Segment Reporting [Abstract] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Schedule of Revenue from External Customers Attributed to Foreign Countries by Geographic Area Schedule of Revenue from External Customers Attributed to Foreign Countries by Geographic Area [Table Text Block] Business Combinations [Abstract] Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block] Restructuring [Abstract] Restructuring [Abstract] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Restructuring Plan [Axis] Restructuring Plan [Axis] Restructuring Plan [Domain] Restructuring Plan [Domain] Fiscal 2014 Plan adsk_Fiscal2014Plan [Member] adsk_Fiscal2014Plan [Member] Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Minimum Minimum [Member] Restructuring Type [Axis] Restructuring Type [Axis] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Employee termination costs Employee Severance [Member] Lease termination and asset costs Facility Closing [Member] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Number of positions eliminated Restructuring and Related Cost, Number of Positions Eliminated Number of facilities consolidated NumberOfFacilitiesThatWereConsolidated Number of Facilities that were Consolidated Expected cost Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward] Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward] Beginning Balance Restructuring Reserve Additions Restructuring Charges Payments Payments for Restructuring Adjustments Restructuring Reserve, Translation and Other Adjustment Ending Balance Current portion Restructuring Reserve, Current Non-current portion Restructuring Reserve, Noncurrent Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract] Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Table] Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Table] Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Table] Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Domain] Plan Name [Domain] Employee Stock Plan 2012 Employee Stock Plan 2012 [Member] Employee Stock Plan 2012 [Member] Directors stock plan 2012 Directors stock plan 2012 [Member] Directors stock plan 2012 [Member] ESP Plan Employee Qualified Stock Purchase Plan 1998 ESP Plan [Member] Employee Qualified Stock Purchase Plan 1998 ESP Plan [Member] Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Domain] Equity Award [Domain] Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) and Performance Shares Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) and Performance Shares [Member] Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) and Performance Shares [Member] Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] Performance Stock Unit Performance Shares [Member] Maximum Maximum [Member] Vesting [Axis] Vesting [Axis] Vesting [Domain] Vesting [Domain] Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche One [Member] Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche One [Member] First portion of share-based compensation award differentiated by a particular vesting feature, including, but not limited to, performance measure or service period. Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche Two [Member] Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche Two [Member] Second portion of share-based compensation award differentiated by a particular vesting feature, including, but not limited to, performance measure or service period. Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche Three [Member] Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche Three [Member] Third portion of share-based compensation award differentiated by a particular vesting feature, including, but not limited to, performance measure or service period. Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items] Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items] Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items] Share based compensation arragements by share based payment awards, number of active plans (presented as an integer) Share based compensation arragements by share based payment awards, number of active plans Share based compensation arragements by share based payment awards, number of active plans Share based compensation arrangement by share based payment award expired or terminated plans (presented as an integer) Share based compensation arrangement by share based payment award expired or terminated plans Share based compensation arrangement by share based payment award expired or terminated plans Awards, number of additional shares authorized Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Additional Shares Authorized Awards, number of shares authorized Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized Stock issued during period, shares, restricted stock award, net of forfeitures Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Net of Forfeitures Stock issued during period, shares, share-based compensation, forfeited Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Forfeited Share-based compensation shares granted to share issued Share-Based Compensation Shares Granted to Share Issued Share-Based Compensation Shares Granted to Share Issued Options granted in period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Net of Forfeitures Award vesting period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period Share based compensation arrangement by share based payment award options expiration term (in years) Share based compensation arrangement by share based payment award options expiration term Share based compensation arrangement by share based payment award options expiration term Employee stock plan shares remaining available for issuance Employee Stock Plan Shares Remaining Available For Issuance Shares remaining available for issuance for the plan. Sale of stock, price per share (in usd per share) Sale of Stock, Price Per Share Nonvested awards, total compensation cost not yet recognized (in usd) Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized Annual vesting percentage Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage Nonvested options outstanding, weighted average remaining contractual term Share Based Compensation Non Vested Options Outstanding Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Share based Compensation, Non Vested Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Awards granted in period, weighted average grant date fair value (in usd per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Awards vested in period, fair value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Fair Value Awards granted in period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Allocated share-based compensation expense (in usd) Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Nonvested awards, total compensation cost not yet recognized, period for recognition Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition Awards, nonvested, number Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number Employee stock purchase plan maximum percentage of compensation to purchase shares by eligible participants (presented as a percent) Employee Stock Purchase Plan Maximum Percentage Of Compensation To Purchase Shares By Eligible Participants Employee Stock Purchase Plan, Maximum Percentage of Compensation to Purchase Shares By Eligible Participants Employee stock purchase plan minimum percentage of common stock fair value defined to purchase shares by eligible participants (presented as a percent) Employee Stock Purchase Plan Minimum Percentage Of Common Stock Fair Value Defined To Purchase Shares By Eligible Participants Employee Stock Purchase Plan, Minimum Percentage of Common Stock Fair Value Defined to Purchase Shares By Eligible Participants Options, other increases (decreases) in period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Other Increases (Decreases) in Period Options, other increases (decreases) in period percentage calculation (presented as a percent) Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Other Increases Decreases In Period Percentage Calculation Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Options, Other Increases (Decreases) in Period, Percentage Calculation Shares issued under employee stock purchase plans Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Employee Stock Purchase Plans Awards issued, share average price (in usd per share) Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Shares Issued Average Price Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Shares Issued, Average Price Weighted average grant date fair value per share of stock options granted (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Net (loss) gain on derivative instruments - tax effect Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Tax Change in net unrealized (loss) gain on available-for-sale securities, tax effect Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities, Tax Net change in cumulative foreign currency translation gain (loss), tax effect Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Tax Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Delcam Delcam [Member] Delcam [Member] Other Series of Individually Immaterial Business Acquisitions [Member] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Developed technologies Developed Technology Rights [Member] Customer relationships and other non-current intangible assets Customer Relationships And Other Noncurrent Intangible Assets [Member] Customer Relationships And Other Noncurrent Intangible Assets [Member] Trade name Trade Names [Member] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Finite-lived intangibles Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles Goodwill Goodwill Deferred revenue (current and non-current) Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Deferred Revenue Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Deferred Revenue Deferred tax (liability) Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Deferred Tax Liabilities Noncurrent Net tangible assets (liabilities) Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net Excluding Intangible Assets And Deferrals Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net Excluding Intangible Assets And Deferrals Total Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Net gain on derivative instruments Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cumulative Changes in Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges, Effect Net of Tax Net unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax Defined benefit pension items Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net of Tax Foreign currency translation adjustments Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Pre-tax reclassifications from “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, before Tax Net income Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Other comprehensive income, net of reclassifications: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Net (loss) gain on derivative instruments (net of tax effect of ($0.7) and $0.2) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Change in net unrealized (loss) gain on available-for-sale securities (net of tax effect of ($0.4) and $0.2) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Net change in cumulative foreign currency translation gain (loss) (net of tax effect of ($1.4) and $1.4) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Total other comprehensive gain Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Total comprehensive income Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract] Computer Equipment, Software, Furniture and Leasehold Improvements, Net Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] Computer software, at cost Capitalized Computer Software, Gross Computer hardware, at cost Computer Hardware Gross Computer Hardware, Gross Leasehold improvements, land and buildings, at cost Building And Leasehold Improvements Gross Carrying amount at the balance sheet date of long-lived, depreciable assets that include building structures held for productive use including any addition, improvement, or renovation to the structure as well as the addition of improvements to assets held under lease arrangements. Furniture and equipment, at cost Furniture and Fixtures, Gross Computer software, hardware, leasehold improvements, furniture and equipment, gross Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Less: Accumulated depreciation Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Computer software, hardware, leasehold improvements, furniture and equipment, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Class of Stock Disclosures [Abstract] Class of Treasury Stock [Table] Class of Treasury Stock [Table] Share Repurchase Program [Axis] Share Repurchase Program [Axis] Share Repurchase Program [Domain] Share Repurchase Program [Domain] Common Stock Repurchase Program Common Stock Repurchase Program [member] Common Stock Repurchase Program Statement, Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Common Stock Common Stock [Member] Retained Earnings Retained Earnings [Member] Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items] Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items] Common stock repurchased and retired (in shares) Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Shares Repurchased shares of its common stock on the open market, average repurchase price per share (in usd per share) Treasury Stock Acquired, Average Cost Per Share Repurchased shares of its common stock on the open market, value Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Value Common Stock shares remained available for repurchase under repurchase plans (in shares) Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Number of Shares Authorized to be Repurchased Financial Instruments [Abstract] Financial Instruments [Abstract] Cost Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Amortized Cost Basis, Rolling Maturity [Abstract] Due in 1 year Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Next Twelve Months, Amortized Cost Basis Due in 1 year through 5 years Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Year Two Through Five, Amortized Cost Basis Due in 5 year through 10 years Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Year