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Asset Securitizations (Details Textuals) (USD $) | Jun. 30, 2011 | Dec. 31, 2010
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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 held by Trusts | 7,000,000 | 9,000,000
American Express Lending Trust [Member] |  |
Securitized Trusts [Line Items] |  |
Restricted cash held by Trusts | $ 297,000,000 | $ 3,700,000,000

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- Definition SecuritizedTrustsLineItems + Details
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Namespace Prefix: | axp
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

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- Definition Represents subordinated interests in the securitized cardmember loans, including rated and unrated investments in tranches of the securitization (subordinated securities). + Details
Name: | axp_SubordinatedSecuritiesOwned
Namespace Prefix: | axp
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

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- Definition The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalent items which are restricted as to withdrawal or usage. Restrictions may include legally restricted deposits held as compensating balances against borrowing arrangements, contracts entered into with others, or entity statements of intention with regard to particular deposits; however, time deposits and short-term certificates of deposit are not generally included in legally restricted deposits. Excludes compensating balance arrangements that are not agreements which legally restrict the use of cash amounts shown on the balance sheet. This element is for unclassified presentations; for classified presentations there is a separate and distinct element. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 1 -Article 5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Audit and Accounting Guide (AAG) -Number AAG-BRD -Chapter 4 -Paragraph 80 -Subparagraph Exhibit 4-8, 3 -IssueDate 2006-05-01 + Details
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Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap
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Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant