HSBC Finance (HSBCFC) 10-Q 3 Nov 14 2014 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Oct. 31, 2014
Document Documentand Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-14	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'
Trading Symbol	'HSBCFC	'
Entity Registrant Name	'HSBC Finance Corp	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000354964	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Non-accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	68

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENT_OF_INCO

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME (UNAUDITED) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Interest income	$473	$557	$1,471	$1,921
Interest expense on debt held by:	'	'	'	'
Interest expense	263	328	804	1,060
Net interest income	210	229	667	861
Provision for credit losses	-43	-160	-238	131
Net interest income after provision for credit losses	253	389	905	730
Other revenues:	'	'	'	'
Derivative related income (expense)	-7	1	-187	87
Gain on debt designated at fair value and related derivatives	72	33	145	168
Servicing and other fees from HSBC affiliates	6	6	20	19
Lower of amortized cost or fair value adjustment on receivables held for sale	84	66	292	892
Other income (loss)	14	8	28	-70
Total other revenues	169	114	298	1,096
Operating expenses:	'	'	'	'
Salaries and employee benefits	47	51	154	166
Occupancy and equipment expenses, net	8	8	26	26
Real estate owned expenses	2	16	14	58
Other servicing and administrative expenses	52	63	120	216
Support services from HSBC affiliates	65	78	198	213
Total operating expenses	174	216	512	679
Income from continuing operations before income tax	248	287	691	1,147
Income tax expense	87	91	182	376
Income from continuing operations	161	196	509	771
Discontinued operations (Note 2):	'	'	'	'
Loss from discontinued operations before income tax	-4	-33	-24	-228
Income tax benefit (expense)	-5	4	2	70
Loss from discontinued operations	-9	-29	-22	-158
Net income	152	167	487	613
Debt issued to HSBC affiliates [Member]	'	'	'	'
Interest expense on debt held by:	'	'	'	'
Interest expense	53	48	161	149
Debt issued to non-affiliates [Member]	'	'	'	'
Interest expense on debt held by:	'	'	'	'
Interest expense	$210	$280	$643	$911

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENT_OF_COMP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net income	$152	$167	$487	$613
Net change in unrealized gains (losses), net of tax, on:	'	'	'	'
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges	11	32	34	238
Securities available-for-sale, not other-than temporarily impaired	0	0	0	-115
Other-than-temporarily impaired debt securities available-for-sale	0	0	0	-1
Pension and postretirement benefit plan adjustments	1	0	1	1
Foreign currency translation adjustments	0	0	0	-11
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	12	32	35	112
Total comprehensive income	$164	$199	$522	$725

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEET_UNA

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET (UNAUDITED) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Assets	'	'
Cash	$173	$175
Securities purchased under agreements to resell	4,841	6,924
Receivables, net (including $3.1 billion and $4.0 billion at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, collateralizing long-term debt and net of credit loss reserves of $2.5 billion and $3.3 billion at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively)	21,829	24,173
Receivables held for sale	1,840	2,047
Properties and equipment, net	64	68
Real estate owned	146	323
Deferred income taxes, net	2,333	2,580
Other assets	1,353	1,417
Assets of discontinued operations	69	165
Total assets	32,648	37,872
Debt:	'	'
Due to affiliates (including $506 million and $496 million at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, carried at fair value)	6,940	8,742
Long-term debt (including $7.0 billion and $8.0 billion at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, carried at fair value and $1.6 billion and $2.2 billion at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, collateralized by receivables)	17,136	20,839
Total debt	24,076	29,581
Liability for postretirement benefits	216	228
Other liabilities	1,168	1,299
Liabilities of discontinued operations	79	103
Total liabilities	25,539	31,211
Common shareholder’s equity:	'	'
Common stock ($0.01 par value, 100 shares authorized; 68 shares issued at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013)	0	0
Additional paid-in-capital	23,987	23,968
Accumulated deficit	-18,380	-18,774
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-73	-108
Total common shareholder’s equity	5,534	5,086
Total shareholders’ equity	7,109	6,661
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	32,648	37,872
Series B Preferred Stock [Member]	'	'
Redeemable preferred stock:	'	'
Redeemable preferred stock	575	575
Series C Preferred Stock [Member]	'	'
Redeemable preferred stock:	'	'
Redeemable preferred stock	$1,000	$1,000

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEET_Par

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Receivables, collateralizing long-term debt	$3,094	$4,020
Credit loss reserves	2,463	3,273
Due to affiliate, carried at fair value	506	496
Long-term debt carried at fair value	6,976	8,025
Long-term debt collateralized by receivables	$1,586	$2,200
Common stock, par value (usd per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized (shares)	100	100
Common stock, shares issued (shares)	68	68
Series B Preferred Stock [Member]	'	'
Redeemable preferred stock, shares authorized (shares)	1,501,100	1,501,100
Redeemable preferred stock, par value (usd per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Redeemable preferred stock, shares issued (shares)	575,000	575,000
Redeemable preferred stock, shares outstanding (shares)	575,000	575,000
Series C Preferred Stock [Member]	'	'
Redeemable preferred stock, shares authorized (shares)	1,000	1,000
Redeemable preferred stock, par value (usd per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Redeemable preferred stock, shares issued (shares)	1,000	1,000
Redeemable preferred stock, shares outstanding (shares)	1,000	1,000

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENT_OF_CHAN

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (UNAUDITED) (USD $)	Total	Preferred Stock	Common Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Accumulated deficit	Accumulated other comprehensive loss
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Balance at beginning of period at Dec. 31, 2012	'	$1,575	'	$23,974	($19,187)	($257)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Employee benefit plans, including transfers and other	'	'	'	-7	'	'
Net income	613	'	'	'	613	'
Dividends on preferred stock	'	'	'	'	-93	'
Other comprehensive income	112	'	'	'	'	112
Total common shareholder's equity at end of period	5,155	'	'	'	'	'
Total shareholders' equity at end of period at Sep. 30, 2013	6,730	1,575	0	23,967	-18,667	-145
Balance at beginning of period at Dec. 31, 2013	6,661	1,575	'	23,968	-18,774	-108
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Employee benefit plans, including transfers and other	'	'	'	19	'	'
Net income	487	'	'	'	487	'
Dividends on preferred stock	'	'	'	'	-93	'
Other comprehensive income	35	'	'	'	'	35
Total common shareholder's equity at end of period	5,534	'	'	'	'	'
Total shareholders' equity at end of period at Sep. 30, 2014	$7,109	$1,575	$0	$23,987	($18,380)	($73)

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENT_OF_CASH

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities	'		'
Net income	$487		$613
Loss from discontinued operations	-22		-158
Income from continuing operations	509		771
Adjustments to reconcile income to net cash used in operating activities:	'		'
Provision for credit losses	-238		131
Lower of amortized cost or fair value adjustment on receivables held for sale	-292		-892
(Gain) loss on sale of real estate owned, including lower of amortized cost or fair value adjustments	-19		8
Depreciation and amortization	6		6
Mark-to-market on debt designated at fair value and related derivatives	57		75
Foreign exchange and derivative movements on long-term debt and net change in non-fair value option related derivative assets and liabilities	-567		-276
Net change in other assets	311		982
Net change in other liabilities	-128		-189
Other, net	124		78
Cash provided by (used in) operating activities – continuing operations	-237		694
Cash provided by (used in) operating activities – discontinued operations	49		-243
Cash provided by (used in) operating activities	-188		451
Cash flows from investing activities	'		'
Net change in short-term securities available-for-sale	0		80
Net change in securities purchased under agreements to resell	2,083		-4,036
Net change in interest bearing deposits with banks	0		1,371
Receivables:	'		'
Net collections	1,504		2,253
Proceeds from sales of receivables	1,237		3,588
Proceeds from sales of real estate owned	413		455
Purchases of properties and equipment	0		-5
Cash provided by investing activities – continuing operations	5,237		3,706
Cash provided by investing activities – discontinued operations	0		215
Cash provided by investing activities	5,237		3,921
Debt:	'		'
Net change in due to affiliates	-1,812		-103
Long-term debt retired	-3,146		-4,324
Shareholders’ dividends	-93		-93
Cash used in financing activities – continuing operations	-5,051		-4,520
Cash provided by (used in) financing activities – discontinued operations	0		0
Cash used in financing activities	-5,051		-4,520
Net change in cash	-2		-148
Cash at beginning of period	198	[1]	397	[1]
Cash at end of period	196	[2]	249	[2]
Supplemental Noncash Investing and Capital Activities:	'		'
Fair value of properties added to real estate owned	217		579
Transfer of receivables to held for sale	$748		$1,816
[1]	Cash at beginning of period includes $23 million and $200 million for discontinued operations as of January 1, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
[2]	Cash at end of period includes $23 million and $24 million for discontinued operations as of September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENT_OF_CASH1

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Cash at beginning of period, discontinued operations	$23	$23	$24	$200
Cash at end of period, discontinued operations	$23	$23	$24	$200

Organization_and_Basis_of_Pres

Organization and Basis of Presentation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Organization and Basis of Presentation	'
	Organization and Basis of Presentation
	HSBC Finance Corporation is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of HSBC North America Holdings Inc. (“HSBC North America”), which is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of HSBC Holdings plc (“HSBC” and, together with its subsidiaries, "HSBC Group"). The accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements of HSBC Finance Corporation and its subsidiaries have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all normal and recurring adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation of financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods have been made. HSBC Finance Corporation and its subsidiaries may also be referred to in this Form 10-Q as “we,” “us” or “our.” These unaudited interim consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 (the “2013 Form 10-K”). Certain reclassifications have been made to prior period amounts to conform to the current period presentation.
	The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the basis that we will continue as a going concern. Such assertion contemplates the significant losses recognized in recent years and the challenges we anticipate with respect to a sustained return to profitability on a continuing operations basis under prevailing and forecasted economic conditions. HSBC continues to be fully committed and has the capacity to continue to provide the necessary capital and liquidity to fund continuing operations.
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Unless otherwise noted, information included in these notes to the consolidated financial statements relates to continuing operations for all periods presented. See Note 2, “Discontinued Operations,” for further details. Interim results should not be considered indicative of results in future periods.

Discontinued_Operations

Discontinued Operations	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]	'
Discontinued Operations	'
	Discontinued Operations
	2012 Discontinued Operations:
	Insurance On March 29, 2013, we sold our interest in substantially all of our insurance subsidiaries to Enstar for $153 million in cash and recorded a gain at sale of $21 million ($13 million after-tax), which is reflected in the table below. There were no assets or liabilities in our discontinued Insurance operations at either September 30, 2014 or December 31, 2013. The following table summarizes the operating results of our discontinued Insurance business for the periods presented:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
		(in millions)
	Net interest income and other revenues(1)	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	70
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations before income tax	—			(3		)	—			3
	(1)	Interest expense, which is included as a component of net interest income, was allocated to discontinued operations in accordance with our existing internal transfer pricing policy. This policy uses match funding based on the expected lives of the assets and liabilities of the business at the time of origination, subject to periodic review, as demonstrated by the expected cash flows and re-pricing characteristics of the underlying assets.
	Commercial In the second quarter of 2012, we began reporting our Commercial business in discontinued operations as there were no longer any outstanding receivable balances or any remaining significant cash flows generated from this business. At September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, assets of our Commercial business totaled $62 million and $63 million, respectively. Liabilities of our Commercial business totaled $1 million at December 31, 2013. There were no liabilities in our Commercial business at September 30, 2014. The following table summarizes the operating results of our discontinued Commercial business for the periods presented:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
		(in millions)
	Net interest income and other revenues	$	3		$	2		$	9		$	10
	Income from discontinued operations before income tax	2			1			6			5
	2011 Discontinued Operations:
	Card and Retail Services On May 1, 2012, HSBC, through its wholly-owned subsidiaries HSBC Finance Corporation, HSBC USA Inc. and other wholly-owned affiliates, sold its Card and Retail Services business to Capital One Financial Corporation (“Capital One”). In addition to receivables, the sale included real estate and certain other assets and liabilities which were sold at book value or, in the case of real estate, appraised value. Under the terms of the agreement, interests in facilities in Chesapeake, Virginia; Las Vegas, Nevada; Mettawa, Illinois; Volo, Illinois; Hanover, Maryland; Salinas, California; Sioux Falls, South Dakota and Tigard, Oregon were sold or transferred to Capital One, although we entered into site-sharing arrangements for certain of these locations for a period of time. Our Card and Retail Services business is reported in discontinued operations.
	The following table summarizes the operating results of our discontinued Card and Retail Services business for the periods presented:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
		(in millions)
	Net interest income and other revenues	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
	Loss from discontinued operations before income tax(1)	(6		)	(31		)	(30		)	(236		)
	(1)	For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, the amounts include expenses related to activities to complete the separation of the credit card operational infrastructure between us and Capital One. We expect costs associated with the separation of the credit card operational infrastructure to continue through the remainder of 2014. Additionally, the nine months ended September 30, 2014 includes an incremental expense of $7 million and the nine months ended September 30, 2013 includes an incremental expense of $96 million recorded based on actions taken and actions planned to be taken in connection with an industry review of enhancement services products. For the nine months ended September 30, 2013 amounts also reflect a legal accrual of $40 million. See Note 15, "Litigation and Regulatory Matters," for further discussion of the legal matter.
	Assets and liabilities of our discontinued Card and Retail Services business, which are reported as a component of Assets of discontinued operations and Liabilities of discontinued operations in our consolidated balance sheet, consisted of the following:
		September 30, 2014			December 31, 2013
		(in millions)
	Cash	$	22		$	23
	Other assets(1)	(15		)	79
	Assets of discontinued operations	$	7		$	102
	Other liabilities(2)	$	79		$	102
	Liabilities of discontinued operations	$	79		$	102
	(1)	At September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, other assets primarily consists of current and deferred taxes.
	(2)	At September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, other liabilities primarily consists of certain legal accruals.

Securities_Purchased_Under_Agr

Securities Purchased Under Agreements to Resell	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Banking and Thrift [Abstract]	'
Securities Purchased Under Agreements to Resell	'
	Securities Purchased Under Agreements to Resell
	Securities purchased under agreements to resell ("Resale Agreements") are treated as collateralized financing transactions and are carried on our balance sheet at the amount advanced plus accrued interest with a balance of $4.8 billion and $6.9 billion at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, all of which were purchased from HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. ("HSI"). The collateral subject to the Resale Agreements consists of investment-grade securities, and we obtain collateral with a market value in excess of the amount advanced. Collateral is valued daily and additional collateral is obtained or released when appropriate.

Receivables

Receivables	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Receivables [Abstract]	'
Receivables	'
	Receivables
	Receivables consisted of the following:
		September 30, 2014			December 31, 2013
		(in millions)
	Real estate secured:
	First lien	$	20,835		$	23,568
	Second lien	2,668			3,016
	Total real estate secured receivables	23,503			26,584
	Accrued interest income and other	789			862
	Credit loss reserve for receivables	(2,463		)	(3,273		)
	Total receivables, net	$	21,829		$	24,173
	Deferred origination fees, net of costs, totaled $166 million and $183 million at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, and are included in the receivable balance. Net unamortized premium on our receivables totaled $84 million and $102 million at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, and are included in the receivable balance.
	Collateralized funding transactions  Secured financings previously issued under public trusts with a balance of $1,586 million at September 30, 2014 are secured by $3,094 million of closed-end real estate secured receivables. Secured financings previously issued under public trusts with a balance of $2,200 million at December 31, 2013 were secured by $4,020 million of closed-end real estate secured receivables.
	Age Analysis of Past Due Receivables The following tables summarize the past due status of our receivables at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013. The aging of past due amounts is determined based on the contractual delinquency status of payments made under the terms of the receivable. An account is generally considered to be contractually delinquent when payments have not been made in accordance with the loan terms. Delinquency status is affected by customer account management policies and practices such as re-aging.
		Past Due							Total Past Due					Total Receivables(2)
	September 30, 2014	30 – 89 days			90+ days							Current(1)
		(in millions)
	Real estate secured:
	First lien	$	1,630		$	936			$	2,566		$	18,269	$	20,835
	Second lien	173			106				279			2,389		2,668
	Total real estate secured receivables	$	1,803		$	1,042			$	2,845		$	20,658	$	23,503
		Past Due							Total					Total
	December 31, 2013	30 – 89 days			90+ days				Past Due			Current(1)		Receivables(2)
		(in millions)
	Real estate secured:
	First lien	$	2,462		$	1,538			$	4,000		$	19,568	$	23,568
	Second lien	249			192				441			2,575		3,016
	Total real estate secured receivables	$	2,711		$	1,730			$	4,441		$	22,143	$	26,584
	(1)	Receivables less than 30 days past due are presented as current.
	(2)	The receivable balances included in this table reflects the principal amount outstanding on the loan and certain basis adjustments to the loan such as deferred fees and costs on originated loans, purchase accounting fair value adjustments and premiums or discounts on purchased loans. However, these basis adjustments on the loans are excluded in other presentations of dollars of two-months-and-over contractual delinquency and nonperforming receivable account balances.
	Nonaccrual receivables Nonaccrual consumer receivables and nonaccrual receivables held for sale are all receivables which are 90 or more days contractually delinquent as well as second lien loans (regardless of delinquency status) where the first lien loan that we own or service is 90 or more days contractually delinquent. Nonaccrual receivables do not include receivables which have made qualifying payments and have been re-aged such that the contractual delinquency status has been reset to current. If a re-aged loan subsequently experiences payment default and becomes 90 or more days contractually delinquent, it will be reported as nonaccrual. Nonaccrual receivables and nonaccrual receivables held for sale consisted of the following:
		September 30, 2014			December 31, 2013
		(in millions)
	Nonaccrual receivable portfolios:
	Real estate secured(1)	$	1,056		$	1,769
	Receivables held for sale(2)	1,152			1,422
	Total nonaccrual receivables(3)	$	2,208		$	3,191
	(1)	At September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, nonaccrual real estate secured receivables held for investment include $434 million and $639 million, respectively, of receivables that are carried at the lower of amortized cost or fair value of the collateral less cost to sell.
	(2)	For a discussion of the movements between the components of nonaccrual receivables, see Note 6, "Receivables Held for Sale," which includes discussion of the formal program introduced in the second quarter of 2013 to transfer receivables (meeting pre-determined criteria) to held for sale when the receivable is written down to the lower of amortized cost or fair value of the collateral less cost to sell in accordance with our existing charge-off policies.
	(3)	Nonaccrual receivables do not include receivables totaling $883 million and $953 million at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, which have been written down to the lower of amortized cost or fair value of the collateral less cost to sell which are less than 90 days contractually delinquent and not accruing interest.
	The following table provides additional information on our total nonaccrual receivables:
	Nine Months Ended September 30,	2014			2013
		(in millions)
	Interest income that would have been recorded if the nonaccrual receivable had been current in accordance with contractual terms during the period	$	271		$	631
	Interest income that was recorded on nonaccrual receivables included in interest income on nonaccrual loans during the period	68			129
	Troubled Debt Restructurings  Troubled debt restructurings ("TDR Loans") represent receivables for which the original contractual terms have been modified to provide for terms that are at less than a market rate of interest for new receivables because of deterioration in the borrower’s financial status.
	Modifications for real estate secured and personal non-credit card receivables may include changes to one or more terms of the loan, including, but not limited to, a change in interest rate, an extension of the amortization period, a reduction in payment amount and partial forgiveness or deferment of principal. A substantial amount of our modifications involve interest rate reductions which lower the amount of interest income we are contractually entitled to receive for a period of time in future periods. By lowering the interest rate and making other changes to the loan terms, we believe we are able to increase the amount of cash flow that will ultimately be collected from the loan, given the borrower's financial condition. Re-aging is an account management action that results in the resetting of the contractual delinquency status of an account to current which generally requires the receipt of two qualifying payments. TDR Loans are reserved for based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loans' original effective interest rate which generally results in a higher reserve requirement for these loans. The portion of the credit loss reserves on TDR Loans that is associated with the discounting of cash flows is released from credit loss reserves over the life of the TDR Loan.
	The following table presents information about receivables and receivables held for sale which as a result of any account management action taken during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 became classified as TDR Loans.
		Three Months Ended							Nine Months Ended
		September 30,							September 30,
		2014			2013				2014			2013
		(in millions)
	Real estate secured:
	First lien	$	127		$	275			$	521		$	1,065
	Second lien	17			35				68			129
	Real estate secured receivables held for sale	19			66				63			264
	Total real estate secured	163			376				652			1,458
	Personal non-credit card receivables held for sale(1)	—			—				—			28
	Total(2)	$	163		$	376			$	652		$	1,486
	(1)	As discussed more fully in Note 7, "Receivables Held for Sale," in our 2013 Form 10-K, we sold our personal non-credit card receivable portfolio on April 1, 2013.
	(2)	The following table summarizes the actions taken during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 which resulted in the above receivables being classified as a TDR Loan.
		Three Months Ended							Nine Months Ended
		September 30,							September 30,
	2014			2013				2014			2013
	(in millions)
Interest rate modification	$	54		$	155			$	378		$	547
Re-age of past due account	109			221				274			939
Total	$	163		$	376			$	652		$	1,486
Receivables and receivables held for sale reported as TDR Loans consisted of the following:
	September 30, 2014			December 31, 2013
	(in millions)
TDR Loans:(1)(2)
Real estate secured:
First lien(4)	$	9,816		$	10,633
Second lien(4)	939			1,047
Real estate secured receivables held for sale(3)	1,285			1,392
Total real estate secured TDR Loans	$	12,040		$	13,072
Credit loss reserves for TDR Loans:(5)
Real estate secured:
First lien	$	1,891		$	2,294
Second lien	270			360
Total credit loss reserves for real estate secured TDR Loans(3)	$	2,161		$	2,654
(1)	TDR Loans are considered to be impaired loans regardless of accrual status.
(2)	The TDR Loan balances included in the table above reflect the current carrying amount of TDR Loans and includes all basis adjustments on the loan, such as unearned income, unamortized deferred fees and costs on originated loans and premiums or discounts on purchased loans as well as any charge-off recorded in accordance with our existing charge-off policies. Additionally, the carrying amount of TDR Loans classified as held for sale has been reduced by both the lower of amortized cost or fair value adjustment as well as the credit loss reserves associated with these receivables prior to the transfer. The following table reflects the unpaid principal balance of TDR Loans:
	September 30, 2014			December 31, 2013
	(in millions)
Real estate secured:
First lien	$	10,124		$	10,983
Second lien	1,077			1,188
Real estate secured receivables held for sale	1,952			2,587
Total real estate secured TDR Loans	$	13,153		$	14,758
At September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the unpaid principal balances reflected above include $484 million and $92 million, respectively, which has received a reduction in the unpaid principal balance as part of an account management action.
(3)	There are no credit loss reserves associated with receivables classified as held for sale as they are carried at the lower of amortized cost or fair value.
(4)	At September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, TDR Loans held for investment totaling $509 million and $604 million, respectively, are recorded at the lower of amortized cost or fair value of the collateral less cost to sell.
(5)	Included in credit loss reserves.
The following table discloses receivables and receivables held for sale which were classified as TDR Loans during the previous 12 months which subsequently became sixty days or greater contractually delinquent during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013.
	Three Months Ended							Nine Months Ended
	September 30,							September 30,
	2014			2013				2014			2013
	(in millions)
Real estate secured:
First lien	$	71		$	160			$	307		$	551
Second lien	13			26				44			90
Real estate secured receivables held for sale	7			81				30			320
Total real estate secured	91			267				381			961
Personal non-credit card receivables held for sale(1)	—			—				—			21
Total	$	91		$	267			$	381		$	982
(1)	As discussed more fully in Note 7, "Receivables Held for Sale," in our 2013 Form 10-K, we sold our personal non-credit card receivable portfolio on April 1, 2013.
The following table provides additional information relating to TDR Loans, including TDR Loans held for sale:
	Three Months Ended							Nine Months Ended
	September 30,							September 30,
	2014			2013				2014			2013
	(in millions)
Average balance of TDR Loans:
Real estate secured:
First lien	$	11,203		$	14,634			$	11,638		$	14,715
Second lien	952			1,129				991			1,160
Total average balance of TDR Loans	$	12,155		$	15,763			$	12,629		$	15,875
Interest income recognized on TDR Loans:
Real estate secured:
First lien	$	193		$	234			$	599		$	719
Second lien	24			27				72			83
Total real estate secured	217			261				671			802
Personal non-credit card	—			—				—			40
Total interest income recognized on TDR Loans	$	217		$	261			$	671		$	842
Consumer Receivable Credit Quality Indicators  Credit quality indicators used for consumer receivables include a loan’s delinquency status, whether the loan is performing and whether the loan is a TDR Loan.
Delinquency The following table summarizes dollars of two-months-and-over contractual delinquency and as a percent of total receivables and receivables held for sale (“delinquency ratio”) for our loan portfolio:
	September 30, 2014						December 31, 2013
	Dollars of			Delinquency			Dollars of			Delinquency
	Delinquency			Ratio			Delinquency			Ratio
	(dollars are in millions)
Real estate secured:
First lien	$	1,426		6.84	%		$	2,387		10.13	%
Second lien	164			6.15			275			9.12
Real estate secured receivables held for sale	1,201			65.27			1,473			71.96
Total real estate secured	$	2,791		11.01	%		$	4,135		14.44	%
Nonperforming The following table summarizes the status of receivables and receivables held for sale:
	Accruing Loans			Nonaccrual				Total
				Loans(3)
	(in millions)
At September 30, 2014
Real estate secured(1)(2)	$	22,447		$	1,056			$	23,503
Real estate secured receivables held for sale	688			1,152				1,840
Total	$	23,135		$	2,208			$	25,343
At December 31, 2013
Real estate secured(1)(2)	$	24,815		$	1,769			$	26,584
Real estate secured receivables held for sale	625			1,422				2,047
Total	$	25,440		$	3,191			$	28,631
(1)	At September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, nonaccrual real estate secured receivables held for investment include $434 million and $639 million, respectively, of receivables that are carried at the lower of amortized cost or fair value of the collateral less cost to sell.
(2)	At September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, nonaccrual real estate secured receivables held for investment include $753 million and $1,245 million, respectively, of TDR Loans, some of which may also be carried at fair value of the collateral less cost to sell.
(3)	Nonaccrual loans do not include receivables totaling $883 million and $953 million at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, which have been written down to the lower of amortized cost or fair value of the collateral less cost to sell which are less than 90 days contractually delinquent and not accruing interest.
Troubled debt restructurings  See discussion of TDR Loans above for further details on this credit quality indicator.

