Name:	adsk_IncomeTaxesLineItems
Namespace Prefix:	adsk_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

Increase Decrease In Income taxes Payable Current

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	adsk_IncreaseDecreaseInIncomeTaxesPayableCurrent
Namespace Prefix:	adsk_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount of current foreign income tax expense (benefit) pertaining to income (loss) from continuing operations.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 235

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(h))

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26873400&loc=d3e23780-122690

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 08

-Paragraph h

-Article 4

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 740

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 9

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32639-109319

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_CurrentForeignTaxExpenseBenefit
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount before allocation of valuation allowances of deferred tax asset attributable to deductible capital loss carryforwards.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 740

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 6

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32621-109319

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 740

-SubTopic 10

-Section 25

-Paragraph 20

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=29652012&loc=d3e28680-109314

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 740

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 8

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32632-109319

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsCapitalLossCarryforwards
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount after allocation of valuation allowances of deferred tax asset attributable to deductible temporary differences and carryforwards, net of deferred tax liability attributable to taxable temporary differences.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 740

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 2

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32537-109319

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsLiabilitiesNet
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The tax effect as of the balance sheet date of the amount of the estimated future tax deductions arising from employee benefit costs not otherwise specified in the taxonomy, which can only be deducted for tax purposes when actual costs are incurred, and which can only be realized if sufficient tax-basis income is generated in future periods to enable the deduction to be taken.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 740

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 6

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32621-109319

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 740

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 8

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32632-109319

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 740

-SubTopic 10

-Section 25

-Paragraph 20

-Subparagraph (b)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=29652012&loc=d3e28680-109314

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsTaxDeferredExpenseCompensationAndBenefitsEmployeeBenefits
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount of deferred tax liability not recognized because of the exceptions to comprehensive recognition of deferred taxes related to undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilityNotRecognizedAmountOfUnrecognizedDeferredTaxLiabilityUndistributedEarningsOfForeignSubsidiaries
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount of current and deferred foreign income tax expense (benefit) attributable to income (loss) from continuing operations.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ForeignIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperations
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The portion of earnings or loss from continuing operations before income taxes that is attributable to foreign operations, which is defined as Income or Loss generated from operations located outside the entity's country of domicile.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesForeign
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Per share amount effect of the income tax benefit resulting from the income tax holidays granted by taxing jurisdictions.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 740

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 2

-Subparagraph (SAB TOPIC 11.C)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=34349781&loc=d3e330215-122817

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)

-Number Topic 11

-Section C

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_IncomeTaxHolidayIncomeTaxBenefitsPerShare
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:perShareItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount of operating loss carryforward, before tax effects, available to reduce future taxable income under enacted tax laws.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwards
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The amount of the tax credit carryforward, before tax effects, available to reduce future taxable income under enacted tax laws.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 740

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 3

-Subparagraph (a)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32559-109319

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Glossary Carryforwards

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6506874

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardAmount
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount of undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries intended to be permanently reinvested outside the country of domicile.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 740

-SubTopic 30

-Section 50

-Paragraph 2

-Subparagraph (b)(c)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6424122&loc=d3e41874-109331

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 942

-SubTopic 740

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (b)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6479915&loc=d3e66715-112838

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 944

-SubTopic 740

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (b)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6487024&loc=d3e29054-158556

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 995

-SubTopic 740

-Section 50

-Paragraph 2

-Subparagraph (b)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6503627&loc=d3e59836-110443

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 740

-SubTopic 10

-Section 25

-Paragraph 3

-Subparagraph (a)(1)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=29652012&loc=d3e28200-109314

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_UndistributedEarningsOfForeignSubsidiaries
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount of unrecognized tax benefits pertaining to uncertain tax positions taken in tax returns.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Glossary Unrecognized Tax Benefit

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6527854

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 740

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 15A

-Subparagraph (a)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=SL6600010-109319

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefits
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount of interest expense accrued for an underpayment of income taxes.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 740

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 15

-Subparagraph (c)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32718-109319

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsInterestOnIncomeTaxesAccrued
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 740

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 15A

-Subparagraph (b)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=SL6600010-109319

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsThatWouldImpactEffectiveTaxRate
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount of increase (decrease) in the valuation allowance for a specified deferred tax asset.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 740

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 20

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=37586315&loc=d3e32123-109318

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceDeferredTaxAssetChangeInAmount
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis=adsk_CaliforniaStateResearchMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis=adsk_CanadianMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis=adsk_StateAndLocalJurisdictionAndInternalRevenueServiceMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis=us-gaap_DomesticCountryMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis=us-gaap_ForeignCountryMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis=us-gaap_ResearchMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis=us-gaap_StateAndLocalJurisdictionMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Income Taxes Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2012
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Increase Decrease In Income taxes Payable Current	$ 0.5
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits, Employee Benefits	217.9
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Foreign	302.5	380.5	383.3
Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset, Change in Amount	3.6	15.9	3.8
Deferred Tax Liability Not Recognized, Cumulative Amount of Temporary Difference	1,809.4
Deferred Tax Liability Not Recognized, Amount of Unrecognized Deferred Tax Liability	514.4
Net deferred tax assets	185.1us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsLiabilitiesNet	187.9us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsLiabilitiesNet
Foreign Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations	1.2	9.7	6.6
Income Tax Holiday, Income Tax Benefits Per Share	$ 0.01	$ 0.04	$ 0.03
Current Foreign Tax Expense (Benefit)	69.5us-gaap_CurrentForeignTaxExpenseBenefit	63.9us-gaap_CurrentForeignTaxExpenseBenefit	54.3us-gaap_CurrentForeignTaxExpenseBenefit
Gross unrecognized tax benefits	245.8us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefits	222.1us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefits	212.7us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefits	201.1us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefits
Amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits that would impact the effective tax rate, if recognized	227.3
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Interest on Income Taxes Accrued	2.0	2.8	1.9
Domestic Country
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Operating Loss Carryforwards	21.7
State and Local Jurisdiction
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Operating Loss Carryforwards	354.3
State and Local Jurisdiction and the Internal Revenue Service
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Deferred Tax Assets, Capital Loss Carryforwards	9.2
Research
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Tax Credit Carryforward, Amount	104.7
California State Research
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Tax Credit Carryforward, Amount	54.8
Canadian
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Tax Credit Carryforward, Amount	59.8
Foreign Country
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Operating Loss Carryforwards	7.4
Tax Credit Carryforward, Amount	$ 163.6