Non-controlling Interests - Effect of Changes in Ownership Interest in VMware on Equity (Details) (USD $) In Millions, 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
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Net income attributable to EMC Corporation	$ 1,147	$ 587	$ 589	$ 392	$ 1,022	$ 586	$ 701	$ 580	$ 2,714	$ 2,889	$ 2,733
Net transfers (to) from non-controlling interest									(690)	(333)	(350)
VMware
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Net income attributable to EMC Corporation									2,714	2,889
Increase in EMC Corporation’s additional paid-in-capital for VMware’s equity issuances									87	92
Decrease in EMC Corporation’s additional paid-in-capital for VMware’s other equity activity									(741)	(565)
Net transfers (to) from non-controlling interest									(654)	(473)
Change from net income attributable to EMC Corporation and transfers from the non-controlling interest in VMware, Inc.									$ 2,060	$ 2,416