Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Increase (Decrease) For Transfer To (From) Plan

No definition available.

Name:	ibm_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligationIncreaseDecreaseForTransferToFromPlan
Namespace Prefix:	ibm_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Non-cash, pre-tax pension settlement charges relating to accelerated recognition of accumulated actuarial losses resulting from irrevocable transfer of defined benefit pension obligations and related plan assets under group annuity contracts.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	ibm_PensionSettlementCharge
Namespace Prefix:	ibm_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Non-cash, pension settlement charges relating to accelerated recognition of accumulated actuarial losses resulting from irrevocable transfer of defined benefit pension obligations and related plan assets under group annuity contracts, net of tax.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	ibm_PensionSettlementChargeNetOfTax
Namespace Prefix:	ibm_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount of increase (decrease) in plan assets of defined benefit plan from assets transferred into (from) plan.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssetsTransferredToFromPlan
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

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.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph (k)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147480506/715-20-50-5

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph (d)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147480506/715-20-50-5

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph (i)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147480506/715-20-50-5

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph (l)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147480506/715-20-50-5

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph (g)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147480506/715-20-50-5

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph (j)(1)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147480506/715-20-50-5

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph (j)(2)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147480506/715-20-50-5

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph (j)(4)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147480506/715-20-50-5

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph (j)(3)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147480506/715-20-50-5

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph (a)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147480506/715-20-50-5

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph (b)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147480506/715-20-50-5

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph (c)(iv)(02)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147480506/715-20-50-5

Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph (c)(ii)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147480506/715-20-50-5

Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 7
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147480506/715-20-50-7

Reference 15: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph (q)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147480506/715-20-50-5

Reference 16: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph (m)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147480506/715-20-50-5

Reference 17: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph (h)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147480506/715-20-50-5

Reference 18: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph (f)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147480506/715-20-50-5

Reference 19: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph (e)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147480506/715-20-50-5

Reference 20: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 5
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147480506/715-20-50-5

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

This item represents the carrying amount on the entity's balance sheet of its investment in common stock of an equity method investee. This is not an indicator of the fair value of the investment, rather it is the initial cost adjusted for the entity's share of earnings and losses of the investee, adjusted for any distributions (dividends) and other than temporary impairment (OTTI) losses recognized.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 270
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (i)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482964/270-10-50-1

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 32
-Subparagraph (ee)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482810/280-10-50-32

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 323
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 45
-Paragraph 1
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147481664/323-10-45-1

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef
-Topic 323
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-Subparagraph (a)(3)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147481687/323-10-50-3

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(10))
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147480566/210-10-S99-1

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 25
-Subparagraph (a)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482810/280-10-50-25

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount of investment in equity security without readily determinable fair value.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 321
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-Subparagraph (a)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147479536/321-10-50-3

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesWithoutReadilyDeterminableFairValueAmount
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount of Net Income (Loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 250
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 6
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147483443/250-10-50-6

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 250
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 9
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147483443/250-10-50-9

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 250
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 8
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147483443/250-10-50-8

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 944
-SubTopic 220
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-04(17))
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147477250/944-220-S99-1

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 6
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482765/220-10-50-6

Reference 6: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Topic 810
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1A
-Subparagraph (a)(2)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147481203/810-10-50-1A

Reference 7: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 810
-SubTopic 10
-Section 55
-Paragraph 4J
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147481175/810-10-55-4J

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 45
-Paragraph 1A
-Subparagraph (a)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482790/220-10-45-1A

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 45
-Paragraph 1B
-Subparagraph (a)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482790/220-10-45-1B

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis=ibm_OtherIncomeAndExpenseMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_RetirementPlanNameAxis=ibm_PersonalPensionPlanPPPMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_RetirementPlanSponsorLocationAxis=country_US
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_RetirementPlanSponsorLocationAxis=us-gaap_ForeignPlanMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

Significant Accounting Policies - Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended		3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2024	Sep. 30, 2024	Dec. 31, 2024	Sep. 30, 2024	Dec. 31, 2025	Dec. 31, 2024	Dec. 31, 2023
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Pension settlement charges				$ 2,700	$ 0	$ 3,113	$ 0
Pension settlement charge, net of tax				2,000		2,400
Equity method investments			$ 108		60	108
Equity investments			156		221	156
Other (income) and expense
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Noncontrolling interest amounts, net of tax					$ 26	17	$ 16
Personal Pension Plan (PPP)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Benefit plan obligations transferred from plan		$ 6,000
Benefit plan assets transferred from plan		$ 6,000
United States
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Pension settlement charges						2,700
Pension settlement charge, net of tax				$ 2,000
Non-U.S. Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Benefit plan obligations transferred from plan	$ 1,200
Benefit plan assets transferred from plan	$ 1,200
Pension settlement charges			$ 400			$ 400