Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) - Quarterly Financial Data (Details) (USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Total consolidated revenues	$ 6,682	$ 5,539	$ 5,614	$ 5,387	$ 6,030	$ 5,278	$ 5,311	$ 5,094	$ 23,222	$ 21,714	$ 20,008
Gross profit	4,224	3,442	3,509	3,298	3,890	3,288	3,347	3,113	14,473	13,638	12,169
Net income attributable to EMC Corporation	$ 1,022	$ 586	$ 701	$ 580	$ 870	$ 626	$ 650	$ 587	$ 2,889	$ 2,733	$ 2,461
Net income per weighted average share, diluted: common shareholders	$ 0.48	$ 0.27	$ 0.32	$ 0.26	$ 0.39	$ 0.28	$ 0.29	$ 0.27	$ 1.33	$ 1.23	$ 1.10