Reconciliation from Basic To Diluted Earnings Per Share for both Numerators and Denominators (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Numerator:
Net income attributable to EMC Corporation	$ 586	$ 626	$ 1,867	$ 1,863
Incremental dilution from VMware	(2)	(2)	(5)	(7)
Net income - dilution attributable to EMC Corporation	$ 584	$ 624	$ 1,862	$ 1,856
Denominator:
Weighted average shares, basic	2,069	2,104	2,088	2,090
Weighted common stock equivalents	29	38	29	42
Assumed conversion of the 2013 Notes and associated warrants	67	68	59	75
Weighted average shares, diluted	2,165	2,210	2,176	2,207