2.2.0.7 false CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $) 00100 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS true false In Thousands false false 1 USD false false Unit12 Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 0 Unit13 Divide http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance shares xbrli 0 Unit1 Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance shares xbrli 0 $ false 2 USD false false Unit12 Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 0 Unit13 Divide http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance shares xbrli 0 Unit1 Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance shares xbrli 0 $ false 3 USD false false Unit12 Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 0 Unit13 Divide http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance shares xbrli 0 Unit1 Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance shares xbrli 0 $ false 4 USD false false Unit12 Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 0 Unit13 Divide http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance shares xbrli 0 Unit1 Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance shares xbrli 0 $ 5 Cash flows from operating activities: 3 us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract us-gaap true na duration No definition available. false false false false false true false false false false false false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false false false false 0 0 false false false 4 false false false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:stringItemType string The net cash from (used in) all of the entity's operating activities, including those of discontinued operations, of the reporting entity. Operating activities include all transactions and events that are not defined as investing or financing activities. Operating activities generally involve producing and delivering goods and providing services. Cash flows from operating activities are generally the cash effects of transactions and other events that enter into the determination of net income. false 6 Net income 4 us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss us-gaap true credit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false terselabel false 1 true true false false 74538000 74538 false false false 2 true true false false 32535000 32535 false false false 3 true true false false 152959000 152959 false false false 4 true true false false 102470000 102470 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The portion of consolidated profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, which is attributable to the parent. If the entity does not present consolidated financial statements, the amount of profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 19 -Article 5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph d Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph A7 -Appendix A Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph a Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Paragraph 20 -Article 9 Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 130 -Paragraph 10, 15 Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) -Number 87-21 Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 28, 29, 30 false 7 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: 4 us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract us-gaap true na duration No definition available. false false false false false true false false false false false false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false false false false 0 0 false false false 4 false false false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:stringItemType string No definition available. false 8 Depreciation and amortization 5 us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization us-gaap true debit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false label false 1 false true false false 58556000 58556 false false false 2 false true false false 44927000 44927 false false false 3 false true false false 112344000 112344 false false false 4 false true false false 86310000 86310 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The aggregate expense recognized in the current period that allocates the cost of tangible assets, intangible assets, or depleting assets to periods that benefit from use of the assets. No authoritative reference available. false 9 Stock-based compensation, excluding amounts capitalized 5 us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation us-gaap true debit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false label false 1 false true false false 67836000 67836 false false false 2 false true false false 51456000 51456 false false false 3 false true false false 131533000 131533 false false false 4 false true false false 101271000 101271 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The aggregate amount of noncash, equity-based employee remuneration. This may include the value of stock options, amortization of restricted stock, and adjustment for officers compensation. As noncash, this element is an add back when calculating net cash generated by operating activities using the indirect method. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 28 false 10 Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation 5 us-gaap_ExcessTaxBenefitFromShareBasedCompensationOperatingActivities us-gaap true credit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false label false 1 false true false false -64583000 -64583 false false false 2 false true false false -4243000 -4243 false false false 3 false true false false -88501000 -88501 false false false 4 false true false false -4473000 -4473 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary Reductions in the entity's income taxes that arise when compensation cost (from non-qualified share-based compensation) recognized on the entity's tax return exceeds compensation cost from share-based compensation recognized in financial statements. This element reduces net cash provided by operating activities. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 123R -Paragraph A96 false 11 Other 5 us-gaap_AdjustmentsNoncashItemsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesOther us-gaap true debit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false false 1 false true false false 4442000 4442 false false false 2 false true false false 141000 141 false false false 3 false true false false 5859000 5859 false false false 4 false true false false 634000 634 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary Transactions that do not result in cash inflows or outflows in the period in which they occur, but affect net income and thus are removed when calculating net cash flow from operating activities using the indirect cash flow method. This element is used when there is not a more specific and appropriate element. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 28 false 12 Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions: 4 us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract us-gaap true na duration No definition available. false false false false false true false false false false false false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false false false false 0 0 false false false 4 false false false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:stringItemType string No definition available. false 13 Accounts receivable 5 us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsReceivable us-gaap true credit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false false 1 false true false false -77543000 -77543 false false false 2 false true false false 6530000 6530 false false false 3 false true false false 107688000 107688 false false false 4 false true false false 80691000 80691 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The net change during the reporting period in amount due within one year (or one business cycle) from customers for the credit sale of goods and services. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 28 false 14 Other assets 5 us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingAssets us-gaap true credit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false false 1 false true false false -23406000 -23406 false false false 2 false true false false -9313000 -9313 false false false 3 false true false false -24251000 -24251 false false false 4 false true false false 896000 896 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The net change during the reporting period in other operating assets not otherwise defined in the taxonomy. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 28 false 15 Due to/from EMC, net 5 vmw_DueToFromEmcNet vmw false credit duration Due To From Emc Net false false false false false false false false false false false terselabel false 1 false true false false -23474000 -23474 false false false 2 false true false false 5973000 5973 false false false 3 false true false false 2302000 2302 false false false 4 false true false false -9411000 -9411 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary Due To From Emc Net No authoritative reference available. false 16 Accounts payable 5 us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayable us-gaap true debit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false label false 1 false true false false 9207000 9207 false false false 2 false true false false -8925000 -8925 false false false 3 false true false false 6560000 6560 false false false 4 false true false false -28382000 -28382 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The net change during the reporting period in the aggregate amount of obligations due within one year (or one business cycle). This may include trade payables, amounts due to related parties, royalties payable, and other obligations. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 28 false 17 Accrued expenses 5 us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccruedLiabilities us-gaap true debit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false terselabel false 1 false true false false 78098000 78098 false false false 2 false true false false 26316000 26316 false false false 3 false true false false 26896000 26896 false false false 4 false true false false 13888000 13888 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The net change during the reporting period in the aggregate amount of expenses incurred but not yet paid. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 28 false 18 Income taxes receivable from EMC 5 us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInIncomeTaxesReceivable us-gaap true credit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false false 1 false true false false 2508000 2508 false false false 2 false true false false 87899000 87899 false false false 3 false true false false 2508000 2508 false false false 4 false true false false 87899000 87899 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The net change during the reporting period in income taxes receivable, which represents the amount due from tax authorities for refunds of overpayments or recoveries of income taxes paid. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 28 false 19 Income taxes payable 5 us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccruedIncomeTaxesPayable us-gaap true debit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false false 1 false true false false 16759000 16759 false false false 2 false true false false 733000 733 false false false 3 false true false false 31124000 31124 false false false 4 false true false false 21110000 21110 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The net change during the period in the amount of cash payments due to taxing authorities for taxes that are based on the reporting entity's earnings. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 28 false 20 Deferred income taxes, net 5 us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInDeferredIncomeTaxes us-gaap true credit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false false 1 false true false false -126000 -126 false false false 2 false true false false -7755000 -7755 false false false 3 false true false false -4347000 -4347 false false false 4 false true false false -14599000 -14599 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The net change during the reporting period in the account that represents the temporary difference that results from income (loss) that is recognized for accounting purposes but not for tax purposes and vice versa. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 28 false 21 Deferred revenue 5 us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInDeferredRevenue us-gaap true debit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false false 1 false true false false 93311000 93311 false false false 2 false true false false 17046000 17046 false false false 3 false true false false 108401000 108401 false false false 4 false true false false 64255000 64255 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The net change during the reporting period, excluding the portion taken into income, in the liability reflecting services yet to be performed by the reporting entity for which cash or other forms of consideration was received or recorded as a receivable. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 28 false 22 Net cash provided by operating activities 5 us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities us-gaap true na duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false totallabel false 1 false true false false 216123000 216123 false false false 2 false true false false 243320000 243320 false false false 3 false true false false 571075000 571075 false false false 4 false true false false 502559000 502559 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The net cash from (used in) all of the entity's operating activities, including those of discontinued operations, of the reporting entity. Operating activities generally involve producing and delivering goods and providing services. Operating activity cash flows include transactions, adjustments, and changes in value that are not defined as investing or financing activities. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 28 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 26 true 23 Cash flows from investing activities: 5 us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract us-gaap true na duration No definition available. false false false false false true false false false false false false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false false false false 0 0 false false false 4 false false false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:stringItemType string No definition available. false 24 Additions to property and equipment 6 us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment us-gaap true credit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false true negated false 1 false true false false -28996000 -28996 false false false 2 false true false false -29843000 -29843 false false false 3 false true false false -60108000 -60108 false false false 4 false true false false -65668000 -65668 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The cash outflow associated with the acquisition of long-lived, physical assets that are used in the normal conduct of business to produce goods and services and not intended for resale; includes cash outflows to pay for construction of self-constructed assets. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 15 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 17 -Subparagraph c false 25 Capitalized software development costs 6 us-gaap_CapitalizedComputerSoftwareAdditions us-gaap true debit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false terselabel false 1 false true false false -19310000 -19310 false false false 2 false true false false -14745000 -14745 false false false 3 false true false false -41171000 -41171 false false false 4 false true false false -44680000 -44680 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary Additions made to capitalized computer software costs during the period No authoritative reference available. false 26 Purchases of available-for-sale securities 6 us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireAvailableForSaleSecurities us-gaap true credit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false true negated false 1 false true false false -660051000 -660051 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false true false false -660051000 -660051 false false false 4 false false false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The cash outflow to acquire debt and equity securities not classified as either held-to-maturity securities or trading securities which would be classified as available-for-sale securities and reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses excluded from earnings and reported in a separate component of shareholders' equity. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 17 -Subparagraph b Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 18 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 15 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 17 -Subparagraph a false 27 Purchase of strategic investments 6 us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireOtherInvestments us-gaap true credit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false true negated false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false true false false -25000000 -25000 false false false 3 false false false false 0 0 false false false 4 false true false false -25745000 -25745 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The cash outflow associated with other investments held by the entity for investment purposes not otherwise defined in the taxonomy. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 15 false 28 Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired 6 us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired us-gaap true credit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false true negated false 1 false true false false -60600000 -60600 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false true false false -167150000 -167150 false false false 4 false false false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The cash outflow associated with the acquisition of a business, net of the cash acquired from the purchase. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 15, 17 false 29 Transfer of net assets under common control 6 vmw_TransferOfNetAssetsUnderCommonControl vmw false debit duration Transfer Of Net Assets Under Common Control false false false false false false false false false false false label false 1 false true false false -175000000 -175000 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false true false false -175000000 -175000 false false false 4 false false false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary Transfer Of Net Assets Under Common Control No authoritative reference available. false 30 Decrease in restricted cash 6 us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInRestrictedCash us-gaap true credit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false true negated false 1 false true false false 17054000 17054 false false false 2 false true false false 549000 549 false false false 3 false true false false 206000 206 false false false 4 false true false false 549000 549 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The net cash inflow (outflow) for the net change associated with funds that are not available for withdrawal or use (such as funds held in escrow) and are associated with underlying transactions that are classified as investing activities. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 15, 16, 17 false 31 Net cash used in investing activities 6 us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities us-gaap true debit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false totallabel false 1 false true false false -926903000 -926903 false false false 2 false true false false -69039000 -69039 false false false 3 false true false false -1103274000 -1103274 false false false 4 false true false false -135544000 -135544 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The net cash inflow (outflow) from investing activity. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 26 true 32 Cash flows from financing activities: 6 us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract us-gaap true na duration No definition available. false false false false false true false false false false false false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false false false false 0 0 false false false 4 false false false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:stringItemType string No definition available. false 33 Proceeds from issuance of common stock 7 us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock us-gaap true debit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false false 1 false true false false 106132000 106132 false false false 2 false true false false 77103000 77103 false false false 3 false true false false 215907000 215907 false false false 4 false true false false 81606000 81606 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The cash inflow from the additional capital contribution to the entity. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 18 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 19 -Subparagraph a false 34 Repurchase of common stock 7 us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock us-gaap true credit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false true negated false 1 false true false false -113152000 -113152 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false true false false -144500000 -144500 false false false 4 false false false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The cash outflow to reacquire common stock during the period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 18 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 20 -Subparagraph a false 35 Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation 7 us-gaap_ExcessTaxBenefitFromShareBasedCompensationFinancingActivities us-gaap true debit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false terselabel false 1 false true false false 64583000 64583 false false false 2 false true false false 4243000 4243 false false false 3 false true false false 88501000 88501 false false false 4 false true false false 4473000 4473 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary Reductions in the entity's income taxes that arise when compensation cost (from non-qualified share-based compensation) recognized on the entity's tax return exceeds compensation cost from share-based compensation recognized in financial statements. This element represents the cash inflow reported in the enterprise's financing activities. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 123R -Paragraph A240 -Subparagraph i Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) -Number 00-15 -Paragraph 3 false 36 Shares repurchased for tax withholdings on vesting of restricted stock 7 vmw_SharesRepurchasedForTaxWithholdingsOnVestingOfRestrictedStock vmw false debit duration Shares repurchased for tax withholdings on vesting of restricted stock false false false false false false false false false false false label false 1 false true false false -34677000 -34677 false false false 2 false true false false -11449000 -11449 false false false 3 false true false false -45583000 -45583 false false false 4 false true false false -18246000 -18246 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary Shares repurchased for tax withholdings on vesting of restricted stock No authoritative reference available. false 37 Net cash provided by financing activities 7 us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities us-gaap true debit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false totallabel false 1 false true false false 22886000 22886 false false false 2 false true false false 69897000 69897 false false false 3 false true false false 114325000 114325 false false false 4 false true false false 67833000 67833 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The net cash inflow (outflow) from financing activity for the period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 26 true 38 Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 7 us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease us-gaap true na duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false totallabel false 1 false true false false -687894000 -687894 false false false 2 false true false false 244178000 244178 false false false 3 false true false false -417874000 -417874 false false false 4 false true false false 434848000 434848 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The net change between the beginning and ending balance of cash and cash equivalents. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 26 true 39 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period 7 us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue us-gaap true debit instant No definition available. false false false false false false false false true false false periodstartlabel false 1 false true false false 2756481000 2756481 false false false 2 false true false false 2031482000 2031482 false false false 3 false true false false 2486461000 2486461 false false false 4 false true false false 1840812000 1840812 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary Includes currency on hand as well as demand deposits with banks or financial institutions. It also includes other kinds of accounts that have the general characteristics of demand deposits in that the Entity may deposit additional funds at any time and also effectively may withdraw funds at any time without prior notice or penalty. Cash equivalents, excluding items classified as marketable securities, include short-term, highly liquid investments that are both readily convertible to known amounts of cash, and so near their maturity that they present minimal risk of changes in value because of changes in interest rates. Generally, only investments with original maturities of three months or less qualify under that definition. Original maturity means original maturity to the entity holding the investment. For example, both a three-month US Treasury bill and a three-year Treasury note purchased three months from maturity qualify as cash equivalents. However, a Treasury note purchased three years ago does not become a cash equivalent when its remaining maturity is three months. Compensating balance arrangements that do not legally restrict the withdrawal or usage of cash amounts may be reported as Cash and Cash Equivalents, while legally restricted deposits held as compensating balances against borrowing arrangements, contracts entered into with others, or company statements of intention with regard to particular deposits should not be reported as cash and cash equivalents. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 7, 26 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 8, 9 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 7 -Footnote 1 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 1 -Article 5 false 40 Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period 7 us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue us-gaap true debit instant No definition available. false false false false false false false false false true false periodendlabel false 1 false true false false 2068587000 2068587 false false false 2 false true false false 2275660000 2275660 false false false 3 false true false false 2068587000 2068587 false false false 4 false true false false 2275660000 2275660 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary Includes currency on hand as well as demand deposits with banks or financial institutions. It also includes other kinds of accounts that have the general characteristics of demand deposits in that the Entity may deposit additional funds at any time and also effectively may withdraw funds at any time without prior notice or penalty. Cash equivalents, excluding items classified as marketable securities, include short-term, highly liquid investments that are both readily convertible to known amounts of cash, and so near their maturity that they present minimal risk of changes in value because of changes in interest rates. Generally, only investments with original maturities of three months or less qualify under that definition. Original maturity means original maturity to the entity holding the investment. For example, both a three-month US Treasury bill and a three-year Treasury note purchased three months from maturity qualify as cash equivalents. However, a Treasury note purchased three years ago does not become a cash equivalent when its remaining maturity is three months. Compensating balance arrangements that do not legally restrict the withdrawal or usage of cash amounts may be reported as Cash and Cash Equivalents, while legally restricted deposits held as compensating balances against borrowing arrangements, contracts entered into with others, or company statements of intention with regard to particular deposits should not be reported as cash and cash equivalents. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 7, 26 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 8, 9 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 7 -Footnote 1 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 1 -Article 5 false 41 Non-cash items: 7 us-gaap_CashFlowNoncashInvestingAndFinancingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract us-gaap true na duration No definition available. false false false false false true false false false false false false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false 3 false false false false 0 0 false false false 4 false false false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:stringItemType string Designated to encapsulate the entire footnote disclosure that gives information on the supplemental cash flow activities for noncash (or part noncash) transactions for the period. Noncash is defined as information about all investing and financing activities of an enterprise during a period that affect recognized assets or liabilities but that do not result in cash receipts or cash payments in the period. "Part noncash" refers to that portion of the transaction not resulting in cash receipts or cash payments in the period. false 42 Changes in capital additions, accrued but not paid 8 vmw_ChangesInCapitalAdditionsAccruedButNotPaid vmw false debit duration Changes in capital additions, accrued but not paid false false false false false false false false false false false label false 1 true true false false 3902000 3902 false false false 2 true true false false -6520000 -6520 false false false 3 true true false false 1835000 1835 false false false 4 true true false false -16477000 -16477 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary Changes in capital additions, accrued but not paid No authoritative reference available. false 4 38 false Thousands UnKnown UnKnown false true