XML 111 R51.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v2.4.0.8

Reserves for Losses (Details 1) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified | Jun. 30, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012
--- | --- | ---
Cardmember Receivables And Related Reserves Evaluated Separately and Collectively For Impairment [Abstract] |  |
Cardmember receivables evaluated separately for impairment | $ 69 | $ 117
Reserves on cardmember receivables evaluated separately for impairment | 68 | 91
Cardmember receivables evaluated collectively for impairment | 44,028 | 42,649
Reserves on cardmember receivables evaluated collectively for impairment | $ 318 | $ 337

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

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

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

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