Long-term Debt, Unclassified [Abstract] Debt Long-term Debt [Text Block] Losses Associated with the events in Japan Details [Abstract] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Instrument [Axis] Instrument Type [Domain] Insurance Settlement, Property Damage Claims [Member] Insurance Settlement, Property Damage Claims [Member] Insurance Settlement, Business Interruption Claims [Member] Insurance Settlement, Business Interruption Claims [Member] Losses from Catastrophe by Catastrophic Event [Axis] Losses from Catastrophe by Catastrophic Event [Axis] Catastrophic Event [Domain] Earthquake in Japan, March 11, 2011 [Member] Earthquake [Member] Statement [Line Items] Semiconductor wafer fab facilities owned in Japan (in number of facilities) Semiconductor facilities owned in Japan (in number of semiconductors) Pertains to the number of semiconductor wafer fab facilities owned by the company in Japan. Operating income (loss) Operating Income (Loss) Cost of Revenue Cost of Revenue Revenue Revenue, Net Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] Less income allocated to RSUs Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] Earnings Per Share [Axis] Earnings Per Share [Axis] Earnings Per Share [Domain] Earnings Per Share [Domain] Basic EPS Earnings Per Share, Basic [Member] Diluted EPS Earnings Per Share, Diluted [Member] Statement [Line Items] Net income Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Basic EPS: Earnings Per Share, Basic [Abstract] Income allocated to common stock for basic EPS calculation Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic Weighted average number of shares outstanding, basic (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Basic EPS (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic Adjustment for dilutive shares: Weighted Average Number Diluted Shares Outstanding Adjustment [Abstract] Stock-based compensation plans (in shares) Weighted Average Number Diluted Shares Outstanding Adjustment Diluted EPS: Earnings Per Share, Diluted [Abstract] Income allocated to common stock for dilutive EPS calculation Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Diluted Weighted average number of shares outstanding, diluted (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Diluted EPS (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Dividends [Abstract] Dividends Dividend Payable [Text Block] Dividend Payable [Text Block] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Short-term Debt, Type [Axis] Short-term Debt, Type [Domain] Commercial Paper [Member] Commercial Paper [Member] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] National [Member] National Semiconductor [Member] National Semiconductor [Member] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Notes Payable [Member] Notes Payable, Other Payables [Member] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Notes due 2012 at 6.15% (assumed with National acquisition) Senior Notes, 6.15, Due 2012 [Member] Senior Notes, 6.15, Due 2012 [Member] Floating-rate notes due 2013 (swapped to a 0.922% fixed rate) Floating Rate Note, 1 Billion, Due 2013 [Member] Floating Rate Note Due 2013 [Member] Notes due 2013 at 0.875% Fixed 0.875 Notes, 500 million, Due 2013 [Member] Fixed 0.875 Notes, 500 million, Due 2013 [Member] Notes due 2014 at 1.375% Fixed 1.375 Notes, 1 Billion, Due 2014 [Member] Fixed 1.375 Notes, 1.0 Billion, Due 2014 [Member] Notes due 2015 at 3.95% (assumed with National acquisition) Senior Notes, 3.95, Due 2015 [Member] Senior Notes, 3.95, Due 2015 [Member] Notes due 2016 at 2.375% Fixed 2.375 Notes, 1 Billion, Due 2016 [Member] Fixed 2.375 Notes, 1.0 Billion, Due 2016 [Member] Notes due 2017 at 6.60% (assumed with National acquisition) Senior Notes, 6.60, Due 2017 [Member] Senior Notes, 6.60, Due 2017 [Member] Derivative Instrument Risk [Axis] Derivative Contract Type [Domain] Interest Rate Swap [Member] Interest Rate Swap [Member] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) by Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Cash Flow Hedges [Member] Cash Flow Hedging [Member] Debt Instrument Debt Instrument [Line Items] Short-term Debt Short-term Debt [Abstract] Commercial paper issued Debt Instrument, Face Amount Commercial paper outstanding Commercial Paper Aggregated principal amount of fixed and floating rate long-term debt Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt Payments of Debt Issuance Costs Payments of Debt Issuance Costs Long-term debt, effective fixed-rate interest rate Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage Long-term debt, stated interest rate Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Long-term Debt Long-term Debt, by Type Alternative [Abstract] Long-term Debt, Gross Long-term Debt, Gross Add net unamortized premium (assumed with National acquisition) Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium), Net Less current portion of long-term debt Long-term Debt, Current Maturities Total long-term debt Long-term Debt Long-term Debt, Fair Value Long-term Debt, Fair Value Segment Reporting [Abstract] Segment data Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Increase in quarterly cash dividend rate Common Stock, Dividend, Increase (Decrease) Rate Common Stock, Dividend, Increase (Decrease) Rate Quarterly dividends per share of common stock Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared New quarterly dividend payments per share of common stock Dividends Payable, Amount Per Share New annual dividend payments per common share Common Stock, Annual Dividend Declared, Per Share The annual dividend, declared, but not paid, as of the financial reporting date. Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Disclosures [Axis] Defined Benefit Plans [Domain] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Domain] United States Pension Plans of US Entity, Defined Benefit [Member] United States Pension Plans of US Entity, Defined Benefit [Member] United States Postretirement Benefit Plans of US Entity, Defined Benefit [Member] United States Postretirement Benefit Plans of US Entity, Defined Benefit [Member] Foreign Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] Foreign Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Service cost Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost Interest cost Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost Expected return on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return on Plan Assets Amortization of prior service cost Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit) Recognized net actuarial loss Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gains (Losses) Net periodic benefit cost Defined Benefit Plan Net Periodic Benefit Cost Net Of Charges The total amount of net periodic benefit cost for defined benefit plans for the period. Periodic benefit costs include the following components: service cost, interest cost, expected return on plan assets, gain or loss, prior service cost or credit. Settlement charges Defined Benefit Plan, Recognized Net (Gain) Loss Due to Settlements Total, including charges Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule Of Acquired Finite Lived Intangible Asset by Major Class And Amortization [Table] Schedule of Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Asset by Major Class [Table] Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Developed Technology [Member] Developed Technology Rights [Member] Customer Relationships [Member] Customer Relationships [Member] Other Intangible Assets [Member] Other Intangible Assets [Member] In-process Research and Development [Member] In Process Research and Development [Member] The fair value of capitalized costs of an in process research and development nature that were acquired during the period in a transaction other than a business combination. Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract] Acquisition-related intangibles: Amortization Period, minimum Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Useful Life, Minimum Acquisition-related intangibles: Amortization Period, maximum Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Useful Life, Maximum Acquisition-related intangibles: Gross Carrying Amount Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Acquisition-related intangibles: Accumulated Amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Acquisition-related intangibles: Net Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Intangible assets associated with acquisitions Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Asset, Amount Amortization of acquisition-related intangibles Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense Components of net periodic employee benefit cost Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table Text Block] Goodwill and other acquisition-related intangibles Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Number of customers around the world (in customers) Number Of Customers This element details the number of customers purchasing product around the world. Valuation of debt and equity investments and certain liabilities [Abstract] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Valuation of debt and equity investments and certain liabilities Fair Value, Measurement Inputs, Disclosure [Table Text Block] Business Combinations [Abstract] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Business Combination, Acquisition Costs [Axis] Business Combination, Acquisition Costs [Axis] Business Combination, Acquisition Costs [Domain] Business Combination, Acquisition Costs [Domain] Transaction costs [Member] Business Combination, Acquisition Costs, Transaction [Member] Business Combination, Acquisition Costs, Transaction [Member] Restructuring costs [Member] Business Combination, Acquisition Costs, Restructuring [Member] Business Combination, Acquisition Costs, Restructuring [Member] Stock-based compensation [Member] Business Combination, Acquisition Costs, Share-Based Compensation [Member] Business Combination, Acquisition Costs, Share-Based Compensation [Member] Accrual of retention bonuses [Member] Business Combination, Acquisition Costs, Retention Accrual [Member] Business Combination, Acquisition Costs, Retention Accrual [Member] Amortization of intangible assets [Member] Business Combination, Acquisition Costs, Intangible Assets Amortization [Member] Business Combination, Acquisition Costs, Intangible Assets Amortization [Member] Other costs [Member] Business Combination, Acquisition Costs, Other [Member] Business Combination, Acquisition Costs, Other [Member] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Minimum [Member] Minimum [Member] Maximum [Member] Maximum [Member] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Acquisition Costs Business Acquisition, acquisition cost This element represents acquisition-related costs incurred to effect a business combination which costs have been expensed during the period for potential significant acquisitions. Such costs include finder's fees; advisory, legal, accounting, valuation, and other professional or consulting fees; general administrative costs, including the costs of maintaining an internal acquisitions department; and may include costs of registering and issuing debt and equity securities. Expected number of jobs to be eliminated Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Number of Positions Eliminated Additional restructuring and related charges Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost Identified intangible assets subject to amortization, Weighted average useful life (in years) Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Asset, Weighted Average Useful Life Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Abstract] Annual amortization for the next 5 years, year one Future Amortization Expense, Year One Annual amortization for the next 5 years, year two Future Amortization Expense, Year Two Annual amortization for the next 5 years, year three Future Amortization Expense, Year Three Annual amortization for the next 5 years, year four Future Amortization Expense, Year Four Annual amortization for the next 5 years, year five Future Amortization Expense, Year Five Acquisition percentage of outstanding common stock Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired Amount of revenue of acquiree included in consolidated statement of income since acquisition Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Revenue of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Current Assets, Cash and Cash Equivalents Current assets Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Current Assets, Excluding Cash, Short Term Investments and Inventory Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Current Assets, Excluding Cash, Short Term Investments and Inventory Inventory Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Current Assets, Inventory Property, plant and equipment Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Property, Plant and Equipment Other assets Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Other Noncurrent Assets Acquired intangible assets Goodwill Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Goodwill Amount Assumed current liabilities Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Current Liabilities Assumed long-term debt Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Noncurrent Liabilities, Long-term Debt Deferred taxes and other assumed non-current liabilities Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Other Noncurrent Liabilities Total consideration transferred Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Assets Acquired (Liabilities Assumed), Net Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Purchase Price [Abstract] Cash payments Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Cash Paid Fair value of vested share-based awards assumed by TI Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Other Noncash Consideration Total consideration transferred to National