue from the Loyalty Partner business and fees related to Membership Rewards programs.
	The following is a detail of other revenues for the years ended December 31:
	(Millions)			2013			2012			2011
	Global Network Services partner revenues			$	650		$	664		$	655
	Net gain on investment securities				136			126			16
	Other(a)				1,488			1,635			1,493
		Total other revenues		$	2,274		$	2,425		$	2,164
	Other includes revenues arising from insurance premiums earned from Card Member travel and other insurance programs, Travelers Cheques-related revenues, publishing revenues and other miscellaneous revenue and fees.
	The following is a detail of marketing, promotion, rewards and Card Member services for the years ended December 31:
	(Millions)				2013			2012			2011
	Marketing and promotion				$	3,043		$	2,890		$	2,996
	Card Member rewards					6,457			6,282			6,218
	Card Member services					767			772			716
		Total marketing, promotion, rewards and
			Card Member services		$	10,267		$	9,944		$	9,930
	Marketing and promotion expense includes advertising costs, which are expensed in the year in which the advertising first takes place. Card Member rewards expense includes the costs of rewards programs, including Membership Rewards and co-brand arrangements. Card Member services expense includes protection plans and complimentary services provided to Card Members.
	The following is a detail of other, net for the years ended December 31:
	(Millions)			2013			2012			2011
	Professional services			$	3,102		$	2,963		$	2,951
	Occupancy and equipment				1,904			1,823			1,685
	Communications				379			383			378
	MasterCard and Visa settlements,
		net of legal fees			―			―			-562
	Other(a)				1,133			1,404			1,260
		Total other, net		$	6,518		$	6,573		$	5,712
	Other expense includes general operating expenses, gains (losses) on sale of assets or businesses not classified as discontinued operations, litigation, certain internal and regulatory review-related reimbursements and insurance costs or settlements, investment impairments and certain Loyalty Partner expenses.

Stock_Plans

Stock Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Stock Plans Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block]	'
	NOTE 20
	Stock Plans
	Stock Option and Award Programs
	Under the 2007 Incentive Compensation Plan and previously under the 1998 Incentive Compensation Plan, awards may be granted to employees and other key individuals who perform services for the Company and its participating subsidiaries. These awards may be in the form of stock options, restricted stock awards or units (RSAs), portfolio grants (PGs) or other incentives, and similar awards designed to meet the requirements of non-U.S. jurisdictions.
	For the Company's Incentive Compensation Plans, there were a total of 35 million, 36 million and 38 million common shares unissued and available for grant as of December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, as authorized by the Company's Board of Directors and shareholders.
	The Company granted stock option awards to its Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in November 2007 and January 2008 that have performance-based and market-based conditions. These option awards are separately disclosed and are excluded from the information and tables presented in the following paragraphs.
	A summary of stock option and RSA activity as of December 31, 2013, and changes during the year is presented below:
					Stock Options					RSAs
	(Shares in thousands)				Shares		Weighted-Average Exercise Price			Shares		Weighted- Average Grant Price
	Outstanding as of
		December 31, 2012			31,861		$	43.62		11,800		$	40.31
	Granted				463			61.76		3,867			60.13
	Exercised/vested				-13,672			42.39		-5,559			33.24
	Forfeited				-22			39.25		-530			50.31
	Expired				-15			45.61		―			―
	Outstanding as of
		December 31, 2013			18,615			44.98		9,578		$	51.88
	Options vested and
		expected to vest as of
			December 31, 2013		18,600			44.98		―			―
	Options exercisable as of
		December 31, 2013			16,842		$	44.51		―			―
	The Company recognizes the cost of employee stock awards granted in exchange for employee services based on the grant-date fair value of the award, net of expected forfeitures. Those costs are recognized ratably over the vesting period.
	Stock Options
	Each stock option has an exercise price equal to the market price of the Company's common stock on the date of grant and a contractual term of 10 years from the date of grant. Stock options generally vest 25 percent per year beginning with the first anniversary of the grant date.
	The weighted-average remaining contractual life and the aggregate intrinsic value (the amount by which the fair value of the Company's stock exceeds the exercise price of the option) of the stock options outstanding, exercisable, and vested and expected to vest as of December 31, 2013 are as follows:
				Outstanding			Exercisable			Vested and Expected to Vest
	Weighted-average remaining
		contractual life (in years)			4.4			4			4.4
	Aggregate intrinsic value (millions)			$	852		$	778		$	851
	The intrinsic value for options exercised during 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $374 million, $209 million and $206 million, respectively (based upon the fair value of the Company's stock price at the date of exercise). Cash received from the exercise of stock options in 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $580 million, $368 million and $503 million, respectively. The tax benefit realized from income tax deductions from stock option exercises, which was recorded in additional paid-in capital, in 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $84 million, $45 million and $60 million, respectively.
	The fair value of each option is estimated on the date of grant using a Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing model. The following weighted-average assumptions were used for grants issued in 2013, 2012 and 2011, the majority of which were granted in the beginning of each year:
			2013			2012			2011
	Dividend yield			1.4	%		1.5	%		1.6	%
	Expected volatility(a)			39	%		41	%		40	%
	Risk-free interest rate			1.3	%		1.3	%		2.3	%
	Expected life of stock option (in years)(b)			6.3			6.3			6.2
	Weighted-average fair value per option		$	21.11		$	17.48		$	16.21
	The expected volatility is based on both weighted historical and implied volatilities of the Company's common stock price.
	In 2013, 2012 and 2011, the expected life of stock options was determined using both historical data and expectations of option exercise behavior.
	Stock Options with Performance-based and Market-based Conditions
	On November 30, 2007 and January 31, 2008, the Company's CEO was granted in the aggregate 2,750,000 of non-qualified stock option awards with performance-based and market-based conditions. Both awards have a contractual term of 10 years and a vesting period of 6 years.
	The aggregate grant date fair value of options with performance-based conditions was approximately $33.8 million. Compensation expense for these awards will be recognized over the vesting period when it is determined it is probable that the performance metrics will be achieved. No compensation expense for these awards was recorded in 2013, 2012 and 2011.
	The aggregate grant date fair value of options with market-based conditions was approximately $10.5 million. Compensation expense for these awards is recognized ratably over the vesting period irrespective of the probability of the market metric being achieved. Total compensation expense of approximately $0.3 million, $0.5 million and $2.4 million was recorded in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	Restricted Stock Awards
	RSAs are valued based on the stock price on the date of grant and generally vest 25 percent per year, beginning with the first anniversary of the grant date. RSA holders receive non-forfeitable dividends or dividend equivalents. The total fair value of shares vested during 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $336 million, $296 million and $221 million, respectively (based upon the Company's stock price at the vesting date).
	The weighted-average grant date fair value of RSAs granted in 2013, 2012 and 2011, is $60.13, $49.80 and $45.11, respectively.
	Liability-based Awards
	Certain employees are awarded PGs and other incentive awards that can be settled with cash or equity shares at the Company's discretion and final Compensation and Benefits Committee payout approval. These awards earn value based on performance, market and service conditions and vest over periods of one to three years.
	PGs and other incentive awards are generally settled with cash and thus are classified as liabilities and, therefore, the fair value is determined at the date of grant and remeasured quarterly as part of compensation expense over the vesting period. Cash paid upon vesting of these awards in 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $45 million, $66 million and $58 million, respectively.
	Summary of Stock Plan Expense
	The components of the Company's total stock-based compensation expense (net of forfeitures) for the years ended December 31 are as follows:
	(Millions)			2013			2012			2011
	Restricted stock awards(a)			$	208		$	197		$	176
	Stock options(a)				23			29			40
	Liability-based awards				119			70			83
	Performance/market-based
		stock options			―			1			2
	Total stock-based
		compensation expense(b)		$	350		$	297		$	301
	As of December 31, 2013, the total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested RSAs and options of $232 million and $14 million, respectively, will be recognized ratably over the weighted-average remaining vesting period of 2.1 years and 1.8 years, respectively.
	The total income tax benefit recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income for stock-based compensation arrangements for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $127 million, $107 million and $105 million, respectively.

Retirement_Plans

Retirement Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Retirement Plans	'
	NOTE 21
	Retirement Plans
	Defined Contribution Retirement Plans
	The Company sponsors defined contribution retirement plans, the principal plan being the Retirement Savings Plan (RSP), a 401(k) savings plan with a profit-sharing component. The RSP is a tax-qualified retirement plan subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) and covers most employees in the U.S. The total expense for all defined contribution retirement plans globally was $281 million, $254 million and $252 million in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	Defined Benefit Pension and other postretirement benefit Plans
	The Company's primary defined benefit pension plans that cover certain employees in the U.S. and United Kingdom are closed to new entrants and existing participants do not accrue any additional benefits. Most employees outside the U.S. and United Kingdom are covered by local retirement plans, some of which are funded, while other employees receive payments at the time of retirement or termination under applicable labor laws or agreements. The Company complies with minimum funding requirements in all countries. The Company sponsors unfunded other postretirement benefit plans that provide health care and life insurance to certain retired U.S. employees. The total expense for these plans was $59 million, $93 million and $74 million in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	The Company recognizes the funded status of its defined benefit pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans, measured as the difference between the fair value of the plan assets and the projected benefit obligation, in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the funded status related to the defined benefit pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans was underfunded by $661 million and $796 million, respectively, and is recorded in other liabilities.

Significant_Credit_Concentrati

Significant Credit Concentrations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Concentration Risk Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Significant Credit Concentrations	'
	NOTE 22
	Significant Credit Concentrations
	Concentrations of credit risk exist when changes in economic, industry or geographic factors similarly affect groups of counterparties whose aggregate credit exposure is material in relation to American Express' total credit exposure. The Company's customers operate in diverse industries, economic sectors and geographic regions.
	The following table details the Company's maximum credit exposure by category, including the credit exposure associated with derivative financial instruments, as of December 31:
	(Billions)	2013		2012
	On-balance sheet:
	Individuals(a)	$	98	$	95
	Financial institutions(b)		22		25
	U.S. Government and agencies(c)		4		5
	All other(d)		17		16
	Total on-balance sheet(e)		141		141
	Unused lines-of-credit ― individuals(f)	$	265	$	253
	Individuals primarily include Card Member loans and receivables.
	Financial institutions primarily include debt obligations of banks, broker-dealers, insurance companies and savings and loan associations.
	U.S. Government and agencies represent debt obligations of the U.S. Government and its agencies, states and municipalities and government-sponsored entities.
	All other primarily includes Card Member receivables from other corporate institutions.
	Certain distinctions between categories require management judgment.
	Because charge card products generally have no preset spending limit, the associated credit limit on charge products is not quantifiable. Therefore, the quantified unused line-of-credit amounts only include the approximate credit line available on lending products.
	As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company's most significant concentration of credit risk was with individuals, including Card Member receivables and loans. These amounts are generally advanced on an unsecured basis. However, the Company reviews each potential customer's credit application and evaluates the applicant's financial history and ability and willingness to repay. The Company also considers credit performance by customer tenure, industry and geographic location in managing credit exposure.
	The following table details the Company's Card Member loans and receivables exposure (including unused lines-of-credit on Card Member loans) in the U.S. and outside the U.S. as of December 31:
	(Billions)	2013		2012
	On-balance sheet:
	U.S.	$	89	$	85
	Non-U.S.		22		23
	On-balance sheet(a)(b)		111		108
	Unused lines-of-credit ― individuals:
	U.S.		219		208
	Non-U.S.		46		45
	Total unused lines-of-credit ― individuals	$	265	$	253
	Represents Card Member loans to individuals as well as receivables from individuals and corporate institutions as discussed in footnotes (a) and (d) from the previous table.
	The remainder of the Company's on-balance sheet exposure includes cash, investments, other loans, other receivables and other assets including derivative financial instruments. These balances are primarily within the U.S.
	Exposure to the Airline Industry
	The Company has multiple important co-brand, rewards and corporate payment arrangements with airlines. The Company's largest airline partner is Delta and this relationship includes exclusive co-brand credit card partnerships and other arrangements including Membership Rewards, merchant acceptance, travel and corporate payments programs. American Express' Delta SkyMiles Credit Card co-brand portfolio accounts for approximately 5 percent of the Company's worldwide billed business and less than 15 percent of worldwide Card Member loans. Refer to Notes 4 and 8 for further information on receivables and other assets recorded by the Company relating to these relationships.
	In recent years, the airline industry has undergone bankruptcies, restructurings, consolidations and other similar events. Historically, the Company has not experienced significant revenue declines when a particular airline scales back or ceases operations due to a bankruptcy or other financial challenges because volumes generated by that airline are typically shifted to other participants in the industry that accept the Company's card products. The Company's exposure to business and credit risk in the airline industry is primarily through business arrangements where the Company has remitted payment to the airline for a Card Member purchase of tickets that have not yet been used or “flown”. The Company mitigates this risk by delaying payment to the airlines with deteriorating financial situations, thereby increasing cash withheld to protect the Company in the event the airline is liquidated. To date, the Company has not experienced significant losses from airlines that have ceased operations.

Regulatory_Matters_and_Capital

Regulatory Matters and Capital Adequacy	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Regulatory Capital Requirements Under Banking Regulations [Abstract]	'
Regulatory Matters and Capital Adequacy	'
	NOTE 23
	Regulatory Matters and Capital Adequacy
	The Company is supervised and regulated by the Federal Reserve and is subject to the Federal Reserve's requirements for risk-based capital and leverage ratios. The Company's two U.S. bank operating subsidiaries, American Express Centurion Bank (Centurion Bank) and American Express Bank, FSB (FSB) (together, the Banks), are subject to supervision and regulation, including similar regulatory capital requirements by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), respectively.
	The Federal Reserve's guidelines for capital adequacy define two categories of risk-based capital: Tier 1 and Tier 2 capital (as defined in the regulations). Under the risk-based capital guidelines of the Federal Reserve, the Company is required to maintain minimum ratios of Tier 1 and Total (Tier 1 plus Tier 2) capital to risk-weighted assets, as well as a minimum leverage ratio (Tier 1 capital to average adjusted on-balance sheet assets).
	Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory, and possibly additional, discretionary actions by regulators, that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the Company's and the Banks' operating activities.
	As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company and its Banks met all capital requirements to which each was subject and maintained regulatory capital ratios in excess of those required to qualify as well capitalized.
	The following table presents the regulatory capital ratios for the Company and the Banks:
				Tier 1		Total	Tier 1		Total		Tier 1
	(Millions, except percentages)			capital		capital	capital ratio		capital ratio		leverage ratio
	December 31, 2013:
		American Express Company	$	16,174	$	18,585	12.5	%	14.4	%	10.9	%
		American Express Centurion Bank		6,366		6,765	19.9		21.2		19
		American Express Bank, FSB		6,744		7,662	15.6		17.7		17.5	(a)
	December 31, 2012:
		American Express Company	$	14,920	$	17,349	11.9	%	13.8	%	10.2	%
		American Express Centurion Bank		5,814		6,227	17.6		18.9		17
		American Express Bank, FSB		6,649		7,556	16.5		18.7		17.5	(a)
	Well-capitalized ratios(c)						6	%	10	%	5	% (b)
	Minimum capital ratios(c)						4	%	8	%	4	%
	FSB leverage ratio is calculated using ending total assets as prescribed by OCC regulations applicable to federal savings banks.
	Represents requirements for banking subsidiaries to be considered “well-capitalized” pursuant to regulations issued under the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act. There is no “well-capitalized” definition for the Tier 1 leverage ratio for a bank holding company.
	As defined by the regulations issued by the Federal Reserve, OCC and FDIC.
	Restricted Net Assets of Subsidiaries
	Certain of the Company's subsidiaries are subject to restrictions on the transfer of net assets under debt agreements and regulatory requirements. These restrictions have not had any effect on the Company's shareholder dividend policy and management does not anticipate any impact in the future. Procedures exist to transfer net assets between the Company and its subsidiaries, while ensuring compliance with the various contractual and regulatory constraints. As of December 31, 2013, the aggregate amount of net assets of subsidiaries that are restricted to be transferred to the Company was approximately $9.9 billion.
	Bank Holding Company Dividend Restrictions
	The Company is limited in its ability to pay dividends by the Federal Reserve, which could prohibit a dividend that would be considered an unsafe or unsound banking practice. It is the policy of the Federal Reserve that bank holding companies generally should pay dividends on common stock only out of net income available to common shareholders generated over the past year, and only if prospective earnings retention is consistent with the organization's current and expected future capital needs, asset quality and overall financial condition. Moreover, bank holding companies are required by statute to be a source of strength to their insured depository institution subsidiaries and should not maintain dividend levels that undermine their ability to do so. On an annual basis, the Company is required to develop and maintain a capital plan, which includes planned dividends over a two-year horizon, and to submit the capital plan to the Federal Reserve.
	Banks' Dividend Restrictions
	In the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, Centurion Bank paid dividends from retained earnings to its parent of $1.4 billion and $2.0 billion, respectively, and FSB paid dividends from retained earnings to its parent of $1.8 billion and $1.5 billion, respectively.
	The Banks are subject to statutory and regulatory limitations on their ability to pay dividends. The total amount of dividends that may be paid at any date, subject to supervisory considerations of the Banks' regulators, is generally limited to the retained earnings of the respective bank. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Banks' retained earnings, in the aggregate, available for the payment of dividends were $4.6 billion and $4.7 billion, respectively. In determining the dividends to pay its parent, the Banks must also consider the effects on applicable risk-based capital and leverage ratio requirements, as well as policy statements of the federal regulatory agencies. In addition, the Banks' banking regulators have authority to limit or prohibit the payment of a dividend by the Banks under a number of circumstances, including if, in the banking regulator's opinion, payment of a dividend would constitute an unsafe or unsound banking practice in light of the financial condition of the banking organization.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Contingencies	'
	NOTE 24
	Commitments and Contingencies
	Legal Contingencies
	The Company and its subsidiaries are involved in a number of legal proceedings concerning matters arising out of the conduct of their respective business activities and are periodically subject to governmental and regulatory examinations, information gathering requests, subpoenas, inquiries and investigations (collectively, governmental examinations). As of December 31, 2013, the Company and various of its subsidiaries were named as a defendant or were otherwise involved in numerous legal proceedings and governmental examinations in various jurisdictions, both in and outside the U.S. The Company discloses its material legal proceedings and governmental examinations under “Legal Proceedings” in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 (Legal Proceedings).
	The Company has recorded liabilities for certain of its outstanding legal proceedings and governmental examinations. A liability is accrued when it is both (a) probable that a loss has occurred and (b) the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. As discussed below, there may be instances in which an exposure to loss exceeds the accrued liability. The Company evaluates, on a quarterly basis, developments in legal proceedings and governmental examinations that could cause an increase or decrease in the amount of the liability that has been previously accrued or a revision to the disclosed estimated range of possible losses, as applicable.
	The Company's legal proceedings range from cases brought by a single plaintiff to class actions with millions of putative class members. These legal proceedings, as well as governmental examinations, involve various lines of business of the Company and a variety of claims (including, but not limited to, common law tort, contract, antitrust and consumer protection claims), some of which present novel factual allegations and/or unique legal theories. While some matters pending against the Company specify the damages claimed by the plaintiff, many seek a not-yet-quantified amount of damages or are at very early stages of the legal process. Even when the amount of damages claimed against the Company are stated, the claimed amount may be exaggerated and/or unsupported. As a result, some matters have not yet progressed sufficiently through discovery and/or development of important factual information and legal issues to enable the Company to estimate a range of possible loss.
	Other matters have progressed sufficiently through discovery and/or development of important factual information and legal issues so that the Company is able to estimate a range of possible loss. Accordingly, for those legal proceedings and governmental examinations disclosed or referred to in Legal Proceedings where a loss is reasonably possible in future periods, whether in excess of a related accrued liability or where there is no accrued liability, and for which the Company is able to estimate a range of possible loss, the current estimated range is zero to $440 million in excess of any accrued liability related to these matters. This aggregate range represents management's estimate of possible loss with respect to these matters and is based on currently available information. This estimated range of possible loss does not represent the Company's maximum loss exposure. The legal proceedings and governmental examinations underlying the estimated range will change from time to time and actual results may vary significantly from current estimates.
	Based on its current knowledge, and taking into consideration its litigation-related liabilities, the Company believes it is not a party to, nor are any of its properties the subject of, any pending legal proceeding or governmental examination that would have a material adverse effect on the Company's consolidated financial condition or liquidity. However, in light of the uncertainties involved in such matters, the ultimate outcome of a particular matter could be material to the Company's operating results for a particular period depending on, among other factors, the size of the loss or liability imposed and the level of the Company's earnings for that period.
	Visa and MasterCard Settlements
	As previously disclosed, the Company reached settlement agreements with Visa and MasterCard. Under the terms of the settlement agreements, the Company received aggregate maximum payments of $4.05 billion. The settlement with Visa comprised an initial payment of $1.13 billion ($700 million after-tax) that was recorded as a gain in 2007. Having met quarterly performance criteria, the Company recognized $280 million ($172 million after-tax) from Visa in 2011, and $300 million ($186 million after-tax) from MasterCard in 2011. These payments are included in other expenses within Corporate & Other. During the second and fourth quarter of 2011, the Company received the final payments on the MasterCard and Visa litigation settlements, respectively.
	Other Contingencies
	The Company also has contingent obligations to make payments under contractual agreements entered into as part of the ongoing operation of the Company's business, primarily with co-brand partners. The contingent obligations under such arrangements were approximately $2.8 billion as of December 31, 2013.
	Rent Expense and Lease Commitments
	The Company leases certain facilities and equipment under noncancelable and cancelable agreements. The total rental expense amounted to $281 million in 2013 (including lease termination penalties of $6 million), $305 million in 2012 (including lease termination penalties of $13 million) and $280 million in 2011.
	As of December 31, 2013, the minimum aggregate rental commitment under all noncancelable operating leases (net of subleases of $23 million) was as follows:
	(Millions)
	2014	$	237
	2015		196
	2016		157
	2017		132
	2018		114
	Thereafter		922
	Total	$	1,758
	As of December 31, 2013, the Company's future minimum lease payments under capital leases or other similar arrangements is approximately $11 million in 2014, $4 million in 2015 through 2018, and $14 million thereafter.

Reportable_Operating_Segment

Reportable Operating Segment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Reportable Operating Segments	'
	NOTE 25
	Reportable Operating Segments and Geographic Operations
	Reportable Operating Segments
	The Company is a leading global payments and travel company that is principally engaged in businesses comprising four reportable operating segments: USCS, ICS, GCS and GNMS.
	The Company considers a combination of factors when evaluating the composition of its reportable operating segments, including the results reviewed by the chief operating decision maker, economic characteristics, products and services offered, classes of customers, product distribution channels, geographic considerations (primarily U.S. versus non-U.S.), and regulatory environment considerations. The following is a brief description of the primary business activities of the Company's four reportable operating segments:
	USCS issues a wide range of card products and services to consumers and small businesses in the U.S., and provides consumer travel services to Card Members and other consumers.
	ICS issues proprietary consumer and small business cards outside the U.S.
	GCS offers global corporate payment and travel-related products and services to large and mid-sized companies.
	GNMS operates a global payments network which processes and settles proprietary and non-proprietary card transactions. GNMS acquires merchants and provides point-of-sale products, multi-channel marketing programs and capabilities, services and data, leveraging the Company's global closed-loop network. It provides ATM services and enters into partnership agreements with third-party card issuers and acquirers, licensing the American Express brand and extending the reach of the global network.
	Corporate functions and auxiliary businesses, including the Company's Enterprise Growth Group (including Global Payment Options) and other Company operations, are included in Corporate & Other.
	The following table presents certain selected financial information as of or for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011:
															Corporate &
	(Millions, except where indicated)		USCS			ICS			GCS			GNMS			Other		(a)	Consolidated
	2013
	Non-interest revenues		$	12,123		$	4,644		$	5,085		$	5,229		$	846		$	27,927
	Interest income			5,565			1,118			13			32			277			7,005
	Interest expense			693			361			245			-252			911			1,958
	Total revenues net of interest expense			16,995			5,401			4,853			5,513			212			32,974
	Total provision			1,417			444			159			69			21			2,110
	Pretax income (loss) from continuing operations			4,994			643			1,244			2,469			-1,462			7,888
	Income tax provision (benefit)			1,801			12			384			894			-562			2,529
	Income (loss) from continuing operations			3,193			631			860			1,575			-900			5,359
	Total equity (billions)			9.3			3.1			3.7			2			1.4			19.5
	2012
	Non-interest revenues			11,469			4,561			4,995			5,005			897			26,927
	Interest income			5,342			1,147			11			23			331			6,854
	Interest expense			765			402			257			-243			1,045			2,226
	Total revenues net of interest expense			16,046			5,306			4,749			5,271			183			31,555
	Total provision			1,429			330			136			74			21			1,990
	Pretax income (loss) from continuing operations			4,069			659			960			2,219			-1,456			6,451
	Income tax provision (benefit)			1,477			25			316			776			-625			1,969
	Income (loss) from continuing operations			2,592			634			644			1,443			-831			4,482
	Total equity (billions)			8.7			2.9			3.6			2			1.7			18.9
	2011
	Non-interest revenues			10,804			4,470			4,880			4,713			719			25,586
	Interest income			5,074			1,195			9			5			413			6,696
	Interest expense			807			426			264			-224			1,047			2,320
	Total revenues net of interest expense			15,071			5,239			4,625			4,942			85			29,962
	Total provision			687			268			76			75			6			1,112
	Pretax income (loss) from continuing operations			4,129			762			1075			1,979			-989			6,956
	Income tax provision (benefit)			1,449			39			337			686			-454			2,057
	Income (loss) from continuing operations			2,680			723			738			1,293			-535			4,899
	Total equity (billions)		$	8.8		$	2.8		$	3.6		$	2		$	1.6		$	18.8
	Corporate & Other includes adjustments and eliminations for intersegment activity.
	Total Revenues Net of Interest Expense
	The Company allocates discount revenue and certain other revenues among segments using a transfer pricing methodology. Within the USCS, ICS and GCS segments, discount revenue reflects the issuer component of the overall discount revenue generated by each segment's Card Members; within the GNMS segment, discount revenue reflects the network and acquirer component of the overall discount revenue. Net card fees and travel commissions and fees are directly attributable to the segment in which they are reported.
	Interest and fees on loans and certain investment income is directly attributable to the segment in which it is reported. Interest expense reflects an allocated funding cost based on a combination of segment funding requirements and internal funding rates.
	Provisions for Losses
	The provisions for losses are directly attributable to the segment in which they are reported.
	Expenses
	Marketing and promotion expenses are reflected in each segment based on actual expenses incurred, with the exception of brand advertising, which is primarily reflected in the GNMS and USCS segments. Rewards and Card Member services expenses are reflected in each segment based on actual expenses incurred within each segment.
	Salaries and employee benefits and other operating expenses reflect expenses such as professional services, occupancy and equipment and communications incurred directly within each segment. In addition, expenses related to the Company's support services, such as technology costs, are allocated to each segment primarily based on support service activities directly attributable to the segment. Other overhead expenses, such as staff group support functions, are allocated from Corporate & Other to the other segments based on a mix of each segment's direct consumption of services and relative level of pretax income.
	Capital
	Each business segment is allocated capital based on established business model operating requirements, risk measures and regulatory capital requirements. Business model operating requirements include capital needed to support operations and specific balance sheet items. The risk measures include considerations for credit, market and operational risk.
	Income Taxes
	An income tax provision (benefit) is allocated to each business segment based on the effective tax rates applicable to various businesses that comprise the segment.
	Geographic Operations
	The following table presents the Company's total revenues net of interest expense and pretax income (loss) from continuing operations in different geographic regions:
	(Millions)			U.S.			EMEA		(a)	JAPA		(a)	LACC		(a)	Other Unallocated		(b)	Consolidated
	2013(c)
		Total revenues net of interest expense		$	23,745		$	3,700		$	2,952		$	2,900		$	-323		$	32,974
		Pretax income (loss) from continuing operations			7,679			524			488			701			-1,504			7,888
	2012(c)
	Total revenues net of interest expense		$	22,631		$	3,594		$	3,106		$	2,774		$	-550		$	31,555
	Pretax income (loss) from continuing operations			6,468			505			426			605			-1,553			6,451
2011(c)
	Total revenues net of interest expense		$	21,254		$	3,551		$	3,071		$	2,706		$	-620		$	29,962
	Pretax income (loss) from continuing operations			6,971			620			430			583			-1,648			6,956
EMEA represents Europe, the Middle East and Africa; JAPA represents Japan, Asia/Pacific and Australia; and LACC represents Latin America, Canada and the Caribbean.
Other Unallocated includes net costs which are not directly allocable to specific geographic regions, including costs related to the net negative interest spread on excess liquidity funding and executive office operations expenses.
The data in the above table is, in part, based upon internal allocations, which necessarily involve management's judgment.