Credit_Loss_Reserves

Credit Loss Reserves	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Receivables [Abstract]	'
Credit Loss Reserves	'
	Credit Loss Reserves
	The following table summarizes the changes in credit loss reserves by product/class and the related receivable balance by product during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:
		Real Estate Secured						Personal Non- Credit Card			Total
		First Lien			Second Lien
		(in millions)
	Three Months Ended September 30, 2014:
	Credit loss reserve balances at beginning of period	$	2,296		$	396		$	—		$	2,692
	Provision for credit losses	(45		)	3			(1		)	(43		)
	Net charge-offs:
	Charge-offs(2)	(168		)	(43		)	—			(211		)
	Recoveries	20			4			1			25
	Total net charge-offs	(148		)	(39		)	1			(186		)
	Credit loss reserve balance at end of period	$	2,103		$	360		$	—		$	2,463
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014:
	Credit loss reserve balance at beginning of period	$	2,777		$	496		$	—		$	3,273
	Provision for credit losses	(184		)	(36		)	(18		)	(238		)
	Net charge-offs:
	Charge-offs(2)	(559		)	(157		)	—			(716		)
	Recoveries	69			57			18			144
	Total net charge-offs	(490		)	(100		)	18			(572		)
	Credit loss reserve balance at end of period	$	2,103		$	360		$	—		$	2,463
	Reserve components:
	Collectively evaluated for impairment	$	201		$	90		$	—		$	291
	Individually evaluated for impairment(1)	1,865			270			—			2,135
	Receivables carried at the lower of amortized cost or fair value of the collateral less cost to sell	35			—			—			35
	Receivables acquired with deteriorated credit quality	2			—			—			2
	Total credit loss reserves	$	2,103		$	360		$	—		$	2,463
	Receivables:
	Collectively evaluated for impairment	$	10,839		$	1,718		$	—		$	12,557
	Individually evaluated for impairment(1)	9,326			920			—			10,246
	Receivables carried at the lower of amortized cost or fair value of the collateral less cost to sell	662			28			—			690
	Receivables acquired with deteriorated credit quality	8			2			—			10
	Total receivables	$	20,835		$	2,668		$	—		$	23,503
	Three Months Ended September 30, 2013:
	Credit loss reserve balances at beginning of period	$	3,463		$	635		$	—		$	4,098
	Provision for credit losses	(145		)	(8		)	(7		)	(160		)
	Net charge-offs:
	Charge-offs(2)	(212		)	(72		)	—			(284		)
	Recoveries	27			9			7			43
	Total net charge-offs	(185		)	(63		)	7			(241		)
	Credit loss reserve balance at end of period	$	3,133		$	564		$	—		$	3,697
		Real Estate Secured						Personal Non- Credit Card			Total
		First Lien			Second Lien
		(in millions)
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013:
	Credit loss reserve balance at beginning of period	$	3,867		$	740		$	—		$	4,607
	Provision for credit losses	121			54			(44		)	131
	Net charge-offs:
	Charge-offs(2)	(950		)	(260		)	—			(1,210		)
	Recoveries	87			30			44			161
	Total net charge-offs	(863		)	(230		)	44			(1,049		)
	Other	8			—			—			8
	Credit loss reserve balance at end of period	$	3,133		$	564		$	—		$	3,697
	Reserve components:
	Collectively evaluated for impairment	$	591		$	151		$	—		$	742
	Individually evaluated for impairment(1)	2,490			412			—			2,902
	Receivables carried at the lower of amortized cost or fair value of the collateral less cost to sell	51			1			—			52
	Receivables acquired with deteriorated credit quality	1			—			—			1
	Total credit loss reserves	$	3,133		$	564		$	—		$	3,697
	Receivables:
	Collectively evaluated for impairment	$	13,475		$	2,042		$	—		$	15,517
	Individually evaluated for impairment(1)	10,362			1,069			—			11,431
	Receivables carried at the lower of amortized cost or fair value of the collateral less cost to sell	835			48			—			883
Receivables acquired with deteriorated credit quality	10			3			—			13
Total receivables	$	24,682		$	3,162		$	—		$	27,844
(1)	These amounts represent TDR Loans for which we evaluate reserves using a discounted cash flow methodology. Each loan is individually identified as a TDR Loan and then grouped together with other TDR Loans with similar characteristics. The discounted cash flow impairment analysis is then applied to these groups of TDR Loans. The receivable balance above excludes TDR Loans that are carried at the lower of amortized cost or fair value of the collateral less cost to sell which totaled $509 million and $637 million at September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The reserve component above excludes credit loss reserves for TDR Loans that are carried at the lower of amortized cost or fair value of the collateral less cost to sell which totaled $26 million and $36 million at September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. These credit loss reserves are reflected within receivables carried at the lower of amortized cost or fair value of the collateral less cost to sell in the table above.
(2)	For collateral dependent receivables that are transferred to held for sale, existing credit loss reserves at the time of transfer are recognized as a charge-off. We transferred to held for sale certain real estate secured receivables during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 that were carried at the lower of amortized cost or fair value of the collateral less cost to sell. Accordingly, we recognized the existing credit loss reserves on these receivables as additional charge-off totaling $12 million and $50 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively, compared with $21 million and $140 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively.

Receivables_Held_for_Sale

Receivables Held for Sale	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Receivables [Abstract]	'
Receivables Held for Sale	'
	Receivables Held for Sale
	Real Estate Secured Receivables Real estate secured receivables held for sale which are carried at the lower of amortized cost or fair value totaled $1,840 million and $2,047 million at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.
	As discussed in prior filings, during the second quarter of 2013, we adopted a formal program to initiate sale activities for first lien real estate secured receivables in our held for investment portfolio when a receivable meeting pre-determined criteria is written down to the lower of amortized cost or fair value of the collateral less cost to sell in accordance with our existing charge-off policies (generally 180 days past due). During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, we transferred real estate secured receivables to held for sale with an unpaid principal balance of approximately $302 million and $1,171 million, respectively, at the time of transfer. The net realizable value (carrying value) of these receivables prior to transfer after considering the fair value of the property less cost to sell was approximately $236 million and $910 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively. As we plan to sell these receivables to third party investors, fair value represents the price we believe a third party investor would pay to acquire the receivable portfolios. A third party investor would incorporate a number of assumptions in predicting future cash flows, such as differences in overall cost of capital assumptions, which may result in a lower estimate of fair value for the cash flows associated with the receivables. Accordingly, during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 we recorded as a component of total other revenues in the consolidated statement of income, a lower of amortized cost or fair value adjustment of $10 million and $112 million, respectively, associated with the newly transferred loans, all of which was attributable to non-credit related factors as these receivables were already carried at the lower of amortized cost or fair value of the collateral less cost to sell.
	During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, we transferred real estate secured receivables to held for sale with an unpaid principal balance of approximately $473 million and $3,077 million, respectively, at the time of transfer. The net realizable value (carrying value) of these receivables prior to transfer after considering the fair value of the property less cost to sell was approximately $346 million and $2,101 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively. As discussed above, the price a third party investor may be willing to pay for these receivables may differ than our estimate of value for receivables we intend to hold for investment purposes. Accordingly, during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, we recorded a lower of amortized cost or fair value adjustment of $46 million and $145 million, respectively, associated with these transferred loans, all of which was attributable to non-credit related factors as these receivables were already carried at the lower of amortized cost or fair value of the collateral less cost to sell and was recorded as a component of total other revenues in the consolidated statement of income.
	We expect that receivables held for sale at September 30, 2014 will be sold in multiple transactions generally over the next 15 months or, if the foreclosure process is completed prior to sale, the underlying properties acquired in satisfaction of the receivables will be classified as real estate owned (“REO”) and sold. As we continue to work with borrowers, we may also agree to a short sale whereby the property is sold by the borrower at a price which has been pre-negotiated with us and the borrower is released from further obligation. Accordingly, based on the projected timing of loan sales and the expected flow of foreclosure volume into REO over the next 15 months, a portion of the real estate secured receivables classified as held for sale will ultimately become REO. This estimate of fair value is highly dependent upon the timing and size of future receivable sales as well as the volume and timelines associated with foreclosure activity. The following table summarizes the activity of real estate secured receivables either transferred to REO or sold in a short sale during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013.
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
		(in millions)
	Carrying value of real estate secured receivables:
	Transferred to REO after obtaining title to the underlying collateral	$	43		$	175		$	160		$	405
	Short sales	16			63			47			151
	Impact to lower of amortized cost or fair value adjustment previously recorded resulting from the transfer to REO or short sales:
	Transferred to REO after obtaining title to the underlying collateral	2			(1		)	4			(50		)
	Short Sales	1			(11		)	2			(22		)
	Personal Non-Credit Card Receivables On April 1, 2013, we completed the sale of our personal non-credit card receivable portfolio with an aggregate unpaid principal balance of $3,760 million (aggregate carrying value of $2,947 million) at March 31, 2013 to trusts for which affiliates of Springleaf Finance, Inc. ("Springleaf"), Newcastle Investment Corp. and Blackstone Tactical Opportunities Advisors L.L.C. are the sole beneficiaries (collectively, the "Purchasers"). Total cash consideration received was $2,964 million. During the second quarter of 2013, we recorded a loss on sale of $11 million primarily related to transaction fees. On September 1, 2013, we completed the sale of a loan servicing facility and related assets located in London, Kentucky (the "Facility") to Springleaf and recognized an immaterial gain on sale of the Facility during the third quarter of 2013. Additionally, on September 1, 2013 the personal non-credit card receivables were converted onto the Purchasers' system and we transferred to the Purchasers over 200 employees who had performed servicing activities for these and other receivables. Prior to the conversion of these receivable to the Purchaser's systems, we serviced these personal non-credit card receivables for the Purchasers for a fee. Servicing fee revenues recorded for servicing these personal non-credit card receivables during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 totaled $17 million and $29 million, respectively.
	Receivable Held for Sale Activity During the Period The following table summarizes the activity in receivables held for sale during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014:
		2014
		(in millions)
	Three Months Ended September 30, 2014:
	Real estate secured receivables held for sale at beginning of period	$	1,874
	Real estate secured receivables sold	(272		)
	Lower of amortized cost or fair value adjustment on real estate secured receivables held for sale	94
	Carrying value of real estate secured receivables held for sale settled through short sale or transfer to REO	(59		)
	Change in real estate secured receivable balance, including collections	(11		)
	Transfer of real estate secured receivables into held for sale at the lower of amortized cost or fair value(2)	214
	Real estate secured receivables held for sale at end of period(3)	$	1,840
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014:
	Real estate secured receivables held for sale at beginning of period	$	2,047
	Real estate secured receivables sold	(1,156		)
	Lower of amortized cost or fair value adjustment on real estate secured receivables held for sale	404
	Carrying value of real estate secured receivables held for sale settled through short sale or transfer to REO	(207		)
	Change in real estate secured receivable balance, including collections	12
	Transfer of real estate secured receivables into held for investment at the lower of amortized cost or fair value(1)	(8		)
	Transfer of real estate secured receivables into held for sale at the lower of amortized cost or fair value(2)	748
	Real estate secured receivables held for sale at end of period(3)	$	1,840
	(1)	During the first quarter of 2014, we identified a small pool of receivables held for sale which did not meet our criteria to be classified as held for sale. As a result we transferred these receivables to held for investment at the lower of amortized cost or fair value.
	(2)	The initial lower of amortized cost or fair value adjustment on receivables transferred into held for sale during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 totaled $10 million and $112 million, respectively.
	(3)	The following table provides a rollforward of our valuation allowance for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014. The valuation allowance has been reduced to zero as the fair value of the pool of receivables held for sale at September 30, 2014 exceeds the carrying value as these receivables are carried at the lower of amortized cost or fair value. See Note 14, "Fair Value Measurements," for a discussion of the factors impacting the fair value of these receivables.
		Three Months Ended September 30, 2014			Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
		(in millions)
	Balance at beginning of period	$	—		$	329
	Initial valuation allowance for real estate secured receivables transferred to held for sale during the period	10			112
	Release of valuation allowance resulting from improvements in fair value	(94		)	(404		)
	Valuation allowance on real estate secured receivables transferred to held for investment	—			(4		)
	Change in valuation allowance for loans sold	103			129
	Change in valuation allowance for collections, charged-off, transferred to REO or short sale	(19		)	(162		)
	Balance at end of period	$	—		$	—
	The following table summarizes the components of the lower of amortized cost or fair value adjustment recorded in other revenues during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:
		Lower of Amortized Cost or Fair Value Adjustments Associated With
		Fair Value			REO			Short Sales			Total
		(in millions)
	(Income)/Expense:
	Three Months Ended September 30, 2014:
	Initial lower of amortized cost or fair value adjustment	$	10		$	—		$	—		$	10
	Subsequent to initial transfer to held for sale	(97		)	2			1			(94		)
	Lower of amortized cost or fair value adjustment recorded through other revenues	$	(87	)	$	2		$	1		$	(84	)
	Three Months Ended September 30, 2013:
	Initial lower of amortized cost or fair value adjustment	$	46		$	—		$	—		$	46
	Subsequent to initial transfer to held for sale	(100		)	(1		)	(11		)	(112		)
	Lower of amortized cost or fair value adjustment recorded through other revenues	$	(54	)	$	(1	)	$	(11	)	$	(66	)
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014:
	Initial lower of amortized cost or fair value adjustment	$	112		$	—		$	—		$	112
Subsequent to initial transfer to held for sale	(410		)	4			2			(404		)
Lower of amortized cost or fair value adjustment recorded through other revenues	$	(298	)	$	4		$	2		$	(292	)
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013:
Initial lower of amortized cost or fair value adjustment	$	145		$	—		$	—		$	145
Subsequent to initial transfer to held for sale	(965		)	(50		)	(22		)	(1,037		)
Lower of amortized cost or fair value adjustment recorded through other revenues	$	(820	)	$	(50	)	$	(22	)	$	(892	)
During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, we reversed $97 million and $410 million, respectively, of the lower of amortized cost or fair value adjustment previously recorded primarily due to an increase in the relative fair value of certain pools of real estate secured receivables held for sale as conditions in the housing industry have continued to show improvement in the first nine months of 2014 due to modest improvements in property values as well as lower required market yields and increased investor demand for these types of receivables. The total increase in the fair value of real estate secured receivables held for sale was greater than the amount that could be recognized during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 as these receivables are carried at the lower of amortized cost or fair value. See Note 14, "Fair Value Measurements," for information concerning the fair value of receivables held for sale.
During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, we reversed $100 million and $1,047 million, respectively, of the lower of amortized cost or fair value adjustment previously recorded primarily due to an increase in the relative fair value of the real estate secured receivables held for sale during 2013 largely due to improved conditions in the housing industry. During the first quarter of 2013, the fair value of the personal non-credit card receivables held for sale decreased by $82 million, reflecting the excess of the interest and fee income on the loans over the fees received from the Purchasers as the sale agreement called for interest and fees on the loans to pass to the Purchasers after December 31, 2012 in return for a cost of carry and servicing fee to be paid to the seller.

Fair_Value_Option

Fair Value Option	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Option	'
	Fair Value Option
	We have elected to apply fair value option (“FVO”) reporting to certain of our fixed rate debt issuances which also qualify for FVO reporting under International Financial Reporting Standards. The following table summarizes fixed rate debt issuances accounted for under FVO:
		September 30, 2014			December 31, 2013
		(in millions)
	Fixed rate debt accounted for under FVO reported in:
	Long-term debt	$	6,976		$	8,025
	Due to affiliates	506			496
	Total fixed rate debt accounted for under FVO	$	7,482		$	8,521
	Unpaid principal balance of fixed rate debt accounted for under FVO(1)	$	7,025		$	7,942
	Fixed rate long-term debt not accounted for under FVO	$	6,271		$	7,083
	(1)	Balance includes a foreign currency translation adjustment relating to our foreign denominated FVO debt which decreased the debt balance by $10 million at September 30, 2014 and increased the debt balance by $245 million at December 31, 2013.
	We determine the fair value of the fixed rate debt accounted for under FVO through the use of a third party pricing service. Such fair value represents the full market price (including credit and interest rate impacts) based on observable market data for the same or similar debt instruments. See Note 14, "Fair Value Measurements,” for a description of the methods and significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value of our fixed rate debt accounted for under FVO.
	The following table summarizes the components of the gain on debt designated at fair value and related derivatives for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
		(in millions)
	Mark-to-market on debt designated at fair value(1):
	Interest rate component	$	57		$	48		$	121		$	253
	Credit risk component	27			(43		)	2			(61		)
	Total mark-to-market on debt designated at fair value	84			5			123			192
	Mark-to-market on the related derivatives(1)	(78		)	(47		)	(180		)	(267		)
	Net realized gains on the related derivatives	66			75			202			243
	Gain on debt designated at fair value and related derivatives	$	72		$	33		$	145		$	168
	(1)	Mark-to-market on debt designated at fair value and related derivatives excludes market value changes due to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. Foreign currency translation gains (losses) recorded in derivative related income (expense) associated with debt designated at fair value was a gain of $240 million and a loss of $109 million during the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and a gain of $255 million and a loss of $28 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Offsetting gains (losses) recorded in derivative related income (expense) associated with the related derivatives was a loss of $240 million and a gain of $109 million during the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and a loss of $255 million and a gain of $28 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	The movement in the fair value reflected in gain on debt designated at fair value and related derivatives includes the effect of our own credit spread changes and interest rate changes, including any economic ineffectiveness in the relationship between the related derivatives and our debt and any realized gains or losses on those derivatives. With respect to the credit component, as our credit spreads narrow accounting losses are booked and the reverse is true if credit spreads widen. Differences arise between the movement in the fair value of our debt and the fair value of the related derivative due to the different credit characteristics and differences in the calculation of fair value for debt and derivatives. The size and direction of the accounting consequences of such changes can be volatile from period to period but do not alter the cash flows intended as part of the documented interest rate management strategy. On a cumulative basis, we have recorded fair value option adjustments which increased the value of our debt by $458 million and $581 million at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.
	The change in the fair value of the debt and the change in value of the related derivatives during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 reflects the following:
	•	Interest rate curve – During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, changes in market movements on certain debt and related derivatives that mature in the near term resulted in a gain in the interest rate component on the mark-to-market of the debt and a loss on the mark-to-market of the related derivative. As these items near maturity, their values are less sensitive to interest rate movements. Rising long-term interest rates during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 resulted in a gain in the interest rate component on the mark-to-market of the debt and a loss on the mark-to-market of the related derivative in the year-ago period. Changes in the value of the interest rate component of the debt as compared with the related derivative are also affected by differences in cash flows and valuation methodologies for the debt and the derivatives. Cash flows on debt are discounted using a single discount rate from the bond yield curve for each bond’s applicable maturity while derivative cash flows are discounted using rates at multiple points along an interest rate yield curve. The impacts of these differences vary as short-term and long-term interest rates shift and time passes. Furthermore, certain FVO debt no longer has any corresponding derivatives.
	•	Credit – Our secondary market credit spreads widened minimally during the three months ended September 30, 2014 which offset the tightening of credit spreads which had occurred in the first half of 2014. Our secondary market credit spreads tightened during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 on overall positive economic news.
	Net income volatility, whether based on changes in the interest rate or credit risk components of the mark-to-market on debt designated at fair value and the related derivatives, impacts the comparability of our reported results between periods. Accordingly, gain on debt designated at fair value and related derivatives for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 should not be considered indicative of the results for any future periods.

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen

Derivative Financial Instruments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Derivative Financial Instruments	'
	Derivative Financial Instruments
	Our business activities involve analysis, evaluation, acceptance and management of some degree of risk or combination of risks. Accordingly, we have comprehensive risk management policies to address potential financial risks, which include credit risk, liquidity risk, market risk, and operational risks. Our risk management policy is designed to identify and analyze these risks, to set appropriate limits and controls, and to monitor the risks and limits continually by means of reliable and up-to-date administrative and information systems. Our risk management policies are primarily carried out in accordance with practice and limits set by the HSBC Group Management Board. The HSBC North America Asset Liability Committee (“HSBC North America ALCO”) meets regularly to review risks and approve appropriate risk management strategies within the limits established by the HSBC Group Management Board. Additionally, our Risk Management Committee receives regular reports on our interest rate and liquidity risk positions in relation to the established limits. In accordance with the policies and strategies established by HSBC North America ALCO, in the normal course of business, we enter into various transactions involving derivative financial instruments. These derivative financial instruments primarily are used as economic hedges to manage risk.
	Objectives for Holding Derivative Financial Instruments  Market risk (which includes interest rate and foreign currency exchange risks) is the possibility that a change in interest rates or foreign exchange rates will cause a financial instrument to decrease in value or become more costly to settle. Prior to our ceasing originations in our Consumer Lending business and ceasing loan purchase activities in our Mortgage Services business, customer demand for our loan products shifted between fixed rate and floating rate products, based on market conditions and preferences. These shifts in loan products resulted in different funding strategies and produced different interest rate risk exposures. Additionally, the mix of receivables on our balance sheet and the corresponding market risk is changing as we manage the liquidation of all of our receivable portfolios. We maintain an overall risk management strategy that utilizes interest rate and currency derivative financial instruments to mitigate our exposure to fluctuations caused by changes in interest rates and currency exchange rates related to our debt liabilities. We manage our exposure to interest rate risk primarily through the use of interest rate swaps with the main objective of managing the interest rate volatility due to a mismatch in the duration of our assets and liabilities. We manage our exposure to foreign currency exchange risk primarily through the use of cross currency interest rate swaps.
	Interest rate swaps are contractual agreements between two counterparties for the exchange of periodic interest payments generally based on a notional principal amount and agreed-upon fixed or floating rates. The majority of our interest rate swaps are used to manage our exposure to changes in interest rates by converting floating rate debt to fixed rate or by converting fixed rate debt to floating rate. We have also entered into currency swaps to convert both principal and interest payments on debt issued from one currency to the appropriate functional currency.
	We do not manage credit risk or the changes in fair value due to the changes in credit risk by entering into derivative financial instruments such as credit derivatives or credit default swaps.
	Control Over Valuation Process and Procedures  A control framework has been established which is designed to ensure that fair values are validated by a function independent of the risk-taker. To that end, the ultimate responsibility for the measurement of fair values rests with the HSBC U.S. Valuation Committee. The HSBC U.S. Valuation Committee establishes policies and procedures to ensure appropriate valuations. Fair values for derivatives are measured by management using valuation techniques, valuation models and inputs that are developed, reviewed, validated and approved by the Quantitative Risk and Valuation Group of an HSBC affiliate. These valuation models utilize discounted cash flows or an option pricing model adjusted for counterparty credit risk and market liquidity. The models used apply appropriate control processes and procedures to ensure that the derived inputs are used to value only those instruments that share similar risk to the relevant benchmark indices and therefore demonstrate a similar response to market factors.
	Credit Risk  By utilizing derivative financial instruments, we are exposed to counterparty credit risk. Counterparty credit risk is the risk that the counterparty to a transaction fails to perform according to the terms of the contract. We manage the counterparty credit (or repayment) risk in derivative instruments through established credit approvals, risk control limits, collateral, and ongoing monitoring procedures. We utilize an affiliate, HSBC Bank USA, National Association ("HSBC Bank USA") as the primary provider of derivative products. We have never suffered a loss due to counterparty failure.
	At both September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, all of our existing derivative contracts are with HSBC Bank USA, making them our sole counterparty in derivative transactions. Derivative agreements require that payments be made to, or received from, the counterparty when the fair value of the agreement reaches a certain level. When the fair value of our agreements with affiliate counterparties requires the posting of collateral, it is provided in either the form of cash and recorded on the balance sheet, consistent with third party arrangements, or in the form of securities which are not recorded on our balance sheet. The fair value of our agreements with affiliate counterparties required the affiliates to provide collateral to us of $190 million and $811 million at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, all of which was received in cash. These amounts are offset against the fair value amount recognized for derivative instruments that have been offset under the same master netting arrangement and recorded in our balance sheet as derivative financial assets or derivative related liabilities which are included as a component of other assets and other liabilities, respectively. At September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, we had derivative contracts with a notional amount of $14.0 billion and $16.5 billion, respectively, all of which is outstanding with HSBC Bank USA. Derivative financial instruments are generally expressed in terms of notional principal or contract amounts which are much larger than the amounts potentially at risk for nonpayment by counterparties.
	To manage our exposure to changes in interest rates, we entered into interest rate swap agreements and currency swaps which have been designated as cash flow hedges under derivative accounting principles, or are treated as non-qualifying hedges. We currently utilize the long-haul method to assess effectiveness of all derivatives designated as hedges.
	The following table presents the fair value of derivative contracts by major product type on a gross basis. Gross fair values exclude the effects of both counterparty netting and collateral, and therefore are not representative of our exposure. The table below presents the amounts of counterparty netting and cash collateral that have been offset in the consolidated balance sheet.
		September 30, 2014								December 31, 2013
		Derivative Financial Assets				Derivative Financial Liabilities				Derivative Financial Assets				Derivative Financial Liabilities
		(in millions)
	Derivatives(1)
	Derivatives accounted for as cash flow hedges
	Interest rate swaps	$	9			$	(89	)		$	16			$	(138	)
	Currency swaps	125				(50		)		255				(28		)
	Cash flow hedges	134				(139		)		271				(166		)
	Non-qualifying hedge activities
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
	Interest rate swaps	21				(288		)		24				(171		)
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments	21				(288		)		24				(171		)
	Derivatives associated with debt carried at fair value
	Interest rate swaps	156				—				270				—
	Currency swaps	222				—				542				—
	Derivatives associated with debt carried at fair value	378				—				812				—
	Total derivatives	533				(427		)		1,107				(337		)
	Less: Gross amounts offset in the balance sheet(2)	533				(427		)		1,107				(337		)
	Net amounts of derivative financial assets and liabilities presented in the balance sheet(3)	$	—			$	—			$	—			$	—
	(1)	All of our derivatives are bilateral over-the-counter ("OTC") derivatives.
	(2)	Represents the netting of derivative receivable and payable balances for the same counterparty under an enforceable netting agreement. Gross amounts offset in the balance sheet includes cash collateral received as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 of $190 million and $811 million, respectively. At September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, we did not have any financial instrument collateral received/posted.
	(3)	At September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, we had not received any cash or financial instruments not subject to an enforceable master netting agreement.
	Fair Value Hedges  In the first quarter of 2013, we terminated all of our active fair value hedge positions to better align our overall hedge position with our overall interest rate risk position, which had changed after the issuance of $1.5 billion in fixed rate debt to HSBC USA Inc. in December 2012. Prior to the first quarter of 2013, fair value hedges included interest rate swaps to convert our fixed rate debt to variable rate debt and currency swaps to convert debt issued from one currency into U.S. dollar variable rate debt. We recorded fair value adjustments to the carrying value of our debt for fair value hedges which increased the debt balance by $5 million and $5 million at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.
	During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, there were neither any gains or losses recorded on any derivatives or related hedged items in the consolidated statement of income as we terminated all of our active fair value hedge positions in the first quarter of 2013 as discussed above.
	Cash Flow Hedges Cash flow hedges include interest rate swaps to convert our variable rate debt to fixed rate debt by fixing future interest rate resets of floating rate debt as well as currency swaps to convert debt issued from one currency into U.S. dollar fixed rate debt. Gains and losses on derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges are reported in other comprehensive income (loss) (“OCI”) net of tax and totaled a loss of $62 million and $97 million at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. We expect $52 million ($33 million after-tax) of currently unrealized net losses will be reclassified to earnings within one year. However, these reclassified unrealized losses will be offset by decreased interest expense associated with the variable cash flows of the hedged items and will result in no significant net economic impact to our earnings.
	The following table provides the gain or loss recorded on our cash flow hedging relationships.
		Gain (Loss) Recognized in AOCI on Derivative (Effective Portion)								Location of Gain		Gain (Loss) Reclassed From AOCI into Income (Effective Portion)							Location of Gain	Gain (Loss) Recognized In Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion)
										(Loss) Reclassified									(Loss) Recognized
										from AOCI into Income									in Income on the Derivative(Ineffective Portion)
		2014				2013				(Effective Portion)		2014				2013				2014		2013
		(in millions)
	Three Months Ended September 30,
	Interest rate swaps	$	14			$	20			Interest expense		$	—			$	(1	)	Derivative related	$	—	$	—
																			income (expense)
	Currency swaps	3				27				Interest expense		(2		)		(2		)	Derivative related	4		6
																			income (expense)
	Total	$	17			$	47					$	(2	)		$	(3	)		$	4	$	6
	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	Interest rate swaps	$	35			$	94			Interest expense		$	1			$	(2	)	Derivative related	$	—	$	2
																			income (expense)
	Currency swaps	10				65				Interest expense		(9		)		(10		)	Derivative related	12		25
																			income (expense)
										Derivative loss recognized on termination of hedges		—				(199		)
	Total	$	45			$	159					$	(8	)		$	(211	)		$	12	$	27
	Non-Qualifying Hedging Activities  We have entered into interest rate and currency swaps which are not designated as hedges under derivative accounting principles. However, as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, we no longer have any open currency swap positions. These financial instruments are economic hedges but do not qualify for hedge accounting and are primarily used to minimize our exposure to changes in interest rates and currency exchange rates through more closely matching both the structure and duration of our liabilities to the structure and duration of our assets.
	The following table provides detail of the realized and unrealized gain or loss recorded on our non-qualifying hedges:
		Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative	Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Derivative
			Related Income (Expense)
			Three Months Ended September 30,								Nine Months Ended September 30,
			2014				2013				2014				2013
			(in millions)
	Interest rate contracts	Derivative related income (expense)	$	(11	)		$	(5	)		$	(199	)		$	260
	Currency contracts	Derivative related income (expense)	—				—				—				(1		)
Total		$	(11	)		$	(5	)		$	(199	)		$	259
We have elected the fair value option for certain issuances of our fixed rate debt and have entered into interest rate and currency swaps related to debt carried at fair value. The interest rate and currency swaps associated with this debt are non-qualifying hedges but are considered economic hedges and realized gains and losses are reported as “Gain on debt designated at fair value and related derivatives” within other revenues. The derivatives related to fair value option debt are included in the tables below.
The following table provides the gain or loss recorded on the derivatives related to fair value option debt primarily due to changes in interest rates. See Note 7, “Fair Value Option,” for further discussion.
	Location of Gain (Loss)	Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Derivative Related Income (Expense)
	Recognized in Income on Derivative	Three Months Ended September 30,								Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014				2013				2014				2013
		(in millions)
Interest rate contracts	Gain on debt designated at fair value and related derivatives	$	(1	)		$	12			$	7			$	5
Currency contracts	Gain on debt designated at fair value and related derivatives	(11		)		16				15				(29		)
Total		$	(12	)		$	28			$	22			$	(24	)
Notional Amount of Derivative Contracts The following table provides the notional amounts of derivative contracts.
	September 30, 2014				December 31, 2013
	(in millions)
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
Interest rate swaps	$	1,959			$	3,256
Currency swaps	2,248				2,277
	4,207				5,533
Non-qualifying hedges:
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
Interest rate swaps	3,199				3,699
Currency swaps	—				—
	3,199				3,699
Derivatives associated with debt carried at fair value:
Interest rate swaps	3,682				4,343
Currency swaps	2,892				2,892
	6,574				7,235
Total	$	13,980			$	16,467
The decrease in the notional amount of our derivative contracts at September 30, 2014 as compared with December 31, 2013 reflects maturities of approximately $2.5 billion.
During the first quarter of 2013, we terminated $1.0 billion of cash flow hedge positions. As discussed in previous filings, we have approximately $1.0 billion of junior subordinated notes issued to an affiliate, HSBC Finance Capital Trust IX ("HFCT IX"). HFCT IX, which is a related but unconsolidated entity, issued trust preferred securities to third party investors to fund the purchase of the junior subordinated notes. In October 2013, U.S. Regulators published a final rule in the Federal Register implementing the Basel III capital framework under which the qualification of trust preferred securities as Tier I capital will be phased out. In anticipation of these changes as well as other recent changes in our assessment of cash flow needs, including long term funding considerations, in the first quarter of 2013 we terminated the associated cash flow hedges associated with these notes, which resulted in the reclassification to income of $199 million of unrealized losses previously accumulated in other comprehensive income during the first quarter of 2013.

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Equity [Abstract]	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	'
	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
	Accumulated other comprehensive loss (“AOCI”) includes certain items that are reported directly within a separate component of shareholders’ equity. The following table presents changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss balances.
		2014				2013
		(in millions)
	Three Months Ended September 30,
	Unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedging instruments:
	Balance at beginning of period	$	(74	)		$	(152	)
	Other comprehensive income for period:
	Net gains arising during period, net of tax of $6 million and $17 million, respectively	10				30
	Reclassification adjustment for losses realized in net income, net of tax of $1 million and $1 million, respectively(3)	1				2
	Total other comprehensive income for period	11				32
	Balance at end of period	(63		)		(120		)
	Pension and postretirement benefit plan liability:
	Balance at beginning of period	(11		)		(25		)
	Other comprehensive income for period:
	Reclassification adjustment for losses realized in net income, net of tax of $- million and $- million, respectively(2)	1				—
	Total other comprehensive income for period	1				—
	Balance at end of period	(10		)		(25		)
	Total accumulated other comprehensive loss at end of period	$	(73	)		$	(145	)
	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	Unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedging instruments:
	Balance at beginning of period	$	(97	)		$	(358	)
	Other comprehensive income for period:
	Net gains arising during period, net of tax of $15 million and $56 million, respectively	29				102
	Reclassification adjustment for losses realized in net income, net of tax of $3 million and $75 million, respectively(3)	5				136
	Total other comprehensive income for period	34				238
	Balance at end of period	(63		)		(120		)
		2014				2013
		(in millions)
	Unrealized gains (losses) on securities available-for-sale, not other-than temporarily impaired:
	Balance at beginning of period	—				115
	Other comprehensive income (loss) for period:
	Reclassification adjustment for losses realized in net income, net of tax of $- million and $(62) million, respectively(1)	—				(115		)
	Total other comprehensive income (loss) for period	—				(115		)
	Balance at end of period	—				—
	Unrealized gains (losses) on other-than-temporarily impaired debt securities available-for-sale:
	Balance at beginning of period	—				1
	Other comprehensive income (loss) for period:
	Reclassification adjustment for gains realized in net income, net of tax of $- million and $(1) million, respectively(1)	—				(1		)
	Total other comprehensive income (loss) for period	—				(1		)
	Balance at end of period	—				—
	Pension and postretirement benefit plan liability:
	Balance at beginning of period	(11		)		(26		)
	Other comprehensive income for period:
	Reclassification adjustment for losses realized in net income, net of tax of $- million and $- million, respectively(2)	1				1
	Total other comprehensive income for period	1				1
	Balance at end of period	(10		)		(25		)
	Foreign currency translation adjustments:
	Balance at beginning of period	—				11
	Other comprehensive income (loss) for period:
	Translation losses, net of tax of $- million and $(1) million, respectively	—				(5		)
	Reclassification adjustment for gains realized in net income, net of tax of $- million and $(9) million, respectively(3)	—				(6		)
	Total other comprehensive income (loss) for period	—				(11		)
	Balance at end of period	—				—
	Total accumulated other comprehensive loss at end of period	$	(73	)		$	(145	)
	(1)	The amounts reclassified during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 are included in loss from discontinued operations in our consolidated statement of income.
	(2)	The amounts reclassified during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 are included as a component of salaries and employee benefits in our consolidated statement of income.
	(3)	See the tables below for the components of the amounts reclassified during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 into income and location in our consolidated statement of income.
	The following table provides additional information related to the amounts classified into the consolidated statement of income out of accumulated other comprehensive loss during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013.
	Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Components		Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss(1)				Affected Line Item in the Statement of Income
			(in millions)
	Three Months Ended September 30, 2014:
	Unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedging instruments:
Interest rate and currency swaps		$	(2	)		Interest expense
Total before tax		(2		)
Tax benefit		(1		)
Net of tax		$	(1	)
Three Months Ended September 30, 2013:
Unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedging instruments:
Interest rate and currency swaps		$	(3	)		Interest expense
Total before tax		(3		)
Tax benefit		(1		)
Net of tax		$	(2	)
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014:
Unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedging instruments:
Interest rate and currency swaps		$	(8	)		Interest expense
Total before tax		(8		)
Tax benefit		(3		)
Net of tax		$	(5	)
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013:
Unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedging instruments:
Interest rate and currency swaps		$	(12	)		Interest expense
Derivative loss recognized on termination of hedge relationship		(199		)		Derivative related income (expense)
Total before tax		(211		)
Tax benefit		(75		)
Net of tax		$	(136	)
Foreign currency translation adjustments:
Sale of Insurance business		$	(24	)		Income (loss) on discontinued operations
Closure of foreign legal entity		9				Other income
Total before tax		(15		)
Tax benefit		(9		)
Net of tax		$	(6	)
(1)	Amounts in parenthesis indicate expenses recognized in the consolidated statement of income.

Pension_and_Other_Postretireme

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits	'
	Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits
	Defined Benefit Pension Plan The components of pension expense for the defined benefit pension plan recorded in our consolidated statement of income and shown in the table below reflect the portion of the pension expense of the combined HSBC North America Pension Plan (either the “HSBC North America Pension Plan” or the “Plan”) which has been allocated to us.
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
		(in millions)
	Service cost – benefits earned during the period	$	1		$	2		$	3		$	6
	Interest cost on projected benefit obligation	12			14			37			42
	Expected return on assets	(16		)	(16		)	(45		)	(52		)
	Recognized losses	6			8			19			30
	Pension expense	$	3		$	8		$	14		$	26
	During the first quarter of 2014, an additional contribution of $74 million was made to the Plan.
	Postretirement Plans Other Than Pensions The components of net periodic benefit cost for our postretirement plans other than pension are as follows:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
		(in millions)
	Service cost – benefits earned during the period	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
	Interest cost	2			2			6			6
	Net periodic postretirement benefit cost	$	2		$	2		$	6		$	6

Related_Party_Transactions

Related Party Transactions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]	'
Related Party Transactions	'
	Related Party Transactions
	In the normal course of business, we conduct transactions with HSBC and its subsidiaries. These transactions occur at prevailing market rates and terms and include funding arrangements, derivatives, servicing arrangements, information technology, centralized support services, item and statement processing services, banking and other miscellaneous services. The following tables and discussions below present the more significant related party balances and the income (expense) generated by related party transactions for continuing operations:
		September 30, 2014			December 31, 2013
		(in millions)
	Assets:
	Cash	$	173		$	172
	Securities purchased under agreements to resell(1)	4,841			6,924
	Other assets	159			86
	Total assets	$	5,173		$	7,182
	Liabilities:
	Due to affiliates(2)	$	6,940		$	8,742
	Other liabilities	40			51
	Total liabilities	$	6,980		$	8,793
	(1)	Securities under an agreement to resell are purchased from HSI and generally have terms of 120 days or less. The collateral underlying the securities purchased under agreements to resell, however, is with an unaffiliated third party. Interest income recognized on these securities is reflected as interest income from HSBC affiliate in the table below.
	(2)	Due to affiliates includes amounts owed to HSBC and its subsidiaries as a result of direct debt issuances as well as HSBC's ownership of our subordinated debt and excludes preferred stock.
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
		(in millions)
	Income/(Expense):
	Interest income from HSBC affiliates	$	1		$	1		$	4		$	3
	Interest expense paid to HSBC affiliates(1)	(76		)	(113		)	(231		)	(371		)
	Net interest income (expense)	$	(75	)	$	(112	)	$	(227	)	$	(368	)
	Gain (loss) on FVO debt with affiliate	$	10		$	(16	)	$	(10	)	$	21
	Servicing and other fees from HSBC affiliates	6			6			20			19
	Support services from HSBC affiliates	(65		)	(78		)	(198		)	(213		)
	Stock based compensation expense with HSBC(2)	(1		)	1			(4		)	(3		)
	(1)	Includes interest expense paid to HSBC affiliates for debt held by HSBC affiliates as well as net interest paid to or received from HSBC affiliates on risk management hedges related to non-affiliated debt.
	(2)	Employees participate in one or more stock compensation plans sponsored by HSBC. These expenses are included in Salary and employee benefits in our consolidated statement of income. Employees also participate in a defined benefit pension plan and other postretirement benefit plans sponsored by HSBC North America which are discussed in Note 10, “Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits.”
	Funding Arrangements with HSBC Affiliates:
	Beginning in the first quarter of 2012, all of our ongoing funding requirements have been integrated into the overall HSBC North America funding plans and our funding requirements are now sourced primarily through HSBC USA, Inc. Due to affiliates consists of the following:
		September 30, 2014			December 31, 2013
		(in millions)
	HSBC Private Banking Holdings (Suisse) S.A. and subsidiaries	$	2,500		$	4,300
	HSBC USA Inc.	3,012			3,012
	HSBC Holdings plc (includes $506 million and $496 million at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 carried at fair value, respectively)	828			820
	HSBC North America Holdings Inc.	600			600
	HSBC Asia Holdings BV	—			10
	Due to affiliates	$	6,940		$	8,742
	HSBC Private Banking Holdings (Suisse) S.A. and subsidiaries - We have various debt agreements with maturities between 2015 and 2016.
	HSBC USA Inc. - We have a $5.0 billion, 364-day uncommitted unsecured revolving credit agreement with HSBC USA Inc. which expires during the fourth quarter of 2015. The credit agreement allows for borrowings with maturities of up to 5 years. At both September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, $3,012 million was outstanding under this credit agreement with $512 million maturing in September 2017, $1.5 billion maturing in January 2018 and $1.0 billion maturing in September 2018.
	HSBC Holdings plc - We have a public subordinated debt issue with a carrying amount of $3.0 billion which matures in 2021. Of this amount, HSBC Holdings plc holds $828 million.
	HSBC North America Holdings Inc. - We have a $600 million loan agreement with HSBC North America which provides for three $200 million borrowings with maturities between 2034 and 2035.
	HSBC Asia Holdings BV - We had two $5 million loan agreements with maturity dates in 2014 and 2015. We repaid the loans in September 2014.
	We have the following funding arrangements available with HSBC affiliates, although there are no outstanding balances at either September 30, 2014 or December 31, 2013:
	•	$1.0 billion committed revolving credit facility with HSBC USA Inc. was available at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013. This credit facility expires in May 2017;
	•	$100 million committed revolving credit facility with HSBC Investments (Bahamas) Limited was available at December 31, 2013. This facility matured in April 2014 and was not renewed; and
	•	$455 million, 364-day uncommitted revolving credit facility with HSBC North America was available at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013.
	As discussed more fully in Note 22, "Litigation and Regulatory Matters," in our 2013 Form 10-K, in November 2013, we obtained a surety bond to secure a stay of execution of the partial judgment in the Jaffe litigation pending the outcome of our appeal. This surety bond has been guaranteed by HSBC North America and we pay HSBC North America an annual fee for providing the guarantee which is included as a component of interest expense. Guarantee fees for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 totaled $1 million and $4 million, respectively.
	As previously discussed, we maintain an overall risk management strategy that utilizes interest rate and currency derivative financial instruments to mitigate our exposure to fluctuations caused by changes in interest rates and currency exchange rates related to affiliate and third-party debt liabilities. HSBC Bank USA is our sole counterparty in derivative transactions. The notional amount of derivative contracts outstanding with HSBC Bank USA totaled $14.0 billion and $16.5 billion at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. When the fair value of our agreements with affiliate counterparties requires the posting of collateral, it is provided in either the form of cash and recorded on the balance sheet or in the form of securities which are not recorded on our balance sheet. The fair value of our agreements at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 with HSBC Bank USA required HSBC Bank USA to provide collateral to us of $190 million and $811 million, respectively, all of which was received in cash. These amounts are offset against the fair value amount recognized for derivative instruments that have been offset under the same master netting arrangement. See Note 8, “Derivative Financial Instruments,” for additional information about our derivative portfolio.
	In addition to the lending arrangements discussed above, during the fourth quarter of 2010, we issued 1,000 shares of Series C preferred stock to HSBC Investments (North America) Inc. ("HINO") for $1.0 billion. Dividends paid on the Series C Preferred Stock totaled $21 million and $64 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively, compared with $21 million and $64 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively.
	Services Provided Between HSBC Affiliates:
	Under multiple service level agreements, we provide services to and receive services from various HSBC affiliates. The following summarizes these activities:
	•	Servicing activities for real estate secured receivables across North America are performed both by us and HSBC Bank USA. As a result, we receive servicing fees from HSBC Bank USA for services performed on their behalf and pay servicing fees to HSBC Bank USA for services performed on our behalf. The fees we receive from HSBC Bank USA are reported in Servicing and other fees from HSBC affiliates. This includes fees received for servicing real estate secured receivables (with a carrying amount of $867 million and $1.0 billion at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively) that we sold to HSBC Bank USA in 2003 and 2004. Fees we pay to HSBC Bank USA are reported in Support services from HSBC affiliates.
	•	We also provide various services to HSBC Bank USA, including processing activities and other operational and administrative support. Fees received for these services are included in Servicing and other fees from HSBC affiliates.
	•	HSBC North America's technology and certain centralized support services including human resources, corporate affairs, risk management, legal, compliance, tax, finance and other shared services are centralized within HSBC Technology & Services (USA) Inc. ("HTSU"). HTSU also provides certain item processing and statement processing activities for us. The fees we pay HTSU for the centralized support services and processing activities are included in Support services from HSBC affiliates. We also receive fees from HTSU for providing certain administrative services to them as well as receiving rental revenue from HTSU for certain office space. The fees and rental revenue we receive from HTSU are included in Servicing and other fees from HSBC affiliates.
	•	We use HSBC Global Resourcing (UK) Ltd., an HSBC affiliate located outside of the United States, to provide various support services to our operations including among other areas, customer service, systems, collection and accounting functions. The expenses related to these services are included in Support services from HSBC affiliates.
	•	Banking services and other miscellaneous services are provided by other subsidiaries of HSBC, including HSBC Bank USA, which are included in Support services from HSBC affiliates.

Business_Segments

Business Segments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Business Segments	'
	Business Segments
	We have one reportable segment: Consumer. Our Consumer segment consists of our run-off Consumer Lending and Mortgage Services businesses. While these businesses are operating in run-off, they have not been reported as discontinued operations because we continue to generate cash flow from the ongoing collections of the receivables, including interest and fees. There have been no changes in measurement or composition of our segment reporting as compared with the presentation in our 2013 Form 10-K.
	We report financial information to our parent, HSBC, in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRSs”). Our segment results are presented in accordance with IFRSs (a non-U.S. GAAP financial measure) on a legal entity basis as operating results are monitored and reviewed and trends are evaluated on an IFRSs basis. However, we continue to monitor liquidity and capital adequacy, establish dividend policy and report to regulatory agencies on a U.S. GAAP basis.
	A summary of differences between U.S. GAAP and IFRSs as they impact our results are presented in Note 18, "Business Segments," in our 2013 Form 10-K. There have been no significant changes since December 31, 2013 in the differences between U.S. GAAP and IFRSs impacting our results.
	The following table reconciles our IFRSs segment results to the U.S. GAAP consolidated totals:
		IFRSs			IFRSs			IFRSs			U.S. GAAP
		Consumer Segment			Adjustments(1)			Reclassifications(2)			Consolidated
		Totals									Totals
		(in millions)
	Three Months Ended September 30, 2014:
	Net interest income	$	336		$	(63	)	$	(63	)	$	210
	Other operating income (Total other revenues)	104			7			58			169
	Total operating income (loss)	440			(56		)	(5		)	379
	Loan impairment charges (Provision for credit losses)	(76		)	34			(1		)	(43		)
	Net interest income and other operating income less loan impairment charges	516			(90		)	(4		)	422
	Operating expenses	189			(11		)	(4		)	174
	Profit (loss) before tax	$	327		$	(79	)	$	—		$	248
	Three Months Ended September 30, 2013:
	Net interest income	$	491		$	(187	)	$	(75	)	$	229
	Other operating income (Total other revenues)	(28		)	63			79			114
	Total operating income (loss)	463			(124		)	4			343
	Loan impairment charges (Provision for credit losses)	115			(275		)	—			(160		)
	Net interest income and other operating income less loan impairment charges	348			151			4			503
	Operating expenses	207			5			4			216
	Profit (loss) before tax	$	141		$	146		$	—		$	287
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014:
	Net interest income	$	1,078		$	(218	)	$	(193	)	$	667
	Other operating income (Total other revenues)	(57		)	179			176			298
	Total operating income (loss)	1,021			(39		)	(17		)	965
	Loan impairment charges (Provision for credit losses)	53			(291		)	—			(238		)
	Net interest income and other operating income less loan impairment charges	968			252			(17		)	1,203
	Operating expenses	529			—			(17		)	512
	Profit (loss) before tax	$	439		$	252		$	—		$	691
	Balances at end of period:
	Customer loans (Receivables)	$	24,485		$	(949	)	$	(33	)	$	23,503
	Assets	33,632			(1,053		)	—			32,579
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013:
	Net interest income	$	1,620		$	(514	)	$	(245	)	$	861
	Other operating income (Total other revenues)	(343		)	1,183			256			1,096
	Total operating income (loss)	1,277			669			11			1,957
	Loan impairment charges (Provision for credit losses)	558			(427		)	—			131
	Net interest income and other operating income less loan impairment charges	719			1,096			11			1,826
	Operating expenses	615			53			11			679
	Profit (loss) before tax	$	104		$	1,043		$	—		$	1,147
	Balances at end of period:
	Customer loans (Receivables)	$	32,436		$	(4,553	)	$	(39	)	$	27,844
	Assets	42,774			(1,995		)	—			40,779
	(1)	IFRSs Adjustments consist of the accounting differences between U.S. GAAP and IFRSs which have been described in Note 18, "Business Segments," in the 2013 Form 10-K.
	(2)	Represents differences in balance sheet and income statement presentation between U.S. GAAP and IFRSs.

Variable_Interest_Entities

Variable Interest Entities	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Disclosure Variable Interest Entities Summary Of Assets And Liabilities Of Consolidated Secured Financing V I Es [Abstract]	'
Variable Interest Entities	'
	Variable Interest Entities
	We consolidate variable interest entities (“VIEs”) in which we are deemed to be the primary beneficiary through our holding of a variable interest which is determined as a controlling financial interest. The controlling financial interest is evidenced by the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact its economic performance and obligations to absorb losses of, or the right to receive benefits from, the VIE that could be potentially significant to the VIE. We take into account all of our involvements in a VIE in identifying (explicit or implicit) variable interests that individually or in the aggregate could be significant enough to warrant our designation as the primary beneficiary and hence require us to consolidate the VIE or otherwise require us to make appropriate disclosures. We consider our involvement to be significant where we, among other things, (i) provide liquidity facilities to support the VIE's debt issuances, (ii) enter into derivative contracts to absorb the risks and benefits from the VIE or from the assets held by the VIE, (iii) provide a financial guarantee that covers assets held or liabilities issued, (iv) design, organize and structure the transaction and (v) retain a financial or servicing interest in the VIE.
	We are required to evaluate whether to consolidate a VIE when we first become involved and on an ongoing basis. In almost all cases, a qualitative analysis of our involvement in the entity provides sufficient evidence to determine whether we are the primary beneficiary. In rare cases, a more detailed analysis to quantify the extent of variability to be absorbed by each variable interest holder is required to determine the primary beneficiary.
	Consolidated VIEs  In the ordinary course of business, we have organized special purpose entities (“SPEs”) primarily to meet our own funding needs through collateralized funding transactions. We transfer certain receivables to these trusts which in turn issue debt instruments collateralized by the transferred receivables. The entities used in these transactions are VIEs. As we are the servicer of the assets of these trusts and have retained the benefits and risks, we determined that we are the primary beneficiary of these trusts. Accordingly, we consolidate these entities and report the debt securities issued by them as secured financings in long-term debt. As a result, all receivables transferred in these secured financings have remained and continue to remain on our balance sheet and the debt securities issued by them have remained and continue to be included in long-term debt.
	The assets and liabilities of these consolidated secured financing VIEs consisted of the following as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
		30-Sep-14						December 31, 2013
		Consolidated			Consolidated			Consolidated			Consolidated
		Assets			Liabilities			Assets			Liabilities
		(in millions)
	Real estate collateralized funding vehicles:
	Cash	$	1		$	—		$	—		$	—
	Receivables, net:
	Real estate secured receivables	3,094			—			4,020			—
	Accrued interest income and other	131			—			156			—
	Credit loss reserves	(404		)	—			(556		)	—
	Receivables, net	2,821			—			3,620			—
	Other liabilities	—			(33		)	—			(41		)
	Long-term debt	—			1,586			—			2,200
	Total	$	2,822		$	1,553		$	3,620		$	2,159
	The assets of the consolidated VIEs serve as collateral for the obligations of the VIEs. The holders of the debt securities issued by these vehicles have no recourse to our general assets.
	Unconsolidated VIEs As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, all of our unconsolidated VIEs, which relate to investments in certain partnerships, are reported within our discontinued operations. We do not have any unconsolidated VIEs within continuing operations.

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Measurements	'
	Fair Value Measurements
	Accounting principles related to fair value measurements provide a framework for measuring fair value and focus on an exit price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in the principal market (or in the absence of the principal market, the most advantageous market) accessible in an orderly transaction between willing market participants (the “Fair Value Framework”). Where required by the applicable accounting standards, assets and liabilities are measured at fair value using the “highest and best use” valuation premise. Fair value measurement guidance clarifies that financial instruments do not have alternative use and, as such, the fair value of financial instruments should be determined using an “in-exchange” valuation premise. However, the fair value measurement literature provides a valuation exception and permits an entity to measure the fair value of a group of financial assets and financial liabilities with offsetting credit risk and/or market risks based on the exit price it would receive or pay to transfer the net risk exposure of a group of assets or liabilities if certain conditions are met. We have not elected to make fair value adjustments to a group of derivative instruments with offsetting credit and market risks.
	Fair Value Adjustments  The best evidence of fair value is quoted market price in an actively traded market, where available. In the event listed price or market quotes are not available, valuation techniques that incorporate relevant transaction data and market parameters reflecting the attributes of the asset or liability under consideration are applied. Where applicable, fair value adjustments are made to ensure the financial instruments are appropriately recorded at fair value. The fair value adjustments reflect the risks associated with the products, contractual terms of the transactions, and the liquidity of the markets in which the transactions occur.
	Credit risk adjustment - The credit risk adjustment is an adjustment to a group of financial assets and financial liabilities, predominantly derivative assets and derivative liabilities, to reflect the credit quality of the parties to the transaction in arriving at fair value. A credit valuation adjustment to a financial asset is required to reflect the default risk of the counterparty. A debit valuation adjustment to a financial liability is recorded to reflect our default risk. Where applicable, we take into consideration the credit risk mitigating arrangements including collateral agreements and master netting arrangements in estimating the credit risk adjustments.
	Valuation Control Framework  A control framework has been established which is designed to ensure that fair values are validated by a function independent of the risk-taker. To that end, the ultimate responsibility for the measurement of fair values rests with the HSBC U.S. Valuation Committee. The HSBC U.S. Valuation Committee establishes policies and procedures to ensure appropriate valuations. Fair values for long-term debt for which we have elected fair value option are measured by a third-party valuation source (pricing service) by reference to external quotations on the identical or similar instruments. Once fair values have been obtained from the third-party valuation source, an independent price validation process is performed and reviewed by the HSBC U.S. Valuation Committee. For price validation purposes, we obtain quotations from at least one other independent pricing source for each financial instrument, where possible. We consider the following factors in determining fair values:
	Ÿ	similarities between the asset or the liability under consideration and the asset or liability for which quotation is received;
	Ÿ	collaboration of pricing by reference to other independent market data such as market transactions and relevant benchmark indices;
	Ÿ	whether the security is traded in an active or inactive market;
	Ÿ	consistency among different pricing sources;
	Ÿ	the valuation approach and the methodologies used by the independent pricing sources in determining fair value;
	Ÿ	the elapsed time between the date to which the market data relates and the measurement date; and
	Ÿ	the manner in which the fair value information is sourced.
	Greater weight is given to quotations of instruments with recent market transactions, pricing quotes from dealers who stand ready to transact, quotations provided by market-makers who originally underwrote such instruments, and market consensus pricing based on inputs from a large number of participants. Any significant discrepancies among the external quotations are reviewed by management and adjustments to fair values are recorded where appropriate.
	Fair values for derivatives are determined by management using valuation techniques, valuation models and inputs that are developed, reviewed, validated and approved by the Quantitative Risk and Valuation Group of an HSBC affiliate. The models used apply appropriate control processes and procedures to ensure that the derived inputs are used to value only those instruments that share similar risk to the relevant benchmark indexes and therefore demonstrate a similar response to market factors.
	We have various controls over our valuation process and procedures for receivables held for sale. As these fair values are generally determined using value estimates from third party and affiliate valuation specialists, the controls may include analytical reviews of quarterly value trends, corroboration of inputs by observable market data, direct discussion with potential investors and results of actual sales of such receivable, all of which are submitted to the HSBC U.S. Valuation Committee for review.
	Fair Value of Financial Instruments  The fair value estimates, methods and assumptions set forth below for our financial instruments, including those financial instruments carried at cost, are made solely to comply with disclosures required by generally accepted accounting principles in the United States and should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes included in this Form 10-Q. The following table summarizes the carrying values and estimated fair value of our financial instruments at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013.
		30-Sep-14
		Carrying		Estimated			Level 1			Level 2				Level 3
		Value		Fair Value
		(in millions)
	Financial assets:
	Cash	$	173	$	173		$	173		$	—			$	—
	Securities purchased under agreements to resell	4,841		4,841			—			4,841				—
	Real estate secured receivables(1):
	First lien	19,417		17,484			—			—				17,484
	Second lien	2,412		1,322			—			—				1,322
	Total real estate secured receivables	21,829		18,806			—			—				18,806
	Real estate secured receivables held for sale	1,840		1,904			—			1,031				873
	Due from affiliates	159		159			—			159				—
	Financial liabilities:
	Due to affiliates carried at fair value	506		506			—			506				—
	Due to affiliates not carried at fair value	6,434		6,677			—			6,677				—
	Long-term debt carried at fair value	6,976		6,976			—			6,976				—
	Long-term debt not carried at fair value	10,160		10,720			—			9,185				1,535
		31-Dec-13
		Carrying		Estimated			Level 1			Level 2				Level 3
		Value		Fair Value
		(in millions)
	Financial assets:
	Cash	$	175	$	175		$	175		$	—			$	—
	Securities purchased under agreements to resell	6,924		6,924			—			6,924				—
	Real estate secured receivables(1):
	First lien	21,514		18,577			—			—				18,577
	Second lien	2,659		1,418			—			—				1,418
	Total real estate secured receivables	24,173		19,995			—			—				19,995
	Real estate secured receivables held for sale	2,047		2,047			—			—				2,047
	Due from affiliates	86		86			—			86				—
	Financial liabilities:
	Due to affiliates carried at fair value	496		496			—			496				—
	Due to affiliates not carried at fair value	8,246		8,369			—			8,369				—
	Long-term debt carried at fair value	8,025		8,025			—			8,025				—
	Long-term debt not carried at fair value	12,814		13,301			—			11,232				2,069
	(1)	The carrying amount of receivables presented in the table above reflects the amortized cost of the receivable, including any accrued interest, less credit loss reserves as well as any charge-offs recorded in accordance with our existing charge-off policies.
	Receivable values presented in the table above were determined using the Fair Value Framework for measuring fair value, which is based on our best estimate of the amount within a range of values we believe would be received in a sale as of the balance sheet date (i.e. exit price). The secondary market demand and estimated value for our receivables has been heavily influenced by the challenging economic conditions during the past several years, including house price depreciation, elevated unemployment, changes in consumer behavior, changes in discount rates and the lack of financing options available to support the purchase of receivables. For certain consumer receivables, investors incorporate numerous assumptions in predicting cash flows, such as future interest rates, higher charge-off levels, slower voluntary prepayment speeds, different default and loss curves and estimated collateral values than we, as the servicer of these receivables, believe will ultimately be the case. The investor's valuation process reflects this difference in overall cost of capital assumptions as well as the potential volatility in the underlying cash flow assumptions, the combination of which may yield a significant pricing discount from our intrinsic value. The estimated fair values at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 reflect these market conditions. The increase in the relative fair value of real estate secured receivables since December 31, 2013 reflects the conditions in the housing industry which have continued to show improvement in the first nine months of 2014 due to modest improvements in property values as well as lower required market yields and increased investor demand for these types of receivables. These factors have also resulted in the fair value of receivables held for sale at September 30, 2014 exceeding the carrying value as these receivables are carried at the lower of amortized cost or fair value.
	Assets and Liabilities Recorded at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis  The following table presents information about our assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, and indicates the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques utilized to determine such fair value.
		Quoted Prices in		Significant Other			Significant			Netting(1)				Total of Assets
		Active Markets for		Observable Inputs			Unobservable							(Liabilities)
		Identical Assets		(Level 2)			Inputs							Measured at
		(Level 1)					(Level 3)							Fair Value
		(in millions)
	September 30, 2014:
	Derivative financial assets:
	Interest rate swaps	$	—	$	186		$	—		$	—			$	186
Currency swaps	—		347			—			—				347
Derivative netting	—		—			—			(533		)		(533		)
Total derivative financial assets	—		533			—			(533		)		—
Total assets	$	—	$	533		$	—		$	(533	)		$	—
Due to affiliates carried at fair value	$	—	$	(506	)	$	—		$	—			$	(506	)
Long-term debt carried at fair value	—		(6,976		)	—			—				(6,976		)
Derivative related liabilities:
Interest rate swaps	—		(377		)	—			—				(377		)
Currency swaps	—		(50		)	—			—				(50		)
Derivative netting	—		—			—			427				427
Total derivative related liabilities	—		(427		)	—			427				—
Total liabilities	$	—	$	(7,909	)	$	—		$	427			$	(7,482	)
December 31, 2013:
Derivative financial assets:
Interest rate swaps	$	—	$	310		$	—		$	—			$	310
Currency swaps	—		797			—			—				797
Derivative netting	—		—			—			(1,107		)		(1,107		)
Total derivative financial assets	—		1,107			—			(1,107		)		—
Total assets	$	—	$	1,107		$	—		$	(1,107	)		$	—
Due to affiliates carried at fair value	$	—	$	(496	)	$	—		$	—			$	(496	)
Long-term debt carried at fair value	—		(8,025		)	—			—				(8,025		)
Derivative related liabilities:
Interest rate swaps	—		(309		)	—			—				(309		)
Currency swaps	—		(28		)	—			—				(28		)
Derivative netting	—		—			—			337				337
Total derivative related liabilities	—		(337		)	—			337				—
Total liabilities	$	—	$	(8,858	)	$	—		$	337			$	(8,521	)
(1)	Represents counterparty and swap collateral netting which allow the offsetting of amounts relating to certain contracts when certain conditions are met.
Significant Transfers Between Level 1 and Level 2 There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 during the three or nine months ended September 30, 2014 or 2013.
Information on Level 3 Assets and Liabilities There were no assets or liabilities recorded at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) during the three or nine months ended September 30, 2014 or 2013.
Assets and Liabilities Recorded at Fair Value on a Non-recurring Basis The following table presents information about our assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis as of September 30, 2014 and 2013, and indicates the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques utilized to determine such fair value.
	Non-Recurring Fair Value Measurements												Total Gains				Total Gains
	as of September 30, 2014												(Losses) for the				(Losses) for the
													Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
	Level 1		Level 2			Level 3			Total				September 30, 2014
	(in millions)
Real estate secured receivables held for sale	$	—	$	998		$	842		$	1,840			$	84			$	292
Receivables held for investment carried at the lower of amortized cost or fair value of the collateral less cost to sell(1)	—		690			—			690				(86		)		(319		)
Real estate owned(2)	—		178			—			178				(11		)		(43		)
Total assets at fair value on a non-recurring basis	$	—	$	1,866		$	842		$	2,708			$	(13	)		$	(70	)
	Non-Recurring Fair Value Measurements												Total Gains				Total Gains
	as of September 30, 2013												(Losses) for the				(Losses) for the
													Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
	Level 1		Level 2			Level 3			Total				September 30, 2013
	(in millions)
Receivables held for sale:
Real estate secured	$	—	$	901		$	3,816		$	4,717			$	66			$	974
Personal non-credit card(3)	—		—			—			—				—				(82		)
Total receivables held for sale	—		901			3,816			4,717				66				892
Receivables held for investment carried at the lower of amortized cost or fair value of the collateral less cost to sell(1)	—		883			—			883				(203		)		(708		)
Real estate owned(2)	—		392			—			392				(20		)		(55		)
Total assets at fair value on a non-recurring basis	$	—	$	2,176		$	3,816		$	5,992			$	(157	)		$	129
(1)	Total gains (losses) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 includes amounts recorded on receivables that were subsequently transferred to held for sale.
(2)	Real estate owned is required to be reported on the balance sheet net of transactions costs. The real estate owned amounts in the table above reflect the fair value of the underlying asset unadjusted for transaction costs.
(3)	Our personal non-credit card portfolio was sold on April 1, 2013 as discussed more fully in Note 7, "Receivables Held for Sale," in our 2013 Form 10-K.
The following table presents quantitative information about non-recurring fair value measurements of assets and liabilities classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
	Fair Value								Range of Inputs
Financial Instrument Type	Sept. 30, 2014		Dec. 31,			Valuation Technique		Significant Unobservable Inputs	30-Sep-14					December 31, 2013
			2013
	(in millions)
Receivables held for sale carried at fair value:
Real estate secured	$	842	$	2,047		Third party appraisal valuation based on		Collateral loss severity rates(1)	0	%	-	87%		0	%	-	93	%
						estimated loss severities, including collateral values, cash flows and		Expenses incurred through collateral disposition	5	%	-	10%		5	%	-	10	%
						market discount rate		Market discount rate	4	%	-	8%		6	%	-	10%
(1)	The majority of the real estate secured receivables held for sale consider collateral value, among other items, in determining fair value. Collateral values are based on the most recently available broker's price opinion and the collateral loss severity rates averaged 18 percent and 21 percent at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. In the current market conditions, investors also take into consideration the fact that the most recently available broker's price opinion may not capture all of the home price appreciation due to the timing of the receipt of the opinion.
Valuation Techniques  The following summarizes the valuation methodologies used for assets and liabilities recorded at fair value and for estimating fair value for financial instruments not recorded at fair value but for which fair value disclosures are required.
Cash:  Carrying amount approximates fair value due to the liquid nature of cash.
Securities purchased under agreements to resell:  The fair value of securities purchased under agreements to resell approximates carrying amount due to the short-term maturity of the agreements.
Receivables and receivables held for sale:  The estimated fair value of our receivables and receivables held for sale is determined by developing an approximate range of value from a mix of various sources appropriate for the respective pools of assets aggregated by similar risk characteristics. These sources include recently observed over-the-counter transactions where available and fair value estimates obtained from an HSBC affiliate and, for receivables held for sale, a third party valuation specialist for distinct pools of receivables. These fair value estimates are based on discounted cash flow models using assumptions we believe are consistent with those that would be used by market participants in valuing such receivables and trading inputs from other market participants which includes observed primary and secondary trades.
Valuation inputs include estimates of future interest rates, prepayment speeds, default and loss curves, estimated collateral values (including expenses to be incurred to maintain the collateral) and market discount rates reflecting management's estimate of the rate of return that would be required by investors in the current market given the specific characteristics and inherent credit risk of the receivables held for sale. Some of these inputs are influenced by collateral value changes and unemployment rates. To the extent available, such inputs are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation and other means. We perform analytical reviews of fair value changes on a quarterly basis and periodically validate our valuation methodologies and assumptions based on the results of actual sales of such receivables. We also may hold discussions on value directly with potential investors. Portfolio risk management personnel provide further validation through discussions with third party brokers. Since some receivables pools may have features which are unique, the fair value measurement processes use significant unobservable inputs which are specific to the performance characteristics of the various receivable portfolios.
Real estate owned:  Fair value is determined based on third party valuations obtained at the time we take title to the property and, if less than the carrying amount of the loan, the carrying amount of the loan is adjusted to the fair value less estimated cost to sell. The carrying amount of the property is further reduced, if necessary, at least every 45 days to reflect observable local market data, including local area sales data.
Due from affiliates:  Carrying amount approximates fair value because the interest rates on these receivables adjust with changing market interest rates.
Long-term debt and Due to affiliates:  Fair value is primarily determined by a third party valuation source. The pricing services source fair value from quoted market prices and, if not available, expected cash flows are discounted using the appropriate interest rate for the applicable duration of the instrument adjusted for our own credit risk (spread). The credit spreads applied to these instruments are derived from the spreads recognized in the secondary market for similar debt as of the measurement date. Where available, relevant trade data is also considered as part of our validation process.
Derivative financial assets and liabilities:  Derivative values are defined as the amount we would receive or pay to extinguish the contract using a market participant as of the reporting date. The values are determined by management using a pricing system maintained by HSBC Bank USA. In determining these values, HSBC Bank USA uses quoted market prices, when available. For non-exchange traded contracts, such as interest rate swaps, fair value is determined using discounted cash flow modeling techniques. Valuation models calculate the present value of expected future cash flows based on models that utilize independently-sourced market parameters, including interest rate yield curves, option volatilities, and currency rates. Valuations may be adjusted in order to ensure that those values represent appropriate estimates of fair value. These adjustments are generally required to reflect factors such as market liquidity and counterparty credit risk that can affect prices in arms-length transactions with unrelated third parties. Finally, other transaction specific factors such as the variety of valuation models available, the range of unobservable model inputs and other model assumptions can affect estimates of fair value. Imprecision in estimating these factors can impact the amount of revenue or loss recorded for a particular position.
Counterparty credit risk is considered in determining the fair value of a financial asset. The Fair Value Framework specifies that the fair value of a liability should reflect the entity's non-performance risk and accordingly, the effect of our own credit risk (spread) has been factored into the determination of the fair value of our financial liabilities, including derivative instruments. In estimating the credit risk adjustment to the derivative assets and liabilities, we take into account the impact of netting and/or collateral arrangements that are designed to mitigate counterparty credit risk.

Litigation_and_Regulatory_Matt

Litigation and Regulatory Matters	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Litigation and Regulatory Matters	'
	Litigation and Regulatory Matters
	The following supplements, and should be read together with, the disclosure in Note 22, "Litigation and Regulatory Matters," in our 2013 Form 10-K and in Note 15, "Litigation and Regulatory Matters," in our Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2014 ("March 31, 2014 Form 10-Q") and Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2014 ("June 30, 2014 Form 10-Q"). Only those matters with significant updates and new matters since our disclosure in our 2013 Form 10-K, March 31, 2014 Form 10-Q and June 30, 2014 Form 10-Q are reported herein.
	In addition to the matters described below, and in our 2013 Form 10-K, March 31, 2014 Form 10-Q and June 30, 2014 Form 10-Q, in the ordinary course of business, we are routinely named as defendants in, or as parties to, various legal actions and proceedings relating to activities of our current and/or former operations. These legal actions and proceedings may include claims for substantial or indeterminate compensatory or punitive damages, or for injunctive relief. In the ordinary course of business, we also are subject to governmental and regulatory examinations, information-gathering requests, investigations and proceedings (both formal and informal), certain of which may result in adverse judgments, settlements, fines, penalties, injunctions or other relief. In connection with formal and informal inquiries by these regulators, we receive numerous requests, subpoenas and orders seeking documents, testimony and other information in connection with various aspects of our regulated activities.
	In view of the inherent unpredictability of litigation and regulatory matters, particularly where the damages sought are substantial or indeterminate or when the proceedings or investigations are in the early stages, we cannot determine with any degree of certainty the timing or ultimate resolution of litigation and regulatory matters or the eventual loss, fines, penalties or business impact, if any, that may result. We establish reserves for litigation and regulatory matters when those matters present loss contingencies that are both probable and can be reasonably estimated. Once established, reserves are adjusted from time to time, as appropriate, in light of additional information. The actual costs of resolving litigation and regulatory matters, however, may be substantially higher than the amounts reserved for those matters.
	Given the substantial or indeterminate amounts sought in certain of these matters, and the inherent unpredictability of such matters, an adverse outcome in certain of these matters could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial statements in particular quarterly or annual periods. We currently are subject to a partial final judgment entered in October 2013 in the Securities Litigation (Jaffe v. Household International, Inc., et al. (N.D. Ill. No. 02 C5893)) in the amount of approximately $2.5 billion, which includes pre-judgment interest at the Prime Rate. Claims totaling approximately $625 million, prior to the imposition of pre-judgment interest, also remain pending that are still subject to objections not ruled on by the district court. Although the partial final judgment is on appeal, if the Appeals Court rejects or only partially accepts our arguments, the amount of damages in the action, based upon that partial final judgment, and other pending claims and the application of pre-judgment interest on those pending claims, may lie in a range from a relatively insignificant amount to an amount up to or exceeding $3.6 billion. We continue to maintain a reserve for this matter in an amount that represents management's current estimate of probable losses.
	Litigation - Continuing Operations
	Lender-Placed Insurance Matters The Southern District of Florida granted final approval of the class settlement in the Diaz v. HSBC Bank USA, N.A., et al.(S.D. Fla 13-CV-21104) action (formerly known as Lopez v. HSBC Bank, USA, N.A., et al.) on October 29, 2014. The settlement pays claims of class members, on a claims made basis, based on a formula, as well as class plaintiffs’ attorneys’ fees and costs of administration, with an overall cap of $32 million for all payments. This settlement does not include claims related to lender-placed flood insurance, such as those asserted in the Montanez, et al. v. HSBC Mortgage Corporation (USA), et al. (E.D. Pa. No. 11-CV-4074) and Weller, et al. v. HSBC Mortgage Services, Inc., et al. (D. Col. No. 13-CV-00185) actions.
	Litigation - Discontinued Operations
	Credit Card Litigation To date, certain groups of opt-out merchants have entered into settlement agreements with the defendants in those actions and certain HSBC entities that, pursuant to the MDL 1720 Sharing Agreements, are responsible for a pro rata portion of any judgment or settlement amount awarded in actions consolidated into MDL 1720.
	Debt Cancellation Litigation In August 2014, the HSBC defendants settled the pending cases brought by the Hawaii, Mississippi and New Mexico State Attorneys General for a total payment of approximately $7 million.
	De Kalb County The HSBC defendants filed a motion for summary judgment, which remains pending.
	County of Cook The HSBC defendants' motion to dismiss the amended complaint is fully submitted, and we await a decision.

New_Accounting_Pronouncements

New Accounting Pronouncements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
New Accounting Pronouncements	'
	New Accounting Pronouncements
	The following new accounting pronouncement was adopted effective January 1, 2014:
	Ÿ	Unrecognized Tax Benefits In July 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued an Accounting Standards Update that provides guidance on financial statement presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists in the same tax jurisdiction. The standard requires an entity to present the unrecognized tax benefit as a reduction of the deferred tax asset for an NOL or tax credit carryforward whenever the NOL or tax credit carryforward would be available to reduce the additional taxable income or tax due if the tax position is disallowed. However, the standard requires an entity to present an unrecognized tax benefit on the balance sheet as a liability if certain conditions are met. We adopted this guidance on January 1, 2014. The adoption of this guidance did not have an impact on our unrecognized tax benefit liability.
	There were no accounting pronouncements issued during the first nine months of 2014 that are expected to have a significant impact on our financial position or results of operations.

Discontinued_Operations_Tables

Discontinued Operations (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Insurance business [Member]	'
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'
Operating Results Of Discontinued Operations	'
	The following table summarizes the operating results of our discontinued Insurance business for the periods presented:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
		(in millions)
	Net interest income and other revenues(1)	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	70
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations before income tax	—			(3		)	—			3
	(1)	Interest expense, which is included as a component of net interest income, was allocated to discontinued operations in accordance with our existing internal transfer pricing policy. This policy uses match funding based on the expected lives of the assets and liabilities of the business at the time of origination, subject to periodic review, as demonstrated by the expected cash flows and re-pricing characteristics of the underlying assets.
Commercial Business [Member]	'
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'
Operating Results Of Discontinued Operations	'
	The following table summarizes the operating results of our discontinued Commercial business for the periods presented:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
		(in millions)
	Net interest income and other revenues	$	3		$	2		$	9		$	10
	Income from discontinued operations before income tax	2			1			6			5
Card and Retail Services [Member]	'
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'
Operating Results Of Discontinued Operations	'
	The following table summarizes the operating results of our discontinued Card and Retail Services business for the periods presented:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
		(in millions)
	Net interest income and other revenues	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
	Loss from discontinued operations before income tax(1)	(6		)	(31		)	(30		)	(236		)
	(1)	For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, the amounts include expenses related to activities to complete the separation of the credit card operational infrastructure between us and Capital One. We expect costs associated with the separation of the credit card operational infrastructure to continue through the remainder of 2014. Additionally, the nine months ended September 30, 2014 includes an incremental expense of $7 million and the nine months ended September 30, 2013 includes an incremental expense of $96 million recorded based on actions taken and actions planned to be taken in connection with an industry review of enhancement services products. For the nine months ended September 30, 2013 amounts also reflect a legal accrual of $40 million. See Note 15, "Litigation and Regulatory Matters," for further discussion of the legal matter.
Summary of Assets and Liabilities of Disposal Group Held for Sale	'
	Assets and liabilities of our discontinued Card and Retail Services business, which are reported as a component of Assets of discontinued operations and Liabilities of discontinued operations in our consolidated balance sheet, consisted of the following:
		September 30, 2014			December 31, 2013
		(in millions)
	Cash	$	22		$	23
	Other assets(1)	(15		)	79
	Assets of discontinued operations	$	7		$	102
	Other liabilities(2)	$	79		$	102
	Liabilities of discontinued operations	$	79		$	102
	(1)	At September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, other assets primarily consists of current and deferred taxes.
	(2)	At September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, other liabilities primarily consists of certain legal accruals.

Receivables_Tables

Receivables (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Receivables [Abstract]	'
Receivables	'
	Receivables consisted of the following:
		September 30, 2014			December 31, 2013
		(in millions)
	Real estate secured:
	First lien	$	20,835		$	23,568
	Second lien	2,668			3,016
	Total real estate secured receivables	23,503			26,584
	Accrued interest income and other	789			862
	Credit loss reserve for receivables	(2,463		)	(3,273		)
	Total receivables, net	$	21,829		$	24,173
Aging Analysis of Past Due Loans	'
	The following tables summarize the past due status of our receivables at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013. The aging of past due amounts is determined based on the contractual delinquency status of payments made under the terms of the receivable. An account is generally considered to be contractually delinquent when payments have not been made in accordance with the loan terms. Delinquency status is affected by customer account management policies and practices such as re-aging.
		Past Due							Total Past Due					Total Receivables(2)
	September 30, 2014	30 – 89 days			90+ days							Current(1)
		(in millions)
	Real estate secured:
	First lien	$	1,630		$	936			$	2,566		$	18,269	$	20,835
	Second lien	173			106				279			2,389		2,668
	Total real estate secured receivables	$	1,803		$	1,042			$	2,845		$	20,658	$	23,503
		Past Due							Total					Total
	December 31, 2013	30 – 89 days			90+ days				Past Due			Current(1)		Receivables(2)
		(in millions)
	Real estate secured:
	First lien	$	2,462		$	1,538			$	4,000		$	19,568	$	23,568
	Second lien	249			192				441			2,575		3,016
	Total real estate secured receivables	$	2,711		$	1,730			$	4,441		$	22,143	$	26,584
	(1)	Receivables less than 30 days past due are presented as current.
	(2)	The receivable balances included in this table reflects the principal amount outstanding on the loan and certain basis adjustments to the loan such as deferred fees and costs on originated loans, purchase accounting fair value adjustments and premiums or discounts on purchased loans. However, these basis adjustments on the loans are excluded in other presentations of dollars of two-months-and-over contractual delinquency and nonperforming receivable account balances.
Nonaccrual Receivables	'
	Nonaccrual receivables and nonaccrual receivables held for sale consisted of the following:
		September 30, 2014			December 31, 2013
		(in millions)
	Nonaccrual receivable portfolios:
	Real estate secured(1)	$	1,056		$	1,769
	Receivables held for sale(2)	1,152			1,422
	Total nonaccrual receivables(3)	$	2,208		$	3,191
	(1)	At September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, nonaccrual real estate secured receivables held for investment include $434 million and $639 million, respectively, of receivables that are carried at the lower of amortized cost or fair value of the collateral less cost to sell.
	(2)	For a discussion of the movements between the components of nonaccrual receivables, see Note 6, "Receivables Held for Sale," which includes discussion of the formal program introduced in the second quarter of 2013 to transfer receivables (meeting pre-determined criteria) to held for sale when the receivable is written down to the lower of amortized cost or fair value of the collateral less cost to sell in accordance with our existing charge-off policies.
	(3)	Nonaccrual receivables do not include receivables totaling $883 million and $953 million at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, which have been written down to the lower of amortized cost or fair value of the collateral less cost to sell which are less than 90 days contractually delinquent and not accruing interest.
Additional Information on Nonaccrual Receivables	'
	The following table provides additional information on our total nonaccrual receivables:
	Nine Months Ended September 30,	2014			2013
		(in millions)
	Interest income that would have been recorded if the nonaccrual receivable had been current in accordance with contractual terms during the period	$	271		$	631
	Interest income that was recorded on nonaccrual receivables included in interest income on nonaccrual loans during the period	68			129
Receivables Classified as Trouble Debt Restructuring Loans	'
	The following table presents information about receivables and receivables held for sale which as a result of any account management action taken during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 became classified as TDR Loans.
		Three Months Ended							Nine Months Ended
		September 30,							September 30,
		2014			2013				2014			2013
		(in millions)
	Real estate secured:
	First lien	$	127		$	275			$	521		$	1,065
	Second lien	17			35				68			129
	Real estate secured receivables held for sale	19			66				63			264
	Total real estate secured	163			376				652			1,458
	Personal non-credit card receivables held for sale(1)	—			—				—			28
	Total(2)	$	163		$	376			$	652		$	1,486
	(1)	As discussed more fully in Note 7, "Receivables Held for Sale," in our 2013 Form 10-K, we sold our personal non-credit card receivable portfolio on April 1, 2013.
	(2)	The following table summarizes the actions taken during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 which resulted in the above receivables being classified as a TDR Loan.
		Three Months Ended							Nine Months Ended
		September 30,							September 30,
		2014			2013				2014			2013
		(in millions)
	Interest rate modification	$	54		$	155			$	378		$	547
	Re-age of past due account	109			221				274			939
	Total	$	163		$	376			$	652		$	1,486
TDR Loans	'
	Receivables and receivables held for sale reported as TDR Loans consisted of the following:
		September 30, 2014			December 31, 2013
		(in millions)
	TDR Loans:(1)(2)
	Real estate secured:
	First lien(4)	$	9,816		$	10,633
	Second lien(4)	939			1,047
	Real estate secured receivables held for sale(3)	1,285			1,392
	Total real estate secured TDR Loans	$	12,040		$	13,072
	Credit loss reserves for TDR Loans:(5)
	Real estate secured:
	First lien	$	1,891		$	2,294
	Second lien	270			360
	Total credit loss reserves for real estate secured TDR Loans(3)	$	2,161		$	2,654
	(1)	TDR Loans are considered to be impaired loans regardless of accrual status.
	(2)	The TDR Loan balances included in the table above reflect the current carrying amount of TDR Loans and includes all basis adjustments on the loan, such as unearned income, unamortized deferred fees and costs on originated loans and premiums or discounts on purchased loans as well as any charge-off recorded in accordance with our existing charge-off policies. Additionally, the carrying amount of TDR Loans classified as held for sale has been reduced by both the lower of amortized cost or fair value adjustment as well as the credit loss reserves associated with these receivables prior to the transfer. The following table reflects the unpaid principal balance of TDR Loans:
		September 30, 2014			December 31, 2013
		(in millions)
	Real estate secured:
	First lien	$	10,124		$	10,983
	Second lien	1,077			1,188
	Real estate secured receivables held for sale	1,952			2,587
	Total real estate secured TDR Loans	$	13,153		$	14,758
	At September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the unpaid principal balances reflected above include $484 million and $92 million, respectively, which has received a reduction in the unpaid principal balance as part of an account management action.
	(3)	There are no credit loss reserves associated with receivables classified as held for sale as they are carried at the lower of amortized cost or fair value.
	(4)	At September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, TDR Loans held for investment totaling $509 million and $604 million, respectively, are recorded at the lower of amortized cost or fair value of the collateral less cost to sell.
	(5)	Included in credit loss reserves.
Receivables Classified as Trouble Debt Restructuring Loan	'
	The following table discloses receivables and receivables held for sale which were classified as TDR Loans during the previous 12 months which subsequently became sixty days or greater contractually delinquent during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013.
		Three Months Ended							Nine Months Ended
		September 30,							September 30,
		2014			2013				2014			2013
		(in millions)
	Real estate secured:
	First lien	$	71		$	160			$	307		$	551
	Second lien	13			26				44			90
	Real estate secured receivables held for sale	7			81				30			320
	Total real estate secured	91			267				381			961
	Personal non-credit card receivables held for sale(1)	—			—				—			21
	Total	$	91		$	267			$	381		$	982
	(1)	As discussed more fully in Note 7, "Receivables Held for Sale," in our 2013 Form 10-K, we sold our personal non-credit card receivable portfolio on April 1, 2013.
Additional Information Relating to Trouble Debt Restructuring Loan	'
	The following table provides additional information relating to TDR Loans, including TDR Loans held for sale:
		Three Months Ended							Nine Months Ended
		September 30,							September 30,
		2014			2013				2014			2013
		(in millions)
	Average balance of TDR Loans:
	Real estate secured:
	First lien	$	11,203		$	14,634			$	11,638		$	14,715
	Second lien	952			1,129				991			1,160
	Total average balance of TDR Loans	$	12,155		$	15,763			$	12,629		$	15,875
	Interest income recognized on TDR Loans:
	Real estate secured:
	First lien	$	193		$	234			$	599		$	719
	Second lien	24			27				72			83
	Total real estate secured	217			261				671			802
	Personal non-credit card	—			—				—			40
	Total interest income recognized on TDR Loans	$	217		$	261			$	671		$	842
Summary of Contractual Delinquency and Delinquency Ratio	'
	The following table summarizes dollars of two-months-and-over contractual delinquency and as a percent of total receivables and receivables held for sale (“delinquency ratio”) for our loan portfolio:
		September 30, 2014						December 31, 2013
		Dollars of			Delinquency			Dollars of			Delinquency
		Delinquency			Ratio			Delinquency			Ratio
		(dollars are in millions)
	Real estate secured:
	First lien	$	1,426		6.84	%		$	2,387		10.13	%
	Second lien	164			6.15			275			9.12
	Real estate secured receivables held for sale	1,201			65.27			1,473			71.96
	Total real estate secured	$	2,791		11.01	%		$	4,135		14.44	%
Nonperforming Consumer Receivable Portfolio	'
	The following table summarizes the status of receivables and receivables held for sale:
		Accruing Loans			Nonaccrual				Total
					Loans(3)
		(in millions)
	At September 30, 2014
	Real estate secured(1)(2)	$	22,447		$	1,056			$	23,503
	Real estate secured receivables held for sale	688			1,152				1,840
	Total	$	23,135		$	2,208			$	25,343
	At December 31, 2013
	Real estate secured(1)(2)	$	24,815		$	1,769			$	26,584
	Real estate secured receivables held for sale	625			1,422				2,047
	Total	$	25,440		$	3,191			$	28,631
	(1)	At September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, nonaccrual real estate secured receivables held for investment include $434 million and $639 million, respectively, of receivables that are carried at the lower of amortized cost or fair value of the collateral less cost to sell.
	(2)	At September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, nonaccrual real estate secured receivables held for investment include $753 million and $1,245 million, respectively, of TDR Loans, some of which may also be carried at fair value of the collateral less cost to sell.
	(3)	Nonaccrual loans do not include receivables totaling $883 million and $953 million at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, which have been written down to the lower of amortized cost or fair value of the collateral less cost to sell which are less than 90 days contractually delinquent and not accruing interest.

