Non-Interest Revenue and Expense Detail (Details 2) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Details Of Certain Statements Of Income Lines Details [Abstract]
Marketing and promotion	$ 613	$ 621
Card Member rewards	1,582	1,520
Card Member services and other	222	189
Total marketing, promotion, rewards, Card Member services and other	$ 2,417	$ 2,330

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