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- Definition

Represents the amount of gross receivables available to settle the obligations of a consolidated variable interest entity.

+ References

No definition available.

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- Definition

Reserves for losses relating to other receivables represent management's best estimate of the losses inherent in the Company's outstanding portfolio of other receivables.

+ References

No definition available.

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- Definition

For an unclassified balance sheet, the amount due from customers or clients for goods or services that have been delivered or sold in the normal course of business, reduced to their estimated net realizable fair value by an allowance established by the entity of the amount it deems uncertain of collection.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 02

-Paragraph 3

-Article 5

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 942

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification

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-Section S99

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-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03.5)

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- Definition

For an unclassified balance sheet, a valuation allowance for receivables due a company that are expected to be uncollectible.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 02

-Paragraph 4

-Article 5

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

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-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.4)

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- Definition

Amount representing an agreement for an unconditional promise by the maker to pay the entity (holder) a definite sum of money at a future date. Such amount may include accrued interest receivable in accordance with the terms of the note. The note also may contain provisions and related items including a discount or premium, payable on demand, secured, or unsecured, interest bearing or noninterest bearing, among a myriad of other features and characteristics. Excludes amounts related to receivables held-for-sale.

+ 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 210.9-03.10(3))

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-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 03

-Paragraph 10

-Subparagraph 3

-Article 9

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- Definition

Carrying amounts due as of the balance sheet date from parties or arising from transactions not otherwise specified in the taxonomy.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.8)

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-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 02

-Paragraph 8

-Article 5

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Accounts Receivable and Loans (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounts receivable segment information
Card Member receivables	$ 43,703us-gaap_NotesReceivableGross	$ 44,851us-gaap_NotesReceivableGross
Less: Reserve for losses	429	465	414	386
Card Member receivables, net	43,274us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNet	44,386us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNet
Other receivables, net	2,354us-gaap_OtherReceivables	2,614us-gaap_OtherReceivables
Accounts Receivable and Loans Textuals [Abstract]
Other receivables, reserves	56axp_OtherReceivablesReserves	61axp_OtherReceivablesReserves
Variable Interest Enterprise [Member]
Accounts receivable segment information
Card Member receivables	6,067	7,025
Non United States [Member]
Accounts receivable segment information
Card Member receivables	12,000	13,300
U S Card Services [Member]
Accounts receivable segment information
Card Member receivables	21,501	22,468
U S Card Services [Member] \| Variable Interest Enterprise [Member]
Accounts Receivable and Loans Textuals [Abstract]
Gross Card Member receivables available to settle the obligations of a variable interest entity	6,100	7,000
International Card Services [Member]
Accounts receivable segment information
Card Member receivables	6,381	7,653
Global Commercial Services [Member]
Accounts receivable segment information
Card Member receivables	15,697	14,583
Global Commercial Services [Member] \| Airline [Member]
Accounts receivable segment information
Card Member receivables	638	636
Global Commercial Services [Member] \| Airline [Member] \| Delta [Member]
Accounts receivable segment information
Card Member receivables	577	606
Global Network And Merchant Services [Member]
Accounts receivable segment information
Card Member receivables	$ 124	$ 147