Effect of Changes in Ownership Interest in VMware on Equity (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Net income attributable to EMC Corporation	$ 701	$ 650	$ 1,281	$ 1,236
VMware
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Net income attributable to EMC Corporation			1,281	1,236
Increase in EMC Corporation’s additional paid-in-capital for VMware’s equity issuances			52	78
Decrease in EMC Corporation’s additional paid-in-capital for VMware’s other equity activity			(321)	(250)
Net transfers (to) from non-controlling interest			(269)	(172)
Change from net income attributable to EMC Corporation and transfers from the non-controlling interest in VMware, Inc.			$ 1,012	$ 1,064