Impairment, Restructuring Charges and Other Related Closure Costs (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Summary of Impairment Restructuring Charges and Other Related Closure Costs
Impairment	$ (4)	$ (11)	$ (35)
Restructuring charges	(43)	(75)	(221)
Other related closure costs	(28)	(18)	(35)
Total impairment, restructuring charges and other related closure costs	(75)	(104)	(291)
Manufacturing Restructuring Plan [Member]
Summary of Impairment Restructuring Charges and Other Related Closure Costs
Impairment	(3)	(1)	(25)
Restructuring charges	(13)	(15)	(69)
Other related closure costs	(21)	(11)	(32)
Total impairment, restructuring charges and other related closure costs	(37)	(27)	(126)
ST-Ericsson Restructuring Plan [Member]
Summary of Impairment Restructuring Charges and Other Related Closure Costs
Impairment	(1)	(10)
Restructuring charges	(3)	(59)	(99)
Other related closure costs	(3)	(5)	(1)
Total impairment, restructuring charges and other related closure costs	(7)	(74)	(100)
ST-Ericsson Cost Savings Plan [Member]
Summary of Impairment Restructuring Charges and Other Related Closure Costs
Restructuring charges	(26)
Total impairment, restructuring charges and other related closure costs	(26)
Goodwill Annual Impairment Test [Member]
Summary of Impairment Restructuring Charges and Other Related Closure Costs
Impairment			(6)
Total impairment, restructuring charges and other related closure costs			(6)
Other Restructuring Initiatives [Member]
Summary of Impairment Restructuring Charges and Other Related Closure Costs
Impairment			(4)
Restructuring charges	(1)	(1)	(53)
Other related closure costs	(4)	(2)	(2)
Total impairment, restructuring charges and other related closure costs	$ (5)	$ (3)	$ (59)

The charge against earnings resulting from the aggregate write down of all assets from their carrying value to their fair value.

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The charge against earnings in the period, comprised of costs associated with restructuring activities not otherwise specified in the taxonomy pursuant to a duly authorized plan, excluding a discontinued operation as defined by generally accepted accounting principles. Costs of such activities include those for one-time termination benefits, termination of an operating lease or other contract, consolidating or closing facilities, and relocating employees, but excludes costs associated with the retirement of a long-lived asset and severance costs associated with established compensation plans.

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- Definition

Amount charged against earnings in the period for incurred and estimated costs associated with exit from or disposal of business activities or restructurings pursuant to a duly authorized plan, excluding asset retirement obligations.

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