Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net of Tax (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Foreign currency translation adjustments	$ (2,924)	$ (10,780)
Unrealized losses on temporarily impaired investments, net of tax benefits of $(4,771) and $(8,492)	(6,099)	(15,044)
Unrealized gains on investments, net of taxes of $40,589 and $18,343	105,755	30,608
Unrealized losses on derivatives, net of tax benefits of $(62,978) and $(62,210)	(111,235)	(100,446)
Recognition of actuarial net loss from pension and other postretirement plans, net of tax benefits of $(81,798) and $(81,798)	(139,108)	(139,108)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Including Portion Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest, Total	(153,611)	(234,770)
Less: Accumulated other comprehensive income attributable to the non-controlling interest in VMware, Inc.	(1,692)	(239)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net	(155,303)	(235,009)
Unrealized losses on temporarily impaired investments, tax benefits	(3,128)	(8,492)
Unrealized gains on investments, taxes	61,961	18,343
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives, taxes (benefits)	(68,007)	(62,210)
Recognition of actuarial net loss from pension and other postretirement plans, tax benefits	$ (81,798)	$ (81,798)