American Express (AXP) 10-K 17 Feb 17 2016 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Billions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Feb. 08, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	AMERICAN EXPRESS CO
Trading Symbol	AXP
Entity Central Index Key	4,962
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2016
Amendment Flag	true
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,016
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			$ 56.1
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		901,270,758
Amendment Description	No

Consolidated Statements of Inco

Consolidated Statements of Income - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Non-interest revenues
Discount revenue		$ 18,680	$ 19,297	$ 19,389
Net card fees		2,886	2,700	2,712
Other fees and commissions		2,753	2,866	3,626
Other		2,029	2,033	2,989
Total non-interest revenues		26,348	26,896	28,716
Interest income
Interest on loans		7,205	7,309	6,929
Interest and dividends on investment securities		131	157	179
Deposits with banks and other		139	79	71
Total interest income		7,475	7,545	7,179
Interest expense
Deposits		598	475	373
Long-term debt and other		1,106	1,148	1,334
Total interest expense		1,704	1,623	1,707
Net interest income		5,771	5,922	5,472
Total revenues net of interest expense		32,119	32,818	34,188
Provisions for losses
Provisions		696	737	792
Card member loans		1,235	1,190	1,138
Other		95	61	114
Total provisions for losses		2,026	1,988	2,044
Total revenues net of interest expense after provisions for losses		30,093	30,830	32,144
Expenses
Marketing and promotion		3,650	3,109	3,216
Card Member rewards		6,793	6,996	6,931
Card Member services and other		1,133	1,018	822
Salaries and employee benefits		5,259	4,976	6,095
Other,net		5,162	6,793	6,089
Total		21,997	22,892	23,153
Pretax income		8,096	7,938	8,991
Income tax provision		2,688	2,775	3,106
Net income attributable to common shareholders		$ 5,408	$ 5,163	$ 5,885
Earnings per Common Share
Basic	[1]	$ 5.67	$ 5.07	$ 5.58
Diluted		$ 5.65	$ 5.05	$ 5.56
Average common shares outstanding for earnings per common share:
Basic		933	999	1,045
Diluted		935	1,003	1,051
[1]	Represents net income less (i) earnings allocated to participating share awards of $ 43 million, $ 38 million and $ 46 million for the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , respectively, and (ii) dividends on preferred shares of $ 80 million , $ 62 million and nil for the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , respectively .

Consolidated Statements of Inc3

Consolidated Statements of Income (Parenthetical) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Consolidated Statements of Income [Abstract]
Earnings allocated to participating share awards	$ 6,000,000	$ 9,000,000	$ 17,000,000	$ 11,000,000	$ 6,000,000	$ 10,000,000	$ 11,000,000	$ 11,000,000	$ 43,000,000	$ 38,000,000	$ 46,000,000
Dividends Preferred Stock	$ 19,000,000	$ 21,000,000	$ 19,000,000	$ 21,000,000	$ 20,000,000	$ 22,000,000	$ 20,000,000	$ 0	$ 80,000,000	$ 62,000,000	$ 0

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
Net income	$ 5,408	$ 5,163	$ 5,885
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Net unrealized securities (losses) gains, net of tax	(51)	(38)	33
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax	(218)	(545)	(409)
Net unrealized pension and other postretirement benefit gains, net of tax	19	(32)	(117)
Other comprehensive loss	(250)	(615)	(493)
Comprehensive income	$ 5,158	$ 4,548	$ 5,392

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash due from banks	$ 3,278	$ 2,935
Interest-bearing deposits in other banks	20,779	19,569
Short-term investment securities	1,151	258
Total cash and cash equivalents	25,208	22,762
Card Member loans and receivables held for sale	0	14,992
Accounts receivable
Card Member receivables	46,841	43,671
Other receivables	3,232	3,024
Loans
Card Member loans	64,042	57,545
Other loans, net	1,419	1,254
Investment securities	3,157	3,759
Premises and equipment	4,433	4,108
Other assets	10,561	10,069
Total assets	158,893	161,184
Liabilities
Customer deposits	53,042	54,997
Travelers Cheques and other prepaid products	2,812	3,247
Accounts payable	11,190	11,822
Short-term borrowings	5,581	4,812
Long-term debt	46,990	48,061
Other liabilities	18,777	17,572
Total liabilities	138,392	140,511
Shareholders' Equity
Preferred shares issued	0	0
Common shares	181	194
Additional paid-in capital	12,733	13,348
Retained earnings	10,371	9,665
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Net unrealized securities gains, net of tax	7	58
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax	(2,262)	(2,044)
Net unrealized pension and other postretirement benefit losses, net of tax	(529)	(548)
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss	(2,784)	(2,534)
Total shareholders' equity	20,501	20,673
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$ 158,893	$ 161,184

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Card Member receivables, gross	$ 47,308	$ 44,133
Card Member loans	65,265	58,573
Other assets	10,561	10,069
Short-term borrowings	5,581	4,812
Long-term debt	46,990	48,061
Cash and cash equivalents
Securities purchased under resale agreements	115	41
Card Member loans and receivables held for sale	0	14,992
Accounts receivable
Card Member receivables, reserves	467	462	$ 465
Other receivables, reserves	45	43
Loans
Card Member loans, reserves	1,223	1,028	$ 1,201
Other loans, reserves	42	20
Premises and equipment, accumulated depreciation	5,145	6,801
Restricted cash	286	477
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Net unrealized securities gains, tax	5	32
Foreign currency translation adjustments, tax	24	(100)
Net unrealized pension and other postretirement benefit losses, net of tax	$ (186)	$ (223)
Common shares, par value	$ 0.2	$ 0.2
Common shares, authorized	3,600,000,000	3,600,000,000	3,600,000,000
Common shares, issued	904,000,000	969,000,000	1,023,000,000
Common shares, outstanding	904,000,000	969,000,000
Preferred shares, authorized	20,000,000	20,000,000
Preferred shares, issued	1,600	1,600	0
Preferred shares, outstanding	1,600	1,600	0
Preferred shares, par value	$ 1.67	$ 1.67
Variable Interest Enterprise [Member]
Card Member receivables, gross	$ 8,874	$ 6,649
Card Member loans	26,129	23,559
Short-term borrowings	0	100
Long-term debt	15,113	13,602
Cash and cash equivalents
Card Member loans and receivables held for sale	0	4,966
Loans
Restricted cash	$ 38	$ 155

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Net income	$ 5,408	$ 5,163	$ 5,885
Adjustments to reconcile income from continuing operations to net cash provided by operating activities:
Provisions for losses	2,026	1,988	2,044
Depreciation and amortization	1,095	1,043	1,012
Deferred taxes and other	(1,132)	507	(941)
Stock-based compensation	254	234	290
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions and dispositions:
Other receivables	(281)	(714)	(56)
Other assets	192	2,058	650
Accounts payable and other liabilities	1,072	699	2,594
Travelers Cheques and other prepaid products	(410)	(367)	(488)
Premium paid on debt exchange	0	0	0
Net cash provided by operating activities	8,224	10,611	10,990
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Sales of available-for-sale investment securities	88	12	242
Maturities and redemptions of available-for-sale investment securities	2,429	2,091	1,116
Sales of other investments	10	0	990
Purchase of investments	(2,162)	(1,713)	(886)
Net decrease (increase) in Card Member receivables and loans, including held for sale	3,220	(6,967)	(8,077)
Purchase of premises and equipment	(1,375)	(1,341)	(1,195)
Acquisitions/dispositions, net of cash acquired	(487)	(155)	(229)
Net decrease (increase) in restricted cash	145	(120)	72
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	1,868	(8,193)	(7,967)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Net (decrease) increase in customer deposits	(1,935)	10,878	2,459
Net increase (decrease) in short-term borrowings	888	1,395	(1,374)
Issuance of long-term debt	8,824	9,923	16,020
Principal payments on long term debt	(9,848)	(19,246)	(12,768)
Issuance of American Express preferred shares	0	841	742
Issuance of American Express common shares	177	193	362
Repurchase of American Express common shares	(4,431)	(4,480)	(4,389)
Dividends paid	(1,207)	(1,172)	(1,041)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(7,532)	(1,668)	11
Effect of foreign currency exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents	(114)	(276)	(232)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	2,446	474	2,802
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	22,762	22,288	19,486
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	$ 25,208	$ 22,762	$ 22,288

Consolidated Statements of Cas8

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Sale of premises and equipment	$ 2	$ 42	$ 3
Transfer of Card Member loans and receivables to Card Member loans and receivables held for sale	0	14,524	0
Gain on business travel joint venture transaction	$ 0	$ 0	$ 630

Consolidated Statements of Shar

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity - USD ($) $ in Millions	Total	Preferred shares	Common Shares	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	$ 19,496	$ 0	$ 213	$ 12,202	$ (1,426)	$ 8,507
Net income	5,885					5,885
Other comprehensive (loss) income	(493)				(493)
Repurchase of common shares	(4,378)		(10)	(604)		(3,764)
Cash dividends declared common, per share	(1,055)					(1,055)
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$ 20,673	0	205	$ 12,874	(1,919)	9,513
Preferred shares issued	742			742
Other changes, primarily employee plans	$ 476		2	$ 534		(60)
Net income	5,163					5,163
Other comprehensive (loss) income	(615)				(615)
Repurchase of common shares	(4,509)		(12)	(714)		(3,783)
Cash dividends declared preferred	(62)					(62)
Cash dividends declared common, per share	(1,128)					(1,128)
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2015	$ 20,673	0	194	$ 13,348	(2,534)	9,665
Preferred shares issued	841			841
Other changes, primarily employee plans	$ 310		1	$ 347		(38)
Net income	5,408					5,408
Other comprehensive (loss) income	(250)				(250)
Repurchase of common shares	(4,421)		(14)	(924)		(3,483)
Cash dividends declared preferred	(80)					(80)
Cash dividends declared common, per share	(1,137)					(1,137)
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2016	$ 20,501	$ 0	181	12,733	$ (2,784)	10,371
Preferred shares issued	0
Other changes, primarily employee plans	$ 308		$ 1	$ 309		$ (2)

Consolidated Statements of Sh10

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Cash dividends declared
Common stock, dividend per share	$ 0.32	$ 0.32	$ 0.29	$ 0.29	$ 0.29	$ 0.29	$ 0.29	$ 0.26	$ 1.22	$ 1.13	$ 1.01

Summary of Significant Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
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 t o consumers and businesses around the world. Business travel-related services are offered through the non-consolidated joint venture, American Express Global Business Travel ( the GBT JV). Prior to July 1, 2014, these business travel operations were wholly owned. 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 dir ect mail, online applications, in-house and third-party sales forces and direct response advertising. Effective for the first quarter of 2016, the Company realigned its segment presentation to reflect the organizational changes announced during the fourth quarter of 2015. Prior periods have been restated to conform to the new reportable operating segments, which are as follows: U.S. Consumer Services (USCS ) issues a wide range of proprietary consumer cards and provides services to consumers in the United S tates, including consumer travel services ; International Consumer and Network Services (ICNS) issues a wide range of proprietary consumer cards outside the United States and enters into partnership agreements with third-party card issuers and acquirers, li censing the American Express brand and extending the reach of the global network. It also provides travel services to consumers outside the United States ; Global Commercial Services (GCS) issues a wide range of proprietary corporate and small business card s and provides payment and expense management services globally. In addition, GCS provides commercial financing products ; and Global Merchant Services (GMS) operates a global payments network that processes and settles proprietary and non-proprietary card transactions. GMS acquires merchants and provides multi-channel marketing programs and capabilities, services and data analytics, leveraging the Company’s global closed-loop network. GMS also operates loyalty coalition businesses in certain countries arou nd the world. Corporate functions and certain other businesses and operations, including the Company’s Prepaid Services business and the American Express Global Business Travel (GBT) operations up to June 30, 2014, and subsequent activities related to the GBT JV , are included in Corporate & Other. Principles of Consolidation The Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (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 c ontrol over the investees’ operating and financial decisions. For variable interest entities (VIEs), the determination of which is based on the amount and characteristics of the entity’s equity, the Company is considered to hold a controlling financial int erest 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 VIE ’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. 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 t he operating and financial decisions, are accounted for under the equity method. All other investments in equity securities, to the extent 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 the reporting period ; r evenues and expenses are translated at the average month-end exchange rates during the year. R esulting translation adjustments, along with any related qualifying hedge and tax effects, are included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (AOCI), a component of shareholders’ equity. Translation adjustments, including qualifying hedge and tax effect s, are reclassified to earnings upon the sale or substantial liquidation of investments in foreign operations. Gains and losses related to transactions in a currency other than the functional currency are reported net in Other expenses, in the Company’s Co nsolidated Statements of Income . N et foreign currency transaction losses amounted to approximately $ 18 million in 2016 , and n et foreign currency transaction gains amounted to approximately $ 68 million and $ 44 million in 2015 and 2014 , 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. Amon g 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 s , goodwill and income taxes. These accounting estimates reflect the best judgment of management, but actual results could differ. Income statement Discount Revenue Discount revenue generally represents the amount earned by the Company on transactions occurring at merchants with which the Company, or a Global Network Services (GNS) partner, has entered into a card acceptance agreement for facilitating transactions between the merchants and the Company’s Card Members. The amount of fees charged, or merchant discount, is generally deduct ed from the payment to the merchant and recorded as discount revenue at the time a Card Member enters into a point-of-sale transaction with a merchant . Where the Company acts as the merchant acquirer and the card presented at a merchant is issued by a thir d-party financial institution, such as in the case of GNS partners, the Company makes financial settlement to the merchant and receives the discount revenue. In the Company’s role as the operator of the card network, it also receives financial settlement f rom the GNS card issuer, which in turn receives an issuer rate that is individually negotiated between that issuer and the Company. The difference between the merchant discount the Company receives from the merchant (which is directly agreed between a merc hant and the Company and is not based on the issuer rate) and the issuer rate r eceived by the GNS card issuer is recorded as discount revenue. In cases where the Company is the card issuer and the merchant acquirer is a third party (which can be the case in a country in which an Independent Operator partner is the local merchant acquirer or in the United States under our OptBlue program with certain third-party merchant acquirers), the Company receives a network rate in its settlement with the merchant acq uirer, which is individually negotiated between the Company and that merchant acquirer and is recorded as discount revenue. In contrast with networks such as those operated by Visa Inc. and MasterC ard Incorporated , there are no collectively set interchange rates on the American Express network, issuer rates do not serve as a basis for merchant discount rates and no fees are agreed or due between the third-party financial institution participants on the network. Net Card Fees Net card fees represent revenue earned from annual card membership fees, which varies based on the type of card and the n umber of cards for each account. These fees, net of deferred acquisition costs and a reserve for projected refunds for Card Member cancellation s , are deferred and rec ognized 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 in Other Liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets (refer to Note 10) . Other Fees and Commissions Other fees and commissions represent foreign currency conversion fees, Card Member delinquency fees, loyalty coalition-related fees, travel commissions and fees and service fees, which are primarily recognized 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, typically one year ; t he unamortized portion of which is included in Other Liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets (Refer to Note 10). Contra-revenue The Company regularly makes payments through contractual arrangements with merchants, corporate payments clients, Card Members and certain other customers. These payments, including cash rebat es and statement credits provided 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 fai r value of such benefit is determinable and measurable. If such conditions are met , then the payment is classified as expense up to the estimated fair value of the benefit. If no such benefit is identified, then the entire payment is classified as contra-r evenue and included in the Consolidated Statements of Income in the revenue line item where the related transactions are re corded (e.g., Discount revenue or Other fees and commissions). 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 principal amount outstanding, in accordance with the terms of the applicable account agreement, until the outstanding balance is paid , or writ ten off. Interest and dividends on investment securities primarily relate to the Company’s performing fixed-income securities. Interest income is recognized as earned using the effective interest method, which adjusts the yield for security premiums and d iscounts, fees and other payments, so that a constant rate of return is recognized on the investment security’s outstanding balance. Amounts are recognized until securit ies are in default or when it becomes likely that future interest payments will not be made as scheduled. Interest on deposits with banks and other is recognized as earned, and primarily relates to the placement of cash, in excess of near-term funding requirements, in interest-bearing time deposits, overnight sweep accounts, and other inter est-bearing demand and call accounts. Interest Expense Interest expense includes interest incurred primarily to fund Card Member loans and receivables, general corporate purposes and liquidity needs, and is recognized as incurred. Interest expense is div ided principally into two categories: (i) deposits, which primarily relates to interest expense on deposits taken from customers and institutions, and (ii) debt, which primarily relates to interest expense on t he Company’s long-term debt and short-term bor rowings, as well as the realized impact of derivatives hedging interest rate risk on the Company’s long-term debt. Expenses Marketing and promotion expense includes advertising costs, which are expensed in the year in which the advertising first takes pla ce. 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. Goodwill Goodwill represents the excess of acquisition cost of an acquired business over the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The Company allocates goodwill to its reporting units for the purpose of imp airment 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 goodwil l for impairment annually as of June 30, or more frequently if events occur or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of one or more of the Company’s reporting units below its carrying value. The Company performs an impa irment evaluation of goodwill using a two-step process. The first step identifies whether there is a potential impairment by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit to the carrying amount, including goodwill. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds the fair value, the second step of the impairment test is performed to determine the implied fair value of goodwill. An impairment loss is recognized based on the amount that the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds the implied fair value. Prior to completing the interim assessment of goodwill for impairment under the second step, the Company performs a recoverability test of certain long-lived assets by assessing the rec overability of the assets based on the cash flows generated by the relevant ass ets or asset groups. I f the sum of undiscounted cash flow exceeds the carrying value , an impairment loss is recognized based on the amount that the carrying value of the asset or asset group exceeds its fair value. See further details in Other Intangible A ssets herein. Goodwill impairment testing involves management judgment, requiring an assessment of whether the carrying val ue of the reporting unit exceeded its fair value . U sing widely accepted valuation techniques, t he Company appli es a combination of th e income approach (discounted cash flows) and market approach (market multiples) to measure the fair values of its reporting units . When preparing discounted cash flow models under the income approach, the Company uses internal forecasts to estimate futur e cash flows expected to be generated by the reporting units. To discount these cash flows, the Company uses the expected cost of equity, determined by using a capital asset pricing model. 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 publicly traded compan ies’ multiples (e.g ., earnings or revenues) to its reporting units’ actual results. Other Intangible Assets Intangible assets, primarily customer relationships, are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives of 1 to 22 years . The Company reviews long-lived assets and asset groups, including intangible assets, for impairment whenever events and circumstances indicate their carrying amounts may not be recoverable. An impairment is recognized if the carrying amount is not recoverable and exceeds the asset or asset group’s fair value. Certain long-lived assets, such as capitalized software development costs, are included in Premises and equipment. The Company reviews these assets for impairment using the same impairment methodology used for intangible assets. 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 the assets, which range from 3 to 10 years for equipment, furniture and building improvements , and from 40 to 50 years for p remises , which are depreciated based upon their estimated useful life at the acquisition date. 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, and 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 inc ludes 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. Certain costs associated with the acquisition or development of internal-use software are also recorded in Premises and equipment. Once the software is ready for its intended use, these costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over the sof tware’s estimated useful life, generally 5 years. Other Significant Accounting Policies The following table identifies the Company’s other significant accounting policies, along with the related Note and page number where the Note can be found . Significant Accounting Policy Note Number Note Title Page Accounts Receivable Note 3 Loans and Accounts Receivable Page 88 Loans Note 3 Loans and Accounts Receivable Page 88 Reserves for Losses Note 4 Reserves for Losses Page 94 Investment Securities Note 5 Investment Securities Page 96 Asset Securitizations Note 6 Asset Securitizations Page 97 Membership Rewards Note 10 Other Liabilities Page 103 Stock-based Compensation Note 11 Stock Plans Page 104 Retirement Plans Note 12 Retirement Plans Page 106 Legal Contingencies Note 13 Contingencies and Commitments Page 106 Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities Note 14 Derivatives and Hedging Activities Page 107 Fair Value Measurements Note 15 Fair Values Page 111 Income Taxes Note 21 Income Taxes Page 120 Regulatory Matters and Capital Adequacy Note 23 Regulatory Matters and Capital Adequacy Page 122 Reportable Operating Segments Note 25 Reportable Operating Segments and Geographic Operations Page 125 Recently Issued Accounting Standards In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued new accounting guidance on revenue recognition. The accounting standard establishes the principles to apply to determine the amount and timing of revenue recognition, specifying the accounting for certain costs related to revenue, and requiring additional disclosures about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue s and related cash flows. The guidance, as amended, supersedes most of the current revenue recognition requirements, and is effective January 1, 2018, with early adoption as of January 1, 2017 . The Company will adopt the new guidance on January 1, 2018 , and anticipates using the full retrospective method , which applies the new standard to each prior reporting period presented. T he Company has been working on the implementation of th e standard since its issuance in 2014 and has made significant p rogress in evaluat ing the potential impact on its Consolidated Financial Statements. There will be changes to the recognition timing and classification of revenues and expenses; however, the Company does not expect a significant impact to pretax income up on adoption . The Company is also in the process of implementing changes to its accounting policies, business processes, systems and internal controls to support the recognition and disclosure requirements under the new standard. In January 2016, the FASB issued new accounting guidance on the recognition and measurement of financial assets and financial liabilities. The guidance, which is effective January 1, 2018, makes targeted changes to current GAAP, specifically to the classification and measurement of equity securities, and to certain disclosure requirements associated with the fair value of financial instruments. The Company continues to evaluate the impact this guidance will have on its financial position, resul ts of operations and cash flows. I n preparation for the implementation , the Company is evaluating the impact the guidance will have on its cost method investments, as well as the impact the standard will have on its accounting policies, business processes, systems and internal controls. In F ebruary 2016, the FASB issued new accounting guidance on leases. The guidance, which is effective January 1, 2019, with early adoption permitted, requires virtually all leases to be recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company currently antic ipates adopting the standard effective January 1, 2019, using the modified retrospective approach , which requires recording existing operating leases on the Consolidated Balance Sheets upon adoption and in the comparative period. The Company is in the proc ess of identifying changes to it s accounting policies, business processes , systems, and internal controls in preparation for the implementation . Specifically, the Company is currently reviewing its lease portfolio, including service contracts that may incl ude embedded leases, and is evaluating and interpreting the requirements under the guidance, including the available accounting policy elections and practical expedients upon transition, in order to determine the impacts to the Company’s financial position , results of operat ions and cash flows upon adoption. In March 2016, the FASB issued new accounting guidance on employee shar e-based payments, adopted by the Company effective January 1, 2017, which simplifies various aspects of the accounting for share-b ased payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, accounting for award forfeitures, and classification on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Among other items, the guidance requires excess tax benefits and deficiencies, which under previous guidance would have been recorded within additional paid-in capital, to now be recognized in the income tax provision within the results of operations. The adoption of the guidance did not have a significant impact on the Company’s financial posit ion, results of operations or cash flows. In June 2016, the FASB issued new accounting guidance for recognition of credit losses on financial instruments, which is effective January 1, 2020, with early adoption permitted on January 1, 2019. The guidance in troduces a new credit reserving model known as the Current Expected Credit Loss (CECL) model, which is based on expected losses, and differs significantly from the incurred loss approach used today. The CECL model requires measurement of expected credit lo sses not only based on historical experience and current conditions, but also by including reasonable and supportable forecasts incorporating forward-looking information and will likely result in earlier recognition of credit reserves. The Company does not intend to adopt the new standard early and is currently evaluating the impact the new guidance will have on its financial position, results of operations and cash flows; however, it is expected that the new CECL model will alter the assumptions used in estim ating credit losses on Card Member loans and receivables, among other financial instruments (e.g., investments in available-for-sale debt securities) , and may result in material changes to the Company’s credit reserves. Classification of Various Items Certain reclassifications of prior period amounts have been made to conform to the current period presentation. During 2016, the Company determined that in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the comparative periods ended June 30, 2015, September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2015, certain activities related to long-term debt repayments were misclassified between financing activities and operating activities. There is no impact to the Consolidated Statements of Income or Consolidated Balance Sheets. T he Company has evaluated the effects of these misclassifications and concluded that none are material to any of its previously is sued Consolidated Financial Statements. Nevertheless, the Company has elected to revise prospectively the comparative periods mentioned above. For the year ended Dec ember 3 1 , 2015, this revision resulted in a $ 361 million decrease to both Net cash used in financing activities and Net cash provided by operating activities. In addition, travel commissions and fees, which were previ ously disclosed separately on the Consolidated S tatements of Income , are now included within Other fees and commissions.

Acquisitions and Divestitures

Acquisitions and Divestitures	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure Text Block Abstract
Acquisitions	NOTE 2 BUSINESS EVENTS Global Business Travel TRANSACTION On June 30, 2014, the Company completed a transaction to establish a non-consolidated joint venture comprising the former GBT operations of the Company and an external cash investment. As a result of this transaction, the Company deconsolidated the GBT net assets, effective June 30, 2014, and began accounting for the GBT JV as an equity method investment reported in Other assets within the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Prior to the deconsolidation, GBT’s operations were reported within the Corporate & Other segment. LOANS AND RECEIVABLES Held for sale During the fourth quarter of 2015, it was determined the Company would sell the Card Member loans and receivables related to its cobrand partnerships with JetBlue Airways Corporation (JetBlue) and Costco Wholesale Corporation (Costco) in the United States (the HFS portfolios). As a result, the HFS portfolios were presented as held for sale (HFS) on the Consolidated Balance Sheets within Card Member loans and receivables HFS as of December 31, 2015. The Company completed the sales of substantially all of these outstanding Card Member loans and receivables HFS during the first half o f 2016 and recognized gains, as an expense reduction in Other expenses, of $127 million and $1.1 billion related to the JetBlue and Costco HFS portfolios, respectively. The impact of the sales is reported within the investing section of the Consolidated St atements of Cash Flows as a net decrease in Card Member rece ivables and loans, including held for sale . From the point of classification as HFS during the fourth quarter of 2015 through the sale completion dates, the Company continued to recognize discount revenue, interest income and other revenues and expenses related to the HFS portfolios in the respective line items on the Consolidated Statements of Income, with changes in the valuation of the HFS portfolios recognized in Other expenses. GOODWILL AN D TECHNOLOGY Impairment As discussed in Note 1, the Company evaluates goodwill for impairment annually, or more frequently if events occur or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of one or more of the Company’s reporti ng units below its carrying value. Based on its annual assessment as of June 30, 2015, the Company determined that goodwill was not impaired; however, during the fourth quarter of 2015, the Company announced changes to its management organizational structu re under which reconsideration of the Company’s Prepaid Services business (a reporting unit t hat is included in Corporate & Other) occurred. As a result, the Company determined that sufficient indicators of potential impairment of goodwill existed and perf ormed an impairment evaluation. In performing the two-step impairment evaluation, it was determined the carrying value of the Prepaid Services business’ goodwill exceeded its implied fair value and the Company recognized an impairment loss. The fair value of the Prepaid Services business asset group was measured based on an income approach (discounted cash flow valuation methodology), with the assistance of a third-party valuation firm. Prior to completing the assessment of goodwill for impairment, the Comp any performed a recoverability test of certain long-lived assets in the Prepaid Services business and determined that certain long-lived assets, primarily technology assets, were not recoverable. As a result, during the fourth quarter of 2015, the Company recorded a $384 million impairment charge, comprising a $219 million write-down of the entire balance of goodwill in the Prepaid Services business and a $165 million write-down of technology and other assets to fair value. These charges were reported in Ot her expenses . The Company did not recognize any significant goodwill impairment losses in either 201 6 or 201 4 . Refer to Note 7 for further discussion of the Company’s goodwill and intangible assets.

Accounts Receivable and Loans

Accounts Receivable and Loans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure Text Block Abstract
Accounts Receivable and Loans	NOTE 3 Loans and Accounts Receivable The Company’s lending and charge payment card products result in the generation of Card Member loans and Card Member receivables, respectively. This Note is presented excluding amounts associated with the Card Member loans and receivab les HFS as of December 31, 2015; the Company did not have any Card Member loans and receivables HFS as of December 31 , 2016. Card Member and Other Loans Card Member loans are recorded at the time a Card Member enters into a p oint-of-sale transaction with a merchant and represent revolving amounts due on lending card products, as well as amounts due from charge Card Members w ho utilize the Pay Over Time feature s on their account and 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, an d 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 and 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 4), and include principal and any related accr ued interest and fees . 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. Card Member loans by segment and Other loans as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 c onsisted of: (Millions) 2016 2015 U.S. Consumer Services (a) $ 48,758 $ 43,495 International Consumer and Network Services 6,971 7,072 Global Commercial Services 9,536 8,006 Card Member loans 65,265 58,573 Less: Reserve for losses 1,223 1,028 Card Member loans, net $ 64,042 $ 57,545 Other loans, net (b) $ 1,419 $ 1,254 Includes approximately $ 26.1 billion and $ 23.6 billion of gross Card Member loans available to settle obligations of a consolidated VIE as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. Other loans primarily represent commercial financing products. Other loans are presented net of reserves for losses of $ 42 million and $ 20 million as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. Card Member and Other Receivables Card Member receivables are also recorded at the time a Card Member enters into a point-of-sale transaction with a merchant and represent amounts due on charge card products. Each charge card transaction is authorized based on its likely economics, a Card Member’s most recent credit information and spend patterns. A dditionally, 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 o f reserves for losses (refer to Note 4), and include principal and any related accrued fees. Card Member accounts receivable by segment and Other receivables as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 consisted of: (Millions) 2016 2015 U.S. Consumer Services (a) $ 12,302 $ 11,807 International Consumer and Network Services 5,966 5,599 Global Commercial Services 29,040 26,727 Card Member receivables 47,308 44,133 Less: Reserve for losses 467 462 Card Member receivables, net $ 46,841 $ 43,671 Other receivables, net (b) $ 3,232 $ 3,024 Includes $ 8.9 billion and $ 6.6 billion of gross Card Member receivables available to settle obligations of a consolidated VIE as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. Other receivables primarily represent amounts related to (i) GNS partner banks for items such as royalty and franchise fees, (ii) certain merchants for billed discount revenue, and (iii) loyalty coalition partners for points issued, as well as program participation and servicing fees. Other receivables are presented net of reserves for losses of $ 45 million and $ 43 million as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 , 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 presents the aging of Card Member loans and receivables as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 : 2016 (Millions) Current 30-59 Days Past Due 60-89 Days Past Due 90+ Days Past Due Total Card Member Loans: U.S. Consumer Services $ 48,216 $ 156 $ 119 $ 267 $ 48,758 International Consumer and Network Services 6,863 32 24 52 6,971 Global Commercial Services Global Small Business Services 9,378 34 23 49 9,484 Global Corporate Payments (a) (b) (b) (b) ― 52 Card Member Receivables: U.S. Consumer Services $ 12,158 $ 45 $ 30 $ 69 $ 12,302 International Consumer and Network Services 5,888 22 15 41 5,966 Global Commercial Services Global Small Business Services 14,047 77 47 102 14,273 Global Corporate Payments (a) (b) (b) (b) 135 14,767 2015 (Millions) Current 30-59 Days Past Due 60-89 Days Past Due 90+ Days Past Due Total Card Member Loans: U.S. Consumer Services $ 43,063 $ 128 $ 94 $ 210 $ 43,495 International Consumer and Network Services 6,961 34 25 52 7,072 Global Commercial Services Global Small Business Services 7,867 26 18 40 7,951 Global Corporate Payments (a) (b) (b) (b) 1 55 Card Member Receivables: U.S. Consumer Services $ 11,646 $ 54 $ 32 $ 75 $ 11,807 International Consumer and Network Services 5,515 24 18 42 5,599 Global Commercial Services Global Small Business Services 12,734 69 45 102 12,950 Global Corporate Payments (a) (b) (b) (b) 124 13,777 For G lobal C orporate P ayments (GCP) Card Member loans and receivables in 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 loan and receivable balance is classified as 90 days past billing. These amou nts are shown above as 90+ Days Past Due for presentation purposes . Delinquency data for periods other than 90 days past billing is not available due to system constraints. Therefore, such data has not been utilized for risk management purposes. The balan ces 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: 2016 2015 Net Write-Off Rate Net Write-Off Rate Principal Only (a) Principal, Interest, & Fees (a) 30+ Days Past Due as a % of Total Principal Only (a) Principal, Interest, & Fees (a) 30+ Days Past Due as a % of Total Card Member Loans: U.S. Consumer Services 1.5 % 1.8 % 1.1 % 1.4 % 1.6 % 1.0 % International Consumer and Network Services 2.0 % 2.5 % 1.6 % 1.9 % 2.4 % 1.6 % Global Small Business Services 1.4 % 1.7 % 1.1 % 1.3 % 1.5 % 1.1 % Card Member Receivables: U.S. Consumer Services 1.4 % 1.6 % 1.2 % 1.6 % 1.8 % 1.4 % International Consumer and Network Services 2.0 % 2.2 % 1.3 % 2.1 % 2.3 % 1.5 % Global Small Business Services 1.5 % 1.7 % 1.6 % 1.8 % 2.1 % 1.7 % 2016 2015 Net Loss Ratio as a % of Charge Volume 90+ Days Past Billing as a % of Receivables Net Loss Ratio as a % of Charge Volume 90+ Days Past Billing as a % of Receivables Card Member Receivables: Global Corporate Payments 0.09 % 0.9 % 0.09 % 0.9 % 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 considers uncollectible interest and/or fees in estimating its reserves for credit losses, a net write-off rate including principal, interest and/or fees is also presented. The year ended December 31, 2015, reflects the impact of a change in the timing of charge-offs for Card Member loans and receivables in certain m odification programs from 180 days past due to 120 days past due, which was fully recognized during the three months ended March 31, 2015. Refer to Note 4 for additional indicators, including external environmental qualitative factors, management consider s in its monthly evaluation process for reserves for losses. Impaired Card Member Loans and Receivables Impaired Card Member loans and receivables are 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) nonaccrual loans and (iii) loans and receiv ables modified as troubled debt restructurings (TDRs). I n instances where the Card Member is experiencing financial difficulty , t he Company may modify, through various programs, Card Member loans and receivables in order to minimize losses and improve col lectability, 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. Beginning January 1, 2015, on a prospective basis the Company conti nues to classify Card Member accounts that have exited a modification program as a TDR, with such accounts identified as “Out of Program TDRs.” Such modifications to the loans and receivables primarily include (i) temporary interest rate reductions (possib ly 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 ex its 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 wit h the modification agreement with the Card Member, loans may revert back to the original contractual terms (including the contractual interest rate) when the Card Member exits the modification program, which is (i) when all payments have been made in accor dance with the modification agreement or, (ii) when the Card Member defaults out of the modification program. 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 t he carrying value of the related 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 measurem ent are included in Provisions for losses in the Consolidated Statements of Income. The following tables provide additional information with respect to the Company’s impaired Card Member loans and receivables . Impaired Card Member receivables are not significant f or ICNS as of December 31, 2016, 2015 and 201 4 ; therefore, th is segment’s receivables are not included in the following tables. As of December 31, 2016 Accounts Classified as a TDR (c) (Millions) Over 90 days Past Due & Accruing Interest (a) Non-Accruals (b) In Program (d) Out of Program (e) Total Impaired Balance Unpaid Principal Balance Allowance for TDRs Card Member Loans: U.S. Consumer Services $ 178 $ 139 $ 165 $ 129 $ 611 $ 558 $ 51 International Consumer and Network Services 52 ― ― ― 52 51 ― Global Commercial Services 30 30 26 26 112 103 9 Card Member Receivables: U.S. Consumer Services ― ― 11 6 17 17 7 Global Commercial Services ― ― 28 10 38 38 21 Total $ 260 $ 169 $ 230 $ 171 $ 830 $ 767 $ 88 As of December 31, 2015 Accounts Classified as a TDR (c) (Millions) Over 90 days Past Due & Accruing Interest (a) Non-Accruals (b) In Program (d) Out of Program (e) Total Impaired Balance Unpaid Principal Balance Allowance for TDRs Card Member Loans: U.S. Consumer Services $ 140 $ 124 $ 149 $ 89 $ 502 $ 463 $ 44 International Consumer and Network Services 52 ― ― ― 52 51 ― Global Commercial Services 24 26 23 18 91 85 9 Card Member Receivables: U.S. Consumer Services ― ― 11 3 14 14 8 Global Commercial Services ― ― 16 3 19 19 12 Total $ 216 $ 150 $ 199 $ 113 $ 678 $ 632 $ 73 As of December 31, 2014 (Millions) Over 90 days Past Due & Accruing Interest (a) Non-Accruals (b) In Program TDRs (c)(d) Total Impaired Balance Unpaid Principal Balance Allowance for TDRs Card Member Loans: U.S. Consumer Services $ 137 $ 204 $ 245 $ 586 $ 551 $ 57 International Consumer and Network Services 57 ― ― 57 56 ― Global Commercial Services 24 37 41 102 95 10 Card Member Receivables: U.S. Consumer Services ― ― 17 17 17 13 Global Commercial Services ― ― 31 31 31 22 Total $ 218 $ 241 $ 334 $ 793 $ 750 $ 102 The Company’s policy is generally to accrue interest through the date of write-off (typically 180 days past due). The Company establishes reserves for interest that it believes will not be collected. Amounts presented exclude Card Member loans classified 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 . Amounts presented exclude Card Member loans classified as a TDR . Accounts classified as a TDR include $20 million, $20 million and $26 million that are over 90 days past d ue and accruing interest and $11 million, $18 million and $34 million that are non-accrual s as of December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. In Program TDRs include Card Member accounts that are currently enrolled in a modification program. Out of Program TDRs include $132 million and $84 million of Card Member accounts that have successfully complete d a modification program and $39 million an d $29 million of Card Member accounts that were not in compliance with the terms of the modification programs as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively . The following table provides information with respect to the Company’s average balances of, and interest income recognized from, impaired Card Member loans and the average balances of impaired Card Member receivables for the years ended December 31: 2016 (Millions) Average Balance Interest Income Recognized Card Member Loans: U.S. Consumer Services $ 559 $ 53 International Consumer and Network Services 53 15 Global Commercial Services 103 13 Card Member Receivables: U.S. Consumer Services 14 ― Global Commercial Services 28 ― Total $ 757 $ 81 Interest Income 2015 (Millions) Average Balance Recognized Card Member Loans: U.S. Consumer Services $ 569 $ 48 International Consumer and Network Services 54 14 Global Commercial Services 104 11 Card Member Receivables: U.S. Consumer Services 13 ― Global Commercial Services 20 ― Total $ 760 $ 73 Interest Income 2014 (Millions) Average Balance Recognized Card Member Loans: U.S. Consumer Services $ 633 $ 39 International Consumer and Network Services 62 16 Global Commercial Services 117 10 Card Member Receivables: U.S. Consumer Services 19 ― Global Commercial Services 28 ― Total $ 859 $ 65 Card Member Loans and Receivables Modified as TDRs The following table provides additional inform ation with respect to the USCS and GCS Card Member loans and receivables modified as TDRs for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 . The IC N S Card Member loans and receivables modifications were not significant ; therefore, this segment is not included in the following TDR disclosures. 2016 Number of Accounts (in thousands) Outstanding Balances ($ in millions) (a) Average Interest Rate Reduction (% points) Average Payment Term Extensions (# of months) Troubled Debt Restructurings: Card Member Loans 31 $ 220 9 (b) Card Member Receivables 9 123 (c) 18 Total 40 $ 343 2015 Number of Accounts (in thousands) Outstanding Balances ($ in millions) (a) Average Interest Rate Reduction (% points) Average Payment Term Extensions (# of months) Troubled Debt Restructurings: Card Member Loans 40 $ 285 9 (b) Card Member Receivables 12 147 (c) 12 Total 52 $ 432 2014 Number of Accounts (in thousands) Outstanding Balances ($ in millions) (a) Average Interest Rate Reduction (% points) Average Payment Term Extensions (# of months) Troubled Debt Restructurings: Card Member Loans 46 $ 342 10 (b) Card Member Receivables 15 176 (c) 12 Total 61 $ 518 Represents the outstanding balance immediately prior to modification. The outstanding balance includes principal, fees and accrued interest on Card Member loans and principal and fees on Card Member receivables. Modifications did not reduce the principle balance. For Card Member loans, there have been no payment term extensions. The Company does not offer interest rate reduction programs for Card Member receivables as the receivables are non-interest bearing. The following table provides information with respect to the USCS and GCS Card Member loans and receivables modified as TDRs that subsequently defaulted within 12 months of modification for the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 . A Card Member is considered in default of 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 defa ult is factored into the reserves for Card Member loans and receivables. Number of Accounts Aggregated Outstanding Balances Upon Default (a) 2016 (thousands) (millions) Troubled Debt Restructurings That Subsequently Defaulted: Card Member Loans 7 $ 41 Card Member Receivables 3 4 Total 10 $ 45 Number of Accounts Aggregated Outstanding Balances Upon Default (a) 2015 (thousands) (millions) Troubled Debt Restructurings That Subsequently Defaulted: Card Member Loans 8 $ 52 Card Member Receivables 3 5 Total 11 $ 57 Number of Accounts Aggregated Outstanding Balances Upon Default (a) 2014 (b) (thousands) (millions) Troubled Debt Restructurings That Subsequently Defaulted: Card Member Loans 8 $ 52 Card Member Receivables 3 12 Total 11 $ 64 The outstanding balances upon default include principal, fees and accrued interest on Card Member loans, and principal and fees on Card Member receivables. The number of accounts and outstanding balances upon default have been revised to reflect the exclusion of written off accounts, which are not material.

