Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits-Assumptions (Details)	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Postretirement Plans Other Than Pensions [Member]
Projected Benefit Obligation [Abstract]
Discount rate	3.60%	4.35%	3.35%
Salary increase assumption	3.00%	2.75%	2.75%
Net Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Discount rate	4.35%	3.35%	4.25%
Salary increase assumption	2.75%	2.75%	2.75%
Hsbc North America [Member] \| HSBC North America Pension Plan [Member]
Projected Benefit Obligation [Abstract]
Discount rate	3.95%	4.80%	3.95%
Salary increase assumption			2.75%
Net Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Discount rate	4.80%	3.95%	4.60%
Salary increase assumption			2.75%
Expected long-term rate of return on Plan assets	6.00%	6.00%	7.00%

The interest rate used to adjust for the time value of money for the plan.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 715

-SubTopic 20

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (k)(1)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35743120&loc=d3e1928-114920

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- Definition

Expected rate of compensation increases (for pay-related plans).

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 715

-SubTopic 20

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (k)(2)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35743120&loc=d3e1928-114920

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- Definition

The interest rate used to adjust for the time value of money.

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- Definition

An assumption as to the rate of return on plan assets reflecting the average rate of earnings expected on the funds invested or to be invested to provide for the benefits included in the benefit obligation.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 715

-SubTopic 30

-Glossary Expected Long-Term Rate of Return on Plan Assets

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6512013

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 715

-SubTopic 20

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (k)(3)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35743120&loc=d3e1928-114920

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- Definition

Expected rate of compensation increases (for pay-related plans).

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 715

-SubTopic 20

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (k)(2)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35743120&loc=d3e1928-114920

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