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Reserves For Losses (Details 3) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified | Mar. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2011
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Cardmember Loans And Related Reserves Evaluated Separately And Collectively For Impairment [Abstract] |  |
Cardmember loans evaluated separately for impairment | $ 762 | $ 744
Reserves on cardmember loans evaluated separately for impairment | 181 | 176
Cardmember loans evaluated collectively for impairment | 59,335 | 61,877
Reserves on cardmember loans evaluated collectively for impairment | $ 1,499 | $ 1,698

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- Details
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- Definition Represents cardmember loans evaluated collectively for impairment. + References No definition available. + Details
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Namespace Prefix: | axp_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
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- Definition Represents cardmember loans that are evaluated separately for impairment. + References No definition available. + Details
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Balance Type: | debit
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- Definition Represents reserves on cardmember loans evaluated collectively for impairment. + References No definition available. + Details
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- Definition Represents reserves on cardmember loans that are evaluated separately for impairment. + References No definition available. + Details
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Namespace Prefix: | axp_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant