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Fair Values (Details Textuals) (USD $) In Millions | 9 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended
--- | --- | ---
Sep. 30, 2011 | Dec. 31, 2010
Fair Values (Textuals) [Abstract] |  |
Fair Value Level One To Level Two Transfers Amount | $ 0 | $ 0
Fair Value Level Two To Level One Transfers Amount | $ 0 | $ 0

X
- Definition The amount of the transfers of assets or liabilities measured on a recurring basis out of Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy into Level 2. + Details
Name: | axp_FairValueLevelOneToLevelTwoTransfersAmount
Namespace Prefix: | axp
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The amount of the transfers of assets or liabilities measured on a recurring basis out of Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy into Level 1. + Details
Name: | axp_FairValueLevelTwoToLevelOneTransfersAmount
Namespace Prefix: | axp
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

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