Parent_Company

Parent Company	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	NOTE 26
	Parent Company
	PARENT COMPANY – CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
	Years Ended December 31 (Millions)				2013			2012			2011
	Revenues
		Non-interest revenues
			Gain on sale of securities		$	135		$	121		$	15
			Other			5			-12			3
	Total non-interest revenues					140			109			18
	Interest income					134			137			142
	Interest expense					-583			-609			-633
	Total revenues net of interest expense					-309			-363			-473
	Expenses
		Salaries and employee benefits				206			165			173
		Other				261			214			186
	Total					467			379			359
	Pretax loss					-776			-742			-832
	Income tax benefit					-297			-258			-346
	Net loss before equity in net income of
		subsidiaries and affiliates				-479			-484			-486
	Equity in net income of subsidiaries and
		affiliates				5,838			4,966			5,385
	Income from continuing operations					5,359			4,482			4,899
	Income from discontinued operations,
		net of tax				―			―			36
	Net income				$	5,359		$	4,482		$	4,935
	PARENT COMPANY – CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
	As of December 31 (Millions)				2013			2012
	Assets
	Cash and cash equivalents				$	6,076		$	4,797
	Investment securities					123			296
	Equity in net assets of subsidiaries and
		affiliates of continuing operations				19,571			19,087
	Accounts receivable, less reserves					378			655
	Premises and equipment, less accumulated
		depreciation: 2013, $76; 2012, $59				136			117
	Loans to subsidiaries and affiliates					5,236			6,733
	Due from subsidiaries and affiliates					1,126			1,189
	Other assets					335			441
	Total assets					32,981			33,315
	Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
	Liabilities
	Accounts payable and other liabilities					1,386			1,474
	Due to subsidiaries and affiliates					926			1,069
	Short-term debt of subsidiaries and affiliates					819			2,316
	Long-term debt					10,354			9,570
		Total liabilities				13,485			14,429
	Shareholders’ equity
	Common shares					213			221
	Additional paid-in capital					12,202			12,067
	Retained earnings					8,507			7,525
	Accumulated other comprehensive loss					-1,426			-927
		Total shareholders’ equity				19,496			18,886
	Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity				$	32,981		$	33,315
	PARENT COMPANY – CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
	Years Ended December 31 (Millions)				2013			2012			2011
	Cash Flows from Operating Activities
	Net income			$	5,359		$	4,482		$	4,935
	Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:
		Equity in net income of subsidiaries and affiliates:
		— Continuing operations			-5,838			-4,966			-5,385
		— Discontinued operations			―			―			-36
		Dividends received from subsidiaries and affiliates			4,768			3,355			3,773
	Gain on sale of securities			-135			-121			-15
	Other operating activities, primarily with subsidiaries and affiliates			324			196			671
	Premium paid on debt exchange			―			-541			―
Net cash provided by operating activities				4,478			2,405			3,943
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Sale of investments				157			118			20
Purchase of investments				―			―			-2
Purchase of premises and equipment				-39			-38			-35
Loans to subsidiaries and affiliates				1,498			-1,601			-189
Investments in subsidiaries and affiliates				―			-11			-18
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities				1,616			-1,532			-224
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Issuance/(principal payments) of/on long-term debt				843			―			-400
Short-term debt of subsidiaries and affiliates				-1,497			1,421			895
Issuance of American Express common shares and other				721			443			594
Repurchase of American Express common shares				-3,943			-3,952			-2,300
Dividends paid				-939			-902			-861
Net cash used in financing activities				-4,815			-2,990			-2,072
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents				1,279			-2,117			1,647
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year				4,797			6,914			5,267
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year			$	6,076		$	4,797		$	6,914
Supplemental cash flow information
Non-cash financing activities
	Impact of debt exchange on long-term debt		$	―		$	439		$	―

Quarterly_Financial_Data_Unaud

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]	'
Quarterly Financial Data	'
	NOTE 27
	QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)
	(Millions, except per share amounts)			2013								2012
	Quarters Ended				31-Dec		30-Sep		30-Jun		31-Mar		12/31(b)		30-Sep		30-Jun		31-Mar
	Total revenues net of interest expense			$	8,547	$	8,301	$	8,245	$	7,881	$	8,141	$	7,862	$	7,965	$	7,587
	Pretax income				1,980		2,004		1,995		1,909		929		1,870		1,879		1,773
	Net income				1,308		1,366		1,405		1,280		637		1,250		1,339		1,256
	Earnings Per Common Share — Basic:
		Net income attributable to common
			shareholders(a)	$	1.22	$	1.26	$	1.28	$	1.15	$	0.57	$	1.1	$	1.16	$	1.07
	Earnings Per Common Share — Diluted:
		Net income attributable to common
			shareholders(a)		1.21		1.25		1.27		1.15		0.56		1.09		1.15		1.07
	Cash dividends declared per common share				0.23		0.23		0.23		0.2		0.2		0.2		0.2		0.2
	Common share price:
			High		90.79		78.63		78.61		67.48		59.4		59.73		61.42		59.26
			Low	$	72.08	$	71.47	$	63.43	$	58.31	$	53.02	$	54.35	$	53.18	$	47.4
	Represents net income, less earnings allocated to participating share awards of $11 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2013, $12 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2013, $13 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2013, $11 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2013, $7 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2012, and $14 million for each of the quarters ended September 30, 2012, June 30, 2012 and March 31, 2012.
	The results of operations for the quarter ended December 31, 2012 included a $400 million restructuring charge ($287 million after-tax), a $342 million Membership Rewards expense ($212 million after-tax) and $153 million ($95 million after-tax) of Card Member reimbursements. The $153 million includes amounts related to prior periods, with $49 million relating to the first three quarters of 2012 and $83 million relating to periods prior to January 1, 2012. The Company has assessed the materiality of these errors on all prior periods and concluded that the impact was not material to those prior periods or to any quarter or full year for 2012.

Significant_Accounting_Policie

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Principles of Consolidation	'
	Principles of Consolidation
	The Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company are prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). Significant intercompany transactions are eliminated.
	The Company consolidates entities in which it holds a “controlling financial interest.” For voting interest entities, the Company is considered to hold a controlling financial interest when it is able to exercise control over the investees' operating and financial decisions. For variable interest entities (VIEs), it is considered to hold a controlling financial interest when it is determined to be the primary beneficiary. A primary beneficiary is the party that has both: (1) the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact that entity's economic performance, and (2) the obligation to absorb losses of, or the right to receive benefits from, the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. The determination of whether an entity is a VIE is based on the amount and characteristics of the entity's equity.
	Entities in which the Company's voting interest in common equity does not provide it with control, but allows the Company to exert significant influence over the operating and financial decisions, are accounted for under the equity method. All other investments in equity securities, to the extent that they are not considered marketable securities, are accounted for under the cost method.
Foreign Currency	'
	Foreign Currency
	Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars based upon exchange rates prevailing at the end of each year. The resulting translation adjustments, along with any related qualifying hedge and tax effects, are included in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income (AOCI), a component of shareholders' equity. Translation adjustments, including qualifying hedge and tax effects, are reclassified to earnings upon the sale or substantial liquidation of investments in foreign operations. Revenues and expenses are translated at the average month-end exchange rates during the year. Gains and losses related to transactions in a currency other than the functional currency, including operations outside the U.S. where the functional currency is the U.S. dollar, are reported net in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Income, in other non-interest revenue, interest income, interest expense, or other expenses, depending on the nature of the activity. Net foreign currency transaction gains amounted to approximately $108 million, $120 million and $145 million in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
Amounts Based on Estimates and Assumptions	'
	Amounts Based on Estimates and Assumptions
	Accounting estimates are an integral part of the Consolidated Financial Statements. These estimates are based, in part, on management's assumptions concerning future events. Among the more significant assumptions are those that relate to reserves for Card Member losses on loans and receivables, the proprietary point liability for Membership Rewards costs, fair value measurement, goodwill and income taxes. These accounting estimates reflect the best judgment of management, but actual results could differ.
Total Revenues Net of Interest Expense	'
	Total Revenues Net of Interest Expense
	Discount Revenue
	Discount revenue represents fees generally charged to merchants with which the Company, or a Global Network Services (GNS) partner, has entered into card acceptance agreements for facilitating transactions between the merchants and the Company's Card Members. The discount fee generally is deducted from the payment to the merchant and recorded as discount revenue at the time the charge is captured.
	Net Card Fees
	Card fees, net of direct card acquisition costs and a reserve for projected membership cancellations, are deferred and recognized on a straight-line basis over the 12-month card membership period as Net Card Fees in the Consolidated Statements of Income. The unamortized net card fee balance is reported net in Other Liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets (refer to Note 11).
	Travel Commissions and Fees
	The Company earns travel commissions and fees by charging clients transaction or management fees for selling and arranging travel and for travel management services. Client transaction fee revenue is recognized at the time the client books the travel arrangements. Travel management services revenue is recognized over the contractual term of the agreement. The Company's travel suppliers (e.g., airlines, hotels and car rental companies) pay commissions and fees on tickets issued, sales and other services based on contractual agreements. Commissions and fees from travel suppliers are generally recognized at the time a ticket is purchased or over the term of the contract. Commissions and fees that are based on services rendered (e.g., hotel stays and car rentals) are recognized based on usage.
	Other Commissions and Fees
	Other commissions and fees include foreign currency conversion fees, Card Member delinquency fees, service fees and other card related assessments, which are recognized primarily in the period in which they are charged to the Card Member (refer to Note 19). In addition, service fees are also earned from other customers (e.g., merchants) for a variety of services and are recognized when the service is performed, which is generally in the period the fee is charged. Also included are fees related to the Company's Membership Rewards program, which are deferred and recognized over the period covered by the fee. The unamortized Membership Rewards fee balance is included in other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets (refer to Note 11).
	Contra-revenue
	The Company regularly makes payments through contractual arrangements with merchants, corporate payments clients, Card Members and certain other customers. Payments to such customers, including cash rebates paid to Card Members, are generally classified as contra-revenue unless a specifically identifiable benefit (e.g., goods or services) is received by the Company or its Card Members in consideration for that payment, and the fair value of such benefit is determinable and measurable. If no such benefit is identified, then the entire payment is classified as contra-revenue and included in the Consolidated Statements of Income in the revenue line item where the related transactions are recorded (e.g., discount revenue, travel commissions and fees and other commissions and fees). If such a benefit is identified, then the payment is classified as expense up to the estimated fair value of the benefit.
	Interest Income
	Interest on Card Member loans is assessed using the average daily balance method. Unless the loan is classified as non-accrual, interest is recognized based upon the outstanding balance, in accordance with the terms of the applicable account agreement, until the outstanding balance is paid or written off.
	Interest and dividends on investment securities primarily relates to the Company's performing fixed-income securities. Interest income is accrued as earned using the effective interest method, which adjusts the yield for security premiums and discounts, fees and other payments, so that a constant rate of return is recognized on the investment security's outstanding balance. Amounts are recognized until such time as a security is in default or when it is likely that future interest payments will not be received as scheduled.
	Interest on deposits with banks and other is recognized as earned, and primarily relates to the placement of cash in interest-bearing time deposits, overnight sweep accounts, and other interest-bearing demand and call accounts.
	Interest Expense
	Interest expense includes interest incurred primarily to fund Card Member loans, charge card product receivables, general corporate purposes, and liquidity needs, and is recognized as incurred. Interest expense is divided principally into two categories: (i) deposits, which primarily relates to interest expense on deposits taken from customers and institutions, and (ii) long-term debt and other, which primarily relates to interest expense on the Company's long-term financing and short-term borrowings, and the realized impact of derivatives hedging interest rate risk.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	'
	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	Cash and cash equivalents include cash and amounts due from banks, interest-bearing bank balances, including securities purchased under resale agreements, and other highly liquid investments with original maturities of 90 days or less.
Premises and Equipment	'
	Premises and Equipment
	Premises and equipment, including leasehold improvements, are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation. Costs incurred during construction are capitalized and are depreciated once an asset is placed in service. Depreciation is generally computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of assets, which range from 3 to 10 years for equipment, furniture and building improvements. Premises are depreciated based upon their estimated useful life at the acquisition date, which generally ranges from 30 to 50 years.
	Leasehold improvements are depreciated using the straight-line method over the lesser of the remaining term of the leased facility or the economic life of the improvement, which ranges from 5 to 10 years. The Company maintains operating leases worldwide for facilities and equipment. Rent expense for facility leases is recognized ratably over the lease term, and includes adjustments for rent concessions, rent escalations and leasehold improvement allowances. The Company recognizes lease restoration obligations at the fair value of the restoration liabilities when incurred, and amortizes the restoration assets over the lease term.
Software development costs	'
	The Company capitalizes certain costs associated with the acquisition or development of internal-use software. Once the software is ready for its intended use, these costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over the software's estimated useful life, generally 5 years.
Fair Value [Abstract]	'
Fair Values	'
	Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date, based on the Company's principal or, in the absence of a principal, most advantageous market for the specific asset or liability.
	GAAP provides for a three-level hierarchy of inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value, defined as follows:
	Level 1 ― Inputs that are quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that the entity can access.
	Level 2 ― Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability, including:
	-       Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets;
	-        Quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active;
	-        Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability; and
	-       Inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means.
	Level 3 ― Inputs that are unobservable and reflect the Company's own estimates about the estimates market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on the best information available in the circumstances (e.g., internally derived assumptions surrounding the timing and amount of expected cash flows). The Company did not measure any financial instruments presented on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) during the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, although the disclosed fair value of certain assets that are not carried at fair value, as presented later in this Note, are classified within Level 3.
	The Company monitors the market conditions and evaluates the fair value hierarchy levels at least quarterly. For any transfers in and out of the levels of the fair value hierarchy, the Company discloses the fair value measurement at the beginning of the reporting period during which the transfer occurred.
Accounts Receivable and Loans [Abstract]	'
Card Member and Other Receivables and Loans	'
	Card Member and Other Receivables
	Card Member receivables, representing amounts due on charge card products, are recorded at the time a Card Member enters into a point-of-sale transaction with a merchant. Each charge card transaction is authorized based on its likely economics reflecting a Card Member's most recent credit information and spend patterns. Additionally, global spend limits are established to limit the maximum exposure for the Company.
	Charge Card Members generally must pay the full amount billed each month. Card Member receivable balances are presented on the Consolidated Balance Sheets net of reserves for losses (refer to Note 5), and include principal and any related accrued fees.
	Card Member and Other Loans
	Card Member loans, representing revolving amounts due on lending card products, are recorded at the time a Card Member enters into a point-of-sale transaction with a merchant, as well as amounts due from charge Card Members who elect to revolve a portion of the outstanding balance by entering into a revolving payment arrangement with the Company. These loans have a range of terms such as credit limits, interest rates, fees and payment structures, which can be revised over time based on new information about Card Members and in accordance with applicable regulations and the respective product's terms and conditions. Card Members holding revolving loans are typically required to make monthly payments based on pre-established amounts. The amounts that Card Members choose to revolve are subject to finance charges.
	Card Member loans are presented on the Consolidated Balance Sheets net of reserves for losses (refer to Note 5), and include principal, accrued interest and fees receivable. The Company's policy generally is to cease accruing interest on a Card Member loan at the time the account is written off, and establish reserves for interest that the Company believes will not be collected.
	Impaired Card Member Loans and Receivables
	Impaired loans and receivables are defined by GAAP as individual larger balance or homogeneous pools of smaller balance loans and receivables for which it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the original contractual terms of the Card Member agreement. The Company considers impaired loans and receivables to include: (i) loans over 90 days past due still accruing interest, (ii) non-accrual loans and (iii) loans and receivables modified as troubled debt restructurings (TDRs).
	The Company may modify, through various company sponsored programs, Card Member loans and receivables in instances where the Card Member is experiencing financial difficulty in order to minimize losses and improve collectability while providing Card Members with temporary or permanent financial relief. The Company has classified Card Member loans and receivables in these modification programs as TDRs. Such modifications to the loans and receivables primarily include (i) temporary interest rate reductions (possibly as low as zero percent, in which case the loan is characterized as non-accrual in the Company's TDR disclosures), (ii) placing the Card Member on a fixed payment plan not to exceed 60 months and (iii) suspending delinquency fees until the Card Member exits the modification program. Upon entering the modification program, the Card Member's ability to make future purchases is either cancelled or in certain cases suspended until the Card Member successfully exits the modification program. In accordance with the modification agreement with the Card Member, loans revert back to the original contractual terms (including the contractual interest rate) when the Card Member exits the modification program, which is either (i) when all payments have been made in accordance with the modification agreement or (ii) when the Card Member defaults out of the modification program. In either case, the Company establishes a reserve for Card Member interest charges and fees considered to be uncollectible.
	Reserves for Card Member loans and receivables modified as TDRs are determined as the difference between the cash flows expected to be received from the Card Member (taking into consideration the probability of subsequent defaults), discounted at the original effective interest rates, and the carrying value of the Card Member loan or receivable balance. The Company determines the original effective interest rate as the interest rate in effect prior to the imposition of any penalty interest rate. All changes in the impairment measurement are included in the provision for losses in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
Reserves For Losses Policy [Abstract]	'
Reserves for losses	'
	Reserves for losses relating to Card Member loans and receivables represent management's best estimate of the probable inherent losses in the Company's outstanding portfolio of loans and receivables, as of the balance sheet date. Management's evaluation process requires certain estimates and judgments.
	Reserves for losses are primarily based upon statistical and analytical models that analyze portfolio performance and reflect management's judgment regarding the quantitative components of the reserve. The models take into account several factors, including delinquency based loss migration rates, loss emergence periods and average losses and recoveries over an appropriate historical period. Management considers whether to adjust the models for specific qualitative factors such as increased risk in certain portfolios, impact of risk management initiatives on portfolio performance and concentration of credit risk based on factors such as vintage, industry or geographic regions. In addition, management may increase or decrease the reserves for losses on Card Member loans for other external environmental qualitative factors, including various indicators related to employment, spend, sentiment, housing and credit, as well as the legal and regulatory environment. Generally, due to the short-term nature of Card Member receivables, the impact of additional external qualitative factors on the probable losses inherent within the Card Member receivables portfolio is not significant. As part of this evaluation process, management also considers various reserve coverage metrics, such as reserves as a percentage of past due amounts, reserves as a percentage of Card Member receivables or loans and net write-off coverage.
	Card Member loans and receivables balances are written off when management considers amounts to be uncollectible, which is generally determined by the number of days past due and is typically no later than 180 days past due. Card Member loans and receivables in bankruptcy or owed by deceased individuals are generally written off upon notification, and recoveries are recognized as they are collected.
Investments [Abstract]	'
Investment securities	'
	Investment securities include debt and equity securities classified as available for sale. The Company's investment securities, principally debt securities, are carried at fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheets with unrealized gains (losses) recorded in AOCI, net of income taxes. Realized gains and losses are recognized in results of operations upon disposition of the securities using the specific identification method on a trade date basis. Refer to Note 3 for a description of the Company's methodology for determining the fair value of investment securities.
	The gross unrealized losses are attributed to overall wider credit spreads for state and municipal securities, wider credit spreads for specific issuers, adverse changes in market benchmark interest rates, or a combination thereof, all as compared to those prevailing when the investment securities were acquired.
	Overall, for the investment securities in gross unrealized loss positions identified above, (i) the Company does not intend to sell the investment securities, (ii) it is more likely than not that the Company will not be required to sell the investment securities before recovery of the unrealized losses, and (iii) the Company expects that the contractual principal and interest will be received on the investment securities. As a result, the Company recognized no other-than-temporary impairment during the periods presented.
Asset Securitization [Abstract]	'
Asset securitizations	'
	The Company periodically securitizes Card Member receivables and loans arising from its card business through the transfer of those assets to securitization trusts. The trusts then issue securities to third-party investors, collateralized by the transferred assets.
	Card Member receivables are transferred to the American Express Issuance Trust II (the Charge Trust II) During 2013, the Company transferred Card Member receivables from the American Express Issuance Trust (the Charge Trust) to the Charge Trust II, collectively referred to as the Charge Trusts, and as such, the Charge Trust was dissolved, and the Company intends to utilize the Charge Trust II for securitization of Card Member receivables.. Card Member loans are transferred to the American Express Credit Account Master Trust (the Lending Trust). The Charge Trust II and the Lending Trust are consolidated by American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. (TRS), which is a consolidated subsidiary of the Company. The trusts are considered VIEs as they have insufficient equity at risk to finance their activities, which are to issue securities that are collateralized by the underlying Card Member receivables and loans.
	TRS, in its role as servicer of the Charge Trust II and the Lending Trust, has the power to direct the most significant activity of the trusts, which is the collection of the underlying Card Member receivables and loans in the trusts. In addition, TRS, excluding its consolidated subsidiaries, owns approximately $1.1 billion of subordinated securities issued by the Lending Trust as of December 31, 2013. These subordinated securities have the obligation to absorb losses of the Lending Trust and provide the right to receive benefits from the Lending Trust, both of which are significant to the VIE. TRS' role as servicer for the Charge Trust II does not provide it with a significant obligation to absorb losses or a significant right to receive benefits. However, TRS' position as the parent company of the entities that transferred the receivables to the Charge Trust II makes it the party most closely related to the Charge Trust II. Based on these considerations, TRS is the primary beneficiary of both the Charge Trust II and the Lending Trust.
	The debt securities issued by the Charge Trust II and the Lending Trust are non-recourse to the Company. Securitized Card Member receivables and loans held by the Charge Trust II and the Lending Trust are available only for payment of the debt securities or other obligations issued or arising in the securitization transactions. The long-term debt of each trust is payable only out of collections on their respective underlying securitized assets.
Other Assets [Abstract]	'
Goodwill and intangible assets	'
	Goodwill
	Goodwill represents the excess of acquisition cost of an acquired company over the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The Company assigns goodwill to its reporting units for the purpose of impairment testing. A reporting unit is defined as an operating segment, or a business that is one level below an operating segment for which discrete financial information is regularly reviewed by the operating segment manager. The Company evaluates goodwill for impairment annually as of June 30 and between annual tests if events occur or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of the reporting unit below its carrying value. The goodwill impairment test utilizes a two-step approach. The first step in the impairment test identifies whether there is potential impairment by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit to the carrying amount, including goodwill. If the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, the second step of the impairment test is required to measure the amount of any impairment loss. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, goodwill was not impaired and there were no accumulated impairment losses.
	Goodwill impairment testing involves management judgment, requiring an assessment of whether the carrying value of the reporting unit can be supported by its fair value using widely accepted valuation techniques. The Company uses a combination of the income approach (discounted cash flows) and market approach (market multiples).
	When preparing discounted cash flow models under the income approach, the Company uses internal forecasts to estimate future cash flows expected to be generated by the reporting units. Actual results may differ from forecasted results. The Company calculates discount rates based on the expected cost of equity financing, estimated using a capital asset pricing model, to discount future cash flows for each reporting unit. The Company believes the discount rates used appropriately reflect the risks and uncertainties in the financial markets generally and specifically in the Company's internally developed forecasts. When using market multiples under the market approach, the Company applies comparable publically traded companies' multiples (e.g. earnings, revenues) to its reporting units' actual results.
Other Liabilities [Abstract]	'
Membership Rewards Policy [Text Block]	'
	Membership Rewards
	The Membership Rewards program allows enrolled Card Members to earn points that can be redeemed for a broad range of rewards including travel, entertainment, retail certificates and merchandise. The Company records a balance sheet liability that represents management's best estimate of the cost of points earned that are expected to be redeemed. An ultimate redemption rate and weighted average cost per point are key factors used to approximate Membership Rewards liability. Management uses statistical and actuarial models to estimate ultimate redemption rates based on redemption trends, current enrollee redemption behavior, card product type, enrollment tenure, card spend levels and credit attributes. The weighted-average cost per point is determined using actual redemptions during the previous 12 months, adjusted as appropriate for certain changes in redemption costs that are not representative of future cost expectations.
	The expense for Membership Rewards points is included in marketing, promotion, rewards and Card Member services expenses. The Company periodically evaluates its liability estimation process and assumptions based on developments in redemption patterns, cost per point redeemed, partner contract changes and other factors.
Derivatives And Hedging Activities [Abstract]	'
Derivatives	'
	Derivative Financial Instruments That Qualify For Hedge Accounting
	Derivatives executed for hedge accounting purposes are documented and designated as such when the Company enters into the contracts. In accordance with its risk management policies, the Company structures its hedges with terms similar to that of the item being hedged. The Company formally assesses, at inception of the hedge accounting relationship and on a quarterly basis, whether derivatives designated as hedges are highly effective in offsetting the fair value or cash flows of the hedged items. These assessments usually are made through the application of a regression analysis method. If it is determined that a derivative is not highly effective as a hedge, the Company will discontinue the application of hedge accounting.
	Fair Value Hedges
	A fair value hedge involves a derivative designated to hedge the Company's exposure to future changes in the fair value of an asset or a liability, or an identified portion thereof that is attributable to a particular risk.
	Cash Flow Hedges
	A cash flow hedge involves a derivative designated to hedge the Company's exposure to variable future cash flows attributable to a particular risk. Such exposures may relate to either an existing recognized asset or liability or a forecasted transaction. The Company hedges existing long-term variable-rate debt, the rollover of short-term borrowings and the anticipated forecasted issuance of additional funding through the use of derivatives, primarily interest rate swaps. These derivative instruments economically convert floating-rate debt obligations to fixed-rate obligations for the duration of the instrument. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company did not hedge any of its floating-rate debt using interest rate swaps.
	For derivatives designated as cash flow hedges, the effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivatives is recorded in AOCI and reclassified into earnings when the hedged cash flows are recognized in earnings. The amount that is reclassified into earnings is presented in the Consolidated Statements of Income in the same line item in which the hedged instrument or transaction is recognized, primarily in interest expense. During the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, the Company reclassified nil, $(1) million and $(13) million, respectively, from AOCI into earnings as a component of interest expense. Any ineffective portion of the gain or loss on the derivatives is reported as a component of other expenses. If a cash flow hedge is de-designated or terminated prior to maturity, the amount previously recorded in AOCI is recognized into earnings over the period that the hedged item impacts earnings. If a hedge relationship is discontinued because it is probable that the forecasted transaction will not occur according to the original strategy, any related amounts previously recorded in AOCI are recognized into earnings immediately. No ineffectiveness associated with cash flow hedges was reclassified from AOCI into income for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011.
	In the normal course of business, as the hedged cash flows are recognized into earnings, the Company does not expect to reclassify any amount of net pretax losses on derivatives from AOCI into earnings during the next 12 months.
	Net Investment Hedges
	A net investment hedge is used to hedge future changes in currency exposure of a net investment in a foreign operation. The Company primarily designates foreign currency derivatives, typically foreign exchange forwards, and on occasion foreign currency denominated debt, as hedges of net investments in certain foreign operations. These instruments reduce exposure to changes in currency exchange rates on the Company's investments in non-U.S. subsidiaries.
	Derivatives Not Designated As Hedges
	The Company has derivatives that act as economic hedges, but are not designated as such for hedge accounting purposes. Foreign currency transactions and non-U.S. dollar cash flow exposures from time to time may be partially or fully economically hedged through foreign currency contracts, primarily foreign exchange forwards, options and cross-currency swaps. These hedges generally mature within one year. Foreign currency contracts involve the purchase and sale of a designated currency at an agreed upon rate for settlement on a specified date. The changes in the fair value of the derivatives effectively offset the related foreign exchange gains or losses on the underlying balance sheet exposures. From time to time, the Company may enter into interest rate swaps to specifically manage funding costs related to its proprietary card business.
Guarantees [Abstract]	'
Guarantees	'
	The Company provides Card Member protection plans that cover losses associated with purchased products, as well as certain other guarantees in the ordinary course of business which are within the scope of GAAP governing the accounting for guarantees. For the Company, guarantees primarily consist of card and travel protection programs, including:
	Return Protection — refunds the price of qualifying purchases made with the eligible cards where the merchant will not accept the return for up to 90 days from the date of purchase; and
	Merchant Protection — protects Card Members primarily against non-delivery of goods and services, usually in the event of bankruptcy or liquidation of a merchant. When this occurs, the Card Member may dispute the transaction for which the Company will generally credit the Card Member's account. If the Company is unable to collect the amount from the merchant, it will bear the loss for the amount credited to the Card Member.
	In relation to its maximum potential undiscounted future payments as shown in the table that follows, to date, the Company has not experienced any significant losses related to guarantees. The Company's initial recognition of guarantees is at fair value, which has been determined in accordance with GAAP governing fair value measurement. In addition, the Company establishes reserves when a loss is probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated.
Income Tax Policy [Abstract]	'
Income taxes	'
	The Company records a deferred income tax (benefit) provision when there are differences between assets and liabilities measured for financial reporting and for income tax return purposes. These temporary differences result in taxable or deductible amounts in future years and are measured using the tax rates and laws that will be in effect when such differences are expected to reverse.
	A valuation allowance is established when management determines that it is more likely than not that all or some portion of the benefit of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The valuation allowances as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 are associated with net operating losses and other deferred tax assets in certain non-U.S. operations of the Company.
	Interest and penalties relating to unrecognized tax benefits are reported in the income tax provision.
Income tax uncertainties	'
	The Company is subject to the income tax laws of the U.S., its states and municipalities and those of the foreign jurisdictions in which the Company operates. These tax laws are complex, and the manner in which they apply to the taxpayer's facts is sometimes open to interpretation. Given these inherent complexities, the Company must make judgments in assessing the likelihood that a tax position will be sustained upon examination by the taxing authorities based on the technical merits of the tax position. A tax position is recognized only when, based on management's judgment regarding the application of income tax laws, it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained upon examination. The amount of benefit recognized for financial reporting purposes is based on management's best judgment of the largest amount of benefit that is more likely than not to be realized on ultimate settlement with the taxing authority given the facts, circumstances and information available at the reporting date. The Company adjusts the level of unrecognized tax benefits when there is new information available to assess the likelihood of the outcome.
Stock Plans [Abstract]	'
Stock-based Compensation policy	'
	Stock Options
	Each stock option has an exercise price equal to the market price of the Company's common stock on the date of grant and a contractual term of 10 years from the date of grant. Stock options generally vest 25 percent per year beginning with the first anniversary of the grant date.
	Restricted Stock Awards
	RSAs are valued based on the stock price on the date of grant and generally vest 25 percent per year, beginning with the first anniversary of the grant date. RSA holders receive non-forfeitable dividends or dividend equivalents. The total fair value of shares vested during 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $336 million, $296 million and $221 million, respectively (based upon the Company's stock price at the vesting date).
	The weighted-average grant date fair value of RSAs granted in 2013, 2012 and 2011, is $60.13, $49.80 and $45.11, respectively.
	Liability-based Awards
	Certain employees are awarded PGs and other incentive awards that can be settled with cash or equity shares at the Company's discretion and final Compensation and Benefits Committee payout approval. These awards earn value based on performance, market and service conditions and vest over periods of one to three years.
	PGs and other incentive awards are generally settled with cash and thus are classified as liabilities and, therefore, the fair value is determined at the date of grant and remeasured quarterly as part of compensation expense over the vesting period.
Regulatory Matters And Capital Adequacy Policy [Abstract]	'
Description of Other Regulatory Limitations	'Restricted Net Assets of Subsidiaries Certain of the Company’s subsidiaries are subject to restrictions on the transfer of net assets under debt agreements and regulatory requirements. These restrictions have not had any effect on the Company’s shareholder dividend policy and management does not anticipate any impact in the future. Procedures exist to transfer net assets between the Company and its subsidiaries, while ensuring compliance with the various contractual and regulatory constraints. As of December 31, 2013, the aggregate amount of net assets of subsidiaries that are restricted to be transferred to the Company was approximately $9.9 billion. Bank Holding Company Dividend Restrictions The Company is limited in its ability to pay dividends by the Federal Reserve, which could prohibit a dividend that would be considered an unsafe or unsound banking practice. It is the policy of the Federal Reserve that bank holding companies generally should pay dividends on common stock only out of net income available to common shareholders generated over the past year, and only if prospective earnings retention is consistent with the organization’s current and expected future capital needs, asset quality and overall financial condition. Moreover, bank holding companies are required by statute to be a source of strength to their insured depository institution subsidiaries and should not maintain dividend levels that undermine their ability to do so. On an annual basis, the Company is required to develop and maintain a capital plan, which includes planned dividends over a two-year horizon, and to submit the capital plan to the Federal Reserve. Banks’ Dividend Restrictions In the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, Centurion Bank paid dividends from retained earnings to its parent of $1.4 billion and $2.0 billion, respectively, and FSB paid dividends from retained earnings to its parent of $1.8 billion and $1.5 billion, respectively. The Banks are subject to statutory and regulatory limitations on their ability to pay dividends. The total amount of dividends that may be paid at any date, subject to supervisory considerations of the Banks’ regulators, is generally limited to the retained earnings of the respective bank. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Banks’ retained earnings, in the aggregate, available for the payment of dividends were $4.6 billion and $4.7 billion, respectively. In determining the dividends to pay its parent, the Banks must also consider the effects on applicable risk-based capital and leverage ratio requirements, as well as policy statements of the federal regulatory agencies. In addition, the Banks’ banking regulators have authority to limit or prohibit the payment of a dividend by the Banks under a number of circumstances, including if, in the banking regulator’s opinion, payment of a dividend would constitute an unsafe or unsound banking practice in light of the financial condition of the banking organization.
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]	'
Commitments and contingencies	'
	Legal Contingencies
	The Company and its subsidiaries are involved in a number of legal proceedings concerning matters arising out of the conduct of their respective business activities and are periodically subject to governmental and regulatory examinations, information gathering requests, subpoenas, inquiries and investigations (collectively, governmental examinations). As of December 31, 2013, the Company and various of its subsidiaries were named as a defendant or were otherwise involved in numerous legal proceedings and governmental examinations in various jurisdictions, both in and outside the U.S. The Company discloses its material legal proceedings and governmental examinations under “Legal Proceedings” in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 (Legal Proceedings).
	The Company has recorded liabilities for certain of its outstanding legal proceedings and governmental examinations. A liability is accrued when it is both (a) probable that a loss has occurred and (b) the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. As discussed below, there may be instances in which an exposure to loss exceeds the accrued liability. The Company evaluates, on a quarterly basis, developments in legal proceedings and governmental examinations that could cause an increase or decrease in the amount of the liability that has been previously accrued or a revision to the disclosed estimated range of possible losses, as applicable.
	The Company's legal proceedings range from cases brought by a single plaintiff to class actions with millions of putative class members. These legal proceedings, as well as governmental examinations, involve various lines of business of the Company and a variety of claims (including, but not limited to, common law tort, contract, antitrust and consumer protection claims), some of which present novel factual allegations and/or unique legal theories. While some matters pending against the Company specify the damages claimed by the plaintiff, many seek a not-yet-quantified amount of damages or are at very early stages of the legal process. Even when the amount of damages claimed against the Company are stated, the claimed amount may be exaggerated and/or unsupported. As a result, some matters have not yet progressed sufficiently through discovery and/or development of important factual information and legal issues to enable the Company to estimate a range of possible loss.
	Other matters have progressed sufficiently through discovery and/or development of important factual information and legal issues so that the Company is able to estimate a range of possible loss. Accordingly, for those legal proceedings and governmental examinations disclosed or referred to in Legal Proceedings where a loss is reasonably possible in future periods, whether in excess of a related accrued liability or where there is no accrued liability, and for which the Company is able to estimate a range of possible loss, the current estimated range is zero to $440 million in excess of any accrued liability related to these matters. This aggregate range represents management's estimate of possible loss with respect to these matters and is based on currently available information. This estimated range of possible loss does not represent the Company's maximum loss exposure. The legal proceedings and governmental examinations underlying the estimated range will change from time to time and actual results may vary significantly from current estimates.
	Based on its current knowledge, and taking into consideration its litigation-related liabilities, the Company believes it is not a party to, nor are any of its properties the subject of, any pending legal proceeding or governmental examination that would have a material adverse effect on the Company's consolidated financial condition or liquidity. However, in light of the uncertainties involved in such matters, the ultimate outcome of a particular matter could be material to the Company's operating results for a particular period depending on, among other factors, the size of the loss or liability imposed and the level of the Company's earnings for that period.
Reportable Operating Segments And Geographic Operations [Abstract]	'
Segment reporting	'
	Reportable Operating Segments
	The Company is a leading global payments and travel company that is principally engaged in businesses comprising four reportable operating segments: USCS, ICS, GCS and GNMS.
	The Company considers a combination of factors when evaluating the composition of its reportable operating segments, including the results reviewed by the chief operating decision maker, economic characteristics, products and services offered, classes of customers, product distribution channels, geographic considerations (primarily U.S. versus non-U.S.), and regulatory environment considerations. The following is a brief description of the primary business activities of the Company's four reportable operating segments:
	USCS issues a wide range of card products and services to consumers and small businesses in the U.S., and provides consumer travel services to Card Members and other consumers.
	ICS issues proprietary consumer and small business cards outside the U.S.
	GCS offers global corporate payment and travel-related products and services to large and mid-sized companies.
	GNMS operates a global payments network which processes and settles proprietary and non-proprietary card transactions. GNMS acquires merchants and provides point-of-sale products, multi-channel marketing programs and capabilities, services and data, leveraging the Company's global closed-loop network. It provides ATM services and enters into partnership agreements with third-party card issuers and acquirers, licensing the American Express brand and extending the reach of the global network.
	Corporate functions and auxiliary businesses, including the Company's Enterprise Growth Group (including Global Payment Options) and other Company operations, are included in Corporate & Other.
	Total Revenues Net of Interest Expense
	The Company allocates discount revenue and certain other revenues among segments using a transfer pricing methodology. Within the USCS, ICS and GCS segments, discount revenue reflects the issuer component of the overall discount revenue generated by each segment's Card Members; within the GNMS segment, discount revenue reflects the network and acquirer component of the overall discount revenue. Net card fees and travel commissions and fees are directly attributable to the segment in which they are reported.
	Interest and fees on loans and certain investment income is directly attributable to the segment in which it is reported. Interest expense reflects an allocated funding cost based on a combination of segment funding requirements and internal funding rates.
	Provisions for Losses
	The provisions for losses are directly attributable to the segment in which they are reported.
	Expenses
	Marketing and promotion expenses are reflected in each segment based on actual expenses incurred, with the exception of brand advertising, which is primarily reflected in the GNMS and USCS segments. Rewards and Card Member services expenses are reflected in each segment based on actual expenses incurred within each segment.
	Salaries and employee benefits and other operating expenses reflect expenses such as professional services, occupancy and equipment and communications incurred directly within each segment. In addition, expenses related to the Company's support services, such as technology costs, are allocated to each segment primarily based on support service activities directly attributable to the segment. Other overhead expenses, such as staff group support functions, are allocated from Corporate & Other to the other segments based on a mix of each segment's direct consumption of services and relative level of pretax income.
	Capital
	Each business segment is allocated capital based on established business model operating requirements, risk measures and regulatory capital requirements. Business model operating requirements include capital needed to support operations and specific balance sheet items. The risk measures include considerations for credit, market and operational risk.
	Income Taxes
	An income tax provision (benefit) is allocated to each business segment based on the effective tax rates applicable to various businesses that comprise the segment.

Acquisitions_and_Divestitures_

Acquisitions and Divestitures (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Acquisitions Tables [Abstract]	'
Assets acquired and liabilities assumed for acquisitions	'
	The following table summarizes the assets acquired and liabilities assumed for this acquisition as of the acquisition date:
				Loyalty
	(Millions)			Partner(a)
	Goodwill		$	539
	Definite-lived intangible assets			295
	Other assets			208
		Total assets		1,042
		Total liabilities (including NCI)		426
	Net assets acquired		$	616
	The final purchase price allocation was completed in 2012. The above amounts do not differ significantly from the estimates at the acquisition date.

Fair_Values_Tables

Fair Values (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Values (Tables) [Abstract]	'
Fair value assets and liabilities measured on recurring basis	'
	The following table summarizes the Company's financial assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis, categorized by GAAP's valuation hierarchy (as described in the preceding paragraphs), as of December 31:
				2013									2012
	(Millions)			Total			Level 1			Level 2			Total			Level 1			Level 2
	Assets:
	Investment securities:(a)
		Equity securities		$	124		$	124		$	―		$	296		$	296		$	―
		Debt securities and other			4,892			320			4,572			5,318			338			4,980
	Derivatives(a)				701			―			701			942			―			942
	Total assets				5,717			444			5,273			6,556			634			5,922
	Liabilities:
	Derivatives(a)				213			―			213			329			―			329
	Total liabilities			$	213		$	―		$	213		$	329		$	―		$	329
	Refer to Note 6 for the fair values of investment securities and to Note 12 for the fair values of derivative assets and liabilities, on a further disaggregated basis.
Estimated fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities	'
	The following table discloses the estimated fair value for the Company's financial assets and financial liabilities that are not required to be carried at fair value on a recurring basis, as of December 31, 2013 and 2012:
							Carrying			Corresponding Fair Value Amount
	2013 (Billions)						Value			Total			Level 1			Level 2			Level 3
	Financial Assets:
		Financial assets for which carrying values equal or
			approximate fair value
				Cash and cash equivalents		$	19		$	19		$	17		$	2	(a)	$	―
				Other financial assets(b)			48			48			―			48			―
		Financial assets carried at other than fair value
				Loans, net			67			67	(c)		―			―			67
	Financial Liabilities:
		Financial liabilities for which carrying values equal or
			approximate fair value				60			60			―			60			―
		Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value
				Certificates of deposit(d)			7			8			―			8			―
				Long-term debt		$	55		$	58	(c)	$	―		$	58		$	―
							Carrying			Corresponding Fair Value Amount
	2012 (Billions)						Value			Total			Level 1			Level 2			Level 3
	Financial Assets:
		Financial assets for which carrying values equal or
			approximate fair value
				Cash and cash equivalents		$	22		$	22		$	21		$	1	(a)	$	―
				Other financial assets(b)			47			47			―			47			―
		Financial assets carried at other than fair value
				Loans, net			64			65	(c)		―			―			65
	Financial Liabilities:
		Financial liabilities for which carrying values equal or
			approximate fair value				55			55			―			55			―
		Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value
				Certificates of deposit(d)			10			10			―			10			―
				Long-term debt		$	59		$	62	(c)	$	―		$	62		$	―
	Reflects time deposits.
	Includes accounts receivable (including fair values of Card Member receivables of $7.3 billion and $8.0 billion held by consolidated VIEs as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively), restricted cash and other miscellaneous assets.
	Includes fair values of loans of $31.0 billion and $32.4 billion, and long-term debt of $18.8 billion and $19.5 billion, held by consolidated VIEs as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Presented as a component of customer deposits on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Accounts_Receivable_and_Loans_

Accounts Receivable and Loans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounts Receivable and Loans (Tables) [Abstract]	'
Card Member receivables segment detail	'
	Accounts receivable as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 consisted of:
	(Millions)		2013			2012
	U.S. Card Services(a)		$	21,842		$	21,124
	International Card Services			7,771			7,778
	Global Commercial Services(b)			14,391			13,671
	Global Network & Merchant Services(c)			159			193
	Card Member receivables(d)			44,163			42,766
	Less: Reserve for losses			386			428
	Card Member receivables, net			43,777			42,338
	Other receivables, net(e)		$	3,408		$	3,576
	Includes $7.3 billion and $7.5 billion of gross Card Member receivables available to settle obligations of consolidated VIEs as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Includes $476 million of gross Card Member receivables available to settle obligations of a consolidated VIE as of December 31, 2012. Also includes $836 million and $913 million due from airlines, of which Delta Air Lines (Delta) comprises $628 million and $676 million as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Includes receivables primarily related to the Company's International Currency Card portfolios.
	Includes approximately $13.8 billion and $13.7 billion of Card Member receivables outside the U.S. as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Other receivables primarily represent amounts related to (i) purchased joint venture receivables, (ii) certain merchants for billed discount revenue, and (iii) GNS partner banks for items such as royalty and franchise fees. Other receivables are presented net of reserves for losses of $71 million and $86 million as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Card Member loans segment detail	'
	Loans as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 consisted of:
	(Millions)			2013			2012
	U.S. Card Services(a)		$	58,395		$	55,953
	International Card Services			8,790			9,236
	Global Commercial Services			53			40
	Card Member loans			67,238			65,229
	Less: Reserve for losses			1,261			1,471
	Card Member loans, net			65,977			63,758
	Other loans, net(b)		$	608		$	551
	Includes approximately $31.2 billion and $32.7 billion of gross Card Member loans available to settle obligations of consolidated VIEs as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Other loans primarily represent loans to merchants and a store card loan portfolio. Other loans are presented net of reserves for losses of $13 million and $20 million as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Aging of Card Member loans and receivables	'
	The following table represents the aging of Card Member loans and receivables as of December 31, 2013 and 2012:
								30-59			60-89			90+
								Days			Days			Days
								Past			Past			Past
	2013 (Millions)				Current			Due			Due			Due			Total
	Card Member
		Loans:
	U.S. Card Services			$	57,772		$	183		$	134		$	306		$	58,395
	International Card
		Services			8,664			43			28			55			8,790
	Card Member
		Receivables:
	U.S. Card Services			$	21,488		$	125		$	69		$	160		$	21,842
	International Card
		Services(a)			(b)			(b)			(b)			83			7,771
	Global Commercial
		Services(a)			(b)			(b)			(b)			132			14,391
								30-59			60-89			90+
								Days			Days			Days
								Past			Past			Past
	2012 (Millions)				Current			Due			Due			Due			Total
	Card Member
		Loans:
	U.S. Card Services			$	55,281		$	200		$	147		$	325		$	55,953
	International Card
		Services			9,099			47			30			60			9,236
	Card Member
		Receivables:
	U.S. Card Services			$	20,748		$	116		$	76		$	184		$	21,124
	International Card
		Services(a)			(b)			(b)			(b)			74			7,778
	Global Commercial
		Services(a)			(b)			(b)			(b)			112			13,671
	For Card Member receivables in ICS and GCS, delinquency data is tracked based on days past billing status rather than days past due. A Card Member account is considered 90 days past billing if payment has not been received within 90 days of the Card Member's billing statement date. In addition, if the Company initiates collection procedures on an account prior to the account becoming 90 days past billing, the associated Card Member receivable balance is considered as 90 days past billing. These amounts are shown above as 90+ Days Past Due for presentation purposes.
	Data for periods prior to 90 days past billing are not available due to financial reporting system constraints. Therefore, it has not been relied upon for risk management purposes. The balances that are current to 89 days past due can be derived as the difference between the Total and the 90+ Days Past Due balances.
Credit quality indicators for loans and receivables	'
	The following tables present the key credit quality indicators as of or for the years ended December 31:
			2013						2012
			Net Write-Off Rate						Net Write-Off Rate
							30 Days						30 Days
					Principal,		Past Due				Principal,		Past Due
			Principal		Interest, &		as a % of		Principal		Interest, &		as a % of
			Only	(a)	Fees	(a)	Total		Only	(a)	Fees	(a)	Total
	Card Member Loans:
	U.S. Card Services		1.8	%	2	%	1.1	%	2.1	%	2.3	%	1.2	%
	International Card Services		1.9	%	2.3	%	1.4	%	1.9	%	2.4	%	1.5	%
	Card Member Receivables:
	U.S. Card Services		1.7	%	1.9	%	1.6	%	1.9	%	2.1	%	1.8	%
							2013				2012
							Net Loss				Net Loss
							Ratio as		90 Days		Ratio as		90 Days
							a % of		Past Billing		a % of		Past Billing
							Charge		as a % of		Charge		as a % of
							Volume		Receivables		Volume		Receivables
	Card Member Receivables:
	International Card Services						0.2	%	1.1	%	0.16	%	0.9	%
	Global Commercial Services						0.08	%	0.9	%	0.06	%	0.8	%
	The Company presents a net write-off rate based on principal losses only (i.e., excluding interest and/or fees) to be consistent with industry convention. In addition, because the Company's practice is to include uncollectible interest and/or fees as part of its total provision for losses, a net write-off rate including principal, interest and/or fees is also presented.
Impaired Card Member loans and receivables	'
	The following table provides additional information with respect to the Company's impaired Card Member loans, which are not significant for GCS, and Card Member receivables, which are not significant for ICS and GCS, as of or for the years ended December 31:
				As of December 31, 2013																	For the Year Ended December 31, 2013
				Loans over
				90 Days						Loans &			Total									Average
				Past Due			Non-			Receivables			Impaired			Unpaid						Balance of		Interest
			& Accruing				Accrual			Modified			Loans &			Principal			Allowance			Impaired		Income
	2013 (Millions)			Interest	(a)		Loans	(b)		as a TDR	(c)		Receivables			Balance	(d)		for TDRs	(e)		Loans		Recognized
	Card Member Loans:
	U.S. Card Services		$	170		$	244		$	373		$	787		$	731		$	84		$	943	$	46
	International Card Services			54			4			5			63			62			―			67		16
	Card Member Receivables:
	U.S. Card Services			―			―			50			50			49			38			81		―
	Total		$	224		$	248		$	428		$	900		$	842		$	122		$	1,091	$	62
				As of December 31, 2012																	For the Year Ended December 31, 2012
				Loans over
				90 Days						Loans &			Total									Average
				Past Due			Non-			Receivables			Impaired			Unpaid						Balance of		Interest
			& Accruing				Accrual			Modified			Loans &			Principal			Allowance			Impaired		Income
	2012 (Millions)			Interest	(a)		Loans	(b)		as a TDR	(c)		Receivables			Balance	(d)	for TDRs		(e)		Loans		Recognized
	Card Member Loans:
	U.S. Card Services		$	73		$	426		$	627		$	1,126		$	1,073		$	152		$	1,221	$	47
	International Card Services			59			5			6			70			69			1			75		16
	Card Member Receivables:
	U.S. Card Services			―			―			117			117			111			91			135		―
	Total		$	132		$	431		$	750		$	1,313		$	1,253		$	244		$	1,431	$	63
				As of December 31, 2011																	For the Year Ended December 31, 2011
				Loans over
				90 Days						Loans &			Total									Average
				Past Due			Non-			Receivables			Impaired			Unpaid						Balance of		Interest
			& Accruing				Accrual			Modified			Loans &			Principal			Allowance			Impaired		Income
	2011 (Millions)			Interest	(a)		Loans	(b)		as a TDR	(c)		Receivables			Balance	(d)	for TDRs		(e)		Loans		Recognized
	Card Member Loans:
	U.S. Card Services		$	64		$	529		$	736		$	1,329		$	1,268		$	174		$	1,498	$	52
	International Card Services			67			6			8			81			80			2			98		26
	Card Member Receivables:
	U.S. Card Services			―			―			174			174			165			118			145		―
	Total		$	131		$	535		$	918		$	1,584		$	1,513		$	294		$	1,741	$	78
	The Company's policy is generally to accrue interest through the date of write-off (at 180 days past due). The Company establishes reserves for interest that the Company believes will not be collected. Excludes loans modified as a TDR.
	Non-accrual loans not in modification programs primarily include certain Card Member loans placed with outside collection agencies for which the Company has ceased accruing interest.
	Total loans and receivables modified as a TDR includes $92 million, $320 million and $410 million that are non-accrual and $26 million, $6 million and $4 million that are past due 90 days and still accruing interest as of December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	Unpaid principal balance consists of Card Member charges billed and excludes other amounts charged directly by the Company such as interest and fees.
	Represents the reserve for losses for TDRs, which are evaluated individually for impairment. The Company records a reserve for losses for all impaired loans. Refer to Card Member Loans Evaluated Individually and Collectively for Impairment in Note 5 for further discussion of the reserve for losses on loans over 90 days past due and accruing interest and non-accrual loans, which are evaluated collectively for impairment.
Troubled debt restructurings	'
	The following table provides additional information with respect to the Card Member loans and receivables modified as TDRs, which are not significant for ICS and GCS, during the years ended December 31:
	2013					Aggregated
	(Accounts in thousands,			Number of		Outstanding
	Dollars in millions)			Accounts			Balances(a,b)
	Troubled Debt Restructurings:
	U.S. Card Services ―
		Card Member Loans		60		$	448
	U.S. Card Services ―
		Card Member Receivables		20			247
	Total			80		$	695
	2012					Aggregated
	(Accounts in thousands,			Number of		Outstanding
	Dollars in millions)			Accounts			Balances(a,b)
	Troubled Debt Restructurings:
	U.S. Card Services ―
		Card Member Loans		106		$	779
	U.S. Card Services ―
		Card Member Receivables		37			425
	Total			143		$	1,204
	2011					Aggregated
	(Accounts in thousands,			Number of		Outstanding
	Dollars in millions)			Accounts			Balances(a,b)
	Troubled Debt Restructurings:
	U.S. Card Services ―
		Card Member Loans		147		$	1,110
	U.S. Card Services ―
		Card Member Receivables		50			402
	Total			197		$	1,512
	Represents the outstanding balance immediately prior to modification. In certain modifications the principal balance was reduced in the aggregate amount of $4 million, $24 million and $59 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	Includes principal and accrued interest.
Troubled debt restructurings that subsequently defaulted	'
	The following table provides information for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, with respect to the Card Member loans and receivables modified as TDRs that subsequently defaulted within 12 months of modification. A Card Member will default from a modification program after one and up to two consecutive missed payments, depending on the terms of the modification program. For all Card Members that defaulted from a modification program, the probability of default is factored into the reserves for Card Member loans and receivables. The defaulted ICS Card Member loan and receivable modifications were not significant.
								Aggregated
	2013						Outstanding
	(Accounts in thousands,				Number of			Balances
	Dollars in millions)				Accounts		Upon Default(a)
	Troubled Debt Restructurings
	That Subsequently Defaulted:
	U.S. Card Services ―
		Card Member Loans			18		$	159
	U.S. Card Services ―
		Card Member Receivables			3			38
	Total				21		$	197
								Aggregated
	2012						Outstanding
	(Accounts in thousands,				Number of			Balances
	Dollars in millions)				Accounts		Upon Default(a)
	Troubled Debt Restructurings
	That Subsequently Defaulted:
	U.S. Card Services ―
		Card Member Loans			23		$	182
	U.S. Card Services ―
		Card Member Receivables			1			37
	Total				24		$	219
								Aggregated
	2011						Outstanding
	(Accounts in thousands,				Number of			Balances
	Dollars in millions)				Accounts		Upon Default(a)
	Troubled Debt Restructurings
	That Subsequently Defaulted:
	U.S. Card Services ―
		Card Member Loans			46		$	343
	U.S. Card Services ―
		Card Member Receivables			6			45
	Total				52		$	388
	The outstanding balance includes principal, fees, and accrued interest on Card Member Loans and principal and fees on Card Member Receivables.

Reserves_For_Losses_Tables

Reserves For Losses (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Reserves For Losses Tables [Abstract]	'
Changes in the Card Member receivable reserve for losses	'
	The following table presents changes in the Card Member receivables reserve for losses for the years ended December 31:
	(Millions)					2013			2012			2011
	Balance, January 1				$	428		$	438		$	386
	Additions:
		Provisions(a)				647			601			603
		Other(b)				142			141			167
			Total provision			789			742			770
	Deductions:
		Net write-offs(c)				-669			-640			-560
		Other(d)				-162			-112			-158
	Balance, December 31				$	386		$	428		$	438
	Provisions for principal (resulting from authorized transactions) and fee reserve components.
	Provisions for unauthorized transactions.
	Consists of principal (resulting from authorized transactions) and fee components, less recoveries of $402 million, $383 million and $349 million, including net write-offs from TDRs of $12 million, $87 million and $82 million, for the years ended 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	Includes net write-offs resulting from unauthorized transactions of $(160) million, $(141) million and $(161) million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively; foreign currency translation adjustments of $(4) million, $2 million and $(2) million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively; a reclassification of Card Member bankruptcy reserves of $18 million from other liabilities to credit reserves in 2012 and other items of $2 million, $9 million and $5 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
Card Member receivables and related reserves evaluated separately and collectively for impairment	'
	The following table presents Card Member receivables evaluated individually and collectively for impairment and related reserves as of December 31:
	(Millions)			2013			2012			2011
	Card Member receivables evaluated
		individually for impairment(a)		$	50		$	117		$	174
	Related reserves(a)			$	38		$	91		$	118
	Card Member receivables evaluated
		collectively for impairment		$	44,113		$	42,649		$	40,716
	Related reserves			$	348		$	337		$	320
	Represents receivables modified in a TDR and related reserves. Refer to the Impaired Card Member Loans and Receivables discussion in Note 4 for further information.
Changes in the Card Member loans reserve for losses	'
	The following table presents changes in the Card Member loans reserve for losses for the years ended December 31:
	(Millions)					2013			2012			2011
	Balance, January 1				$	1,471		$	1,874		$	3,646
	Additions:
		Provisions(a)				1,114			1,031			145
		Other(b)				115			118			108
			Total provision			1,229			1,149			253
	Deductions:
		Net write-offs
			Principal(c)			-1,141			-1,280			-1,720
			Interest and fees(c)			-150			-157			-201
		Other(d)				-148			-115			-104
	Balance, December 31				$	1,261		$	1,471		$	1,874
	Provisions for principal (resulting from authorized transactions), interest and fee reserves components.
	Provisions for unauthorized transactions.
	Consists of principal write-offs (resulting from authorized transactions), less recoveries of $452 million, $493 million and $578 million, including net write-offs from TDRs of $(1) million, $25 million and $29 million, for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Recoveries of interest and fees were de minimis.
	Includes net write-offs resulting from unauthorized transactions of $(130) million, $(116) million and $(103) million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively; foreign currency translation adjustments of $(12) million, $7 million and $(2) million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively; a reclassification of Card Member bankruptcy reserves of $4 million from other liabilities to credit reserves in 2012 and other items of $(6) million, $(10) million and $1 million, for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
Card Member loans and related reserves evaluated separately and collectively for impairment	'
	The following table presents Card Member loans evaluated individually and collectively for impairment and related reserves as of December 31:
	(Millions)			2013			2012			2011
	Card Member loans evaluated
		individually for impairment(a)		$	378		$	633		$	744
	Related reserves(a)			$	84		$	153		$	176
	Card Member loans evaluated
	collectively for impairment(b)			$	66,860		$	64,596		$	61,877
	Related reserves(b)			$	1,177		$	1,318		$	1,698
	Represents loans modified in a TDR and related reserves. Refer to the Impaired Card Member Loans and Receivables discussion in Note 4 for further information.
	Represents current loans and loans less than 90 days past due, loans over 90 days past due and accruing interest, and non-accrual loans and related reserves. The reserves include the quantitative results of analytical models that are specific to individual pools of loans and reserves for external environmental qualitative factors that apply to loans in geographic markets that are collectively evaluated for impairment and are not specific to any individual pool of loans.

Investment_Securities_Tables

Investment Securities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Investment Securities (Tables) [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Available for Sale Securities by Type	'
	The following is a summary of investment securities as of December 31:
		2013												2012
					Gross			Gross			Estimated						Gross			Gross			Estimated
					Unrealized			Unrealized			Fair						Unrealized			Unrealized			Fair
	Description of Securities (Millions)		Cost		Gains			Losses			Value				Cost		Gains			Losses			Value
	State and municipal obligations	$	4,060		$	54		$	-79		$	4,035		$	4,280		$	199		$	-5		$	4,474
	U.S. Government agency obligations		3			―			―			3			3			―			―			3
	U.S. Government treasury obligations		318			3			-1			320			330			8			―			338
	Corporate debt securities		43			3			―			46			73			6			―			79
	Mortgage-backed securities (a)		160			5			-1			164			210			14			―			224
	Equity securities (b)		29			95			―			124			64			232			―			296
	Foreign government bonds and obligations		272			5			-1			276			134			15			―			149
	Other (c)		50			―			-2			48			51			―			―			51
	Total	$	4,935		$	165		$	-84		$	5,016		$	5,145		$	474		$	-5		$	5,614
	Represents mortgage-backed securities guaranteed by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac or Ginnie Mae.
	Primarily represents the Company's investment in ICBC.
	Other comprises investments in various mutual funds.
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	'
	The following table provides information about the Company's investment securities with gross unrealized losses and the length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position as of December 31:
				2013												2012
				Less than 12 months						12 months or more						Less than 12 months						12 months or more
							Gross							Gross					Gross						Gross
				Estimated			Unrealized			Estimated			Unrealized			Estimated			Unrealized			Estimated			Unrealized
	Description of Securities (Millions)			Fair Value			Losses			Fair Value			Losses			Fair Value			Losses			Fair Value			Losses
	State and municipal obligations			$	1,320		$	-63		$	106		$	-16		$	100		$	-1		$	73		$	-4
	Foreign government bonds and obligations				208			-1			―			―			―			―			―			―
	U.S. Government treasury obligations				166			-1			―			―			―			―			―			―
	Mortgage-backed securities				35			-1			―			―			―			―			―			―
	Other				30			-1			17			-1			―			―			―			―
	Total			$	1,759		$	-67		$	123		$	-17		$	100		$	-1		$	73		$	-4
Available for Sale Securities Ratio of Fair Value to Amortized Cost	'
	The following table summarizes the gross unrealized losses due to temporary impairments by ratio of fair value to amortized cost as of December 31:
			Less than 12 months								12 months or more								Total
								Gross								Gross								Gross
	Ratio of Fair Value to		Number of		Estimated			Unrealized			Number of		Estimated			Unrealized			Number of		Estimated			Unrealized
	Amortized Cost (Dollars in millions)		Securities		Fair Value			Losses			Securities		Fair Value			Losses			Securities		Fair Value			Losses
	2013:00:00
	90%–100%		228		$	1,665		$	-53		6		$	24		$	-2		234		$	1,689		$	-55
	Less than 90%		13			94			-14		5			99			-15		18			193			-29
	Total as of December 31, 2013		241		$	1,759		$	-67		11		$	123		$	-17		252		$	1,882		$	-84
	2012:00:00
	90%–100%		46		$	100		$	-1		4		$	73		$	-4		50		$	173		$	-5
	Total as of December 31, 2012		46		$	100		$	-1		4		$	73		$	-4		50		$	173		$	-5
Gross realized gains and losses on the sales of investment securities	'
	Gross realized gains and losses on the sales of investment securities, included in other non-interest revenues, were as follows:
	(Millions)		2013			2012			2011
	Gains		$	136		$	127		$	16
	Losses			―			-1			―
	Total		$	136		$	126		$	16
Contractual maturities of investment securities	'
	Contractual maturities of investment securities, excluding equity securities and other securities, as of December 31, 2013 were as follows:
						Estimated
	(Millions)		Cost			Fair Value
	Due within 1 year		$	505		$	505
	Due after 1 year but within 5 years			489			496
	Due after 5 years but within 10 years			215			224
	Due after 10 years			3,647			3,619
	Total		$	4,856		$	4,844

Other_Assets_Tables

Other Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Other Assets Tables [Abstract]	'
Other assets	'
	The following is a summary of other assets as of December 31:
	(Millions)	2013		2012
	Goodwill	$	3,198	$	3,181
	Deferred tax assets, net(a)		2,443		2,458
	Prepaid expenses(b)		1,998		1,960
	Other intangible assets, at amortized cost		817		993
	Restricted cash(c)		486		568
	Derivative assets(a)		329		593
	Other		1,957		1,665
	Total	$	11,228	$	11,418
	Refer to Notes 17 and 12 for a discussion of deferred tax assets, net, and derivative assets, respectively, as of December 31, 2013 and 2012. Derivative assets reflect the impact of master netting agreements.
	Includes prepaid miles and reward points acquired primarily from airline partners of approximately $1.5 billion and $1.4 billion, as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, including approximately $0.9 billion and $1.1 billion, respectively, from Delta.
	Includes restricted cash of approximately $58 million and $76 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, which is primarily held for coupon and certain asset-backed securitization maturities.
Changes in carrying amount of goodwill	'
	The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill reported in the Company's reportable operating segments and Corporate & Other were as follows:
										Corporate &
	(Millions)	USCS		ICS		GCS		GNMS			Other	Total
	Balance as of January 1, 2012	$	175	$	1,023	$	1,543	$	160	$	271	$	3,172
	Acquisitions		―		1		―		―		―		1
	Dispositions		―		-2		-1		―		―		-3
	Other, including foreign currency translation		―		9		2		―		―		11
	Balance as of December 31, 2012	$	175	$	1,031	$	1,544	$	160	$	271	$	3,181
	Acquisitions		―		―		―		―		―		―
	Dispositions		―		―		―		―		―		―
	Other, including foreign currency translation		-1		21		-1		―		-2		17
	Balance as of December 31, 2013	$	174	$	1,052	$	1,543	$	160	$	269	$	3,198
Components of other intangible assets	'
	The components of other intangible assets were as follows:
			2013						2012
	(Millions)		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Net Carrying Amount		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Net Carrying Amount
	Customer relationships(a)	$	1,297	$	-660	$	637	$	1,238	$	-526	$	712
	Other		269		-89		180		428		-147		281
	Total	$	1,566	$	-749	$	817	$	1,666	$	-673	$	993
	Includes net intangibles acquired from airline partners of $290 million and $358 million as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, including approximately $117 million and $156 million, respectively, from Delta.
Estimated amortization expense for other intangible assets	'
	Estimated amortization expense for other intangible assets over the next five years is as follows:
	(Millions)		2014		2015		2016		2017		2018
	Estimated amortization expense	$	184	$	164	$	123	$	72	$	61

Customer_Deposits_Tables

Customer Deposits (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Customer Deposits (Tables) [Abstract]	'
Deposits By Component Alternative	'
	As of December 31, customer deposits were categorized as interest-bearing or non-interest-bearing as follows
	(Millions)				2013			2012
	U.S.:
		Interest-bearing			$	40,831		$	39,649
		Non-interest-bearing (includes Card
			Member credit balances of:
			2013, $340 million; 2012, nil)(a)			360			10
	Non-U.S.:
		Interest-bearing				121			135
		Non-interest-bearing (includes Card
			Member credit balances of:
			2013, $437 million; 2012, nil)(a)			451			9
	Total customer deposits				$	41,763		$	39,803
	Beginning the first quarter of 2013, the Company reclassified prospectively its Card Member credit balances from Card Member loans, Card Member receivables and other liabilities to customer deposits.
Deposits By Type	'
	Customer deposits by deposit type as of December 31 were as follows:
	(Millions)					2013			2012
	U.S. retail deposits:
		Savings accounts ― Direct				$	24,550		$	18,713
		Certificates of deposit:
			Direct				489			725
			Third-party				6,929			8,851
		Sweep accounts ―Third-party					8,863			11,360
	Other retail deposits:
		Non-U.S. deposits and U.S. non-
			interest bearing deposits				155			154
	Card Member credit balances ― U.S.
		and non-U.S.					777			―
	Total customer deposits					$	41,763		$	39,803
Time Deposits By Maturity	'
	The scheduled maturities of certificates of deposit as of December 31, 2013 were as follows:
	(Millions)		U.S.			Non-U.S.			Total
	2014		$	2,735		$	3		$	2,738
	2015			1,223			―			1,223
	2016			1,658			―			1,658
	2017			571			―			571
	2018			1,040			―			1,040
	After 5 years			191			―			191
	Total		$	7,418		$	3		$	7,421
Time Deposits $100,000 Or More	'
	As of December 31, certificates of deposit in denominations of $100,000 or more were as follows:
	(Millions)		2013			2012
	U.S.		$	324		$	475
	Non-U.S.			2			1
	Total		$	326		$	476

Debt_Tables

Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt (Tables) [Abstract]	'
Short-term borrowings	'
	The Company's short-term borrowings outstanding, defined as borrowings with original maturities of less than one year, as of December 31 were as follows:
		2013					2012
	(Millions, except percentages)	Outstanding Balance		Year-End Stated Rate on Debt	(a)		Outstanding Balance			Year-End Stated Rate on Debt	(a)
	Commercial paper	$	200	0.19	%		$	―		―	%
	Other short-term borrowings(b)(c)		4,821	1.08				3,314		1.46
	Total	$	5,021	1.03	%		$	3,314		1.46	%
	For floating-rate debt issuances, the stated interest rates are based on the floating rates in effect as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Includes interest-bearing overdrafts with banks of $489 million and $615 million as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. In addition, balances include fully drawn secured borrowing facility (maturing on September 15, 2015, which was repaid on February 18, 2014), certain book overdrafts (i.e., primarily timing differences arising in the ordinary course of business), short-term borrowings from banks, as well as interest-bearing amounts due to merchants in accordance with merchant service agreements. The secured borrowing facility gives the Company the right to sell up to $2.0 billion face amount of eligible certificates issued from the Lending Trust.
	The Company paid $12.5 million and $1.4 million in fees to maintain the secured borrowing facility in 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Long-term debt	'
	The Company's long-term debt outstanding, defined as debt with original maturities of one year or greater, as of December 31 was as follows:
			2013									2012
	(Millions, except percentages)		Maturity Dates	Outstanding Balance		(a)	Year-End Stated Rate on Debt	(b)	Year-End Effective Interest Rate with Swaps	(b)(c)	Outstanding Balance		(a)	Year-End Stated Rate on Debt	(b)	Year-End Effective Interest Rate with Swaps	(b)(c)
	American Express Company
	(Parent Company only)
	Fixed Rate Senior Notes		2014-2042	$	8,784		5.43	%	4.6	%	$	8,848		5.78	%	4.95	%
	Floating Rate Senior Notes		2018		850		0.84		―			―		―		―
	Subordinated Debentures(d)		2036		749		6.8		―			749		6.8		―
	American Express Credit Corporation
	Fixed Rate Senior Notes		2014-2018		14,875		3.13		2.03			17,163		4.2		2.39
	Floating Rate Senior Notes		2014-2016		2,855		1.14		―			2,203		1.59		―
	Borrowings under Bank Credit Facilities		2015-2016		4,012		4.18		―			4,672		4.87		―
	American Express Centurion Bank
	Fixed Rate Senior Notes		2015-2017		2,102		4.12		3.32			2,120		4.12		3.32
	Floating Rate Senior Notes		2015-2018		675		0.67		―			550		0.76		―
	American Express Bank, FSB
	Fixed Rate Senior Notes		2017		999		6		―			2,764		5.68		3.68
	Floating Rate Senior Notes		2017		300		0.47		―			300		0.51		―
	American Express Charge Trust II
	Floating Rate Senior Notes		2016-2018		4,200		0.49		―			3,000		0.49		―
	Floating Rate Subordinated Notes		2016-2018		87		0.8		―			―		―		―
	American Express Lending Trust
	Fixed Rate Senior Notes		2015-2016		2,600		0.72		―			2,100		0.65		―
	Floating Rate Senior Notes		2014-2018		10,685		0.81		―			12,810		0.9		―
	Fixed Rate Subordinated Notes		2015		300		1.08		―			300		1.08		―
	Floating Rate Subordinated Notes		2014-2018		847		0.81		―			1,091		0.93		―
	Other
	Fixed Rate Instruments(e)		2014-2030		239		3.95		―			123		5.94		―
	Floating Rate Borrowings		2014-2016		276		0.62		―	%		292		0.65		―	%
	Unamortized Underwriting Fees				-105							-112
	Total Long-Term Debt			$	55,330		2.56	%			$	58,973		3.04	%
	The outstanding balances include (i) unamortized discount and premium, (ii) the impact of movements in exchange rates on foreign currency denominated debt and (iii) the impact of fair value hedge accounting on certain fixed-rate notes that have been swapped to floating rate through the use of interest rate swaps. Under fair value hedge accounting, the outstanding balances on these fixed-rate notes are adjusted to reflect the impact of changes in fair value due to changes in interest rates. Refer to Note 12 for more details on the Company's treatment of fair value hedges.
	For floating-rate debt issuances, the stated and effective interest rates are based on the floating rates in effect as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Effective interest rates are only presented when swaps are in place to hedge the underlying debt.
	The maturity date will automatically be extended to September 1, 2066, except in the case of either (i) a prior redemption or (ii) a default. See further discussion on this page.
	Includes $109 million and $118 million as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, related to capitalized lease transactions.
Aggregate annual maturities on long-term debt obligations	'
	Aggregate annual maturities on long-term debt obligations (based on final maturity dates) as of December 31, 2013 were as follows:
	(Millions)		2014		2015			2016		2017			2018			Thereafter		Total
	American Express Company (Parent Company only)	$	1,250	$	―		$	600		$	1,500		$	3,850		$	3,939	$	11,139
	American Express Credit Corporation		4,420		7,010			7,293			1,500			1,340			―		21,563
	American Express Centurion Bank		―		1,305			―			1,300			125			1		2,731
	American Express Bank, FSB		―		―			―			1,300			―			―		1,300
	American Express Charge Trust II		―		―			3,000			―			1,287			―		4,287
	American Express Lending Trust		4,000		5,423			500			1,623			2,886			―		14,432
	Other		179		143			161			―			―			32		515
		$	9,849	$	13,881		$	11,554		$	7,223		$	9,488		$	3,972		55,967
	Unamortized Underwriting Fees																		-105
	Unamortized Discount and Premium																		-960
	Impacts due to Fair Value Hedge Accounting																		428
	Total Long-Term Debt																	$	55,330

Other_Liabilities_Tables

Other Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Other Liabilities, Unclassified [Abstract]	'
Summary of other liabilities	'
	The following is a summary of other liabilities as of December 31:
	(Millions)		2013			2012
	Membership Rewards liability		$	6,151		$	5,832
	Employee-related liabilities(a)			2,227			2,224
	Rebate and reward accruals(b)			2,210			2,079
	Deferred card and other fees, net			1,314			1,286
	Book overdraft balances			442			532
	Other(c)			4,566			5,604
	Total		$	16,910		$	17,557
	Employee-related liabilities include employee benefit plan obligations and incentive compensation.
	Rebate and reward accruals include payments to third-party card-issuing partners and cash-back reward costs.
	Other includes accruals for general operating expenses, client incentives, advertising and promotion, restructuring and reengineering reserves and derivatives.
Carrying amount of deferred charge card and other fees	'
	The carrying amount of deferred card and other fees, net of deferred direct acquisition costs and reserves for membership cancellations as of December 31 was as follows:
	(Millions)			2013			2012
	Deferred card and other fees(a)			$	1,609		$	1,566
	Deferred direct acquisition costs				-164			-154
	Reserves for membership cancellations				-131			-126
		Deferred card and other fees, net		$	1,314		$	1,286
	Includes deferred fees for Membership Rewards program participants.

Derivatives_and_Hedging_Activi1

Derivatives and Hedging Activities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Derivatives and Hedging Activities (Tables) [Abstract]	'
Schedule of derivative instruments in statement of financial position, fair value	'
	The following table summarizes the total fair value, excluding interest accruals, of derivative assets and liabilities as of December 31:
				Other Assets						Other Liabilities
				Fair Value						Fair Value
	(Millions)			2013			2012			2013			2012
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
	Interest rate contracts
		Fair value hedges		$	455		$	824		$	2		$	―
	Total return contract
		Fair value hedge			8			―			―			19
	Foreign exchange contracts
		Net investment hedges			174			43			116			150
	Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments				637			867			118			169
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
		Foreign exchange contracts, including certain embedded derivatives(a)			64			75			95			160
	Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments				64			75			95			160
	Total derivatives, gross				701			942			213			329
	Cash collateral netting(b)				-336			-326			―			-21
	Derivative asset and derivative liability netting(c)				-36			-23			-36			-23
	Total derivatives, net(d)			$	329		$	593		$	177		$	285
	Includes foreign currency derivatives embedded in certain operating agreements.
	Represents the offsetting of derivative instruments and the right to reclaim cash collateral (a receivable) or the obligation to return cash collateral (a payable) arising from derivative instrument(s) executed with the same counterparty under an enforceable master netting arrangement. Additionally, the Company received noncash collateral in the form of security interest in U.S. Treasury securities with a fair value of nil and $335 million as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, none of which was sold or repledged. Such noncash collateral effectively further reduces the Company's risk exposure to $329 million and $258 million as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, but does not reduce the net exposure on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets. Additionally, the Company posted $26 million and nil as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, as initial margin on its centrally cleared interest rate swaps not netted against the derivative balances.
	Represents the amount of netting of derivative assets and derivative liabilities executed with the same counterparty under an enforceable master netting arrangement.
	The Company has no individually significant derivative counterparties and therefore, no significant risk exposure to any single derivative counterparty. The total net derivative assets and derivative liabilities are presented within other assets and other liabilities on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Effect of fair value hedges on results of operations	'
	The following table summarizes the impact on the Consolidated Statements of Income associated with the Company's hedges of its fixed-rate long-term debt and its investment in ICBC for the years ended December 31:
			Gains (losses) recognized in income
	(Millions)		Derivative contract											Hedged item							Net hedge
			Income Statement		Amount									Income Statement	Amount						ineffectiveness
	Derivative relationship		Line Item		2013			2012			2011			Line Item	2013		2012			2011	2013		2012		2011
	Interest rate contracts		Other expenses		$	-370		$	-178		$	128		Other expenses	$	351	$	132	$	-102	$	-19	$	-46	$	26
	Total return contract		Other non-interest											Other non-interest
			revenues		$	15		$	-53		$	100		revenues	$	-15	$	54	$	-112	$	―	$	1	$	-12
Derivative instruments gain loss recognized in income	'
	The following table summarizes the impact on pretax earnings of derivatives not designated as hedges, as reported on the Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31:
			Pretax gains (losses)
					Amount
	Description (Millions)		Income Statement Line Item		2013			2012			2011
	Interest rate contracts		Other expenses		$	1		$	-1		$	3
	Foreign exchange contracts (a)		Interest and dividends on investment securities			―			―			9
			Interest expense on short-term borrowings			―			―			3
			Interest expense on long-term debt and other			―			-1			130
			Other expenses			72			-56			51
	Total				$	73		$	-58		$	196
	Foreign exchange contracts include embedded foreign currency derivatives. Gains (losses) on these embedded derivatives are included in other expenses.

Guarantees_Tables

Guarantees (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Guarantees (Tables) [Abstract]	'
Information related to guarantees	'
	The following table provides information related to such guarantees as of December 31:
		Maximum potential
		undiscounted future
		payments(a)				Related liability(b)
		(Billions)				(Millions)
	Type of Guarantee	2013		2012		2013		2012
	Card and travel operations(c)	$	44	$	44	$	88	$	93
	Other(d)		1		1		73		93
	Total	$	45	$	45	$	161	$	186
	Represents the notional amounts that could be lost under the guarantees and indemnifications if there were a total default by the guaranteed parties. The Merchant Protection guarantee is calculated using management's best estimate of maximum exposure based on all eligible claims as measured against annual billed business volumes.
	Included in other liabilities on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	Primarily includes Return Protection and Merchant Protection.
	Primarily includes guarantees related to the Company's business dispositions and real estate.

Common_and_Preferred_Shares_an1

Common and Preferred Shares and Warrants (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]	'
Authorized shares and a reconciliation of common shares issued and outstanding	'
	The following table shows authorized shares and provides a reconciliation of common shares issued and outstanding for the years ended December 31:
	(Millions, except where indicated)		2013	2012	2011
	Common shares authorized (billions)(a)		3.6	3.6	3.6
	Shares issued and outstanding at beginning
		of year	1,105	1,164	1,197
	Repurchases of common shares		-55	-69	-48
	Other, primarily stock option exercises
		and restricted stock awards granted	14	10	15
	Shares issued and outstanding as of
		31-Dec	1,064	1,105	1,164
	Of the common shares authorized but unissued as of December 31, 2013, approximately 63 million shares are reserved for issuance under employee stock and employee benefit plans.

Changes_in_Accumulated_Other_C1

Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent [Abstract]	'
Components of comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	'
	Changes in each component of AOCI for the three years ended December 31 were as follows:
	(Millions), net of tax(a)		Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investment Securities			Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Cash Flow Hedges			Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments			Net Unrealized Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Losses		Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income
	Balances as of December 31, 2010		$	57		$	-7		$	-503		$	-464	$	-917
	Net unrealized gains (losses)			245			-2								243
	Reclassification for realized (gains) losses into earnings			-14			8								-6
	Net translation of investments in foreign operations									-153					-153
	Net losses related to hedges of investment in foreign operations									-26					-26
	Pension and other postretirement benefit losses												-17		-17
	Net change in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income			231			6			-179			-17		41
	Balances as of December 31, 2011			288			-1			-682			-481		-876
	Net unrealized gains (losses)			106											106
	Reclassification for realized (gains) losses into earnings			-79			1			1					-77
	Net translation of investments in foreign operations									215					215
	Net losses related to hedges of investment in foreign operations									-288					-288
	Pension and other postretirement benefit losses												-7		-7
	Net change in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income			27			1			-72			-7		-51
	Balances as of December 31, 2012			315			―			-754			-488		-927
	Net unrealized gains (losses)			-159											-159
	Reclassification for realized (gains) losses into earnings			-93											-93
	Net translation of investments in foreign operations									-589					-589
	Net gains related to hedges of investment in foreign operations									253					253
	Pension and other postretirement benefit gains												89		89
	Net change in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income			-252			―			-336			89		-499
	Balances as of December 31, 2013		$	63		$	―		$	-1,090		$	-399	$	-1,426
	The following table shows the tax impact for the three years ended December 31 for the changes in each component of accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income:
		(Millions)		2013			2012			2011
		Investment securities		$	-142		$	7		$	149
		Cash flow hedges			―			1			3
		Foreign currency translation adjustments			-49			24			-40
		Net investment hedges			135			-176			-14
		Pension and other postretirement benefit losses			56			―			-7
		Total tax impact		$	―		$	-144		$	91
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Income Tax Effect Disclosure Text Block	'
	The following table shows the tax impact for the three years ended December 31 for the changes in each component of accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income:
		(Millions)		2013			2012			2011
		Investment securities		$	-142		$	7		$	149
		Cash flow hedges			―			1			3
		Foreign currency translation adjustments			-49			24			-40
		Net investment hedges			135			-176			-14
		Pension and other postretirement benefit losses			56			―			-7
		Total tax impact		$	―		$	-144		$	91
Reclassification out of accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	'
	The following table presents the effects of reclassifications out of AOCI and into the Consolidated Statement of Income for the year ended December 31, 2013:
	(Millions)
	Description		Income Statement Line Item		Amount
	Net gain in AOCI reclassifications for previously unrealized net gains on investment securities		Other non-interest revenues		$	145
	Related income tax expense		Income tax provision			-52
	Total				$	93

Restructuring_Charges_Tables

Restructuring Charges (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Restructuring Charges (Tables) [Abstract]	'
Restructuring Charges	'
	The following table summarizes the Company's restructuring reserves activity for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011:
	(Millions)			Severance(a)			Other(b)			Total
	Liability balance as of December 31, 2010			$	199		$	16		$	215
		Restructuring charges, net of $27 in revisions(c)			96			23			119
		Payments			-121			-8			-129
		Other non-cash(d)			-4			-1			-5
	Liability balance as of December 31, 2011				170			30			200
		Restructuring charges, net of $16 in revisions(c)			366			37			403
		Payments			-124			-9			-133
	Liability balance as of December 31, 2012				412			58			470
		Restructuring charges, $4 in revisions(c)			-7			3			-4
		Payments			-206			-23			-229
		Other non-cash(d)			-3			-1			-4
	Liability balance as of December 31, 2013(e)			$	196		$	37		$	233
	Accounted for in accordance with GAAP governing the accounting for nonretirement postemployment benefits and for costs associated with exit or disposal activities.
	Other primarily includes facility exit and contract termination costs.
	Revisions primarily relate to higher than anticipated redeployments of displaced employees to other positions within the Company, business changes and modifications to existing initiatives.
	Consists primarily of foreign exchange impacts.
	The majority of cash payments related to the remaining restructuring liabilities are expected to be completed in 2014, and to a lesser extent certain contractual long-term severance arrangements and lease obligations are expected to be completed in 2015 and 2019, respectively.
Restructuring charges, by reportable segment	'
	The following table summarizes the Company's restructuring charges, net of revisions, by reportable operating segment and Corporate & Other for the year ended December 31, 2013, and the cumulative amounts relating to the restructuring programs that were in progress during 2013 and initiated at various dates between 2009 and 2013.
						Cumulative Restructuring Expense Incurred To Date On
				2013		In-Progress Restructuring Programs
			Total Restructuring
			Charges, net
	(Millions)		revisions				Severance			Other			Total
	USCS		$	-7		$	71		$	6		$	77
	ICS			-8			110			1			111
	GCS			-4			204			18			222
	GNMS			7			55			―			55
	Corporate & Other			8			89			68			157	(a)
	Total		$	-4		$	529		$	93		$	622	(b)
	Corporate & Other includes certain severance and other charges of $147 million related to Company-wide support functions which were not allocated to the Company's reportable operating segments, as these were corporate initiatives, which is consistent with how such charges were reported internally.
	As of December 31, 2013, the total expenses to be incurred for previously approved restructuring activities that were in progress are not expected to be materially different than the cumulative expenses incurred to date for these programs.

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Taxes (Tables) [Abstract]	'
Components of income tax expense	'
	The components of income tax expense for the years ended December 31 included in the Consolidated Statements of Income were as follows:
	(Millions)					2013			2012		2011
	Current income tax expense:
		U.S. federal			$	1,730		$	982	$	958
		U.S. state and local				288			189		156
		Non-U.S.				514			445		434
			Total current income tax expense			2,532			1,616		1,548
	Deferred income tax expense (benefit):
		U.S. federal				113			359		464
		U.S. state and local				4			39		68
		Non-U.S.				-120			-45		-23
			Total deferred income tax expense			-3			353		509
	Total income tax expense on
		continuing operations			$	2,529		$	1,969	$	2,057
	Income tax benefit from
		discontinued operations			$	―		$	―	$	-36
Effective income tax rate	'
	A reconciliation of the U.S. federal statutory rate of 35 percent to the Company's actual income tax rate for the years ended December 31 on continuing operations was as follows:
				2013		2012		2011
	U.S. statutory federal income tax rate			35	%	35	%	35	%
	Increase (decrease) in taxes resulting from:
		Tax-exempt income		-1.6		-1.6		-1.5
		State and local income taxes, net of
			federal benefit	3.1		2.5		2.6
		Non-U.S. subsidiaries earnings(a)		-2.8		-5.2		-4.4
		Tax settlements(b)		-1.9		-0.2		-1.9
		All other		0.3		―		-0.2
			Actual tax rates(a)	32.1	%	30.5	%	29.6	%
	Results for all years primarily included tax benefits associated with the undistributed earnings of certain non-U.S. subsidiaries that were deemed to be reinvested indefinitely. In addition, 2012 and 2011 included tax benefits of $146 million and $77 million, which decreased the actual tax rates by 2.3 percent and 1.1 percent, respectively, related to the realization of certain foreign tax credits.
	Relates to the resolution of tax matters in various jurisdictions.
Components of deferred tax assets and liabilities	'
	The significant components of deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31 are reflected in the following table:
	(Millions)				2013			2012
	Deferred tax assets:
		Reserves not yet deducted for tax purposes		$	3,813		$	3,828
		Employee compensation and benefits			721			761
		Other			546			537
			Gross deferred tax assets		5,080			5,126
			Valuation allowance		-121			-162
			Deferred tax assets after valuation allowance		4,959			4,964
	Deferred tax liabilities:
		Intangibles and fixed assets			1,325			1,346
		Deferred revenue			453			403
		Deferred interest			363			378
		Asset Securitization			130			73
		Other			245			306
			Gross deferred tax liabilities		2,516			2,506
	Net deferred tax assets			$	2,443		$	2,458

Earnings_Per_Common_Share_EPS_

Earnings Per Common Share (EPS) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share Reconciliation [Abstract]	'
Computation of basic and diluted EPS	'
	The computations of basic and diluted EPS for the years ended December 31 were as follows:
	(Millions, except per share amounts)				2013			2012		2011
	Numerator:
		Basic and diluted:
			Income from continuing operations		$	5,359	$	4,482	$	4,899
			Earnings allocated to participating
				share awards(a)		-47		-49		-58
			Income from discontinued
				operations, net of tax		―		―		36
			Net income attributable to common
				shareholders	$	5,312	$	4,433	$	4,877
	Denominator:(a)
		Basic: Weighted-average common stock				1,082		1,135		1,178
		Add: Weighted-average stock options(b)				7		6		6
		Diluted				1,089		1,141		1,184
	Basic EPS:
		Income from continuing operations
			attributable to common shareholders		$	4.91	$	3.91	$	4.11
		Income from discontinued operations				―		―		0.03
		Net income attributable to common
			shareholders		$	4.91	$	3.91	$	4.14
	Diluted EPS:
		Income from continuing operations
			attributable to common shareholders		$	4.88	$	3.89	$	4.09
		Income from discontinued operations				―		―		0.03
		Net income attributable to common
			shareholders		$	4.88	$	3.89	$	4.12
	The Company's unvested restricted stock awards, which include the right to receive non-forfeitable dividends or dividend equivalents, are considered participating securities. Calculations of EPS under the two-class method exclude from the numerator any dividends paid or owed on participating securities and any undistributed earnings considered to be attributable to participating securities. The related participating securities are similarly excluded from the denominator.
	For the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, the dilutive effect of unexercised stock options excludes 0.1 million, 7.6 million and 19.2 million options, respectively, from the computation of EPS because inclusion of the options would have been anti-dilutive.

Details_of_Certain_Consolidate1

Details of Certain Consolidated Statements of Income Lines (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Other Cost And Expense Dsclosure Operating [Abstract]	'
Details of other commissions and fees	'
	The following is a detail of other commissions and fees for the years ended December 31:
	(Millions)			2013			2012			2011
	Foreign currency conversion revenue			$	877		$	855		$	861
	Delinquency fees				667			604			567
	Service fees				375			362			355
	Other(a)				495			496			486
		Total other commissions and fees		$	2,414		$	2,317		$	2,269
	Other primarily includes fee revenue from the Loyalty Partner business and fees related to Membership Rewards programs.
Details of other revenues	'
	The following is a detail of other revenues for the years ended December 31:
	(Millions)			2013			2012			2011
	Global Network Services partner revenues			$	650		$	664		$	655
	Net gain on investment securities				136			126			16
	Other(a)				1,488			1,635			1,493
		Total other revenues		$	2,274		$	2,425		$	2,164
	Other includes revenues arising from insurance premiums earned from Card Member travel and other insurance programs, Travelers Cheques-related revenues, publishing revenues and other miscellaneous revenue and fees.
Detail of marketing, promotion, rewards and Card Member services	'
	The following is a detail of marketing, promotion, rewards and Card Member services for the years ended December 31:
	(Millions)				2013			2012			2011
	Marketing and promotion				$	3,043		$	2,890		$	2,996
	Card Member rewards					6,457			6,282			6,218
	Card Member services					767			772			716
		Total marketing, promotion, rewards and
			Card Member services		$	10,267		$	9,944		$	9,930
Detail of other, net expense	'
	The following is a detail of other, net for the years ended December 31:
	(Millions)			2013			2012			2011
	Professional services			$	3,102		$	2,963		$	2,951
	Occupancy and equipment				1,904			1,823			1,685
	Communications				379			383			378
	MasterCard and Visa settlements,
		net of legal fees			―			―			-562
	Other(a)				1,133			1,404			1,260
		Total other, net		$	6,518		$	6,573		$	5,712
	Other expense includes general operating expenses, gains (losses) on sale of assets or businesses not classified as discontinued operations, litigation, certain internal and regulatory review-related reimbursements and insurance costs or settlements, investment impairments and certain Loyalty Partner expenses.

Stock_Plans_Tables

Stock Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Stock Plans Tables [Abstract]	'
Summary of Stock Option and RSA Activity	'
	A summary of stock option and RSA activity as of December 31, 2013, and changes during the year is presented below:
					Stock Options					RSAs
	(Shares in thousands)				Shares		Weighted-Average Exercise Price			Shares		Weighted- Average Grant Price
	Outstanding as of
		December 31, 2012			31,861		$	43.62		11,800		$	40.31
	Granted				463			61.76		3,867			60.13
	Exercised/vested				-13,672			42.39		-5,559			33.24
	Forfeited				-22			39.25		-530			50.31
	Expired				-15			45.61		―			―
	Outstanding as of
		December 31, 2013			18,615			44.98		9,578		$	51.88
	Options vested and
		expected to vest as of
			December 31, 2013		18,600			44.98		―			―
	Options exercisable as of
		December 31, 2013			16,842		$	44.51		―			―
Weighted-average remaining contractual life and aggregate intrinsic value of the Company's stock options outstanding, exerciseable, and vested and expected to vest	'
	The weighted-average remaining contractual life and the aggregate intrinsic value (the amount by which the fair value of the Company's stock exceeds the exercise price of the option) of the stock options outstanding, exercisable, and vested and expected to vest as of December 31, 2013 are as follows:
				Outstanding			Exercisable			Vested and Expected to Vest
	Weighted-average remaining
		contractual life (in years)			4.4			4			4.4
	Aggregate intrinsic value (millions)			$	852		$	778		$	851
Weighted Average Assumptions Used	'
	The fair value of each option is estimated on the date of grant using a Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing model. The following weighted-average assumptions were used for grants issued in 2013, 2012 and 2011, the majority of which were granted in the beginning of each year:
			2013			2012			2011
	Dividend yield			1.4	%		1.5	%		1.6	%
	Expected volatility(a)			39	%		41	%		40	%
	Risk-free interest rate			1.3	%		1.3	%		2.3	%
	Expected life of stock option (in years)(b)			6.3			6.3			6.2
	Weighted-average fair value per option		$	21.11		$	17.48		$	16.21
	The expected volatility is based on both weighted historical and implied volatilities of the Company's common stock price.
	In 2013, 2012 and 2011, the expected life of stock options was determined using both historical data and expectations of option exercise behavior.
Summary of Stock Plan Expenses	'
	The components of the Company's total stock-based compensation expense (net of forfeitures) for the years ended December 31 are as follows:
	(Millions)			2013			2012			2011
	Restricted stock awards(a)			$	208		$	197		$	176
	Stock options(a)				23			29			40
	Liability-based awards				119			70			83
	Performance/market-based
		stock options			―			1			2
	Total stock-based
		compensation expense(b)		$	350		$	297		$	301
	As of December 31, 2013, the total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested RSAs and options of $232 million and $14 million, respectively, will be recognized ratably over the weighted-average remaining vesting period of 2.1 years and 1.8 years, respectively.
	The total income tax benefit recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income for stock-based compensation arrangements for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $127 million, $107 million and $105 million, respectively.

Significant_Credit_Concentrati1

Significant Credit Concentrations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Significant Credit Concentrations (Tables) [Abstract]	'
Maximum credit exposure by category	'
	The following table details the Company's maximum credit exposure by category, including the credit exposure associated with derivative financial instruments, as of December 31:
	(Billions)	2013		2012
	On-balance sheet:
	Individuals(a)	$	98	$	95
	Financial institutions(b)		22		25
	U.S. Government and agencies(c)		4		5
	All other(d)		17		16
	Total on-balance sheet(e)		141		141
	Unused lines-of-credit ― individuals(f)	$	265	$	253
	Individuals primarily include Card Member loans and receivables.
	Financial institutions primarily include debt obligations of banks, broker-dealers, insurance companies and savings and loan associations.
	U.S. Government and agencies represent debt obligations of the U.S. Government and its agencies, states and municipalities and government-sponsored entities.
	All other primarily includes Card Member receivables from other corporate institutions.
	Certain distinctions between categories require management judgment.
	Because charge card products generally have no preset spending limit, the associated credit limit on charge products is not quantifiable. Therefore, the quantified unused line-of-credit amounts only include the approximate credit line available on lending products.
Card Member loans and receivables exposure	'
	The following table details the Company's Card Member loans and receivables exposure (including unused lines-of-credit on Card Member loans) in the U.S. and outside the U.S. as of December 31:
	(Billions)	2013		2012
	On-balance sheet:
	U.S.	$	89	$	85
	Non-U.S.		22		23
	On-balance sheet(a)(b)		111		108
	Unused lines-of-credit ― individuals:
	U.S.		219		208
	Non-U.S.		46		45
	Total unused lines-of-credit ― individuals	$	265	$	253
	Represents Card Member loans to individuals as well as receivables from individuals and corporate institutions as discussed in footnotes (a) and (d) from the previous table.
	The remainder of the Company's on-balance sheet exposure includes cash, investments, other loans, other receivables and other assets including derivative financial instruments. These balances are primarily within the U.S.

Regulatory_Matters_and_Capital1

Regulatory Matters and Capital Adequacy (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule Of Compliance With Regulatory Capital Requirements Under Banking Regulations [Abstract]	'
Regulatory capital ratios	'
	The following table presents the regulatory capital ratios for the Company and the Banks:
				Tier 1		Total	Tier 1		Total		Tier 1
	(Millions, except percentages)			capital		capital	capital ratio		capital ratio		leverage ratio
	December 31, 2013:
		American Express Company	$	16,174	$	18,585	12.5	%	14.4	%	10.9	%
		American Express Centurion Bank		6,366		6,765	19.9		21.2		19
		American Express Bank, FSB		6,744		7,662	15.6		17.7		17.5	(a)
	December 31, 2012:
		American Express Company	$	14,920	$	17,349	11.9	%	13.8	%	10.2	%
		American Express Centurion Bank		5,814		6,227	17.6		18.9		17
		American Express Bank, FSB		6,649		7,556	16.5		18.7		17.5	(a)
	Well-capitalized ratios(c)						6	%	10	%	5	% (b)
	Minimum capital ratios(c)						4	%	8	%	4	%
	FSB leverage ratio is calculated using ending total assets as prescribed by OCC regulations applicable to federal savings banks.
	Represents requirements for banking subsidiaries to be considered “well-capitalized” pursuant to regulations issued under the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act. There is no “well-capitalized” definition for the Tier 1 leverage ratio for a bank holding company.
	As defined by the regulations issued by the Federal Reserve, OCC and FDIC.

Commitments_and_Contigencies_T

Commitments and Contigencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Leases, Operating [Abstract]	'
Minimum aggregate rental commitment under noncancelable operating leases	'
	As of December 31, 2013, the minimum aggregate rental commitment under all noncancelable operating leases (net of subleases of $23 million) was as follows:
	(Millions)
	2014	$	237
	2015		196
	2016		157
	2017		132
	2018		114
	Thereafter		922
	Total	$	1,758

Reportable_Operating_Segment_T

Reportable Operating Segment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Reportable Operating Segments And Geographic Operations (Tables) [Abstract]	'
Operating segment information	'
	The following table presents certain selected financial information as of or for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011:
															Corporate &
	(Millions, except where indicated)		USCS			ICS			GCS			GNMS			Other		(a)	Consolidated
	2013
	Non-interest revenues		$	12,123		$	4,644		$	5,085		$	5,229		$	846		$	27,927
	Interest income			5,565			1,118			13			32			277			7,005
	Interest expense			693			361			245			-252			911			1,958
	Total revenues net of interest expense			16,995			5,401			4,853			5,513			212			32,974
	Total provision			1,417			444			159			69			21			2,110
	Pretax income (loss) from continuing operations			4,994			643			1,244			2,469			-1,462			7,888
	Income tax provision (benefit)			1,801			12			384			894			-562			2,529
	Income (loss) from continuing operations			3,193			631			860			1,575			-900			5,359
	Total equity (billions)			9.3			3.1			3.7			2			1.4			19.5
	2012
	Non-interest revenues			11,469			4,561			4,995			5,005			897			26,927
	Interest income			5,342			1,147			11			23			331			6,854
	Interest expense			765			402			257			-243			1,045			2,226
	Total revenues net of interest expense			16,046			5,306			4,749			5,271			183			31,555
	Total provision			1,429			330			136			74			21			1,990
	Pretax income (loss) from continuing operations			4,069			659			960			2,219			-1,456			6,451
	Income tax provision (benefit)			1,477			25			316			776			-625			1,969
	Income (loss) from continuing operations			2,592			634			644			1,443			-831			4,482
	Total equity (billions)			8.7			2.9			3.6			2			1.7			18.9
	2011
	Non-interest revenues			10,804			4,470			4,880			4,713			719			25,586
	Interest income			5,074			1,195			9			5			413			6,696
	Interest expense			807			426			264			-224			1,047			2,320
	Total revenues net of interest expense			15,071			5,239			4,625			4,942			85			29,962
	Total provision			687			268			76			75			6			1,112
	Pretax income (loss) from continuing operations			4,129			762			1075			1,979			-989			6,956
	Income tax provision (benefit)			1,449			39			337			686			-454			2,057
	Income (loss) from continuing operations			2,680			723			738			1,293			-535			4,899
	Total equity (billions)		$	8.8		$	2.8		$	3.6		$	2		$	1.6		$	18.8
	Corporate & Other includes adjustments and eliminations for intersegment activity.
Total revenues net of interest expense and pretax income	'
	The following table presents the Company's total revenues net of interest expense and pretax income (loss) from continuing operations in different geographic regions:
	(Millions)			U.S.			EMEA		(a)	JAPA		(a)	LACC		(a)	Other Unallocated		(b)	Consolidated
	2013(c)
		Total revenues net of interest expense		$	23,745		$	3,700		$	2,952		$	2,900		$	-323		$	32,974
		Pretax income (loss) from continuing operations			7,679			524			488			701			-1,504			7,888
	2012(c)
		Total revenues net of interest expense		$	22,631		$	3,594		$	3,106		$	2,774		$	-550		$	31,555
		Pretax income (loss) from continuing operations			6,468			505			426			605			-1,553			6,451
	2011(c)
		Total revenues net of interest expense		$	21,254		$	3,551		$	3,071		$	2,706		$	-620		$	29,962
		Pretax income (loss) from continuing operations			6,971			620			430			583			-1,648			6,956
	EMEA represents Europe, the Middle East and Africa; JAPA represents Japan, Asia/Pacific and Australia; and LACC represents Latin America, Canada and the Caribbean.
	Other Unallocated includes net costs which are not directly allocable to specific geographic regions, including costs related to the net negative interest spread on excess liquidity funding and executive office operations expenses.
	The data in the above table is, in part, based upon internal allocations, which necessarily involve management's judgment.

Parent_Company_Tables

Parent Company (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Parent Company (Tables) [Abstract]	'
Condensed Statements of Income	'
	PARENT COMPANY – CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
	Years Ended December 31 (Millions)				2013			2012			2011
	Revenues
		Non-interest revenues
			Gain on sale of securities		$	135		$	121		$	15
			Other			5			-12			3
	Total non-interest revenues					140			109			18
	Interest income					134			137			142
	Interest expense					-583			-609			-633
	Total revenues net of interest expense					-309			-363			-473
	Expenses
		Salaries and employee benefits				206			165			173
		Other				261			214			186
	Total					467			379			359
	Pretax loss					-776			-742			-832
	Income tax benefit					-297			-258			-346
	Net loss before equity in net income of
		subsidiaries and affiliates				-479			-484			-486
	Equity in net income of subsidiaries and
		affiliates				5,838			4,966			5,385
	Income from continuing operations					5,359			4,482			4,899
	Income from discontinued operations,
		net of tax				―			―			36
	Net income				$	5,359		$	4,482		$	4,935
Condensed Balance Sheets	'
	PARENT COMPANY – CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
	As of December 31 (Millions)				2013			2012
	Assets
	Cash and cash equivalents				$	6,076		$	4,797
	Investment securities					123			296
	Equity in net assets of subsidiaries and
		affiliates of continuing operations				19,571			19,087
	Accounts receivable, less reserves					378			655
	Premises and equipment, less accumulated
		depreciation: 2013, $76; 2012, $59				136			117
	Loans to subsidiaries and affiliates					5,236			6,733
	Due from subsidiaries and affiliates					1,126			1,189
	Other assets					335			441
	Total assets					32,981			33,315
	Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
	Liabilities
	Accounts payable and other liabilities					1,386			1,474
	Due to subsidiaries and affiliates					926			1,069
	Short-term debt of subsidiaries and affiliates					819			2,316
	Long-term debt					10,354			9,570
		Total liabilities				13,485			14,429
	Shareholders’ equity
	Common shares					213			221
	Additional paid-in capital					12,202			12,067
	Retained earnings					8,507			7,525
	Accumulated other comprehensive loss					-1,426			-927
		Total shareholders’ equity				19,496			18,886
	Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity				$	32,981		$	33,315
Condensed Cash Flows	'
	PARENT COMPANY – CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
	Years Ended December 31 (Millions)				2013			2012			2011
	Cash Flows from Operating Activities
	Net income			$	5,359		$	4,482		$	4,935
	Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:
		Equity in net income of subsidiaries and affiliates:
		— Continuing operations			-5,838			-4,966			-5,385
		— Discontinued operations			―			―			-36
		Dividends received from subsidiaries and affiliates			4,768			3,355			3,773
		Gain on sale of securities			-135			-121			-15
		Other operating activities, primarily with subsidiaries and affiliates			324			196			671
		Premium paid on debt exchange			―			-541			―
	Net cash provided by operating activities				4,478			2,405			3,943
	Cash Flows from Investing Activities
	Sale of investments				157			118			20
	Purchase of investments				―			―			-2
	Purchase of premises and equipment				-39			-38			-35
	Loans to subsidiaries and affiliates				1,498			-1,601			-189
	Investments in subsidiaries and affiliates				―			-11			-18
	Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities				1,616			-1,532			-224
	Cash Flows from Financing Activities
	Issuance/(principal payments) of/on long-term debt				843			―			-400
	Short-term debt of subsidiaries and affiliates				-1,497			1,421			895
	Issuance of American Express common shares and other				721			443			594
	Repurchase of American Express common shares				-3,943			-3,952			-2,300
	Dividends paid				-939			-902			-861
	Net cash used in financing activities				-4,815			-2,990			-2,072
	Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents				1,279			-2,117			1,647
	Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year				4,797			6,914			5,267
	Cash and cash equivalents at end of year			$	6,076		$	4,797		$	6,914
	Supplemental cash flow information
	Non-cash financing activities
		Impact of debt exchange on long-term debt		$	―		$	439		$	―

Recovered_Sheet1

Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Quartertly Financial Data [Abstract]	'
Quarterly financial data	'
	(Millions, except per share amounts)			2013								2012
	Quarters Ended				31-Dec		30-Sep		30-Jun		31-Mar		12/31(b)		30-Sep		30-Jun		31-Mar
	Total revenues net of interest expense			$	8,547	$	8,301	$	8,245	$	7,881	$	8,141	$	7,862	$	7,965	$	7,587
	Pretax income				1,980		2,004		1,995		1,909		929		1,870		1,879		1,773
	Net income				1,308		1,366		1,405		1,280		637		1,250		1,339		1,256
	Earnings Per Common Share — Basic:
		Net income attributable to common
			shareholders(a)	$	1.22	$	1.26	$	1.28	$	1.15	$	0.57	$	1.1	$	1.16	$	1.07
	Earnings Per Common Share — Diluted:
		Net income attributable to common
			shareholders(a)		1.21		1.25		1.27		1.15		0.56		1.09		1.15		1.07
	Cash dividends declared per common share				0.23		0.23		0.23		0.2		0.2		0.2		0.2		0.2
	Common share price:
			High		90.79		78.63		78.61		67.48		59.4		59.73		61.42		59.26
			Low	$	72.08	$	71.47	$	63.43	$	58.31	$	53.02	$	54.35	$	53.18	$	47.4
	Represents net income, less earnings allocated to participating share awards of $11 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2013, $12 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2013, $13 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2013, $11 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2013, $7 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2012, and $14 million for each of the quarters ended September 30, 2012, June 30, 2012 and March 31, 2012.
	The results of operations for the quarter ended December 31, 2012 included a $400 million restructuring charge ($287 million after-tax), a $342 million Membership Rewards expense ($212 million after-tax) and $153 million ($95 million after-tax) of Card Member reimbursements. The $153 million includes amounts related to prior periods, with $49 million relating to the first three quarters of 2012 and $83 million relating to periods prior to January 1, 2012. The Company has assessed the materiality of these errors on all prior periods and concluded that the impact was not material to those prior periods or to any quarter or full year for 2012.

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details Textuals) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Original maturities of cash and cash equivalents	'90 days or less	'	'
Net foreign currency transaction gain	$108,000	$120,000	$145,000
Software [Member]	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	'5 years 0 months 0 days	'	'
Equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	'3 years 0 months 0 days	'	'
Equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	'10 years 0 months 0 days	'	'
Building [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	'30 years 0 months 0 days	'	'
Building [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	'50 years 0 months 0 days	'	'
Leasehold Improvements [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	'5 years 0 months 0 days	'	'
Leasehold Improvements [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	'10 years 0 months 0 days	'	'

Acquisitions_and_Divestitures_1

Acquisitions and Divestitures (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 01, 2011
In Millions, unless otherwise specified				International Card Services [Member]	International Card Services [Member]	International Card Services [Member]	Loyalty Partner Acquisition [Member]	Loyalty Partner Acquisition [Member]
							International Card Services [Member]	International Card Services [Member]
Assets acquired and liabilities assumed for acquisitions	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Goodwill	$3,198	$3,181	$3,172	$1,052	$1,031	$1,023	'	$539
Definite-lived intangible assets	817	993	'	'	'	'	'	295
Other assets	1,957	1,665	'	'	'	'	'	208
Total assets	153,375	153,140	'	'	'	'	'	1,042
Total liabilities (including NCI)	133,879	134,254	'	'	'	'	'	426
Net assets acquired	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	616
Acquisition Textuals [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total consideration	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	616
Non-controlling equity interest, fair value	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	148
Cash payment due to extinguishing a portion of NCI	'	'	'	'	'	'	132	'
Long-term liability incurred as a cause of the extinguishment of a portion of NCI	'	'	'	'	'	'	121	'
Reduction in equity due to extinguishment of a portion of NCI	'	'	'	'	'	'	$107	'

Acquisitions_and_Divestitures_2

Acquisitions and Divestitures (Details Textuals) (Subsequent Event [Member])	Dec. 31, 2013
Subsequent Event [Member]	'
Subsequent Event [Line Items]	'
Ownership percentage by the Company	50.00%

Fair_Values_Details

Fair Values (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Investment securities:	'	'
Equity securities	$124	$296
Debt securities and other	4,892	5,318
Derivative assets	701	942
Total assets	5,717	6,556
Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Investment securities:	'	'
Equity securities	124	296
Debt securities and other	320	338
Derivative assets	0	0
Total assets	444	634
Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Investment securities:	'	'
Equity securities	0	0
Debt securities and other	4,572	4,980
Derivative assets	701	942
Total assets	5,273	5,922
Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Investment securities:	'	'
Total assets	$0	$0

Fair_Values_Details_1

Fair Values (Details 1) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Liabilities [Abstract]	'	'
Derivative liabilities	$213	$329
Total liabilities	213	329
Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Liabilities [Abstract]	'	'
Derivative liabilities	0	0
Total liabilities	0	0
Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Liabilities [Abstract]	'	'
Derivative liabilities	213	329
Total liabilities	213	329
Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Liabilities [Abstract]	'	'
Total liabilities	$0	$0

Fair_Values_Details_2

Fair Values (Details 2) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Financial assets for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$19,486,000,000	$22,250,000,000	$24,893,000,000	$16,356,000,000
Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value	'	'	'	'
Certificates of deposit	7,421,000,000	'	'	'
Long-term debt	55,330,000,000	58,973,000,000	'	'
Fair Values (Textuals) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Accounts receivable, less reserves	43,777,000,000	42,338,000,000	'	'
Card Member loans, net	65,977,000,000	63,758,000,000	'	'
Variable Interest Enterprise [Member]	'	'	'	'
Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value	'	'	'	'
Long-term debt	18,690,000,000	19,277,000,000	'	'
Fair Values (Textuals) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Accounts receivable, less reserves	7,300,000,000	8,000,000,000	'	'
Carrying Value [Member]	'	'	'	'
Financial assets for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value	'	'	'	'
Other financial assets	48,000,000,000	47,000,000,000	'	'
Financial assets carried at other than fair value	'	'	'	'
Loans, net	67,000,000,000	64,000,000,000	'	'
Financial Liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Financial liabilities for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value	60,000,000,000	55,000,000,000	'	'
Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value	'	'	'	'
Certificates of deposit	'	10,000,000,000	'	'
Long-term debt	55,000,000,000	59,000,000,000	'	'
Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]	'	'	'	'
Financial assets for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	19,000,000,000	22,000,000,000	'	'
Other financial assets	48,000,000,000	47,000,000,000	'	'
Financial assets carried at other than fair value	'	'	'	'
Loans, net	67,000,000,000	65,000,000,000	'	'
Financial Liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Financial liabilities for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value	60,000,000,000	55,000,000,000	'	'
Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value	'	'	'	'
Certificates of deposit	8,000,000,000	10,000,000,000	'	'
Long-term debt	58,000,000,000	62,000,000,000	'	'
Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | Variable Interest Enterprise [Member]	'	'	'	'
Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value	'	'	'	'
Long-term debt	18,800,000,000	19,500,000,000	'	'
Fair Values (Textuals) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Card Member loans, net	31,000,000,000	32,400,000,000	'	'
Level 1 [Member]	'	'	'	'
Financial assets for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	17,000,000,000	21,000,000,000	'	'
Other financial assets	0	0	'	'
Financial assets carried at other than fair value	'	'	'	'
Loans, net	0	0	'	'
Financial Liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Financial liabilities for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value	0	0	'	'
Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value	'	'	'	'
Certificates of deposit	0	0	'	'
Long-term debt	0	0	'	'
Level 2 [Member]	'	'	'	'
Financial assets for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	2,000,000,000	1,000,000,000	'	'
Other financial assets	48,000,000,000	47,000,000,000	'	'
Financial assets carried at other than fair value	'	'	'	'
Loans, net	0	0	'	'
Financial Liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Financial liabilities for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value	60,000,000,000	55,000,000,000	'	'
Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value	'	'	'	'
Certificates of deposit	8,000,000,000	10,000,000,000	'	'
Long-term debt	58,000,000,000	62,000,000,000	'	'
Level 3 [Member]	'	'	'	'
Financial assets for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0	'	'
Other financial assets	0	0	'	'
Financial assets carried at other than fair value	'	'	'	'
Loans, net	67,000,000,000	65,000,000,000	'	'
Financial Liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Financial liabilities for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value	0	0	'	'
Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value	'	'	'	'
Certificates of deposit	0	0	'	'
Long-term debt	$0	$0	'	'

Fair_Values_Details_Textuals

Fair Values (Details Textuals) (Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member], USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member]	'	'
Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Assets measured at fair value for impairment	$0	$0

Accounts_Receivable_and_Loans_1

Accounts Receivable and Loans (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Accounts receivable segment information	'	'	'	'
Card Member receivables	$44,163	$42,766	'	'
Less: Reserve for losses	386	428	438	386
Card Member receivables, net	43,777	42,338	'	'
Other receivables, net	3,408	3,576	'	'
Accounts Receivable and Loans Textuals [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Other receivables, reserves	71	86	'	'
Variable Interest Enterprise [Member]	'	'	'	'
Accounts receivable segment information	'	'	'	'
Card Member receivables	7,329	8,012	'	'
Card Member receivables, net	7,300	8,000	'	'
U S Card Services [Member]	'	'	'	'
Accounts receivable segment information	'	'	'	'
Card Member receivables	21,842	21,124	'	'
U S Card Services [Member] | Variable Interest Enterprise [Member]	'	'	'	'
Accounts Receivable and Loans Textuals [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Gross Card Member receivables available to settle the obligations of a variable interest entity	7,300	7,500	'	'
International Card Services [Member]	'	'	'	'
Accounts receivable segment information	'	'	'	'
Card Member receivables	7,771	7,778	'	'
Global Commercial Services [Member]	'	'	'	'
Accounts receivable segment information	'	'	'	'
Card Member receivables	14,391	13,671	'	'
Global Commercial Services [Member] | Airline [Member]	'	'	'	'
Accounts Receivable and Loans Textuals [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Gross Card Member receivables available to settle the obligations of a variable interest entity	836	913	'	'
Global Commercial Services [Member] | Airline [Member] | Delta [Member]	'	'	'	'
Accounts Receivable and Loans Textuals [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Gross Card Member receivables available to settle the obligations of a variable interest entity	628	676	'	'
Global Commercial Services [Member] | Variable Interest Enterprise [Member]	'	'	'	'
Accounts Receivable and Loans Textuals [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Gross Card Member receivables available to settle the obligations of a variable interest entity	'	476	'	'
Global Network And Merchant Services [Member]	'	'	'	'
Accounts receivable segment information	'	'	'	'
Card Member receivables	159	193	'	'
Global Network And Merchant Services [Member] | Non United States [Member]	'	'	'	'
Accounts Receivable and Loans Textuals [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Gross Card Member receivables available to settle the obligations of a variable interest entity	$13,800	$13,700	'	'

Accounts_Receivable_and_Loans_2

Accounts Receivable and Loans (Details 1) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Loans segment information	'	'	'	'
Card Member loans	$67,238,000,000	$65,229,000,000	'	'
Less: Reserve for losses	1,261,000,000	1,471,000,000	1,874,000,000	3,646,000,000
Card Member loans, net	65,977,000,000	63,758,000,000	'	'
Other loans, net	608,000,000	551,000,000	'	'
Accounts Receivable and Loans Textuals [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Other loans, reserves	13,000,000	20,000,000	'	'
Variable Interest Enterprise [Member]	'	'	'	'
Loans segment information	'	'	'	'
Card Member loans	31,245,000,000	32,731,000,000	'	'
U S Card Services [Member]	'	'	'	'
Loans segment information	'	'	'	'
Card Member loans	58,395,000,000	55,953,000,000	'	'
U S Card Services [Member] | Variable Interest Enterprise [Member]	'	'	'	'
Accounts Receivable and Loans Textuals [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Gross Card Member loans available to settle the obligations of a variable interest entity	31,200,000,000	32,700,000,000	'	'
International Card Services [Member]	'	'	'	'
Loans segment information	'	'	'	'
Card Member loans	8,790,000,000	9,236,000,000	'	'
Global Commercial Services [Member]	'	'	'	'
Loans segment information	'	'	'	'
Card Member loans	$53,000,000	$40,000,000	'	'

Accounts_Receivable_and_Loans_3

Accounts Receivable and Loans (Details 2) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
U S Card Services [Member] | Card Member Loans [Member]	'	'
Financing receivable recorded investment aging	'	'
Current	$57,772	$55,281
30 to 59 days past due	183	200
60 to 89 days past due	134	147
90+ days past due	306	325
Total aging	58,395	55,953
U S Card Services [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member]	'	'
Financing receivable recorded investment aging	'	'
Current	21,488	20,748
30 to 59 days past due	125	116
60 to 89 days past due	69	76
90+ days past due	160	184
Total aging	21,842	21,124
International Card Services [Member] | Card Member Loans [Member]	'	'
Financing receivable recorded investment aging	'	'
Current	8,664	9,099
30 to 59 days past due	43	47
60 to 89 days past due	28	30
90+ days past due	55	60
Total aging	8,790	9,236
International Card Services [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member]	'	'
Financing receivable recorded investment aging	'	'
90+ days past due	83	74
Total aging	7,771	7,778
Global Commercial Services [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member]	'	'
Financing receivable recorded investment aging	'	'
90+ days past due	132	112
Total aging	$14,391	$13,671

Accounts_Receivable_and_Loans_4

Accounts Receivable and Loans (Details 3)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
U S Card Services [Member] | Card Member Loans [Member]	'	'
Credit Quality Indicator for Loans and Receivables	'	'
Net Write-Off Rate - Principal Only	1.80%	2.10%
Net Write-Off Rate - Principal, Interest, and Fees	2.00%	2.30%
30 Days Past Due as a % of Total	1.10%	1.20%
U S Card Services [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member]	'	'
Credit Quality Indicator for Loans and Receivables	'	'
Net Write-Off Rate - Principal Only	1.70%	1.90%
Net Write-Off Rate - Principal, Interest, and Fees	1.90%	2.10%
30 Days Past Due as a % of Total	1.60%	1.80%
International Card Services [Member] | Card Member Loans [Member]	'	'
Credit Quality Indicator for Loans and Receivables	'	'
Net Write-Off Rate - Principal Only	1.90%	1.90%
Net Write-Off Rate - Principal, Interest, and Fees	2.30%	2.40%
30 Days Past Due as a % of Total	1.40%	1.50%
International Card Services [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member]	'	'
Credit Quality Indicator for Loans and Receivables	'	'
Net Loss Ratio as a % of Charge Volume	0.20%	0.16%
90 days past billing as a percentage of receivables	1.10%	0.90%
Global Commercial Services [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member]	'	'
Credit Quality Indicator for Loans and Receivables	'	'
Net Loss Ratio as a % of Charge Volume	0.08%	0.06%
90 days past billing as a percentage of receivables	0.90%	0.80%

Accounts_Receivable_and_Loans_5

Accounts Receivable and Loans (Details 4) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Impaired loans and receivables	'	'	'
Loans over 90 days past due and accruing interest	$224	$132	$131
Non-accrual loans	248	431	535
Loans and receivables modified as a Troubled Debt Restructuring	428	750	918
Total impaired loans and receivables	900	1,313	1,584
Unpaid principal balance	842	1,253	1,513
Related allowance for Troubled Debt Restructurings	122	244	294
Average balance of impaired loans	1,091	1,431	1,741
Interest income recognized	62	63	78
Accounts Receivable and Loans (Textuals) [Abstract]	'	'	'
Total loans and receivables modified as a TDR, non-accrual	92	320	410
Total loans and receivables modified as a TDR, past due 90 days and still accruing	26	6	4
U S Card Services [Member] | Card Member Loans [Member]	'	'	'
Impaired loans and receivables	'	'	'
Loans over 90 days past due and accruing interest	170	73	64
Non-accrual loans	244	426	529
Loans and receivables modified as a Troubled Debt Restructuring	373	627	736
Total impaired loans and receivables	787	1,126	1,329
Unpaid principal balance	731	1,073	1,268
Related allowance for Troubled Debt Restructurings	84	152	174
Average balance of impaired loans	943	1,221	1,498
Interest income recognized	46	47	52
U S Card Services [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member]	'	'	'
Impaired loans and receivables	'	'	'
Loans over 90 days past due and accruing interest	0	0	0
Non-accrual loans	0	0	0
Loans and receivables modified as a Troubled Debt Restructuring	50	117	174
Total impaired loans and receivables	50	117	174
Unpaid principal balance	49	111	165
Related allowance for Troubled Debt Restructurings	38	91	118
Average balance of impaired loans	81	135	145
Interest income recognized	0	0	0
International Card Services [Member] | Card Member Loans [Member]	'	'	'
Impaired loans and receivables	'	'	'
Loans over 90 days past due and accruing interest	54	59	67
Non-accrual loans	4	5	6
Loans and receivables modified as a Troubled Debt Restructuring	5	6	8
Total impaired loans and receivables	63	70	81
Unpaid principal balance	62	69	80
Related allowance for Troubled Debt Restructurings	0	1	2
Average balance of impaired loans	67	75	98
Interest income recognized	$16	$16	$26

Accounts_Receivable_and_Loans_6

Accounts Receivable and Loans (Details 5) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
	Account	Account	Account
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]	'	'	'
Number of Accounts (in thousands)	80,000	143,000	197,000
Aggregated Outstanding Balance	$695	$1,204	$1,512
Accounts Receivable and Loans Textuals [Abstract]	'	'	'
Difference between pre- and post-modification outstanding balances	4	24	59
Card Member Loans [Member] | U S Card Services [Member]	'	'	'
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]	'	'	'
Number of Accounts (in thousands)	60,000	106,000	147,000
Aggregated Outstanding Balance	448	779	1,110
Card Member Receivables [Member] | U S Card Services [Member]	'	'	'
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]	'	'	'
Number of Accounts (in thousands)	20,000	37,000	50,000
Aggregated Outstanding Balance	$247	$425	$402

Accounts_Receivable_and_Loans_7

Accounts Receivable and Loans (Details 6) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
	Account	Account	Account
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]	'	'	'
Number of Accounts (in thousands)	21,000	24,000	52,000
Aggregated Outstanding Balance Upon Payment Default	$197	$219	$388
Card Member Loans [Member] | U S Card Services [Member]	'	'	'
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]	'	'	'
Number of Accounts (in thousands)	18,000	23,000	46,000
Aggregated Outstanding Balance Upon Payment Default	159	182	343
Card Member Receivables [Member] | U S Card Services [Member]	'	'	'
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]	'	'	'
Number of Accounts (in thousands)	3,000	1,000	6,000
Aggregated Outstanding Balance Upon Payment Default	$38	$37	$45

Accounts_Receivable_and_Loans_8

Accounts Receivable and Loans (Details Textuals)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
	bp	bp	bp
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]	'	'	'
Average basis point reduction in interest rate by class of Card Member loans	1,000	1,200	1,100
Card Member Receivables [Member] | U S Card Services [Member]	'	'	'
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]	'	'	'
Average payment term extension	12	13	15

Reserves_for_Losses_Details

Reserves for Losses (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Changes in the Card Member receivables reserve for losses	'	'	'
Balance, January 1	$428	$438	$386
Additions:	'	'	'
Card Member receivables provisions	647	601	603
Card Member receivables provisions - other	142	141	167
Total provision	789	742	770
Deductions:	'	'	'
Card Member receivables net write-offs	-669	-640	-560
Card Member receivables reserves for losses - other	-162	-112	-158
Balance, December 31	$386	$428	$438

Reserves_for_Losses_Details_1

Reserves for Losses (Details 1) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Card Member Receivables And Related Reserves Evaluated Separately and Collectively For Impairment [Abstract]	'	'	'
Card Member receivables evaluated separately for impairment	$50	$117	$174
Reserves on Card Member receivables evaluated separately for impairment	38	91	118
Card Member receivables evaluated collectively for impairment	44,113	42,649	40,716
Reserves on Card Member receivables evaluated collectively for impairment	$348	$337	$320

Reserves_for_Losses_Details_2

Reserves for Losses (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Changes in the Card Member loans reserve for losses	'	'	'
Balance, January 1	$1,471	$1,874	$3,646
Additions:	'	'	'
Card Member loans provisions	1,114	1,031	145
Card Member loans provisions - other	115	118	108
Total provision	1,229	1,149	253
Deductions:	'	'	'
Card Member loans net write-offs - principal	-1,141	-1,280	-1,720
Card Member loans net write-offs - interest and fees	-150	-157	-201
Card Member loans - other	-148	-115	-104
Balance, December 31	$1,261	$1,471	$1,874

Reserves_For_Losses_Details_3

Reserves For Losses (Details 3) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Card Member Loans And Related Reserves Evaluated Separately And Collectively For Impairment [Abstract]	'	'	'
Card Member loans evaluated separately for impairment	$378	$633	$744
Reserves on Card Member loans evaluated separately for impairment	84	153	176
Card Member loans evaluated collectively for impairment	66,860	64,596	61,877
Reserves on Card Member loans evaluated collectively for impairment	$1,177	$1,318	$1,698

Reserves_For_Losses_Details_Te

Reserves For Losses (Details Textuals) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'	'
Card Member receivables reserves for losses - other	($162)	($112)	($158)
Card Member loans - other	-148	-115	-104
Allowance for Card Member Receivables, Recoveries of Bad Debts	402	383	349
Allowance for Card Member Loans, Recoveries of Bad Debts	452	493	578
Allowance for Card Member Receivables, Recoveries of Bad Debts - TDR	12	87	82
Allowance for Card Member Loans, Recoveries of Bad Debts - TDR	-1	25	29
Unauthorized Transactions [Member]	'	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'	'
Card Member receivables reserves for losses - other	-160	-141	-161
Card Member loans - other	-130	-116	-103
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments [Member]	'	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'	'
Card Member receivables reserves for losses - other	-4	2	-2
Card Member loans - other	-12	7	-2
Card Member Bankruptcy Reserves [Member]	'	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'	'
Card Member receivables reserves for losses - other	'	18	'
Card Member loans - other	'	4	'
Other Items [Member]	'	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'	'
Card Member receivables reserves for losses - other	2	9	5
Card Member loans - other	($6)	($10)	$1

Investment_Securities_Details

Investment Securities (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Schedule of Available for Sale Securities by Type	'	'
Cost	$4,935	$5,145
Gross Unrealized Gains	165	474
Gross Unrealized Losses	-84	-5
Estimated Fair Value	5,016	5,614
State and municipal obligations [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available for Sale Securities by Type	'	'
Cost	4,060	4,280
Gross Unrealized Gains	54	199
Gross Unrealized Losses	-79	-5
Estimated Fair Value	4,035	4,474
U.S. Government agency obligations [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available for Sale Securities by Type	'	'
Cost	3	3
Gross Unrealized Gains	0	0
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Estimated Fair Value	3	3
U.S. Government treasury obligations [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available for Sale Securities by Type	'	'
Cost	318	330
Gross Unrealized Gains	3	8
Gross Unrealized Losses	-1	0
Estimated Fair Value	320	338
Corporate debt securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available for Sale Securities by Type	'	'
Cost	43	73
Gross Unrealized Gains	3	6
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Estimated Fair Value	46	79
Mortgage-backed securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available for Sale Securities by Type	'	'
Cost	160	210
Gross Unrealized Gains	5	14
Gross Unrealized Losses	-1	0
Estimated Fair Value	164	224
Equity securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available for Sale Securities by Type	'	'
Cost	29	64
Gross Unrealized Gains	95	232
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Estimated Fair Value	124	296
Foreign government bonds and obligations [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available for Sale Securities by Type	'	'
Cost	272	134
Gross Unrealized Gains	5	15
Gross Unrealized Losses	-1	0
Estimated Fair Value	276	149
Other [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available for Sale Securities by Type	'	'
Cost	50	51
Gross Unrealized Gains	0	0
Gross Unrealized Losses	-2	0
Estimated Fair Value	$48	$51

Investment_Securities_Details_

Investment Securities (Details 1) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Available-for-sale investment securities with gross unrealized losses and length of time	'	'
Estimated Fair Value, Less than 12 months	$1,759	$100
Estimated Fair Value, 12 months or more	123	73
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses [Abstract]	'	'
Gross Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 months	-67	-1
Gross Unrealized Losses, 12 months or more	-17	-4
State and municipal obligations [Member]	'	'
Available-for-sale investment securities with gross unrealized losses and length of time	'	'
Estimated Fair Value, Less than 12 months	1,320	100
Estimated Fair Value, 12 months or more	106	73
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses [Abstract]	'	'
Gross Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 months	-63	-1
Gross Unrealized Losses, 12 months or more	-16	-4
Foreign government bonds and obligations [Member]	'	'
Available-for-sale investment securities with gross unrealized losses and length of time	'	'
Estimated Fair Value, Less than 12 months	208	0
Estimated Fair Value, 12 months or more	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses [Abstract]	'	'
Gross Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 months	-1	0
Gross Unrealized Losses, 12 months or more	0	0
U.S. Government treasury obligations [Member]	'	'
Available-for-sale investment securities with gross unrealized losses and length of time	'	'
Estimated Fair Value, Less than 12 months	166	0
Estimated Fair Value, 12 months or more	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses [Abstract]	'	'
Gross Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 months	-1	0
Gross Unrealized Losses, 12 months or more	0	0
Mortgage-backed securities [Member]	'	'
Available-for-sale investment securities with gross unrealized losses and length of time	'	'
Estimated Fair Value, Less than 12 months	35	0
Estimated Fair Value, 12 months or more	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses [Abstract]	'	'
Gross Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 months	-1	0
Gross Unrealized Losses, 12 months or more	0	0
Other [Member]	'	'
Available-for-sale investment securities with gross unrealized losses and length of time	'	'
Estimated Fair Value, Less than 12 months	30	0
Estimated Fair Value, 12 months or more	17	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses [Abstract]	'	'
Gross Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 months	-1	0
Gross Unrealized Losses, 12 months or more	($1)	$0

Investment_Securities_Details_1

Investment Securities (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
	securities	securities
Available-for-sale, Securities in Unrealized Loss Positions, Qualitative Disclosure, Number of Positions [Abstract]	'	'
Number of securities, less than 12 months	241	46
Number of securities, 12 months or more	11	4
Number of securities, total	252	50
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value [Abstract]	'	'
Estimated Fair Value, Less than 12 months	$1,759	$100
Estimated Fair Value, 12 months or more	123	73
Estimated Fair Value, Total	1,882	173
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses [Abstract]	'	'
Gross Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 months	-67	-1
Gross Unrealized Losses, 12 months or more	-17	-4
Gross Unrealized Losses, Total	-84	-5
Ratio Of Fair Value To Amortized Cost Between Ninety And One Hundred Percent [Member]	'	'
Available-for-sale, Securities in Unrealized Loss Positions, Qualitative Disclosure, Number of Positions [Abstract]	'	'
Number of securities, less than 12 months	228	46
Number of securities, 12 months or more	6	4
Number of securities, total	234	50
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value [Abstract]	'	'
Estimated Fair Value, Less than 12 months	1,665	100
Estimated Fair Value, 12 months or more	24	73
Estimated Fair Value, Total	1,689	173
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses [Abstract]	'	'
Gross Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 months	-53	-1
Gross Unrealized Losses, 12 months or more	-2	-4
Gross Unrealized Losses, Total	-55	-5
Ratio Of Fair Value To Amortized Cost Less Than Ninety Percent [Member]	'	'
Available-for-sale, Securities in Unrealized Loss Positions, Qualitative Disclosure, Number of Positions [Abstract]	'	'
Number of securities, less than 12 months	13	'
Number of securities, 12 months or more	5	'
Number of securities, total	18	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value [Abstract]	'	'
Estimated Fair Value, Less than 12 months	94	'
Estimated Fair Value, 12 months or more	99	'
Estimated Fair Value, Total	193	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses [Abstract]	'	'
Gross Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 months	-14	'
Gross Unrealized Losses, 12 months or more	-15	'
Gross Unrealized Losses, Total	($29)	'

Investment_Securities_Details_2

Investment Securities (Details 3) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Gross realized gains and losses on the sales of investment securities	'	'	'
Gains	$136	$127	$16
Losses	0	-1	0
Total	$136	$126	$16

Investment_Securities_Details_3

Investment Securities (Details 4) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Available For Sale Securities Debt Maturities Amortized Cost [Abstract]	'
Due within 1 year	$505
Due after 1 year but within 5 years	489
Due after 5 years but within 10 years	215
Due after 10 years	3,647
Total	4,856
Estimated Fair Value	'
Estimated Fair Value, Due within 1 year	505
Estimated Fair Value, Due after 1 year but within 5 years	496
Estimated Fair Value, Due after 5 years but within 10 years	224
Estimated Fair Value, Due after 10 years	3,619
Total	$4,844

Investment_Securities_Details_4

Investment Securities (Details Textuals) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Investment Securities (Details) [Abstract]	'	'
Other-than-temporary impairments recognized during the period	$0	$0

Asset_Securitizations_Details_

Asset Securitizations (Details Textuals) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Securitized Trusts [Line Items]	'	'
Restricted cash	$486,000,000	$568,000,000
American Express Travel Related Services Company Inc [Member]	'	'
Securitized Trusts [Line Items]	'	'
Subordinated securities owned	1,100,000,000	'
American Express Charge Trust [Member]	'	'
Securitized Trusts [Line Items]	'	'
Restricted cash	2,000,000	3,000,000
American Express Lending Trust [Member]	'	'
Securitized Trusts [Line Items]	'	'
Restricted cash	$56,000,000	$73,000,000

Other_Assets_Details

Other Assets (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Other Assets Details [Abstract]	'	'	'
Goodwill	$3,198	$3,181	$3,172
Deferred tax assets, net	2,443	2,458	'
Prepaid expenses	1,998	1,960	'
Other intangible assets, at amortized cost	817	993	'
Restricted cash	486	568	'
Derivative assets	329	593	'
Other	1,957	1,665	'
Other assets (includes restricted cash of consolidated variable interest entities)	$11,228	$11,418	'

Other_Assets_Details_1

Other Assets (Details 1) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'	'
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	$3,181	$3,172
Acquisitions	0	1
Dispositions	0	-3
Other, including foreign currency translation	17	11
Goodwill, Ending Balance	3,198	3,181
U S Card Services [Member]	'	'
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'	'
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	175	175
Acquisitions	0	0
Dispositions	0	0
Other, including foreign currency translation	-1	0
Goodwill, Ending Balance	174	175
International Card Services [Member]	'	'
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'	'
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	1,031	1,023
Acquisitions	0	1
Dispositions	0	-2
Other, including foreign currency translation	21	9
Goodwill, Ending Balance	1,052	1,031
Global Commercial Services [Member]	'	'
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'	'
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	1,544	1,543
Acquisitions	0	0
Dispositions	0	-1
Other, including foreign currency translation	-1	2
Goodwill, Ending Balance	1,543	1,544
Global Network And Merchant Services [Member]	'	'
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'	'
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	160	160
Acquisitions	0	0
Dispositions	0	0
Other, including foreign currency translation	0	0
Goodwill, Ending Balance	160	160
Corporate and Other [Member]	'	'
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'	'
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	271	271
Acquisitions	0	0
Dispositions	0	0
Other, including foreign currency translation	-2	0
Goodwill, Ending Balance	$269	$271

Other_Assets_Details_2

Other Assets (Details 2) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Components of other intangible assets	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	$1,566	$1,666
Accumulated Amortization	-749	-673
Net Carrying Amount	817	993
Other Contracts [Member]	'	'
Components of other intangible assets	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	269	428
Accumulated Amortization	-89	-147
Net Carrying Amount	180	281
Customer Relationships [Member]	'	'
Components of other intangible assets	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	1,297	1,238
Accumulated Amortization	-660	-526
Net Carrying Amount	$637	$712

Other_Assets_Details_3

Other Assets (Details 3) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Estimated amortization expense for other intangible assets	'
Estimated amortization expense, 2014	$184
Estimated amortization expense, 2015	164
Estimated amortization expense, 2016	123
Estimated amortization expense, 2017	72
Estimated amortization expense, 2018	$61

Other_Assets_Details_Textuals

Other Assets (Details Textuals) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Other Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prepaid expenses	$1,998,000,000	$1,960,000,000	'
Restricted cash	486,000,000	568,000,000	'
Amortization period of acquired finite-lived intangible assets	'6 years 0 months 0 days	'6 years 0 months 0 days	'
Other intangible assets, at amortized cost	817,000,000	993,000,000	'
Other Assets (Textuals) [Abstract]	'	'	'
Goodwill impaired	0	0	'
Accumulated goodwill impairment losses	0	0	'
Amortization expense	193,000,000	198,000,000	189,000,000
Affordable housing partnership interests	541,000,000	427,000,000	'
Customer Relationships [Member]	'	'	'
Other Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Other intangible assets, at amortized cost	637,000,000	712,000,000	'
Other Contracts [Member]	'	'	'
Other Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Other intangible assets, at amortized cost	180,000,000	281,000,000	'
Minimum [Member]	'	'	'
Other Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Amortization period of intangible assets	'1 year 0 months 0 days	'	'
Maximum [Member]	'	'	'
Other Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Amortization period of intangible assets	'22 years 0 months 0 days	'	'
Coupon and Certain Asset-Backed Securitization Maturities [Member]	'	'	'
Other Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Restricted cash	58,000,000	76,000,000	'
Airline [Member] | Customer Relationships [Member]	'	'	'
Other Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Other intangible assets, at amortized cost	290,000,000	358,000,000	'
Airline [Member] | Delta [Member] | Customer Relationships [Member]	'	'	'
Other Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Other intangible assets, at amortized cost	117,000,000	156,000,000	'
Prepaid Miles And Reward Points [Member] | Airline [Member]	'	'	'
Other Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prepaid expenses	1,500,000,000	1,400,000,000	'
Prepaid Miles And Reward Points [Member] | Airline [Member] | Delta [Member]	'	'	'
Other Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prepaid expenses	$900,000,000	$1,100,000,000	'

Customer_Deposits_Details

Customer Deposits (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
U.S.:	'	'
Interest-bearing	$40,831	$39,649
Non-interest-bearing	360	10
Non-U.S.:	'	'
Interest-bearing	121	135
Non-interest-bearing	451	9
Total customer deposits	41,763	39,803
Card Member Credit Balances [Member]	'	'
U.S.:	'	'
Non-interest-bearing	340	0
Non-U.S.:	'	'
Non-interest-bearing	$437	$0

Customer_Deposits_Details_1

Customer Deposits (Details 1) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
U.S. retail deposits:	'	'
Savings accounts - Direct	$24,550	$18,713
Certificates of deposit - Direct	489	725
Certificates of deposit - Third party	6,929	8,851
Sweep accounts - Third party	8,863	11,360
Non-U.S. deposits and U.S. non-interest bearing	155	154
Card Member credit balances - U.S. and non-U.S.	777	0
Total customer deposits	$41,763	$39,803

Customer_Deposits_Details_2

Customer Deposits (Details 2) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Time Deposits By Maturity	'
2014	$2,738
2015	1,223
2016	1,658
2017	571
2018	1,040
After 5 years	191
Total	7,421
United States [Member]	'
Time Deposits By Maturity	'
2014	2,735
2015	1,223
2016	1,658
2017	571
2018	1,040
After 5 years	191
Total	7,418
Non United States [Member]	'
Time Deposits By Maturity	'
2014	3
2015	0
2016	0
2017	0
2018	0
After 5 years	0
Total	$3

Customer_Deposits_Details_3

Customer Deposits (Details 3) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Time Deposits 100000 Or More [Abstract]	'	'
U.S.	$324	$475
Non-U.S.	2	1
Total	$326	$476

Debt_Details

Debt (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Short-term Debt [Line Items]	'	'
Outstanding Balance	$5,021	$3,314
Short-term Debt [Member]	'	'
Short-term Debt [Line Items]	'	'
Year-End Stated Rate on Debt	1.03%	1.46%
Fees to maintain the secured financing facility	12.5	1.4
Commercial Paper [Member]	'	'
Short-term Debt [Line Items]	'	'
Outstanding Balance	200	0
Commercial Paper [Member] | Short-term Debt [Member]	'	'
Short-term Debt [Line Items]	'	'
Year-End Stated Rate on Debt	0.19%	0.00%
Other Short Term Borrowings [Member]	'	'
Short-term Debt [Line Items]	'	'
Outstanding Balance	4,821	3,314
Other Short Term Borrowings [Member] | Bank Overdrafts [Member]	'	'
Short-term Debt [Line Items]	'	'
Outstanding Balance	$489	$615
Other Short Term Borrowings [Member] | Short-term Debt [Member]	'	'
Short-term Debt [Line Items]	'	'
Year-End Stated Rate on Debt	1.08%	1.46%

Debt_Details_1

Debt (Details 1) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term Debt	$55,330	$58,973
Unamortized Underwriting Fees	-105	-112
Long-term Debt [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Year-End Stated Rate on Debt	2.56%	3.04%
Parent Company [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term Debt	10,354	9,570
Fixed Rate Senior Notes Amount [Member] | Parent Company [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Maturity Dates	'2014-2042	'
Long-term Debt	8,784	8,848
Year-End Effective Interest Rates with Swaps	4.60%	4.95%
Fixed Rate Senior Notes Amount [Member] | Parent Company [Member] | Long-term Debt [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Year-End Stated Rate on Debt	5.43%	5.78%
Fixed Rate Senior Notes Amount [Member] | American Express Centurion Bank [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Maturity Dates	'2015-2017	'
Long-term Debt	2,102	2,120
Year-End Effective Interest Rates with Swaps	3.32%	3.32%
Fixed Rate Senior Notes Amount [Member] | American Express Centurion Bank [Member] | Long-term Debt [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Year-End Stated Rate on Debt	4.12%	4.12%
Fixed Rate Senior Notes Amount [Member] | American Express Credit Corporation [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Maturity Dates	'2014-2018	'
Long-term Debt	14,875	17,163
Year-End Effective Interest Rates with Swaps	2.03%	2.39%
Fixed Rate Senior Notes Amount [Member] | American Express Credit Corporation [Member] | Long-term Debt [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Year-End Stated Rate on Debt	3.13%	4.20%
Fixed Rate Senior Notes Amount [Member] | American Express Bank, FSB [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Maturity Dates	'2017	'
Long-term Debt	999	2,764
Year-End Effective Interest Rates with Swaps	0.00%	3.68%
Fixed Rate Senior Notes Amount [Member] | American Express Bank, FSB [Member] | Long-term Debt [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Year-End Stated Rate on Debt	6.00%	5.68%
Fixed Rate Senior Notes Amount [Member] | American Express Lending Trust [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Maturity Dates	'2015-2016	'
Long-term Debt	2,600	2,100
Year-End Effective Interest Rates with Swaps	0.00%	0.00%
Fixed Rate Senior Notes Amount [Member] | American Express Lending Trust [Member] | Long-term Debt [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Year-End Stated Rate on Debt	0.72%	0.65%
Floating Rate Senior Notes Amount [Member] | Parent Company [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Maturity Dates	'2018	'
Long-term Debt	850	0
Year-End Effective Interest Rates with Swaps	0.00%	0.00%
Floating Rate Senior Notes Amount [Member] | Parent Company [Member] | Long-term Debt [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Year-End Stated Rate on Debt	0.84%	0.00%
Floating Rate Senior Notes Amount [Member] | American Express Centurion Bank [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Maturity Dates	'2015-2018	'
Long-term Debt	675	550
Year-End Effective Interest Rates with Swaps	0.00%	0.00%
Floating Rate Senior Notes Amount [Member] | American Express Centurion Bank [Member] | Long-term Debt [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Year-End Stated Rate on Debt	0.67%	0.76%
Floating Rate Senior Notes Amount [Member] | American Express Credit Corporation [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Maturity Dates	'2014-2016	'
Long-term Debt	2,855	2,203
Year-End Effective Interest Rates with Swaps	0.00%	0.00%
Floating Rate Senior Notes Amount [Member] | American Express Credit Corporation [Member] | Long-term Debt [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Year-End Stated Rate on Debt	1.14%	1.59%
Floating Rate Senior Notes Amount [Member] | American Express Bank, FSB [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Maturity Dates	'2017	'
Long-term Debt	300	300
Year-End Effective Interest Rates with Swaps	0.00%	0.00%
Floating Rate Senior Notes Amount [Member] | American Express Bank, FSB [Member] | Long-term Debt [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Year-End Stated Rate on Debt	0.47%	0.51%
Floating Rate Senior Notes Amount [Member] | American Express Charge Trust II [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Maturity Dates	'2016-2018	'
Long-term Debt	4,200	3,000
Year-End Effective Interest Rates with Swaps	0.00%	0.00%
Floating Rate Senior Notes Amount [Member] | American Express Charge Trust II [Member] | Long-term Debt [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Year-End Stated Rate on Debt	0.49%	0.49%
Floating Rate Senior Notes Amount [Member] | American Express Lending Trust [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Maturity Dates	'2014-2018	'
Long-term Debt	10,685	12,810
Year-End Effective Interest Rates with Swaps	0.00%	0.00%
Floating Rate Senior Notes Amount [Member] | American Express Lending Trust [Member] | Long-term Debt [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Year-End Stated Rate on Debt	0.81%	0.90%
Floating Rate Subordinated Notes Amount [Member] | American Express Charge Trust II [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Maturity Dates	'2016-2018	'
Long-term Debt	87	0
Year-End Effective Interest Rates with Swaps	0.00%	0.00%
Floating Rate Subordinated Notes Amount [Member] | American Express Charge Trust II [Member] | Long-term Debt [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Year-End Stated Rate on Debt	0.80%	0.00%
Floating Rate Subordinated Notes Amount [Member] | American Express Lending Trust [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Maturity Dates	'2014-2018	'
Long-term Debt	847	1,091
Year-End Effective Interest Rates with Swaps	0.00%	0.00%
Floating Rate Subordinated Notes Amount [Member] | American Express Lending Trust [Member] | Long-term Debt [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Year-End Stated Rate on Debt	0.81%	0.93%
Convertible Subordinated Debt [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Year-End Stated Rate on Debt	6.80%	'
Convertible Subordinated Debt [Member] | Parent Company [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Maturity Dates	'2036	'
Long-term Debt	749	749
Year-End Effective Interest Rates with Swaps	0.00%	0.00%
Convertible Subordinated Debt [Member] | Parent Company [Member] | Long-term Debt [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Year-End Stated Rate on Debt	6.80%	6.80%
Borrowings under Bank Credit Facilities [Member] | American Express Credit Corporation [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Maturity Dates	'2015-2016	'
Long-term Debt	4,012	4,672
Year-End Effective Interest Rates with Swaps	0.00%	0.00%
Borrowings under Bank Credit Facilities [Member] | American Express Credit Corporation [Member] | Long-term Debt [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Year-End Stated Rate on Debt	4.18%	4.87%
Fixed Rate Subordinated Notes Amount [Member] | American Express Lending Trust [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Maturity Dates	'2015	'
Long-term Debt	300	300
Year-End Effective Interest Rates with Swaps	0.00%	0.00%
Fixed Rate Subordinated Notes Amount [Member] | American Express Lending Trust [Member] | Long-term Debt [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Year-End Stated Rate on Debt	1.08%	1.08%
Fixed Rate Instruments [Member] | Other Subsidiaries [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Maturity Dates	'2014-2030	'
Long-term Debt	239	123
Year-End Effective Interest Rates with Swaps	0.00%	0.00%
Fixed Rate Instruments [Member] | Other Subsidiaries [Member] | Long-term Debt [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Year-End Stated Rate on Debt	3.95%	5.94%
Fixed Rate Instruments [Member] | Other Subsidiaries [Member] | Sale Lease Back Transaction Name [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term Debt	109	118
Floating Rate Borrowings [Member] | Other Subsidiaries [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Maturity Dates	'2014-2016	'
Long-term Debt	$276	$292
Year-End Effective Interest Rates with Swaps	0.00%	0.00%
Floating Rate Borrowings [Member] | Other Subsidiaries [Member] | Long-term Debt [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Year-End Stated Rate on Debt	0.62%	0.65%

Debt_Details_2

Debt (Details 2) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Aggregate annual maturities on long-term debt obligations	'	'
2014	$9,849	'
2015	13,881	'
2016	11,554	'
2017	7,223	'
2018	9,488	'
Thereafter	3,972	'
Total	55,967	'
Unamortized Underwriting Fees	-105	-112
Unamortized Discount and Premium	-960	'
Impacts due to Fair Value Hedge Accounting	428	'
Total long-term debt	55,330	58,973
Parent Company [Member]	'	'
Aggregate annual maturities on long-term debt obligations	'	'
2014	1,250	'
2015	0	'
2016	600	'
2017	1,500	'
2018	3,850	'
Thereafter	3,939	'
Total	11,139	'
Total long-term debt	10,354	9,570
American Express Centurion Bank [Member]	'	'
Aggregate annual maturities on long-term debt obligations	'	'
2014	0	'
2015	1,305	'
2016	0	'
2017	1,300	'
2018	125	'
Thereafter	1	'
Total	2,731	'
American Express Credit Corporation [Member]	'	'
Aggregate annual maturities on long-term debt obligations	'	'
2014	4,420	'
2015	7,010	'
2016	7,293	'
2017	1,500	'
2018	1,340	'
Thereafter	0	'
Total	21,563	'
American Express Bank, FSB [Member]	'	'
Aggregate annual maturities on long-term debt obligations	'	'
2014	0	'
2015	0	'
2016	0	'
2017	1,300	'
2018	0	'
Thereafter	0	'
Total	1,300	'
American Express Charge Trust II [Member]	'	'
Aggregate annual maturities on long-term debt obligations	'	'
2014	0	'
2015	0	'
2016	3,000	'
2017	0	'
2018	1,287	'
Thereafter	0	'
Total	4,287	'
American Express Lending Trust [Member]	'	'
Aggregate annual maturities on long-term debt obligations	'	'
2014	4,000	'
2015	5,423	'
2016	500	'
2017	1,623	'
2018	2,886	'
Thereafter	0	'
Total	14,432	'
Other Subsidiaries [Member]	'	'
Aggregate annual maturities on long-term debt obligations	'	'
2014	179	'
2015	143	'
2016	161	'
2017	0	'
2018	0	'
Thereafter	32	'
Total	$515	'

Debt_Details_Textuals

Debt (Details Textuals) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
	M
Debt (Textuals) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Date, interest rate automatically extended, Convertible subordinated notes	1-Sep-66	'	'	'	'
Principal outstanding of Subordinated Debentures	$750,000,000	$750,000,000	$750,000,000	'	'
Interest rate of convertible subordinated debt LIBOR rate plus an annual percentage after year five following the balance sheet date	'3-month LIBOR + 2.23%	'	'	'	'
Convertible Subordinated Debentures Redeemable Percentage Of Principal	100.00%	'	'	'	'
Percentage of Tangible Common Equity To Total Adjusted Assets	'less than 4 percent	'	'	'	'
Number of months prior to trigger determination date decline in tangible common equity	18	'	'	'	'
Percentage of Decline in Tangible Common Equity	10.00%	'	'	'	'
Total bank lines of credit of the company	7,000,000,000	7,700,000,000	'	'	'
Unutilized total credit lines	3,000,000,000	3,000,000,000	'	'	'
Line of credit facility expiration amount	'	'	'	2,200,000,000	4,800,000,000
Fees to maintain credit lines	44,900,000,000	46,700,000,000	'	'	'
Line of credit facility financial covenants combined earnings and fixed charges to fixed charges ratio required	0.0125	'	'	'	'
Total Interest Paid	2,000,000,000	2,200,000,000	2,400,000,000	'	'
American Express Charge Trust II [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Face amount of eligible notes issued	3,000,000,000	'	'	'	'
Face amount of eligible notes draw downs	3,000,000,000	'	'	'	'
Specified date face amount of eligible notes issued	15-Jul-16	'	'	'	'
American Express Lending Trust [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Face amount of eligible notes issued	$2,000,000,000	'	'	'	'
Convertible Subordinated Debt [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Year-End Stated Rate on Debt	6.80%	'	'	'	'

Other_Liabilities_Details

Other Liabilities (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Summary of other liabilities	'	'
Membership Rewards liability	$6,151	$5,832
Employee-related liablities	2,227	2,224
Rebate and reward accruals	2,210	2,079
Deferred card fees, net	1,314	1,286
Book overdraft balances	442	532
Other	4,566	5,604
Total	16,910	17,557
Carrying amount of deferred charge card and other fees	'	'
Deferred charge card and other fees	1,609	1,566
Deferred direct acquisition costs	-164	-154
Reserves for membership cancellations	-131	-126
Total	$1,314	$1,286

Derivatives_and_Hedging_Activi2

Derivatives and Hedging Activities (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Total fair value of derivatives assets	$701	$942
Total fair value of derivatives liabilties	213	329
Total derivatives assets, net	329	593
Other Assets [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Total fair value of derivatives assets	701	942
Cash collateral netting	-336	-326
Derivative asset and liability netting	-36	-23
Total derivatives assets, net	329	593
Other Assets [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Total fair value of derivatives assets	637	867
Other Assets [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Total fair value of derivatives assets	64	75
Other Assets [Member] | Foreign exchange contracts [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Total fair value of derivatives assets	64	75
Other Assets [Member] | Fair Value Hedging [Member] | Interest Rate Contract [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Total fair value of derivatives assets	455	824
Other Assets [Member] | Fair Value Hedging [Member] | Total Return Swap [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Total fair value of derivatives assets	8	0
Other Assets [Member] | Net Investment Hedging [Member] | Foreign exchange contracts [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Total fair value of derivatives assets	174	43
Other Liabilities [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Total fair value of derivatives liabilties	213	329
Cash collateral netting	0	-21
Derivative asset and liability netting	-36	-23
Total derivatives liabilities, net	177	285
Other Liabilities [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Total fair value of derivatives liabilties	118	169
Other Liabilities [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Total fair value of derivatives liabilties	95	160
Other Liabilities [Member] | Foreign exchange contracts [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Total fair value of derivatives liabilties	95	160
Other Liabilities [Member] | Fair Value Hedging [Member] | Interest Rate Contract [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Total fair value of derivatives liabilties	2	0
Other Liabilities [Member] | Fair Value Hedging [Member] | Total Return Swap [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Total fair value of derivatives liabilties	0	19
Other Liabilities [Member] | Net Investment Hedging [Member] | Foreign exchange contracts [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Total fair value of derivatives liabilties	$116	$150

Derivatives_and_Hedging_Activi3

Derivatives and Hedging Activities (Details 1) (Fair Value Hedging [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Other Expense [Member] | Interest Rate Contracts [Member]	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'
Derivative contract	($370)	($178)	$128
Hedged item	351	132	-102
Net hedge ineffectiveness	-19	-46	26
Other Revenues [Member] | Total Return Swap [Member]	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'
Derivative contract	15	-53	100
Hedged item	-15	54	-112
Net hedge ineffectiveness	$0	$1	($12)

Derivatives_and_Hedging_Activi4

Derivatives and Hedging Activities (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Cash Flow Hedging [Member]	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'
Amount reclassified from AOCI into income	$0	($1,000,000)	($13,000,000)
Net hedge ineffectiveness	0	0	0
Net Investment Hedging [Member]	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'
Amount reclassified from AOCI into income	0	0	0
Net hedge ineffectiveness	$0	$0	($3,000,000)

Derivatives_and_Hedging_Activi5

Derivatives and Hedging Activities (Details 3) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'
Pretax gains (losses)	$73	($58)	$196
Interest Expense [Member] | Foreign exchange contracts [Member] | Short-term Debt [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'
Pretax gains (losses)	0	0	3
Interest Expense [Member] | Foreign exchange contracts [Member] | Long-term Debt [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'
Pretax gains (losses)	0	-1	130
Other Expense [Member] | Interest Rate Contract [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'
Pretax gains (losses)	1	-1	3
Other Expense [Member] | Foreign exchange contracts [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'
Pretax gains (losses)	72	-56	51
Interest Income [Member] | Foreign exchange contracts [Member] | Securities Investment [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'
Pretax gains (losses)	$0	$0	$9

Derivatives_and_Hedging_Activi6

Derivatives and Hedging Activities (Details Textuals) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Derivatives and Hedging Activities (Textuals) [Abstract]	'	'	'
Net reduction in interest expense on long term debt and other	$346	$491	$503
Net pretax losses on derivatives reclassified from AOCI into earnings	0	'	'
Shares held in equity investment	180.7	415.9	'
Margin on interest rate swap not netted	26	0	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'
Equity investment	124	296	'
Total derivatives assets, net	329	593	'
Not Sold Or Repledged [Member]	'	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'
Securities received as collateral	0	335	'
Risk Exposure Low [Member]	'	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total derivatives assets, net	329	258	'
Significant Counterparties [Member]	'	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total derivatives assets, net	0	0	'
Total derivatives liabilities, net	0	0	'
Fair Value Hedges [Member]	'	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'
Notional amount of long-term debt	14,700	18,400	'
Fair Value Hedges [Member] | ICBC [Member]	'	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'
Equity investment	122	295	'
Cash Flow Hedges [Member]	'	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'
Notional amount of long-term debt	0	0	'
Net Investment Hedges [Member]	'	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'
Effective portion of gain (loss) on hedges	253	-288	-26
Credit Valuation Adjustment [Member]	'	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'
Notional amount of long-term debt	$0	$0	'

Guarantees_Details

Guarantees (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Type of Guarantee	'	'
Maximum potential amount of undiscounted future payments	$45,000,000,000	$45,000,000,000
Amount of related liability	161,000,000	186,000,000
Card and Travel Operations [Member]	'	'
Type of Guarantee	'	'
Maximum potential amount of undiscounted future payments	44,000,000,000	44,000,000,000
Amount of related liability	88,000,000	93,000,000
Other Guarantees [Member]	'	'
Type of Guarantee	'	'
Maximum potential amount of undiscounted future payments	1,000,000,000	1,000,000,000
Amount of related liability	$73,000,000	$93,000,000

Common_and_Preferred_Shares_an2

Common and Preferred Shares and Warrants (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Authorized shares and a reconciliation of common shares issued and outstanding	'	'	'
Common shares, authorized	3,600,000,000	3,600,000,000	3,600,000,000
Shares issued and outstanding at beginning of year	1,105,000,000	1,164,000,000	1,197,000,000
Repurchases of common shares	-55,000,000	-69,000,000	-48,000,000
Other, primarily stock option exercises and RSAs granted	14,000,000	10,000,000	15,000,000
Shares issued and outstanding as of December 31	1,064,000,000	1,105,000,000	1,164,000,000
Stockholders' Equity Note (Textuals) [Abstract]	'	'	'
Shares reserved for issuance under employee stock and employee benefit plans	63,000,000	'	'

Common_and_Preferred_Shares_an3

Common and Preferred Shares and Warrants (Details Textuals) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Mar. 25, 2013
Common And Preferred Shares And Warrants (Textuals) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Common share repurchases authorized	'	'	'	150,000,000
Common shares repurchased	55,000,000	69,000,000	'	'
Cost basis of common stock repurchased	$3,943	$3,952	$2,300	'
Commissions paid included in cost basis of common stock repurchased	1.1	1	'	'
Common shares remaining under share repurchase authorizations	108,000,000	'	'	'
Shares held as treasury shares	3,500,000	3,900,000	4,200,000	'
Cost basis of treasury stock	$260	$236	$217	'
Preferred shares, authorized	20,000,000	'	'	'
Preferred shares, par value	'1.66	'	'	'
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0	0	'
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0	0	'

Changes_in_Accumulated_Other_C2

Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Changes in Other Comprehensive income	'	'	'
Balances as of January 1	($927)	'	'
Net unrealized pension and other post retirement benefit gains (losses), net of tax	89	-7	-17
Balances as of December 31	-1,426	-927	'
Tax impact for the changes in each component of accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	'	'	'
Investment securities	-142	7	149
Cash flow hedges	0	1	3
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-49	24	-40
Net investment hedges	135	-176	-14
Pension and other postretirement benefit losses	56	0	-7
Total tax impact	0	-144	91
Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income [Member]	'	'	'
Changes in Other Comprehensive income	'	'	'
Balances as of January 1	-927	-876	-917
Net unrealized gains (losses)	-159	106	243
Reclassification for realized (gains) losses into earnings	-93	-77	-6
Net translation of investments in foreign operations	-589	215	-153
Net gains (losses) related to hedges of investment in foreign operations	253	-288	-26
Net unrealized pension and other post retirement benefit gains (losses), net of tax	89	-7	-17
Net change in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	-499	-51	41
Balances as of December 31	-1,426	-927	-876
Net Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses) on Investment Securities [Member]	'	'	'
Changes in Other Comprehensive income	'	'	'
Balances as of January 1	315	288	57
Net unrealized gains (losses)	-159	106	245
Reclassification for realized (gains) losses into earnings	-93	-79	-14
Net change in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	-252	27	231
Balances as of December 31	63	315	288
Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Cash Flow Hedges [Member]	'	'	'
Changes in Other Comprehensive income	'	'	'
Balances as of January 1	0	-1	-7
Net unrealized gains (losses)	'	'	-2
Reclassification for realized (gains) losses into earnings	'	1	8
Net change in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	0	1	6
Balances as of December 31	0	0	-1
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments [Member]	'	'	'
Changes in Other Comprehensive income	'	'	'
Balances as of January 1	-754	-682	-503
Reclassification for realized (gains) losses into earnings	'	1	'
Net translation of investments in foreign operations	-589	215	-153
Net gains (losses) related to hedges of investment in foreign operations	253	-288	-26
Net change in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	-336	-72	-179
Balances as of December 31	-1,090	-754	-682
Net Unrealized Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Losses [Member]	'	'	'
Changes in Other Comprehensive income	'	'	'
Balances as of January 1	-488	-481	-464
Net unrealized pension and other post retirement benefit gains (losses), net of tax	89	-7	-17
Net change in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	89	-7	-17
Balances as of December 31	($399)	($488)	($481)

Changes_in_Accumulated_Other_C3

Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details 1) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'	'
Other non-interest revenue	$2,274	$2,425	$2,164
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Net Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses) on Investment Securities [Member]	'	'	'
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'	'
Other non-interest revenue	-145	'	'
Income tax provision for other non-interest revenue	52	'	'
Other non-interest revenue, net of taxes	($93)	'	'

Restructuring_Charges_Details

Restructuring Charges (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Restructuring Charges	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	$470	$200	$215
Restructuring charges, net of revisions	-4	403	119
Payments	-229	-133	-129
Other non-cash	-4	'	-5
Ending Balance	233	470	200
U S Card Services [Member]	'	'	'
Restructuring Charges	'	'	'
Restructuring charges, net of revisions	-7	'	'
International Card Services [Member]	'	'	'
Restructuring Charges	'	'	'
Restructuring charges, net of revisions	-8	'	'
Global Commercial Services [Member]	'	'	'
Restructuring Charges	'	'	'
Restructuring charges, net of revisions	-4	'	'
Global Network And Merchant Services [Member]	'	'	'
Restructuring Charges	'	'	'
Restructuring charges, net of revisions	7	'	'
Corporate and Other [Member]	'	'	'
Restructuring Charges	'	'	'
Restructuring charges, net of revisions	8	'	'
Employee Severance [Member]	'	'	'
Restructuring Charges	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	412	170	199
Restructuring charges, net of revisions	-7	366	96
Payments	-206	-124	-121
Other non-cash	-3	'	-4
Ending Balance	196	412	170
Other Terminations [Member]	'	'	'
Restructuring Charges	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	58	30	16
Restructuring charges, net of revisions	3	37	23
Payments	-23	-9	-8
Other non-cash	-1	'	-1
Ending Balance	$37	$58	$30

Restructuring_Charges_Details_

Restructuring Charges (Details 1) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Restructuring charges, by reportable segment	'	'	'
Restructuring charges, net of revisions	($4)	$403	$119
Cumulative Restructuring Expense Incurred To Date On In-Progress Restructuring Programs	622	'	'
Employee Severance [Member]	'	'	'
Restructuring charges, by reportable segment	'	'	'
Restructuring charges, net of revisions	-7	366	96
Cumulative Restructuring Expense Incurred To Date On In-Progress Restructuring Programs	529	'	'
Other Terminations [Member]	'	'	'
Restructuring charges, by reportable segment	'	'	'
Restructuring charges, net of revisions	3	37	23
Cumulative Restructuring Expense Incurred To Date On In-Progress Restructuring Programs	93	'	'
U S Card Services [Member]	'	'	'
Restructuring charges, by reportable segment	'	'	'
Restructuring charges, net of revisions	-7	'	'
Cumulative Restructuring Expense Incurred To Date On In-Progress Restructuring Programs	77	'	'
U S Card Services [Member] | Employee Severance [Member]	'	'	'
Restructuring charges, by reportable segment	'	'	'
Cumulative Restructuring Expense Incurred To Date On In-Progress Restructuring Programs	71	'	'
U S Card Services [Member] | Other Terminations [Member]	'	'	'
Restructuring charges, by reportable segment	'	'	'
Cumulative Restructuring Expense Incurred To Date On In-Progress Restructuring Programs	6	'	'
International Card Services [Member]	'	'	'
Restructuring charges, by reportable segment	'	'	'
Restructuring charges, net of revisions	-8	'	'
Cumulative Restructuring Expense Incurred To Date On In-Progress Restructuring Programs	111	'	'
International Card Services [Member] | Employee Severance [Member]	'	'	'
Restructuring charges, by reportable segment	'	'	'
Cumulative Restructuring Expense Incurred To Date On In-Progress Restructuring Programs	110	'	'
International Card Services [Member] | Other Terminations [Member]	'	'	'
Restructuring charges, by reportable segment	'	'	'
Cumulative Restructuring Expense Incurred To Date On In-Progress Restructuring Programs	1	'	'
Global Commercial Services [Member]	'	'	'
Restructuring charges, by reportable segment	'	'	'
Restructuring charges, net of revisions	-4	'	'
Cumulative Restructuring Expense Incurred To Date On In-Progress Restructuring Programs	222	'	'
Global Commercial Services [Member] | Employee Severance [Member]	'	'	'
Restructuring charges, by reportable segment	'	'	'
Cumulative Restructuring Expense Incurred To Date On In-Progress Restructuring Programs	204	'	'
Global Commercial Services [Member] | Other Terminations [Member]	'	'	'
Restructuring charges, by reportable segment	'	'	'
Cumulative Restructuring Expense Incurred To Date On In-Progress Restructuring Programs	18	'	'
Global Network And Merchant Services [Member]	'	'	'
Restructuring charges, by reportable segment	'	'	'
Restructuring charges, net of revisions	7	'	'
Cumulative Restructuring Expense Incurred To Date On In-Progress Restructuring Programs	55	'	'
Global Network And Merchant Services [Member] | Employee Severance [Member]	'	'	'
Restructuring charges, by reportable segment	'	'	'
Cumulative Restructuring Expense Incurred To Date On In-Progress Restructuring Programs	55	'	'
Global Network And Merchant Services [Member] | Other Terminations [Member]	'	'	'
Restructuring charges, by reportable segment	'	'	'
Cumulative Restructuring Expense Incurred To Date On In-Progress Restructuring Programs	0	'	'
Corporate and Other [Member]	'	'	'
Restructuring charges, by reportable segment	'	'	'
Restructuring charges, net of revisions	8	'	'
Cumulative Restructuring Expense Incurred To Date On In-Progress Restructuring Programs	157	'	'
Severance and other charges	147	'	'
Corporate and Other [Member] | Employee Severance [Member]	'	'	'
Restructuring charges, by reportable segment	'	'	'
Cumulative Restructuring Expense Incurred To Date On In-Progress Restructuring Programs	89	'	'
Corporate and Other [Member] | Other Terminations [Member]	'	'	'
Restructuring charges, by reportable segment	'	'	'
Cumulative Restructuring Expense Incurred To Date On In-Progress Restructuring Programs	$68	'	'

Restructuring_Charges_Details_1

Restructuring Charges (Details Textuals) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Restructuring Charges (Textuals) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring charges, net of revisions	'	($4)	$403	$119
Restructuring charges, gross of revision adjustments	400	'	'	'
Restructuring charges, revision adjustments	'	4	16	27
Downsizing and Reorganizing Operations [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Charges (Textuals) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring charges, gross of revision adjustments	'	'	400	-105
Employee Severance [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Charges (Textuals) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring charges, net of revisions	'	-7	366	96
U S Card Services [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Charges (Textuals) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring charges, net of revisions	'	-7	'	'
International Card Services [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Charges (Textuals) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring charges, net of revisions	'	-8	'	'
Global Commercial Services [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Charges (Textuals) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring charges, net of revisions	'	-4	'	'
Global Network And Merchant Services [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Charges (Textuals) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring charges, net of revisions	'	7	'	'
Corporate and Other [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Charges (Textuals) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring charges, net of revisions	'	$8	'	'

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Current income tax expense:	'	'	'
U.S. federal	$1,730	$982	$958
U.S. state and local	288	189	156
Non-U.S.	514	445	434
Total current income tax expense	2,532	1,616	1,548
Deferred income tax expense (benefit):	'	'	'
U.S. federal	113	359	464
U.S. state and local	4	39	68
Non-U.S.	-120	-45	-23
Total deferred income tax expense	-3	353	509
Total income tax expense on continuing operations	2,529	1,969	2,057
Income tax expense from discontinued operations	$0	$0	($36)

Income_Taxes_Details_1

Income Taxes (Details 1)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Effective tax rate reconciliation	'	'	'
Combined tax at U.S. statutory federal income tax rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Increase (decrease) in taxes resulting from:	'	'	'
Tax-exempt income	-1.60%	-1.60%	-1.50%
State and local income taxes, net of federal benefit	3.10%	2.50%	2.60%
Non-U.S. subsidiaries earnings	-2.80%	-5.20%	-4.40%
Tax settlements	-1.90%	-0.20%	-1.90%
All other	0.30%	0.00%	-0.20%
Actual tax rates	32.10%	30.50%	29.60%

Income_Taxes_Details_2

Income Taxes (Details 2) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Deferred tax assets:	'	'
Reserves not yet deducted for tax purposes	$3,813	$3,828
Employee compensation and benefits	721	761
Other	546	537
Gross deferred tax assets	5,080	5,126
Valuation allowance	-121	-162
Deferred tax assets after valuation allowance	4,959	4,964
Deferred tax liabilities:	'	'
Intangibles and fixed assets	1,325	1,346
Deferred revenue	453	403
Deferred interest	363	378
Asset Securitization	130	73
Other	245	306
Gross deferred tax liabilities	2,516	2,506
Net deferred tax assets	$2,443	$2,458

Income_Taxes_Details_3

Income Taxes (Details 3) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Balance, January 1	$1,230	$1,223	$1,377
Increases:	'	'	'
Current year tax positions	124	51	77
Tax positions related to prior years	176	64	247
Decreases:	'	'	'
Tax positions related to prior years	-371	-44	-457
Settlements with tax authorities	-94	-25	-2
Lapse of statute of limitations	-21	-37	-19
Effects of foreign currency translations	0	-2	0
Balance, December 31	$1,044	$1,230	$1,223

Income_Taxes_Details_Textuals

Income Taxes (Details Textuals) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Income Taxes (Textuals)	'	'	'	'
U.S. statutory federal income tax rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%	'
Aggregate of federal taxes	$3,000,000,000	'	'	'
Income taxes paid	2,000,000,000	1,900,000,000	700,000,000	'
Unrecognized tax benefits	1,044,000,000	1,230,000,000	1,223,000,000	1,377,000,000
Unrecognized tax benefits as a result of potential resolutions of prior years' tax	632,000,000	'	'	'
Unrecognized tax benefits that affect effective tax rate	427,000,000	452,000,000	440,000,000	'
Unrecognized tax benefits, amounts recorded to equity	474,000,000	'	'	'
Unrecognized tax benefits impact not possible to quantify	158,000,000	'	'	'
Unrecognized tax benefits income tax penalties and interest expense	31,000,000	8,000,000	63,000,000	'
Unrecognized tax benefits income tax penalties and interest accrued	144,000,000	155,000,000	'	'
Tax Benefits from Discontinued Operations	'	'	36,000,000	'
Income Taxes Of Non Us Subsidiaries [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Accumulated earnings intended to be permanently reinvested outside the U.S.	9,600,000,000	'	'	'
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member] | Earliest Year [Member]	'	'	'	'
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Open tax years by major tax jurisdiction	'2008	'	'	'
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member] | Latest Year [Member]	'	'	'	'
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Open tax years by major tax jurisdiction	'2011	'	'	'
International [Member]	'	'	'	'
Income Taxes Of Non Us Subsidiaries [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Benefits related to the realization of certain foreign tax credits	'	$146,000,000	$77,000,000	'
Decrease in tax rate related to the realization of certain foreign tax credits	'	2.30%	1.10%	'

Earnings_Per_Common_Share_EPS_1

Earnings Per Common Share (EPS) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Basic and diluted:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Income from continuing operations	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$5,359	$4,482	$4,899
Earnings allocated to participating share awards	-11	-12	-13	-11	-7	-14	-14	-14	-47	-49	-58
Income from discontinued operations	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	0	36
Net income attributable to common shareholders	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	5,312	4,433	4,877
Denominator:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Basic: Weighted-average common stock	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,082	1,135	1,178
Add: Weighted-average stock options	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	7	6	6
Diluted	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,089	1,141	1,184
Basic EPS:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Income from continuing operations attributable to common shareholders	$1.22	$1.26	$1.28	$1.15	$0.57	$1.10	$1.16	$1.07	$4.91	$3.91	$4.11
Income from discontinued operations	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$0	$0	$0.03
Net income attributable to common shareholders	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$4.91	$3.91	$4.14
Diluted EPS:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Income from continuing operations attributable to common shareholders	$1.21	$1.25	$1.27	$1.15	$0.56	$1.09	$1.15	$1.07	$4.88	$3.89	$4.09
Income from discontinued operations	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$0	$0	$0.03
Net income attributable to common shareholders	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$4.88	$3.89	$4.12
Earnings Per Common Share (Textuals) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Subordinated debentures	$750	'	'	'	$750	'	'	'	$750	$750	$750
Stock Option [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per Share, amount	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0.1	7.6	19.2

Details_of_Certain_Consolidate2

Details of Certain Consolidated Statements of Income Lines (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Details Of Certain Statements Of Income Lines Details [Abstract]	'	'	'
Foreign currency conversion revenue	$877	$855	$861
Delinquency fees	667	604	567
Service fees	375	362	355
Other commissions and fees	495	496	486
Total other commissions and fees	$2,414	$2,317	$2,269

Details_of_Certain_Consolidate3

Details of Certain Consolidated Statements of Income Lines (Details 1) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Details Of Certain Statements Of Income Lines Details [Abstract]	'	'	'
Global Network Services partner revenues	$650	$664	$655
Net gain (loss) on investment securities	136	126	16
Other revenues	1,488	1,635	1,493
Total other revenues	$2,274	$2,425	$2,164

Details_of_Certain_Consolidate4

Details of Certain Consolidated Statements of Income Lines (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Details Of Certain Statements Of Income Lines Details [Abstract]	'	'	'
Marketing and promotion	$3,043	$2,890	$2,996
Card Member rewards	6,457	6,282	6,218
Card Member services	767	772	716
Total marketing, promotion, rewards and Card Member services	$10,267	$9,944	$9,930

Details_of_Certain_Consolidate5

Details of Certain Consolidated Statements of Income Lines (Details 3) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Details Of Certain Statements Of Income Lines Details [Abstract]	'	'	'
Professional services	$3,102	$2,963	$2,951
Occupancy and equipment	1,904	1,823	1,685
Communications	379	383	378
MasterCard and Visa settlements, net of legal fees	0	0	-562
Other	1,133	1,404	1,260
Total other, net expense	$6,518	$6,573	$5,712

Stock_Plans_Details

Stock Plans (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013
Summary of Stock Option and RSA Activity	'
Beginning Balance, Shares	31,861
Granted, shares	463
Exercised, shares	-13,672
Forfeited, shares	-22
Expired, shares	-15
Ending Balance, Shares	18,615
Beginning balance, weighted average exercise price	$43.62
Granted, weighted average exercise price	$61.76
Exercised, weighted average exercise price	$42.39
Forfeitures, weighted average exercise price	$39.25
Expired, weighted average exercise price	$45.61
Ending balance, weighted average exercise price	$44.98
Options vested and expected to vest, shares	18,600
Options vested and expected to vest, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$44.98
Options exercisable, shares	16,842
Options exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$44.51
Beginning balance, shares	11,800
Granted, shares	3,867
Vested, shares	-5,559
Forfeited, shares	-530
Ending balance, shares	9,578
Beginning Balance, Weighted Average Grant Price	$40.31
Granted, Weighted Average Grant Price	$60.13
Vested, Weighted Average Grant Price	$33.24
Forfeited, Weighted Average Grant Price	$50.31
Ending Balance, Weighted Average Grant Price	$51.88

Stock_Plans_Details_1

Stock Plans (Details 1) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013
Weighted-average remaining contractual life and aggregate intrinsic value of the Company's stock options outstanding, exerciseable, and vested and expected to vest	'
Weighted-average remaining contractual life, Outstanding	'4 years 5 months 0 days
Aggregate intrinsic value, Outstanding	$852
Weighted-average remaining contractual life, Exercisable	'4 years 0 months 0 days
Aggregate intrinsic value, Exercisable	778
Weighted-average remaining contractual life, Vested and Expected to Vest	'4 years 5 months 0 days
Aggregate intrinsic value, Vested and Expected to Vest	$851

Stock_Plans_Details_2

Stock Plans (Details 2) (Stock Option [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Stock Option [Member]	'	'	'
Weighted Average Assumptions Used	'	'	'
Dividend yield	1.40%	1.50%	1.60%
Expected volatility	39.00%	41.00%	40.00%
Risk-free interest rate	1.30%	1.30%	2.30%
Expected life of stock option (in years)	'6 years 4 months 0 days	'6 years 4 months 0 days	'6 years 2 months 0 days
Weighted-average fair value per option	$21.11	$17.48	$16.21

Stock_Plans_Details_3

Stock Plans (Details 3) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Stock Based Compensation Expense [Abstract]	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	$350	$297	$301
Stock Plans (Textuals) [Abstract]	'	'	'
Total income tax benefit recognized in the income statement for stock-based compensation arrangements	127	107	105
Restricted Stock Awards [Member]	'	'	'
Stock Based Compensation Expense [Abstract]	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	208	197	176
Stock Plans (Textuals) [Abstract]	'	'	'
Total unrecognized compensation cost	232	'	'
Weighted-average remaining vesting period	'2 years 1 month 0 days	'	'
Stock Option [Member]	'	'	'
Stock Based Compensation Expense [Abstract]	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	23	29	40
Stock Plans (Textuals) [Abstract]	'	'	'
Total unrecognized compensation cost	14	'	'
Weighted-average remaining vesting period	'1 year 10 months 0 days	'	'
Liability-Based Awards [Member]	'	'	'
Stock Based Compensation Expense [Abstract]	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	119	70	83
Performance And Market-Based Stock Options [Member]	'	'	'
Stock Based Compensation Expense [Abstract]	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	$0	$1	$2

Stock_Plans_Details_Textuals

Stock Plans (Details Textuals) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Stock Plans Details [Abstract]	'	'	'
Common shares unissued and available for grant	35,000,000	36,000,000	38,000,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Weighted-average grant date fair value of RSAs granted	$60.13	'	'
Chief Executive Officer [Member]	'	'	'
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Share-based Payments [Line Items]	'	'	'
Non-qualified stock option awards granted to CEO	2,750,000	'	'
Contractual term in years of stock option awards	'10	'	'
Vesting period in years of stock option awards	'6	'	'
Chief Executive Officer [Member] | Market-based conditions [Member]	'	'	'
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Share-based Payments [Line Items]	'	'	'
Aggregate grant date fair value	$10,500,000	'	'
Total compensation expense	300,000	500,000	2,400,000
Chief Executive Officer [Member] | Performance-based conditions [Member]	'	'	'
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Share-based Payments [Line Items]	'	'	'
Aggregate grant date fair value	33,800,000	'	'
Total compensation expense	0	0	0
Stock Option [Member]	'	'	'
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Share-based Payments [Line Items]	'	'	'
Contractual term in years of stock option awards	'10	'	'
Stock Option [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Vesting rights	'Stock options generally vest 25 percent per year beginning with the first anniversary of the grant date.	'	'
Intrinsic value for options exercised	374,000,000	209,000,000	206,000,000
Cash received from the exercise of stock options	580,000,000	368,000,000	503,000,000
Tax benefit realized from income tax deductions from stock option exercises	84,000,000	45,000,000	60,000,000
Restricted Stock Awards [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Vesting rights	'RSAs are valued based on the stock price on the date of grant and generally vest 25 percent per year, beginning with the first anniversary of the grant date.	'	'
Total fair value of shares vested	336,000,000	296,000,000	221,000,000
Weighted-average grant date fair value of RSAs granted	$60.13	$49.80	$45.11
Liability-Based Awards [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Cash paid upon vesting of PGs	$45,000,000	$66,000,000	$58,000,000

Retirement_Plans_Details_Textu

Retirement Plans (Details Textuals) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Defined benefit pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans [Member]	'	'	'
Retirement Plans (Textuals) [Abstract]	'	'	'
Net funded status related to the defined benefit pension plans	($661)	($796)	'
Total expense for all defined contribution retirement plans	59	93	74
Defined Contribution Pension [Member]	'	'	'
Retirement Plans (Textuals) [Abstract]	'	'	'
Total expense for all defined contribution retirement plans	$281	$254	$252

Significant_Credit_Concentrati2

Significant Credit Concentrations (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Billions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Maximum Credit Exposure by Category	'	'
On-balance sheet	$141	$141
Individuals [Member]	'	'
Maximum Credit Exposure by Category	'	'
On-balance sheet	98	95
Unused lines-of-credit	265	253
Financial Institutions [Member]	'	'
Maximum Credit Exposure by Category	'	'
On-balance sheet	22	25
United States Government And Agencies [Member]	'	'
Maximum Credit Exposure by Category	'	'
On-balance sheet	4	5
Other Concentration [Member]	'	'
Maximum Credit Exposure by Category	'	'
On-balance sheet	$17	$16

Significant_Credit_Concentrati3

Significant Credit Concentrations (Details 1) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Billions, unless otherwise specified
Card Member loans and receivables exposure	'	'
On-balance sheet	$111	$108
Individuals [Member]	'	'
Card Member loans and receivables exposure	'	'
Unused lines-of-credit	265	253
U.S. [Member]	'	'
Card Member loans and receivables exposure	'	'
On-balance sheet	89	85
U.S. [Member] | Individuals [Member]	'	'
Card Member loans and receivables exposure	'	'
Unused lines-of-credit	219	208
Non-U.S. [Member]	'	'
Card Member loans and receivables exposure	'	'
On-balance sheet	22	23
Non-U.S. [Member] | Individuals [Member]	'	'
Card Member loans and receivables exposure	'	'
Unused lines-of-credit	$46	$45

Significant_Credit_Concentrati4

Significant Credit Concentrations (Details Textuals)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Significant Credit Concentrations (Textuals) [Abstract]	'
Percentage of worldwide billed business	5.00%
Percentage of worldwide Card Member lending receivables	15.00%

Regulatory_Matters_and_Capital2

Regulatory Matters and Capital Adequacy (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Regulatory Matters And Capital Adequacy [Abstract]	'	'
Well-capitalized ratios	10.00%	10.00%
Minimum capital ratios	8.00%	8.00%
Leverage capital required, Well-capitalized ratios	5.00%	5.00%
Leverage capital required, Minimum capital ratios	4.00%	4.00%
Risk-based capital required, Well-capitalized ratios	6.00%	6.00%
Risk-based capital required, Minimum capital ratios	4.00%	4.00%
Parent Company [Member]	'	'
Regulatory capital ratios	'	'
Tier 1 capital	16,174	14,920
Total capital	18,585	17,349
Tier 1 capital ratio	12.50%	11.90%
Total capital ratio	14.40%	13.80%
Tier 1 leverage ratio	10.90%	10.20%
American Express Centurion Bank [Member]	'	'
Regulatory capital ratios	'	'
Tier 1 capital	6,366	5,814
Total capital	6,765	6,227
Tier 1 capital ratio	19.90%	17.60%
Total capital ratio	21.20%	18.90%
Tier 1 leverage ratio	19.00%	17.00%
American Express Bank, FSB [Member]	'	'
Regulatory capital ratios	'	'
Tier 1 capital	6,744	6,649
Total capital	7,662	7,556
Tier 1 capital ratio	15.60%	16.50%
Total capital ratio	17.70%	18.70%
Tier 1 leverage ratio	17.50%	17.50%

Regulatory_Matters_and_Capital3

Regulatory Matters and Capital Adequacy (Details Textuals) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Billions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Regulatory Matters And Capital Adequacy [Abstract]	'	'
Restricted net assets of subsidiaries	$9.90	'
Retained Earnings Available For Payment Of Dividends	4.6	4.7
American Express Centurion Bank [Member]	'	'
Regulatory Matters And Capital Adequacy [Abstract]	'	'
Dividends paid from retained earnings to its parent company	1.4	2
American Express Bank, FSB [Member]	'	'
Regulatory Matters And Capital Adequacy [Abstract]	'	'
Dividends paid from retained earnings to its parent company	$1.80	$1.50

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Minimum aggregate rental commitment under all noncancelable operating leases	'
2014	$237
2015	196
2016	157
2017	132
2018	114
Thereafter	922
Total	$1,758

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies (Details Textuals) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2007	Dec. 31, 2011
				Lease Termination Penalties [Member]	Lease Termination Penalties [Member]	Visa [Member]	Visa [Member]	MasterCard [Member]
Component of Operating Other Cost and Expense [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total rental expense	$281,000,000	$305,000,000	$280,000,000	$6,000,000	$13,000,000	'	'	'
Aggregate maximum payments received by the company	'	'	4,050,000,000	'	'	'	'	'
Pretax payments	'	'	'	'	'	280,000,000	1,130,000,000	300,000,000
After tax settlement	'	'	'	'	'	172,000,000	700,000,000	186,000,000
Commitments And Contingencies (Textuals) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Range of possible loss, minimum	0	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Range of possible loss, maximum	440,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Contingent obligations with co-brand partners	2,800,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Amount of rentals subject to subleasing arrangements	23,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Future minimum payments on capital leases due, in 2014	11,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Future minimum payments on capital leases due, in 2015	4,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Future minimum payments on capital leases due, in 2016	4,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Future minimum payments on capital leases due, in 2017	4,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Future minimum payments on capital leases due, in 2018	4,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Future minimum payments on capital leases due, thereafter	$14,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'

Reportable_Operating_Segments_

Reportable Operating Segments and Geographic Operations (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Millions, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2010

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Non-interest revenues

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$27,927

$26,927

$25,586

'

Interest income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

7,005

6,854

6,696

'

Interest expense

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,958

2,226

2,320

'

Total revenues, net of interest expense

8,547

8,301

8,245

7,881

8,141

7,862

7,965

7,587

32,974

31,555

29,962

'

Total provision

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,110

1,990

1,112

'

Pretax income from continuing operations

1,980

2,004

1,995

1,909

929

1,870

1,879

1,773

7,888

6,451

6,956

'

Income tax provision (benefit)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,529

1,969

2,057

'

Income from continuing operations

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5,359

4,482

4,899

'

Total shareholders' equity

19,496

'

'

'

18,886

'

'

'

19,496

18,886

18,794

16,230

U S Card Services [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Non-interest revenues

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

12,123

11,469

10,804

'

Interest income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5,565

5,342

5,074

'

Interest expense

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

693

765

807

'

Total revenues, net of interest expense

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

16,995

16,046

15,071

'

Total provision

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,417

1,429

687

'

Pretax income from continuing operations

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4,994

4,069

4,129

'

Income tax provision (benefit)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,801

1,477

1,449

'

Income from continuing operations

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,193

2,592

2,680

'

Total shareholders' equity

9,300

'

'

'

8,700

'

'

'

9,300

8,700

8,800

'

International Card Services [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Non-interest revenues

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4,644

4,561

4,470

'

Interest income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,118

1,147

1,195

'

Interest expense

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

361

402

426

'

Total revenues, net of interest expense

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5,401

5,306

5,239

'

Total provision

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

444

330

268

'

Pretax income from continuing operations

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

643

659

762

'

Income tax provision (benefit)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

12

25

39

'

Income from continuing operations

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

631

634

723

'

Total shareholders' equity

3,100

'

'

'

2,900

'

'

'

3,100

2,900

2,800

'

Global Commercial Services [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Non-interest revenues

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5,085

4,995

4,880

'

Interest income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

13

11

9

'

Interest expense

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

245

257

264

'

Total revenues, net of interest expense

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4,853

4,749

4,625

'

Total provision

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

159

136

76

'

Pretax income from continuing operations

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,244

960

1,075

'

Income tax provision (benefit)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

384

316

337

'

Income from continuing operations

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

860

644

738

'

Total shareholders' equity

3,700

'

'

'

3,600

'

'

'

3,700

3,600

3,600

'

Global Network And Merchant Services [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Non-interest revenues

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5,229

5,005

4,713

'

Interest income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

32

23

5

'

Interest expense

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-252

-243

-224

'

Total revenues, net of interest expense

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5,513

5,271

4,942

'

Total provision

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

69

74

75

'

Pretax income from continuing operations

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,469

2,219

1,979

'

Income tax provision (benefit)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

894

776

686

'

Income from continuing operations

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,575

1,443

1,293

'

Total shareholders' equity

2,000

'

'

'

2,000

'

'

'

2,000

2,000

2,000

'

Corporate and Other [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Non-interest revenues

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

846

897

719

'

Interest income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

277

331

413

'

Interest expense

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

911

1,045

1,047

'

Total revenues, net of interest expense

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

212

183

85

'

Total provision

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

21

21

6

'

Pretax income from continuing operations

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-1,462

-1,456

-989

'

Income tax provision (benefit)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-562

-625

-454

'

Income from continuing operations

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-900

-831

-535

'

Total shareholders' equity

$1,400

'

'

'

$1,700

'

'

'

$1,400

$1,700

$1,600

'

Reportable_Operating_Segements

Reportable Operating Segements and Geographic Operations (Details 1) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Segment Revenues And Pretax Income Loss By Geographic Location [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total revenues net of interest expense	$8,547	$8,301	$8,245	$7,881	$8,141	$7,862	$7,965	$7,587	$32,974	$31,555	$29,962
Pretax income from continuing operations	1,980	2,004	1,995	1,909	929	1,870	1,879	1,773	7,888	6,451	6,956
United States Geographic Region [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Revenues And Pretax Income Loss By Geographic Location [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total revenues net of interest expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	23,745	22,631	21,254
Pretax income from continuing operations	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	7,679	6,468	6,971
EMEA Geographic Region [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Revenues And Pretax Income Loss By Geographic Location [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total revenues net of interest expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	3,700	3,594	3,551
Pretax income from continuing operations	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	524	505	620
JAPA Geographic Region [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Revenues And Pretax Income Loss By Geographic Location [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total revenues net of interest expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,952	3,106	3,071
Pretax income from continuing operations	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	488	426	430
LACC Geographic Region [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Revenues And Pretax Income Loss By Geographic Location [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total revenues net of interest expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,900	2,774	2,706
Pretax income from continuing operations	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	701	605	583
Other Unallocated [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Revenues And Pretax Income Loss By Geographic Location [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total revenues net of interest expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-323	-550	-620
Pretax income from continuing operations	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	($1,504)	($1,553)	($1,648)

Parent_Company_Details

Parent Company (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Non-interest revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gain on sale of securities	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$136	$126	$16
Other	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,274	2,425	2,164
Total non-interest revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-27,927	-26,927	-25,586
Interest income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	7,005	6,854	6,696
Interest expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-1,958	-2,226	-2,320
Total revenues net of interest expense	-8,547	-8,301	-8,245	-7,881	-8,141	-7,862	-7,965	-7,587	-32,974	-31,555	-29,962
Expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Salaries and employee benefits	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	6,191	6,597	6,252
Other	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	6,518	6,573	5,712
Total	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-22,976	-23,114	-21,894
Pretax loss	1,980	2,004	1,995	1,909	929	1,870	1,879	1,773	7,888	6,451	6,956
Income tax provision (benefit)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-2,529	-1,969	-2,057
Income from continuing operations	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	5,359	4,482	4,899
Income from discontinued operations	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	0	36
Net income	1,308	1,366	1,405	1,280	637	1,250	1,339	1,256	5,359	4,482	4,935
Parent Company [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Non-interest revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gain on sale of securities	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	135	121	15
Other	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	5	-12	3
Total non-interest revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	140	109	18
Interest income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	134	137	142
Interest expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-583	-609	-633
Total revenues net of interest expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-309	-363	-473
Expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Salaries and employee benefits	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	206	165	173
Other	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	261	214	186
Total	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	467	379	359
Pretax loss	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-776	-742	-832
Income tax provision (benefit)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-297	-258	-346
Net loss before equity in net income of subsidiaries and affiliates	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-479	-484	-486
Equity in net income of subsidiaries and affiliates	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	5,838	4,966	5,385
Income from continuing operations	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	5,359	4,482	4,899
Income from discontinued operations	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	0	36
Net income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$5,359	$4,482	$4,935

Parent_Company_Details_1

Parent Company (Details 1) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Assets	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$19,486	$22,250	$24,893	$16,356
Investment securities	5,016	5,614	'	'
Accounts receivable, less reserves	43,777	42,338	'	'
Premises and equipment, less accumulated depreciation	3,875	3,635	'	'
Other assets	11,228	11,418	'	'
Total assets	153,375	153,140	'	'
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity	'	'	'	'
Long-term debt	55,330	58,973	'	'
Total liabilities	133,879	134,254	'	'
Shareholders' Equity	'	'	'	'
Common shares	213	221	'	'
Additional paid-in capital	12,202	12,067	'	'
Retained earnings	8,507	7,525	'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-1,426	-927	'	'
Total shareholders' equity	19,496	18,886	18,794	16,230
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	153,375	153,140	'	'
Parent Company Details (Textuals) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Premises and equipment, accumulated depreciation	5,978	5,429	'	'
Parent Company [Member]	'	'	'	'
Assets	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	6,076	4,797	6,914	5,267
Investment securities	123	296	'	'
Equity in net assets of subsidiaries and affiliates of continuing operations	19,571	19,087	'	'
Accounts receivable, less reserves	378	655	'	'
Premises and equipment, less accumulated depreciation	136	117	'	'
Loans to subsidiaries and affiliates	5,236	6,733	'	'
Due from subsidiaries and affiliates	1,126	1,189	'	'
Other assets	335	441	'	'
Total assets	32,981	33,315	'	'
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity	'	'	'	'
Accounts payable and other liabilities	1,386	1,474	'	'
Due to subsidiaries and affiliates	926	1,069	'	'
Short-term debt of subsidiaries and affiliates	819	2,316	'	'
Long-term debt	10,354	9,570	'	'
Total liabilities	13,485	14,429	'	'
Shareholders' Equity	'	'	'	'
Common shares	213	221	'	'
Additional paid-in capital	12,202	12,067	'	'
Retained earnings	8,507	7,525	'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-1,426	-927	'	'
Total shareholders' equity	19,496	18,886	'	'
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	32,981	33,315	'	'
Parent Company Details (Textuals) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Premises and equipment, accumulated depreciation	$76	$59	'	'

Parent_Company_Details_2

Parent Company (Details 2) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Cash Flows from Operating Activities	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income	$1,308	$1,366	$1,405	$1,280	$637	$1,250	$1,339	$1,256	$5,359	$4,482	$4,935
Equity in net income of subsidiaries and affiliates:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Income from discontinued operations	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	0	36
Gain on sale of securities	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-136	-126	-16
Premium paid on debt exchange	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	-541	0
Net cash provided by operating activities	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	8,547	7,082	9,768
Cash Flows from Investing Activities	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Purchase of investments	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-1,348	-473	-1,158
Purchase of premises and equipment, net of sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-1,006	-1,053	-1,189
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-7,269	-6,545	-491
Cash Flows from Financing Activities	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Principal payments on long-term debt	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-14,763	-14,076	-21,029
Issuance of American Express common shares and other	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	721	443	594
Repurchase of American Express common shares	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-3,943	-3,952	-2,300
Dividends paid	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-939	-902	-861
Net cash used in financing activities	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-3,891	-3,268	-677
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-2,764	-2,643	8,537
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	'	'	'	22,250	'	'	'	24,893	22,250	24,893	16,356
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	19,486	'	'	'	22,250	'	'	'	19,486	22,250	24,893
Parent Company [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Cash Flows from Operating Activities	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	5,359	4,482	4,935
Equity in net income of subsidiaries and affiliates:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Continuing operations	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-5,838	-4,966	-5,385
Income from discontinued operations	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	0	36
Dividends received from subsidiaries and affiliates	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	4,768	3,355	3,773
Gain on sale of securities	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-135	-121	-15
Other operating activities, primarily with subsidiaries and affiliates	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	324	196	671
Premium paid on debt exchange	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	-541	0
Net cash provided by operating activities	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	4,478	2,405	3,943
Cash Flows from Investing Activities	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Sale of investments	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	157	118	20
Purchase of investments	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	0	-2
Purchase of premises and equipment, net of sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-39	-38	-35
Loans to subsidiaries and affiliates	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,498	-1,601	-189
Investments in subsidiaries and affiliates	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	-11	-18
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,616	-1,532	-224
Cash Flows from Financing Activities	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Principal payments on long-term debt	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	843	0	-400
Short-term debt of subsidiaries and affiliates	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-1,497	1,421	895
Issuance of American Express common shares and other	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	721	443	594
Repurchase of American Express common shares	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-3,943	-3,952	-2,300
Dividends paid	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-939	-902	-861
Net cash used in financing activities	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-4,815	-2,990	-2,072
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,279	-2,117	1,647
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	'	'	'	4,797	'	'	'	6,914	4,797	6,914	5,267
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	$6,076	'	'	'	$4,797	'	'	'	$6,076	$4,797	$6,914

Parent_Company_Details_Textual

Parent Company (Details Textuals) (Non Cash [Member], USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Parent Company Details (Textuals) [Abstract]	'	'	'
Impacts of debt exchange on long-term debt	$0	$439	$0
Parent Company [Member]	'	'	'
Parent Company Details (Textuals) [Abstract]	'	'	'
Impacts of debt exchange on long-term debt	$0	$439	$0

Quarterly_Financial_Data_Unaud1

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Disclosure of quarterly financial data	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total revenues net of interest expense	$8,547,000,000	$8,301,000,000	$8,245,000,000	$7,881,000,000	$8,141,000,000	$7,862,000,000	$7,965,000,000	$7,587,000,000	$32,974,000,000	$31,555,000,000	$29,962,000,000
Pretax income from continuing operations	1,980,000,000	2,004,000,000	1,995,000,000	1,909,000,000	929,000,000	1,870,000,000	1,879,000,000	1,773,000,000	7,888,000,000	6,451,000,000	6,956,000,000
Income from continuing operations	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	5,359,000,000	4,482,000,000	4,899,000,000
Income from discontinued operations	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	0	36,000,000
Net income attributable to common shareholders	1,308,000,000	1,366,000,000	1,405,000,000	1,280,000,000	637,000,000	1,250,000,000	1,339,000,000	1,256,000,000	5,359,000,000	4,482,000,000	4,935,000,000
Earnings per Common Share Basic: (Note 18)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Income from continuing operations attributable to common shareholders	$1.22	$1.26	$1.28	$1.15	$0.57	$1.10	$1.16	$1.07	$4.91	$3.91	$4.11
Income from discontinued operations	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$0	$0	$0.03
Net income attributable to common shareholders	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$4.91	$3.91	$4.14
Earnings per Common Share Diluted: (Note 18)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Continuing operations	$1.21	$1.25	$1.27	$1.15	$0.56	$1.09	$1.15	$1.07	$4.88	$3.89	$4.09
Income from discontinued operations	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$0	$0	$0.03
Net income attributable to common shareholders	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$4.88	$3.89	$4.12
Cash dividends declared per common share	$0.23	$0.23	$0.23	$0.20	$0.20	$0.20	$0.20	$0.20	$0.89	$0.80	$0.72
Common share price:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
High	90.79	78.63	78.61	67.48	59.4	59.73	61.42	59.26	'	'	'
Low	$72.08	$71.47	$63.43	$58.31	$53.02	$54.35	$53.18	$47.40	'	'	'

Quarterly_Financial_Data_Detai

Quarterly Financial Data (Details Textuals) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Quarterly Financial Data (Textuals) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Earnings allocated to participating share awards	$11	$12	$13	$11	$7	$14	$14	$14	$47	$49	$58
Restructuring charges, gross of revision adjustments	'	'	'	'	400	'	'	'	'	'	'
Restructuring charges, after-tax	'	'	'	'	287	'	'	'	'	'	'
Membership rewards expense	'	'	'	'	342	'	'	'	'	'	'
Membership rewards expense, after-tax	'	'	'	'	212	'	'	'	'	'	'
Statement [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Card Member reimbursements	'	'	'	'	153	'	'	'	'	'	'
Card Member reimbursements, after-tax	'	'	'	'	95	'	'	'	'	'	'
Periods in the prior year [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Statement [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Card Member reimbursements	'	'	'	'	49	'	'	'	'	'	'
Periods prior to the prior year [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Statement [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Card Member reimbursements	'	'	'	'	$83	'	'	'	'	'	'