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
2.2.0.25truefalse0606 - Disclosure - Investment Securities (Details)truefalsefalse1falsefalseUSDfalsefalse1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010 USD ($) USD ($) / shares $Jan-01-2010_Dec-31-2010http://www.sec.gov/CIK0000004962duration2010-01-01T00:00:002010-12-31T00:00:00PureStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancepurexbrli0SharesStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0USDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDEPSDividehttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso4217http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0USDUSD$2falsefalseUSDfalsefalse1/1/2009 - 12/31/2009 USD ($) USD ($) / shares $TwelveMonthsEnded_31Dec2009http://www.sec.gov/CIK0000004962duration2009-01-01T00:00:002009-12-31T00:00:00USDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170PureStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancepurexbrli0USDEPSDividehttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso4217http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0SharesStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0USDUSD$2true0us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesBalanceSheetReportedAmountsAbstractus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalse3false0us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCostus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse1393700000013937000000falsetruefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse2354200000023542000000falsetruefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis item represents the cost of debt and equity securities, which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading, net of adjustments made for accretion, amortization, other-than-temporary impairments, and hedging, if any.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name FASB Staff Position (FSP) -Number FAS115-1/124-1 -Paragraph 7 -Footnote 2 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 19 falsefalse4false0us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedGainsus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse444000000444000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse10690000001069000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis item represents the gross unrealized gains for securities which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading securities. Such gross unrealized gains are the excess of the fair value of the Available-for-sale Securities over their carrying value as of the reporting date. Such gross unrealized gains are included in other comprehensive income in the statement of shareholders' equity, unless the Available-for-sale Security is designated as a hedge. All or a portion of the unrealized holding gain 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.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 133 -Paragraph 22 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 13, 19 falsefalse5false0us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedLossus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegated1truefalsefalse-371000000-371000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-274000000-274000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis item represents the gross unrealized losses for securities which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading securities. Such gross unrealized losses are the excess of the carrying value of the Available-for-sale Securities over their fair value as of the reporting date. Such gross unrealized losses are included in other comprehensive income in the statement of shareholders' equity, 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 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 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 13, 19 falsefalse6false0us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse1401000000014010000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse2070000000020700000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli: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 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 falsefalse8false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://americanexpress.com/role/investmentsecuritiesdetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesMajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis} : U.S. States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member] 1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010 USD ($) $TwelveMonthsEnded_31Dec2010_U_S_States_And_Political_Subdivisions_Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000004962duration2010-01-01T00:00:002010-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseU.S. States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member]us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesMajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMemberus-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesMajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$4falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesMajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis} : U.S. States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member] 1/1/2009 - 12/31/2009 USD ($) $TwelveMonthsEnded_31Dec2009_U_S_States_And_Political_Subdivisions_Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000004962duration2009-01-01T00:00:002009-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseU.S. States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member]us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesMajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMemberus-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesMajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse9true0us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesBalanceSheetReportedAmountsAbstractus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalse10false0us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCostus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse61400000006140000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse64570000006457000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis item represents the cost of debt and equity securities, which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading, net of adjustments made for accretion, amortization, other-than-temporary impairments, and hedging, if any.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name FASB Staff Position (FSP) -Number FAS115-1/124-1 -Paragraph 7 -Footnote 2 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 19 falsefalse11false0us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedGainsus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse2400000024000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse5100000051000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis item represents the gross unrealized gains for securities which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading securities. Such gross unrealized gains are the excess of the fair value of the Available-for-sale Securities over their carrying value as of the reporting date. Such gross unrealized gains are included in other comprehensive income in the statement of shareholders' equity, unless the Available-for-sale Security is designated as a hedge. All or a portion of the unrealized holding gain 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.