Shareholders' Equity - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net of Tax (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended				12 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014 Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments	Sep. 30, 2014 Unrealized Net Gains on Investments	Dec. 31, 2013 Unrealized Net Gains on Investments	Sep. 30, 2014 Unrealized Net Losses on Derivatives	Dec. 31, 2013 Unrealized Net Losses on Derivatives	Sep. 30, 2014 Recognition of Actuarial Net Loss from Pension and Other Postretirement Plans	Dec. 31, 2013 Recognition of Actuarial Net Loss from Pension and Other Postretirement Plans	Sep. 30, 2014 Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Attributable to the Non-controlling Interest in VMware, Inc.
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance			$ (239)		$ (53)	$ 31		$ (106)		$ (110)		$ (1)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications			63		(57)	107		11		2		0
Net losses (gains) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income			(22)		0	(19)		(2)		(1)		0
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)			41		(57)	88		9		1		0
Ending balance	(198)		(198)		(110)	119	31	(97)	(106)	(109)	(110)	(1)
Taxes (benefits)	$ 206	$ 181	$ 532	$ 474		$ 72	$ 18	$ (63)	$ (66)	$ (61)	$ (61)