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Parent Company (Details Textuals) (Parent Company [Member], USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified | Dec. 31, 2011
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Parent Company [Member] |
Parent Company Details (Textuals) [Abstract] |
Guarantees of indebtedness | $ 40
Lines of credit drawn down | $ 0

X
- Definition Represents the amount of indebtedness under lines of credit that the Company's subsidiaries have with various banks. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | axp_LinesOfCreditGuaranteed
Namespace Prefix: | axp_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Represents the amount of draw downs against lines of credit that the Company's subsidiaries have with various banks. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | axp_LinesOfCreditUtilized
Namespace Prefix: | axp_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

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