Non-controlling Interests - Effect of Changes in Ownership Interest in VMware on Equity (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Net income attributable to EMC Corporation	$ 252	$ 392
Transfers (to) from the non-controlling interest in VMware, Inc.:
Net transfers (to) from non-controlling interest	(415)	(107)
VMware
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Net income attributable to EMC Corporation	252	392
Transfers (to) from the non-controlling interest in VMware, Inc.:
Increase in EMC Corporation’s additional paid-in-capital for VMware’s equity issuances	30	47
Decrease in EMC Corporation’s additional paid-in-capital for VMware’s other equity activity	(331)	(171)
Net transfers (to) from non-controlling interest	(301)	(124)
Change from net income attributable to EMC Corporation and transfers from the non-controlling interest in VMware, Inc.	$ (49)	$ 268