Fair Values (Details Textuals) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011
Fair Values (Textuals) [Abstract]
Fair Value Level One To Level Two Transfers Amount	$ 0
Fair Value Level Two To Level One Transfers Amount	$ 340,000,000

The amount of the transfers of assets or liabilities measured on a recurring basis out of Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy into Level 2.

No definition available.

Name:	axp_FairValueLevelOneToLevelTwoTransfersAmount
Namespace Prefix:	axp_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration