XML 55 R78.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT ﻿
v2.3.0.11

Contingencies (Details Textuals) (USD $) In Millions | Jun. 30, 2011
--- | ---
Contingencies Textuals [Abstract] |
Range of possible loss, minimum | $ 0
Range of possible loss, maximum | $ 520

X
- Details
Name: | axp_ContingenciesTextualsAbstract
Namespace Prefix: | axp
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The estimated maximum amount of possible loss from the contingency. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name FASB Interpretation (FIN) -Number 14 -Paragraph 3 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 5 -Paragraph 9, 10, 11, 12 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_LossContingencyRangeOfPossibleLossMaximum
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The estimated minimum amount of possible loss from the contingency. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name FASB Interpretation (FIN) -Number 14 -Paragraph 3 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 5 -Paragraph 9, 10, 11, 12 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_LossContingencyRangeOfPossibleLossMinimum
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant