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Regulatory Matters and Capital Adequacy (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2011
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Regulatory Matters And Capital Adequacy [Abstract] |  |
Well-capitalized ratios | 10.00% | 10.00%
Minimum capital ratios | 8.00% | 8.00%
Leverage capital required, Well-capitalized ratios | 5.00% | 5.00%
Leverage capital required, Minimum capital ratios | 4.00% | 4.00%
Risk-based capital required, Well-capitalized ratios | 6.00% | 6.00%
Risk-based capital required, Minimum capital ratios | 4.00% | 4.00%
Parent Company [Member] |  |
Regulatory capital ratios |  |
Tier 1 capital | 14,920 | 14,881
Total capital | 17,349 | 17,271
Tier 1 capital ratio | 11.90% | 12.30%
Total capital ratio | 13.80% | 14.30%
Tier 1 leverage ratio | 10.20% | 10.20%
American Express Centurion Bank [Member] |  |
Regulatory capital ratios |  |
Tier 1 capital | 5,814 | 6,029
Total capital | 6,227 | 6,431
Tier 1 capital ratio | 17.60% | 18.80%
Total capital ratio | 18.90% | 20.10%
Tier 1 leverage ratio | 17.00% | 19.10%
American Express Bank, FSB [Member] |  |
Regulatory capital ratios |  |
Tier 1 capital | 6,649 | 6,493
Total capital | 7,556 | 7,363
Tier 1 capital ratio | 16.50% | 17.40%
Total capital ratio | 18.70% | 19.80%
Tier 1 leverage ratio | 17.50% | 18.40%

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- Definition The amount of total capital as defined in the regulations. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 948 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph (c)(1) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6490092&loc=d3e47080-110998 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Audit and Accounting Guide (AAG) -Number AAG-DEP -Paragraph 54 -Subparagraph 3a -IssueDate 2006-05-01 -Chapter 17 -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 948 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 5 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6490092&loc=d3e47304-110998 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Audit and Accounting Guide (AAG) -Number AAG-DEP -Paragraph 15 -Subparagraph 3a -IssueDate 2006-05-01 -Chapter 17 -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 942 -SubTopic 505 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1H -Subparagraph (c)(1) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7881181&loc=d3e65071-112826 Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 942 -SubTopic 505 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1H -Subparagraph (c)(2) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7881181&loc=d3e65071-112826 + Details
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- Definition The minimum Total risk based capital ratio (total capital divided by risk weighted assets) required for capital adequacy purposes under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Audit and Accounting Guide (AAG) -Number AAG-DEP -Paragraph 22 -IssueDate 2006-05-01 -Chapter 17 -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 942 -SubTopic 505 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1B -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7881181&loc=SL5958570-112826 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 942 -SubTopic 505 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1H -Subparagraph (c)(2) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7881181&loc=d3e65071-112826 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Audit and Accounting Guide (AAG) -Number AAG-DEP -Paragraph 15 -Subparagraph 3a -IssueDate 2006-05-01 -Chapter 17 -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 942 -SubTopic 505 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (c)(1) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7881181&loc=SL5958568-112826 + Details
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