XML 42 R38.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v2.4.0.8

Fair Values (Details 1) (USD $) | Jun. 30, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012
--- | --- | ---
Liabilities [Abstract] |  |
Derivative liabilities | $ 150,000,000 | $ 329,000,000
Total liabilities | 150,000,000 | 329,000,000
Level 1 [Member] |  |
Liabilities [Abstract] |  |
Derivative liabilities | 0 | 0
Total liabilities | 0 | 0
Level 2 [Member] |  |
Liabilities [Abstract] |  |
Derivative liabilities | 150,000,000 | 329,000,000
Total liabilities | 150,000,000 | 329,000,000
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
Name: | axp_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasis
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 Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 815 -SubTopic 10 -Section 15 -Paragraph 83 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6913464&loc=d3e34841-113949 Reference 2: 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Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 133 -Paragraph 10 -Subparagraph i -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009.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 3: 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FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 133 -Paragraph 6 -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009.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. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure
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