| Document and Entity Information | Jan. 07, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000769397 |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Jan. 7, 2020 |
| Entity Registrant Name | Autodesk, Inc. |
| Entity Incorporation State Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 000-14338 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 94-2819853 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 111 McInnis Parkway |
| Entity Address, City or Town | San Rafael |
| Entity Address, State or Province | CA |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 94903 |
| City Area Code | (415) |
| Local Phone Number | 507-5000 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre Commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre Commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Security 12b Title | Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share |
| Trading Symbol | ADSK |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
