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Basis of Presentation (Details Textuals) $ in Millions | Jan. 01, 2016 USD ($)
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PriorPeriodReclassificationAdjustment[Abstract] |
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption on Retained Earnings | $ 55.2

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

X
- Definition Amount after tax of increase (decrease) to equity or (increase) decrease to net assets, resulting from the cumulative effect adjustment of a new accounting principle applied in the period of adoption. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant