XML 82 R69.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT ﻿
v2.3.0.11

Guarantees (Details) (USD $) | Jun. 30, 2011 | Dec. 31, 2010
--- | --- | ---
Type of Guarantee |  |
Maximum amount of undiscounted future payments | $ 70,000,000,000 | $ 68,000,000,000
Amount of related liability | 218,000,000 | 213,000,000
Card and Travel Operations [Member] |  |
Type of Guarantee |  |
Maximum amount of undiscounted future payments | 69,000,000,000 | 67,000,000,000
Amount of related liability | 114,000,000 | 114,000,000
Other Guarantees [Member] |  |
Type of Guarantee |  |
Maximum amount of undiscounted future payments | 1,000,000,000 | 1,000,000,000
Amount of related liability | $ 104,000,000 | $ 99,000,000

X
- Definition Type Of Guarantee. + Details
Name: | axp_TypeOfGuaranteeAbstract
Namespace Prefix: | axp
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The current carrying amount of the liability for the freestanding or embedded guarantor's obligations under the guarantee or each group of similar guarantees. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 5 -Paragraph 9 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name FASB Interpretation (FIN) -Number 45 -Paragraph 13 -Subparagraph c + Details
Name: | us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsCurrentCarryingValue
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Maximum potential amount of future payments (undiscounted) the guarantor could be required to make under the guarantee or each group of similar guarantees before reduction for potential recoveries under recourse or collateralization provisions. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name FASB Interpretation (FIN) -Number 45 -Paragraph 13 -Subparagraph b + Details
Name: | us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsMaximumExposure
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant