Litigation (Details) (USD $) In Millions	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Litigation (Textuals) [Abstract]
Proceeds from Dr. Nicolas on approval of derivative settlement by District Court		$ 27
Value of unexercised stock options held by Dr. Samueli cancelled		14
Cash contribution to Broadcom Foundation		2
Minimum Damages sought by Mr. Ruehle		26
Paid to plaintiff's counsel of the settlement proceeds for attorneys' fees, expenses, and costs		25
Charitable contribution to Broadcom Foundation by Company		25
Payments received by company from insurance carriers		118
Advanced to certain former officers for attorney and expert fees		176
Settlement costs (gains), net	$ 27	$ (23)	$ 4

Advanced to certain former officers for attorney and expert fees.

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Cash Contribution To Foundation.

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Charitable contribution to related party by Company upon final court approval and receipt of the settlement consideration.

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Litigation Textuals.

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Minimum damages sought.

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Value of unexercised stock option cancelled.

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The net proceeds or assets obtained in excess of (less than) the net carrying amount of assets recorded, or assets distributed and liabilities assumed less than (in excess of) estimated litigation liability extinguished, in settlement of a litigation matter. Represents (for other than an insurance entity in its normal claims settlement process), the amount of income (expense) recognized in the period to settle pending or threatened litigation and insurance claims.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 5

-Paragraph 9, 10, 11, 12

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 450

-SubTopic 20

-Section 50

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The amount recovered from insurance. These recoveries reduce costs and losses that are reported as a separate line item under operating expenses.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 225

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

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The amount of expense provided in the period for legal costs incurred on or before the balance sheet date pertaining to resolved, pending or threatened litigation, including arbitration and mediation proceedings.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 5

-Paragraph 9

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification

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-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.3)

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Cash received for the settlement of litigation during the current period.

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Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 95

-Paragraph 27

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

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-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 230

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 25

-Subparagraph (c)

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