2.2.0.7 true Settlement Assets and Obligations (Details) (USD $) 0609 - Disclosure - Settlement Assets and Obligations (Details) true false false false 1 USD false false USD Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 0 Shares Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance shares xbrli 0 USDEPS Divide http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance shares xbrli 0 Pure Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance pure xbrli 0 $ false 2 USD false false USD Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 0 Shares Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance shares xbrli 0 USDEPS Divide http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance shares xbrli 0 Pure Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance pure xbrli 0 $ false 3 USD false false USD Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 0 Shares Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance shares xbrli 0 $ 2 Settlement assets: 2 wu_SettlementAssetsAbstract wu false na duration Settlement Assets. false false false false false true false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false false false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:stringItemType string Settlement Assets. false 3 Cash and cash equivalents 2 wu_SettlementAssetsCashAndCashEquivalents wu false debit instant This item represents the portion of total settlement assets comprised of cash and cash equivalents. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 true true false false 193800000 193800000 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 true true false false 161900000 161900000 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary This item represents the portion of total settlement assets comprised of cash and cash equivalents. No authoritative reference available. false 4 Receivables from selling agents and business-to-business customers 2 wu_SettlementAssetsReceivablesFromSellingAgentsAndBusinessToBusinessCustomers wu false debit instant This item represents the portion of total settlement assets comprised of receivables from selling agents and... false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false 920400000 920400000 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false true false false 1004400000 1004400000 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary This item represents the portion of total settlement assets comprised of receivables from selling agents and business-to-business customers. No authoritative reference available. false 5 Investment securities 2 wu_SettlementAssetsInvestmentSecurities wu false debit instant This item represents the portion of total settlement assets comprised of investment securities. false false false false false false false false false false false totallabel false 1 false true false false 1227100000 1227100000 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false true false false 1222800000 1222800000 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary This item represents the portion of total settlement assets comprised of investment securities. No authoritative reference available. true 6 Total settlement assets 2 wu_SettlementAssets wu false debit instant Settlement assets represent funds received or to be received from agents for unsettled money transfers, money orders and... false false false false false false false false false false false totallabel false 1 false true false false 2341300000 2341300000 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false true false false 2389100000 2389100000 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary Settlement assets represent funds received or to be received from agents for unsettled money transfers, money orders and consumer payments.Settlement assets also include amounts receivable from businesses for the value of customer cross-currency payment transactions related to the global business payments segment. Settlement assets consist of cash and cash equivalents, receivables from selling agents and business-to-business customers and investment securities. No authoritative reference available. true 7 Settlement obligations: 2 wu_SettlementObligationsAbstract wu false na duration Settlement Obligations. false false false false false true false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false false false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:stringItemType string Settlement Obligations. false 8 Money transfer, money order and payment service payables 2 wu_SettlementObligationsMoneyTransferMoneyOrderAndPaymentServicePayables wu false credit instant This item represents the portion of total settlement obligations comprised of money transfers, money order and payment... false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false 1894500000 1894500000 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false true false false 1954800000 1954800000 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary This item represents the portion of total settlement obligations comprised of money transfers, money order and payment service payables. No authoritative reference available. false 9 Payables to agents 2 wu_SettlementObligationsPayablesToAgents wu false credit instant This item represents the portion of total settlement obligations comprised of payables to agents. false false false false false false false false false false false totallabel false 1 false true false false 446800000 446800000 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false true false false 434300000 434300000 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary This item represents the portion of total settlement obligations comprised of payables to agents. No authoritative reference available. true 10 Total settlement obligations 2 wu_SettlementObligations wu false credit instant Settlement obligations represent amounts payable under money transfers, money orders and consumer payment service... false false false false false false false false false false false totallabel false 1 false true false false 2341300000 2341300000 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false true false false 2389100000 2389100000 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary Settlement obligations represent amounts payable under money transfers, money orders and consumer payment service arrangements. Settlement obligations also include amounts payable to businesses for the value of customer cross-currency payment transactions related to the global business payments segment. Settlement obligations consist of money transfer, money orders and payment service payables and payables to agents. Money transfer payables represent amounts to be paid to transferees when they request their funds. Money order payables represent amounts not yet presented for payment. Payment service payables represent amounts to be paid to businesses. Payables to agents represent amounts due to agents for money transfers that have been settled with transferees. No authoritative reference available. true 11 Available-for-sale investment securities [Abstract] 2 wu_AvailableForSaleInvestmentSecuritiesAbstract wu false na duration Available for sale investment securities. false false false false false true false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false false false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:stringItemType string Available for sale investment securities. false 12 Amortized Cost 2 us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost us-gaap true debit instant No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false 1217200000 1217200000 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false true false false 1212500000 1212500000 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary This item represents the cost of debt and equity securities, which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading, net of adjustments made for accretion, amortization, other-than-temporary impairments, and hedging, if any. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name FASB Staff Position (FSP) -Number FAS115-1/124-1 -Paragraph 7 -Footnote 2 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 19 false 13 Fair Value 2 wu_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesFairValue wu false debit instant This item represents the total of all debt securities, at fair value, which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor... false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false 1227100000 1227100000 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false true false false 1222800000 1222800000 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary This item represents the total of all debt securities, at fair value, which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading securities. No authoritative reference available. false 14 Gross Unrealized Gains 2 wu_GrossUnrealizedGainsOnInvestmentSecurities wu false credit instant Gross Unrealized Gains on Investment Securities. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false 11700000 11700000 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false true false false 10900000 10900000 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary Gross Unrealized Gains on Investment Securities. No authoritative reference available. false 15 Gross Unrealized Losses 2 wu_GrossUnrealizedLossesOnInvestmentSecurities wu false debit instant Gross Unrealized Losses on Investment Securities. false false false false false false false false false false true negated false 1 false true false false -1800000 -1800000 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false true false false -600000 -600000 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary Gross Unrealized Losses on Investment Securities. No authoritative reference available. false 16 Net Unrealized Gains/(Losses) 2 wu_NetUnrealizedGainsLossesOnInvestmentSecurities wu false credit instant Net Unrealized Gains Losses On Investment Securities. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false 9900000 9900000 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false true false false 10300000 10300000 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary Net Unrealized Gains Losses On Investment Securities. No authoritative reference available. false 17 Settlement Assets And Obligations (Numeric) [Abstract] 2 wu_SettlementAssetsAndObligationsNumericAbstract wu false na duration Settlement Assets And Obligations Numeric. false false false false false true false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false false false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:stringItemType string Settlement Assets And Obligations Numeric. false 18 Variable rate demand notes, period of time held 2 wu_VariableRateDemandNotesPeriodOfTimeHeld wu false na instant This item represents the time period variable rate demand notes are typically held by the company. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 Less than 30 days false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false false false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:stringItemType string This item represents the time period variable rate demand notes are typically held by the company. No authoritative reference available. false 19 Variable rate demand notes, maximum maturity year 2 wu_VariableRateDemandNotesMaximumMaturityYear wu false na instant Maximum maturity year for variable rate demand notes. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 Through 2049 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false false false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:stringItemType string Maximum maturity year for variable rate demand notes. No authoritative reference available. false 20 Proceeds from sale and maturity of available-for-sale securities 2 us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleAndMaturityOfAvailableForSaleSecurities us-gaap true debit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false 7000000000 7000000000 false false false 2 false true false false 3700000000 3700000000 false false false 3 false false false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The cash inflow associated with the sale or maturity (principal being due) of securities not classified as either held-to-maturity securities or trading securities which are classified as available-for-sale securities. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 16 -Subparagraph a Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 18 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 15 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 16 -Subparagraph b false 21 Due after 1 year through 5 years 2 us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterOneThroughFiveYearsFairValue us-gaap true debit instant No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false 737500000 737500000 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false false false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary This item represents the fair value of debt securities which are expected to mature after one year and through five years from the balance sheet date and which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading securities. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 20 -Subparagraph b false 22 Due after 5 years through 10 years 2 us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterFiveThroughTenYearsFairValue us-gaap true debit instant No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false 99000000 99000000 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false false false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary This item represents the fair value of debt securities which are expected to mature after five years and through ten years from the balance sheet date and which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading securities. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 20 -Subparagraph c false 23 Due after 10 years 2 us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterTenYearsFairValue us-gaap true debit instant No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false 303600000 303600000 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false false false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary This item represents the fair value of debt securities which are expected to mature after ten years from the balance sheet date which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading securities. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 20 -Subparagraph d false 24 Contractual maturities of investment securities [Abstract] 2 us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesFairValueAbstract us-gaap true na duration No definition available. false false false false false true false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false false false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:stringItemType string No definition available. false 25 Due within 1 year 2 us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesWithinOneYearFairValue us-gaap true debit instant No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false 87000000 87000000 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false false false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary This item represents the fair value of debt securities which are expected to mature within one year of the balance sheet date and which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading securities. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 20 -Subparagraph a false 26 Due after 1 year through 5 years 2 us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterOneThroughFiveYearsFairValue us-gaap true debit instant No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false 737500000 737500000 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false false false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary This item represents the fair value of debt securities which are expected to mature after one year and through five years from the balance sheet date and which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading securities. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 20 -Subparagraph b false 27 Due after 5 years through 10 years 2 us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterFiveThroughTenYearsFairValue us-gaap true debit instant No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false 99000000 99000000 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false false false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary This item represents the fair value of debt securities which are expected to mature after five years and through ten years from the balance sheet date and which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading securities. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 20 -Subparagraph c false 28 Due after 10 years 2 us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterTenYearsFairValue us-gaap true debit instant No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false totallabel false 1 false true false false 303600000 303600000 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false false false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary This item represents the fair value of debt securities which are expected to mature after ten years from the balance sheet date which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading securities. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 20 -Subparagraph d true 29 Total investment securities 2 us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesFairValue us-gaap true debit instant No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false totallabel false 1 false true false false 1227100000 1227100000 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false false false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary This item represents the total of all debt securities grouped by maturity dates, at fair value, which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading securities. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 20 true 30 State and municipal obligations [Member] 0 na true na na No definition available. false true false false false false false false false false false http://westernunion.com/role/settlementassetsandobligationsdetails false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false false false false 0 0 false false false false 4 USD true false false false State and municipal obligations [Member] us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesMajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi wu_StateAndMunicipalObligationsMember us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesMajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis explicitMember USD Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 0 $ false 5 USD true false false false State and municipal obligations [Member] us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesMajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi wu_StateAndMunicipalObligationsMember us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesMajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis explicitMember USD Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 0 $ na No definition available. No authoritative reference available. false 40 Available-for-sale investment securities [Abstract] 2 wu_AvailableForSaleInvestmentSecuritiesAbstract wu false na duration Available for sale investment securities. false false false false false true false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false false false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:stringItemType string Available for sale investment securities. false 41 Amortized Cost 2 us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost us-gaap true debit instant No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false 845400000 845400000 [1] false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false true false false 686400000 686400000 [1] false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary This item represents the cost of debt and equity securities, which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading, net of adjustments made for accretion, amortization, other-than-temporary impairments, and hedging, if any. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name FASB Staff Position (FSP) -Number FAS115-1/124-1 -Paragraph 7 -Footnote 2 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 19 false 42 Fair Value 2 wu_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesFairValue wu false debit instant This item represents the total of all debt securities, at fair value, which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor... false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false 854900000 854900000 [1] false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false true false false 696400000 696400000 [1] false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary This item represents the total of all debt securities, at fair value, which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading securities. No authoritative reference available. false 43 Gross Unrealized Gains 2 wu_GrossUnrealizedGainsOnInvestmentSecurities wu false credit instant Gross Unrealized Gains on Investment Securities. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false 11300000 11300000 [1] false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false true false false 10600000 10600000 [1] false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary Gross Unrealized Gains on Investment Securities. No authoritative reference available. false 44 Gross Unrealized Losses 2 wu_GrossUnrealizedLossesOnInvestmentSecurities wu false debit instant Gross Unrealized Losses on Investment Securities. false false false false false false false false false false true negated false 1 false true false false -1800000 -1800000 [1] false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false true false false -600000 -600000 [1] false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary Gross Unrealized Losses on Investment Securities. No authoritative reference available. false 45 Net Unrealized Gains/(Losses) 2 wu_NetUnrealizedGainsLossesOnInvestmentSecurities wu false credit instant Net Unrealized Gains Losses On Investment Securities. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false 9500000 9500000 [1] false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false true false false 10000000 10000000 [1] false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary Net Unrealized Gains Losses On Investment Securities. No authoritative reference available. false 59 State and municipal variable rate demand notes [Member] 0 na true na na No definition available. false true false false false false false false false false false http://westernunion.com/role/settlementassetsandobligationsdetails false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false false false false 0 0 false false false false 6 USD true false false false State and municipal variable rate demand notes [Member] us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesMajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi us-gaap_VariableRateDemandObligationMember us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesMajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis explicitMember USD Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 0 $ false 7 USD true false false false State and municipal variable rate demand notes [Member] us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesMajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi us-gaap_VariableRateDemandObligationMember us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesMajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis explicitMember USD Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 0 $ na No definition available. No authoritative reference available. false 69 Available-for-sale investment securities [Abstract] 2 wu_AvailableForSaleInvestmentSecuritiesAbstract wu false na duration Available for sale investment securities. false false false false false true false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false false false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:stringItemType string Available for sale investment securities. false 70 Amortized Cost 2 us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost us-gaap true debit instant No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false 351500000 351500000 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false true false false 513800000 513800000 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary This item represents the cost of debt and equity securities, which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading, net of adjustments made for accretion, amortization, other-than-temporary impairments, and hedging, if any. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name FASB Staff Position (FSP) -Number FAS115-1/124-1 -Paragraph 7 -Footnote 2 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 19 false 71 Fair Value 2 wu_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesFairValue wu false debit instant This item represents the total of all debt securities, at fair value, which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor... false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false 351500000 351500000 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false true false false 513800000 513800000 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary This item represents the total of all debt securities, at fair value, which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading securities. No authoritative reference available. false 72 Gross Unrealized Gains 2 wu_GrossUnrealizedGainsOnInvestmentSecurities wu false credit instant Gross Unrealized Gains on Investment Securities. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false true false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary Gross Unrealized Gains on Investment Securities. No authoritative reference available. false 73 Gross Unrealized Losses 2 wu_GrossUnrealizedLossesOnInvestmentSecurities wu false debit instant Gross Unrealized Losses on Investment Securities. false false false false false false false false false false true negated false 1 false true false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false true false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary Gross Unrealized Losses on Investment Securities. No authoritative reference available. false 74 Net Unrealized Gains/(Losses) 2 wu_NetUnrealizedGainsLossesOnInvestmentSecurities wu false credit instant Net Unrealized Gains Losses On Investment Securities. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false true false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary Net Unrealized Gains Losses On Investment Securities. No authoritative reference available. false 75 Settlement Assets And Obligations (Numeric) [Abstract] 2 wu_SettlementAssetsAndObligationsNumericAbstract wu false na duration Settlement Assets And Obligations Numeric. false false false false false true false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false false false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:stringItemType string Settlement Assets And Obligations Numeric. false 79 Due after 1 year through 5 years 2 us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterOneThroughFiveYearsFairValue us-gaap true debit instant No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false 42500000 42500000 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false false false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary This item represents the fair value of debt securities which are expected to mature after one year and through five years from the balance sheet date and which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading securities. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 20 -Subparagraph b false 80 Due after 5 years through 10 years 2 us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterFiveThroughTenYearsFairValue us-gaap true debit instant No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false 33900000 33900000 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false false false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary This item represents the fair value of debt securities which are expected to mature after five years and through ten years from the balance sheet date and which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading securities. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 20 -Subparagraph c false 81 Due after 10 years 2 us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterTenYearsFairValue us-gaap true debit instant No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false 275100000 275100000 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false false false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary This item represents the fair value of debt securities which are expected to mature after ten years from the balance sheet date which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading securities. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 20 -Subparagraph d false 82 Contractual maturities of investment securities [Abstract] 2 us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesFairValueAbstract us-gaap true na duration No definition available. false false false false false true false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false false false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:stringItemType string No definition available. false 84 Due after 1 year through 5 years 2 us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterOneThroughFiveYearsFairValue us-gaap true debit instant No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false 42500000 42500000 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false false false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary This item represents the fair value of debt securities which are expected to mature after one year and through five years from the balance sheet date and which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading securities. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 20 -Subparagraph b false 85 Due after 5 years through 10 years 2 us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterFiveThroughTenYearsFairValue us-gaap true debit instant No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false 33900000 33900000 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false false false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary This item represents the fair value of debt securities which are expected to mature after five years and through ten years from the balance sheet date and which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading securities. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 20 -Subparagraph c false 86 Due after 10 years 2 us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterTenYearsFairValue us-gaap true debit instant No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false totallabel false 1 false true false false 275100000 275100000 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false false false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary This item represents the fair value of debt securities which are expected to mature after ten years from the balance sheet date which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading securities. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 20 -Subparagraph d true 88 Corporate debt securities [Member] 0 na true na na No definition available. false true false false false false false false false false false http://westernunion.com/role/settlementassetsandobligationsdetails false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false false false false 0 0 false false false false 8 USD true false false false Corporate debt securities [Member] us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesMajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesMajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis explicitMember USD Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 0 $ false 9 USD true false false false Corporate debt securities [Member] us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesMajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesMajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis explicitMember USD Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 0 $ na No definition available. No authoritative reference available. false 98 Available-for-sale investment securities [Abstract] 2 wu_AvailableForSaleInvestmentSecuritiesAbstract wu false na duration Available for sale investment securities. false false false false false true false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false false false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:stringItemType string Available for sale investment securities. false 99 Amortized Cost 2 us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost us-gaap true debit instant No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false 20200000 20200000 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false true false false 12200000 12200000 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary This item represents the cost of debt and equity securities, which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading, net of adjustments made for accretion, amortization, other-than-temporary impairments, and hedging, if any. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name FASB Staff Position (FSP) -Number FAS115-1/124-1 -Paragraph 7 -Footnote 2 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 19 false 100 Fair Value 2 wu_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesFairValue wu false debit instant This item represents the total of all debt securities, at fair value, which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor... false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false 20500000 20500000 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false true false false 12400000 12400000 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary This item represents the total of all debt securities, at fair value, which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading securities. No authoritative reference available. false 101 Gross Unrealized Gains 2 wu_GrossUnrealizedGainsOnInvestmentSecurities wu false credit instant Gross Unrealized Gains on Investment Securities. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false 300000 300000 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false true false false 200000 200000 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary Gross Unrealized Gains on Investment Securities. No authoritative reference available. false 102 Gross Unrealized Losses 2 wu_GrossUnrealizedLossesOnInvestmentSecurities wu false debit instant Gross Unrealized Losses on Investment Securities. false false false false false false false false false false true negated false 1 false true false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false true false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary Gross Unrealized Losses on Investment Securities. No authoritative reference available. false 103 Net Unrealized Gains/(Losses) 2 wu_NetUnrealizedGainsLossesOnInvestmentSecurities wu false credit instant Net Unrealized Gains Losses On Investment Securities. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false 300000 300000 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false true false false 200000 200000 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary Net Unrealized Gains Losses On Investment Securities. No authoritative reference available. false 117 Other [Member] 0 na true na na No definition available. false true false false false false false false false false false http://westernunion.com/role/settlementassetsandobligationsdetails false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false false false false 0 0 false false false false 10 USD true false false false Other [Member] us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesMajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi us-gaap_OtherDebtSecuritiesMember us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesMajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis explicitMember USD Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 0 $ false 11 USD true false false false Other [Member] us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesMajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi us-gaap_OtherDebtSecuritiesMember us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesMajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis explicitMember USD Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 0 $ na No definition available. No authoritative reference available. false 127 Available-for-sale investment securities [Abstract] 2 wu_AvailableForSaleInvestmentSecuritiesAbstract wu false na duration Available for sale investment securities. false false false false false true false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false false false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:stringItemType string Available for sale investment securities. false 128 Amortized Cost 2 us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost us-gaap true debit instant No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false 100000 100000 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false true false false 100000 100000 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary This item represents the cost of debt and equity securities, which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading, net of adjustments made for accretion, amortization, other-than-temporary impairments, and hedging, if any. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name FASB Staff Position (FSP) -Number FAS115-1/124-1 -Paragraph 7 -Footnote 2 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 19 false 129 Fair Value 2 wu_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesFairValue wu false debit instant This item represents the total of all debt securities, at fair value, which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor... false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false 200000 200000 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false true false false 200000 200000 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary This item represents the total of all debt securities, at fair value, which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading securities. No authoritative reference available. false 130 Gross Unrealized Gains 2 wu_GrossUnrealizedGainsOnInvestmentSecurities wu false credit instant Gross Unrealized Gains on Investment Securities. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false 100000 100000 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false true false false 100000 100000 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary Gross Unrealized Gains on Investment Securities. No authoritative reference available. false 131 Gross Unrealized Losses 2 wu_GrossUnrealizedLossesOnInvestmentSecurities wu false debit instant Gross Unrealized Losses on Investment Securities. false false false false false false false false false false true negated false 1 false true false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false true false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary Gross Unrealized Losses on Investment Securities. No authoritative reference available. false 132 Net Unrealized Gains/(Losses) 2 wu_NetUnrealizedGainsLossesOnInvestmentSecurities wu false credit instant Net Unrealized Gains Losses On Investment Securities. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 true true false false 100000 100000 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 true true false false 100000 100000 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary Net Unrealized Gains Losses On Investment Securities. No authoritative reference available. false 1 The majority of these securities are fixed rate instruments. 3 64 false NoRounding UnKnown UnKnown false true