2.2.0.25falsefalse1024 - Disclosure - SUMMARY OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)truefalsefalse1falsefalseUSDfalsefalse1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010
USD ($)
USD ($) / shares
$eol_PE10216---1010-K0013_STD_365_20101231_0http://www.sec.gov/CIK0001090727duration2010-01-01T00:00:002010-12-31T00:00:00pureStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancepure0iso4217_USDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170iso4217_USD_per_sharesDividehttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso4217http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instanceshares0sharesStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instanceshares0YearStandardhttp://www.ups.com/20101231Yearups0USDUSD$5false0ups_BasisOfPresentationPolicyTextBlockupsfalsenadurationBasis of Presentation Policy [Text Block]falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<div>
<p style="MARGIN-TOP: 6px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><font style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman" size="2"><i>Basis of Financial
Statements and Business Activities</i></font></p>
<p style="MARGIN-TOP: 6px; TEXT-INDENT: 4%; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px">
<font style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman" size="2">The
accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared
in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the
United States (“GAAP”). The accompanying consolidated
financial statements include the accounts of United Parcel Service,
Inc., and all of its consolidated subsidiaries (collectively
“UPS” or the “Company”). All intercompany
balances and transactions have been eliminated.</font></p>
<p style="MARGIN-TOP: 12px; TEXT-INDENT: 4%; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px">
<font style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman" size="2">UPS
concentrates its operations in the field of transportation
services, primarily domestic and international letter and package
delivery. Through our Supply Chain & Freight subsidiaries,
we are also a global provider of specialized transportation,
logistics, and financial services.</font></p>
</div>Basis of Financial
Statements and Business Activities
The
accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared
in accordance with accountingfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringBasis of Presentation Policy [Text Block]No authoritative reference available.falsefalse6false0ups_UseOfEstimatesPolicyTextBlockupsfalsenadurationUse Of Estimates Policy [Text Block]falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<div>
<p style="MARGIN-TOP: 18px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><font style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman" size="2"><i>Use of
Estimates</i></font></p>
<p style="MARGIN-TOP: 6px; TEXT-INDENT: 4%; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px">
<font style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman" size="2">The preparation
of our consolidated financial statements requires the use of
estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of
assets and liabilities, the reported amounts of revenues and
expenses and the disclosure of contingencies. Estimates have been
prepared on the basis of the most current and best information, and
actual results could differ materially from those
estimates.</font></p>
</div>Use of
Estimates
The preparation
of our consolidated financial statements requires the use of
estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amountsfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringUse Of Estimates Policy [Text Block]No authoritative reference available.falsefalse7false0us-gaap_RevenueRecognitionPolicyTextBlockus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<div>
<p style="MARGIN-TOP: 18px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><font style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman" size="2"><i>Revenue
Recognition</i></font></p>
<p style="MARGIN-TOP: 6px; TEXT-INDENT: 4%; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px">
<font style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman" size="2"><i>U.S.
Domestic and International Package Operations</i>—Revenue is
recognized upon delivery of a letter or package.</font></p>
<p style="MARGIN-TOP: 12px; TEXT-INDENT: 4%; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px">
<font style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman" size="2"><i>Forwarding
and Logistics</i>—Freight forwarding revenue and the expense
related to the transportation of freight are recognized at the time
the services are performed. Material management and distribution
revenue is recognized upon performance of the service provided.
Customs brokerage revenue is recognized upon completing documents
necessary for customs entry purposes.</font></p>
<p style="MARGIN-TOP: 12px; TEXT-INDENT: 4%; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px">
<font style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman" size="2"><i>Freight</i>—Revenue is recognized upon delivery of a
less-than-truckload (“LTL”) or truckload
(“TL”) shipment.</font></p>
<p style="MARGIN-TOP: 12px; TEXT-INDENT: 4%; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px">
<font style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman" size="2">We utilize
independent contractors and third party carriers in the performance
of some transportation services. In situations where we act as
principal party to the transaction, we recognize revenue on a gross
basis; in circumstances where we act as an agent, we recognize
revenue net of the cost of the purchased transportation.</font></p>
<p style="MARGIN-TOP: 12px; TEXT-INDENT: 4%; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px">
<font style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman" size="2"><i>Financial
Services</i>—Income on loans and direct finance leases is
recognized on the effective interest method. Accrual of interest
income is suspended at the earlier of the time at which collection
of an account becomes doubtful or the account becomes 90 days
delinquent. Income on operating leases is recognized on the
straight-line method over the terms of the underlying
leases.</font></p>
</div>Revenue
Recognition
U.S.
Domestic and International Package Operations—Revenue is
recognized upon delivery of a letter or package.
Forwarding
andfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringDescribes an entity's accounting policy for revenue recognition. If the entity has different policies for different types of revenue transactions, the policy for each material type of transaction should be disclosed. If a sales transaction has multiple element arrangements (for example, delivery of multiple products, services or the rights to use assets) the disclosure may indicate the accounting policy for each unit of accounting as well as how units of accounting are determined and valued. The disclosure may encompass important judgmen
t as to appropriateness of principles related to recognition of revenue. The disclosure also may indicate the entity's treatment of any unearned or deferred revenue that arises from the transaction.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)
-Number Topic 13
-Section B
-Paragraph Question 1
Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)
-Number 22
-Paragraph 8, 12, 13
falsefalse8false0us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPolicyTextBlockus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<div>
<p style="MARGIN-TOP: 18px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><font style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman" size="2"><i>Cash and Cash
Equivalents</i></font></p>
<p style="MARGIN-TOP: 6px; TEXT-INDENT: 4%; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px">
<font style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman" size="2">Cash and cash
equivalents consist of highly liquid investments that are readily
convertible into cash. We consider securities with maturities of
three months or less, when purchased, to be cash equivalents. The
carrying amount of these securities approximates fair value because
of the short-term maturity of these instruments.</font></p>
</div>Cash and Cash
Equivalents
Cash and cash
equivalents consist of highly liquid investments that are readily
convertible into cash. We consider securities withfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringA description of a company's cash and cash equivalents accounting policy. An entity shall disclose its policy for determining which items are treated as cash equivalents. Other information that may be disclosed includes (1) the nature of any restrictions on the entity's use of its cash and cash equivalents, (2) whether the entity's cash and cash equivalents are insured or expose the entity to credit risk, (3) the classification of any negative balance accounts (overdrafts), and (4) the carr
ying basis of cash equivalents (for example, at cost) and whether the carrying amount of cash equivalents approximates fair value. Cash includes currency on hand as well as demand deposits with banks or financial institutions. It also includes other kinds of accounts that have the general characteristics of demand deposits in that the customer may deposit additional funds at any time and also effectively may withdraw funds at any time without prior notice or penalty. In addition, cash equivalents include short-term, highly liquid investments that are both readily convertible to known amounts of cash and so near their maturity that they present insignificant risk of changes in value because of changes in interest rates. Generally, only investments with original maturities of three months or less qualify under that definition. Original maturity means original maturity to the entity holding the investment. For example, both a three-month US Treasury bill and a three-year Treasury note purchased three months
from maturity qualify as cash equivalents. However, a Treasury note purchased three-years ago does not become a cash equivalent when its remaining maturity is three months. For a bank, may include explanation and amount of requirement to maintain reserves against deposits.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Financial Reporting Release (FRR)
-Number 203
-Paragraph 02-03
Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph 1
-Article 5
Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 95
-Paragraph 7, 8, 9, 10
Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Technical Practice Aid (TPA)
-Number 2110
-Paragraph 6
falsefalse9false0us-gaap_InvestmentPolicyTextBlockus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse
00<div>
<p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><font style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman" size="2"><i>Investments</i></font></p>
<p style="MARGIN-TOP: 6px; TEXT-INDENT: 4%; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px">
<font style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman" size="2">Marketable
securities are classified as available-for-sale and are carried at
fair value, with related unrealized gains and losses reported, net
of tax, as accumulated other comprehensive income
(“AOCI”), a separate component of shareowners’
equity. The amortized cost of debt securities is adjusted for
amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts to maturity.
Such amortization and accretion is included in investment income,
along with interest and dividends. The cost of securities sold is
based on the specific identification method; realized gains and
losses resulting from such sales are included in investment
income.</font></p>
<p style="MARGIN-TOP: 12px; TEXT-INDENT: 4%; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px">
<font style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman" size="2">We periodically
review our investments for indications of other than temporary
impairment considering many factors, including the extent and
duration to which a security’s fair value has been less than
its cost, overall economic and market conditions, and the financial
condition and specific prospects for the issuer. Impairment of
investment securities results in a charge to income when a market
decline below cost is other than temporary.</font></p>
</div>Investments
Marketable
securities are classified as available-for-sale and are carried at
fair value, with related unrealized gains and losses reported,falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringDescribes an entity's accounting policies for investments in financial assets, including marketable securities (debt and equity securities with readily determinable fair values), investments accounted for under the equity method and cost method, securities borrowed and loaned, and repurchase and resale agreements. For marketable securities, the description may include the entity's accounting treatment for transfers between investment categories and how the fair values for such se
curities are determined. Also, for all investments, an entity may describe its policy for assessing, recognizing and measuring impairment of the investment.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 115
-Paragraph 7-16
Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph 2, 12
-Article 5
Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)
-Number Topic 5
-Section M
Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name FASB Staff Position (FSP)
-Number FAS115-1/124-1
-Paragraph 7-18
Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 107
-Paragraph 10, 11
falsefalse10false0us-gaap_ReceivablesPolicyTextBlockus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<div>
<p style="MARGIN-TOP: 18px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><font style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman" size="2"><i>Accounts
Receivable</i></font></p>
<p style="MARGIN-TOP: 6px; TEXT-INDENT: 4%; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px">
<font style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman" size="2">Losses on
accounts receivable are recognized when they are incurred, which
requires us to make our best estimate of the probable losses
inherent in our customer receivables at each balance sheet date.
These estimates require consideration of historical loss
experience, adjusted for current conditions, trends in customer
payment frequency, and judgments about the probable effects of
relevant observable data, including present economic conditions and
the financial health of specific customers and market sectors. Our
risk management process includes standards and policies for
reviewing major account exposures and concentrations of
risk.</font></p>
<p style="MARGIN-TOP: 12px; TEXT-INDENT: 4%; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px">
<font style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman" size="2">Our total
allowance for doubtful accounts as of December 31, 2010 and
2009 was $127 and $138 million, respectively. Our total provision
for doubtful accounts charged to expense during the years ended
December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 was $199, $254 and $277
million, respectively.</font></p>
</div>Accounts
Receivable
Losses on
accounts receivable are recognized when they are incurred, which
requires us to make our best estimate of the probablefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringDescribes an entity's accounting policy for trade and other accounts receivable, and finance, loan and lease receivables, including those classified as held for investment and held for sale. This disclosure may include (1) the basis at which such receivables are carried in the entity's statements of financial position (2) how the level of the valuation allowance for receivables is determined (3) when impairments, charge-offs or recoveries are recognized for such receivables (4) the treatm
ent of origination fees and costs, including the amortization method for net deferred fees or costs (5) the treatment of any premiums or discounts or unearned income (6) the entity's income recognition policies for such receivables, including those that are impaired, past due or placed on nonaccrual status and (7) the treatment of foreclosures or repossessions (8) the nature and amount of any guarantees to repurchase receivables.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph 3-5
-Article 5
Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 114
-Paragraph 20
-Subparagraph b
Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)
-Number 92-5
Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Statement of Position (SOP)
-Number 01-6
-Paragraph 13
falsefalse11false0us-gaap_InventoryPolicyTextBlockus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<div>
<p style="MARGIN-TOP: 18px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><font style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman" size="2"><i>Inventories</i></font></p>
<p style="MARGIN-TOP: 6px; TEXT-INDENT: 4%; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px">
<font style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman" size="2">Jet fuel,
diesel, and unleaded gasoline inventories are valued at the lower
of average cost or market. Fuel and other materials and supplies
inventories are recognized as inventory when purchased, and then
charged to expense when used in our operations. Total inventories
were $319 and $281 million as of December 31, 2010 and 2009,
respectively, and are included in “other current
assets” on the consolidated balance sheet.</font></p>
</div>Inventories
Jet fuel,
diesel, and unleaded gasoline inventories are valued at the lower
of average cost or market. Fuel and other materials andfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringDescribes an entity's accounting policies covering its major classes of inventories, bases of stating inventories (for example lower of cost or market), methods by which amounts are added and removed from inventory classes (for example FIFO, LIFO, or average cost), loss recognition on impairment of inventories, and situations in which inventories are stated above cost. If inventory is carried at cost, this description includes the nature of the cost elements included in inventory.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Financial Reporting Release (FRR)
-Number 206
-Chapter 2
-Paragraph b
-Subparagraph i, ii
Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 43
-Chapter 4
-Paragraph 3, 5-10, 15, 16, 17
Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph 6
-Subparagraph a
-Article 5
Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 43
-Chapter 3
-Section A
-Paragraph 9
Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Statement of Position (SOP)
-Number 81-1
-Paragraph 69-75
falsefalse12false0us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentPolicyTextBlockus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse
00<div>
<p style="MARGIN-TOP: 18px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><font style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman" size="2"><i>Property, Plant and
Equipment</i></font></p>
<p style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; MARGIN-TOP: 6px; TEXT-INDENT: 4%; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px">
<font style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman" size="2">Property, plant
and equipment are carried at cost. Depreciation and amortization
are provided by the straight-line method over the estimated useful
lives of the assets, which are as follows: Vehicles—6 to 15
years; Aircraft—12 to 30 years; Buildings—20 to 40
years; Leasehold Improvements—terms of leases; Plant
Equipment—6 to 8<font size="1"><sup style="POSITION: relative; BOTTOM: 0.8ex; VERTICAL-ALIGN: baseline"> 1</sup></font><font size="2">/</font><font size="1">4</font>
<font style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman" size="2">years;
Technology Equipment—3 to 5 years. The costs of major
airframe and engine overhauls, as well as routine maintenance and
repairs, are charged to expense as incurred.</font></font></p>
<p style="MARGIN-TOP: 12px; TEXT-INDENT: 4%; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px">
<font style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman" size="2">Interest
incurred during the construction period of certain property, plant
and equipment is capitalized until the underlying assets are placed
in service, at which time amortization of the capitalized interest
begins, straight-line, over the estimated useful lives of the
related assets. Capitalized interest was $18, $37 and $48 million
for 2010, 2009, and 2008, respectively.</font></p>
<p style="MARGIN-TOP: 12px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px; FONT-SIZE: 1px">
 </p>
<p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; TEXT-INDENT: 4%; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px">
<font style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman" size="2">We review
long-lived assets for impairment when circumstances indicate the
carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable based on the
undiscounted future cash flows of the asset. If the carrying amount
of the asset is determined not to be recoverable, a write-down to
fair value is recorded. Fair values are determined based on quoted
market values, discounted cash flows, or external appraisals, as
applicable. We review long-lived assets for impairment at the
individual asset or the asset group level for which the lowest
level of independent cash flows can be identified.</font></p>
</div>Property, Plant and
Equipment
Property, plant
and equipment are carried at cost. Depreciation and amortization
are provided by the straight-line method overfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringDescribes an entity's accounting policy for property, plant and equipment which may include the basis of such assets, depreciation methods used and estimated useful lives, the entity's capitalization policy, including its accounting treatment for costs incurred for repairs and maintenance activities, whether such asset balances include capitalized interest and the method by which such is calculated, how disposals of such assets are accounted for and how impairment of such assets is assessed and r
ecognized.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 43
-Chapter 9
-Section C
-Paragraph 5
Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 144
-Paragraph 7
Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)
-Number 22
-Paragraph 12, 13
Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 34
-Paragraph 8, 9
Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph 13
-Subparagraph a
-Article 5
Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)
-Number 12
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph d
falsefalse13false0us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsPolicyTextBlockus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<div>
<p style="MARGIN-TOP: 18px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><font style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman" size="2"><i>Goodwill and Intangible
Assets</i></font></p>
<p style="MARGIN-TOP: 6px; TEXT-INDENT: 4%; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px">
<font style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman" size="2">Costs of
purchased businesses in excess of net identifiable assets acquired
(goodwill), and indefinite-lived intangible assets are tested for
impairment at least annually, unless changes in circumstances
indicate an impairment may have occurred sooner. We are required to
test goodwill on a “reporting unit” basis. A reporting
unit is the operating segment unless, for businesses within that
operating segment, discrete financial information is prepared and
regularly reviewed by management, in which case such a component
business is the reporting unit.</font></p>
<p style="MARGIN-TOP: 12px; TEXT-INDENT: 4%; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px">
<font style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman" size="2">A fair value
approach is used to test goodwill for impairment. An impairment
charge is recognized for the amount, if any, by which the carrying
amount of goodwill exceeds its fair value. We primarily determine
the fair value of our reporting units using a discounted cash flow
model, and supplement this with observable valuation multiples for
comparable companies, as applicable.</font></p>
<p style="MARGIN-TOP: 12px; TEXT-INDENT: 4%; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px">
<font style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman" size="2">Finite-lived
intangible assets, including trademarks, licenses, patents,
customer lists, non-compete agreements, and franchise rights are
amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives
of the assets, which range from 2 to 20 years. Capitalized software
is amortized over periods ranging from 3 to 5 years.</font></p>
</div>Goodwill and Intangible
Assets
Costs of
purchased businesses in excess of net identifiable assets acquired
(goodwill), and indefinite-lived intangible assetsfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringDescribes an entity's accounting policy for goodwill and intangible assets. This accounting policy also may address how an entity assesses and measures impairment of goodwill and intangible assets.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 144
-Paragraph 7-18, 22
Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 142
-Paragraph 4, 11-23, 26, 34
falsefalse14false0ups_InsuranceAndSelfInsurancePolicyTextBlockupsfalsenadurationInsurance And Self Insurance Policy [Text Block]falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsef
alsefalse00<div>
<p style="MARGIN-TOP: 18px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><font style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman" size="2"><i>Self-Insurance
Accruals</i></font></p>
<p style="MARGIN-TOP: 6px; TEXT-INDENT: 4%; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px">
<font style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman" size="2">We self-insure
costs associated with workers’ compensation claims,
automotive liability, health and welfare, and general business
liabilities, up to certain limits. Insurance reserves are
established for estimates of the loss that we will ultimately incur
on reported claims, as well as estimates of claims that have been
incurred but not yet reported. Recorded balances are based on
reserve levels, which incorporate historical loss experience and
judgments about the present and expected levels of cost per
claim.</font></p>
</div>Self-Insurance
Accruals
We self-insure
costs associated with workers’ compensation claims,
automotive liability, health and welfare, and generalfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringInsurance And Self Insurance Policy [Text Block]No authoritative reference available.falsefalse15false0ups_PensionAndPostretirementPlanAssetsPolicyTextBlockupsfalsenadurationPension And Postretirement Plan Assets Policy [Text Block]falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<div>
<p style="MARGIN-TOP: 18px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><font style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman" size="2"><i>Pension and
Postretirement Benefits</i></font></p>
<p style="MARGIN-TOP: 6px; TEXT-INDENT: 4%; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px">
<font style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman" size="2">We incur
certain employment-related expenses associated with pension and
postretirement medical benefits. These pension and postretirement
medical benefit costs for company-sponsored benefit plans are
calculated using various actuarial assumptions and methodologies,
including discount rates, expected returns on plan assets, health
care cost trend rates, inflation, compensation increase rates,
mortality rates, and other factors. Actuarial assumptions are
reviewed on an annual basis, unless circumstances require an
interim remeasurement date for any of our plans.</font></p>
<p style="MARGIN-TOP: 12px; TEXT-INDENT: 4%; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px">
<font style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman" size="2">We participate
in a number of trustee-managed multi-employer pension and health
and welfare plans for employees covered under collective bargaining
agreements. Our contributions to these plans are determined in
accordance with the respective collective bargaining agreements. We
recognize expense for the contractually required contribution for
each period, and we recognize a liability for any contributions due
and unpaid (included in “other current
liabilities”).</font></p>
</div>Pension and
Postretirement Benefits
We incur
certain employment-related expenses associated with pension and
postretirement medical benefits. These pensionfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringPension And Postretirement Plan Assets Policy [Text Block]No authoritative reference available.falsefalse16false0us-gaap_IncomeTaxPolicyTextBlockus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<div>
<p style="MARGIN-TOP: 18px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><font style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman" size="2"><i>Income
Taxes</i></font></p>
<p style="MARGIN-TOP: 6px; TEXT-INDENT: 4%; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px">
<font style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman" size="2">Income taxes
are accounted for on an asset and liability approach that requires
the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the
expected future tax consequences of events that have been
recognized in our consolidated financial statements or tax returns.
In estimating future tax consequences, we generally consider all
expected future events other than proposed changes in the tax law
or rates. Valuation allowances are provided if it is more likely
than not that a deferred tax asset will not be realized.</font></p>
<p style="MARGIN-TOP: 12px; TEXT-INDENT: 4%; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px">
<font style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman" size="2">We recognize
liabilities for uncertain tax positions based on a two-step
process. The first step is to evaluate the tax position for
recognition by determining if the weight of available evidence
indicates that it is more likely than not that the position will be
sustained on audit, including resolution of related appeals or
litigation processes, if any. Once it is determined that the
position meets the recognition threshold, the second step requires
us to estimate and measure the tax benefit as the largest amount
that is more likely than not to be realized upon ultimate
settlement. It is inherently difficult and subjective to estimate
such amounts, as we have to determine the probability of various
possible outcomes. We reevaluate these uncertain tax positions on a
quarterly basis. This evaluation is based on factors including, but
not limited to, changes in facts or circumstances, changes in tax
law, effectively settled issues under audit, and new audit
activity. Such a change in recognition or measurement could result
in the recognition of a tax benefit or an additional charge to the
tax provision.</font></p>
</div>Income
Taxes
Income taxes
are accounted for on an asset and liability approach that requires
the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities forfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringDescribes an entity's accounting policy for income taxes, which may include its accounting policies for recognizing and measuring deferred tax assets and liabilities and related valuation allowances, recognizing investment tax credits, operating loss carryforwards, tax credit carryforwards, and other carryforwards, methodologies for determining its effective income tax rate and the characterization of interest and penalties in the financial statements.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)
-Number 4
-Paragraph 11
Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name FASB Interpretation (FIN)
-Number 48
-Paragraph 20
Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 109
-Paragraph 6-34, 43, 47, 49
falsefalse17false0us-gaap_ForeignCurrencyTransactionsAndTranslationsPolicyTextBlockus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<div>
<p style="MARGIN-TOP: 18px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><font style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman" size="2"><i>Foreign Currency
Translation</i></font></p>
<p style="MARGIN-TOP: 6px; TEXT-INDENT: 4%; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px">
<font style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman" size="2">We translate
the results of operations of our foreign subsidiaries using average
exchange rates during each period, whereas balance sheet accounts
are translated using exchange rates at the end of each period.
Balance sheet currency translation adjustments are recorded in
AOCI. Net currency transaction gains and losses included in other
operating expenses were pre-tax gains (losses) of $7, $(45) and $46
million in 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.</font></p>
</div>Foreign Currency
Translation
We translate
the results of operations of our foreign subsidiaries using average
exchange rates during each period, whereasfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringDescribes a reporting enterprise's accounting policy for (1) transactions denominated in a currency other than the reporting enterprise's functional currency, (2) translating foreign currency financial statements that are incorporated into the financial statements of the reporting enterprise by consolidation, combination, or the equity method of accounting, and (3) remeasurement of the financial statements of a foreign reporting enterprise in a hyperinflationary economy.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 52
-Paragraph 5, 7-20, 80
falsefalse18false0us-gaap_CompensationRelatedCostsPolicyTextBlockus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefals
efalse00<div>
<p style="MARGIN-TOP: 18px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><font style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman" size="2"><i>Stock-Based
Compensation</i></font></p>
<p style="MARGIN-TOP: 6px; TEXT-INDENT: 4%; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px">
<font style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman" size="2">All share-based
awards to employees are to be measured based on their fair values
and expensed over the period during which an employee is required
to provide service in exchange for the award (the vesting period).
We issue employee share-based awards under the UPS Incentive
Compensation Plan that are subject to specific vesting conditions;
generally, the awards cliff vest or vest ratably over a five year
period, “the nominal vesting period,” or at the date
the employee retires (as defined by the plan), if earlier.
Compensation cost is recognized immediately for awards granted to
retirement-eligible employees, or over the period from the grant
date to the date retirement eligibility is achieved, if that is
expected to occur during the nominal vesting period.</font></p>
</div>Stock-Based
Compensation
All share-based
awards to employees are to be measured based on their fair values
and expensed over the period during which anfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringDescribes the entity's accounting policies for salaries, bonuses, incentive awards, postretirement and postemployment benefits granted to its employees, including share-based arrangements; describes its methodologies for measurement, and the bases for recognizing related assets and liabilities and recognizing and reporting compensation expense.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 123R
-Paragraph 4, 9-15, A240
Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 5, 6, 7, 9, 11, 12, 13
falsefalse19false0ups_FairValueMeasurementsAndDisclosuresPolicyTextBlockupsfalsenadurationFair Value Measurements And Disclosures Policy [Text Block]falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<div>
<p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><font style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman" size="2"><i>Fair Value
Measurements</i></font></p>
<p style="MARGIN-TOP: 6px; TEXT-INDENT: 4%; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px">
<font style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman" size="2">Our financial
assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
have been categorized based upon a fair value hierarchy. Level 1
inputs utilize quoted prices in active markets for identical assets
or liabilities. Level 2 inputs are based on other observable market
data, such as quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities, and
inputs other than quoted prices that are observable, such as
interest rates and yield curves. Level 3 inputs are developed from
unobservable data reflecting our own assumptions, and include
situations where there is little or no market activity for the
asset or liability.</font></p>
<p style="MARGIN-TOP: 12px; TEXT-INDENT: 4%; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px">
<font style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman" size="2">Certain
non-financial assets and liabilities are measured at fair value on
a nonrecurring basis, including property, plant, and equipment,
goodwill, and intangible assets. These assets are not measured at
fair value on a recurring basis; however, they are subject to fair
value adjustments in certain circumstances, such as when there is
evidence of an impairment. A general description of the valuation
methodologies used for assets and liabilities measured at fair
value, including the general classification of such assets and
liabilities pursuant to the valuation hierarchy, is included in
each footnote with fair value measurements present.</font></p>
</div>Fair Value
Measurements
Our financial
assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
have been categorized based upon a fair valuefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringFair Value Measurements And Disclosures Policy [Text Block]No authoritative reference available.falsefalse20false0us-gaap_DerivativesPolicyTextBlockus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<div>
<p style="MARGIN-TOP: 18px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><font style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman" size="2"><i>Derivative
Instruments</i></font></p>
<p style="MARGIN-TOP: 6px; TEXT-INDENT: 4%; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px">
<font style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman" size="2">All financial
derivative instruments are recorded on our balance sheet at fair
value. Derivatives not designated as hedges must be adjusted to
fair value through income. If a derivative is designated as a
hedge, depending on the nature of the hedge, changes in its fair
value that are considered to be effective, as defined, either
offset the change in fair value of the hedged assets, liabilities,
or firm commitments through income, or are recorded in AOCI until
the hedged item is recorded in income. Any portion of a change in a
derivative’s fair value that is considered to be ineffective,
or is excluded from the measurement of effectiveness, is recorded
immediately in income.</font></p>
</div>Derivative
Instruments
All financial
derivative instruments are recorded on our balance sheet at fair
value. Derivatives not designated as hedges must befalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringDescribes an entity's accounting policies for its derivative instruments and hedging activities. Disclosure may include: (1) Each method used to account for derivative financial instruments and derivative commodity instruments ("derivatives"); (2) the types of derivatives accounted for under each method; (3) the criteria required to be met for each accounting method used, including a discussion of the criteria required to be met for hedge or deferral accounting and accrual or settlement acc
ounting (for example: whether and how risk reduction, correlation, designation, and effectiveness tests are applied); (4) the accounting method used if the criteria specified for hedge accounting are not met; (5) the method used to account for termination of derivatives designated as hedges or derivatives used to affect directly or indirectly the terms, fair values, or cash flows of a designated item; (6) the method used to account for derivatives when the designated item matures, is sold, is extinguished, or is terminated. In addition, the method used to account for derivatives designated to an anticipated transaction, when the anticipated transaction is no longer likely to occur; and (7) where and when derivatives, and their related gains (losses) are reported in the statement of financial position, cash flows, and results of operations and (8) an accounting policy decision to offset fair value amounts with counterparties. An entity should also consider describing its embedded derivatives, and the method(s
) used to determine the fair values of derivatives and any significant assumptions used in such valuations.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 133
-Paragraph 44
Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 08
-Paragraph n
-Article 4
Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name FASB Interpretation (FIN)
-Number 39
-Paragraph 10
falsefalse21false0ups_RecentAccountingPronouncementsPolicyTextBlockupsfalsenadurationRecent accounting pronouncements , Policy [Text Block]falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<div>
<p style="MARGIN-TOP: 18px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><font style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman" size="2"><i>Recently Adopted
Accounting Standards</i></font></p>
<p style="MARGIN-TOP: 6px; TEXT-INDENT: 4%; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px">
<font style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman" size="2">Provisions
within the following accounting standards were adopted during the
years covered by these consolidated financial
statements:</font></p>
<p style="MARGIN-TOP: 6px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px; MARGIN-LEFT: 4%">
<font style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman" size="2"><i>Financial
Instruments:</i> The Financial Accounting Standards Board
(“FASB”) issued guidance in February 2007 that gives
entities the option to measure eligible financial assets, financial
liabilities and firm commitments at fair value (i.e., the fair
value option), on an instrument-by-instrument basis, that are
otherwise not accounted for at fair value under other accounting
standards. The election to use the fair value option is available
at specified election dates, such as when an entity first
recognizes a financial asset or financial liability or upon
entering into a firm commitment. Subsequent changes in fair value
must be recorded in earnings. Additionally, this guidance allowed
for a one-time election for existing positions upon adoption, with
the transition adjustment recorded to beginning retained earnings.
We adopted this standard on January 1, 2008, and elected to
apply the fair value option to our investment in certain investment
partnerships that were previously accounted for under the equity
method. Accordingly, we recorded a $16 million reduction to
retained earnings as of January 1, 2008. These investments are
reported in “other non-current assets” on the
consolidated balance sheets.</font></p>
<p style="MARGIN-TOP: 6px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px; MARGIN-LEFT: 4%">
<font style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman" size="2"><i>Compensation-Retirement Benefits:</i> We previously utilized
the early measurement date option available in accounting for our
pension and postretirement medical benefit plans, and we measured
the funded status of our plans as of September 30 each year.
Under guidance issued by the FASB<i>,</i> we were required to use a
December 31 measurement date for all of our pension and
postretirement benefit plans beginning in 2008. As a result of this
change in measurement date, we recorded a cumulative effect
after-tax $44 million reduction to retained earnings as of
January 1, 2008.</font></p>
<p style="MARGIN-TOP: 6px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px; MARGIN-LEFT: 4%">
<font style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman" size="2">Beginning in
2009, new guidance was adopted that required disclosures about plan
assets of a defined benefit pension or other postretirement plan,
investment policies and strategies, major categories of plan
assets, inputs and valuation techniques used to measure the fair
value of plan assets and significant concentrations of risk within
plan assets. These disclosures are provided in Note 5 to the
consolidated financial statements.</font></p>
<p style="MARGIN-TOP: 6px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px; MARGIN-LEFT: 4%">
<font style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman" size="2"><i>Fair Value
Measurements and Disclosures:</i> The FASB issued guidance on fair
value measurements that took effect on January 1, 2008 and are
presented in Notes 2, 3, 4, 5, and 14 to the consolidated financial
statements. On January 1, 2009, we implemented the previously
deferred provisions of this guidance for nonfinancial assets and
liabilities recorded at fair value. The accounting requirements for
determining fair value when the volume and level of activity for an
asset or liability have significantly decreased, and for
identifying transactions that are not orderly, contained the
FASB’s guidance were adopted on April 1, 2009, but had
an immaterial impact on our consolidated financial
statements.</font></p>
<p style="MARGIN-TOP: 6px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px; MARGIN-LEFT: 4%">
<font style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman" size="2"><i>Derivatives
and Hedging:</i> The FASB issued certain disclosure requirements
for derivatives and hedging transactions that took effect on
January 1, 2009 and are presented in Note 14.</font></p>
<p style="MARGIN-TOP: 6px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px; MARGIN-LEFT: 4%">
<font style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman" size="2"><i>Business
Combinations:</i> The FASB issued new accounting requirements for
business combinations, which took effect on January 1, 2009.
This new guidance was applied to business combinations completed in
2009, but had an immaterial impact on our consolidated financial
statements.</font></p>
<p style="MARGIN-TOP: 6px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px; MARGIN-LEFT: 4%">
<font style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman" size="2"><i>Consolidation:</i> The FASB issued accounting and
presentation requirements for noncontrolling interests, which took
effect on January 1, 2009, however this new guidance had an
immaterial impact on our consolidated financial
statements.</font></p>
</div>Recently Adopted
Accounting Standards
Provisions
within the following accounting standards were adopted during the
years covered by these consolidatedfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringRecent accounting pronouncements , Policy [Text Block]No authoritative reference available.falsefalse22false0ups_PendingAccountingPronouncementsPolicyTextBlockupsfalsena<
/BalanceType>durationPending Accounting Pronouncements Policy [Text Block]falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<div>
<p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><font style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman" size="2"><i>Accounting Standards
Issued But Not Yet Effective</i></font></p>
<p style="MARGIN-TOP: 6px; TEXT-INDENT: 4%; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px">
<font style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman" size="2">Accounting
pronouncements issued, but not effective until after December 31,
2010, are not expected to have a significant effect on our
consolidated financial position or results or
operations.</font></p>
</div>Accounting Standards
Issued But Not Yet Effective
Accounting
pronouncements issued, but not effective until after December 31,
2010, are not expected to havefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringPending Accounting Pronouncements Policy [Text Block]No authoritative reference available.falsefalse23false0ups_ReclassificationsPolicyTextBlockupsfalsenadurationReclassifications Policy [Text Block]falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00<div>
<p style="MARGIN-TOP: 18px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><font style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman" size="2"><i>Changes in
Presentation</i></font></p>
<p style="MARGIN-TOP: 6px; TEXT-INDENT: 4%; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px">
<font style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman" size="2">Certain prior
year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year
presentation. These reclassifications had no impact on our
financial position or results of operations.</font></p>
</div>Changes in
Presentation
Certain prior
year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year
presentation. These reclassifications had no impactfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringReclassifications Policy [Text Block]No authoritative reference available.falsefalse119SUMMARY OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)UnKnownUnKnownUnKnownUnKnownfalsetrue
