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Basis of Presentation (Details Textuals) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified | 3 Months Ended
--- | ---
Mar. 31, 2015 | Mar. 31, 2014
Investments In Affordable Housing Projects [Abstract] |  |
Loss from Affordable Housing Projects, Equity Method Investments | $ 9 axp_Incomelossfromaffordablehousingprojectsequitymethodinvestments | $ 8 axp_Incomelossfromaffordablehousingprojectsequitymethodinvestments
Affordable Housing Tax Credits and Other Tax Benefits, Amount | 12 axp_Affordablehousingtaxcreditsandothertaxbenefitsamount | 9 axp_Affordablehousingtaxcreditsandothertaxbenefitsamount
Qualified Affordable Housing Project, Investments | 512 axp_Qualifiedaffordablehousingprojectinvestments | 522 axp_Qualifiedaffordablehousingprojectinvestments
Qualified Affordable Housing Project Investments, Commitment | $ 130 axp_QualifiedAffordableHousingProjectInvestmentsCommitment |
Affordable Housing Tax Credits Commitment, Year to be Paid | between 2015 and 2023 |

X
- Definition Amount of affordable housing tax credits and other tax benefits recognized. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | axp_Affordablehousingtaxcreditsandothertaxbenefitsamount
Namespace Prefix: | axp_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Year in which contingent commitments to qualified affordable housing project investments are expected to be paid, in CCYY format. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | axp_AffordableHousingTaxCreditsCommitmentYearToBePaid
Namespace Prefix: | axp_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of investment income (loss) of qualified affordable housing project investments accounted for using the equity method. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | axp_Incomelossfromaffordablehousingprojectsequitymethodinvestments
Namespace Prefix: | axp_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

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

X
- Definition Amount of investment in qualified affordable housing projects. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | axp_Qualifiedaffordablehousingprojectinvestments
Namespace Prefix: | axp_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of commitment or contingent commitments to qualified affordable housing project investments. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | axp_QualifiedAffordableHousingProjectInvestmentsCommitment
Namespace Prefix: | axp_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant