Comprehensive Income (AOCI components) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 30, 2016	Jul. 25, 2015	Jul. 26, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance - Beginning	$ 61	$ 677	$ 608
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications attributable to Cisco Systems, Inc.	(314)	(750)	477
(Gains) losses reclassified out of AOCI	15	(1)	(368)
Tax benefit (expense)	(88)	135	(40)
Balance - Ending	(326)	61	677
Net Unrealized Gains on Available-for-Sale Investments
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance - Beginning	310	424	379
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications attributable to Cisco Systems, Inc.	151	(28)	380
(Gains) losses reclassified out of AOCI	1	(157)	(300)
Tax benefit (expense)	(49)	71	(35)
Balance - Ending	413	310	424
Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) Cash Flow Hedging Instruments
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance - Beginning	(16)	(12)	8
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications attributable to Cisco Systems, Inc.	(66)	(159)	48
(Gains) losses reclassified out of AOCI	20	154	(68)
Tax benefit (expense)	3	1	0
Balance - Ending	(59)	(16)	(12)
Cumulative translation adjustment and Actuarial gains and losses
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance - Beginning	(233)	265	221
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications attributable to Cisco Systems, Inc.	(399)	(563)	49
(Gains) losses reclassified out of AOCI	(6)	2	0
Tax benefit (expense)	(42)	63	(5)
Balance - Ending	$ (680)	$ (233)	$ 265