Receivables - Receivables Classified as Trouble Debt Restructuring Loan (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013
Receivables classified as Trouble Debt Restructuring Loans
TDR loans that became delinquent during the period	$ 91		$ 267		$ 381		$ 982
First Lien [Member]
Receivables classified as Trouble Debt Restructuring Loans
TDR loans that became delinquent during the period	71		160		307		551
Second Lien [Member]
Receivables classified as Trouble Debt Restructuring Loans
TDR loans that became delinquent during the period	13		26		44		90
Personal non-credit card receivables held for sale [Member]
Receivables classified as Trouble Debt Restructuring Loans
TDR loans that became delinquent during the period	0	[1]	0	[1]	0	[1]	21	[1]
Receivables Held For Sale [Member] | Real Estate Secured [Member]
Receivables classified as Trouble Debt Restructuring Loans
TDR loans that became delinquent during the period	7		81		30		320
Receivables Held For Sale and Held for Investment [Member] | Real Estate Secured [Member] | Real estate secured [Member]
Receivables classified as Trouble Debt Restructuring Loans
TDR loans that became delinquent during the period	$ 91		$ 267		$ 381		$ 961

[1] As discussed more fully in Note 7, "Receivables Held for Sale," in our 2013 Form 10-K, we sold our personal non-credit card receivable portfolio on April 1, 2013.