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Non-Interest Revenue and Expense Detail (Details 2) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified | 3 Months Ended
--- | ---
Mar. 31, 2014 | Mar. 31, 2013
Details Of Certain Statements Of Income Lines Details [Abstract] |  |
Marketing and promotion | $ 613 | $ 621
Card Member rewards | 1,582 | 1,520
Card Member services and other | 222 | 189
Total marketing, promotion, rewards, Card Member services and other | $ 2,417 | $ 2,330

X
- Definition Represents the costs of rewards programs (including Membership Rewards). + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | axp_CardmemberRewards
Namespace Prefix: | axp_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Represents protection plans and complimentary services provided to cardmembers. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | axp_CardmemberServices
Namespace Prefix: | axp_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

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

X
- Definition Represents advertising costs, which are expensed in the year in which the advertising first takes place. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | axp_MarketingAndPromotion
Namespace Prefix: | axp_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Marketing and promotion expense includes advertising costs. Cardmember rewards expense includes the costs of rewards programs (including Membership Rewards). Cardmember services expense includes protection plans and complimentary services provided to cardmembers. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | axp_MarketingPromotionRewardsAndCardmemberServices
Namespace Prefix: | axp_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration