Stock Repurchases Since Inception of Program (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jul. 28, 2012	Jul. 30, 2011	Jul. 31, 2010
Supplementary Information [Line Items]
Repurchases of common stock under the repurchase program, shares	3,740	3,478	3,127
Repurchases of common stock under the repurchase program, value	$ 76,133	$ 71,773	$ 64,982
Shares of Common Stock
Supplementary Information [Line Items]
Repurchases of common stock under the repurchase program, shares	3,740
Common Stock and Additional Paid-In Capital
Supplementary Information [Line Items]
Repurchases of common stock under the repurchase program, value	17,041
Retained Earnings
Supplementary Information [Line Items]
Repurchases of common stock under the repurchase program, value	59,092
Total Cisco Shareholders' Equity
Supplementary Information [Line Items]
Repurchases of common stock under the repurchase program, value	$ 76,133