2.2.0.25truefalse06032 - Disclosure - Fair Values (Details 2)truefalsefalse1falsefalseUSDfalsefalse12/31/2010
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$2falsefalseUSDfalsefalse12/31/2009
USD ($)
$BalanceAsOf_31Dec2009http://www.sec.gov/CIK0000004962instant2009-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00USDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170PureStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancepurexbrli0SharesStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0USDUSD$2true0us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstractus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalse3false0axp_CardmemberLoansLessReservesaxpfalsedebitinstantReflects the carrying amount of unpaid credit card loans issued to individuals under revolving credit arrangements, net of...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse5720400000057204000000falsetruefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse2950400000029504000000falsetruefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryReflects the carrying amount of unpaid credit card loans issued to individuals under revolving credit arrangements, net of reserves for cardmember losses, unamortized net card fees and include interest receivable and fees, that typically charge comparatively higher rates of interest commensurate with higher credit risk, generate late payment and similar types of fees, and are usually unsecured.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse4true0us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialLiabilitiesBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstractus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalse5false0us-gaap_TimeDepositsus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse1283400000012834000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe aggregate amount of time deposits, including certificates of deposits, individual retirement accounts and open accounts.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 03
-Paragraph 12
-Article 9
falsefalse6false0us-gaap_LongTermDebtus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse6641600000066416000000[1]falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse7730000000077300000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli: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
falsefalse7false0us-gaap_NotesReceivableGrossus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse3726600000037266000000[2]falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse3374300000033743000000[2]falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryFor an unclassified balance sheet, an amount representing an agreement for an unconditional promise by the maker to pay the Company (holder) a definite sum of money at a future date(s). Such amount may include accrued interest receivable in accordance with the terms of the note. The note also may contain provisions and related items including a discount or premium, payable on demand, secured, or unsecured, interest bearing or noninterest bearing, among myriad other features and characteristics.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 03
-Paragraph 10
-Subparagraph 3
-Article 9
falsefalse8true0axp_FairValuesTextualsAbstractaxpfalsenadurationFair Values.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringFair Values.falsefalse9false0axp_CardmemberReceivablesLessReservesaxpfalsedebitinstantCardmember receivables represent an amount representing an agreement for an unconditional promise by the maker to pay the...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse3688000000036880000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse3319700000033197000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryCardmember receivables represent an amount representing an agreement for an unconditional promise by the maker to pay the Company (holder) a definite sum of money at a future date(s). These receivables are recorded at the time a cardmember enters into a point-of-sale transaction with a merchant. Cardmember receivable balances are presented on the Consolidated Balance Sheets net of reserves for losses, and includes principal and any related accrued fees.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse10false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://americanexpress.com/role/disclosurefairvaluesdetails31falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingDisclosureItemAmountsAxis} : Carrying Value [Member]
12/31/2010
USD ($)
$BalanceAsOf_31Dec2010_Carrying_Reported_Amount_Fair_Value_Disclosure_Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000004962instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseCarrying Value [Member]us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingDisclosureItemAmountsAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMemberus-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingDisclosureItemAmountsAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$4falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingDisclosureItemAmountsAxis} : Carrying Value [Member]
12/31/2009
USD ($)
$BalanceAsOf_31Dec2009_Carrying_Reported_Amount_Fair_Value_Disclosure_Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000004962instant2009-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseCarrying Value [Member]us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingDisclosureItemAmountsAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMemberus-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingDisclosureItemAmountsAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse11true0us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstractus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalse12false0axp_FinancialInstrumentsAssetsWhichCarryingValuesEqualOrApproximateFairValueaxpfalsedebitinstantFinancial assets for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value include cash and cash equivalents, cardmember...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse6200000000062000000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse5800000000058000000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryFinancial assets for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value include cash and cash equivalents, cardmember receivables, accrued interest, and certain other assets. For these assets, the carrying values approximate fair value because they are short-term in duration or variable rate in nature.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse13false0axp_CardmemberLoansLessReservesaxpfalsedebitinstantReflects the carrying amount of unpaid credit card loans issued to individuals under revolving credit arrangements, net of...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse5800000000058000000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse3000000000030000000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryReflects the carrying amount of unpaid credit card loans issued to individuals under revolving credit arrangements, net of reserves for cardmember losses, unamortized net card fees and include interest receivable and fees, that typically charge comparatively higher rates of interest commensurate with higher credit risk, generate late payment and similar types of fees, and are usually unsecured.