Accounts Payable Current Accounts payable Accounts Receivable Net Current Accounts receivable, net Accrued Expenses [Member] Accrued Expenses [Member] Accrued Expenses [Member] Accrued Liabilities Current Accrued expenses The carrying value as of the balance sheet date for estimated warranty costs. Accrued Warranty Accrued warranty Accumulated Depreciation Depletion And Amortization Property Plant And Equipment Accumulated depreciation Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Net Of Tax Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Additional Paid In Capital Additional paid-in capital Adjustments To Reconcile Net Income Loss To Cash Provided By Used In Operating Activities [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operations: Allocated Share Based Compensation Expense Expenses on stock-based compensation Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share Amount Anti-dilutive potential common shares excluded* Amount of interim arbitration award entered in legal matter. Arbitration Award Issued interim award against losses Rate at which arbitration award accrued interest. Arbitration Award Interest Rate Statutory rate specified as pre-award interest rate Total of arbitration award plus pre-award interest. Arbitration Award Plus Pre Award Interest Amount of total award issued by the arbitrator Amount of total award issued by arbitrator vacated. Arbitration Award Vacated Amount of total award issued by arbitrator vacated Assets Total assets Assets [Abstract] ASSETS Assets Current Total current assets Assets Current [Abstract] Current assets: Assets Fair Value Disclosure Total assets at fair value Assumed stock appreciation rights outstanding at balance sheet date. Assumed Stock Appreciation Rights Outstanding At Balance Sheet Date Number of assumed SARs outstanding Auction Rate Securities [Member] Auction Rate Securities [Member] Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Business Acquisition Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition Cost Of Acquired Entity Purchase Price Purchase price of the Acquisition Total Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business acquisition period of measurement. Business Acquisition Period Of Measurement Period of measurement Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Amortizable Intangible Assets Intangible assets Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Assets Acquired Liabilities Assumed Net Total Business acquisition purchase price allocation cash and short term investments. Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Cash And Short Term Investments Cash and cash equivalents Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Current Assets Inventory Inventories Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Current Assets Receivables Accounts receivable Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Current Liabilities Accounts Payable Accounts payable Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Current Liabilities Accrued Liabilities Accrued liabilities Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Current Liabilities Long Term Debt Debt assumed Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Goodwill Amount Goodwill Business acquisition purchase price allocation other current assets. Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Other Current Assets Other current assets Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Other Noncurrent Assets Other non-current assets Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Other Noncurrent Liabilities Other liabilities Business Acquisition Purchase Price allocation Pension and other retirement benefit liabilities. Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Pension And Other Retirement Benefit Liabilities Pension and other post-retirement benefit liabilities Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Property Plant And Equipment Property, plant and equipment Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block] HGST Acquisition Business preliminary acquisition purchase price allocation goodwill amount. Business Preliminary Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Goodwill Amount Value allocated to goodwill Cash And Cash Equivalents At Carrying Value Cash and cash equivalents, end of period Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period Cash and cash equivalents Cash And Cash Equivalents Fair Value Disclosure Total cash equivalents Cash And Cash Equivalents Period Increase Decrease Net increase in cash and cash equivalents Cash dividend declared but not yet paid during the period reported. Cash Dividend Declared Accrual of cash dividend declared Cash Dividend Per Common Share Declared Cash Dividend Per Common Share Declared Cash dividend Cash Flow Hedging [Member] Cash Flow Hedging [Member] Carrying value of the cash-settled stock appreciation rights at the balance sheet date . Cash Settled Stock Appreciation Rights Liability Total liability related to SARs Commitments And Contingencies Commitments and contingencies (Notes 4 and 5) Common Stock Par Or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, par value Common Stock Shares Authorized Common stock, authorized Common Stock Shares Issued Common stock, issued Common Stock Shares Outstanding Common stock, outstanding Dollar value of issued common stock whether issued at par value, no par or stated value. Note: elements for number of common shares, par value and other disclosure concepts are in another section within stockholders' equity. Common Stock Values Common stock, $.01 par value; authorized - 450 shares; issued - 261 shares; outstanding - 243 and 246 shares, respectively Compensation cost recognized in income during the period for cash-settled stock appreciation rights . Compensation Cost For Cash Settled Stock Appreciation Rights Compensation cost for cash-settled stock appreciation rights Compensation cost for unvested cash settled stock appreciation rights not yet recognized. Compensation Cost For Unvested Cash Settled Stock Appreciation Rights Not Yet Recognized Total compensation cost related to unvested SARs Comprehensive Income Net Of Tax Including Portion Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest Total comprehensive income Contract Termination [Member] Contract Termination [Member] Cost Of Goods Sold Cost of revenue Cost Of Sales [Member] Cost of Sales [Member] Amount by which the credit facility can be expanded. Credit Facility Additional Borrowing Capacity Line of credit facility additional borrowing capacity Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Debt Debt Instrument Interest Rate At Period End Interest Rate of Borrowing Under Credit Facility Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument Maturity Date Maturity date of remaining term loan facility Debt Instrument [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Deferred Income Tax Expense Benefit Deferred income taxes Defined Benefit Plan Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost Expected Long Term Return On Assets Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan Benefit Obligation Benefit obligation Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Defined Benefit Plan Estimated Future Employer Contributions In Next Fiscal Year Expected contribution for pension plan Defined Benefit Plan Fair Value Of Plan Assets Fair value of plan assets Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures Defined Benefit Plans [Axis] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Axis] Defined Benefit Plans [Domain] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Domain] Defined benefit plan unfunded status. Defined Benefit Plan Unfunded Status Unfunded status Depreciation And Amortization Depreciation and amortization Derivative Assets Foreign exchange contracts Derivative Contract Type [Domain] Derivative Contract Type [Domain] Derivative Fair Value Of Derivative Asset Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments Fair value, Asset derivatives Derivative Fair Value Of Derivative Liability Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments Fair Value, Liability derivatives Derivative Instrument Risk [Axis] Derivative Instrument Risk [Axis] Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Foreign Exchange Contracts Derivative Instruments Gain Loss By Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Derivative Instruments Gain Loss By Hedging Relationship By Income Statement Location By Derivative Instrument Risk [Table] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) by Hedging Relationship, by Income Statement Location, by Derivative Instrument Risk [Table] Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Derivative Instruments Gain Loss Reclassified From Accumulated O C I Into Income Effective Portion Net Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income Derivative Instruments Gain Recognized In Other Comprehensive Income Effective Portion Amount of Gain Recognized in accumulated OCI on Derivatives Derivative Liabilities Foreign exchange contracts Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items] Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Description Of New Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted Recent Accounting Pronouncements Designated As Hedging Instrument [Member] Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Disclosure Debt Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Debt Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Debt Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Employee Termination Benefit and Other charges - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Employee Termination Benefit And Other Charges Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Employee Termination Benefit and Other charges - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Employee Termination Benefits and Other Charges [Abstract] Disclosure Employee Termination Benefits And Other Charges [Abstract] Disclosure - Employee Termination Benefits and Other Charges [Abstract] Disclosure Fair Value Measurements Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Fair Value Measurements Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Fair Value Measurements Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Fair Value Measurements Financial Assets And Liabilities Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis [Abstract] Disclosure Fair Value Measurements Financial Assets And Liabilities Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis [Abstract] Disclosure Fair Value Measurements Financial Assets And Liabilities Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis [Abstract] Disclosure - Foreign Exchange Contracts - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Foreign Exchange Contracts Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Foreign Exchange Contracts - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Foreign Exchange Contracts - Fair Value and Balance Sheet Location of Contracts [Abstract] Disclosure Foreign Exchange Contracts Fair Value And Balance Sheet Location Of Contracts [Abstract] Disclosure - Foreign Exchange Contracts - Fair Value and Balance Sheet Location of Contracts [Abstract] Disclosure - Foreign Exchange Contracts - Gains (Losses) of Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships [Abstract] Disclosure Foreign Exchange Contracts Gains Losses Of Derivatives In Cash Flow Hedging Relationships [Abstract] Disclosure - Foreign Exchange Contracts - Gains (Losses) of Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships [Abstract] Disclosure - Hgst Acquisitions - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Hgst Acquisitions Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Hgst Acquisitions - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Hgst Acquisitions - Preliminary Purchase Price [Abstract] Disclosure Hgst Acquisitions Preliminary Purchase Price [Abstract] Disclosure - Hgst Acquisitions - Preliminary Purchase Price [Abstract] Disclosure - Hgst Acquisitions - Preliminary Purchase Price Allocation [Abstract] Disclosure Hgst Acquisitions Preliminary Purchase Price Allocation [Abstract] Disclosure - Hgst Acquisitions - Preliminary Purchase Price Allocation [Abstract] Disclosure - Income Per Common Share - Computation of Basic and Diluted Income Per Common Share [Abstract] Disclosure Income Per Common Share Computation Of Basic And Diluted Income Per Common Share [Abstract] Disclosure - Income Per Common Share - Computation of Basic and Diluted Income Per Common Share [Abstract] Disclosure Income Taxes Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Income Taxes Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Income Taxes Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Legal Proceedings Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Legal Proceedings Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Legal Proceedings Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments [Text Block] Stock-Based Compensation Disclosure - Pensions and Other Post Retirement - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Pensions And Other Post Retirement Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Pensions and Other Post Retirement - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Pensions and Other Post Retirement - Unfunded amounts on Company's Balance Sheet [Abstract] Disclosure Pensions And Other Post Retirement Unfunded Amounts On Companys Balance Sheet [Abstract] Disclosure - Pensions and Other Post Retirement - Unfunded amounts on Company's Balance Sheet [Abstract] Disclosure - Pensions and Other Post Retirement - Unfunded Status Of Benefit Obligation and Plan Assets [Abstract] Disclosure Pensions And Other Post Retirement Unfunded Status Of Benefit Obligation And Plan Assets [Abstract] Disclosure - Pensions and Other Post Retirement - Unfunded Status Of Benefit Obligation and Plan Assets [Abstract] Disclosure Stock Based Compensation Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Stock Based Compensation Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Stock Based Compensation Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Stock-Based Compensation - Fair value of stock options granted [Abstract] Disclosure Stock Based Compensation Fair Value Of Stock Options Granted [Abstract] Disclosure - Stock-Based Compensation - Fair value of stock options granted [Abstract] Disclosure - Stock-Based Compensation - Stock Option Plan [Abstract] Disclosure Stock Based Compensation Stock Option Plan [Abstract] Disclosure - Stock-Based Compensation - Stock Option Plan [Abstract] Disclosure - Stock-Based Compensation - Summarization of Restricted Stock Units [Abstract] Disclosure Stock Based Compensation Summarization Of Restricted Stock Units [Abstract] Disclosure - Stock-Based Compensation - Summarization of Restricted Stock Units [Abstract] Disclosure - Supplemental Financial Statement Data - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Supplemental Financial Statement Data Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Supplemental Financial Statement Data - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Supplemental Financial Statement Data - Changes in Warranty Accrual [Abstract] Disclosure Supplemental Financial Statement Data Changes In Warranty Accrual [Abstract] Disclosure - Supplemental Financial Statement Data - Changes in Warranty Accrual [Abstract] Disclosure - Supplemental Financial Statement Data - Supplemental Financial Information [Abstract] Disclosure Supplemental Financial Statement Data Supplemental Financial Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Supplemental Financial Statement Data - Supplemental Financial Information [Abstract] Discount percentage taken on value of shares. Discount Percentage Taken On Value Of Shares Percentage of discount used for calculation of fair value Document Documentand Entity Information [Abstract] Document Documentand Entity Information [Abstract] Document Documentand Entity Information [Abstract] Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Information [Table] Document Information [Table] Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Document Type Document Type Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Income per common share: Earnings Per Share Basic Basic Earnings Per Share Basic And Diluted [Abstract] Income per common share: Earnings Per Share Diluted Diluted Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Income per Common Share The weighted average period over which unrecognized compensation is expected to be recognized for cash-settled stock appreciation rights. Employee Service Period Cash Settled Stock Appreciation Rights Compensation Cost Not Yet Recognized Period For Recognition Total compensation cost, weighted average service period Employee Service Share Based Compensation Nonvested Awards Total Compensation Cost Not Yet Recognized Unamortized fair value of all unvested restricted stock unit awards Employee Service Share Based Compensation Nonvested Awards Total Compensation Cost Not Yet Recognized Period For Recognition 1 Weighted average vesting period Employee Termination Benefits and Other Charges Disclosure [Text Block] Employee Termination Benefits And Other Charges Disclosure [Text Block] Employee Termination Benefits and Other Charges Employee termination benefits. Employee Termination Benefits [Member] Employee Termination Benefits [Member] Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Entity Common Stock Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Information [Line Items] Entity Information [Line Items] Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Estimated impact of proposed IRS adjustments on pre-tax income. Estimated Impact Of Proposed Irs Adjustments On Pretax Income Estimated impact of proposed IRS adjustments on Pre-tax income Excess Tax Benefit From Share Based Compensation Financing Activities Excess tax benefits from employee stock plans Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Table] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation By Asset Class [Domain] Fair Value by Asset Class [Domain] Fair Value By Asset Class [Axis] Asset Class [Axis] Fair Value By Fair Value Hierarchy Level [Axis] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value By Liability Class [Axis] Liability Class [Axis] Fair Value By Measurement Frequency [Axis] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Inputs Level 1 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Fair Value Inputs Level 2 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Fair Value Inputs Level 3 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Fair Value Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation By Liability Class [Domain] Fair Value by Liability Class [Domain] Fair Value Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value, Measurements, Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Measurements Recurring [Member] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Fair value of shares issued for acquisition. Fair Value Of Shares Issued For Acquisition Fair value of shares issued for acquisition Fair Values Derivatives Balance Sheet Location By Derivative Contract Type By Hedging Designation [Table] Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Finite Lived Intangible Assets Accumulated Amortization Accumulated amortization Finite Lived Intangible Assets Net Other intangible assets, net Other intangible assets, net Finite Lived Intangible Assets Net [Abstract] Other intangible assets: Foreign Currency Cash Flow Hedge Gain Loss To Be Reclassified During Next 12 Months Unrealized gains expected to be reclassified into earnings Foreign Currency Contracts Maximum Maturity Term Foreign Currency Contracts Maximum Maturity Term Contract Maturity Dates Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] Total dollar amount of foreign exchange contracts closed during the period. Foreign Exchange Contracts Closed During Period Foreign exchange contracts closed during the period by company Total dollar amount of foreign exchange contracts opened during the period. Foreign Exchange Contracts Opened During Period Foreign exchange contracts opened during the period by company Foreign Pension Plans Defined Benefit [Member] Japan Pension Benefits Forfeiture rate of restricted stock unit valuation assumption. Forfeiture Rate Of Restricted Stock Unit Valuation Assumption Forfeiture rate of restricted stock unit valuation assumption Goodwill Goodwill Goodwill Purchase Accounting Adjustments Net decrease in goodwill Goodwill purchase accounting adjustments decrease in intangible assets non current. Goodwill Purchase Accounting Adjustments Decrease In Intangible Assets Non Current Decrease in intangible assets Goodwill purchase accounting adjustments increase in deferred income tax. Goodwill Purchase Accounting Adjustments Increase In Deferred Income Tax Increase in deferred income tax Grant-date fair value of shares underlying restricted stock awards. Grant Date Fair Value Of Shares Underlying Restricted Stock Awards Grant-date fair value of the shares underlying the restricted stock awards Tabular disclosure of the weighted average assumptions used in calculating the fair value of stock options granted. Granted Stock Options Fair Value Assumptions Table [Text Block] Fair Value of Stock Options Granted Gross Profit Gross margin Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Domain] Hedging Designation [Domain] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Hitachi global storage technologies. Hitachi Global Storage Technologies [Member] Hitachi Global Storage Technologies [Member] Income Loss From Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes Minority Interest And Income Loss From Equity Method Investments Income before income taxes Income Statement [Abstract] Income Statement [Abstract] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items] Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items] Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items] Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Income Taxes Income Taxes Disclosure [Table] Income Taxes Disclosure [Table] Income Taxes Disclosure [Table] Income Taxes Paid Cash paid for income taxes Income Tax Expense Benefit Income tax provision Income Tax Expense Benefit Continuing Operations Income tax provision Income Tax Holiday Termination Date Expiration date of tax holiday in Malaysia,Philippines,Singapore and Thailand Increase Decrease In Accounts Payable Trade Accounts payable Increase Decrease In Accounts Receivable Accounts receivable, net Increase Decrease In Accrued Liabilities Accrued expenses Increase Decrease In Inventories Inventories Increase Decrease In Operating Capital [Abstract] Changes in: Increase Decrease In Other Operating Capital Net Other assets and liabilities Expense for borrowed money and other non-operating activities. Interest And Other Expense Interest and other expense Interest Paid Cash paid for interest Inventory Finished Goods Net Of Reserves Finished goods Inventory Net Inventories Total inventories Inventory Net [Abstract] Inventories: Inventory Raw Materials Net Of Reserves Raw materials and component parts Inventory Work In Process Net Of Reserves Work-in-process Investment Income Interest Interest income Investments Fair Value Disclosure Auction-rate securities Issued and outstanding paid up share capital acquired as a result of business combination. Issued And Outstanding Paid Up Share Capital Acquired As Result Of Business Combination Acquisition of all issued and outstanding paid-up share capital of HGST Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Matters And Contingencies [Text Block] Legal Proceedings Liabilities Total liabilities Liabilities And Stockholders Equity Total liabilities and shareholders' equity Liabilities And Stockholders Equity [Abstract] LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Liabilities Current Total current liabilities Liabilities Current [Abstract] Current liabilities: Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure Total liabilities at fair value Line of Credit Facility Amount Available to Borrow Line Of Credit Facility Amount Available To Borrow Credit Facility Revolving Loan Line Of Credit Facility Remaining Borrowing Capacity Available future borrowings of revolving credit facility Long Term Debt Remaining balance term loan facility there after Long Term Debt Current Current portion of long-term debt Long Term Debt Maturities Repayments Of Principal In Next Twelve Months 2013 Long Term Debt Maturities Repayments Of Principal In Year Five Remaining balance term loan facility there after Long Term Debt Maturities Repayments Of Principal In Year Four 2016 Long Term Debt Maturities Repayments Of Principal In Year Three 2015 Long Term Debt Maturities Repayments Of Principal In Year Two 2014 Long Term Debt Noncurrent Long-term debt Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies [Table] Maturity of auction rate securities. Maturity Of Auction Rate Securities Maturity of auction rate securities Money Market Funds [Member] Money Market Funds [Member] Net Cash Provided By Used In Financing Activities Net cash used in financing activities Net Cash Provided By Used In Financing Activities [Abstract] Cash flows from financing activities Net Cash Provided By Used In Investing Activities Net cash used in investing activities Net Cash Provided By Used In Investing Activities [Abstract] Cash flows from investing activities Net Cash Provided By Used In Operating Activities Net cash provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided By Used In Operating Activities [Abstract] Cash flows from operating activities Net Income Loss Net income Net income Net Income Loss Per Common Share [Line Items] Net Income Loss Per Common Share [Line Items] Net Income Loss Per Common Share [Line Items] Nonoperating Income Expense Total other expense, net Nonoperating Income Expense [Abstract] Other income (expense): Number of share of common stock issued related to acquisition. Number Of Share Of Common Stock Issued Related To Acquisition Company newly issued common stock Number of years of transfer restriction on shares issued for acquisition. Number Of Years Of Transfer Restriction On Shares Issued For Acquisition Number of year of transfer restriction Operating Expenses Total operating expenses Operating Expenses [Abstract] Operating expenses: Operating Income Loss Operating income Aggregate amount of options outstanding with an exercise price below the quoted price of the Company's stock on the date of the latest balance sheet presented. Options Outstanding To Purchase Shares With Exercise Price Below Company Stock Price Options outstanding to purchase shares with exercise price below company stock price The total dollar difference between fair values of underlying shares reserved for issuance and exercising prices pertaining to options outstanding with an exercise price below the quoted price of the Company's stock on the date of the latest balance sheet presented. Options Outstanding To Purchase Shares With Exercise Price Below Company Stock Price Intrinsic Value Options outstanding to purchase shares with exercise price below company stock price, intrinsic value Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements Disclosure And Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Basis of Presentation Other Assets Current Other current assets Other Assets Noncurrent Other non-current assets Other Comprehensive Income Loss Net Of Tax Other comprehensive income (loss) Other Comprehensive Income Loss Net Of Tax Period Increase Decrease [Abstract] Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax: Other Comprehensive Income Loss Pension And Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Adjustment Net Of Tax Change in net actuarial losses Other Comprehensive Income Unrealized Gain Loss On Derivatives Arising During Period Net Of Tax Net unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges Other Current Assets [Member] Other Current Assets Other Finite Lived Intangible Assets Gross Other intangible assets Other Liabilities Noncurrent Other liabilities Parent Company [Member] Western Digital Corporation [Member] Payments For Repurchase Of Common Stock Repurchases of common stock Payments To Acquire Businesses Net Of Cash Acquired Acquisition Payments To Acquire Property Plant And Equipment Purchases of property, plant and equipment Pension And Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Pensions and Other Post-retirement Benefit Plans Pension And Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans Current Liabilities Current liabilities Pension And Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans Liabilities Current And Noncurrent Net amount recognized Pension And Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans Liabilities Noncurrent Non-current liabilities Portion of debt and cash in preliminary purchase price. Portion Of Debt And Cash In Preliminary Purchase Price Portion of debt in preliminary purchase price Amount of interest accrued on the arbitration award before the award was entered. Pre Award Interest Amount of final award adding pre-award interest issued by the arbitrator Preferred Stock Par Or Stated Value Per Share Preferred stock, par value Preferred Stock Shares Authorized Preferred stock, authorized Preferred Stock Shares Issued Preferred stock, issued Preferred Stock Shares Outstanding Preferred stock, outstanding Dollar value of issued nonredeemable preferred stock (or preferred stock redeemable solely at the option of the issuer) whether issued at par value, no par or stated value. Note: elements for number of nonredeemable preferred shares, par value and other disclosure concepts are in another section within stockholders' equity. Preferred Stock Values Preferred stock, $.01 par value; authorized - 5 shares; issued and outstanding - none Preliminary fair value of stock options restricted stock based awards and stock appreciation rights assumed. Preliminary Fair Value Of Stock Options Restricted Stock Based Awards And Stock Appreciation Rights Assumed Fair value of stock options, restricted stock-based awards and SARs assumed Preliminary purchase price of business combination. Preliminary Purchase Price Of Business Combination Table [Text Block] Preliminary Purchase Price of Business Combination Proceeds From Issuance Of Shares Under Incentive And Share Based Compensation Plans Issuance of stock under employee stock plans Product Warranty Accrual [Line Items] Product Warranty Accrual [Line Items] Product Warranty Accrual [Line Items] Product Warranty Accrual Noncurrent Long-term portion of the warranty accrual classified in other liabilities Product Warranty Accrual [Table] Product Warranty Accrual [Table] Product Warranty Accrual [Table] Product Warranty [Line Items] Product Warranty [Line Items] Product Warranty [Line Items] Product warranty period maximum. Product Warranty Period Maximum Product warranty,Maximum Product warranty period minimum. Product Warranty Period Minimum Product warranty,Minimum Property Plant And Equipment Gross Property, plant and equipment Property Plant And Equipment Net Property, plant and equipment, net Property, plant and equipment, net Property Plant And Equipment Net [Abstract] Property, plant and equipment: Repayments Of Long Term Debt Repayment of debt Research And Development Expense Excluding Acquired In Process Cost Research and development Restricted Stock Expense Expense related to the vesting of restricted stock unit awards Restricted Stock Units R S U [Member] Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Axis] Restructuring Type [Axis] Retained Earnings Accumulated Deficit Retained earnings Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Sales Revenue Goods Net Revenue, net Schedule Of Amounts Recognized In Balance Sheet Table [Text Block] Unfunded Amounts Recognized on Consolidate Balance Sheets Schedule Of Business Acquisitions By Acquisition [Table] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Schedule Of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Schedule Of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Text Block] Unfunded Status of Benefit Obligations and Plan Assets Schedule Of Derivative Instruments Gain Loss In Statement Of Financial Performance [Text Block] Gains (Losses) of Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships Schedule Of Derivative Instruments In Statement Of Financial Position Fair Value [Text Block] Fair Value and Balance Sheet Location Schedule Of Earnings Per Share Basic And Diluted Table [Text Block] Computation of Basic and Diluted Income Per Common Share Schedule Of Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Table [Text Block] Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis Schedule Of Net Income Loss Per Common Share [Table] Schedule Of Net Income Loss Per Common Share [Table] Schedule Of Net Income Loss Per Common Share [Table] Schedule Of Product Warranty Liability Table [Text Block] Changes in Accrual Warranty Schedule Of Purchase Price Allocation Table [Text Block] Preliminary Purchase Price Allocation Schedule Of Restructuring And Related Costs [Table] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Tabular disclosure of severance and other charges. Schedule Of Severance And Other Charges Table [Text Block] Employee Termination Benefits and Other Charges Schedule Of Share Based Compensation Arrangements By Share Based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule Of Sharebased Compensation Restricted Stock And Restricted Stock Units Activity Table [Text Block] Restricted Stock Unit Schedule Of Share Based Compensation Stock Options Activity Table [Text Block] Stock Option Activity Selling General And Administrative Expense Selling, general and administrative Severance charges and other charges incurred. Severance And Other Charges Charges Charges to realign production Severance And Other Charges [Line Items] Severance And Other Charges [Line Items] Severance And Other Charges [Line Items] Carrying amount (both current and non current liabilities) as of the balance sheet date for costs associated with severance charges and other charges. Severance And Other Charges Reserve Beginning Balance Accrual at June 29, 2012 Carrying amount (both current and non current liabilities) as of the balance sheet date for costs associated with severance charges and other charges. Severance And Other Charges Reserve Ending Balance Accrual at September 28, 2012 Amount of cash paid to partial or fully settle previously accrued charges associated with the severance and other charges. Severance And Other Charges Reserve Settled With Cash Cash payments Severance charges and other charges incurred. Severance And Other Costs Employee termination benefits and other charges Share Based Compensation Stock-based compensation Share based compensation arrangement by share based payment award equity instruments other than options expected to vest outstanding number. Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Expected To Vest Outstanding Number Number of share, Expected to vest after September 28, 2012 Share based compensation arrangement by share based payment award equity instruments other than options expected to vest outstanding weighted average grant date fair value. Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Expected To Vest Outstanding Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share, Expected to vest after September 28, 2012 Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Forfeited In Period Restricted stock, Number of share Canceled or expired Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Grants In Period Restricted stock, Number of share granted Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Grants In Period Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Restricted stock, Granted weighted average grant date fair value per share Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Nonvested Number Numbers of Shares,Ending Balance Numbers of Shares,Beginning Balance Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Nonvested Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share, Ending Balance Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share, Beginning Balance Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Vested In Period Restricted stock, Number of share vested Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Vested In Period Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Restricted stock, Vested weighted average grant date fair value per share Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Fair Value Assumptions Expected Dividend Rate Dividend yield Sharebased Compensation Arrangement By Sharebased Payment Award Fair Value Assumptions Expected Term 1 Weighted average expected term of the Company's stock options Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Fair Value Assumptions Expected Volatility Rate Maximum Expected stock price volatility, maximum Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Fair Value Assumptions Expected Volatility Rate Minimum Expected stock price volatility, minimum Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Fair Value Assumptions Risk Free Interest Rate Maximum Risk-free interest rates, maximum Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Fair Value Assumptions Risk Free Interest Rate Minimum Risk-free interest rates, minimum Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Fair Value Assumptions Weighted Average Volatility Rate Weighted average expected volatility Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Cancelled In Period Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Cancelled In Period Canceled or expired Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Exercisable Number Exercisable at September 28, 2012, Number of Shares Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Exercisable Weighted Average Exercise Price Exercisable at September 28, 2012 Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Exercises In Period Total Intrinsic Value Aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised under the Company's stock option plan Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Forfeitures And Expirations In Period Weighted Average Exercise Price Canceled or expired Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Grants In Period Granted, Number of Shares Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Grants In Period Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Fair value Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Outstanding Intrinsic Value Options outstanding at September 28, 2012 Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Outstanding Number Options outstanding, Ending Balance, Numbers of Shares Numbers of Shares, Beginning Balance Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Outstanding Weighted Average Exercise Price Options outstanding at September 28, 2012 Options outstanding, Beginning Balance, Weighted Average Exercise Price Sharebased Compensation Arrangement By Sharebased Payment Award Options Outstanding Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term 2 Options outstanding at September 28, 2012 Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Vested And Expected To Vest Outstanding Aggregate Intrinsic Value Vested and expected to vest after September 28, 2012 Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Vested And Expected To Vest Outstanding Number Vested and Expected to vest after September 28, 2012, Number of Shares Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Vested And Expected To Vest Outstanding Weighted Average Exercise Price Vested and expected to vest after September 28, 2012 Share based compensation arrangement by share based payment awards equity instruments other than options forfeited in period weighted average grant date fair value. Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Awards Equity Instruments Other Than Options Forfeited In Period Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Restricted stock,canceled or expired weighted average grant date fair value per share Share based payments award options vested and expected to vest outstanding weighted average remaining contractual term. Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payments Award Options Vested And Expected To Vest Outstanding Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Vested and expected to vest after September 28, 2012 Share Based Compensation Arrangements By Share Based Payment Award Award Type And Plan Name [Domain] Award Type [Domain] Factor to estimate the amount of vested options that will be exercised within 90 days as a result of employee termination. Share Based Compensation Fair Value Assumptions Post Vesting Termination Rate Post-vesting termination rate Factor to estimate the amount of option exercises prior to the end of their respective term. Share Based Compensation Fair Value Assumptions Suboptimal Exercise Factor Suboptimal exercise factor The total dollar difference between fair values of the underlying shares reserved for issuance and exercise prices of vested portions of options outstanding and exercisable as of the end of the period. Share Based Compensation Options Exercisable Intrinsic Value Exercisable at September 28, 2012 The weighted average remaining contractual life of options exercisable at the end of the period expressed in years. Share Based Compensation Options Exercisable Remaining Contractual Life Exercisable at September 28, 2012 The weighted average price at which option holders acquired shares when converting their stock options into shares. Share Based Compensation Options Exercises In Period Weighted Average Exercise Price Exercised, Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share The weighted average exercise price of options granted as share based compensation. Share Based Compensation Options Granted Weighted Average Exercise Price Granted, Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share Significant Change In Unrecognized Tax Benefits Is Reasonably Possible Amount Of Unrecorded Benefit Reasonably possible unrecognized tax benefits Standard Product Warranty Accrual Warranty accrual, end of period Warranty accrual, beginning of period Standard Product Warranty Accrual Payments Utilization Standard Product Warranty Accrual Preexisting Increase Decrease Changes in estimate related to pre-existing warranties Standard Product Warranty Accrual Warranties Issued Charges to operations Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Statement Of Cash Flows [Abstract] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Statement Of Financial Position [Abstract] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Statement of Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] The weighted average exercise price at which grantees can exercise stock appreciation rights for cash settlement. Stock Appreciation Right Outstanding Weighted Average Exercise Price Stock Appreciation Right Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Stockholders Equity Total shareholders' equity Stockholders Equity [Abstract] Shareholders' equity: Stock Issued During Period Shares Stock Options Exercised Exercised, Number of Shares Supplemental Balance Sheet Disclosures [Text Block] Supplemental Financial Statement Data Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information: Supplemental Disclosure Of Non Cash Activities [Abstract] Supplemental Disclosure Of Non Cash Activities [Abstract] Supplemental disclosure of non-cash activities: Supplemental Financial Information [Line Items] Supplemental Financial Information [Line Items] Supplemental Financial Information [Line Items] Supplemental Financial Information [Table] Supplemental Financial Information [Table] Supplemental Financial Information [Table] Supplemental Financial Information Table [Text Block] Supplemental Financial Information Table [Text Block] Supplemental Financial Information Taxes paid on vested stock awards under employee stock plans. Taxes Paid On Vested Stock Awards Under Employee Stock Plans Taxes paid on vested stock awards under employee stock plans Term Loan [Member] Term Loan [Member] Term Loan [Member] Text Block [Abstract] Text Block [Abstract] Trading Symbol Trading Symbol Treasury Stock Shares Treasury stock, shares Treasury Stock Value Treasury stock - common shares at cost; 18 shares and 15 shares, respectively Type Of Restructuring [Domain] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Unrecognized Tax Benefits Unrecognized tax benefits Unrecognized Tax Benefits Period Increase Decrease Increase in liability for unrecognized tax benefits Total term loan amount borrowed under credit facility. Unsecured Loan Under Credit Facility Total unsecured loan under credit facility As of the balance sheet date, the aggregate unrecognized cost of stock option awards made to employees under share-based compensation plans and employee stock purchase plan rights that have yet to vest. Unvested Employee Service Share Based Compensation Stock Option Awards And Employee Stock Purchase Plan Rights Issued But Not Yet Recognized Total compensation cost related to unvested stock options and ESPP rights issued The weighted average period over which unrecognized costs is expected to be recognized for employee service share based stock option awards and employee stock purchase plan rights, using a decimal to express in number of years. Unvested Employee Service Share Based Compensation Stock Option Awards And Employee Stock Purchase Plan Rights Issued But Not Yet Recognized Period For Recognition Weighted average service period Use Of Estimates Use of estimates and assumption U S Government Agencies Debt Securities [Member] US Government Agencies Debt Securities U S Treasury Securities [Member] US Treasury Securities [Member] Weighted Average Number Diluted Shares Outstanding Adjustment Employee stock options and other Weighted Average Number Of Diluted Shares Outstanding Diluted Diluted Weighted Average Number Of Shares Outstanding [Abstract] Weighted average shares outstanding: Weighted Average Number Of Shares Outstanding Basic Basic