Exhibits

y87970e10vk.htmy87970exv3w5.htmy87970exv10w8.htmy87970exv10w24.htmy87970exv10w30.htmy87970exv10w34.htmy87970exv12.htmy87970exv13.htmy87970exv21.htmy87970exv23w1.htmy87970exv31w1.htmy87970exv31w2.htmy87970exv32w1.htmaxp-20101231.xmlR19.xmlR143.xmlR131.xmlR44.xmlR154.xmlR80.xmlR97.xmlR35.xmlR106.xmlR146.xmlR153.xmlR120.xmlR112.xmlR51.xmlR116.xmlR29.xmlR11.xmlR163.xmlR10.xmlR158.xmlR109.xmlR60.xmlR30.xmlR100.xmlR139.xmlR54.xmlR8.xmlR36.xmlR41.xmlR79.xmlR66.xmlR72.xmlR58.xmlR156.xmlR22.xmlR150.xmlR89.xmlR74.xmlR31.xmlR45.xmlR133.xmlR138.xmlR43.xmlR73.xmlR124.xmlR49.xmlR105.xmlR147.xmlR53.xmlR92.xmlR18.xmlR107.xmlR86.xmlR159.xmlR98.xmlR123.xmlR94.xmlR151.xmlR32.xmlR108.xmlR82.xmlR67.xmlR57.xmlR12.xmlR3.xmlR113.xmlR142.xmlR134.xmlR14.xmlR125.xmlR90.xmlR48.xmlR78.xmlR15.xmlR24.xmlR148.xmlR69.xmlR119.xmlR20.xmlR136.xmlR4.xmlR114.xmlR83.xmlR77.xmlR27.xmlR101.xmlR39.xmlR127.xmlR75.xmlR128.xmlR81.xmlR96.xmlR68.xmlR118.xmlR135.xmlR70.xmlR50.xmlR33.xmlR16.xmlR28.xmlR102.xmlR76.xmlR52.xmlR62.xmlR122.xmlR130.xmlR9.xmlR6.xmlR61.xmlR88.xmlR152.xmlR91.xmlR85.xmlR5.xmlR23.xmlR115.xmldefnref.xmlR161.xmlR95.xmlR84.xmlR155.xmlR121.xmlR46.xmlR21.xmlR99.xmlR87.xmlR13.xmlR34.xmlR26.xmlR93.xmlR59.xmlR129.xmlR64.xmlR1.xmlR2.xmlR132.xmlR103.xmlR37.xmlR63.xmlR56.xmlR144.xmlR111.xmlFinancial_Report.xlsR110.xmlR55.xmlR160.xmlR157.xmlR47.xmlR162.xmlR141.xmlR38.xmlR145.xmlR25.xmlR7.xmlR117.xmlR65.xmlR137.xmlR126.xmlR149.xmlR40.xmlR71.xmlR42.xmlR17.xmlR140.xmlR104.xml
2.2.0.25truefalse06102 - Disclosure - Debt (Details 2)truefalseIn Millionsfalse1falsefalseUSDfalsefalse12/31/2010 USD ($) $BalanceAsOf_31Dec2010http://www.sec.gov/CIK0000004962instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00USDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170SharesStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0PureStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancepurexbrli0USDUSD$2true0us-gaap_LongTermDebtByMaturityAbstractus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalse3false0us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInNextTwelveMonthsus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse1426300000014263falsetruefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAmount of long-term debt maturing within the next twelve months following the date of the latest balance sheet presented in the financial statements, which may include maturities of long-term debt, sinking fund requirements, and other securities redeemable at fixed or determinable prices and dates.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 47 -Paragraph 10 -Subparagraph b falsefalse4false0us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearTwous-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse1527500000015275falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAmount of long-term debt maturing in year two following the date of the latest balance sheet presented in the financial statements, which may include maturities of long-term debt, sinking fund requirements, and other securities redeemable at fixed or determinable prices and dates.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 47 -Paragraph 10 -Subparagraph b falsefalse5false0us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearThreeus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse1086000000010860falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAmount of long-term debt maturing in year three following the date of the latest balance sheet presented in the financial statements, which may include maturities of long-term debt, sinking fund requirements, and other securities redeemable at fixed of determinable prices and dates.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 47 -Paragraph 10 -Subparagraph b falsefalse6false0us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFourus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse1009100000010091falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAmount of long-term debt maturing in year four following the date of the latest balance sheet presented in the financial statements, which may include maturities of long-term debt, sinking fund requirements, and other securities redeemable at fixed of determinable prices and dates.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 47 -Paragraph 10 -Subparagraph b falsefalse7false0us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFiveus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse44390000004439falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAmount of long-term debt maturing in year five following the date of the latest balance sheet presented in the financial statements, which may include maturities of long-term debt, sinking fund requirements, and other securities redeemable at fixed of determinable prices and dates.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 47 -Paragraph 10 -Subparagraph b falsefalse8false0us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalAfterYearFiveus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse1160100000011601falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAmount of long-term debt maturities after year five following the date of the latest balance sheet presented in the financial statements, which may include maturities of long-term debt, sinking fund requirements, and other securities redeemable at fixed of determinable prices and dates.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 47 -Paragraph 10 -Subparagraph b falsefalse9false0axp_LongTermDebtBeforeAdjustmentOfUnamortizedUnderwritingFeesaxpfalsecreditinstantLong Term Debt Before Adjustment of Unamortized Underwriting Fees.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotallabel1truefalsefalse6652900000066529falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryLong Term Debt Before Adjustment of Unamortized Underwriting Fees.No authoritative reference available.truefalse10false0us-gaap_UnamortizedDebtIssuanceExpenseus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse-113000000-113falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe remaining balance of debt issuance expenses that were capitalized and are being amortized against income over the lives of the respective bond issues. This does not include the amounts capitalized as part of the cost of the utility plant or asset.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse11false0axp_LongTermDebtGrossaxpfalsecreditinstantIncluding current and noncurrent portions, aggregate carrying amount of long-term borrowings before deducting any unamortized...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotallabel1truefalsefalse6641600000066416falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryIncluding current and noncurrent portions, aggregate carrying amount of long-term borrowings before deducting any unamortized underwriting fee as of the balance sheet date. May include notes payable, bonds payable, commercial loans, mortgage loans, convertible debt, subordinated debt and other types of debt, which had initial maturities beyond one year or beyond the normal operating cycle, if longer, and after deducting unamortized discount or premiums, if any.No authoritative reference available.truefalse12false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://americanexpress.com/role/debtdetails21falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalseUSDtruefalse{dei_LegalEntityAxis} : Parent Company [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $BalanceAsOf_31Dec2010_Parent_Company_Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000004962instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseParent Company [Member]dei_LegalEntityAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_ParentCompanyMemberdei_LegalEntityAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170PureStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancepurexbrli0USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse13true0us-gaap_LongTermDebtByMaturityAbstractus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalse14false0us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInNextTwelveMonthsus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse400000000400falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAmount of long-term debt maturing within the next twelve months following the date of the latest balance sheet presented in the financial statements, which may include maturities of long-term debt, sinking fund requirements, and other securities redeemable at fixed or determinable prices and dates.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 47 -Paragraph 10 -Subparagraph b falsefalse15false0us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearTwous-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAmount of long-term debt maturing in year two following the date of the latest balance sheet presented in the financial statements, which may include maturities of long-term debt, sinking fund requirements, and other securities redeemable at fixed or determinable prices and dates.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 47 -Paragraph 10 -Subparagraph b falsefalse16false0us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearThreeus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse998000000998falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAmount of long-term debt maturing in year three following the date of the latest balance sheet presented in the financial statements, which may include maturities of long-term debt, sinking fund requirements, and other securities redeemable at fixed of determinable prices and dates.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 47 -Paragraph 10 -Subparagraph b falsefalse17false0us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFourus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse12490000001249falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAmount of long-term debt maturing in year four following the date of the latest balance sheet presented in the financial statements, which may include maturities of long-term debt, sinking fund requirements, and other securities redeemable at fixed of determinable prices and dates.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 47 -Paragraph 10 -Subparagraph b falsefalse18false0us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFiveus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAmount of long-term debt maturing in year five following the date of the latest balance sheet presented in the financial statements, which may include maturities of long-term debt, sinking fund requirements, and other securities redeemable at fixed of determinable prices and dates.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 47 -Paragraph 10 -Subparagraph b falsefalse19false0us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalAfterYearFiveus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse77020000007702falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAmount of long-term debt maturities after year five following the date of the latest balance sheet presented in the financial statements, which may include maturities of long-term debt, sinking fund requirements, and other securities redeemable at fixed of determinable prices and dates.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 47 -Paragraph 10 -Subparagraph b falsefalse20false0axp_LongTermDebtGrossaxpfalsecreditinstantIncluding current and noncurrent portions, aggregate carrying amount of long-term borrowings before deducting any unamortized...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotallabel1truefalsefalse1034900000010349falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryIncluding current and noncurrent portions, aggregate carrying amount of long-term borrowings before deducting any unamortized underwriting fee as of the balance sheet date. May include notes payable, bonds payable, commercial loans, mortgage loans, convertible debt, subordinated debt and other types of debt, which had initial maturities beyond one year or beyond the normal operating cycle, if longer, and after deducting unamortized discount or premiums, if any.No authoritative reference available.truefalse21false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://americanexpress.com/role/debtdetails21falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalseUSDtruefalse{dei_LegalEntityAxis} : American Express Travel Related Services Company Inc [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $BalanceAsOf_31Dec2010_American_Express_Travel_Related_Services_Company_Inc_Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000004962instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseAmerican Express Travel Related Services Company Inc [Member]dei_LegalEntityAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldiaxp_AmericanExpressTravelRelatedServicesCompanyIncMemberdei_LegalEntityAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse22true0us-gaap_LongTermDebtByMaturityAbstractus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalse23false0us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInNextTwelveMonthsus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse12000000001200falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAmount of long-term debt maturing within the next twelve months following the date of the latest balance sheet presented in the financial statements, which may include maturities of long-term debt, sinking fund requirements, and other securities redeemable at fixed or determinable prices and dates.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 47 -Paragraph 10 -Subparagraph b falsefalse24false0us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearTwous-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAmount of long-term debt maturing in year two following the date of the latest balance sheet presented in the financial statements, which may include maturities of long-term debt, sinking fund requirements, and other securities redeemable at fixed or determinable prices and dates.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 47 -Paragraph 10 -Subparagraph b falsefalse25false0us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearThreeus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAmount of long-term debt maturing in year three following the date of the latest balance sheet presented in the financial statements, which may include maturities of long-term debt, sinking fund requirements, and other securities redeemable at fixed of determinable prices and dates.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 47 -Paragraph 10 -Subparagraph b falsefalse26false0us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFourus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAmount of long-term debt maturing in year four following the date of the latest balance sheet presented in the financial statements, which may include maturities of long-term debt, sinking fund requirements, and other securities redeemable at fixed of determinable prices and dates.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 47 -Paragraph 10 -Subparagraph b falsefalse27false0us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFiveus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAmount of long-term debt maturing in year five following the date of the latest balance sheet presented in the financial statements, which may include maturities of long-term debt, sinking fund requirements, and other securities redeemable at fixed of determinable prices and dates.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 47 -Paragraph 10 -Subparagraph b falsefalse28false0us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalAfterYearFiveus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAmount of long-term debt maturities after year five following the date of the latest balance sheet presented in the financial statements, which may include maturities of long-term debt, sinking fund requirements, and other securities redeemable at fixed of determinable prices and dates.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 47 -Paragraph 10 -Subparagraph b falsefalse29false0axp_LongTermDebtGrossaxpfalsecreditinstantIncluding current and noncurrent portions, aggregate carrying amount of long-term borrowings before deducting any unamortized...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotallabel1truefalsefalse12000000001200falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryIncluding current and noncurrent portions, aggregate carrying amount of long-term borrowings before deducting any unamortized underwriting fee as of the balance sheet date. May include notes payable, bonds payable, commercial loans, mortgage loans, convertible debt, subordinated debt and other types of debt, which had initial maturities beyond one year or beyond the normal operating cycle, if longer, and after deducting unamortized discount or premiums, if any.No authoritative reference available.truefalse30false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://americanexpress.com/role/debtdetails21falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4falsefalseUSDtruefalse{dei_LegalEntityAxis} : American Express Centurion Bank [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $BalanceAsOf_31Dec2010_American_Express_Centurion_Bank_Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000004962instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseAmerican Express Centurion Bank [Member]dei_LegalEntityAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldiaxp_AmericanExpressCenturionBankMemberdei_LegalEntityAxisexplicitMemberPureStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancepurexbrli0USDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse31true0us-gaap_LongTermDebtByMaturityAbstractus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalse32false0us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInNextTwelveMonthsus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAmount of long-term debt maturing within the next twelve months following the date of the latest balance sheet presented in the financial statements, which may include maturities of long-term debt, sinking fund requirements, and other securities redeemable at fixed or determinable prices and dates.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 47 -Paragraph 10 -Subparagraph b falsefalse33false0us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearTwous-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse12070000001207falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAmount of long-term debt maturing in year two following the date of the latest balance sheet presented in the financial statements, which may include maturities of long-term debt, sinking fund requirements, and other securities redeemable at fixed or determinable prices and dates.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 47 -Paragraph 10 -Subparagraph b falsefalse34false0us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearThreeus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAmount of long-term debt maturing in year three following the date of the latest balance sheet presented in the financial statements, which may include maturities of long-term debt, sinking fund requirements, and other securities redeemable at fixed of determinable prices and dates.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 47 -Paragraph 10 -Subparagraph b falsefalse35false0us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFourus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAmount of long-term debt maturing in year four following the date of the latest balance sheet presented in the financial statements, which may include maturities of long-term debt, sinking fund requirements, and other securities redeemable at fixed of determinable prices and dates.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 47 -Paragraph 10 -Subparagraph b falsefalse36false0us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFiveus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse50000005falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAmount of long-term debt maturing in year five following the date of the latest balance sheet presented in the financial statements, which may include maturities of long-term debt, sinking fund requirements, and other securities redeemable at fixed of determinable prices and dates.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 47 -Paragraph 10 -Subparagraph b falsefalse37false0us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalAfterYearFiveus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse13540000001354falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAmount of long-term debt maturities after year five following the date of the latest balance sheet presented in the financial statements, which may include maturities of long-term debt, sinking fund requirements, and other securities redeemable at fixed of determinable prices and dates.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 47 -Paragraph 10 -Subparagraph b falsefalse38false0axp_LongTermDebtGrossaxpfalsecreditinstantIncluding current and noncurrent portions, aggregate carrying amount of long-term borrowings before deducting any unamortized...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotallabel1truefalsefalse25660000002566falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryIncluding current and noncurrent portions, aggregate carrying amount of long-term borrowings before deducting any unamortized underwriting fee as of the balance sheet date. May include notes payable, bonds payable, commercial loans, mortgage loans, convertible debt, subordinated debt and other types of debt, which had initial maturities beyond one year or beyond the normal operating cycle, if longer, and after deducting unamortized discount or premiums, if any.No authoritative reference available.truefalse39false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://americanexpress.com/role/debtdetails21falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse5falsefalseUSDtruefalse{dei_LegalEntityAxis} : American Express Credit Corporation [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $BalanceAsOf_31Dec2010_American_Express_Credit_Corporation_Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000004962instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseAmerican Express Credit Corporation [Member]dei_LegalEntityAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldiaxp_AmericanExpressCreditCorporationMemberdei_LegalEntityAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse40true0us-gaap_LongTermDebtByMaturityAbstractus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalse41false0us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInNextTwelveMonthsus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse21500000002150falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAmount of long-term debt maturing within the next twelve months following the date of the latest balance sheet presented in the financial statements, which may include maturities of long-term debt, sinking fund requirements, and other securities redeemable at fixed or determinable prices and dates.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 47 -Paragraph 10 -Subparagraph b falsefalse42false0us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearTwous-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse56790000005679falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAmount of long-term debt maturing in year two following the date of the latest balance sheet presented in the financial statements, which may include maturities of long-term debt, sinking fund requirements, and other securities redeemable at fixed or determinable prices and dates.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 47 -Paragraph 10 -Subparagraph b falsefalse43false0us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearThreeus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse51180000005118falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAmount of long-term debt maturing in year three following the date of the latest balance sheet presented in the financial statements, which may include maturities of long-term debt, sinking fund requirements, and other securities redeemable at fixed of determinable prices and dates.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 47 -Paragraph 10 -Subparagraph b falsefalse44false0us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFourus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse35730000003573falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAmount of long-term debt maturing in year four following the date of the latest balance sheet presented in the financial statements, which may include maturities of long-term debt, sinking fund requirements, and other securities redeemable at fixed of determinable prices and dates.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 47 -Paragraph 10 -Subparagraph b falsefalse45false0us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFiveus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse24840000002484falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAmount of long-term debt maturing in year five following the date of the latest balance sheet presented in the financial statements, which may include maturities of long-term debt, sinking fund requirements, and other securities redeemable at fixed of determinable prices and dates.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 47 -Paragraph 10 -Subparagraph b falsefalse46false0us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalAfterYearFiveus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAmount of long-term debt maturities after year five following the date of the latest balance sheet presented in the financial statements, which may include maturities of long-term debt, sinking fund requirements, and other securities redeemable at fixed of determinable prices and dates.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 47 -Paragraph 10 -Subparagraph b falsefalse47false0axp_LongTermDebtGrossaxpfalsecreditinstantIncluding current and noncurrent portions, aggregate carrying amount of long-term borrowings before deducting any unamortized...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotallabel1truefalsefalse1900400000019004falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryIncluding current and noncurrent portions, aggregate carrying amount of long-term borrowings before deducting any unamortized underwriting fee as of the balance sheet date. May include notes payable, bonds payable, commercial loans, mortgage loans, convertible debt, subordinated debt and other types of debt, which had initial maturities beyond one year or beyond the normal operating cycle, if longer, and after deducting unamortized discount or premiums, if any.No authoritative reference available.truefalse48false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://americanexpress.com/role/debtdetails21falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse6falsefalseUSDtruefalse{dei_LegalEntityAxis} : American Express Federal Savings Bank [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $BalanceAsOf_31Dec2010_American_Express_Federal_Savings_Bank_Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000004962instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseAmerican Express Federal Savings Bank [Member]dei_LegalEntityAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldiaxp_AmericanExpressFederalSavingsBankMemberdei_LegalEntityAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse49true0us-gaap_LongTermDebtByMaturityAbstractus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalse50false0us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInNextTwelveMonthsus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse51730000005173falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAmount of long-term debt maturing within the next twelve months following the date of the latest balance sheet presented in the financial statements, which may include maturities of long-term debt, sinking fund requirements, and other securities redeemable at fixed or determinable prices and dates.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 47 -Paragraph 10 -Subparagraph b falsefalse51false0us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearTwous-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse16070000001607falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAmount of long-term debt maturing in year two following the date of the latest balance sheet presented in the financial statements, which may include maturities of long-term debt, sinking fund requirements, and other securities redeemable at fixed or determinable prices and dates.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 47 -Paragraph 10 -Subparagraph b falsefalse52false0us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearThreeus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse18400000001840falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAmount of long-term debt maturing in year three following the date of the latest balance sheet presented in the financial statements, which may include maturities of long-term debt, sinking fund requirements, and other securities redeemable at fixed of determinable prices and dates.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 47 -Paragraph 10 -Subparagraph b falsefalse53false0us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFourus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAmount of long-term debt maturing in year four following the date of the latest balance sheet presented in the financial statements, which may include maturities of long-term debt, sinking fund requirements, and other securities redeemable at fixed of determinable prices and dates.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 47 -Paragraph 10 -Subparagraph b falsefalse54false0us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFiveus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAmount of long-term debt maturing in year five following the date of the latest balance sheet presented in the financial statements, which may include maturities of long-term debt, sinking fund requirements, and other securities redeemable at fixed of determinable prices and dates.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 47 -Paragraph 10 -Subparagraph b falsefalse55false0us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalAfterYearFiveus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse12980000001298falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAmount of long-term debt maturities after year five following the date of the latest balance sheet presented in the financial statements, which may include maturities of long-term debt, sinking fund requirements, and other securities redeemable at fixed of determinable prices and dates.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 47 -Paragraph 10 -Subparagraph b falsefalse56false0axp_LongTermDebtGrossaxpfalsecreditinstantIncluding current and noncurrent portions, aggregate carrying amount of long-term borrowings before deducting any unamortized...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotallabel1truefalsefalse99180000009918falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryIncluding current and noncurrent portions, aggregate carrying amount of long-term borrowings before deducting any unamortized underwriting fee as of the balance sheet date. May include notes payable, bonds payable, commercial loans, mortgage loans, convertible debt, subordinated debt and other types of debt, which had initial maturities beyond one year or beyond the normal operating cycle, if longer, and after deducting unamortized discount or premiums, if any.No authoritative reference available.truefalse57false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://americanexpress.com/role/debtdetails21falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse7falsefalseUSDtruefalse{dei_LegalEntityAxis} : American Express Lending Trust [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $BalanceAsOf_31Dec2010_American_Express_Lending_Trust_Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000004962instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseAmerican Express Lending Trust [Member]dei_LegalEntityAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldiaxp_AmericanExpressLendingTrustMemberdei_LegalEntityAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse58true0us-gaap_LongTermDebtByMaturityAbstractus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalse59false0us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInNextTwelveMonthsus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse53300000005330falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAmount of long-term debt maturing within the next twelve months following the date of the latest balance sheet presented in the financial statements, which may include maturities of long-term debt, sinking fund requirements, and other securities redeemable at fixed or determinable prices and dates.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 47 -Paragraph 10 -Subparagraph b falsefalse60false0us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearTwous-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse52220000005222falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAmount of long-term debt maturing in year two following the date of the latest balance sheet presented in the financial statements, which may include maturities of long-term debt, sinking fund requirements, and other securities redeemable at fixed or determinable prices and dates.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 47 -Paragraph 10 -Subparagraph b falsefalse61false0us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearThreeus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse29040000002904falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAmount of long-term debt maturing in year three following the date of the latest balance sheet presented in the financial statements, which may include maturities of long-term debt, sinking fund requirements, and other securities redeemable at fixed of determinable prices and dates.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 47 -Paragraph 10 -Subparagraph b falsefalse62false0us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFourus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse26850000002685falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAmount of long-term debt maturing in year four following the date of the latest balance sheet presented in the financial statements, which may include maturities of long-term debt, sinking fund requirements, and other securities redeemable at fixed of determinable prices and dates.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 47 -Paragraph 10 -Subparagraph b falsefalse63false0us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFiveus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse19500000001950falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAmount of long-term debt maturing in year five following the date of the latest balance sheet presented in the financial statements, which may include maturities of long-term debt, sinking fund requirements, and other securities redeemable at fixed of determinable prices and dates.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 47 -Paragraph 10 -Subparagraph b falsefalse64false0us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalAfterYearFiveus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse12000000001200falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAmount of long-term debt maturities after year five following the date of the latest balance sheet presented in the financial statements, which may include maturities of long-term debt, sinking fund requirements, and other securities redeemable at fixed of determinable prices and dates.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 47 -Paragraph 10 -Subparagraph b falsefalse65false0axp_LongTermDebtGrossaxpfalsecreditinstantIncluding current and noncurrent portions, aggregate carrying amount of long-term borrowings before deducting any unamortized...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotallabel1truefalsefalse1929100000019291falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryIncluding current and noncurrent portions, aggregate carrying amount of long-term borrowings before deducting any unamortized underwriting fee as of the balance sheet date. May include notes payable, bonds payable, commercial loans, mortgage loans, convertible debt, subordinated debt and other types of debt, which had initial maturities beyond one year or beyond the normal operating cycle, if longer, and after deducting unamortized discount or premiums, if any.No authoritative reference available.truefalse66false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://americanexpress.com/role/debtdetails21falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse8falsefalseUSDtruefalse{dei_LegalEntityAxis} : Other Subsidiaries [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $BalanceAsOf_31Dec2010_Other_Subsidiaries_Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000004962instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseOther Subsidiaries [Member]dei_LegalEntityAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldiaxp_OtherSubsidiariesMemberdei_LegalEntityAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse67true0us-gaap_LongTermDebtByMaturityAbstractus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalse68false0us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInNextTwelveMonthsus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse1000000010falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAmount of long-term debt maturing within the next twelve months following the date of the latest balance sheet presented in the financial statements, which may include maturities of long-term debt, sinking fund requirements, and other securities redeemable at fixed or determinable prices and dates.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 47 -Paragraph 10 -Subparagraph b falsefalse69false0us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearTwous-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAmount of long-term debt maturing in year two following the date of the latest balance sheet presented in the financial statements, which may include maturities of long-term debt, sinking fund requirements, and other securities redeemable at fixed or determinable prices and dates.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 47 -Paragraph 10 -Subparagraph b falsefalse70false0us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearThreeus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAmount of long-term debt maturing in year three following the date of the latest balance sheet presented in the financial statements, which may include maturities of long-term debt, sinking fund requirements, and other securities redeemable at fixed of determinable prices and dates.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 47 -Paragraph 10 -Subparagraph b falsefalse71false0us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFourus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse8400000084falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAmount of long-term debt maturing in year four following the date of the latest balance sheet presented in the financial statements, which may include maturities of long-term debt, sinking fund requirements, and other securities redeemable at fixed of determinable prices and dates.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 47 -Paragraph 10 -Subparagraph b falsefalse72false0us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFiveus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAmount of long-term debt maturing in year five following the date of the latest balance sheet presented in the financial statements, which may include maturities of long-term debt, sinking fund requirements, and other securities redeemable at fixed of determinable prices and dates.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 47 -Paragraph 10 -Subparagraph b falsefalse73false0us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalAfterYearFiveus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse4700000047falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAmount of long-term debt maturities after year five following the date of the latest balance sheet presented in the financial statements, which may include maturities of long-term debt, sinking fund requirements, and other securities redeemable at fixed of determinable prices and dates.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 47 -Paragraph 10 -Subparagraph b falsefalse74false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://americanexpress.com/role/debtdetails21falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse9falsefalseUSDtruefalse{dei_LegalEntityAxis} : Receivables Financing Corporation V LLC [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $BalanceAsOf_31Dec2010_Receivables_Financing_Corporation_Vllc_Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000004962instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseReceivables Financing Corporation V LLC [Member]dei_LegalEntityAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldiaxp_ReceivablesFinancingCorporationVllcMemberdei_LegalEntityAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse75true0us-gaap_LongTermDebtByMaturityAbstractus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalse76false0us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInNextTwelveMonthsus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAmount of long-term debt maturing within the next twelve months following the date of the latest balance sheet presented in the financial statements, which may include maturities of long-term debt, sinking fund requirements, and other securities redeemable at fixed or determinable prices and dates.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 47 -Paragraph 10 -Subparagraph b falsefalse77false0us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearTwous-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse15600000001560falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAmount of long-term debt maturing in year two following the date of the latest balance sheet presented in the financial statements, which may include maturities of long-term debt, sinking fund requirements, and other securities redeemable at fixed or determinable prices and dates.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 47 -Paragraph 10 -Subparagraph b falsefalse78false0us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearThreeus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAmount of long-term debt maturing in year three following the date of the latest balance sheet presented in the financial statements, which may include maturities of long-term debt, sinking fund requirements, and other securities redeemable at fixed of determinable prices and dates.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 47 -Paragraph 10 -Subparagraph b falsefalse79false0us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFourus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse25000000002500falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAmount of long-term debt maturing in year four following the date of the latest balance sheet presented in the financial statements, which may include maturities of long-term debt, sinking fund requirements, and other securities redeemable at fixed of determinable prices and dates.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 47 -Paragraph 10 -Subparagraph b falsefalse80false0us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFiveus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAmount of long-term debt maturing in year five following the date of the latest balance sheet presented in the financial statements, which may include maturities of long-term debt, sinking fund requirements, and other securities redeemable at fixed of determinable prices and dates.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 47 -Paragraph 10 -Subparagraph b falsefalse81false0us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalAfterYearFiveus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAmount of long-term debt maturities after year five following the date of the latest balance sheet presented in the financial statements, which may include maturities of long-term debt, sinking fund requirements, and other securities redeemable at fixed of determinable prices and dates.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 47 -Paragraph 10 -Subparagraph b falsefalse82false0axp_LongTermDebtGrossaxpfalsecreditinstantIncluding current and noncurrent portions, aggregate carrying amount of long-term borrowings before deducting any unamortized...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotallabel1truefalsefalse40600000004060falsetruefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryIncluding current and noncurrent portions, aggregate carrying amount of long-term borrowings before deducting any unamortized underwriting fee as of the balance sheet date. May include notes payable, bonds payable, commercial loans, mortgage loans, convertible debt, subordinated debt and other types of debt, which had initial maturities beyond one year or beyond the normal operating cycle, if longer, and after deducting unamortized discount or premiums, if any.No authoritative reference available.truefalse181Debt (Details 2) (USD $)MillionsUnKnownUnKnownUnKnownfalsetrue