XML 47 R51.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT ﻿
v2.3.0.11

Reserves for Losses (Details 1) (USD $) In Millions | Jun. 30, 2011 | Dec. 31, 2010
--- | --- | ---
Cardmember Receivables And Related Reserves Evaluated Separately and Collectively For Impairment [Abstract] |  |
Cardmember receivables evaluated separately for impairment | $ 138 | $ 114
Reserves on cardmember receivables evaluated separately for impairment | 83 | 63
Cardmember receivables evaluated collectively for impairment | 40,005 | 37,152
Reserves on cardmember receivables evaluated collectively for impairment | $ 332 | $ 323

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

X
- Definition Represents cardmember receivables evaluated collectively for impairment. + Details
Name: | axp_CardmemberReceivablesEvaluatedCollectivelyForImpairment
Namespace Prefix: | axp
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Represents cardmember receivables that are evaluated separately for impairment modified in a Troubled Debt Restructuring. + Details
Name: | axp_CardmemberReceivablesEvaluatedSeparatelyForImpairment
Namespace Prefix: | axp
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Represents reserves on cardmember receivables evaluated collectively for impairment. + Details
Name: | axp_ReservesOnCardmemberReceivablesEvaluatedCollectivelyForImpairment
Namespace Prefix: | axp
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Represents reserves on cardmember receivables that are evaluated separately for impairment modified in a Troubled Debt Restructuring. + Details
Name: | axp_ReservesOnCardmemberReceivablesEvaluatedSeparatelyForImpairment
Namespace Prefix: | axp
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant