Other Intangible Assets and Related Accumulated Amortization (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $) In Millions	Jul. 31, 2011	Jan. 31, 2011
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Purchased technologies, in-process research and development technology, indefinite lived	$ 1.2	$ 0

Name:

adsk_IndefiniteLivedInProcessResearchAndDevelopmentTechnology

Namespace Prefix:

adsk

Data Type:

xbrli:monetaryItemType

Balance Type:

debit

Period Type:

instant