Joint Ventures (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		63 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Capital contribution	$ 94,737,000	$ 0
Investment in joint venture, fair value	33,226,000		33,226,000	32,745,000
LenovoEMC
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Joint Venture, Ownership Interest Percentage	49.00%		49.00%
VCE Company LLC
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Accumulated stock-based compensation contributed to joint venture			14,500,000
Consolidated ownership perentage of outstanding equity	58.00%		58.00%
Capital contribution			780,800,000
Consolidated share of losses	63.20%	63.20%
Loss From VCE	(68,700,000)	(55,500,000)	566,900,000
Revenue recognized from sales to VCE	74,100,000	70,300,000
Receivable from joint venture	40,700,000		40,700,000	44,300,000
Other Assets, Net | LenovoEMC
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Investment in joint venture, fair value	$ 33,200,000		$ 33,200,000