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Fair Values (Details 1) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified | Mar. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2014
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Liabilities [Abstract] |  |
Derivatives | $ 263 axp_FairValueOfDerivativeLiability | $ 164 axp_FairValueOfDerivativeLiability
Total liabilities | 263 us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosureRecurring | 164 us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosureRecurring
Level 1 [Member] |  |
Liabilities [Abstract] |  |
Derivatives | 0 axp_FairValueOfDerivativeLiability / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member | 0 axp_FairValueOfDerivativeLiability / 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] |  |
Derivatives | 263 axp_FairValueOfDerivativeLiability / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member | 164 axp_FairValueOfDerivativeLiability / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
Total liabilities | 263 us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosureRecurring / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member | 164 us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosureRecurring / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
Level 3 [Member] |  |
Liabilities [Abstract] |  |
Derivatives | 0 axp_FairValueOfDerivativeLiability / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member | 0 axp_FairValueOfDerivativeLiability / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
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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- 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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- Details
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