CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ 660	$ (1,268)	$ (265)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(153)	(290)	(308)
Pension liability adjustments	38	(13)	(36)
Derivative instruments	3	0	0
Marketable securities	0	3	(7)
Total other comprehensive loss, net of tax	(112)	(300)	(351)
Comprehensive income (loss)	548	(1,568)	(616)
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interest	235	203	182
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to First Data Corporation	$ 313	$ (1,771)	$ (798)