Accounting Policies (Policies)	9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Segment Reporting, Policy [Policy Text Block]	We measure the performance of our segments primarily on an income before income taxes basis, after excluding the impact to earnings from gains and losses related to market valuation adjustments to derivatives primarily related to movements in interest rates. These adjustments are included in unallocated risk management and are excluded in assessing our North America and International Segment performance because they are carried out on a centralized basis at the corporate level, with only certain elements allocated to these segments. We also adjust segment performance to re-allocate interest expense between the North America and International Segments reflecting debt and equity levels proportionate to their product risk. Receivables for the North America and International Segments are presented on a managed basis. Management believes that managed receivables is the appropriate measurement of business growth, as it closely approximates the customers’ outstanding balance on the receivables, which is the basis for earning revenue.
Basis of Accounting and Intercompany Transactions [Abstract]
Basis of Accounting and Intercompany Transactions [Policy Text Block]	The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for interim financial information, and instructions to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X.
Reclassifications [Abstract]
Comparability of Prior Year Financial Data, Policy [Policy Text Block]	We reclassified certain prior period amounts in our consolidated financial statements to conform to the presentation in our 2013 Form 10-K Report.
Lease Policy [Abstract]
Lease, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Net investment in operating leases consist primarily of lease contracts for vehicles with retail customers, daily rental companies, government entities, and fleet customers with terms of 60 months or less.
Loans and Leases Receivable Disclosure [Abstract]
Finance, Loans and Leases Receivable, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Impaired Receivables Impaired consumer receivables include accounts that have been rewritten or modified in reorganization proceedings pursuant to the U.S. Bankruptcy Code that are considered to be Troubled Debt Restructurings (“TDRs”), as well as all accounts greater than 120 days past due. Impaired non-consumer receivables represent accounts with dealers that have weak or poor financial metrics or dealer financing that has been modified in TDRs. Aging For all finance receivables, we define “past due” as any payment, including principal and interest, that is at least 31 days past the contractual due date A restructuring of debt constitutes a TDR if we grant a concession to a debtor for economic or legal reasons related to the debtor’s financial difficulties that we otherwise would not consider. Consumer and non-consumer receivables that have a modified interest rate below market rate or that were modified in reorganization proceedings pursuant to the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, except non-consumer receivables that are current with minimal risk of loss, are considered to be TDRs. We do not grant concessions on the principal balance of our receivables. If a receivable is modified in a reorganization proceeding, all payment requirements of the reorganization plan need to be met before remaining balances are forgiven. Finance receivables involved in TDRs are specifically assessed for impairment. The accrual of revenue is discontinued at the time a receivable is determined to be uncollectible. Accounts may be restored to accrual status only when a customer settles all past-due deficiency balances and future payments are reasonably assured. For receivables in non-accrual status, subsequent financing revenue is recognized only to the extent a payment is received. Payments are generally applied first to outstanding interest and then to the unpaid principal balance.
Variable Interest Entities [Abstract]
Consolidation, Variable Interest Entity, Policy [Policy Text Block]	A VIE is an entity that either (i) has insufficient equity to permit the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support or (ii) has equity investors who lack the characteristics of a controlling financial interest. A VIE is consolidated by its primary beneficiary. The primary beneficiary has both the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance and the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits from the entity that could potentially be significant to the VIE. Nearly all of our VIEs are special purpose entities used for our securitizations. We have the power to direct the activities of our special purpose entities when we have the ability to exercise discretion in the servicing of financial assets, issue additional debt, exercise a unilateral call option, add assets to revolving structures, or control investment decisions. Assets recognized as a result of consolidating these VIEs do not represent additional assets that could be used to satisfy claims against our general assets. Conversely, liabilities recognized as a result of consolidating these VIEs do not represent additional claims on our general assets; rather, they represent claims against the specific assets of the consolidated VIEs.
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Derivative assets and derivative liabilities are recorded in Derivative financial instruments on our balance sheet at fair value and presented on a gross basis. We have elected to apply hedge accounting to certain derivatives. Derivatives that are designated in hedging relationships are evaluated for effectiveness using regression analysis at the time they are designated and throughout the hedge period. Cash flows and the profit impact associated with designated hedges are reported in the same category as the underlying hedged item. Some derivatives do not qualify for hedge accounting; for others, we elect not to apply hedge accounting. Regardless, we only enter into transactions that we believe will be highly effective at offsetting the underlying economic risk. We report net interest settlements and accruals and changes in the fair value of derivatives not designated as hedging instruments in Other income, net. Cash flows associated with non-designated or de-designated derivatives are reported in Net cash provided by/(used in) investing activities in our statement of cash flows. Fair Value Hedges. We use derivatives to reduce the risk of changes in the fair value of debt. We have designated certain receive-fixed, pay-float interest rate swaps as fair value hedges of fixed-rate debt. The risk being hedged is the risk of changes in the fair value of the hedged debt attributable to changes in the benchmark interest rate. If the hedge relationship is deemed to be highly effective, we record the changes in the fair value of the hedged debt related to the risk being hedged in Debt with the offset in Other income, net. The change in fair value of the related derivative (excluding accrued interest) also is recorded in Other income, net. Net interest settlements and accruals on fair value hedges are excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness. We report net interest settlements and accruals in Interest expense. We report foreign currency revaluation on accrued interest in Other income, net. The cash flows associated with fair value hedges are reported in Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities in our statement of cash flows. Hedge ineffectiveness is the difference between the change in fair value of the derivative instrument and the change in fair value of the hedged item attributable to changes in the benchmark interest rate. Ineffectiveness is recorded directly to income. When a fair value hedge is de-designated, or when the derivative is terminated before maturity, the fair value adjustment to the hedged debt continues to be reported as part of the carrying value of the debt and is amortized over its remaining life.
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block]	For interim tax reporting we estimate one single effective tax rate, which is applied to the year-to-date ordinary income/(loss). Tax effects of significant unusual or extraordinary items are excluded from the estimated annual effective tax rate calculation and recognized in the interim period in which they occur. During the third quarter of 2014, we completed a study that led to a change in our methodology for measuring currency gains and losses in computing the earnings of our European operations under U.S. tax law. Implementation of the new methodology substantially reduced the accumulated earnings of those operations under U.S. tax law and resulted in a tax benefit of $364 million in the third quarter from the realization of additional foreign tax credits. As a result of the reduction in accumulated tax earnings of our European operations, our measure of earnings indefinitely reinvested in operations outside the United States is substantially reduced as it is based on accumulated earnings determined under U.S. tax law. Our cash repatriation plans remain unchanged.
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Debt is recorded on our balance sheet at par value adjusted for unamortized discount or premium (with the exception of fair value adjustments related to debt in designated hedge relationships; see Note 7 for further policy information). Debt due within one year at issuance is classified as short-term. Debt due after one year at issuance is classified as long-term. Discounts, premiums, and costs directly related to the issuance of debt generally are capitalized and amortized over the life of the debt or put date and recorded in Interest expense using the effective interest method. Gains and losses on the extinguishment of debt are recorded in Other income, net.
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Guarantees and Indemnifications Policies [Policy Text Block]	Guarantees and indemnifications are recorded at fair value at their inception. We regularly review our performance risk under these arrangements, and in the event it becomes probable we will be required to perform under the guarantee or indemnification, the amount of probable payment is recorded. Litigation and claims are accrued when losses are deemed probable and reasonably estimable. In evaluating matters for accrual and disclosure purposes, we take into consideration factors such as our historical experience with matters of a similar nature, the specific facts and circumstances asserted, the likelihood that we will prevail, and the severity of any potential loss. We reevaluate and update our accruals as matters progress over time.

Accounting Policies (Policies)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Segment Reporting, Policy [Policy Text Block]

We measure the performance of our segments primarily on an income before income taxes basis, after excluding the impact to earnings from gains and losses related to market valuation adjustments to derivatives primarily related to movements in interest rates. These adjustments are included in unallocated risk management and are excluded in assessing our North America and International Segment performance because they are carried out on a centralized basis at the corporate level, with only certain elements allocated to these segments. We also adjust segment performance to re-allocate interest expense between the North America and International Segments reflecting debt and equity levels proportionate to their product risk. Receivables for the North America and International Segments are presented on a managed basis. Management believes that managed receivables is the appropriate measurement of business growth, as it closely approximates the customers’ outstanding balance on the receivables, which is the basis for earning revenue.

Basis of Accounting and Intercompany Transactions [Abstract]

Basis of Accounting and Intercompany Transactions [Policy Text Block]

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for interim financial information, and instructions to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X.

Reclassifications [Abstract]

Comparability of Prior Year Financial Data, Policy [Policy Text Block]

We reclassified certain prior period amounts in our consolidated financial statements to conform to the presentation in our 2013 Form 10-K Report.

Lease Policy [Abstract]

Lease, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Net investment in operating leases consist primarily of lease contracts for vehicles with retail customers, daily rental companies, government entities, and fleet customers with terms of 60 months or less.

Loans and Leases Receivable Disclosure [Abstract]

Finance, Loans and Leases Receivable, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Impaired Receivables

Impaired consumer receivables include accounts that have been rewritten or modified in reorganization proceedings pursuant to the U.S. Bankruptcy Code that are considered to be Troubled Debt Restructurings (“TDRs”), as well as all accounts greater than 120 days past due. Impaired non-consumer receivables represent accounts with dealers that have weak or poor financial metrics or dealer financing that has been modified in TDRs.

Aging

For all finance receivables, we define “past due” as any payment, including principal and interest, that is at least 31 days past the contractual due date

A restructuring of debt constitutes a TDR if we grant a concession to a debtor for economic or legal reasons related to the debtor’s financial difficulties that we otherwise would not consider. Consumer and non-consumer receivables that have a modified interest rate below market rate or that were modified in reorganization proceedings pursuant to the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, except non-consumer receivables that are current with minimal risk of loss, are considered to be TDRs. We do not grant concessions on the principal balance of our receivables. If a receivable is modified in a reorganization proceeding, all payment requirements of the reorganization plan need to be met before remaining balances are forgiven.

Finance receivables involved in TDRs are specifically assessed for impairment.

The accrual of revenue is discontinued at the time a receivable is determined to be uncollectible. Accounts may be restored to accrual status only when a customer settles all past-due deficiency balances and future payments are reasonably assured. For receivables in non-accrual status, subsequent financing revenue is recognized only to the extent a payment is received. Payments are generally applied first to outstanding interest and then to the unpaid principal balance.

Variable Interest Entities [Abstract]

Consolidation, Variable Interest Entity, Policy [Policy Text Block]

A VIE is an entity that either (i) has insufficient equity to permit the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support or (ii) has equity investors who lack the characteristics of a controlling financial interest. A VIE is consolidated by its primary beneficiary. The primary beneficiary has both the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance and the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits from the entity that could potentially be significant to the VIE. Nearly all of our VIEs are special purpose entities used for our securitizations.

We have the power to direct the activities of our special purpose entities when we have the ability to exercise discretion in the servicing of financial assets, issue additional debt, exercise a unilateral call option, add assets to revolving structures, or control investment decisions.

Assets recognized as a result of consolidating these VIEs do not represent additional assets that could be used to satisfy claims against our general assets. Conversely, liabilities recognized as a result of consolidating these VIEs do not represent additional claims on our general assets; rather, they represent claims against the specific assets of the consolidated VIEs.

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]

Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Derivative assets and derivative liabilities are recorded in Derivative financial instruments on our balance sheet at fair value and presented on a gross basis.

We have elected to apply hedge accounting to certain derivatives. Derivatives that are designated in hedging relationships are evaluated for effectiveness using regression analysis at the time they are designated and throughout the hedge period. Cash flows and the profit impact associated with designated hedges are reported in the same category as the underlying hedged item.

Some derivatives do not qualify for hedge accounting; for others, we elect not to apply hedge accounting. Regardless, we only enter into transactions that we believe will be highly effective at offsetting the underlying economic risk. We report net interest settlements and accruals and changes in the fair value of derivatives not designated as hedging instruments in Other income, net. Cash flows associated with non-designated or de-designated derivatives are reported in Net cash provided by/(used in) investing activities in our statement of cash flows.

Fair Value Hedges. We use derivatives to reduce the risk of changes in the fair value of debt. We have designated certain receive-fixed, pay-float interest rate swaps as fair value hedges of fixed-rate debt. The risk being hedged is the risk of changes in the fair value of the hedged debt attributable to changes in the benchmark interest rate. If the hedge relationship is deemed to be highly effective, we record the changes in the fair value of the hedged debt related to the risk being hedged in Debt with the offset in Other income, net. The change in fair value of the related derivative (excluding accrued interest) also is recorded in Other income, net.

Net interest settlements and accruals on fair value hedges are excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness. We report net interest settlements and accruals in Interest expense. We report foreign currency revaluation on accrued interest in Other income, net. The cash flows associated with fair value hedges are reported in Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities in our statement of cash flows.

Hedge ineffectiveness is the difference between the change in fair value of the derivative instrument and the change in fair value of the hedged item attributable to changes in the benchmark interest rate. Ineffectiveness is recorded directly to income.

When a fair value hedge is de-designated, or when the derivative is terminated before maturity, the fair value adjustment to the hedged debt continues to be reported as part of the carrying value of the debt and is amortized over its remaining life.

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block]

For interim tax reporting we estimate one single effective tax rate, which is applied to the year-to-date ordinary income/(loss). Tax effects of significant unusual or extraordinary items are excluded from the estimated annual effective tax rate calculation and recognized in the interim period in which they occur.

During the third quarter of 2014, we completed a study that led to a change in our methodology for measuring currency gains and losses in computing the earnings of our European operations under U.S. tax law. Implementation of the new methodology substantially reduced the accumulated earnings of those operations under U.S. tax law and resulted in a tax benefit of $364 million in the third quarter from the realization of additional foreign tax credits. As a result of the reduction in accumulated tax earnings of our European operations, our measure of earnings indefinitely reinvested in operations outside the United States is substantially reduced as it is based on accumulated earnings determined under U.S. tax law. Our cash repatriation plans remain unchanged.

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Debt, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Debt is recorded on our balance sheet at par value adjusted for unamortized discount or premium (with the exception of fair value adjustments related to debt in designated hedge relationships; see Note 7 for further policy information). Debt due within one year at issuance is classified as short-term. Debt due after one year at issuance is classified as long-term. Discounts, premiums, and costs directly related to the issuance of debt generally are capitalized and amortized over the life of the debt or put date and recorded in Interest expense using the effective interest method. Gains and losses on the extinguishment of debt are recorded in Other income, net.

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Guarantees and Indemnifications Policies [Policy Text Block]

Guarantees and indemnifications are recorded at fair value at their inception. We regularly review our performance risk under these arrangements, and in the event it becomes probable we will be required to perform under the guarantee or indemnification, the amount of probable payment is recorded.

Litigation and claims are accrued when losses are deemed probable and reasonably estimable. In evaluating matters for accrual and disclosure purposes, we take into consideration factors such as our historical experience with matters of a similar nature, the specific facts and circumstances asserted, the likelihood that we will prevail, and the severity of any potential loss. We reevaluate and update our accruals as matters progress over time.