Fair Values (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivatives	$ 241	$ 201
Total liabilities	241	201
Level 1 [Member]
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivatives	0	0
Total liabilities	0	0
Level 2 [Member]
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivatives	241	201
Total liabilities	241	201
Level 3 [Member]
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivatives	0	0
Total liabilities	$ 0	$ 0

Fair value, before effects of master netting arrangements, of a financial liability or other contract with one or more underlyings, notional amount or payment provision or both, and the contract can be net settled by means outside the contract or delivery of an asset. Includes assets elected not to be offset. Includes assets not subject to a master netting arrangement.

No definition available.

Name:	axp_FairValueOfDerivativeLiability
Namespace Prefix:	axp_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant