Comprehensive Income (AOCI components) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 26, 2014	Jul. 27, 2013	Jul. 28, 2012
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance	$ 677	$ 608
Net Unrealized Gains on Investments
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance	379	409	487
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications attributable to Cisco Systems, Inc.	380	3	(19)
(Gains) losses reclassified out of other comprehensive income	(300)	(48)	(101)
Tax benefit (expense)	(35)	15	42
Balance	424	379	409
Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) Cash Flow Hedging Instruments
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance	8	(53)	6
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications attributable to Cisco Systems, Inc.	48	74	(131)
(Gains) losses reclassified out of other comprehensive income	(68)	(12)	72
Tax benefit (expense)	0	(1)	0
Balance	(12)	8	(53)
Cumulative Translation Adjustment and Other
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance	221	305	801
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications attributable to Cisco Systems, Inc.	49	(83)	(532)
(Gains) losses reclassified out of other comprehensive income	0	0	0
Tax benefit (expense)	(5)	(1)	36
Balance	265	221	305
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance	608	661	1,294
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications attributable to Cisco Systems, Inc.	477	(6)	(682)
(Gains) losses reclassified out of other comprehensive income	(368)	(60)	(29)
Tax benefit (expense)	(40)	13	78
Balance	$ 677	$ 608	$ 661