shareholders Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Purchase Price Total cash flow impact, business acquisition Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Amount of goodwill deductible for tax purposes Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Goodwill, Expected Tax Deductible Amount Schedule of changes in goodwill Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block] Schedule of acquisition-related intangible assets Schedule of Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Table Text Block] Computation and Reconciliation of Earnings per Common Share Table Computation And Reconciliation Of Earnings Per Common Share [Text Block] This element may be used to capture the complete disclosure pertaining to an entity's earnings per share. Income Statement [Abstract] Statement, Scenario [Axis] Statement, Scenario [Axis] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Cost of revenue Gross profit Gross Profit Research and development Research and Development Expense Selling, general and administrative Selling, General and Administrative Expense Restructuring expense Other Restructuring Costs Acquisition cost Operating profit Other income (expense) net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Interest and debt expense Interest and Debt Expense Income before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Provision for income taxes Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net income Earnings per common share: Basic Diluted Average shares outstanding (millions): Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract] Basic Diluted Cash dividends declared per share of common stock Description of business and significant accounting policies and practices Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Preliminary fair value estimates of assets acquired and liabilities assumed Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block] Fair value of consideration transferred Business Combination, Consideration Transferred [Table Text Block] Business Combination, Consideration Transferred [Table Text Block] Identifiable intangible assets acquired and their estimated useful lives Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired as Part of Business Combination [Table Text Block] Pro forma summaries Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block] Acquisition Cost Business Acquisition, Integration, Restructuring and Other Related Costs [Text Block] Postretirement benefit plans Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Standard product warranty description Standard Product Warranty Description Discontinued operation - indemnification obligation potential exposure Exposure from Indemnities Granted to Third Party - Management Estimation Exposure from Indemnities Granted to Third Party - Management Estimation Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table] Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation By Asset And Liability Types [Axis] This element represents a number of concepts which are required or determined to be provided for purposes of reconciling beginning and ending balances of fair value measurements of assets and liabilities using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3). Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation By Asset And Liability Types [Domain] This element provides general categories of investment (liabilities) for which the fair value measurement of assets and liabilities using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3), a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances, separately presenting changes during the period. Auction Rate Securities Assets [Member] This element represents the assets classified as Auction-rate Securities. Contingent Consideration [Member] This element represents the liabilities classified as Contingent Considerations. Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items] Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items] Line items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table. Changes in fair value during the period (pre-tax): Changes in fair value during the period pre tax [Abstract] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Beginning balance Fair Value Measurement With Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation Recurring Basis Asset And Liability Value 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. Change in fair value of contingent consideration - included in operating profit Fair Value Measurement With Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation Recurring Basis Assets And Liability Gain Loss Included In Earnings 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. Reduction (Increase) in unrealized loss - included in AOCI Fair Value Measurement With Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation Recurring Basis Asset And Liabilities Gain Loss Included In Other Comprehensive Income 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). Redemptions and sales Fair Value Measurement With Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation Recurring Basis Asset And Liability Redemptions At Par 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). Transfers into Level 2 Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Transfers, Net Ending balance Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Fair Value Investments Measurement Basis [Axis] This element represents a number of concepts which are required or desirable disclosure items concerning the fair value of financials instruments (as defined), including financial assets and liabilities (collectively, as defined). The information required and determined to be disclosed concerning such fair values as may be organized in relation to these categories and such additional categories not otherwise provided. Fair Value Investments Measurement Basis [Domain] Provides the general information items required or determined to be disclosed with respect to the Company's fair value estimates by the designated measurement basis. Measured at fair value [Member] Measured at fair value [Member] These items are measured at fair value. Other measurement basis [Member] These items are measured at a basis other than fair value. Fair Value Investments By Classification [Axis] This element represents a number of concepts which are required or desirable disclosure items concerning the fair value of financials instruments (as defined), including financial assets and liabilities (collectively, as defined). The information required and determined to be disclosed concerning such fair values as may be organized in relation to these categories and such additional categories not otherwise provided. Fair Value Investments By Classification [Domain] Provides the general information items required or determined to be disclosed with respect to the Company's fair value estimates by the designated classification such as available-for-sale, trading or held-to-maturity. Available-for-sale [Member] Available-for-sale Securities [Member] Trading [Member] Trading Account Assets [Member] Fair Value Investments By Type Of Investment [Axis] This element represents a number of concepts which are required or desirable disclosure items concerning the fair value of financials instruments (as defined), including financial assets and liabilities (collectively, as defined). The information required and determined to be disclosed concerning such fair values as may be organized in relation to these categories and such additional categories not otherwise provided. Fair Value Investments By Type Of Investment [Domain] Provides the general information items required or determined to be disclosed with respect to the Company's fair value estimates by the type of investment. Money market funds [Member] Money Market Funds [Member] Corporate Obligations [Member] Corporate Obligations [Member] This element (corporate obligations) represents a certain statement of financial position asset caption which represents a class of assets, or which may include an individual asset, measured at fair value on a recurring basis. U.S. government agency and treasury securities [Member] US Treasury and Government [Member] Auction Rate Securities [Member] Mutual funds [Member] Equity Funds [Member] Equity method investments [Member] Equity Method Investments [Member] Cost method investments [Member] Cost-method Investments [Member] Cash on hand [Member] Cash [Member] Amounts Included In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income From Availableforsale Securities [Axis] Axis for showing the amount and location of the unrealized gains or losses that have been recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income. Amounts Included In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income From Availableforsale Securities [Domain] Location in the balance sheet of the accounts impacted by an unrealized gain or loss that has been recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income. Cash and cash equivalents [Member] Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] Short-term Investments [Member] Short-term Investments [Member] Long-term Investments [Member] Other Long-term Investments [Member] Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure Short-term Investments Short-term Investments Long-term Investments Long-term Investments Amounts included in AOCI from available for sale securities: [Abstract] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Unrealized gains (pre-tax) Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains Unrealized losses (pre-tax) Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses Percentage of investments covered by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or the U.K. government. (in hundredths) Percentage Of Investments Insured By The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Or The U K Government Percentage of investments covered by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or the U.K. government. Proceeds from sales, redemptions and maturities of short-term available-for-sale securities Proceeds From Sale Of Availableforsale Securities Prior To Scheduled Maturity The cash inflow associated with the sales, redemptions and maturities of debt and equity securities classified as available-for-sale securities, excluding cash equivalents. Aggregate maturities of investments in money market funds and other debt securities classified as available for sale [Abstract] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- One year or less Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, within One Year, Fair Value One to three years Availableforsale Securities Debt Maturities After One Through Three Years Fair Value This item represents the fair value of debt securities which are expected to mature after one year and through three years from the balance sheet date and which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading securities. Greater than three years Availableforsale Securities Debt Maturities After Three Years Fair Value This item represents the fair value of debt securities which are expected to mature after three years from the balance sheet date which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading securities. Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Statement, Business Segments [Axis] Statement, Business Segments [Axis] Segment [Domain] Segment [Domain] Reporting Segment Analog [Member] Reportable Segment [Member] Reporting Segment Embedded Processing [Member] Reporting Segment Embedded Processing [Member] Reportable Segment- Embedded Processing Reporting Segment Wireless [Member] Reportable Segment Wireless Reporting Segment Other [Member] All Other Segments [Member] Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill [Roll Forward] Goodwill, beginning balance Goodwill Additions from acquisitions Goodwill, Acquired During Period Goodwill, ending balance Impairment of goodwill Goodwill, Impairment Loss Accumulated amortization of goodwill Goodwill, Accumulated Amortization The accumulated amount of amortization of goodwill. Losses Associated with the events in Japan [Abstract] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Losses associated with the earthquake in Japan Losses Associated with the earthquake in Japan [Text Block] Description containing the losses associated with the earthquake in Japan. Disclosure may include information about the catastrophe, estimated costs of property damages, and amount of insurance that may be collected. Earnings per share (EPS) Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Cash flows from operating activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Adjustments to net income: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Depreciation Depreciation Stock-based compensation Share-based Compensation Amortization of acquisition-related intangibles Amortization of Intangible Assets Gains on sales of assets Gains (Losses) on Sales of Assets Deferred income taxes Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Increase (decrease) from changes in: Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Accounts receivable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable Inventories Increase (Decrease) in Inventories Prepaid expenses and other current assets Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid Expense and Other Assets Accounts payable and accrued expenses Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Accrued compensation Increase (Decrease) in Other Employee Related Liabilities Income taxes payable Increase (Decrease) in Income Taxes Payable Other Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets and Liabilities, Net Net cash provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations Cash flows from investing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Additions to property, plant and equipment Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Proceeds from asset sales and insurance recovery Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment and Insurance Settlement The cash inflow from the amounts received by the insured under the terms of an insurance contract settlement, and from the sale of long-lived, physical assets that are used in the normal conduct of business to produce goods and services and not intended for resale. Purchases of short-term investments Payments to Acquire Short-term Investments Sales, redemptions and maturities of short-term investments Proceeds from Sale of Short-term Investments Purchases of long-term investments Payments to Acquire Available-for-sale Securities Sales and redemptions of long-term investments Proceeds from Sale of Available-for-sale Securities Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired Net cash used in investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations Cash flows from financing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Proceeds from issuance of debt Proceeds from Issuance of Debt Issuance costs for long-term debt Dividends paid Payments of Dividends Sales and other common stock transactions Proceeds from Issuance or Sale of Equity Excess tax benefit from share-based payments Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Financing Activities Stock repurchases Payments for Repurchase of Equity Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Cash and cash equivalents, end of period Segment Data Table [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Reporting Segment [Domain] Reporting Segment Wireless [Member] Segment Data Table [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Total revenue Total operating profit Use of Derivatives and Hedging Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block] Fair values of Financial Instruments Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block] Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Income taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Statement of Income and Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Other comprehensive income (loss): Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Available-for-sale investments: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax [Abstract] Unrealized (losses) gains, net of taxes Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Net of Tax Reclassification of recognized transactions, net of taxes Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment for Sale of Securities Included in Net Income, Net of Tax Net actuarial gains (losses) of defined benefit plans: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, Net of Tax [Abstract] Adjustment, net of taxes Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Unamortized (Gain) Loss Arising During Period, Net of Tax Reclassification of recognized transactions, net of taxes Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net (Gain) Loss Recognized in Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Net of Tax Prior service cost of defined benefit plans: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Adjustment, net of taxes Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Prior Service Costs (Credit) Arising During Period, Net of Tax Change in fair value of derivative instrument, net of taxes Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Net of Tax Total Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Total comprehensive income Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table] Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Table] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Disclosure Items [Axis] This element represents a number of concepts which are required or desirable disclosure items concerning assets and liabilities, including [financial] instruments that are classified in stockholders' equity, which are measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Disclosure Items [Domain] This element represents a number of concepts which are required or desirable disclosure items concerning assets and liabilities, including [financial] instruments that are classified in stockholders' equity, which are measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Level 1 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Level 2 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Level 3 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Money market funds Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Money Market Funds This element (money market funds) represents a certain statement of financial position asset caption which represents a class of assets, or which may include an individual asset, measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Corporate obligations Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Corporate Obligations This element (corporate obligations) represents a certain statement of financial position asset caption which represents a class of assets, or which may include an individual asset, measured at fair value on a recurring basis. U.S. government agency and Treasury securities Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis U S Government Agency And Treasury Securities This element (U.S. government agency and treasury securities) represents a certain statement of financial position asset caption which represents a class of assets, or which may include an individual asset, measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Auction-rate securities Auction Rate Securities This element (auction-rate securities) represents a certain statement of financial position asset caption which represents a class of assets, or which may include an individual asset, measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Mutual funds Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Mutual Funds This element (mutual funds) represents a certain statement of financial position asset caption which represents a class of assets, or which may include an individual asset, measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Total assets Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Total This element represents total assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Contingent consideration Fair Value Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Contingent Consideration This element represents a certain statement of financial position liability caption which represents a class of liabilities, or which may include an individual liability, measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Deferred compensation Fair Value Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Deferred Compensation Liabilities This element represents a certain statement of financial position liability caption which represents a class of liabilities, or which may include an individual liability, measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Total liabilities Fair Value Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Total Liabilities This element represents a certain statement of financial position liability caption which represents a class of liabilities, or which may include an individual liability, measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Investments and Unrealized Gains and Losses Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block] Aggregate Maturities of Investments in Debt Securities Classified as Available-for-sale Availableforsale Securities Debt Maturities Text Block This item represents the fair value of debt securities by expected maturity date and which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading securities. Assets and Liabilities Accounted for at Fair Value Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Text Block This element represents the disclosure related to assets and liabilities, including [financial] instruments measured at fair value that are classified in stockholders' equity, if any, that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis. This includes segregating fair value measurements using quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1), significant other observable inputs (Level 2), and significant unobservable inputs (Level 3). Reconciliation of Change in Fair Value for Level 3 Assets Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Text Block This element represents, for the fair value measurement of assets and liabilities using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3), a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances, separately presenting changes during the period attributable to (1) total gains or losses for the period (realized and unrealized); (2) purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements (net); and (3) transfers in and transfers out of Level 3 (for example, transfers due to changes in the observability of significant inputs). Revenue Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Revenue Net income Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Net Income (Loss) Earnings per common share - diluted Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Diluted Segment Data Table Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block] Estimated annual effective tax rate (in hundredths) Estimated Effective Income Tax Rate, Continuing Operations Estimated annual effective income tax rate. Statutory corporate tax rate (in hundredths) Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate National Semiconductor acquisition Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block] Investment policy Investment, Policy [Policy Text Block] Warranty Costs and Product Liabilities Policy Standard Product Warranty, Policy [Policy Text Block] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired as Part of Business Combination [Table] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired as Part of Business Combination [Table] Series of acquisitions prior to National acquisition [Member] Series of Individually Immaterial Business Acquisitions [Member] Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Other [Member] Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Identified intangible assets subject to amortization, Asset Amount Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Amortizable Intangible Assets Total identified intangible assets Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Assets Assets [Abstract] Current assets: Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Short-term investments Accounts receivable, net of allowances of ($26) and ($18) Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Raw materials Inventory, Raw Materials Work in process Inventory, Work in Process Finished goods Inventory, Finished Goods Inventories Inventory, Net Deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current Prepaid expenses and other current assets Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current Total current assets Assets, Current Property, plant and equipment at cost Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Less accumulated depreciation Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Property, plant and equipment, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Long-term investments Goodwill Acquisition-related intangibles Deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Noncurrent Capitalized software licenses, net Capitalized Computer Software, Net Overfunded retirement plans Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits, Noncurrent Other assets Other Assets, Noncurrent Total assets Assets Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Current liabilities: Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Short-term and current portion of long-term debt Debt, Current Accounts payable Accounts Payable, Current Accrued compensation Employee-related Liabilities, Current Income taxes payable Accrued Income Taxes, Current Accrued expenses and other liabilities Accrued Liabilities, Current Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Long-term debt Underfunded retirement plans Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Liabilities, Noncurrent Deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Liabilities, Noncurrent Deferred credits and other liabilities Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities Total liabilities Liabilities Stockholders' equity: Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Preferred stock, $25 par value. Authorized - 10,000,000 shares. Participating cumulative preferred. None issued. Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Common stock, $1 par value. Authorized - 2,400,000,000 shares. Shares issued: September 30, 2011 – 1,740,552,451; December 31, 2010 – 1,740,166,101 Common Stock, Value, Issued Paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock Retained earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Less treasury common stock at cost. Shares: September 30, 2011 – 597,902,577; December 31, 2010 – 572,722,397 Treasury Stock, Value Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Total stockholders' equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Total liabilities and stockholders' equity Liabilities and Equity Entities [Table] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity Information [Line Items] Entity Information [Line Items] Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Type Document Type Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Current assets: Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable, current Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current Stockholders' equity: Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share) Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares) Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Preferred stock, shares issued (in shares) Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, shares authorized (in shares) Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, shares issued (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Issued Treasury common stock at cost, shares (in shares) Treasury Stock, Shares