Santander Consumer USA (SC) 10-K 2 Mar 15 2014 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Billions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Feb. 24, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	Santander Consumer USA Holdings Inc.
Entity Central Index Key	1580608
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-14
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Non-accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float			$1.70
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		349,710,141

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$33,157	$10,531
Receivables held for sale	46,585	82,503
Retail installment contracts held for investment, net	21,954,445	20,219,609
Unsecured consumer loans, net	1,779,777	954,189
Restricted cash — $44,805 and zero held for affiliates, respectively	1,920,857	1,563,613
Receivables from dealers, held for investment, net	99,490	94,745
Accrued interest receivable	364,676	319,157
Leased vehicles, net	4,862,783	2,023,433
Furniture and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $45,768 and $58,117, respectively	41,218	25,712
Federal, state and other income taxes receivable - $459 and zero from affiliates, respectively	502,494	372,338
Deferred tax asset	21,244	197,041
Goodwill	74,056	74,056
Intangible assets	53,682	54,664
Capital lease receivables, net	81,839	0
Other assets — $102,457 and $29,313 due from affiliates, respectively	505,873	410,305
Total assets	32,342,176	26,401,896
Liabilities:
Notes payable — credit facilities, $3,690,000 and $3,650,000 to affiliates, respectively	10,092,327	8,099,773
Notes payable — secured structured financings	17,718,974	15,195,887
Accrued interest payable — $8,120 and $11,563 to affiliates, respectively	25,552	26,512
Accounts payable and accrued expenses — $21,444 and $39,772 to affiliates, respectively	336,574	283,106
Federal, state and other income taxes payable - zero and $162 to affiliates, respectively	319	7,623
Deferred tax liabilities, net	492,303	0
Other liabilities — $19,125 and $48,102 to affiliates, respectively	117,778	102,163
Total liabilities	28,783,827	23,715,064
Commitments and contingencies (Notes 6 and 11)
Equity:
Common stock, $0.01 par value - 1,100,000,000 shares authorized; 349,029,766 and 346,763,261 shares issued and 348,977,625 and 346,760,107 shares outstanding, respectively	3,490	3,468
Additional paid-in capital	1,560,519	1,409,463
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	3,553	-2,853
Retained earnings	1,990,787	1,276,754
Total stockholders’ equity	3,558,349	2,686,832
Total liabilities and equity	$32,342,176	$26,401,896

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Restricted cash held for affiliates	$44,805	$0
Accumulated depreciation	45,768	58,117
Income taxes receivable from affiliates	459	0
Other assets, due from affiliates	102,457	29,313
Notes payable — credit facilities to affiliates	3,690,000	3,650,000
Accrued interest payable to affiliates	8,121	11,563
Accounts payable and accrued expenses to affiliates	21,444	39,772
Income taxes payable to affiliates	0	162
Other liabilities to affiliates	$19,125	$48,102
Common stock , par value (in usd per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock , shares authorized	1,100,000,000	1,100,000,000
Common stock , shares issued	349,029,766	346,763,261
Common stock , shares outstanding	348,977,625	346,760,107

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_INC

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Statement [Abstract]
Interest on finance receivables and loans	$4,631,847	$3,773,072	$2,935,780
Leased vehicle income	929,745	154,939	0
Other finance and interest income	8,068	6,010	12,722
Total finance and other interest income	5,569,660	3,934,021	2,948,502
Interest expense — Including $141,381, $93,069, and $77,611 related to affiliates, respectively	523,203	408,787	374,027
Leased vehicle expense	740,236	121,541	0
Net finance and other interest income	4,306,221	3,403,693	2,574,475
Provision for credit losses	2,616,943	1,852,967	1,122,452
Net finance and other interest income after provision for credit losses	1,689,278	1,550,726	1,452,023
Profit sharing	74,925	78,246	0
Net finance and other interest income after provision for credit losses and profit sharing	1,614,353	1,472,480	1,452,023
Investment gains, net — Including $4,917, $819, and zero from affiliates, respectively	116,765	40,689	0
Servicing fee income — Including $21,930, $15,762, and $29,270 from affiliates, respectively	72,627	25,464	34,135
Fees, commissions, and other — Including $25,985, $450, and zero from affiliates, respectively	368,279	245,413	261,554
Total other income	557,671	311,566	295,689
Salary and benefits expense	482,637	305,056	225,159
Repossession expense	201,017	147,543	136,554
Other operating costs — Including $829, $1,147 and $663 to affiliates, respectively	278,382	246,359	197,450
Total operating expenses	962,036	698,958	559,163
Income before income taxes	1,209,988	1,085,088	1,188,549
Income tax expense	443,639	389,418	453,615
Net income	766,349	695,670	734,934
Noncontrolling interests	0	1,821	-19,931
Net income attributable to Santander Consumer USA Holdings Inc. shareholders	766,349	697,491	715,003
Other comprehensive income:
Change in unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges, net of tax of $3,814, $5,899, and $4,438, respectively	6,406	9,563	7,271
Change in unrealized gains (losses) on investments available for sale, net of tax of zero, $1,993, and $3,027, respectively	0	-3,252	-4,939
Other comprehensive income, net	6,406	6,311	2,332
Comprehensive income	772,755	701,981	737,266
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	953	-22,180
Comprehensive income attributable to Santander Consumer USA Holdings Inc. shareholders	$772,755	$702,934	$715,086
Net income per common share (basic) (in usd per share)	$2.20	$2.01	$2.07
Net income per common share (diluted) (in usd per share)	$2.15	$2.01	$2.07
Weighted average common shares (basic)	348,723,472	346,177,515	346,164,717
Weighted average common shares (diluted)	355,722,363	346,177,515	346,164,717

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_INC1

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Statement [Abstract]
Interest expense to affiliates	$141,381	$93,069	$77,611
Investment gains, net to affiliates	4,917	819	0
Servicing fee income to affiliates	21,930	15,762	29,270
Fees, commissions and other to affiliates	25,985	450	0
Other operating costs to affiliates	829	1,147	663
Change in unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges, tax	3,814	5,899	4,438
Change in unrealized gains on investments available for sale, tax	$0	$1,993	$3,027

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_EQU

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY (USD $)	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Retained Earnings	Noncontrolling Interests
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	$2,236,685	$3,462	$1,335,057	($11,496)	$889,661	$20,001
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2011		346,165,000
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Repayment of employee loans	515		515
Accrued capital contribution	48,275		48,275
Receivable from shareholder	-48,275		-48,275
Net income	734,934				715,003	19,931
Other comprehensive income, net of taxes	2,332			2,332
Dividends	-735,000				-735,000
Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	2,239,466	3,462	1,335,572	-9,164	869,664	39,932
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2012		346,165,000
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Repayment of employee loans	1,562		1,562
Net income	695,670				697,491	-1,821
Other comprehensive income, net of taxes	6,311			6,311
Dividends	-290,401				-290,401
Issuance of common stock, shares		3,000
Issuance of common stock	23		23
Purchase of treasury stock, shares		-3,000
Purchase of treasury stock	-23		-23
Stock issued in connection with employee incentive compensation plans, shares		595,000
Stock issued in connection with employee incentive compensation plans	7	6	1
Contribution from shareholder	48,275		48,275
Abandonment of noncontrolling interest	-14,058		24,053			-38,111
Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	2,686,832	3,468	1,409,463	-2,853	1,276,754	0
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2013	346,760,107	346,760,000
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	766,349				766,349
Other comprehensive income, net of taxes	6,406			6,406
Dividends	-52,316				-52,316
Purchase of treasury stock, shares		-49,000
Purchase of treasury stock	-960		-960
Stock issued in connection with employee incentive compensation plans, shares		2,267,000
Stock issued in connection with employee incentive compensation plans	19,353	22	19,331
Contribution from shareholder	6,797		6,797
Stock-based compensation	125,888		125,888
Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$3,558,349	$3,490	$1,560,519	$3,553	$1,990,787	$0
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2014	348,977,625	348,978,000

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_EQU1

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Dividends declared per common share (in usd per share)	$0.15	$0.84	$2.12

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$766,349	$695,670	$734,934
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Derivative mark to market	-17,541	-21,311	-8,326
Provision for credit losses	2,616,943	1,852,967	1,122,452
Depreciation and amortization	824,997	188,923	187,349
Accretion of discount	-867,180	-471,141	-273,462
Originations and purchases of receivables held for sale, net of manufacturer incentives received	-3,936,973	-1,965,957	0
Proceeds from sales of and repayments on receivables held for sale	4,053,051	1,904,533	0
Investment gains, net	-116,765	-40,689	0
Stock-based compensation	125,888	217	608
Deferred tax expense (benefit)	674,094	291,263	-196,188
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accrued interest receivable	-68,964	-108,001	-25,511
Federal, state and other income taxes receivable	-139,927	-367,753	-10,429
Other assets	-66,059	-5,956	-25,716
Accrued interest payable	-960	12,740	-1,474
Other liabilities	51,521	155,443	-61,645
Net cash provided by operating activities	3,898,474	2,120,948	1,442,592
Cash flows from investing activities:
Retail installment contracts and capital leases originated or purchased from dealers	-15,522,775	-14,451,641	-8,244,373
Retail installment contracts purchased from other lenders, net of acquired debt and restricted cash	0	0	-76,689
Collections on retail installment contracts and capital leases	9,088,568	8,030,608	7,731,759
Proceeds from sale of loans held for investment	2,823,046	913,395	0
Leased vehicles purchased	-4,482,921	-2,420,882	0
Manufacturer incentives received	895,964	412,897	0
Proceeds from sale of leased vehicles	465,481	18,188	0
Change in revolving unsecured consumer loans	-560,388	-911,024	0
Unsecured consumer term loans purchased	-824,517	-174,750	0
Collections on unsecured consumer term loans	156,421	15,642	0
Disbursements for receivables from dealers held for investment	-34,238	-122,263	-18,180
Collections on receivables from dealers held for investment	37,684	88,321	90,424
Collections on investments available for sale	0	91,563	86,918
Purchases of furniture and equipment	-19,256	-23,353	-3,232
Sales of furniture and equipment	951	601	2,108
Upfront fee paid in accordance with private label financing agreement	0	-150,000	0
Change in restricted cash	-357,244	-273,152	379,428
Other investing activities	-5,921	-6,530	-12,795
Net cash used in investing activities	-8,339,145	-8,962,380	-64,632
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from notes payable related to secured structured financings — net of debt issuance costs	11,948,421	10,072,311	7,999,556
Payments on notes payable related to secured structured financings	-9,439,255	-7,845,301	-7,957,572
Proceeds from sale of retained bonds	0	98,650	0
Payments on TALF loan payable	0	0	-87,129
Proceeds from unsecured notes payable	5,082,062	4,223,822	1,680,611
Payments on unsecured notes payable	-5,322,030	-3,517,755	-3,295,651
Proceeds from notes payable	25,543,242	22,954,383	16,265,837
Payments on notes payable	-23,310,720	-18,935,343	-15,232,649
Proceeds from stock option exercises, gross	24,809	0	0
Repurchase of stock - employee tax withholding	-6,960	0	0
Dividends paid	-52,316	-290,401	-735,000
Repayment of employee notes	0	1,562	515
Capital contribution from shareholder	0	48,275	0
Cash collateral posted on cash flow hedges	-3,956	-29,127	0
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	4,463,297	6,781,076	-1,361,482
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	22,626	-60,356	16,478
Cash — Beginning of year	10,531	70,887	54,409
Cash — End of year	$33,157	$10,531	$70,887

Description_of_Business_Basis_

Description of Business, Basis of Presentation, and Changes in Significant Accounting Policies and Practices	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Description of Business, Basis of Presentation, and Changes in Significant Accounting Policies and Practices	Description of Business, Basis of Presentation, and Significant Accounting Policies and Practices
	Santander Consumer USA Holdings Inc., a Delaware Corporation (“SCUSA Delaware” or, together with its subsidiaries, “SCUSA” or “the Company”), is the holding company for Santander Consumer USA Inc., an Illinois corporation (“SCUSA Illinois”), and subsidiaries, a specialized consumer finance company focused on vehicle finance and unsecured consumer lending products. The Company’s primary business is the indirect origination of retail installment contracts principally through manufacturer-franchised dealers in connection with their sale of new and used vehicles to retail consumers.
	In conjunction with a ten-year private label financing agreement with Chrysler Group (the “Chrysler Agreement”) that became effective May 1, 2013, the Company offers a full spectrum of auto financing products and services to Chrysler customers and dealers under the Chrysler Capital brand. These products and services include consumer retail installment contracts and leases, as well as dealer loans for inventory, construction, real estate, working capital and revolving lines of credit.
	The Company also originates vehicle loans through a web-based direct lending program, purchases vehicle retail installment contracts from other lenders, and services automobile and recreational and marine vehicle portfolios for other lenders. Additionally, the Company has several relationships through which it provides unsecured consumer loans, private label credit cards and other consumer finance products.
	As of December 31, 2014, the Company was owned approximately 60.5% by Santander Holdings USA, Inc. (“SHUSA”), a subsidiary of Banco Santander, S.A. (“Santander”), approximately 29.1% by public shareholders, approximately 10.0% by DDFS LLC, an entity affiliated with Thomas G. Dundon, the Company’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”), approximately 0.3% by Sponsor Auto Finance Holdings Series LP (“Auto Finance Holdings”) and approximately 0.1% by other holders, primarily members of senior management.
	Basis of Presentation
	The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries, including certain special purpose financing trusts utilized in financing transactions (“Trusts”), which are considered variable interest entities (“VIEs”). The Company consolidates other VIEs for which it was deemed the primary beneficiary. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
	Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to current year presentation; specifically, leased vehicle origination fees are now included in leased vehicle purchases and prior year subsequent defaults on TDRs now reflect the earlier of the date of repossession, 120 days past due for installment contracts and 180 days past due on revolving unsecured loans.
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the amount of revenue and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates and those differences may be material. These estimates include the determination of credit loss allowance, discount accretion, impairment, expected end-of-term lease residual values, values of repossessed assets, and income taxes. These estimates, although based on actual historical trends and modeling, may potentially show significant variances over time.
	Business Segment Information
	The Company has one reportable segment: Consumer Finance, which includes the Company’s vehicle financial products and services, including retail installment contracts, vehicle leases, and dealer loans, as well as financial products and services related to motorcycles, RVs, and marine vehicles. It also includes the Company’s unsecured personal loan and point-of-sale financing operations.
	Accounting Policies
	Retail Installment Contracts
	Retail installment contracts consist largely of nonprime automobile finance receivables, which are acquired individually from dealers at a nonrefundable discount from the contractual principal amount. Retail installment contracts also include receivables originated through a direct lending program and loan portfolios purchased from other lenders. Retail installment contracts acquired individually or originated directly are primarily classified as held for investment and carried at amortized cost, net of allowance for credit losses. Most of the Company’s retail installment contracts held for investment are pledged under its warehouse lines of credit or securitization transactions. Retail installment contracts the Company does not have the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity or payoff are classified as held for sale and carried at the lower of cost or market, as determined on an aggregate basis.
	Interest is accrued when earned in accordance with the terms of the retail installment contract. The accrual of interest is discontinued and reversed once a retail installment contract becomes more than 60 days past due, and is resumed and reinstated if a delinquent account subsequently becomes 60 days or less past due. The amortization of discounts, subvention payments from manufacturers, and other origination costs on retail installment contracts held for investment acquired individually or through a direct lending program are recognized as adjustments to the yield of the related contract using the effective interest method. The Company estimates future principal prepayments and defaults in the calculation of the constant effective yield.
	A portion of the discount received on contracts purchased from other lenders is attributable to the expectation that not all contractual cash flows will be received from the borrowers. These loans are accounted for in accordance with FASB ASC 310-30, Loans and Debt Securities Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality. The excess of the estimated undiscounted principal, interest, and other cash flows expected to be collected over the initial investment in the acquired loans, or accretable yield, is accreted to interest income over the expected life of the loans using the effective interest rate method. The nonaccretable difference, or excess of contractually required payments over the estimated cash flows expected to be collected, is not accreted into income.
	Any deterioration in the performance of the purchased portfolios results in an incremental provision for credit losses. Improvements in performance of the purchased pools that significantly increase actual or expected cash flows result first in a reversal of previously recorded allowance for credit losses and then in a transfer of the excess from nonaccretable difference to accretable yield, which will be recorded as finance income over the remaining life of the receivables.
	Unsecured Consumer Loans, net
	Unsecured consumer loans, net, primarily consist of both revolving and amortizing term finance receivables acquired individually under terms of the Company’s agreements with certain third parties who originate and continue to service the loans. Unsecured consumer loans also include private label revolving lines of credit originated through the Company’s relationship with a point-of-sale lending technology company. Certain of the revolving receivables were acquired at a discount. Unsecured consumer loans are classified as held-for-investment and carried at amortized cost, net of allowance for credit losses.
	Interest is accrued when earned in accordance with the terms of the contract. The accrual of interest on amortizing term receivables is discontinued and reversed once a receivable becomes past due more than 60 days, and is resumed and reinstated if a delinquent account subsequently becomes 60 days or less past due. The accrual of interest on revolving unsecured loans continues until the receivable becomes 180 days past due, at which point the principal amount and interest are charged off. The amortization of discounts is recognized on a straight-line basis over the estimated period over which the receivables are expected to be outstanding.
	Receivables from Dealers
	Receivables from dealers include floorplan loans provided to dealerships to finance new and used vehicles for their inventory. Receivables from dealers also include real estate loans and working capital revolving lines of credit. Interest on these loans is accrued when earned in accordance with the agreement with the dealer. Receivables from dealers the Company does not have the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity or payoff are classified as held for sale and carried at the lower of cost or market, as determined on an aggregate basis.
	Dealers with floorplan loans are permitted to deposit cash with the Company in exchange for a lower interest rate. This cash is commingled with the Company’s other cash and available for general use. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, no dealer had cash on deposit with the Company.
	Provision for Credit Losses
	Provisions for credit losses are charged to operations in amounts sufficient to maintain the credit loss allowance at a level considered adequate to cover probable credit losses inherent in the portfolio. Probable losses are estimated based on contractual delinquency status and historical loss experience, in addition to the Company’s judgment of estimates of the value of the underlying collateral, bankruptcy trends, economic conditions such as unemployment rates, changes in the used vehicle value index, delinquency status, historical collection rates and other information in order to make the necessary judgments as to probable loan losses.
	Retail installment contracts acquired individually are charged off against the allowance in the month in which the account becomes 120 days contractually delinquent if the Company has not repossessed the related vehicle. The Company charges off accounts in repossession when the automobile is repossessed and legally available for disposition. A charge-off represents the difference between the estimated net sales proceeds and the amount of the delinquent contract. Accounts in repossession that have been charged off and are pending liquidation are removed from retail installment contracts and the related repossessed automobiles are included in other assets in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.
	Term and revolving unsecured consumer loans are charged off against the allowance in the month in which the accounts become 120 and 180 days contractually delinquent, respectively.
	In addition to maintaining a general allowance based on risk ratings, receivables from dealers are evaluated individually for impairment with allowances established for receivables determined to be individually impaired. Receivables from dealers are charged off against these allowances at management’s discretion based on the dealer’s individual facts and circumstances.
	Troubled Debt Restructurings
	A modification of finance receivable terms is considered a troubled debt restructuring ("TDR") if the Company grants a concession it would not otherwise have considered to a borrower for economic or legal reasons related to the debtor's financial difficulties. The Company considers TDRs to include all individually acquired retail installment contracts or unsecured revolving loans that have been modified at least once, deferred for a period of 90 days or more, or deferred at least twice. Additionally, restructurings through bankruptcy proceedings are deemed to be TDRs. The purchased receivables portfolio and operating and capital leases are excluded from the scope of the applicable guidance, and none of our unsecured term loans or dealer loans have been modified.
	For TDRs, impairment is typically measured based on the differences between the net carrying value of the loan and the present value of the expected future cash flows of the loan. The loan may also be measured for impairment based on the fair value of the underlying collateral less costs to sell for loans that are collateral dependent.
	Leased Vehicles, net
	Most vehicles for which the Company is the lessor are classified as operating leases, as they do not meet the accounting requirements to be classified as a capital lease. The net capitalized cost of each lease is recorded as an asset and depreciated on a straight-line basis over the contractual term of the lease to the expected residual value. The expected residual value and, accordingly, the monthly depreciation expense may change throughout the term of the lease. The Company estimates expected residual values using independent data sources and internal statistical models that take into consideration economic conditions, current auction results, the Company’s remarketing abilities, and manufacturer vehicle and marketing programs.
	Lease payments due from customers are recorded as income until and unless a customer becomes more than 60 days delinquent, at which time the accrual of revenue is discontinued and reversed. The accrual is resumed and reinstated if a delinquent account subsequently becomes 60 days or less past due. Subvention payments from the manufacturer, down payments from the customer, and initial direct costs incurred in connection with originating the lease are amortized on a straight-line basis over the contractual term of the lease. The Company periodically evaluates its investment in operating leases for impairment if circumstances, such as a general decline in used vehicle values, indicate that an impairment may exist.
	Capital Lease Receivables, net
	Leases classified as capital leases are accounted for as direct financing leases. Minimum lease payments plus the estimated residual value of the leased vehicle are recorded as the gross investment. The difference between the gross investment and the cost of the leased vehicle is recorded as unearned income. Direct financing leases are reported at the aggregate of gross investments, net of unearned income and allowance for lease losses. Income for direct financing leases is recognized using the effective interest method, which provides a constant periodic rate of return on the outstanding investment on the lease.
	Repossessed Vehicles and Repossession Expense
	Repossessed vehicles represent vehicles the Company has repossessed due to the borrowers’ default on the payment terms of the retail installment contracts, loans or leases. The Company generally begins repossession activity once a customer has reached 60 days past due. The customer has an opportunity to redeem the repossessed vehicle by paying all outstanding balances, including finance charges and fees. Any vehicles not redeemed are sold at auction. The Company records the vehicles currently in its inventory at the lower of cost or estimated fair value, net of estimated costs to sell. See Notes 9 and 15.
	Repossession expense includes the costs to repossess and sell vehicles obtained due to borrower default. These costs include transportation, storage, rekeying, condition reports, legal fees and the fees paid to repossession agents.
	Noncontrolling Interests
	Noncontrolling interests represent the activity and net assets of two Delaware limited liability companies (the “LLCs”), Auto Loan Acquisition 2011-A LLC and Auto Loan Acquisition 2011-B LLC, which were formed in 2011 to purchase and hold certain loan portfolios. Two of the investors in Auto Finance Holdings were the equity investors in the LLCs. Although SCUSA had no equity interest in the LLCs, it had variable interests in the LLCs, including the servicing agreements and an investment in subordinated bonds of the LLCs. Because the Company had the power, through execution of the servicing agreements, to direct the activities of the LLCs that had the most impact on the LLCs’ performance, and had the potential to absorb losses of the entities because of the investment in the bonds, SCUSA was considered the primary beneficiary. Accordingly, these LLCs were consolidated in SCUSA’s consolidated financial statements, with noncontrolling interest expense recorded equal to their entire net income.
	On August 30, 2013, the two equity investors abandoned their interests in the LLCs, resulting in SCUSA having full ownership of the LLCs. Accordingly, the $38,111 noncontrolling interests balance as of that date was reclassified into additional paid-in capital, net of a $14,058 adjustment to the deferred tax asset representing the change in the book-tax basis difference of SCUSA’s investment in the LLCs. As a result of the abandonment, noncontrolling interests no longer are recorded.
	Purchased Receivables Portfolios
	For receivables portfolios purchased from other lenders, purchased at amounts less than the principal amount of those receivables, resulting in a discount to par, the discount was attributable, in part, to estimated future credit losses that did not exist at the origination of the loans.
	A nonaccretable difference is the excess between the contractually required payments and the amount of cash flows, considering the impact of prepayments, expected to be collected. An accretable yield is the excess of the cash flows, considering the impact of prepayments, expected to be collected over the initial investment of the loans.
	Any deterioration in the performance of the purchased portfolios results in an incremental impairment. Improvements in performance of the purchased pools which significantly increase actual or expected cash flows results in first a reversal of previously recorded impairment and then in a transfer of the excess from nonaccretable difference to accretable yield, which will be recorded as finance income over the remaining life of the receivables.
	Sales of Retail Installment Contracts
	The Company transfers retail installment contracts into newly formed Trusts which then issue one or more classes of notes payable backed by the retail installment contracts.
	The Company’s continuing involvement with the credit facilities and Trusts are in the form of servicing loans held by the special purpose entities (SPEs) and, generally, through holding a residual interest in the SPE. These transactions are structured without recourse. The Trusts are considered VIEs under U.S. GAAP and are consolidated when the Company has: (a) power over the significant activities of the entity and (b) an obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits from the VIE which are potentially significant to the VIE.
	The Company has power over the significant activities of those Trusts as servicer of the financial assets held in the Trust. Servicing fees are not considered significant variable interests in the Trusts; however, when the Company also retains a residual interest in the Trust, either in the form of a debt security or equity interest, the Company has an obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits that are potentially significant to the SPE. Accordingly, these Trusts are consolidated within the consolidated financial statements, and the associated retail installment contracts, borrowings under credit facilities and securitization notes payable remain on the consolidated balance sheets. Securitizations involving Trusts in which the Company does not retain a residual interest or any other debt or equity interests are treated as sales of the associated retail installment contracts.
	While these Trusts are included in our consolidated financial statements, these Trusts are separate legal entities; thus, the finance receivables and other assets sold to these Trusts are legally owned by these Trusts, are available only to satisfy the notes payable related to the securitized retail installment contracts, and are not available to our creditors or our other subsidiaries.
	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	The Company considers all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. The Company has maintained balances in various operating and money market accounts in excess of federally insured limits.
	Restricted Cash
	Cash deposited to support securitization transactions, lockbox collections, and the related required reserve accounts is recorded in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet as restricted cash. Excess cash flows generated by the securitization trusts are added to the restricted cash reserve account, creating additional over-collateralization until the contractual securitization requirement has been reached. Once the targeted reserve requirement is satisfied, additional excess cash flows generated by the Trusts are released to the Company as distributions from the Trusts. Lockbox collections are added to restricted cash and released when transferred to the appropriate warehouse line of credit or Trust.
	The Company has several limited guarantees with Santander that provide explicit performance guarantees on certain servicer obligations related to the Company’s warehouse lines of credit and certain securitizations. As a result of those guarantees, the Company was permitted to commingle funds received on contracts that have been included in the securitizations and certain warehouse lines of credit and retain and remit cash to the respective collection accounts once a month prior to the distribution dates. However, due to downgrades in Santander’s credit ratings, the commingling rights were lost during 2012, and no funds were commingled as of and subsequent to December 31, 2012.
	Investments
	Investments the Company expects to hold for an indefinite period of time are classified as available for sale and carried at fair value with temporary unrealized gains and losses reported as a component of other comprehensive income, net of estimated income taxes.
	Investments of less than 20% ownership in privately held companies over which the Company has no significant influence are recorded using the cost method. Such investments of $6,000 at December 31, 2014 and 2013, are included in other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and other investing activities in the accompanying consolidated statements of cash flows in 2013.
	Income Taxes
	Income tax expense consists of income taxes currently payable and deferred income taxes computed using the asset and liability method. Under the asset and liability method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. The deferred tax asset is subject to reduction by a valuation allowance in certain circumstances. This valuation allowance is recognized if it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized based on a review of available evidence. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.
	The Company records the benefit of uncertain tax positions in the consolidated financial statements when such positions (1) meet a more-likely-than-not threshold, (2) are settled through negotiation or litigation, or (3) the statute of limitations for the taxing authority to examine the position has expired. Tax benefits associated with an uncertain tax position are derecognized in the period in which the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold is no longer satisfied.
	Furniture and Equipment
	Furniture and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets, which range from three to ten years. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the lease term or the estimated useful lives of the improvements. Depreciation and amortization on furniture and equipment for the year ended December 31, 2014 totaled $13,069. Expenditures for major renewals and betterments are capitalized. Repairs and maintenance expenditures are charged to operations as incurred.
Goodwill and Intangibles
Goodwill represents the excess of consideration paid over fair value of net assets acquired in business combinations. Intangibles represent intangible assets purchased or acquired through business combinations, including trade names and software development costs. Certain intangibles are amortized over their estimated useful lives. Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles are tested for impairment at least annually as of December 31. No impairment expense was recorded in 2014 or 2013, and no accumulated impairment charges exist for goodwill or long-lived intangible assets.
Derivative Financial Instruments
Derivative financial instruments are recognized as either assets or liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets at fair value. The accounting for changes in the fair value of each derivative financial instrument depends on whether it has been designated and qualifies as a hedge for accounting purposes, as well as the type of hedging relationship identified. The Company does not use derivative instruments for trading or speculative purposes.
Interest Rate Swap Agreements — The Company uses interest rate swaps to hedge the variability of cash flows on securities issued by securitization Trusts and borrowings under the Company’s warehouse lines of credit. Certain interest rate swap agreements are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges and are highly effective in reducing exposure to interest rate risk from both an accounting and an economic perspective.
At hedge inception and at least quarterly, the interest rate swap agreements designated as accounting hedges are assessed to determine their effectiveness in offsetting changes in the cash flows of the hedged items and whether those interest rate swap agreements may be expected to remain highly effective in future periods.
The Company uses change in variable cash flows to assess hedge effectiveness of cash flow hedges on a prospective and retrospective basis. At December 31, 2014, all of the Company’s interest rate swap agreements designated as cash flow hedges are deemed to be effective hedges for accounting purposes. The Company uses the dollar offset method to measure the amount of ineffectiveness and a net earnings impact occurs when the cumulative change in the value of a derivative, as adjusted, differs from the cumulative change in value of the discounted future cash flows of the forecasted transaction. The excess change in value (the ineffectiveness) is recognized in earnings.
The effective portion of the changes in the fair value of the interest rate swaps qualifying as cash flow hedges is included as a component of other comprehensive loss, net of estimated income taxes, as an unrealized gain or loss on cash flow hedges. These unrealized gains or losses are recognized as adjustments to income over the same period in which cash flows from the related hedged item affect earnings. Additionally, to the extent that any of these contracts are not considered to be perfectly effective in offsetting the change in the value of the cash flows being hedged, any changes in fair value relating to the ineffective portion of these contracts are recognized in interest expense on the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. The Company discontinues hedge accounting prospectively when it is determined that an interest rate swap agreement has ceased to be effective as an accounting hedge or if the underlying hedged cash flow is no longer probable of occurring.
The Company has also entered into interest rate swap agreements related to its securitization trusts and warehouse lines of credit that are not designated as hedges. These agreements are intended to reduce the risk of interest rate fluctuations. For the interest rate swap agreements not designated as hedges, any gains or losses are included in the Company’s earnings as a component of interest expense.
Interest Rate Cap Agreements — The Company purchases interest rate cap agreements to limit floating rate exposures on securities issued in credit facilities. As part of the interest rate risk management strategy and when economically feasible, the Company may simultaneously sell a corresponding written option in order to offset the premium paid to purchase the interest rate cap agreement and thus retain the interest rate risk. Because these instruments entered into directly by the Company or through SPEs are not designated for hedge accounting, changes in the fair value of interest rate cap agreements purchased by the SPEs and written option sold by the Company are recorded in interest expense on the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income.
Warrants — The Company is the holder of a warrant that gives it the right, if certain vesting conditions are satisfied, to purchase additional shares in a company in which it has a cost method investment. This warrant would allow SCUSA to increase its ownership to approximately 22% in the invested company.
Stock-Based Compensation
The Company measures the compensation cost of stock-based awards using the estimated fair value of those awards on the grant date, and recognizes the cost as expense over the vesting period of the awards (see Note 16).
Earnings per Share
Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised. It is computed after giving consideration to the weighted average dilutive effect of the Company’s stock options and restricted stock grants. Because the Company has issued participating securities in the form of unvested restricted stock that has dividend rights, the Company applies the two-class method when computing earnings per share.
Recently Adopted Accounting Standards
In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-11, Income Taxes: Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists. This ASU provides guidance on the presentation of unrecognized tax benefits, particularly the manner in which an entity would settle, at the reporting date, any additional income taxes that would result from the disallowance of a tax position when net operating loss carryforwards, similar tax losses, or tax credit carryforwards exist. This guidance became effective for the Company January 1, 2014 and implementation did not have a significant impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which provides guidance on a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers. This guidance is effective beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company does not expect the adoption to have a material impact to the consolidated financial statements.
In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-11, Repurchase-to-Maturity Transactions, Repurchase Financings, and Disclosures. The standard requires entities to account for repurchase-to-maturity transactions as secured borrowings, eliminates accounting guidance on linked repurchase financing transactions, and expands disclosure requirements related to certain transfers of financial assets that are accounted for as secured borrowings. This guidance is effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2015 and early adoption is not permitted. The implementation did not have a significant impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-12, Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award That a Performance Target Could be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period. This standard affects entities that issue share-based payments when the terms of an award stipulate that a performance target could be achieved after an employee completes the requisite service period. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015 and early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption on its consolidated financial statements.
In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-15, Disclosure of Uncertainties About an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern. The standard requires management to perform interim and annual assessments of an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year of the date of issuance of the entity’s financial statements. This guidance is effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2016 with early adoption permitted. The Company does not expect the adoption to have a material impact to the consolidated financial statements.
In January 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-01, Income Statement-Extraordinary and Unusual Items. This standard simplifies income statement classification by removing the concept of extraordinary items from U.S. GAAP, and as a result, items that are both unusual and infrequent will no longer be separately reported net of tax after continuing operations. This guidance is effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2015 with early adoption permitted, but only as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. The Company does not expect the adoption to have a material impact to the consolidated financial statements.

Finance_Receivables

Finance Receivables	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Receivables [Abstract]
Finance Receivables	Finance Receivables
	Finance receivables held for investment (other than purchased portfolio) at December 31, 2014 and 2013, were comprised as follows:
		December 31, 2014
		Retail Installment Contracts			Receivables from			Unsecured
		Acquired			Dealers Held			Consumer
		Individually			for Investment			Loans
	Unpaid principal balance	$	24,555,106		$	100,164		$	2,128,769
	Credit loss allowance (Note 4)	(2,726,338		)	(674		)	(348,660		)
	Discount	(597,862		)	—			(1,356		)
	Capitalized origination costs and fees	39,680			—			1,024
	Net carrying balance	$	21,270,586		$	99,490		$	1,779,777
		December 31, 2013
		Retail Installment Contracts			Receivables from			Unsecured
		Acquired			Dealers Held			Consumer
		Individually			for Investment			Loans
	Unpaid principal balance	$	21,238,281		$	95,835		$	1,165,778
	Credit loss allowance (Note 4)	(2,132,634		)	(1,090		)	(179,350		)
	Discount	(573,462		)	—			(32,831		)
	Capitalized origination costs	33,936			—			592
	Net carrying balance	$	18,566,121		$	94,745		$	954,189
	Finance receivables held for investment that were acquired with deteriorated credit quality are included in retail installment contracts held for investment in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and were comprised as follows at December 31, 2014 and 2013:
		December 31, 2014			December 31, 2013
	Unpaid principal balance	$	846,355		$	1,961,060
	Outstanding recorded investment	$	873,134		$	1,879,844
	Less: Impairment	(189,275		)	(226,356		)
	Outstanding recorded investment, net of impairment	$	683,859		$	1,653,488
	As of December 31, 2014, retail installment contracts and receivables from dealers held for sale totaled $45,424 and $1,161, respectively. As of December 31, 2013, retail installment contracts and receivables from dealers held for sale totaled $56,066 and $26,437, respectively. Sales of retail installment contracts for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 included principal balance amounts of $6,620,620 and $2,505,442, respectively. The Company retains servicing of sold retail installment contracts and was servicing $7,372,884 and $2,847,656 as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, of contracts owned by unrelated third parties, including contracts sold by the Company.
	Retail installment contracts are collateralized by vehicle titles, and the Company has the right to repossess the vehicle in the event the consumer defaults on the payment terms of the contract. Most of the Company’s retail installment contracts held for investment are pledged against warehouse facilities or securitization bonds (Note 6). Most of the creditors on the Company’s retail installment contracts are retail consumers; however, $816,100 and $345,177 of the unpaid principal balance represented fleet contracts with commercial borrowers as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	Borrowers on the Company’s retail installment contracts held for investment are located in Texas (18%), Florida (11%), California (9%), Georgia (5%) and other states each individually representing less than 5% of the Company’s total.
	Receivables from dealers held for investment includes a term loan, which was previously a residual warehouse credit facility, with a third-party vehicle dealer and lender that operates in multiple states. The loan allowed committed borrowings of $50,000 at December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the unpaid principal balance of the facility was $50,000 at each of those dates. The term loan will mature on December 31, 2018.
	The remaining receivables from dealers held for investment are all Chrysler-related. On September 16, 2014, the Company sold $18,227 of such receivables from dealers to Santander Bank, N.A., formerly Sovereign Bank ("SBNA"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of SHUSA (Note 12), resulting in a gain of $347. The Company is entitled to additional proceeds on this sale totaling $694 if certain conditions, including continued existence and performance of the sold loans, are met at the first and second anniversaries of the sale. Borrowers on the remaining Chrysler dealer receivables are located in Ohio (26%), Virginia (22%), California (16%), New York (14%), Tennessee (8%), Louisiana (6%), and other states each individually representing less than 5% of the Company’s total.
	Borrowers on the Company’s unsecured consumer loans are located in California (10%), Texas (8%), New York (8%), Florida (7%), and other states each individually representing less than 5% of the Company’s total.
	Changes in accretable yield on the Company’s purchased receivables portfolios for the periods indicated were as follows:
		For the Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Balance — beginning of year	$	403,400		$	816,854		$	1,373,174
	Additions (loans acquired during the year)	—			—			16,338
	Accretion of accretable yield	(194,996		)	(493,778		)	(700,362		)
	Reclassifications from nonaccretable difference	56,012			80,324			127,704
	Balance — end of year	$	264,416		$	403,400		$	816,854
	The Company also has capital leases classified as finance receivables (Note 3).
	During the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company did not acquire any vehicle loan portfolios for which it was probable at acquisition that not all contractually required payments would be collected.

Leases

Leases	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Leases [Abstract]
Leases	Leases
	The Company has both operating and capital leases which are separately accounted for and recorded on the Company's consolidated balance sheets as leased vehicles, net, and capital lease receivables, net, respectively.
	Operating Leases
	Leased vehicles, net, which is comprised of leases originated under the Chrysler Agreement, consisted of the following as of December 31, 2014 and 2013:
		December 31,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Leased vehicles	$	6,309,096		$	2,402,052
	Origination fees and other costs	4,190			2,716
	Manufacturer subvention payments	(645,874		)	(259,152		)
		5,667,412			2,145,616
	Less: accumulated depreciation	(804,629		)	(122,183		)
		$	4,862,783		$	2,023,433
	The following summarizes the future minimum rental payments due to the Company as lessor under operating leases as of December 31, 2014:
	2015	$	867,133
	2016	722,904
	2017	274,913
	2018	12,660
	2019	—
	Thereafter	—
	Total	$	1,877,610
	Capital Leases
	In early 2014, the Company began originating leases that are accounted for as capital leases as the contractual residual values are nominal amounts. Capital lease receivables, net consisted of the following as of December 31, 2014:
		December 31,
		2014
	Gross investment in capital leases	$	137,543
	Origination fees and other	78
	Less unearned income	(46,193		)
	Net investment in capital leases before allowance	91,428
	Less: allowance for lease losses	(9,589		)
	Net investment in capital leases	$	81,839
	The following summarizes the future minimum lease payments due to the Company as lessor under capital leases as of December 31, 2014:
	2015	$	33,024
	2016	33,024
	2017	32,952
	2018	31,618
	2019	6,924
	Thereafter	1
	Total	$	137,543

Loan_and_Lease_Loss_Allowance_

Loan and Lease Loss Allowance and Credit Quality	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Loans and Leases Receivable, Allowance [Abstract]
Loan and Lease Loss Allowance and Credit Quality	Loan and Lease Loss Allowance and Credit Quality
	Loan and Lease Loss Allowance
	The Company estimates credit losses on individually acquired retail installment contracts and unsecured consumer loans held for investment based on delinquency status, historical loss experience, estimated values of underlying collateral, when applicable, and various economic factors. The Company maintains a general credit loss allowance for receivables from dealers based on risk ratings, and individually evaluates the loans for specific impairment as necessary. The credit loss allowance for receivables from dealers is comprised entirely of general allowances as none of these receivables have been determined to be individually impaired.
	The activity in the credit loss allowance for individually acquired loans for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
		Year Ended December 31, 2014
		Retail Installment				Receivables				Unsecured
		Contracts				from Dealers Held				Consumer Loans
		Acquired				for Investment
		Individually
	Balance — beginning of year	$	2,132,634			$	1,090			$	179,350
	Provision for loan losses	2,211,055				(416		)		434,030
	Charge-offs	(3,341,047		)		—				(286,331		)
	Recoveries	1,723,696				—				21,611
	Balance — end of year	$	2,726,338			$	674			$	348,660
		Year Ended December 31, 2013
		Retail Installment				Receivables				Unsecured
		Contracts				from Dealers Held				Consumer Loans
		Acquired				for Investment
		Individually
	Balance — beginning of year	$	1,555,362			$	—			$	—
	Provision for loan losses	1,651,416				1,090				192,745
	Charge-offs	(2,094,149		)		—				(13,413		)
	Recoveries	1,020,005				—				18
	Balance — end of year	$2,132,634				$	1,090			$	179,350
		Year Ended December 31, 2012
		Retail Installment				Receivables				Unsecured
		Contracts				from Dealers Held				Consumer Loans
		Acquired				for Investment
		Individually
	Balance — beginning of year	$	993,213			$	—			$	—
	Provision for loan losses	1,119,074				—				—
	Charge-offs	(1,000,178		)		—				—
	Recoveries	443,253				—				—
	Balance — end of year	$	1,555,362			$	—			$	—
	The impairment activity related to purchased receivables portfolios for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was as follows:
		For the Year Ended December 31,
		2014				2013				2012
	Balance — beginning of year	$	226,356			$	218,640			$	215,262
	Incremental provisions for purchased receivable portfolios	3,568				313,021				161,687
	Incremental reversal of provisions for purchased receivable portfolios	(41,285		)		(305,305		)		(158,309		)
	Balance — end of year	$	188,639			$	226,356			$	218,640
	The Company estimates lease losses on the capital lease receivable portfolio based on delinquency status, loss experience to date, and consideration of similarity between this portfolio and individually acquired retail installment contracts as well as various economic factors. The activity in the lease loss allowance for capital lease receivables for the year ended December 31, 2014 was as follows:
	Balance — beginning of year	$	—
	Provision for lease losses	9,991
	Charge-offs	(804		)
	Recoveries	402
	Balance — end of year	$	9,589
	Delinquencies
	Retail installment contracts and unsecured consumer amortizing term loans are classified as non-performing when they are greater than 60 days past due as to contractual principal or interest payments. Dealer receivables are classified as non-performing when they are greater than 90 days past due. At the time a loan is placed in non-performing status, previously accrued and uncollected interest is reversed against interest income. If an account is returned to a performing status, the Company returns to accruing interest on the contract. The accrual of interest on revolving unsecured consumer loans continues until the loan is charged off. A summary of delinquencies as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 is as follows:
		December 31, 2014
		Retail Installment Contracts Held for Investment											Unsecured
													Consumer
		Loans				Purchased				Total			Loans
		Acquired				Receivables
		Individually				Portfolios
	Principal, 31-60 days past due	$	2,319,203			$	131,634			$	2,450,837		$	52,452
	Delinquent principal over 60 days	1,030,580				72,473				$	1,103,053		138,400
	Total delinquent principal	$	3,349,783			$	204,107			$	3,553,890		$	190,852
		December 31, 2013
		Retail Installment Contracts Held for Investment											Unsecured
													Consumer
		Loans				Purchased				Total			Loans
		Acquired				Receivables
		Individually				Portfolios
Principal, 31-60 days past due	$	1,729,139			$	321,549			$	2,050,688		$	28,102
Delinquent principal over 60 days	855,315				181,698				1,037,013			65,360
Total delinquent principal	$	2,584,454			$	503,247			$	3,087,701		$	93,462
The balances in the above tables reflect total principal rather than net investment; the difference is considered insignificant. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, no receivables from dealers were 31 days or more delinquent.
As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, there were no receivables from dealers or receivables held for sale that were non-performing. Delinquencies on the capital lease receivables portfolio, which began in 2014, were immaterial as of December 31, 2014.
FICO® Distribution — A summary of the credit risk profile of the Company’s consumer loans by FICO® distribution, determined at origination, as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 was as follows:
December 31, 2014
		Retail Installment		Unsecured
		Contracts Held		Consumer
FICO Band		for Investment (a)		Loans (b)
<540		26.40%		3.30%
540-599		32.60%		20.10%
600-639		20.50%		21.40%
>640		20.50%		55.20%
December 31, 2013
		Retail Installment		Unsecured
		Contracts Held		Consumer
FICO Band		for Investment (a)		Loans (b)
<540		26.80%		6.30%
540-599		31.80%		24.20%
600-639		20.30%		30.40%
>640		21.10%		39.10%
(a)	Excluded from the FICO distribution is $2,945,297 and $1,944,204 as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, as the borrowers on these loans did not have FICO scores at origination.
(b)	Excluded from the FICO distribution is an insignificant amount of loans to borrowers that did not have FICO scores at origination.
Commercial Lending Credit Quality Indicators — The credit quality of receivables from dealers, which are considered commercial loans, is summarized according to standard regulatory classifications as follows:
Pass — Asset is well protected by the current net worth and paying capacity of the obligor or guarantors, if any, or by the fair value less costs to acquire and sell any underlying collateral in a timely manner.
Special Mention — Asset has potential weaknesses that deserve management’s close attention, which, if left uncorrected, may result in deterioration of the repayment prospects for an asset at some future date. Special Mention assets are not adversely classified.
Substandard — Asset is inadequately protected by the current net worth and paying capacity of the obligor or by the collateral pledged, if any. A well-defined weakness or weaknesses exist that jeopardize the liquidation of the debt. The loans are characterized by the distinct possibility that the Company will sustain some loss if deficiencies are not corrected.
Doubtful — Exhibits the inherent weaknesses of a substandard credit. Additional characteristics exist that make collection or liquidation in full highly questionable and improbable, on the basis of currently known facts, conditions and values. Possibility of loss is extremely high, but because of certain important and reasonable specific pending factors which may work to the advantage and strengthening of the credit, an estimated loss cannot yet be determined.
Loss — Credit is considered uncollectible and of such little value that it does not warrant consideration as an active asset. There may be some recovery or salvage value, but there is doubt as to whether, how much or when the recovery would occur.
As discussed in Note 2, the Company has $816,100 of fleet contracts with commercial customers. These loans are recorded in Retail installment contracts held for investment, net, on the consolidated balance sheets, the Company's risk department performs a commercial analysis and classifies certain loans over an internal threshold based on the classifications above. As of December 31, 2014, one fleet borrower with an outstanding balance of $300 was classified as Special Mention; the remaining fleet portfolio borrowers with balances over the classification threshold all were classified as pass.
Commercial loan credit quality indicators for receivables from dealers held for investment as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
	December 31,				December 31,
	2014				2013
Pass	$	97,903			$	95,835
Special Mention	2,261				—
Substandard	—				—
Doubtful	—				—
Loss	—				—
	$	100,164			$	95,835
Troubled Debt Restructurings
In certain circumstances, the Company modifies the terms of its finance receivables to troubled borrowers. Modifications may include a reduction in interest rate, an extension of the maturity date, rescheduling of future cash flows, or a combination thereof. A modification of finance receivable terms is considered a troubled debt restructuring (“TDR”) if the Company grants a concession to a borrower for economic or legal reasons related to the debtor’s financial difficulties that would not otherwise have been considered. Management considers TDRs to include all individually acquired retail installment contracts that have been modified at least once, deferred for a period of 90 days or more, or deferred at least twice. Additionally, restructurings through bankruptcy proceedings are deemed to be TDRs. The purchased receivables portfolio and operating and capital leases are excluded from the scope of the applicable guidance. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, there were no receivables from dealers classified as a TDR.
The table below presents the Company’s loans modified in TDRs as of December 31, 2014 and 2013:
	December 31, 2014								December 31, 2013
	Retail Installment Contracts				Unsecured Consumer Loans				Retail Installment Contracts			Unsecured Consumer Loans
Total TDR principal	$	4,191,208			$	17,347			$	2,604,351		$	8,391
Accrued interest	111,103				—				70,965			—
Discount	(102,047		)		—				(70,321		)	(274		)
Origination costs	6,773				9				4,161			5
Outstanding recorded investment	4,207,037				17,356				2,609,156			8,122
Impairment	(797,240		)		(6,939		)		(475,128		)	(2,345		)
Outstanding recorded investment, net of impairment	$	3,409,797			$	10,417			$	2,134,028		$	5,777
A summary of the Company’s delinquent TDRs at December 31, 2014 and 2013, is as follows:
	December 31, 2014								December 31, 2013
	Retail Installment Contracts				Unsecured Consumer Loans				Retail Installment Contracts			Unsecured Consumer Loans
Principal, 31-60 days past due	$	929,095			$	1,595			$	556,489		$	875
Delinquent principal over 60 days	515,235				5,131				356,969			1,396
Total delinquent TDR principal	$	1,444,330			$	6,726			$	913,458		$	2,271
A loan that has been classified as a TDR remains so until the loan is liquidated through payoff or charge-off. Consistent with other of the Company’s retail installment contracts, TDRs are placed on nonaccrual status when the account becomes past due more than 60 days, and return to accrual status when the account is 60 days or less past due. Average recorded investment and income recognized on TDR loans are as follows:
	For the Year Ended
	31-Dec-14								31-Dec-13						31-Dec-12
	Retail Installment Contracts				Unsecured Consumer Loans				Retail Installment Contracts			Unsecured Consumer Loans			Retail Installment Contracts		Unsecured Consumer Loans
Average outstanding recorded investment in TDRs	$	3,289,520			$	14,061			$	2,466,122		$	3,260		$	1,257,446	$	—
Interest income recognized	$	481,843			$	1,679			$	322,965		$	269		$	171,878	$	—
TDR Impact on Allowance for Credit Losses
For loans not classified as TDRs, the Company generally estimates an appropriate allowance for credit losses based on delinquency status, the Company’s historical loss experience, estimated values of underlying collateral, and various economic factors. Once loans have become classified as a TDRs, they are collectively assessed for impairment based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan's original effective interest rate considering all available evidence.
The following table summarizes the financial effects of TDRs that occurred during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012:
	For the Year Ended
	December 31, 2014								December 31, 2013						December 31, 2012
	Retail Installment Contracts				Unsecured Consumer Loans				Retail Installment Contracts			Unsecured Consumer Loans			Retail Installment Contracts		Unsecured Consumer Loans
Troubled Debt Restructurings:
Outstanding recorded investment before TDR	$	3,042,731			$	18,443			$	1,755,241		$	9,408		$	955,088	$	—
Outstanding recorded investment after TDR	$	3,039,419			$	18,359			$	1,747,837		$	9,264		$	949,883	$	—
Number of contracts	184,640				16,614				116,846			13,196			66,883		—
A TDR is considered to have subsequently defaulted upon charge off, which for retail installment contracts is at the earlier of the date of repossession or 120 days past due and for revolving unsecured consumer loans is generally the month in which the receivable becomes 180 days past due. Loan modifications accounted for as TDRs within the previous twelve months that subsequently defaulted during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 are summarized in the following table:
	For the Year Ended
	December 31, 2014						December 31, 2013					December 31, 2012
	Retail Installment Contracts				Unsecured Consumer Loans		Retail Installment Contracts				Unsecured Consumer Loans	Retail Installment Contracts			Unsecured Consumer Loans
Troubled debt restructurings that subsequently defaulted	$	419,032			$3,437		$	79,714			(a)	$	56,902		$	—
Number of contracts	36,843				3,401		6,383				(a)	4,907			—
(a)	Subsequent defaults on unsecured consumer loan TDRs were insignificant in 2013.

Goodwill_and_Intangibles_Goodw

Goodwill and Intangibles Goodwill and Intangibles	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Intangibles	Goodwill and Intangibles
	The carrying amount of goodwill for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, was unchanged. For each of the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, goodwill amortization of $5,463 was deductible for tax purposes.
	The components of intangible assets at December 31, 2014 and 2013, were as follows:
		December 31, 2014
		Useful Life		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Net Carrying Value
	Amortized intangible assets:
	Customer relationships	10 years		$	12,400	$	(8,163	)	$	4,237
	Software and technology	3 years		22,625		(11,480		)	11,145
	Trademarks	3 years		2,347		(2,347		)	—
	Intangible assets not subject to amortization- trademarks			38,300		—			38,300
	Total			$	75,672	$	(21,990	)	$	53,682
		December 31, 2013
		Useful Life		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Net Carrying Value
	Amortized intangible assets:
	Customer relationships	10 years		$	12,400	$	(6,923	)	$	5,477
	Software and technology	3 years		16,822		(5,935		)	10,887
	Trademarks	3 years		2,347		(2,347		)	—
	Intangible assets not subject to amortization- trademarks			38,300		—			38,300
	Total			$	69,869	$	(15,205	)	$	54,664
	Amortization expense on the assets was $6,902 and $4,509 for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Estimated future amortization expense is as follows:
	2015	$	6,677
	2016	5,191
	2017	2,998
	2018	516
	2019 and thereafter	—
		$	15,382
	The weighted-average remaining useful life for the Company's amortizing intangible assets was 3.1 years and 3.5 years at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Debt

Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt	Debt
	Revolving Credit Facilities
	The following table presents information regarding credit facilities as of December 31, 2014 and 2013:
		December 31, 2014
		Maturity Date(s)		Utilized Balance		Committed Amount		Effective Rate	Assets Pledged		Restricted Cash Pledged
	Warehouse line	Jun-15		$	243,736	$	500,000	1.17%	$	344,822	$	—
	Warehouse line (a)	Various		397,452		1,244,318		1.26%	589,529		20,661
	Warehouse line (b)	Jun-16		2,201,511		4,300,000		0.98%	3,249,263		65,414
	Warehouse line	Jun-16		1,051,777		2,500,000		1.06%	1,481,135		28,316
	Warehouse line	Jul-15		—		500,000		—	—		—
	Warehouse line (c)	Sep-15		199,980		200,000		1.96%	351,755		13,169
	Repurchase facility (d)	Various		923,225		923,225		1.63%	—		34,184
	Warehouse line	Dec-15		468,565		750,000		0.93%	641,709		16,467
	Warehouse line (e)	Nov-16		175,000		175,000		1.71%	—		—
	Warehouse line (c)	Oct-16		240,487		250,000		2.02%	299,195		17,143
	Warehouse line (e)	Nov-16		250,000		250,000		1.71%	—		2,500
	Warehouse line (f)	Mar-15		250,594		250,594		0.98%	—		—
	Total facilities with third parties			6,402,327		11,843,137			6,957,408		197,854
	Lines of credit with Santander and related subsidiaries (g):
	Line of credit	Dec-16		500,000		500,000		2.46%	1,340		—
	Line of credit	Dec-18		—		500,000		—	—		—
	Line of credit	Dec-16		1,750,000		1,750,000		2.33%	—		—
	Line of credit	Dec-18		1,140,000		1,750,000		2.85%	9,701		—
	Line of credit	Mar-17		300,000		300,000		1.71%	—		—
	Total facilities with Santander and related subsidiaries			3,690,000		4,800,000			11,041		—
	Total revolving credit facilities			$	10,092,327	$	16,643,137		$	6,968,449	$	197,854
		December 31, 2013
		Maturity Date(s)		Utilized Balance		Committed Amount		Effective Rate	Assets Pledged		Restricted Cash Pledged
	Warehouse line	Jun-14		$	483,738	$	500,000	0.82%	$	757,352	$	—
	Warehouse line	Various		159,300		1,219,474		3.62%	232,015		3,667
	Warehouse line (b)	Apr-15		613,600		4,550,000		2.12%	745,759		15,184
	Warehouse line	Jun-15		1,360,070		2,000,000		0.96%	1,672,082		42,510
	Warehouse line	Jul-15		495,786		500,000		0.85%	598,754		25,056
	Warehouse line (c)	Sep-15		73,080		200,000		2.84%	76,807		2,701
	Repurchase facility (d)	Various		879,199		879,199		1.59%	—		—
	Warehouse line	Dec-15		210,000		750,000		1.84%	302,632		—
	Warehouse line (e)	Nov-16		175,000		175,000		1.72%	—		—
	Total facilities with third parties			4,449,773		10,773,673			4,385,401		89,118
	Lines of credit with Santander and related subsidiaries (g):
	Line of credit	Dec-16		500,000		500,000		2.48%	10,674		—
	Line of credit	Dec-18		—		500,000		3.10%	—		—
	Line of credit	Dec-16		1,750,000		1,750,000		2.09%	—		—
	Line of credit	Dec-18		1,400,000		1,750,000		2.58%	93,969		—
	Total facilities with Santander and related subsidiaries			3,650,000		4,500,000			104,643		—
	Total revolving credit facilities			$	8,099,773	$	15,273,673		$	4,490,044	$	89,118
	(a)	Half of the outstanding balance on this facility matures in March 2015 and half in March 2016.
	(b)	This line is held exclusively for Chrysler Capital retail loan and lease financing.
	(c)	This line is held exclusively for unsecured consumer term loans.
	(d)	The repurchase facility is collateralized by securitization notes payable retained by the Company. This facility has rolling 30-day and 90- day maturities.
	(e)    This line is collateralized by residuals retained by the Company.
	(f)    This line is collateralized by securitization notes payable retained by the Company.
	(g)    These lines are also collateralized by securitization notes payable and residuals retained by the Company. As of December 31, 2014 and
	2013, $2,152,625 and $1,123,354, respectively, of the aggregate outstanding balances on these facilities were unsecured.
	10%
	Facilities with Third Parties
	The warehouse lines and repurchase facility are fully collateralized by a designated portion of the Company’s retail installment contracts (Note 2), leased vehicles (Note 3), securitization notes payables and residuals retained by the Company.
	Lines of Credit with Santander and Related Subsidiaries
	Through its New York branch, Banco Santander provides the Company with $4.5 billion of long-term committed revolving credit facilities. Through SHUSA, under an agreement entered into on March 6, 2014, Santander provides the Company with an additional $300 million of committed revolving credit, collateralized by residuals retained on its own securitizations.
	The facilities offered through the New York branch are structured as three- and five-year floating rate facilities, with current maturity dates of December 31, 2016 and 2018, respectively. Santander has the option to continue to renew the term of these facilities annually going forward, thereby maintaining the three and five year maturities. These facilities currently permit unsecured borrowing but generally are collateralized by retail installment contracts and retained residuals. Any secured balances outstanding under the facilities at the time of their maturity will amortize to match the maturities and expected cash flows of the corresponding collateral.
	Secured Structured Financings
	The following table presents information regarding secured structured financings as of December 31, 2014 and 2013:
		December 31, 2014
		Original Estimated Maturity Date(s)		Balance		Initial Note Amounts Issued		Initial Weighted Average Interest Rate	Collateral		Restricted Cash
	2010 Securitization	Nov-17		$	81,907	$	1,632,420	1.04%	$	234,706	$	58,740
2011 Securitizations	June 2016-September 2017		421,315		3,536,550		1.21%-2.80%	699,875		115,962
2012 Securitizations	November 2017-December 2018		2,296,687		8,023,840		0.92%-1.68%	3,006,426		318,373
2013 Securitizations	January 2019-January 2021		3,426,242		6,689,700		0.89%-1.59%	4,231,006		320,182
2014 Securitizations	August 2018-January 2021		5,211,346		6,800,420		1.16%-1.72%	6,173,229		370,790
Public securitizations (a)			11,437,497		26,682,930			14,345,242		1,184,047
2010 Private issuances (b)	Jun-11		172,652		516,000		1.29%	303,361		8,009
2011 Private issuances	Dec-18		859,309		1,700,000		1.46%-1.80%	1,316,903		52,524
2012 Private issuances	May-16		5,682		70,308		1.07%	11,760		1,086
2013 Private issuances	September 2018-September 2020		2,629,278		2,693,754		1.13%-1.38%	3,703,685		98,063
2014 Private issuances	November 2015-December 2021		2,614,556		3,519,049		1.05%-1.85%	3,779,288		121,356
Privately issued amortizing notes			6,281,477		8,499,111			9,114,997		281,038
Total secured structured financings			$	17,718,974	$	35,182,041		$	23,460,239	$	1,465,085
	December 31, 2013
	Original Estimated Maturity Date(s)		Balance		Initial Note Amounts Issued		Initial Weighted Average Interest Rate	Collateral		Restricted Cash
2010 Securitizations	October 2016 - November 2017		$	632,251	$	4,671,749	1.04%-1.44%	$	1,143,435	$	205,190
2011 Securitizations	October 2015 - September 2017		1,218,208		5,605,609		1.21%-2.80%	1,634,220		195,854
2012 Securitizations	November 2017 - December 2018		4,061,127		8,023,840		0.92%-1.68%	5,013,135		383,677
2013 Securitizations	January 2019 - January 2021		5,503,580		6,689,700		0.89%-1.59%	6,465,840		351,160
Public securitizations (a)			11,415,166		24,990,898			14,256,630		1,135,881
2010 Private issuances	Jun-11		219,704		516,000		1.29%	378,434		8,435
2011 Private issuances	Dec-18		662,138		4,856,525		1.46%-1.80%	908,304		36,449
2012 Private issuances	May-16		30,526		70,308		1.07%	35,378		3,016
2013 Private issuances	September 2018 - September 2020		2,868,353		2,693,754		1.13%-1.38%	3,554,569		97,100
Privately issued amortizing notes			3,780,721		8,136,587			4,876,685		145,000
Total secured structured financings			$	15,195,887	$	33,127,485		$	19,133,315	$	1,280,881
(a)    Securitizations executed under Rule 144A of the Securities Act are included within this balance.
(b)    This securitization was amended in May 2014 resulting in additional borrowings and an extended maturity date of May 2015.
Notes Payable — Secured Structured Financings
The principal and interest on secured structured financings are paid using the cash flows from the underlying retail installment contracts, loans and leases, which serve as collateral for the notes. Accordingly, the timing of the principal payments on these notes is dependent on the payments received on the underlying retail installment contracts, which back the notes. The weighted-average interest rate and final contractual maturity by year on these notes at December 31, 2014, were as follows:
2015, 1.17%	$	872,652
2016, 1.79%	145,129
2017, 1.79%	1,719,937
2018, 1.48%	2,290,444
2019, 1.53%	2,197,182
Thereafter, 1.44%	10,529,781
	17,755,125
Less: unamortized costs	(36,151		)
Notes payable - secured structured financings	$	17,718,974
Most of the Company’s secured structured financings are in the form of public, SEC-registered securitizations. The Company also executes private securitizations under Rule 144A of the Securities Act and periodically issues private term amortizing notes, which are structured similarly to securitizations but are acquired by banks and conduits. Historically, all of the Company’s securitizations and private issuances have been collateralized by vehicle retail installment contracts and loans; however, in 2013, the Company issued its first amortizing notes backed by vehicle leases. As of December 31, 2014, the Company had private issuances of notes backed by vehicle leases totaling $1,959,033.
Unamortized debt issuance costs are amortized as interest expense over the terms of the related notes payable using a method that approximates the effective interest method. Amortization of premium or accretion of discount on acquired notes payable is also included in interest expense using a method that approximates the effective interest method, over the estimated remaining life of the acquired notes. Total interest expense on secured structured financings for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $238,394, $233,564 and $234,101, respectively.

