<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<FilingSummary xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" xmlns:xsd="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema">
  <Version>2.4.0.6</Version>
  <ProcessingTime />
  <ReportFormat>Html</ReportFormat>
  <ContextCount>301</ContextCount>
  <ElementCount>469</ElementCount>
  <EntityCount>1</EntityCount>
  <FootnotesReported>true</FootnotesReported>
  <SegmentCount>104</SegmentCount>
  <ScenarioCount>0</ScenarioCount>
  <TuplesReported>false</TuplesReported>
  <UnitCount>8</UnitCount>
  <MyReports>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R1.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>101 - Document - Document and Entity Information</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.google.com/taxonomy/role/DocumentDocumentandEntityInformation</Role>
      <ShortName>Document and Entity Information</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>true</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R2.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>103 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.google.com/taxonomy/role/StatementOfFinancialPositionClassified</Role>
      <ShortName>CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R3.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>104 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.google.com/taxonomy/role/StatementOfFinancialPositionClassifiedParenthetical</Role>
      <ShortName>CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R4.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>105 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.google.com/taxonomy/role/StatementOfIncomeAlternative</Role>
      <ShortName>CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R5.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>106 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Parenthetical)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.google.com/taxonomy/role/StatementOfIncomeAlternativeParenthetical</Role>
      <ShortName>CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Parenthetical)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R6.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>107 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.google.com/taxonomy/role/StatementOfOtherComprehensiveIncome</Role>
      <ShortName>CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R7.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>108 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Parenthetical)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.google.com/taxonomy/role/StatementOfOtherComprehensiveIncomeParenthetical</Role>
      <ShortName>CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Parenthetical)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R8.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>109 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.google.com/taxonomy/role/StatementOfShareholdersEquityAndOtherComprehensiveIncome</Role>
      <ShortName>CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R9.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>110 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.google.com/taxonomy/role/StatementOfCashFlowsIndirect</Role>
      <ShortName>CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R10.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>111 - Disclosure - Google Inc. and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.google.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsBusinessDescriptionAndAccountingPoliciesTextBlock</Role>
      <ShortName>Google Inc. and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R11.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>112 - Disclosure - Net Income Per Share of Class A and Class B Common Stock</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.google.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsEarningsPerShareTextBlock</Role>
      <ShortName>Net Income Per Share of Class A and Class B Common Stock</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R12.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>113 - Disclosure - Financial Instruments</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.google.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsFinancialInstrumentsDisclosureTextBlock</Role>
      <ShortName>Financial Instruments</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R13.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>114 - Disclosure - Debt</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.google.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsDebtDisclosureTextBlock</Role>
      <ShortName>Debt</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R14.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>115 - Disclosure - Balance Sheet Components</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.google.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsSupplementalBalanceSheetDisclosuresTextBlock</Role>
      <ShortName>Balance Sheet Components</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R15.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>116 - Disclosure - Acquisitions</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.google.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsAcquisitionsTextBlock</Role>
      <ShortName>Acquisitions</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R16.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>117 - Disclosure - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.google.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsGoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureTextBlock</Role>
      <ShortName>Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R17.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>118 - Disclosure - Discontinued Operations</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.google.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsDisclosureTextBlock</Role>
      <ShortName>Discontinued Operations</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R18.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>119 - Disclosure - Restructuring charges</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.google.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsRestructuringAndRelatedActivitiesDisclosureTextBlock</Role>
      <ShortName>Restructuring charges</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R19.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>120 - Disclosure - Interest and Other Income, Net</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.google.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsInterestAndOtherIncomeTextBlock</Role>
      <ShortName>Interest and Other Income, Net</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R20.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>121 - Disclosure - Commitments and Contingencies</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.google.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsCommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTextBlock</Role>
      <ShortName>Commitments and Contingencies</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R21.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>122 - Disclosure - Stockholders' Equity</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.google.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsStockholdersEquityNoteDisclosureTextBlock</Role>
      <ShortName>Stockholders' Equity</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R22.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>123 - Disclosure - 401(k) Plans</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.google.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsBenefitPlanFourZeroOneKTextBlock</Role>
      <ShortName>401(k) Plans</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R23.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>124 - Disclosure - Income Taxes</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.google.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsIncomeTaxDisclosureTextBlock</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Taxes</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R24.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>125 - Disclosure - Information about Segments and Geographic Areas</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.google.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsSegmentReportingDisclosureTextBlock</Role>
      <ShortName>Information about Segments and Geographic Areas</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R25.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>126 - Disclosure - Schedule II: Valuation and Qualifying Accounts</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.google.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsScheduleOfValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDisclosureTextBlock</Role>
      <ShortName>Schedule II: Valuation and Qualifying Accounts</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R26.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>127 - Disclosure - Google Inc. and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.google.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsBusinessDescriptionAndAccountingPoliciesTextBlockPolicies</Role>
      <ShortName>Google Inc. and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R27.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>128 - Disclosure - Google Inc. and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.google.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsBusinessDescriptionAndAccountingPoliciesTextBlockTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Google Inc. and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R28.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>129 - Disclosure - Net Income Per Share of Class A and Class B Common Stock (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.google.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsEarningsPerShareTextBlockTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Net Income Per Share of Class A and Class B Common Stock (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R29.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>130 - Disclosure - Financial Instruments (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.google.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsFinancialInstrumentsDisclosureTextBlockTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Financial Instruments (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R30.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>131 - Disclosure - Debt (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.google.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsDebtDisclosureTextBlockTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Debt (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R31.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>132 - Disclosure - Balance Sheet Components (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.google.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsSupplementalBalanceSheetDisclosuresTextBlockTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Balance Sheet Components (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R32.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>133 - Disclosure - Acquisitions (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.google.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsAcquisitionsTextBlockTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Acquisitions (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R33.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>134 - Disclosure - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.google.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsGoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureTextBlockTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R34.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>135 - Disclosure - Discontinued Operations (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.google.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsDisclosureTextBlockTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Discontinued Operations (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R35.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>136 - Disclosure - Restructuring charges (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.google.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsRestructuringAndRelatedActivitiesDisclosureTextBlockTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Restructuring charges (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R36.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>137 - Disclosure - Interest and Other Income, Net (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.google.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsInterestAndOtherIncomeTextBlockTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Interest and Other Income, Net (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R37.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>138 - Disclosure - Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.google.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsCommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTextBlockTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R38.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>139 - Disclosure - Stockholders' Equity (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.google.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsStockholdersEquityNoteDisclosureTextBlockTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Stockholders' Equity (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R39.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>140 - Disclosure - Income Taxes (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.google.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsIncomeTaxDisclosureTextBlockTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Taxes (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R40.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>141 - Disclosure - Information about Segments and Geographic Areas (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.google.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsSegmentReportingDisclosureTextBlockTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Information about Segments and Geographic Areas (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R41.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>142 - Disclosure - Revenues by Revenue Source (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.google.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureRevenuesByRevenueSource</Role>
      <ShortName>Revenues by Revenue Source (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R42.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>143 - Disclosure - Google Incorporated and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.google.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureGoogleIncorporatedAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAdditionalInformation</Role>
      <ShortName>Google Incorporated and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R43.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>144 - Disclosure - Computation of Basic and Diluted Net Income Per Share (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.google.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureComputationOfBasicAndDilutedNetIncomePerShare</Role>
      <ShortName>Computation of Basic and Diluted Net Income Per Share (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R44.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>145 - Disclosure - Cash Cash Equivalents And Marketable Securities Measured At Adjusted Cost Gross unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses And Fair Value By Significant Investment Categories (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.google.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureCashCashEquivalentsAndMarketableSecuritiesMeasuredAtAdjustedCostGrossUnrealizedGainsGrossUnrealizedLossesAndFairValueBySignificantInvestmentCategories</Role>
      <ShortName>Cash Cash Equivalents And Marketable Securities Measured At Adjusted Cost Gross unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses And Fair Value By Significant Investment Categories (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R45.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>146 - Disclosure - Financial Instruments - Additional Information (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.google.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureFinancialInstrumentsAdditionalInformation</Role>
      <ShortName>Financial Instruments - Additional Information (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R46.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>147 - Disclosure - Contractual Maturity Date of Marketable Debt Securities (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.google.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureContractualMaturityDateOfMarketableDebtSecurities</Role>
      <ShortName>Contractual Maturity Date of Marketable Debt Securities (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R47.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>148 - Disclosure - Gross Unrealized Losses and Fair Values for Investments in Unrealized Loss Position (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.google.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureGrossUnrealizedLossesAndFairValuesForInvestmentsInUnrealizedLossPosition</Role>
      <ShortName>Gross Unrealized Losses and Fair Values for Investments in Unrealized Loss Position (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R48.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>149 - Disclosure - Fair Values of Outstanding Derivative Instruments (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.google.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureFairValuesOfOutstandingDerivativeInstruments</Role>
      <ShortName>Fair Values of Outstanding Derivative Instruments (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R49.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>150 - Disclosure - Effect of Derivative Instruments on Income and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.google.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureEffectOfDerivativeInstrumentsOnIncomeAndAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncome</Role>
      <ShortName>Effect of Derivative Instruments on Income and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R50.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>151 - Disclosure - Effect of Derivative Instruments on Income and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.google.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureEffectOfDerivativeInstrumentsOnIncomeAndAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeParenthetical</Role>
      <ShortName>Effect of Derivative Instruments on Income and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R51.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>152 - Disclosure - Debt - Additional Information (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.google.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureDebtAdditionalInformation</Role>
      <ShortName>Debt - Additional Information (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R52.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>153 - Disclosure - Long-Term Debt (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.google.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureLongTermDebt</Role>
      <ShortName>Long-Term Debt (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R53.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>154 - Disclosure - Long-Term Debt (Parenthetical) (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.google.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureLongTermDebtParenthetical</Role>
      <ShortName>Long-Term Debt (Parenthetical) (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R54.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>155 - Disclosure - Future Principal Payments for Borrowings (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.google.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureFuturePrincipalPaymentsForBorrowings</Role>
      <ShortName>Future Principal Payments for Borrowings (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R55.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>156 - Disclosure - Inventories (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.google.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureInventories</Role>
      <ShortName>Inventories (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R56.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>157 - Disclosure - Property and Equipment (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.google.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosurePropertyAndEquipment</Role>
      <ShortName>Property and Equipment (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R57.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>158 - Disclosure - Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.google.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureComponentsOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncome</Role>
      <ShortName>Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R58.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>159 - Disclosure - Acquisitions - Additional Information (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.google.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureAcquisitionsAdditionalInformation</Role>
      <ShortName>Acquisitions - Additional Information (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R59.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>160 - Disclosure - Supplemental Information on Unaudited Pro Forma Basis (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.google.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSupplementalInformationOnUnauditedProFormaBasis</Role>
      <ShortName>Supplemental Information on Unaudited Pro Forma Basis (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R60.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>161 - Disclosure - Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.google.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureChangesInCarryingAmountOfGoodwill</Role>
      <ShortName>Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R61.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>162 - Disclosure - Acquisition-Related Intangible Assets that are being Amortized (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.google.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureAcquisitionRelatedIntangibleAssetsThatAreBeingAmortized</Role>
      <ShortName>Acquisition-Related Intangible Assets that are being Amortized (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R62.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>163 - Disclosure - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.google.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureGoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsAdditionalInformation</Role>
      <ShortName>Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R63.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>164 - Disclosure - Expected Amortization Expense for Acquisition-Related Intangible Assets (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.google.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureExpectedAmortizationExpenseForAcquisitionRelatedIntangibleAssets</Role>
      <ShortName>Expected Amortization Expense for Acquisition-Related Intangible Assets (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R64.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>165 - Disclosure - Discontinued Operations - Additional Information (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.google.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureDiscontinuedOperationsAdditionalInformation</Role>
      <ShortName>Discontinued Operations - Additional Information (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R65.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>166 - Disclosure - Revenues and Earnings Attributable to Motorola Home Business (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.google.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureRevenuesAndEarningsAttributableToMotorolaHomeBusiness</Role>
      <ShortName>Revenues and Earnings Attributable to Motorola Home Business (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R66.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>167 - Disclosure - Summary of Activities Related to Restructuring Charges (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.google.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSummaryOfActivitiesRelatedToRestructuringCharges</Role>
      <ShortName>Summary of Activities Related to Restructuring Charges (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R67.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>168 - Disclosure - Summary of Activities Related to Restructuring Charges (Parenthetical) (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.google.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSummaryOfActivitiesRelatedToRestructuringChargesParenthetical</Role>
      <ShortName>Summary of Activities Related to Restructuring Charges (Parenthetical) (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R68.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>169 - Disclosure - Total Restructuring Charges Included in Costs and Expenses (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.google.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureTotalRestructuringChargesIncludedInCostsAndExpenses</Role>
      <ShortName>Total Restructuring Charges Included in Costs and Expenses (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R69.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>170 - Disclosure - Restructuring Charges - Additional Information (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.google.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureRestructuringChargesAdditionalInformation</Role>
      <ShortName>Restructuring Charges - Additional Information (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R70.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>171 - Disclosure - Components of Interest and Other Income net (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.google.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureComponentsOfInterestAndOtherIncomeNet</Role>
      <ShortName>Components of Interest and Other Income net (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R71.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>172 - Disclosure - Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.google.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingenciesAdditionalInformation</Role>
      <ShortName>Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R72.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>173 - Disclosure - Future Minimum Payments Under Non-Cancelable Operating Leases, Along with Sublease Income Amounts (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.google.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureFutureMinimumPaymentsUnderNonCancelableOperatingLeasesAlongWithSubleaseIncomeAmounts</Role>
      <ShortName>Future Minimum Payments Under Non-Cancelable Operating Leases, Along with Sublease Income Amounts (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R73.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>174 - Disclosure - Stockholders Equity - Additional Information (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.google.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureStockholdersEquityAdditionalInformation</Role>
      <ShortName>Stockholders Equity - Additional Information (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R74.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>175 - Disclosure - Weighted-Average Assumptions used to Estimate Fair Values of Stock Options Granted (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.google.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureWeightedAverageAssumptionsUsedToEstimateFairValuesOfStockOptionsGranted</Role>
      <ShortName>Weighted-Average Assumptions used to Estimate Fair Values of Stock Options Granted (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R75.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>176 - Disclosure - Stock Option Activity (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.google.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureStockOptionActivity</Role>
      <ShortName>Stock Option Activity (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R76.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>177 - Disclosure - Stock Option Activity (Parenthetical) (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.google.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureStockOptionActivityParenthetical</Role>
      <ShortName>Stock Option Activity (Parenthetical) (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R77.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>178 - Disclosure - Additional Information Regarding Outstanding Exercisable and Vested and Exercisable Stock Options (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.google.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureAdditionalInformationRegardingOutstandingExercisableAndVestedAndExercisableStockOptions</Role>
      <ShortName>Additional Information Regarding Outstanding Exercisable and Vested and Exercisable Stock Options (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R78.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>179 - Disclosure - Unvested Restricted Stock Units Activity (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.google.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureUnvestedRestrictedStockUnitsActivity</Role>
      <ShortName>Unvested Restricted Stock Units Activity (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R79.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>180 - Disclosure - Four Zero One K Plan - Additional Information (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.google.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureFourZeroOneKPlanAdditionalInformation</Role>
      <ShortName>Four Zero One K Plan - Additional Information (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R80.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>181 - Disclosure - Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.google.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxesAdditionalInformation</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R81.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>182 - Disclosure - Provision for Income Taxes (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.google.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureProvisionForIncomeTaxes</Role>
      <ShortName>Provision for Income Taxes (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R82.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>183 - Disclosure - Reconciliation of Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate to Effective Income Tax Rate (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.google.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureReconciliationOfFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRateToEffectiveIncomeTaxRate</Role>
      <ShortName>Reconciliation of Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate to Effective Income Tax Rate (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R83.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>184 - Disclosure - Reconciliation of Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate to Effective Income Tax Rate (Parenthetical) (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.google.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureReconciliationOfFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRateToEffectiveIncomeTaxRateParenthetical</Role>
      <ShortName>Reconciliation of Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate to Effective Income Tax Rate (Parenthetical) (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R84.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>185 - Disclosure - Significant Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.google.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSignificantComponentsOfDeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilities</Role>
      <ShortName>Significant Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R85.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>186 - Disclosure - Summary of Activity Related to Gross Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.google.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSummaryOfActivityRelatedToGrossUnrecognizedTaxBenefits</Role>
      <ShortName>Summary of Activity Related to Gross Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R86.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>187 - Disclosure - Information about Segments and Geographic Areas - Additional Information (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.google.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureInformationAboutSegmentsAndGeographicAreasAdditionalInformation</Role>
      <ShortName>Information about Segments and Geographic Areas - Additional Information (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R87.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>188 - Disclosure - Revenues and Operating Income Loss by Operating Segments (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.google.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureRevenuesAndOperatingIncomeLossByOperatingSegments</Role>
      <ShortName>Revenues and Operating Income Loss by Operating Segments (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R88.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>189 - Disclosure - Reconciliation of Total Segment Operating Income to Consolidated Operating Income (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.google.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureReconciliationOfTotalSegmentOperatingIncomeToConsolidatedOperatingIncome</Role>
      <ShortName>Reconciliation of Total Segment Operating Income to Consolidated Operating Income (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R89.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>190 - Disclosure - Revenues by Geographic Area (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.google.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureRevenuesByGeographicArea</Role>
      <ShortName>Revenues by Geographic Area (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R90.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>191 - Disclosure - Long-Lived Assets by Geographic Area (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.google.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureLongLivedAssetsByGeographicArea</Role>
      <ShortName>Long-Lived Assets by Geographic Area (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R91.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>192 - Disclosure - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.google.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureValuationAndQualifyingAccounts</Role>
      <ShortName>Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <LongName>All Reports</LongName>
      <ReportType>Book</ReportType>
      <ShortName>All Reports</ShortName>
    </Report>
  </MyReports>
  <Logs>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionCostOfAcquiredEntityPurchasePrice had a mix of decimals attribute values: -8 -6.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationAmortizableIntangibleAssets had a mix of decimals attribute values: -8 -6.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationGoodwillAmount had a mix of decimals attribute values: -8 -6.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued had a mix of decimals attribute values: -3 0.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding had a mix of decimals attribute values: -3 0.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage had a mix of decimals attribute values: 3 5.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Shares' elements on report '104 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Monetary' elements on report '104 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Monetary' elements on report '146 - Disclosure - Financial Instruments - Additional Information (Detail)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Monetary' elements on report '152 - Disclosure - Debt - Additional Information (Detail)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Monetary' elements on report '159 - Disclosure - Acquisitions - Additional Information (Detail)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Monetary' elements on report '172 - Disclosure - Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Shares' elements on report '174 - Disclosure - Stockholders Equity - Additional Information (Detail)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Monetary' elements on report '181 - Disclosure - Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Process Flow-Through: 103 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column 'Dec. 31, 2010'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column 'Dec. 31, 2009'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Process Flow-Through: 104 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical)</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column 'Jun. 21, 2012'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Process Flow-Through: 105 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column '7 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2012'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Process Flow-Through: 106 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Parenthetical)</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Process Flow-Through: 107 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Process Flow-Through: 108 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Parenthetical)</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Process Flow-Through: 110 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS</Log>
  </Logs>
  <InputFiles>
    <File>goog-20121231.xml</File>
    <File>goog-20121231.xsd</File>
    <File>goog-20121231_cal.xml</File>
    <File>goog-20121231_def.xml</File>
    <File>goog-20121231_lab.xml</File>
    <File>goog-20121231_pre.xml</File>
  </InputFiles>
  <SupplementalFiles />
  <BaseTaxonomies />
  <HasPresentationLinkbase>true</HasPresentationLinkbase>
  <HasCalculationLinkbase>true</HasCalculationLinkbase>
</FilingSummary>