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse14true0us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialLiabilitiesBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstractus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalse15false0axp_FinancialInstrumentsLiabilitiesWhichCarryingValuesEqualOrApproximateFairValueaxpfalsecreditinstantFinancial liabilities for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value include accrued interest, customer deposits...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse4300000000043000000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse3400000000034000000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryFinancial liabilities for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value include accrued interest, customer deposits (excluding certificates of deposit, which are described further below), Travelers Cheques outstanding, short-term borrowings, and certain other liabilities for which the carrying values approximate fair value because they are short-term in duration, variable rate in nature, or have no defined maturity.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse16false0us-gaap_TimeDepositsus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse1300000000013000000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse1500000000015000000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe aggregate amount of time deposits, including certificates of deposits, individual retirement accounts and open accounts.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 03
-Paragraph 12
-Article 9
falsefalse17false0us-gaap_LongTermDebtus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse6600000000066000000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse5200000000052000000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli: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
falsefalse19false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://americanexpress.com/role/disclosurefairvaluesdetails31falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse5falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_VariableInterestByInterestTypeAxis} : Variable Interest Enterprise [Member]
{us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingDisclosureItemAmountsAxis} : Fair Value [Member]
12/31/2010
USD ($)
$BalanceAsOf_31Dec2010_Variable_Interest_Enterprise_Member_Estimate_Of_Fair_Value_Fair_Value_Disclosure_Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000004962instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseVariable Interest Enterprise [Member]us-gaap_VariableInterestByInterestTypeAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_VariableInterestEnterpriseMemberus-gaap_VariableInterestByInterestTypeAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseFair Value [Member]us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingDisclosureItemAmountsAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMemberus-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingDisclosureItemAmountsAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$6falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_VariableInterestByInterestTypeAxis} : Variable Interest Enterprise [Member]
{us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingDisclosureItemAmountsAxis} : Fair Value [Member]
12/31/2009
USD ($)
$BalanceAsOf_31Dec2009_Variable_Interest_Enterprise_Member_Estimate_Of_Fair_Value_Fair_Value_Disclosure_Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000004962instant2009-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseVariable Interest Enterprise [Member]us-gaap_VariableInterestByInterestTypeAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_VariableInterestEnterpriseMemberus-gaap_VariableInterestByInterestTypeAxisexplicitMemberfalsefalseFair Value [Member]us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingDisclosureItemAmountsAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMemberus-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingDisclosureItemAmountsAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse20true0us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstractus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalse21false0axp_CardmemberLoansLessReservesaxpfalsedebitinstantReflects the carrying amount of unpaid credit card loans issued to individuals under revolving credit arrangements, net of...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse3320000000033200000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryReflects the carrying amount of unpaid credit card loans issued to individuals under revolving credit arrangements, net of reserves for cardmember losses, unamortized net card fees and include interest receivable and fees, that typically charge comparatively higher rates of interest commensurate with higher credit risk, generate late payment and similar types of fees, and are usually unsecured.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse22true0us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialLiabilitiesBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstractus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalse23false0us-gaap_LongTermDebtus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse2360000000023600000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse50000000005000000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli: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
falsefalse24true0axp_FairValuesTextualsAbstractaxpfalsenadurationFair Values.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringFair Values.falsefalse25false0axp_CardmemberReceivablesLessReservesaxpfalsedebitinstantCardmember receivables represent an amount representing an agreement for an unconditional promise by the maker to pay the...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse81000000008100000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse83000000008300000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryCardmember receivables represent an amount representing an agreement for an unconditional promise by the maker to pay the Company (holder) a definite sum of money at a future date(s). These receivables are recorded at the time a cardmember enters into a point-of-sale transaction with a merchant. Cardmember receivable balances are presented on the Consolidated Balance Sheets net of reserves for losses, and includes principal and any related accrued fees.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse26false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://americanexpress.com/role/disclosurefairvaluesdetails31falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse7falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingDisclosureItemAmountsAxis} : Fair Value [Member]
12/31/2010
USD ($)
$BalanceAsOf_31Dec2010_Estimate_Of_Fair_Value_Fair_Value_Disclosure_Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000004962instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseFair Value [Member]us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingDisclosureItemAmountsAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMemberus-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingDisclosureItemAmountsAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$8falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingDisclosureItemAmountsAxis} : Fair Value [Member]
12/31/2009
USD ($)
$BalanceAsOf_31Dec2009_Estimate_Of_Fair_Value_Fair_Value_Disclosure_Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000004962instant2009-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseFair Value [Member]us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingDisclosureItemAmountsAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMemberus-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingDisclosureItemAmountsAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse27true0us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstractus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalse28false0axp_FinancialInstrumentsAssetsWhichCarryingValuesEqualOrApproximateFairValueaxpfalsedebitinstantFinancial assets for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value include cash and cash equivalents, cardmember...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse6200000000062000000000[3]falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse5800000000058000000000[4]falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryFinancial assets for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value include cash and cash equivalents, cardmember receivables, accrued interest, and certain other assets. For these assets, the carrying values approximate fair value because they are short-term in duration or variable rate in nature.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse29false0axp_CardmemberLoansLessReservesaxpfalsedebitinstantReflects the carrying amount of unpaid credit card loans issued to individuals under revolving credit arrangements, net of...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse5800000000058000000000[3]falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse3000000000030000000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryReflects the carrying amount of unpaid credit card loans issued to individuals under revolving credit arrangements, net of reserves for cardmember losses, unamortized net card fees and include interest receivable and fees, that typically charge comparatively higher rates of interest commensurate with higher credit risk, generate late payment and similar types of fees, and are usually unsecured.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse30true0us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialLiabilitiesBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstractus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalse31false0axp_FinancialInstrumentsLiabilitiesWhichCarryingValuesEqualOrApproximateFairValueaxpfalsecreditinstantFinancial liabilities for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value include accrued interest, customer deposits...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse4300000000043000000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse3400000000034000000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryFinancial liabilities for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value include accrued interest, customer deposits (excluding certificates of deposit, which are described further below), Travelers Cheques outstanding, short-term borrowings, and certain other liabilities for which the carrying values approximate fair value because they are short-term in duration, variable rate in nature, or have no defined maturity.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse32false0us-gaap_TimeDepositsus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse1300000000013000000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse1600000000016000000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe aggregate amount of time deposits, including certificates of deposits, individual retirement accounts and open accounts.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 03
-Paragraph 12
-Article 9
falsefalse33false0us-gaap_LongTermDebtus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse6900000000069000000000[3]falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse5400000000054000000000[4]falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli: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
falsefalse35false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://americanexpress.com/role/disclosurefairvaluesdetails31falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse9falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_VariableInterestByInterestTypeAxis} : Variable Interest Enterprise [Member]
12/31/2010
USD ($)
$BalanceAsOf_31Dec2010_Variable_Interest_Enterprise_Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000004962instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseVariable Interest Enterprise [Member]us-gaap_VariableInterestByInterestTypeAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_VariableInterestEnterpriseMemberus-gaap_VariableInterestByInterestTypeAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$10falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_VariableInterestByInterestTypeAxis} : Variable Interest Enterprise [Member]
12/31/2009
USD ($)
$BalanceAsOf_31Dec2009_Variable_Interest_Enterprise_Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000004962instant2009-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseVariable Interest Enterprise [Member]us-gaap_VariableInterestByInterestTypeAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_VariableInterestEnterpriseMemberus-gaap_VariableInterestByInterestTypeAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse37true0us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialLiabilitiesBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstractus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalse38false0us-gaap_LongTermDebtus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse2334100000023341000000falsetruefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse49700000004970000000falsetruefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli: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
falsefalse1The 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.2Includes approximately $11.7 billion and $10.4 billion of cardmember receivables outside the United States as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.3Includes fair values of cardmember receivables, loans and long-term debt of
$8.1 billion, $33.2 billion and $23.6 billion, respectively, held by
consolidated VIEs as of December 31, 2010. Refer to the Consolidated Balance
Sheets for the related carrying values.4Includes fair values of cardmember receivables and long-term debt of $8.3 billion and $5.0 billion, respectively, held by a consolidated VIE as of December 31, 2009. Refer to the Consolidated Balance Sheets for the related carrying values. 234Fair Values (Details 2) (USD $)NoRoundingUnKnownUnKnownUnKnownfalsetrue
