v2.4.0.6
Document and Entity Information (USD $)
12 Months Ended
Jan. 31, 2011
Mar. 11, 2011
Jul. 31, 2010
Document Type 10-K    
Amendment Flag false    
Document Period End Date Jan. 31, 2011    
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2011    
Document Fiscal Period Focus FY    
Trading Symbol ADSK    
Entity Registrant Name AUTODESK INC    
Entity Central Index Key 0000769397    
Current Fiscal Year End Date --01-31    
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Yes    
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes    
Entity Voluntary Filers No    
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer    
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   227,900,000  
Entity Public Float     $ 6,700,000,000