Reserves for Losses

Reserves for Losses	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure Text Block Abstract
Reserve for Losses	NOTE 4 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 quantit ative 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 quantitative reserves for certain external and internal qualitative factors, which may increase or decrease the reserves for losses on Card Member loans and receivables. These external factors include employment, spend, sentiment, housing and c redit, and changes in the legal and regulatory environment, while the internal factors include increased risk in certain portfolios, impact of risk management initiatives, changes in underwriting requirements and overall process stability. 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 loans or receivables, and net write-off coverage ratios. Card Member loans and re ceivables 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. This Note is presented excluding amounts associated with the Card Member loans and receivab les HFS as of December 31, 2015; the Compa ny did not have any Card Member loans and receivables HFS as of December 31, 2016 or 2014. 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) 2016 2015 2014 Balance, January 1 $ 1,028 $ 1,201 $ 1,261 Provisions (a) 1,235 1,190 1,138 Net write-offs Principal (b) (930) (967) (1,023) Interest and fees (b) (175) (162) (164) Transfer of reserves on HFS loan portfolios ― (224) ― Other (c) 65 (10) (11) Balance, December 31 $ 1,223 $ 1,028 $ 1,201 Provisions for principal , interest and fee reserve components. Consists of principal write-offs, less recoveries of $ 379 million, $ 418 million and $ 428 million, including net write-offs/(recoveries) from TDRs of $ 34 million, $ 41 million and $ (10) million, for the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , respectively. Recoveries of interest and fees were de minimis. Includes foreign currency translation adjustment s of $ (10) million, $ (20) million and $ (17) million for the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , respectively, and other adjustments of $ 8 million, $ 10 million and $ 12 million for the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , respectively. Additionally, 2016 includes reserves of $ 67 million associated with $265 million of retained Card Member loans reclassified from HFS to held for investm ent during the first half of the year, and 2014 includes an adjustment related to reserves for card-related fraud losses of $( 6 ) million, which were reclassified to Other liabilities. Card Member Loans Evaluated Individually and Collectively for Impairmen t The following table presents Card Member loans evaluated individually and collectively for impairment and related reserves as of December 31: (Millions) 2016 2015 2014 Card Member loans evaluated individually for impairment (a) $ 346 $ 279 $ 286 Related reserves (a) $ 60 $ 53 $ 67 Card Member loans evaluated collectively for impairment (b) $ 64,919 $ 58,294 $ 70,099 Related reserves (b) $ 1,163 $ 975 $ 1,134 Represents loans modified as a TDR and related reserves. Represents current loans and loans less than 90 days past due, loans over 90 days past due and accruing interest, and non-accrual loans. The reserves include the quantitative results of analytical models that are specific to individual pools of loans, and reserves for internal and external qualitative risk factors that apply to loans that are collectively evaluated for impairment. 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) 2016 2015 2014 Balance, January 1 $ 462 $ 465 $ 386 Provisions (a) 696 737 792 Net write-offs (b) (674) (713) (683) Other (c) (17) (27) (30) Balance, December 31 $ 467 $ 462 $ 465 Provisions for principal and fee reserve components. Consists of principal and fee components, less recoveries of $ 391 million, $ 401 million and $ 358 million, including net write-offs from TDRs of $ 16 million, $ 60 million and $ 15 million, for the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , respectively. Includes foreign currency translation adjustments of $ (12) million, $ (16) million and $ (15) million for the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , respectively; and other adjustments of $ (5) million, $ (11) million and $ (8) million for the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , respectively. Additionally, 2015 includes the impact of the transfer of the HFS receivables portfolio, which was not significant, and 2014 includes an adjustment related to reserves for card-related fraud losses of $(7) million, whic h was reclassified to Other liabilities. 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 o f December 31: (Millions) 2016 2015 2014 Card Member receivables evaluated individually for impairment (a) $ 55 $ 33 $ 48 Related reserves (a) $ 28 $ 20 $ 35 Card Member receivables evaluated collectively for impairment $ 47,253 $ 44,100 $ 44,803 Related reserves (b) $ 439 $ 442 $ 430 Represents receivables modified as a TDR and related reserves. The reserves include the quantitative results of analytical models that are specific to individual pools of receivables, and reserves for internal and external qualitative risk factors that apply to receivables that are collectively evaluated for impairment.

Investment Securities

Investment Securities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure Text Block Abstract
Investment Securities	NOTE 5 Investment Securities Investment securities principally include debt securities the Company classifies as available-for-sale and carries at fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, with unrealized gains and losses recorded in AOCI, net of income taxes. Realized gains and losses are recognized upon disposition of the securities using the specific identification method. Refer to Note 15 and Note 19 for a description of the Company’s methodology for determining the fair value of investment securities and gross realized gains on the sale of investment securities, respectively. The following is a summary of investment securities as of December 31: 2016 2015 2014 Description of Securities (Millions) Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Estimated Fair Value Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Estimated Fair Value Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Estimated Fair Value State and municipal obligations $ 2,019 $ 28 $ (11) $ 2,036 $ 2,813 $ 85 $ (5) $ 2,893 $ 3,366 $ 129 $ (2) $ 3,493 U.S. Government agency obligations 12 ― ― 12 2 ― ― 2 3 ― ― 3 U.S. Government treasury obligations 465 3 (8) 460 406 4 (1) 409 346 4 ― 350 Corporate debt securities 19 ― ― 19 29 1 ― 30 37 3 ― 40 Mortgage-backed securities (a) 92 3 ― 95 117 4 ― 121 128 8 ― 136 Equity securities 1 ― ― 1 1 ― ― 1 ― 1 ― 1 Foreign government bonds and obligations 486 1 (1) 486 250 6 (1) 255 350 9 ― 359 Other (b) 50 ― (2) 48 50 ― (2) 48 50 ― (1) 49 Total $ 3,144 $ 35 $ (22) $ 3,157 $ 3,668 $ 100 $ (9) $ 3,759 $ 4,280 $ 154 $ (3) $ 4,431 Represents mortgage-backed securities guaranteed by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac or Ginnie Mae. 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: 2016 2015 Less than 12 months 12 months or more Less than 12 months 12 months or more Description of Securities (Millions) Estimated Fair Value Gross Unrealized Losses Estimated Fair Value Gross Unrealized Losses Estimated Fair Value Gross Unrealized Losses Estimated Fair Value Gross Unrealized Losses State and municipal obligations $ 153 $ (11) $ ― $ ― $ 100 $ (3) $ 13 $ (2) U.S. Government treasury obligations 298 (8) ― ― 253 (1) ― ― Foreign government bonds and obligations ― ― ― ― 99 (1) ― ― Other ― ― 32 (2) ― ― 33 (2) Total $ 451 $ (19) $ 32 $ (2) $ 452 $ (5) $ 46 $ (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 Ratio of Fair Value to Amortized Cost (Dollars in millions) Number of Securities Estimated Fair Value Gross Unrealized Losses Number of Securities Estimated Fair Value Gross Unrealized Losses Number of Securities Estimated Fair Value Gross Unrealized Losses 2016: 90%–100% 33 $ 411 $ (13) 6 $ 32 $ (2) 39 $ 443 $ (15) Less than 90% 4 40 (6) ― ― ― 4 40 (6) Total as of December 31, 2016 37 $ 451 $ (19) 6 $ 32 $ (2) 43 $ 483 $ (21) 2015: 90%–100% 52 $ 450 $ (5) 15 $ 37 $ (2) 67 $ 487 $ (7) Less than 90% ― ― ― 2 9 (2) 2 9 (2) Total as of December 31, 2015 52 $ 450 $ (5) 17 $ 46 $ (4) 69 $ 496 $ (9) 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 compared to those pr evailing when the investment securities were acquired. Overall, for the investment securities in gross unrealized loss positions, (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-th an-temporary impairment during the periods presented. Weighted average yields and contractual maturities for investment securities with stated maturities as of December 31, 2016 were as follows: (Millions) Due within 1 year Due after 1 year but within 5 years Due after 5 years but within 10 years Due after 10 years Total State and municipal obligations (a) $ 17 $ 92 $ 274 $ 1,653 $ 2,036 U.S. Government agency obligations ― ― ― 12 12 U.S. Government treasury obligations 115 210 125 10 460 Corporate debt securities 19 ― ― ― 19 Mortgage-backed securities (a) ― ― ― 95 95 Foreign government bonds and obligations 471 12 ― 3 486 Total Estimated Fair Value $ 622 $ 314 $ 399 $ 1,773 $ 3,108 Total Cost $ 621 $ 317 $ 394 $ 1,761 $ 3,093 Weighted average yields (b) 2.90 % 2.04 % 5.25 % 4.71 % 4.16 % 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. Average yields for investment securities have been calculated using the effective yield on the date of purchase. Yields on tax-exempt investment securities have been computed on a tax-equivalent basis using the U.S. federal statutory tax rate of 35 percent.

Asset Securitizations

Asset Securitizations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure Text Block Abstract
Asset Securitizations	NOTE 6 Asset Securitizations The Company periodically securitizes Card Member loans and receivables arising from its card businesses, including, prior to the sales discussed in Note 2, Card Member loans and receivables HFS, through the transfer of those assets to securitization trusts. The trusts then issue debt securities to third-party investors, collateralized by the transferred assets. Card Member loans are transferred to the American Express Credit Account Ma ster Trust (the Lending Trust) an d Card Member receivables are transferred to the American Express Issuance Trust II (the Charge Trust, collectively the Trusts). The Trusts 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 debt securities that are collateralized by the underlying Card Member loans and receivables. Refer to Note 1, Summary o f significant accounting policies for further d etails on the principles of consolidation. TRS, in its role as servicer of the Trusts, has the power to direct the most significant activity of the Trusts, which is the collection of the underlying Card Member loans and receivables. In addition, TRS directly and indirectly (through its consolidated subsidiaries) holds all of the variable interests in both Trusts, with the exception of the debt securities issued to third-party investors. As of December 31, 2016, TRS’ direct and indirect ownership of variable interests was $15.1 billion for the Lending Trust and $4.5 billion for the Charge Trust. These variable interests held by TRS provide it with the right to receive benefits and the obligation to absorb losses, which could be significant to both the Lending Trust and the Charge Trust. Based on these considerations, TRS is the primary beneficiary of both Trusts and therefore consolidates both Trusts. The debt securities issued by the Trusts are non-recourse to th e Company. The securitized Card Member loans and receivables held by the Lending Trust and the Charge Trust, respectively, are available only for payment of the debt securities or other obligations issued or arising in the securitization transactions (refe r to Note 3). The long-term debt of each Trust is payable only out of collections on their respective underlying securitized assets (refer to Note 9). The following table provides information on the restricted cash held by the Lending Trust and the Charge Trust as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 , included in Other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets: (Millions) 2016 2015 Lending Trust $ 35 $ 153 Charge Trust 3 2 Total $ 38 $ 155 These amounts relate to collections of Card Member loans and receivables to be used by the Trusts to fund future expenses and obligations, including interest on debt securities, credit losses and upcoming debt maturities. Under the respective terms of the Lending Trust and the Charge 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 fun ds, or, in a worst-case scenario, early amortization of debt securities. During the year ended December 31, 2016, no such triggering events occurred.

Other Assets

Other Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure Text Block Abstract
Other Assets	NOTE 7 Other Assets The following is a summary of Other assets as of December 31: (Millions) 2016 2015 Goodwill $ 2,927 $ 2,749 Deferred tax assets, net (a) 2,336 2,231 Prepaid expenses 696 851 Other intangible assets, at amortized cost 868 796 Tax Credit investments 824 638 Restricted cash (b) 286 477 Derivative assets (a) 555 282 Other 2,069 2,045 Total $ 10,561 $ 10,069 Refer to Notes 14 and 21 for a discussion of derivative assets and deferred tax assets, net, respectively, as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 . For 2016 and 2015 , $ 81 million and $80 million, respectively, of foreign deferred tax lia bilities is reflected in Other l iabilities. Derivative assets reflect the impact of master netting agreements. Includes restricted cash available to settle obligations related to certain Card Member credit balances and customer deposits, as well as coupon and maturity obligations of consolidate d VIEs . Goodwill The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill reported in the Company’s reportable operating segments and Corporate & Other were as follows: (Millions) USCS ICNS GCS GMS Corporate & Other Total Balance as of January 1, 2015 $ 122 $ 673 $ 1,715 $ 291 $ 223 $ 3,024 Acquisitions ― ― ― ― ― ― Dispositions ― ― ― ― ― ― Other, including impairment and foreign currency translation (a) ― (53) ― ― (222) (275) Balance as of December 31, 2015 $ 122 $ 620 $ 1,715 $ 291 $ 1 $ 2,749 Acquisitions ― ― ― 201 ― 201 Dispositions ― ― ― ― ― ― Other, including foreign currency translation (a) ― (16) (3) (3) (1) (23) Balance as of December 31, 2016 $ 122 $ 604 $ 1,712 $ 489 $ ― $ 2,927 Includes $ 1 million and $219 million in impairment charge s within Corporate & Other as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively . Refer to Note 2 for additional information. Accumulated impairment losses were $ 220 million and $219 million as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Other Intangible Assets The components of other intangible assets were as follows: 2016 2015 (Millions) Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Customer relationships $ 1,625 $ (895) $ 730 $ 1,506 $ (836) $ 670 Other 260 (122) 138 231 (105) 126 Total $ 1,885 $ (1,017) $ 868 $ 1,737 $ (941) $ 796 Amortization expense for the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 was $ 194 million, $ 183 million and $ 174 million, respectively. Intangible assets acquired in 2016 and 2015 are being amortized, on average, over 7 and 5 years, respectively. Estimated amortization expense for other intangible assets over the next five years is as follows: (Millions) 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 Estimated amortization expense $ 189 $ 175 $ 146 $ 121 $ 93 TAX CREDIT INVESTMENTS The Company accounts for its tax credit investments , in cluding Qualified Affordable Housing (QAH) investments , using the equity method of accounting. The Company had $ 824 million and $ 638 million in tax credit investments as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively, included in Other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, of which $ 798 million and $578 million, respectively, specifically related to QAH investments. Included in QAH investments as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company has $701 million and $489 million, respectively, specifically related to investments in unconsolidated VIEs for which the Company does not have a controlling financial interest. As of December 31, 2016 , the Company has committed to provide funding related to certain of these QAH investments, resulting in a $ 266 million unfunded commitment reported in Other liabilities, of which $239 million specifically relates to unconsolidated VIEs, which i s expected to be paid between 2017 and 2029. In addition, the Company has contractual off-balance sheet obligations, which were not deemed probable of being drawn, whereby it may provide additional funding up to $ 151 million for these QAH investments as o f December 31, 201 6 , all of which specifically relate to unconsolidated VIEs. During the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 , the Company recognized equity method losses related to its QAH investments of $ 43 million and $50 million, respectively, which were recognized in Other , net expenses; and associated tax credits of $ 63 million and $53 million, respectively, recognized in Income tax provision.

Customer Deposits

Customer Deposits	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure Text Block Abstract
Customer Deposits	NOTE 8 Customer Deposits As of December 31, customer deposits were categorized as interest-bearing or non-interest-bearing as follows: (Millions) 2016 2015 U.S.: Interest-bearing $ 52,316 $ 54,102 Non-interest-bearing (includes Card Member credit balances of: 2016, $331 million; 2015, $389 million) 367 478 Non-U.S.: Interest-bearing 58 82 Non-interest-bearing (includes Card Member credit balances of: 2016, $285 million; 2015, $323 million) 301 335 Total customer deposits $ 53,042 $ 54,997 Customer deposits by deposit type as of December 31 were as follows: (Millions) 2016 2015 U.S. retail deposits: Savings accounts ― Direct $ 30,980 $ 29,023 Certificates of deposit: (a) Direct 291 281 Third-party (brokered) 11,925 13,856 Sweep accounts ―Third-party (brokered) 9,120 10,942 Other retail deposits: Non-U.S. deposits and U.S. non-interest bearing deposits 110 183 Card Member credit balances ― U.S. and non-U.S. 616 712 Total customer deposits $ 53,042 $ 54,997 The weighted average remaining maturity and weighted average rate at issuance on the total portfolio of U.S. retail CDs issued through direct and third-party programs were 46.5 months and 1.94 percent, respectively, as of December 31, 2016 . The scheduled maturities of certificates of deposit as of December 31, 2016 were as follows: (Millions) U.S. Non-U.S. Total 2017 $ 3,735 $ 15 $ 3,750 2018 3,437 ― 3,437 2019 2,396 ― 2,396 2020 2,542 ― 2,542 2021 106 ― 106 After 5 years ― ― ― Total $ 12,216 $ 15 $ 12,231 As of December 31, certificates of deposit in denominations of $250,000 or more, in the aggregate, were as follows: (Millions) 2016 2015 U.S. $ 117 $ 105 Non-U.S. 7 1 Total $ 124 $ 106

Debt

Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure Text Block Abstract
Debt Disclosure [Text Block]	NOTE 9 Debt Short-Term Borrowings The Company’s short-term borrowings outstanding, defined as borrowings with original contractual maturity dates of less than one year, as of December 31 were as follows: 2016 2015 (Millions, except percentages) Outstanding Balance Year-End Stated Rate on Debt (a) Outstanding Balance Year-End Stated Rate on Debt (a) Commercial paper (b) $ 2,993 1.13 % $ 2,120 0.38 % Other short-term borrowings (c) 2,588 1.28 2,692 1.11 Total $ 5,581 1.20 % $ 4,812 0.79 % For floating-rate issuances, the stated interest rates are weighted based on the outstanding balances and rates in effect as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 . Average commercial paper outstanding was $491 million and $943 million in 2016 and 2015, respectively. Includes interest-bearing overdrafts with banks of $ 369 million and $ 410 million as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. In addition, balances include certain book overdrafts (i.e., primarily timin g 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 Company maintained a 2-year committed, revolving, secured borrowing facility that gives the Company the right to sell up to $2.0 billion face amount of eligible certificates issued from the Lending Trust at any time through September 17, 2018. As of December 31, 2016 the Company had nil o utstanding under this fa cility. As of December 31, 2015, the Company had $100 million drawn on this facility with an original contractual maturity of less than 1-year . The Company paid $8.6 million and $6.7 million in fees to maintain the secured borrowing facility in 2016 and 2 015, respectively. The committed facility do es not contain a material adverse change clause, which might otherwise preclude borrowing under the facilit y , nor is it dependent on the Company’s credit rating. Long-term Debt The Company’s long-term debt outstanding, defined as debt with original contractual maturity dates of one year or greater, as of December 31 was as follows: 2016 2015 (Millions, except percentages) Original Contractual 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 2017-2042 $ 6,932 5.13 % 4.24 % $ 7,546 5.15 % 4.25 % Floating Rate Senior Notes 2018 850 1.51 ― 850 0.97 ― Subordinated Notes 2024 598 3.63 1.92 1,347 5.39 4.47 American Express Credit Corporation Fixed Rate Senior Notes 2017-2021 16,201 1.98 1.44 16,469 2.16 1.28 Floating Rate Senior Notes 2017-2020 4,350 1.52 ― 5,300 0.98 ― American Express Centurion Bank Fixed Rate Senior Notes 2017 1,306 5.99 4.83 1,319 5.99 4.75 Floating Rate Senior Notes 2018 125 1.26 ― 125 0.81 ― American Express Bank, FSB Fixed Rate Senior Notes 2017 1,000 6.00 ― 1,000 6.00 ― Floating Rate Senior Notes 2017 300 0.96 ― 300 0.62 ― American Express Lending Trust Fixed Rate Senior Notes 2017 3,500 1.41 ― 4,000 1.35 ― Floating Rate Senior Notes 2017-2019 7,025 1.20 ― 7,025 0.82 ― Floating Rate Subordinated Notes 2017-2019 316 1.34 ― 316 0.97 ― American Express Charge Trust II Floating Rate Senior Notes 2018 4,200 1.12 ― 2,200 0.67 ― Floating Rate Subordinated Notes 2018 87 1.34 ― 87 0.97 ― Other Fixed Rate Instruments (d) 2021-2033 24 5.62 ― 29 5.62 ― Floating Rate Borrowings 2017-2019 247 0.44 ― % 244 0.66 ― % Unamortized Underwriting Fees (71) (96) Total Long-Term Debt $ 46,990 2.39 % $ 48,061 2.44 % 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 No te 14 for more details on the Company’s treatment of fair value hedges. For floating-rate issuances, the stated and effective interest rates are weighted based on the outstanding balances and rates in effect as of De cember 31, 2016 and 2015 . Effectiv e interest rates are only presented when swaps are in plac e to hedge the underlying debt. Includes $ 24 million and $ 29 million as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively, related to capitalized lease transactions. As of December 31, 2015, the Company had $750 million principal outstanding of Subordinated Debentures that accrued interest at an annual rate of 6.8 percent. At the Company’s option, these Subordinated Debentures were redeemed for cash on September 1, 2016 at 100 percent of the principal amount. A ggregate annual maturities on long-term debt obligations (based on contractual maturity or anticipated redemption dates) as of December 31, 2016 were as follows: (Millions) 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 Thereafter Total American Express Company (Parent Company only) $ 1,500 $ 3,850 $ 641 $ ― $ ― $ 3,147 $ 9,138 American Express Credit Corporation 4,900 3,624 5,150 4,150 2,794 ― 20,618 American Express Centurion Bank 1,300 125 ― ― ― ― 1,425 American Express Bank, FSB 1,300 ― ― ― ― ― 1,300 American Express Lending Trust 6,639 2,886 1,317 ― ― ― 10,842 American Express Charge Trust II ― 4,287 ― ― ― ― 4,287 Other 85 127 35 ― 13 11 271 $ 15,724 $ 14,899 $ 7,143 $ 4,150 $ 2,807 $ 3,158 $ 47,881 Unamortized Underwriting Fees (71) Unamortized Discount and Premium (844) Impacts due to Fair Value Hedge Accounting 24 Total Long-Term Debt $ 46,990 T he Company maintained a $ 3.0 billion bank line of credit , with $ 3.0 billion undrawn as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 . These undrawn amounts support contingent funding needs. The availability of the credit line 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, 2016 and 2015 , 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 Compan y the right to sell up to $ 3.0 billion face amount of eligible notes issued from the Charge T rust at any time through July 16 , 2018. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015 , $ 3.0 billion and $ 1.0 billion, respectively, were draw n on this facility. The Company paid $ 11.5 million and $ 35.1 million in fees to maintain these lines in 2016 and 2015 , 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 $ 1.7 billion, $ 1.6 billion and $ 1.7 billion in 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , respectively.

Other Liabilities

Other Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure Text Block Abstract
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Text Block]	NOTE 10 Other Liabilities The following is a summary of Other liabilities as of December 31: (Millions) 2016 2015 Membership Rewards liability $ 7,060 $ 6,721 Employee-related liabilities (a) 2,055 2,097 Card Member rebate and reward accruals (b) 1,382 2,238 Deferred card and other fees, net 1,411 1,343 Book overdraft balances 2,255 409 Other (c) 4,614 4,764 Total $ 18,777 $ 17,572 Employee-related liabilities include employee benefit plan obligations and incentive compensation. Card Member rebate and reward accruals include payments to third-party rewar d partners and cash-back reward s. Other includes accruals for general operating expenses, client incentives, merchant rebates, payments to third-party card-issuing partners, advertising and promotion, restructuring and reengineering reserves, QAH unfunded commitments and derivatives. Membership Rewards The Membersh ip 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 in the future. The weighted average cost (WAC) per point and the Ultimate Redemption Rate (URR) are key assumptions used to estimate the Membership Rewards liability. The expen se for Membership Rewards points is included in Card Member rewards expense . 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) 2016 2015 Deferred card and other fees (a) $ 1,767 $ 1,652 Deferred direct acquisition costs (204) (173) Reserves for membership cancellations (152) (136) Deferred card and other fees, net $ 1,411 $ 1,343 Includes deferred fees for Membership Rewards program participants.

Stock Plans

Stock Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure Text Block Abstract
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block]	NOTE 11 Stock Plans Stock Option and Award Programs Under the 2016 Incentive Compensation Plan and previously under the 2007 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. jurisdiction s. For the Company’s Incentive Compensation Plans , there were a total of 17 million, 33 million and 35 million common shares unissued and available for grant as of December 31, 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 , respectively, as a uthorized by the Company’s Board of Directors and shareholders. A summary of stock option and RSA acti vity as of December 31, 2016 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, 2015 10,820 $ 44.60 7,433 $ 74.67 Granted 2,920 63.89 4,062 55.55 Exercised/vested (3,396) 51.40 (3,128) 63.93 Forfeited (67) 66.02 (867) 70.99 Expired (5) 51.87 ― ― Outstanding as of December 31, 2016 10,272 47.68 7,500 $ 69.22 Options vested and expected to vest as of December 31, 2016 10,031 47.26 ― ― Options exercisable as of December 31, 2016 6,963 $ 38.55 ― ― 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 100 percent on the third anniversary of the grant d ate. 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, vested, and expected to vest as of December 31, 2016 , are as follows: Outstanding Exercisable Vested and Expected to Vest Weighted-average remaining contractual life (in years) 4.8 2.8 4.7 Aggregate intrinsic value (millions) $ 277 $ 248 $ 275 The intrinsic value of options exercised during 2016 , 2015 and 2014 was $ 51 million, $ 87 million and $ 245 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 2016 , 2015 and 2014 was $ 175 million, $ 146 million and $ 283 million, respectively. The tax b enefit realized from income tax impacts of stock option exercises, which was recorded in additional paid-in capital, in 2016 , 2015 and 2014 was $ 4 million, $ 18 million and $ 54 million, respectively. The fair va lue 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 options granted in 2016 , 2015 and 2014 : 2016 2015 2014 Dividend yield 1.9 % 1.1 % 1.1 % Expected volatility (a) 25 % 37 % 38 % Risk-free interest rate 1.5 % 1.7 % 2.2 % Expected life of stock option ( in years ) (b) 6.3 6.7 6.7 Weighted-average fair value per option $ 13.67 $ 29.20 $ 32.36 The expected volatility is based on both weighted historical and implied volatilities of the Company’s common stock price. T he expected life of stock options was determined using both historical data and expectations of option exercise behavior. Restricted Stock Awards RSAs are valued based on the s tock price on the date of grant and contain either a) service conditions or b) both service and performance conditions . RSAs containing only service conditions generally vest 25 percent per year beginn ing with the first anniversary of the grant date. RSAs containing both service and performance conditions generally vest on the third anniversary of the grant date, and the number of shares earned depends on the achievement of predetermined Company metrics . All RSA holders receive non-forfeitable dividends or dividend equivalents. The total fair value of shares vested during 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , was $ 171 million, $ 247 million and $ 298 million, respectively (based upon the Co mpany’s stock price at the vesting date). The weighted-average grant date fair value of RSAs granted in 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , wa s $ 55.55 , $ 81.99 and $ 86.65 , 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 peri ods of one to three years. PGs and other incentive awards are generally settled with cash and thus are classified as liabilities; therefore, the fair value is determined at the date of grant and remeasured quarterly as part of compensation expense over th e vesting period. Cash paid upon vesting of these awards in 2016 , 2015 and 2014 was $ 41 million, $ 74 million and $ 62 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) 2016 2015 2014 Restricted stock awards (a) $ 178 $ 190 $ 193 Stock options (a) 14 12 13 Liability-based awards 60 32 84 Total stock-based compensation expense (b) $ 252 $ 234 $ 290 As of December 31, 2016 , the total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested RSAs and options of $ 189 million and $ 24 million, respectively, will be recognized ratably over the weighted-average remaining vesting period of 2.0 years and 2.1 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, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 was $ 89 mi llion, $ 83 million and $ 104 million, respectively.

Retirement Plans

Retirement Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure Text Block Abstract
Retirement Plans	NOTE 12 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 Securit y Act of 1974 and covers most employees in the United States. The total expense for all defined contribution retirement plans globally was $ 234 million, $ 224 million and $ 272 million in 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , respect ively. Defined Benefit Pension and other postretirement benefit Plans The Company’s primary defined benefit pension plans that cover certain employees in the United States and United Kingdom are closed to new entrants and existing participants do not accr ue any additional benefits. Most employees outside the United States 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 f or these plans was $ 24 million, $ 23 million and $ 24 million in 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , 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, 2016 and 2015 , the funded status related to the defined benefit pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans was underfunded by $ 700 million and $ 770 million, respectively, and is recorded in Other liabilities.

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure Text Block Abstract
Contingencies	NOTE 13 C ontingencies and c ommitments Contingencies In the ordinary course of business, the Company and its subsidiaries are subject to various pending and potential legal actions, arbitration proceedings, claims, investigations, examinations, information gathering requests, subpoenas, inquiries and matters relating to compliance with laws and regulations (collectively, legal proceedings). The Company discloses its material legal proceedings under Part I, “Legal Proceedings”. In addition to the matters disclosed under “Legal Proceedings,” the Company is being challenged in a number of countries regarding its app lication of value-added taxes (VAT) to certain of its international transactions, which are in various stages of audit , or are be ing contest ed in legal actions (collectively, VAT matters ). While the Company believes it has complied with all applicable tax laws, rules and regulations in the relevant jurisdictions, the tax authorities may determine that the Company owes additional VAT . In certain jurisdictions where the Company is contesting the assessments, it was required to pay the VAT assessments prior to contesting. The Company’s legal proceedings range from cases brought by a single plaintiff to class actions with millions of pu tative class members. These legal proceedings involve various lines of business of the Company and a variety of claims (including, but not limited to, common law tort, contract, application of tax laws, antitrust and consumer protection claims), some of wh ich present novel factual allegations and/or unique legal theories. While some matters pending against the Company specify the damages claimed by the plaintiff or class, many seek an unspecified amount of damages or are at very early stages of the legal pr ocess. 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 factua l information and legal issues to enable the Company to estimate an amount of loss or a range of possible loss, while other matters have progressed sufficiently such that the Company is able to estimate an amount of loss or a range of possible loss. The C ompany has recorded reserves for certain of its outstanding legal proceedings. A reserve is recorded when it is both (a) probable that a loss has occurred and (b) the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. There may be instances in which an exposure t o loss exceeds the recorded reserve. The Company evaluates, on a quarterly basis, developments in legal proceedings that could cause an increase or decrease in the amount of the reserve that has been previously recorded, or a revision to the disclosed esti mated range of possible losses, as applicable. For those disclosed material legal proceedings and VAT matter s where a loss is reasonably possible in future periods, whether in excess of a related reserve for legal or tax contingencies or where there is no such reserve, 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 reserves related to those matters. This range represents management’s estimate based on currently av ailable information and does not represent the Company’s maximum loss exposure; actual results may vary significantly. As such legal proceedings evolve , the Company may need to increase its range of possible loss or reserves. Based on its current knowledg e, 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 legal proceeding that would have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated finan cial condition or liquidity. However, in light of the uncertainties involved in such matters, it is possible that the outcome of legal proceedings, including the possible resolution of merchant claims, could have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations . COMMITMENTS The Company also has obligations to make payments under contractual agreements with certain cobrand partners. The Company expects to fully satisfy these obligations over the remaining term of these agreements as part of the ongoi ng operations of its business. As of December 31, 2016 , the obligations under such arrangements were as follows : (Millions) 2017 $ 72 2018 58 2019 46 2020 33 2021 169 Thereafter 10 Total $ 388 The Company leases certain facilities and equipment under non-cancelable and cancelable agreements, for which total rental expense was $ 169 million, $ 187 million and $ 237 million in 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , respectively. As of December 31, 2016 , the minimum aggregate rental commitment under all non-cancelable operating leases (net of subleases of $ 17 million) was as follows: (Millions) 2017 $ 127 2018 108 2019 91 2020 69 2021 49 Thereafter 788 Total $ 1,232 As of December 31, 2016 , the Company’s future minimum lease payments under capital leases or other similar arrangements is approximately $ 4 million per annum in 201 7 through 202 0 , $ 1 million in 20 21 and $ 10 million in aggregate thereafter.

Derivatives and Hedging Activit

Derivatives and Hedging Activities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure Text Block Abstract
Derivatives and Hedging Activities	NOTE 14 Derivatives and Hedging Activities The Company uses derivative financial instruments (derivatives) to manage exposures to various market risks. These instruments derive their value from an underlying variable or multiple variables, including interest rates, foreign exchange rates, and equity index or price, and are carried at fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. These instruments enable end users to increase, reduce or alter exposure to various market risks and, for that re ason, are an integral component of the Company’s market risk management. The Company does not transact in derivatives for trading purposes. Market risk is the risk to earnings or asset and liability values resulting from movements in market prices. The Com pany’s market risk exposures include: Interest rate risk due to changes in the relationship between interest rates on the Company’s assets (such as loans, receivables and investment securities) and interest rates on the Company’s liabilities (such as debt and deposits); and Foreign exchange risk related to earnings, funding, transactions and investments in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. The Company centrally monitors market risks using market risk limits and escalation triggers as defined in its As set/Liability Management Policy. The Company’s market exposures are in large part byproducts of the delivery of its products and services. Interest rate risk primarily arises through the funding of Card Member receivables and fixed-rate loans with variabl e-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 va rying 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 va riable-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 exchang e 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 United States. 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. In addition to the exposures mentioned previously, 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 the Industrial and Commercia l Bank of China ( ICBC ) in local currency. Under the terms of the TRC, the Company received 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 paid to the TRC counte rparty 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 was fully unwound on July 18, 2014 upon the sale of the remaining underlying I CBC shares. 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 c onsidering 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, and counterparty risk exposures are centrally monitored. Additionally, in order to mitigate the bilateral co unterparty 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 majority of the Company’s derivative assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 are subject to such master netting agreements with its derivative counterparties, and 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 wi th 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 collater al 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 its assessment of the credit risk of the Company’s derivative counterparties as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 , no adjustment to the derivative portfolio was required. 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 15 for a description of the Company’s methodology for determining the fair value of derivatives. The following table summariz es the total fair value, excluding interest accruals, of derivative assets and liabilities as of December 31: Other Assets Fair Value Other Liabilities Fair Value (Millions) 2016 2015 2016 2015 Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: Fair value hedges - Interest rate contracts $ 111 $ 236 $ 69 $ 9 Net investment hedges - Foreign exchange contracts 347 191 35 57 Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments 458 427 104 66 Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: Foreign exchange contracts, including certain embedded derivatives (a) 308 117 176 135 Total derivatives, gross 766 544 280 201 Less: Cash collateral netting on interest rate contracts (b) (54) (155) (68) ― Derivative asset and derivative liability netting (c) (157) (107) (157) (107) Total derivatives, net (d) $ 555 $ 282 $ 55 $ 94 Includes foreign currency derivatives embedded in certain operating agreements. Represents the offsetting of derivative s and the right to reclaim cash collateral (a receivable) or the obligation to return cash collateral (a payable) arising from derivative s executed with the same counterparty under an enforceable master netting arrangement. T he Company received non-cash collateral from a counterparty in the form of security interests in U.S. Treasury securities, with a fair value of $18 million as of December 31, 2016, none of which was sold or repledged. Such non-cash collateral economically reduced t he Company’s risk exposure to $537 million, but did not reduce the net exposure on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company did not have any such non-cash collateral as of December 31, 2015 . Additionally, the Company posted $ 169 million and $149 million as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively, as initial margin on its centrally cleared interest rate swaps; such amounts are recorded within Other receivables on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and are not netted against the derivative balances. Represents the amou nt 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 expo sure to any single derivative counterparty. The total net derivative assets and net derivative liabilities are presented within Other assets and Other liabilities, respectively, on the 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 those 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 attributabl e to a particular risk. Interest Rate Contracts The Company is exposed to interest rate risk associated with its fixed-rate long-term debt obligations . At the time of issuance, c ertain fixed-rate debt obligations are designated in fair value hedging relationships, using interest rate swaps , to economically convert the fixed interest rate to a floating interest rate. The Company has $ 17.7 bi llion and $ 18.8 billion of fixed-rate debt obli gations designated as fair value hedges as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively . 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 changes in the hedged item is referred to as hedge ineffectiveness and is reported as a component of Other expenses. Hedge ineffectiveness may be caused by differences be tween a debt obligation’s interest rate and the benchmark rate, primarily due to credit spreads at inception of the hedging relationship that are not reflected in the fair value of the interest rate swap. Furthermore, hedge ineffectiveness may be cau sed b y changes in 1-month LIBOR , 3-month LIBOR and the overnight indexed swap rate , as spreads between these rates impact the fair value of the interest rate swap without causing an exact offsetting impact to the fair value of the hedged debt . For the periods presented, the Company considers al l fair value hedges to be highly effective and did not de-designate any fair value hedge relationships. The Company also recognized a net reduction in interest expense on long-term debt of $ 224 million, $ 284 million and $ 283 million for the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , respectively, primarily related to the net settlements (interest accruals) on the Company’s interest rate derivatives designated as fair value hedges. The following table summarizes the impact on the Consolidated Statements of Income associated with the Company’s fair value hedges of its fixed-rate long-term debt for the years ended December 31: (Millions) 2016 2015 2014 Other expenses: Interest rate derivative contracts $ (184) $ (83) $ (143) Hedged items 163 93 148 Net hedge ineffectiveness (losses) gains $ (21) $ 10 $ 5 Total Return Contract The Company hedged its exposure to changes in the fair value of its equity investment in ICBC in local currency. The Company used a TRC to transfer its exposure to its derivative counterparty. On July 18, 2014, the Company sold its remaining shares in ICBC for a loss of $11 million, which was fully offset by the termination of the TRC which resulted in a gain of $11 million. Net Investment Hedges A net investment hedge is used to hedge future changes in currency exposure of a net inv estment 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 instrum ents 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 tr anslation adjus tment, were gains of $ 281 million, $ 577 million and $ 455 million for the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , respectively, with any ineffective portion recognized in Other expenses during the period of change. Specifically, the net hedge i neffectiveness recognized was nil for the year ended December 31, 2016 , a gain of $1 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 , an d nil for the year ended December 31, 2014 . Other amounts related to foreign exchange contracts reclassified from AOCI into Other expenses was a gain of $ 5 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 , nil for the year ended December 31, 2015 , an d a gain of $10 million for the year December 31, 2014 . 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 des ignated currencies at an agreed upon rate for settlement on a specified date. The changes in the fair value of derivatives that are not designated as hedges are intended to offset the related foreign exchange gains or losses of the underlying foreign curre ncy exposures. The changes in the fair value of the derivatives and the related underlying foreign currency exposur es resulted in net gains of $1 million, $83 million and $66 million for the y ears ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and a re recognized in Other expenses. From time to time, the Company also may enter into interest rate swaps to specifically manage funding costs related to its proprietary card business. Related to its derivatives not designated as hedges, the Company previous ly disclosed in Note 14 to the “ Consolidated Financial Statements ” in its Annual Report s on Form 10- K for the years ended December 31 , 2015 and 2014, a loss of $ 39 million and a gain of $194 million, respectively. Th e s e amount s should have been disclosed as a gain of $366 million and a gain of $712 million, respectively , which are the amounts used to calculate the above-referenced net gain s of $ 83 million and $66 million . T hese changes to the previously disclosed amounts have no impact on the Consolidated Statements of Income, Balance Sheets or Cash Flows. The changes in the fair value of an embedded derivative resulted in gain s of $ 9 million , $ 5 million , and $4 million for the years ended December 31 , 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and are recognized in Card Member services and other expense. The Company also 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 definit ion 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.

Fair Values

Fair Values	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure Text Block Abstract
Fair Values	NOTE 15 Fair Values Fair value is defined as the price that would be required 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 substantiall y 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 pri ces 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 a bout 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, 2016 and 2015 , although the disclosed fair valu e 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 ou t 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. For the years ended December 31, 201 6 and 201 5 , there were no significant transfers between levels. 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 fair value hierarchy (as described in the preceding paragraphs), as of December 31 : 2016 2015 (Millions) Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Assets: Investment securities: (a) Equity securities and other $ 49 $ 1 $ 48 $ ― $ 49 $ 1 $ 48 $ ― Debt securities 3,108 460 2,648 ― 3,710 409 3,301 ― Derivatives (a) 765 ― 765 ― 544 ― 544 ― Total Assets 3,922 461 3,461 ― 4,303 410 3,893 ― Liabilities: Derivatives (a) 280 ― 280 ― 201 ― 201 ― Total Liabilities $ 280 $ ― $ 280 $ ― $ 201 ― 201 ― Refer to Note 5 for the fair values of investment securities and to Note 14 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 investmen t 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 p rovided by its pricing services by compari ng them to alternative pricing sources. 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 under lying investment securities. Refer to Note 5 for additional fair value information. Derivative Financial Instruments The fair value of the Company’s derivative financial instruments is estimated by t hird-party proprietary pricing models , where the inputs to those mo dels are readily observable in 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 teno r, 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 foreign exchange forward contracts is determined based on a discounted cash flow method using the follo wing 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 o f 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 counterpartie s. The Company considers the counterparty credit risk by applying an observable forecasted default rate to the current exposure. Refer to Note 14 for additional fair value information. Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities Carried at Other Than Fair Value The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of 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, 2016 and 2015 . The fair values of these financial instruments are estimates based upon the market conditions and perceived risks as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 , and require management ’s judgment. These figu res may not be indicative of future fair values, nor can the fair value of the Company be estimated by aggregating the amounts presented. Carrying Corresponding Fair Value Amount 2016 (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 (a) $ 25 $ 25 $ 22 $ 3 $ ― Other financial assets (b) 51 51 ― 51 ― Financial assets carried at other than fair value Loans, net (c) 65 66 ― ― 66 Financial Liabilities: Financial liabilities for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value 67 67 ― 67 ― Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value Certificates of deposit (d) 12 12 ― 12 ― Long-term debt (c) $ 47 $ 48 $ ― $ 48 $ ― Carrying Corresponding Fair Value Amount 2015 (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 (a) $ 23 $ 23 $ 22 $ 1 $ ― Other financial assets (b) 47 47 ― 47 ― Financial assets carried at other than fair value Card Member loans and receivables HFS (e) 15 15 ― ― 15 Loans, net (c) 59 60 ― ― 60 Financial Liabilities: Financial liabilities for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value 67 67 ― 67 ― Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value Certificates of deposit (d) 14 14 ― 14 ― Long-term debt (c) $ 48 $ 49 $ ― $ 49 $ ― Level 2 amounts reflect time deposits and short-term investments. Includes Card Member receivables (including fair values of Card Member receivables of $ 8.8 billion and $ 6.7 billion held by a consolidated VIE as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively ), Other receivables, restricted cash and other miscellaneous assets. Balances include amounts held by a consolidated VIE for which the fair values of Card Member loans were $ 26.0 billion and $ 23.5 billion as of Dece mber 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively, and the fair values of long-term debt were $ 15.2 billion and $ 13.6 billion as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. Presented as a component of customer deposits on the Consolidated B alance Sheets . Does not include any fair value associated with the Card Member account relationships. Refer to Note 2 for additional information. The fair values of these financial instruments are estimates based upon the market conditions and perceived risks as of December 31, 2016 , 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 A ssets 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) the Company applies the followi ng 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 V alue Card Member loans and receivables HFS Card Member loans and receivables HFS are recorded at the lower of cost or fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. As a result, the estimation of fair value included in the previous table does not reflect a ny fair value associated with the Card Member account relationships and follows the technique described under Loans, net below. Loans, net 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 loans and the lack of observable pricing inputs thereof, the Compan y 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 c osts. The valuation does not include economic value attributable to future receivables generated by the accounts associated with the loans. Financial Liabilities For Which Carrying Values Equal Or Approximate Fair Value Financial liabilities for which car rying 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 borrowin gs 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 Certifica tes 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 refle cts 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 C ompany’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 observ ed 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 ra tes 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 Compa ny, 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 th ese assets, measurement at fair value in periods subsequent to their initial recognition is applicable if determined to be impaired. During the year ended December 31, 2016 , the Company did not have any material assets that were measured at fair value d ue to impairment. During the fourth quarter of 2015 , the Company recorded a $384 million impairment charge, consisting of a $219 million write-down of the entire balance of goodwill in the Prepaid Services business and a $165 million write-down of technolo gy and other assets , to fair value , which was insignificant for the year ended December 31, 2015. Refer to Note 2 for a description of the Company’s 2015 impairment charges.

Guarantees

Guarantees	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure Text Block Abstract
Guarantees	NOTE 16 Guarantees The Company provides Card Member protection plans that cover losses associated with purchased products, as well as certain other guarantees and indemnifications in the ordinary course of business . 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 M erchant 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 gener ally 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. The largest component of the maximum potential future payments relates to Card Member transactions associated with travel-related merchants, primarily through business arrangements where the Company has remitted payment to such merchants for a Card Member travel purchase that has not yet been used or “flown.” In relation to its maximum p otential undiscounted future payments as shown in the table that follows, to date the Company has not experienced any significant losses related to guarantees or indemnifications. The Company’s initial recognition of these instruments is at fair value. 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 and indemnifications as of December 31: Maximum potential undiscounted future payments (Billions) (a) Related liability (Millions) (b) Type of Guarantee 2016 2015 2016 2015 Return and Merchant Protection $ 42 $ 42 $ 37 $ 49 Other (c) 6 6 49 37 Total $ 48 $ 48 $ 86 $ 86 Represents the notional amounts that could be lost under the guarantees and indemnifications if there were a total default by the guaranteed or indemnified parties. The maximum potential undiscounted future payments for Merchant Protection are measured using management’s best estimate of the maximum exposure, which is based on all eligible claims in relation to annual billed business volumes. Inclu ded in Other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Primarily includes guarantees related to the Company’s purchase protection, real estate and business dispositions.

Common and Preferred Shares and

Common and Preferred Shares and Warrants	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure Text Block Abstract
Common And Preferred Shares And Warrants [Text Block]	NOTE 17 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) 2016 2015 2014 Common shares authorized (billions) (a) 3.6 3.6 3.6 Shares issued and outstanding at beginning of year 969 1,023 1,064 Repurchases of common shares (70) (59) (49) Other, primarily stock option exercises and restricted stock awards granted 5 5 8 Shares issued and outstanding as of December 31 904 969 1,023 Of the common shares authorized but unissued as of December 31, 2016 , approximately 35 million shares are reserved for issuance under employee stock and employee benefit plans. On September 26, 2016 the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of 150 million of common shares over time in accordance with the Company’s capital distribution plans submitted to the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the Federal Reserve) and subject to market conditions. This authorization replaces all prior repu rchase authorizations. During 2016 , 2015 and 2014, the Company repurchased 70 million common shares with a cost basis of $ 4.4 billion, 59 million common shares with a cost basis of $ 4.5 billion, and 49 million common sha res with a cost basis of $4.4 billion, respectively. The cost basis includes commissions paid of $ 1.2 million, $ 1.1 million and $1.0 million in 2016 , 2015 and 2014, respectively. As of December 31, 2016 , the Company had approximate ly 135 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 3.0 million, 3.0 million and 3.2 million shares held as treasury shares as of December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , respectively); retired common shares and treasury shares are excluded from the shares outstanding in the table above. The treasury shares, w ith a cost basis of $ 197 million, $ 242 million and $ 280 million as of December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , respectively, are included as a reduction to additional paid-in capital in shareholders’ equity on the Consolidat ed Balance Sheets. PREFERRED SHARES The Board of Directors is authorized to permit the Company to issue up to 20 million Preferred Shares at a par value of $1.66 2/3 without further shareholder approval. The Company has the following perpetual Fixed Rate/Floating Rate Noncumulative Preferred Share series issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2016: Series B Series C Issuance date November 10, 2014 March 2, 2015 Securities issued 750 Preferred Shares; represented by 750,000 depositary shares 850 Preferred Shares; represented by 850,000 depositary shares Aggregate liquidation preference $750 million $850 million Fixed dividend rate per annum 5.20% 4.90% Semi-annual fixed dividend payment dates Beginning May 15, 2015 Beginning September 15, 2015 Floating dividend rate per annum 3 month LIBOR+ 3.428% 3 month LIBOR+ 3.285% Quarterly floating dividend payment dates Beginning February 15, 2020 Beginning June 15, 2020 Fixed to floating rate conversion date (a) November 15, 2019 March 15, 2020 The date on which dividends convert from a fixed-rate calculation to a floating rate calculation. In the event of the voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, the preferred stock then outstanding takes precedence over the Company’s common stock for the payment of dividends and the distribution of assets out of funds legally available for distribution to shareholders. Each outstanding series of Preferred Shares has a liquidation price of $ 1 million per Preferred Sha re, plus any accrued but unpaid dividends. The Company may redeem these Preferred Shares at $1 million per Preferred Share (equivalent to $1,000 per depositary share) plus any declared but unpaid dividends in whole or in part, from time to time, on any div idend payment date on or after the respective fixed to floating rate conversion date, or in whole, but not in part, within 90 days of certain bank regulatory changes. There were no warrants issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014.

Changes in Accumulated Other Co

Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure Text Block Abstract
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income	NOTE 18 Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive 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 for the three years ended December 31 were as follows: (Millions) , net of tax (a) Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investment Securities Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Net Unrealized Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Gains (Losses) Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income Balances as of December 31, 2013 $ 63 $ (1,090) $ (399) $ (1,426) Net unrealized gains 104 ― ― 104 Decrease due to amounts reclassified into earnings (71) 5 ― (66) Net translation loss of investments in foreign operations ― (869) ― (869) Net gains related to hedges of investments in foreign operations ― 455 ― 455 Pension and other postretirement benefit losses ― ― (117) (117) Net change in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) 33 (409) (117) (493) Balances as of December 31, 2014 96 (1,499) (516) (1,919) Net unrealized losses (37) ― ― (37) Decrease due to amounts reclassified into earnings (1) (1) ― (2) Net translation loss of investments in foreign operations ― (1,122) ― (1,122) Net gains related to hedges of investments in foreign operations ― 578 ― 578 Pension and other postretirement benefit losses ― ― (32) (32) Net change in accumulated other comprehensive loss (38) (545) (32) (615) Balances as of December 31, 2015 58 (2,044) (548) (2,534) Net unrealized losses (45) ― ― (45) Decrease due to amounts reclassified into earnings (6) 4 ― (2) Net translation loss of investments in foreign operations ― (503) ― (503) Net gains related to hedges of investment in foreign operations ― 281 ― 281 Pension and other postretirement benefit gains ― ― 19 19 Net change in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income (51) (218) 19 (250) Balances as of December 31, 2016 $ 7 $ (2,262) $ (529) $ (2,784) The following table shows the tax impact for the three years ended December 31 for the changes in each component of A O C I : Tax expense (benefit) (Millions) 2016 2015 2014 Investment securities $ (27) $ (20) $ 19 Foreign currency translation adjustments (15) (124) (64) Net investment hedges 139 340 273 Pension and other postretirement benefit losses 37 ― (46) Total tax impact $ 134 $ 196 $ 182 The following table presents the effects of reclassifications out of AOCI and into the Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31 : Gains (losses) recognized in earnings Description (Millions) Income Statement Line Item 2016 2015 Available-for-sale securities Reclassifications for previously unrealized net gains on Other non-interest revenues $ 9 $ 1 investment securities Related income tax expense Income tax provision (3) ― Reclassification to net income related to available-for-sale securities 6 1 Foreign currency translation adjustments Reclassification of realized losses on translation adjustments and related net Other expenses (4) 1 investment hedges Related income tax expense Income tax provision ― ― Reclassification to net income related to foreign currency translation adjustments (4) 1 Total $ 2 $ 2

Non-Interest Revenue and Expens

Non-Interest Revenue and Expense Detail	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure Text Block Abstract
Non-Interest Revenue and Expense Detail	NOTE 19 Non-interest revenue and expense detail The following is a detail of Other fee s and commissions for the years ended December 31: (Millions) 2016 2015 2014 Foreign currency conversion fee revenue $ 809 $ 852 $ 877 Delinquency fees 762 788 722 Loyalty coalition-related fees 410 379 383 Travel commissions and fees 338 349 1,118 Service fees 291 361 366 Other (a) 143 137 160 Total Other fees and commissions $ 2,753 $ 2,866 $ 3,626 Other primarily includes revenues from fees related to Membership Rewards programs. The following is a detail of Other revenues for the years ended December 31: (Millions) 2016 2015 2014 Gain on sale of investment in Concur Technologies $ ― $ ― $ 744 Global Network Services partner revenues 654 640 694 Gross realized gains on sale of investment securities 9 1 100 Other (a) 1,366 1,392 1,451 Total Other revenues $ 2,029 $ 2,033 $ 2,989 Other includes revenues arising from net revenue earned on cross-border Card Member spending, insurance premiums earned from Card Member travel and other insurance programs, merchant-related fees, Prepaid card and Travelers Cheque -related revenues, revenues related to the GBT JV transition services agreement, earnings from equity method investments (including the GBT JV) and other miscellaneous revenue and fees. The following is a detail of Other expenses for the years ended December 31: (Millions) 2016 2015 2014 Professional services $ 2,583 $ 2,750 $ 3,008 Occupancy and equipment 1,838 1,854 1,807 Communications 302 345 383 Card and merchant-related fraud losses (a) 223 308 369 Goodwill and long-lived asset impairment ― 384 ― Gain on business travel joint venture transaction ― ― (630) Gain on sale of HFS portfolios (b) (1,218) ― ― Other (c) 1,434 1,152 1,152 Total Other expenses $ 5,162 $ 6,793 $ 6,089 Beginning January 1, 2015, merchant-related fraud losses are reported within Other expenses. Refer to Note 2 for additional information. Other expense primarily includes general operating expenses, gains and losses on sales of assets or businesses not classified as discontinued operations, regulatory and litigation-related costs, certain Card Member reimbursements, insurance costs, certain loyalty coalition-related expenses, and foreign currency-related gains and losses (including the favorable impact f rom the reassessment of the functional currency of certain UK legal entities in the year ended December 31 , 201 5 ). In addition , effective December 1, 2015, Other expenses includes the valuation allowance adjustment associated w ith loans and receivables HFS .

Restructuring

Restructuring	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure Text Block Abstract
Restructuring Charges	NOTE 20 Restructuring T he Company initiates restructuring programs to support new business strategies and to enhance its overall effectiveness and efficiency . In connection with these programs, the Company typically will incur severance and other exit costs. The follo wing table summarizes the Company’s restructuring reserves activity for the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 : (Millions) Severance Other (a) Total Liability balance as of December 31, 2013 $ 196 $ 37 $ 233 Restructuring charges, net of $35 in revisions (b) 383 28 411 Payments (93) (22) (115) Other non-cash (c) (51) (8) (59) Liability balance as of December 31, 2014 435 35 470 Restructuring charges, net of $61 in revisions (b) (33) 7 (26) Payments (141) (14) (155) Other non-cash (d) (23) (5) (28) Liability balance at December 31, 2015 238 23 261 Restructuring charges, net of $81 in revisions (b) 305 24 329 Payments (171) (21) (192) Other non-cash (d) (12) (3) (15) Liability balance as of December 31, 2016 (e) $ 360 $ 23 $ 383 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 of $ 42 million reserve transferred to the GBT JV in the second quarter of 2014 as part of the GBT sale and $ 17 million of foreign exchange and other non-cash charges. Consists primarily of foreign exchange impacts and other non-cash charges . The majority of cash payments related to the remaining restructuring liabilities are expected to be completed in 201 7 , and to a lesser extent certain contractual long-term severance arrangements and lease obligations are expected to be completed in 201 8 and 202 3 , respectively. 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 charges, net of revisions, by reportable operating segment and Corporate & Other for the year ended December 31, 2016 , and the cumula tive amounts relating to the restructuring programs that were in progress during 2016 and initia ted at various dates between 2011 and 2016 . 2016 Cumulative Restructuring Expense Incurred To Date On In-Progress Restructuring Programs (Millions) Total Restructuring Charges, net revisions Severance Other Total USCS $ 21 $ 101 $ ― $ 101 ICNS 27 216 ― 216 GCS 49 116 ― 116 GMS 14 43 ― 43 Corporate & Other 218 282 117 399 (a) Total $ 329 $ 758 $ 117 $ 875 (b) Corporate & Other includes certain severance and other cha rges of $322 million related to C ompanywide 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, 2016 , 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, 2016
Disclosure Text Block Abstract
Income Taxes	NOTE 21 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) 2016 2015 2014 Current income tax expense: U.S. federal $ 2,179 $ 2,107 $ 2,136 U.S. state and local 272 335 264 Non-U.S. 342 416 412 Total current income tax expense 2,793 2,858 2,812 Deferred income tax (benefit) expense: U.S. federal (45) (23) 352 U.S. state and local (8) (5) 39 Non-U.S. (52) (55) (97) Total deferred income tax (benefit) expense (105) (83) 294 Total income tax expense $ 2,688 $ 2,775 $ 3,106 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: 2016 2015 2014 U.S. statutory federal income tax rate 35.0 % 35.0 % 35.0 % (Decrease) increase in taxes resulting from: Tax-exempt income (1.7) (1.7) (1.5) State and local income taxes, net of federal benefit 2.7 2.8 2.7 Non-U.S. subsidiaries earnings (a) (2.0) (1.8) (2.2) Tax settlements (b) (0.6) (0.2) (0.5) Non deductible expenses (c) ― 0.9 ― Other (0.2) ― 1.0 Actual tax rates (a) 33.2 % 35.0 % 34.5 % 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. Relates to the resolution of tax matters in various jurisdictions. Relates to the nondeductible portion of the Prepaid Services goodwill impairment in 2015 . 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) 2016 2015 Deferred tax assets: Reserves not yet deducted for tax purposes $ 3,889 $ 3,771 Employee compensation and benefits 595 648 Other 592 520 Gross deferred tax assets 5,076 4,939 Valuation allowance (54) (58) Deferred tax assets after valuation allowance 5,022 4,881 Deferred tax liabilities: Intangibles and fixed assets 1,691 1,547 Deferred revenue 441 509 Deferred interest 305 323 Investment in joint ventures 209 231 Other 121 120 Gross deferred tax liabilities 2,767 2,730 Net deferred tax assets $ 2,255 $ 2,151 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, 2016 and 2015 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 $ 10.4 billion as of December 31, 2016 , are inten ded to be permanently reinvested outside the United States. The Company does not provide for federal income taxes on foreign earnings intended to be permanently reinvested outside the United States. Accordingly, federal taxes, which would have aggregated a pproximately $ 3.2 billion as of December 31, 2016 , have not been provided on such earnings. Net income taxes paid by the Company during 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , were approximately $ 3.0 billion, $ 3.4 billion and $ 2.5 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 United States, 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 l ikely 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 o n 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 t he 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 examinati on 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 exami nation by the IRS for the years 2008 through 2014 . The following table presents changes in unrecognized tax benefits: (Millions) 2016 2015 2014 Balance, January 1 $ 870 $ 909 $ 1,044 Increases: Current year tax positions 167 81 4 Tax positions related to prior years 117 177 111 Decreases: Tax positions related to prior years (81) (256) (181) Settlements with tax authorities (76) (15) (67) Lapse of statute of limitations (22) (26) (1) Effects of foreign currency translations (1) ― (1) Balance, December 31 $ 974 $ 870 $ 909 Included in the unrecognized tax benefits of $ 1.0 billion, $ 0.9 billion and $ 0.9 billion for December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , respectively, are approximately $ 516 million, $ 502 million and $ 412 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 a s $ 449 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 t he attribution of taxable income to a particular jurisdiction or jurisdictions. Of the $ 449 million of unrecognized tax benefits, approximately $ 309 million relates to amounts that, if recognized, would be recorded in shareholders’ equity and would not impact the Company’s results of opera tions or its effective tax rate. In January 2017, the Company reached resolution with the IRS on an item comprising approximately $289 million of the $309 million referenced above. As a result, $289 million wi l l be recognized in shareholder s ’ equity in the first quarter of 2017. Interest and penalties relating to unrecognized tax benefits are reported in the income tax provision. For the year s ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 , the Company recognized approximate ly $ 9 million and $38 million, respectively, in expenses for inter est and penalties. For the year ended December 31, 201 4 , the Company recognized benefits of approximately $19 million of interes t and penalties. The Company had approximately $ 173 million an d $164 million accrued for the payment of interest and penalties as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Earnings Per Common Share (EPS)

Earnings Per Common Share (EPS)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure Text Block Abstract
Earnings Per Common Share (EPS)	NOTE 22 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) 2016 2015 2014 Numerator: Basic and diluted: Net income $ 5,408 $ 5,163 $ 5,885 Preferred dividends (80) (62) ― Net income available to common shareholders 5,328 5,101 5,885 Earnings allocated to participating share awards (a) (43) (38) (46) Net income attributable to common shareholders $ 5,285 $ 5,063 $ 5,839 Denominator: (a) Basic: Weighted-average common stock 933 999 1,045 Add: Weighted-average stock options (b) 2 4 6 Diluted 935 1,003 1,051 Basic EPS $ 5.67 $ 5.07 $ 5.58 Diluted EPS $ 5.65 $ 5.05 $ 5.56 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. The dilutive effect of unexercise d stock options excludes from the computation of EPS 2.4 million, 0.5 million and 0.2 million of options for the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , respectively, because inclusion of the options would h ave been anti-dilutive.

Regulatory Matters and Capital

Regulatory Matters and Capital Adequacy	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure Text Block 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 (American Express Bank) (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 Co mpt roller of the Currency (OCC), respectively. Under the risk-based capital guidelines of the Federal Reserve, the Company is required to maintain minimum ratios of Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1), Tier 1 a nd 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 addi tional, 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, 2016 and 2015 , the Company and the Banks met all capital requirements to w hich 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: (Millions, except percentages) CET 1 capital Tier 1 capital Total capital CET 1 Capital ratio Tier 1 capital ratio Total capital ratio Tier 1 leverage ratio December 31, 2016: (a) American Express Company $ 16,134 $ 17,665 $ 19,893 12.3 % 13.5 % 15.2 % 11.6 % American Express Centurion Bank 6,134 6,134 6,600 16.5 16.5 17.8 16.2 American Express Bank, FSB 6,681 6,681 7,194 16.3 16.3 17.5 13.9 December 31, 2015: (a) American Express Company $ 16,747 $ 18,265 $ 20,551 12.4 % 13.5 % 15.2 % 11.7 % American Express Centurion Bank 6,013 6,013 6,460 16.9 16.9 18.2 17.7 American Express Bank, FSB 6,927 6,927 7,601 13.7 13.7 15.1 13.2 Well-capitalized ratios (b) 6.5 % 8.0 % 10.0 % 5.0 % (c) Minimum capital ratios (b) 4.5 % 6.0 % 8.0 % 4.0 % A s a Basel III advanced approaches institution in parallel run , capital ratios are reported using Basel III capital definitions, inclusive of transition provisions, and risk-weighted assets using the Basel III standardized approach . As defined by the regulations issued by the Federal Reserve, OCC and FDIC for the year ended December 31, 2016 . Represents requirements for banking subsidiaries to be considered “well-capitalized” pursuant to regulations issued under the Federal Deposit Insurance Corpora tion Improvement Act. There is no CET1 capital ratio or Tier 1 leverage ratio requirement for a bank holding company to be considered “well-capitalized.” 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, 2016 , the aggregate amount of net assets of subsidiaries that are restricted to be transferred to the Company was approximately $ 7.8 billion. Bank Holding Company Dividend Restrictions The Company is limited in its ability to pa y 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 preferred and common s tock 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 condi tion. 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 . We may be limited in our ability to pay dividends if the Federal Reserve objects to our capital plan . In addition, the Capital Rules include a capit al conservation buffer which is being phased in from January 1, 2016 through January 1, 2019. The Capital Rules also include a countercyclical capital buffer, which is currently set at zero but which could be increased by the Federal Reserve in the future. These buffers can be satisfied only with CET1 capital. If our risk-based capital ratios were to fall below the applicable buffer levels, we would face graduated constraints on dividends, stock repurchases and other capital distributions based on the amoun t of the shortfall. Banks’ Dividend Restrictions In the year ended December 31, 2016 , Centurion Bank and American Express Bank paid dividends from retained earnings to their parent of $ 1.6 billion and $ 3.2 billion, respectively . The Banks are limited in their ability to pay dividends by banking statutes, regulations and supervisory polic y . In general, applicable federal and state banking laws prohibit, without first obtaining regulatory approval, insured depository institutions , s uch as Centurion Bank and American Express Bank from making dividend distributions if such distributions are not paid out of available retained earnings or would cause the institution to fail to meet capital adequacy standards. The Banks must maintain a c apital conservation buffer (and countercyclical buffer if in effect). If the Banks’ risk-based capital ratios do not satisfy minimum requirements plus the combined capital conservation buffer (and the countercyclical capital buffer, if applicable), they wi ll face graduated constraints on dividends and other capital distributions based on the amount of the shortfall . As of December 31, 2016 , the Banks’ aggregate retained earnings available for the payment of div idends was $ 6.0 billion . In determini ng the dividends to pay their 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 hav e 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 financia l condition of the banking organization.

Significant Credit Concentratio

Significant Credit Concentrations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure Text Block Abstract
Concentration Risk Disclosure [Text Block]	NOTE 24 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 der ivative financial instruments, as of December 31: (Billions) 2016 2015 On-balance sheet: Individuals (a) $ 98 $ 104 Financial institutions (b) 28 25 U.S. Government and agencies (c) 3 4 All other (d) 18 17 Total on-balance sheet (e) 147 150 Unused lines-of-credit (f) (g) $ 242 $ 297 Individuals primarily include Card Member loa ns and receivables , including the HFS portfolios for 2015. 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 disti nctions 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. Primarily relates to established lending product agreements with individuals. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015 , the Company’s most significant concentration of credit risk was with individuals, including Card Member loans and receivables. 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. T he 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 line s-of-credit ) in the Un ited States and outside the United States as of December 31: (Billions) 2016 2015 On-balance sheet: U.S. (a) $ 93 $ 99 Non-U.S. 20 19 On-balance sheet (b)(c) 113 118 Unused lines-of-credit: (d) U.S. (a) 203 259 Non-U.S. 39 38 Total unused lines-of-credit $ 242 $ 297 Includes on-balance sheet Card Member loans and receivables HFS and unused lines-of-credit for Card Member loans HFS, for December 31, 201 5 . 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, investmen ts, other loans, other receivables and other assets including derivative financial instruments. These balances are primarily within the United States. Primarily relates to established lending product agreements with individuals.

Reportable Operating Segment

Reportable Operating Segment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure Text Block Abstract
Reportable Operating Segments	NOTE 25 Reportable Operating Segments and Geographic Operations Reportable Operating Segments The Company is a global services company that is principally engaged in businesses comprising four reportable operating segments: USCS, IC N S, GCS and G MS. 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, classe s of customers, product distribution channels, geographic considerations (primarily United States versus outside the United States), 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 proprietary consumer cards and provides services to consumers in the United States, including consumer travel services. ICNS issues a wide range of proprietary consumer cards outside the United States 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. It also provides travel services to consumers outside the Unit ed States . GCS issues a wide range of proprietary corporate and small business cards and provides payment and expense management services globally. In addition, GCS provides commercial financing products . GMS operates a global payments network that process es and settles proprietary and non-proprietary card transactions. GMS acquires merchants and provides multi-channel marketing programs and capabilities, services and data analytics , leveraging the Company’s global closed-loop network. GMS also operates loy alty coalition businesses in certain countries around the world. Corporate functions and certain other businesses and operations, including the Company’s Prepaid Services business and the GBT operations up to June 30, 2014, and subsequent activities relate d to the GBT JV, are included in Corporate & Other. The following table presents certain selected financial information for the Company’s reportable operating segments and Corporate & Other as of or for the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 : (Millions, except where indicated) USCS ICNS GCS GMS Corporate & Other (a) Consolidated 2016 Non-interest revenues $ 7,874 $ 4,785 $ 9,007 $ 4,235 $ 447 $ 26,348 Interest income 5,082 922 1,209 1 261 7,475 Interest expense 536 219 401 (237) 785 1,704 Total revenues net of interest expense 12,420 5,488 9,815 4,473 (77) 32,119 Total provisions (b) 1,065 325 604 25 7 2,026 Pretax income (loss) from continuing operations 3,881 818 2,945 2,295 (1,843) 8,096 Income tax provision (benefit) 1,368 163 1,036 837 (716) 2,688 Net income (loss) 2,513 655 1,909 1,458 (1,127) 5,408 Total assets (billions) $ 87 $ 36 $ 47 $ 24 $ (35) $ 159 Total equity (billions) $ 7.2 $ 2.5 $ 7.0 $ 2.5 $ 1.3 $ 20.5 2015 Non-interest revenues $ 8,479 $ 4,627 $ 8,930 $ 4,471 $ 389 $ 26,896 Interest income 5,198 945 1,175 1 226 7,545 Interest expense 488 235 365 (211) 746 1,623 Total revenues net of interest expense 13,189 5,337 9,740 4,683 (131) 32,818 Total provisions (b) 1,064 300 588 31 5 1,988 Pretax income (loss) from continuing operations 3,677 904 3,164 2,381 (2,188) 7,938 Income tax provision (benefit) 1,322 220 1,142 882 (791) 2,775 Net income (loss) 2,355 684 2,022 1,499 (1,397) 5,163 Total assets (billions) $ 93 $ 35 $ 45 $ 24 $ (36) $ 161 Total equity (billions) $ 7.2 $ 2.6 $ 7.0 $ 2.4 $ 1.5 $ 20.7 2014 Non-interest revenues $ 8,198 $ 5,091 $ 9,571 $ 4,571 $ 1,285 $ 28,716 Interest income 4,821 1,088 1,026 2 242 7,179 Interest expense 453 325 409 (287) 807 1,707 Total revenues net of interest expense 12,566 5,854 10,188 4,860 720 34,188 Total provisions 1,030 354 569 79 12 2,044 Pretax income (loss) from continuing operations 3,502 887 3,723 2,330 (1,451) 8,991 Income tax provision (benefit) 1,283 194 1,381 872 (624) 3,106 Net income (loss) 2,219 693 2,342 1,458 (827) 5,885 Total assets (billions) $ 90 $ 31 $ 44 $ 18 $ (24) $ 159 Total equity (billions) $ 7.6 $ 2.6 $ 6.9 $ 2.1 $ 1.5 $ 20.7 Corporate & Other includes adjustments and eliminations for intersegment activity. Beginning December 1, 2015 through to the sale completion dates, in the USCS and GCS segment s , total provisions does not include credit costs related to Card Member loan s and receivables HFS, which were reported in Other expenses through a valuation allowance adjustment. 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, IC N S and GCS segments, discount revenue reflects the issuer component of the overall discount revenue generated by each segme nt’s Card Members; within the G MS segment, discount revenue reflects the network and acquirer component of the overall discount re venue. Net card fees and Other fees and commissions 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 represents an allocated funding cost based on a combination of segment fun ding 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 included in each segment based on actual exp enses incurred. Global brand advertising is primarily reflected in Corporate & Other and may be allocated to the segment based on the actual expense incurred. Rewards and Card Member services expenses are included in each segment based on the actual expenses incurred within the segment. Salaries and employee benefits and other operating expenses includes expenses such as profession al services, occupancy and equipment and communications incurred directly within each segment. In addition, expenses related to 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. C apital Each business segment is allocated capital based on established business model operating requirements, risk measures and regulatory capital requirements. The business model operating requirements include capital needed to support operations and spe cific 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 busin esses 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) United States EMEA (a) JAPA (a) LACC (a) Other Unallocated (b) Consolidated 2016 (c) Total revenues net of interest expense $ 24,133 $ 3,248 $ 3,052 $ 2,274 $ (588) $ 32,119 Pretax income (loss) from continuing operations 8,202 482 559 597 (1,744) 8,096 2015 (c) Total revenues net of interest expense $ 24,927 $ 3,293 $ 2,791 $ 2,412 $ (605) $ 32,818 Pretax income (loss) from continuing operations 7,500 544 587 693 (1,386) 7,938 2014 (c) Total revenues net of interest expense $ 24,678 $ 3,574 $ 2,923 $ 2,784 $ 229 $ 34,188 Pretax income (loss) from continuing operations 8,406 528 565 675 (1,183) 8,991 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, 2016
Disclosure Text Block 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) 2016 2015 2014 Revenues Non-interest revenues Gain on sale of securities $ ― $ ― $ 99 Other 391 400 270 Total non-interest revenues 391 400 369 Interest income 196 172 141 Interest expense 515 526 543 Total revenues net of interest expense 72 46 (33) Expenses Salaries and employee benefits 388 341 275 Other 510 443 357 Total expenses 898 784 632 Pretax loss (826) (738) (665) Income tax benefit (327) (268) (249) Net loss before equity in net income of subsidiaries and affiliates (499) (470) (416) Equity in net income of subsidiaries and affiliates 5,907 5,633 6,301 Net income $ 5,408 $ 5,163 $ 5,885 PARENT COMPANY – CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS As of December 31 (Millions) 2016 2015 Assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 5,229 $ 6,400 Investment securities 1 1 Equity in net assets of subsidiaries and affiliates 20,522 19,856 Accounts receivable, less reserves 513 311 Premises and equipment, less accumulated depreciation: 2016, $96; 2015, $140 30 133 Loans to subsidiaries and affiliates 7,620 11,762 Due from subsidiaries and affiliates 867 896 Other assets 277 275 Total assets 35,059 39,634 Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity Liabilities Accounts payable and other liabilities 1,531 1,603 Due to subsidiaries and affiliates 619 716 Short-term debt of subsidiaries and affiliates 4,044 6,923 Long-term debt 8,364 9,719 Total liabilities 14,558 18,961 Shareholders’ Equity Preferred Shares ― ― Common shares 181 194 Additional paid-in capital 12,733 13,348 Retained earnings 10,371 9,665 Accumulated other comprehensive loss (2,784) (2,534) Total shareholders’ equity 20,501 20,673 Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 35,059 $ 39,634 PARENT COMPANY – CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS Years Ended December 31 (Millions) 2016 2015 2014 Cash Flows from Operating Activities Net income $ 5,408 $ 5,163 $ 5,885 Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities: Equity in net income of subsidiaries and affiliates (5,903) (5,633) (6,301) Dividends received from subsidiaries and affiliates 4,999 5,331 5,455 Gain on sale of securities ― ― (99) Other operating activities, primarily with subsidiaries and affiliates (102) 332 173 Net cash provided by operating activities 4,402 5,193 5,113 Cash Flows from Investing Activities Sales of available-for-sale investment securities ― ― 111 Purchase of investments ― (3) ― Purchase of premises and equipment (1) (29) (39) Loans to subsidiaries and affiliates 4,142 (3,952) (2,574) Investments in subsidiaries and affiliates (25) ― ― Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities 4,116 (3,984) (2,502) Cash Flows from Financing Activities (Principal payments on)/issuance of long-term debt (1,350) ― (655) Short-term debt of subsidiaries and affiliates (2,879) 986 5,118 Issuance of American Express preferred shares ― 841 742 Issuance of American Express common shares and other 176 192 362 Repurchase of American Express common shares (4,430) (4,480) (4,389) Dividends paid (1,206) (1,172) (1,041) Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities (9,689) (3,633) 137 Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents (1,171) (2,424) 2,748 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 6,400 8,824 6,076 Cash and cash equivalents at end of year $ 5,229 $ 6,400 $ 8,824 Supplemental cash flow information Non-cash financing activities Gain on business travel joint venture transaction $ ― $ ― $ 630

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaud

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure Text Block Abstract
Quarterly Financial Data	NOTE 27 QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED ) (Millions, except per share amounts) 2016 2015 Quarters Ended 12/31 9/30 6/30 3/31 12/31 9/30 6/30 3/31 Total revenues net of interest expense $ 8,022 $ 7,774 $ 8,235 $ 8,088 $ 8,391 $ 8,193 $ 8,284 $ 7,950 Pretax income 1,161 1,735 3,016 2,184 1,454 1,938 2,230 2,316 Net income 825 1,142 2,015 1,426 899 1,266 1,473 1,525 Earnings Per Common Share — Basic: Net income attributable to common shareholders (a) $ 0.88 $ 1.21 $ 2.11 $ 1.45 $ 0.89 $ 1.24 $ 1.43 $ 1.49 Earnings Per Common Share — Diluted: Net income attributable to common shareholders (a) 0.88 1.20 2.10 1.45 0.89 1.24 1.42 1.48 Cash dividends declared per common share 0.32 0.32 0.29 0.29 0.29 0.29 0.29 0.26 Common share price: High 75.74 66.71 67.34 68.18 77.85 81.66 81.92 93.94 Low $ 59.50 $ 58.25 $ 57.15 $ 50.27 $ 67.57 $ 71.71 $ 76.53 $ 77.12 Represents net income, less (i) earnings allocated to participating share awards of $ 6 million, $ 9 million, $ 17 million and $ 11 million for the quarters ended December 31, September 30, June 30 and March 31, 2016 , respectively, and $ 6 million, $ 10 million, $ 11 million and $ 11 million for the quarters ended December 31, September 30, June 30 and March 31, 2015 , respectively, and (ii) dividend s on preferred shares of $ 19 million , $ 21 million, $ 19 million and $ 21 million for the quarters ended December 31, September 30, June 30 and March 31, 2016 , respectively, and $ 20 million , $ 22 million, $ 20 million and nil for the quarters ended December 31, September 30, June 30 and March 31, 2015 , respectively.

Significant Accounting Policies

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Policy (Text Block) [Abstract]
Principles of Consolidation	Principles of Consolidation The Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (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 c ontrol over the investees’ operating and financial decisions. For variable interest entities (VIEs), the determination of which is based on the amount and characteristics of the entity’s equity, the Company is considered to hold a controlling financial int erest 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 VIE ’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. 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 t he operating and financial decisions, are accounted for under the equity method. All other investments in equity securities, to the extent 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 the reporting period ; r evenues and expenses are translated at the average month-end exchange rates during the year. R esulting translation adjustments, along with any related qualifying hedge and tax effects, are included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (AOCI), a component of shareholders’ equity. Translation adjustments, including qualifying hedge and tax effect s, are reclassified to earnings upon the sale or substantial liquidation of investments in foreign operations. Gains and losses related to transactions in a currency other than the functional currency are reported net in Other expenses, in the Company’s Co nsolidated Statements of Income .
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. Amon g 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 s , 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 generally represents the amount earned by the Company on transactions occurring at merchants with which the Company, or a Global Network Services (GNS) partner, has entered into a card acceptance agreement for facilitating transactions between the merchants and the Company’s Card Members. The amount of fees charged, or merchant discount, is generally deduct ed from the payment to the merchant and recorded as discount revenue at the time a Card Member enters into a point-of-sale transaction with a merchant . Net Card Fees Net card fees represent revenue earned from annual card membership fees, which varies based on the type of card and the n umber of cards for each account. These fees, net of deferred acquisition costs and a reserve for projected refunds for Card Member cancellation s , are deferred and rec ognized 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 in Other Liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets (refer to Note 10) . Other Fees and Commissions Other fees and commissions represent foreign currency conversion fees, Card Member delinquency fees, loyalty coalition-related fees, travel commissions and fees and service fees, which are primarily recognized 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, typically one year ; t he unamortized portion of which is included in Other Liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets (Refer to Note 10). Contra-revenue The Company regularly makes payments through contractual arrangements with merchants, corporate payments clients, Card Members and certain other customers. These payments, including cash rebat es and statement credits provided 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 fai r value of such benefit is determinable and measurable. If such conditions are met , then the payment is classified as expense up to the estimated fair value of the benefit. If no such benefit is identified, then the entire payment is classified as contra-r evenue and included in the Consolidated Statements of Income in the revenue line item where the related transactions are re corded (e.g., Discount revenue or Other fees and commissions). 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 principal amount outstanding, in accordance with the terms of the applicable account agreement, until the outstanding balance is paid , or writ ten off. Interest and dividends on investment securities primarily relate to the Company’s performing fixed-income securities. Interest income is recognized as earned using the effective interest method, which adjusts the yield for security premiums and d iscounts, fees and other payments, so that a constant rate of return is recognized on the investment security’s outstanding balance. Amounts are recognized until securit ies are in default or when it becomes likely that future interest payments will not be made as scheduled. Interest on deposits with banks and other is recognized as earned, and primarily relates to the placement of cash, in excess of near-term funding requirements, in interest-bearing time deposits, overnight sweep accounts, and other inter est-bearing demand and call accounts. Interest Expense Interest expense includes interest incurred primarily to fund Card Member loans and receivables, general corporate purposes and liquidity needs, and is recognized as incurred. Interest expense is div ided principally into two categories: (i) deposits, which primarily relates to interest expense on deposits taken from customers and institutions, and (ii) debt, which primarily relates to interest expense on t he Company’s long-term debt and short-term bor rowings, as well as the realized impact of derivatives hedging interest rate risk on the Company’s long-term debt.
Marketing and Promotion Expenses	Marketing and promotion expense includes advertising costs, which are expensed in the year in which the advertising first takes pla ce.
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 the assets, which range from 3 to 10 years for equipment, furniture and building improvements , and from 40 to 50 years for p remises , which are depreciated based upon their estimated useful life at the acquisition date. 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, and 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 inc ludes 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	Certain costs associated with the acquisition or development of internal-use software are also recorded in Premises and equipment. Once the software is ready for its intended use, these costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over the sof tware’s estimated useful life, generally 5 years.
Card Member and Other Receivables and Loans	Card Member and Other Loans Card Member loans are recorded at the time a Card Member enters into a p oint-of-sale transaction with a merchant and represent revolving amounts due on lending card products, as well as amounts due from charge Card Members w ho utilize the Pay Over Time feature s on their account and 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, an d 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 and 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 4), and include principal and any related accr ued interest and fees . 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. Card Member and Other Receivables Card Member receivables are also recorded at the time a Card Member enters into a point-of-sale transaction with a merchant and represent amounts due on charge card products. Each charge card transaction is authorized based on its likely economics, a Card Member’s most recent credit information and spend patterns. A dditionally, 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 o f reserves for losses (refer to Note 4), and include principal and any related accrued fees. Impaired Card Member Loans and Receivables The Company considers impaired loans and receivables to include: (i) loans over 90 days past due still accruing interest, (ii) nonaccrual loans and (iii) loans and receiv ables modified as troubled debt restructurings (TDRs). 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 t he carrying value of the related 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 measurem ent are included in Provisions for losses in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
Reserves for Losses	Reserves for losses are primarily based upon statistical and analytical models that analyze portfolio performance and reflect management’s judgment regarding the quantit ative 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 quantitative reserves for certain external and internal qualitative factors, which may increase or decrease the reserves for losses on Card Member loans and receivables. These external factors include employment, spend, sentiment, housing and c redit, and changes in the legal and regulatory environment, while the internal factors include increased risk in certain portfolios, impact of risk management initiatives, changes in underwriting requirements and overall process stability. 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 loans or receivables, and net write-off coverage ratios. Card Member loans and re ceivables 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.
Investment Securities	Investment securities principally include debt securities the Company classifies as available-for-sale and carries at fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, with unrealized gains and losses recorded in AOCI, net of income taxes. Realized gains and losses are recognized upon disposition of the securities using the specific identification method.
Asset Securitizations	The Company periodically securitizes Card Member loans and receivables arising from its card businesses, including, prior to the sales discussed in Note 2, Card Member loans and receivables HFS, through the transfer of those assets to securitization trusts. The trusts then issue debt securities to third-party investors, collateralized by the transferred assets. Card Member loans are transferred to the American Express Credit Account Ma ster Trust (the Lending Trust) an d Card Member receivables are transferred to the American Express Issuance Trust II (the Charge Trust, collectively the Trusts). The Trusts 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 debt securities that are collateralized by the underlying Card Member loans and receivables. Refer to Note 1, Summary o f significant accounting policies for further d etails on the principles of consolidation. TRS, in its role as servicer of the Trusts, has the power to direct the most significant activity of the Trusts, which is the collection of the underlying Card Member loans and receivables. In addition, TRS directly and indirectly (through its consolidated subsidiaries) holds all of the variable interests in both Trusts, with the exception of the debt securities issued to third-party investors. These variable interests held by TRS provide it with the right to receive benefits and the obligation to absorb losses, which could be significant to both the Lending Trust and the Charge Trust. Based on these considerations, TRS is the primary beneficiary of both Trusts and therefore consolidates both Trusts. The debt securities issued by the Trusts are non-recourse to th e Company. The securitized Card Member loans and receivables held by the Lending Trust and the Charge Trust, respectively, are available only for payment of the debt securities or other obligations issued or arising in the securitization transactions (refe r to Note 3). The long-term debt of each Trust is payable only out of collections on their respective underlying securitized assets (refer to Note 9).
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	Goodwill Goodwill represents the excess of acquisition cost of an acquired business over the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The Company allocates goodwill to its reporting units for the purpose of imp airment 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 goodwil l for impairment annually as of June 30, or more frequently if events occur or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of one or more of the Company’s reporting units below its carrying value. The Company performs an impa irment evaluation of goodwill using a two-step process. The first step identifies whether there is a potential impairment by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit to the carrying amount, including goodwill. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds the fair value, the second step of the impairment test is performed to determine the implied fair value of goodwill. An impairment loss is recognized based on the amount that the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds the implied fair value. Prior to completing the interim assessment of goodwill for impairment under the second step, the Company performs a recoverability test of certain long-lived assets by assessing the rec overability of the assets based on the cash flows generated by the relevant ass ets or asset groups. I f the sum of undiscounted cash flow exceeds the carrying value , an impairment loss is recognized based on the amount that the carrying value of the asset or asset group exceeds its fair value. See further details in Other Intangible A ssets herein. Goodwill impairment testing involves management judgment, requiring an assessment of whether the carrying val ue of the reporting unit exceeded its fair value . U sing widely accepted valuation techniques, t he Company appli es a combination of th e income approach (discounted cash flows) and market approach (market multiples) to measure the fair values of its reporting units . When preparing discounted cash flow models under the income approach, the Company uses internal forecasts to estimate futur e cash flows expected to be generated by the reporting units. To discount these cash flows, the Company uses the expected cost of equity, determined by using a capital asset pricing model. 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 publicly traded compan ies’ multiples (e.g ., earnings or revenues) to its reporting units’ actual results. Other Intangible Assets Intangible assets, primarily customer relationships, are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives of 1 to 22 years . The Company reviews long-lived assets and asset groups, including intangible assets, for impairment whenever events and circumstances indicate their carrying amounts may not be recoverable. An impairment is recognized if the carrying amount is not recoverable and exceeds the asset or asset group’s fair value. Certain long-lived assets, such as capitalized software development costs, are included in Premises and equipment. The Company reviews these assets for impairment using the same impairment methodology used for intangible assets. Intangible assets acquired in 2016 and 2015 are being amortized, on average, over 7 and 5 years, respectively.
Other Assets	The Company accounts for its tax credit investments , in cluding Qualified Affordable Housing (QAH) investments , using the equity method of accounting.
Membership Rewards	Membership Rewards The Membersh ip 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 in the future. The weighted average cost (WAC) per point and the Ultimate Redemption Rate (URR) are key assumptions used to estimate the Membership Rewards liability. The expen se for Membership Rewards points is included in Card Member rewards expense . 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.
Stock-based Compensation	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. RSAs are valued based on the s tock price on the date of grant and contain either a) service conditions or b) both service and performance conditions . 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 peri ods of one to three years. PGs and other incentive awards are generally settled with cash and thus are classified as liabilities; therefore, the fair value is determined at the date of grant and remeasured quarterly as part of compensation expense over th e vesting period.
Retirement Plans	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.
Legal Contingencies	The C ompany has recorded reserves for certain of its outstanding legal proceedings. A reserve is recorded when it is both (a) probable that a loss has occurred and (b) the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. There may be instances in which an exposure t o loss exceeds the recorded reserve. The Company evaluates, on a quarterly basis, developments in legal proceedings that could cause an increase or decrease in the amount of the reserve that has been previously recorded, or a revision to the disclosed esti mated range of possible losses, as applicable.
Derivatives Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities	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. 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. 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 changes in the hedged item is referred to as hedge ineffectiveness and is reported as a component of Other expenses. For the periods presented, the Company considers al l fair value hedges to be highly effective and did not de-designate any fair value hedge relationships. 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. 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 des ignated currencies at an agreed upon rate for settlement on a specified date. The changes in the fair value of derivatives that are not designated as hedges are intended to offset the related foreign exchange gains or losses of the underlying foreign curre ncy exposures. From time to time, the Company also may enter into interest rate swaps to specifically manage funding costs related to its proprietary card business. The Company also 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 definit ion 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.
Fair Value Measurements	The Company monitors the market conditions and evaluates the fair value hierarchy levels at least quarterly. For any transfers in and ou t 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.
Guarantees	For the Company, guarantees primarily consist of card and travel protection programs The Company’s initial recognition of these instruments is at fair value. In addition, the Company establishes reserves when a loss is probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated.
Income Tax Uncertainties	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 o n 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 t he outcome.
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, 2016 and 2015 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.
Regulatory Matters And Capital Adequacy [Policy Text Block]	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. Bank Holding Company Dividend Restrictions The Company is limited in its ability to pa y 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 preferred and common s tock 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 condi tion. 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 . We may be limited in our ability to pay dividends if the Federal Reserve objects to our capital plan . Banks’ Dividend Restrictions The Banks are limited in their ability to pay dividends by banking statutes, regulations and supervisory polic y . In general, applicable federal and state banking laws prohibit, without first obtaining regulatory approval, insured depository institutions , s uch as Centurion Bank and American Express Bank from making dividend distributions if such distributions are not paid out of available retained earnings or would cause the institution to fail to meet capital adequacy standards. The Banks must maintain a c apital conservation buffer (and countercyclical buffer if in effect). If the Banks’ risk-based capital ratios do not satisfy minimum requirements plus the combined capital conservation buffer (and the countercyclical capital buffer, if applicable), they wi ll face graduated constraints on dividends and other capital distributions based on the amount of the shortfall . In determini ng the dividends to pay their 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 hav e 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 financia l condition of the banking organization.
Segment Reporting	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, classe s of customers, product distribution channels, geographic considerations (primarily United States versus outside the United States), and regulatory environment considerations. 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, IC N S and GCS segments, discount revenue reflects the issuer component of the overall discount revenue generated by each segme nt’s Card Members; within the G MS segment, discount revenue reflects the network and acquirer component of the overall discount re venue. Net card fees and Other fees and commissions 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 represents an allocated funding cost based on a combination of segment fun ding 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 included in each segment based on actual exp enses incurred. Global brand advertising is primarily reflected in Corporate & Other and may be allocated to the segment based on the actual expense incurred. Rewards and Card Member services expenses are included in each segment based on the actual expenses incurred within the segment. Salaries and employee benefits and other operating expenses includes expenses such as profession al services, occupancy and equipment and communications incurred directly within each segment. In addition, expenses related to 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. C apital Each business segment is allocated capital based on established business model operating requirements, risk measures and regulatory capital requirements. The business model operating requirements include capital needed to support operations and spe cific 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 busin esses that comprise the segment.

Loans and Accounts Receivable (

Loans and Accounts Receivable (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Table Text Block [Abstract]
Card Member receivables segment detail	Card Member accounts receivable by segment and Other receivables as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 consisted of: (Millions) 2016 2015 U.S. Consumer Services (a) $ 12,302 $ 11,807 International Consumer and Network Services 5,966 5,599 Global Commercial Services 29,040 26,727 Card Member receivables 47,308 44,133 Less: Reserve for losses 467 462 Card Member receivables, net $ 46,841 $ 43,671 Other receivables, net (b) $ 3,232 $ 3,024 Includes $ 8.9 billion and $ 6.6 billion of gross Card Member receivables available to settle obligations of a consolidated VIE as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. Other receivables primarily represent amounts related to (i) GNS partner banks for items such as royalty and franchise fees, (ii) certain merchants for billed discount revenue, and (iii) loyalty coalition partners for points issued, as well as program participation and servicing fees. Other receivables are presented net of reserves for losses of $ 45 million and $ 43 million as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively.
Card Member loans segment detail	Card Member loans by segment and Other loans as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 c onsisted of: (Millions) 2016 2015 U.S. Consumer Services (a) $ 48,758 $ 43,495 International Consumer and Network Services 6,971 7,072 Global Commercial Services 9,536 8,006 Card Member loans 65,265 58,573 Less: Reserve for losses 1,223 1,028 Card Member loans, net $ 64,042 $ 57,545 Other loans, net (b) $ 1,419 $ 1,254 Includes approximately $ 26.1 billion and $ 23.6 billion of gross Card Member loans available to settle obligations of a consolidated VIE as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. Other loans primarily represent commercial financing products. Other loans are presented net of reserves for losses of $ 42 million and $ 20 million as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively.
Aging of Card Member loans and receivables	The following table presents the aging of Card Member loans and receivables as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 : 2016 (Millions) Current 30-59 Days Past Due 60-89 Days Past Due 90+ Days Past Due Total Card Member Loans: U.S. Consumer Services $ 48,216 $ 156 $ 119 $ 267 $ 48,758 International Consumer and Network Services 6,863 32 24 52 6,971 Global Commercial Services Global Small Business Services 9,378 34 23 49 9,484 Global Corporate Payments (a) (b) (b) (b) ― 52 Card Member Receivables: U.S. Consumer Services $ 12,158 $ 45 $ 30 $ 69 $ 12,302 International Consumer and Network Services 5,888 22 15 41 5,966 Global Commercial Services Global Small Business Services 14,047 77 47 102 14,273 Global Corporate Payments (a) (b) (b) (b) 135 14,767 2015 (Millions) Current 30-59 Days Past Due 60-89 Days Past Due 90+ Days Past Due Total Card Member Loans: U.S. Consumer Services $ 43,063 $ 128 $ 94 $ 210 $ 43,495 International Consumer and Network Services 6,961 34 25 52 7,072 Global Commercial Services Global Small Business Services 7,867 26 18 40 7,951 Global Corporate Payments (a) (b) (b) (b) 1 55 Card Member Receivables: U.S. Consumer Services $ 11,646 $ 54 $ 32 $ 75 $ 11,807 International Consumer and Network Services 5,515 24 18 42 5,599 Global Commercial Services Global Small Business Services 12,734 69 45 102 12,950 Global Corporate Payments (a) (b) (b) (b) 124 13,777 For G lobal C orporate P ayments (GCP) Card Member loans and receivables in 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 loan and receivable balance is classified as 90 days past billing. These amou nts are shown above as 90+ Days Past Due for presentation purposes . Delinquency data for periods other than 90 days past billing is not available due to system constraints. Therefore, such data has not been utilized for risk management purposes. The balan ces 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: 2016 2015 Net Write-Off Rate Net Write-Off Rate Principal Only (a) Principal, Interest, & Fees (a) 30+ Days Past Due as a % of Total Principal Only (a) Principal, Interest, & Fees (a) 30+ Days Past Due as a % of Total Card Member Loans: U.S. Consumer Services 1.5 % 1.8 % 1.1 % 1.4 % 1.6 % 1.0 % International Consumer and Network Services 2.0 % 2.5 % 1.6 % 1.9 % 2.4 % 1.6 % Global Small Business Services 1.4 % 1.7 % 1.1 % 1.3 % 1.5 % 1.1 % Card Member Receivables: U.S. Consumer Services 1.4 % 1.6 % 1.2 % 1.6 % 1.8 % 1.4 % International Consumer and Network Services 2.0 % 2.2 % 1.3 % 2.1 % 2.3 % 1.5 % Global Small Business Services 1.5 % 1.7 % 1.6 % 1.8 % 2.1 % 1.7 % 2016 2015 Net Loss Ratio as a % of Charge Volume 90+ Days Past Billing as a % of Receivables Net Loss Ratio as a % of Charge Volume 90+ Days Past Billing as a % of Receivables Card Member Receivables: Global Corporate Payments 0.09 % 0.9 % 0.09 % 0.9 % 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 considers uncollectible interest and/or fees in estimating its reserves for credit losses, a net write-off rate including principal, interest and/or fees is also presented. The year ended December 31, 2015, reflects the impact of a change in the timing of charge-offs for Card Member loans and receivables in certain m odification programs from 180 days past due to 120 days past due, which was fully recognized during the three months ended March 31, 2015.
Impaired Card Member loans and receivables	The following tables provide additional information with respect to the Company’s impaired Card Member loans and receivables . Impaired Card Member receivables are not significant f or ICNS as of December 31, 2016, 2015 and 201 4 ; therefore, th is segment’s receivables are not included in the following tables. As of December 31, 2016 Accounts Classified as a TDR (c) (Millions) Over 90 days Past Due & Accruing Interest (a) Non-Accruals (b) In Program (d) Out of Program (e) Total Impaired Balance Unpaid Principal Balance Allowance for TDRs Card Member Loans: U.S. Consumer Services $ 178 $ 139 $ 165 $ 129 $ 611 $ 558 $ 51 International Consumer and Network Services 52 ― ― ― 52 51 ― Global Commercial Services 30 30 26 26 112 103 9 Card Member Receivables: U.S. Consumer Services ― ― 11 6 17 17 7 Global Commercial Services ― ― 28 10 38 38 21 Total $ 260 $ 169 $ 230 $ 171 $ 830 $ 767 $ 88 As of December 31, 2015 Accounts Classified as a TDR (c) (Millions) Over 90 days Past Due & Accruing Interest (a) Non-Accruals (b) In Program (d) Out of Program (e) Total Impaired Balance Unpaid Principal Balance Allowance for TDRs Card Member Loans: U.S. Consumer Services $ 140 $ 124 $ 149 $ 89 $ 502 $ 463 $ 44 International Consumer and Network Services 52 ― ― ― 52 51 ― Global Commercial Services 24 26 23 18 91 85 9 Card Member Receivables: U.S. Consumer Services ― ― 11 3 14 14 8 Global Commercial Services ― ― 16 3 19 19 12 Total $ 216 $ 150 $ 199 $ 113 $ 678 $ 632 $ 73 As of December 31, 2014 (Millions) Over 90 days Past Due & Accruing Interest (a) Non-Accruals (b) In Program TDRs (c)(d) Total Impaired Balance Unpaid Principal Balance Allowance for TDRs Card Member Loans: U.S. Consumer Services $ 137 $ 204 $ 245 $ 586 $ 551 $ 57 International Consumer and Network Services 57 ― ― 57 56 ― Global Commercial Services 24 37 41 102 95 10 Card Member Receivables: U.S. Consumer Services ― ― 17 17 17 13 Global Commercial Services ― ― 31 31 31 22 Total $ 218 $ 241 $ 334 $ 793 $ 750 $ 102 The Company’s policy is generally to accrue interest through the date of write-off (typically 180 days past due). The Company establishes reserves for interest that it believes will not be collected. Amounts presented exclude Card Member loans classified 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 . Amounts presented exclude Card Member loans classified as a TDR . Accounts classified as a TDR include $20 million, $20 million and $26 million that are over 90 days past d ue and accruing interest and $11 million, $18 million and $34 million that are non-accrual s as of December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. In Program TDRs include Card Member accounts that are currently enrolled in a modification program. Out of Program TDRs include $132 million and $84 million of Card Member accounts that have successfully complete d a modification program and $39 million an d $29 million of Card Member accounts that were not in compliance with the terms of the modification programs as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively .
Interest income recognized and average balance of impaired Card Member loans and receivables	The following table provides information with respect to the Company’s average balances of, and interest income recognized from, impaired Card Member loans and the average balances of impaired Card Member receivables for the years ended December 31: 2016 (Millions) Average Balance Interest Income Recognized Card Member Loans: U.S. Consumer Services $ 559 $ 53 International Consumer and Network Services 53 15 Global Commercial Services 103 13 Card Member Receivables: U.S. Consumer Services 14 ― Global Commercial Services 28 ― Total $ 757 $ 81 Interest Income 2015 (Millions) Average Balance Recognized Card Member Loans: U.S. Consumer Services $ 569 $ 48 International Consumer and Network Services 54 14 Global Commercial Services 104 11 Card Member Receivables: U.S. Consumer Services 13 ― Global Commercial Services 20 ― Total $ 760 $ 73 Interest Income 2014 (Millions) Average Balance Recognized Card Member Loans: U.S. Consumer Services $ 633 $ 39 International Consumer and Network Services 62 16 Global Commercial Services 117 10 Card Member Receivables: U.S. Consumer Services 19 ― Global Commercial Services 28 ― Total $ 859 $ 65
Troubled debt restructurings	The following table provides additional inform ation with respect to the USCS and GCS Card Member loans and receivables modified as TDRs for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 . The IC N S Card Member loans and receivables modifications were not significant ; therefore, this segment is not included in the following TDR disclosures. 2016 Number of Accounts (in thousands) Outstanding Balances ($ in millions) (a) Average Interest Rate Reduction (% points) Average Payment Term Extensions (# of months) Troubled Debt Restructurings: Card Member Loans 31 $ 220 9 (b) Card Member Receivables 9 123 (c) 18 Total 40 $ 343 2015 Number of Accounts (in thousands) Outstanding Balances ($ in millions) (a) Average Interest Rate Reduction (% points) Average Payment Term Extensions (# of months) Troubled Debt Restructurings: Card Member Loans 40 $ 285 9 (b) Card Member Receivables 12 147 (c) 12 Total 52 $ 432 2014 Number of Accounts (in thousands) Outstanding Balances ($ in millions) (a) Average Interest Rate Reduction (% points) Average Payment Term Extensions (# of months) Troubled Debt Restructurings: Card Member Loans 46 $ 342 10 (b) Card Member Receivables 15 176 (c) 12 Total 61 $ 518 Represents the outstanding balance immediately prior to modification. The outstanding balance includes principal, fees and accrued interest on Card Member loans and principal and fees on Card Member receivables. Modifications did not reduce the principle balance. For Card Member loans, there have been no payment term extensions. The Company does not offer interest rate reduction programs for Card Member receivables as the receivables are non-interest bearing.
Troubled debt restructurings that subsequently defaulted	The following table provides information with respect to the USCS and GCS Card Member loans and receivables modified as TDRs that subsequently defaulted within 12 months of modification for the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 . A Card Member is considered in default of 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 defa ult is factored into the reserves for Card Member loans and receivables. Number of Accounts Aggregated Outstanding Balances Upon Default (a) 2016 (thousands) (millions) Troubled Debt Restructurings That Subsequently Defaulted: Card Member Loans 7 $ 41 Card Member Receivables 3 4 Total 10 $ 45 Number of Accounts Aggregated Outstanding Balances Upon Default (a) 2015 (thousands) (millions) Troubled Debt Restructurings That Subsequently Defaulted: Card Member Loans 8 $ 52 Card Member Receivables 3 5 Total 11 $ 57 Number of Accounts Aggregated Outstanding Balances Upon Default (a) 2014 (b) (thousands) (millions) Troubled Debt Restructurings That Subsequently Defaulted: Card Member Loans 8 $ 52 Card Member Receivables 3 12 Total 11 $ 64 The outstanding balances upon default include principal, fees and accrued interest on Card Member loans, and principal and fees on Card Member receivables. The number of accounts and outstanding balances upon default have been revised to reflect the exclusion of written off accounts, which are not material.

Reserves For Losses (Tables)

Reserves For Losses (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Table Text Block [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) 2016 2015 2014 Balance, January 1 $ 462 $ 465 $ 386 Provisions (a) 696 737 792 Net write-offs (b) (674) (713) (683) Other (c) (17) (27) (30) Balance, December 31 $ 467 $ 462 $ 465 Provisions for principal and fee reserve components. Consists of principal and fee components, less recoveries of $ 391 million, $ 401 million and $ 358 million, including net write-offs from TDRs of $ 16 million, $ 60 million and $ 15 million, for the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , respectively. Includes foreign currency translation adjustments of $ (12) million, $ (16) million and $ (15) million for the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , respectively; and other adjustments of $ (5) million, $ (11) million and $ (8) million for the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , respectively. Additionally, 2015 includes the impact of the transfer of the HFS receivables portfolio, which was not significant, and 2014 includes an adjustment related to reserves for card-related fraud losses of $(7) million, whic h was reclassified to Other liabilities.
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 o f December 31: (Millions) 2016 2015 2014 Card Member receivables evaluated individually for impairment (a) $ 55 $ 33 $ 48 Related reserves (a) $ 28 $ 20 $ 35 Card Member receivables evaluated collectively for impairment $ 47,253 $ 44,100 $ 44,803 Related reserves (b) $ 439 $ 442 $ 430 Represents receivables modified as a TDR and related reserves. The reserves include the quantitative results of analytical models that are specific to individual pools of receivables, and reserves for internal and external qualitative risk factors that apply to receivables that are collectively evaluated for impairment.
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) 2016 2015 2014 Balance, January 1 $ 1,028 $ 1,201 $ 1,261 Provisions (a) 1,235 1,190 1,138 Net write-offs Principal (b) (930) (967) (1,023) Interest and fees (b) (175) (162) (164) Transfer of reserves on HFS loan portfolios ― (224) ― Other (c) 65 (10) (11) Balance, December 31 $ 1,223 $ 1,028 $ 1,201 Provisions for principal , interest and fee reserve components. Consists of principal write-offs, less recoveries of $ 379 million, $ 418 million and $ 428 million, including net write-offs/(recoveries) from TDRs of $ 34 million, $ 41 million and $ (10) million, for the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , respectively. Recoveries of interest and fees were de minimis. Includes foreign currency translation adjustment s of $ (10) million, $ (20) million and $ (17) million for the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , respectively, and other adjustments of $ 8 million, $ 10 million and $ 12 million for the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , respectively. Additionally, 2016 includes reserves of $ 67 million associated with $265 million of retained Card Member loans reclassified from HFS to held for investm ent during the first half of the year, and 2014 includes an adjustment related to reserves for card-related fraud losses of $( 6 ) million, which were reclassified to Other liabilities.
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) 2016 2015 2014 Card Member loans evaluated individually for impairment (a) $ 346 $ 279 $ 286 Related reserves (a) $ 60 $ 53 $ 67 Card Member loans evaluated collectively for impairment (b) $ 64,919 $ 58,294 $ 70,099 Related reserves (b) $ 1,163 $ 975 $ 1,134 Represents loans modified as a TDR and related reserves. Represents current loans and loans less than 90 days past due, loans over 90 days past due and accruing interest, and non-accrual loans. The reserves include the quantitative results of analytical models that are specific to individual pools of loans, and reserves for internal and external qualitative risk factors that apply to loans that are collectively evaluated for impairment.

Investment Securities (Tables)

Investment Securities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Table Text Block [Abstract]
Schedule of Available for Sale Securities by Type	The following is a summary of investment securities as of December 31: 2016 2015 2014 Description of Securities (Millions) Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Estimated Fair Value Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Estimated Fair Value Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Estimated Fair Value State and municipal obligations $ 2,019 $ 28 $ (11) $ 2,036 $ 2,813 $ 85 $ (5) $ 2,893 $ 3,366 $ 129 $ (2) $ 3,493 U.S. Government agency obligations 12 ― ― 12 2 ― ― 2 3 ― ― 3 U.S. Government treasury obligations 465 3 (8) 460 406 4 (1) 409 346 4 ― 350 Corporate debt securities 19 ― ― 19 29 1 ― 30 37 3 ― 40 Mortgage-backed securities (a) 92 3 ― 95 117 4 ― 121 128 8 ― 136 Equity securities 1 ― ― 1 1 ― ― 1 ― 1 ― 1 Foreign government bonds and obligations 486 1 (1) 486 250 6 (1) 255 350 9 ― 359 Other (b) 50 ― (2) 48 50 ― (2) 48 50 ― (1) 49 Total $ 3,144 $ 35 $ (22) $ 3,157 $ 3,668 $ 100 $ (9) $ 3,759 $ 4,280 $ 154 $ (3) $ 4,431 Represents mortgage-backed securities guaranteed by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac or Ginnie Mae. Other comprises investments in various mutual funds . Represents mortgage-backed securities guaranteed by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac or Ginnie Mae. 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: 2016 2015 Less than 12 months 12 months or more Less than 12 months 12 months or more Description of Securities (Millions) Estimated Fair Value Gross Unrealized Losses Estimated Fair Value Gross Unrealized Losses Estimated Fair Value Gross Unrealized Losses Estimated Fair Value Gross Unrealized Losses State and municipal obligations $ 153 $ (11) $ ― $ ― $ 100 $ (3) $ 13 $ (2) U.S. Government treasury obligations 298 (8) ― ― 253 (1) ― ― Foreign government bonds and obligations ― ― ― ― 99 (1) ― ― Other ― ― 32 (2) ― ― 33 (2) Total $ 451 $ (19) $ 32 $ (2) $ 452 $ (5) $ 46 $ (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 Ratio of Fair Value to Amortized Cost (Dollars in millions) Number of Securities Estimated Fair Value Gross Unrealized Losses Number of Securities Estimated Fair Value Gross Unrealized Losses Number of Securities Estimated Fair Value Gross Unrealized Losses 2016: 90%–100% 33 $ 411 $ (13) 6 $ 32 $ (2) 39 $ 443 $ (15) Less than 90% 4 40 (6) ― ― ― 4 40 (6) Total as of December 31, 2016 37 $ 451 $ (19) 6 $ 32 $ (2) 43 $ 483 $ (21) 2015: 90%–100% 52 $ 450 $ (5) 15 $ 37 $ (2) 67 $ 487 $ (7) Less than 90% ― ― ― 2 9 (2) 2 9 (2) Total as of December 31, 2015 52 $ 450 $ (5) 17 $ 46 $ (4) 69 $ 496 $ (9)
Contractual maturities of investment securities	Weighted average yields and contractual maturities for investment securities with stated maturities as of December 31, 2016 were as follows: (Millions) Due within 1 year Due after 1 year but within 5 years Due after 5 years but within 10 years Due after 10 years Total State and municipal obligations (a) $ 17 $ 92 $ 274 $ 1,653 $ 2,036 U.S. Government agency obligations ― ― ― 12 12 U.S. Government treasury obligations 115 210 125 10 460 Corporate debt securities 19 ― ― ― 19 Mortgage-backed securities (a) ― ― ― 95 95 Foreign government bonds and obligations 471 12 ― 3 486 Total Estimated Fair Value $ 622 $ 314 $ 399 $ 1,773 $ 3,108 Total Cost $ 621 $ 317 $ 394 $ 1,761 $ 3,093 Weighted average yields (b) 2.90 % 2.04 % 5.25 % 4.71 % 4.16 % 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. Average yields for investment securities have been calculated using the effective yield on the date of purchase. Yields on tax-exempt investment securities have been computed on a tax-equivalent basis using the U.S. federal statutory tax rate of 35 percent.

Asset Securitizations (Tables)

Asset Securitizations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Table Text Block [Abstract]
Restricted cash held by trusts	The following table provides information on the restricted cash held by the Lending Trust and the Charge Trust as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 , included in Other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets: (Millions) 2016 2015 Lending Trust $ 35 $ 153 Charge Trust 3 2 Total $ 38 $ 155

Other Assets (Tables)

Other Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Table Text Block [Abstract]
Other assets	The following is a summary of Other assets as of December 31: (Millions) 2016 2015 Goodwill $ 2,927 $ 2,749 Deferred tax assets, net (a) 2,336 2,231 Prepaid expenses 696 851 Other intangible assets, at amortized cost 868 796 Tax Credit investments 824 638 Restricted cash (b) 286 477 Derivative assets (a) 555 282 Other 2,069 2,045 Total $ 10,561 $ 10,069 Refer to Notes 14 and 21 for a discussion of derivative assets and deferred tax assets, net, respectively, as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 . For 2016 and 2015 , $ 81 million and $80 million, respectively, of foreign deferred tax lia bilities is reflected in Other l iabilities. Derivative assets reflect the impact of master netting agreements. Includes restricted cash available to settle obligations related to certain Card Member credit balances and customer deposits, as well as coupon and maturity obligations of consolidate d VIEs .
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: (Millions) USCS ICNS GCS GMS Corporate & Other Total Balance as of January 1, 2015 $ 122 $ 673 $ 1,715 $ 291 $ 223 $ 3,024 Acquisitions ― ― ― ― ― ― Dispositions ― ― ― ― ― ― Other, including impairment and foreign currency translation (a) ― (53) ― ― (222) (275) Balance as of December 31, 2015 $ 122 $ 620 $ 1,715 $ 291 $ 1 $ 2,749 Acquisitions ― ― ― 201 ― 201 Dispositions ― ― ― ― ― ― Other, including foreign currency translation (a) ― (16) (3) (3) (1) (23) Balance as of December 31, 2016 $ 122 $ 604 $ 1,712 $ 489 $ ― $ 2,927 Includes $ 1 million and $219 million in impairment charge s within Corporate & Other as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively . Refer to Note 2 for additional information.
Components of other intangible assets	The components of other intangible assets were as follows: 2016 2015 (Millions) Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Customer relationships $ 1,625 $ (895) $ 730 $ 1,506 $ (836) $ 670 Other 260 (122) 138 231 (105) 126 Total $ 1,885 $ (1,017) $ 868 $ 1,737 $ (941) $ 796
Estimated amortization expense for other intangible assets	Estimated amortization expense for other intangible assets over the next five years is as follows: (Millions) 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 Estimated amortization expense $ 189 $ 175 $ 146 $ 121 $ 93

Customer Deposits (Tables)

Customer Deposits (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Table Text Block [Abstract]
Deposits By Component Alternative	As of December 31, customer deposits were categorized as interest-bearing or non-interest-bearing as follows: (Millions) 2016 2015 U.S.: Interest-bearing $ 52,316 $ 54,102 Non-interest-bearing (includes Card Member credit balances of: 2016, $331 million; 2015, $389 million) 367 478 Non-U.S.: Interest-bearing 58 82 Non-interest-bearing (includes Card Member credit balances of: 2016, $285 million; 2015, $323 million) 301 335 Total customer deposits $ 53,042 $ 54,997
Deposits By Type	Customer deposits by deposit type as of December 31 were as follows: (Millions) 2016 2015 U.S. retail deposits: Savings accounts ― Direct $ 30,980 $ 29,023 Certificates of deposit: (a) Direct 291 281 Third-party (brokered) 11,925 13,856 Sweep accounts ―Third-party (brokered) 9,120 10,942 Other retail deposits: Non-U.S. deposits and U.S. non-interest bearing deposits 110 183 Card Member credit balances ― U.S. and non-U.S. 616 712 Total customer deposits $ 53,042 $ 54,997 The weighted average remaining maturity and weighted average rate at issuance on the total portfolio of U.S. retail CDs issued through direct and third-party programs were 46.5 months and 1.94 percent, respectively, as of December 31, 2016 .
Time Deposits By Maturity	The scheduled maturities of certificates of deposit as of December 31, 2016 were as follows: (Millions) U.S. Non-U.S. Total 2017 $ 3,735 $ 15 $ 3,750 2018 3,437 ― 3,437 2019 2,396 ― 2,396 2020 2,542 ― 2,542 2021 106 ― 106 After 5 years ― ― ― Total $ 12,216 $ 15 $ 12,231
Time Deposits $250,000 Or More	As of December 31, certificates of deposit in denominations of $250,000 or more, in the aggregate, were as follows: (Millions) 2016 2015 U.S. $ 117 $ 105 Non-U.S. 7 1 Total $ 124 $ 106

Debt (Tables)

Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Table Text Block [Abstract]
Short-term borrowings	The Company’s short-term borrowings outstanding, defined as borrowings with original contractual maturity dates of less than one year, as of December 31 were as follows: 2016 2015 (Millions, except percentages) Outstanding Balance Year-End Stated Rate on Debt (a) Outstanding Balance Year-End Stated Rate on Debt (a) Commercial paper (b) $ 2,993 1.13 % $ 2,120 0.38 % Other short-term borrowings (c) 2,588 1.28 2,692 1.11 Total $ 5,581 1.20 % $ 4,812 0.79 % For floating-rate issuances, the stated interest rates are weighted based on the outstanding balances and rates in effect as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 . Average commercial paper outstanding was $491 million and $943 million in 2016 and 2015, respectively. Includes interest-bearing overdrafts with banks of $ 369 million and $ 410 million as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. In addition, balances include certain book overdrafts (i.e., primarily timin g 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.
Long-term debt	The Company’s long-term debt outstanding, defined as debt with original contractual maturity dates of one year or greater, as of December 31 was as follows: 2016 2015 (Millions, except percentages) Original Contractual 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 2017-2042 $ 6,932 5.13 % 4.24 % $ 7,546 5.15 % 4.25 % Floating Rate Senior Notes 2018 850 1.51 ― 850 0.97 ― Subordinated Notes 2024 598 3.63 1.92 1,347 5.39 4.47 American Express Credit Corporation Fixed Rate Senior Notes 2017-2021 16,201 1.98 1.44 16,469 2.16 1.28 Floating Rate Senior Notes 2017-2020 4,350 1.52 ― 5,300 0.98 ― American Express Centurion Bank Fixed Rate Senior Notes 2017 1,306 5.99 4.83 1,319 5.99 4.75 Floating Rate Senior Notes 2018 125 1.26 ― 125 0.81 ― American Express Bank, FSB Fixed Rate Senior Notes 2017 1,000 6.00 ― 1,000 6.00 ― Floating Rate Senior Notes 2017 300 0.96 ― 300 0.62 ― American Express Lending Trust Fixed Rate Senior Notes 2017 3,500 1.41 ― 4,000 1.35 ― Floating Rate Senior Notes 2017-2019 7,025 1.20 ― 7,025 0.82 ― Floating Rate Subordinated Notes 2017-2019 316 1.34 ― 316 0.97 ― American Express Charge Trust II Floating Rate Senior Notes 2018 4,200 1.12 ― 2,200 0.67 ― Floating Rate Subordinated Notes 2018 87 1.34 ― 87 0.97 ― Other Fixed Rate Instruments (d) 2021-2033 24 5.62 ― 29 5.62 ― Floating Rate Borrowings 2017-2019 247 0.44 ― % 244 0.66 ― % Unamortized Underwriting Fees (71) (96) Total Long-Term Debt $ 46,990 2.39 % $ 48,061 2.44 % 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 No te 14 for more details on the Company’s treatment of fair value hedges. For floating-rate issuances, the stated and effective interest rates are weighted based on the outstanding balances and rates in effect as of De cember 31, 2016 and 2015 . Effectiv e interest rates are only presented when swaps are in plac e to hedge the underlying debt. Includes $ 24 million and $ 29 million as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively, related to capitalized lease transactions.
Aggregate annual maturities on long-term debt obligations	A ggregate annual maturities on long-term debt obligations (based on contractual maturity or anticipated redemption dates) as of December 31, 2016 were as follows: (Millions) 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 Thereafter Total American Express Company (Parent Company only) $ 1,500 $ 3,850 $ 641 $ ― $ ― $ 3,147 $ 9,138 American Express Credit Corporation 4,900 3,624 5,150 4,150 2,794 ― 20,618 American Express Centurion Bank 1,300 125 ― ― ― ― 1,425 American Express Bank, FSB 1,300 ― ― ― ― ― 1,300 American Express Lending Trust 6,639 2,886 1,317 ― ― ― 10,842 American Express Charge Trust II ― 4,287 ― ― ― ― 4,287 Other 85 127 35 ― 13 11 271 $ 15,724 $ 14,899 $ 7,143 $ 4,150 $ 2,807 $ 3,158 $ 47,881 Unamortized Underwriting Fees (71) Unamortized Discount and Premium (844) Impacts due to Fair Value Hedge Accounting 24 Total Long-Term Debt $ 46,990

Other Liabilities (Tables)

Other Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Table Text Block [Abstract]
Summary of other liabilities	The following is a summary of Other liabilities as of December 31: (Millions) 2016 2015 Membership Rewards liability $ 7,060 $ 6,721 Employee-related liabilities (a) 2,055 2,097 Card Member rebate and reward accruals (b) 1,382 2,238 Deferred card and other fees, net 1,411 1,343 Book overdraft balances 2,255 409 Other (c) 4,614 4,764 Total $ 18,777 $ 17,572 Employee-related liabilities include employee benefit plan obligations and incentive compensation. Card Member rebate and reward accruals include payments to third-party rewar d partners and cash-back reward s. Other includes accruals for general operating expenses, client incentives, merchant rebates, payments to third-party card-issuing partners, advertising and promotion, restructuring and reengineering reserves, QAH unfunded commitments 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) 2016 2015 Deferred card and other fees (a) $ 1,767 $ 1,652 Deferred direct acquisition costs (204) (173) Reserves for membership cancellations (152) (136) Deferred card and other fees, net $ 1,411 $ 1,343 Includes deferred fees for Membership Rewards program participants.

Stock Plans (Tables)

Stock Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Table Text Block [Abstract]
Summary of Stock Option and RSA Activity	A summary of stock option and RSA acti vity as of December 31, 2016 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, 2015 10,820 $ 44.60 7,433 $ 74.67 Granted 2,920 63.89 4,062 55.55 Exercised/vested (3,396) 51.40 (3,128) 63.93 Forfeited (67) 66.02 (867) 70.99 Expired (5) 51.87 ― ― Outstanding as of December 31, 2016 10,272 47.68 7,500 $ 69.22 Options vested and expected to vest as of December 31, 2016 10,031 47.26 ― ― Options exercisable as of December 31, 2016 6,963 $ 38.55 ― ―
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, vested, and expected to vest as of December 31, 2016 , are as follows: Outstanding Exercisable Vested and Expected to Vest Weighted-average remaining contractual life (in years) 4.8 2.8 4.7 Aggregate intrinsic value (millions) $ 277 $ 248 $ 275
Weighted Average Assumptions Used	The fair va lue 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 options granted in 2016 , 2015 and 2014 : 2016 2015 2014 Dividend yield 1.9 % 1.1 % 1.1 % Expected volatility (a) 25 % 37 % 38 % Risk-free interest rate 1.5 % 1.7 % 2.2 % Expected life of stock option ( in years ) (b) 6.3 6.7 6.7 Weighted-average fair value per option $ 13.67 $ 29.20 $ 32.36 The expected volatility is based on both weighted historical and implied volatilities of the Company’s common stock price. T he 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) 2016 2015 2014 Restricted stock awards (a) $ 178 $ 190 $ 193 Stock options (a) 14 12 13 Liability-based awards 60 32 84 Total stock-based compensation expense (b) $ 252 $ 234 $ 290 As of December 31, 2016 , the total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested RSAs and options of $ 189 million and $ 24 million, respectively, will be recognized ratably over the weighted-average remaining vesting period of 2.0 years and 2.1 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, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 was $ 89 mi llion, $ 83 million and $ 104 million, respectively.

Commitments and Contigencies (T

Commitments and Contigencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Table Text Block [Abstract]
Obligations under contractual agreements with co-brand partners	As of December 31, 2016 , the obligations under such arrangements were as follows : (Millions) 2017 $ 72 2018 58 2019 46 2020 33 2021 169 Thereafter 10 Total $ 388
Minimum aggregate rental commitment under noncancelable operating leases	As of December 31, 2016 , the minimum aggregate rental commitment under all non-cancelable operating leases (net of subleases of $ 17 million) was as follows: (Millions) 2017 $ 127 2018 108 2019 91 2020 69 2021 49 Thereafter 788 Total $ 1,232

Derivatives and Hedging Activ49

Derivatives and Hedging Activities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Table Text Block [Abstract]
Schedule of derivative instruments in statement of financial position, fair value	The following table summariz es the total fair value, excluding interest accruals, of derivative assets and liabilities as of December 31: Other Assets Fair Value Other Liabilities Fair Value (Millions) 2016 2015 2016 2015 Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: Fair value hedges - Interest rate contracts $ 111 $ 236 $ 69 $ 9 Net investment hedges - Foreign exchange contracts 347 191 35 57 Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments 458 427 104 66 Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: Foreign exchange contracts, including certain embedded derivatives (a) 308 117 176 135 Total derivatives, gross 766 544 280 201 Less: Cash collateral netting on interest rate contracts (b) (54) (155) (68) ― Derivative asset and derivative liability netting (c) (157) (107) (157) (107) Total derivatives, net (d) $ 555 $ 282 $ 55 $ 94 Includes foreign currency derivatives embedded in certain operating agreements. Represents the offsetting of derivative s and the right to reclaim cash collateral (a receivable) or the obligation to return cash collateral (a payable) arising from derivative s executed with the same counterparty under an enforceable master netting arrangement. T he Company received non-cash collateral from a counterparty in the form of security interests in U.S. Treasury securities, with a fair value of $18 million as of December 31, 2016, none of which was sold or repledged. Such non-cash collateral economically reduced t he Company’s risk exposure to $537 million, but did not reduce the net exposure on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company did not have any such non-cash collateral as of December 31, 2015 . Additionally, the Company posted $ 169 million and $149 million as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively, as initial margin on its centrally cleared interest rate swaps; such amounts are recorded within Other receivables on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and are not netted against the derivative balances. Represents the amou nt 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 expo sure to any single derivative counterparty. The total net derivative assets and net derivative liabilities are presented within Other assets and Other liabilities, respectively, on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The following table summarizes the total fair value, excluding interest accruals, of derivative assets and liabilities as of December 31:
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 fair value hedges of its fixed-rate long-term debt for the years ended December 31: (Millions) 2016 2015 2014 Other expenses: Interest rate derivative contracts $ (184) $ (83) $ (143) Hedged items 163 93 148 Net hedge ineffectiveness (losses) gains $ (21) $ 10 $ 5 The following table summarizes the impact on the Consolidated Statements of Income associated with the Company’s fair value hedges of its fixed-rate long-term debt and its investment in ICBC for the years ended December 31 :

Fair Values (Tables)

Fair Values (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Table Text Block [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 fair value hierarchy (as described in the preceding paragraphs), as of December 31 : 2016 2015 (Millions) Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Assets: Investment securities: (a) Equity securities and other $ 49 $ 1 $ 48 $ ― $ 49 $ 1 $ 48 $ ― Debt securities 3,108 460 2,648 ― 3,710 409 3,301 ― Derivatives (a) 765 ― 765 ― 544 ― 544 ― Total Assets 3,922 461 3,461 ― 4,303 410 3,893 ― Liabilities: Derivatives (a) 280 ― 280 ― 201 ― 201 ― Total Liabilities $ 280 $ ― $ 280 $ ― $ 201 ― 201 ― Refer to Note 5 for the fair values of investment securities and to Note 14 for the fair values of derivative assets and liabilities, on a further disaggregated 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: Refer to Note 5 for the fair values of investment securities and to Note 14 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 summarizes the estimated fair values of 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, 2016 and 2015 . The fair values of these financial instruments are estimates based upon the market conditions and perceived risks as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 , and require management ’s judgment. These figu res may not be indicative of future fair values, nor can the fair value of the Company be estimated by aggregating the amounts presented. Carrying Corresponding Fair Value Amount 2016 (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 (a) $ 25 $ 25 $ 22 $ 3 $ ― Other financial assets (b) 51 51 ― 51 ― Financial assets carried at other than fair value Loans, net (c) 65 66 ― ― 66 Financial Liabilities: Financial liabilities for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value 67 67 ― 67 ― Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value Certificates of deposit (d) 12 12 ― 12 ― Long-term debt (c) $ 47 $ 48 $ ― $ 48 $ ― Carrying Corresponding Fair Value Amount 2015 (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 (a) $ 23 $ 23 $ 22 $ 1 $ ― Other financial assets (b) 47 47 ― 47 ― Financial assets carried at other than fair value Card Member loans and receivables HFS (e) 15 15 ― ― 15 Loans, net (c) 59 60 ― ― 60 Financial Liabilities: Financial liabilities for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value 67 67 ― 67 ― Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value Certificates of deposit (d) 14 14 ― 14 ― Long-term debt (c) $ 48 $ 49 $ ― $ 49 $ ― Level 2 amounts reflect time deposits and short-term investments. Includes Card Member receivables (including fair values of Card Member receivables of $ 8.8 billion and $ 6.7 billion held by a consolidated VIE as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively ), Other receivables, restricted cash and other miscellaneous assets. Balances include amounts held by a consolidated VIE for which the fair values of Card Member loans were $ 26.0 billion and $ 23.5 billion as of Dece mber 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively, and the fair values of long-term debt were $ 15.2 billion and $ 13.6 billion as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. Presented as a component of customer deposits on the Consolidated B alance Sheets . Does not include any fair value associated with the Card Member account relationships. Refer to Note 2 for additional information.

Guarantees (Tables)

Guarantees (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Table Text Block [Abstract]
Information related to guarantees	The following table provides information related to such guarantees and indemnifications as of December 31: Maximum potential undiscounted future payments (Billions) (a) Related liability (Millions) (b) Type of Guarantee 2016 2015 2016 2015 Return and Merchant Protection $ 42 $ 42 $ 37 $ 49 Other (c) 6 6 49 37 Total $ 48 $ 48 $ 86 $ 86 Represents the notional amounts that could be lost under the guarantees and indemnifications if there were a total default by the guaranteed or indemnified parties. The maximum potential undiscounted future payments for Merchant Protection are measured using management’s best estimate of the maximum exposure, which is based on all eligible claims in relation to annual billed business volumes. Inclu ded in Other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Primarily includes guarantees related to the Company’s purchase protection, real estate and business dispositions.

Common and Preferred Shares a52

Common and Preferred Shares and Warrants (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Table Text Block [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) 2016 2015 2014 Common shares authorized (billions) (a) 3.6 3.6 3.6 Shares issued and outstanding at beginning of year 969 1,023 1,064 Repurchases of common shares (70) (59) (49) Other, primarily stock option exercises and restricted stock awards granted 5 5 8 Shares issued and outstanding as of December 31 904 969 1,023 Of the common shares authorized but unissued as of December 31, 2016 , approximately 35 million shares are reserved for issuance under employee stock and employee benefit plans.
Perpetual Fixed Rate Noncumulative Preferred Shares issued and outstanding	The Company has the following perpetual Fixed Rate/Floating Rate Noncumulative Preferred Share series issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2016: Series B Series C Issuance date November 10, 2014 March 2, 2015 Securities issued 750 Preferred Shares; represented by 750,000 depositary shares 850 Preferred Shares; represented by 850,000 depositary shares Aggregate liquidation preference $750 million $850 million Fixed dividend rate per annum 5.20% 4.90% Semi-annual fixed dividend payment dates Beginning May 15, 2015 Beginning September 15, 2015 Floating dividend rate per annum 3 month LIBOR+ 3.428% 3 month LIBOR+ 3.285% Quarterly floating dividend payment dates Beginning February 15, 2020 Beginning June 15, 2020 Fixed to floating rate conversion date (a) November 15, 2019 March 15, 2020 The date on which dividends convert from a fixed-rate calculation to a floating rate calculation.

Changes in Accumulated Other 53

Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Table Text Block [Abstract]
Components of comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	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 for the three years ended December 31 were as follows: (Millions) , net of tax (a) Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investment Securities Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Net Unrealized Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Gains (Losses) Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income Balances as of December 31, 2013 $ 63 $ (1,090) $ (399) $ (1,426) Net unrealized gains 104 ― ― 104 Decrease due to amounts reclassified into earnings (71) 5 ― (66) Net translation loss of investments in foreign operations ― (869) ― (869) Net gains related to hedges of investments in foreign operations ― 455 ― 455 Pension and other postretirement benefit losses ― ― (117) (117) Net change in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) 33 (409) (117) (493) Balances as of December 31, 2014 96 (1,499) (516) (1,919) Net unrealized losses (37) ― ― (37) Decrease due to amounts reclassified into earnings (1) (1) ― (2) Net translation loss of investments in foreign operations ― (1,122) ― (1,122) Net gains related to hedges of investments in foreign operations ― 578 ― 578 Pension and other postretirement benefit losses ― ― (32) (32) Net change in accumulated other comprehensive loss (38) (545) (32) (615) Balances as of December 31, 2015 58 (2,044) (548) (2,534) Net unrealized losses (45) ― ― (45) Decrease due to amounts reclassified into earnings (6) 4 ― (2) Net translation loss of investments in foreign operations ― (503) ― (503) Net gains related to hedges of investment in foreign operations ― 281 ― 281 Pension and other postretirement benefit gains ― ― 19 19 Net change in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income (51) (218) 19 (250) Balances as of December 31, 2016 $ 7 $ (2,262) $ (529) $ (2,784)
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 A O C I : Tax expense (benefit) (Millions) 2016 2015 2014 Investment securities $ (27) $ (20) $ 19 Foreign currency translation adjustments (15) (124) (64) Net investment hedges 139 340 273 Pension and other postretirement benefit losses 37 ― (46) Total tax impact $ 134 $ 196 $ 182
Reclassification out of accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	The following table presents the effects of reclassifications out of AOCI and into the Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31 : Gains (losses) recognized in earnings Description (Millions) Income Statement Line Item 2016 2015 Available-for-sale securities Reclassifications for previously unrealized net gains on Other non-interest revenues $ 9 $ 1 investment securities Related income tax expense Income tax provision (3) ― Reclassification to net income related to available-for-sale securities 6 1 Foreign currency translation adjustments Reclassification of realized losses on translation adjustments and related net Other expenses (4) 1 investment hedges Related income tax expense Income tax provision ― ― Reclassification to net income related to foreign currency translation adjustments (4) 1 Total $ 2 $ 2

Non-Interest Revenue and Expe54

Non-Interest Revenue and Expense Detail (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Table Text Block [Abstract]
Details of other commissions and fees	The following is a detail of Other fee s and commissions for the years ended December 31: (Millions) 2016 2015 2014 Foreign currency conversion fee revenue $ 809 $ 852 $ 877 Delinquency fees 762 788 722 Loyalty coalition-related fees 410 379 383 Travel commissions and fees 338 349 1,118 Service fees 291 361 366 Other (a) 143 137 160 Total Other fees and commissions $ 2,753 $ 2,866 $ 3,626 Other primarily includes revenues from fees related to Membership Rewards programs. (Millions) 2016 2015 2014 Foreign currency conversion fee revenue $ - $ 852 $ 877 Delinquency fees - 788 722 Loyalty coalition-related fees - 379 383 Travel commissions and fees - 349 1,118 Service fees - 361 366 Other (a) - 137 160 Total Other fees and commissions $ - $ 2,866 $ 3,626
Details of other revenues	The following is a detail of Other revenues for the years ended December 31: (Millions) 2016 2015 2014 Gain on sale of investment in Concur Technologies $ ― $ ― $ 744 Global Network Services partner revenues 654 640 694 Gross realized gains on sale of investment securities 9 1 100 Other (a) 1,366 1,392 1,451 Total Other revenues $ 2,029 $ 2,033 $ 2,989 Other includes revenues arising from net revenue earned on cross-border Card Member spending, insurance premiums earned from Card Member travel and other insurance programs, merchant-related fees, Prepaid card and Travelers Cheque -related revenues, revenues related to the GBT JV transition services agreement, earnings from equity method investments (including the GBT JV) and other miscellaneous revenue and fees.
Detail of other, net expense	The following is a detail of Other expenses for the years ended December 31: (Millions) 2016 2015 2014 Professional services $ 2,583 $ 2,750 $ 3,008 Occupancy and equipment 1,838 1,854 1,807 Communications 302 345 383 Card and merchant-related fraud losses (a) 223 308 369 Goodwill and long-lived asset impairment ― 384 ― Gain on business travel joint venture transaction ― ― (630) Gain on sale of HFS portfolios (b) (1,218) ― ― Other (c) 1,434 1,152 1,152 Total Other expenses $ 5,162 $ 6,793 $ 6,089 Beginning January 1, 2015, merchant-related fraud losses are reported within Other expenses. Refer to Note 2 for additional information. Other expense primarily includes general operating expenses, gains and losses on sales of assets or businesses not classified as discontinued operations, regulatory and litigation-related costs, certain Card Member reimbursements, insurance costs, certain loyalty coalition-related expenses, and foreign currency-related gains and losses (including the favorable impact f rom the reassessment of the functional currency of certain UK legal entities in the year ended December 31 , 201 5 ). In addition , effective December 1, 2015, Other expenses includes the valuation allowance adjustment associated w ith loans and receivables HFS .