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 133 -Paragraph 22 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 13, 19 falsefalse12false0us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedLossus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegated1truefalsefalse-367000000-367000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-258000000-258000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis item represents the gross unrealized losses for securities which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading securities. Such gross unrealized losses are the excess of the carrying value of the Available-for-sale Securities over their fair value as of the reporting date. Such gross unrealized losses are included in other comprehensive income in the statement of shareholders' equity, 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 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 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 13, 19 falsefalse13false0us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse57970000005797000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse62500000006250000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli: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 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 falsefalse15false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://americanexpress.com/role/investmentsecuritiesdetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse5falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesMajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis} : U.S. Government agency obligations [Member] 1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010 USD ($) $TwelveMonthsEnded_31Dec2010_U_S_Government_Agencies_Debt_Securities_Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000004962duration2010-01-01T00:00:002010-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseU.S. Government agency obligations [Member]us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesMajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMemberus-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesMajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$6falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesMajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis} : U.S. Government agency obligations [Member] 1/1/2009 - 12/31/2009 USD ($) $TwelveMonthsEnded_31Dec2009_U_S_Government_Agencies_Debt_Securities_Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000004962duration2009-01-01T00:00:002009-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseU.S. Government agency obligations [Member]us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesMajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMemberus-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesMajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse16true0us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesBalanceSheetReportedAmountsAbstractus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalse17false0us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCostus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse34020000003402000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse66990000006699000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis item represents the cost of debt and equity securities, which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading, net of adjustments made for accretion, amortization, other-than-temporary impairments, and hedging, if any.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name FASB Staff Position (FSP) -Number FAS115-1/124-1 -Paragraph 7 -Footnote 2 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 19 falsefalse18false0us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedGainsus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse1200000012000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse4700000047000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis item represents the gross unrealized gains for securities which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading securities. Such gross unrealized gains are the excess of the fair value of the Available-for-sale Securities over their carrying value as of the reporting date. Such gross unrealized gains are included in other comprehensive income in the statement of shareholders' equity, unless the Available-for-sale Security is designated as a hedge. All or a portion of the unrealized holding gain 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.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 133 -Paragraph 22 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 13, 19 falsefalse19false0us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedLossus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegated1truefalsefalse-1000000-1000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-1000000-1000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis item represents the gross unrealized losses for securities which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading securities. Such gross unrealized losses are the excess of the carrying value of the Available-for-sale Securities over their fair value as of the reporting date. Such gross unrealized losses are included in other comprehensive income in the statement of shareholders' equity, 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 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 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 13, 19 falsefalse20false0us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse34130000003413000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse67450000006745000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli: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 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 falsefalse22false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://americanexpress.com/role/investmentsecuritiesdetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse7falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesMajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis} : U.S. Government treasury obligations [Member] 1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010 USD ($) $TwelveMonthsEnded_31Dec2010_U_S_Treasury_Securities_Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000004962duration2010-01-01T00:00:002010-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseU.S. Government treasury obligations [Member]us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesMajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_USTreasurySecuritiesMemberus-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesMajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$8falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesMajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis} : U.S. Government treasury obligations [Member] 1/1/2009 - 12/31/2009 USD ($) $TwelveMonthsEnded_31Dec2009_U_S_Treasury_Securities_Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000004962duration2009-01-01T00:00:002009-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseU.S. Government treasury obligations [Member]us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesMajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_USTreasurySecuritiesMemberus-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesMajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse23true0us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesBalanceSheetReportedAmountsAbstractus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalse24false0us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCostus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse24500000002450000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse55560000005556000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis item represents the cost of debt and equity securities, which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading, net of adjustments made for accretion, amortization, other-than-temporary impairments, and hedging, if any.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name FASB Staff Position (FSP) -Number FAS115-1/124-1 -Paragraph 7 -Footnote 2 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 19 falsefalse25false0us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedGainsus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse60000006000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse1000000010000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis item represents the gross unrealized gains for securities which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading securities. Such gross unrealized gains are the excess of the fair value of the Available-for-sale Securities over their carrying value as of the reporting date. Such gross unrealized gains are included in other comprehensive income in the statement of shareholders' equity, unless the Available-for-sale Security is designated as a hedge. All or a portion of the unrealized holding gain 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.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 133 -Paragraph 22 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 13, 19 falsefalse26false0us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedLossus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegated1truefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis item represents the gross unrealized losses for securities which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading securities. Such gross unrealized losses are the excess of the carrying value of the Available-for-sale Securities over their fair value as of the reporting date. Such gross unrealized losses are included in other comprehensive income in the statement of shareholders' equity, 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 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 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 13, 19 falsefalse27false0us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse24560000002456000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse55660000005566000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli: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 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 falsefalse29false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://americanexpress.com/role/investmentsecuritiesdetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse9falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesMajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis} : Corporate debt securities [Member] 1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010 USD ($) $TwelveMonthsEnded_31Dec2010_Corporate_Debt_Securities_Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000004962duration2010-01-01T00:00:002010-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseCorporate debt securities [Member]us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesMajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMemberus-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesMajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$10falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesMajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis} : Corporate debt securities [Member] 1/1/2009 - 12/31/2009 USD ($) $TwelveMonthsEnded_31Dec2009_Corporate_Debt_Securities_Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000004962duration2009-01-01T00:00:002009-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseCorporate debt securities [Member]us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesMajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMemberus-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesMajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse30true0us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesBalanceSheetReportedAmountsAbstractus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalse31false0us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCostus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse14310000001431000000[1]falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse13330000001333000000[1]falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis item represents the cost of debt and equity securities, which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading, net of adjustments made for accretion, amortization, other-than-temporary impairments, and hedging, if any.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name FASB Staff Position (FSP) -Number FAS115-1/124-1 -Paragraph 7 -Footnote 2 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 19 falsefalse32false0us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedGainsus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse1500000015000000[1]falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse1400000014000000[1]falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis item represents the gross unrealized gains for securities which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading securities. Such gross unrealized gains are the excess of the fair value of the Available-for-sale Securities over their carrying value as of the reporting date. Such gross unrealized gains are included in other comprehensive income in the statement of shareholders' equity, unless the Available-for-sale Security is designated as a hedge. All or a portion of the unrealized holding gain 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.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 133 -Paragraph 22 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 13, 19 falsefalse33false0us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedLossus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegated1truefalsefalse-1000000-1000000[1]falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-12000000-12000000[1]falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis item represents the gross unrealized losses for securities which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading securities. Such gross unrealized losses are the excess of the carrying value of the Available-for-sale Securities over their fair value as of the reporting date. Such gross unrealized losses are included in other comprehensive income in the statement of shareholders' equity, 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 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 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 13, 19 falsefalse34false0us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse14450000001445000000[1]falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse13350000001335000000[1]falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli: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 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 falsefalse35true0axp_InvestmentSecuritiesTextualsAbstractaxpfalsenadurationInvestment Securities Textuals.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringInvestment Securities Textuals.falsefalse36false0axp_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesCorporateDebtObligationsTemporaryLiquidityGuaranteeProgramaxpfalsedebitinstantRepresents amounts of corporate debt obligations, on a cost basis, issued under the Temporary Liquidity Guarantee Program...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse13000000001300000000[1]falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse11000000001100000000[1]falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryRepresents amounts of corporate debt obligations, on a cost basis, issued under the Temporary Liquidity Guarantee Program that are guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC).No authoritative reference available.falsefalse37false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://americanexpress.com/role/investmentsecuritiesdetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse11falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesMajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis} : Retained Subordinated Securities [Member] 1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010 USD ($) $TwelveMonthsEnded_31Dec2010_Retained_Subordinated_Securities_Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000004962duration2010-01-01T00:00:002010-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseRetained Subordinated Securities [Member]us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesMajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldiaxp_RetainedSubordinatedSecuritiesMemberus-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesMajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$12falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesMajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis} : Retained Subordinated Securities [Member] 1/1/2009 - 12/31/2009 USD ($) $TwelveMonthsEnded_31Dec2009_Retained_Subordinated_Securities_Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000004962duration2009-01-01T00:00:002009-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseRetained Subordinated Securities [Member]us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesMajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldiaxp_RetainedSubordinatedSecuritiesMemberus-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesMajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse38true0us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesBalanceSheetReportedAmountsAbstractus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalse39false0us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCostus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse00[2]falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse30880000003088000000[2]falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis item represents the cost of debt and equity securities, which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading, net of adjustments made for accretion, amortization, other-than-temporary impairments, and hedging, if any.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name FASB Staff Position (FSP) -Number FAS115-1/124-1 -Paragraph 7 -Footnote 2 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 19 falsefalse40false0us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedGainsus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse00[2]falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse512000000512000000[2]falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis item represents the gross unrealized gains for securities which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading securities. Such gross unrealized gains are the excess of the fair value of the Available-for-sale Securities over their carrying value as of the reporting date. Such gross unrealized gains are included in other comprehensive income in the statement of shareholders' equity, unless the Available-for-sale Security is designated as a hedge. All or a portion of the unrealized holding gain 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.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 133 -Paragraph 22 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 13, 19 falsefalse41false0us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedLossus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegated1truefalsefalse00[2]falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-1000000-1000000[2]falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis item represents the gross unrealized losses for securities which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading securities. Such gross unrealized losses are the excess of the carrying value of the Available-for-sale Securities over their fair value as of the reporting date. Such gross unrealized losses are included in other comprehensive income in the statement of shareholders' equity, 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 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 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 13, 19 falsefalse42false0us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse00[2]falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse35990000003599000000[2]falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli: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 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 falsefalse44false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://americanexpress.com/role/investmentsecuritiesdetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse13falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesMajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis} : Mortgage-backed Securities, Issued by US Government Sponsored Enterprises [Member] 1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010 USD ($) $TwelveMonthsEnded_31Dec2010_Mortgage_Backed_Securities_Issued_By_U_S_Government_Sponsored_Enterprises_Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000004962duration2010-01-01T00:00:002010-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseMortgage-backed Securities, Issued by US Government Sponsored Enterprises [Member]us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesMajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_MortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByUSGovernmentSponsoredEnterprisesMemberus-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesMajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$14falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesMajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis} : Mortgage-backed Securities, Issued by US Government Sponsored Enterprises [Member] 1/1/2009 - 12/31/2009 USD ($) $TwelveMonthsEnded_31Dec2009_Mortgage_Backed_Securities_Issued_By_U_S_Government_Sponsored_Enterprises_Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000004962duration2009-01-01T00:00:002009-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseMortgage-backed Securities, Issued by US Government Sponsored Enterprises [Member]us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesMajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_MortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByUSGovernmentSponsoredEnterprisesMemberus-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesMajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse45true0us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesBalanceSheetReportedAmountsAbstractus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalse46false0us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCostus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse272000000272000000[3]falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse179000000179000000[3]falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis item represents the cost of debt and equity securities, which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading, net of adjustments made for accretion, amortization, other-than-temporary impairments, and hedging, if any.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name FASB Staff Position (FSP) -Number FAS115-1/124-1 -Paragraph 7 -Footnote 2 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 19 falsefalse47false0us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedGainsus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse60000006000000[3]falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse30000003000000[3]falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis item represents the gross unrealized gains for securities which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading securities. Such gross unrealized gains are the excess of the fair value of the Available-for-sale Securities over their carrying value as of the reporting date. Such gross unrealized gains are included in other comprehensive income in the statement of shareholders' equity, unless the Available-for-sale Security is designated as a hedge. All or a portion of the unrealized holding gain 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.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 133 -Paragraph 22 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 13, 19 falsefalse48false0us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedLossus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegated1truefalsefalse-2000000-2000000[3]falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-2000000-2000000[3]falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis item represents the gross unrealized losses for securities which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading securities. Such gross unrealized losses are the excess of the carrying value of the Available-for-sale Securities over their fair value as of the reporting date. Such gross unrealized losses are included in other comprehensive income in the statement of shareholders' equity, 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 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 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 13, 19 falsefalse49false0us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse276000000276000000[3]falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse180000000180000000[3]falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli: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 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 falsefalse51false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://americanexpress.com/role/investmentsecuritiesdetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse15falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesMajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis} : Foreign government bonds and obligations [Member] 1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010 USD ($) $TwelveMonthsEnded_31Dec2010_Foreign_Government_Debt_Securities_Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000004962duration2010-01-01T00:00:002010-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseForeign government bonds and obligations [Member]us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesMajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_ForeignGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMemberus-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesMajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$16falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesMajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis} : Foreign government bonds and obligations [Member] 1/1/2009 - 12/31/2009 USD ($) $TwelveMonthsEnded_31Dec2009_Foreign_Government_Debt_Securities_Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000004962duration2009-01-01T00:00:002009-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseForeign government bonds and obligations [Member]us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesMajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_ForeignGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMemberus-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesMajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse52true0us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesBalanceSheetReportedAmountsAbstractus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalse53false0us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCostus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse9500000095000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse9000000090000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis item represents the cost of debt and equity securities, which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading, net of adjustments made for accretion, amortization, other-than-temporary impairments, and hedging, if any.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name FASB Staff Position (FSP) -Number FAS115-1/124-1 -Paragraph 7 -Footnote 2 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 19 falsefalse54false0us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedGainsus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse40000004000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse20000002000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis item represents the gross unrealized gains for securities which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading securities. Such gross unrealized gains are the excess of the fair value of the Available-for-sale Securities over their carrying value as of the reporting date. Such gross unrealized gains are included in other comprehensive income in the statement of shareholders' equity, unless the Available-for-sale Security is designated as a hedge. All or a portion of the unrealized holding gain 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.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 133 -Paragraph 22 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 13, 19 falsefalse55false0us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedLossus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegated1truefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis item represents the gross unrealized losses for securities which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading securities. Such gross unrealized losses are the excess of the carrying value of the Available-for-sale Securities over their fair value as of the reporting date. Such gross unrealized losses are included in other comprehensive income in the statement of shareholders' equity, 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 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 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 13, 19 falsefalse56false0us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse9900000099000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse9200000092000000falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli: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 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 falsefalse58false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://americanexpress.com/role/investmentsecuritiesdetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse17falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesMajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis} : Equity securities [Member] 1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010 USD ($) $TwelveMonthsEnded_31Dec2010_Equity_Securities_Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000004962duration2010-01-01T00:00:002010-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseEquity securities [Member]us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesMajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMemberus-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesMajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$18falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesMajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis} : Equity securities [Member] 1/1/2009 - 12/31/2009 USD ($) $TwelveMonthsEnded_31Dec2009_Equity_Securities_Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000004962duration2009-01-01T00:00:002009-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseEquity securities [Member]us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesMajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMemberus-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesMajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse59true0us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesBalanceSheetReportedAmountsAbstractus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalse60false0us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCostus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse9800000098000000[4]falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse100000000100000000[4]falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis item represents the cost of debt and equity securities, which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading, net of adjustments made for accretion, amortization, other-than-temporary impairments, and hedging, if any.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name FASB Staff Position (FSP) -Number FAS115-1/124-1 -Paragraph 7 -Footnote 2 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 19 falsefalse61false0us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedGainsus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse377000000377000000[4]falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse430000000430000000[4]falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis item represents the gross unrealized gains for securities which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading securities. Such gross unrealized gains are the excess of the fair value of the Available-for-sale Securities over their carrying value as of the reporting date. Such gross unrealized gains are included in other comprehensive income in the statement of shareholders' equity, unless the Available-for-sale Security is designated as a hedge. All or a portion of the unrealized holding gain 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.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 133 -Paragraph 22 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 13, 19 falsefalse62false0us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedLossus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegated1truefalsefalse00[4]falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse00[4]falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis item represents the gross unrealized losses for securities which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading securities. Such gross unrealized losses are the excess of the carrying value of the Available-for-sale Securities over their fair value as of the reporting date. Such gross unrealized losses are included in other comprehensive income in the statement of shareholders' equity, 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 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 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 13, 19 falsefalse63false0us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse475000000475000000[4]falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse530000000530000000[4]falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli: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 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 falsefalse65false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://americanexpress.com/role/investmentsecuritiesdetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse19falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesMajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis} : Securities Other [Member] 1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010 USD ($) $TwelveMonthsEnded_31Dec2010_Availabe_For_Sale_Securities_Other_Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000004962duration2010-01-01T00:00:002010-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseSecurities Other [Member]us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesMajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldiaxp_AvailabeForSaleSecuritiesOtherMemberus-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesMajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$20falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesMajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis} : Securities Other [Member] 1/1/2009 - 12/31/2009 USD ($) $TwelveMonthsEnded_31Dec2009_Availabe_For_Sale_Securities_Other_Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000004962duration2009-01-01T00:00:002009-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseSecurities Other [Member]us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesMajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldiaxp_AvailabeForSaleSecuritiesOtherMemberus-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesMajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse66true0us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesBalanceSheetReportedAmountsAbstractus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalse67false0us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCostus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse4900000049000000[5]falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse4000000040000000[5]falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis item represents the cost of debt and equity securities, which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading, net of adjustments made for accretion, amortization, other-than-temporary impairments, and hedging, if any.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name FASB Staff Position (FSP) -Number FAS115-1/124-1 -Paragraph 7 -Footnote 2 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 19 falsefalse68false0us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedGainsus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse00[5]falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse00[5]falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis item represents the gross unrealized gains for securities which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading securities. Such gross unrealized gains are the excess of the fair value of the Available-for-sale Securities over their carrying value as of the reporting date. Such gross unrealized gains are included in other comprehensive income in the statement of shareholders' equity, unless the Available-for-sale Security is designated as a hedge. All or a portion of the unrealized holding gain 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.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 133 -Paragraph 22 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 13, 19 falsefalse69false0us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedLossus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegated1truefalsefalse00[5]falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse00[5]falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis item represents the gross unrealized losses for securities which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading securities. Such gross unrealized losses are the excess of the carrying value of the Available-for-sale Securities over their fair value as of the reporting date. Such gross unrealized losses are included in other comprehensive income in the statement of shareholders' equity, 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 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 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 13, 19 falsefalse70false0us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse4900000049000000[5]falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse4000000040000000[5]falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli: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 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 falsefalse72false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://americanexpress.com/role/investmentsecuritiesdetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse21falsefalseUSDtruefalse{axp_ErrorCorrectionAndPriorPeriodAdjustmentsRestatementByRestatementPeriodAndAmountAxis} : Previously Reported [Member] 12/31/2009 USD ($) $BalanceAsOf_31Dec2009_Previously_Reported_Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000004962instant2009-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalsePreviously Reported [Member]axp_ErrorCorrectionAndPriorPeriodAdjustmentsRestatementByRestatementPeriodAndAmountAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldiaxp_PreviouslyReportedMemberaxp_ErrorCorrectionAndPriorPeriodAdjustmentsRestatementByRestatementPeriodAndAmountAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse73true0us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesBalanceSheetReportedAmountsAbstractus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalse74false0us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse2433700000024337000000falsetruefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli: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 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 falsefalse1The December 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009 balances include, on a cost basis, $1.3 billion and $1.1 billion, respectively, of corporate debt obligations issued under the Temporary Liquidity Guarantee Program (TLGP) that are guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC).2As a result of the adoption of new GAAP effective January 1, 2010, the Company no longer presents the retained subordinated securities within its Consolidated Financial Statements in periods subsequent to December 31, 2009. The December 31, 2009 balance consists of investments in retained subordinated securities issued by unconsolidated VIEs related to the Company's cardmember loan securitization programs. Refer to Note 7 for further details.3Represents mortgage-backed securities guaranteed by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac or Ginnie Mae.4Represents the Company's investment in Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC).5Other is comprised of investments in various mutual funds.264Investment Securities (Details) (USD $)NoRoundingUnKnownUnKnownUnKnownfalsetrue