XML 138 R164.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v2.4.0.6

Parent Company (Details Textuals) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2011 | Dec. 31, 2010
--- | --- | --- | ---
Parent Company Details (Textuals) [Abstract] |  |  |
Impacts due to Debt Exchange | $ (977) |  |
Non Cash [Member] |  |  |
Parent Company Details (Textuals) [Abstract] |  |  |
Impacts due to Debt Exchange | (439) | 0 | 0
Parent Company [Member] |  |  |
Parent Company Details (Textuals) [Abstract] |  |  |
Guarantees of indebtedness | 40 |  |
Lines of credit drawn down | 0 |  |
Parent Company [Member] | Non Cash [Member] |  |  |
Parent Company Details (Textuals) [Abstract] |  |  |
Impacts due to Debt Exchange | $ (439) | $ 0 | $ 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
- Definition Represents the impact on long-term debt due to debt exchange. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | axp_LongTermDebtImpactDueToDebtExchange
Namespace Prefix: | axp_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

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