Reconciliation from Basic To Diluted Earnings Per Share for both Numerators and Denominators (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Numerator:
Net income attributable to EMC Corporation	$ 701	$ 650	$ 1,281	$ 1,236
Incremental dilution from VMware	(2)	(3)	(3)	(5)
Net income - dilution attributable to EMC Corporation	$ 699	$ 647	$ 1,278	$ 1,231
Denominator:
Weighted average shares, basic	2,092	2,096	2,097	2,082
Weighted common stock equivalents	29	42	30	44
Assumed conversion of the 2013 Notes and associated warrants	53	70	54	79
Weighted average shares, diluted	2,174	2,208	2,181	2,205