Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net of Tax (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Foreign currency translation adjustments	$ 4,206,000	$ (10,780,000)
Unrealized losses on temporarily impaired investments, net of tax benefits of $(3,850) and $(8,492)	(6,770,000)	(15,044,000)
Unrealized gains on investments, net of taxes of $28,396 and $18,343	47,293,000	30,608,000
Unrealized losses on derivatives, net of tax benefits of $(56,287) and $(62,210)	(90,412,000)	(100,446,000)
Recognition of actuarial net loss from pension and other postretirement plans, net of tax benefits of $(81,798) and $(81,798)	(139,108,000)	(139,108,000)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Including Portion Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest, Total	(184,791,000)	(234,770,000)
Less: Accumulated other comprehensive income attributable to the non-controlling interest in VMware, Inc.	(901,000)	(239,000)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net	$ (185,692,000)	$ (235,009,000)