v3.5.0.2
Document and Entity Information - shares
6 Months Ended
Jul. 31, 2016
Aug. 23, 2016
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]    
Document Type 10-Q  
Amendment Flag false  
Document Period End Date Jul. 31, 2016  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2017  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q2  
Trading Symbol ADSK  
Entity Registrant Name AUTODESK INC  
Entity Central Index Key 0000769397  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --01-31  
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer  
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   221,892,961