Valuation of debt and equity investments and certain liabilities (Details) (USD $) In Millions	6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Jun. 30, 2010
Auction Rate Securities Assets [Member]
Changes in fair value during the period (pre-tax):
Beginning balance	$ 257	$ 381	$ 458
Change in fair value of contingent consideration - included in operating profit	0	0	0
Reduction in unrealized loss - included in AOCI	1	6	4
Redemptions and sales	(47)	(120)	(68)
Transfers into Level 2		(10)	(13)
Ending balance	211	257	381
Contingent Consideration [Member]
Changes in fair value during the period (pre-tax):
Beginning balance	8	17	18
Change in fair value of contingent consideration - included in operating profit	(8)	(9)	(1)
Reduction in unrealized loss - included in AOCI	0	0	0
Redemptions and sales	0	0	0
Transfers into Level 2		0	0
Ending balance	$ 0	$ 8	$ 17

-- None. No documentation exists for this element. --

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Namespace Prefix:	txn
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

This element represents total unrealized gains or losses for the period, arising from assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using unobservable inputs (Level 3), which are included in other comprehensive income (a separate component of shareholders' equity).

+ Details

Name:	txn_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetAndLiabilitiesGainLossIncludedInOtherComprehensiveIncome
Namespace Prefix:	txn
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

This category represents redemptions and sales which have taken place during the period in relation to assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using unobservable inputs (level 3).

+ Details

Name:	txn_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetAndLiabilityRedemptionsAtPar
Namespace Prefix:	txn
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

This element represents assets and liabilities measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) which is required for reconciliation purposes of beginning and ending balances.

+ Details

Name:	txn_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetAndLiabilityValue
Namespace Prefix:	txn
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

This element represents total gains or losses for the period (realized and unrealized), arising from assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using unobservable inputs (Level 3), which are included in earnings or resulted in a change in net asset value.

+ Details

Name:	txn_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetsAndLiabilityGainLossIncludedInEarnings
Namespace Prefix:	txn
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

This element represents [net] transfers in to and out of assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using unobservable inputs (Level 3) which have taken place during the period.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 157
-Paragraph 32
-Subparagraph c(3)

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetTransfersNet
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration