Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (Gaap)

GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES (GAAP) - Term used to describe broadly the body of principles that governs the accounting for financial transactions underlying the preparation of a set of financial statements. Generally accepted principles are derived from a variety of sources, including promulgations of the Financial Accounting Standards Board and its predecessor, the Accounting Principles Board, and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Other sources include the general body of accounting literature consisting of textbooks, articles, papers, etc.