XML 49 R16.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	6 Months Ended
Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	Jun. 30, 2015
Accounts Receivable And Loans and Reserves For Cardmember Losses [Abstract]
Card Member And Other Receivables And Loans	American Express’ charge and lending payment card products result in the generation of Card Member receivables and Card Member loans, respectively.
Reserves For Losses Policy [Abstract]
Reserves for losses	Reserves for losses relating to Card Member receivables and loans represent management’s best estimate of the probable inherent losses in Credco’s outstanding portfolio of receivables and loans, as of the balance sheet date. Management’s evaluation process requires certain estimates and judgments.
Derivatives And Hedging Activities Policy [Abstract]
Derivatives	Credco uses derivative financial instruments (derivatives) to manage exposures to various market risks. These instruments derive their value from an underlying variable or multiple variables, including interest rate and foreign exchange rates and are carried at fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. These instruments enable end users to increase, reduce or alter exposure to various market risks and, for that reason, are an integral component of Credco’s market risk management. Credco does not engage in derivatives for trading purposes.

Disclosure of accounting policy for its derivative instruments and hedging activities.

+ References + Details

- Definition

Disclosure of accounting policy for finance, loan and lease receivables, including those held for investment and those held for sale. This disclosure may include (1) the basis at which such receivables are carried in the entity's statements of financial position (2) how the level of the allowance for loan and lease losses is determined (3) when impairments, charge-offs or recoveries are recognized for such receivables (4) the treatment of origination fees and costs, including the amortization method for net deferred fees or costs (5) the treatment of any premiums or discounts or unearned income (6) the entity's income recognition (revenues, expenses and gains and losses arising from committing to issue, issuing, granting, collecting, terminating, modifying and holding loans) policies for such receivables, including those that are impaired, past due or placed on nonaccrual status and (7) the treatment of foreclosures or repossessions.

+ References + Details