| Document and Entity Information | Jan. 26, 2021 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Document Period End Date | Jan. 26, 2021 |
| Entity Registrant Name | ALLIANCE DATA SYSTEMS CORPORATION |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 001-15749 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 31-1429215 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 3075 LOYALTY CIRCLE |
| Entity Address, City or Town | COLUMBUS |
| Entity Address, State or Province | OH |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 43219 |
| City Area Code | 614 |
| Local Phone Number | 729-4000 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001101215 |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common stock |
| Trading Symbol | ADS |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
