v2.4.0.6
Net Sales of Similar Products and Services (Detail) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
 3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2012
Sep. 30, 2012
Jun. 30, 2012
Mar. 31, 2012
Dec. 31, 2011
Sep. 30, 2011
Jun. 30, 2011
Mar. 31, 2011
Dec. 31, 2012
Dec. 31, 2011
Dec. 31, 2010
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]                      
Net sales $ 17,431 [1] $ 10,876 [1] $ 9,913 [1] $ 9,857 [1] $ 21,268 [1] $ 13,806 [1] $ 12,834 [1] $ 13,185 [1] $ 61,093 $ 48,077 $ 34,204
Media
                      
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]                      
Net sales                 19,942 17,779 14,888
Electronics and other general merchandise
                      
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]                      
Net sales                 38,628 28,712 18,363
Other
                      
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]                      
Net sales                 $ 2,523 [2] $ 1,586 [2] $ 953 [2]
[1] The sum of quarterly amounts, including per share amounts, may not equal amounts reported for year-to-date periods. This is due to the effects of rounding and changes in the number of weighted-average shares outstanding for each period.
[2] Includes sales from non-retail activities, such as AWS in the North America segment, advertising services, and our co-branded credit card agreements in both segments.