Fair Values (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities	$ 201	$ 164
Total liabilities	201	164
Level 1 [Member]
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities	0	0
Total liabilities	0	0
Level 2 [Member]
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities	201	164
Total liabilities	201	164
Level 3 [Member]
Liabilities [Abstract]
Total liabilities	$ 0	$ 0

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.

No definition available.

Name:	axp_FairValueOfDerivativeLiabilities
Namespace Prefix:	axp_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant