Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Document And Entity Information [Abstract] Statement [Table] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Domain] Class A Common Stock [Member] Class B Common Stock [Member] Statement [Line Items] Document Type Amendment Flag Document Period End Date Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Trading Symbol Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Filer Category Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows [Abstract] Cash flows from operating activities: Operating activities: Net income Net income Net income Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation and amortization Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Total Stock-based compensation, excluding amounts capitalized Total stock-based compensation expense Share-based Compensation, Total Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation Gain on Sale of Investments Gain on sale of Terremark investment Gain on sale of Terremark investment Other Other Other Noncash Income (Expense), Total Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions: Accounts receivable Accounts receivable Accounts receivable Accounts receivable Other assets Other assets Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets, Total Due To From Emc Net Due To From Emc Net Due to/from EMC, net Due to/from EMC, net Accounts payable Accounts payable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable, Total Increase Decrease In Accrued Liabilities Accrued expenses Accrued expenses Increase (Decrease) in Accrued Liabilities, Total Income taxes receivable from EMC Income taxes receivable from EMC Income taxes payable Income taxes payable Deferred income taxes, net Deferred income taxes, net Unearned revenue Deferred revenue Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Net cash provided by operating activities Cash flows from investing activities: Investing activities: Additions to property and equipment Additions to property and equipment Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment, Total Other Payments to Acquire Businesses Purchase of leasehold interest (see Note G) Purchase price recorded to intangible assets Purchase of leasehold interest (see Note G) Payments to Acquire Software Capitalized software development costs Capitalized software development costs Purchases of available-for-sale securities Purchases of available-for-sale securities Payments to Acquire Available-for-sale Securities, Total Proceeds from Sale of Available-for-sale Securities Sales of available-for-sale securities Proceeds from Sale of Available-for-sale Securities, Total Maturities of available-for-sale securities Maturities of available-for-sale securities Proceeds from Sale of Other Investments Sale of strategic investments Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired, Total Transfer Of Net Assets Under Common Control Transfer of net assets under common control Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities Other investing Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Net cash used in investing activities Cash flows from financing activities: Financing activities: Proceeds From Issuance Of Common Stock Proceeds from issuance of common stock Repurchase of common stock Repurchase of common stock Repurchase of common stock Excess Tax Benefit From Share Based Compensation Financing Activities Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation Shares repurchased for tax withholdings on vesting of restricted stock Shares repurchased for tax withholdings on vesting of restricted stock Shares repurchased for tax withholdings on vesting of restricted stock Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period Cash and cash equivalents Non-cash items: Changes in capital additions, accrued but not paid Change In Tax Withholdings On Vesting Of Restricted Stock Change In Tax Withholdings On Vesting Of Restricted Stock Changes in tax withholdings on vesting of restricted stock, accrued but not paid Consolidated Statements Of Income [Abstract] Revenues: License Services Sales Revenue, Services, Net, Total Revenues Revenues, Total Operating expenses: License Costs Cost of license revenues Cost of Services Cost of services revenues Cost of Services, Total Cost of services Research And Development Expense Research and development Research and Development Expense, Total Sales and marketing Selling and Marketing Expense, Total General and administrative General and Administrative Expense, Total Operating Income (Loss) Operating income Investment income Investment Income, Net, Total Interest Expense, Related Party Interest expense with EMC Interest expense with EMC Other income (expense), net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense), Total Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Income before income taxes Income tax provision Income tax benefit from change in estimate Income tax provision Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Total Net income per weighted-average share, basic for Class A and Class B Net income per weighted-average share, basic for Class A and Class B Earnings Per Share, Basic, Total Net income per weighted-average share, diluted for Class A and Class B Net income per weighted-average share, diluted for Class A and Class B Net income per weighted-average share, diluted for Class A and Class B Weighted-average shares, basic for Class A and Class B Weighted-average shares, basic Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic, Total Weighted-average shares, basic for Class A and Class B Weighted-average shares, diluted for Class A and Class B Weighted-average shares, diluted for Class A and Class B Weighted-average shares, diluted for Class A and Class B Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs, by Report Line [Axis] Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs, Report Line [Domain] Cost Of License Revenues Cost Of License Revenues Member Cost Of License Revenues [Member] Cost Of Services Revenues Cost Of Services Revenues Member Cost Of Services Revenues [Member] Sales And Marketing [Member] General And Administrative [Member] Share-based Compensation Stock-based compensation Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense, Total Stock-based compensation expenses Consolidated Balance Sheets [Abstract] Assets Abstract ASSETS Total investments Short-term investments Short-term investments Accounts receivable, net Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $2,768 and $4,519 Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts Due from EMC, net Due from Related Parties, Current, Total Deferred tax asset, current portion Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current, Ending Balance Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current, Beginning Balance Deferred tax asset Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current, Total Other current assets Assets, Current Total current assets Property Plant And Equipment Net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, Ending Balance Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, Beginning Balance Property and equipment, net Total property and equipment, net Capitalized software development costs, net and other Capitalized software development costs, net and other Capitalized software development costs, net and other Deferred tax asset, net of current portion Deferred tax asset Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Noncurrent, Total Intangible assets, net Intangible assets, net Goodwill Balance, September 30, 2011 Balance, January 1, 2011 Balance, January 1, 2011 Goodwill, Total Segment Reporting, Entity Consolidated Assets Total assets Long-lived assets Liabilities And Stockholders Equity Abstract LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Accounts Payable Current Accounts payable Accounts Payable, Current, Total Accrued Liabilities Current Accrued expenses and other Total Unearned revenue, current portion Unearned revenues Deferred Revenue, Current, Liabilities, Current Total current liabilities Notes Payable Related Parties Noncurrent Note payable to EMC Unearned revenue, net of current portion Unearned revenues Deferred Revenue, Noncurrent, Total Deferred tax liability Other liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent, Total Liabilities Total liabilities Commitments and contingencies (see Note J) Commitments and contingencies (see Note K) Stockholders' equity: Common stock, value Common Stock, Value, Issued, Ending Balance Common Stock, Value, Issued, Beginning Balance Common Stock, Value, Issued, Total Additional Paid In Capital Common Stock Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock, Ending Balance Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock, Beginning Balance Additional paid-in capital Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Net Of Tax Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Ending Balance Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Beginning Balance Accumulated other comprehensive income Accumulated other comprehensive income Retained earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit), Ending Balance Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit), Beginning Balance Retained earnings Balance Balance, value Balance, value Total stockholders' equity Liabilities and Equity Total liabilities and stockholders' equity Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable Accounts receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts Common stock, par value common stock, shares authorized Common stock, shares authorized Common stock, shares issued Common Stock, Shares, Issued, Total Common stock, shares outstanding Balance, shares Balance, shares Common shares outstanding Overview and Basis of Presentation [Abstract] Overview And Basis Of Presentation [Abstract] Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure and Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Overview And Basis Of Presentation Research and Development and Capitalized Software Development Costs [Abstract] Research And Development And Capitalized Software Development Costs [Abstract] Research, Development, and Computer Software Disclosure [Text Block] Research And Development And Capitalized Software Development Costs Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Earnings Per Share Text Bloc Earnings Per Share Investments [Abstract] Investments in Debt and Marketable Equity Securities (and Certain Trading Assets) Disclosure [Text Block] Investments Fair Value Measurements and Derivative Instruments [Abstract] Fair Value Measurements And Derivative Instruments [Abstract] Fair Value Measurement Inputs Disclosure Text Block Fair Value Measurements And Derivative Instruments Business Combinations, Intangible Assets, Net And Goodwill [Abstract] Business Combinations, Intangible Assets, Net And Goodwill [Abstract] Business Combination Disclosure Text Block Business Combinations, Intangible Assets, Net And Goodwill Property And Equipment, Net [Abstract] Property and Equipment, Text Block Property And Equipment, Net Accrued Expenses And Other [Abstract] Accrued Expenses [Text Block] Accrued Expenses [Text Block] Accrued Expenses And Other Note Payable to EMC [Abstract] Note Payable To EMC [Abstract] Debt Disclosure Text Block Note Payable To EMC Income Taxes [Abstract] Income Tax Disclosure Text Block Income Taxes Commitments And Contingencies [Abstract] Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure Text Block Commitments And Contingencies Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Stockholders Equity Note Disclosure Text Block Stockholders' Equity Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Comprehensive Income Note Text Block Comprehensive Income Related Party Transactions [Abstract] dup_1_Related Party Transaction, Due from (to) Related Party, Noncurrent, Total Related Party Transactions Disclosure Text Block Related Party Transactions Segment Information [Abstract] Segment Information [Abstract] Segment Reporting Disclosure Text