Restructuring Charges (Tables)

Restructuring Charges (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Table Text Block [Abstract]
Restructuring Charges	The follo wing table summarizes the Company’s restructuring reserves activity for the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 : (Millions) Severance Other (a) Total Liability balance as of December 31, 2013 $ 196 $ 37 $ 233 Restructuring charges, net of $35 in revisions (b) 383 28 411 Payments (93) (22) (115) Other non-cash (c) (51) (8) (59) Liability balance as of December 31, 2014 435 35 470 Restructuring charges, net of $61 in revisions (b) (33) 7 (26) Payments (141) (14) (155) Other non-cash (d) (23) (5) (28) Liability balance at December 31, 2015 238 23 261 Restructuring charges, net of $81 in revisions (b) 305 24 329 Payments (171) (21) (192) Other non-cash (d) (12) (3) (15) Liability balance as of December 31, 2016 (e) $ 360 $ 23 $ 383 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 of $ 42 million reserve transferred to the GBT JV in the second quarter of 2014 as part of the GBT sale and $ 17 million of foreign exchange and other non-cash charges. Consists primarily of foreign exchange impacts and other non-cash charges . The majority of cash payments related to the remaining restructuring liabilities are expected to be completed in 201 7 , and to a lesser extent certain contractual long-term severance arrangements and lease obligations are expected to be completed in 201 8 and 202 3 , 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, 2016 , and the cumula tive amounts relating to the restructuring programs that were in progress during 2016 and initia ted at various dates between 2011 and 2016 . 2016 Cumulative Restructuring Expense Incurred To Date On In-Progress Restructuring Programs (Millions) Total Restructuring Charges, net revisions Severance Other Total USCS $ 21 $ 101 $ ― $ 101 ICNS 27 216 ― 216 GCS 49 116 ― 116 GMS 14 43 ― 43 Corporate & Other 218 282 117 399 (a) Total $ 329 $ 758 $ 117 $ 875 (b) Corporate & Other includes certain severance and other cha rges of $322 million related to C ompanywide 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, 2016 , 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, 2016
Table Text Block [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) 2016 2015 2014 Current income tax expense: U.S. federal $ 2,179 $ 2,107 $ 2,136 U.S. state and local 272 335 264 Non-U.S. 342 416 412 Total current income tax expense 2,793 2,858 2,812 Deferred income tax (benefit) expense: U.S. federal (45) (23) 352 U.S. state and local (8) (5) 39 Non-U.S. (52) (55) (97) Total deferred income tax (benefit) expense (105) (83) 294 Total income tax expense $ 2,688 $ 2,775 $ 3,106
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: 2016 2015 2014 U.S. statutory federal income tax rate 35.0 % 35.0 % 35.0 % (Decrease) increase in taxes resulting from: Tax-exempt income (1.7) (1.7) (1.5) State and local income taxes, net of federal benefit 2.7 2.8 2.7 Non-U.S. subsidiaries earnings (a) (2.0) (1.8) (2.2) Tax settlements (b) (0.6) (0.2) (0.5) Non deductible expenses (c) ― 0.9 ― Other (0.2) ― 1.0 Actual tax rates (a) 33.2 % 35.0 % 34.5 % 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. Relates to the resolution of tax matters in various jurisdictions. Relates to the nondeductible portion of the Prepaid Services goodwill impairment in 2015 .
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) 2016 2015 Deferred tax assets: Reserves not yet deducted for tax purposes $ 3,889 $ 3,771 Employee compensation and benefits 595 648 Other 592 520 Gross deferred tax assets 5,076 4,939 Valuation allowance (54) (58) Deferred tax assets after valuation allowance 5,022 4,881 Deferred tax liabilities: Intangibles and fixed assets 1,691 1,547 Deferred revenue 441 509 Deferred interest 305 323 Investment in joint ventures 209 231 Other 121 120 Gross deferred tax liabilities 2,767 2,730 Net deferred tax assets $ 2,255 $ 2,151
Changes in unrecognized tax benefits	The following table presents changes in unrecognized tax benefits: (Millions) 2016 2015 2014 Balance, January 1 $ 870 $ 909 $ 1,044 Increases: Current year tax positions 167 81 4 Tax positions related to prior years 117 177 111 Decreases: Tax positions related to prior years (81) (256) (181) Settlements with tax authorities (76) (15) (67) Lapse of statute of limitations (22) (26) (1) Effects of foreign currency translations (1) ― (1) Balance, December 31 $ 974 $ 870 $ 909

Earnings Per Common Share (EP57

Earnings Per Common Share (EPS) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Table Text Block [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) 2016 2015 2014 Numerator: Basic and diluted: Net income $ 5,408 $ 5,163 $ 5,885 Preferred dividends (80) (62) ― Net income available to common shareholders 5,328 5,101 5,885 Earnings allocated to participating share awards (a) (43) (38) (46) Net income attributable to common shareholders $ 5,285 $ 5,063 $ 5,839 Denominator: (a) Basic: Weighted-average common stock 933 999 1,045 Add: Weighted-average stock options (b) 2 4 6 Diluted 935 1,003 1,051 Basic EPS $ 5.67 $ 5.07 $ 5.58 Diluted EPS $ 5.65 $ 5.05 $ 5.56 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. The dilutive effect of unexercise d stock options excludes from the computation of EPS 2.4 million, 0.5 million and 0.2 million of options for the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , respectively, because inclusion of the options would h ave been anti-dilutive.

Regulatory Matters and Capita58

Regulatory Matters and Capital Adequacy (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Table Text Block [Abstract]
Regulatory capital ratios	The following table presents the regulatory capital ratios for the Company and the Banks: (Millions, except percentages) CET 1 capital Tier 1 capital Total capital CET 1 Capital ratio Tier 1 capital ratio Total capital ratio Tier 1 leverage ratio December 31, 2016: (a) American Express Company $ 16,134 $ 17,665 $ 19,893 12.3 % 13.5 % 15.2 % 11.6 % American Express Centurion Bank 6,134 6,134 6,600 16.5 16.5 17.8 16.2 American Express Bank, FSB 6,681 6,681 7,194 16.3 16.3 17.5 13.9 December 31, 2015: (a) American Express Company $ 16,747 $ 18,265 $ 20,551 12.4 % 13.5 % 15.2 % 11.7 % American Express Centurion Bank 6,013 6,013 6,460 16.9 16.9 18.2 17.7 American Express Bank, FSB 6,927 6,927 7,601 13.7 13.7 15.1 13.2 Well-capitalized ratios (b) 6.5 % 8.0 % 10.0 % 5.0 % (c) Minimum capital ratios (b) 4.5 % 6.0 % 8.0 % 4.0 % A s a Basel III advanced approaches institution in parallel run , capital ratios are reported using Basel III capital definitions, inclusive of transition provisions, and risk-weighted assets using the Basel III standardized approach . As defined by the regulations issued by the Federal Reserve, OCC and FDIC for the year ended December 31, 2016 . Represents requirements for banking subsidiaries to be considered “well-capitalized” pursuant to regulations issued under the Federal Deposit Insurance Corpora tion Improvement Act. There is no CET1 capital ratio or Tier 1 leverage ratio requirement for a bank holding company to be considered “well-capitalized.”

Significant Credit Concentrat59

Significant Credit Concentrations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Table Text Block [Abstract]
Maximum credit exposure by category	The following table details the Company’s maximum credit exposure by category, including the credit exposure associated with der ivative financial instruments, as of December 31: (Billions) 2016 2015 On-balance sheet: Individuals (a) $ 98 $ 104 Financial institutions (b) 28 25 U.S. Government and agencies (c) 3 4 All other (d) 18 17 Total on-balance sheet (e) 147 150 Unused lines-of-credit (f) (g) $ 242 $ 297 Individuals primarily include Card Member loa ns and receivables , including the HFS portfolios for 2015. 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 disti nctions 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. Primarily relates to established lending product agreements with individuals.
Card Member loans and receivables exposure	The following table details the Company’s Card Member loans and receivables exposure (including unused line s-of-credit ) in the Un ited States and outside the United States as of December 31: (Billions) 2016 2015 On-balance sheet: U.S. (a) $ 93 $ 99 Non-U.S. 20 19 On-balance sheet (b)(c) 113 118 Unused lines-of-credit: (d) U.S. (a) 203 259 Non-U.S. 39 38 Total unused lines-of-credit $ 242 $ 297 Includes on-balance sheet Card Member loans and receivables HFS and unused lines-of-credit for Card Member loans HFS, for December 31, 201 5 . 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, investmen ts, other loans, other receivables and other assets including derivative financial instruments. These balances are primarily within the United States. Primarily relates to established lending product agreements with individuals.

Reportable Operating Segment (T

Reportable Operating Segment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Table Text Block [Abstract]
Operating segment information	The following table presents certain selected financial information for the Company’s reportable operating segments and Corporate & Other as of or for the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 : (Millions, except where indicated) USCS ICNS GCS GMS Corporate & Other (a) Consolidated 2016 Non-interest revenues $ 7,874 $ 4,785 $ 9,007 $ 4,235 $ 447 $ 26,348 Interest income 5,082 922 1,209 1 261 7,475 Interest expense 536 219 401 (237) 785 1,704 Total revenues net of interest expense 12,420 5,488 9,815 4,473 (77) 32,119 Total provisions (b) 1,065 325 604 25 7 2,026 Pretax income (loss) from continuing operations 3,881 818 2,945 2,295 (1,843) 8,096 Income tax provision (benefit) 1,368 163 1,036 837 (716) 2,688 Net income (loss) 2,513 655 1,909 1,458 (1,127) 5,408 Total assets (billions) $ 87 $ 36 $ 47 $ 24 $ (35) $ 159 Total equity (billions) $ 7.2 $ 2.5 $ 7.0 $ 2.5 $ 1.3 $ 20.5 2015 Non-interest revenues $ 8,479 $ 4,627 $ 8,930 $ 4,471 $ 389 $ 26,896 Interest income 5,198 945 1,175 1 226 7,545 Interest expense 488 235 365 (211) 746 1,623 Total revenues net of interest expense 13,189 5,337 9,740 4,683 (131) 32,818 Total provisions (b) 1,064 300 588 31 5 1,988 Pretax income (loss) from continuing operations 3,677 904 3,164 2,381 (2,188) 7,938 Income tax provision (benefit) 1,322 220 1,142 882 (791) 2,775 Net income (loss) 2,355 684 2,022 1,499 (1,397) 5,163 Total assets (billions) $ 93 $ 35 $ 45 $ 24 $ (36) $ 161 Total equity (billions) $ 7.2 $ 2.6 $ 7.0 $ 2.4 $ 1.5 $ 20.7 2014 Non-interest revenues $ 8,198 $ 5,091 $ 9,571 $ 4,571 $ 1,285 $ 28,716 Interest income 4,821 1,088 1,026 2 242 7,179 Interest expense 453 325 409 (287) 807 1,707 Total revenues net of interest expense 12,566 5,854 10,188 4,860 720 34,188 Total provisions 1,030 354 569 79 12 2,044 Pretax income (loss) from continuing operations 3,502 887 3,723 2,330 (1,451) 8,991 Income tax provision (benefit) 1,283 194 1,381 872 (624) 3,106 Net income (loss) 2,219 693 2,342 1,458 (827) 5,885 Total assets (billions) $ 90 $ 31 $ 44 $ 18 $ (24) $ 159 Total equity (billions) $ 7.6 $ 2.6 $ 6.9 $ 2.1 $ 1.5 $ 20.7 Corporate & Other includes adjustments and eliminations for intersegment activity. Beginning December 1, 2015 through to the sale completion dates, in the USCS and GCS segment s , total provisions does not include credit costs related to Card Member loan s and receivables HFS, which were reported in Other expenses through a valuation allowance adjustment.
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) United States EMEA (a) JAPA (a) LACC (a) Other Unallocated (b) Consolidated 2016 (c) Total revenues net of interest expense $ 24,133 $ 3,248 $ 3,052 $ 2,274 $ (588) $ 32,119 Pretax income (loss) from continuing operations 8,202 482 559 597 (1,744) 8,096 2015 (c) Total revenues net of interest expense $ 24,927 $ 3,293 $ 2,791 $ 2,412 $ (605) $ 32,818 Pretax income (loss) from continuing operations 7,500 544 587 693 (1,386) 7,938 2014 (c) Total revenues net of interest expense $ 24,678 $ 3,574 $ 2,923 $ 2,784 $ 229 $ 34,188 Pretax income (loss) from continuing operations 8,406 528 565 675 (1,183) 8,991 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, 2016
Table Text Block [Abstract]
Condensed Statements of Income	PARENT COMPANY – CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOME Years Ended December 31 (Millions) 2016 2015 2014 Revenues Non-interest revenues Gain on sale of securities $ ― $ ― $ 99 Other 391 400 270 Total non-interest revenues 391 400 369 Interest income 196 172 141 Interest expense 515 526 543 Total revenues net of interest expense 72 46 (33) Expenses Salaries and employee benefits 388 341 275 Other 510 443 357 Total expenses 898 784 632 Pretax loss (826) (738) (665) Income tax benefit (327) (268) (249) Net loss before equity in net income of subsidiaries and affiliates (499) (470) (416) Equity in net income of subsidiaries and affiliates 5,907 5,633 6,301 Net income $ 5,408 $ 5,163 $ 5,885
Condensed Balance Sheets	PARENT COMPANY – CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS As of December 31 (Millions) 2016 2015 Assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 5,229 $ 6,400 Investment securities 1 1 Equity in net assets of subsidiaries and affiliates 20,522 19,856 Accounts receivable, less reserves 513 311 Premises and equipment, less accumulated depreciation: 2016, $96; 2015, $140 30 133 Loans to subsidiaries and affiliates 7,620 11,762 Due from subsidiaries and affiliates 867 896 Other assets 277 275 Total assets 35,059 39,634 Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity Liabilities Accounts payable and other liabilities 1,531 1,603 Due to subsidiaries and affiliates 619 716 Short-term debt of subsidiaries and affiliates 4,044 6,923 Long-term debt 8,364 9,719 Total liabilities 14,558 18,961 Shareholders’ Equity Preferred Shares ― ― Common shares 181 194 Additional paid-in capital 12,733 13,348 Retained earnings 10,371 9,665 Accumulated other comprehensive loss (2,784) (2,534) Total shareholders’ equity 20,501 20,673 Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 35,059 $ 39,634
Condensed Cash Flows	PARENT COMPANY – CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS Years Ended December 31 (Millions) 2016 2015 2014 Cash Flows from Operating Activities Net income $ 5,408 $ 5,163 $ 5,885 Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities: Equity in net income of subsidiaries and affiliates (5,903) (5,633) (6,301) Dividends received from subsidiaries and affiliates 4,999 5,331 5,455 Gain on sale of securities ― ― (99) Other operating activities, primarily with subsidiaries and affiliates (102) 332 173 Net cash provided by operating activities 4,402 5,193 5,113 Cash Flows from Investing Activities Sales of available-for-sale investment securities ― ― 111 Purchase of investments ― (3) ― Purchase of premises and equipment (1) (29) (39) Loans to subsidiaries and affiliates 4,142 (3,952) (2,574) Investments in subsidiaries and affiliates (25) ― ― Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities 4,116 (3,984) (2,502) Cash Flows from Financing Activities (Principal payments on)/issuance of long-term debt (1,350) ― (655) Short-term debt of subsidiaries and affiliates (2,879) 986 5,118 Issuance of American Express preferred shares ― 841 742 Issuance of American Express common shares and other 176 192 362 Repurchase of American Express common shares (4,430) (4,480) (4,389) Dividends paid (1,206) (1,172) (1,041) Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities (9,689) (3,633) 137 Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents (1,171) (2,424) 2,748 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 6,400 8,824 6,076 Cash and cash equivalents at end of year $ 5,229 $ 6,400 $ 8,824 Supplemental cash flow information Non-cash financing activities Gain on business travel joint venture transaction $ ― $ ― $ 630

Quarterly Financial Data (una62

Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Quartertly Financial Data [Abstract]
Quarterly financial data	(Millions, except per share amounts) 2016 2015 Quarters Ended 12/31 9/30 6/30 3/31 12/31 9/30 6/30 3/31 Total revenues net of interest expense $ 8,022 $ 7,774 $ 8,235 $ 8,088 $ 8,391 $ 8,193 $ 8,284 $ 7,950 Pretax income 1,161 1,735 3,016 2,184 1,454 1,938 2,230 2,316 Net income 825 1,142 2,015 1,426 899 1,266 1,473 1,525 Earnings Per Common Share — Basic: Net income attributable to common shareholders (a) $ 0.88 $ 1.21 $ 2.11 $ 1.45 $ 0.89 $ 1.24 $ 1.43 $ 1.49 Earnings Per Common Share — Diluted: Net income attributable to common shareholders (a) 0.88 1.20 2.10 1.45 0.89 1.24 1.42 1.48 Cash dividends declared per common share 0.32 0.32 0.29 0.29 0.29 0.29 0.29 0.26 Common share price: High 75.74 66.71 67.34 68.18 77.85 81.66 81.92 93.94 Low $ 59.50 $ 58.25 $ 57.15 $ 50.27 $ 67.57 $ 71.71 $ 76.53 $ 77.12 Represents net income, less (i) earnings allocated to participating share awards of $ 6 million, $ 9 million, $ 17 million and $ 11 million for the quarters ended December 31, September 30, June 30 and March 31, 2016 , respectively, and $ 6 million, $ 10 million, $ 11 million and $ 11 million for the quarters ended December 31, September 30, June 30 and March 31, 2015 , respectively, and (ii) dividend s on preferred shares of $ 19 million , $ 21 million, $ 19 million and $ 21 million for the quarters ended December 31, September 30, June 30 and March 31, 2016 , respectively, and $ 20 million , $ 22 million, $ 20 million and nil for the quarters ended December 31, September 30, June 30 and March 31, 2015 , respectively.

Summary of Significant Accoun63

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details Textuals) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Original maturities of cash and cash equivalents	90 days or less
Net foreign currency transaction gain	$ 18	$ 68	$ 44
Prior period revision		$ 361
Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Intangible Assets, Useful Life	1 year	5 years
Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Intangible Assets, Useful Life	22 years	7 years
Software [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	5 years
Equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	3 years
Equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	10 years
Building [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	40 years
Building [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	50 years
Leasehold Improvements [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	5 years
Leasehold Improvements [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	10 years

Acquisitions and Divestitures T

Acquisitions and Divestitures Textual ( Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Events Textuals [Abstract]
Card Member loans and receivables held for sale	$ 0	$ 14,992
CardMember Receivables And Loans Reserves	0	224	$ 0
Total Impairment Charge	0	384	0
Impairment Of Goodwill Prepaid Services		219
Impairment Charge - Technology And Other Assets writedown to Fair Value		165
Gain on sale of HFS Portfolios	(1,218)	0	0
Gain on business travel joint venture transaction	0	$ 0	$ 630
Costco [Member] | Other Expense [Member]
Business Events Textuals [Abstract]
Gain on sale of HFS Portfolios	(1,091)
JetBlue [Member] | Other Expense [Member]
Business Events Textuals [Abstract]
Gain on sale of HFS Portfolios	$ (127)

Loans and Accounts Receivable65

Loans and Accounts Receivable (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Loans segment information
Card Member loans	$ 65,265	$ 58,573
Less: Reserve for losses	1,223	1,028	$ 1,201	$ 1,261
Card Member loans, net	64,042	57,545
Other loans, net	1,419	1,254
Accounts Receivable and Loans Textuals [Abstract]
Other loans, reserves	42	20
Variable Interest Enterprise [Member]
Loans segment information
Card Member loans	26,129	23,559
U S Consumer Services [Member]
Loans segment information
Card Member loans	48,758	43,495
U S Consumer 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	26,100	23,600
International Consumer and Network Services [Member]
Loans segment information
Card Member loans	6,971	7,072
Global Commercial Services [Member]
Loans segment information
Card Member loans	$ 9,536	$ 8,006

Loans and Accounts Receivable66

Loans and Accounts Receivable (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounts receivable segment information
Card Member receivables	$ 47,308	$ 44,133
Less: Reserve for losses	467	462	$ 465	$ 386
Card Member receivables, net	46,841	43,671
Other receivables, net	3,232	3,024
Accounts Receivable and Loans Textuals [Abstract]
Other receivables, reserves	45	43
Variable Interest Enterprise [Member]
Accounts receivable segment information
Card Member receivables	8,874	6,649
Card Member receivables, net	8,800	6,700
Non United States [Member]
Accounts receivable segment information
Card Member receivables	12,900	11,900
U S Consumer Services [Member]
Accounts receivable segment information
Card Member receivables	12,302	11,807
U S Consumer Services [Member] | Variable Interest Enterprise [Member]
Accounts Receivable and Loans Textuals [Abstract]
Card Member receivables available to settle obligations of consolidated variable interest entity	8,900	6,600
International Consumer and Network Services [Member]
Accounts receivable segment information
Card Member receivables	5,966	5,599
Global Commercial Services [Member]
Accounts receivable segment information
Card Member receivables	29,040	$ 26,727
Global Merchant Services [Member]
Accounts receivable segment information
Card Member receivables	$ 0

Loans and Accounts Receivable67

Loans and Accounts Receivable (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
U S Consumer Services [Member] | Card Member Loans [Member]
Financing receivable recorded investment aging
Current	$ 48,216	$ 43,063
Total aging	48,758	43,495
U S Consumer Services [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member]
Financing receivable recorded investment aging
Current	12,158	11,646
Total aging	12,302	11,807
U S Consumer Services [Member] | 30 to 59 [Member] | Card Member Loans [Member]
Financing receivable recorded investment aging
Period past due	156	128
U S Consumer Services [Member] | 30 to 59 [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member]
Financing receivable recorded investment aging
Period past due	45	54
U S Consumer Services [Member] | 60 to 89 [Member] | Card Member Loans [Member]
Financing receivable recorded investment aging
Period past due	119	94
U S Consumer Services [Member] | 60 to 89 [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member]
Financing receivable recorded investment aging
Period past due	30	32
U S Consumer Services [Member] | 90+ days past due [Member] | Card Member Loans [Member]
Financing receivable recorded investment aging
Period past due	267	210
U S Consumer Services [Member] | 90+ days past due [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member]
Financing receivable recorded investment aging
Period past due	69	75
International Consumer and Network Services [Member] | Card Member Loans [Member]
Financing receivable recorded investment aging
Current	6,863	6,961
Total aging	6,971	7,072
International Consumer and Network Services [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member]
Financing receivable recorded investment aging
Current	5,888	5,515
Total aging	5,966	5,599
International Consumer and Network Services [Member] | 30 to 59 [Member] | Card Member Loans [Member]
Financing receivable recorded investment aging
Period past due	32	34
International Consumer and Network Services [Member] | 30 to 59 [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member]
Financing receivable recorded investment aging
Period past due	22	24
International Consumer and Network Services [Member] | 60 to 89 [Member] | Card Member Loans [Member]
Financing receivable recorded investment aging
Period past due	24	25
International Consumer and Network Services [Member] | 60 to 89 [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member]
Financing receivable recorded investment aging
Period past due	15	18
International Consumer and Network Services [Member] | 90+ days past due [Member] | Card Member Loans [Member]
Financing receivable recorded investment aging
Period past due	52	52
International Consumer and Network Services [Member] | 90+ days past due [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member]
Financing receivable recorded investment aging
Period past due	41	42
Global Small Business Services [Member] | Card Member Loans [Member]
Financing receivable recorded investment aging
Current	9,378	7,867
Total aging	9,484	7,951
Global Small Business Services [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member]
Financing receivable recorded investment aging
Current	14,047	12,734
Total aging	14,273	12,950
Global Small Business Services [Member] | 30 to 59 [Member] | Card Member Loans [Member]
Financing receivable recorded investment aging
Period past due	34	26
Global Small Business Services [Member] | 30 to 59 [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member]
Financing receivable recorded investment aging
Period past due	77	69
Global Small Business Services [Member] | 60 to 89 [Member] | Card Member Loans [Member]
Financing receivable recorded investment aging
Period past due	23	18
Global Small Business Services [Member] | 60 to 89 [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member]
Financing receivable recorded investment aging
Period past due	47	45
Global Small Business Services [Member] | 90+ days past due [Member] | Card Member Loans [Member]
Financing receivable recorded investment aging
Period past due	49	40
Global Small Business Services [Member] | 90+ days past due [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member]
Financing receivable recorded investment aging
Period past due	102	102
Global Corporate Payments [Member] | Card Member Loans [Member]
Financing receivable recorded investment aging
Total aging	52	55
Global Corporate Payments [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member]
Financing receivable recorded investment aging
Total aging	14,767	13,777
Global Corporate Payments [Member] | 90+ days past due [Member] | Card Member Loans [Member]
Financing receivable recorded investment aging
Period past due		1
Global Corporate Payments [Member] | 90+ days past due [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member]
Financing receivable recorded investment aging
Period past due	$ 135	$ 124

Loans and Accounts Receivable68

Loans and Accounts Receivable (Details 3)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
U S Consumer Services [Member] | Card Member Loans [Member]
Credit Quality Indicator for Loans and Receivables
Net Write-Off Rate - Principal Only	1.50%	1.40%
Net Write-Off Rate - Principal, Interest, and Fees	1.80%	1.60%
30 Days Past Due as a % of Total	1.10%	1.00%
U S Consumer Services [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member]
Credit Quality Indicator for Loans and Receivables
Net Write-Off Rate - Principal Only	1.40%	1.60%
Net Write-Off Rate - Principal, Interest, and Fees	1.60%	1.80%
30 Days Past Due as a % of Total	1.20%	1.40%
International Consumer and Network Services [Member] | Card Member Loans [Member]
Credit Quality Indicator for Loans and Receivables
Net Write-Off Rate - Principal Only	2.00%	1.90%
Net Write-Off Rate - Principal, Interest, and Fees	2.50%	2.40%
30 Days Past Due as a % of Total	1.60%	1.60%
International Consumer and Network Services [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member]
Credit Quality Indicator for Loans and Receivables
Net Write-Off Rate - Principal Only	2.00%	2.10%
Net Write-Off Rate - Principal, Interest, and Fees	2.20%	2.30%
30 Days Past Due as a % of Total	1.30%	1.50%
Global Small Business Services [Member] | Card Member Loans [Member]
Credit Quality Indicator for Loans and Receivables
Net Write-Off Rate - Principal Only	1.40%	1.30%
Net Write-Off Rate - Principal, Interest, and Fees	1.70%	1.50%
30 Days Past Due as a % of Total	1.10%	1.10%
Global Small Business Services [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member]
Credit Quality Indicator for Loans and Receivables
Net Write-Off Rate - Principal Only	1.50%	1.80%
Net Write-Off Rate - Principal, Interest, and Fees	1.70%	2.10%
30 Days Past Due as a % of Total	1.60%	1.70%
Global Corporate Payments [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member]
Credit Quality Indicator for Loans and Receivables
Net Loss Ratio as a % of Charge Volume	0.09%	0.09%
90 days past billing as a percentage of receivables	0.90%	0.90%

Loans and Accounts Receivable69

Loans and Accounts Receivable (Details 4) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Impaired loans and receivables
Loans over 90 days past due and accruing interest	$ 260	$ 216	$ 218
Non-accrual loans	169	150	241
Loans and receivables modified as a Troubled Debt Restructuring in Program	230	199	334
Loans and receivables modified as Troubled Debt Restructuring Out of Program	171	113
Total impaired loans and receivables	830	678	793
Unpaid principal balance	767	632	750
Related allowance for Troubled Debt Restructurings	88	73	102
Accounts Receivable and Loans (Textuals) [Abstract]
Total loans and receivables modified as a TDR, non-accrual	11	18	34
Total loans and receivables modified as a TDR, past due 90 days and still accruing	20	20	26
Out of Program TDR accounts that completed modification programs	132	84
Out of Program TDR accounts not in compliance with modification programs	39	29
U S Consumer Services [Member] | Card Member Loans [Member]
Impaired loans and receivables
Loans over 90 days past due and accruing interest	178	140	137
Non-accrual loans	139	124	204
Loans and receivables modified as a Troubled Debt Restructuring in Program	165	149	245
Loans and receivables modified as Troubled Debt Restructuring Out of Program	129	89
Total impaired loans and receivables	611	502	586
Unpaid principal balance	558	463	551
Related allowance for Troubled Debt Restructurings	51	44	57
U S Consumer 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 in Program	11	11	17
Loans and receivables modified as Troubled Debt Restructuring Out of Program	6	3
Total impaired loans and receivables	17	14	17
Unpaid principal balance	17	14	17
Related allowance for Troubled Debt Restructurings	7	8	13
International Consumer and Network Services [Member] | Card Member Loans [Member]
Impaired loans and receivables
Loans over 90 days past due and accruing interest	52	52	57
Non-accrual loans	0	0	0
Loans and receivables modified as a Troubled Debt Restructuring in Program	0	0	0
Loans and receivables modified as Troubled Debt Restructuring Out of Program	0	0
Total impaired loans and receivables	52	52	57
Unpaid principal balance	51	51	56
Related allowance for Troubled Debt Restructurings	0	0	0
Global Commercial Services [Member] | Card Member Loans [Member]
Impaired loans and receivables
Loans over 90 days past due and accruing interest	30	24	24
Non-accrual loans	30	26	37
Loans and receivables modified as a Troubled Debt Restructuring in Program	26	23	41
Loans and receivables modified as Troubled Debt Restructuring Out of Program	26	18
Total impaired loans and receivables	112	91	102
Unpaid principal balance	103	85	95
Related allowance for Troubled Debt Restructurings	9	9	10
Global Commercial 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 in Program	28	16	31
Loans and receivables modified as Troubled Debt Restructuring Out of Program	10	3
Total impaired loans and receivables	38	19	31
Unpaid principal balance	38	19	31
Related allowance for Troubled Debt Restructurings	$ 21	$ 12	$ 22

Loans and Accounts Receivable70

Loans and Accounts Receivable (Details 5) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Financing Receivable Impaired [Line Items]
Average balance of impaired loans	$ 757	$ 760	$ 859
Interest income recognized	81	73	65
U S Consumer Services [Member] | Card Member Loans [Member]
Financing Receivable Impaired [Line Items]
Average balance of impaired loans	559	569	633
Interest income recognized	53	48	39
U S Consumer Services [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member]
Financing Receivable Impaired [Line Items]
Average balance of impaired loans	14	13	19
Interest income recognized	0	0	0
International Consumer and Network Services [Member] | Card Member Loans [Member]
Financing Receivable Impaired [Line Items]
Average balance of impaired loans	53	54	62
Interest income recognized	15	14	16
Global Commercial Services [Member] | Card Member Loans [Member]
Financing Receivable Impaired [Line Items]
Average balance of impaired loans	103	104	117
Interest income recognized	13	11	10
Global Commercial Services [Member] | Card Member Receivables [Member]
Financing Receivable Impaired [Line Items]
Average balance of impaired loans	28	20	28
Interest income recognized	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

Loans and Accounts Receivable71

Loans and Accounts Receivable (Details 6) pure in Thousands, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)Mbp	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)Mbp	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)Mbp
Accounts Receivable and Loans Textuals [Abstract]
Difference between pre- and post-modification outstanding balances	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
U S Consumer Services [Member]
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Number of Accounts (in thousands)	40	52	61
Aggregated Outstanding Balance	$ 343	$ 432	$ 518
Card Member Loans [Member] | U S Consumer Services [Member]
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Number of Accounts (in thousands)	31	40	46
Aggregated Outstanding Balance	$ 220	$ 285	$ 342
Average basis point reduction in interest rate by class of Card Member loans | bp	9	9	10
Card Member Receivables [Member] | U S Consumer Services [Member]
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Number of Accounts (in thousands)	9	12	15
Aggregated Outstanding Balance	$ 123	$ 147	$ 176
Average payment term extension | M	18	12	12

Loans and Accounts Receivable72

Loans and Accounts Receivable (Details 7) - U S Consumer Services [Member] pure in Thousands, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Number of Accounts (in thousands)	10	11	11
Aggregated Outstanding Balance Upon Payment Default	$ 45	$ 57	$ 64
Card Member Loans [Member]
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Number of Accounts (in thousands)	7	8	8
Aggregated Outstanding Balance Upon Payment Default	$ 41	$ 52	$ 52
Card Member Receivables [Member]
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Number of Accounts (in thousands)	3	3	3
Aggregated Outstanding Balance Upon Payment Default	$ 4	$ 5	$ 12

Reserves for Losses (Details)

Reserves for Losses (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Changes in the Card Member loans reserve for losses
Balance, January 1	$ 1,028	$ 1,201	$ 1,261
Card Member loans provisions	1,235	1,190	1,138
Card Member loans net write-offs - principal	(930)	(967)	(1,023)
Card Member loans net write-offs - interest and fees	(175)	(162)	(164)
Reserves transferred to Held for Sale portfolio	0	(224)	0
Card Member loans reserves for losses - other	65	(10)	(11)
Balance, December 31	$ 1,223	$ 1,028	$ 1,201

Reserves For Losses (Details 1)

Reserves For Losses (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Card Member Loans And Related Reserves Evaluated Separately And Collectively For Impairment [Abstract]
Card Member loans evaluated separately for impairment	$ 346	$ 279	$ 286
Reserves on Card Member loans evaluated separately for impairment	60	53	67
Card Member loans evaluated collectively for impairment	64,919	58,294	70,099
Reserves on Card Member loans evaluated collectively for impairment	$ 1,163	$ 975	$ 1,134

