XML 123 R102.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v3.3.1.900

Stock Plans (Details Textuals) - USD ($) | 12 Months Ended
--- | ---
Dec. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013
Stock Plans Details [Abstract] |  |  |
Common shares unissued and available for grant | 33,000,000 | 35,000,000 | 35,000,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] |  |  |
Weighted-average grant date fair value of RSAs granted | $ 81.99 |  |
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Share-based Payments [Line Items] |  |  |
Exercisable non-qualified stock option awards granted to CEO | 687,000 |  |
Chief Executive Officer [Member] |  |  |
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Share-based Payments [Line Items] |  |  |
Non-qualified stock option awards granted to CEO | 2,750,000 |  |
Contractual term in years of stock option awards | 10 years |  |
Vesting period in years of stock option awards | 6 years |  |
Chief Executive Officer [Member] | Market-based conditions [Member] |  |  |
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Share-based Payments [Line Items] |  |  |
Aggregate grant date fair value | $ 10,500,000 |  |
Total compensation expense | 0 | $ 300,000 | $ 500,000
Chief Executive Officer [Member] | Performance-based conditions [Member] |  |  |
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Share-based Payments [Line Items] |  |  |
Aggregate grant date fair value | 33,800,000 |  |
Total compensation expense | $ 0 | 0 | 0
Stock Option [Member] |  |  |
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] |  |  |
Vesting rights | Each stock option has an exercise price equal to the market price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant and a contractual term of 10 years from the date of grant. Stock options generally vest 100 percent on the third anniversary of the grant date. |  |
Intrinsic value for options exercised | $ 87,000,000 | 245,000,000 | 374,000,000
Cash received from the exercise of stock options | 146,000,000 | 283,000,000 | 580,000,000
Tax benefit realized from income tax deductions from stock option exercises | $ 18,000,000 | 54,000,000 | 84,000,000
Restricted Stock Awards [Member] |  |  |
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] |  |  |
Vesting rights | RSAs are valued based on the stock price on the date of grant and generally vest 25 percent per year, beginning with the first anniversary of the grant date. |  |
Total fair value of shares vested | $ 247,000,000 | $ 298,000,000 | $ 336,000,000
Weighted-average grant date fair value of RSAs granted | $ 81.99 | $ 86.65 | $ 60.13
Liability-Based Awards [Member] |  |  |
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] |  |  |
Cash paid upon vesting of PGs | $ 74,000,000 | $ 62,000,000 | $ 43,000,000

X
- Definition The grant-date aggregate fair value of options granted during the reporting period as calculated by applying the disclosed option pricing methodology. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | axp_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGrantDateAggregateFairValue
Namespace Prefix: | axp_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Stock Plans. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | axp_StockPlansDetailsAbstract
Namespace Prefix: | axp_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The compensation expense recognized during the period pertaining to the deferred compensation arrangement. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 718 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5047-113901 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 710 -SubTopic 10 -Section 30 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6409875&loc=d3e20015-108363 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualCompensationExpense
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Maximum term of the deferred compensation arrangement, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 710 -SubTopic 10 -Section 55 -Paragraph 7 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6409961&loc=d3e20487-108367 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 718 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (a)(2) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5070-113901 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualMaximumContractualTerm1
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Minimum period the individual is required to perform services to be fully vested under the deferred compensation arrangement, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 710 -SubTopic 10 -Section 55 -Paragraph 7 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6409961&loc=d3e20487-108367 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 718 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (a)(1) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5070-113901 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualRequisiteServicePeriod1
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Line items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualShareBasedPaymentsLineItems
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Number of shares issued pursuant to the terms of a deferred compensation arrangement. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 718 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (l) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5070-113901 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualSharesIssued
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Aggregate cash paid by the entity during the period to settle equity instruments granted under equity-based payment arrangements. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 718 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (k) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5070-113901 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationCashFlowEffectCashUsedToSettleAwards
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Aggregate proceeds received by the entity during the annual period from exercises of stock or unit options and conversion of similar instruments granted under equity-based payment arrangements. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 718 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (j) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5070-113901 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationCashReceivedFromExerciseOfStockOptions
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Disclosure of the aggregate tax benefit realized from the exercise of stock options and the conversion of similar instruments during the annual period. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 718 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (j) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5070-113901 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationTaxBenefitRealizedFromExerciseOfStockOptions
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Description of award terms as to how many shares or portion of an award are no longer contingent on satisfaction of either a service condition, market condition or a performance condition, thereby giving the employee the legal right to convert the award to shares, to sell the shares, and be entitled to the cash proceeds of such sale. For example, vesting may be expressed as being 25 percent of the shares under option on each anniversary of the grant date. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 718 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (a)(1) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5070-113901 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingRights
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The weighted average fair value at grant date for nonvested equity-based awards issued during the period on other than stock (or unit) option plans (for example, phantom stock or unit plan, stock or unit appreciation rights plan, performance target plan). + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 718 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (c)(2)(iii)(1) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5070-113901 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | num:perShareItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Fair value of share-based awards for which the grantee gained the right by satisfying service and performance requirements, to receive or retain shares or units, other instruments, or cash. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 718 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (d)(2) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5070-113901 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodTotalFairValue
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Line items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The difference between the maximum number of shares (or other type of equity) authorized for issuance under the plan (including the effects of amendments and adjustments), and the sum of: 1) the number of shares (or other type of equity) already issued upon exercise of options or other equity-based awards under the plan; and 2) shares (or other type of equity) reserved for issuance on granting of outstanding awards, net of cancellations and forfeitures, if applicable. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 718 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5070-113901 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of accumulated difference between fair value of underlying shares on dates of exercise and exercise price on options exercised (or share units converted) into shares. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 718 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (d)(2) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5070-113901 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodTotalIntrinsicValue
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The number of shares reserved for issuance pertaining to the outstanding exercisable stock options as of the balance sheet date in the customized range of exercise prices for which the market and performance vesting condition has been satisfied. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 718 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (c)(iii) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5070-113901 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeNumberOfExercisableOptions
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis=us-gaap_ChiefExecutiveOfficerMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualShareBasedPaymentsByTypeOfDeferredCompensationAxis=us-gaap_DeferredProfitSharingMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualShareBasedPaymentsByTypeOfDeferredCompensationAxis=us-gaap_DeferredBonusMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_PlanNameAxis=us-gaap_StockOptionMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_PlanNameAxis=axp_RestrictedStockAwardsMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_PlanNameAxis=axp_LiabilityBasedAwardsMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |