Stock-Based Compensation - Stock Option Activity (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
VMware Stock Options
Options Activity, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Outstanding	16,174	26,924	41,507
Granted	1,201	171	3,362
Forfeited		(1,011)	(2,220)
Expired	(644)	(112)	(151)
Exercised	(6,598)	(9,798)	(15,574)
Outstanding	10,133	16,174	26,924
Exercisable	7,382
Vested and expected to vest	10,067
Options Activity, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Roll Forward]
Outstanding	$ 35.27	$ 33.54	$ 28.34
Granted	$ 4.67	$ 5.68	$ 57.60
Forfeited		$ 40.98	$ 30.78
Expired	$ 42.07	$ 101.66	$ 83.86
Exercised	$ 30.44	$ 28.64	$ 24.79
Outstanding	$ 34.36	$ 35.27	$ 33.54
Exercisable	$ 35.49
Vested and expected to vest	$ 34.23
EMC Information Infrastructure Stock Options
Options Activity, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Outstanding	111,538	172,416	234,918
Options granted relating to business acquisitions	2,330	141	12,595
Granted	861	1,665	3,286
Forfeited	(2,227)	(4,159)	(6,632)
Expired	(183)	(13,866)	(14,970)
Exercised	(34,870)	(44,659)	(56,781)
Outstanding	77,449	111,538	172,416
Exercisable	60,575
Vested and expected to vest	76,538
Options Activity, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Roll Forward]
Outstanding	$ 13.69	$ 15.23	$ 18.31
Options granted relating to business acquisitions	$ 1.54	$ 3.24	$ 5.57
Granted	$ 26.80	$ 25.31	$ 20.07
Forfeited	$ 13.75	$ 13.00	$ 14.36
Expired	$ 14.19	$ 40.05	$ 70.59
Exercised	$ 11.65	$ 11.91	$ 11.63
Outstanding	$ 14.39	$ 13.69	$ 15.23
Exercisable	$ 14.34
Vested and expected to vest	$ 14.41