Reserves for Losses (Details 2)

Reserves for Losses (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Changes in the Card Member receivables reserve for losses
Balance, January 1	$ 462	$ 465	$ 386
Provision For Doubtful Accounts	696	737	792
Card Member receivables net write-offs	(674)	(713)	(683)
Other	(17)	(27)	(30)
Balance, December 31	$ 467	$ 462	$ 465

Reserves for Losses (Details 3)

Reserves for Losses (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Card Member Receivables And Related Reserves Evaluated Separately and Collectively For Impairment [Abstract]
Card Member receivables evaluated separately for impairment	$ 55	$ 33	$ 48
Reserves on Card Member receivables evaluated separately for impairment	28	20	35
Card Member receivables evaluated collectively for impairment	47,253	44,100	44,803
Reserves on Card Member receivables evaluated collectively for impairment	$ 439	$ 442	$ 430

Reserves For Losses (Details Te

Reserves For Losses (Details Textuals) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Allowance for Card Member Receivables, Recoveries of Bad Debts	$ 391	$ 401	$ 358
Allowance for Card Member Loans, Recoveries of Bad Debts	379	418	428
Allowance for Card Member Receivables, Recoveries of Bad Debts - TDR	16	60	15
Allowance for Card Member Loans, Recoveries of Bad Debts - TDR	34	41	(10)
Card Member loans reserves for losses - other	8	10	12
Unauthorized Transactions [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Card Member receivables reserves for losses - other		(7)
Card Member loans reserves for losses - other		(6)
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Card Member receivables reserves for losses - other	(12)	(16)	(15)
Card Member loans reserves for losses - other	(10)	(20)	(17)
Other Items [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Card Member receivables reserves for losses - other	(5)	$ (11)	$ (8)
Loans Transferred From Held For Sale To Held For Investment	265
Cardmember Reserves For Loans Held For Investments	$ 67

Investment Securities (Details)

Investment Securities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule of Available for Sale Securities by Type
Cost	$ 3,144	$ 3,668	$ 4,280
Gross Unrealized Gains	35	100	154
Gross Unrealized Losses	(22)	(9)	(3)
Estimated Fair Value	3,157	3,759	4,431
State and municipal obligations [Member]
Schedule of Available for Sale Securities by Type
Cost	2,019	2,813	3,366
Gross Unrealized Gains	28	85	129
Gross Unrealized Losses	(11)	(5)	(2)
Estimated Fair Value	2,036	2,893	3,493
U.S. Government agency obligations [Member]
Schedule of Available for Sale Securities by Type
Cost	12	2	3
Gross Unrealized Gains	0	0	0
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0	0
Estimated Fair Value	12	2	3
U.S. Government treasury obligations [Member]
Schedule of Available for Sale Securities by Type
Cost	465	406	346
Gross Unrealized Gains	3	4	4
Gross Unrealized Losses	(8)	(1)	0
Estimated Fair Value	460	409	350
Corporate debt securities [Member]
Schedule of Available for Sale Securities by Type
Cost	19	29	37
Gross Unrealized Gains	0	1	3
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0	0
Estimated Fair Value	19	30	40
Mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Schedule of Available for Sale Securities by Type
Cost	92	117	128
Gross Unrealized Gains	3	4	8
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0	0
Estimated Fair Value	95	121	136
Equity securities [Member]
Schedule of Available for Sale Securities by Type
Cost	1	1	0
Gross Unrealized Gains	0	0	1
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0	0
Estimated Fair Value	1	1	1
Foreign government bonds and obligations [Member]
Schedule of Available for Sale Securities by Type
Cost	486	250	350
Gross Unrealized Gains	1	6	9
Gross Unrealized Losses	(1)	(1)	0
Estimated Fair Value	486	255	359
Other [Member]
Schedule of Available for Sale Securities by Type
Cost	50	50	50
Gross Unrealized Gains	0	0	0
Gross Unrealized Losses	(2)	(2)	(1)
Estimated Fair Value	$ 48	$ 48	$ 49

Investment Securities (Details

Investment Securities (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Available-for-sale investment securities with gross unrealized losses and length of time
Estimated Fair Value, Less than 12 months	$ 451	$ 452
Estimated Fair Value, 12 months or more	32	46
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses [Abstract]
Gross Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 months	(19)	(5)
Gross Unrealized Losses, 12 months or more	(2)	(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	153	100
Estimated Fair Value, 12 months or more	0	13
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses [Abstract]
Gross Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 months	(11)	(3)
Gross Unrealized Losses, 12 months or more	0	(2)
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	0	99
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	0	(1)
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	298	253
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	(8)	(1)
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	0	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	0	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	0	0
Estimated Fair Value, 12 months or more	32	33
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses [Abstract]
Gross Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 months	0	0
Gross Unrealized Losses, 12 months or more	$ (2)	$ (2)

Investment Securities (Detail80

Investment Securities (Details 2) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)securities	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)securities
Available-for-sale, Securities in Unrealized Loss Positions, Qualitative Disclosure, Number of Positions [Abstract]
Number of securities, less than 12 months | securities	37	52
Number of securities, 12 months or more | securities	6	17
Number of securities, total | securities	43	69
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value [Abstract]
Estimated Fair Value, Less than 12 months	$ 451	$ 450
Estimated Fair Value, 12 months or more	32	46
Estimated Fair Value, Total	483	496
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses [Abstract]
Gross Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 months	(19)	(5)
Gross Unrealized Losses, 12 months or more	(2)	(4)
Gross Unrealized Losses, Total	$ (21)	$ (9)
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 | securities	33	52
Number of securities, 12 months or more | securities	6	15
Number of securities, total | securities	39	67
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value [Abstract]
Estimated Fair Value, Less than 12 months	$ 411	$ 450
Estimated Fair Value, 12 months or more	32	37
Estimated Fair Value, Total	443	487
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses [Abstract]
Gross Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 months	(13)	(5)
Gross Unrealized Losses, 12 months or more	(2)	(2)
Gross Unrealized Losses, Total	$ (15)	$ (7)
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 | securities	4	0
Number of securities, 12 months or more | securities	0	2
Number of securities, total | securities	4	2
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value [Abstract]
Estimated Fair Value, Less than 12 months	$ 40	$ 0
Estimated Fair Value, 12 months or more	0	9
Estimated Fair Value, Total	40	9
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses [Abstract]
Gross Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 months	(6)	0
Gross Unrealized Losses, 12 months or more	0	(2)
Gross Unrealized Losses, Total	$ (6)	$ (2)

Investment Securities (Detail81

Investment Securities (Details 3) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Estimated Fair Value
Estimated Fair Value, Due within 1 year	$ 622
Estimated Fair Value, Due after 1 year but within 5 years	314
Estimated Fair Value, Due after 5 years but within 10 years	399
Estimated Fair Value, Due after 10 years	1,773
Total	3,108
Available For Sale Securities Debt Maturities Amortized Cost [Abstract]
Due within 1 year	621
Due after 1 year but within 5 years	317
Due after 5 years but within 10 years	394
Due after 10 years	1,761
Total	$ 3,093
Weighted average yields
Weighted average yields, due within 1 year	2.90%
Weighted averge yields, due after 1 years but within 5 years	2.04%
Weighted averge yields, due after 5 years but within 10 years	5.25%
Weighted average yield, due after 10 years	4.71%
Weighted average yields, Total	4.16%
State and municipal obligations [Member]
Estimated Fair Value
Estimated Fair Value, Due within 1 year	$ 17
Estimated Fair Value, Due after 1 year but within 5 years	92
Estimated Fair Value, Due after 5 years but within 10 years	274
Estimated Fair Value, Due after 10 years	1,653
Total	2,036
U.S. Government treasury obligations [Member]
Estimated Fair Value
Estimated Fair Value, Due within 1 year	0
Estimated Fair Value, Due after 1 year but within 5 years	0
Estimated Fair Value, Due after 5 years but within 10 years	0
Estimated Fair Value, Due after 10 years	12
Total	12
U.S. Government agency obligations [Member]
Estimated Fair Value
Estimated Fair Value, Due within 1 year	115
Estimated Fair Value, Due after 1 year but within 5 years	210
Estimated Fair Value, Due after 5 years but within 10 years	125
Estimated Fair Value, Due after 10 years	10
Total	460
Corporate debt securities [Member]
Estimated Fair Value
Estimated Fair Value, Due within 1 year	19
Estimated Fair Value, Due after 1 year but within 5 years	0
Estimated Fair Value, Due after 5 years but within 10 years	0
Estimated Fair Value, Due after 10 years	0
Total	19
Mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Estimated Fair Value
Estimated Fair Value, Due within 1 year	0
Estimated Fair Value, Due after 1 year but within 5 years	0
Estimated Fair Value, Due after 5 years but within 10 years	0
Estimated Fair Value, Due after 10 years	95
Total	95
Foreign government bonds and obligations [Member]
Estimated Fair Value
Estimated Fair Value, Due within 1 year	471
Estimated Fair Value, Due after 1 year but within 5 years	12
Estimated Fair Value, Due after 5 years but within 10 years	0
Estimated Fair Value, Due after 10 years	3
Total	$ 486

Investment Securities (Detail82

Investment Securities (Details Textuals) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Investment Securities (Details) [Abstract]
Other-than-temporary impairments recognized during the period	$ 0	$ 0
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%

Asset Securitizations (Details)

Asset Securitizations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Securitized Trusts [Line Items]
Restricted cash	$ 286	$ 477
American Express Charge Trust [Member]
Securitized Trusts [Line Items]
Restricted cash	3	2
American Express Lending Trust [Member]
Securitized Trusts [Line Items]
Restricted cash	35	153
Restricted cash held by trusts [Member]
Securitized Trusts [Line Items]
Restricted cash	$ 38	$ 155

Asset Securitizations (Details

Asset Securitizations (Details Textuals) $ in Billions	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
American Express Travel Related Services Company Inc [Member]
Securitized Trusts [Line Items]
Subordinated securities owned	$ 0
American Express Charge Trust [Member]
Securitized Trusts [Line Items]
Direct and Indirect Ownership of Variable Interests	4.5
American Express Lending Trust [Member]
Securitized Trusts [Line Items]
Direct and Indirect Ownership of Variable Interests	$ 15.1

Other Assets (Details)

Other Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Other Assets Details [Abstract]
Goodwill	$ 2,927	$ 2,749	$ 3,024
Deferred tax assets, net	2,336	2,231
Prepaid expenses	696	851
Other intangible assets, at amortized cost	868	796
Community Reinvestment Act Tax Credit Investments	824	638
Restricted cash	286	477
Derivative assets	555	282
Other	2,069	2,045
Other assets (includes restricted cash of consolidated variable interest entities)	$ 10,561	$ 10,069

Other Assets (Details 1)

Other Assets (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	$ 2,749	$ 3,024
Acquisitions	201	0
Dispositions	0	0
Other, including foreign currency translation	(23)	(275)
Goodwill, Ending Balance	2,927	2,749
U S Consumer Services [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	122	122
Acquisitions	0	0
Dispositions	0	0
Other, including foreign currency translation	0	0
Goodwill, Ending Balance	122	122
International Consumer and Network Services [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	620	673
Acquisitions	0	0
Dispositions	0	0
Other, including foreign currency translation	(16)	(53)
Goodwill, Ending Balance	604	620
Global Commercial Services [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	1,715	1,715
Acquisitions	0	0
Dispositions	0	0
Other, including foreign currency translation	(3)	0
Goodwill, Ending Balance	1,712	1,715
Global Merchant Services [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	291	291
Acquisitions	201	0
Dispositions	0	0
Other, including foreign currency translation	(3)	0
Goodwill, Ending Balance	489	291
Corporate and Other [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	1	223
Acquisitions	0	0
Dispositions	0	0
Other, including foreign currency translation	(1)	(222)
Goodwill, Ending Balance	$ 0	$ 1

Other Assets (Details 2)

Other Assets (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Components of other intangible assets
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 1,885	$ 1,737
Accumulated Amortization	(1,017)	(941)
Net Carrying Amount	868	796
Customer Relationships [Member]
Components of other intangible assets
Gross Carrying Amount	1,625	1,506
Accumulated Amortization	(895)	(836)
Net Carrying Amount	730	670
Other Contracts [Member]
Components of other intangible assets
Gross Carrying Amount	260	231
Accumulated Amortization	(122)	(105)
Net Carrying Amount	$ 138	$ 126

Other Assets (Details 3)

Other Assets (Details 3) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Estimated amortization expense for other intangible assets
Estimated amortization expense, 2017	$ 189
Estimated amortization expense, 2018	175
Estimated amortization expense, 2019	146
Estimated amortization expense, 2020	121
Estimated amortization expense, 2021	$ 93

Other Assets (Details Textuals)

Other Assets (Details Textuals) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Other Assets [Line Items]
Prepaid expenses	$ 696	$ 851
Restricted cash	$ 286	$ 477
Amortization period of acquired finite-lived intangible assets	7 years	5 years
Other intangible assets, at amortized cost	$ 868	$ 796
Foreign deferred tax liabilities	81	80
Tax Credit Investments - Affordable Housing partnerships	798	578
Other Assets (Textuals) [Abstract]
Goodwill impaired	1	219
Accumulated goodwill impairment losses	220	219
Amortization expense	194	183	$ 174
Sale of Concur Technologies	10	0	990
Gain on sale of investments in Concur Technologies	0	0	$ 744
Community Reinvestment Act Tax Credit Investments	824	638
Other Expense [Member]
Other Assets [Line Items]
Loss from Affordable Housing Projects Equity Method Investments	43	50
Income Tax Provision [Member]
Other Assets [Line Items]
QAH Tax Credits for equity method losses	63	53
Other Liabilities [Member]
Other Assets [Line Items]
QAH Investment Commitment	266
Variable Interest Enterprise [Member]
Other Assets [Line Items]
Restricted cash	38	155
Affordable Housing Program Off Balance Sheet Obligation	151
Tax Credit Investments - Affordable Housing partnerships	701	489
Variable Interest Enterprise [Member] | Other Liabilities [Member]
Other Assets [Line Items]
QAH Investment Commitment	$ 239
Earliest Year [Member]
Other Assets [Line Items]
Affordable Housing Tax Credits Commitment Year To Be Paid	2,017
Latest Year [Member]
Other Assets [Line Items]
Affordable Housing Tax Credits Commitment Year To Be Paid	2,029
Customer Relationships [Member]
Other Assets [Line Items]
Other intangible assets, at amortized cost	$ 730	670
Other Contracts [Member]
Other Assets [Line Items]
Other intangible assets, at amortized cost	$ 138	$ 126
Minimum [Member]
Other Assets [Line Items]
Intangible Assets, Useful Life	1 year	5 years
Maximum [Member]
Other Assets [Line Items]
Intangible Assets, Useful Life	22 years	7 years

Customer Deposits (Details)

Customer Deposits (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
U.S.:
Interest-bearing	$ 52,316	$ 54,102
Non-interest-bearing	367	478
Non-U.S.:
Interest-bearing	58	82
Non-interest-bearing	301	335
Total customer deposits	53,042	54,997
Card Member Credit Balances [Member]
U.S.:
Non-interest-bearing	331	389
Non-U.S.:
Non-interest-bearing	$ 285	$ 323

Customer Deposits (Details 1)

Customer Deposits (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
U.S. retail deposits:
Savings accounts - Direct	$ 30,980	$ 29,023
Certificates of deposit - Direct	291	281
Certificates of deposit - Third party	11,925	13,856
Sweep accounts - Third party	9,120	10,942
Non-U.S. deposits and U.S. non-interest bearing	110	183
Card Member credit balances - U.S. and non-U.S.	616	712
Total customer deposits	$ 53,042	$ 54,997

Customer Deposits (Details 2)

Customer Deposits (Details 2) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Time Deposits By Maturity
2,017	$ 3,750
2,018	3,437
2,019	2,396
2,020	2,542
2,021	106
Total	12,231
United States [Member]
Time Deposits By Maturity
2,017	3,735
2,018	3,437
2,019	2,396
2,020	2,542
2,021	106
Total	12,216
Non United States [Member]
Time Deposits By Maturity
2,017	15
2,018	0
2,019	0
2,020	0
2,021	0
Total	$ 15

Customer Deposits (Details 3)

Customer Deposits (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Time Deposits 250000 Or More [Line Items]
Time Deposits, $100,000 or More	$ 124	$ 106
United States [Member]
Time Deposits 250000 Or More [Line Items]
Time Deposits, $100,000 or More	117	105
Non Us [Member]
Time Deposits 250000 Or More [Line Items]
Time Deposits, $100,000 or More	$ 7	$ 1

Customer Deposits (Details Text

Customer Deposits (Details Textuals)	Dec. 31, 2016M
Customer Deposits Textuals [Abstract]
Weighted Average Rate Domestic Deposit Certificates Of Deposit	1.94%
Weighted Average Maturity of Certificate of Deposits	47

Debt (Details)

Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Outstanding Balance	$ 5,581,000	$ 4,812,000
Face amount of eligible notes issued	$ 2,000,000
Short-term Debt [Member]
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Year-End Stated Rate on Debt	1.20%	0.79%
Fees to maintain the secured financing facility	$ 8,600	$ 6,700
Commercial Paper [Member]
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Outstanding Balance	$ 2,993,000	$ 2,120,000
Commercial Paper [Member] | Short-term Debt [Member]
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Year-End Stated Rate on Debt	1.13%	0.38%
Other Short Term Borrowings [Member]
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Outstanding Balance	$ 2,588,000	$ 2,692,000
Other Short Term Borrowings [Member] | Bank Overdrafts [Member]
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Outstanding Balance	$ 369,000	$ 410,000
Other Short Term Borrowings [Member] | Short-term Debt [Member]
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Year-End Stated Rate on Debt	1.28%	1.11%

Debt (Details 1)

Debt (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt	$ 46,990	$ 48,061
Unamortized Underwriting Fees	$ (71)	$ (96)
Long-term Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Year-End Stated Rate on Debt	2.39%	2.44%
Parent Company [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt	$ 8,364	$ 9,719
Fixed Rate Senior Notes Amount [Member] | Parent Company [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maturity Dates	2017-2042
Long-term Debt	$ 6,932	$ 7,546
Year-End Effective Interest Rates with Swaps	4.24%	4.25%
Fixed Rate Senior Notes Amount [Member] | Parent Company [Member] | Long-term Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Year-End Stated Rate on Debt	5.13%	5.15%
Fixed Rate Senior Notes Amount [Member] | American Express Centurion Bank [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maturity Dates	2,017
Long-term Debt	$ 1,306	$ 1,319
Year-End Effective Interest Rates with Swaps	4.83%	4.75%
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	5.99%	5.99%
Fixed Rate Senior Notes Amount [Member] | American Express Credit Corporation [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maturity Dates	2017-2021
Long-term Debt	$ 16,201	$ 16,469
Year-End Effective Interest Rates with Swaps	1.44%	1.28%
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	1.98%	2.16%
Fixed Rate Senior Notes Amount [Member] | American Express Bank, FSB [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maturity Dates	2,017
Long-term Debt	$ 1,000	$ 1,000
Year-End Effective Interest Rates with Swaps	0.00%	0.00%
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%	6.00%
Fixed Rate Senior Notes Amount [Member] | American Express Lending Trust [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maturity Dates	2,017
Long-term Debt	$ 3,500	$ 4,000
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	1.41%	1.35%
Floating Rate Senior Notes Amount [Member] | Parent Company [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maturity Dates	2,018
Long-term Debt	$ 850	$ 850
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	1.51%	0.97%
Floating Rate Senior Notes Amount [Member] | American Express Centurion Bank [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maturity Dates	2,018
Long-term Debt	$ 125	$ 125
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	1.26%	0.81%
Floating Rate Senior Notes Amount [Member] | American Express Credit Corporation [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maturity Dates	2017-2020
Long-term Debt	$ 4,350	$ 5,300
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	1.52%	0.98%
Floating Rate Senior Notes Amount [Member] | American Express Bank, FSB [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maturity Dates	2,017
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	0.96%	0.62%
Floating Rate Senior Notes Amount [Member] | American Express Charge Trust II [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maturity Dates	2,018
Long-term Debt	$ 4,200	$ 2,200
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	1.12%	0.67%
Floating Rate Senior Notes Amount [Member] | American Express Lending Trust [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maturity Dates	2017-2019
Long-term Debt	$ 7,025	$ 7,025
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	1.20%	0.82%
Floating Rate Subordinated Notes Amount [Member] | American Express Charge Trust II [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maturity Dates	2,018
Long-term Debt	$ 87	$ 87
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	1.34%	0.97%
Floating Rate Subordinated Notes Amount [Member] | American Express Lending Trust [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maturity Dates	2017-2019
Long-term Debt	$ 316	$ 316
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	1.34%	0.97%
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	2,024
Long-term Debt	$ 598	$ 1,347
Year-End Effective Interest Rates with Swaps	1.92%	4.47%
Convertible Subordinated Debt [Member] | Parent Company [Member] | Long-term Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Year-End Stated Rate on Debt	3.63%	5.39%
Borrowings under Bank Credit Facilities [Member] | American Express Credit Corporation [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maturity Dates	―
Long-term Debt	$ 0	$ 0
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	0.00%	0.00%
Fixed Rate Subordinated Notes Amount [Member] | American Express Lending Trust [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maturity Dates	―
Long-term Debt	$ 0	$ 0
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	0.00%	0.00%
Fixed Rate Instruments [Member] | Other Subsidiaries [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maturity Dates	2021-2033
Long-term Debt	$ 24	$ 29
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	5.62%	5.62%
Fixed Rate Instruments [Member] | Other Subsidiaries [Member] | Capitalized lease transactions
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt	$ 24	$ 29
Floating Rate Borrowings [Member] | Other Subsidiaries [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maturity Dates	2017-2019
Long-term Debt	$ 247	$ 244
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	0.44%	0.66%

Debt (Details 2)

Debt (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Aggregate annual maturities on long-term debt obligations
2,017	$ 15,724
2,018	14,899
2,019	7,143
2,020	4,150
2,021	2,807
Thereafter	3,158
Total	47,881
Unamortized Underwriting Fees	(71)	$ (96)
Unamortized Discount and Premium	(844)
Impacts due to Fair Value Hedge Accounting	24
Total long-term debt	46,990	48,061
Parent Company [Member]
Aggregate annual maturities on long-term debt obligations
2,017	1,500
2,018	3,850
2,019	641
2,020	0
2,021	0
Thereafter	3,147
Total	9,138
Total long-term debt	8,364	$ 9,719
American Express Centurion Bank [Member]
Aggregate annual maturities on long-term debt obligations
2,017	1,300
2,018	125
2,019	0
2,020	0
2,021	0
Thereafter	0
Total	1,425
American Express Credit Corporation [Member]
Aggregate annual maturities on long-term debt obligations
2,017	4,900
2,018	3,624
2,019	5,150
2,020	4,150
2,021	2,794
Thereafter	0
Total	20,618
American Express Bank, FSB [Member]
Aggregate annual maturities on long-term debt obligations
2,017	1,300
2,018	0
2,019	0
2,020	0
2,021	0
Thereafter	0
Total	1,300
American Express Charge Trust II [Member]
Aggregate annual maturities on long-term debt obligations
2,017	0
2,018	4,287
2,019	0
2,020	0
2,021	0
Thereafter	0
Total	4,287
American Express Lending Trust [Member]
Aggregate annual maturities on long-term debt obligations
2,017	6,639
2,018	2,886
2,019	1,317
2,020	0
2,021	0
Thereafter	0
Total	10,842
Other Subsidiaries [Member]
Aggregate annual maturities on long-term debt obligations
2,017	85
2,018	127
2,019	35
2,020	0
2,021	13
Thereafter	11
Total	$ 271

Debt (Details Textuals)

Debt (Details Textuals) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount of eligible notes from Charge Trust	$ 3,000
Debt (Textuals) [Abstract]
Principal outstanding of Subordinated Debentures	$ 0	$ 750	$ 750
Convertible Subordinated Debentures Redeemable Percentage Of Principal	100.00%
Total bank lines of credit of the company	$ 3,000	3,000
Unutilized total credit lines	3,000	3,000
Fees to maintain credit lines	$ 11.5	35.1
Line of credit facility financial covenants combined earnings and fixed charges to fixed charges ratio required	1.25
Total Interest Paid	$ 1,700	1,600	$ 1,700
Average Commercial Paper Outstanding	491	943
American Express Charge Trust II [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount of eligible notes draw downs	$ 3,000	1,000
Specified date face amount of eligible notes issued	Jul. 15, 2018
American Express Lending Trust [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount of eligible notes draw downs		$ 100
Specified date face amount of eligible notes issued	Sep. 18, 2018
Convertible Subordinated Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Year-End Stated Rate on Debt		6.80%

Other Liabilities (Details)

Other Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Summary of other liabilities
Membership Rewards liability	$ 7,060	$ 6,721
Employee-related liablities	2,055	2,097
Rebate and reward accruals	1,382	2,238
Deferred card and other fees, net	1,411	1,343
Book overdraft balances	2,255	409
Other	4,614	4,764
Total	$ 18,777	$ 17,572

Other Liabilities (Details 1)

Other Liabilities (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Carrying amount of deferred charge card and other fees
Deferred card and other fees	$ 1,767	$ 1,652
Deferred direct acquisition costs	(204)	(173)
Reserves for membership cancellations	(152)	(136)
Total	$ 1,411	$ 1,343

Stock Plans (Details)

Stock Plans (Details) shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016$ / sharesshares
Summary of Stock Option and RSA Activity
Beginning Balance, Shares | shares	10,820
Stock Options Granted, shares | shares	2,920
Stock Options Exercised, shares | shares	(3,396)
Forfeited, shares | shares	(67)
Stock Options Expired, shares | shares	(5)
Ending Balance, Shares | shares	10,272
Beginning balance, weighted average exercise price | $ / shares	$ 44.6
Stock Options Granted, weighted average exercise price | $ / shares	63.89
Stock Options Exercised, weighted average exercise price | $ / shares	51.4
Stock Options Forfeitures, weighted average exercise price | $ / shares	66.02
Stock Options Expired, weighted average exercise price | $ / shares	51.87
Ending balance, weighted average exercise price | $ / shares	$ 47.68
Options vested and expected to vest, shares | shares	10,031
Options vested and expected to vest, Weighted Average Exercise Price | $ / shares	$ 47.26
Options exercisable, shares | shares	6,963
Options exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price | $ / shares	$ 38.55
Beginning balance, shares | shares	7,433
RSAs Granted, shares | shares	4,062
Vested, shares | shares	(3,128)
Forfeited, shares | shares	(867)
Ending balance, shares | shares	7,500
Beginning Balance, Weighted Average Grant Price | $ / shares	$ 74.67
Granted, Weighted Average Grant Price | $ / shares	55.55
RSAs Vested, Weighted Average Grant Price | $ / shares	63.93
RSAs Forfeited, Weighted Average Grant Price | $ / shares	70.99
Ending Balance, Weighted Average Grant Price | $ / shares	$ 69.22

Stock Plans (Details 1)

Stock Plans (Details 1) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
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 8 months
Aggregate intrinsic value, Outstanding	$ 277
Weighted-average remaining contractual life, Exercisable	2 years 8 months
Aggregate intrinsic value, Exercisable	$ 248
Weighted-average remaining contractual life, Vested and Expected to Vest	4 years 7 months
Aggregate intrinsic value, Vested and Expected to Vest	$ 275

Stock Plans (Details 2)

Stock Plans (Details 2) - Stock Option [Member] - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Weighted Average Assumptions Used
Dividend yield	1.90%	1.10%	1.10%
Expected volatility	25.00%	37.00%	38.00%
Risk-free interest rate	1.50%	1.70%	2.20%
Expected life of stock option (in years)	6 years 3 months	6 years 7 months	6 years 7 months
Weighted-average fair value per option	$ 13.67	$ 29.2	$ 32.36

Stock Plans (Details 3)

Stock Plans (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Stock Based Compensation Expense [Abstract]
Stock-based compensation expense	$ 252	$ 234	$ 290
Stock Plans (Textuals) [Abstract]
Total income tax benefit recognized in the income statement for stock-based compensation arrangements	89	83	104
Restricted Stock Awards [Member]
Stock Based Compensation Expense [Abstract]
Stock-based compensation expense	178	190	193
Stock Plans (Textuals) [Abstract]
Total unrecognized compensation cost	$ 189
Weighted-average remaining vesting period	2 years
Stock Option [Member]
Stock Based Compensation Expense [Abstract]
Stock-based compensation expense	$ 14	12	13
Stock Plans (Textuals) [Abstract]
Total unrecognized compensation cost	$ 24
Weighted-average remaining vesting period	2 years 1 month
Liability-Based Awards [Member]
Stock Based Compensation Expense [Abstract]
Stock-based compensation expense	$ 60	$ 32	$ 84

Stock Plans (Details Textuals)

Stock Plans (Details Textuals) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Millions, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Stock Plans Details [Abstract]
Common shares unissued and available for grant	17	33	35
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted-average grant date fair value of RSAs granted	$ 55.55
Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting rights	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 100 percent on the third anniversary of the grant date.
Intrinsic value for options exercised	$ 51	$ 87	$ 245
Cash received from the exercise of stock options	175	146	283
Tax benefit realized from income tax deductions from stock option exercises	$ 4	18	54
Restricted Stock Awards [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting rights	RSAs containing only service conditions generally vest 25 percent per year beginning with the first anniversary of the grant date. RSAs containing both service and performance conditions generally vest on the third anniversary of the grant date, and the number of shares earned depends on the achievement of predetermined Company metrics.
Total fair value of shares vested	$ 171	$ 247	$ 298
Weighted-average grant date fair value of RSAs granted	$ 55.55	$ 81.99	$ 86.65
Liability-Based Awards [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Cash paid upon vesting of PGs	$ 41	$ 74	$ 62

Retirement Plans (Details Textu

Retirement Plans (Details Textuals) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Defined contribution retirement plans [Member]
Retirement Plans (Textuals) [Abstract]
Total expense for all defined contribution retirement plans	$ 234	$ 224	$ 272
Defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans [Member]
Retirement Plans (Textuals) [Abstract]
Net funded status related to the defined benefit pension plans	700	770
Total expense for all defined contribution retirement plans	$ 24	$ 23	$ 24

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Commitments and Contingencies Details [Abstract]
2,017	$ 72
2,018	58
2,019	46
2,020	33
2,021	169
Thereafter	10
Total	$ 388

Commitments and Contingencie108

Commitments and Contingencies (Details 1) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Minimum aggregate rental commitment under all noncancelable operating leases
2,017	$ 127
2,018	108
2,019	91
2,020	69
2,021	49
Thereafter	788
Total	$ 1,232

Commitments and Contingencie109

Commitments and Contingencies (Details Textuals) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments And Contingencies (Textuals) [Abstract]
Amount of rentals subject to subleasing arrangements	$ 17
Future minimum payments on capital leases due, in 2017	4
Future minimum payments on capital leases due, in 2018	4
Future minimum payments on capital leases due, in 2019	4
Future minimum payments on capital leases due, in 2020	4
Future minimum payments on capital leases due, in 2021	1
Future minimum payments on capital leases due, thereafter	10
Total rental expense	169	$ 187	$ 237
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss Contingency Estimate Of Possible Loss	440
Minimum [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss Contingency Estimate Of Possible Loss	$ 0

Derivatives and Hedging Acti110

Derivatives and Hedging Activities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total fair value of derivative assets	$ 765	$ 544
Total fair value of derivative liabilities	280	201
Total derivatives assets, net	555	282
Other Assets [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total fair value of derivative assets	766	544
Cash collateral netting	(54)	(155)
Derivative asset and liability netting	(157)	(107)
Total derivatives assets, net	555	282
Other Assets [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total fair value of derivative assets	458	427
Other Assets [Member] | Foreign exchange contracts [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total fair value of derivative assets	308	117
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 derivative assets	111	236
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 derivative assets	0	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 derivative assets	347	191
Other Liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total fair value of derivative liabilities	280	201
Cash collateral netting	68	0
Derivative asset and liability netting	(157)	(107)
Total derivatives liabilities, net	55	94
Other Liabilities [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total fair value of derivative liabilities	104	66
Other Liabilities [Member] | Foreign exchange contracts [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total fair value of derivative liabilities	176	135
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 derivative liabilities	69	9
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 derivative liabilities	0	0
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 derivative liabilities	$ 35	$ 57

Derivatives and Hedging Acti111

Derivatives and Hedging Activities (Details 1) - Fair Value Hedging [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Other Expense [Member] | Interest Rate Contracts [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative contract	$ (184)	$ (83)	$ (143)
Hedged item	163	93	148
Net hedge ineffectiveness	(21)	10	5
Other Revenues [Member] | Total Return Swap [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative contract	0	0
Hedged item	0	0
Net hedge ineffectiveness	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

Derivatives and Hedging Acti112

Derivatives and Hedging Activities (Details Textuals) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivatives and Hedging Activities (Textuals) [Abstract]
Net reduction in interest expense on long term debt and other	$ 224	$ 284	$ 283
Margin on interest rate swap not netted	169	149
Derivative [Line Items]
Equity investment	49	49
Total derivatives assets, net	555	282
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net		366	712
Other Expense [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) in changes of Fair Value of Derivatives not designated as hedges	1	83	66
Gain on embedded derivatives	9	5	4
Fair Value Hedges [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount of long-term debt	17,700	18,800
Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount of long-term debt		0
Net Investment Hedges [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Effective portion of gain (loss) on hedges	281	577	455
Net Investment Hedges [Member] | Other Expense [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Amount Of Ineffectiveness On Net Investment Hedges	0	1	0
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net	5	0	$ 10
Credit Valuation Adjustment [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount of long-term debt	0	0
Not Sold Or Repledged [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Securities received as collateral	18	0
Risk Exposure Low [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Total derivatives assets, net	537
Significant Counterparties [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Total derivatives assets, net	0	$ 0
Total derivatives liabilities, net	$ 0

Fair Values (Details)

Fair Values (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Investment securities:
Equity securities	$ 49	$ 49
Debt securities and other	3,108	3,710
Derivative assets	765	544
Total assets	3,922	4,303
Liabilities
Derivative liabilities	280	201
Total liabilities	280	201
Level 1 [Member]
Investment securities:
Equity securities	1	1
Debt securities and other	460	409
Derivative assets	0	0
Total assets	461	410
Liabilities
Derivative liabilities	0	0
Total liabilities	0	0
Level 2 [Member]
Investment securities:
Equity securities	48	48
Debt securities and other	2,648	3,301
Derivative assets	765	544
Total assets	3,461	3,893
Liabilities
Derivative liabilities	280	201
Total liabilities	280	201
Level 3 [Member]
Investment securities:
Equity securities	0	0
Debt securities and other	0	0
Derivative assets	0	0
Total assets	0	0
Liabilities
Derivative liabilities	0	0
Total liabilities	$ 0	$ 0

Fair Values (Details 2)

