Document And Entity Information (USD $) In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2012	Jul. 31, 2011	Mar. 30, 2012 Common Class A [Member]	Mar. 30, 2012 Common Class B [Member]
Entity Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	QAD INC
Entity Central Index Key	0001036188
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--01-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Smaller Reporting Company
Entity Public Float		$ 67.6
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding			12,686,817	3,165,664
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2012
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Jan. 31, 2012