Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits-Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Expected benefit payments, in next fiscal year	$ 4
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates [Abstract]
Health care cost trend rate assumed for current fiscal year, participants under 65	7.10%
Health care cost trend rate assumed for current fiscal year, participants over 65	7.40%
Ultimate health care cost trend rate	4.50%
Year that rate reaches ultimate trend rate	2026
Postretirement Plans Other Than Pensions [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Expected benefit payments, in next fiscal year	$ 4
Funded status of plan, asset (liablity)	(42)
HSBC North America [Member] | HSBC North America Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Loss on partial settlement of Plan pension obligation	$ 0	$ 35	$ 0