Note 5 - Segments (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012		Sep. 30, 2011		Sep. 30, 2012 segments		Sep. 30, 2011
Financial performance of operating segments
Number of reportable segments					3
Total consolidated net revenue	$ 3,404	[1]	$ 2,966	[1]	$ 10,079	[1]	$ 8,272	[1]
Operating income (loss)	667	[1]	537	[1]	2,015	[1]	1,620	[1]
Marketplaces
Financial performance of operating segments
Net transaction revenues	1,490	[1]	1,354	[1]	4,406	[1]	3,988	[1]
Marketing services and other revenues	316	[1]	299	[1]	942	[1]	882	[1]
Revenue by reportable segment	1,806	[1]	1,653	[1]	5,348	[1]	4,870	[1]
Operating income (loss)	705	[1]	637	[1]	2,093	[1]	1,911	[1]
Payments
Financial performance of operating segments
Net transaction revenues	1,264	[1]	1,032	[1]	3,715	[1]	2,966	[1]
Marketing services and other revenues	102	[1]	74	[1]	318	[1]	206	[1]
Revenue by reportable segment	1,367	[1]	1,107	[1]	4,033	[1]	3,173	[1]
Operating income (loss)	309	[1]	216	[1]	1,004	[1]	672	[1]
GSI
Financial performance of operating segments
Net transaction revenues	170	[1]	148	[1]	516	[1]	165	[1]
Marketing services and other revenues	57	[1]	54	[1]	168	[1]	62	[1]
Revenue by reportable segment	226	[1]	202	[1]	684	[1]	227	[1]
Operating income (loss)	14	[1]	6	[1]	47	[1]	5	[1]
Corporate and other
Financial performance of operating segments
Marketing services and other revenues	11	[1]	3	[1]	27	[1]	3	[1]
Operating income (loss)	(361)	[1]	(322)	[1]	(1,129)	[1]	(968)	[1]
Intersegment Elimination
Financial performance of operating segments
Elimination of inter-segment revenue	$ (6)	[1],[2]	$ 0	[1],[2]	$ (13)	[1],[2]	$ 0	[1],[2]

[1] Certain amounts may not sum due to rounding.

[2] Represents revenue generated between our reportable segments.