2.2.0.7 false Stock Compensation Plans (Details) (USD $) 0615 - Disclosure - Stock Compensation Plans (Details) true false In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified false false 1 USD false false Shares Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance shares xbrli 0 USD Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 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 $ 4 Stock options granted: 2 wu_StockOptionsGrantedAbstract wu false na duration Stock Options Granted Abstract. 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 xbrli:stringItemType string Stock Options Granted Abstract. false 5 Weighted-average risk-free interest rate 3 us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRate us-gaap true na duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false true false false 0.027 0.027 false false false us-types:percentItemType pure The risk-free interest rate assumption that is used in valuing an option on its own shares. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 123R -Paragraph A240 -Subparagraph e(2)(d) false 6 Weighted-average dividend yield 3 us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedDividendRate us-gaap true na duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false true false false 0.013 0.013 false false false us-types:percentItemType pure The estimated dividend rate (a percentage of the share price) to be paid (expected dividends) to holders of the underlying shares over the option's term. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 123R -Paragraph A240 -Subparagraph e(2)(c) false 7 Volatility (percentage) 3 us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsWeightedAverageVolatilityRate us-gaap true na duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false true false false 0.34 0.34 false false false us-types:percentItemType pure An entity using a valuation technique with different volatilities during the contractual term must disclose the range of expected volatilities used and the weighted-average expected volatility. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 123R -Paragraph A240 -Subparagraph e(2)(b) false 8 Expected term (in years) 3 us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedTerm us-gaap true na duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false true false false 5.7 5.7 false false false xbrli:decimalItemType decimal The period of time a share-based award is expected to be outstanding. A share-based award's expected term shall be determined based on, among other factors, the instrument's contractual term and the effects of employees' expected exercise and post-vesting employment termination behavior. An entity is required to aggregate individual awards into relatively homogeneous groups. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 123R -Paragraph A240 -Subparagraph e(2)(a) Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) -Number Topic 14 -Section D -Subsection 2 false 9 Weighted-average grant date fair value (per share) 3 wu_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardWeightedAverageFairValue wu false na duration The weighted-average fair value of options granted during the period. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel true 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 true true false false 5.09 5.09 false false false us-types:perShareItemType decimal The weighted-average fair value of options granted during the period. No authoritative reference available. false 10 Stock Compensation Plans (Numeric) [Abstract] 1 us-gaap_EmployeeBenefitsAndShareBasedCompensationAbstract 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 xbrli:stringItemType string No definition available. false 11 Stock-based compensation expense, in millions 2 us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation us-gaap true debit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false terselabel false 1 true true false false 10200000 10.2 false false false 2 true true false false 20600000 20.6 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The aggregate amount of noncash, equity-based employee remuneration. This may include the value of stock options, amortization of restricted stock, and adjustment for officers compensation. As noncash, this element is an add back when calculating net cash generated by operating activities using the indirect method. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 28 false 12 Options Granted 2 us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriod us-gaap true na duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false true false false 3900000 3.9 false false false xbrli:sharesItemType shares The quantity of shares issuable on stock options awarded under the plan during the reporting period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 123R -Paragraph A240 -Subparagraph b(1)(d) false 13 Options Granted, Weighted Average Exercise Price, per share 2 wu_WeightedAverageExercisePriceGranted wu false na duration Weighted Average Exercise Price Granted. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel true 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 true true false false 16.06 16.06 false false false us-types:perShareItemType decimal Weighted Average Exercise Price Granted. No authoritative reference available. false 14 Restricted Stock Granted 2 us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod us-gaap true na duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false true false false 1400000 1.4 false false false xbrli:sharesItemType shares The number of shares issuable under a share-based award plan pertaining to grants made during the period on other than stock option plans (for example, phantom stock plan, stock appreciation rights plan, performance target plan). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 123R -Paragraph A240 -Subparagraph b(2)(c) false 15 Restricted Stock Granted, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, per award/unit 2 us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue us-gaap true na duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel true 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 true true false false 15.62 15.62 false false false us-types:perShareItemType decimal The weighted average fair value at grant for nonvested share-based awards issued during the period on other than stock option plans (for example, phantom stock plan, stock appreciation rights plan, performance target plan). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 123R -Paragraph A240 -Subparagraph b(2)(c) Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 123R -Paragraph A240 -Subparagraph c(1) false 16 Options cancellations and forfeitures, Shares 2 us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresAndExpirationsInPeriod us-gaap true na duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false true false false 2800000 2.8 false false false xbrli:sharesItemType shares For presentations that combine terminations, the number of shares under options that were cancelled during the reporting period as a result of occurrence of a terminating event specified in contractual agreements pertaining to the stock option plan or that expired. No authoritative reference available. false 17 Restricted Stock Awards forfeitures, Shares 2 us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod us-gaap true na duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false true false false 600000 0.6 false false false xbrli:sharesItemType shares The number of shares under a share-based award plan other than a stock option plan that were settled during the reporting period due to a failure to satisfy vesting conditions pertaining to all option plans. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 123R -Paragraph A240 -Subparagraph b(2)(e) false 18 Options Outstanding 2 us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber us-gaap true na instant No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false 43100000 43.1 false false false 2 false true false false 43100000 43.1 false false false xbrli:sharesItemType shares The number of shares reserved for issuance under stock option agreements awarded under the plan that validly exist and are outstanding as of the balance-sheet date, including vested options. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 123R -Paragraph A240 -Subparagraph b(1)(a) Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 123R -Paragraph A240 -Subparagraph b(1)(b) false 19 Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price, per share 2 wu_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWavgExercisePrice wu false na instant The weighted average price at which grantees can acquire the shares reserved for issuance under the stock option plan. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel true 1 true true false false 18.61 18.61 false false false 2 true true false false 18.61 18.61 false false false us-types:perShareItemType decimal The weighted average price at which grantees can acquire the shares reserved for issuance under the stock option plan. No authoritative reference available. false 20 Options Exercisable 2 us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableNumber us-gaap true na instant No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false 35000000 35.0 false false false 2 false true false false 35000000 35.0 false false false xbrli:sharesItemType shares The number of shares into which fully or partially vested stock options outstanding as of the balance-sheet date can be currently converted under the option plan. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 123R -Paragraph A240 -Subparagraph b(1)(c), d(2) false 21 Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price, per share 2 us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageExercisePrice us-gaap true na instant No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel true 1 true true false false 19.1 19.1 false false false 2 true true false false 19.1 19.1 false false false us-types:perShareItemType decimal The weighted-average price as of the balance sheet date at which grantees can acquire the shares reserved for issuance on vested portions of options outstanding and currently exercisable under the stock option plan. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 123R -Paragraph A240 -Subparagraph b(1)(c) false 22 Percentage of Total Options Outstanding 2 wu_PercentageOfTotalOptionsOutstanding wu false na instant Represents First Data's percentage of total outstanding options as of period end date. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false 0.37 0.37 false false false 2 false true false false 0.37 0.37 false false false xbrli:pureItemType pure Represents First Data's percentage of total outstanding options as of period end date. No authoritative reference available. false 23 Non-vested Restricted Stock 2 us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber us-gaap true na instant No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false 2900000 2.9 false false false 2 false true false false 2900000 2.9 false false false xbrli:sharesItemType shares The number of outstanding awards on nonstock option plans (for example, phantom stock plan, stock appreciation rights plan, revenue or profit achievement stock award plan) for which the employer is contingently obligated to issue equity instruments or transfer assets to an employee who has not yet satisfied service or performance criteria necessary to gain title to proceeds from the sale of the award or underlying shares. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 123R -Paragraph A240 -Subparagraph b(2)(a) Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 123R -Paragraph A240 -Subparagraph b(2)(b) false 24 Non-vested Restricted Stock, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, per award/unit 2 us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue us-gaap true na instant No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel true 1 true true false false 15.23 15.23 false false false 2 true true false false 15.23 15.23 false false false us-types:perShareItemType decimal The weighted average fair value of nonvested awards on share-based plans excluding option plans (for example, phantom stock plan, stock appreciation rights plan, revenue or profit achievement stock award plan) for which the employer is contingently obligated to issue equity instruments or transfer assets to an employee who has not yet satisfied service or performance criteria necessary to gain title to proceeds from the sale of the award or underlying shares. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 123R -Paragraph A240 -Subparagraph b(2)(a) Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 123R -Paragraph A240 -Subparagraph b(2)(b) false 2 21 false HundredThousands HundredThousands NoRounding true true