Non-controlling Interest in VMware, Inc. - Effect of Changes in Ownership Interest in VMware on Equity (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Net income attributable to EMC Corporation	$ 869,919	$ 626,338	$ 649,514	$ 586,842	$ 832,046	$ 605,649	$ 546,494	$ 477,148	$ 2,732,613	$ 2,461,337	$ 1,899,995
Transfers (to) from the non-controlling interest in VMware, Inc.:
Increase in EMC Corporation’s additional paid-in-capital for VMware’s equity issuances									128,566	188,434
Decrease in EMC Corporation’s additional paid-in-capital for VMware’s other equity activity									(564,332)	(604,967)
Net transfers (to) from non-controlling interest									(435,766)	(416,533)
Change from net income attributable to EMC Corporation and transfers from the non-controlling interest in VMware, Inc.									$ 2,296,847	$ 2,044,804