Derivatives and Hedging Activities (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total fair value of derivative assets	$ 991axp_FairValueOfDerivativeAssets	$ 701axp_FairValueOfDerivativeAssets
Total fair value of derivative liabilities	164axp_FairValueOfDerivativeLiabilities	213axp_FairValueOfDerivativeLiabilities
Total derivatives assets, net	711us-gaap_DerivativeAssets	329us-gaap_DerivativeAssets
Other Assets [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total fair value of derivative assets	991	701
Cash collateral netting	(158)	(336)
Derivative asset and liability netting	(122)	(36)
Total derivatives assets, net	711	329
Other Assets [Member] \| Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total fair value of derivative assets	806	637
Other Assets [Member] \| Foreign exchange contracts [Member] \| Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total fair value of derivative assets	185	64
Other Assets [Member] \| Fair Value Hedging [Member] \| Interest Rate Contract [Member] \| Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total fair value of derivative assets	314	455
Other Assets [Member] \| Fair Value Hedging [Member] \| Total Return Swap [Member] \| Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total fair value of derivative assets	0	8
Other Assets [Member] \| Net Investment Hedging [Member] \| Foreign exchange contracts [Member] \| Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total fair value of derivative assets	492	174
Other Liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total fair value of derivative liabilities	164	213
Cash collateral netting	(4)	0
Derivative asset and liability netting	(122)	(36)
Total derivatives liabilities, net	38	177
Other Liabilities [Member] \| Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total fair value of derivative liabilities	50	118
Other Liabilities [Member] \| Foreign exchange contracts [Member] \| Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total fair value of derivative liabilities	114	95
Other Liabilities [Member] \| Fair Value Hedging [Member] \| Interest Rate Contract [Member] \| Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total fair value of derivative liabilities	4	2
Other Liabilities [Member] \| Fair Value Hedging [Member] \| Total Return Swap [Member] \| Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total fair value of derivative liabilities	0	0
Other Liabilities [Member] \| Net Investment Hedging [Member] \| Foreign exchange contracts [Member] \| Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total fair value of derivative liabilities	$ 46	$ 116

Fair value, after the effects of master netting arrangements, of a financial asset 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 not subject to a master netting arrangement and not elected to be offset.

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- Definition

Fair value, after the effects of master netting arrangements, of a financial liability or 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 liabilities not subject to a master netting arrangement and not elected to be offset.

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