Six Through Ten, Amortized Cost Basis Due after 10 years Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, after Ten Years, Amortized Cost Basis Total Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Amortized Cost Basis Fair Value Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Fair Value, Rolling Maturity [Abstract] Due in 1 year Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Next Twelve Months, Fair Value Due in 1 year through 5 years Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Year Two Through Five, Fair Value Due in 5 year through 10 years Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Year Six Through Ten, Fair Value Due after 10 years Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, after Ten Years, Fair Value Total Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, without Single Maturity Date, Fair Value Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Schedule of Calculation of Numerator and Denominator in Earnings Per Share Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] Segments Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Line of Credit Facility [Abstract] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Senior Notes Senior Notes [Member] Senior Notes 2017 Senior Notes 2017 [Member] Senior Notes 2017 [Member] Senior Notes 2022 Senior Notes 2022 [Member] Senior Notes 2022 [Member] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt instrument, face amount Debt Instrument, Face Amount Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Proceeds from debt, net of issuance costs Proceeds from Debt, Net of Issuance Costs Debt instrument, unamortized discount Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount Debt issuance cost Debt Issuance Cost Debt issuance redemption discount premium, percentage of principle amount DebtIssuanceRedemptionDiscountPremiumPercentageOfPrincipleAmount DebtIssuanceRedemptionDiscountPremiumPercentageOfPrincipleAmount Debt fair value Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Line of credit facility, additional borrowings available Line of credit facility, additional borrowings available Line of credit facility, additional borrowings available Line of credit facility, expiration date Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Date Line of credit facility, outstanding borrowings Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table] Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table] Fair Value by Asset Class [Axis] Asset Class [Axis] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, by Asset Class [Domain] Asset Class [Domain] Derivative Contracts Derivative [Member] Convertible Debt Securities Convertible Debt Securities [Member] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward] Beginning Balance Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value Purchases Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Purchases Settlements Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Settlements Net realized (losses) Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings Net unrealized (losses) Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Ending Balance Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract] Developed technologies, at cost Purchased technologies at cost Finite Lived Purchased Technologies Gross Customer relationships, trade names, patents, and user list, at cost Other Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Other intangible assets, gross Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Less: Accumulated amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Other intangible assets, net Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Operating activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Depreciation, amortization and accretion Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction Stock-based compensation expense Share-based Compensation Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Operating Activities Restructuring charges, net Restructuring Costs Other operating activities Other Operating Activities, Cash Flow Statement Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of business combinations Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital Net cash provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Investing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Purchases of marketable securities Payments to Acquire Marketable Securities Sales of marketable securities Proceeds from Sale of Available-for-sale Securities Maturities of marketable securities Proceeds from Maturities, Prepayments and Calls of Available-for-sale Securities Capital expenditures Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Acquisitions, net of cash acquired Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Other investing activities Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities Net cash (used in) investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Financing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net of issuance costs Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock Repurchase and retirement of common shares Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Financing Activities Net cash (used in) financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of fiscal year Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Cash and cash equivalents at end of period Subsequent Events [Abstract] Subsequent Event [Table] Subsequent Event [Table] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Subsequent Event [Member] Werewolf Werewolf Technologies Limited [Member] Werewolf Technologies Limited [Member] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Consideration Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] ASSETS Assets [Abstract] Current assets: Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Marketable securities Marketable Securities, Current Accounts receivable, net Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance, Current Prepaid expenses and other current assets Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current Total current assets Assets, Current Marketable securities Marketable Securities, Noncurrent Computer equipment, software, furniture and leasehold improvements, net Purchased technologies, net Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Goodwill Deferred income taxes, net Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance, Noncurrent Other assets Other Assets, Noncurrent Total assets Assets LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Current liabilities: Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Accounts payable Accounts Payable, Current Accrued compensation Employee-related Liabilities, Current Accrued income taxes Accrued Income Taxes, Current Deferred revenue Deferred Revenue, Current Other accrued liabilities Other Accrued Liabilities, Current Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Deferred revenue Deferred Revenue, Noncurrent Long term income taxes payable Accrued Income Taxes, Noncurrent Long term notes payable, net of discount Long-term Debt Other liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Stockholders’ equity: Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Preferred stock Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Common stock and additional paid-in capital Common Stocks, Including Additional Paid in Capital Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Retained earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Total stockholders' equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Total liabilities and stockholders' equity Liabilities and Equity Denominator for basic net income per share-weighted average shares (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Effect of dilutive securities (in shares) Weighted Average Number Diluted Shares Outstanding Adjustment Denominator for dilutive net income per share (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Basic net income per share (in usd per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic Diluted net income per share (in usd per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Potentially dilutive shares excluded from the computation of diluted net income per share Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Effective tax rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent Decrease in effective tax rate Effective Tax Rate - Increase/Decrease in the effective tax rate Effective Tax Rate - Increase/Decrease in the effective tax rate Effective tax rate excluding the impact of discrete tax items Effective tax rate excluding the impact of discrete tax items Effective Income Tax Rate Federal statutory rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent Unrecognized tax benefits Unrecognized Tax Benefits Unrecognized tax benefits that would impact effective tax rate Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate Deferred tax assets, net Deferred Tax Assets, Net Reduction to deferred tax assets Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Income Taxes Other than temporary impairment losses, investments Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments Gain (loss) on investments Gain (Loss) on Investments Proceeds from sale and maturity of marketable securities Proceeds from Sale and Maturity of Marketable Securities Number of reportable segments Number of Reportable Segments Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Statement, Business Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Segment [Domain] Segments [Domain] Platform Solutions and Emerging Business Platform Solutions and Emerging Business [Member] Platform Solutions and Emerging Business Architecture, Engineering and Construction Architecture Engineering And Construction [Member] Architecture, Engineering and Construction Manufacturing Manufacturing [Member] Manufacturing Media and Entertainment Media And Entertainment [member] Media and Entertainment Unallocated Segment Reconciling Items [Member] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Number of product groups Number of Product Groups Number of Product Groups Net revenue Revenue, Net Gross profit Gross Profit Share based Compensation Arrangement by Share based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Method Used [Table] Share based Compensation Arrangement by Share based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Method Used [Table] Share based Compensation Arrangement by Share based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Method Used [Table] Share based Compensation Arrangement by Share based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Method Used [Line Items] Share based Compensation Arrangement by Share based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Method Used [Line Items] Share based Compensation Arrangement by Share based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Method Used [Line Items] Range of expected volatilities Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate Range of expected lives (in years) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term Expected dividends Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate Range of risk-free interest rates Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate Expected forfeitures Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions Expected Forfeitures Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Forfeitures Borrowing Arrangements Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Derivative Instrument Risk [Axis] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Contract Type [Domain] Derivative Contract [Domain] Foreign currency contracts Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Domain] Hedging Designation [Domain] Designated as hedging instrument Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Not designated as hedging instrument Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Derivatives, Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Prepaid expenses and other current assets Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets [Member] Prepaid expenses and other current assets and Other assets Other Assets [Member] Other accrued liabilities Other Accrued Liabilities [Member] Other Accrued Liabilities [Member] Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Derivative, notional amount Derivative, Notional Amount Derivative assets Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral Derivative liabilities Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral Derivative assets, gross Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset Derivative liabilities, gross Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Unvested Restricted Stock Units Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward] Unreleased restricted stock Awarded Vested Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period Forfeited Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period Performance adjustment Share-based Compensation Arrangement By Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other Than Options, Adjustments In Period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Performance Adjustment In Period Unreleased restricted stock Weighted average grant date fair value per share Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract] Unreleased restricted stock (in usd per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Awarded (in usd per share) Vested (in usd per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Forfeited (in usd per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Performance adjustment (in usd per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement By Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other Than Options, Adjustments, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Performance Adjustment, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Unreleased restricted stock (in usd per share) Performance shares units payout percentage PerformanceSharesUnitsPayoutPercentage PerformanceSharesUnitsPayoutPercentage Consideration Business Combination, Consideration Transferred Goodwill, expected tax deductible amount Business Acquisition, Goodwill, Expected Tax Deductible Amount Number of businesses acquired Number of Businesses Acquired Cost And Fair Value Of Financial Instruments Disclosure Cost And Fair Value Of Financial Instruments Disclosure Cost and Fair Value of Financial Instruments Disclosure [Table Text Block] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Available-for-sale Securities Available-for-sale Securities [Table Text Block] Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block] Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) in Statement of Financial Performance Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table Text Block] Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Basis of Presentation Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Recently Issued Accounting Standards New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract] Recently Issued Accounting Standards New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Text Block] Restructuring Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Risks and Uncertainties [Abstract] Concentration of Risk [Table] Concentration Risk [Table] Tech Data Tech Data [Member] Tech Data [Member] Concentration Risk by Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Accounts Receivable Accounts Receivable [Member] Concentration Risk [Line Items] Concentration Risk [Line Items] Unsecured revolving credit facility (in usd) Total sales to the distributors Tech Data Corporation and its global affiliates ("Tech Data") relative to Autodesk's consolidated net revenue Percentage Of Net Sales Percentage of Net Sales Percentage of gross accounts receivable accounted for by Tech Data Concentration Risk, Percentage Subsequent Events Subsequent Events [Text Block] Income Tax Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Financial Instruments Financial Instruments Disclosure [Text Block] Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Goodwill Goodwill Disclosure [Text Block] Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, by Exercise Price Range [Axis] Exercise Price Range [Axis] Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Domain] Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Domain] $2.28 - $29.49 Range 1 [Member] Range 1 $29.50 - $38.55 Range 2 [Member] Range 2 $41.62 - $43.81 Range3 [Member] Range 3 Number of 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Derivative Assets, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax Derivative contracts, Gross unrealized losses Derivative Assets, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax Derivative Assets, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax Derivative contracts, Fair Value Derivative Asset Amortized Cost Amortized Cost Securities Amortized Cost Securities Gross unrealized gains Investments, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax Investments, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax Gross unrealized losses Investments, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax Investments, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax Fair Value Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs Restructuring and Related Costs [Table Text Block] Concentration of Credit Risk Concentration Risk Disclosure [Text Block] Pre-tax intrinsic value of options exercised Share-based Compensation Arrangement by 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Net Amount and location of gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into income (effective portion) Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net Amount and location of gain recognized in income on derivatives (ineffective portion and amount excluded from effectiveness testing) Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income, Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing, Net Amount and location of (loss) gain recognized in income on derivatives Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net Schedule of Goodwill Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Table] Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Table] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Domain] Cost of license and other revenue Cost of Sales [Member] Cost of subscription Cost of Subscription [Member] Cost of Subscription [Member] Marketing and sales Selling and Marketing Expense [Member] Research and development Research and Development Expense [Member] General and administrative General and Administrative Expense [Member] Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items] Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Tax benefit Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit from Compensation Expense Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense, Net of Tax Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense, Net of Tax Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block] Intrinsic Value of 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Share-based Payment Award Disclosure of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table Text Block] Acquisitions Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Other acquisitions Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill [Roll Forward] Goodwill [Roll Forward] Goodwill before accumulated impairment losses beginning balance Goodwill before accumulated impairments Goodwill before accumulated impairments Accumulated impairment losses beginning balance Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss Goodwill Goodwill, acquired during period Goodwill, Acquired During Period Effect of foreign currency translation, purchase accounting and other Goodwill, Translation and Purchase Accounting Adjustments Goodwill before accumulated impairment losses ending balance Accumulated impairment losses ending balance Goodwill Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Domain] Americas Americas [Member] Europe, Middle East and Africa EMEA [Member] Asia Pacific Asia Pacific [Member] Region Reporting Information, by Secondary Region [Axis] Region Reporting Information, by Secondary Region [Axis] Region Reporting Information, by Secondary Region [Axis] Region Reporting Information, by Secondary Region [Domain] Region Reporting Information, by Secondary Region [Domain] Region Reporting Information, by Secondary Region [Domain] U.S. UNITED STATES Other Americas Other Americas [Member] Other Americas Japan JAPAN Other Asia Pacific Other Asia Pacific [Member] Other Asia Pacific Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block] Schedule of Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Excluding Share-based Payments and Postretirement Benefits, by Title of Individual and by Type of Deferred Compensation [Table] Schedule of Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Excluding Share-based Payments and 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(Loss) Interest and other (expense) income, net Interest Income (Expense), Net Income before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Provision for income taxes Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net income Weighted average shares used in computing basic net income per share (in shares) Weighted average shares used in computing diluted net income per share (in shares)