| Cover Page | Oct. 28, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Oct. 28, 2020 |
| Entity Registrant Name | SANTANDER CONSUMER USA HOLDINGS INC. |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 001-36270 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 32-0414408 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 1601 Elm St. |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | Suite #800 |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Dallas, |
| Entity Address, State or Province | TX |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 75201 |
| City Area Code | 214 |
| Local Phone Number | 634-1110 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share |
| Trading Symbol | SC |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001580608 |
