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v3.8.0.1

Other Liabilities (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Millions | Dec. 31, 2017 | Dec. 31, 2016
--- | --- | ---
Carrying amount of deferred charge card and other fees |  |
Deferred card and other fees | $ 1,996 | $ 1,767
Deferred direct acquisition costs | (280) | (204)
Reserves for membership cancellations | (162) | (152)
Total | $ 1,554 | $ 1,411

X
- Definition Represents the carrying amount of deferred charge card and other fees, net of direct acquisition costs and reserves for membership cancellations. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | axp_DeferredCardAndOtherFeesNet
Namespace Prefix: | axp_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Represents amounts related to deferred charges and other fees including deferred fees for Membership Reward program participants. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | axp_DeferredChargeCardAndOtherFees
Namespace Prefix: | axp_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

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

X
- Definition Represents estimated fees refundable to Card Members if they cancel their card. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | axp_ReservesForMembershipCancellations
Namespace Prefix: | axp_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount, after accumulated amortization and related credit card fees, of credit card origination costs not related to private label credit cards. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 310 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 4 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=84159169&loc=d3e10178-111534 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DeferredCostsCreditCardOriginationCostsAmount
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant