XML 139 R66.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v2.4.1.9

Accounts Receivable and Loans (Details 1) (USD $) | Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2011
--- | --- | --- | --- | ---
Loans segment information |  |  |  |
Card Member loans | $ 70,385,000,000 us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableConsumerRevolvingCreditCard | $ 67,238,000,000 us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableConsumerRevolvingCreditCard |  |
Less: Reserve for losses | 1,201,000,000 us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance | 1,261,000,000 us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance | 1,471,000,000 us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance | 1,874,000,000 us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
Card Member loans, net | 69,184,000,000 us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableNetReportedAmount | 65,977,000,000 us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableNetReportedAmount |  |
Other loans, net | 920,000,000 us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableNetReportedAmountOther | 608,000,000 us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableNetReportedAmountOther |  |
Accounts Receivable and Loans Textuals [Abstract] |  |  |  |
Other loans, reserves | 12,000,000 us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableOtherAllowance | 13,000,000 us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableOtherAllowance |  |
Variable Interest Enterprise [Member] |  |  |  |
Loans segment information |  |  |  |
Card Member loans | 30,115,000,000 us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableConsumerRevolvingCreditCard / us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis = us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryMember | 31,245,000,000 us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableConsumerRevolvingCreditCard / us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis = us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryMember |  |
U S Card Services [Member] |  |  |  |
Loans segment information |  |  |  |
Card Member loans | 62,592,000,000 us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableConsumerRevolvingCreditCard / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = axp_USCardServicesMember | 58,395,000,000 us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableConsumerRevolvingCreditCard / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = axp_USCardServicesMember |  |
U S Card Services [Member] | Variable Interest Enterprise [Member] |  |  |  |
Accounts Receivable and Loans Textuals [Abstract] |  |  |  |
Gross Card Member loans available to settle the obligations of a variable interest entity | 30,100,000,000 axp_GrossLoansAvailableToSettleObligationsOfConsolidatedVariableInterestEntity / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = axp_USCardServicesMember / us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis = us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryMember | 31,200,000,000 axp_GrossLoansAvailableToSettleObligationsOfConsolidatedVariableInterestEntity / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = axp_USCardServicesMember / us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis = us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryMember |  |
International Card Services [Member] |  |  |  |
Loans segment information |  |  |  |
Card Member loans | 7,744,000,000 us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableConsumerRevolvingCreditCard / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = axp_InternationalCardServicesMember | 8,790,000,000 us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableConsumerRevolvingCreditCard / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = axp_InternationalCardServicesMember |  |
Global Commercial Services [Member] |  |  |  |
Loans segment information |  |  |  |
Card Member loans | $ 49,000,000 us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableConsumerRevolvingCreditCard / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = axp_GlobalCommercialServicesMember | $ 53,000,000 us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableConsumerRevolvingCreditCard / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = axp_GlobalCommercialServicesMember |  |

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

X
- Definition Represents the amount of gross loans available to settle the obligations of a consolidated variable interest entity. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | axp_GrossLoansAvailableToSettleObligationsOfConsolidatedVariableInterestEntity
Namespace Prefix: | axp_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

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

X
- Definition Amount of allowance to cover probable credit losses on loans and leases. Includes carryover of or adjustments to the allowance for loan losses in connection with business combinations. Excludes allowance for loans and leases covered under loss sharing agreements. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 942 -SubTopic 210 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.9-03.7(d)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6876686&loc=d3e534808-122878 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 7 -Subparagraph d -Article 9 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 310 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 11B -Subparagraph (g) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35738203&loc=SL6953423-111524 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 310 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 11B -Subparagraph (c)(1) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35738203&loc=SL6953423-111524 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 310 -SubTopic 30 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (b)(1)(ii) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6379141&loc=d3e15032-111544 Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) -Number Topic 6 -Section L -Subsection 1 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount before allowance of credit card loans issued to individuals. Includes deferred interest and fees, undisbursed portion of loan balance, unamortized costs and premiums and discounts from face amounts. Excludes loans and leases covered under loss sharing agreements. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 310 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=28367877&loc=d3e4428-111522 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 7 -Subparagraph a, b -Article 9 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 7 -Subparagraph a -Article 9 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 942 -SubTopic 210 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.9-03.7(a)(4),(b)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6876686&loc=d3e534808-122878 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableConsumerRevolvingCreditCard
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount after allowance and deduction of deferred interest and fees, unamortized costs and premiums and discounts from face amounts, of loans and leases held in portfolio, including but not limited to, commercial and consumer loans. Excludes loans and leases covered under loss sharing agreements and loans held for sale. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 310 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=28367877&loc=d3e4428-111522 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 942 -SubTopic 210 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.9-03.7) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6876686&loc=d3e534808-122878 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableNetReportedAmount
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount after allowance and deduction of deferred interest and fees, unamortized costs and premiums and discounts from face amounts, of other loans and leases not otherwise specified in the taxonomy. Excludes loans and leases covered under loss sharing agreements. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 310 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 4 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35738203&loc=d3e5074-111524 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 310 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=28367877&loc=d3e4428-111522 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 310 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35738203&loc=d3e5066-111524 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableNetReportedAmountOther
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The allowance for other loan and lease losses represents the reserve to cover probable credit losses related to specifically identified other loans and leases, as well as probable credit losses inherent in the remainder of the other loan portfolio as of the balance sheet date. For banks, include currently required allocated transfer risk reserves. Include carryover of or adjustments to the allowance for other loan losses in connection with business combinations determined to be appropriate. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 942 -SubTopic 210 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.9-03.7(d)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6876686&loc=d3e534808-122878 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 7 -Subparagraph d -Article 9 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 310 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 11B -Subparagraph (g) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35738203&loc=SL6953423-111524 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) -Number Topic 6 -Section L -Subsection 1 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 310 -SubTopic 40 -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=25495931&loc=d3e18832-111554 Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 310 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 4 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27010918&loc=d3e74567-122707 Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 310 -SubTopic 40 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=25495931&loc=d3e18805-111554 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableOtherAllowance
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis=axp_GlobalCommercialServicesMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis=axp_InternationalCardServicesMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis=axp_USCardServicesMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis=us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |