2.2.0.25truefalse06261 - Disclosure - Parent Company (Details 1)truefalsefalse1falsefalseUSDfalsefalse12/31/2010
USD ($)
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USD ($)
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USD ($)
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USD ($)
$BalanceAsOf_31Dec2007http://www.sec.gov/CIK0000004962instant2007-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00USDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170SharesStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0USDUSD$2true0us-gaap_AssetsAbstractus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalse3false0us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsAndFederalFundsSoldus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse1670900000016709000000falsetruefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse1659900000016599000000falsetruefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse2165400000021654000000falsetruefalsefalsefalse4truefalsefalse1674000000016740000000falsetruefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe sum of cash and cash equivalents plus Federal Funds Sold. Cash and cash equivalents consist of short term, highly liquid investments that are readily convertible to known amounts of cash and are so near their maturity that they present negligible risk of changes in value due to changes in interest rates -- usually with an original maturity less than 90 days.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 95
-Paragraph 8, 9, 10
Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher OTS
-Name Federal Regulation (FR)
-Number Title 12
-Chapter V
-Section 563c.102
-Subsection I
falsefalse4false0us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse1401000000014010000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse2070000000020700000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryFor an unclassified balance sheet, this item represents investments in debt and equity securities which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading. Such securities are reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses excluded from earnings and reported in a separate component of shareholders' equity (other comprehensive income), unless the Available-for-sale Security is designated as a hedge or is determined to have had an other than temporary decline in fair value below its amortized cost basis. All or a portion of the unrealized holding gain or loss of an Available-for-sale Security that is designated as being hedged in a fair value hedge shall be recognized in earnings during the period of the hedge, as should other than temporary declines in fair value below costs basis.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 115
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Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 133
-Paragraph 22
Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 115
-Paragraph 12
-Subparagraph b
Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 115
-Paragraph 13
Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 115
-Paragraph 14
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-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph 13
-Subparagraph a
-Article 5
Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 12
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph b, c
Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 03
-Paragraph 8
-Article 7
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-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph 17
-Article 5
Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 03
-Paragraph 10
-Article 7
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-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Concepts (CON)
-Number 6
-Paragraph 25
Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph 18
-Article 5
Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 03
-Paragraph 12
-Article 7
truefalse8true0us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstractus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalse9false0us-gaap_LongTermDebtus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse6641600000066416000000[2]falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse7730000000077300000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryIncluding current and noncurrent portions, aggregate carrying amount of long-term borrowings 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.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 03
-Paragraph 16
-Article 7
Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 03
-Paragraph 16
-Article 9
Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph 20, 22
-Article 5
falsefalse10false0us-gaap_Liabilitiesus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotallabel1truefalsefalse130812000000130812000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse110739000000110739000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetarySum of the carrying amounts as of the balance sheet date of all liabilities that are recognized. Liabilities are probable future sacrifices of economic benefits arising from present obligations of an entity to transfer assets or provide services to other entities in the future.No authoritative reference available.truefalse11true0us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstractus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalse12false0us-gaap_CommonStockValueus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse238000000238000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse237000000237000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryDollar value of issued common stock whether issued at par value, no par or stated value. This item includes treasury stock repurchased by the entity. Note: elements for number of common shares, par value and other disclosure concepts are in another section within stockholders' equity.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph 30
-Article 5
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-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph 31
-Article 5
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-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)
-Number 12
-Paragraph 10
Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph 31
-Article 5
Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 04
-Article 3
falsefalse15false0us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse-917000000-917000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-712000000-712000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAccumulated change in equity from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources, net of tax effect, at fiscal year-end. Excludes Net Income (Loss), and accumulated changes in equity from transactions resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners. Includes foreign currency translation items, certain pension adjustments, and unrealized gains and losses on certain investments in debt and equity securities as well as changes in the fair value of derivatives related to the effective portion of a designated cash flow hedge.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 04
-Article 3
Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)
-Number 12
-Paragraph 10
Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 130
-Paragraph 14, 17, 26
Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph 31
-Article 5
falsefalse16false0us-gaap_StockholdersEquityus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotallabel1truefalsefalse1623000000016230000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse1263700000012637000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse1184100000011841000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4truefalsefalse1102900000011029000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryTotal of all Stockholders' Equity (deficit) items, net of receivables from officers, directors owners, and affiliates of the entity which are attributable to the parent. The amount of the economic entity's stockholders' equity attributable to the parent excludes the amount of stockholders' equity which is allocable to that ownership interest in subsidiary equity which is not attributable to the parent (noncontrolling interest, minority interest). This excludes temporary equity and is sometimes called permanent equity.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph A3
-Appendix A
Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)
-Number Topic 4
-Section E
Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph 29, 30, 31
-Article 5
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-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph 32
-Article 5
Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 03
-Paragraph 25
-Article 7
truefalse18true0axp_ParentCompanyDetailsTextualsAbstractaxpfalsenadurationParent companyfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringParent companyfalsefalse19false0us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipmentus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse44830000004483000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse41300000004130000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe cumulative amount of depreciation, depletion and amortization (related to property, plant and equipment, but not including land) that has been recognized in the income statement.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)
-Number 12
-Paragraph 5
Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)
-Number 12
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph c
Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph 14
-Article 5
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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$6falsefalseUSDtruefalse{dei_LegalEntityAxis} : Parent Company [Member]
12/31/2009
USD ($)
$BalanceAsOf_31Dec2009_Parent_Company_Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000004962instant2009-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseParent Company [Member]dei_LegalEntityAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_ParentCompanyMemberdei_LegalEntityAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170PureStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancepurexbrli0USDUSD$7falsefalseUSDtruefalse{dei_LegalEntityAxis} : Parent Company [Member]
12/31/2008
USD ($)
$BalanceAsOf_31Dec2008_Parent_Company_Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000004962instant2008-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseParent Company [Member]dei_LegalEntityAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_ParentCompanyMemberdei_LegalEntityAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$8falsefalseUSDtruefalse{dei_LegalEntityAxis} : Parent Company [Member]
12/31/2007
USD ($)
$BalanceAsOf_31Dec2007_Parent_Company_Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000004962instant2007-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseParent Company [Member]dei_LegalEntityAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_ParentCompanyMemberdei_LegalEntityAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse21true0us-gaap_AssetsAbstractus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalse22false0us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsAndFederalFundsSoldus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse52670000005267000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse56790000005679000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse30000003000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4truefalsefalse30000003000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe sum of cash and cash equivalents plus Federal Funds Sold. Cash and cash equivalents consist of short term, highly liquid investments that are readily convertible to known amounts of cash and are so near their maturity that they present negligible risk of changes in value due to changes in interest rates -- usually with an original maturity less than 90 days.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 95
-Paragraph 8, 9, 10
Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher OTS
-Name Federal Regulation (FR)
-Number Title 12
-Chapter V
-Section 563c.102
-Subsection I
falsefalse23false0us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse475000000475000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse530000000530000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryFor an unclassified balance sheet, this item represents investments in debt and equity securities which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading. Such securities are reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses excluded from earnings and reported in a separate component of shareholders' equity (other comprehensive income), unless the Available-for-sale Security is designated as a hedge or is determined to have had an other than temporary decline in fair value below its amortized cost basis. All or a portion of the unrealized holding gain or loss of an Available-for-sale Security that is designated as being hedged in a fair value hedge shall be recognized in earnings during the period of the hedge, as should other than temporary declines in fair value below costs basis.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 115
-Paragraph 16
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-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 133
-Paragraph 22
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-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 115
-Paragraph 12
-Subparagraph b
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-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 115
-Paragraph 13
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-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 115
-Paragraph 14
falsefalse24false0us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentUnderlyingEquityInNetAssetsus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse1560300000015603000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse1467700000014677000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis item represents the entity's ownership percentage in the investee multiplied by the investee's total equity.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse25false0us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse831000000831000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse523000000523000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryFor an unclassified balance sheet, the amount due from customers or clients for goods or services that have been delivered or sold in the normal course of business, reduced to their estimated net realizable fair value by an allowance established by the entity of the amount it deems uncertain of collection.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph 3
-Article 5
falsefalse26false0us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNetus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse7300000073000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse5200000052000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryTangible assets that are held by an entity for use in the production or supply of goods and services, for rental to others, or for administrative purposes and that are expected to provide economic benefit for more than one year; net of accumulated depreciation. Examples include land, buildings, and production equipment.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph 13
-Subparagraph a
-Article 5
Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 12
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph b, c
Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 03
-Paragraph 8
-Article 7
falsefalse27false0us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableRelatedPartiesus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse49420000004942000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse38790000003879000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryFor an unclassified balance sheet, reflects the carrying amount of unpaid loan amounts due from related parties at the balance sheet date.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 57
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph d
Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher OTS
-Name Federal Regulation (FR)
-Number Title 12
-Chapter V
-Section 563c.102
-Paragraph 8
-Subparagraph j
-Subsection I
Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 03
-Paragraph 7
-Subparagraph e
-Article 9
falsefalse28false0us-gaap_DueFromAffiliatesus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse11960000001196000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse402000000402000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryFor an unclassified balance sheet, amount of receivables due from an entity that is affiliated with the reporting entity by means of direct or indirect ownership.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name FASB Interpretation (FIN)
-Number 46R
-Paragraph 16, 17
Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 08
-Paragraph k
-Subparagraph 1
-Article 4
Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 57
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph d
Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 03
-Paragraph 3
-Article 7
falsefalse29false0us-gaap_OtherAssetsus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse458000000458000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse389000000389000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryCarrying amount as of the balance sheet date of assets not otherwise specified in the taxonomy. Also serves as the sum of assets not individually reported in the financial statements, or not separately disclosed in notes.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph 17
-Article 5
Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 03
-Paragraph 10
-Article 7
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-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Concepts (CON)
-Number 6
-Paragraph 25
Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph 18
-Article 5
Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 03
-Paragraph 12
-Article 7
truefalse31true0us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstractus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalse32false0axp_AccountsPayableAndOtherLiabilitiesaxpfalsecreditinstantAccounts payable represents carrying value as of the balance sheet date of liabilities incurred (and for which invoices have...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalselabel1truefalsefalse13660000001366000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse13980000001398000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAccounts payable represents carrying value as of the balance sheet date of liabilities incurred (and for which invoices have typically been received) and payable to vendors for goods and services received that are used in an entity's business. Other liabilities represents carrying amount as of the balance sheet date of liabilities not otherwise specified in the taxonomy. Also serves as the sum of liabilities not individually reported in the financial statements, or not separately disclosed in notes.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse33false0us-gaap_DueToRelatedPartiesCurrentAndNoncurrentus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse911000000911000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse6900000069000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryCarrying amount as of the balance sheet date of obligations due all related parties.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 03
-Paragraph 15
-Subparagraph 3, 4
-Article 9
Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 08
-Paragraph k
-Subparagraph 1
-Article 4
Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 57
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph d
Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 03
-Paragraph 17
-Article 7
falsefalse34false0axp_LongTermAffiliateDebtsaxpfalsecreditinstantIncluding current and noncurrent portions, aggregate carrying amount of long-term borrowings with the Company's affiliates as...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse1500000015000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryIncluding current and noncurrent portions, aggregate carrying amount of long-term borrowings with the Company's affiliates 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.falsefalse35false0us-gaap_LongTermDebtus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse1033800000010338000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse1024300000010243000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryIncluding current and noncurrent portions, aggregate carrying amount of long-term borrowings 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.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 03
-Paragraph 16
-Article 7
Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 03
-Paragraph 16
-Article 9
Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph 20, 22
-Article 5
falsefalse36false0us-gaap_Liabilitiesus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotallabel1truefalsefalse1261500000012615000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse1172500000011725000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetarySum of the carrying amounts as of the balance sheet date of all liabilities that are recognized. Liabilities are probable future sacrifices of economic benefits arising from present obligations of an entity to transfer assets or provide services to other entities in the future.No authoritative reference available.truefalse37true0us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstractus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalse38false0us-gaap_CommonStockValueus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse238000000238000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse237000000237000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryDollar value of issued common stock whether issued at par value, no par or stated value. This item includes treasury stock repurchased by the entity. Note: elements for number of common shares, par value and other disclosure concepts are in another section within stockholders' equity.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph 30
-Article 5
falsefalse39false0us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse1193700000011937000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse1114400000011144000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryExcess of issue price over par or stated value of the entity's capital stock and amounts received from other transactions involving the entity's stock or stockholders. Includes adjustments to additional paid in capital. Some examples of such adjustments include recording the issuance of debt with a beneficial conversion feature and certain tax consequences of equity instruments awarded to employees. Use this element for the aggregate amount of APIC associated with common AND preferred stock. For APIC associated with only common stock, use the element Additional Paid In Capital, Common Stock. For APIC associated with only preferred stock, use the element Additional Paid In Capital, Preferred Stock.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph 31
-Article 5
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-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)
-Number 12
-Paragraph 10
Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph 31
-Article 5
Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 04
-Article 3
falsefalse41false0us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse-917000000-917000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-712000000-712000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAccumulated change in equity from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources, net of tax effect, at fiscal year-end. Excludes Net Income (Loss), and accumulated changes in equity from transactions resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners. Includes foreign currency translation items, certain pension adjustments, and unrealized gains and losses on certain investments in debt and equity securities as well as changes in the fair value of derivatives related to the effective portion of a designated cash flow hedge.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 04
-Article 3
Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)
-Number 12
-Paragraph 10
Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 130
-Paragraph 14, 17, 26
Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph 31
-Article 5
falsefalse42false0us-gaap_StockholdersEquityus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotallabel1truefalsefalse1623000000016230000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse1440600000014406000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryTotal of all Stockholders' Equity (deficit) items, net of receivables from officers, directors owners, and affiliates of the entity which are attributable to the parent. The amount of the economic entity's stockholders' equity attributable to the parent excludes the amount of stockholders' equity which is allocable to that ownership interest in subsidiary equity which is not attributable to the parent (noncontrolling interest, minority interest). This excludes temporary equity and is sometimes called permanent equity.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph A3
-Appendix A
Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)
-Number Topic 4
-Section E
Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph 29, 30, 31
-Article 5
truefalse43false0us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotallabel1truefalsefalse2884500000028845000000falsetruefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse2613100000026131000000falsetruefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryTotal of all Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity items.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph 32
-Article 5
Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 03
-Paragraph 25
-Article 7
truefalse1The balances as of December 31, 2009 include an undivided, pro-rata interest in an unconsolidated variable interest entity (historically referred to as "seller's interest") totaling $8,752, of which $8,033 is included in cardmember loans and $719 is included in other assets. Refer to Note 7 for additional details.2The outstanding balances include (i) unamortized discounts (ii) the impact of movements in exchange rates on foreign currency denominated debt ($0.6 billion and $1.2 billion as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively), and (iii) the impact of fair value hedge accounting on certain fixed rate notes that have been swapped to floating rate through the use of interest rate swaps. Under fair value hedge accounting, the outstanding balances on these fixed rate notes are adjusted to reflect the impact of changes in fair value due to changes in interest rates. As of December 31, 2010 and 2009, the impact on long-term debt due to fair value hedge accounting was an increase of $0.8 billion and $0.6 billion, respectively. Refer to Note 12 for more details on the Company?s treatment of fair value hedges.442Parent Company (Details 1) (USD $)NoRoundingUnKnownUnKnownUnKnownfalsetrue
