Settlement and Other Risk Management Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Settlement and Other Risk Management [Abstract]
Travelers cheques outstanding, notional value	$ 397	$ 420
Travelers cheques covered by collateral arrangements	$ 312	$ 332

Represents the notional value of outstanding Travelers cheques issued by others, for which the company has guaranteed the payment in the event of issuer default.

No definition available.

Name:	ma_TravelersChequesOutstandingNotionalValue
Namespace Prefix:	ma_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant