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<p style="margin-top: 6px; text-indent: 4%; margin-bottom: 0px;"><font style="font-family: Times New Roman;" class="_mt" size="2"><i>Organization</i>—MasterCard Incorporated and its consolidated subsidiaries, including MasterCard International Incorporated ("MasterCard International") and MasterCard Europe sprl ("MasterCard Europe") (together, "MasterCard" or the "Company"), provide payment solutions, including transaction processing and related services to customers principally in support of their credit, deposit access (debit), prepaid, electronic cash and Automated Teller Machine ("ATM") payment card programs, and travelers cheque programs. Our financial institution customers are generally either principal members ("principal members") of MasterCard International, which participate directly in MasterCard International's business, or affiliate members ("affiliate members") of MasterCard International, which participate indirectly in MasterCard International's business thro
ugh a principal member. </font></p></div> </div>Organization—MasterCard Incorporated and its consolidated subsidiaries, including MasterCard International Incorporated ("MasterCard International") andfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringOrganization PolicyNo authoritative reference available.falsefalse4false0us-gaap_ConsolidationPolicyTextBlockus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00<div> <div>
<p style="margin-top: 12px; text-indent: 4%; margin-bottom: 0px;"><font style="font-family: Times New Roman;" class="_mt" size="2"><i>Consolidation and basis of presentation</i>—The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of MasterCard and its majority-owned and controlled entities, including any variable interest entities for which the Company is the primary beneficiary. Intercompany transactions and balances are eliminated in consolidation. The Company follows accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP"). </font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 12px; text-indent: 4%; margin-bottom: 0px;"><font style="font-family: Times New Roman;" class="_mt" size="2">The Company is a variable interest holder in certain entities that do not have sufficient equity at risk to finance their activities without additional subordinated financial support from other parties or whose equity investors lack the ability to control the entity's activities (referred to as VIEs). These variable interests arise from contractual, ownership or other monetary interests in the entities. The Company consolidates a VIE if it is the primary beneficiary, defined as the entity that has both the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the VIE's economic performance and a variable interest that could potentially be significant to the VIE. To determine whether or not a variable interest the Company holds could potentially be significant to the VIE, the Company considers both qualitative and quantitative factors regarding the nature, size
and form of the Company's involvement with the VIE. The Company assesses whether or not it is the primary beneficiary of a VIE on an on-going basis. Investments in variable interest entities for which the Company is not considered the primary beneficiary are not consolidated and are accounted for as equity method or cost method investments. See Note 16 (Consolidation of Variable Interest Entity) for further discussion. </font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 12px; text-indent: 4%; margin-bottom: 0px;"><font style="font-family: Times New Roman;" class="_mt" size="2">Non-controlling interest represents the equity interest not owned by the Company and is recorded for consolidated entities in which the Company owns less than 100% of the interests. Non-controlling interests are reported as a component of equity. In addition, changes in a parent's ownership interest while the parent retains its controlling interest are accounted for as equity transactions, and upon a gain or loss of control, retained ownership interests are remeasured at fair value, with any gain or loss recognized in earnings. </font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 12px; text-indent: 4%; margin-bottom: 0px;"><font style="font-family: Times New Roman;" class="_mt" size="2">The Company accounts for investments in common stock or in-substance common stock under the equity method of accounting when it has the ability to exercise significant influence over the investee, generally when it holds 20% or more of the common stock in the entity. MasterCard's share of net earnings or losses of entities accounted for under the equity method of accounting is included in other income (expense) on the consolidated statement of operations. The Company accounts for investments under the historical cost method of accounting when it does not exercise significant influence, generally when it holds less than 20% ownership in the common stock of the entity. Investments for which the equity method or historical cost method of accounting are used are recorded in other assets on the consolidated balance sheet.</font></p></div> </div>Consolidation and basis of presentation—The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of MasterCard and its majority-owned and controlledfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringDescribes an entity's accounting policy regarding (1) the principles it follows in consolidating or combining the separate financial statements, including the principles followed in determining the inclusion or exclusion of subsidiaries or other entities in the consolidated or combined financial statements and (2) its treatment of interests (for ex
ample common stock, a partnership interest or other means of exerting influence) in other entities, for example consolidation or use of the equity or cost methods of accounting. An entity also may describe its accounting treatment for intercompany accounts and transactions, noncontrolling interest, and the income statement treatment in consolidation for issuances of stock by a subsidiary.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name FASB Interpretation (FIN)
-Number 46R
-Paragraph 4
-Subparagraph c
Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph k
-Article 1
Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)
-Number 18
-Paragraph 5, 6, 16-19
Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02, 03
-Article 3A
Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 2-6
Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 140
-Paragraph 46
Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)
-Number 18
-Paragraph 20
-Subparagraph a(2)
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-Publisher FASB
-Name FASB Interpretation (FIN)
-Number 46R
-Paragraph 4
-Subparagraph d
Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)
-Number 97-2
Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)
-Number 96-16
Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name FASB Interpretation (FIN)
-Number 46R
-Paragraph 14, 15
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<p style="margin-top: 12px; text-indent: 4%; margin-bottom: 0px;"><font style="font-family: Times New Roman;" class="_mt" size="2"><i>Reclassification of prior period amounts</i>—Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the 2010 presentation. Additionally, in 2009, the Company reclassified amounts that primarily related to the adoption of certain accounting standards and the reclassification of certain cardholder-related enhancement expenses, which were previously classified as advertising and marketing expenses, to general and administrative expenses. These cardholder benefit program expenses, such as insurance and card replacements, were previously deemed promotional features of the cards and over time have become standard product offerings in certain card categories. Approximately $83 million of these expenses were reclassified for the year ended December 31, 2008 to conform to the 2009 presentation. </font></p></div> &l
t;/div>Reclassification of prior period amounts—Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the 2010 presentation. Additionally, in 2009,falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringReclassification Of Prior Period Amounts PolicyNo authoritative reference available.falsefalse6false0ma_UseOfEstimatesPolicyTextBlockmafalsenadurationUse of Estimates Policyfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00<div> <div>
<p style="margin-top: 12px; text-indent: 4%; margin-bottom: 0px;"><font style="font-family: Times New Roman;" class="_mt" size="2"><i>Use of estimates</i>—The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting periods. Management has established detailed policies and control procedures to ensure the methods used to make estimates are well controlled and applied consistently from period to period. Actual results may differ from these estimates. </font></p></div> </div>Use of estimates—The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect thefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringUse of Estimates PolicyNo authoritative reference available.falsefalse7false0ma_FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsPolicyTextBlockmafalsenadurationFair Value Of Financial Instruments Poli
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<p style="margin-top: 12px; text-indent: 4%; margin-bottom: 0px;"><font style="font-family: Times New Roman;" class="_mt" size="2"><i>Fair value</i>—The Company measures certain financial assets and liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis by estimating the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. When valuing liabilities, the Company also considers the Company's creditworthiness. The Company classifies these recurring fair value measurements into a three-level hierarchy ("Valuation Hierarchy") and discloses the significant assumptions utilized in measuring all of its assets and liabilities at fair value. </font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 12px; text-indent: 4%; margin-bottom: 0px;"><font style="font-family: Times New Roman;" class="_mt" size="2">The Valuation Hierarchy is based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability as of the measurement date. A financial instrument's categorization within the Valuation Hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The three levels of the Valuation Hierarchy are as follows: </font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; font-size: 6px;"> </p>
<table style="border-collapse: collapse;" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%">
<tr><td width="4%"><font class="_mt" size="1"> </font></td>
<td valign="top" width="2%" align="left"><font style="font-family: Times New Roman;" class="_mt" size="2">•</font></td>
<td valign="top" width="1%"><font class="_mt" size="1"> </font></td>
<td valign="top" align="left">
<p align="left"><font style="font-family: Times New Roman;" class="_mt" size="2">Level 1—inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets. </font></p></td></tr></table>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; font-size: 6px;"> </p>
<table style="border-collapse: collapse;" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%">
<tr><td width="4%"><font class="_mt" size="1"> </font></td>
<td valign="top" width="2%" align="left"><font style="font-family: Times New Roman;" class="_mt" size="2">•</font></td>
<td valign="top" width="1%"><font class="_mt" size="1"> </font></td>
<td valign="top" align="left">
<p align="left"><font style="font-family: Times New Roman;" class="_mt" size="2">Level 2—inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical assets and liabilities in inactive markets and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument. </font></p></td></tr></table>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; font-size: 6px;"> </p>
<table style="border-collapse: collapse;" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%">
<tr><td width="4%"><font class="_mt" size="1"> </font></td>
<td valign="top" width="2%" align="left"><font style="font-family: Times New Roman;" class="_mt" size="2">•</font></td>
<td valign="top" width="1%"><font class="_mt" size="1"> </font></td>
<td valign="top" align="left">
<p align="left"><font style="font-family: Times New Roman;" class="_mt" size="2">Level 3—inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement. </font></p></td></tr></table>
<p style="margin-top: 12px; text-indent: 4%; margin-bottom: 0px;"><font style="font-family: Times New Roman;" class="_mt" size="2">Certain assets and liabilities are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. The Company's non financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis include property, plant and equipment, goodwill and other intangible assets. These assets are not measured at fair value on an ongoing basis; however, they are subject to fair value adjustments in certain circumstances, such as when there is evidence of impairment. </font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 12px; text-indent: 4%; margin-bottom: 0px;"><font style="font-family: Times New Roman;" class="_mt" size="2">The valuation methods for goodwill and other intangible assets involve assumptions concerning comparable company multiples, discount rates, growth projections and other assumptions of future business conditions. As the assumptions employed to measure these assets and liabilities on a nonrecurring basis are based on management's judgment using internal and external data, these fair value determinations are classified in Level 3 of the Valuation Hierarchy. See Note 5 (Fair Value) for information about methods and assumptions. The Company has not elected to apply the fair value option to its eligible financial assets and liabilities. </font></p></div> </div>Fair value—The Company measures certain financial assets and liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis by estimating the price that would
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<p style="margin-top: 12px; text-indent: 4%; margin-bottom: 0px;"><font style="font-family: Times New Roman;" class="_mt" size="2"><i>Cash and cash equivalents</i>—Cash and cash equivalents include certain liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less from the date of purchase. Cash equivalents are recorded at cost, which approximates fair value. </font></p></div> </div>Cash and cash equivalents—Cash and cash equivalents include certain liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less from the date of purchase.falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtheru
s-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 carrying 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 fund
s 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
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<p style="margin-top: 12px; text-indent: 4%; margin-bottom: 0px;"><font style="font-family: Times New Roman;" class="_mt" size="2"><i>Restricted Cash</i>—The Company classifies cash as restricted when the cash is unavailable for withdrawal or usage. Restrictions may include legally restricted deposits, contracts entered into with others, or the Company's statements of intention with regard to particular deposits. </font></p></div> </div>Restricted Cash—The Company classifies cash as restricted when the cash is unavailable for withdrawal or usage. Restrictions may include legallyfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringRestricted Cash PolicyNo authoritative reference available.falsefalse10false0us-gaap_InvestmentPolicyTextBlockus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00<div> <div class="MetaData">
<p style="margin-top: 12px; text-indent: 4%; margin-bottom: 0px;"><font style="font-family: Times New Roman;" class="_mt" size="2"><i>Investment securities</i>—The Company classifies investments in debt securities as held-to-maturity or available-for-sale and classifies investments in equity securities as available-for-sale or trading. Available-for-sale securities that are available to meet the Company's current operational needs are classified as current assets. Available-for-sale securities that are not available to meet the Company's current operational needs are classified as non-current assets. </font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 12px; text-indent: 4%; margin-bottom: 0px;"><font style="font-family: Times New Roman;" class="_mt" size="2">Investments in debt securities are classified as held-to-maturity when the Company has the intent and ability to hold the debt securities to maturity and are stated at amortized cost. Investments in debt securities not classified as held-to-maturity are classified as available-for-sale and are carried at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses, net of applicable taxes, recorded as a separate component of other comprehensive income (loss) on the consolidated statement of comprehensive income (loss). Net realized gains and losses on debt securities are recognized in investment income on the consolidated statement of operations. </font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 12px; text-indent: 4%; margin-bottom: 0px;"><font style="font-family: Times New Roman;" class="_mt" size="2">The fair values of the Company's short-term bond funds are based on quoted prices for identical investments in active markets and are therefore included in Level 1 of the Valuation Hierarchy. The fair values of the Company's available-for-sale municipal bonds are based on quoted prices for similar assets in active markets and are therefore included in Level 2 of the Valuation Hierarchy. The fair value determination for the Company's Auction Rate Securities ("ARS") is based primarily on an income approach and is therefore included in Level 3 of the Valuation Hierarchy. See Note 5 (Fair Value) and Note 6 (Investment Securities) for additional disclosures related to the fair value standard. </font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 12px; text-indent: 4%; margin-bottom: 0px;"><font style="font-family: Times New Roman;" class="_mt" size="2">The Company has incorporated the considerations of guidance pertaining to determining the fair value of financial assets in inactive markets in its assessment of the fair value of its ARS as of December 31, 2010 and 2009. The guidance provides consideration of how management's internal cash flow and discount rate assumptions should be considered when measuring fair value when relevant observable data does not exist, how observable market information in a market that is not active should be considered when measuring fair value and how the use of market quotes should be considered when assessing the relevance of observable and unobservable data available to measure fair value. See Note 5 (Fair Value) for further detail. </font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 12px; text-indent: 4%; margin-bottom: 0px;"><font style="font-family: Times New Roman;" class="_mt" size="2">Investments in equity securities classified as available-for-sale are carried at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses, net of applicable taxes, recorded as a separate component of other comprehensive income (loss) on the consolidated statement of comprehensive income (loss). Net realized gains and losses on available-for-sale equity securities are recognized in investment income on the consolidated statement of operations. The specific identification method is used to determine realized gains and losses. </font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 12px; text-indent: 4%; margin-bottom: 0px;"><font style="font-family: Times New Roman;" class="_mt" size="2">Available-for-sale debt and equity securities are evaluated for other than temporary impairment on an ongoing basis. If an investment is determined to be other than temporarily impaired, realized losses are recognized in investment income on the consolidated statements of operations. </font></p></div> </div>Investment securities—The Company classifies investments in debt securities as held-to-maturity or available-for-sale and classifies investments infalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOthe
rus-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 securities 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
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<p style="margin-top: 12px; text-indent: 4%; margin-bottom: 0px;"><font style="font-family: Times New Roman;" class="_mt" size="2"><i>Settlement due from/due to customers</i>—The Company operates systems for clearing and settling payment transactions among MasterCard International members. Net settlements are generally cleared daily among members through settlement cash accounts by wire transfer or other bank clearing means. However, some transactions may not settle until subsequent business days, resulting in amounts due from and due to MasterCard International members. </font></p></div> </div>Settlement due from/due to customers—The Company operates systems for clearing and settling payment transactions among MasterCard International members.falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringSettlement Due To And From CustomersNo authoritative reference available.falsefalse12false0ma_RestrictedSecurityDepositsPolicyTextBlockmafalsenadurationRestricted Security Deposits Policyfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00<div> <div>
<p style="margin-top: 12px; text-indent: 4%; margin-bottom: 0px;"><font style="font-family: Times New Roman;" class="_mt" size="2"><i>Restricted security deposits held for MasterCard International members</i>—MasterCard requires and holds cash deposits and certificates of deposit from certain members of MasterCard International as collateral for settlement of their transactions. These assets are fully offset by corresponding liabilities included on the consolidated balance sheet. However, the majority of collateral for settlement is typically in the form of standby letters of credit and bank guarantees which are not recorded on the balance sheet. </font></p></div> </div>Restricted security deposits held for MasterCard International members—MasterCard requires and holds cash deposits and certificates of deposit fromfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringRestricted Security Deposits PolicyNo authoritative reference available.falsefalse13false0us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentPolicyTextBlockus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00<div> <div class="MetaData">
<p style="margin-top: 12px; text-indent: 4%; margin-bottom: 0px;"><font style="font-family: Times New Roman;" class="_mt" size="2"><i>Property, plant and equipment</i>—Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation of equipment and furniture and fixtures is computed using the straight-line method over the related estimated useful lives of the assets, generally ranging from two to five years. Amortization of leasehold improvements is generally computed using the straight-line method over the lesser of the estimated useful lives of the improvements or the terms of the related leases. Capital leases are amortized using the straight-line method over the lives of the leases. Depreciation on buildings is calculated using the straight-line method over an estimated useful life of 30 years. Amortization of leasehold improvements and capital leases is included in depreciation expense. </font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 12px; text-indent: 4%; margin-bottom: 0px;"><font style="font-family: Times New Roman;" class="_mt" size="2">The Company evaluates the recoverability of all long-lived assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amount may not be recoverable. If the carrying value of the asset cannot be recovered from estimated future cash flows, undiscounted and without interest, the fair value of the asset is calculated using the present value of estimated net future cash flows. If the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its fair value, an impairment is recorded. </font></p></div> </div>Property, plant and equipment—Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation of equipmentfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-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 recognized.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
falsefalse14false0us-gaap_LeasePolicyTextBlockus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00<div> <div>
<p style="margin-top: 12px; text-indent: 4%; margin-bottom: 0px;"><font style="font-family: Times New Roman;" class="_mt" size="2"><i>Leases</i>—The Company enters into operating and capital leases for the use of premises, software and equipment. Rent expense related to lease agreements which contain lease incentives is recorded on a straight-line basis. </font></p></div> </div>Leases—The Company enters into operating and capital leases for the use of premises, software and equipment. Rent expense related to lease agreementsfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:t
extBlockItemTypestringDescribes an entity's accounting policy for leasing arrangements (both lessor and lessee). This description may address (1) lease classification (that is, operating versus capital), (2) how the term of a lease is determined (for example, the circumstances in which a renewal option is considered part of the lease term), (3) how rental revenue or expense is recognized for a lease that contains rent escalations, (4) an entity's accounting treatment for deferred rent, including that which arises from lease incentives, rent abatements, rent holidays, or tenant allowances (5) an entity's accounting treatment for contingent rental payments and (6) an entity's policy for reviewing, at least annually, the residual values of sales-type and direct-finance leases. The description also may indicate how the entity accounts for its capital leases, leveraged leases or sale-leaseback transactions.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 13
-Paragraph 6, 7-15, 17, 18, 19, 32, 34, 43-47
Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 34
-Paragraph 1
Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 98
-Paragraph 7
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<p style="margin-top: 12px; text-indent: 4%; margin-bottom: 0px;"><font style="font-family: Times New Roman;" class="_mt" size="2"><i>Business combinations</i>—The Company accounts for businesses acquired in business combinations under the acquisition method of accounting. The Company measures the tangible and intangible identifiable assets acquired, liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree at the acquisition date, at their fair values as of that date. Acquisition-related costs are expensed separately from the business combination and are included in general and administrative expenses. Any excess of purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired, including identifiable intangible assets, is recorded as goodwill. </font></p></div> </div>Business combinations—The Company accounts for businesses acquired in business combinations under the acquisition method of accou
nting. The CompanyfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringDescribes the entity's accounting policies for business combinations and other business acquisition transactions not accounted for using the purchase method, such as an exchange of shares between entities under common control.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 141
-Paragraph 9, 10, 11, 12, 13
falsefalse16false0ma_GoodwillPolicyTextBlockmafalsenadurationGoodwill Policyfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00<div> <div class="MetaData">
<p style="margin-top: 12px; text-indent: 4%; margin-bottom: 0px;"><font style="font-family: Times New Roman;" class="_mt" size="2"><i>Goodwill</i>—Goodwill represents the excess of cost over net assets acquired in connection with the acquisition of businesses accounted for as business combinations. The Company tests its goodwill for impairment annually as of October 1, or sooner if indicators of impairment exist. The impairment evaluation utilizes a two step approach. The first step is to determine if the carrying value of the reporting unit including its goodwill exceeds its fair value. If so, the second step measures the amount of the impairment loss. Impairment charges, if any, are recorded in general and administrative expenses on the consolidated statement of operations. See Note 10 (Goodwill) for additional information on the Company's goodwill. </font></p></div> </div>Goodwill—Goodwill
represents the excess of cost over net assets acquired in connection with the acquisition of businesses accounted for as businessfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringGoodwill PolicyNo authoritative reference available.falsefalse17false0ma_IntangibleAssetsPolicyTextBlockmafalsenadurationIntangible Assets Policyfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00<div> <div class="MetaData">
<p style="margin-top: 12px; text-indent: 4%; margin-bottom: 0px;"><font style="font-family: Times New Roman;" class="_mt" size="2"><i>Intangible assets</i>—Intangible assets consist of capitalized software costs, trademarks, tradenames, customer relationships and other intangible assets, which have finite lives, and customer relationships related to the acquisition of Europay International S.A. in 2002, which have indefinite lives. Intangible assets with finite useful lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives, which range from 1 to 10 years, under the straight-line method. For capitalized software, MasterCard capitalizes average internal costs incurred for payroll and payroll related expenses by department for the employees who directly devote time to the design, development and testing phases of each capitalized software project. </font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; font-size: 1px;"> </p>
<p style="margin-top: 12px; text-indent: 4%; margin-bottom: 0px;"><font style="font-family: Times New Roman;" class="_mt" size="2">The Company reviews intangible assets with finite lives for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amounts may not be recoverable. Impairment losses are recognized when the expected undiscounted cash flows of an asset group are less than the carrying value. Impairment charges are recorded in general and administrative expense on the consolidated statement of operations. Intangible assets with indefinite lives are tested for impairment annually as of October 1, or sooner if indicators of impairment exist. Impairment exists if the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than carrying value. See Note 11 (Other Intangible Assets) for further detail on impairment charges and other information regarding intangible assets. </font></p></div> </div>Intangible assets—Intangible assets consist of capitalized software costs, trademarks, tradenames, customer relationships and other intangible assets,falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringIntangible Assets PolicyNo authoritative reference available.falsefalse18false0ma_TreasuryStockPolicyTextBlockmafalsenadurationTreasury Stock, Policyfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00<div> <div>
<p style="margin-top: 12px; text-indent: 4%; margin-bottom: 0px;"><font style="font-family: Times New Roman;" class="_mt" size="2"><i>Treasury stock</i>—The Company records the repurchase of shares of common stock at cost based on the settlement date of the transaction. These shares are classified as treasury stock, which is a reduction to stockholders' equity. Treasury stock is included in authorized and issued shares but excluded from outstanding shares. </font></p></div> </div>Treasury stock—The Company records the repurchase of shares of common stock at cost based on the settlement date of the transaction. These shares arefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringTreasury Stock, PolicyNo authoritative reference available.falsefalse19false0us-gaap_LegalCostsPolicyTextBlockus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00<div> <div class="MetaData">
<p style="margin-top: 12px; text-indent: 4%; margin-bottom: 0px;"><font style="font-family: Times New Roman;" class="_mt" size="2"><i>Litigation</i>—The Company is a party to certain legal and regulatory proceedings with respect to a variety of matters. Except as described in Note 20 (Obligations Under Litigation Settlements) and Note 22 (Legal and Regulatory Proceedings), MasterCard does not believe that any legal or regulatory proceedings to which it is a party would have a material adverse impact on its business or prospects. The Company evaluates the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome of all legal or regulatory proceedings to which it is a party and accrues a loss contingency when the loss is probable and reasonably estimable. These judgments are subjective based on the status of the legal or regulatory proceedings, the merits of its defenses and consultation with in-house and external legal counsel. The actual outcomes of these proceedings may materially differ from t
he Company's judgments. Legal costs are expensed as incurred and recorded in general and administrative expenses. </font></p></div> </div>Litigation—The Company is a party to certain legal and regulatory proceedings with respect to a variety of matters. Except as described in Note 20falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringDescribes an entity's accounting policy for legal costs incurred to protect or defend the entity's assets and rights, or to obtain assets, including monetary damages, or to obtain rights.<
/ElementDefenition>Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)
-Number 22
-Paragraph 8
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<p style="margin-top: 12px; text-indent: 4%; margin-bottom: 0px;"><font style="font-family: Times New Roman;" class="_mt" size="2"><i>Settlement and other risk management</i>—MasterCard has global risk management policies and procedures, which include risk standards to provide a framework for managing the Company's settlement exposure. Settlement risk is the legal exposure due to the difference in timing between the payment transaction date and subsequent settlement. MasterCard International's rules generally guarantee the payment of certain MasterCard, Cirrus and Maestro-branded transactions between its principal members. The term and amount of the guarantee are unlimited. Settlement exposure under the guarantee is short term and typically limited to a few days. In the event that MasterCard International effects a payment on behalf of a failed member, MasterCard International may seek an assignment of the underlying receivables. Subject to approval by the Company's Board of
Directors, members may be charged for the amount of any settlement losses incurred during the ordinary activities of the Company. MasterCard has also guaranteed the payment of MasterCard-branded travelers cheques in the event of issuer default. The term of the guarantee is unlimited, while the amount is limited to cheques issued but not yet cashed. The Company may also have other guarantee obligations in the course of its business. The Company accounts for each of its guarantees issued or modified after December 31, 2002, the adoption date of the relevant accounting standard, by recording the guarantee at its fair value at the inception or modification of the guarantee through earnings. To the extent that a guarantee is modified subsequent to the inception of the guarantee, the Company remeasures the fair value of the guarantee at the date of modification through earnings. </font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 12px; text-indent: 4%; margin-bottom: 0px;"><font style="font-family: Times New Roman;" class="_mt" size="2">The Company enters into business agreements in the ordinary course of business under which the Company agrees to indemnify third parties against damages, losses and expenses incurred in connection with legal and other proceedings arising from relationships or transactions with the Company. As the extent of the Company's obligations under these agreements depends entirely upon the occurrence of future events, the Company's potential future liability under these agreements is not determinable. See Note 5 (Fair Value) and Note 23 (Settlement and Other Risk Management). </font></p></div> </div>Settlement and other risk management—MasterCard has global risk management policies and procedures, which include risk standards to provide a frameworkfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringSettlement, Travelers Cheque and Other Risk ManagementNo authoritative reference available.falsefalse21false0us-gaap_DerivativesPolicyTextBlockus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00<div> <div class="MetaData">
<p style="margin-top: 12px; text-indent: 4%; margin-bottom: 0px;"><font style="font-family: Times New Roman;" class="_mt" size="2"><i>Derivative financial instruments</i>—The Company accounts for all derivatives, whether designated in hedging relationships or not, by recording them on the balance sheet at fair value in other assets and other liabilities, regardless of the purpose or intent for holding them. The Company's foreign exchange forward contracts are included in level 2 of the Valuation Hierarchy as the fair value of these contracts are based on broker quotes for the same or similar instruments. Changes in the fair value of derivative instruments are reported in current-period earnings. The Company did not have any derivative contracts accounted for under hedge accounting as of December 31, 2010 and 2009. </font></p></div> </div>Derivative financial instruments—The Company accounts fo
r all derivatives, whether designated in hedging relationships or not, by recording them on thefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-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 defer
ral accounting and accrual or settlement accounting (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 describin
g 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
falsefalse22false0us-gaap_IncomeTaxPolicyTextBlockus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00<div> <div class="MetaData">
<p style="margin-top: 12px; text-indent: 4%; margin-bottom: 0px;"><font style="font-family: Times New Roman;" class="_mt" size="2"><i>Income taxes</i>—The Company follows an asset and liability based approach in accounting for income taxes as required under GAAP. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recorded to reflect the tax consequences on future years of temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and income tax bases of assets and liabilities. Deferred income taxes are displayed as separate line items or are included in other current liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet. Valuation allowances are provided against assets which are not more likely than not to be realized. The Company recognizes all material tax positions, including all significant uncertain tax positions in which it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained based on its technical merits and if challenged by the relevant taxing authorities. At
each balance sheet date, unresolved uncertain tax positions are reassessed to determine whether subsequent developments require a change in the amount of recognized tax benefit. The allowance for uncertain tax positions is recorded in other current and noncurrent liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet. </font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 12px; text-indent: 4%; margin-bottom: 0px;"><font style="font-family: Times New Roman;" class="_mt" size="2">The Company records interest expense related to income tax matters as interest expense in its statement of operations. The company includes penalties related to income tax matters in the income tax provision. </font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 12px; text-indent: 4%; margin-bottom: 0px;"><font style="font-family: Times New Roman;" class="_mt" size="2">The Company does not provide for U.S. federal income tax and foreign withholding taxes on undistributed earnings from non-U.S. subsidiaries when such earnings are intended to be reinvested indefinitely outside of the U.S. </font></p></div> </div>Income taxes—The Company follows an asset and liability based approach in accounting for income taxes as required under GAAP. Deferred income tax assetsfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-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
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<p style="margin-top: 12px; text-indent: 4%; margin-bottom: 0px;"><font style="font-family: Times New Roman;" class="_mt" size="2"><i>Revenue recognition</i>—Revenues are recognized when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, the price is fixed or determinable, and collectibility is reasonably assured. Revenues are generally based upon transactional information accumulated by our systems or reported by our customers. The Company's revenues are based on the volume of activity on cards that carry the Company's brands, the number of transactions processed or the nature of other payment-related services. </font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 12px; text-indent: 4%; margin-bottom: 0px;"><font style="font-family: Times New Roman;" class="_mt" size="2">Volume-based revenues (domestic assessments and cross-border volume fees) are recorded as revenue in the period they are earned, which is when the related volume is generated on the cards. Certain quarterly revenues are estimated based upon aggregate transaction information and historical and projected customer quarterly volumes. Actual results may differ from these estimates. Transaction-based revenues (transaction processing fees) are calculated by multiplying the number and type of transactions by the specific price for each service. Transaction-based fees are recognized as revenue in the same period as the related transactions occur. Other payment-related services are dependent on the nature of the products or services provided to our customers and are recognized as revenue in the same period as the related transactions occur or services are rendered. </font>
;</p>
<p style="margin-top: 12px; text-indent: 4%; margin-bottom: 0px;"><font style="font-family: Times New Roman;" class="_mt" size="2">MasterCard has business agreements with certain customers that provide for fee rebates when the customers meet certain volume hurdles as well as other support incentives such as marketing, which are tied to performance. Rebates and incentives are recorded as a reduction of revenue in the same period as the revenue is earned or performance has occurred. Rebates and incentives are calculated on a monthly basis based upon estimated performance and the terms of the related business agreements. In addition, MasterCard may incur costs directly related to the acquisition of the contract, which are deferred and amortized over the life of the contract. </font></p></div> </div>Revenue recognition—Revenues are recognized when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred or services h
ave been rendered, thefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-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 encompas
s important judgment 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
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<p style="margin-top: 12px; text-indent: 4%; margin-bottom: 0px;"><font style="font-family: Times New Roman;" class="_mt" size="2"><i>Pension and other postretirement plans</i>—Compensation cost of an employee's pension benefit is recognized in general and administrative expenses on the projected unit credit method over the employee's approximate service period. The unit credit cost method is utilized for funding purposes. </font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 12px; text-indent: 4%; margin-bottom: 0px;"><font style="font-family: Times New Roman;" class="_mt" size="2">The Company recognizes the overfunded or underfunded status of its single-employer defined benefit plan or postretirement plan as an asset or liability in its balance sheet and recognizes changes in the funded status in the year in which the changes occur through comprehensive income. The Company also measures the funded status of a plan as of the date of its year-end balance sheet. </font></p></div> </div>Pension and other postretirement plans—Compensation cost of an employee's pension benefit is recognized in general and administrative expenses on thefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringPension And Postretirement Plans PolicyNo authoritative reference available.falsefalse25false0ma_ShareBasedPaymentsPolicyTextBlockmafalsenadurationShare Based Payments Policyfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00<div> <div class="MetaData">
<p style="margin-top: 12px; text-indent: 4%; margin-bottom: 0px;"><font style="font-family: Times New Roman;" class="_mt" size="2"><i>Share based payments</i>—The Company recognizes the fair value of all share-based payments to employees in its financial statements. The Company uses the straight-line method of attribution for expensing equity awards. Compensation expense is recorded net of estimated forfeitures. Estimates are adjusted as appropriate. The Company recognizes a realized tax benefit associated with dividends on certain equity shares and options as an increase to additional paid-in capital. The benefit is included in the pool of excess tax benefits available to absorb potential future tax liabilities on share based payment awards. </font></p></div> </div>Share based payments—The Company recognizes the fair value of all share-based payments to employees in its financial statements.
The Company uses thefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringShare Based Payments PolicyNo authoritative reference available.falsefalse26false0us-gaap_AdvertisingCostsPolicyTextBlockus-gaaptruenadurationNo defin
ition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00<div> <div class="MetaData">
<p style="margin-top: 12px; text-indent: 4%; margin-bottom: 0px;"><font style="font-family: Times New Roman;" class="_mt" size="2"><i>Advertising expense</i>—The cost of media advertising is expensed when the advertising takes place. Advertising production costs are expensed as incurred. Promotional items are expensed at the time the promotional event occurs. Sponsorship costs are recognized over the period of benefit based on the estimated value of certain events. </font></p></div> </div>Advertising expense—The cost of media advertising is expensed when the advertising takes place. Advertising production costs are expensed as incurred.falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringDescribes an entity's accounting policy for advertising costs. For those costs that cannot be capitalized, discloses whether such costs are expensed as incurred or the first period in which the advertising takes place. For direct response advertising costs that are capitalized, describes those assets and the accounting policy used, including a description of the qualifying activity, the types of costs capitalized and the related amortization period. An entity also may disclose its accounting policy for cooperative advertising arrangements.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Statement of Position (SOP)
-Number 93-7
-Paragraph 49
Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)
-Number 02-16
-Paragraph 6
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<div>
<p style="margin-top: 12px; text-indent: 4%; margin-bottom: 0px;"><font style="font-family: Times New Roman;" class="_mt" size="2"><i>Foreign currency translation</i>—The Company's functional currencies include the U.S. dollar, the euro, the Brazilian real, the Australian dollar, and the U.K. pound sterling. For foreign currency remeasurement from each local currency into the appropriate functional currency, monetary assets and liabilities are remeasured to U.S. dollars using current exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date. Non-monetary assets and liabilities are recorded at historical exchange rates, and revenue and expense accounts are remeasured at a weighted average exchange rate for the period. Resulting exchange gains and losses related to remeasurement are included in general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statement of operations. </font></p></div>
<p style="margin-top: 12px; text-indent: 4%; margin-bottom: 0px;"><font style="font-family: Times New Roman;" class="_mt" size="2">Where a non-U.S. currency is the functional currency, translation from that functional currency to U.S. dollars is performed for balance sheet accounts using current exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date and for revenue and expense accounts using a weighted average exchange rate for the period. Resulting translation adjustments are reported as a component of other comprehensive income (loss). </font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 12px; text-indent: 4%; margin-bottom: 0px;"><font size="2" class="_mt"> </font> </p></div> </div>Foreign currency translation—The Company's functional currencies include the U.S. dollar, the euro, the Brazilian real, the Australian dollar, and thefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-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
falsefalse28false0us-gaap_EarningsPerSharePolicyTextBlockus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00<div> <div class="MetaData"><font style="font-family: Times New Roman;" class="_mt" size="2"><i>Earnings (loss) per share</i>—A new accounting standard related to instruments granted in share-based payment transactions became effective for the Company on January 1, 2009, resulting in the retrospective adjustment of earnings per share ("EPS") for prior periods. See Note 3 (Earnings (Loss) Per Share) for further detail. </font></div> </div>Earnings (loss) per share—A new accounting standard related to instruments granted in share-based payment transactions became effective for the CompanyfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringDiscloses the methodology and assumptions used to compute basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share for each class of common stock and participating security. Addresses all significant policy factors, including any antidilutive items that have been excluded from the computation and takes into account stock dividends, splits and reverse splits that occur after the balance sheet date of the latest reporting period but before the issuance of the financial statements.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 128
-Paragraph 40
-Subparagraph a
Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 128
-Paragraph 6, 8-16, 60
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<p style="margin-top: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><font style="font-family: Times New Roman;" class="_mt" size="2"><b><i>Recent accounting pronouncements </i></b></font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 6px; text-indent: 4%; margin-bottom: 0px;"><font style="font-family: Times New Roman;" class="_mt" size="2"><i>Transfers </i><i>of financial assets</i>—In June 2009, the accounting standard for transfers and servicing of financial assets and extinguishments of liabilities was amended. The change eliminates the qualifying special purpose entity concept, establishes a new unit of account definition that must be met for the transfer of portions of financial assets to be eligible for sale accounting, clarifies and changes the derecognition criteria for a transfer to be accounted for as a sale, changes the amount of gain or loss on a transfer of financial assets accounted for as a sale when beneficial interests are received by the transferor, and requires additional new disclosures. The Company adopted the new standard upon its effective date of January 1, 2010. The adoption did not have an impact on the Company's financial position or r
esults of operations. </font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 12px; text-indent: 4%; margin-bottom: 0px;"><font style="font-family: Times New Roman;" class="_mt" size="2"><i>Variable interest entities</i>—In June 2009, there was a revision to the accounting standard for the consolidation of variable interest entities. The revision eliminates the exemption for qualifying special purpose entities, requires a new qualitative approach for determining whether a reporting entity should consolidate a variable interest entity, and changes the requirement of when to reassess whether a reporting entity should consolidate a variable interest entity. During February 2010, the scope of the revised standard was modified to indefinitely exclude certain entities from the requirement to be assessed for consolidation. The Company adopted the new standard upon its effective date of January 1, 2010. The adoption did not have an impact on the Company's financial position or results of operations. </font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; font-size: 1px;"> </p>
<p style="margin-top: 12px; text-indent: 4%; margin-bottom: 0px;"><font style="font-family: Times New Roman;" class="_mt" size="2"><i>Revenue arrangements with multiple deliverables—</i>In September 2009, the accounting standard for the allocation of revenue in arrangements involving multiple deliverables was amended. Current accounting standards require companies to allocate revenue based on the fair value of each deliverable, even though such deliverables may not be sold separately either by the company itself or other vendors. The new accounting standard eliminates (i) the residual method of revenue allocation and (ii) the requirement that all undelivered elements must have objective and reliable evidence of fair value before a company can recognize the portion of the overall arrangement fee that is attributable to items that already have been delivered. The Company will adopt the revised accounting standard effective January 1, 2011 via prospec
tive adoption. The Company does not expect the adoption to have a material impact on the Company's financial position or results of operations. </font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 12px; text-indent: 4%; margin-bottom: 0px;"><font style="font-family: Times New Roman;" class="_mt" size="2"><i>Fair value disclosures</i>—In January 2010, fair value disclosure requirements were amended to require detailed disclosures about transfers to and from Level 1 and 2 of the Valuation Hierarchy effective January 1, 2010 and disclosures regarding purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements on a "gross" basis within the Level 3 (of the Valuation Hierarchy) reconciliation effective January 1, 2011. The Company adopted the new guidance for disclosures about transfers to and from Level 1 and 2 of the Valuation Hierarchy effective January 1, 2010. The adoption did not have an impact on the Company's financial position or results of operations. The Company will adopt the guidance that requires disclosure of a reconciliation of purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements on a "gross" basis within Level 3 (of the Valuation H
ierarchy) effective January 1, 2011, as required, and the adoption will have no impact on the Company's financial position or results of operations. </font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 12px; text-indent: 4%; margin-bottom: 0px;"><font style="font-family: Times New Roman;" class="_mt" size="2"><i>Disclosure about the Credit Quality of Financing Receivables and the Allowance for Credit Losses—</i>In July 2010, a new accounting standard was issued. This standard provides new disclosure guidance that will require companies to provide more information about the credit quality of their financing receivables in the disclosures to financial statements including, but not limited to, significant purchases and sales of financing receivables, aging information and credit quality indicators. The Company adopted this accounting standard upon its effective date, periods ending on or after December 15, 2010, and the adoption had no impact on the Company's financial position or results of operations. </font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 12px; text-indent: 4%; margin-bottom: 0px;"><font style="font-family: Times New Roman;" class="_mt" size="2"><i>Impairment testing for goodwill</i>—In December 2010, a new accounting standard was issued. This standard requires Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test to be performed for reporting units with zero or negative carrying amounts if qualitative factors indicate that it is more likely than not that a goodwill impairment exists. The provisions for this pronouncement are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2010, with no early adoption permitted. The Company will adopt this accounting standard on January 1, 2011, and does not anticipate that this adoption will have an impact on the Company's financial position or results of operations. </font></p>
<p style="margin-top: 12px; text-indent: 4%; margin-bottom: 0px;"><font style="font-family: Times New Roman;" class="_mt" size="2"><i>Business combinations—</i>In December 2010, a new accounting standard was issued. This standard requires a company to disclose revenue and earnings of the combined entity as though the business combination that occurred during the current year had occurred as of the beginning of the comparable prior annual reporting period, only when comparative financial statements are presented. The disclosure provisions are effective prospectively for business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2010, with early adoption permitted. The Company will adopt this accounting standard on January 1, 2011, and the adoption will have no impact on the Company's financial position or results of operations. </font></p
></div> </div>Recent accounting pronouncements
Transfers of financial assets—In June 2009, the accounting standard for transfers and servicing of financial assetsfalsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherus-types:textBlockItemTypestringRepresents disclosure of any changes in an accounting principle, including a change from one generally accepted accounting principle to another generally accepted accounting principle when there are two or more generally accepted accounting principles that apply or when the accounting principle formerly used is no longer generally accepted. Also disclose any change in the method of applying an accounting principle, or
any change in an accounting principle required by a new pronouncement in the unusual instance that a new pronouncement does not include specific transition provisions.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 154
-Paragraph 2, 17, 18
Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)
-Number 28
-Paragraph 23, 24
Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 01
-Paragraph b
-Subparagraph 6
-Article 10
falsefalse128Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policy)UnKnownUnKnownUnKnownUnKnownfalsetrue
