| Document and Entity Information | Jun. 19, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Entity Registrant Name | Palo Alto Networks Inc |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001327567 |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Jun. 19, 2020 |
| Entity Incorporation State Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 001-35594 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 20-2530195 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 3000 Tannery Way |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Santa Clara |
| Entity Address, State or Province | CA |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 95054 |
| City Area Code | (408) |
| Local Phone Number | 753-4000 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre Commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre Commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Security 12b Title | Common stock, $0.0001 par value per share |
| Trading Symbol | PANW |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