Block Segment Information Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Computations Of Basic And Diluted Net Income Per Share Available-for-sale Securities [Table Text Block] Investing In Fixed Income Securities Gain (Loss) on Investments [Text Block] Unrealized Losses On Investments Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date [Table Text Block] Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date Contractual Maturities Of Investments Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value [Text Block] Fair Value Of Money Market Funds And Available-For-Sale Securities Included In Cash And Cash Equivalents Schedule of Purchase Price Allocation [Table Text Block] Purchase Price Allocation Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired as Part of Business Combination [Text Block] Summary Of Intangible Assets Acquired Schedule of Goodwill [Text Block] Changes In Carrying Amount Of Goodwill Property, Plant and Equipment [Text Block] Components Of Property And Equipment Schedule of Accrued Liabilities [Table Text Block] Components Of Accrued Expenses Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases [Table Text Block] Summary Of Minimum Lease Payments Schedule of Nonvested Restricted Stock Units Activity [Table Text Block] Summary Of Restricted Stock Activity Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, Activity [Table Text Block] Employee Stock Purchase Plan Schedule of Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Components Of Comprehensive Income Schedule Revenues By Geographic Area Schedule of Revenue from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets, by Geographical Areas [Table Text Block] Schedule Long-Lived Assets By Geographic Area Overview and Basis of Presentation [Table] Overview And Basis Of Presentation [Table] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] EMC Corporation [Member] Emc Corporation Member EMC Corporation [Member] Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage Outstanding ownership percentage of VMware Research and Development and Capitalized Software Development Costs [Table] Research And Development And Capitalized Software Development Costs [Table] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Maximum [Member] Minimum [Member] Property, Plant and Equipment by Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Property, Plant and Equipment, Other Types [Member] Capitalized Software Development Costs [Member] Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life, Average Amortization period (in years) of capitalized software development costs Payments for Software Payments for software Payments for Software, Total Capitalized software development costs Capitalized Software Development Costs for Software Sold to Customers Unamortized software development costs Capitalized cost Capitalized computer software share based compensation. Capitalized Computer Software Share Based Compensation Capitalized costs included in stock-based compensation Capitalized Computer Software, Amortization Amortization expense of capitalized costs Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, by Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Stock Options [Member] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Anti-dilutive shares excluded from computation of earnings per share Effect of dilutive securities Weighted Average Number Diluted Shares Outstanding Adjustment, Total Schedule of Investments [Table] Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities, Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Axis] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Domain] Total Fixed Income Securities [Member] U.S. Government And Agency Obligations [Member] Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member] Asset-Backed Securities [Member] Foreign Government Debt Securities [Member] Equity Securities [Member] Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Cost or Amortized Cost Total investments, Amortized Cost Basis Total amortized cost basis Unrealized Gains Unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities, net of taxes of $4,195, $669, $5,699 and $1,854 Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains, Total Unrealized Gains Unrealized Losses Gross Unrealized Losses Unrealized Losses Gross unrealized losses Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses, Total Unrealized losses Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Fair Value Fixed income securities, Aggregate Fair Value Total investments, Aggregate Fair Value Total Aggregate Fair Value Available-for-sale Securities, Equity Securities Equity securities, Aggregate Fair Value Available-for-sale Securities Total investment, Aggregate Fair Value Total investment, Aggregate Fair Value Securities (Assets) [Member] Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value Fair Value Debt Securities [Member] Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, within One Year, Amortized Cost Due within one year, Amortized Cost Basis Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, after One Through Five Years, Amortized Cost Due after 1 year through 5 years, Amortized Cost Basis Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, after Five Through Ten Years, Amortized Cost Basis Due after 5 years, Amortized Cost Basis Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, within One Year, Fair Value Due within one year, Aggregate Fair Value Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, after One Through Five Years, Fair Value Due after 1 year through 5 years, Aggregate Fair Value Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, after Five Through Ten Years, Fair Value Due after 5 years, Aggregate Fair Value Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Measurements, Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Level 1 [Member] Level 2 [Member] Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure Money-market funds Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure Aggregate Fair Value Available-for-sale securities Equity Method Investments, Fair Value Disclosure Equity securities Total Cash Equivalents And Investments Fair Value Disclosure Total Cash Equivalents And Investments Fair Value Disclosure Total cash equivalents and investments Notional Amount of Foreign Currency Derivatives Notional value of outstanding forward contracts Maturity of Foreign Currency Derivatives Foreign currency forward contractual term Number of Businesses Acquired Number of companies acquired Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Purchase Price Aggregate consideration for acquisitions Tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed, and capital received Cash consideration for acquisition of software product technology Business acquisition, cost of acquired entity, cash paid Issuance of stock and warrants for services or claims Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Fair Value Disclosure Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Current Assets, Total Other current assets Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Amortizable Intangible Assets Intangible assets Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Goodwill Amount Goodwill Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Goodwill Amount, Total Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Deferred Tax Assets Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Deferred Tax Assets Deferred tax assets Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure Other assets Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Assets Acquired Total tangible and intangible assets acquired Total tangible and intangible assets acquired Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Unearned Revenue Assumed Unearned revenues Unearned revenue Unearned revenue Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Deferred Tax Liabilities Assumed Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Deferred Tax Liabilities Assumed Deferred tax liabilities Deferred tax liabilities Deferred Tax Liabilities, Total Deferred tax liabilities Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Accrued Liabilities And Other Assumed Accrued liabilities and other Accrued liabilities and other Accrued Liabilities Total liabilities assumed Total liabilities assumed Total liabilities assumed Total liabilities assumed Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Assets Acquired (Liabilities Assumed), Net Fair value of tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed Fair value of tangible and intangible assets acquired Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Purchased Technology [Member] Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Asset, Weighted Average Useful Life Intangible assets acquired, excluding goodwill, Weighted-Average Useful Lives (in years) Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Asset, Amount Intangible assets acquired, excluding goodwill, Fair Value Amount Goodwill, Acquired During Period Increase in goodwill related to business combinations Goodwill, Subsequent Recognition of Deferred Tax Asset Deferred tax adjustments to purchase price allocations on previous acquisitions Goodwill, Allocation Adjustment Other adjustments to purchase price allocations on previous acquisitions Depreciation Depreciation expense Depreciation, Total Agreements To Purchase Ground Lease Agreements To Purchase Ground Lease Agreement to purchase ground lease Payments for Deposits on Real Estate Acquisitions Good faith deposit Payments to Purchase Ground Lease Payments to Purchase Ground Lease Payments to purchase ground lease Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross, Period Increase (Decrease) Increase in gross amount classified to property and equipment, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross, Period Increase (Decrease), Total Portion of Acquisition Price Attributable To Property And Equipment Construction in progress, buildings not in service Amount of acquisition price attributed to property and equipment Buildings and site improvements in construction in progress. Buildings And Site Improvements In Construction In Progress Amount classified as construction in progress for buildings not in service Payments for rent Payments for rent, initial, annual The increase (decrease) during the reporting in the amount of future rent expense. Increase Decrease In Rent To Be Paid Increase in rent, annual Additional Rent Effectiveness Of Right To Construct Additional Improvements Additional Rent Effectiveness Of Right To Construct Additional Improvements Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Total Operating leases, rent expense, annual Increase Decrease In Rent To Be Paid Post Contractual Event Increase Decrease In Rent To Be Paid Post Contractual Event Increase in rent after expansion, annual Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Remaining Amortization Period Amortization of intangible assets, remaining period Ground lease agreement term. Ground Lease Agreement Term Ground lease agreement term Effective date of right to construct improvements. Effective Date Of Right To Construct Improvements Effective date of right to construct improvements Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross, Total Intangible assets adjustment Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Equipment and software Gross Equipment and software Gross Equipment and software Buildings and improvements, gross Buildings and improvements Buildings and Improvements, Gross, Total Furniture and Fixtures, Gross Furniture and fixtures Construction in Progress, Gross Construction in progress Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross, Ending Balance Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross, Beginning Balance Total property and equipment Total property and equipment Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Accumulated depreciation Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment, Ending Balance Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment, Beginning Balance Accumulated depreciation , Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment, Total Employee-related Liabilities, Current Salaries, commissions, bonuses and benefits Employee-related Liabilities, Current, Total Accrued partner liabilities current. Accrued Partner Liabilities Current Accrued partner liabilities Other Accrued Liabilities, Current Other Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Domain] EMC [Member] Emc Member EMC [Member] Dividends Payable, Amount Dividend declared to EMC Related Party Transaction, Date Note payable to related party original date Notes Payable Maturity Date Notes Payable Maturity Date Note payable to EMC, maturity date Debt Instrument, Description of Variable Rate Basis LIBOR period, days Spread Over L I B O R Spread over LIBOR (basis points) Interest expense with EMC, net Interest expense with EMC, net Interest expense Interest Expense, Debt, Total Repayments of Notes Payable Repayments of principal Schedule Of Income Taxes [Table] Schedule Of Income Taxes [Table] Income Tax Reconciliation [Axis] Income Tax Reconciliation [Axis] Income Tax Reconciliation [Domain] Income Tax Reconciliation [Domain] Finalization Of Two Thousand Ten Returns [Member] Finalization Of Two Thousand Ten Returns Member Finalization Of 2010 Returns [Member] First Half Of Two Thousand Eleven [Member] First Half Of Two Thousand Eleven Member First Half Of 2011 [Member] Statement, Geographical [Axis] Segment, Geographical [Domain] International [Member] Effective Income Tax Rate, Continuing Operations Effective income tax rate Effective Income Tax Rate, Continuing Operations, Total Change In Tax Benefit (Provision), Effect On Basic Earnings Per Share Change In Tax Benefit (Provision), Effect On Basic Earnings Per Share Change in tax benefit (provision), effect on basic earnings per share Change In Tax Benefit (Provision), Effect On Diluted Earnings Per Share Change In Tax Benefit (Provision), Effect On Diluted Earnings Per Share Change in tax benefit (provision), effect on diluted earnings per share Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Short-term Investments Cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Short-term Investments, Total Unrecognized Tax Benefits Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Ending Balance Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Beginning Balance Gross unrecognized tax benefits Offsetting Tax Benefits Not Recognized Offsetting Tax Benefits Not Recognized Offsetting tax benefits not recognized Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate Net unrecognized tax benefits Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible, Estimated Range of Change, Lower Bound Reduction in total unrecognized tax benefits reasonably possible within next 12 months, minimum Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible, Estimated Range of Change, Upper Bound Reduction in total unrecognized tax benefits reasonably possible within next 12 months, maximum Income Tax Examination, Penalties and Interest Expense Interest and penalties recognized related to income tax matters Income Tax Examination, Penalties and Interest Expense, Total Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued Interest and penalties associated with net unrecognized tax benefits accrued Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued, Total Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increases Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions Tax Payments Resulting From Audits Tax payments resulting from the audit Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Current 2011 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years 2012 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years 2013 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years 2014 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Five Years 2015 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter Thereafter Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Total minimum lease payments Lease commitment date. Lease Commitment Date Lease commitment date Lease Expiration Date Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Type and Plan Name [Axis] Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Award Type and Plan Name [Domain] Stock Repurchase Program [Member] Stock Repurchase for Tax Witholding [Member] Stock Repurchase For Tax Witholding Member Stock Repurchase For Tax Withholding [Member] Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount Authorized repurchase of common stock Authorized repurchase of common stock Authorization end date of a repurchase program. Authorization End Date Of Repurchase Program Authorization end date of a repurchase program Shares repurchased or withheld and retired for tax withholdings on vesting of restricted stock, shares Shares repurchased and retired Shares repurchased and retired, shares Stock repurchased and retired during period, shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Total Fair Value Restricted stock-based awards, vested Restricted Stock Unit Awards Outstanding Outstanding, September 30, 2011, Number of Shares Outstanding, January 1, 2011, Number of Shares Restricted stock units and other, outstanding Restricted stock unit awards and other restricted stock Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Exercisable, Aggregate Intrinsic Value Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, options, vested and expected to vest, exercisable, aggregate intrinsic value Treasury Stock Acquired, Average Cost Per Share Weighted-average price for shares repurchased and retired, per share Vesting date through which the restricted stock is scheduled to vest. Vesting Date Through Which The Restricted Stock Is Scheduled To Vest Vesting date through which the restricted stock is scheduled to vest Shares repurchased or withheld and retired for tax withholdings on vesting of restricted stock, value Value of shares repurchased or withheld Stock repurchased and retired during period, value Other Employee Related Liabilities, Current Tax withholdings obligations Restricted Stock Shares Outstanding Fair Value Outstanding, September 30, 2011, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value (per share) Outstanding, January 1, 2011, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value (per share) Outstanding, January 1, 2011 Restricted Stock Shares Granted In Period Granted, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value (per share) Restricted Stock Shares Granted In Period, Shares Granted, Number of Shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Vested, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value (per share) Restricted Stock Shares Vested Shares Vested, Number of Shares Vested, Number of Shares Restricted Stock Shares Forfeited Forfeited, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value (per share) Restricted Stock Shares Forfeited Shares Forfeited, Number of Shares Forfeited, shares Stock Issued During Period, Value, Employee Stock Purchase Plan Class A common stock, value Cash proceeds Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Employee Stock Purchase Plans Shares issued under ESPP Class A common shares purchased Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Per Share Weighted Average Price of Shares Purchased Purchase price per share for issued under ESPP Weighted average price per share Other Comprehensive Income, Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Net of Tax Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities, net of taxes of $(798), $4,195, $282 and $5,699 Other Comprehensive Income, Reclassification Adjustment for Sale of Securities Included in Net Income, Net of Tax Reclassification of (gains) losses on available-for-sale securities recognized during the period, net of taxes of $(194), $3, $(12,866) and $3 Reclassification of (gains) losses on available-for-sale securities recognized during the period, net of taxes of $(194), $3, $(12,866) and $3 Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Total other comprehensive income Total other comprehensive income Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Total comprehensive income, net of taxes Other Comprehensive Income, Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Tax Tax effect on unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities Other Comprehensive Income, Reclassification Adjustment for Sale of Securities Included in Net Income, Tax Tax effect on reclassification of (gains) losses on available-for-sale securities Tax effect on reclassification of (gains) losses on available-for-sale securities Products and Services [Axis] Products and Services [Domain] Product Sold Pursuant to Reseller Arrangement [Member] Product Sold Pursuant To Reseller Arrangement Member Product Sold Pursuant To Reseller Arrangement [Member] Professional Service [Member] Professional Service Member Professional Service [Member] Server and Desktop Product and Service [Member] Server And Desktop Product And Service Member Server And Desktop Products And Services [Member] Storage System and Software [Member] Storage System And Software Member Storage Systems And Software [Member] Travel System [Member] Travel System Member Travel System [Member] Mozy [Member] Mozy Member Mozy [Member] Number of employees obtained from acquisition. Number Of Employees Obtained From Acquisition Number of employees obtained from acquisition Costs Incurred From Hiring Costs Incurred From Hiring Costs incurred from hiring Business acquisition contingent consideration payment Business Acquisition Contingent Consideration Payment Contingent obligations paid Related Party Transaction, Revenues from Transactions with Related Party Revenue from related party transaction Deferred Revenue Deferred Revenue, Ending Balance Deferred Revenue, Beginning Balance Deferred revenue Deferred Revenue, Total Related Party Costs Cost of purchase Payment of Federal Income Tax On Behalf of Related Party Payment of Federal Income Tax On Behalf of Related Party Payment of federal income tax on behalf of related party Receipt of income tax from related party. Receipt Of Income Tax From Related Party Receipt of income tax from related party Payment of income tax to related party. Payment Of Income Tax To Related Party Payment of income tax to related party Due from Related Parties Due from related party Due from Related Parties, Total Due to Related Parties Due to related party Due to Related Parties, Total Related Party Transaction, Due from (to) Related Party Due from related party net Related Party Transaction, Due from (to) Related Party, Total Related Party Tax Expense, Due from Affiliates, Current Income tax receivable due from related party Related Party Transaction Other Than Tax Obligation Due To Or From Related Cash Settlement Period Related Party Transaction Other Than Tax Obligation Due To Or From Related Cash Settlement Period Related party transaction cash settlement period Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] United States [Member] Number of Countries Accounted for Material Revenues Number of Countries Accounted for Material Revenues Number of countries accounted for material revenues Number of reportable segments. Number Of Reportable Segments Number of reportable segments Number of Countries Accounted for Ten Percentage or More of Total Assets Number of Countries Accounted for Ten Percentage or More of Total Assets Number of countries accounted for ten percentage or more of total assets Disclosure on Geographic Areas, Long-Lived Assets in Entity's Country of Domicile Long-lived assets in United States Disclosure on Geographic Areas, Long-Lived Assets in Foreign Countries Long-lived assets in International locations Total long lived assets. Total Long Lived Assets Total long lived assets Research And Development [Member] Corporate Debt Securities [Member] Municipal Obligations [Member] Money Market Funds [Member] Customer Relationships And Customer Lists [Member] Palo Alto Lease [Member] Palo Alto Lease Member Palo Alto Lease [Member]