Receivables - Receivables (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Real estate secured:
Total real estate secured	$ 32,939	[1],[2]	$ 42,713	[1],[2]
Total receivables	32,939		47,912	[3]	56,456
HSBC acquisition purchase accounting fair value adjustments	43		57
Accrued finance income	909		1,184
Credit loss reserve for owned receivables	(4,607)		(5,952)		(5,512)	(7,275)
Receivables, net	29,284		43,201
First Mortgage [Member]
Real estate secured:
Total receivables	29,301	[3]	38,235	[3]
Second Mortgage [Member]
Real estate secured:
Total receivables	3,638	[3]	4,478	[3]
Personal non-credit card [Member]
Real estate secured:
Total receivables	0		5,196		7,117
Credit loss reserve for owned receivables	0		(1,040)		(1,325)	(1,848)
Second Mortgage [Member]
Real estate secured:
Total receivables	3,638		4,478		5,477
Credit loss reserve for owned receivables	(740)		(823)		(832)	(1,430)
First Mortgage [Member]
Real estate secured:
Total receivables	29,301		38,235		43,859
Credit loss reserve for owned receivables	(3,867)		(4,089)		(3,355)	(3,997)
Commercial and Other [Member]
Real estate secured:
Total receivables	0		3		3
Credit loss reserve for owned receivables	$ 0		$ 0		$ 0	$ 0

[1] At December 31, 2012 and 2011, nonperforming real estate secured receivables held for investment include $1.7 billion and $4.7 billion, respectively, of receivables that are carried at the lower of amortized cost or fair value of the collateral less cost to sell.

[2] At December 31, 2012 and 2011, nonperforming real estate secured receivables held for investment include $2.1 billion and $3.0 billion, respectively, of TDR Loans, some of which may also be carried at fair value of the collateral less cost to sell.

[3] The receivable balances included in this table reflects the principal amount outstanding on the loan and certain basis adjustments to the loan such as deferred fees and costs on originated loans, purchase accounting fair value adjustments and premiums or discounts on purchased loans. However, these basis adjustments on the loans are excluded in other presentations regarding delinquent account balances.