Losses associated with the earthquake in Japan (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011 facilities	Sep. 30, 2010	Sep. 30, 2011 facilities	Sep. 30, 2010
Semiconductor wafer fab facilities owned in Japan (in number of facilities)	3		3
Operating income (loss)	$ 814	$ 1,227	$ 2,627	$ 3,284
Cost of Revenue	(1,722)	(1,701)	(5,091)	(4,819)
Revenue	3,466	3,740	10,315	10,441
Insurance Settlement, Property Damage Claims [Member] | Earthquake in Japan, March 11, 2011 [Member]
Operating income (loss)			20
Insurance Settlement, Business Interruption Claims [Member] | Earthquake in Japan, March 11, 2011 [Member]
Revenue	22		22
Earthquake in Japan, March 11, 2011 [Member]
Semiconductor wafer fab facilities owned in Japan (in number of facilities)	2		2
Operating income (loss)			(98)
Cost of Revenue	$ (1)