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Reserves for Losses (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified |
3 Months Ended | |
|---|---|---|
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Mar. 31, 2015
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Mar. 31, 2014
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| Changes in the Card Member receivables reserve for losses | ||
| Balance, January 1 | $ 465us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivable | $ 386us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivable |
| Card Member receivables - provisions | 174us-gaap_ProvisionForDoubtfulAccounts | 215us-gaap_ProvisionForDoubtfulAccounts |
| Card Member receivables - net write-offs | (199)axp_ProvisionsForLossesDeductionsChargeCardNetWriteOffsPrincipalAndFees | (170)axp_ProvisionsForLossesDeductionsChargeCardNetWriteOffsPrincipalAndFees |
| Card Member receivables - other | (11)axp_ProvisionsForLossesDeductionsChargeCardNetWriteOffsOther | (17)axp_ProvisionsForLossesDeductionsChargeCardNetWriteOffsOther |
| Balance, March 31 | $ 429us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivable | $ 414us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivable |
| X | ||||||||||
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- Details
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Represents adjustments to cardmember receivables resulting from unauthorized transactions and foreign currency translation adjustments for the period. No definition available.
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Represents net write-offs consisting of principal (resulting from authorized transactions) and fee components, less recoveries, for the period. No definition available.
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
For an unclassified balance sheet, a valuation allowance for receivables due a company that are expected to be uncollectible. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Amount of expense related to write-down of receivables to the amount expected to be collected. Includes, but is not limited to, accounts receivable and notes receivable. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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