Non-controlling Interests - 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, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Net income attributable to EMC Corporation	$ 587	$ 586	$ 1,568	$ 1,867
Transfers (to) from the non-controlling interest in VMware, Inc.:
Net transfers (to) from non-controlling interest			(402)	(184)
VMware
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Net income attributable to EMC Corporation			1,568	1,867
Transfers (to) from the non-controlling interest in VMware, Inc.:
Increase in EMC Corporation’s additional paid-in-capital for VMware’s equity issuances			84	90
Decrease in EMC Corporation’s additional paid-in-capital for VMware’s other equity activity			(510)	(426)
Net transfers (to) from non-controlling interest			(426)	(336)
Change from net income attributable to EMC Corporation and transfers from the non-controlling interest in VMware, Inc.			$ 1,142	$ 1,531