Note 5 - Segments (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010	Sep. 30, 2011 years acquisitions segments	Sep. 30, 2010
Financial performance of operating segments
Number of reporting segments			3
Net revenues from external customers	$ 2,965,761	$ 2,249,488	$ 8,271,644	$ 6,660,924
Income from operations	536,821	490,176	1,620,374	1,463,350
Marketplaces [Member]
Financial performance of operating segments
Net transaction revenues	1,353,660	1,185,563	3,988,055	3,541,014
Marketing services and other revenues	299,246	225,760	881,552	655,438
Net revenues from external customers	1,652,906	1,411,323	4,869,607	4,196,452
Income from operations	636,683	560,692	1,910,918	1,707,077
Payments [Member]
Financial performance of operating segments
Net transaction revenues	1,032,816	797,826	2,966,643	2,335,153
Marketing services and other revenues	74,386	40,339	205,902	129,319
Net revenues from external customers	1,107,202	838,165	3,172,545	2,464,472
Income from operations	216,227	161,668	672,370	506,771
GSI Commerce [Member]
Financial performance of operating segments
Net transaction revenues	148,444	0	164,504	0
Marketing services and other revenues	54,174	0	61,953	0
Net revenues from external customers	202,618	0	226,457	0
Income from operations	5,669	0	5,466	0
Corporate Elimination [Member]
Financial performance of operating segments
Marketing services and other revenues	3,035	0	3,035	0
Income from operations	$ (321,758)	$ (232,184)	$ (968,380)	$ (750,498)