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Fair Values (Details Textuals) (USD $) | 12 Months Ended
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Dec. 31, 2011
Fair Values (Textuals) [Abstract] |
Fair Value Level One To Level Two Transfers Amount | $ 0
Fair Value Level Two To Level One Transfers Amount | $ 340,000,000

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. + References No definition available. + 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. + References No definition available. + 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