Effect of Changes in Ownership Interest in VMware on Equity (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Net income attributable to EMC Corporation	$ 392	$ 580
Net transfers (to) from non-controlling interest	(107)	(136)
VMware
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Net income attributable to EMC Corporation	392	580
Increase in EMC Corporation’s additional paid-in-capital for VMware’s equity issuances	47	36
Decrease in EMC Corporation’s additional paid-in-capital for VMware’s other equity activity	(171)	(168)
Net transfers (to) from non-controlling interest	(124)	(132)
Change from net income attributable to EMC Corporation and transfers from the non-controlling interest in VMware, Inc.	$ 268	$ 448