Segment Information - Schedule of Reconciliation of Reportable Segment Amounts to the Consolidated Balances (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 2,943	$ 2,936	$ 2,928	$ 2,777	$ 2,964	$ 2,920	$ 2,872	$ 2,695	$ 11,584	$ 11,451	$ 11,152
Adjustments:
Reimbursable debit network fees, postage, and other									(3,745)	(3,687)	(3,604)
Net (loss) income attributable to First Data Corporation	$ 192	$ 132	$ 152	$ (56)	$ (1,217)	$ (126)	$ (26)	$ (112)	420	(1,481)	(458)
Adjustments:
Depreciation and amortization									949	1,022	1,056
Interest expense, net									1,068	1,537	1,728
Loss on debt extinguishment									70	1,068	274
Income tax expense									81	101	82
Stock-based compensation									263	329	51
Total segment EBITDA									2,892	2,730	2,663
Operating segments
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Revenues									7,141	7,048	6,904
Adjustments
Adjustments:
Non wholly owned entities									(80)	(74)	(57)
ISOs commission expense									(618)	(642)	(587)
Reimbursable debit network fees, postage, and other									(3,745)	(3,687)	(3,604)
Adjustments:
Non wholly owned entities									(30)	(26)	(24)
Depreciation and amortization									949	1,022	1,056
Interest expense, net									1,068	1,537	1,728
Loss on debt extinguishment									70	1,068	274
Other items									71	180	(45)
Income tax expense									81	101	82
Stock-based compensation									$ 263	$ 329	$ 50