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Reserves for Losses (Details 1) (USD $) In Millions | Sep. 30, 2011 | Dec. 31, 2010
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Cardmember Receivables And Related Reserves Evaluated Separately and Collectively For Impairment [Abstract] |  |
Cardmember receivables evaluated separately for impairment | $ 159 | $ 114
Reserves on cardmember receivables evaluated separately for impairment | 94 | 63
Cardmember receivables evaluated collectively for impairment | 39,600 | 37,152
Reserves on cardmember receivables evaluated collectively for impairment | $ 294 | $ 323

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- Details
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Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

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- Definition Represents cardmember receivables evaluated collectively for impairment. + Details
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Balance Type: | debit
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- Definition Represents cardmember receivables that are evaluated separately for impairment. + Details
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Namespace Prefix: | axp
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
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- Definition Represents reserves on cardmember receivables evaluated collectively for impairment. + Details
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Balance Type: | credit
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- Definition Represents reserves on cardmember receivables that are evaluated separately for impairment. + Details
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Namespace Prefix: | axp
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
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