Consolidated Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Oct. 27, 2012	Oct. 29, 2011
Statement of Income and Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent	$ 2,092	$ 1,777
Change in net unralized gains, net of tax benefit of $1 and $26 for the three months ended October 27, 2012 and October 29, 2011, respectively	4	(53)
Net gains reclassified into earnings, net of tax effects of $10 and $2 for the three months ended October 27, 2012 and October 29, 2011, respectively	(17)	(6)
Total available-for-sale investments	(13)	(59)
Change in unrealized gains and losses	66	(50)
Net losses reclassified into earnings	5	0
Total cash flow hedging instruments	71	(50)
Net change in cumulative translation adjustment and other, net of tax (expense) benefit of $(10) and $21 for the three months ended October 27, 2012 and October 29, 2011, respectively	114	(211)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	172	(320)
Comprehensive income	2,264	1,457
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	7
Comprehensive income attributable to Cisco Systems, Inc.	$ 2,264	$ 1,464