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Fair Values (Details 1) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified | Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013
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Liabilities [Abstract] |  |
Derivative liabilities | $ 164 axp_FairValueOfDerivativeLiabilities | $ 213 axp_FairValueOfDerivativeLiabilities
Total liabilities | 164 us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosureRecurring | 213 us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosureRecurring
Level 1 [Member] |  |
Liabilities [Abstract] |  |
Derivative liabilities | 0 axp_FairValueOfDerivativeLiabilities / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member | 0 axp_FairValueOfDerivativeLiabilities / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
Total liabilities | 0 us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosureRecurring / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member | 0 us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosureRecurring / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
Level 2 [Member] |  |
Liabilities [Abstract] |  |
Derivative liabilities | 164 axp_FairValueOfDerivativeLiabilities / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member | 213 axp_FairValueOfDerivativeLiabilities / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
Total liabilities | 164 us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosureRecurring / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member | 213 us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosureRecurring / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
Level 3 [Member] |  |
Liabilities [Abstract] |  |
Total liabilities | $ 0 us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosureRecurring / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member | $ 0 us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosureRecurring / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member

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- Definition Fair value, before effects of master netting arrangements, of a financial liability or other contract with one or more underlyings, notional amount or payment provision or both, and the contract can be net settled by means outside the contract or delivery of an asset. Includes assets elected not to be offset. Includes assets not subject to a master netting arrangement. + References No definition available. + Details
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Namespace Prefix: | axp_
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Balance Type: | credit
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- Details
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- Definition Aggregation of the liabilities reported on the balance sheet measured at fair value on a recurring basis by the entity. + References No definition available. + Details
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Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
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Period Type: | instant

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- Details
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- Details
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- Details
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