Details of Certain Consolidated Statements of Income Lines (Details 2) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Details Of Certain Statements Of Income Lines Details [Abstract]
Marketing and promotion	$ 827	$ 764	$ 2,234	$ 2,168
Card Member rewards	1,619	1,496	4,740	4,425
Card Member services	197	201	579	575
Total marketing, promotion, rewards and Card Member services	$ 2,643	$ 2,461	$ 7,553	$ 7,168

Marketing and promotion expense includes advertising costs. Cardmember rewards expense includes the costs of rewards programs (including Membership Rewards). Cardmember services expense includes protection plans and complimentary services provided to cardmembers.

No definition available.

Name:	axp_MarketingPromotionRewardsAndCardmemberServices
Namespace Prefix:	axp_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration