XML 30 R38.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v2.3.0.15

Basis of Presentation (Details Textuals) (USD $) In Millions | Sep. 30, 2011 | Dec. 31, 2010
--- | --- | ---
Basis Of Presentation [Line Items] |  |
Cash and cash due from banks | $ 1,942 | $ 2,145
Other liabilities | 16,395 | 15,593
Scenario Adjustment Balance [Member] |  |
Basis Of Presentation [Line Items] |  |
Cash and cash due from banks |  | 353
Other liabilities |  | $ 353

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

X
- Definition For banks and other depository institutions: Includes cash on hand (currency and coin), cash items in process of collection, noninterest bearing deposits due from other financial institutions (including corporate credit unions), and noninterest bearing balances with the Federal Reserve Banks, Federal Home Loan Banks and central banks. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Glossary Cash -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6506951 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Glossary Cash Equivalents -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6507016 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 8, 9 -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 942 -SubTopic 210 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.9-03.1) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6876686&loc=d3e534808-122878 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Audit and Accounting Guide (AAG) -Number AAG-DEP -Chapter 6 -Paragraph 1, 2, 3, 7, 11 -IssueDate 2006-05-01 -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 1, 2, 3 -Article 9 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_CashAndDueFromBanks
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The aggregate carrying amount, as of the balance sheet date, of liabilities not separately disclosed in the balance sheet. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Article 9 -Section 03 -Paragraph 15 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 942 -SubTopic 210 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.9-03.15) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6876686&loc=d3e534808-122878 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_OtherLiabilities
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant