CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net loss	$ (1,163)	$ (75)	$ 33	$ (63)	$ 65	$ (188)	$ 23	$ (165)	$ (1,268)	$ (265)	$ (775)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Unrealized gains (losses) on securities									3	(7)	1
Pension liability adjustments									(13)	(36)	40
Foreign currency translation adjustment									(290)	(308)	(77)
Total other comprehensive loss, net of tax									(300)	(351)	(36)
Comprehensive loss									(1,568)	(616)	(811)
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interest									203	182	178
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to First Data Corporation									$ (1,771)	$ (798)	$ (989)