Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) - Quarterly Financial Data (Details) (USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Total consolidated revenues	$ 7,048	$ 6,032	$ 5,880	$ 5,479	$ 6,682	$ 5,539	$ 5,614	$ 5,387	$ 24,440	$ 23,222	$ 21,714
Gross profit	4,505	3,743	3,654	3,347	4,224	3,442	3,509	3,298	15,249	14,473	13,638
Net income attributable to EMC Corporation	$ 1,147	$ 587	$ 589	$ 392	$ 1,022	$ 586	$ 701	$ 580	$ 2,714	$ 2,889	$ 2,733
Net income per weighted average share, diluted: common shareholders	$ 0.56	$ 0.28	$ 0.28	$ 0.19	$ 0.48	$ 0.27	$ 0.32	$ 0.26	$ 1.32	$ 1.33	$ 1.23