Contingencies (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Contingencies
Estimated PPI claims reserve	$ 49.1	$ 62.7

Represents the carrying amount (including both current and noncurrent portions of the accrual), as of the balance sheet date, pertaining to a specified type of claims associated with payment protection insurance, net of professional indemnity insurance receivable.

No definition available.

Name:	slfc_EstimatedPaymentProtectionInsuranceClaimsReserves
Namespace Prefix:	slfc_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant