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Fair Values (Details 1) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivatives	$ 290	$ 108
Total liabilities	290	108
Level 1 [Member]
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivatives	0	0
Total liabilities	0	0
Level 2 [Member]
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivatives	290	108
Total liabilities	290	108
Level 3 [Member]
Liabilities [Abstract]
Total liabilities	$ 0	$ 0

X

- Definition

Total financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis by GAAP's valuation hierarchy.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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Namespace Prefix:	axp_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

X

- Definition

Derivative instrument obligations meeting the definition of a liability which the Company is a party to as of the balance sheet date.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 133

-Paragraph 10

-Subparagraph i

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.



Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 133

-Paragraph 6

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.



Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 815

-SubTopic 10

-Section 15

-Paragraph 83

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6913464&loc=d3e34841-113949

+ Details

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Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

X

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration