Fair Value Measurements (Details 3) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2011 Years percentage segments	Jul. 31, 2010 Years	Jul. 31, 2009 Years
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Like-kind security yield rate	0.08%	0.27%	0.36%
Expected holding period in years	7	7	7
Goodwill and intangible asset impairment	$ 30	$ 0	$ 0
Goodwill, impairment loss	24	0	0
Impairment of intangible assets (excluding goodwill)	0	0
Other than temporary impairment losses, investments	0	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Carrying value of Intuit Health reporting unit	75
Goodwill and intangible asset impairment	30
Goodwill, impairment loss	24
Impairment of intangible assets (excluding goodwill)	$ 6
Minimum [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Range of average projected future yield rates	1.37%	1.48%	0.63%
Range of overall discount rates	1.33%	1.52%	1.61%
Range of illiquidity factors	125	125	125
Maximum [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Range of average projected future yield rates	2.46%	2.65%	3.78%
Range of overall discount rates	1.58%	1.77%	1.86%
Range of illiquidity factors	150	150	150