Segment Information (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2012	Apr. 30, 2012	Jan. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011	Apr. 30, 2011	Jan. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010	Jul. 31, 2013 segments	Jul. 31, 2012	Jul. 31, 2011
Financial results by reportable segment
Total net revenue	$ 634	$ 567	$ 2,091	$ 884	$ 562	$ 1,839	$ 911	$ 491	$ 4,171	$ 3,808	$ 3,449
Total operating income from continuing operations	(60)	(47)	1,282	84	(73)	1,102	193	(80)	1,233	1,168	1,082
Unallocated corporate items:
Amortization of acquired technology									(18)	(10)	(9)
Amortization of other acquired intangible assets									(35)	(23)	(11)
Segment Information (Textuals)
Number of Reportable Segments									6
Financial Management Solutions [Member]
Financial results by reportable segment
Net revenue									826	691	622
Total operating income from continuing operations									306	265	243
Employee Management Solutions [Member]
Financial results by reportable segment
Net revenue									574	512	457
Total operating income from continuing operations									353	314	271
Payment Solutions [Member]
Financial results by reportable segment
Net revenue									476	417	348
Total operating income from continuing operations									129	107	64
Consumer Tax [Member]
Financial results by reportable segment
Net revenue									1,503	1,441	1,298
Total operating income from continuing operations									942	886	850
Accounting Professionals [Member]
Financial results by reportable segment
Net revenue									449	423	399
Total operating income from continuing operations									266	249	228
Other Businesses [Member]
Financial results by reportable segment
Net revenue									343	324	325
Total operating income from continuing operations									113	116	122
Reportable Segments [Member]
Financial results by reportable segment
Total operating income from continuing operations									2,109	1,937	1,778
Unallocated Amount to Segment [Member]
Unallocated corporate items:
Share-based compensation expense									(184)	(159)	(144)
Other common expenses									(639)	(577)	(532)
Amortization of acquired technology									(18)	(10)	(9)
Amortization of other acquired intangible assets									(35)	(23)	(11)
Total unallocated corporate items									$ (876)	$ (769)	$ (696)
International [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Segment Information (Textuals)
International Total Net Revenue As A Percentage Of Total									5.00%	5.00%	5.00%