Fair Values (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Financial assets for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 25,208	$ 22,762	$ 22,288	$ 19,486
Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value
Certificates of deposit	12,231
Long-term debt	46,990	48,061
Fair Values (Textuals) [Abstract]
Accounts receivable, less reserves	46,841	43,671
Card Member loans, net	64,042	57,545
Variable Interest Enterprise [Member]
Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value
Long-term debt	15,113	13,602
Fair Values (Textuals) [Abstract]
Accounts receivable, less reserves	8,800	6,700
Carrying Value [Member]
Financial assets for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value
Cash and cash equivalents	25,000	23,000
Other financial assets	51,000	47,000
Financial assets carried at other than fair value
Loans, net	65,000	59,000
Receivables Held For Sale Amount		15,000
Financial Liabilities:
Financial liabilities for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value	67,000	67,000
Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value
Certificates of deposit	12,000	14,000
Long-term debt	47,000	48,000
Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
Financial assets for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value
Cash and cash equivalents	25,000	23,000
Other financial assets	51,000	47,000
Financial assets carried at other than fair value
Loans, net	66,000	60,000
Receivables Held For Sale Amount		15,000
Financial Liabilities:
Financial liabilities for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value	67,000	67,000
Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value
Certificates of deposit	12,000	14,000
Long-term debt	48,000	49,000
Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | Variable Interest Enterprise [Member]
Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value
Long-term debt	15,200	13,600
Fair Values (Textuals) [Abstract]
Card Member loans, net	26,000	23,500
Level 1 [Member]
Financial assets for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value
Cash and cash equivalents	22,000	22,000
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	3,000	1,000
Other financial assets	51,000	47,000
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	67,000	67,000
Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value
Certificates of deposit	12,000	14,000
Long-term debt	48,000	49,000
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	66,000	60,000
Receivables Held For Sale Amount		15,000
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) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Impairment Of Goodwill Prepaid Services		$ 219
Impairment Charge - Technology And Other Assets writedown to Fair Value		165
Goodwill and intangible asset impairment	$ 0	384	$ 0
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

Guarantees (Details)

Guarantees (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Type of Guarantee
Maximum potential amount of undiscounted future payments	$ 48,000	$ 48,000
Amount of related liability	86	86
Return and Merchant Protection [Member]
Type of Guarantee
Maximum potential amount of undiscounted future payments	42,000	42,000
Amount of related liability	37	49
Other Guarantees [Member]
Type of Guarantee
Maximum potential amount of undiscounted future payments	6,000	6,000
Amount of related liability	$ 49	$ 37

Common and Preferred Shares 117

Common and Preferred Shares and Warrants (Details) - shares shares in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Authorized shares and a reconciliation of common shares issued and outstanding
Common shares, authorized	3,600	3,600	3,600
Shares issued and outstanding at beginning of year	969	1,023	1,064
Repurchases of common shares	(70)	(59)	(49)
Other, primarily stock option exercises and RSAs granted	5	5	8
Shares issued and outstanding as of December 31	904	969	1,023
Stockholders' Equity Note (Textuals) [Abstract]
Shares reserved for issuance under employee stock and employee benefit plans	35

Common and Preferred Shares 118

Common and Preferred Shares and Warrants (Details 1) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)shares
Series B
Preferred Shares [Line Items]
Issuance Date	Nov. 10, 2014
Securities issued	750
Depositary shares, issued	750,000
Aggregate Liquidation Preference | $	$ 750
Fixed dividend rate per annum	5.20%
Semi-annual fixed dividend, payment dates	Beginning May 15, 2015
Floating dividend rate per annum	3 month LIBOR+ 3.428%
Quarterly floating dividend, paymentDates	Beginning February 15, 2020
Fixed to floating rate, conversion date	Nov. 15, 2019
Series C
Preferred Shares [Line Items]
Issuance Date	Mar. 2, 2015
Securities issued	850
Depositary shares, issued	850,000
Aggregate Liquidation Preference | $	$ 850
Fixed dividend rate per annum	4.90%
Semi-annual fixed dividend, payment dates	Beginning September 15, 2015
Floating dividend rate per annum	3 month LIBOR+ 3.285%
Quarterly floating dividend, paymentDates	Beginning June 15, 2020
Fixed to floating rate, conversion date	Mar. 15, 2020

Common and Preferred Shares 119

Common and Preferred Shares and Warrants (Details Textuals) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 26, 2016
Common And Preferred Shares And Warrants (Textuals) [Abstract]
Common share repurchases authorized				150,000,000
Common shares repurchased	70,000,000	58,800,000	49,000,000
Cost basis of common stock repurchased	$ 4,431,000,000	$ 4,480,000,000	$ 4,389,000,000
Commissions paid included in cost basis of common stock repurchased	$ 1,200,000	$ 1,100,000	$ 1,000,000
Common shares remaining under share repurchase authorizations	135,000,000
Shares held as treasury shares	3,000,000	3,000,000	3,200,000
Cost basis of treasury stock	$ 197,000,000	$ 242,000,000	$ 280,000,000
Preferred shares, authorized	20,000,000	20,000,000
Preferred shares, par value	$ 1.67	$ 1.67
Depositary Shares, Redemption Amount	$ 1,000
Warrants, issued and outstanding	0	0	0
Liquidation price per share	$ 1,000,000

Changes in Accumulated Other120

Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Changes in Other Comprehensive income
Balances as of January 1	$ (2,534)
Net unrealized pension and other postretirement benefit gains, net of tax	19	$ (32)	$ (117)
Balances as of December 31	(2,784)	(2,534)
Tax impact for the changes in each component of accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income
Investment securities	(27)	(20)	19
Cash flow hedges	0	0	0
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(15)	(124)	(64)
Net investment hedges	139	340	273
Pension and other postretirement benefit losses	37	0	(46)
Total tax impact	134	196	182
Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income [Member]
Changes in Other Comprehensive income
Balances as of January 1	(2,534)	(1,919)	(1,426)
Net unrealized gains (losses)	(45)	(37)	104
Reclassification for realized (gains) losses into earnings	(2)	(2)	(66)
Net translation of investments in foreign operations	(503)	(1,122)	(869)
Net gains (losses) related to hedges of investment in foreign operations	281	578	455
Net unrealized pension and other postretirement benefit gains, net of tax	19	(32)	(117)
Net change in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	(250)	(615)	(493)
Balances as of December 31	(2,784)	(2,534)	(1,919)
Net Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses) on Investment Securities [Member]
Changes in Other Comprehensive income
Balances as of January 1	58	96	63
Net unrealized gains (losses)	(45)	(37)	104
Reclassification for realized (gains) losses into earnings	(6)	(1)	(71)
Net translation of investments in foreign operations	0	0	0
Net gains (losses) related to hedges of investment in foreign operations	0	0	0
Net unrealized pension and other postretirement benefit gains, net of tax	0	0	0
Net change in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	(51)	(38)	33
Balances as of December 31	7	58	96
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments [Member]
Changes in Other Comprehensive income
Balances as of January 1	(2,044)	(1,499)	(1,090)
Net unrealized gains (losses)	0	0	0
Reclassification for realized (gains) losses into earnings	4	(1)	5
Net translation of investments in foreign operations	(503)	(1,122)	(869)
Net gains (losses) related to hedges of investment in foreign operations	281	578	455
Net unrealized pension and other postretirement benefit gains, net of tax	0	0	0
Net change in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	(218)	(545)	(409)
Balances as of December 31	(2,262)	(2,044)	(1,499)
Net Unrealized Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Losses [Member]
Changes in Other Comprehensive income
Balances as of January 1	(548)	(516)	(399)
Net unrealized gains (losses)	0	0	0
Reclassification for realized (gains) losses into earnings	0	0	0
Net translation of investments in foreign operations	0	0	0
Net gains (losses) related to hedges of investment in foreign operations	0	0	0
Net unrealized pension and other postretirement benefit gains, net of tax	19	(32)	(117)
Net change in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	19	(32)	(117)
Balances as of December 31	$ (529)	$ (548)	$ (516)

Changes in Accumulated Other121

Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Other non-interest revenue	$ 2,029	$ 2,033	$ 2,989
Interest Expense, Long-term Debt	1,106	1,148	1,334
Other expense	(5,162)	(6,793)	$ (6,089)
Net Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses) on Investment Securities [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Other non-interest revenue	0	0
Income tax provision for other non-interest revenue	(3)	0
Increase (decrease) due to amounts reclassified into earnings	6	1
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Other expense	(4)	1
Income tax benefit for other, net expense	0	0
Increase (decrease) due to amounts reclassified into earnings	(4)	1
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Increase (decrease) due to amounts reclassified into earnings	$ 2	$ 2

Non-Interest Revenue and Exp122

Non-Interest Revenue and Expense Detail (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Details Of Certain Statements Of Income Lines Details [Abstract]
Foreign currency conversion fee revenue	$ 809	$ 852	$ 877
Delinquency fees	762	788	722
Loyalty Partner-related fees	410	379	383
Travel Commissions And Fees	338	349	1,118
Service fees	291	361	366
Other	143	137	160
Total Other commissions and fees	$ 2,753	$ 2,866	$ 3,626

Non-Interest Revenue and Exp123

Non-Interest Revenue and Expense Detail (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Details Of Certain Statements Of Income Lines Details [Abstract]
Gain on sale of investment in Concur Technologies	$ 0	$ 0	$ 744
Global Network Services partner revenues	654	640	694
Gross realized gains on sale of investment securities	9	1	100
Other	1,366	1,392	1,451
Total Other revenues	$ 2,029	$ 2,033	$ 2,989

Non-Interest Revenue and Exp124

Non-Interest Revenue and Expense Detail (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Details Of Certain Statements Of Income Lines Details [Abstract]
Professional services	$ 2,583	$ 2,750	$ 3,008
Occupancy and equipment	1,838	1,854	1,807
Goodwill and intangible asset impairment	0	384	0
Communications	302	345	383
Card-related fraud losses	223	308	369
Gain on business travel joint venture transaction	0	0	(630)
Gain on sale of HFS Portfolios	(1,218)	0	0
Other	1,434	1,152	1,152
Total Other, net	$ 5,162	$ 6,793	$ 6,089

Restructuring Charges (Details)

Restructuring Charges (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Restructuring Charges
Beginning Balance	$ 261	$ 470	$ 233
Restructuring charges, net of revisions	329	(26)	411
Payments	(192)	(155)	(115)
Other non-cash	(15)	(28)	(59)
Ending Balance	383	261	470
Employee Severance [Member]
Restructuring Charges
Beginning Balance	238	435	196
Restructuring charges, net of revisions	305	(33)	383
Payments	(171)	(141)	(93)
Other non-cash	(12)	(23)	(51)
Ending Balance	360	238	435
Other Terminations [Member]
Restructuring Charges
Beginning Balance	23	35	37
Restructuring charges, net of revisions	24	7	28
Payments	(21)	(14)	(22)
Other non-cash	(3)	(5)	(8)
Ending Balance	$ 23	23	$ 35
GBT JV [Member]
Restructuring Charges
Other non-cash		(42)
Foreign exchange and other non-cash charges
Restructuring Charges
Other non-cash		$ (17)

Restructuring Charges (Details

Restructuring Charges (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Restructuring charges, net of revisions	$ 329	$ (26)	$ 411
Severance	758
Other	117
Restructuring charges, Total	875
U S Consumer Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Restructuring charges, net of revisions	21
Severance	101
Other	0
Restructuring charges, Total	101
International Consumer and Network Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Restructuring charges, net of revisions	27
Severance	216
Other	0
Restructuring charges, Total	216
Global Commercial Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Restructuring charges, net of revisions	49
Severance	116
Other	0
Restructuring charges, Total	116
Global Merchant Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Restructuring charges, net of revisions	14
Severance	43
Other	0
Restructuring charges, Total	43
Corporate and Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Restructuring charges, net of revisions	218
Severance	282
Other	117
Restructuring charges, Total	$ 399

Restructuring Charges (Detai127

Restructuring Charges (Details Textuals) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Restructuring Charges (Textuals) [Abstract]
Restructuring charges, net of revisions	$ 329	$ (26)	$ 411
Restructuring Charges	875
Corporate and Other [Member]
Restructuring Charges (Textuals) [Abstract]
Restructuring charges, net of revisions	218
Restructuring Charges	399
Downsizing and Reorganizing Operations [Member]
Restructuring Charges (Textuals) [Abstract]
Restructuring charges, net of revisions	81	61	35
Employee Severance [Member]
Restructuring Charges (Textuals) [Abstract]
Restructuring charges, net of revisions	305	$ (33)	$ 383
Employee Severance [Member] | Corporate and Other [Member]
Restructuring Charges (Textuals) [Abstract]
Restructuring Charges	$ 322

Income Taxes (Details)

Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Current income tax expense:
U.S. federal	$ 2,179	$ 2,107	$ 2,136
U.S. state and local	272	335	264
Non-U.S.	342	416	412
Total current income tax expense	2,793	2,858	2,812
Deferred income tax expense (benefit):
U.S. federal	(45)	(23)	352
U.S. state and local	(8)	(5)	39
Non-U.S.	(52)	(55)	(97)
Total deferred income tax expense	(105)	(83)	294
Income tax provision (benefit)	$ 2,688	$ 2,775	$ 3,106

Income Taxes (Details 1)

Income Taxes (Details 1)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
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	(1.70%)	(1.70%)	(1.50%)
State and local income taxes, net of federal benefit	2.70%	2.80%	2.70%
Non-U.S. subsidiaries earnings	(2.00%)	(1.80%)	(2.20%)
Tax settlements	(0.60%)	(0.20%)	(0.50%)
Non deductible expenses	0.00%	0.90%	0.00%
All other	(0.20%)	0.00%	1.00%
Actual tax rates	33.20%	35.00%	34.50%

Income Taxes (Details 2)

Income Taxes (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Deferred tax assets:
Reserves not yet deducted for tax purposes	$ 3,889	$ 3,771
Employee compensation and benefits	595	648
Other	592	520
Gross deferred tax assets	5,076	4,939
Valuation allowance	(54)	(58)
Deferred tax assets after valuation allowance	5,022	4,881
Deferred tax liabilities:
Intangibles and fixed assets	1,691	1,547
Deferred revenue	441	509
Deferred interest	305	323
Asset Securitization	0	0
Investment in joint ventures	209	231
Foreign deferred tax liabilities	121	120
Gross deferred tax liabilities	2,767	2,730
Net deferred tax assets	$ 2,255	$ 2,151

Income Taxes (Details 3)

Income Taxes (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Balance, January 1	$ 870	$ 909	$ 1,044
Increases:
Current year tax positions	167	81	4
Tax positions related to prior years	117	177	111
Decreases:
Tax positions related to prior years	(81)	(256)	(181)
Settlements with tax authorities	(76)	(15)	(67)
Lapse of statute of limitations	(22)	(26)	(1)
Effects of foreign currency translations	(1)	0	(1)
Balance, December 31	$ 974	$ 870	$ 909

Income Taxes (Details Textuals)

Income Taxes (Details Textuals) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Taxes Of Non Us Subsidiaries [Line Items]
Accumulated earnings intended to be permanently reinvested outside the U.S.	$ 10,400
Income Taxes [Line items]
U.S. statutory federal income tax rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Aggregate of federal taxes	$ 3,200
Income taxes paid	3,000	$ 3,400	$ 2,500
Unrecognized tax benefits	974	870	909	$ 1,044
Unrecognized tax benefits as a result of potential resolutions of prior years' tax	449
Unrecognized tax benefits that affect effective tax rate	516	502	412
Unrecognized tax benefits, amounts recorded to equity	309
Unrecognized tax benefits impact not possible to quantify	0
Unrecognized tax benefits income tax penalties and interest expense	9	38	$ (19)
Unrecognized tax benefits income tax penalties and interest accrued	173	$ 164
Tax Benefit Recognized In Subsequent Period	$ 289
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member] | Earliest Year [Member]
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Open tax years by major tax jurisdiction	2,008
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member] | Latest Year [Member]
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Open tax years by major tax jurisdiction	2,014

Earnings Per Common Share (E133

Earnings Per Common Share (EPS) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Millions		3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Basic and diluted:
Net Income from continuing operations										$ 5,408,000,000	$ 5,163,000,000	$ 5,885,000,000
Dividends Preferred Stock		$ (19,000,000)	$ (21,000,000)	$ (19,000,000)	$ (21,000,000)	$ (20,000,000)	$ (22,000,000)	$ (20,000,000)	$ 0	(80,000,000)	(62,000,000)	0
Net income available to common shareholders										5,328,000,000	5,101,000,000	5,885,000,000
Earnings allocated to participating share awards		$ (6,000,000)	$ (9,000,000)	$ (17,000,000)	$ (11,000,000)	$ (6,000,000)	$ (10,000,000)	$ (11,000,000)	$ (11,000,000)	(43,000,000)	(38,000,000)	(46,000,000)
Net income attributable to common shareholders										$ 5,285,000,000	$ 5,063,000,000	$ 5,839,000,000
Denominator:
Basic: Weighted-average common stock										933	999	1,045
Add: Weighted-average stock options										2	4	6
Diluted										935	1,003	1,051
Basic EPS:
Basic	[1]									$ 5.67	$ 5.07	$ 5.58
Diluted EPS:
Diluted										$ 5.65	$ 5.05	$ 5.56
Stock Option [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per Share, amount										2.4	0.5	0.2
[1]	Represents net income less (i) earnings allocated to participating share awards of $ 43 million, $ 38 million and $ 46 million for the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , respectively, and (ii) dividends on preferred shares of $ 80 million , $ 62 million and nil for the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , respectively .

Regulatory Matters and Capit134

Regulatory Matters and Capital Adequacy (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Regulatory Matters And Capital Adequacy [Abstract]
Well-capitalized ratios	10.00%
Minimum capital ratios	8.00%
Leverage capital required, Well-capitalized ratios	5.00%
Leverage capital required, Minimum capital ratios	4.00%
Risk-based capital required, Well-capitalized ratios	8.00%
Risk-based capital required, Minimum capital ratios	6.00%
Common Equity Tier 1 required, Minimum capital ratio	4.50%
Common Equity Tier 1 required, Well-capitalized ratios	6.50%
Parent Company [Member]
Regulatory capital ratios
Tier 1 capital	$ 17,665	$ 18,265
Total capital	$ 19,893	$ 20,551
Tier 1 capital ratio	13.50%	13.51%
Total capital ratio	15.20%	15.20%
Tier 1 leverage ratio	11.57%	11.68%
CET1 capital	$ 16,134	$ 16,747
CET1 capital ratio	12.30%	12.40%
American Express Centurion Bank [Member]
Regulatory capital ratios
Tier 1 capital	$ 6,134	$ 6,013
Total capital	$ 6,600	$ 6,460
Tier 1 capital ratio	16.50%	16.90%
Total capital ratio	17.80%	18.20%
Tier 1 leverage ratio	16.20%	17.70%
CET1 capital	$ 6,134	$ 6,013
CET1 capital ratio	16.50%	16.90%
American Express Bank, FSB [Member]
Regulatory capital ratios
Tier 1 capital	$ 6,681	$ 6,927
Total capital	$ 7,194	$ 7,601
Tier 1 capital ratio	16.30%	13.70%
Total capital ratio	17.50%	15.10%
Tier 1 leverage ratio	13.90%	13.20%
CET1 capital	$ 6,681	$ 6,927
CET1 capital ratio	16.30%	13.70%

Regulatory Matters and Capit135

Regulatory Matters and Capital Adequacy (Details Textuals) $ in Billions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Regulatory Matters And Capital Adequacy [Abstract]
Restricted net assets of subsidiaries	$ 7.8
Retained Earnings Available For Payment Of Dividends	6
American Express Centurion Bank [Member]
Regulatory Matters And Capital Adequacy [Abstract]
Dividends paid from retained earnings to its parent company	1.6
American Express Bank, FSB [Member]
Regulatory Matters And Capital Adequacy [Abstract]
Dividends paid from retained earnings to its parent company	$ 3.2

Significant Credit Concentra136

Significant Credit Concentrations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Billions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Maximum Credit Exposure by Category
On-balance sheet	$ 147	$ 150
Individuals [Member]
Maximum Credit Exposure by Category
On-balance sheet	98	104
Unused lines-of-credit	242	297
Financial Institutions [Member]
Maximum Credit Exposure by Category
On-balance sheet	28	25
United States Government And Agencies [Member]
Maximum Credit Exposure by Category
On-balance sheet	3	4
Other Concentration [Member]
Maximum Credit Exposure by Category
On-balance sheet	$ 18	$ 17

Significant Credit Concentra137

Significant Credit Concentrations (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Billions	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Card Member loans and receivables exposure
On-balance sheet	$ 113	$ 118
Individuals [Member]
Card Member loans and receivables exposure
Unused lines-of-credit	242	297
U.S. [Member]
Card Member loans and receivables exposure
On-balance sheet	93	99
U.S. [Member] | Individuals [Member]
Card Member loans and receivables exposure
Unused lines-of-credit	203	259
Non-U.S. [Member]
Card Member loans and receivables exposure
On-balance sheet	20	19
Non-U.S. [Member] | Individuals [Member]
Card Member loans and receivables exposure
Unused lines-of-credit	$ 39	$ 38

Reportable Operating Segments a

Reportable Operating Segments and Geographic Operations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Non-interest revenues									$ 26,348	$ 26,896	$ 28,716
Interest income									7,475	7,545	7,179
Interest expense									1,704	1,623	1,707
Total revenues, net of interest expense	$ 8,022	$ 7,774	$ 8,235	$ 8,088	$ 8,391	$ 8,193	$ 8,284	$ 7,950	32,119	32,818	34,188
Total provision									2,026	1,988	2,044
Pretax income	1,161	$ 1,735	$ 3,016	$ 2,184	1,454	$ 1,938	$ 2,230	$ 2,316	8,096	7,938	8,991
Income tax provision (benefit)									2,688	2,775	3,106
Net Income from continuing operations									5,408	5,163	5,885
Total assets	158,893				161,184				158,893	161,184	159,000
Total shareholders' equity	20,501				20,673				20,501	20,673	20,673	$ 19,496
U S Consumer Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Non-interest revenues									7,874	8,479	8,198
Interest income									5,082	5,198	4,821
Interest expense									536	488	453
Total revenues, net of interest expense									12,420	13,189	12,566
Total provision									1,065	1,064	1,030
Pretax income									3,881	3,677	3,502
Income tax provision (benefit)									1,368	1,322	1,283
Net Income from continuing operations									2,513	2,355	2,219
Total assets	87,400				92,700				87,400	92,700	89,700
Total shareholders' equity	7,200				7,200				7,200	7,200	7,600
International Consumer and Network Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Non-interest revenues									4,785	4,627	5,091
Interest income									922	945	1,088
Interest expense									219	235	325
Total revenues, net of interest expense									5,488	5,337	5,854
Total provision									325	300	354
Pretax income									818	904	887
Income tax provision (benefit)									163	220	194
Net Income from continuing operations									655	684	693
Total assets	35,700				35,100				35,700	35,100	31,000
Total shareholders' equity	2,500				2,600				2,500	2,600	2,600
Global Commercial Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Non-interest revenues									9,007	8,930	9,571
Interest income									1,209	1,175	1,026
Interest expense									401	365	409
Total revenues, net of interest expense									9,815	9,740	10,188
Total provision									604	588	569
Pretax income									2,945	3,164	3,723
Income tax provision (benefit)									1,036	1,142	1,381
Net Income from continuing operations									1,909	2,022	2,342
Total assets	46,500				45,100				46,500	45,100	44,200
Total shareholders' equity	7,000				7,000				7,000	7,000	6,900
Global Merchant Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Non-interest revenues									4,235	4,471	4,571
Interest income									1	1	2
Interest expense									(237)	(211)	(287)
Total revenues, net of interest expense									4,473	4,683	4,860
Total provision									25	31	79
Pretax income									2,295	2,381	2,330
Income tax provision (benefit)									837	882	872
Net Income from continuing operations									1,458	1,499	1,458
Total assets	24,300				23,500				24,300	23,500	17,800
Total shareholders' equity	2,500				2,400				2,500	2,400	2,100
Corporate and Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Non-interest revenues									447	389	1,285
Interest income									261	226	242
Interest expense									785	746	807
Total revenues, net of interest expense									(77)	(131)	720
Total provision									7	5	12
Pretax income									(1,843)	(2,188)	(1,451)
Income tax provision (benefit)									(716)	(791)	(624)
Net Income from continuing operations									(1,127)	(1,397)	(827)
Total assets	(34,900)				(36,400)				(34,900)	(36,400)	(23,700)
Total shareholders' equity	$ 1,300				$ 1,500				$ 1,300	$ 1,500	$ 1,500

Reportable Operating Segements

Reportable Operating Segements and Geographic Operations (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Revenues And Pretax Income Loss By Geographic Location [Line Items]
Total revenues net of interest expense	$ 8,022	$ 7,774	$ 8,235	$ 8,088	$ 8,391	$ 8,193	$ 8,284	$ 7,950	$ 32,119	$ 32,818	$ 34,188
Pretax income	$ 1,161	$ 1,735	$ 3,016	$ 2,184	$ 1,454	$ 1,938	$ 2,230	$ 2,316	8,096	7,938	8,991
United States Geographic Region [Member]
Segment Revenues And Pretax Income Loss By Geographic Location [Line Items]
Total revenues net of interest expense									24,133	24,927	24,678
Pretax income									8,202	7,500	8,406
EMEA Geographic Region [Member]
Segment Revenues And Pretax Income Loss By Geographic Location [Line Items]
Total revenues net of interest expense									3,248	3,293	3,574
Pretax income									482	544	528
JAPA Geographic Region [Member]
Segment Revenues And Pretax Income Loss By Geographic Location [Line Items]
Total revenues net of interest expense									3,052	2,791	2,923
Pretax income									559	587	565
LACC Geographic Region [Member]
Segment Revenues And Pretax Income Loss By Geographic Location [Line Items]
Total revenues net of interest expense									2,274	2,412	2,784
Pretax income									597	693	675
Other Unallocated [Member]
Segment Revenues And Pretax Income Loss By Geographic Location [Line Items]
Total revenues net of interest expense									(588)	(605)	229
Pretax income									$ (1,744)	$ (1,386)	$ (1,183)

Parent Company (Details)

Parent Company (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Non-interest revenues
Gain on sale of securities									$ 9	$ 1	$ 100
Other									2,029	2,033	2,989
Total non-interest revenues									26,348	26,896	28,716
Interest income									7,475	7,545	7,179
Interest expense									(1,704)	(1,623)	(1,707)
Total revenues net of interest expense	$ 8,022	$ 7,774	$ 8,235	$ 8,088	$ 8,391	$ 8,193	$ 8,284	$ 7,950	32,119	32,818	34,188
Expenses
Salaries and employee benefits									5,259	4,976	6,095
Other									5,162	6,793	6,089
Total									21,997	22,892	23,153
Pretax loss	1,161	1,735	3,016	2,184	1,454	1,938	2,230	2,316	8,096	7,938	8,991
Income tax provision (benefit)									2,688	2,775	3,106
Net income	$ 825	$ 1,142	$ 2,015	$ 1,426	$ 899	$ 1,266	$ 1,473	$ 1,525	5,408	5,163	5,885
Parent Company [Member]
Non-interest revenues
Gain on sale of securities									0	0	99
Other									391	400	270
Total non-interest revenues									391	400	369
Interest income									196	172	141
Interest expense									515	526	543
Total revenues net of interest expense									72	46	(33)
Expenses
Salaries and employee benefits									388	341	275
Other									510	443	357
Total									898	784	632
Pretax loss									(826)	(738)	(665)
Income tax provision (benefit)									(327)	(268)	(249)
Net loss before equity in net income of subsidiaries and affiliates									(499)	(470)	(416)
Equity in net income of subsidiaries and affiliates									5,907	5,633	6,301
Net income									$ 5,408	$ 5,163	$ 5,885

Parent Company (Details 1)

Parent Company (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 25,208	$ 22,762	$ 22,288	$ 19,486
Investment securities	3,157	3,759	4,431
Accounts receivable, less reserves	46,841	43,671
Premises and equipment, less accumulated depreciation	4,433	4,108
Other assets	10,561	10,069
Total assets	158,893	161,184	159,000
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
Long-term debt	46,990	48,061
Total liabilities	138,392	140,511
Shareholders' Equity
Preferred shares	0	0
Common shares	181	194
Additional paid-in capital	12,733	13,348
Retained earnings	10,371	9,665
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(2,784)	(2,534)
Total shareholders' equity	20,501	20,673	20,673	19,496
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	158,893	161,184
Parent Company Details (Textuals) [Abstract]
Premises and equipment, accumulated depreciation	5,145	6,801
Parent Company [Member]
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	5,229	6,400	$ 8,824	$ 6,076
Investment securities	1	1
Equity in net assets of subsidiaries and affiliates	20,522	19,856
Accounts receivable, less reserves	513	311
Premises and equipment, less accumulated depreciation	30	133
Loans to subsidiaries and affiliates	7,620	11,762
Due from subsidiaries and affiliates	867	896
Other assets	277	275
Total assets	35,059	39,634
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
Accounts payable and other liabilities	1,531	1,603
Due to subsidiaries and affiliates	619	716
Short-term debt of subsidiaries and affiliates	4,044	6,923
Long-term debt	8,364	9,719
Total liabilities	14,558	18,961
Shareholders' Equity
Preferred shares	0	0
Common shares	181	194
Additional paid-in capital	12,733	13,348
Retained earnings	10,371	9,665
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(2,784)	(2,534)
Total shareholders' equity	20,501	20,673
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	35,059	39,634
Parent Company Details (Textuals) [Abstract]
Premises and equipment, accumulated depreciation	$ 140	$ 96

Parent Company (Details 2)

Parent Company (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Net income	$ 825	$ 1,142	$ 2,015	$ 1,426	$ 899	$ 1,266	$ 1,473	$ 1,525	$ 5,408	$ 5,163	$ 5,885
Adjustments to reconcile income from continuing operations to net cash provided by operating activities:
Gain on sale of securities									(9)	(1)	(100)
Premium paid on debt exchange									0	0	0
Net cash provided by operating activities									8,224	10,611	10,990
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Purchase of investments									(2,162)	(1,713)	(886)
Purchase of premises and equipment									(1,375)	(1,341)	(1,195)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities									1,868	(8,193)	(7,967)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Principal payments on long term debt									(9,848)	(19,246)	(12,768)
Issuance of American Express preferred shares									0	841	742
Issuance of American Express common shares and other									177	193	362
Repurchase of American Express common shares									(4,431)	(4,480)	(4,389)
Dividends paid									(1,207)	(1,172)	(1,041)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities									(7,532)	(1,668)	11
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents									2,446	474	2,802
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year				22,762				22,288	22,762	22,288	19,486
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	25,208				22,762				25,208	22,762	22,288
Parent Company [Member]
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Net income									5,408	5,163	5,885
Adjustments to reconcile income from continuing operations to net cash provided by operating activities:
Equity in net income of subsidiaries and affiliates									(5,903)	(5,633)	(6,301)
Dividends received from subsidiaries and affiliates									4,999	5,331	5,455
Gain on sale of securities									0	0	(99)
Other operating activities, primarily with subsidiaries and affiliates									(102)	332	173
Premium paid on debt exchange									0	0	0
Net cash provided by operating activities									4,402	5,193	5,113
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Sales of available-for-sale investment securities									0	0	111
Purchase of investments									0	(3)	0
Purchase of premises and equipment									(1)	(29)	(39)
Loans to subsidiaries and affiliates									4,142	(3,952)	(2,574)
Investments in subsidiaries and affiliates									(25)	0	0
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities									4,116	(3,984)	(2,502)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Principal payments on long term debt									(1,350)	0	(655)
Short-term debt of subsidiaries and affiliates									(2,879)	986	5,118
Issuance of American Express preferred shares									0	841	742
Issuance of American Express common shares and other									176	192	362
Repurchase of American Express common shares									(4,430)	(4,480)	(4,389)
Dividends paid									(1,206)	(1,172)	(1,041)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities									(9,689)	(3,633)	137
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents									(1,171)	(2,424)	2,748
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year				$ 6,400				$ 8,824	6,400	8,824	6,076
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	$ 5,229				$ 6,400				$ 5,229	$ 6,400	$ 8,824

Parent Company (Details Textual

Parent Company (Details Textuals) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Parent Company Details (Textuals) [Abstract]
Gain on business travel joint venture transaction	$ 0	$ 0	$ 630

Quarterly Financial Data (Un144

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Details)		3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)$ / shares	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)$ / shares	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)$ / shares	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)$ / shares	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)$ / shares	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)$ / shares	Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)$ / shares	Mar. 31, 2015USD ($)$ / shares	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)$ / shares	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)$ / shares	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)$ / shares
Disclosure of quarterly financial data
Total revenues net of interest expense | $		$ 8,022,000,000	$ 7,774,000,000	$ 8,235,000,000	$ 8,088,000,000	$ 8,391,000,000	$ 8,193,000,000	$ 8,284,000,000	$ 7,950,000,000	$ 32,119,000,000	$ 32,818,000,000	$ 34,188,000,000
Pretax income | $		1,161,000,000	1,735,000,000	3,016,000,000	2,184,000,000	1,454,000,000	1,938,000,000	2,230,000,000	2,316,000,000	8,096,000,000	7,938,000,000	8,991,000,000
Net income | $		$ 825,000,000	$ 1,142,000,000	$ 2,015,000,000	$ 1,426,000,000	$ 899,000,000	$ 1,266,000,000	$ 1,473,000,000	$ 1,525,000,000	$ 5,408,000,000	$ 5,163,000,000	$ 5,885,000,000
Earnings per Common Share
Basic | $ / shares	[1]									$ 5.67	$ 5.07	$ 5.58
Net income attributable to common shareholders | $ / shares		$ 0.88	$ 1.21	$ 2.11	$ 1.45	$ 0.89	$ 1.24	$ 1.43	$ 1.49
Earnings per Common Share
Diluted | $ / shares										5.65	5.05	5.56
Net income attributable to common shareholders | $ / shares		0.88	1.2	2.1	1.45	0.89	1.24	1.42	1.48
Cash dividends declared per common share | $ / shares		$ 0.32	$ 0.32	$ 0.29	$ 0.29	$ 0.29	$ 0.29	$ 0.29	$ 0.26	$ 1.22	$ 1.13	$ 1.01
Common share price:
High | $		75.74	66.71	67.34	68.18	77.85	81.66	81.92	93.94
Low | $		59.5	58.25	57.15	50.27	67.57	71.71	76.53	77.12
[1]	Represents net income less (i) earnings allocated to participating share awards of $ 43 million, $ 38 million and $ 46 million for the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , respectively, and (ii) dividends on preferred shares of $ 80 million , $ 62 million and nil for the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , respectively .

Quarterly Financial Data (Detai

Quarterly Financial Data (Details Textuals) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended									12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Data (Textuals) [Abstract]
Earnings allocated to participating share awards	$ 6,000,000	$ 9,000,000	$ 17,000,000	$ 11,000,000	$ 6,000,000	$ 10,000,000	$ 11,000,000	$ 11,000,000		$ 43,000,000	$ 38,000,000	$ 46,000,000
Restructuring Charges										875,000,000
Dividends Preferred Stock	$ 19,000,000	$ 21,000,000	$ 19,000,000	$ 21,000,000	$ 20,000,000	$ 22,000,000	$ 20,000,000	$ 0		$ 80,000,000	$ 62,000,000	$ 0
Periods in the prior year [Member]
Card Member reimbursements									$ 0
Periods prior to the prior year [Member]
Card Member reimbursements									$ 0