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Fair Values (Details 1) (USD $) In Millions | Jun. 30, 2011 | Dec. 31, 2010
--- | --- | ---
Liabilities [Abstract] |  |
Derivatives | $ 204 | $ 419
Total liabilities | 204 | 419
Level 1 [Member] |  |
Liabilities [Abstract] |  |
Derivatives | 0 | 0
Total liabilities | 0 | 0
Level 2 [Member] |  |
Liabilities [Abstract] |  |
Derivatives | 204 | 419
Total liabilities | 204 | 419
Level 3 [Member] |  |
Liabilities [Abstract] |  |
Total liabilities | $ 0 | $ 0

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- Definition Total financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis by GAAP's valuation hierarchy. + Details
Name: | axp_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasis
Namespace Prefix: | axp
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

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- Definition This element represents a certain statement of financial position liability caption which represents a class of liabilities, or which may include an individual liability, measured at fair value on a recurring basis. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 157 -Paragraph 32 -Subparagraph a + Details
Name: | us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsLiabilities
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

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- Details
Name: | us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration