CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 297	$ 291
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes (benefits):
Foreign currency translation adjustments	3	(104)
Changes in market value of investments:
Changes in unrealized gains, net of taxes of $12 and $13	20	19
Reclassification adjustment for net losses (gains) realized in net income, net of benefits (taxes) of $0 and $(6)	2	(8)
Net change in market value of investments	22	11
Changes in market value of derivatives:
Changes in unrealized gains (losses), net of taxes (benefits) of $(1) and $3	(4)	14
Reclassification adjustment for net losses (gains) included in net income, net of benefits (taxes) of $2 and $0	4	(11)
Net change in the market value of derivatives	0	3
Change in actuarial net gain (loss) from pension and other postretirement plans:
Other comprehensive income (loss)	25	(90)
Comprehensive income	322	201
Less: Net income attributable to the non-controlling interests	(29)	(39)
Less: Other comprehensive income attributable to the non-controlling interests	(4)	(1)
Comprehensive income attributable to EMC Corporation	$ 289	$ 161