Goodwill and other acquisition-related intangibles (Goodwill) (Details) (USD $) In Millions	9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2011
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning balance	$ 924
Additions from acquisitions	3,527
Goodwill, ending balance	4,451
Impairment of goodwill	0
Accumulated amortization of goodwill	221
Reporting Segment Analog [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning balance	630
Additions from acquisitions	3,527
Goodwill, ending balance	4,157
Reporting Segment Embedded Processing [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning balance	172
Additions from acquisitions	0
Goodwill, ending balance	172
Reporting Segment Wireless [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning balance	90
Additions from acquisitions	0
Goodwill, ending balance	90
Reporting Segment Other [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning balance	32
Additions from acquisitions	0
Goodwill, ending balance	$ 32

Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date, which is the cumulative amount paid and (if applicable) the fair value of any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree, adjusted for any amortization recognized prior to the adoption of any changes in generally accepted accounting principles (as applicable) and for any impairment charges, in excess of the fair value of net assets acquired in one or more business combination transactions.

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+ Details

- Definition

Loss recognized during the period that results from the write-down of goodwill after comparing the implied fair value of reporting unit goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. Goodwill is assessed at least annually for impairment.

+ References

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+ Details