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Asset Securitizations (Details Textuals) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009	Dec. 31, 2008
Securitized Trusts [Line Items]
Restricted cash	$ 584,000,000	$ 4,172,000,000
Statement [Line Items]
Cardmember loans, gross	62,621,000,000	60,850,000,000
Cardmember loans, reserves	1,874,000,000	3,646,000,000	5,799,000,000	2,570,000,000
Long-term debt	59,570,000,000	66,416,000,000
Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncement [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Cardmember loans, gross			29,000,000,000
Cardmember loans, reserves			2,500,000,000
Long-term debt			25,000,000,000
Shareholders' equity			1,800,000,000
American Express Travel Related Services Company Inc [Member]
Securitized Trusts [Line Items]
Subordinated securities owned	1,000,000,000
American Express Charge Trust [Member]
Securitized Trusts [Line Items]
Restricted cash	15,000,000	9,000,000
American Express Lending Trust [Member]
Securitized Trusts [Line Items]
Restricted cash	$ 192,000,000	$ 3,700,000,000

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Represents subordinated interests in the securitized cardmember loans, including rated and unrated investments in tranches of the securitization (subordinated securities).

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The allowance for loan and lease losses represents the reserve to cover probable credit losses related to specifically identified loans and leases, as well as probable credit losses inherent in the remainder of the loan portfolio as of the balance sheet date. For banks, include currently required allocated transfer risk reserves. Include carryover of or adjustments to the allowance for loan losses in connection with business combinations determined to be appropriate.

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Reflects the gross carrying amount of unpaid credit card loans issued to individuals under revolving credit arrangements that typically charge comparatively higher rates of interest commensurate with higher credit risk, generate late payment and similar types of fees, and are usually unsecured.

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Including current and noncurrent portions, aggregate carrying amount of long-term borrowings as of the balance sheet date. May include notes payable, bonds payable, commercial loans, mortgage loans, convertible debt, subordinated debt and other types of debt, which had initial maturities beyond one year or beyond the normal operating cycle, if longer, and after deducting unamortized discount or premiums, if any.

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