Effect of Changes in Ownership Interest in VMware on Equity (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Net income attributable to EMC Corporation	$ 586	$ 626	$ 1,867	$ 1,863
VMware
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Net income attributable to EMC Corporation			1,867	1,863
Increase in EMC Corporation’s additional paid-in-capital for VMware’s equity issuances			90	117
Decrease in EMC Corporation’s additional paid-in-capital for VMware’s other equity activity			(426)	(392)
Net transfers (to) from non-controlling interest			(336)	(275)
Change from net income attributable to EMC Corporation and transfers from the non-controlling interest in VMware, Inc.			$ 1,531	$ 1,588