| Document and Entity Information | Aug. 07, 2019 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Entity Registrant Name | NCR CORP |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000070866 |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Aug. 7, 2019 |
| Entity Incorporation State Country Code | MD |
| Entity File Number | 001-00395 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 31-0387920 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 864 Spring Street |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | NW |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Atlanta |
| Entity Address, State or Province | GA |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 30308 |
| City Area Code | (937) |
| Local Phone Number | 445-5000 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre Commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre Commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Security 12b Title | Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share |
| Trading Symbol | NCR |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