Variable_Interest_Entities

Variable Interest Entities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Variable Interest Entity Disclosure [Abstract]
Variable Interest Entities	Variable Interest Entities
	The Company transfers retail installment contracts and leased vehicles into newly formed Trusts which then issue one or more classes of notes payable backed by the collateral. The Company’s continuing involvement with these Trusts is in the form of servicing loans held by special purpose financing Trusts and, except for the Chrysler Capital securitizations, through holding a residual interest in the Trust. These transactions are structured without recourse. The Trusts are considered VIEs under U.S. GAAP and, except for the Chrysler Capital securitizations, are consolidated because the Company has: (a) power over the significant activities of the entity as servicer of its financial assets and (b) the residual interest and in some cases debt securities held by the Company, an obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits from the VIE which are potentially significant to the VIE. The Company did not retain any debt or equity interests in the Chrysler Capital securitizations executed in 2013 and 2014, and recorded these transactions as sales of the associated retail installment contracts.
	Revolving credit facilities also utilize Trusts that are considered VIEs. The collateral, borrowings under credit facilities and securitization notes payable of the Company's consolidated VIEs remain on the consolidated balance sheets. The Company recognizes finance charges and fee income on the retail installment contracts and leased vehicles and interest expense on the debt, and records a provision for credit losses to cover probable inherent losses on the contracts. All of the Trusts are separate legal entities and the collateral and other assets held by these subsidiaries are legally owned by them and are not available to other creditors.
	The Company also uses a titling trust to originate and hold its leased vehicles and the associated leases, in order to facilitate the pledging of leases to financing facilities or sale of leases to other parties without incurring the costs and administrative burden of retitling the leased vehicles. The titling trust, and each special unit of beneficial interest ("SUBI") in the titling trust, such as those formed to facilitate the transfer of leased vehicles to financing facilities or other parties, is considered a VIE.
	On-balance sheet variable interest entities
	The following table summarizes the assets and liabilities related to VIEs included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements:
		December 31,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Restricted cash	$	1,626,257	$	1,370,174
	Retail installment contracts, net	21,366,121		19,166,392
	Leased vehicles, net	4,862,783		2,023,433
	Various other assets	1,301,992		541,469
	Notes payable	27,796,999		23,810,950
	Various other liabilities	—		25,682
	Certain amounts shown above are greater than the amounts shown in the corresponding line items in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets due to intercompany eliminations between the VIEs and other entities consolidated by the Company. For example, for most of its securitizations, the Company retains one or more of the lowest tranches of bonds. Rather than showing investment in bonds as an asset and the associated debt as a liability, these amounts are eliminated in consolidation as required by U.S. GAAP.
	The Company retains servicing for receivables transferred to the Trusts and receives a monthly servicing fee on the outstanding principal balance. Supplemental fees, such as late charges, for servicing the receivables are reflected in fees, commissions and other income. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company was servicing $24,611,624 and $21,935,874, respectively, of gross retail installment contracts that have been transferred to consolidated Trusts. The remainder of the Company’s retail installment contracts remain unpledged.
	A summary of the cash flows received from consolidated securitization trusts during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 is as follows:
		December 31, 2014		December 31, 2013		December 31, 2012
	Receivables securitized	$	14,251,258	$	11,589,632	$	9,197,555
	Net proceeds from new securitizations (a)	$	11,948,421	$	9,980,538	$	7,999,556
	Net proceeds from sale of retained bonds	—		98,650		—
	Cash received for servicing fees (b)	632,955		506,656		420,315
	Cash received upon release from reserved and	810		9,933		38,693
	restricted cash accounts (b)
	Net distributions from Trusts (b)	1,386,833		1,482,425		1,097,326
	Total cash received from securitization trusts	$	13,969,019	$	12,078,202	$	9,555,890
	(a)	Includes additional advances on existing securitizations.
	(b)	These amounts are not reflected in the accompanying consolidated statements of cash flows because the cash flows are between the VIEs and other entities included in the consolidation.
	Off-balance sheet variable interest entities
	During 2013 and 2014, the Company completed sales to VIEs that met sale accounting treatment in accordance with the applicable guidance. Due to the nature, purpose, and activity of the transactions, the Company determined for consolidation purposes that it either does not hold potentially significant variable interests or is not the primary beneficiary as a result of the Company's limited further involvement with the financial assets. For such transactions, the transferred financial assets are removed from the Company's consolidated balance sheets. In certain situations, the Company remains the servicer of the financial assets and receives servicing fees that represent adequate compensation. The Company also recognizes a gain or loss for the difference between the cash proceeds and carrying value of the assets sold.
	During the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company sold $1,802,461 and $1,091,282, respectively, of gross retail installment contracts to VIEs in off-balance sheet securitizations for a gains of $72,443 and $24,575, respectively. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company was servicing $2,157,808 and $1,017,756, respectively, of gross retail installment contracts that have been sold in these off-balance sheet Chrysler Capital securitizations. Other than repurchases of sold assets due to standard representations and warranties, the Company has no exposure to loss as a result of its involvement with these VIEs.
	A summary of the cash flows received from the off-balance sheet securitization trusts during the year ended December 31, 2014, is as follows:
		Year Ended
		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Receivables securitized	$	1,802,461	$	1,091,282
	Net proceeds from new securitizations	$	1,894,052	$	1,140,416
	Cash received for servicing fees	17,000		1,863
	Total cash received from securitization trusts	$	1,911,052	$	1,142,279

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen

Derivative Financial Instruments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative Financial Instruments	Derivative Financial Instruments
	Certain of the Company’s interest rate swap agreements are designated as cash flow hedges for accounting purposes. The Company’s remaining interest rate swap agreements, as well as its interest rate cap agreements, the corresponding options written in order to offset the interest rate cap agreements, and a total return swap, are not designated as hedges for accounting purposes. The underlying notional amounts and aggregate fair values of these agreements at December 31, 2014 and 2013, were as follows:
		December 31, 2014						December 31, 2013
		Notional			Fair Value			Notional			Fair Value
	Interest rate swap agreements designated as cash flow hedges	$	8,020,000		$	3,827		$	3,873,000		$	(5,686	)
	Interest rate swap agreements not designated as hedges	3,206,000			(12,175		)	3,444,459			(31,360		)
	Interest rate cap agreements	7,541,385			49,762			4,616,960			28,274
	Options for interest rate cap agreements	7,541,385			(49,806		)	4,616,960			(28,389		)
	Total return swap	250,594			(1,736		)	—			—
	The aggregate fair value of the interest rate swap agreements was included on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets in other assets and other liabilities, as appropriate. The interest rate cap agreements were included in other assets and the related options in other liabilities on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. The fair value of the total return swap was included in other liabilities on the Company's consolidated balance sheets. See Note 15 for additional disclosure of fair value and balance sheet location of the Company's derivative financial instruments.
	In March 2014, the Company entered into a financing arrangement with a third party whereby the Company pledged certain bonds retained in its own securitizations in exchange for $250,594 in cash. In conjunction with the financing arrangement, the Company entered into a total return swap related to the bonds as an effective avenue to monetize the Company’s retained bonds as a source of financing. The Company will receive the fixed return on the bonds in exchange for paying a variable rate of three-month LIBOR plus 75 basis points. In addition, at maturity, the Company will receive a payment from, or make a payment to, the counterparty based on the change in fair value of the bonds during the one-year term of the facility. Throughout the term of the facility, the party in a net liability position must post collateral. The Company has the ability to substitute collateral and may do so if a bond is set to begin amortizing. Alternatively, the amortization may be utilized to reduce the notional amount of the facility.
	The Company enters into legally enforceable master netting agreements that reduce risk by permitting netting of transactions, such as derivatives and collateral posting, with the same counterparty on the occurrence of certain events. A master netting agreement allows two counterparties the ability to net-settle amounts under all contracts, including any related collateral posted, through a single payment. The right to offset and certain terms regarding the collateral process, such as valuation, credit events and settlement, are contained in International Swaps and Derivative Association ("ISDA") master agreements.
	Information on the offsetting of derivative assets and derivative liabilities due to the right of offset was as follows, as of December 31, 2014 and 2013:
		Offsetting of Financial Assets
											Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet
		Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets			Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet			Net Amounts of Assets Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet			Financial Instruments			Cash Collateral Received		Net Amount
	December 31, 2014
	Interest rate swaps - Santander & affiliates	$	5,208		$	—		$	5,208		$	—		$	—	$	5,208
	Interest rate swaps - third party	2,946			—			2,946								2,946
	Interest rate caps - Santander & affiliates	35,602			—			35,602			—			—		35,602
	Interest rate caps - third party	14,160			—			14,160			—			—		14,160
	Total derivatives subject to a master netting arrangement or similar arrangement	57,916			—			57,916			—			—		57,916
	Total derivatives not subject to a master netting arrangement or similar arrangement	—			—			—			—			—		—
	Total derivative assets	$	57,916		$	—		$	57,916		$	—		$	—	$	57,916
	Total financial assets	$	57,916		$	—		$	57,916		$	—		$	—	$	57,916
	December 31, 2013
	Interest rate swaps - Santander & affiliates	$	1,601		$	—		$	1,601		$	—		$	—	$	1,601
	Interest rate caps - Santander & affiliates	9,342			—			9,342			—			—		9,342
	Interest rate caps - third party	18,932			—			18,932			—			—		18,932
	Total derivatives subject to a master netting arrangement or similar arrangement	29,875			—			29,875			—			—		29,875
	Total derivatives not subject to a master netting arrangement or similar arrangement	—			—			—			—			—		—
	Total derivative assets	$	29,875		$	—		$	29,875		$	—		$	—	$	29,875
	Total financial assets	$	29,875		$	—		$	29,875		$	—		$	—	$	29,875
		Offsetting of Financial Liabilities
											Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet
		Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities			Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet			Net Amounts of Liabilities Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet			Financial Instruments			Cash Collateral Pledged		Net Amount
	December 31, 2014
	Interest rate swaps - Santander & affiliates	$	15,783		$	(4,308	)	$	11,475		$	—		$	—	$	11,475
	Interest rate swaps - third party	719			(191		)	528			—			—		528
	Back to back - Santander & affiliates	35,602			(35,602		)	—			—			—		—
	Back to back - third party	14,204			(14,204		)	—			—			—		—
	Total derivatives subject to a master netting arrangement or similar arrangement	66,308			(54,305		)	12,003			—			—		12,003
	Total return swap	1,736			(1,736		)	—			—			—		—
	Total derivatives not subject to a master netting arrangement or similar arrangement	1,736			(1,736		)	—			—			—		—
	Total derivative liabilities	$	68,044		$	(56,041	)	$	12,003		$	—		$	—	$	12,003
	Total financial liabilities	$	68,044		$	(56,041	)	$	12,003		$	—		$	—	$	12,003
	December 31, 2013
	Interest rate swaps - Santander & affiliates	$	38,647		$	(2,258	)	$	36,389		$	—		$	—	$	36,389
	Back to back - Santander & affiliates	9,342			(9,342		)	—			—			—		—
	Back to back - third party	19,047			(15,420		)	3,627			—			—		3,627
	Total derivatives subject to a master netting arrangement or similar arrangement	67,036			(27,020		)	40,016			—			—		40,016
	Total derivatives not subject to a master netting arrangement or similar arrangement	—			—			—			—			—		—
	Total derivative liabilities	$	67,036		$	(27,020	)	$	40,016		$	—		$	—	$	40,016
	Total financial liabilities	$	67,036		$	(27,020	)	$	40,016		$	—		$	—	$	40,016
	The Company is the holder of a warrant that gives it the right, if certain vesting conditions are satisfied, to purchase additional shares in a company in which it has a cost method investment. This warrant was issued in 2012 and is carried at its estimated fair value of zero at December 31, 2014 and 2013.
	The gross gains (losses) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to net income, and gains (losses) recognized in net income, are included as components of interest expense. The Company’s derivative instruments had effects on its consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 as follows:
		December 31, 2014
		Gains (Losses) Recognized in Interest Expense			Gross Gains (Losses) Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income			Gross Gains (Losses) Reclassified From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income To Interest Expense
	Interest rate swap agreements designated as cash flow hedges	$	(708	)	$	(23,015	)	$	(33,235	)
	Derivative instruments not designated as hedges	$	19,278
		December 31, 2013
		Gains (Losses) Recognized in Interest Expense			Gross Gains (Losses) Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income			Gross Gains (Losses) Reclassified From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income To Interest Expense
	Interest rate swap agreements designated as cash flow hedges	$	—		$	4,062		$	(19,526	)
	Derivative instruments not designated as hedges	$	21,080
	December 31, 2012
	Gains (Losses) Recognized in Interest Expense			Gross Gains (Losses) Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income			Gross Gains (Losses) Reclassified From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income To Interest Expense
Interest rate swap agreements designated as cash flow hedges	$	—		$	(11,709	)	$	(26,190	)
Derivative instruments not designated as hedges	$	8,326
The ineffectiveness related to the interest rate swap agreements designated as cash flow hedges was insignificant for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012. We estimate approximately $42,000 of unrealized losses included in accumulated other comprehensive income will be reclassified to interest expense within the next twelve months.

Other_Assets

Other Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Other Assets [Abstract]
Other Assets	Other Assets
	Other assets were comprised as follows:
		December 31,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Upfront fee (a)	$	125,000	$	140,000
	Repossessed vehicles	134,926		129,323
	Manufacturer subvention payments receivable (a)	70,213		55,579
	Accounts receivable	36,465		9,160
	Prepaids	35,906		31,592
	Derivative assets (Note 8)	57,916		29,875
	Collateral overage on derivative liabilities with Santander and affiliates	32,118		—
	Cost method investment	6,000		6,000
	Indemnification payments receivable (b)	5,504		8,603
	Other	1,825		173
		$	505,873	$	410,305
	(a)	These amounts relate to the Chrysler Agreement. The Company paid a $150,000 upfront fee upon the May 2013 inception of the agreement. The fee is being amortized into finance and other interest income over a ten-year term. As the preferred financing provider for Chrysler, the Company is entitled to subvention payments on loans and leases with below-market customer payments.
	(b)	This amount represents tax indemnification payments to the original equity investors in two investment partnerships now owned by the Company. These payments are expected to be recovered through tax refunds passed through to the Company as the original investors recognize tax losses related to the investments.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes
	The components of the provision for income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, were as follows:
		2014				2013				2012
	Current income tax expense (benefit):
	Federal	$	(261,655	)		$	65,168			$	610,161
	State	31,200				32,987				39,642
	Total current income tax expense (benefit)	(230,455		)		98,155				649,803
	Deferred income tax expense (benefit):
	Federal	650,730				285,809				(183,313		)
	State	23,364				5,454				(12,875		)
	Total deferred income tax expense (benefit)	674,094				291,263				(196,188		)
	Total income tax expense	$	443,639			$	389,418			$	453,615
	For the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company recognized a current federal tax benefit rather than current tax expense primarily due to accelerated depreciation taken for tax purposes on leased vehicles.
	The reconciliation of the federal statutory income tax rate to the Company’s effective income tax rates for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, is as follows
		2014			2013			2012
	Federal statutory rate	35	%		35	%		35	%
	State and local income taxes — net of federal income tax benefit	2.5			2.3			2.4
	Valuation allowance	1.1			(0.2	)		1.9
	Electric vehicle credit	(1.7	)		(0.9	)		—
	Other	(0.2	)		(0.3	)		(1.1	)
	Effective income tax rate	36.7	%		35.9	%		38.2	%
	The Company is a party to a tax sharing agreement requiring that the unitary state tax liability among affiliates included in unitary state tax returns be allocated using the hypothetical separate company tax calculation method. Under the hypothetical separate company method, SCUSA recorded a deemed contribution from shareholder in the amount of $6,797, which is included in additional paid-in capital section in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. At December 31, 2014, the Company had a net receivable from affiliates under the tax sharing agreement of $459, which was included in Federal, state, and other income taxes receivable in the consolidated balance sheet. At December 31, 2013, the Company had a net payable to affiliates under the tax sharing agreement of $162, which was included in Federal, state, and other income taxes payable in the consolidated balance sheet.
	The tax effects of temporary differences between the financial reporting and income tax basis of assets and liabilities at December 31, 2014 and 2013, are as follows:
		2014				2013
	Deferred tax assets:
	Debt issuance costs	$	3,728			$	4,771
	Receivables	637,984				556,687
	Derivatives	2,444				13,237
	Original purchase discount on investments	—				44,381
	Capital loss carryforwards	27,150				19,942
	State net operating loss carryforwards	6,791				—
	Equity-based compensation	29,418				—
	Credit carryforwards	42,780				—
	Other	35,221				27,264
	Total gross deferred tax assets	785,516				666,282
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Capitalized origination costs	(11,567		)		(13,010		)
	Goodwill	(11,136		)		(8,822		)
	Leased vehicles	(1,183,267		)		(419,488		)
	Furniture and equipment	(14,325		)		(7,899		)
	Original purchase discount on investments	(616		)		—
	Other	(2,763		)		(80		)
	Total gross deferred tax liabilities	(1,223,674		)		(449,299		)
	Valuation allowance	(32,901		)		(19,942		)
	Net deferred tax asset (liability)	$	(471,059	)		$	197,041
	At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company’s largest deferred tax liability was leased vehicles of $1,183,267 and $419,488, respectively.  The increase in this liability is due to accelerated depreciation taken for tax purposes.
	The Company began generating qualified plug-in electric vehicle credits in 2013; the credit carryforwards will begin expiring in 2034.
	As of December 31, 2014, the Company had state net operating loss carryforwards of $137,565, which will begin to expire in 2018, and capital loss carryforwards of $72,419, which will begin to expire in 2017.
	As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company had recorded a valuation allowance for capital loss carryforwards and state tax net operating loss carryforwards for which it does not have a tax-planning strategy in place to recognize before they begin to expire in 2017. A rollforward of the valuation allowance for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 is as follows:
		2014				2013				2012
	Valuation allowance, beginning of year	$	19,942			$	22,381			$	—
	Provision (release)	12,959				(2,439		)		22,381
	Valuation allowance, end of year	$	32,901			19,942				$	22,381
	A reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of gross unrecognized tax benefits for each of the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 is as follows:
		2014				2013				2012
	Gross unrecognized tax benefits balance,
	1-Jan	$	1,487			$	2,146			$	2,483
	Additions for tax positions of prior years	5,472				—				—
	Reductions for tax positions of prior years	(3,783		)		—				—
	Reductions as a result of a lapse of the applicable statute of limitations	(2,473		)		(754		)		(164		)
	Settlements	(537		)		95				(173		)
	Gross unrecognized tax benefits balance,
	31-Dec	$	166			$	1,487			$	2,146
	At December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, there were $26, $1,020 and $1,680, respectively, of net unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the annual effective tax rate. Accrued interest and penalties associated with uncertain tax positions are recognized as a component of the income tax provision. Accrued interest and penalties of $55 and $676 are included with the related tax liability line in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
At December 31, 2014, the Company believes that it is reasonably possible that the balance of the gross unrecognized tax benefits could decrease to zero in the next twelve months due to ongoing activities with various taxing jurisdictions that the Company expects may give rise to settlements or the expiration of statute of limitations. The Company continually evaluates expiring statutes of limitations, audits, proposed settlements, changes in tax law and new authoritative rulings.
The Company is subject to examination by federal and state taxing authorities. Periods subsequent to December 31, 2009, are open for audit by the IRS. The SHUSA consolidated return, of which the Company is a part through December 31, 2011, is currently under IRS examination for 2010. Periods subsequent to December 31, 2008, are open for audit by various state taxing authorities.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies
	The Company entered into various operating leases, primarily for office space and computer equipment. Lease expense incurred totaled $9,651, $5,627 and $4,934 during 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The remaining obligation under lease commitments at December 31, 2014 are as follows:
	2015	$	9,823
	2016	10,030
	2017	9,341
	2018	7,196
	2019	7,382
	Thereafter	49,627
		$	93,399
	In connection with the sale of retail installment contracts through securitizations and other sales, the Company has made standard representations and warranties customary to the consumer finance industry. Violations of these representations and warranties may require the Company to repurchase loans previously sold to on- or off-balance sheet trusts or other third parties. As of December 31, 2014, the Company had no repurchase requests outstanding. In the opinion of management, the potential exposure of other recourse obligations related to the Company’s retail installment contract sales agreements will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
	Santander has provided guarantees on the covenants, agreements, and obligations of the Company under the governing documents of its warehouse facilities and privately issued amortizing notes. These guarantees are limited to the obligations of SCUSA as servicer.
	Under terms of the agreement with Chrysler, the Company must make revenue sharing payments to Chrysler and also must make gain-sharing payments when residual gains on leased vehicles exceed a specified threshold.
	The Company committed to purchase certain new advances on unsecured revolving financings originated by a third party retailer, along with existing balances on accounts with new advances, for an initial term ending on April 2020 and renewing through April 2022 at the retailer's option. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company was obligated to purchase $7,706 and $4,518, respectively, in receivables that had been originated by the retailer but not yet purchased by SCUSA. The Company also may be required to make a profit-sharing payment to the retailer each month.
	Under terms of an application transfer agreement with another original equipment manufacturer ("OEM"), the Company has the first opportunity to review for its own portfolio any credit applications turned down by the OEM's captive finance company. The agreement does not require the Company to originate any loans, but for each loan originated the Company will pay the OEM a referral fee, comprised of a volume bonus fee and a loss betterment bonus fee. The loss betterment bonus fee will be calculated annually and is based on the amount by which losses on loans originated under the agreement are lower than an established percentage threshold.
	The Company is obligated to make purchase price holdback payments to a third party originator of loans that it purchases on a periodic basis, when losses are lower than originally expected. SCUSA also is obligated to make total return settlement payments to this third-party originator in 2016 and 2017 if returns on the purchased pools are greater than originally expected.
	The Company has extended revolving lines of credit to certain auto dealers. Under this arrangement, the Company is committed to lend up to each dealer’s established credit limit.
	The Company has a flow agreement with Bank of America whereby the Company is committed to sell up to $300,000 of eligible loans to the bank each month through May 2018. The Company retains servicing on all sold loans and may receive or pay a servicer performance payment based on an agreed-upon formula if performance on the sold loans is better or worse, respectively, than expected performance at time of sale.
	The Company has sold loans to Citizens Bank of Pennsylvania ("CBP") in 2014 under terms of a flow agreement and predecessor sale agreements. The Company retains servicing on the sold loans and will owe CBP a loss-sharing payment capped at 0.5% of the original pool balance if losses exceed a specified threshold, established on a pool-by-pool basis.
	The Company also provides SBNA with the first right to review and approve consumer vehicle lease applications, subject to volume constraints, under terms of a flow agreement. The Company has indemnified SBNA for potential credit and residual losses on $48,226 of leases that had been originated by SBNA under this program but were subsequently determined not to meet SBNA’s underwriting requirements. This indemnification agreement is supported by an equal amount of cash collateral posted by the Company in an SBNA bank account. The collateral account balance is included in restricted cash in the Company's consolidated balance sheets. In January 2015, the Company additionally agreed to indemnify SBNA for residual losses, up to a cap, on certain leases originated under the flow agreement since September 24, 2014 for which SBNA and the Company had differing residual value expectations at lease inception.
	The Company also has agreements with SBNA to service recreational and marine vehicle portfolios. These agreements call for a periodic retroactive adjustment, based on cumulative return performance, of the servicing fee rate to inception of the contract. Adjustments for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 totaled a net upward adjustment of $399 and zero, respectively.
	Under terms of agreements with a peer-to-peer unsecured lending platform company, the Company has committed to purchase, at a minimum, through July 2015, the lesser of $30,000 per month or 75% of the lending platform company’s aggregate "near-prime" (as that term is defined in the agreements) originations and, thereafter through July 2017, the lesser of $30,000 per month or 50% of the lending platform company’s aggregate near-prime originations. This commitment can be reduced or canceled with 90 day’s notice.
	Legal Proceedings
	Periodically, the Company is party to or otherwise involved in various lawsuits and other legal proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of business. On August 26, 2014, a purported securities class action lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court, Southern District of New York. On October 6, 2014, another purported securities class action lawsuit was filed in the District Court of Dallas County, Texas and was subsequently removed to the United States District Court, Northern District of Texas. Both lawsuits were filed against the Company, certain of its current and former directors and executive officers and certain institutions that served as underwriters in the initial public offering. Each lawsuit was brought by a purported stockholder of the Company seeking to represent a class consisting of all those who purchased or otherwise acquired securities pursuant and/or traceable to SCUSA's Registration Statement and Prospectus issued in connection with the initial public offering. Each complaint alleges that the Registration Statement and Prospectus contained misleading statements concerning the Company’s auto lending business and underwriting practices. Each lawsuit asserts claims under Section 11 and Section 15 of the Securities Act of 1933 and seeks damages and other relief. On February 17, 2015, the purported class action lawsuit pending in the United States District Court, Northern District of Texas, was voluntarily dismissed without prejudice.
	Further, the Company is party to or are otherwise involved periodically in reviews, investigations, and proceedings (both formal and informal), and information-gathering requests, by government and self-regulatory agencies, including the Federal Reserve, the CFPB, the Department of Justice (“DOJ”), the Securities and Exchange Commission ("Commission"), the FTC and various state regulatory agencies. Currently, such proceedings include a civil subpoena from the DOJ under The Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989 (“FIRREA”) requesting the production of documents and communications that, among other things, relate to the underwriting and securitization of nonprime auto loans since 2007. Additionally, on October 28, 2014, the Company received a preservation letter and request for documents from the Commission requesting the preservation and production of documents and communications that, among other things, relate to the underwriting and securitization of auto loans since January 1, 2011. The Company also has received civil subpoenas from various state Attorneys General requesting similar documents and communications. The Company is complying with the requests for information and document preservation.
	On February 25, 2015, the Company entered into a consent order with the DOJ, approved by the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas, that resolves the DOJ's claims against the Company that certain of its repossession and collection activities during the period of time between January 2008 and February 2013 violated the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (“SCRA”).  The consent order requires SCUSA to pay a civil fine in the amount of $55, as well as at least $9,360 to affected service members consisting of $10 plus compensation for any lost equity (with interest) for each repossession by SCUSA and $5 for each instance where SCUSA sought to collect repossession-related fees on accounts where a repossession was conducted by a prior account holder, as well as requires the Company to undertake additional remedial measures. (dollar amounts in thousands)
	The Company does not believe that there are any proceedings, threatened or pending, that, if determined adversely, would have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial position, results of operations, or liquidity of the Company.

RelatedParty_Transactions

Related-Party Transactions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related-Party Transactions	Related-Party Transactions
	Related-party transactions not otherwise disclosed in these footnotes to the consolidated financial statements include the following:
	Interest expense, including unused fees, for affiliate lines/letters of credit for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was as follows:
		Year Ended
		December 31, 2014		December 31, 2013			December 31, 2012
	Line of credit agreement with Santander - New York Branch	$	92,209	$	62,845		$	15,152
	Line of credit agreement with SHUSA	4,299		—			—
	Letter of credit facility with Santander - New York Branch	507		526			238
	Accrued interest for affiliate lines/letters of credit at December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, were comprised as follows:
		December 31, 2014		December 31, 2013
	Line of credit agreement with Santander - New York Branch	$	7,750	$	11,435
	Line of credit agreement with SHUSA	242		—
	Letter of credit facility with Santander - New York Branch	128		128
	The Company has derivative financial instruments with Santander and affiliates with outstanding notional amounts of $16,330,771 and $10,461,378 at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively (Note 8). Interest expense on these agreements includes amounts totaling $44,366, $29,698 and $54,361 for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	For the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company sold $18,227 and $222,384, respectively, of receivables from dealers to SBNA for a net gain of $347 and $819, respectively. As of December 31, 2013, the Company had an agreement with SBNA whereby the Company provided SBNA with the first right to review and assess Chrysler dealer lending opportunities and, if SBNA elected, to provide the proposed financing. The Company provided servicing on all loans originated under this arrangement and was eligible to receive a servicer performance payment based on performance of the serviced loans. As of December 31, 2013, the Company serviced $202,494 of loans that had been originated under this arrangement. Servicing fee income recognized on receivables from dealers sold to SBNA or originated by SBNA totaled $4,289 and $822 for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and the Company received $4,610 and $165 for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, in servicer performance payments.
	Other information on the dealer loan portfolio serviced for SBNA as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 is as follows:
		December 31,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Total serviced portfolio	$	—	$	513,684
	Cash collections due to owner	—		6,941
	Loan fundings due from owner	—		2,950
	Servicing fees receivable	—		817
	Relationship management fees receivable	450		—
	Servicing fees payable	28		—
	Effective October 1, 2014, the origination and servicing agreements were terminated and replaced with revised agreements requiring SCUSA to permit SBNA first right to review and assess Chrysler Capital dealer lending opportunities and requiring SBNA to pay SCUSA a Relationship Management Fee based upon the performance and yields of Chrysler Capital dealer loans held by SBNA. These agreements also transferred the servicing of all Chrysler Capital receivables from dealers, including receivables held by SBNA and by SCUSA, from SCUSA to SBNA, and required SBNA to pay SCUSA a one-time fee of $607 related to the transfer of servicing. Servicing fee expense under this new agreement totaled $80 for the year ended December 31, 2014.
	The Company received a $9,000 referral fee in June 2013 in connection with the original arrangement and was amortizing the fee into income over the ten-year term of agreement. The remaining balance of the referral fee SBNA paid to SCUSA in connection with the original sourcing and servicing agreement is considered a referral fee in connection with the new agreements, and will continue to be amortized into income through the July 1, 2022 termination date of the new agreements. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the unamortized fee balance was $7,650 and $8,550, respectively. The Company recognized $900 and $450 of income related to the referral fee for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	The Company also has agreements with SBNA to service auto retail installment contracts and recreational and marine vehicle portfolios. Servicing fee income recognized under these agreements totaled $9,990, $14,775, and $29,270 for the year ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 respectively. Other information on the serviced auto loan and retail installment contract portfolios for SBNA as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 is as follows:
		December 31,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Total serviced portfolio	$	896,300	$	1,175,566
	Cash collections due to owner	21,415		32,831
	Servicing fees receivable (refundable)	2,171		(3,163		)
	During 2014, the Company entered into a flow agreement with SBNA whereby SBNA has the first right to review and approve Chrysler Capital consumer vehicle lease applications. SCUSA may review any applications declined by SBNA for the Company’s own portfolio. The Company provides servicing and receives an origination fee on all leases originated under this agreement. Pursuant to the Chrysler Agreement, the Company pays Chrysler on behalf of SBNA for residual gains and losses on the flowed leases. As of December 31, 2014, the Company had $1,694 due from SBNA for amounts paid to Chrysler.
	On June 27, 2014, the Company executed a bulk sale of Chrysler Capital leases with a depreciated net capitalized cost of $369,114 and a net book value of $317,275 in Chrysler Capital leases to SBNA. This sale was effected through the transfer of a SUBI in SCUSA’s titling trust. Proceeds from the sale were $322,851, for a total gain of $4,570. SCUSA retained servicing on the sold leases.
	Origination and servicing fee income recognized on leases originated and serviced for SBNA totaled $24,478 and $3,041, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2014. Other information on the consumer vehicle lease portfolio serviced for SBNA as of December 31, 2014 is as follows:
	Total serviced portfolio	$	1,989,967
	Cash collections due to owner	1
	Lease fundings due from owner	3,365
	Origination and servicing fees receivable	10,345
	On June 30, 2014, the Company entered into an indemnification agreement with SBNA whereby SCUSA indemnifies SBNA for any credit or residual losses on a pool of $48,226 in leases originated under the flow agreement. The covered leases are non-conforming units because they did not meet SBNA’s credit criteria at origination. At time of the agreement, SCUSA established a $48,226 collateral account with SBNA in restricted cash that will be released over time to SBNA, in the case of losses, and SCUSA, in the case of payments and sale proceeds. As of December 31, 2014 the balance in the collateral account was $44,805.
	Produban Servicios Informaticos Generales S.L., a Santander affiliate, is under contract with the Company to provide professional services, telecommunications, and internal and/or external applications. Expenses incurred, which are included as a component of data processing, communications and other expenses, totaled $135, $152 and $148 for the year ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012.
	During the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company originated $17,357 and $139, respectively, in unsecured revolving loans under terms of a Master Service Agreement ("MSA") with a company in which it has a cost method investment and holds a warrant to increase its ownership if certain vesting conditions are satisfied. The MSA enables SCUSA to review credit applications of retail store customers.
	The Company paid expenses totaling $37, $499 and $156 for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 on behalf of the former managing member of the investment partnerships described in Note 9. The former managing member was an investor in Auto Finance Holdings.
	The Company paid certain expenses incurred by the Company's Chairman and CEO in the operation of a private plane in which he owns a partial interest when used for SCUSA business within the contiguous 48 states. Under this practice, payment is based on a set flight time hourly rate. For the years ended, December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, the Company paid $577, $496, and $359, respectively, to Meregrass Company, Inc., the company managing the plane's operations, with an average rate of $5.8 dollars per hour.
	The following members of management have a minority equity investment in a property in which the Company leases 373,000 square feet as its corporate headquarters: Chairman and CEO, President and Chief Financial Officer, and a member of the Board of Directors who is also a Santander employee. Per the rental agreement, the Company was not required to pay base rent until February 2015. Future minimum lease payments for the 12 year term of the lease total $83,555.

Supplemental_Cash_Flow_Informa

Supplemental Cash Flow Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Supplemental Cash Flow Information	Supplemental Cash Flow Information
	Supplemental cash flow information is as follows:
		For the Year Ended December 31,
		2014		2013		2012
	Cash paid during the year for:
	Interest	$	541,705	$	417,128	$	383,400
	Income taxes	$	278,210	$	465,828	$	660,232
	Noncash investing and financing transactions:
	Transfers of retail installment contracts to repossessed vehicles	$	1,445,575	$	992,325	$	841,058
	Acquisition of noncontrolling interests	—		$	38,111	$	—

Computation_of_Basic_and_Dilut

Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings per Common Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings per Common Share	Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings per Common Share
	Earnings per common share is computed using the two-class method required for participating securities. Restricted stock awards are considered to be participating securities because holders of such shares have non-forfeitable dividend rights in the event of a declaration of a dividend on the Company’s common shares.
	1,406,204 employee stock option awards are excluded from the calculation of earnings per share for the year ended December 31, 2014, as the effect would be anti-dilutive.
		Year Ended
		December 31,
		2014		2013		2012
	Earnings per common share
	Net income attributable to SCUSA shareholders	$	766,349	$	697,491	$	715,003
	Weighted average number of common shares outstanding before restricted participating shares (in thousands)	348,139		346,172		346,165
	Weighted average number of participating restricted common shares outstanding (in thousands)	584		6		—
	Weighted average number of common shares outstanding (in thousands)	348,723		346,178		346,165
	Earnings per common share	$	2.2	$	2.01	$	2.07
	Earnings per common share - assuming dilution
	Net income attributable to SCUSA shareholders	$	766,349	$	697,491	$	715,003
	Weighted average number of common shares outstanding (in thousands)	348,723		346,178		346,165
	Effect of employee stock-based awards (in thousands)	6,999		—		—
	Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - assuming dilution (in thousands)	355,722		346,178		346,165
	Earnings per common share - assuming dilution	$	2.15	$	2.01	$	2.07

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru

Fair Value of Financial Instruments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	Fair value measurement requires that valuation techniques maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs and also establishes a fair value hierarchy that categorizes into three levels the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value as follows:
	Level 1 inputs are quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that can be accessed as of the measurement date. Active markets are those in which transactions for the asset or liability occur in sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis.
	Level 2 inputs are those other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. These include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets and quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active.
	Level 3 inputs are those that are unobservable for the asset or liability and are used to measure fair value to the extent relevant observable inputs are not available.
	Fair value estimates, methods, and assumptions are as follows:
				December 31, 2014								December 31, 2013
		Level		Carrying				Estimated				Carrying				Estimated
				Value				Fair Value				Value				Fair Value
	Cash and cash equivalents (a)	1		$	33,157			$	33,157			$	10,531			$	10,531
	Receivables held for sale (b)	2		46,585				46,585				82,503				83,344
	Retail installment contracts held for investment, net (c)	3		21,954,445				23,337,511				20,219,609				21,465,236
	Unsecured consumer loans, net (d)	3		1,779,777				2,054,911				954,189				1,187,286
	Receivables from dealers held for investment (e)	3		99,490				99,490				94,745				94,745
	Restricted cash (a)	1		1,920,857				1,920,857				1,563,613				1,563,613
	Capital lease receivables, net (f)	3		81,839				84,425				—				—
	Notes payable — credit facilities (g)	3		10,092,327				10,092,327				8,099,773				8,099,773
	Notes payable — secured structured financings (h)	2		17,718,974				17,810,062				15,195,887				15,565,013
	(a)	Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash — The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents, including restricted cash, is at an approximated fair value as the instruments mature within 90 days or less and bear interest at market rates.
	(b)	Receivables held for sale — Receivables held for sale are carried at the lower of cost or market, as determined on an aggregate basis. The estimated fair value is based on the prices obtained or expected to be obtained in the subsequent sales usually in the following month.
	(c)	Retail installment contracts held for investment — Retail installment contracts held for investment are carried at amortized cost, net of credit loss allowance. The estimated fair value is calculated based on estimated market rates for similar contracts with similar credit risks.
	(d)	Unsecured consumer loans, net — Unsecured consumer loans are carried at amortized cost, net of credit loss allowance. The estimated fair value is calculated based on estimated market rates for similar loans with similar credit risks.
	(e)	Receivables from dealers, held for investment, net — Receivables from dealers held for investment are carried at amortized cost, net of credit loss allowance. The estimated fair value is calculated based on estimated market rates for similar receivables with similar credit risks.
	(f)	Capital lease receivables, net — Capital lease receivables are carried at amortized cost, net of the allowance for lease losses. The estimated fair value is calculated based on estimated market rates for similar contracts with similar credit risks.
	(g)	Notes payable — credit facilities — The carrying amount of notes payable related to revolving credit facilities is estimated to approximate fair value. Management believes that the terms of these credit agreements approximate market terms for similar credit agreements.
	(h)	Notes payable — secured structured financings — The estimated fair value of notes payable related to secured structured financings is calculated based on market quotes for the Company’s publicly traded debt and estimated market rates currently available from recent transactions involving similar debt with similar credit risks.
	The following table presents the Company’s assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2014 and 2013, and are categorized using the fair value hierarchy:
		Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2014
		Total				Quoted Prices				Significant				Significant
						in Active				Other				Unobservable
						Markets for				Observable				Inputs
						Identical Assets				Inputs				(Level 3)
						(Level 1)				(Level 2)
	Other assets — trading interest rate caps (a)	$	49,762			$	—			$	49,762			$	—
	Other assets — cash flow hedging interest rate swaps (a)	7,619				—				7,619				—
	Other assets — trading interest rate swaps (a)	535				—				535				—
	Other liabilities — trading options for interest rate caps (a)	49,806				—				49,806				—
	Other liabilities — cash flow hedging interest rate swaps (a)	3,792				—				3,792				—
	Other liabilities — trading interest rate swaps (a)	12,710				—				12,710				—
	Other liabilities - total return swap (b)	1,736				—				1,736				—
		Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2013
		Total				Quoted Prices				Significant				Significant
						in Active				Other				Unobservable
						Markets for				Observable				Inputs
						Identical Assets				Inputs				(Level 3)
						(Level 1)				(Level 2)
	Other assets — trading interest rate caps (a)	$	28,274			$	—			$	28,274			$	—
	Other assets — cash flow hedging interest rate swaps (a)	1,601				—				1,601				—
	Other liabilities — trading options for interest rate caps (a)	28,389				—				28,389				—
	Other liabilities — cash flow hedging interest rate swaps (a)	7,287				—				7,287				—
	Other liabilities — trading interest rate swaps (a)	31,360				—				31,360				—
	(a)	The valuation of swaps and caps is determined using widely accepted valuation techniques including discounted cash flow analysis on the expected cash flows of each derivative. This analysis reflects the contractual terms of the derivative, including the period to maturity, and uses observable market-based inputs. The Company incorporates credit valuation adjustments to appropriately reflect both its own nonperformance risk and the respective counterparty’s nonperformance risk in the fair value measurement of its derivatives. In adjusting pthe fair value of its derivative contracts for the effect of nonperformance risk, the Company has considered the impact of netting and any applicable credit enhancements, such as collateral postings and guarantees. The Company utilizes the exception in ASC 820-10-35-18D (commonly referred to as the “portfolio exception”) with respect to measuring counterparty credit risk for instruments (Note 8).
	(b)	The total return swap is valued based on the estimated market value of the underlying bonds pledged to the associated credit facility.
	No amounts were transferred in or out of Level 3 during 2014 or 2013.
	The following table presents the Company’s assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis at December 31, 2014 and 2013, and are categorized using the fair value hierarchy:
		Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2014
		Total				Quoted Prices				Significant				Significant
						in Active				Other				Unobservable
						Markets for				Observable				Inputs
						Identical Assets				Inputs				(Level 3)
						(Level 1)				(Level 2)
	Other assets — repossessed vehicles	$	134,926			$	—			$	134,926			$	—
		Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2013
		Total				Quoted Prices				Significant				Significant
in Active						Other				Unobservable
Markets for						Observable				Inputs
Identical Assets						Inputs				(Level 3)
(Level 1)						(Level 2)
Other assets — repossessed vehicles	$	129,323			$	—			$	129,323			$	—
The Company estimates the fair value of its repossessed vehicles using historical auction rates and current market levels of used car prices.

Employee_Benefit_Plans

Employee Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Employee Benefit Plans	Employee Benefit Plans
	SCUSA Compensation Plans — Beginning in 2012, the Company granted stock options to certain executives, other employees, and independent directors under its 2011 Management Equity Plan (the “Plan”). The Plan is administered by the Board of Directors (the Board) and enables the Company to make stock awards up to a total of approximately 29 million common shares (net of shares canceled and forfeited), or 8.5% of the equity invested in the Company as of December 31, 2011. In December 2013, the Board established the Omnibus Incentive Plan, which enables the Company to grant awards of nonqualified and incentive stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock awards, restricted stock units and other awards that may be settled in or based upon the value of the Company’s common stock up to a total of 5,192,640 common shares.
	Stock options granted have an exercise price based on the estimated fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the grant date. The stock options expire after ten years and include both time vesting options and performance vesting options. The fair value of the stock options is amortized into income over the vesting period as time and performance vesting conditions are met. Under the Management Shareholder Agreement entered into by certain employees, no shares obtained through exercise of stock options could be transferred until the later of December 31, 2016, and the Company’s execution of an initial public offering ("IPO") (the later date of which is referred to as the Lapse Date). Until the Lapse Date, if an employee were to leave the Company, the Company would have the right to repurchase any or all of the stock obtained by the employee through option exercise. If the employee were terminated for cause (as defined in the Plan) or voluntarily left the Company without good reason (as defined in the Plan), in each case, prior to the Lapse Date the repurchase price would be the lower of the strike price or fair market value at the date of repurchase. If the employee were terminated without cause or voluntarily left the Company with good reason, in each case, prior to the Lapse Date the repurchase price is the fair market value at the date of repurchase. Management believes the Company’s repurchase right caused the IPO event to constitute an implicit vesting condition and therefore did not record any stock compensation expense until the date of the IPO.
	On December 28, 2013, the Board approved certain changes to the Plan and the Management Shareholders Agreement, including acceleration of vesting for certain employees, removal of transfer restrictions for shares underlying a portion of the options outstanding under the Plan, and addition of transfer restrictions for shares underlying another portion of the outstanding options. All of the changes were contingent on, and effective upon, the Company’s execution of an IPO and, as such, became effective upon pricing of the IPO on January 22, 2014. Also on December 28, 2013, the Company granted 583,890 shares of restricted stock to certain executives under terms of the Omnibus Incentive Plan. Compensation expense related to this restricted stock is recognized over a five-year vesting period, with $2,471 recorded for the year ended December 31, 2014.
	On January 23, 2014, the Company executed an IPO, in which selling stockholders offered and sold to the public 85,242,042 shares of common stock at a price of $24.00 per share. The Company received no proceeds from the initial public offering. Stock-based compensation expense totaling $117,770 related to vested options was recognized upon the IPO, including expense related to accelerated vesting for certain executives of $33,845. Also in connection with the IPO, the Company granted additional stock options under the Plan to certain executives, other employees, and an independent director with an estimated compensation costs of $10,216, which is being recognized over the awards' vesting period of five years for the employees and three years for the director. Additional stock option grants have been made during the year ended December 31, 2014 to employees and independent directors; the estimated compensation costs associated with these additional grants is $2,545.
	A summary of the Company’s stock options and related activity as of and for the year ended December 31, 2014 is as follows:
		Shares			Weighted				Weighted	Aggregate
					Average				Average	Intrinsic
					Exercise				Remaining	Value
					Price				Contractual
									Term (Years)
	Options outstanding at January 1, 2014	23,910,062			$	9.81			8	$	267,634
	Granted	1,731,329			23.5
	Exercised	(3,109,281	)		9.61					44,863
	Expired	—			—
	Forfeited	(1,174,199	)		12.02
	Options outstanding at December 31, 2014	21,357,911			10.82				7.2	$	187,637
	Options exercisable at December 31, 2014	16,870,180			10.2				7	$	158,770
	Options expected to vest at December 31, 2014	3,834,783			14.95				7.8
	A summary of the status and changes of the Company's nonvested stock option shares as of and for the year ended December 31, 2014, is presented below:
				Shares			Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
	Non-vested at January 1, 2014			14,451,593			$	5.98
	Granted			1,731,329			7.99
	Vested			(10,520,992	)		5.95
	Forfeited			(1,174,199	)		6.4
	Non-vested at December 31, 2014			4,487,731			$	6.72
	At December 31, 2014, total unrecognized compensation expense for non-vested stock options granted was $22,763, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.3 years.
	The following summarizes the assumptions used for estimating the fair value of stock options granted under the Management Equity Plan to employees for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012.
		For the Year Ended December 31,
		2014		2013		2012
	Assumption
	Risk-free interest rate	1.94% - 2.12%		1.08% - 1.11%		0.88% - 1.28%
	Expected life (in years)	6.0 - 6.5		6.5		6.5
	Expected volatility	49% - 51%		50%		66%-67%
	Dividend yield	2.3% - 4.2%		0.38%		1.92%
	Weighted average grant date fair value	$7.54 - $8.38		$6.56 - $7.46		$5.56 - $6.06
	Santander Stock-Based Compensation Plan— Santander has established a stock-based compensation
	plan for certain employees of the Company. The compensation plan is linked to Santander’s earnings per
	share growth in comparison to similar financial institutions. The shares are awarded based on performance
	during specific cycles at various per share prices.
	•	Cycle one, from July 2007 through June 2009, had maximum authorized shares of 96,030 at a price of $19.38 per share. The cycle closed with total shares distributed of 77,469.
	•	Cycle two, from July 2007 through June 2010, had maximum shares authorized of 144,120 at a price of $19.38 per share. The cycle closed with total shares distributed of 114,040.
	•	Cycle three, from July 2008 through June 2011, had maximum shares authorized of 147,908 at a price of $7.29 per share. The cycle closed with total shares distributed of 120,732.
	•	Cycle four, from July 2009 through June 2012, had maximum authorized shares of 157,611 at a price of $6.50 per share. The cycle closed with total shares distributed of 43,475.
	•	Cycle five, from July 2010 through June 2013, had maximum authorized shares of 163,302 at a price of $6.87 per share. The cycle closed with no shares distributed.
	The shares were awarded at the end of each cycle; however, the awarding of these shares was contingent upon Santander’s meeting the specified performance requirements during each cycle and each employee’s continued employment with the Company.
	The Company recognized compensation expense related to this plan totaling zero, $187 and $608, during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Defined Contribution Plan— The Company sponsors a defined contribution plan offered to qualifying
	employees. Employees participating in the plan may contribute up to 75% of their base salary, subject to
	federal limitations on absolute amounts contributed. The Company will match up to 6% of their base salary,
	with matching contributions of 100% of employee contributions. The total amount contributed by the
	Company in 2014, 2013 and 2012, was $7,923, $5,867 and $4,607, respectively.

Shareholders_Equity

Shareholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]
Shareholders' Equity	Shareholders' Equity
	Treasury Stock
	The Company has 52,141 and 3,154 shares of treasury stock outstanding with a cost of $983 and $23 as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. Prior to the IPO, the Company repurchased the shares as a result of an employee leaving the Company. Additionally, certain shares of restricted stock held by executive officers were withheld for tax. The value of the treasury stock is immaterial and included within additional paid-in-capital.
	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	A summary of changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, for the year ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 is as follows:
		Unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges (a)			Unrealized gains (losses) on investments available for sale (a)				Total
	Balance - January 1, 2012	$	(19,687	)	$	8,191			$	(11,496	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before	(9,259		)	(6,319		)		(15,578		)
	reclassifications
	Amounts reclassified out of accumulated	16,530			1,380				17,910
	other comprehensive income (loss) (b)
	Balance - December 31, 2012	(12,416		)	3,252				(9,164		)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before	(2,761		)	(2,490		)		(5,251		)
	reclassifications
	Amounts reclassified out of accumulated	12,324			(762		)		11,562
	other comprehensive income (loss) (b)
	Balance - December 31, 2013	(2,853		)	—				(2,853		)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before	(14,636		)	—				(14,636		)
	reclassifications
	Amounts reclassified out of accumulated	21,042			—				21,042
	other comprehensive income (loss) (b)
	Balance - December 31, 2014	$	3,553		$	—			$	3,553
	(a)	Amounts in this table are net of tax
	(b)	Amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) consist of the following:
		Year Ended December 31, 2014					Year Ended December 31, 2013
	Reclassification	Amount reclassified			Income statement line item		Amount reclassified				Income statement line item
	Cash flow hedges:
	Settlements of derivatives	$	33,235		Interest expense		$	19,526			Interest expense
	Tax expense (benefit)	(12,193		)			(7,202		)
	Net of tax	$	21,042				$	12,324
	Investments available for sale:
	Discount accretion	$	—				$	(1,208	)		Interest expense
	Tax expense (benefit)	—					446
	Net of tax	$	—				$	(762	)
	Dividend Restrictions
	On March 26, 2014, the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston ("FRB") informed SHUSA that, based on qualitative concerns, the FRB objected to the capital plan SHUSA had previously submitted. The FRB's objection resulted in, among other consequences, the Company's inability to pay dividends until such time as SHUSA has submitted to the FRB a revised capital plan and the FRB issues a written non-objection to such plan or the FRB otherwise issues its written non-objection to the payment of a dividend by the Company. Additionally, SHUSA is prohibited by a written agreement with the FRB from allowing its non-wholly-owned nonbank subsidiaries, including the Company, to declare or pay any dividend, or to make any capital distribution, without the prior written approval of the FRB. SHUSA submitted a revised capital plan to the FRB in January 2015. The Company will not pay any future dividends until such time as the FRB issues a written non-objection to a capital plan submitted by SHUSA or the FRB otherwise issues its written non-objection to the payment of a dividend by the Company.

Quarterly_Financial_Data_unaud

Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited)	Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited)
	The following is a summary of quarterly financial results:
		First Quarter		Second Quarter		Third Quarter		Fourth Quarter
	Year ended December 31, 2014
	Total finance and other interest income	$	1,287,702	$	1,383,260	$	1,443,488	$	1,455,210
	Net finance and other interest income	1,043,187		1,075,811		1,113,956		1,073,267
	Income before income taxes	129,507		390,124		281,766		408,591
	Net income	81,466		246,481		191,369		247,033
	Net income attributable to Santander Consumer USA Holdings Inc. shareholders	$	81,466	$	246,481	$	191,369	$	247,033
	Net income per common share (basic)	$	0.23	$	0.71	$	0.55	$	0.71
	Net income per common share (diluted)	$	0.23	$	0.69	$	0.54	$	0.69
	Year ended December 31, 2013
	Total finance and other interest income	$	814,592	$	912,561	$	1,062,620	$	1,144,248
	Net finance and other interest income	731,595		818,057		900,546		953,495
	Income before income taxes	441,657		285,193		177,307		180,931
	Net income	288,859		181,064		$	111,821	$	113,926
	Net income attributable to Santander Consumer USA Holdings Inc. shareholders	$	290,402	$	181,918	$	111,245	$	113,926
	Net income per common share (basic)	$	0.84	$	0.53	$	0.32	$	0.33
	Net income per common share (diluted)	$	0.84	$	0.53	$	0.32	$	0.33

Description_of_Business_Basis_1

Description of Business, Basis of Presentation, and Changes in Significant Accounting Policies and Practices (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation
	The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries, including certain special purpose financing trusts utilized in financing transactions (“Trusts”), which are considered variable interest entities (“VIEs”). The Company consolidates other VIEs for which it was deemed the primary beneficiary. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
	Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to current year presentation; specifically, leased vehicle origination fees are now included in leased vehicle purchases and prior year subsequent defaults on TDRs now reflect the earlier of the date of repossession, 120 days past due for installment contracts and 180 days past due on revolving unsecured loans.
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the amount of revenue and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates and those differences may be material. These estimates include the determination of credit loss allowance, discount accretion, impairment, expected end-of-term lease residual values, values of repossessed assets, and income taxes. These estimates, although based on actual historical trends and modeling, may potentially show significant variances over time.
Business Segment Information	Business Segment Information
	The Company has one reportable segment: Consumer Finance, which includes the Company’s vehicle financial products and services, including retail installment contracts, vehicle leases, and dealer loans, as well as financial products and services related to motorcycles, RVs, and marine vehicles. It also includes the Company’s unsecured personal loan and point-of-sale financing operations.
Retail Installment Contracts, Unsecured Consumer Loans, Net and Receivables from Dealers	Retail Installment Contracts
	Retail installment contracts consist largely of nonprime automobile finance receivables, which are acquired individually from dealers at a nonrefundable discount from the contractual principal amount. Retail installment contracts also include receivables originated through a direct lending program and loan portfolios purchased from other lenders. Retail installment contracts acquired individually or originated directly are primarily classified as held for investment and carried at amortized cost, net of allowance for credit losses. Most of the Company’s retail installment contracts held for investment are pledged under its warehouse lines of credit or securitization transactions. Retail installment contracts the Company does not have the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity or payoff are classified as held for sale and carried at the lower of cost or market, as determined on an aggregate basis.
	Interest is accrued when earned in accordance with the terms of the retail installment contract. The accrual of interest is discontinued and reversed once a retail installment contract becomes more than 60 days past due, and is resumed and reinstated if a delinquent account subsequently becomes 60 days or less past due. The amortization of discounts, subvention payments from manufacturers, and other origination costs on retail installment contracts held for investment acquired individually or through a direct lending program are recognized as adjustments to the yield of the related contract using the effective interest method. The Company estimates future principal prepayments and defaults in the calculation of the constant effective yield.
	A portion of the discount received on contracts purchased from other lenders is attributable to the expectation that not all contractual cash flows will be received from the borrowers. These loans are accounted for in accordance with FASB ASC 310-30, Loans and Debt Securities Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality. The excess of the estimated undiscounted principal, interest, and other cash flows expected to be collected over the initial investment in the acquired loans, or accretable yield, is accreted to interest income over the expected life of the loans using the effective interest rate method. The nonaccretable difference, or excess of contractually required payments over the estimated cash flows expected to be collected, is not accreted into income.
	Any deterioration in the performance of the purchased portfolios results in an incremental provision for credit losses. Improvements in performance of the purchased pools that significantly increase actual or expected cash flows result first in a reversal of previously recorded allowance for credit losses and then in a transfer of the excess from nonaccretable difference to accretable yield, which will be recorded as finance income over the remaining life of the receivables.
	Unsecured Consumer Loans, net
	Unsecured consumer loans, net, primarily consist of both revolving and amortizing term finance receivables acquired individually under terms of the Company’s agreements with certain third parties who originate and continue to service the loans. Unsecured consumer loans also include private label revolving lines of credit originated through the Company’s relationship with a point-of-sale lending technology company. Certain of the revolving receivables were acquired at a discount. Unsecured consumer loans are classified as held-for-investment and carried at amortized cost, net of allowance for credit losses.
	Interest is accrued when earned in accordance with the terms of the contract. The accrual of interest on amortizing term receivables is discontinued and reversed once a receivable becomes past due more than 60 days, and is resumed and reinstated if a delinquent account subsequently becomes 60 days or less past due. The accrual of interest on revolving unsecured loans continues until the receivable becomes 180 days past due, at which point the principal amount and interest are charged off. The amortization of discounts is recognized on a straight-line basis over the estimated period over which the receivables are expected to be outstanding.
	Receivables from Dealers
	Receivables from dealers include floorplan loans provided to dealerships to finance new and used vehicles for their inventory. Receivables from dealers also include real estate loans and working capital revolving lines of credit. Interest on these loans is accrued when earned in accordance with the agreement with the dealer. Receivables from dealers the Company does not have the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity or payoff are classified as held for sale and carried at the lower of cost or market, as determined on an aggregate basis.
	Dealers with floorplan loans are permitted to deposit cash with the Company in exchange for a lower interest rate. This cash is commingled with the Company’s other cash and available for general use. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, no dealer had cash on deposit with the Company.
Provision for Credit Losses	Provision for Credit Losses
	Provisions for credit losses are charged to operations in amounts sufficient to maintain the credit loss allowance at a level considered adequate to cover probable credit losses inherent in the portfolio. Probable losses are estimated based on contractual delinquency status and historical loss experience, in addition to the Company’s judgment of estimates of the value of the underlying collateral, bankruptcy trends, economic conditions such as unemployment rates, changes in the used vehicle value index, delinquency status, historical collection rates and other information in order to make the necessary judgments as to probable loan losses.
	Retail installment contracts acquired individually are charged off against the allowance in the month in which the account becomes 120 days contractually delinquent if the Company has not repossessed the related vehicle. The Company charges off accounts in repossession when the automobile is repossessed and legally available for disposition. A charge-off represents the difference between the estimated net sales proceeds and the amount of the delinquent contract. Accounts in repossession that have been charged off and are pending liquidation are removed from retail installment contracts and the related repossessed automobiles are included in other assets in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.
	Term and revolving unsecured consumer loans are charged off against the allowance in the month in which the accounts become 120 and 180 days contractually delinquent, respectively.
	In addition to maintaining a general allowance based on risk ratings, receivables from dealers are evaluated individually for impairment with allowances established for receivables determined to be individually impaired. Receivables from dealers are charged off against these allowances at management’s discretion based on the dealer’s individual facts and circumstances.
Troubled Debt Restructurings	Troubled Debt Restructurings
	A modification of finance receivable terms is considered a troubled debt restructuring ("TDR") if the Company grants a concession it would not otherwise have considered to a borrower for economic or legal reasons related to the debtor's financial difficulties. The Company considers TDRs to include all individually acquired retail installment contracts or unsecured revolving loans that have been modified at least once, deferred for a period of 90 days or more, or deferred at least twice. Additionally, restructurings through bankruptcy proceedings are deemed to be TDRs. The purchased receivables portfolio and operating and capital leases are excluded from the scope of the applicable guidance, and none of our unsecured term loans or dealer loans have been modified.
	For TDRs, impairment is typically measured based on the differences between the net carrying value of the loan and the present value of the expected future cash flows of the loan. The loan may also be measured for impairment based on the fair value of the underlying collateral less costs to sell for loans that are collateral dependent.
Leased Vehicles, Net and Capital Lease Receivables, net	Leased Vehicles, net
	Most vehicles for which the Company is the lessor are classified as operating leases, as they do not meet the accounting requirements to be classified as a capital lease. The net capitalized cost of each lease is recorded as an asset and depreciated on a straight-line basis over the contractual term of the lease to the expected residual value. The expected residual value and, accordingly, the monthly depreciation expense may change throughout the term of the lease. The Company estimates expected residual values using independent data sources and internal statistical models that take into consideration economic conditions, current auction results, the Company’s remarketing abilities, and manufacturer vehicle and marketing programs.
	Lease payments due from customers are recorded as income until and unless a customer becomes more than 60 days delinquent, at which time the accrual of revenue is discontinued and reversed. The accrual is resumed and reinstated if a delinquent account subsequently becomes 60 days or less past due. Subvention payments from the manufacturer, down payments from the customer, and initial direct costs incurred in connection with originating the lease are amortized on a straight-line basis over the contractual term of the lease. The Company periodically evaluates its investment in operating leases for impairment if circumstances, such as a general decline in used vehicle values, indicate that an impairment may exist.
	Capital Lease Receivables, net
	Leases classified as capital leases are accounted for as direct financing leases. Minimum lease payments plus the estimated residual value of the leased vehicle are recorded as the gross investment. The difference between the gross investment and the cost of the leased vehicle is recorded as unearned income. Direct financing leases are reported at the aggregate of gross investments, net of unearned income and allowance for lease losses. Income for direct financing leases is recognized using the effective interest method, which provides a constant periodic rate of return on the outstanding investment on the lease.
Repossessed Vehicles and Repossession Expense	Repossessed Vehicles and Repossession Expense
	Repossessed vehicles represent vehicles the Company has repossessed due to the borrowers’ default on the payment terms of the retail installment contracts, loans or leases. The Company generally begins repossession activity once a customer has reached 60 days past due. The customer has an opportunity to redeem the repossessed vehicle by paying all outstanding balances, including finance charges and fees. Any vehicles not redeemed are sold at auction. The Company records the vehicles currently in its inventory at the lower of cost or estimated fair value, net of estimated costs to sell. See Notes 9 and 15.
	Repossession expense includes the costs to repossess and sell vehicles obtained due to borrower default. These costs include transportation, storage, rekeying, condition reports, legal fees and the fees paid to repossession agents.
Purchased Receivables Portfolios	Purchased Receivables Portfolios
	For receivables portfolios purchased from other lenders, purchased at amounts less than the principal amount of those receivables, resulting in a discount to par, the discount was attributable, in part, to estimated future credit losses that did not exist at the origination of the loans.
	A nonaccretable difference is the excess between the contractually required payments and the amount of cash flows, considering the impact of prepayments, expected to be collected. An accretable yield is the excess of the cash flows, considering the impact of prepayments, expected to be collected over the initial investment of the loans.
	Any deterioration in the performance of the purchased portfolios results in an incremental impairment. Improvements in performance of the purchased pools which significantly increase actual or expected cash flows results in first a reversal of previously recorded impairment and then in a transfer of the excess from nonaccretable difference to accretable yield, which will be recorded as finance income over the remaining life of the receivables.
Sales of Retail Installment Contracts	Sales of Retail Installment Contracts
	The Company transfers retail installment contracts into newly formed Trusts which then issue one or more classes of notes payable backed by the retail installment contracts.
	The Company’s continuing involvement with the credit facilities and Trusts are in the form of servicing loans held by the special purpose entities (SPEs) and, generally, through holding a residual interest in the SPE. These transactions are structured without recourse. The Trusts are considered VIEs under U.S. GAAP and are consolidated when the Company has: (a) power over the significant activities of the entity and (b) an obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits from the VIE which are potentially significant to the VIE.
	The Company has power over the significant activities of those Trusts as servicer of the financial assets held in the Trust. Servicing fees are not considered significant variable interests in the Trusts; however, when the Company also retains a residual interest in the Trust, either in the form of a debt security or equity interest, the Company has an obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits that are potentially significant to the SPE. Accordingly, these Trusts are consolidated within the consolidated financial statements, and the associated retail installment contracts, borrowings under credit facilities and securitization notes payable remain on the consolidated balance sheets. Securitizations involving Trusts in which the Company does not retain a residual interest or any other debt or equity interests are treated as sales of the associated retail installment contracts.
	While these Trusts are included in our consolidated financial statements, these Trusts are separate legal entities; thus, the finance receivables and other assets sold to these Trusts are legally owned by these Trusts, are available only to satisfy the notes payable related to the securitized retail installment contracts, and are not available to our creditors or our other subsidiaries.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	The Company considers all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. The Company has maintained balances in various operating and money market accounts in excess of federally insured limits.
Restricted Cash	Restricted Cash
	Cash deposited to support securitization transactions, lockbox collections, and the related required reserve accounts is recorded in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet as restricted cash. Excess cash flows generated by the securitization trusts are added to the restricted cash reserve account, creating additional over-collateralization until the contractual securitization requirement has been reached. Once the targeted reserve requirement is satisfied, additional excess cash flows generated by the Trusts are released to the Company as distributions from the Trusts. Lockbox collections are added to restricted cash and released when transferred to the appropriate warehouse line of credit or Trust.
	The Company has several limited guarantees with Santander that provide explicit performance guarantees on certain servicer obligations related to the Company’s warehouse lines of credit and certain securitizations. As a result of those guarantees, the Company was permitted to commingle funds received on contracts that have been included in the securitizations and certain warehouse lines of credit and retain and remit cash to the respective collection accounts once a month prior to the distribution dates. However, due to downgrades in Santander’s credit ratings, the commingling rights were lost during 2012, and no funds were commingled as of and subsequent to December 31, 2012.
Investments	Investments
	Investments the Company expects to hold for an indefinite period of time are classified as available for sale and carried at fair value with temporary unrealized gains and losses reported as a component of other comprehensive income, net of estimated income taxes.
	Investments of less than 20% ownership in privately held companies over which the Company has no significant influence are recorded using the cost method.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes
	Income tax expense consists of income taxes currently payable and deferred income taxes computed using the asset and liability method. Under the asset and liability method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. The deferred tax asset is subject to reduction by a valuation allowance in certain circumstances. This valuation allowance is recognized if it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized based on a review of available evidence. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.
	The Company records the benefit of uncertain tax positions in the consolidated financial statements when such positions (1) meet a more-likely-than-not threshold, (2) are settled through negotiation or litigation, or (3) the statute of limitations for the taxing authority to examine the position has expired. Tax benefits associated with an uncertain tax position are derecognized in the period in which the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold is no longer satisfied.
Furniture and Equipment	Furniture and Equipment
	Furniture and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets, which range from three to ten years. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the lease term or the estimated useful lives of the improvements. Depreciation and amortization on furniture and equipment for the year ended December 31, 2014 totaled $13,069. Expenditures for major renewals and betterments are capitalized. Repairs and maintenance expenditures are charged to operations as incurred.
Goodwill and Intangibles	Goodwill and Intangibles
	Goodwill represents the excess of consideration paid over fair value of net assets acquired in business combinations. Intangibles represent intangible assets purchased or acquired through business combinations, including trade names and software development costs. Certain intangibles are amortized over their estimated useful lives. Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles are tested for impairment at least annually as of December 31.
Derivative Financial Instruments	Derivative Financial Instruments
	Derivative financial instruments are recognized as either assets or liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets at fair value. The accounting for changes in the fair value of each derivative financial instrument depends on whether it has been designated and qualifies as a hedge for accounting purposes, as well as the type of hedging relationship identified. The Company does not use derivative instruments for trading or speculative purposes.
	Interest Rate Swap Agreements — The Company uses interest rate swaps to hedge the variability of cash flows on securities issued by securitization Trusts and borrowings under the Company’s warehouse lines of credit. Certain interest rate swap agreements are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges and are highly effective in reducing exposure to interest rate risk from both an accounting and an economic perspective.
	At hedge inception and at least quarterly, the interest rate swap agreements designated as accounting hedges are assessed to determine their effectiveness in offsetting changes in the cash flows of the hedged items and whether those interest rate swap agreements may be expected to remain highly effective in future periods.
	The Company uses change in variable cash flows to assess hedge effectiveness of cash flow hedges on a prospective and retrospective basis. At December 31, 2014, all of the Company’s interest rate swap agreements designated as cash flow hedges are deemed to be effective hedges for accounting purposes. The Company uses the dollar offset method to measure the amount of ineffectiveness and a net earnings impact occurs when the cumulative change in the value of a derivative, as adjusted, differs from the cumulative change in value of the discounted future cash flows of the forecasted transaction. The excess change in value (the ineffectiveness) is recognized in earnings.
	The effective portion of the changes in the fair value of the interest rate swaps qualifying as cash flow hedges is included as a component of other comprehensive loss, net of estimated income taxes, as an unrealized gain or loss on cash flow hedges. These unrealized gains or losses are recognized as adjustments to income over the same period in which cash flows from the related hedged item affect earnings. Additionally, to the extent that any of these contracts are not considered to be perfectly effective in offsetting the change in the value of the cash flows being hedged, any changes in fair value relating to the ineffective portion of these contracts are recognized in interest expense on the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. The Company discontinues hedge accounting prospectively when it is determined that an interest rate swap agreement has ceased to be effective as an accounting hedge or if the underlying hedged cash flow is no longer probable of occurring.
	The Company has also entered into interest rate swap agreements related to its securitization trusts and warehouse lines of credit that are not designated as hedges. These agreements are intended to reduce the risk of interest rate fluctuations. For the interest rate swap agreements not designated as hedges, any gains or losses are included in the Company’s earnings as a component of interest expense.
	Interest Rate Cap Agreements — The Company purchases interest rate cap agreements to limit floating rate exposures on securities issued in credit facilities. As part of the interest rate risk management strategy and when economically feasible, the Company may simultaneously sell a corresponding written option in order to offset the premium paid to purchase the interest rate cap agreement and thus retain the interest rate risk. Because these instruments entered into directly by the Company or through SPEs are not designated for hedge accounting, changes in the fair value of interest rate cap agreements purchased by the SPEs and written option sold by the Company are recorded in interest expense on the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income.
	Warrants — The Company is the holder of a warrant that gives it the right, if certain vesting conditions are satisfied, to purchase additional shares in a company in which it has a cost method investment. This warrant would allow SCUSA to increase its ownership to approximately 22% in the invested company.
Stock-based Compensation	Stock-Based Compensation
	The Company measures the compensation cost of stock-based awards using the estimated fair value of those awards on the grant date, and recognizes the cost as expense over the vesting period of the awards (see Note 16).
Earnings per Share	Earnings per Share
	Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised. It is computed after giving consideration to the weighted average dilutive effect of the Company’s stock options and restricted stock grants. Because the Company has issued participating securities in the form of unvested restricted stock that has dividend rights, the Company applies the two-class method when computing earnings per share.
Recently Adopted Accounting Standards and Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Recently Adopted Accounting Standards
	In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-11, Income Taxes: Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists. This ASU provides guidance on the presentation of unrecognized tax benefits, particularly the manner in which an entity would settle, at the reporting date, any additional income taxes that would result from the disallowance of a tax position when net operating loss carryforwards, similar tax losses, or tax credit carryforwards exist. This guidance became effective for the Company January 1, 2014 and implementation did not have a significant impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which provides guidance on a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers. This guidance is effective beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company does not expect the adoption to have a material impact to the consolidated financial statements.
	In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-11, Repurchase-to-Maturity Transactions, Repurchase Financings, and Disclosures. The standard requires entities to account for repurchase-to-maturity transactions as secured borrowings, eliminates accounting guidance on linked repurchase financing transactions, and expands disclosure requirements related to certain transfers of financial assets that are accounted for as secured borrowings. This guidance is effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2015 and early adoption is not permitted. The implementation did not have a significant impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
	In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-12, Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award That a Performance Target Could be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period. This standard affects entities that issue share-based payments when the terms of an award stipulate that a performance target could be achieved after an employee completes the requisite service period. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015 and early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption on its consolidated financial statements.
	In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-15, Disclosure of Uncertainties About an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern. The standard requires management to perform interim and annual assessments of an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year of the date of issuance of the entity’s financial statements. This guidance is effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2016 with early adoption permitted. The Company does not expect the adoption to have a material impact to the consolidated financial statements.
	In January 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-01, Income Statement-Extraordinary and Unusual Items. This standard simplifies income statement classification by removing the concept of extraordinary items from U.S. GAAP, and as a result, items that are both unusual and infrequent will no longer be separately reported net of tax after continuing operations. This guidance is effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2015 with early adoption permitted, but only as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. The Company does not expect the adoption to have a material impact to the consolidated financial statements.

Finance_Receivables_Tables

Finance Receivables (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Receivables [Abstract]
Summary of Finance Receivables Held for Investment	Finance receivables held for investment (other than purchased portfolio) at December 31, 2014 and 2013, were comprised as follows:
		December 31, 2014
		Retail Installment Contracts			Receivables from			Unsecured
		Acquired			Dealers Held			Consumer
		Individually			for Investment			Loans
	Unpaid principal balance	$	24,555,106		$	100,164		$	2,128,769
	Credit loss allowance (Note 4)	(2,726,338		)	(674		)	(348,660		)
	Discount	(597,862		)	—			(1,356		)
	Capitalized origination costs and fees	39,680			—			1,024
	Net carrying balance	$	21,270,586		$	99,490		$	1,779,777
		December 31, 2013
		Retail Installment Contracts			Receivables from			Unsecured
		Acquired			Dealers Held			Consumer
		Individually			for Investment			Loans
	Unpaid principal balance	$	21,238,281		$	95,835		$	1,165,778
	Credit loss allowance (Note 4)	(2,132,634		)	(1,090		)	(179,350		)
	Discount	(573,462		)	—			(32,831		)
	Capitalized origination costs	33,936			—			592
	Net carrying balance	$	18,566,121		$	94,745		$	954,189
Schedule of Finance Receivables, Deteriorated Credit Quality	Finance receivables held for investment that were acquired with deteriorated credit quality are included in retail installment contracts held for investment in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and were comprised as follows at December 31, 2014 and 2013:
		December 31, 2014			December 31, 2013
	Unpaid principal balance	$	846,355		$	1,961,060
	Outstanding recorded investment	$	873,134		$	1,879,844
	Less: Impairment	(189,275		)	(226,356		)
	Outstanding recorded investment, net of impairment	$	683,859		$	1,653,488
Changes in Accretable Yield on Purchased Receivables Portfolios	Changes in accretable yield on the Company’s purchased receivables portfolios for the periods indicated were as follows:
		For the Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Balance — beginning of year	$	403,400		$	816,854		$	1,373,174
	Additions (loans acquired during the year)	—			—			16,338
	Accretion of accretable yield	(194,996		)	(493,778		)	(700,362		)
	Reclassifications from nonaccretable difference	56,012			80,324			127,704
	Balance — end of year	$	264,416		$	403,400		$	816,854

Leases_Tables

Leases (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Leases [Abstract]
Summary of Leased Vehicles	Leased vehicles, net, which is comprised of leases originated under the Chrysler Agreement, consisted of the following as of December 31, 2014 and 2013:
		December 31,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Leased vehicles	$	6,309,096		$	2,402,052
	Origination fees and other costs	4,190			2,716
	Manufacturer subvention payments	(645,874		)	(259,152		)
		5,667,412			2,145,616
	Less: accumulated depreciation	(804,629		)	(122,183		)
		$	4,862,783		$	2,023,433
Minimum Rental Payments Due to Lessor under Operating Leases	The following summarizes the future minimum rental payments due to the Company as lessor under operating leases as of December 31, 2014:
	2015	$	867,133
	2016	722,904
	2017	274,913
	2018	12,660
	2019	—
	Thereafter	—
	Total	$	1,877,610
Schedule of Capital Lease Receivable	Capital lease receivables, net consisted of the following as of December 31, 2014:
		December 31,
		2014
	Gross investment in capital leases	$	137,543
	Origination fees and other	78
	Less unearned income	(46,193		)
	Net investment in capital leases before allowance	91,428
	Less: allowance for lease losses	(9,589		)
	Net investment in capital leases	$	81,839
Schedule of Future Minimum Lease Payments Receivable for Capital Leases	The following summarizes the future minimum lease payments due to the Company as lessor under capital leases as of December 31, 2014:
	2015	$	33,024
	2016	33,024
	2017	32,952
	2018	31,618
	2019	6,924
	Thereafter	1
	Total	$	137,543

Loan_and_Lease_Loss_Allowance_1

Loan and Lease Loss Allowance and Credit Quality (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Loans and Leases Receivable, Allowance [Abstract]
Summary of Activity in Loan Loss Allowance	The activity in the credit loss allowance for individually acquired loans for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
		Year Ended December 31, 2014
		Retail Installment				Receivables				Unsecured
		Contracts				from Dealers Held				Consumer Loans
		Acquired				for Investment
		Individually
	Balance — beginning of year	$	2,132,634			$	1,090			$	179,350
	Provision for loan losses	2,211,055				(416		)		434,030
	Charge-offs	(3,341,047		)		—				(286,331		)
	Recoveries	1,723,696				—				21,611
	Balance — end of year	$	2,726,338			$	674			$	348,660
		Year Ended December 31, 2013
		Retail Installment				Receivables				Unsecured
		Contracts				from Dealers Held				Consumer Loans
		Acquired				for Investment
		Individually
	Balance — beginning of year	$	1,555,362			$	—			$	—
	Provision for loan losses	1,651,416				1,090				192,745
	Charge-offs	(2,094,149		)		—				(13,413		)
	Recoveries	1,020,005				—				18
	Balance — end of year	$2,132,634				$	1,090			$	179,350
		Year Ended December 31, 2012
		Retail Installment				Receivables				Unsecured
		Contracts				from Dealers Held				Consumer Loans
		Acquired				for Investment
		Individually
	Balance — beginning of year	$	993,213			$	—			$	—
	Provision for loan losses	1,119,074				—				—
	Charge-offs	(1,000,178		)		—				—
	Recoveries	443,253				—				—
	Balance — end of year	$	1,555,362			$	—			$	—
	The activity in the lease loss allowance for capital lease receivables for the year ended December 31, 2014 was as follows:
	Balance — beginning of year	$	—
	Provision for lease losses	9,991
	Charge-offs	(804		)
	Recoveries	402
	Balance — end of year	$	9,589
Summary of Activity in Loan Loss Allowance Related to Purchased Receivables Portfolios	The impairment activity related to purchased receivables portfolios for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was as follows:
		For the Year Ended December 31,
		2014				2013				2012
	Balance — beginning of year	$	226,356			$	218,640			$	215,262
	Incremental provisions for purchased receivable portfolios	3,568				313,021				161,687
	Incremental reversal of provisions for purchased receivable portfolios	(41,285		)		(305,305		)		(158,309		)
	Balance — end of year	$	188,639			$	226,356			$	218,640
Summary of Delinquencies	A summary of delinquencies as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 is as follows:
		December 31, 2014
		Retail Installment Contracts Held for Investment											Unsecured
													Consumer
		Loans				Purchased				Total			Loans
		Acquired				Receivables
		Individually				Portfolios
	Principal, 31-60 days past due	$	2,319,203			$	131,634			$	2,450,837		$	52,452
	Delinquent principal over 60 days	1,030,580				72,473				$	1,103,053		138,400
	Total delinquent principal	$	3,349,783			$	204,107			$	3,553,890		$	190,852
		December 31, 2013
		Retail Installment Contracts Held for Investment											Unsecured
													Consumer
		Loans				Purchased				Total			Loans
		Acquired				Receivables
		Individually				Portfolios
	Principal, 31-60 days past due	$	1,729,139			$	321,549			$	2,050,688		$	28,102
	Delinquent principal over 60 days	855,315				181,698				1,037,013			65,360
	Total delinquent principal	$	2,584,454			$	503,247			$	3,087,701		$	93,462
Summary of Credit Risk Profile	A summary of the credit risk profile of the Company’s consumer loans by FICO® distribution, determined at origination, as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 was as follows:
	December 31, 2014
			Retail Installment		Unsecured
			Contracts Held		Consumer
	FICO Band		for Investment (a)		Loans (b)
	<540		26.40%		3.30%
	540-599		32.60%		20.10%
	600-639		20.50%		21.40%
	>640		20.50%		55.20%
	December 31, 2013
			Retail Installment		Unsecured
			Contracts Held		Consumer
	FICO Band		for Investment (a)		Loans (b)
	<540		26.80%		6.30%
	540-599		31.80%		24.20%
	600-639		20.30%		30.40%
	>640		21.10%		39.10%
	(a)	Excluded from the FICO distribution is $2,945,297 and $1,944,204 as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, as the borrowers on these loans did not have FICO scores at origination.
	(b)	Excluded from the FICO distribution is an insignificant amount of loans to borrowers that did not have FICO scores at origination.
Summary Commercial Loan Credit Quality Indicators for Receivables from Dealers Held for Investment	Commercial loan credit quality indicators for receivables from dealers held for investment as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
		December 31,				December 31,
		2014				2013
	Pass	$	97,903			$	95,835
	Special Mention	2,261				—
	Substandard	—				—
	Doubtful	—				—
	Loss	—				—
		$	100,164			$	95,835
Summary of Company's TDRs	The table below presents the Company’s loans modified in TDRs as of December 31, 2014 and 2013:
		December 31, 2014								December 31, 2013
		Retail Installment Contracts				Unsecured Consumer Loans				Retail Installment Contracts			Unsecured Consumer Loans
	Total TDR principal	$	4,191,208			$	17,347			$	2,604,351		$	8,391
	Accrued interest	111,103				—				70,965			—
	Discount	(102,047		)		—				(70,321		)	(274		)
	Origination costs	6,773				9				4,161			5
	Outstanding recorded investment	4,207,037				17,356				2,609,156			8,122
	Impairment	(797,240		)		(6,939		)		(475,128		)	(2,345		)
	Outstanding recorded investment, net of impairment	$	3,409,797			$	10,417			$	2,134,028		$	5,777
Summary of Performing and Nonperforming TDRs	A summary of the Company’s delinquent TDRs at December 31, 2014 and 2013, is as follows:
		December 31, 2014								December 31, 2013
		Retail Installment Contracts				Unsecured Consumer Loans				Retail Installment Contracts			Unsecured Consumer Loans
	Principal, 31-60 days past due	$	929,095			$	1,595			$	556,489		$	875
	Delinquent principal over 60 days	515,235				5,131				356,969			1,396
	Total delinquent TDR principal	$	1,444,330			$	6,726			$	913,458		$	2,271
Average Recorded Investment and Income Recognized on TDR Loans	Average recorded investment and income recognized on TDR loans are as follows:
		For the Year Ended
		31-Dec-14								31-Dec-13						31-Dec-12
		Retail Installment Contracts				Unsecured Consumer Loans				Retail Installment Contracts			Unsecured Consumer Loans			Retail Installment Contracts		Unsecured Consumer Loans
	Average outstanding recorded investment in TDRs	$	3,289,520			$	14,061			$	2,466,122		$	3,260		$	1,257,446	$	—
	Interest income recognized	$	481,843			$	1,679			$	322,965		$	269		$	171,878	$	—
Summary of Loan Modification Accounted as TDRs	The following table summarizes the financial effects of TDRs that occurred during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012:
		For the Year Ended
		December 31, 2014								December 31, 2013						December 31, 2012
		Retail Installment Contracts				Unsecured Consumer Loans				Retail Installment Contracts			Unsecured Consumer Loans			Retail Installment Contracts		Unsecured Consumer Loans
	Troubled Debt Restructurings:
	Outstanding recorded investment before TDR	$	3,042,731			$	18,443			$	1,755,241		$	9,408		$	955,088	$	—
	Outstanding recorded investment after TDR	$	3,039,419			$	18,359			$	1,747,837		$	9,264		$	949,883	$	—
	Number of contracts	184,640				16,614				116,846			13,196			66,883		—
Summary of Defaults in Loan Modifications Accounted as TDRs	Loan modifications accounted for as TDRs within the previous twelve months that subsequently defaulted during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 are summarized in the following table:
		For the Year Ended
		December 31, 2014						December 31, 2013					December 31, 2012
		Retail Installment Contracts				Unsecured Consumer Loans		Retail Installment Contracts				Unsecured Consumer Loans	Retail Installment Contracts			Unsecured Consumer Loans
	Troubled debt restructurings that subsequently defaulted	$	419,032			$3,437		$	79,714			(a)	$	56,902		$	—
	Number of contracts	36,843				3,401		6,383				(a)	4,907			—
	(a)	Subsequent defaults on unsecured consumer loan TDRs were insignificant in 2013.

Goodwill_and_Intangibles_Table

Goodwill and Intangibles (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
	The components of intangible assets at December 31, 2014 and 2013, were as follows:
		December 31, 2014
		Useful Life		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Net Carrying Value
	Amortized intangible assets:
	Customer relationships	10 years		$	12,400	$	(8,163	)	$	4,237
	Software and technology	3 years		22,625		(11,480		)	11,145
	Trademarks	3 years		2,347		(2,347		)	—
	Intangible assets not subject to amortization- trademarks			38,300		—			38,300
	Total			$	75,672	$	(21,990	)	$	53,682
		December 31, 2013
		Useful Life		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Net Carrying Value
	Amortized intangible assets:
	Customer relationships	10 years		$	12,400	$	(6,923	)	$	5,477
	Software and technology	3 years		16,822		(5,935		)	10,887
	Trademarks	3 years		2,347		(2,347		)	—
	Intangible assets not subject to amortization- trademarks			38,300		—			38,300
	Total			$	69,869	$	(15,205	)	$	54,664
Schedule of Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets
	The components of intangible assets at December 31, 2014 and 2013, were as follows:
		December 31, 2014
		Useful Life		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Net Carrying Value
	Amortized intangible assets:
	Customer relationships	10 years		$	12,400	$	(8,163	)	$	4,237
	Software and technology	3 years		22,625		(11,480		)	11,145
	Trademarks	3 years		2,347		(2,347		)	—
	Intangible assets not subject to amortization- trademarks			38,300		—			38,300
	Total			$	75,672	$	(21,990	)	$	53,682
		December 31, 2013
		Useful Life		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Net Carrying Value
	Amortized intangible assets:
	Customer relationships	10 years		$	12,400	$	(6,923	)	$	5,477
	Software and technology	3 years		16,822		(5,935		)	10,887
	Trademarks	3 years		2,347		(2,347		)	—
	Intangible assets not subject to amortization- trademarks			38,300		—			38,300
	Total			$	69,869	$	(15,205	)	$	54,664
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense	Amortization expense on the assets was $6,902 and $4,509 for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Estimated future amortization expense is as follows:
	2015	$	6,677
	2016	5,191
	2017	2,998
	2018	516
	2019 and thereafter	—
		$	15,382

Debt_Tables

Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Credit Facilities	The following table presents information regarding credit facilities as of December 31, 2014 and 2013:
		December 31, 2014
		Maturity Date(s)		Utilized Balance		Committed Amount		Effective Rate	Assets Pledged		Restricted Cash Pledged
	Warehouse line	Jun-15		$	243,736	$	500,000	1.17%	$	344,822	$	—
	Warehouse line (a)	Various		397,452		1,244,318		1.26%	589,529		20,661
	Warehouse line (b)	Jun-16		2,201,511		4,300,000		0.98%	3,249,263		65,414
	Warehouse line	Jun-16		1,051,777		2,500,000		1.06%	1,481,135		28,316
	Warehouse line	Jul-15		—		500,000		—	—		—
	Warehouse line (c)	Sep-15		199,980		200,000		1.96%	351,755		13,169
	Repurchase facility (d)	Various		923,225		923,225		1.63%	—		34,184
	Warehouse line	Dec-15		468,565		750,000		0.93%	641,709		16,467
	Warehouse line (e)	Nov-16		175,000		175,000		1.71%	—		—
	Warehouse line (c)	Oct-16		240,487		250,000		2.02%	299,195		17,143
	Warehouse line (e)	Nov-16		250,000		250,000		1.71%	—		2,500
	Warehouse line (f)	Mar-15		250,594		250,594		0.98%	—		—
	Total facilities with third parties			6,402,327		11,843,137			6,957,408		197,854
	Lines of credit with Santander and related subsidiaries (g):
	Line of credit	Dec-16		500,000		500,000		2.46%	1,340		—
	Line of credit	Dec-18		—		500,000		—	—		—
	Line of credit	Dec-16		1,750,000		1,750,000		2.33%	—		—
	Line of credit	Dec-18		1,140,000		1,750,000		2.85%	9,701		—
	Line of credit	Mar-17		300,000		300,000		1.71%	—		—
	Total facilities with Santander and related subsidiaries			3,690,000		4,800,000			11,041		—
	Total revolving credit facilities			$	10,092,327	$	16,643,137		$	6,968,449	$	197,854
		December 31, 2013
		Maturity Date(s)		Utilized Balance		Committed Amount		Effective Rate	Assets Pledged		Restricted Cash Pledged
	Warehouse line	Jun-14		$	483,738	$	500,000	0.82%	$	757,352	$	—
	Warehouse line	Various		159,300		1,219,474		3.62%	232,015		3,667
	Warehouse line (b)	Apr-15		613,600		4,550,000		2.12%	745,759		15,184
	Warehouse line	Jun-15		1,360,070		2,000,000		0.96%	1,672,082		42,510
	Warehouse line	Jul-15		495,786		500,000		0.85%	598,754		25,056
	Warehouse line (c)	Sep-15		73,080		200,000		2.84%	76,807		2,701
	Repurchase facility (d)	Various		879,199		879,199		1.59%	—		—
	Warehouse line	Dec-15		210,000		750,000		1.84%	302,632		—
	Warehouse line (e)	Nov-16		175,000		175,000		1.72%	—		—
	Total facilities with third parties			4,449,773		10,773,673			4,385,401		89,118
	Lines of credit with Santander and related subsidiaries (g):
	Line of credit	Dec-16		500,000		500,000		2.48%	10,674		—
	Line of credit	Dec-18		—		500,000		3.10%	—		—
	Line of credit	Dec-16		1,750,000		1,750,000		2.09%	—		—
	Line of credit	Dec-18		1,400,000		1,750,000		2.58%	93,969		—
	Total facilities with Santander and related subsidiaries			3,650,000		4,500,000			104,643		—
	Total revolving credit facilities			$	8,099,773	$	15,273,673		$	4,490,044	$	89,118
	(a)	Half of the outstanding balance on this facility matures in March 2015 and half in March 2016.
	(b)	This line is held exclusively for Chrysler Capital retail loan and lease financing.
	(c)	This line is held exclusively for unsecured consumer term loans.
	(d)	The repurchase facility is collateralized by securitization notes payable retained by the Company. This facility has rolling 30-day and 90- day maturities.
	(e)    This line is collateralized by residuals retained by the Company.
	(f)    This line is collateralized by securitization notes payable retained by the Company.
	(g)    These lines are also collateralized by securitization notes payable and residuals retained by the Company. As of December 31, 2014 and
	2013, $2,152,625 and $1,123,354, respectively, of the aggregate outstanding balances on these facilities were unsecured
Summary of Secured Structured Financings	The following table presents information regarding secured structured financings as of December 31, 2014 and 2013:
		December 31, 2014
		Original Estimated Maturity Date(s)		Balance		Initial Note Amounts Issued		Initial Weighted Average Interest Rate	Collateral		Restricted Cash
	2010 Securitization	Nov-17		$	81,907	$	1,632,420	1.04%	$	234,706	$	58,740
	2011 Securitizations	June 2016-September 2017		421,315		3,536,550		1.21%-2.80%	699,875		115,962
	2012 Securitizations	November 2017-December 2018		2,296,687		8,023,840		0.92%-1.68%	3,006,426		318,373
	2013 Securitizations	January 2019-January 2021		3,426,242		6,689,700		0.89%-1.59%	4,231,006		320,182
	2014 Securitizations	August 2018-January 2021		5,211,346		6,800,420		1.16%-1.72%	6,173,229		370,790
	Public securitizations (a)			11,437,497		26,682,930			14,345,242		1,184,047
	2010 Private issuances (b)	Jun-11		172,652		516,000		1.29%	303,361		8,009
	2011 Private issuances	Dec-18		859,309		1,700,000		1.46%-1.80%	1,316,903		52,524
	2012 Private issuances	May-16		5,682		70,308		1.07%	11,760		1,086
	2013 Private issuances	September 2018-September 2020		2,629,278		2,693,754		1.13%-1.38%	3,703,685		98,063
	2014 Private issuances	November 2015-December 2021		2,614,556		3,519,049		1.05%-1.85%	3,779,288		121,356
	Privately issued amortizing notes			6,281,477		8,499,111			9,114,997		281,038
	Total secured structured financings			$	17,718,974	$	35,182,041		$	23,460,239	$	1,465,085
		December 31, 2013
		Original Estimated Maturity Date(s)		Balance		Initial Note Amounts Issued		Initial Weighted Average Interest Rate	Collateral		Restricted Cash
	2010 Securitizations	October 2016 - November 2017		$	632,251	$	4,671,749	1.04%-1.44%	$	1,143,435	$	205,190
	2011 Securitizations	October 2015 - September 2017		1,218,208		5,605,609		1.21%-2.80%	1,634,220		195,854
	2012 Securitizations	November 2017 - December 2018		4,061,127		8,023,840		0.92%-1.68%	5,013,135		383,677
	2013 Securitizations	January 2019 - January 2021		5,503,580		6,689,700		0.89%-1.59%	6,465,840		351,160
	Public securitizations (a)			11,415,166		24,990,898			14,256,630		1,135,881
	2010 Private issuances	Jun-11		219,704		516,000		1.29%	378,434		8,435
	2011 Private issuances	Dec-18		662,138		4,856,525		1.46%-1.80%	908,304		36,449
	2012 Private issuances	May-16		30,526		70,308		1.07%	35,378		3,016
	2013 Private issuances	September 2018 - September 2020		2,868,353		2,693,754		1.13%-1.38%	3,554,569		97,100
	Privately issued amortizing notes			3,780,721		8,136,587			4,876,685		145,000
	Total secured structured financings			$	15,195,887	$	33,127,485		$	19,133,315	$	1,280,881
	(a)    Securitizations executed under Rule 144A of the Securities Act are included within this balance
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt	The weighted-average interest rate and final contractual maturity by year on these notes at December 31, 2014, were as follows:
	2015, 1.17%	$	872,652
	2016, 1.79%	145,129
	2017, 1.79%	1,719,937
	2018, 1.48%	2,290,444
	2019, 1.53%	2,197,182
	Thereafter, 1.44%	10,529,781
		17,755,125
	Less: unamortized costs	(36,151		)
	Notes payable - secured structured financings	$	17,718,974

Variable_Interest_Entities_Tab

Variable Interest Entities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Variable Interest Entity Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of Assets and Liabilities Related to VIEs	The following table summarizes the assets and liabilities related to VIEs included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements:
		December 31,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Restricted cash	$	1,626,257	$	1,370,174
	Retail installment contracts, net	21,366,121		19,166,392
	Leased vehicles, net	4,862,783		2,023,433
	Various other assets	1,301,992		541,469
	Notes payable	27,796,999		23,810,950
	Various other liabilities	—		25,682
Summary of Cash Flows Received from Securitization Trusts	A summary of the cash flows received from the off-balance sheet securitization trusts during the year ended December 31, 2014, is as follows:
		Year Ended
		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Receivables securitized	$	1,802,461	$	1,091,282
	Net proceeds from new securitizations	$	1,894,052	$	1,140,416
	Cash received for servicing fees	17,000		1,863
	Total cash received from securitization trusts	$	1,911,052	$	1,142,279
	A summary of the cash flows received from consolidated securitization trusts during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 is as follows:
		December 31, 2014		December 31, 2013		December 31, 2012
	Receivables securitized	$	14,251,258	$	11,589,632	$	9,197,555
	Net proceeds from new securitizations (a)	$	11,948,421	$	9,980,538	$	7,999,556
	Net proceeds from sale of retained bonds	—		98,650		—
	Cash received for servicing fees (b)	632,955		506,656		420,315
	Cash received upon release from reserved and	810		9,933		38,693
	restricted cash accounts (b)
	Net distributions from Trusts (b)	1,386,833		1,482,425		1,097,326
	Total cash received from securitization trusts	$	13,969,019	$	12,078,202	$	9,555,890
	(a)	Includes additional advances on existing securitizations.

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen1

Derivative Financial Instruments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of Underlying Notional Amounts and Aggregate Fair Values	The underlying notional amounts and aggregate fair values of these agreements at December 31, 2014 and 2013, were as follows:
		December 31, 2014						December 31, 2013
		Notional			Fair Value			Notional			Fair Value
	Interest rate swap agreements designated as cash flow hedges	$	8,020,000		$	3,827		$	3,873,000		$	(5,686	)
	Interest rate swap agreements not designated as hedges	3,206,000			(12,175		)	3,444,459			(31,360		)
	Interest rate cap agreements	7,541,385			49,762			4,616,960			28,274
	Options for interest rate cap agreements	7,541,385			(49,806		)	4,616,960			(28,389		)
	Total return swap	250,594			(1,736		)	—			—
Offsetting of Derivative Assets and Liabilities	Information on the offsetting of derivative assets and derivative liabilities due to the right of offset was as follows, as of December 31, 2014 and 2013:
		Offsetting of Financial Assets
											Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet
		Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets			Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet			Net Amounts of Assets Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet			Financial Instruments			Cash Collateral Received		Net Amount
	December 31, 2014
	Interest rate swaps - Santander & affiliates	$	5,208		$	—		$	5,208		$	—		$	—	$	5,208
	Interest rate swaps - third party	2,946			—			2,946								2,946
	Interest rate caps - Santander & affiliates	35,602			—			35,602			—			—		35,602
	Interest rate caps - third party	14,160			—			14,160			—			—		14,160
	Total derivatives subject to a master netting arrangement or similar arrangement	57,916			—			57,916			—			—		57,916
	Total derivatives not subject to a master netting arrangement or similar arrangement	—			—			—			—			—		—
	Total derivative assets	$	57,916		$	—		$	57,916		$	—		$	—	$	57,916
	Total financial assets	$	57,916		$	—		$	57,916		$	—		$	—	$	57,916
	December 31, 2013
	Interest rate swaps - Santander & affiliates	$	1,601		$	—		$	1,601		$	—		$	—	$	1,601
	Interest rate caps - Santander & affiliates	9,342			—			9,342			—			—		9,342
	Interest rate caps - third party	18,932			—			18,932			—			—		18,932
	Total derivatives subject to a master netting arrangement or similar arrangement	29,875			—			29,875			—			—		29,875
	Total derivatives not subject to a master netting arrangement or similar arrangement	—			—			—			—			—		—
	Total derivative assets	$	29,875		$	—		$	29,875		$	—		$	—	$	29,875
	Total financial assets	$	29,875		$	—		$	29,875		$	—		$	—	$	29,875
		Offsetting of Financial Liabilities
											Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet
		Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities			Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet			Net Amounts of Liabilities Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet			Financial Instruments			Cash Collateral Pledged		Net Amount
	December 31, 2014
	Interest rate swaps - Santander & affiliates	$	15,783		$	(4,308	)	$	11,475		$	—		$	—	$	11,475
	Interest rate swaps - third party	719			(191		)	528			—			—		528
	Back to back - Santander & affiliates	35,602			(35,602		)	—			—			—		—
	Back to back - third party	14,204			(14,204		)	—			—			—		—
	Total derivatives subject to a master netting arrangement or similar arrangement	66,308			(54,305		)	12,003			—			—		12,003
	Total return swap	1,736			(1,736		)	—			—			—		—
	Total derivatives not subject to a master netting arrangement or similar arrangement	1,736			(1,736		)	—			—			—		—
	Total derivative liabilities	$	68,044		$	(56,041	)	$	12,003		$	—		$	—	$	12,003
	Total financial liabilities	$	68,044		$	(56,041	)	$	12,003		$	—		$	—	$	12,003
	December 31, 2013
	Interest rate swaps - Santander & affiliates	$	38,647		$	(2,258	)	$	36,389		$	—		$	—	$	36,389
	Back to back - Santander & affiliates	9,342			(9,342		)	—			—			—		—
	Back to back - third party	19,047			(15,420		)	3,627			—			—		3,627
	Total derivatives subject to a master netting arrangement or similar arrangement	67,036			(27,020		)	40,016			—			—		40,016
	Total derivatives not subject to a master netting arrangement or similar arrangement	—			—			—			—			—		—
	Total derivative liabilities	$	67,036		$	(27,020	)	$	40,016		$	—		$	—	$	40,016
	Total financial liabilities	$	67,036		$	(27,020	)	$	40,016		$	—		$	—	$	40,016
Gross Gains (Losses) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	The Company’s derivative instruments had effects on its consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 as follows:
		December 31, 2014
		Gains (Losses) Recognized in Interest Expense			Gross Gains (Losses) Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income			Gross Gains (Losses) Reclassified From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income To Interest Expense
	Interest rate swap agreements designated as cash flow hedges	$	(708	)	$	(23,015	)	$	(33,235	)
	Derivative instruments not designated as hedges	$	19,278
		December 31, 2013
		Gains (Losses) Recognized in Interest Expense			Gross Gains (Losses) Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income			Gross Gains (Losses) Reclassified From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income To Interest Expense
	Interest rate swap agreements designated as cash flow hedges	$	—		$	4,062		$	(19,526	)
	Derivative instruments not designated as hedges	$	21,080
		December 31, 2012
		Gains (Losses) Recognized in Interest Expense			Gross Gains (Losses) Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income			Gross Gains (Losses) Reclassified From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income To Interest Expense
	Interest rate swap agreements designated as cash flow hedges	$	—		$	(11,709	)	$	(26,190	)
	Derivative instruments not designated as hedges	$	8,326

Other_Assets_Tables

Other Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Other Assets [Abstract]
Other Assets	Other assets were comprised as follows:
		December 31,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Upfront fee (a)	$	125,000	$	140,000
	Repossessed vehicles	134,926		129,323
	Manufacturer subvention payments receivable (a)	70,213		55,579
	Accounts receivable	36,465		9,160
	Prepaids	35,906		31,592
	Derivative assets (Note 8)	57,916		29,875
	Collateral overage on derivative liabilities with Santander and affiliates	32,118		—
	Cost method investment	6,000		6,000
	Indemnification payments receivable (b)	5,504		8,603
	Other	1,825		173
		$	505,873	$	410,305
	(a)	These amounts relate to the Chrysler Agreement. The Company paid a $150,000 upfront fee upon the May 2013 inception of the agreement. The fee is being amortized into finance and other interest income over a ten-year term. As the preferred financing provider for Chrysler, the Company is entitled to subvention payments on loans and leases with below-market customer payments.
	(b)	This amount represents tax indemnification payments to the original equity investors in two investment partnerships now owned by the Company. These payments are expected to be recovered through tax refunds passed through to the Company as the original investors recognize tax losses related to the investments.

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	The components of the provision for income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, were as follows:
		2014				2013				2012
	Current income tax expense (benefit):
	Federal	$	(261,655	)		$	65,168			$	610,161
	State	31,200				32,987				39,642
	Total current income tax expense (benefit)	(230,455		)		98,155				649,803
	Deferred income tax expense (benefit):
	Federal	650,730				285,809				(183,313		)
	State	23,364				5,454				(12,875		)
	Total deferred income tax expense (benefit)	674,094				291,263				(196,188		)
	Total income tax expense	$	443,639			$	389,418			$	453,615
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation	The reconciliation of the federal statutory income tax rate to the Company’s effective income tax rates for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, is as follows
		2014			2013			2012
	Federal statutory rate	35	%		35	%		35	%
	State and local income taxes — net of federal income tax benefit	2.5			2.3			2.4
	Valuation allowance	1.1			(0.2	)		1.9
	Electric vehicle credit	(1.7	)		(0.9	)		—
	Other	(0.2	)		(0.3	)		(1.1	)
	Effective income tax rate	36.7	%		35.9	%		38.2	%
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities	The tax effects of temporary differences between the financial reporting and income tax basis of assets and liabilities at December 31, 2014 and 2013, are as follows:
		2014				2013
	Deferred tax assets:
	Debt issuance costs	$	3,728			$	4,771
	Receivables	637,984				556,687
	Derivatives	2,444				13,237
	Original purchase discount on investments	—				44,381
	Capital loss carryforwards	27,150				19,942
	State net operating loss carryforwards	6,791				—
	Equity-based compensation	29,418				—
	Credit carryforwards	42,780				—
	Other	35,221				27,264
	Total gross deferred tax assets	785,516				666,282
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Capitalized origination costs	(11,567		)		(13,010		)
	Goodwill	(11,136		)		(8,822		)
	Leased vehicles	(1,183,267		)		(419,488		)
	Furniture and equipment	(14,325		)		(7,899		)
	Original purchase discount on investments	(616		)		—
	Other	(2,763		)		(80		)
	Total gross deferred tax liabilities	(1,223,674		)		(449,299		)
	Valuation allowance	(32,901		)		(19,942		)
	Net deferred tax asset (liability)	$	(471,059	)		$	197,041
Summary of Valuation Allowance	A rollforward of the valuation allowance for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 is as follows:
		2014				2013				2012
	Valuation allowance, beginning of year	$	19,942			$	22,381			$	—
	Provision (release)	12,959				(2,439		)		22,381
	Valuation allowance, end of year	$	32,901			19,942				$	22,381
Summary of Income Tax Contingencies	A reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of gross unrecognized tax benefits for each of the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 is as follows:
		2014				2013				2012
	Gross unrecognized tax benefits balance,
	1-Jan	$	1,487			$	2,146			$	2,483
	Additions for tax positions of prior years	5,472				—				—
	Reductions for tax positions of prior years	(3,783		)		—				—
	Reductions as a result of a lapse of the applicable statute of limitations	(2,473		)		(754		)		(164		)
	Settlements	(537		)		95				(173		)
	Gross unrecognized tax benefits balance,
	31-Dec	$	166			$	1,487			$	2,146

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases	The remaining obligation under lease commitments at December 31, 2014 are as follows:
	2015	$	9,823
	2016	10,030
	2017	9,341
	2018	7,196
	2019	7,382
	Thereafter	49,627
		$	93,399

RelatedParty_Transactions_Tabl

Related-Party Transactions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Information on Related Party Transactions	Interest expense, including unused fees, for affiliate lines/letters of credit for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was as follows:
		Year Ended
		December 31, 2014		December 31, 2013			December 31, 2012
	Line of credit agreement with Santander - New York Branch	$	92,209	$	62,845		$	15,152
	Line of credit agreement with SHUSA	4,299		—			—
	Letter of credit facility with Santander - New York Branch	507		526			238
	Accrued interest for affiliate lines/letters of credit at December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, were comprised as follows:
		December 31, 2014		December 31, 2013
	Line of credit agreement with Santander - New York Branch	$	7,750	$	11,435
	Line of credit agreement with SHUSA	242		—
	Letter of credit facility with Santander - New York Branch	128		128
Dealer Loan Portfolio
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Information on Related Party Transactions	Other information on the dealer loan portfolio serviced for SBNA as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 is as follows:
		December 31,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Total serviced portfolio	$	—	$	513,684
	Cash collections due to owner	—		6,941
	Loan fundings due from owner	—		2,950
	Servicing fees receivable	—		817
	Relationship management fees receivable	450		—
	Servicing fees payable	28		—
Serviced Auto Loan and Retail Installment
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Information on Related Party Transactions	Other information on the serviced auto loan and retail installment contract portfolios for SBNA as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 is as follows:
		December 31,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Total serviced portfolio	$	896,300	$	1,175,566
	Cash collections due to owner	21,415		32,831
	Servicing fees receivable (refundable)	2,171		(3,163		)
Consumer Vehicle Lease
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Information on Related Party Transactions	Other information on the consumer vehicle lease portfolio serviced for SBNA as of December 31, 2014 is as follows:
	Total serviced portfolio	$	1,989,967
	Cash collections due to owner	1
	Lease fundings due from owner	3,365
	Origination and servicing fees receivable	10,345

Supplemental_Cash_Flow_Informa1

Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures	Supplemental cash flow information is as follows:
		For the Year Ended December 31,
		2014		2013		2012
	Cash paid during the year for:
	Interest	$	541,705	$	417,128	$	383,400
	Income taxes	$	278,210	$	465,828	$	660,232
	Noncash investing and financing transactions:
	Transfers of retail installment contracts to repossessed vehicles	$	1,445,575	$	992,325	$	841,058
	Acquisition of noncontrolling interests	—		$	38,111	$	—

Computation_of_Basic_and_Dilut1

Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings per Common Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Summary of Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings per Common Share
		Year Ended
		December 31,
		2014		2013		2012
	Earnings per common share
	Net income attributable to SCUSA shareholders	$	766,349	$	697,491	$	715,003
	Weighted average number of common shares outstanding before restricted participating shares (in thousands)	348,139		346,172		346,165
	Weighted average number of participating restricted common shares outstanding (in thousands)	584		6		—
	Weighted average number of common shares outstanding (in thousands)	348,723		346,178		346,165
	Earnings per common share	$	2.2	$	2.01	$	2.07
	Earnings per common share - assuming dilution
	Net income attributable to SCUSA shareholders	$	766,349	$	697,491	$	715,003
	Weighted average number of common shares outstanding (in thousands)	348,723		346,178		346,165
	Effect of employee stock-based awards (in thousands)	6,999		—		—
	Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - assuming dilution (in thousands)	355,722		346,178		346,165
	Earnings per common share - assuming dilution	$	2.15	$	2.01	$	2.07

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru1

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Summary of Fair Value Estimates, Methods and Assumptions	Fair value estimates, methods, and assumptions are as follows:
				December 31, 2014								December 31, 2013
		Level		Carrying				Estimated				Carrying				Estimated
				Value				Fair Value				Value				Fair Value
	Cash and cash equivalents (a)	1		$	33,157			$	33,157			$	10,531			$	10,531
	Receivables held for sale (b)	2		46,585				46,585				82,503				83,344
	Retail installment contracts held for investment, net (c)	3		21,954,445				23,337,511				20,219,609				21,465,236
	Unsecured consumer loans, net (d)	3		1,779,777				2,054,911				954,189				1,187,286
	Receivables from dealers held for investment (e)	3		99,490				99,490				94,745				94,745
	Restricted cash (a)	1		1,920,857				1,920,857				1,563,613				1,563,613
	Capital lease receivables, net (f)	3		81,839				84,425				—				—
	Notes payable — credit facilities (g)	3		10,092,327				10,092,327				8,099,773				8,099,773
	Notes payable — secured structured financings (h)	2		17,718,974				17,810,062				15,195,887				15,565,013
	(a)	Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash — The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents, including restricted cash, is at an approximated fair value as the instruments mature within 90 days or less and bear interest at market rates.
	(b)	Receivables held for sale — Receivables held for sale are carried at the lower of cost or market, as determined on an aggregate basis. The estimated fair value is based on the prices obtained or expected to be obtained in the subsequent sales usually in the following month.
	(c)	Retail installment contracts held for investment — Retail installment contracts held for investment are carried at amortized cost, net of credit loss allowance. The estimated fair value is calculated based on estimated market rates for similar contracts with similar credit risks.
	(d)	Unsecured consumer loans, net — Unsecured consumer loans are carried at amortized cost, net of credit loss allowance. The estimated fair value is calculated based on estimated market rates for similar loans with similar credit risks.
	(e)	Receivables from dealers, held for investment, net — Receivables from dealers held for investment are carried at amortized cost, net of credit loss allowance. The estimated fair value is calculated based on estimated market rates for similar receivables with similar credit risks.
	(f)	Capital lease receivables, net — Capital lease receivables are carried at amortized cost, net of the allowance for lease losses. The estimated fair value is calculated based on estimated market rates for similar contracts with similar credit risks.
	(g)	Notes payable — credit facilities — The carrying amount of notes payable related to revolving credit facilities is estimated to approximate fair value. Management believes that the terms of these credit agreements approximate market terms for similar credit agreements.
	(h)	Notes payable — secured structured financings — The estimated fair value of notes payable related to secured structured financings is calculated based on market quotes for the Company’s publicly traded debt and estimated market rates currently available from recent transactions involving similar debt with similar credit risks.
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis	The following table presents the Company’s assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2014 and 2013, and are categorized using the fair value hierarchy:
		Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2014
		Total				Quoted Prices				Significant				Significant
						in Active				Other				Unobservable
						Markets for				Observable				Inputs
						Identical Assets				Inputs				(Level 3)
						(Level 1)				(Level 2)
	Other assets — trading interest rate caps (a)	$	49,762			$	—			$	49,762			$	—
	Other assets — cash flow hedging interest rate swaps (a)	7,619				—				7,619				—
	Other assets — trading interest rate swaps (a)	535				—				535				—
	Other liabilities — trading options for interest rate caps (a)	49,806				—				49,806				—
	Other liabilities — cash flow hedging interest rate swaps (a)	3,792				—				3,792				—
	Other liabilities — trading interest rate swaps (a)	12,710				—				12,710				—
	Other liabilities - total return swap (b)	1,736				—				1,736				—
		Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2013
		Total				Quoted Prices				Significant				Significant
						in Active				Other				Unobservable
						Markets for				Observable				Inputs
						Identical Assets				Inputs				(Level 3)
						(Level 1)				(Level 2)
	Other assets — trading interest rate caps (a)	$	28,274			$	—			$	28,274			$	—
	Other assets — cash flow hedging interest rate swaps (a)	1,601				—				1,601				—
	Other liabilities — trading options for interest rate caps (a)	28,389				—				28,389				—
	Other liabilities — cash flow hedging interest rate swaps (a)	7,287				—				7,287				—
	Other liabilities — trading interest rate swaps (a)	31,360				—				31,360				—
	(a)	The valuation of swaps and caps is determined using widely accepted valuation techniques including discounted cash flow analysis on the expected cash flows of each derivative. This analysis reflects the contractual terms of the derivative, including the period to maturity, and uses observable market-based inputs. The Company incorporates credit valuation adjustments to appropriately reflect both its own nonperformance risk and the respective counterparty’s nonperformance risk in the fair value measurement of its derivatives. In adjusting pthe fair value of its derivative contracts for the effect of nonperformance risk, the Company has considered the impact of netting and any applicable credit enhancements, such as collateral postings and guarantees. The Company utilizes the exception in ASC 820-10-35-18D (commonly referred to as the “portfolio exception”) with respect to measuring counterparty credit risk for instruments (Note 8).
	(b)	The total return swap is valued based on the estimated market value of the underlying bonds pledged to the associated credit facility.
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Nonrecurring Basis	The following table presents the Company’s assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis at December 31, 2014 and 2013, and are categorized using the fair value hierarchy:
		Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2014
		Total				Quoted Prices				Significant				Significant
						in Active				Other				Unobservable
						Markets for				Observable				Inputs
						Identical Assets				Inputs				(Level 3)
						(Level 1)				(Level 2)
	Other assets — repossessed vehicles	$	134,926			$	—			$	134,926			$	—
		Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2013
		Total				Quoted Prices				Significant				Significant
						in Active				Other				Unobservable
						Markets for				Observable				Inputs
						Identical Assets				Inputs				(Level 3)
						(Level 1)				(Level 2)
	Other assets — repossessed vehicles	$	129,323			$	—			$	129,323			$	—

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Tables

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Summary of Stock Options and Related Activity	A summary of the Company’s stock options and related activity as of and for the year ended December 31, 2014 is as follows:
		Shares			Weighted				Weighted	Aggregate
					Average				Average	Intrinsic
					Exercise				Remaining	Value
					Price				Contractual
									Term (Years)
	Options outstanding at January 1, 2014	23,910,062			$	9.81			8	$	267,634
	Granted	1,731,329			23.5
	Exercised	(3,109,281	)		9.61					44,863
	Expired	—			—
	Forfeited	(1,174,199	)		12.02
	Options outstanding at December 31, 2014	21,357,911			10.82				7.2	$	187,637
	Options exercisable at December 31, 2014	16,870,180			10.2				7	$	158,770
	Options expected to vest at December 31, 2014	3,834,783			14.95				7.8
	A summary of the status and changes of the Company's nonvested stock option shares as of and for the year ended December 31, 2014, is presented below:
				Shares			Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
	Non-vested at January 1, 2014			14,451,593			$	5.98
	Granted			1,731,329			7.99
	Vested			(10,520,992	)		5.95
	Forfeited			(1,174,199	)		6.4
	Non-vested at December 31, 2014			4,487,731			$	6.72
Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block]	The following summarizes the assumptions used for estimating the fair value of stock options granted under the Management Equity Plan to employees for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012.
		For the Year Ended December 31,
		2014		2013		2012
	Assumption
	Risk-free interest rate	1.94% - 2.12%		1.08% - 1.11%		0.88% - 1.28%
	Expected life (in years)	6.0 - 6.5		6.5		6.5
	Expected volatility	49% - 51%		50%		66%-67%
	Dividend yield	2.3% - 4.2%		0.38%		1.92%
	Weighted average grant date fair value	$7.54 - $8.38		$6.56 - $7.46		$5.56 - $6.06

Shareholders_Equity_Tables

Shareholders' Equity (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]
Summary of Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	A summary of changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, for the year ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 is as follows:
		Unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges (a)			Unrealized gains (losses) on investments available for sale (a)				Total
	Balance - January 1, 2012	$	(19,687	)	$	8,191			$	(11,496	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before	(9,259		)	(6,319		)		(15,578		)
	reclassifications
	Amounts reclassified out of accumulated	16,530			1,380				17,910
	other comprehensive income (loss) (b)
	Balance - December 31, 2012	(12,416		)	3,252				(9,164		)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before	(2,761		)	(2,490		)		(5,251		)
	reclassifications
	Amounts reclassified out of accumulated	12,324			(762		)		11,562
	other comprehensive income (loss) (b)
	Balance - December 31, 2013	(2,853		)	—				(2,853		)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before	(14,636		)	—				(14,636		)
	reclassifications
	Amounts reclassified out of accumulated	21,042			—				21,042
	other comprehensive income (loss) (b)
	Balance - December 31, 2014	$	3,553		$	—			$	3,553
	(a)	Amounts in this table are net of tax
	(b)	Amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) consist of the following:
		Year Ended December 31, 2014					Year Ended December 31, 2013
	Reclassification	Amount reclassified			Income statement line item		Amount reclassified				Income statement line item
	Cash flow hedges:
	Settlements of derivatives	$	33,235		Interest expense		$	19,526			Interest expense
	Tax expense (benefit)	(12,193		)			(7,202		)
	Net of tax	$	21,042				$	12,324
	Investments available for sale:
	Discount accretion	$	—				$	(1,208	)		Interest expense
	Tax expense (benefit)	—					446
	Net of tax	$	—				$	(762	)
Reclassification of Amounts Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) consist of the following:
		Year Ended December 31, 2014					Year Ended December 31, 2013
	Reclassification	Amount reclassified			Income statement line item		Amount reclassified				Income statement line item
	Cash flow hedges:
	Settlements of derivatives	$	33,235		Interest expense		$	19,526			Interest expense
	Tax expense (benefit)	(12,193		)			(7,202		)
	Net of tax	$	21,042				$	12,324
	Investments available for sale:
	Discount accretion	$	—				$	(1,208	)		Interest expense
	Tax expense (benefit)	—					446
	Net of tax	$	—				$	(762	)

Quarterly_Financial_Data_unaud1

Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information	The following is a summary of quarterly financial results:
		First Quarter		Second Quarter		Third Quarter		Fourth Quarter
	Year ended December 31, 2014
	Total finance and other interest income	$	1,287,702	$	1,383,260	$	1,443,488	$	1,455,210
	Net finance and other interest income	1,043,187		1,075,811		1,113,956		1,073,267
	Income before income taxes	129,507		390,124		281,766		408,591
	Net income	81,466		246,481		191,369		247,033
	Net income attributable to Santander Consumer USA Holdings Inc. shareholders	$	81,466	$	246,481	$	191,369	$	247,033
	Net income per common share (basic)	$	0.23	$	0.71	$	0.55	$	0.71
	Net income per common share (diluted)	$	0.23	$	0.69	$	0.54	$	0.69
	Year ended December 31, 2013
	Total finance and other interest income	$	814,592	$	912,561	$	1,062,620	$	1,144,248
	Net finance and other interest income	731,595		818,057		900,546		953,495
	Income before income taxes	441,657		285,193		177,307		180,931
	Net income	288,859		181,064		$	111,821	$	113,926
	Net income attributable to Santander Consumer USA Holdings Inc. shareholders	$	290,402	$	181,918	$	111,245	$	113,926
	Net income per common share (basic)	$	0.84	$	0.53	$	0.32	$	0.33
	Net income per common share (diluted)	$	0.84	$	0.53	$	0.32	$	0.33

Description_of_Business_Basis_2

Description of Business, Basis of Presentation, and Changes in Significant Accounting Policies and Practices - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
	segment
	entity
Basis Of Presentation And Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of reportable segments	1
Lease, period to be considered delinquent	60 days
Inventory repossession period	60 days
Number of noncontrolling interests entities	2
Abandonment of noncontrolling interest		$14,058,000
Investments included in other assets	6,000,000	6,000,000
Goodwill, impairment expense	0	0
Goodwill, accumulated impairment charges	0	0
Long-lived intangible assets, impairment expense	0	0
Accumulated impairment of intangible assets, finite lived	0	0
Increase in ownership in the invested company	22.00%
Furniture and Equipment
Basis Of Presentation And Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization	13,069,000
Furniture and Equipment | Minimum
Basis Of Presentation And Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Furniture and equipment, useful life	3 years
Furniture and Equipment | Maximum
Basis Of Presentation And Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Furniture and equipment, useful life	10 years
Noncontrolling Interests
Basis Of Presentation And Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Abandonment of noncontrolling interest		$38,111,000
Automobile Loan
Basis Of Presentation And Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Interest accrual, period	60 days
Revolving Unsecured Consumer Loans, Net
Basis Of Presentation And Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Interest accrual, period	60 days
Period for loans to become contractually delinquent	180 days
Amortizing Unsecured Consumer Loans, Net
Basis Of Presentation And Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Interest accrual, period	180 days
Retail Installment Contracts
Basis Of Presentation And Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Period for loans to become contractually delinquent	120 days
Term Unsecured Consumer Loans
Basis Of Presentation And Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Period for loans to become contractually delinquent	120 days
SHUSA
Basis Of Presentation And Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Ownership percentage held by third parties	60.50%
Auto Finance Holdings
Basis Of Presentation And Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Ownership percentage held by third parties	0.30%
DDFS LLC
Basis Of Presentation And Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Ownership percentage held by third parties	10.00%
Public Shareholders
Basis Of Presentation And Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Ownership percentage held by third parties	29.10%
Other Related Parties
Basis Of Presentation And Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Ownership percentage held by third parties	0.10%
Chrysler Group
Basis Of Presentation And Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Financing contract term	10 years

Finance_Receivables_Summary_of

Finance Receivables - Summary of Finance Receivables Held for Investment (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accounts Notes And Loans Receivable [Line Items]
Retail installment contracts held for investment, net	$21,954,445	$20,219,609
Loans Acquired Individually
Accounts Notes And Loans Receivable [Line Items]
Retail installment contracts held for investment, net	21,270,586	18,566,121
Receivables From Dealers Held for Investments
Accounts Notes And Loans Receivable [Line Items]
Retail installment contracts held for investment, net	99,490	94,745
Unsecured Consumer Loans
Accounts Notes And Loans Receivable [Line Items]
Retail installment contracts held for investment, net	1,779,777	954,189
Unpaid Principal Balance | Loans Acquired Individually
Accounts Notes And Loans Receivable [Line Items]
Retail installment contracts held for investment, net	24,555,106	21,238,281
Unpaid Principal Balance | Receivables From Dealers Held for Investments
Accounts Notes And Loans Receivable [Line Items]
Retail installment contracts held for investment, net	100,164	95,835
Unpaid Principal Balance | Unsecured Consumer Loans
Accounts Notes And Loans Receivable [Line Items]
Retail installment contracts held for investment, net	2,128,769	1,165,778
Credit Loss Allowance | Loans Acquired Individually
Accounts Notes And Loans Receivable [Line Items]
Retail installment contracts held for investment, net	-2,726,338	-2,132,634
Credit Loss Allowance | Receivables From Dealers Held for Investments
Accounts Notes And Loans Receivable [Line Items]
Retail installment contracts held for investment, net	-674	-1,090
Credit Loss Allowance | Unsecured Consumer Loans
Accounts Notes And Loans Receivable [Line Items]
Retail installment contracts held for investment, net	-348,660	-179,350
Discount | Loans Acquired Individually
Accounts Notes And Loans Receivable [Line Items]
Retail installment contracts held for investment, net	-597,862	-573,462
Discount | Receivables From Dealers Held for Investments
Accounts Notes And Loans Receivable [Line Items]
Retail installment contracts held for investment, net	0	0
Discount | Unsecured Consumer Loans
Accounts Notes And Loans Receivable [Line Items]
Retail installment contracts held for investment, net	-1,356	-32,831
Capitalized Origination Costs and Fees | Loans Acquired Individually
Accounts Notes And Loans Receivable [Line Items]
Retail installment contracts held for investment, net	39,680	33,936
Capitalized Origination Costs and Fees | Receivables From Dealers Held for Investments
Accounts Notes And Loans Receivable [Line Items]
Retail installment contracts held for investment, net	0	0
Capitalized Origination Costs and Fees | Unsecured Consumer Loans
Accounts Notes And Loans Receivable [Line Items]
Retail installment contracts held for investment, net	$1,024	$592

Finance_Receivables_Finance_Re

Finance Receivables Finance Receivables - Finance Receivables Held for Investment with Deteriorated Credit Quality (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Receivables [Abstract]
Unpaid principal balance	$846,355	$1,961,060
Outstanding recorded investment	873,134	1,879,844
Less: Impairment	-189,275	-226,356
Outstanding recorded investment, net of impairment	$683,859	$1,653,488

Finance_Receivables_Changes_in

Finance Receivables - Changes in Accretable Yield on Purchased Receivables Portfolios (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer Not Accounted for as Debt Securities, Accretable Yield Movement Schedule [Roll Forward]
Balance — beginning of year	$403,400	$816,854	$1,373,174
Additions (loans acquired during the year)	0	0	16,338
Accretion of accretable yield	-194,996	-493,778	-700,362
Reclassifications from nonaccretable difference	56,012	80,324	127,704
Balance — end of year	$264,416	$403,400	$816,854

Finance_Receivables_Additional

Finance Receivables - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 16, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule Of Financing Receivables [Line Items]
Retail installment contracts held for sale		$45,424,000	$56,066,000
Principal amount sold on loans securitized		6,620,620,000	2,505,442,000
Servicing of sold retail installment contracts		7,372,884,000	2,847,656,000
Unpaid principal balance of fleet contracts with commercial consumers		816,100,000	345,177,000
Committed amount		16,643,137,000	15,273,673,000
Utilized balance		10,092,327,000	8,099,773,000
Texas
Schedule Of Financing Receivables [Line Items]
Retail installment contracts held for investment		18.00%
Percentage of unsecured consumer loans		8.00%
Florida
Schedule Of Financing Receivables [Line Items]
Retail installment contracts held for investment		11.00%
Percentage of unsecured consumer loans		7.00%
California
Schedule Of Financing Receivables [Line Items]
Retail installment contracts held for investment		9.00%
Percentage of remaining receivable from dealers held for investment		16.00%
Percentage of unsecured consumer loans		10.00%
Georgia
Schedule Of Financing Receivables [Line Items]
Retail installment contracts held for investment		5.00%
Other States (less than 5%)
Schedule Of Financing Receivables [Line Items]
Retail installment contracts held for investment		5.00%
Percentage of remaining receivable from dealers held for investment		5.00%
Percentage of unsecured consumer loans		5.00%
Ohio
Schedule Of Financing Receivables [Line Items]
Percentage of remaining receivable from dealers held for investment		26.00%
Virginia
Schedule Of Financing Receivables [Line Items]
Percentage of remaining receivable from dealers held for investment		22.00%
New York
Schedule Of Financing Receivables [Line Items]
Percentage of remaining receivable from dealers held for investment		14.00%
Percentage of unsecured consumer loans		8.00%
Tennessee
Schedule Of Financing Receivables [Line Items]
Percentage of remaining receivable from dealers held for investment		8.00%
Louisiana
Schedule Of Financing Receivables [Line Items]
Percentage of remaining receivable from dealers held for investment		6.00%
Receivables From Dealers
Schedule Of Financing Receivables [Line Items]
Retail installment contracts held for sale		1,161,000	26,437,000
Principal amount sold on loans securitized	18,227,000	18,227,000	222,384,000
Servicing receivable, net purchase price	347,000	347,000	819,000
Additional proceeds from sale of loans if conditions are met	694,000
Receivables From Dealers Held for Investments
Schedule Of Financing Receivables [Line Items]
Committed amount		50,000,000	50,000,000
Utilized balance		$50,000,000	$50,000,000

Leases_Summary_of_Leased_Vehic

Leases - Summary of Leased Vehicles (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Property Subject To Or Available For Operating Lease [Line Items]
Leased property expenses	$5,667,412	$2,145,616
Less: accumulated depreciation	-804,629	-122,183
Leased property expenses, net	4,862,783	2,023,433
Leased Vehicles
Property Subject To Or Available For Operating Lease [Line Items]
Leased property expenses	6,309,096	2,402,052
Origination Fees and Other Costs
Property Subject To Or Available For Operating Lease [Line Items]
Leased property expenses	4,190	2,716
Manufacturer Subvention Payments
Property Subject To Or Available For Operating Lease [Line Items]
Leased property expenses	($645,874)	($259,152)

Leases_Future_Minimum_Rental_P

Leases - Future Minimum Rental Payments Due to Lessor under Operating Leases (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable [Abstract]
2015	$867,133
2016	722,904
2017	274,913
2018	12,660
2019	0
Thereafter	0
Total	$1,877,610

Leases_Summary_of_Capital_Leas

Leases - Summary of Capital Lease Receivables (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Leases [Abstract]
Gross investment in capital leases	$137,543
Origination fees and other	78
Less unearned income	-46,193
Net investment in capital leases before allowance	91,428
Less: allowance for lease losses	-9,589
Net investment in capital leases	$81,839	$0

Leases_Future_Minimum_Rental_R

Leases - Future Minimum Rental Receivable under Capital Leases (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, Rolling Maturity [Abstract]
2015	$33,024
2016	33,024
2017	32,952
2018	31,618
2019	6,924
Thereafter	1
Total	$137,543

Loan_and_Lease_Loss_Allowance_2

Loan and Lease Loss Allowance and Credit Quality - Summary of Activity in Loan Loss Allowance (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Retail Installment Contracts Acquired Individually
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses [Roll Forward]
Balance — beginning of year	$2,132,634	$1,555,362	$993,213
Provision for loan/lease losses	2,211,055	1,651,416	1,119,074
Charge-offs	-3,341,047	-2,094,149	-1,000,178
Recoveries	1,723,696	1,020,005	443,253
Balance — end of year	2,726,338	2,132,634	1,555,362
Receivables from Dealers Held for Investments
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses [Roll Forward]
Balance — beginning of year	1,090	0	0
Provision for loan/lease losses	-416	1,090	0
Charge-offs	0	0	0
Recoveries	0	0	0
Balance — end of year	674	1,090	0
Unsecured Consumer Loans
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses [Roll Forward]
Balance — beginning of year	179,350	0	0
Provision for loan/lease losses	434,030	192,745	0
Charge-offs	-286,331	-13,413	0
Recoveries	21,611	18	0
Balance — end of year	348,660	179,350	0
Capital Lease Receivable
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses [Roll Forward]
Balance — beginning of year	0
Provision for loan/lease losses	9,991
Charge-offs	-804
Recoveries	402
Balance — end of year	$9,589

Loan_and_Lease_Loss_Allowance_3

Loan and Lease Loss Allowance and Credit Quality - Summary of Activity in Loan Loss Allowance Related to Purchased Receivables Portfolios (Details) (Purchased Receivables Portfolios, USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Purchased Receivables Portfolios
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses [Roll Forward]
Balance — beginning of year	$226,356	$218,640	$215,262
Incremental provisions for purchased receivable portfolios	3,568	313,021	161,687
Incremental reversal of provisions for purchased receivable portfolios	-41,285	-305,305	-158,309
Balance — end of year	$188,639	$226,356	$218,640

Loan_and_Lease_Loss_Allowance_4

Loan and Lease Loss Allowance and Credit Quality - Summary of Delinquencies (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Financing Receivable Recorded Investment Past Due [Line Items]
Principal, 31-60 days past due	$2,450,837,000	$2,050,688,000
Delinquent principal over 60 days	1,103,053,000	1,037,013,000
Total delinquent principal	3,553,890,000	3,087,701,000
Loans Acquired Individually
Financing Receivable Recorded Investment Past Due [Line Items]
Principal, 31-60 days past due	2,319,203,000	1,729,139,000
Delinquent principal over 60 days	1,030,580,000	855,315,000
Total delinquent principal	3,349,783,000	2,584,454,000
Purchased Receivables Portfolios
Financing Receivable Recorded Investment Past Due [Line Items]
Principal, 31-60 days past due	131,634,000	321,549,000
Delinquent principal over 60 days	72,473,000	181,698,000
Total delinquent principal	204,107,000	503,247,000
Unsecured Consumer Loans
Financing Receivable Recorded Investment Past Due [Line Items]
Principal, 31-60 days past due	52,452,000	28,102,000
Delinquent principal over 60 days	138,400,000	65,360,000
Total delinquent principal	190,852,000	93,462,000
Receivables From Dealers
Financing Receivable Recorded Investment Past Due [Line Items]
Total delinquent principal	0	0
Nonperforming loans	0	0
Receivables Held-for-sale
Financing Receivable Recorded Investment Past Due [Line Items]
Nonperforming loans	$0	$0

Loan_and_Lease_Loss_Allowance_5

Loan and Lease Loss Allowance and Credit Quality - Summary of Credit Risk Profile (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Retail Installment Contracts
Financing Receivable Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Consumer loans without FICO scores	$2,945,297		$1,944,204
FICO Band 540
Financing Receivable Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Retail Installment Contracts Held for Investment	26.40%	[1]	26.80%	[1]
Unsecured Consumer Loans	3.30%	[2]	6.30%	[2]
FICO Band 540-599
Financing Receivable Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Retail Installment Contracts Held for Investment	32.60%	[1]	31.80%	[1]
Unsecured Consumer Loans	20.10%	[2]	24.20%	[2]
FICO Band 600-639
Financing Receivable Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Retail Installment Contracts Held for Investment	20.50%	[1]	20.30%	[1]
Unsecured Consumer Loans	21.40%	[2]	30.40%	[2]
FICO Band 640
Financing Receivable Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Retail Installment Contracts Held for Investment	20.50%	[1]	21.10%	[1]
Unsecured Consumer Loans	55.20%	[2]	39.10%	[2]
[1]	Excluded from the FICO distribution is $2,945,297 and $1,944,204 as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, as the borrowers on these loans did not have FICO scores at origination.
[2]	Excluded from the FICO distribution is an insignificant amount of loans to borrowers that did not have FICO scores at origination.

Loan_and_Lease_Loss_Allowance_6

Loan and Lease Loss Allowance and Credit Quality - Summary Commercial Loan Credit Quality Indicators for Receivables from Dealers Held for Investment (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Loans and Leases Receivable, Allowance [Abstract]
Unpaid principal balance of fleet contracts with commercial consumers	$816,100	$345,177
Fleet Contract Receivable | Special Mention
Financing Receivable Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Commercial Loan Credit Quality Indicators	300
Receivables From Dealers
Financing Receivable Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Commercial Loan Credit Quality Indicators	100,164	95,835
Receivables From Dealers | Pass
Financing Receivable Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Commercial Loan Credit Quality Indicators	97,903	95,835
Receivables From Dealers | Special Mention
Financing Receivable Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Commercial Loan Credit Quality Indicators	2,261	0
Receivables From Dealers | Substandard
Financing Receivable Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Commercial Loan Credit Quality Indicators	0	0
Receivables From Dealers | Doubtful
Financing Receivable Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Commercial Loan Credit Quality Indicators	0	0
Receivables From Dealers | Loss
Financing Receivable Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Commercial Loan Credit Quality Indicators	$0	$0

Loan_and_Lease_Loss_Allowance_7

Loan and Lease Loss Allowance and Credit Quality - Summary of Company's TDRs (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Financing Receivable Modifications [Line Items]
Accrued interest	$364,676,000	$319,157,000
Receivables From Dealers
Financing Receivable Modifications [Line Items]
Total TDR principal	0	0
Retail Installment Contracts
Financing Receivable Modifications [Line Items]
Total TDR principal	4,191,208,000	2,604,351,000
Accrued interest	111,103,000	70,965,000
Discount	-102,047,000	-70,321,000
Origination costs	6,773,000	4,161,000
Outstanding recorded investment	4,207,037,000	2,609,156,000
Impairment	-797,240,000	-475,128,000
Outstanding recorded investment, net of impairment	3,409,797,000	2,134,028,000
Unsecured Consumer Loans
Financing Receivable Modifications [Line Items]
Total TDR principal	17,347,000	8,391,000
Accrued interest	0	0
Discount	0	-274,000
Origination costs	9,000	5,000
Outstanding recorded investment	17,356,000	8,122,000
Impairment	-6,939,000	-2,345,000
Outstanding recorded investment, net of impairment	$10,417,000	$5,777,000

Loan_and_Lease_Loss_Allowance_8

Loan and Lease Loss Allowance and Credit Quality - Summary of Performing and Non-performing TDRs (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Retail Installment Contracts
Troubled Debt Restructuring Debtor Current Period [Line Items]
Principal, 31-60 days past due	$929,095	$556,489
Delinquent principal over 60 days	515,235	356,969
Total delinquent TDR principal	1,444,330	913,458
Unsecured Consumer Loans
Troubled Debt Restructuring Debtor Current Period [Line Items]
Principal, 31-60 days past due	1,595	875
Delinquent principal over 60 days	5,131	1,396
Total delinquent TDR principal	$6,726	$2,271

Loan_and_Lease_Loss_Allowance_9

Loan and Lease Loss Allowance and Credit Quality - Average Recorded Investment and Income Recognized on TDR Loans (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Retail Installment Contracts
Financing Receivable Modifications [Line Items]
Average outstanding recorded investment in TDRs	$3,289,520	$2,466,122	$1,257,446
Interest income recognized	481,843	322,965	171,878
Unsecured Consumer Loans
Financing Receivable Modifications [Line Items]
Average outstanding recorded investment in TDRs	14,061	3,260	0
Interest income recognized	$1,679	$269	$0

Recovered_Sheet1

Loan and Lease Loss Allowance and Credit Quality - Summary of Loan Modification Accounted as TDRs (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
	contract	contract	contract
Retail Installment Contracts
Financing Receivable Modifications [Line Items]
Outstanding recorded investment before TDR	$3,042,731	$1,755,241	$955,088
Outstanding recorded investment after TDR	3,039,419	1,747,837	949,883
Number of contracts	184,640	116,846	66,883
Unsecured Consumer Loans
Financing Receivable Modifications [Line Items]
Outstanding recorded investment before TDR	18,443	9,408	0
Outstanding recorded investment after TDR	$18,359	$9,264	$0
Number of contracts	16,614	13,196	0

Recovered_Sheet2

Loan and Lease Loss Allowance and Credit Quality - Summary of Defaults in Loan Modifications Accounted as TDRs (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
	contract	contract	contract
Retail Installment Contracts
Financing Receivable Modifications [Line Items]
Troubled debt restructurings that subsequently defaulted	$419,032	$79,714	$56,902
Number of contracts	36,843	6,383	4,907
Unsecured Consumer Loans
Financing Receivable Modifications [Line Items]
Troubled debt restructurings that subsequently defaulted	$3,437		$0
Number of contracts	3,401		0

Goodwill_and_Intangibles_Compo

Goodwill and Intangibles - Components of Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Accumulated Amortization	($21,990)	($15,205)
Gross Carrying Amount, Total	75,672	69,869
Net Carrying Value, Total	53,682	54,664
Customer Relationships [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Useful Life	10 years	10 years
Gross Carrying Amount	12,400	12,400
Accumulated Amortization	-8,163	-6,923
Net Carrying Value	4,237	5,477
Software and Technology [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Useful Life	3 years	3 years
Gross Carrying Amount	22,625	16,822
Accumulated Amortization	-11,480	-5,935
Net Carrying Value	11,145	10,887
Trademarks [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Useful Life	3 years	3 years
Gross Carrying Amount	2,347	2,347
Accumulated Amortization	-2,347	-2,347
Net Carrying Value	0	0
Trademarks [Member]
Acquired Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets not subject to amortization- trademarks	$38,300	$38,300

Goodwill_and_Intangibles_Sched

Goodwill and Intangibles - Schedule of Estimated Future Amortization Expense (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2015	$6,677
2016	5,191
2017	2,998
2018	516
2019 and thereafter	0
Estimated future amortization expense	$15,382

Goodwill_and_Intangibles_Addit

Goodwill and Intangibles - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill amortization	$5,463	$5,463
Amortization expense	$6,902	$4,509
Weighted average useful life of amortizing intangible assets	3 years 1 month 6 days	3 years 6 months

Debt_Schedule_of_Credit_Facili

Debt - Schedule of Credit Facilities (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Utilized balance	$10,092,327,000		$8,099,773,000
Committed amount	16,643,137,000		15,273,673,000
Assets pledged	6,968,449,000		4,490,044,000
Restricted cash pledged	197,854,000		89,118,000
Unsecured Debt [Member]
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Utilized balance	2,152,625,000		1,123,354,000
Warehouse Line, due June 2015
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maturity date	2015-06		2015-06
Utilized balance	243,736,000		1,360,070,000
Committed amount	500,000,000		2,000,000,000
Effective rate	1.17%		0.96%
Assets pledged	344,822,000		1,672,082,000
Restricted cash pledged	0		42,510,000
Warehouse Line, due Various
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maturity date	Various	[1]	Various
Utilized balance	397,452,000	[1]	159,300,000
Committed amount	1,244,318,000	[1]	1,219,474,000
Effective rate	1.26%	[1]	3.62%
Assets pledged	589,529,000	[1]	232,015,000
Restricted cash pledged	20,661,000	[1]	3,667,000
Warehouse Line, due June 2016
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maturity date	2016-06	[2]
Utilized balance	2,201,511,000	[2]
Committed amount	4,300,000,000	[2]
Effective rate	0.98%	[2]
Assets pledged	3,249,263,000	[2]
Restricted cash pledged	65,414,000	[2]
Warehouse Line, due June 2016
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maturity date	2016-06
Utilized balance	1,051,777,000
Committed amount	2,500,000,000
Effective rate	1.06%
Assets pledged	1,481,135,000
Restricted cash pledged	28,316,000
Warehouse Line, due July 2015
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maturity date	2015-07		2015-07
Utilized balance	0		495,786,000
Committed amount	500,000,000		500,000,000
Effective rate	0.00%		0.85%
Assets pledged	0		598,754,000
Restricted cash pledged	0		25,056,000
Warehouse Line, due September 2015
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maturity date	2015-09	[3]	2015-09
Utilized balance	199,980,000	[3]	73,080,000	[3]
Committed amount	200,000,000	[3]	200,000,000	[3]
Effective rate	1.96%	[3]	2.84%	[3]
Assets pledged	351,755,000	[3]	76,807,000	[3]
Restricted cash pledged	13,169,000	[3]	2,701,000	[3]
Repurchase Facilities, due Various
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maturity date	Various	[4]	Various
Utilized balance	923,225,000	[4]	879,199,000	[4]
Committed amount	923,225,000	[4]	879,199,000	[4]
Effective rate	1.63%	[4]	1.59%	[4]
Assets pledged	0	[4]	0	[4]
Restricted cash pledged	34,184,000	[4]	0	[4]
Warehouse Line, due December 2015
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maturity date	2015-12		2015-12
Utilized balance	468,565,000		210,000,000
Committed amount	750,000,000		750,000,000
Effective rate	0.93%		1.84%
Assets pledged	641,709,000		302,632,000
Restricted cash pledged	16,467,000		0
Warehouse Line, due November 2016
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maturity date	2016-11	[5]	2016-11
Utilized balance	175,000,000	[5]	175,000,000	[5]
Committed amount	175,000,000	[5]	175,000,000	[5]
Effective rate	1.71%	[5]	1.72%	[5]
Assets pledged	0	[5]	0	[5]
Restricted cash pledged	0	[5]	0	[5]
Warehouse Line, due October 2016
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maturity date	2016-10	[3]
Utilized balance	240,487,000	[3]
Committed amount	250,000,000	[3]
Effective rate	2.02%	[3]
Assets pledged	299,195,000	[3]
Restricted cash pledged	17,143,000	[3]
Warehouse Line, due November 2016
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maturity date	2016-11	[5]
Utilized balance	250,000,000	[5]
Committed amount	250,000,000	[5]
Effective rate	1.71%	[5]
Assets pledged	0	[5]
Restricted cash pledged	2,500,000	[5]
Warehouse Line, due March 2015
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maturity date	2015-03	[6]
Utilized balance	250,594,000	[6]
Committed amount	250,594,000	[6]
Effective rate	0.98%	[6]
Assets pledged	0	[6]
Restricted cash pledged	0	[6]
Warehouse Line, due June 2014
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maturity date			2014-06
Utilized balance			483,738,000
Committed amount			500,000,000
Effective rate			0.82%
Assets pledged			757,352,000
Restricted cash pledged			0
Warehouse Line, due April 2015
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maturity date			2015-04
Utilized balance			613,600,000	[2]
Committed amount			4,550,000,000	[2]
Effective rate			2.12%	[2]
Assets pledged			745,759,000	[2]
Restricted cash pledged			15,184,000	[2]
Total Facilities with Third Parties
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Utilized balance	6,402,327,000		4,449,773,000
Committed amount	11,843,137,000		10,773,673,000
Assets pledged	6,957,408,000		4,385,401,000
Restricted cash pledged	197,854,000		89,118,000
Line of Credit, due December 2016
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maturity date	2016-12	[7]	2016-12
Utilized balance	500,000,000	[7]	500,000,000	[7]
Committed amount	500,000,000	[7]	500,000,000	[7]
Effective rate	2.46%	[7]	2.48%	[7]
Assets pledged	1,340,000	[7]	10,674,000	[7]
Restricted cash pledged	0	[7]	0	[7]
Line of Credit, due December 2018
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maturity date	2018-12	[7]	2018-12
Utilized balance	0	[7]	0	[7]
Committed amount	500,000,000	[7]	500,000,000	[7]
Effective rate	0.00%	[7]	3.10%	[7]
Assets pledged	0	[7]	0	[7]
Restricted cash pledged	0	[7]	0	[7]
Line of Credit, due December 2016
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maturity date	2016-12	[7]	2016-12
Utilized balance	1,750,000,000	[7]	1,750,000,000	[7]
Committed amount	1,750,000,000	[7]	1,750,000,000	[7]
Effective rate	2.33%	[7]	2.09%	[7]
Assets pledged	0	[7]	0	[7]
Restricted cash pledged	0	[7]	0	[7]
Line of Credit, due December 2018
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maturity date	2018-12	[7]	2018-12
Utilized balance	1,140,000,000	[7]	1,400,000,000	[7]
Committed amount	1,750,000,000	[7]	1,750,000,000	[7]
Effective rate	2.85%	[7]	2.58%	[7]
Assets pledged	9,701,000	[7]	93,969,000	[7]
Restricted cash pledged	0	[7]	0	[7]
Line of Credit, due March 2017
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maturity date	2017-03	[7]
Utilized balance	300,000,000	[7]
Committed amount	300,000,000	[7]
Effective rate	1.71%	[7]
Assets pledged	0	[7]
Restricted cash pledged	0	[7]
Total Facilities with Santander and Related Subsidiaries
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Utilized balance	3,690,000,000	[7]	3,650,000,000
Committed amount	4,800,000,000	[7]	4,500,000,000
Assets pledged	11,041,000	[7]	104,643,000
Restricted cash pledged	$0	[7]	$0
Repurchase Facilities with Maturity up to 30 Days [Member]
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt term	30 days
Repurchase Facilities with Maturity up to 90 Days [Member]
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt term	90 days
[1]	Half of the outstanding balance on this facility matures in March 2015 and half in March 2016.
[2]	This line is held exclusively for Chrysler Capital retail loan and lease financing.
[3]	This line is held exclusively for unsecured consumer term loans.
[4]	The repurchase facility is collateralized by securitization notes payable retained by the Company. This facility has rolling 30-day and 90- day maturities
[5]	This line is collateralized by residuals retained by the Company
[6]	This line is collateralized by securitization notes payable retained by the Company
[7]	These lines are also collateralized by securitization notes payable and residuals retained by the Company. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, $2,152,625 and $1,123,354, respectively, of the aggregate outstanding balances on these facilities were unsecured

Debt_Summary_of_Secured_Struct

Debt - Summary of Secured Structured Financings (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Balance	17,718,974		15,195,887
Initial Note Amounts Issued	10,092,327		8,099,773
Restricted Cash	197,854		89,118
Secured Structured Financings
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Balance	17,718,974		15,195,887
Initial Note Amounts Issued	35,182,041		33,127,485
Collateral	23,460,239		19,133,315
Restricted Cash	1,465,085		1,280,881
Secured Structured Financings | 2010 Securitizations
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Original Estimated Maturity Dates	2017-11
Balance	81,907		632,251
Initial Note Amounts Issued	1,632,420		4,671,749
Initial Weighted Average Interest Rate	1.04%
Collateral	234,706		1,143,435
Restricted Cash	58,740		205,190
Secured Structured Financings | 2010 Securitizations | Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Original Estimated Maturity Dates			2016-10
Initial Weighted Average Interest Rate			1.04%
Secured Structured Financings | 2010 Securitizations | Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Original Estimated Maturity Dates			2017-11
Initial Weighted Average Interest Rate			1.44%
Secured Structured Financings | 2011 Securitizations
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Balance	421,315		1,218,208
Initial Note Amounts Issued	3,536,550		5,605,609
Collateral	699,875		1,634,220
Restricted Cash	115,962		195,854
Secured Structured Financings | 2011 Securitizations | Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Original Estimated Maturity Dates	2016-06		2015-10
Initial Weighted Average Interest Rate	1.21%		1.21%
Secured Structured Financings | 2011 Securitizations | Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Original Estimated Maturity Dates	2017-09		2017-09
Initial Weighted Average Interest Rate	2.80%		2.80%
Secured Structured Financings | 2012 Securitizations
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Balance	2,296,687		4,061,127
Initial Note Amounts Issued	8,023,840		8,023,840
Collateral	3,006,426		5,013,135
Restricted Cash	318,373		383,677
Secured Structured Financings | 2012 Securitizations | Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Original Estimated Maturity Dates	2017-11		2017-11
Initial Weighted Average Interest Rate	0.92%		0.92%
Secured Structured Financings | 2012 Securitizations | Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Original Estimated Maturity Dates	2018-12		2018-12
Initial Weighted Average Interest Rate	1.68%		1.68%
Secured Structured Financings | 2013 Securitizations
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Balance	3,426,242		5,503,580
Initial Note Amounts Issued	6,689,700		6,689,700
Collateral	4,231,006		6,465,840
Restricted Cash	320,182		351,160
Secured Structured Financings | 2013 Securitizations | Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Original Estimated Maturity Dates	2019-01		2019-01
Initial Weighted Average Interest Rate	0.89%		0.89%
Secured Structured Financings | 2013 Securitizations | Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Original Estimated Maturity Dates	2021-01		2021-01
Initial Weighted Average Interest Rate	1.59%		1.59%
Secured Structured Financings | 2014 Securitizations
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Balance	5,211,346
Initial Note Amounts Issued	6,800,420
Collateral	6,173,229
Restricted Cash	370,790
Secured Structured Financings | 2014 Securitizations | Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Original Estimated Maturity Dates	2018-08
Initial Weighted Average Interest Rate	1.16%
Secured Structured Financings | 2014 Securitizations | Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Original Estimated Maturity Dates	2021-01
Initial Weighted Average Interest Rate	1.72%
Secured Structured Financings | Public Securitizations
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Balance	11,437,497	[1]	11,415,166	[1]
Initial Note Amounts Issued	26,682,930	[1]	24,990,898	[1]
Collateral	14,345,242	[1]	14,256,630	[1]
Restricted Cash	1,184,047	[1]	1,135,881	[1]
Secured Structured Financings | 2010 Private Issuance
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Balance	172,652	[2]	219,704
Initial Note Amounts Issued	516,000	[2]	516,000
Initial Weighted Average Interest Rate	1.29%	[2]	1.29%
Collateral	303,361	[2]	378,434
Restricted Cash	8,009	[2]	8,435
Secured Structured Financings | 2010 Private Issuance | Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Original Estimated Maturity Dates	2011-06		2011-06
Secured Structured Financings | 2011 Private Issuances
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Balance	859,309		662,138
Initial Note Amounts Issued	1,700,000		4,856,525
Collateral	1,316,903		908,304
Restricted Cash	52,524		36,449
Secured Structured Financings | 2011 Private Issuances | Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Initial Weighted Average Interest Rate	1.46%		1.46%
Secured Structured Financings | 2011 Private Issuances | Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Original Estimated Maturity Dates	2018-12		2018-12
Initial Weighted Average Interest Rate	1.80%		1.80%
Secured Structured Financings | 2012 Private Issuance
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Balance	5,682		30,526
Initial Note Amounts Issued	70,308		70,308
Initial Weighted Average Interest Rate	1.07%		1.07%
Collateral	11,760		35,378
Restricted Cash	1,086		3,016
Secured Structured Financings | 2012 Private Issuance | Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Original Estimated Maturity Dates	2016-05		2016-05
Secured Structured Financings | 2013 Private Issuance
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Balance	2,629,278		2,868,353
Initial Note Amounts Issued	2,693,754		2,693,754
Collateral	3,703,685		3,554,569
Restricted Cash	98,063		97,100
Secured Structured Financings | 2013 Private Issuance | Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Original Estimated Maturity Dates	2018-09		2018-09
Initial Weighted Average Interest Rate	1.13%		1.13%
Secured Structured Financings | 2013 Private Issuance | Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Original Estimated Maturity Dates	2020-09		2020-09
Initial Weighted Average Interest Rate	1.38%		1.38%
Secured Structured Financings | 2014 Private Issuance
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Balance	2,614,556
Initial Note Amounts Issued	3,519,049
Collateral	3,779,288
Restricted Cash	121,356
Secured Structured Financings | 2014 Private Issuance | Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Original Estimated Maturity Dates	2015-11
Initial Weighted Average Interest Rate	1.05%
Secured Structured Financings | 2014 Private Issuance | Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Original Estimated Maturity Dates	2021-12
Initial Weighted Average Interest Rate	1.85%
Secured Structured Financings | Privately Issued Amortizing Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Balance	6,281,477		3,780,721
Initial Note Amounts Issued	8,499,111		8,136,587
Collateral	9,114,997		4,876,685
Restricted Cash	281,038		145,000
[1]	Securitizations executed under Rule 144A of the Securities Act are included within this balance.
[2]	This securitization was amended in May 2014 resulting in additional borrowings and an extended maturity date of May 2015.

Debt_Weighted_Aveage_Interest_

Debt - Weighted Aveage Interest Rate and Debt Maturities (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes payable - secured structured financings	$17,718,974	$15,195,887
2015, weighted average interest rate	1.17%
2016, weighted average interest rate	1.79%
2017, weighted average interest rate	1.79%
2018, weighted average interest rate	1.48%
2019, weighted average interest rate	1.53%
Thereafter, weighted average interest rate	1.44%
Notes Payable - Secured Structured Financings
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
2015, 1.17%	872,652
2016, 1.79%	145,129
2017, 1.79%	1,719,937
2018, 1.48%	2,290,444
2019, 1.53%	2,197,182
Thereafter, 1.44%	10,529,781
Notes payable - secured structured financings, gross	17,755,125
Less: unamortized costs	-36,151
Notes payable - secured structured financings	$17,718,974

Debt_Additional_Information_De

Debt - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Committed amount	$16,643,137,000		$15,273,673,000
Private issuance notes secured with vehicle lease	1,959,033,000
Interest expense on secured structured financing	238,394,000		233,564,000	234,101,000
Maturity Year One
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt term	3 years
Credit facility maturity date	31-Dec-16
Maturity Year Two
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt term	5 years
Total Facilities with Santander and Related Subsidiaries
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Committed amount	4,500,000,000	[1],[2]
Line of Credit Facility Five
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Committed amount	$300,000,000	[3]
[1]	This line is collateralized by residuals retained by the Company
[2]	This line is collateralized by securitization notes payable retained by the Company
[3]	These lines are also collateralized by securitization notes payable and residuals retained by the Company. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, $2,152,625 and $1,123,354, respectively, of the aggregate outstanding balances on these facilities were unsecured

Variable_Interest_Entities_Sum

Variable Interest Entities - Summary of Assets and Liabilities Related to VIEs (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Securitization or Asset-backed Financing Arrangement, Financial Asset for which Transfer is Accounted as Sale [Line Items]
Restricted cash	$1,920,857	$1,563,613
Retail installment contracts, net	21,954,445	20,219,609
Various other assets	505,873	410,305
Notes payable	10,092,327	8,099,773
Various other liabilities	117,778	102,163
Variable Interest Entities
Securitization or Asset-backed Financing Arrangement, Financial Asset for which Transfer is Accounted as Sale [Line Items]
Restricted cash	1,626,257	1,370,174
Retail installment contracts, net	21,366,121	19,166,392
Leased vehicles, net	4,862,783	2,023,433
Various other assets	1,301,992	541,469
Notes payable	27,796,999	23,810,950
Various other liabilities	$0	$25,682

Variable_Interest_Entities_Sum1

Variable Interest Entities - Summary of Cash Flows Received from Securitization Trusts (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Securitization or Asset-backed Financing Arrangement, Financial Asset for which Transfer is Accounted as Sale [Line Items]
Receivables securitized	$14,251,258		$11,589,632		$9,197,555
Net proceeds from new securitizations	11,948,421	[1]	9,980,538	[1]	7,999,556	[1]
Net proceeds from sale of retained bonds	0		98,650		0
Cash received for servicing fees (b)	632,955	[2]	506,656	[2]	420,315	[2]
Cash received upon release from reserved and restricted cash accounts (b)	810	[2]	9,933	[2]	38,693	[2]
Net distributions from Trusts (b)	1,386,833	[2]	1,482,425	[2]	1,097,326	[2]
Total cash received from securitization trusts	13,969,019		12,078,202		9,555,890
VIE, Not Primary Beneficiary
Securitization or Asset-backed Financing Arrangement, Financial Asset for which Transfer is Accounted as Sale [Line Items]
Receivables securitized	1,802,461		1,091,282
Net proceeds from new securitizations	1,894,052		1,140,416
Cash received for servicing fees (b)	17,000		1,863
Total cash received from securitization trusts	$1,911,052		$1,142,279
[1]	Includes additional advances on existing securitizations
[2]	These amounts are not reflected in the accompanying consolidated statements of cash flows because the cash flows are between the VIEs and other entities included in the consolidation.

Variable_Interest_Entities_Add

Variable Interest Entities - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Jun. 27, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Securitization or Asset-backed Financing Arrangement, Financial Asset for which Transfer is Accounted as Sale [Line Items]
Gross retail installment contracts transferred	$24,611,624,000		$21,935,874,000
Depreciated net capitalized cost	4,862,783,000		2,023,433,000
SBNA
Securitization or Asset-backed Financing Arrangement, Financial Asset for which Transfer is Accounted as Sale [Line Items]
Servicing fees	80,000
VIE, Not Primary Beneficiary | SBNA | Consumer Vehicle Lease
Securitization or Asset-backed Financing Arrangement, Financial Asset for which Transfer is Accounted as Sale [Line Items]
Depreciated net capitalized cost		369,114,000
Net book value		317,275,000
Proceeds from sale		322,851,000
Total gain from sale		4,570,000
VIE, Not Primary Beneficiary | Chrysler Capital
Securitization or Asset-backed Financing Arrangement, Financial Asset for which Transfer is Accounted as Sale [Line Items]
Gross retail installment contracts transferred	2,157,808,000		1,017,756,000
Retail installment contracts gross	1,802,461,000		1,091,282,000
Gain on retail installment contracts	72,443,000		24,575,000
Maximum exposure to loss, involvement with the VIE	$0

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen2

Derivative Financial Instruments - Summary of Underlying Notional Amounts and Aggregate Fair Values (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional	$16,330,771	$10,461,378
Interest Rate Swaps | Designated as Cash Flow Hedges
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional	8,020,000	3,873,000
Fair Value	3,827	-5,686
Interest Rate Swaps | Not Designated As Hedges
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional	3,206,000	3,444,459
Fair Value	-12,175	-31,360
Interest Rate Caps
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional	7,541,385	4,616,960
Fair Value	49,762	28,274
Options for Interest Rate Cap
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional	7,541,385	4,616,960
Fair Value	-49,806	-28,389
Total Return Swap
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional	250,594	0
Fair Value	($1,736)	$0

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen3

Derivative Financial Instruments - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Company pledged bonds retained in its own securitizations in exchange	250,594,000
Unrealized losses to be reclassified to interest expense within the next twelve months		42,000,000
Warrant
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Estimated fair value of warrant		$0	$0
Three-Month LIBOR
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Variable rate of three-month LIBOR plus basis points	0.75%

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen4

Derivative Financial Instruments - Offsetting of Derivative Assets and Liabilities (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items]
Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities	$1,736
Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet	-1,736
Net Amounts of Liabilities Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet	0
Financial Instruments, Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet	0
Cash Collateral Pledged, Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet	0
Net Amount, Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet	0
Interest Rate Swaps | Santander & Affiliates
Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items]
Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets	5,208	1,601
Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet	0	0
Net Amounts of Assets Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet	5,208	1,601
Financial Instruments, Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet	0	0
Cash Collateral Received, Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet	0	0
Net Amount, Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet	5,208	1,601
Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities	15,783	38,647
Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet	-4,308	-2,258
Net Amounts of Liabilities Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet	11,475	36,389
Financial Instruments, Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet	0	0
Cash Collateral Pledged, Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet	0	0
Net Amount, Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet	11,475	36,389
Interest Rate Swaps | Third Party
Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items]
Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets	2,946
Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet	0
Net Amounts of Assets Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet	2,946
Net Amount, Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet	2,946
Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities	719
Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet	-191
Net Amounts of Liabilities Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet	528
Financial Instruments, Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet	0
Cash Collateral Pledged, Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet	0
Net Amount, Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet	528
Interest Rate Caps | Santander & Affiliates
Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items]
Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets	35,602	9,342
Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet	0	0
Net Amounts of Assets Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet	35,602	9,342
Financial Instruments, Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet	0	0
Cash Collateral Received, Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet	0	0
Net Amount, Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet	35,602	9,342
Interest Rate Caps | Third Party
Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items]
Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets	14,160	18,932
Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet	0	0
Net Amounts of Assets Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet	14,160	18,932
Financial Instruments, Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet	0	0
Cash Collateral Received, Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet	0	0
Net Amount, Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet	14,160	18,932
Derivative Assets Subject to Master Netting Arrangement
Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items]
Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets	57,916	29,875
Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet	0	0
Net Amounts of Assets Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet	57,916	29,875
Financial Instruments, Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet	0	0
Cash Collateral Received, Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet	0	0
Net Amount, Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet	57,916	29,875
Derivative Assets Not Subject to Master Netting Arrangement
Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items]
Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets	0	0
Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet	0	0
Net Amounts of Assets Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet	0	0
Financial Instruments, Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet	0	0
Cash Collateral Received, Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet	0	0
Net Amount, Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet	0	0
Total derivative assets
Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items]
Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets	57,916	29,875
Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet	0	0
Net Amounts of Assets Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet	57,916	29,875
Financial Instruments, Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet	0	0
Cash Collateral Received, Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet	0	0
Net Amount, Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet	57,916	29,875
Total financial assets
Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items]
Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets	57,916	29,875
Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet	0	0
Net Amounts of Assets Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet	57,916	29,875
Financial Instruments, Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet	0	0
Cash Collateral Received, Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet	0	0
Net Amount, Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet	57,916	29,875
Back to Back | Santander & Affiliates
Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items]
Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities	35,602	9,342
Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet	-35,602	-9,342
Net Amounts of Liabilities Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet	0	0
Financial Instruments, Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet	0	0
Cash Collateral Pledged, Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet	0	0
Net Amount, Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet	0	0
Back to Back | Third Party
Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items]
Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities	14,204	19,047
Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet	-14,204	-15,420
Net Amounts of Liabilities Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet	0	3,627
Financial Instruments, Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet	0	0
Cash Collateral Pledged, Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet	0	0
Net Amount, Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet	0	3,627
Derivative Liabilities Subject to Master Netting Arrangement
Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items]
Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities	66,308	67,036
Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet	-54,305	-27,020
Net Amounts of Liabilities Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet	12,003	40,016
Financial Instruments, Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet	0	0
Cash Collateral Pledged, Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet	0	0
Net Amount, Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet	12,003	40,016
Derivative Liabilities Not Subject to Master Netting Arrangement
Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items]
Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities	1,736	0
Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet	-1,736	0
Net Amounts of Liabilities Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet	0	0
Financial Instruments, Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet	0	0
Cash Collateral Pledged, Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet	0	0
Net Amount, Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet	0	0
Derivative Liabilities [Member]
Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items]
Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities	68,044	67,036
Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet	-56,041	-27,020
Net Amounts of Liabilities Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet	12,003	40,016
Financial Instruments, Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet	0	0
Cash Collateral Pledged, Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet	0	0
Net Amount, Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet	12,003	40,016
Total financial liabilities
Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items]
Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities	68,044	67,036
Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet	-56,041	-27,020
Net Amounts of Liabilities Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet	12,003	40,016
Financial Instruments, Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet	0	0
Cash Collateral Pledged, Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet	0	0
Net Amount, Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet	$12,003	$40,016

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen5

Derivative Financial Instruments - Gross Gains (Losses) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details) (Interest Rate Swaps, USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Designated as Cash Flow Hedges
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Gross Gains (Losses) Recognized in Interest Expense	($708)	$0	$0
Gross Gains (Losses) Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	-23,015	4,062	-11,709
Gross Gains (Losses) Reclassified From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income to Interest Expense	-33,235	-19,526	-26,190
Not Designated As Hedges
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Gross Gains (Losses) Recognized in Interest Expense	$19,278	$21,080	$8,326

Other_Assets_Other_Assets_Deta

Other Assets - Other Assets (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Other Assets [Line Items]
Other assets	$505,873		$410,305
Upfront Fee
Other Assets [Line Items]
Other assets	125,000	[1]	140,000	[1]
Inventory of Repossessed Vehicles
Other Assets [Line Items]
Other assets	134,926		129,323
Manufacturer Subvention Payments Receivable
Other Assets [Line Items]
Other assets	70,213	[1]	55,579	[1]
Accounts Receivable
Other Assets [Line Items]
Other assets	36,465		9,160
Prepaids
Other Assets [Line Items]
Other assets	35,906		31,592
Derivative Assets
Other Assets [Line Items]
Other assets	57,916		29,875
Collateral Overage on Derivative Liabilities with Santander and Affiliates
Other Assets [Line Items]
Other assets	32,118		0
Cost Method Investment
Other Assets [Line Items]
Other assets	6,000		6,000
Indemnification Payments Receivable
Other Assets [Line Items]
Other assets	5,504	[2]	8,603	[2]
Other
Other Assets [Line Items]
Other assets	$1,825		$173
[1]	These amounts relate to the Chrysler Agreement. The Company paid a $150,000 upfront fee upon the May 2013 inception of the agreement. The fee is being amortized into finance and other interest income over a ten-year term. As the preferred financing provider for Chrysler, the Company is entitled to subvention payments on loans and leases with below-market customer payments.
[2]	This amount represents tax indemnification payments to the original equity investors in two investment partnerships now owned by the Company. These payments are expected to be recovered through tax refunds passed through to the Company as the original investors recognize tax losses related to the investments.

Other_Assets_Other_Assets_Addi

Other Assets - Other Assets (Additional Information) (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	31-May-13	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Other Assets [Abstract]
Upfront fee	$150,000	$0	$150,000	$0
Finance and other interest income amortization period	10 years

Income_Taxes_Components_of_the

Income Taxes - Components of the Provision for Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Current income tax expense (benefit):
Federal	($261,655)	$65,168	$610,161
State	31,200	32,987	39,642
Total current income tax expense (benefit)	-230,455	98,155	649,803
Deferred income tax expense (benefit):
Federal	650,730	285,809	-183,313
State	23,364	5,454	-12,875
Total deferred income tax expense (benefit)	674,094	291,263	-196,188
Total income tax expense	$443,639	$389,418	$453,615

Income_Taxes_Reconciliation_of

Income Taxes - Reconciliation of the Income Tax Rate (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Federal statutory rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
State and local income taxes — net of federal income tax benefit	2.50%	2.30%	2.40%
Valuation allowance	1.10%	-0.20%	1.90%
Electric vehicle credit	-1.70%	-0.90%	0.00%
Other	-0.20%	-0.30%	-1.10%
Effective income tax rate	36.70%	35.90%	38.20%

Income_Taxes_Income_Tax_Basis_

Income Taxes - Income Tax Basis of Assets and Liabilities (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Deferred tax assets:
Debt issuance costs	$3,728	$4,771
Receivables	637,984	556,687
Derivatives	2,444	13,237
Original purchase discount on investments	0	44,381
Capital loss carryforwards	27,150	19,942
State net operating loss carryforwards	6,791	0
Equity-based compensation	29,418	0
Credit carryforwards	42,780	0
Other	35,221	27,264
Total gross deferred tax assets	785,516	666,282
Deferred tax liabilities:
Capitalized origination costs	-11,567	-13,010
Goodwill	-11,136	-8,822
Leased vehicles	-1,183,267	-419,488
Furniture and equipment	-14,325	-7,899
Original purchase discount on investments	-616	0
Other	-2,763	-80
Total gross deferred tax liabilities	-1,223,674	-449,299
Valuation allowance	-32,901	-19,942	-22,381	0
Net deferred tax liability	-471,059
Net deferred tax asset		$197,041

Income_Taxes_Valuation_Allowan

Income Taxes - Valuation Allowance (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Valuation Allowance [Roll Forward]
Valuation allowance, beginning of year	$19,942	$22,381	$0
Provision (release)	12,959	-2,439	22,381
Valuation allowance, end of year	$32,901	$19,942	$22,381

Income_Taxes_Gross_Unrecognize

Income Taxes - Gross Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Gross unrecognized tax benefits balance, beginning of period	$1,487	$2,146	$2,483
Additions for tax positions of prior years	5,472	0	0
Reductions for tax positions of prior years	-3,783	0	0
Reductions as a result of a lapse of the applicable statute of limitations	-2,473	-754	-164
Settlements	-537	95	-173
Gross unrecognized tax benefits balance, end of period	$166	$1,487	$2,146

Income_Taxes_Additional_Inform

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2015
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Deemed contribution from affiliates	$6,797,000	$48,275,000
Deferred tax liability, leased vehicles	1,183,267,000	419,488,000
Unrecognized tax benefits that would impact effective tax rate	26,000	1,020,000	1,680,000
Accrued interest and penalties, tax liability	55,000	676,000
Gross unrecognized tax benefits	166,000	1,487,000	2,146,000	2,483,000
Scenario, Forecast
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Gross unrecognized tax benefits					0
Capital Loss Carryforward
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Capital loss carryforwards	72,419,000
State
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
State net operating loss carryforwards	137,565,000
Federal, State, and Other Income Taxes Receivable
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net receivable from affiliates under the tax sharing agreement	459,000
Federal, State, and Other Income Taxes Payable
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net payable to affiliates under the tax sharing agreement		162,000
Additional Paid-in Capital
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Deemed contribution from affiliates	$6,797,000	$48,275,000

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies - Future Minimum Lease Commitments (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2015	$9,823
2016	10,030
2017	9,341
2018	7,196
2019	7,382
Thereafter	49,627
Total remaining obligations	$93,399

Commitments_and_Contingencies_2

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Feb. 25, 2015
Contingencies And Commitments [Line Items]
Lease expense	$9,651,000	$5,627,000	$4,934,000
Repurchase of outstanding	0
Unsecured revolving financing Initial term ending	30-Apr-20
Purchase obligation	7,706,000	4,518,000
Servicing fees adjustment	399,000	0
Purchase commitment	Under the terms of agreements with a peer-to-peer unsecured lending platform company, the Company has committed to purchase, at a minimum, through July 2015, the lesser of $30,000 per month or 75% of the lending platform company's aggregate "near-prime" (as that term is defined in the agreements) originations and, thereafter through July 2017, the lesser of $30,000 per month or 50% of the lending platform company's aggregate near-prime originations. This commitment can be reduced or canceled with 90 day's notice.
Purchase commitment notice period	90 days
Subsequent Event | Violation of SCRA | Civil Fine
Contingencies And Commitments [Line Items]
Civil fine, amount				55,000
Subsequent Event | Violation of SCRA | Civil Fine to Affected Service Members | Minimum
Contingencies And Commitments [Line Items]
Civil fine, amount				9,360,000
Subsequent Event | Violation of SCRA | Lost Equity for Each Repossession by SCUSA
Contingencies And Commitments [Line Items]
Civil fine, amount				10,000
Subsequent Event | Violation of SCRA | SCUSA Sought to Collect Repossession-related Fees
Contingencies And Commitments [Line Items]
Civil fine, amount				5,000
Jul-15
Contingencies And Commitments [Line Items]
Purchase commitment amount	30,000,000
Purchase commitment percent	75.00%
Jul-17
Contingencies And Commitments [Line Items]
Purchase commitment amount	30,000,000
Purchase commitment percent	50.00%
CBP
Contingencies And Commitments [Line Items]
Loans servicing, loss-sharing payment ratio	0.50%
SBNA
Contingencies And Commitments [Line Items]
Indemnification of leases	48,226,000
Bank of America
Contingencies And Commitments [Line Items]
Commitment to sell loans	$300,000,000
Commitment to sell loans maturity Period	31-May-18

RelatedParty_Transactions_Addi

Related-Party Transactions - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			1 Months Ended	0 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Sep. 16, 2014	Jun. 27, 2014	Oct. 01, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Notional	$16,330,771	$10,461,378
Derivative instrument interest expenses	44,366	29,698	54,361
Principal amount sold on loans securitized	6,620,620	2,505,442
Depreciated net capitalized cost	4,862,783	2,023,433
Origination in unsecured revolving loans	560,388	911,024	0
Average hourly rate (in usd per hour)	5,800
Future minimum payment of lease	93,399
SBNA
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Loan		202,494
Servicing fee income on receivables sold	3,041
Relationship management fee							607
Servicing fee expense	80
Referral fee				9,000
Referral fee, recognition period				10 years
Unamortized referral fee balance	7,650	8,550
Referral fee income	900	450
Lease origination income	24,478
SBNA | Restricted Cash
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Credit loss indemnification of leases	44,805							48,226
Produban Servicios Informaticos Generales S.L
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Expenses incurred	135	152	148
Cost Method Investment
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Origination in unsecured revolving loans	17,357	139
Former Managing Member
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Reimbursed expenses	37	499	156
Chairman and CEO, President and CFO and Board Member
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Area of leased property (in square foot)	373,000
Lease term	12 years
Future minimum payment of lease	83,555
Receivables From Dealers
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Principal amount sold on loans securitized	18,227	222,384			18,227
Servicing receivable, net purchase price	347	819			347
Dealer Loan Portfolio
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Servicing fee income on receivables sold	4,289	822
Servicing fees receivables	4,610	165
Serviced Auto Loan and Retail Installment | SBNA
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Servicing fee income on receivables sold	9,990	14,775	29,270
Due from related parties	1,694
Consumer Vehicle Lease | SBNA
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Servicing fees receivables	27,519
Consumer Vehicle Lease | SBNA | VIE, Not Primary Beneficiary
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Depreciated net capitalized cost						369,114
Net book value						317,275
Proceeds from sale						322,851
Total gain from sale						4,570
Expenses Paid for Use of CEO Private Plane | Chairman and CEO
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Related party, amount of transaction	$577	$496	$359

Related_Party_Transactions_Int

Related Party Transactions - Interest Expense and Accrued Interest (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Line of credit, interest expense	$92,209	$62,845	$15,152
Letter of credit, interest expense	507	526	238
Line of credit, accrued interest	7,750	11,435
Letter of credit, accrued interest	128	128
SHUSA
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Line of credit, interest expense	4,299	0	0
Line of credit, accrued interest	$242	$0

RelatedParty_Transactions_Info

Related-Party Transactions - Information on Dealer Loan Portfolio (Details) (Dealer Loan Portfolio, USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Dealer Loan Portfolio
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Total serviced portfolio	$0	$513,684
Cash collections due to owner	0	6,941
Loan fundings due from owner	0	2,950
Servicing fees receivable		817
Relationship management fees receivable		0
Servicing fees payable	$28	$0

RelatedParty_Transactions_Info1

Related-Party Transactions - Information on Serviced Auto Loan and Retail Installment Contract Portfolio (Details) (Serviced Auto Loan and Retail Installment, USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Serviced Auto Loan and Retail Installment
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Total serviced portfolio	$896,300	$1,175,566
Cash collections due to owner	21,415	32,831
Servicing fees receivable (refundable)	$2,171	($3,163)

RelatedParty_Transactions_Info2

Related-Party Transactions - Information on Consumer Vehicle Lease Portfolio Portfolio (Details) (Consumer Vehicle Lease, USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Consumer Vehicle Lease
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Total serviced portfolio	$1,989,967
Cash collections due to owner	1
Lease fundings due from owner	3,365
Origination and servicing fees receivable	$10,345

Supplemental_Cash_Flow_Informa2

Supplemental Cash Flow Information - Schedule of Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Cash paid during the year for:
Interest	$541,705	$417,128	$383,400
Income taxes	278,210	465,828	660,232
Noncash investing and financing transactions:
Transfers of retail installment contracts to repossessed vehicles	1,445,575	992,325	841,058
Acquisition of noncontrolling interests	$0	$38,111	$0

Computation_of_Basic_and_Dilut2

Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings per Common Share - Additional Information (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Employee stock option awards excluded from computation of earnings per share, amount	1,406,204

Computation_of_Basic_and_Dilut3

Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings per Common Share - Summary of Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings per Common Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Earnings per common share
Net income attributable to SCUSA shareholders	$247,033	$191,369	$246,481	$81,466	$113,926	$111,245	$181,918	$290,402	$766,349	$697,491	$715,003
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding before restricted participating shares									348,139,000	346,172,000	346,165,000
Weighted average number of participating restricted common shares outstanding									584,000	6,000	0
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding									348,723,472	346,177,515	346,164,717
Earnings per common share (in usd per share)	$0.71	$0.55	$0.71	$0.23	$0.33	$0.32	$0.53	$0.84	$2.20	$2.01	$2.07
Earnings per common share - assuming dilution
Net income attributable to SCUSA shareholders	$247,033	$191,369	$246,481	$81,466	$113,926	$111,245	$181,918	$290,402	$766,349	$697,491	$715,003
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding									348,723,472	346,177,515	346,164,717
Effect of employee stock-based awards (in shares)									6,999,000	0	0
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - assuming dilution									355,722,363	346,177,515	346,164,717
Earnings per common share - assuming dilution (in usd per share)	$0.69	$0.54	$0.69	$0.23	$0.33	$0.32	$0.53	$0.84	$2.15	$2.01	$2.07

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru2

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Summary of Fair Value Estimates, Methods and Assumptions (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value Balance Sheet Grouping Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	$33,157		$10,531		$70,887	$54,409
Receivables held for sale	46,585		82,503
Retail installment contracts held for investment, net	21,954,445		20,219,609
Unsecured consumer loans, net	1,779,777		954,189
Receivables from dealers held for investment	99,490		94,745
Restricted cash	1,920,857		1,563,613
Capital lease receivables, net	81,839		0
Notes payable — credit facilities	10,092,327		8,099,773
Notes payable — secured structured financings	17,718,974		15,195,887
Carrying Value
Fair Value Balance Sheet Grouping Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	33,157	[1]	10,531	[1]
Receivables held for sale	46,585	[2]	82,503	[2]
Retail installment contracts held for investment, net	21,954,445	[3]	20,219,609	[3]
Unsecured consumer loans, net	1,779,777	[4]	954,189	[4]
Receivables from dealers held for investment	99,490	[5]	94,745	[5]
Restricted cash	1,920,857	[1]	1,563,613	[1]
Capital lease receivables, net	81,839	[6]	0	[6]
Notes payable — credit facilities	10,092,327	[7]	8,099,773	[7]
Notes payable — secured structured financings	17,718,974	[8]	15,195,887	[8]
Estimated Fair Value
Fair Value Balance Sheet Grouping Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	33,157	[1]	10,531	[1]
Receivables held for sale	46,585	[2]	83,344	[2]
Retail installment contracts held for investment, net	23,337,511	[3]	21,465,236	[3]
Unsecured consumer loans, net	2,054,911	[4]	1,187,286	[4]
Receivables from dealers held for investment	99,490	[5]	94,745	[5]
Restricted cash	1,920,857	[1]	1,563,613	[1]
Capital lease receivables, net	84,425	[6]	0	[6]
Notes payable — credit facilities	10,092,327	[7]	8,099,773	[7]
Notes payable — secured structured financings	$17,810,062	[8]	$15,565,013	[8]
[1]	Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash — The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents, including restricted cash, is at an approximated fair value as the instruments mature within 90 days or less and bear interest at market rates.
[2]	Receivables held for sale — Receivables held for sale are carried at the lower of cost or market, as determined on an aggregate basis. The estimated fair value is based on the prices obtained or expected to be obtained in the subsequent sales usually in the following month.
[3]	Retail installment contracts held for investment — Retail installment contracts held for investment are carried at amortized cost, net of credit loss allowance. The estimated fair value is calculated based on estimated market rates for similar contracts with similar credit risks.
[4]	Unsecured consumer loans, net — Unsecured consumer loans are carried at amortized cost, net of credit loss allowance. The estimated fair value is calculated based on estimated market rates for similar loans with similar credit risks.
[5]	Receivables from dealers, held for investment, net — Receivables from dealers held for investment are carried at amortized cost, net of credit loss allowance. The estimated fair value is calculated based on estimated market rates for similar receivables with similar credit risks.
[6]	Capital lease receivables, net — Capital lease receivables are carried at amortized cost, net of the allowance for lease losses. The estimated fair value is calculated based on estimated market rates for similar contracts with similar credit risks.
[7]	Notes payable — credit facilities — The carrying amount of notes payable related to revolving credit facilities is estimated to approximate fair value. Management believes that the terms of these credit agreements approximate market terms for similar credit agreements.
[8]	Notes payable — secured structured financings — The estimated fair value of notes payable related to secured structured financings is calculated based on market quotes for the Company’s publicly traded debt and estimated market rates currently available from recent transactions involving similar debt with similar credit risks

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru3

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis (Details) (Recurring, USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Total Return Swap
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other Liabilities	$1,736	[1]
Total Return Swap | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other Liabilities	0	[1]
Total Return Swap | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other Liabilities	1,736	[1]
Total Return Swap | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other Liabilities	0	[1]
Designated as Cash Flow Hedges
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other Assets	7,619	[2]	1,601	[2]
Other Liabilities	3,792	[2]	7,287	[2]
Designated as Cash Flow Hedges | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other Assets	0	[2]	0	[2]
Other Liabilities	0	[2]	0	[2]
Designated as Cash Flow Hedges | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other Assets	7,619	[2]	1,601	[2]
Other Liabilities	3,792	[2]	7,287	[2]
Designated as Cash Flow Hedges | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other Assets	0	[2]	0	[2]
Other Liabilities	0	[2]	0	[2]
Trading Interest Rate Caps
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other Assets	49,762	[2]	28,274	[2]
Trading Interest Rate Caps | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other Assets	0	[2]	0	[2]
Trading Interest Rate Caps | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other Assets	49,762	[2]	28,274	[2]
Trading Interest Rate Caps | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other Assets	0	[2]	0	[2]
Trading Interest Rate Swaps
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other Assets	535	[2]
Other Liabilities	12,710	[2]	31,360	[2]
Trading Interest Rate Swaps | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other Assets	0	[2]
Other Liabilities	0	[2]	0	[2]
Trading Interest Rate Swaps | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other Assets	535	[2]
Other Liabilities	12,710	[2]	31,360	[2]
Trading Interest Rate Swaps | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other Assets	0	[2]
Other Liabilities	0	[2]	0	[2]
Trading Options for Interest Rate Caps
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other Liabilities	49,806	[2]	28,389	[2]
Trading Options for Interest Rate Caps | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other Liabilities	0	[2]	0	[2]
Trading Options for Interest Rate Caps | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other Liabilities	49,806	[2]	28,389	[2]
Trading Options for Interest Rate Caps | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other Liabilities	$0	[2]	$0	[2]
[1]	The total return swap is valued based on the estimated market value of the underlying bonds pledged to the associated credit facility.
[2]	The valuation of swaps and caps is determined using widely accepted valuation techniques including discounted cash flow analysis on the expected cash flows of each derivative. This analysis reflects the contractual terms of the derivative, including the period to maturity, and uses observable market-based inputs. The Company incorporates credit valuation adjustments to appropriately reflect both its own nonperformance risk and the respective counterparty’s nonperformance risk in the fair value measurement of its derivatives. In adjusting pthe fair value of its derivative contracts for the effect of nonperformance risk, the Company has considered the impact of netting and any applicable credit enhancements, such as collateral postings and guarantees. The Company utilizes the exception in ASC 820-10-35-18D (commonly referred to as the “portfolio exception”) with respect to measuring counterparty credit risk for instruments (Note 8).

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru4

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Nonrecurring Basis (Details) (Nonrecurring, Inventory of Repossessed Vehicles, USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other assets — repossessed vehicles	$134,926	$129,323
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other assets — repossessed vehicles	0	0
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other assets — repossessed vehicles	134,926	129,323
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other assets — repossessed vehicles	$0	$0

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Additio

Employee Benefit Plans - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 23, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 28, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Common shares stock awards available for grant					29,000,000
Percentage of equity invested in the Company for the stock awards available for grant					8.50%
Common stock , shares issued	85,242,042	349,029,766	346,763,261
Expiration period		10 years
Common stock , par value (in usd per share)	$24	$0.01	$0.01
Stock compensation expense	$117,770
Share-based compensation to executives	33,845
Fair value of options granted in period	10,216	2,545
Compensation not yet recognized, stock options		22,763
Maximum annual contributions per employee, percent		75.00%
Employer matching contribution, percent of employees' gross pay		6.00%
Employer matching contribution, percent of match		100.00%
Total amount contributed		7,923	5,867	4,607
Stock Options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Compensation not yet recognized, period for recognition		2 years 3 months 18 days
Employees
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock vesting period	5 years
Director
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock vesting period	3 years
Omnibus Incentive Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Common shares stock awards available for grant						583,890
Common stock , shares issued			5,192,640
Stock vesting period		5 years
Employee benefits and share-based compensation		2,471
Santander Stock-based Compensation Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock compensation expense		$0	$187	$608
Santander Stock-based Compensation Plan | Cycle One, July 2007 through June 2009
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Maximum authorized shares		96,030
Price per share (in usd per share)		$19.38
Number of shares distributed		77,469
Santander Stock-based Compensation Plan | Cycle Two, July 2007 through June 2010
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Maximum authorized shares		144,120
Price per share (in usd per share)		$19.38
Number of shares distributed		114,040
Santander Stock-based Compensation Plan | Cycle Three, July 2008 through June 2011
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Maximum authorized shares		147,908
Price per share (in usd per share)		$7.29
Number of shares distributed		120,732
Santander Stock-based Compensation Plan | Cycle Four, July 2009 through June 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Maximum authorized shares		157,611
Price per share (in usd per share)		$6.50
Number of shares distributed		43,475
Santander Stock-based Compensation Plan | Cycle Five, July 2010 through June 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Maximum authorized shares		163,302
Price per share (in usd per share)		$6.87
Number of shares distributed		0

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Summary

Employee Benefit Plans - Summary of Stock Options and Related Activity (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Options outstanding, shares
Options outstanding, Beginning balance (in shares)	23,910,062,000
Granted (in shares)	1,731,329,000
Exercised (in shares)	-3,109,281,000
Expired (in shares)	0
Forfeited (in shares)	-1,174,199,000
Options outstanding, Ending balance (in shares)	21,357,911,000	23,910,062,000
Options exercisable, Ending balance (in shares)	16,870,180,000
Options expected to vest, Ending balance (in shares)	3,834,783
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price
Options outstanding, Weighted average exercise price, Beginning balance (in usd per share)	$9.81
Granted (in usd per share)	$23.50
Exercised (in usd per share)	$9.61
Expired (in usd per share)	$0
Forfeited (in usd per share)	$12.02
Options outstanding, Weighted average exercise price, Ending balance (in usd per share)	$10.82	$9.81
Options exercisable, Weighted average exercise price, Ending balance (in usd per share)	$10.20
Options expected to vest, Weighted average exercise price, Ending balance (in usd per share)	$14.95
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years)
Options outstanding, Weighted average remaining contractual term (Years)	7 years 2 months 12 days	8 years
Options exercisable, Weighted average remaining contractual term (Years)	7 years
Options expected to vest, Weighted average remaining contractual term (Years)	7 years 9 months 18 days
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Options outstanding, Aggregate intrinsic value	$267,634
Aggregate intrinsic value, Exercised	-44,863
Options outstanding, Aggregate intrinsic value	187,637	267,634
Options exercisable, Aggregate intrinsic value	$158,770

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Changes

Employee Benefit Plans - Changes in Nonvested Shares (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Shares
Non-vested at beginning of period (in shares)	14,451,593,000
Granted (in shares)	1,731,329,000
Vested (in shares)	-10,520,992,000
Forfeited (in shares)	-1,174,199,000
Non-vested at end of period (in shares)	4,487,731,000
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Non-vested at beginning of period (in usd per share)	$5.98
Granted (in usd per share)	$7.99
Vested (in usd per share)	$5.95
Forfeited (in usd per share)	$6.40
Non-vested at end of period (in usd per share)	$6.72

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Fair_Va

Employee Benefit Plans - Fair Value Assumptions (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Risk-free interest rate, minimum	1.94%	1.08%	0.88%
Risk-free interest rate, maximum	2.12%	1.11%	1.28%
Expected life (in years)		6 years 6 months	6 years 6 months
Expected volatility		50.00%
Expected volatility, minimum	49.00%		66.00%
Expected volatility, maximum	51.00%		67.00%
Dividend yield		0.38%	1.92%
Weighted average grant date fair value (in usd per share)	$7.99
Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected life (in years)	6 years
Dividend yield	2.30%
Weighted average grant date fair value (in usd per share)	$7.54	6.56	5.56
Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected life (in years)	6 years 6 months
Dividend yield	4.20%
Weighted average grant date fair value (in usd per share)	$8.38	7.46	6.06

Shareholders_Equity_Treasury_S

Shareholders' Equity - Treasury Stock (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Equity [Abstract]
Treasury stock shares	52,141	3,154
Treasury stock cost	$983	$23

Shareholders_Equity_Summary_of

Shareholders' Equity - Summary of Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Increase (Decrease) in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	($2,853)		($9,164)		($11,496)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	-14,636		-5,251		-15,578
Amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	21,042	[1]	11,562	[1]	17,910	[1]
Ending balance	3,553		-2,853		-9,164
Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Cash Flow Hedges
Increase (Decrease) in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	-2,853	[2]	-12,416	[2]	-19,687	[2]
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	-14,636	[2]	-2,761	[2]	-9,259	[2]
Amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	21,042	[1],[2]	12,324	[1],[2]	16,530	[1],[2]
Ending balance	3,553	[2]	-2,853	[2]	-12,416	[2]
Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments Available for Sale
Increase (Decrease) in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	0	[2]	3,252	[2]	8,191	[2]
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	0	[2]	-2,490	[2]	-6,319	[2]
Amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	0	[1],[2]	-762	[1],[2]	1,380	[1],[2]
Ending balance	$0	[2]	$0	[2]	$3,252	[2]
[1]	Amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) consist of the following: Year Ended December 31, 2014 Year Ended December 31, 2013ReclassificationAmount reclassified Income statement line item Amount reclassified Income statement line itemCash flow hedges: Settlements of derivatives$33,235 Interest expense $19,526 Interest expenseTax expense (benefit)(12,193) (7,202) Net of tax$21,042 $12,324 Investments available for sale: Discount accretion$— $(1,208) Interest expenseTax expense (benefit)— 446 Net of tax$— $(762)
[2]	Amounts in this table are net of tax

Shareholders_Equity_Reclassifi

Shareholders' Equity - Reclassification of Amounts Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income On Derivatives [Line Items]
Tax expense (benefit)	$443,639	$389,418	$453,615
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Cash Flow Hedges
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income On Derivatives [Line Items]
Tax expense (benefit)	-12,193	-7,202
Net of tax	21,042	12,324
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Cash Flow Hedges | Interest Expense | Designated as Cash Flow Hedges
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income On Derivatives [Line Items]
Settlements of derivatives	33,235	19,526
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments Available for Sale
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income On Derivatives [Line Items]
Discount accretion	0
Tax expense (benefit)	0	446
Net of tax	0	-762
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments Available for Sale | Interest Expense
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income On Derivatives [Line Items]
Discount accretion		($1,208)

Quarterly_Financial_Data_unaud2

Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited) - Summary of Quarterly Financial Results (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Total finance and other interest income	$1,455,210	$1,443,488	$1,383,260	$1,287,702	$1,144,248	$1,062,620	$912,561	$814,592	$5,569,660	$3,934,021	$2,948,502
Net finance and other interest income	1,073,267	1,113,956	1,075,811	1,043,187	953,495	900,546	818,057	731,595	4,306,221	3,403,693	2,574,475
Income before income taxes	408,591	281,766	390,124	129,507	180,931	177,307	285,193	441,657	1,209,988	1,085,088	1,188,549
Net income	247,033	191,369	246,481	81,466	113,926	111,821	181,064	288,859	766,349	695,670	734,934
Net income attributable to Santander Consumer USA Holdings Inc. shareholders	$247,033	$191,369	$246,481	$81,466	$113,926	$111,245	$181,918	$290,402	$766,349	$697,491	$715,003
Net income per common share (basic) (in usd per share)	$0.71	$0.55	$0.71	$0.23	$0.33	$0.32	$0.53	$0.84	$2.20	$2.01	$2.07
Net income per common share (diluted) (in usd per share)	$0.69	$0.54	$0.69	$0.23	$0.33	$0.32	$0.53	$0.84	$2.15	$2.01	$2.07