Segment data (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Segment Data Table [Line Items]
Segment Revenue	$ 3,335	$ 3,458	$ 6,456	$ 6,849
Segment Operating Profit (Loss)	598	905	995	1,813
Analog [Member]
Segment Data Table [Line Items]
Segment Revenue	1,800	1,588	3,486	3,123
Segment Operating Profit (Loss)	437	446	771	864
Embedded Processing [Member]
Segment Data Table [Line Items]
Segment Revenue	509	596	982	1,129
Segment Operating Profit (Loss)	51	141	87	243
Wireless [Member]
Segment Data Table [Line Items]
Segment Revenue	342	558	715	1,216
Segment Operating Profit (Loss)	(51)	82	(75)	223
Other [Member]
Segment Data Table [Line Items]
Segment Revenue	684	716	1,273	1,381
Segment Operating Profit (Loss)	$ 161	$ 236	$ 212	$ 483