Cover Page - shares
 3 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2021
May 28, 2021
Document Information [Line Items]    
Document Type 10-Q  
Document Quarterly Report true  
Document Period End Date Apr. 30, 2021  
Document Transition Report false  
Entity File Number 001-33622  
Entity Registrant Name VMWARE, INC.  
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code DE  
Entity Tax Identification Number 94-3292913  
Entity Address, Address Line One 3401 Hillview Avenue  
Entity Address, City or Town Palo Alto,  
Entity Address, State or Province CA  
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code 94304  
City Area Code 650  
Local Phone Number 427-5000  
Title of 12(b) Security Class A common stock  
Trading Symbol VMW  
Security Exchange Name NYSE  
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes  
Entity Interactive Data Current Yes  
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer  
Entity Small Business false  
Emerging Growth Company false  
Entity Shell Company false  
Entity Central Index Key 0001124610  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --01-28  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2022  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q1  
Amendment Flag false  
Class A Common Stock    
Document Information [Line Items]    
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   111,709,147
Class B Common Stock    
Document Information [Line Items]    
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   307,221,836