Details of Certain Consolidated Statements of Income Lines (Details 2) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Details Of Certain Statements Of Income Lines Details [Abstract]
Marketing and promotion	$ 3,043	$ 2,890	$ 2,996
Card Member rewards	6,457	6,282	6,218
Card Member services	767	772	716
Total marketing, promotion, rewards and Card Member services	$ 10,267	$ 9,944	$ 9,930

Marketing and promotion expense includes advertising costs. Card Member rewards expense includes the costs of rewards programs (including Membership Rewards). Card Member services expense includes protection plans and complimentary services provided to Card Members.

No definition available.

Name:	axp_MarketingPromotionRewardsAndCardMemberServices
Namespace Prefix:	axp_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration