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Parent Company (Details Textuals) (Parent Company [Member], USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011
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