XML 78 R8.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v2.4.0.8

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Change in debt exchange [Line Items]
Sale of premises and equipment	$ 72	$ 3	$ 16
Non Cash [Member]
Change in debt exchange [Line Items]
Impacts of debt exchange on long-term debt	$ 0	$ 439	$ 0

X

- Details

Name:	axp_IncreaseDecreaseInDebtExchangeLineItems
Namespace Prefix:	axp_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

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

- Definition

The cash inflow from the sale of long-lived, physical assets that are used in the normal conduct of business to produce goods and services and not intended for resale.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Glossary Investing Activities

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6516133



Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 230

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 12

-Subparagraph (c)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=31042434&loc=d3e3179-108585

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipment
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration