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Details of Certain Consolidated Statements of Income Lines (Details 2) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Component of Operating Other Cost and Expense [Line Items]
Total marketing, promotion, rewards and cardmember services	$ 2,319	$ 2,450
Marketing and promotion [Member]
Component of Operating Other Cost and Expense [Line Items]
Total marketing, promotion, rewards and cardmember services	631	709
Cardmember rewards [Member]
Component of Operating Other Cost and Expense [Line Items]
Total marketing, promotion, rewards and cardmember services	1,467	1,577
Cardmember services [Member]
Component of Operating Other Cost and Expense [Line Items]
Total marketing, promotion, rewards and cardmember services	$ 221	$ 164

X

- Definition

Marketing and promotion expense includes advertising costs. Cardmember rewards expense includes the costs of rewards programs (including Membership Rewards). Cardmember services expense includes protection plans and complimentary services provided to cardmembers.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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Namespace Prefix:	axp_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

X

- Details

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