XML 46 R145.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
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Parent Company (Details Textuals) (Non Cash [Member], USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2011
--- | --- | --- | ---
Parent Company Details (Textuals) [Abstract] |  |  |
Impacts of debt exchange on long-term debt | $ 0 | $ 439 | $ 0
Parent Company [Member] |  |  |
Parent Company Details (Textuals) [Abstract] |  |  |
Impacts of debt exchange on long-term debt | $ 0 | $ 439 | $ 0

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

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