Debt and lines of credit - Schedule of long-term debt outstanding (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross	$ 4,625us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount	$ 4,625us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount
Net unamortized premium	13	17
Current portion of long-term debt	(1,000)us-gaap_LongTermDebtCurrent	(1,001)us-gaap_LongTermDebtCurrent
Long-term debt	3,638us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent	3,641us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent
Notes due 2015 at 0.45%
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross	750	750
Long-term debt stated interest rate ( in percents)	0.45%	0.45%
Notes due 2016 at 2.375%
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross	1,000	1,000
Long-term debt stated interest rate ( in percents)	2.375%	2.375%
Notes due 2017 at 0.875%
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross	250	250	250
Long-term debt stated interest rate ( in percents)	0.875%	0.875%
Notes due 2018 at 1.00%
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross	500	500
Long-term debt stated interest rate ( in percents)	1.00%	1.00%
Notes due 2019 at 1.65%
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross	750	750
Long-term debt stated interest rate ( in percents)	1.65%	1.65%
Notes due 2021 at 2.75%
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross	250	250	250
Long-term debt stated interest rate ( in percents)	2.75%	2.75%
Notes due 2023 at 2.25%
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross	500	500
Long-term debt stated interest rate ( in percents)	2.25%	2.25%
National Semiconductor \| Notes due 2015 at 3.95% (assumed with National acquisition)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross	250	250
Long-term debt stated interest rate ( in percents)	3.95%	3.95%
National Semiconductor \| Notes due 2017 at 6.60% (assumed with National acquisition)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross	$ 375	$ 375
Long-term debt stated interest rate ( in percents)	6.60%	6.60%

Amount of long-term debt before deduction of unamortized discount or premium. Includes, but is not limited to, notes payable, bonds payable, commercial loans, mortgage loans, convertible debt, subordinated debt and other types of debt, with initial maturities beyond one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer.

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Contractual interest rate for funds borrowed, under the debt agreement.

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The amount of debt discount (net of debt premium) that was originally recognized at the issuance of the instrument that has yet to be amortized.

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Amount of long-term debt, after unamortized discount or premium, scheduled to be repaid within one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer. Includes, but not limited to, notes payable, bonds payable, debentures, mortgage loans and commercial paper. Excludes capital lease obligations.

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Carrying amount of long-term debt, net of unamortized discount or premium, excluding amounts to be repaid within one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer (current maturities). Includes, but not limited to, notes payable, bonds payable, debentures, mortgage loans and commercial paper. Excludes capital lease obligations.

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