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Reserves for Losses (Details 1) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified | Mar. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2011
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Cardmember Receivables And Related Reserves Evaluated Separately and Collectively For Impairment [Abstract] |  |
Cardmember receivables evaluated separately for impairment | $ 145 | $ 174
Reserves on cardmember receivables evaluated separately for impairment | 110 | 118
Cardmember receivables evaluated collectively for impairment | 41,362 | 40,716
Reserves on cardmember receivables evaluated collectively for impairment | $ 314 | $ 320

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

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- Definition Represents cardmember receivables evaluated collectively for impairment. + References No definition available. + Details
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Namespace Prefix: | axp_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

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

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

X
- Definition Represents reserves on cardmember receivables 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