| Document and Entity Information | Jul. 29, 2019 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Entity Registrant Name | FIRST DATA CORP |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000883980 |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Jul. 29, 2019 |
| Entity Incorporation State Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 001-11073 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 47-0731996 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 225 Liberty Street |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | 29th Floor |
| Entity Address, City or Town | New York |
| Entity Address, State or Province | NY |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 10281 |
| City Area Code | (800) |
| Local Phone Number | 735-3362 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre Commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre Commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Security 12b Title | Class A Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share |
| Trading Symbol | FDC |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