Credit_Loss_Reserves_Tables

Credit Loss Reserves (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Receivables [Abstract]	'
Summarizes Changes in Credit Loss Reserves by Product/Class and Related Receivable Balance by Product	'
	The following table summarizes the changes in credit loss reserves by product/class and the related receivable balance by product during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:
		Real Estate Secured						Personal Non- Credit Card			Total
		First Lien			Second Lien
		(in millions)
	Three Months Ended September 30, 2014:
	Credit loss reserve balances at beginning of period	$	2,296		$	396		$	—		$	2,692
	Provision for credit losses	(45		)	3			(1		)	(43		)
	Net charge-offs:
	Charge-offs(2)	(168		)	(43		)	—			(211		)
	Recoveries	20			4			1			25
	Total net charge-offs	(148		)	(39		)	1			(186		)
	Credit loss reserve balance at end of period	$	2,103		$	360		$	—		$	2,463
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014:
	Credit loss reserve balance at beginning of period	$	2,777		$	496		$	—		$	3,273
	Provision for credit losses	(184		)	(36		)	(18		)	(238		)
	Net charge-offs:
	Charge-offs(2)	(559		)	(157		)	—			(716		)
	Recoveries	69			57			18			144
	Total net charge-offs	(490		)	(100		)	18			(572		)
	Credit loss reserve balance at end of period	$	2,103		$	360		$	—		$	2,463
	Reserve components:
	Collectively evaluated for impairment	$	201		$	90		$	—		$	291
	Individually evaluated for impairment(1)	1,865			270			—			2,135
	Receivables carried at the lower of amortized cost or fair value of the collateral less cost to sell	35			—			—			35
	Receivables acquired with deteriorated credit quality	2			—			—			2
	Total credit loss reserves	$	2,103		$	360		$	—		$	2,463
	Receivables:
	Collectively evaluated for impairment	$	10,839		$	1,718		$	—		$	12,557
	Individually evaluated for impairment(1)	9,326			920			—			10,246
	Receivables carried at the lower of amortized cost or fair value of the collateral less cost to sell	662			28			—			690
	Receivables acquired with deteriorated credit quality	8			2			—			10
	Total receivables	$	20,835		$	2,668		$	—		$	23,503
	Three Months Ended September 30, 2013:
	Credit loss reserve balances at beginning of period	$	3,463		$	635		$	—		$	4,098
	Provision for credit losses	(145		)	(8		)	(7		)	(160		)
	Net charge-offs:
	Charge-offs(2)	(212		)	(72		)	—			(284		)
	Recoveries	27			9			7			43
	Total net charge-offs	(185		)	(63		)	7			(241		)
	Credit loss reserve balance at end of period	$	3,133		$	564		$	—		$	3,697
		Real Estate Secured						Personal Non- Credit Card			Total
		First Lien			Second Lien
		(in millions)
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013:
	Credit loss reserve balance at beginning of period	$	3,867		$	740		$	—		$	4,607
	Provision for credit losses	121			54			(44		)	131
	Net charge-offs:
	Charge-offs(2)	(950		)	(260		)	—			(1,210		)
	Recoveries	87			30			44			161
	Total net charge-offs	(863		)	(230		)	44			(1,049		)
	Other	8			—			—			8
	Credit loss reserve balance at end of period	$	3,133		$	564		$	—		$	3,697
	Reserve components:
	Collectively evaluated for impairment	$	591		$	151		$	—		$	742
	Individually evaluated for impairment(1)	2,490			412			—			2,902
	Receivables carried at the lower of amortized cost or fair value of the collateral less cost to sell	51			1			—			52
	Receivables acquired with deteriorated credit quality	1			—			—			1
	Total credit loss reserves	$	3,133		$	564		$	—		$	3,697
	Receivables:
	Collectively evaluated for impairment	$	13,475		$	2,042		$	—		$	15,517
	Individually evaluated for impairment(1)	10,362			1,069			—			11,431
	Receivables carried at the lower of amortized cost or fair value of the collateral less cost to sell	835			48			—			883
	Receivables acquired with deteriorated credit quality	10			3			—			13
Total receivables	$	24,682		$	3,162		$	—		$	27,844
(1)	These amounts represent TDR Loans for which we evaluate reserves using a discounted cash flow methodology. Each loan is individually identified as a TDR Loan and then grouped together with other TDR Loans with similar characteristics. The discounted cash flow impairment analysis is then applied to these groups of TDR Loans. The receivable balance above excludes TDR Loans that are carried at the lower of amortized cost or fair value of the collateral less cost to sell which totaled $509 million and $637 million at September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The reserve component above excludes credit loss reserves for TDR Loans that are carried at the lower of amortized cost or fair value of the collateral less cost to sell which totaled $26 million and $36 million at September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. These credit loss reserves are reflected within receivables carried at the lower of amortized cost or fair value of the collateral less cost to sell in the table above.
(2)	For collateral dependent receivables that are transferred to held for sale, existing credit loss reserves at the time of transfer are recognized as a charge-off. We transferred to held for sale certain real estate secured receivables during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 that were carried at the lower of amortized cost or fair value of the collateral less cost to sell. Accordingly, we recognized the existing credit loss reserves on these receivables as additional charge-off totaling $12 million and $50 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively, compared with $21 million and $140 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively.

Receivables_Held_for_Sale_Tabl

Receivables Held for Sale (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Receivables [Abstract]	'
Summary of Activity of Real Estate Secured Receivables Either Transferred to REO or Sold in a Short Sale	'
	The following table summarizes the activity of real estate secured receivables either transferred to REO or sold in a short sale during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013.
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
		(in millions)
	Carrying value of real estate secured receivables:
	Transferred to REO after obtaining title to the underlying collateral	$	43		$	175		$	160		$	405
	Short sales	16			63			47			151
	Impact to lower of amortized cost or fair value adjustment previously recorded resulting from the transfer to REO or short sales:
	Transferred to REO after obtaining title to the underlying collateral	2			(1		)	4			(50		)
	Short Sales	1			(11		)	2			(22		)
Summary of Activity in Receivables Held for Sale	'
	The following table summarizes the activity in receivables held for sale during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014:
		2014
		(in millions)
	Three Months Ended September 30, 2014:
	Real estate secured receivables held for sale at beginning of period	$	1,874
	Real estate secured receivables sold	(272		)
	Lower of amortized cost or fair value adjustment on real estate secured receivables held for sale	94
	Carrying value of real estate secured receivables held for sale settled through short sale or transfer to REO	(59		)
	Change in real estate secured receivable balance, including collections	(11		)
	Transfer of real estate secured receivables into held for sale at the lower of amortized cost or fair value(2)	214
	Real estate secured receivables held for sale at end of period(3)	$	1,840
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014:
	Real estate secured receivables held for sale at beginning of period	$	2,047
	Real estate secured receivables sold	(1,156		)
	Lower of amortized cost or fair value adjustment on real estate secured receivables held for sale	404
	Carrying value of real estate secured receivables held for sale settled through short sale or transfer to REO	(207		)
	Change in real estate secured receivable balance, including collections	12
	Transfer of real estate secured receivables into held for investment at the lower of amortized cost or fair value(1)	(8		)
	Transfer of real estate secured receivables into held for sale at the lower of amortized cost or fair value(2)	748
	Real estate secured receivables held for sale at end of period(3)	$	1,840
	(1)	During the first quarter of 2014, we identified a small pool of receivables held for sale which did not meet our criteria to be classified as held for sale. As a result we transferred these receivables to held for investment at the lower of amortized cost or fair value.
	(2)	The initial lower of amortized cost or fair value adjustment on receivables transferred into held for sale during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 totaled $10 million and $112 million, respectively.
	(3)	The following table provides a rollforward of our valuation allowance for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014. The valuation allowance has been reduced to zero as the fair value of the pool of receivables held for sale at September 30, 2014 exceeds the carrying value as these receivables are carried at the lower of amortized cost or fair value. See Note 14, "Fair Value Measurements," for a discussion of the factors impacting the fair value of these receivables.
		Three Months Ended September 30, 2014			Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
		(in millions)
	Balance at beginning of period	$	—		$	329
	Initial valuation allowance for real estate secured receivables transferred to held for sale during the period	10			112
	Release of valuation allowance resulting from improvements in fair value	(94		)	(404		)
	Valuation allowance on real estate secured receivables transferred to held for investment	—			(4		)
	Change in valuation allowance for loans sold	103			129
	Change in valuation allowance for collections, charged-off, transferred to REO or short sale	(19		)	(162		)
	Balance at end of period	$	—		$	—
Summary of Components of Cumulative Lower of Amortized Cost or Fair Value Adjustment	'
	The following table summarizes the components of the lower of amortized cost or fair value adjustment recorded in other revenues during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:
		Lower of Amortized Cost or Fair Value Adjustments Associated With
		Fair Value			REO			Short Sales			Total
		(in millions)
	(Income)/Expense:
	Three Months Ended September 30, 2014:
	Initial lower of amortized cost or fair value adjustment	$	10		$	—		$	—		$	10
	Subsequent to initial transfer to held for sale	(97		)	2			1			(94		)
	Lower of amortized cost or fair value adjustment recorded through other revenues	$	(87	)	$	2		$	1		$	(84	)
	Three Months Ended September 30, 2013:
	Initial lower of amortized cost or fair value adjustment	$	46		$	—		$	—		$	46
	Subsequent to initial transfer to held for sale	(100		)	(1		)	(11		)	(112		)
	Lower of amortized cost or fair value adjustment recorded through other revenues	$	(54	)	$	(1	)	$	(11	)	$	(66	)
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014:
	Initial lower of amortized cost or fair value adjustment	$	112		$	—		$	—		$	112
	Subsequent to initial transfer to held for sale	(410		)	4			2			(404		)
	Lower of amortized cost or fair value adjustment recorded through other revenues	$	(298	)	$	4		$	2		$	(292	)
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013:
	Initial lower of amortized cost or fair value adjustment	$	145		$	—		$	—		$	145
	Subsequent to initial transfer to held for sale	(965		)	(50		)	(22		)	(1,037		)
	Lower of amortized cost or fair value adjustment recorded through other revenues	$	(820	)	$	(50	)	$	(22	)	$	(892	)

Fair_Value_Option_Tables

Fair Value Option (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis	'
	The following table summarizes fixed rate debt issuances accounted for under FVO:
		September 30, 2014			December 31, 2013
		(in millions)
	Fixed rate debt accounted for under FVO reported in:
	Long-term debt	$	6,976		$	8,025
	Due to affiliates	506			496
	Total fixed rate debt accounted for under FVO	$	7,482		$	8,521
	Unpaid principal balance of fixed rate debt accounted for under FVO(1)	$	7,025		$	7,942
	Fixed rate long-term debt not accounted for under FVO	$	6,271		$	7,083
	(1)	Balance includes a foreign currency translation adjustment relating to our foreign denominated FVO debt which decreased the debt balance by $10 million at September 30, 2014 and increased the debt balance by $245 million at December 31, 2013.
Components of Gain (Loss) on Debt Designated at Fair Value and Related Derivatives	'
	The following table summarizes the components of the gain on debt designated at fair value and related derivatives for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
		(in millions)
	Mark-to-market on debt designated at fair value(1):
	Interest rate component	$	57		$	48		$	121		$	253
	Credit risk component	27			(43		)	2			(61		)
	Total mark-to-market on debt designated at fair value	84			5			123			192
	Mark-to-market on the related derivatives(1)	(78		)	(47		)	(180		)	(267		)
	Net realized gains on the related derivatives	66			75			202			243
	Gain on debt designated at fair value and related derivatives	$	72		$	33		$	145		$	168
	(1)	Mark-to-market on debt designated at fair value and related derivatives excludes market value changes due to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. Foreign currency translation gains (losses) recorded in derivative related income (expense) associated with debt designated at fair value was a gain of $240 million and a loss of $109 million during the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and a gain of $255 million and a loss of $28 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Offsetting gains (losses) recorded in derivative related income (expense) associated with the related derivatives was a loss of $240 million and a gain of $109 million during the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and a loss of $255 million and a gain of $28 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen1

Derivative Financial Instruments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Derivative Instruments	'
	The following table presents the fair value of derivative contracts by major product type on a gross basis. Gross fair values exclude the effects of both counterparty netting and collateral, and therefore are not representative of our exposure. The table below presents the amounts of counterparty netting and cash collateral that have been offset in the consolidated balance sheet.
		September 30, 2014								December 31, 2013
		Derivative Financial Assets				Derivative Financial Liabilities				Derivative Financial Assets				Derivative Financial Liabilities
		(in millions)
	Derivatives(1)
	Derivatives accounted for as cash flow hedges
	Interest rate swaps	$	9			$	(89	)		$	16			$	(138	)
	Currency swaps	125				(50		)		255				(28		)
	Cash flow hedges	134				(139		)		271				(166		)
	Non-qualifying hedge activities
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
	Interest rate swaps	21				(288		)		24				(171		)
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments	21				(288		)		24				(171		)
	Derivatives associated with debt carried at fair value
	Interest rate swaps	156				—				270				—
	Currency swaps	222				—				542				—
	Derivatives associated with debt carried at fair value	378				—				812				—
	Total derivatives	533				(427		)		1,107				(337		)
	Less: Gross amounts offset in the balance sheet(2)	533				(427		)		1,107				(337		)
	Net amounts of derivative financial assets and liabilities presented in the balance sheet(3)	$	—			$	—			$	—			$	—
	(1)	All of our derivatives are bilateral over-the-counter ("OTC") derivatives.
	(2)	Represents the netting of derivative receivable and payable balances for the same counterparty under an enforceable netting agreement. Gross amounts offset in the balance sheet includes cash collateral received as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 of $190 million and $811 million, respectively. At September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, we did not have any financial instrument collateral received/posted.
	(3)	At September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, we had not received any cash or financial instruments not subject to an enforceable master netting agreement.
Gain or Loss Recorded on Our Cash Flow Hedging Relationships	'
	The following table provides the gain or loss recorded on our cash flow hedging relationships.
		Gain (Loss) Recognized in AOCI on Derivative (Effective Portion)								Location of Gain		Gain (Loss) Reclassed From AOCI into Income (Effective Portion)							Location of Gain	Gain (Loss) Recognized In Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion)
										(Loss) Reclassified									(Loss) Recognized
										from AOCI into Income									in Income on the Derivative(Ineffective Portion)
		2014				2013				(Effective Portion)		2014				2013				2014		2013
		(in millions)
	Three Months Ended September 30,
	Interest rate swaps	$	14			$	20			Interest expense		$	—			$	(1	)	Derivative related	$	—	$	—
																			income (expense)
	Currency swaps	3				27				Interest expense		(2		)		(2		)	Derivative related	4		6
																			income (expense)
	Total	$	17			$	47					$	(2	)		$	(3	)		$	4	$	6
	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	Interest rate swaps	$	35			$	94			Interest expense		$	1			$	(2	)	Derivative related	$	—	$	2
																			income (expense)
	Currency swaps	10				65				Interest expense		(9		)		(10		)	Derivative related	12		25
																			income (expense)
										Derivative loss recognized on termination of hedges		—				(199		)
	Total	$	45			$	159					$	(8	)		$	(211	)		$	12	$	27
Gain or Loss Recorded on Our Non Qualifying Hedges	'
	The following table provides detail of the realized and unrealized gain or loss recorded on our non-qualifying hedges:
		Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative	Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Derivative
			Related Income (Expense)
			Three Months Ended September 30,								Nine Months Ended September 30,
			2014				2013				2014				2013
			(in millions)
	Interest rate contracts	Derivative related income (expense)	$	(11	)		$	(5	)		$	(199	)		$	260
	Currency contracts	Derivative related income (expense)	—				—				—				(1		)
	Total		$	(11	)		$	(5	)		$	(199	)		$	259
Gain or Loss Recorded on Derivatives Related to Fair Value Option Debt Primarily Due to Changes in Interest Rates	'
	The following table provides the gain or loss recorded on the derivatives related to fair value option debt primarily due to changes in interest rates. See Note 7, “Fair Value Option,” for further discussion.
		Location of Gain (Loss)	Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Derivative Related Income (Expense)
		Recognized in Income on Derivative	Three Months Ended September 30,								Nine Months Ended September 30,
			2014				2013				2014				2013
			(in millions)
	Interest rate contracts	Gain on debt designated at fair value and related derivatives	$	(1	)		$	12			$	7			$	5
	Currency contracts	Gain on debt designated at fair value and related derivatives	(11		)		16				15				(29		)
	Total		$	(12	)		$	28			$	22			$	(24	)
Notional Values of Derivative Contracts	'
	The following table provides the notional amounts of derivative contracts.
		September 30, 2014				December 31, 2013
		(in millions)
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
	Interest rate swaps	$	1,959			$	3,256
	Currency swaps	2,248				2,277
		4,207				5,533
	Non-qualifying hedges:
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
	Interest rate swaps	3,199				3,699
	Currency swaps	—				—
		3,199				3,699
	Derivatives associated with debt carried at fair value:
	Interest rate swaps	3,682				4,343
	Currency swaps	2,892				2,892
		6,574				7,235
	Total	$	13,980			$	16,467

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Equity [Abstract]	'
Summary of Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	'
	The following table presents changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss balances.
		2014				2013
		(in millions)
	Three Months Ended September 30,
	Unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedging instruments:
	Balance at beginning of period	$	(74	)		$	(152	)
	Other comprehensive income for period:
	Net gains arising during period, net of tax of $6 million and $17 million, respectively	10				30
	Reclassification adjustment for losses realized in net income, net of tax of $1 million and $1 million, respectively(3)	1				2
	Total other comprehensive income for period	11				32
	Balance at end of period	(63		)		(120		)
	Pension and postretirement benefit plan liability:
	Balance at beginning of period	(11		)		(25		)
	Other comprehensive income for period:
	Reclassification adjustment for losses realized in net income, net of tax of $- million and $- million, respectively(2)	1				—
	Total other comprehensive income for period	1				—
	Balance at end of period	(10		)		(25		)
	Total accumulated other comprehensive loss at end of period	$	(73	)		$	(145	)
	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	Unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedging instruments:
	Balance at beginning of period	$	(97	)		$	(358	)
	Other comprehensive income for period:
	Net gains arising during period, net of tax of $15 million and $56 million, respectively	29				102
	Reclassification adjustment for losses realized in net income, net of tax of $3 million and $75 million, respectively(3)	5				136
	Total other comprehensive income for period	34				238
	Balance at end of period	(63		)		(120		)
		2014				2013
		(in millions)
	Unrealized gains (losses) on securities available-for-sale, not other-than temporarily impaired:
	Balance at beginning of period	—				115
	Other comprehensive income (loss) for period:
	Reclassification adjustment for losses realized in net income, net of tax of $- million and $(62) million, respectively(1)	—				(115		)
	Total other comprehensive income (loss) for period	—				(115		)
	Balance at end of period	—				—
	Unrealized gains (losses) on other-than-temporarily impaired debt securities available-for-sale:
	Balance at beginning of period	—				1
	Other comprehensive income (loss) for period:
	Reclassification adjustment for gains realized in net income, net of tax of $- million and $(1) million, respectively(1)	—				(1		)
	Total other comprehensive income (loss) for period	—				(1		)
	Balance at end of period	—				—
	Pension and postretirement benefit plan liability:
	Balance at beginning of period	(11		)		(26		)
	Other comprehensive income for period:
	Reclassification adjustment for losses realized in net income, net of tax of $- million and $- million, respectively(2)	1				1
	Total other comprehensive income for period	1				1
	Balance at end of period	(10		)		(25		)
	Foreign currency translation adjustments:
	Balance at beginning of period	—				11
	Other comprehensive income (loss) for period:
	Translation losses, net of tax of $- million and $(1) million, respectively	—				(5		)
	Reclassification adjustment for gains realized in net income, net of tax of $- million and $(9) million, respectively(3)	—				(6		)
	Total other comprehensive income (loss) for period	—				(11		)
	Balance at end of period	—				—
	Total accumulated other comprehensive loss at end of period	$	(73	)		$	(145	)
	(1)	The amounts reclassified during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 are included in loss from discontinued operations in our consolidated statement of income.
	(2)	The amounts reclassified during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 are included as a component of salaries and employee benefits in our consolidated statement of income.
	(3)	See the tables below for the components of the amounts reclassified during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 into income and location in our consolidated statement of income.
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	'
	The following table provides additional information related to the amounts classified into the consolidated statement of income out of accumulated other comprehensive loss during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013.
	Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Components		Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss(1)				Affected Line Item in the Statement of Income
			(in millions)
	Three Months Ended September 30, 2014:
	Unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedging instruments:
	Interest rate and currency swaps		$	(2	)		Interest expense
	Total before tax		(2		)
	Tax benefit		(1		)
	Net of tax		$	(1	)
	Three Months Ended September 30, 2013:
	Unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedging instruments:
	Interest rate and currency swaps		$	(3	)		Interest expense
	Total before tax		(3		)
	Tax benefit		(1		)
	Net of tax		$	(2	)
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014:
	Unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedging instruments:
	Interest rate and currency swaps		$	(8	)		Interest expense
	Total before tax		(8		)
	Tax benefit		(3		)
	Net of tax		$	(5	)
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013:
	Unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedging instruments:
	Interest rate and currency swaps		$	(12	)		Interest expense
	Derivative loss recognized on termination of hedge relationship		(199		)		Derivative related income (expense)
	Total before tax		(211		)
	Tax benefit		(75		)
	Net of tax		$	(136	)
	Foreign currency translation adjustments:
	Sale of Insurance business		$	(24	)		Income (loss) on discontinued operations
	Closure of foreign legal entity		9				Other income
	Total before tax		(15		)
	Tax benefit		(9		)
	Net of tax		$	(6	)
	(1)	Amounts in parenthesis indicate expenses recognized in the consolidated statement of income.

Pension_and_Other_Postretireme1

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Pension Plan, Defined Benefit [Member]	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'
Components of Pension Expense for Defined Benefit Pension Plan	'
	The components of pension expense for the defined benefit pension plan recorded in our consolidated statement of income and shown in the table below reflect the portion of the pension expense of the combined HSBC North America Pension Plan (either the “HSBC North America Pension Plan” or the “Plan”) which has been allocated to us.
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
		(in millions)
	Service cost – benefits earned during the period	$	1		$	2		$	3		$	6
	Interest cost on projected benefit obligation	12			14			37			42
	Expected return on assets	(16		)	(16		)	(45		)	(52		)
	Recognized losses	6			8			19			30
	Pension expense	$	3		$	8		$	14		$	26
Other Postretirement Benefit Plan, Defined Benefit [Member]	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'
Components of Pension Expense for Defined Benefit Pension Plan	'
	The components of net periodic benefit cost for our postretirement plans other than pension are as follows:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
		(in millions)
	Service cost – benefits earned during the period	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
	Interest cost	2			2			6			6
	Net periodic postretirement benefit cost	$	2		$	2		$	6		$	6

Related_Party_Transactions_Tab

Related Party Transactions (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Related Party Transactions	'
	The following tables and discussions below present the more significant related party balances and the income (expense) generated by related party transactions for continuing operations:
		September 30, 2014			December 31, 2013
		(in millions)
	Assets:
	Cash	$	173		$	172
	Securities purchased under agreements to resell(1)	4,841			6,924
	Other assets	159			86
	Total assets	$	5,173		$	7,182
	Liabilities:
	Due to affiliates(2)	$	6,940		$	8,742
	Other liabilities	40			51
	Total liabilities	$	6,980		$	8,793
	(1)	Securities under an agreement to resell are purchased from HSI and generally have terms of 120 days or less. The collateral underlying the securities purchased under agreements to resell, however, is with an unaffiliated third party. Interest income recognized on these securities is reflected as interest income from HSBC affiliate in the table below.
	(2)	Due to affiliates includes amounts owed to HSBC and its subsidiaries as a result of direct debt issuances as well as HSBC's ownership of our subordinated debt and excludes preferred stock.
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
		(in millions)
	Income/(Expense):
	Interest income from HSBC affiliates	$	1		$	1		$	4		$	3
	Interest expense paid to HSBC affiliates(1)	(76		)	(113		)	(231		)	(371		)
	Net interest income (expense)	$	(75	)	$	(112	)	$	(227	)	$	(368	)
	Gain (loss) on FVO debt with affiliate	$	10		$	(16	)	$	(10	)	$	21
	Servicing and other fees from HSBC affiliates	6			6			20			19
	Support services from HSBC affiliates	(65		)	(78		)	(198		)	(213		)
	Stock based compensation expense with HSBC(2)	(1		)	1			(4		)	(3		)
	(1)	Includes interest expense paid to HSBC affiliates for debt held by HSBC affiliates as well as net interest paid to or received from HSBC affiliates on risk management hedges related to non-affiliated debt.
	(2)	Employees participate in one or more stock compensation plans sponsored by HSBC. These expenses are included in Salary and employee benefits in our consolidated statement of income. Employees also participate in a defined benefit pension plan and other postretirement benefit plans sponsored by HSBC North America which are discussed in Note 10, “Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits.”
	Due to affiliates consists of the following:
		September 30, 2014			December 31, 2013
		(in millions)
	HSBC Private Banking Holdings (Suisse) S.A. and subsidiaries	$	2,500		$	4,300
	HSBC USA Inc.	3,012			3,012
	HSBC Holdings plc (includes $506 million and $496 million at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 carried at fair value, respectively)	828			820
	HSBC North America Holdings Inc.	600			600
	HSBC Asia Holdings BV	—			10
	Due to affiliates	$	6,940		$	8,742

Business_Segments_Tables

Business Segments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Reconciliation of IFRS Basis Segment Results	'
	The following table reconciles our IFRSs segment results to the U.S. GAAP consolidated totals:
		IFRSs			IFRSs			IFRSs			U.S. GAAP
		Consumer Segment			Adjustments(1)			Reclassifications(2)			Consolidated
		Totals									Totals
		(in millions)
	Three Months Ended September 30, 2014:
	Net interest income	$	336		$	(63	)	$	(63	)	$	210
	Other operating income (Total other revenues)	104			7			58			169
	Total operating income (loss)	440			(56		)	(5		)	379
	Loan impairment charges (Provision for credit losses)	(76		)	34			(1		)	(43		)
	Net interest income and other operating income less loan impairment charges	516			(90		)	(4		)	422
	Operating expenses	189			(11		)	(4		)	174
	Profit (loss) before tax	$	327		$	(79	)	$	—		$	248
	Three Months Ended September 30, 2013:
	Net interest income	$	491		$	(187	)	$	(75	)	$	229
	Other operating income (Total other revenues)	(28		)	63			79			114
	Total operating income (loss)	463			(124		)	4			343
	Loan impairment charges (Provision for credit losses)	115			(275		)	—			(160		)
	Net interest income and other operating income less loan impairment charges	348			151			4			503
	Operating expenses	207			5			4			216
	Profit (loss) before tax	$	141		$	146		$	—		$	287
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014:
	Net interest income	$	1,078		$	(218	)	$	(193	)	$	667
	Other operating income (Total other revenues)	(57		)	179			176			298
	Total operating income (loss)	1,021			(39		)	(17		)	965
	Loan impairment charges (Provision for credit losses)	53			(291		)	—			(238		)
	Net interest income and other operating income less loan impairment charges	968			252			(17		)	1,203
	Operating expenses	529			—			(17		)	512
	Profit (loss) before tax	$	439		$	252		$	—		$	691
	Balances at end of period:
	Customer loans (Receivables)	$	24,485		$	(949	)	$	(33	)	$	23,503
	Assets	33,632			(1,053		)	—			32,579
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013:
	Net interest income	$	1,620		$	(514	)	$	(245	)	$	861
	Other operating income (Total other revenues)	(343		)	1,183			256			1,096
	Total operating income (loss)	1,277			669			11			1,957
	Loan impairment charges (Provision for credit losses)	558			(427		)	—			131
	Net interest income and other operating income less loan impairment charges	719			1,096			11			1,826
	Operating expenses	615			53			11			679
	Profit (loss) before tax	$	104		$	1,043		$	—		$	1,147
	Balances at end of period:
	Customer loans (Receivables)	$	32,436		$	(4,553	)	$	(39	)	$	27,844
	Assets	42,774			(1,995		)	—			40,779
	(1)	IFRSs Adjustments consist of the accounting differences between U.S. GAAP and IFRSs which have been described in Note 18, "Business Segments," in the 2013 Form 10-K.
	(2)	Represents differences in balance sheet and income statement presentation between U.S. GAAP and IFRSs

Variable_Interest_Entities_Tab

Variable Interest Entities (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Disclosure Variable Interest Entities Summary Of Assets And Liabilities Of Consolidated Secured Financing V I Es [Abstract]	'
Summary of Assets and Liabilities of Consolidated Secured Financing VIEs	'
	The assets and liabilities of these consolidated secured financing VIEs consisted of the following as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
		30-Sep-14						December 31, 2013
		Consolidated			Consolidated			Consolidated			Consolidated
		Assets			Liabilities			Assets			Liabilities
		(in millions)
	Real estate collateralized funding vehicles:
	Cash	$	1		$	—		$	—		$	—
	Receivables, net:
	Real estate secured receivables	3,094			—			4,020			—
	Accrued interest income and other	131			—			156			—
	Credit loss reserves	(404		)	—			(556		)	—
	Receivables, net	2,821			—			3,620			—
	Other liabilities	—			(33		)	—			(41		)
	Long-term debt	—			1,586			—			2,200
	Total	$	2,822		$	1,553		$	3,620		$	2,159

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Carrying and Estimated Fair Value	'
	The following table summarizes the carrying values and estimated fair value of our financial instruments at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013.
		30-Sep-14
		Carrying		Estimated			Level 1			Level 2				Level 3
		Value		Fair Value
		(in millions)
	Financial assets:
	Cash	$	173	$	173		$	173		$	—			$	—
	Securities purchased under agreements to resell	4,841		4,841			—			4,841				—
	Real estate secured receivables(1):
	First lien	19,417		17,484			—			—				17,484
	Second lien	2,412		1,322			—			—				1,322
	Total real estate secured receivables	21,829		18,806			—			—				18,806
	Real estate secured receivables held for sale	1,840		1,904			—			1,031				873
	Due from affiliates	159		159			—			159				—
	Financial liabilities:
	Due to affiliates carried at fair value	506		506			—			506				—
	Due to affiliates not carried at fair value	6,434		6,677			—			6,677				—
	Long-term debt carried at fair value	6,976		6,976			—			6,976				—
	Long-term debt not carried at fair value	10,160		10,720			—			9,185				1,535
		31-Dec-13
		Carrying		Estimated			Level 1			Level 2				Level 3
		Value		Fair Value
		(in millions)
	Financial assets:
	Cash	$	175	$	175		$	175		$	—			$	—
	Securities purchased under agreements to resell	6,924		6,924			—			6,924				—
	Real estate secured receivables(1):
	First lien	21,514		18,577			—			—				18,577
	Second lien	2,659		1,418			—			—				1,418
	Total real estate secured receivables	24,173		19,995			—			—				19,995
	Real estate secured receivables held for sale	2,047		2,047			—			—				2,047
	Due from affiliates	86		86			—			86				—
	Financial liabilities:
	Due to affiliates carried at fair value	496		496			—			496				—
	Due to affiliates not carried at fair value	8,246		8,369			—			8,369				—
	Long-term debt carried at fair value	8,025		8,025			—			8,025				—
	Long-term debt not carried at fair value	12,814		13,301			—			11,232				2,069
	(1)	The carrying amount of receivables presented in the table above reflects the amortized cost of the receivable, including any accrued interest, less credit loss reserves as well as any charge-offs recorded in accordance with our existing charge-off policies.
Assets and Liabilities Recorded at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis	'
	The following table presents information about our assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, and indicates the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques utilized to determine such fair value.
		Quoted Prices in		Significant Other			Significant			Netting(1)				Total of Assets
		Active Markets for		Observable Inputs			Unobservable							(Liabilities)
		Identical Assets		(Level 2)			Inputs							Measured at
		(Level 1)					(Level 3)							Fair Value
		(in millions)
	September 30, 2014:
	Derivative financial assets:
	Interest rate swaps	$	—	$	186		$	—		$	—			$	186
	Currency swaps	—		347			—			—				347
	Derivative netting	—		—			—			(533		)		(533		)
	Total derivative financial assets	—		533			—			(533		)		—
	Total assets	$	—	$	533		$	—		$	(533	)		$	—
	Due to affiliates carried at fair value	$	—	$	(506	)	$	—		$	—			$	(506	)
	Long-term debt carried at fair value	—		(6,976		)	—			—				(6,976		)
	Derivative related liabilities:
	Interest rate swaps	—		(377		)	—			—				(377		)
	Currency swaps	—		(50		)	—			—				(50		)
	Derivative netting	—		—			—			427				427
	Total derivative related liabilities	—		(427		)	—			427				—
	Total liabilities	$	—	$	(7,909	)	$	—		$	427			$	(7,482	)
	December 31, 2013:
	Derivative financial assets:
	Interest rate swaps	$	—	$	310		$	—		$	—			$	310
	Currency swaps	—		797			—			—				797
	Derivative netting	—		—			—			(1,107		)		(1,107		)
	Total derivative financial assets	—		1,107			—			(1,107		)		—
	Total assets	$	—	$	1,107		$	—		$	(1,107	)		$	—
	Due to affiliates carried at fair value	$	—	$	(496	)	$	—		$	—			$	(496	)
	Long-term debt carried at fair value	—		(8,025		)	—			—				(8,025		)
	Derivative related liabilities:
	Interest rate swaps	—		(309		)	—			—				(309		)
	Currency swaps	—		(28		)	—			—				(28		)
	Derivative netting	—		—			—			337				337
	Total derivative related liabilities	—		(337		)	—			337				—
	Total liabilities	$	—	$	(8,858	)	$	—		$	337			$	(8,521	)
	(1)	Represents counterparty and swap collateral netting which allow the offsetting of amounts relating to certain contracts when certain conditions are met.
Assets and Liabilities Recorded at Fair Value on a Non-recurring Basis	'
	The following table presents information about our assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis as of September 30, 2014 and 2013, and indicates the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques utilized to determine such fair value.
		Non-Recurring Fair Value Measurements												Total Gains				Total Gains
		as of September 30, 2014												(Losses) for the				(Losses) for the
														Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
		Level 1		Level 2			Level 3			Total				September 30, 2014
		(in millions)
	Real estate secured receivables held for sale	$	—	$	998		$	842		$	1,840			$	84			$	292
	Receivables held for investment carried at the lower of amortized cost or fair value of the collateral less cost to sell(1)	—		690			—			690				(86		)		(319		)
	Real estate owned(2)	—		178			—			178				(11		)		(43		)
	Total assets at fair value on a non-recurring basis	$	—	$	1,866		$	842		$	2,708			$	(13	)		$	(70	)
		Non-Recurring Fair Value Measurements												Total Gains				Total Gains
		as of September 30, 2013												(Losses) for the				(Losses) for the
														Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
		Level 1		Level 2			Level 3			Total				September 30, 2013
		(in millions)
	Receivables held for sale:
	Real estate secured	$	—	$	901		$	3,816		$	4,717			$	66			$	974
	Personal non-credit card(3)	—		—			—			—				—				(82		)
	Total receivables held for sale	—		901			3,816			4,717				66				892
	Receivables held for investment carried at the lower of amortized cost or fair value of the collateral less cost to sell(1)	—		883			—			883				(203		)		(708		)
	Real estate owned(2)	—		392			—			392				(20		)		(55		)
	Total assets at fair value on a non-recurring basis	$	—	$	2,176		$	3,816		$	5,992			$	(157	)		$	129
	(1)	Total gains (losses) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 includes amounts recorded on receivables that were subsequently transferred to held for sale.
	(2)	Real estate owned is required to be reported on the balance sheet net of transactions costs. The real estate owned amounts in the table above reflect the fair value of the underlying asset unadjusted for transaction costs.
	(3)	Our personal non-credit card portfolio was sold on April 1, 2013 as discussed more fully in Note 7, "Receivables Held for Sale," in our 2013 Form 10-K.
Fair Value Inputs, Assets, Quantitative Information	'
	The following table presents quantitative information about non-recurring fair value measurements of assets and liabilities classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
		Fair Value								Range of Inputs
	Financial Instrument Type	Sept. 30, 2014		Dec. 31,			Valuation Technique		Significant Unobservable Inputs	30-Sep-14					December 31, 2013
				2013
		(in millions)
	Receivables held for sale carried at fair value:
	Real estate secured	$	842	$	2,047		Third party appraisal valuation based on		Collateral loss severity rates(1)	0	%	-	87%		0	%	-	93	%
							estimated loss severities, including collateral values, cash flows and		Expenses incurred through collateral disposition	5	%	-	10%		5	%	-	10	%
							market discount rate		Market discount rate	4	%	-	8%		6	%	-	10%
	(1)	The majority of the real estate secured receivables held for sale consider collateral value, among other items, in determining fair value. Collateral values are based on the most recently available broker's price opinion and the collateral loss severity rates averaged 18 percent and 21 percent at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. In the current market conditions, investors also take into consideration the fact that the most recently available broker's price opinion may not capture all of the home price appreciation due to the timing of the receipt of the opinion.

Discontinued_Operations_Operat

Discontinued Operations - Operating Results of Discontinued Operations (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

In Millions, unless otherwise specified

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 29, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Insurance business [Member]

Insurance business [Member]

Insurance business [Member]

Insurance business [Member]

Insurance business [Member]

Commercial Business [Member]

Commercial Business [Member]

Commercial Business [Member]

Commercial Business [Member]

Commercial Business [Member]

Card and Retail Services [Member]

Card and Retail Services [Member]

Card and Retail Services [Member]

Card and Retail Services [Member]

Card and Retail Services [Member]

Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Proceeds from divestiture of businesses

'

'

'

'

'

$153

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Pre-tax gain

'

'

'

'

'

21

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

After-tax gain

'

'

'

'

'

13

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net interest income and other revenues

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

[1]

0

[1]

0

[1]

70

[1]

3

2

9

10

'

0

0

0

0

'

Income (loss) from discontinued operations before income tax

-4

-33

-24

-228

'

'

0

-3

0

3

2

1

6

5

'

-6

[2]

-31

[2]

-30

[2]

-236

[2]

'

Incremental increase in industry review enhancement expense

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

7

96

'

Assets of discontinued operations

69

'

69

'

165

'

'

'

'

'

62

'

62

'

63

7

'

7

'

102

Liabilities of discontinued operations

79

'

79

'

103

'

'

'

'

'

0

'

0

'

1

79

'

79

'

102

Provision for legal expenses and other

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$40

'

[1]

Interest expense, which is included as a component of net interest income, was allocated to discontinued operations in accordance with our existing internal transfer pricing policy. This policy uses match funding based on the expected lives of the assets and liabilities of the business at the time of origination, subject to periodic review, as demonstrated by the expected cash flows and re-pricing characteristics of the underlying assets.

[2]

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, the amounts include expenses related to activities to complete the separation of the credit card operational infrastructure between us and Capital One. We expect costs associated with the separation of the credit card operational infrastructure to continue through the remainder of 2014. Additionally, the nine months ended September 30, 2014 includes an incremental expense of $7 million and the nine months ended September 30, 2013 includes an incremental expense of $96 million recorded based on actions taken and actions planned to be taken in connection with an industry review of enhancement services products. For the nine months ended September 30, 2013 amounts also reflect a legal accrual of $40 million. See Note 15, "Litigation and Regulatory Matters," for further discussion of the legal matter.

Discontinued_Operations_Summar

Discontinued Operations - Summary of Assets and Liabilities of Disposal Group Held for Sale (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'		'		'	'
Cash	$23		$23		$24	$200
Assets of discontinued operations	69		165		'	'
Liabilities of discontinued operations	79		103		'	'
Card and Retail Services [Member]	'		'		'	'
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'		'		'	'
Cash	22		23		'	'
Other assets	-15	[1]	79	[1]	'	'
Assets of discontinued operations	7		102		'	'
Other liabilities	79	[2]	102	[2]	'	'
Liabilities of discontinued operations	$79		$102		'	'
[1]	At September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, other assets primarily consists of current and deferred taxes.
[2]	At September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, other liabilities primarily consists of certain legal accruals.

Securities_Purchased_Under_Agr1

Securities Purchased Under Agreements to Resell (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Banking and Thrift [Abstract]	'	'
Securities purchased under agreements to resell	$4,841	$6,924

Receivables_Receivables_Detail

Receivables - Receivables (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Sep. 30, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Real estate secured:	'		'		'
Total receivables	$23,503		'		$27,844
Total real estate secured receivables	23,503	[1],[2]	26,584	[1],[2]	'
Accrued interest income and other	789		862		'
Credit loss reserve for receivables	-2,463		-3,273		'
Total receivables, net	21,829		24,173		'
First Lien [Member]	'		'		'
Real estate secured:	'		'		'
Total receivables	20,835		23,568		24,682
Second Lien [Member]	'		'		'
Real estate secured:	'		'		'
Total receivables	$2,668		$3,016		$3,162
[1]	At September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, nonaccrual real estate secured receivables held for investment include $753 million and $1,245 million, respectively, of TDR Loans, some of which may also be carried at fair value of the collateral less cost to sell
[2]	At September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, nonaccrual real estate secured receivables held for investment include $434 million and $639 million, respectively, of receivables that are carried at the lower of amortized cost or fair value of the collateral less cost to sell.

Receivables_Additional_Informa

Receivables - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Receivables [Abstract]	'	'
Deferred origination fees	$166	$183
Net unamortized premium on our receivables	84	102
Secured financing	1,586	2,200
Receivables, collateralizing long-term debt	$3,094	$4,020

Receivables_Aging_Analysis_of_

Receivables - Aging Analysis of Past Due Loans (Detail) (USD $)

9 Months Ended

In Millions, unless otherwise specified

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Real estate secured [Member]

Real estate secured [Member]

First Lien [Member]

First Lien [Member]

Second Lien [Member]

Second Lien [Member]

Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Financing Receivable, 30 - 89 days past due

'

'

$1,803

$2,711

$1,630

$2,462

$173

$249

Financing Receivable, 90 plus days past due

'

'

1,042

1,730

936

1,538

106

192

Financing Receivable, Past Due, Total

'

'

2,845

4,441

2,566

4,000

279

441

Financing Receivable, Current

'

'

20,658

[1]

22,143

[1]

18,269

[1]

19,568

[1]

2,389

[1]

2,575

[1]

Total receivables

$23,503

$27,844

$23,503

[2]

$26,584

[2]

$20,835

[2]

$23,568

[2]

$2,668

[2]

$3,016

[2]

Threshold period for current receivable

'30 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

[1]

Receivables less than 30 days past due are presented as current.

[2]

The receivable balances included in this table reflects the principal amount outstanding on the loan and certain basis adjustments to the loan such as deferred fees and costs on originated loans, purchase accounting fair value adjustments and premiums or discounts on purchased loans. However, these basis adjustments on the loans are excluded in other presentations of dollars of two-months-and-over contractual delinquency and nonperforming receivable account balances.

Receivables_Nonaccrual_Receiva

Receivables - Nonaccrual Receivables (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Nonaccrual receivables:	'		'
Criteria for nonaccrual status (Minimum days contractually delinquent)	'90 days		'
Total nonaccrual receivables	$2,208	[1]	$3,191	[1]
Nonaccrual loans carried at lower of amortized cost of fair value less cost to sell but less than 90 days delinquent	883		953
Real Estate Secured [Member]	'		'
Nonaccrual receivables:	'		'
Nonaccrual real estate secured receivables carried at lower amortized cost or fair value	434		639
Real estate secured [Member]	'		'
Nonaccrual receivables:	'		'
Total nonaccrual receivables	1,056	[2]	1,769	[2]
Nonaccrual receivables held for sale [Member]	'		'
Nonaccrual receivables:	'		'
Total nonaccrual receivables	$1,152	[3]	$1,422	[3]
[1]	Nonaccrual receivables do not include receivables totaling $883 million and $953 million at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, which have been written down to the lower of amortized cost or fair value of the collateral less cost to sell which are less than 90 days contractually delinquent and not accruing interest.
[2]	At September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, nonaccrual real estate secured receivables held for investment include $434 million and $639 million, respectively, of receivables that are carried at the lower of amortized cost or fair value of the collateral less cost to sell.
[3]	For a discussion of the movements between the components of nonaccrual receivables, see Note 6, "Receivables Held for Sale," which includes discussion of the formal program introduced in the second quarter of 2013 to transfer receivables (meeting pre-determined criteria) to held for sale when the receivable is written down to the lower of amortized cost or fair value of the collateral less cost to sell in accordance with our existing charge-off policies.

Receivables_Additional_Informa1

Receivables - Additional Information on Nonaccrual Receivables (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Receivables [Abstract]	'	'
Interest income that would have been recorded if the nonaccrual receivable had been current in accordance with contractual terms during the period	$271	$631
Interest income that was recorded on nonaccrual receivables included in interest income on nonaccrual loans during the period	$68	$129

Receivables_Receivables_and_Re

Receivables - Receivables and Receivables held for Sale (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Total	$163	[1]	$376	[1]	$652	[1]	$1,486	[1]
First Lien [Member]	'		'		'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Total	127		275		521		1,065
Second Lien [Member]	'		'		'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Total	17		35		68		129
Real Estate Secured Receivables Held for Sale [Member]	'		'		'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Total	19		66		63		264
Real estate secured [Member]	'		'		'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Total	163		376		652		1,458
Personal non-credit card receivables held for sale [Member]	'		'		'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Total	$0	[2]	$0	[2]	$0	[2]	$28	[2]
[1]	The following table summarizes the actions taken during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 which resulted in the above receivables being classified as a TDR loan. Interest rate modifications of $54 and $155 for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $378 and $547 for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively; Re-age of past due accounts of $109 and $221 for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $274 and $939 for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively; Total of $163 and $376 for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $652 and $1486 for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
[2]	As discussed more fully in Note 7, "Receivables Held for Sale," in our 2013 Form 10-K, we sold our personal non-credit card receivable portfolio on April 1, 2013.

Receivables_Retrospective_Revi

Receivables - Retrospective Review of Trouble Debt Restructuring (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
New TDR Loan Volumes In The Period [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Interest rate modification	$54	$155	$378	$547
Re-age of past due account	109	221	274	939
Total	$163	$376	$652	$1,486

Receivables_TDR_Loans_Detail

Receivables - TDR Loans (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]	'		'
Unpaid principal balance subject to reduction	$484		$92
TDR Loans held for investment, recorded at the lower of amortized cost or FV less cost to sell	509		604
Real Estate Secured [Member] | Receivables Held For Sale [Member]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]	'		'
TDR Loans	1,285	[1],[2],[3]	1,392	[1],[2],[3]
Receivables Held For Sale [Member] | Real Estate Secured [Member]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]	'		'
Unpaid balance of TDR loans	1,952		2,587
Real estate secured [Member]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]	'		'
TDR Loans	12,040	[1],[2]	13,072	[1],[2]
Credit loss reserves for TDR loans	2,161	[3],[4]	2,654	[3],[4]
Unpaid balance of TDR loans	13,153		14,758
First Lien [Member]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]	'		'
TDR Loans	9,816	[1],[2],[5]	10,633	[1],[2],[5]
Credit loss reserves for TDR loans	1,891	[4]	2,294	[4]
Unpaid balance of TDR loans	10,124		10,983
Second Lien [Member]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]	'		'
TDR Loans	939	[1],[2],[5]	1,047	[1],[2],[5]
Credit loss reserves for TDR loans	270	[4]	360	[4]
Unpaid balance of TDR loans	$1,077		$1,188
[1]	TDR Loans are considered to be impaired loans regardless of accrual status.
[2]	The TDR Loan balances included in the table above reflect the current carrying amount of TDR Loans and includes all basis adjustments on the loan, such as unearned income, unamortized deferred fees and costs on originated loans and premiums or discounts on purchased loans as well as any charge-off recorded in accordance with our existing charge-off policies. Additionally, the carrying amount of TDR Loans classified as held for sale has been reduced by both the lower of amortized cost or fair value adjustment as well as the credit loss reserves associated with these receivables prior to the transfer. The following table reflects the unpaid principal balance of TDR Loans. Real Estate Secured: First lien $10,124 and $10,983 at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively; Second lien $1,077 and $1,188 at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively; Real estate secured receivables held for sale $1,952 and $2,587 at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively; Total real estate secured $13,153 and $14,758 at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. At September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the unpaid principal balances reflected above include $484 million and $92 million, respectively, which has received a reduction in the unpaid principal balance as part of an account management action.
[3]	There are no credit loss reserves associated with receivables classified as held for sale as they are carried at the lower of amortized cost or fair value.
[4]	Included in credit loss reserves.
[5]	At September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, TDR Loans held for investment totaling $509 million and $604 million, respectively, are recorded at the lower of amortized cost or fair value of the collateral less cost to sell.

Receivables_Receivables_Classi

Receivables - Receivables Classified as Trouble Debt Restructuring Loan (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013
Receivables classified as Trouble Debt Restructuring Loans	'		'		'		'
TDR loans that became delinquent during the period	$91		$267		$381		$982
First Lien [Member]	'		'		'		'
Receivables classified as Trouble Debt Restructuring Loans	'		'		'		'
TDR loans that became delinquent during the period	71		160		307		551
Second Lien [Member]	'		'		'		'
Receivables classified as Trouble Debt Restructuring Loans	'		'		'		'
TDR loans that became delinquent during the period	13		26		44		90
Personal non-credit card receivables held for sale [Member]	'		'		'		'
Receivables classified as Trouble Debt Restructuring Loans	'		'		'		'
TDR loans that became delinquent during the period	0	[1]	0	[1]	0	[1]	21	[1]
Receivables Held For Sale [Member] | Real Estate Secured [Member]	'		'		'		'
Receivables classified as Trouble Debt Restructuring Loans	'		'		'		'
TDR loans that became delinquent during the period	7		81		30		320
Receivables Held For Sale and Held for Investment [Member] | Real Estate Secured [Member] | Real estate secured [Member]	'		'		'		'
Receivables classified as Trouble Debt Restructuring Loans	'		'		'		'
TDR loans that became delinquent during the period	$91		$267		$381		$961
[1]	As discussed more fully in Note 7, "Receivables Held for Sale," in our 2013 Form 10-K, we sold our personal non-credit card receivable portfolio on April 1, 2013.

Receivables_Additional_Informa2

Receivables - Additional Information Relating to Trouble Debt Restructuring Loan (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Average balance of TDR Loans:	'	'	'	'
Total average balance of TDR Loans	$12,155	$15,763	$12,629	$15,875
Interest income recognized on TDR Loans:	'	'	'	'
Total interest income recognized on TDR Loans	217	261	671	842
Real estate secured [Member]	'	'	'	'
Interest income recognized on TDR Loans:	'	'	'	'
Total interest income recognized on TDR Loans	217	261	671	802
First Lien [Member]	'	'	'	'
Average balance of TDR Loans:	'	'	'	'
Total average balance of TDR Loans	11,203	14,634	11,638	14,715
Interest income recognized on TDR Loans:	'	'	'	'
Total interest income recognized on TDR Loans	193	234	599	719
Second Lien [Member]	'	'	'	'
Average balance of TDR Loans:	'	'	'	'
Total average balance of TDR Loans	952	1,129	991	1,160
Interest income recognized on TDR Loans:	'	'	'	'
Total interest income recognized on TDR Loans	24	27	72	83
Personal non-credit card [Member]	'	'	'	'
Interest income recognized on TDR Loans:	'	'	'	'
Total interest income recognized on TDR Loans	$0	$0	$0	$40

Receivables_Summary_of_Contrac

Receivables - Summary of Contractual Delinquency and Delinquency Ratio (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
First Lien [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]	'	'
Dollars of Delinquency	$1,426	$2,387
Delinquency Ratio	6.84%	10.13%
Second Lien [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]	'	'
Dollars of Delinquency	164	275
Delinquency Ratio	6.15%	9.12%
Real estate secured [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]	'	'
Dollars of Delinquency	2,791	4,135
Delinquency Ratio	11.01%	14.44%
Receivables Held For Sale [Member] | Real Estate Secured [Member]	'	'
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]	'	'
Dollars of Delinquency	$1,201	$1,473
Delinquency Ratio	65.27%	71.96%

Receivables_Nonperforming_Cons

Receivables - Nonperforming Consumer Receivable Portfolio (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]	'		'
Real estate secured	$23,503	[1],[2]	$26,584	[1],[2]
Receivables held for sale	1,840		2,047
Total	25,343		28,631
Nonaccrual loans carried at lower of amortized cost of fair value less cost to sell but less than 90 days delinquent	883		953
Performing Loans [Member]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]	'		'
Real estate secured	22,447	[1],[2]	24,815	[1],[2]
Receivables held for sale	688		625
Total	23,135		25,440
Nonperforming Loans [Member]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]	'		'
Real estate secured	1,056	[1],[2],[3]	1,769	[1],[2],[3]
Receivables held for sale	1,152	[3]	1,422	[3]
Total	2,208	[3]	3,191	[3]
Nonperforming receivables held for investment (TDR)	753		1,245
Nonperforming Loans [Member] | Real Estate Secured [Member]	'		'
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]	'		'
Nonperforming receivables held for investment	$434		$639
[1]	At September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, nonaccrual real estate secured receivables held for investment include $753 million and $1,245 million, respectively, of TDR Loans, some of which may also be carried at fair value of the collateral less cost to sell
[2]	At September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, nonaccrual real estate secured receivables held for investment include $434 million and $639 million, respectively, of receivables that are carried at the lower of amortized cost or fair value of the collateral less cost to sell.
[3]	Nonaccrual loans do not include receivables totaling $883 million and $953 million at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, which have been written down to the lower of amortized cost or fair value of the collateral less cost to sell which are less than 90 days contractually delinquent and not accruing interest.

Credit_Loss_Reserves_Summarize

Credit Loss Reserves - Summarizes Changes in Credit Loss Reserves by Product/Class and Related Receivable Balance by Product (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013		Dec. 31, 2013
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses [Roll Forward]	'		'		'		'		'
Credit loss reserves at beginning of period	$2,692		$4,098		$3,273		$4,607		'
Provision for credit losses	-43		-160		-238		131		'
Charge-offs	-211	[1]	-284	[1]	-716	[1]	-1,210	[1]	'
Recoveries	25		43		144		161		'
Total net charge-offs	-186		-241		-572		-1,049		'
Other	'		'		'		8		'
Credit loss reserves at end of period	2,463		3,697		2,463		3,697		'
Reserve components:	'		'		'		'		'
Collectively evaluated for impairment	291		742		291		742		'
Individually evaluated for impairment	2,135	[2]	2,902	[2]	2,135	[2]	2,902	[2]	'
Receivables carried at the lower of amortized cost or fair value of the collateral less cost to sell	35		52		35		52		'
Receivables acquired with deteriorated credit quality	2		1		2		1		'
Total credit loss reserves	2,463		3,697		2,463		3,697		'
Receivables:	'		'		'		'		'
Collectively evaluated for impairment	12,557		15,517		12,557		15,517		'
Individually evaluated for impairment	10,246	[2]	11,431	[2]	10,246	[2]	11,431	[2]	'
Receivables carried at the lower of amortized cost or fair value of the collateral less cost to sell	690		883		690		883		'
Receivables acquired with deteriorated credit quality	10		13		10		13		'
Total receivables	23,503		27,844		23,503		27,844		'
First Lien [Member]	'		'		'		'		'
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses [Roll Forward]	'		'		'		'		'
Credit loss reserves at beginning of period	2,296		3,463		2,777		3,867		'
Provision for credit losses	-45		-145		-184		121		'
Charge-offs	-168	[1]	-212	[1]	-559	[1]	-950	[1]	'
Recoveries	20		27		69		87		'
Total net charge-offs	-148		-185		-490		-863		'
Other	'		'		'		8		'
Credit loss reserves at end of period	2,103		3,133		2,103		3,133		'
Reserve components:	'		'		'		'		'
Collectively evaluated for impairment	201		591		201		591		'
Individually evaluated for impairment	1,865	[2]	2,490	[2]	1,865	[2]	2,490	[2]	'
Receivables carried at the lower of amortized cost or fair value of the collateral less cost to sell	35		51		35		51		'
Receivables acquired with deteriorated credit quality	2		1		2		1		'
Total credit loss reserves	2,103		3,133		2,103		3,133		'
Receivables:	'		'		'		'		'
Collectively evaluated for impairment	10,839		13,475		10,839		13,475		'
Individually evaluated for impairment	9,326	[2]	10,362	[2]	9,326	[2]	10,362	[2]	'
Receivables carried at the lower of amortized cost or fair value of the collateral less cost to sell	662		835		662		835		'
Receivables acquired with deteriorated credit quality	8		10		8		10		'
Total receivables	20,835		24,682		20,835		24,682		23,568
Second Lien [Member]	'		'		'		'		'
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses [Roll Forward]	'		'		'		'		'
Credit loss reserves at beginning of period	396		635		496		740		'
Provision for credit losses	3		-8		-36		54		'
Charge-offs	-43	[1]	-72	[1]	-157	[1]	-260	[1]	'
Recoveries	4		9		57		30		'
Total net charge-offs	-39		-63		-100		-230		'
Other	'		'		'		0		'
Credit loss reserves at end of period	360		564		360		564		'
Reserve components:	'		'		'		'		'
Collectively evaluated for impairment	90		151		90		151		'
Individually evaluated for impairment	270	[2]	412	[2]	270	[2]	412	[2]	'
Receivables carried at the lower of amortized cost or fair value of the collateral less cost to sell	0		1		0		1		'
Receivables acquired with deteriorated credit quality	0		0		0		0		'
Total credit loss reserves	360		564		360		564		'
Receivables:	'		'		'		'		'
Collectively evaluated for impairment	1,718		2,042		1,718		2,042		'
Individually evaluated for impairment	920	[2]	1,069	[2]	920	[2]	1,069	[2]	'
Receivables carried at the lower of amortized cost or fair value of the collateral less cost to sell	28		48		28		48		'
Receivables acquired with deteriorated credit quality	2		3		2		3		'
Total receivables	2,668		3,162		2,668		3,162		3,016
Personal non-credit card [Member]	'		'		'		'		'
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses [Roll Forward]	'		'		'		'		'
Credit loss reserves at beginning of period	0		0		0		0		'
Provision for credit losses	-1		-7		-18		-44		'
Charge-offs	0	[1]	0	[1]	0	[1]	0	[1]	'
Recoveries	1		7		18		44		'
Total net charge-offs	1		7		18		44		'
Other	'		'		'		0		'
Credit loss reserves at end of period	0		0		0		0		'
Reserve components:	'		'		'		'		'
Collectively evaluated for impairment	0		0		0		0		'
Individually evaluated for impairment	0	[2]	0	[2]	0	[2]	0	[2]	'
Receivables carried at the lower of amortized cost or fair value of the collateral less cost to sell	0		0		0		0		'
Receivables acquired with deteriorated credit quality	0		0		0		0		'
Total credit loss reserves	0		0		0		0		'
Receivables:	'		'		'		'		'
Collectively evaluated for impairment	0		0		0		0		'
Individually evaluated for impairment	0	[2]	0	[2]	0	[2]	0	[2]	'
Receivables carried at the lower of amortized cost or fair value of the collateral less cost to sell	0		0		0		0		'
Receivables acquired with deteriorated credit quality	0		0		0		0		'
Total receivables	$0		$0		$0		$0		'
[1]	For collateral dependent receivables that are transferred to held for sale, existing credit loss reserves at the time of transfer are recognized as a charge-off. We transferred to held for sale certain real estate secured receivables during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 that were carried at the lower of amortized cost or fair value of the collateral less cost to sell. Accordingly, we recognized the existing credit loss reserves on these receivables as additional charge-off totaling $12 million and $50 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively, compared with $21 million and $140 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013
[2]	These amounts represent TDR Loans for which we evaluate reserves using a discounted cash flow methodology. Each loan is individually identified as a TDR Loan and then grouped together with other TDR Loans with similar characteristics. The discounted cash flow impairment analysis is then applied to these groups of TDR Loans. The receivable balance above excludes TDR Loans that are carried at the lower of amortized cost or fair value of the collateral less cost to sell which totaled $509 million and $637 million at September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The reserve component above excludes credit loss reserves for TDR Loans that are carried at the lower of amortized cost or fair value of the collateral less cost to sell which totaled $26 million and $36 million at September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. These credit loss reserves are reflected within receivables carried at the lower of amortized cost or fair value of the collateral less cost to sell in the table above.

Credit_Loss_Reserves_Summarize1

Credit Loss Reserves - Summarizes Changes in Credit Loss Reserves by Product/Class and Related Receivable Balance by Product - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Write-offs	$211	[1]	$284	[1]	$716	[1]	$1,210	[1]
Real Estate Secured Receivable Portfolio [Member]	'		'		'		'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Excludes Credit loss reserves for TDR Loans that are carried at the lower of amortized cost or fair value	26		36		26		36
Write-offs	12		21		50		140
TDR [Member]	'		'		'		'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Excludes TDR loans that are carried at the lower of amortized cost or fair value	$509		$637		$509		$637
[1]	For collateral dependent receivables that are transferred to held for sale, existing credit loss reserves at the time of transfer are recognized as a charge-off. We transferred to held for sale certain real estate secured receivables during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 that were carried at the lower of amortized cost or fair value of the collateral less cost to sell. Accordingly, we recognized the existing credit loss reserves on these receivables as additional charge-off totaling $12 million and $50 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively, compared with $21 million and $140 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013

Receivables_Held_for_Sale_Addi

Receivables Held for Sale - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

In Millions, unless otherwise specified

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 01, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Apr. 01, 2013

Apr. 02, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

employee

Other Income [Member]

Other Income [Member]

Other Income [Member]

Other Income [Member]

Fair Value [Member]

Fair Value [Member]

Fair Value [Member]

Fair Value [Member]

Real Estate Owned [Member]

Real Estate Owned [Member]

Real Estate Owned [Member]

Real Estate Owned [Member]

Real Estate Owned [Member]

Real Estate Owned [Member]

Real Estate Owned [Member]

Real Estate Owned [Member]

Short Sales [Member]

Short Sales [Member]

Short Sales [Member]

Short Sales [Member]

Short Sales [Member]

Short Sales [Member]

Short Sales [Member]

Short Sales [Member]

First Mortgage [Member]

First Mortgage [Member]

First Mortgage [Member]

First Mortgage [Member]

First Mortgage [Member]

Personal non-credit card [Member]

Personal non-credit card [Member]

Personal non-credit card [Member]

Personal non-credit card [Member]

Personal non-credit card [Member]

Personal non-credit card [Member]

Real Estate Secured [Member]

Real Estate Secured [Member]

Real Estate Secured [Member]

Real Estate Secured [Member]

Other Income [Member]

Other Income [Member]

Other Income [Member]

Other Income [Member]

Other Income [Member]

Other Income [Member]

Other Income [Member]

Other Income [Member]

Other Income [Member]

Other Income [Member]

Other Income [Member]

Other Income [Member]

Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Receivables held for sale

$1,840

$2,047

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$1,840

'

$1,840

'

$2,047

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Aggregate unpaid balance

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

302

473

1,171

3,077

'

3,760

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Aggregate carrying balance

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

236

346

910

2,101

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Initial lower of amortized cost or fair value adjustment

'

'

'

10

46

112

145

10

46

112

145

'

'

'

'

0

0

0

0

'

'

'

'

0

0

0

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Period of receivables sold in multiple transactions

'15 months

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Change in real estate secured receivable balance, including collections

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

43

175

160

405

'

'

'

'

16

63

47

151

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Lower of amortized cost or fair value adjustment

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2

-1

4

-50

'

'

'

'

1

-11

2

-22

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-82

'

-97

-100

-410

-1,047

Receivable sales

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,947

'

'

'

'

Proceeds from sale of loans held-for-sale

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,964

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gain (loss) on sales of loans

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-11

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of employees transferred to new department (over)

'

'

200

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Servicing fees

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$17

'

$29

'

'

'

'

'

Receivables_Held_for_Sale_Summ

Receivables Held for Sale - Summary of Activity in Receivables Held for Sale (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified			Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Member]		Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Member]		First Mortgage [Member]	First Mortgage [Member]
							Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Member]	Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Member]
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses [Roll Forward]	'	'	'		'		'	'
Receivables held for sale at beginning of period	$1,840	$2,047	$1,874		$2,047		'	'
Real estate secured receivables sold	'	'	'		'		-272	-1,156
Lower of amortized cost or fair value adjustment on real estate secured receivables held for sale	'	'	94		404		'	'
Carrying value of real estate secured receivables held for sale settled through short sale or transfer to REO	'	'	-59		-207		'	'
Change in real estate secured receivable balance, including collections	'	'	-11		12		'	'
Transfer of real estate secured receivables into held for investment at the lower of amortized cost or fair value	'	'	'		-8	[1]	'	'
Transfer of real estate secured receivables into held for sale at the lower of amortized cost or fair value	'	'	214	[2]	748	[2]	'	'
Receivables held for sale at end of period	$1,840	$2,047	$1,840	[3]	$1,840	[3]	'	'
[1]	During the first quarter of 2014, we identified a small pool of receivables held for sale which did not meet our criteria to be classified as held for sale. As a result we transferred these receivables to held for investment at the lower of amortized cost or fair value.
[2]	The initial lower of amortized cost or fair value adjustment on receivables transferred into held for sale during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 totaled $10 million and $112 million, respectively.
[3]	The following table provides a rollforward of our valuation allowance for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014. The valuation allowance has been reduced to zero as the fair value of the pool of receivables held for sale at September 30, 2014 exceeds the carrying value as these receivables are carried at the lower of amortized cost or fair value. See Note 14, "Fair Value Measurements," for a discussion of the factors impacting the fair value of these receivables.

Receivables_Held_For_Sale_Allo

Receivables Held For Sale - Allowance for Credit Losses Rollforward (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses [Roll Forward]	'	'
Balance at beginning of period	$0	$329
Initial valuation allowance for real estate secured receivables transferred to held for sale during the period	10	112
Release of valuation allowance resulting from improvements in fair value	-94	-404
Valuation allowance on real estate secured receivables transferred to held for investment	0	-4
Change in valuation allowance for loans sold	103	129
Change in valuation allowance for collections, charged-off, transferred to REO or short sale	-19	-162
Balance at end of period	$0	$0

Receivables_Held_for_Sale_Summ1

Receivables Held for Sale - Summary of Components of Cumulative Lower of Amortized Cost or Fair Value Adjustment (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Real Estate Owned [Member]	'	'	'	'
Lower of amortized cost or fair value adjustment recorded as a component of:	'	'	'	'
Lower of amortized cost or fair value adjustment	$2	($1)	$4	($50)
Short Sales [Member]	'	'	'	'
Lower of amortized cost or fair value adjustment recorded as a component of:	'	'	'	'
Lower of amortized cost or fair value adjustment	1	-11	2	-22
Other Income [Member]	'	'	'	'
Lower of amortized cost or fair value adjustment recorded as a component of:	'	'	'	'
Initial lower of amortized cost or fair value adjustment	10	46	112	145
Subsequent to initial transfer to held for sale	-94	-112	-404	-1,037
Lower of amortized cost or fair value adjustment recorded through other revenues	-84	-66	-292	-892
Other Income [Member] | Fair Value [Member]	'	'	'	'
Lower of amortized cost or fair value adjustment recorded as a component of:	'	'	'	'
Initial lower of amortized cost or fair value adjustment	10	46	112	145
Subsequent to initial transfer to held for sale	-97	-100	-410	-965
Lower of amortized cost or fair value adjustment recorded through other revenues	-87	-54	-298	-820
Other Income [Member] | Real Estate Owned [Member]	'	'	'	'
Lower of amortized cost or fair value adjustment recorded as a component of:	'	'	'	'
Initial lower of amortized cost or fair value adjustment	0	0	0	0
Subsequent to initial transfer to held for sale	2	-1	4	-50
Lower of amortized cost or fair value adjustment recorded through other revenues	2	-1	4	-50
Other Income [Member] | Short Sales [Member]	'	'	'	'
Lower of amortized cost or fair value adjustment recorded as a component of:	'	'	'	'
Initial lower of amortized cost or fair value adjustment	0	0	0	0
Subsequent to initial transfer to held for sale	1	-11	2	-22
Lower of amortized cost or fair value adjustment recorded through other revenues	$1	($11)	$2	($22)

Fair_Value_Option_Fair_Value_O

Fair Value Option - Fair Value Option on Liabilities (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'		'
Long-term debt	$6,976		$8,025
Due to affiliates	506		496
Total fixed rate debt accounted for under FVO	7,482		8,521
Unpaid principal balance of fixed rate debt accounted for under FVO	7,025	[1]	7,942	[1]
Fixed rate long-term debt not accounted for under FVO	$6,271		$7,083
[1]	Balance includes a foreign currency translation adjustment relating to our foreign denominated FVO debt which decreased the debt balance by $10 million at September 30, 2014 and increased the debt balance by $245 million at December 31, 2013.

Fair_Value_Option_Components_o

Fair Value Option - Components of Gain (Loss) on Debt Designated at Fair Value and Related Derivatives (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013
Mark-to-market on debt designated at fair value :	'		'		'		'
Interest rate component	$57	[1]	$48	[1]	$121	[1]	$253	[1]
Credit risk component	27	[1]	-43	[1]	2	[1]	-61	[1]
Total mark-to-market on debt designated at fair value	84	[1]	5	[1]	123	[1]	192	[1]
Mark-to-market on the related derivatives	-78	[1]	-47	[1]	-180	[1]	-267	[1]
Net realized gains on the related derivatives	66		75		202		243
Gain (loss) on debt designated at fair value and related derivatives	$72		$33		$145		$168
[1]	Mark-to-market on debt designated at fair value and related derivatives excludes market value changes due to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. Foreign currency translation gains (losses) recorded in derivative related income (expense) associated with debt designated at fair value was a gain of $240 million and a loss of $109 million during the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and a gain of $255 million and a loss of $28 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Offsetting gains (losses) recorded in derivative related income (expense) associated with the related derivatives was a loss of $240 million and a gain of $109 million during the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and a loss of $255 million and a gain of $28 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Fair_Value_Option_Additional_I

Fair Value Option - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Change in debt balance from foreign currency translation adjustment	($10)	'	($10)	'	$245
Foreign currency translation gains (losses) recorded in derivatives	240	-109	255	-28	'
Offsetting gains (losses) recorded in derivative related income (expense)	-240	109	-255	28	'
Cumulative increased value of debt through fair value option adjustments	$458	'	$458	'	$581

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen2

Derivative Financial Instruments - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended		9 Months Ended					9 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
				Derivative Related Income [Member]	HSBC USA, Inc. [Member]	HSBC Finance Capital Trust IX [Member]	Parent Company [Member]	Parent Company [Member]	Cash Flow Hedging [Member]
					Fixed rate borrowings [Member]	Junior Subordinated Debt [Member]			Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Fair value of our agreements with affiliate counterparties required the affiliate to provide collateral	'	$190,000,000	$811,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Notional values of derivative contracts	'	13,980,000,000	16,467,000,000	'	'	'	14,000,000,000	16,500,000,000	'
Debt issued to affiliate	'	'	'	'	1,500,000,000	'	'	'	'
Increase in debt carrying value due to fair value hedge	'	5,000,000	5,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Losses on current derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges are reported in OCI net of tax and totaled a loss	'	62,000,000	97,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Unrealized net losses on cash flow hedges	'	52,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Unrealized net losses on cash flow hedges after tax	'	33,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Notional amount of maturities	'	2,500,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Notional amount of derivatives designated as cash flow hedge, terminated during period	1,000,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Long-term debt, gross	'	'	'	'	'	1,000,000,000	'	'	'
Loss on cash flow hedge reclassified to income	'	'	'	$0	'	'	'	'	($199,000,000)

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen3

Derivative Financial Instruments - Schedule of Derivative Instruments (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Derivative Asset [Abstract]	'		'
Derivatives accounted for as cash flow hedges	$134	[1]	$271	[1]
Non-qualifying hedge activities	21	[1]	24	[1]
Total Derivative Financial Assets	533	[1]	1,107	[1]
Less: Gross amounts offset in the balance sheet	533	[1],[2]	1,107	[1],[2]
Net amounts of derivative financial assets and liabilities presented in the balance sheet	0	[1],[3]	0	[1],[3]
Derivative Liability [Abstract]	'		'
Derivatives accounted for as cash flow hedges	-139	[1]	-166	[1]
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments	-288	[1]	-171	[1]
Total Derivative Financial Liabilities	-427	[1]	-337	[1]
Less: Gross amounts offset in the balance sheet	-427	[1],[2]	-337	[1],[2]
Net amounts of derivative financial assets and liabilities presented in the balance sheet	0	[1],[3]	0	[1],[3]
Debt [Member]	'		'
Derivative Asset [Abstract]	'		'
Non-qualifying hedge activities	378	[1]	812	[1]
Derivative Liability [Abstract]	'		'
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments	0	[1]	0	[1]
Interest rate swaps [Member]	'		'
Derivative Asset [Abstract]	'		'
Derivatives accounted for as cash flow hedges	9	[1]	16	[1]
Non-qualifying hedge activities	21	[1]	24	[1]
Derivative Liability [Abstract]	'		'
Derivatives accounted for as cash flow hedges	-89	[1]	-138	[1]
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments	-288	[1]	-171	[1]
Interest rate swaps [Member] | Debt [Member]	'		'
Derivative Asset [Abstract]	'		'
Non-qualifying hedge activities	156	[1]	270	[1]
Derivative Liability [Abstract]	'		'
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments	0	[1]	0	[1]
Currency swaps [Member]	'		'
Derivative Asset [Abstract]	'		'
Derivatives accounted for as cash flow hedges	125	[1]	255	[1]
Derivative Liability [Abstract]	'		'
Derivatives accounted for as cash flow hedges	-50	[1]	-28	[1]
Currency swaps [Member] | Debt [Member]	'		'
Derivative Asset [Abstract]	'		'
Non-qualifying hedge activities	222	[1]	542	[1]
Derivative Liability [Abstract]	'		'
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments	$0	[1]	$0	[1]
[1]	All of our derivatives are bilateral over-the-counter ("OTC") derivatives.
[2]	Represents the netting of derivative receivable and payable balances for the same counterparty under an enforceable netting agreement. Gross amounts offset in the balance sheet includes cash collateral received as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 of $190 million and $811 million, respectively. At September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, we did not have any financial instrument collateral received/posted.
[3]	At September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, we had not received any cash or financial instruments not subject to an enforceable master netting agreement.

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen4

Derivative Financial Instruments - Gain or Loss Recorded on Our Cash Flow Hedging Relationships (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Gain (Loss) Recognized in AOCI on Derivative (Effective Portion)	$17	$47	$45	$159
Gain (Loss) Reclassed From AOCI into Income (Effective Portion)	-2	-3	-8	-211
Interest rate swaps [Member]	'	'	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Gain (Loss) Recognized in AOCI on Derivative (Effective Portion), Interest Rate Swaps	14	20	35	94
Currency swaps [Member]	'	'	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Gain (Loss) Recognized in AOCI on Derivative (Effective Portion), Currency Swaps	3	27	10	65
Interest Expense [Member] | Interest rate swaps [Member]	'	'	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Gain (Loss) Reclassed from AOCI into Income (Effective Portion), Interest Rate Swaps	0	-1	1	-2
Interest Expense [Member] | Currency swaps [Member]	'	'	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Gain (Loss) Reclassed from AOCI into Income (Effective Portion), Currency swaps	-2	-2	-9	-10
Derivative related income (loss) [Member]	'	'	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Gain (Loss) Reclassed From AOCI into Income (Effective Portion, Derivative loss recognized on termination of hedges))	'	'	0	'
Gain (Loss) Recognized In Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion)	4	6	12	27
Derivative related income (loss) [Member] | Interest rate swaps [Member]	'	'	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion), Interest Rate Swaps	0	0	0	2
Derivative related income (loss) [Member] | Currency swaps [Member]	'	'	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion, Currency swaps)	$4	$6	$12	$25

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen5

Derivative Financial Instruments - Gain or Loss Recorded on Our Non-Qualifying Hedges (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Derivative Related Income (Expense)	($11)	($5)	($199)	$259
Interest Rate Contracts [Member] | Derivative related income (expense) [Member]	'	'	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Derivative Related Income (Expense)	-11	-5	-199	260
Currency Contracts [Member] | Derivative related income (expense) [Member]	'	'	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Derivative Related Income (Expense)	$0	$0	$0	($1)

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen6

Derivative Financial Instruments - Gain or Loss Recorded on Derivatives Related to Fair Value Option Debt Primarily Due to Changes in Interest Rates (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Derivative Related Income (Expense)	($12)	$28	$22	($24)
Interest rate component [Member] | Gain (loss) on debt designated at fair value and related derivatives [Member]	'	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Interest rate contracts, Gain (loss) on debt designated at fair value and related derivatives, Amount of Gain (loss) Recognized in Derivative Related Income (Expense)	-1	12	7	5
Currency contracts [Member] | Gain (loss) on debt designated at fair value and related derivatives [Member]	'	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Currency contracts, Gain (loss) on debt designated at fair value and related derivatives, Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Derivative Related Income (Expense)	($11)	$16	$15	($29)

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen7

Derivative Financial Instruments - Notional Values of Derivative Contracts (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Total	$13,980	$16,467
Debt option [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Total	6,574	7,235
Interest rate swaps [Member] | Debt option [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Total	3,682	4,343
Currency swaps [Member] | Debt option [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Total	2,892	2,892
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Total	4,207	5,533
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments [Member] | Interest rate swaps [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Total	1,959	3,256
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments [Member] | Currency swaps [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Total	2,248	2,277
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Total	3,199	3,699
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments [Member] | Interest rate swaps [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Total	3,199	3,699
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments [Member] | Currency swaps [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Total	$0	$0

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss - Summary of Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013		Dec. 31, 2013
Unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedging instruments:	'		'		'		'		'
Balance at beginning of period	($74)		($152)		($97)		($358)		'
Net gains arising during period, net of tax of $6 million and $17 million, respectively	10		30		29		102		'
Reclassification adjustment for losses realized in net income, net of tax of $1 million and $1 million, respectively(3)	1	[1]	2	[1]	5	[1]	136	[1]	'
Total other comprehensive income for period	11		32		34		238		'
Balance at end of period	-63		-120		-63		-120		'
Net gains arising during period, taxes	6		17		15		56		'
Reclassification adjustment for losses realized in net income, taxes	1		1		3		75		'
Unrealized gains (losses) on securities available-for-sale, not other-than temporarily impaired:	'		'		'		'		'
Balance at beginning of period	'		'		0		115		'
Reclassification adjustment for losses realized in net income, net of tax of $- million and $(62) million, respectively	'		'		0	[2]	-115	[2]	'
Total other comprehensive income (loss) for period	0		0		0		-115		'
Balance at end of period	0		0		0		0		'
Reclassification adjustment for losses realized in net income, taxes	'		'		0		-62		'
Unrealized gains (losses) on other-than-temporarily impaired debt securities available-for-sale:	'		'		'		'		'
Balance at beginning of period	'		'		0		1		'
Reclassification adjustment for gains realized in net income, net of tax of $- million and $(1) million, respectively	'		'		0	[2]	-1	[2]	'
Total other comprehensive income (loss) for period	0		0		0		-1		'
Balance at end of period	0		0		0		0		'
Reclassification adjustment for gains realized in net income, taxes	'		'		0		-1		'
Pension and postretirement benefit plan liability:	'		'		'		'		'
Balance at beginning of period	-11		-25		-11		-26		'
Reclassification adjustment for losses realized in net income, net of tax	1	[3]	0	[3]	1	[3]	1	[3]	'
Total other comprehensive income for period	1		0		1		1		'
Balance at end of period	-10		-25		-10		-25		'
Change in unfunded pension and postretirement liability, net of tax of $- million and $- million, respectively	0		0		'		'		'
Reclassification adjustment for losses realized in net income, net of tax of $- million and $- million, respectively(2)	0		0		'		'		'
Foreign currency translation adjustments:	'		'		'		'		'
Balance at beginning of period	'		'		0		11		'
Translation losses, net of tax of $- million and $(1) million, respectively	'		'		0		-5		'
Reclassification adjustment for gains realized in net income, net of tax of $- million and $(9) million, respectively	'		'		0	[1]	-6	[1]	'
Total other comprehensive income (loss) for period	0		0		0		-11		'
Balance at end of period	0		0		0		0		'
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss at end of period	-73		-145		-73		-145		-108
Translation losses, taxes	'		'		0		-1		'
Reclassification adjustment for gains realized in net income, taxes	$0		$0		$0		($9)		'
[1]	See the tables below for the components of the amounts reclassified during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 into income and location in our consolidated statement of income.
[2]	The amounts reclassified during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 are included in loss from discontinued operations in our consolidated statement of income.
[3]	The amounts reclassified during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 are included as a component of salaries and employee benefits in our consolidated statement of income.

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv3

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Interest rate and currency swaps	($263)		($328)		($804)		($1,060)
Derivative loss recognized on termination of hedge relationship	-7		1		-187		87
Net income	152		167		487		613
Income (loss) from discontinued operations before income tax	-4		-33		-24		-228
Other Income	14		8		28		-70
Unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedging instruments [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]	'		'		'		'
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Interest rate and currency swaps	-2	[1]	-3	[1]	-8	[1]	-12	[1]
Derivative loss recognized on termination of hedge relationship	'		'		'		-199	[1]
Total before tax	-2	[1]	-3	[1]	-8	[1]	-211	[1]
Tax expense (benefit)	-1	[1]	-1	[1]	-3	[1]	-75	[1]
Net income	-1	[1]	-2	[1]	-5	[1]	-136	[1]
Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]	'		'		'		'
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Total before tax	'		'		'		-15	[1]
Tax expense (benefit)	'		'		'		-9	[1]
Net income	'		'		'		-6	[1]
Sale of Insurance Business [Member] | Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]	'		'		'		'
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Income (loss) from discontinued operations before income tax	'		'		'		-24	[1]
Closure of Foreign Legal Entity [Member] | Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]	'		'		'		'
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Other Income	'		'		'		$9	[1]
[1]	Amounts in parenthesis indicate expenses recognized in the consolidated statement of income.

Pension_and_Other_Postretireme2

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits - Components of Pension Expense for Defined Benefit Pension Plan (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
		Pension Plan, Defined Benefit [Member]	Pension Plan, Defined Benefit [Member]	Pension Plan, Defined Benefit [Member]	Pension Plan, Defined Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Service cost - benefits earned during the period	'	$1	$2	$3	$6
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation	'	12	14	37	42
Expected return on assets	'	-16	-16	-45	-52
Recognized losses	'	6	8	19	30
Pension expense	'	3	8	14	26
Additional contribution	$74	'	'	'	'

Pension_and_Other_Postretireme3

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits-Post Retirement Benefit Cost (Details) (Other Postretirement Benefit Plan, Defined Benefit [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Other Postretirement Benefit Plan, Defined Benefit [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Service cost - benefits earned during the period	$0	$0	$0	$0
Interest Cost	2	2	6	6
Net periodic postretirement benefit cost	$2	$2	$6	$6

Related_Party_Transactions_Rel

Related Party Transactions - Related Party Balances and Income and (Expense) Generated by Related Party Transactions (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013		Dec. 31, 2013
Assets:	'		'		'		'		'
Cash	$173		'		$173		'		$175
Securities purchased under agreements to resell	4,841		'		4,841		'		6,924
Other assets	1,353		'		1,353		'		1,417
Total assets	32,648		'		32,648		'		37,872
Liabilities	'		'		'		'		'
Due to affiliates	6,940		'		6,940		'		8,742
Other liabilities	1,168		'		1,168		'		1,299
Total liabilities	25,539		'		25,539		'		31,211
Income/(Expense):	'		'		'		'		'
Servicing and other fees from HSBC affiliates	6		6		20		19		'
Support services from HSBC affiliates	-65		-78		-198		-213		'
HSBC affiliates [Member]	'		'		'		'		'
Assets:	'		'		'		'		'
Cash	173		'		173		'		172
Securities purchased under agreements to resell	4,841	[1]	'		4,841	[1]	'		6,924	[1]
Other assets	159		'		159		'		86
Total assets	5,173		'		5,173		'		7,182
Liabilities	'		'		'		'		'
Due to affiliates	6,940	[2]	'		6,940	[2]	'		8,742	[2]
Other liabilities	40		'		40		'		51
Total liabilities	6,980		'		6,980		'		8,793
Income/(Expense):	'		'		'		'		'
Interest income from HSBC affiliates	1		1		4		3		'
Interest expense paid to HSBC affiliates	-76	[3]	-113	[3]	-231	[3]	-371	[3]	'
Net interest income (loss)	-75		-112		-227		-368		'
Servicing and other fees from HSBC affiliates	6		6		20		19		'
Support services from HSBC affiliates	-65		-78		-198		-213		'
Stock based compensation expense with HSBC	-1	[4]	1	[4]	-4	[4]	-3	[4]	'
HSBC affiliates [Member] | Borrowings [Member]	'		'		'		'		'
Income/(Expense):	'		'		'		'		'
Gain (loss) on FVO debt with affiliate	$10		($16)		($10)		$21		'
[1]	Securities under an agreement to resell are purchased from HSI and generally have terms of 120 days or less. The collateral underlying the securities purchased under agreements to resell, however, is with an unaffiliated third party. Interest income recognized on these securities is reflected as interest income from HSBC affiliate in the table below.
[2]	Due to affiliates includes amounts owed to HSBC and its subsidiaries as a result of direct debt issuances as well as HSBC's ownership of our subordinated debt and excludes preferred stock.
[3]	Includes interest expense paid to HSBC affiliates for debt held by HSBC affiliates as well as net interest paid to or received from HSBC affiliates on risk management hedges related to non-affiliated debt.
[4]	Employees participate in one or more stock compensation plans sponsored by HSBC. These expenses are included in Salary and employee benefits in our consolidated statement of income. Employees also participate in a defined benefit pension plan and other postretirement benefit plans sponsored by HSBC North America which are discussed in Note 10, “Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits.”

Related_Party_Transactions_Sch

Related Party Transactions - Schedule of due to Affiliated entities (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'
Due to affiliates	$6,940	$8,742
Due to affiliate, carried at fair value	506	496
HSBC Private Banking Holdings (Suisse) S.A and subsidiaries [Member]	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'
Due to affiliates	2,500	4,300
HSBC USA, Inc. [Member]	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'
Due to affiliates	3,012	3,012
HSBC Holdings pcl [Member]	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'
Due to affiliates	828	820
HSBC North America [Member]	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'
Due to affiliates	600	600
HSBC Asia [Member]	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'
Due to affiliates	$0	$10

Related_Party_Transactions_Add

Related Party Transactions - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2010

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

HSBC USA, Inc. [Member]

HSBC USA, Inc. [Member]

HSBC USA, Inc. [Member]

HSBC North America [Member]

HSBC North America [Member]

HSBC North America [Member]

HSBC North America [Member]

Hsbc Investments [Member]

HSBC USA Inc [Member]

HSBC USA Inc [Member]

HSBC Asia [Member]

HSBC Asia [Member]

Series C Preferred Stock [Member]

Series C Preferred Stock [Member]

Series C Preferred Stock [Member]

Series C Preferred Stock [Member]

Series C Preferred Stock [Member]

Amended Credit Agreement [Member]

Amended Credit Agreement Maturing September 2017 [Member]

Amended Credit Agreement Maturing January 2018 [Member]

Amended Credit Agreement Maturing September 2018 [Member]

Loan Maturing in 2014 [Member]

Loan Maturing in 2015 [Member]

Maturing May 2017 [Member]

Maturing May 2017 [Member]

Maturing April 2014 [Member]

Maturing April 2014 [Member]

Maturing January 2015 [Member]

Maturing January 2015 [Member]

Parent Company [Member]

Parent Company [Member]

Subordinated Debt [Member]

Delayed Draw Term Loan [Member]

Delayed Draw Term Loan [Member]

Delayed Draw Term Loan [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

loan_agreement

HSBC USA, Inc. [Member]

HSBC USA, Inc. [Member]

HSBC USA, Inc. [Member]

HSBC USA, Inc. [Member]

HSBC Asia [Member]

HSBC Asia [Member]

HSBC USA, Inc. [Member]

HSBC USA, Inc. [Member]

Hsbc Investments [Member]

Hsbc Investments [Member]

HSBC North America [Member]

HSBC North America [Member]

Public Subordinated Debt Issue Maturing 2021 [Member]

HSBC North America [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

borrowing

HSBC North America [Member]

HSBC North America [Member]

Related Party Transaction [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

General term of securities purchased under an agreement to resell

'120 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Borrowing capacity of credit facility

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$455,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$5,000,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

$1,000,000,000

'

$100,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt instrument, term

'

'

'

'

'364 days

'

'

'

'

'364 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Annual fee to guarantor

'

'

'

'

'

1,000,000

4,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Expiration period

'

'

'

'

'5 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Long-term debt

17,136,000,000

20,839,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,000,000,000

'

'

'

Due to affiliates

6,940,000,000

8,742,000,000

3,012,000,000

3,012,000,000

'

600,000,000

600,000,000

600,000,000

'

'

'

'

0

10,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

512,000,000

1,500,000,000

1,000,000,000

5,000,000

5,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Loan agreements with affiliates

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

600,000,000

'

'

Number of draws allowed

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3

'

'

Amount per draw

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

200,000,000

'

'

Maturity year of long term debt

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'2034

'2035

Number of loan agreements

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amount of credit facility outstanding

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

0

0

0

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

Notional values of derivative contracts

13,980,000,000

16,467,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

14,000,000,000

16,500,000,000

'

'

'

'

Fair value of our agreements with affiliate counterparties required the affiliate to provide collateral

190,000,000

811,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of shares of stock issued (shares)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Value of issued stock

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,000,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Dividend paid on preferred stock

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

21,000,000

21,000,000

'

64,000,000

64,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Receivables services to affiliates

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$867,000,000

$1,000,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business_Segments_Additional_I

Business Segments - Additional Information (Detail)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
	segment
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Number of reportable segments	1

Business_Segments_Reconciliati

Business Segments - Reconciliation of IFRS Basis Segment Results (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
US GAAP based Net interest income	$210		$229		$667		$861
US GAAP based Other operating income (Total other revenues)	169		114		298		1,096
US GAAP based Total operating income (loss)	379		343		965		1,957
US GAAP based Loan impairment charges (Provision for credit losses)	-43		-160		-238		131
US GAAP Net interest income and other operating income less provision for credit losses	422		503		1,203		1,826
US GAAP based Operating expenses	174		216		512		679
Income from continuing operations before income tax	248		287		691		1,147
US GAAP based Customer loans (Receivables)	23,503		27,844		23,503		27,844
US GAAP based Assets	32,579		40,779		32,579		40,779
IFRS Basis Consolidated Totals [Member]	'		'		'		'
Segment Reporting [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Net Interest Income	336		491		1,078		1,620
IFRS based Other operating income (Total other revenues)	104		-28		-57		-343
IFRS based Total operating income (loss)	440		463		1,021		1,277
IFRS based Loan impairment charges (Provision for credit losses)	-76		115		53		558
IFRS based Net interest income and other operating income less provision for credit losses	516		348		968		719
Provision For Credit Losses	189		207		529		615
IFRS based Profit (loss) before tax	327		141		439		104
IFRS based Customer loans (Receivables)	24,485		32,436		24,485		32,436
Total Assets	33,632		42,774		33,632		42,774
IFRS Adjustments [Member]	'		'		'		'
Segment Reporting [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Net Interest Income	-63	[1]	-187	[1]	-218	[1]	-514	[1]
IFRS based Other operating income (Total other revenues)	7	[1]	63	[1]	179	[1]	1,183	[1]
IFRS based Total operating income (loss)	-56	[1]	-124	[1]	-39	[1]	669	[1]
IFRS based Loan impairment charges (Provision for credit losses)	34	[1]	-275	[1]	-291	[1]	-427	[1]
IFRS based Net interest income and other operating income less provision for credit losses	-90	[1]	151	[1]	252	[1]	1,096	[1]
Provision For Credit Losses	-11	[1]	5	[1]	0	[1]	53	[1]
IFRS based Profit (loss) before tax	-79	[1]	146	[1]	252	[1]	1,043	[1]
IFRS based Customer loans (Receivables)	-949	[1]	-4,553	[1]	-949	[1]	-4,553	[1]
Total Assets	-1,053	[1]	-1,995	[1]	-1,053	[1]	-1,995	[1]
IFRS Reclassifications [Member]	'		'		'		'
Segment Reporting [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Net Interest Income	-63	[2]	-75	[2]	-193	[2]	-245	[2]
IFRS based Other operating income (Total other revenues)	58	[2]	79	[2]	176	[2]	256	[2]
IFRS based Total operating income (loss)	-5	[2]	4	[2]	-17	[2]	11	[2]
IFRS based Loan impairment charges (Provision for credit losses)	-1	[2]	0	[2]	0	[2]	0	[2]
IFRS based Net interest income and other operating income less provision for credit losses	-4	[2]	4	[2]	-17	[2]	11	[2]
Provision For Credit Losses	-4	[2]	4	[2]	-17	[2]	11	[2]
IFRS based Profit (loss) before tax	0	[2]	0	[2]	0	[2]	0	[2]
IFRS based Customer loans (Receivables)	-33	[2]	-39	[2]	-33	[2]	-39	[2]
Total Assets	$0	[2]	$0	[2]	$0	[2]	$0	[2]
[1]	IFRSs Adjustments consist of the accounting differences between U.S. GAAP and IFRSs which have been described in Note 18, "Business Segments," in the 2013 Form 10-K.
[2]	Represents differences in balance sheet and income statement presentation between U.S. GAAP and IFRSs.

Variable_Interest_Entities_Sum

Variable Interest Entities - Summary of Assets and Liabilities of Consolidated Secured Financing VIEs (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Cash	$173	'	$175	'	'	'
Credit loss reserves	-2,463	-2,692	-3,273	-3,697	-4,098	-4,607
Total receivables, net	21,829	'	24,173	'	'	'
Long-term debt	17,136	'	20,839	'	'	'
Variable Interest Entity [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Cash	1	'	0	'	'	'
Real estate secured receivables	3,094	'	4,020	'	'	'
Accrued interest income and other	131	'	156	'	'	'
Credit loss reserves	-404	'	-556	'	'	'
Total receivables, net	2,821	'	3,620	'	'	'
Total, Consolidated Assets	2,822	'	3,620	'	'	'
Other liabilities	-33	'	-41	'	'	'
Long-term debt	1,586	'	2,200	'	'	'
Total, Consolidated Liabilities	$1,553	'	$2,159	'	'	'

Fair_Value_Measurements_Carryi

Fair Value Measurements - Carrying and Estimated Fair Value (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Financial assets:	'		'
Cash	$173		$175
Securities purchased under agreements to resell	4,841		6,924
Financial liabilities:	'		'
Long-term debt	17,136		20,839
Level 1 [Member]	'		'
Financial assets:	'		'
Cash	173		175
Securities purchased under agreements to resell	0		0
Real estate secured:	'		'
Total real estate secured receivables	0	[1]	0	[1]
Receivables held for sale	0		0
Due from affiliates	0		0
Financial liabilities:	'		'
Due to affiliates carried at fair value	0		0
Due to affiliates not carried at fair value	0		0
Level 1 [Member] | First Lien [Member]	'		'
Real estate secured:	'		'
Total real estate secured receivables	0	[1]	0	[1]
Level 1 [Member] | Second Lien [Member]	'		'
Real estate secured:	'		'
Total real estate secured receivables	0	[1]	0	[1]
Level 2 [Member]	'		'
Financial assets:	'		'
Cash	0		0
Securities purchased under agreements to resell	4,841		6,924
Real estate secured:	'		'
Total real estate secured receivables	0	[1]	0	[1]
Receivables held for sale	1,031		0
Due from affiliates	159		86
Financial liabilities:	'		'
Due to affiliates carried at fair value	506		496
Due to affiliates not carried at fair value	6,677		8,369
Level 2 [Member] | First Lien [Member]	'		'
Real estate secured:	'		'
Total real estate secured receivables	0	[1]	0	[1]
Level 2 [Member] | Second Lien [Member]	'		'
Real estate secured:	'		'
Total real estate secured receivables	0	[1]	0	[1]
Level 3 [Member]	'		'
Financial assets:	'		'
Cash	0		0
Securities purchased under agreements to resell	0		0
Real estate secured:	'		'
Total real estate secured receivables	18,806	[1]	19,995	[1]
Receivables held for sale	873		2,047
Due from affiliates	0		0
Financial liabilities:	'		'
Due to affiliates carried at fair value	0		0
Due to affiliates not carried at fair value	0		0
Level 3 [Member] | First Lien [Member]	'		'
Real estate secured:	'		'
Total real estate secured receivables	17,484	[1]	18,577	[1]
Level 3 [Member] | Second Lien [Member]	'		'
Real estate secured:	'		'
Total real estate secured receivables	1,322	[1]	1,418	[1]
Carrying Value [Member]	'		'
Financial assets:	'		'
Cash	173		175
Securities purchased under agreements to resell	4,841		6,924
Real estate secured:	'		'
Total real estate secured receivables	21,829	[1]	24,173	[1]
Receivables held for sale	1,840		2,047
Due from affiliates	159		86
Financial liabilities:	'		'
Due to affiliates carried at fair value	506		496
Due to affiliates not carried at fair value	6,434		8,246
Carrying Value [Member] | First Lien [Member]	'		'
Real estate secured:	'		'
Total real estate secured receivables	19,417	[1]	21,514	[1]
Carrying Value [Member] | Second Lien [Member]	'		'
Real estate secured:	'		'
Total real estate secured receivables	2,412	[1]	2,659	[1]
Fair Value [Member]	'		'
Financial assets:	'		'
Cash	173		175
Securities purchased under agreements to resell	4,841		6,924
Real estate secured:	'		'
Total real estate secured receivables	18,806	[1]	19,995	[1]
Receivables held for sale	1,904		2,047
Due from affiliates	159		86
Financial liabilities:	'		'
Due to affiliates carried at fair value	506		496
Due to affiliates not carried at fair value	6,677		8,369
Fair Value [Member] | First Lien [Member]	'		'
Real estate secured:	'		'
Total real estate secured receivables	17,484	[1]	18,577	[1]
Fair Value [Member] | Second Lien [Member]	'		'
Real estate secured:	'		'
Total real estate secured receivables	1,322	[1]	1,418	[1]
Long-term Debt Carried at Fair Value [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'		'
Financial liabilities:	'		'
Long-term debt	0		0
Long-term Debt Carried at Fair Value [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'		'
Financial liabilities:	'		'
Long-term debt	6,976		8,025
Long-term Debt Carried at Fair Value [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'		'
Financial liabilities:	'		'
Long-term debt	0		0
Long-term Debt Carried at Fair Value [Member] | Carrying Value [Member]	'		'
Financial liabilities:	'		'
Long-term debt	6,976		8,025
Long-term Debt Carried at Fair Value [Member] | Fair Value [Member]	'		'
Financial liabilities:	'		'
Long-term debt	6,976		8,025
Long Term Debt Not Carried at Fair Value [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'		'
Financial liabilities:	'		'
Long-term debt	0		0
Long Term Debt Not Carried at Fair Value [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'		'
Financial liabilities:	'		'
Long-term debt	9,185		11,232
Long Term Debt Not Carried at Fair Value [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'		'
Financial liabilities:	'		'
Long-term debt	1,535		2,069
Long Term Debt Not Carried at Fair Value [Member] | Carrying Value [Member]	'		'
Financial liabilities:	'		'
Long-term debt	10,160		12,814
Long Term Debt Not Carried at Fair Value [Member] | Fair Value [Member]	'		'
Financial liabilities:	'		'
Long-term debt	$10,720		$13,301
[1]	The carrying amount of receivables presented in the table above reflects the amortized cost of the receivable, including any accrued interest, less credit loss reserves as well as any charge-offs recorded in accordance with our existing charge-off policies.

Fair_Value_Measurements_Fair_V

Fair Value Measurements - Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Due to affiliates carried at fair value	$0		$0
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Due to affiliates carried at fair value	-506		-496
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Due to affiliates carried at fair value	0		0
Recurring [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Derivative financial assets	0		0
Due to affiliates carried at fair value	0		0
Derivative related liabilities	0		0
Total liabilities	0		0
Recurring [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | Interest rate swaps [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Derivative financial assets	0		0
Derivative related liabilities	0		0
Recurring [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | Currency swaps [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Derivative financial assets	0		0
Derivative related liabilities	0		0
Recurring [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | Derivative netting [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Derivative financial assets	0		0
Derivative related liabilities	0		0
Recurring [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Derivative financial assets	533		1,107
Due to affiliates carried at fair value	-506		-496
Derivative related liabilities	-427		-337
Total liabilities	-7,909		-8,858
Recurring [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Interest rate swaps [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Derivative financial assets	186		310
Derivative related liabilities	-377		-309
Recurring [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Currency swaps [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Derivative financial assets	347		797
Derivative related liabilities	-50		-28
Recurring [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Derivative netting [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Derivative financial assets	0		0
Derivative related liabilities	0		0
Recurring [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Derivative financial assets	0		0
Due to affiliates carried at fair value	0		0
Derivative related liabilities	0		0
Total liabilities	0		0
Recurring [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Interest rate swaps [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Derivative financial assets	0		0
Derivative related liabilities	0		0
Recurring [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Currency swaps [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Derivative financial assets	0		0
Derivative related liabilities	0		0
Recurring [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Derivative netting [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Derivative financial assets	0		0
Derivative related liabilities	0		0
Recurring [Member] | Derivatives, Fair Value, Netting [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Derivative financial assets	-533	[1]	-1,107	[1]
Due to affiliates carried at fair value	0	[1]	0	[1]
Derivative related liabilities	427	[1]	337	[1]
Total liabilities	427	[1]	337	[1]
Recurring [Member] | Derivatives, Fair Value, Netting [Member] | Interest rate swaps [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Derivative financial assets	0	[1]	0	[1]
Derivative related liabilities	0	[1]	0	[1]
Recurring [Member] | Derivatives, Fair Value, Netting [Member] | Currency swaps [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Derivative financial assets	0	[1]	0	[1]
Derivative related liabilities	0	[1]	0	[1]
Recurring [Member] | Derivatives, Fair Value, Netting [Member] | Derivative netting [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Derivative financial assets	-533	[1]	-1,107	[1]
Derivative related liabilities	427	[1]	337	[1]
Recurring [Member] | Fair Value [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Derivative financial assets	0		0
Due to affiliates carried at fair value	-506		-496
Derivative related liabilities	0		0
Total liabilities	-7,482		-8,521
Recurring [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | Interest rate swaps [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Derivative financial assets	186		310
Derivative related liabilities	-377		-309
Recurring [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | Currency swaps [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Derivative financial assets	347		797
Derivative related liabilities	-50		-28
Recurring [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | Derivative netting [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Derivative financial assets	-533		-1,107
Derivative related liabilities	427		337
Long-term Debt Carried at Fair Value [Member] | Recurring [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Long term debt	0		0
Long-term Debt Carried at Fair Value [Member] | Recurring [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Long term debt	-6,976		-8,025
Long-term Debt Carried at Fair Value [Member] | Recurring [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Long term debt	0		0
Long-term Debt Carried at Fair Value [Member] | Recurring [Member] | Derivatives, Fair Value, Netting [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Long term debt	0	[1]	0	[1]
Long-term Debt Carried at Fair Value [Member] | Recurring [Member] | Fair Value [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Long term debt	($6,976)		($8,025)
[1]	Represents counterparty and swap collateral netting which allow the offsetting of amounts relating to certain contracts when certain conditions are met.

Fair_Value_Measurements_Assets

Fair Value Measurements - Assets and Liabilities Recorded at Fair Value on Non-recurring Basis (Detail) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

In Millions, unless otherwise specified

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Real Estate Secured [Member]

Real Estate Secured [Member]

Real Estate Secured [Member]

Real Estate Secured [Member]

Personal non-credit card [Member]

Personal non-credit card [Member]

Receivables Held For Sale [Member]

Receivables Held For Sale [Member]

Receivables Held-for-Investment [Member]

Receivables Held-for-Investment [Member]

Receivables Held-for-Investment [Member]

Receivables Held-for-Investment [Member]

Real Estate Owned [Member]

Real Estate Owned [Member]

Real Estate Owned [Member]

Real Estate Owned [Member]

Level 1 [Member]

Level 1 [Member]

Level 2 [Member]

Level 2 [Member]

Level 3 [Member]

Level 3 [Member]

Non-Recurring Fair Value Measurements [Member]

Non-Recurring Fair Value Measurements [Member]

Non-Recurring Fair Value Measurements [Member]

Non-Recurring Fair Value Measurements [Member]

Non-Recurring Fair Value Measurements [Member]

Non-Recurring Fair Value Measurements [Member]

Non-Recurring Fair Value Measurements [Member]

Non-Recurring Fair Value Measurements [Member]

Non-Recurring Fair Value Measurements [Member]

Non-Recurring Fair Value Measurements [Member]

Non-Recurring Fair Value Measurements [Member]

Non-Recurring Fair Value Measurements [Member]

Non-Recurring Fair Value Measurements [Member]

Non-Recurring Fair Value Measurements [Member]

Non-Recurring Fair Value Measurements [Member]

Non-Recurring Fair Value Measurements [Member]

Non-Recurring Fair Value Measurements [Member]

Non-Recurring Fair Value Measurements [Member]

Non-Recurring Fair Value Measurements [Member]

Non-Recurring Fair Value Measurements [Member]

Non-Recurring Fair Value Measurements [Member]

Non-Recurring Fair Value Measurements [Member]

Non-Recurring Fair Value Measurements [Member]

Non-Recurring Fair Value Measurements [Member]

Non-Recurring Fair Value Measurements [Member]

Non-Recurring Fair Value Measurements [Member]

Non-Recurring Fair Value Measurements [Member]

Non-Recurring Fair Value Measurements [Member]

Non-Recurring Fair Value Measurements [Member]

Non-Recurring Fair Value Measurements [Member]

Non-Recurring Fair Value Measurements [Member]

Non-Recurring Fair Value Measurements [Member]

Non-Recurring Fair Value Measurements [Member]

Non-Recurring Fair Value Measurements [Member]

Non-Recurring Fair Value Measurements [Member]

Non-Recurring Fair Value Measurements [Member]

Non-Recurring Fair Value Measurements [Member]

Non-Recurring Fair Value Measurements [Member]

Non-Recurring Fair Value Measurements [Member]

Non-Recurring Fair Value Measurements [Member]

Non-Recurring Fair Value Measurements [Member]

Level 1 [Member]

Level 1 [Member]

Level 1 [Member]

Level 1 [Member]

Level 1 [Member]

Level 1 [Member]

Level 1 [Member]

Level 1 [Member]

Level 1 [Member]

Level 1 [Member]

Level 2 [Member]

Level 2 [Member]

Level 2 [Member]

Level 2 [Member]

Level 2 [Member]

Level 2 [Member]

Level 2 [Member]

Level 2 [Member]

Level 2 [Member]

Level 2 [Member]

Level 3 [Member]

Level 3 [Member]

Level 3 [Member]

Level 3 [Member]

Level 3 [Member]

Level 3 [Member]

Level 3 [Member]

Level 3 [Member]

Level 3 [Member]

Level 3 [Member]

Level 3 [Member]

Total [Member]

Total [Member]

Total [Member]

Total [Member]

Total [Member]

Total [Member]

Total [Member]

Total [Member]

Total [Member]

Total [Member]

Real Estate Secured [Member]

Real Estate Secured [Member]

Personal non-credit card [Member]

Receivables Held For Sale [Member]

Receivables Held-for-Investment [Member]

Receivables Held-for-Investment [Member]

Real Estate Owned [Member]

Real Estate Owned [Member]

Real Estate Secured [Member]

Real Estate Secured [Member]

Personal non-credit card [Member]

Receivables Held For Sale [Member]

Receivables Held-for-Investment [Member]

Receivables Held-for-Investment [Member]

Real Estate Owned [Member]

Real Estate Owned [Member]

Real Estate Secured [Member]

Real Estate Secured [Member]

Real Estate Secured [Member]

Personal non-credit card [Member]

Receivables Held For Sale [Member]

Receivables Held-for-Investment [Member]

Receivables Held-for-Investment [Member]

Real Estate Owned [Member]

Real Estate Owned [Member]

Real Estate Secured [Member]

Real Estate Secured [Member]

Personal non-credit card [Member]

Receivables Held For Sale [Member]

Receivables Held-for-Investment [Member]

Receivables Held-for-Investment [Member]

Real Estate Owned [Member]

Real Estate Owned [Member]

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total receivables held for sale

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$0

$0

$1,031

$0

$873

$2,047

'

'

$0

$0

$0

[1]

$0

'

'

'

'

'

'

$998

$901

$0

[1]

$901

'

'

'

'

'

'

$842

$2,047

$3,816

$0

[1]

$3,816

'

'

'

'

'

'

$1,840

$4,717

$0

[1]

$4,717

'

'

'

'

Receivables held for investment

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

[2]

0

[2]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

690

[2]

883

[2]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

[2]

0

[2]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

690

[2]

883

[2]

'

'

Real estate owned

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

[3]

0

[3]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

178

[3]

392

[3]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

[3]

0

[3]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

178

[3]

392

[3]

Total assets at fair value on a non-recurring basis

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,866

2,176

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

842

3,816

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,708

5,992

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total Gains (Losses)

($13)

($157)

($70)

$129

$84

$66

$292

$974

$0

($82)

[1]

$66

$892

($86)

[2]

($203)

[2]

($319)

[2]

($708)

[2]

($11)

[3]

($20)

[3]

($43)

[3]

($55)

[3]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

[1]

Our personal non-credit card portfolio was sold on April 1, 2013 as discussed more fully in Note 7, "Receivables Held for Sale," in our 2013 Form 10-K.

[2]

Total gains (losses) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 includes amounts recorded on receivables that were subsequently transferred to held for sale.

[3]

Real estate owned is required to be reported on the balance sheet net of transactions costs. The real estate owned amounts in the table above reflect the fair value of the underlying asset unadjusted for transaction costs.

Fair_Value_Measurements_Quanti

Fair Value Measurements - Quantitative Information for Non-Recurring Fair Value Measurements (Detail) (Level 3 [Member], USD $)

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

In Millions, unless otherwise specified

Real Estate Secured [Member]

Real Estate Secured [Member]

Real Estate Secured [Member]

Real Estate Secured [Member]

Real Estate Secured [Member]

Real Estate Secured [Member]

Real Estate Secured [Member]

Personal non-credit card [Member]

Third Party Appraisal Valuation [Member]

Third Party Appraisal Valuation [Member]

Third Party Appraisal Valuation [Member]

Third Party Appraisal Valuation [Member]

Non-Recurring Fair Value Measurements [Member]

Non-Recurring Fair Value Measurements [Member]

Non-Recurring Fair Value Measurements [Member]

Non-Recurring Fair Value Measurements [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Receivables held for sale carried at fair value:

$873

$2,047

'

'

'

'

$842

$2,047

$3,816

$0

[1]

Collateral loss severity rates

'

'

0.00%

[2]

0.00%

[2]

87.00%

[2]

93.00%

[2]

'

'

'

'

Expenses incurred through collateral disposition

'

'

5.00%

5.00%

10.00%

10.00%

'

'

'

'

Market discount rate

'

'

4.00%

6.00%

8.00%

10.00%

'

'

'

'

[1]

Our personal non-credit card portfolio was sold on April 1, 2013 as discussed more fully in Note 7, "Receivables Held for Sale," in our 2013 Form 10-K.

[2]

The majority of the real estate secured receivables held for sale consider collateral value, among other items, in determining fair value. Collateral values are based on the most recently available broker's price opinion and the collateral loss severity rates averaged 18 percent and 21 percent at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. In the current market conditions, investors also take into consideration the fact that the most recently available broker's price opinion may not capture all of the home price appreciation due to the timing of the receipt of the opinion.

Fair_Value_Measurements_Additi

Fair Value Measurements - Additional Information (Detail)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'	'
Weighted average collateral severity rate	18.00%	21.00%
Minimum period to update carrying values for real estate owned properties	'45 days	'

Litigation_and_Regulatory_Matt1

Litigation and Regulatory Matters - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	1 Months Ended		1 Months Ended	0 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Aug. 31, 2014	Oct. 29, 2014
	Securities Litigation [Member]	Securities Litigation [Member]	Debt Cancellation Litigation [Member]	Subsequent Event [Member]
				Diaz v. HSBC Bank USA, N.A., et al. [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Litigation judgment claims	$2,500,000,000	'	'	'
Claims still open to special court	625,000,000	'	'	'
Possible future expenses related to amount of damages	'	3,600,000,000	'	'
Litigation settlement	'	'	$7,000,000	$32,000,000