Receivables - Additional Information on Nonaccrual Receivables (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Receivables [Abstract]
Interest income that would have been recorded if the nonaccrual receivable had been current in accordance with contractual terms during the period	$ 199	$ 213
Interest income that was recorded on nonaccrual receivables included in interest income on nonaccrual loans during the period	$ 14	$ 19

Interest income recorded of nonaccrual receivables in accordance with contractual terms.

No definition available.

Name:	hsbcfc_InterestIncomeRecordedOfNonaccrualReceivablesInAccordanceWithContractualTerms
Namespace Prefix:	hsbcfc_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration