Note 12 - Commitments and Contingencies Schedule of Commitments (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Fair Value, Off-balance Sheet Risks, Disclosure Information [Line Items]
Pooling arrangement, cash withdrawals	$ 5,500,000,000
Pooling arrangement, aggregate cash deposits	5,500,000,000
Funds receivable and customer accounts	8,094,000,000	3,968,000,000
Funds Held on Behalf of Customers [Member]
Fair Value, Off-balance Sheet Risks, Disclosure Information [Line Items]
Off-balance sheet funds	0
Paypal [Member] | Funds Held as Direct Claim or as Agent [Member]
Fair Value, Off-balance Sheet Risks, Disclosure Information [Line Items]
Off-balance sheet funds		2,700,000,000
UNITED STATES | Paypal [Member]
Fair Value, Off-balance Sheet Risks, Disclosure Information [Line Items]
Funds receivable and customer accounts	$ 3,300,000,000