Effect of Changes in Ownership Interest in VMware on Equity (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Net income attributable to EMC Corporation	$ 589	$ 701	$ 980	$ 1,281
Net transfers (to) from non-controlling interest			(401)	(150)
VMware
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Net income attributable to EMC Corporation			980	1,281
Increase in EMC Corporation’s additional paid-in-capital for VMware’s equity issuances			51	52
Decrease in EMC Corporation’s additional paid-in-capital for VMware’s other equity activity			(427)	(321)
Net transfers (to) from non-controlling interest			(376)	(269)
Change from net income attributable to EMC Corporation and transfers from the non-controlling interest in VMware, Inc.			$ 604	$ 1,012