Quarterly Results (Unaudited) - Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended																12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013		Sep. 30, 2013		Jun. 30, 2013		Mar. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Sep. 30, 2012		Jun. 30, 2012		Mar. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Income Statement [Abstract]
Revenues	$ 1,506		$ 1,508		$ 1,562		$ 1,539		$ 1,533		$ 1,455		$ 1,618		$ 1,715		$ 6,115		$ 6,321		$ 5,624
Costs and expenses	1,306		1,265		1,312		1,307		1,290		1,255		1,376		1,488		5,190		5,409		4,994
Income (loss) from continuing operations	128		157		138		142		65		147		129		129		565		470		500
Net (income) loss from continuing operations attributable to noncontrolling interests					(1)		1														2
Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Starwood's common stockholders	128		157		137		143		65		147		129		129		565		470		502
Discontinued operations							70		77		23		(7)		(1)		70		92
Net income attributable to Starwood	$ 128		$ 157		$ 137		$ 213		$ 142		$ 170		$ 122		$ 128		$ 635		$ 562		$ 489
Basic -
Income (loss) from continuing operations	$ 0.68	[1]	$ 0.82	[1]	$ 0.72	[1]	$ 0.74	[1]	$ 0.34	[1]	$ 0.76	[1]	$ 0.67	[1]	$ 0.67	[1]	$ 2.96	[1]	$ 2.44	[1]	$ 2.65
Discontinued operations	$ 0.00	[1]	$ 0.00	[1]	$ 0.00	[1]	$ 0.37	[1]	$ 0.40	[1]	$ 0.12	[1]	$ (0.04)	[1]	$ 0.00	[1]	$ 0.37	[1]	$ 0.48	[1]	$ (0.07)
Net income	$ 0.68	[1]	$ 0.82	[1]	$ 0.72	[1]	$ 1.11	[1]	$ 0.74	[1]	$ 0.88	[1]	$ 0.63	[1]	$ 0.67	[1]	$ 3.33	[1]	$ 2.92	[1]	$ 2.58
Diluted -
Income (loss) from continuing operations	$ 0.67	[1]	$ 0.81	[1]	$ 0.71	[1]	$ 0.73	[1]	$ 0.33	[1]	$ 0.75	[1]	$ 0.66	[1]	$ 0.65	[1]	$ 2.92	[1]	$ 2.39	[1]	$ 2.57
Discontinued operations	$ 0.00	[1]	$ 0.00	[1]	$ 0.00	[1]	$ 0.36	[1]	$ 0.39	[1]	$ 0.12	[1]	$ (0.04)	[1]	$ 0.00	[1]	$ 0.36	[1]	$ 0.47	[1]	$ (0.06)
Net income	$ 0.67	[1]	$ 0.81	[1]	$ 0.71	[1]	$ 1.09	[1]	$ 0.72	[1]	$ 0.87	[1]	$ 0.62	[1]	$ 0.65	[1]	$ 3.28	[1]	$ 2.86	[1]	$ 2.51

[1] Amounts presented are attributable to Starwood's common stockholders.