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Fair Values (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Millions | Mar. 31, 2016 | Dec. 31, 2015
--- | --- | ---
Liabilities [Abstract] |  |
Derivatives | $ 456 | $ 201
Total liabilities | 456 | 201
Level 1 [Member] |  |
Liabilities [Abstract] |  |
Derivatives | 0 | 0
Total liabilities | 0 | 0
Level 2 [Member] |  |
Liabilities [Abstract] |  |
Derivatives | 456 | 201
Total liabilities | 456 | 201
Level 3 [Member] |  |
Liabilities [Abstract] |  |
Derivatives | 0 | 0
Total liabilities | $ 0 | $ 0

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

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- References No definition available. + Details
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Balance Type: | na
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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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Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
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- Details
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- Details
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- Details
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