Non-controlling Interests - Effect of Changes in Ownership Interest in VMware on Equity (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Net income attributable to EMC Corporation	$ 1,022	$ 586	$ 701	$ 580	$ 870	$ 626	$ 650	$ 587	$ 2,889	$ 2,733	$ 2,461
Net transfers (to) from non-controlling interest									(333)	(350)	(310)
VMware
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Net income attributable to EMC Corporation									2,889	2,733
Increase in EMC Corporation’s additional paid-in-capital for VMware’s equity issuances									92	128
Decrease in EMC Corporation’s additional paid-in-capital for VMware’s other equity activity									(565)	(564)
Net transfers (to) from non-controlling interest									(473)	(436)
Change from net income attributable to EMC Corporation and transfers from the non-controlling interest in VMware, Inc.									$ 2,416	$ 2,297