Fair Value (Reconciliation for All Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)) (Details) (USD $) In Millions	9 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2011	May 01, 2010
Beginning balance	$ 152	$ 227
Included in other income, net	3	(6)
Included in operating expense	(1)	(2)
Included in other comprehensive income	(1)	33
Purchases, sales and maturities	(21)	(96)
Ending balance	132	156
Losses attributable to assets still held	(1)
Derivative Assets [Member]
Beginning balance	3	4
Included in other income, net
Included in operating expense	(1)	(2)
Included in other comprehensive income
Purchases, sales and maturities
Ending balance	2	2
Losses attributable to assets still held	(1)
Asset-Backed Securities [Member]
Beginning balance	149	223
Included in other income, net	3	(6)
Included in operating expense
Included in other comprehensive income	(1)	33
Purchases, sales and maturities	(21)	(96)
Ending balance	130	154
Losses attributable to assets still held

Fair Value Measurement With Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation Recurring Basis Asset Gain Loss Included In Other Income

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Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Fair Value Measurement With Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation Recurring Basis Losses Attributable To Assets Still Held

+ Details

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Namespace Prefix:	csco
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

This element represents total gains or losses for the period (realized and unrealized), arising from assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using unobservable inputs (Level 3), which are included in earnings or resulted in a change in net asset value.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 157
-Paragraph 32
-Subparagraph c(1)

+ Details

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Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

This element represents total gains or losses for the period (realized and unrealized), arising from assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using unobservable inputs (Level 3), which are included in other comprehensive income (a separate component of shareholders' equity.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 157
-Paragraph 32
-Subparagraph c(1)

+ Details

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Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

This element represents purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements (net) which have taken place during the period in relation to assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using unobservable inputs (Level 3).

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 157
-Paragraph 32
-Subparagraph c(2)

+ Details

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Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

This element represents an asset measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) which is required for reconciliation purposes of beginning and ending balances.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 157
-Paragraph 32
-Subparagraph c

+ Details

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Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
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