Segment Information (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2015 USD ($) segment	Oct. 31, 2014 USD ($)
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of reportable segments | segment	3
International total net revenue as a percentage of total (less than)	5.00%
Financial results by reportable segment
Total net revenue	$ 713	$ 612
Total operating loss from continuing operations	(29)	(109)
Unallocated corporate items:
Share-based compensation expense	(69)	(61)
Amortization of other acquired intangible assets	(2)	(3)
Operating Segments
Financial results by reportable segment
Total operating loss from continuing operations	255	149
Corporate, Non-Segment
Financial results by reportable segment
Total operating loss from continuing operations	(284)	(258)
Unallocated corporate items:
Share-based compensation expense	(67)	(57)
Other common expenses	(209)	(191)
Corporate, Non-Segment | Technology-Based Intangible Assets
Unallocated corporate items:
Amortization of other acquired intangible assets	(6)	(7)
Corporate, Non-Segment | Other Intangible Assets
Unallocated corporate items:
Amortization of other acquired intangible assets	(2)	(3)
Small Business segment
Financial results by reportable segment
Total net revenue	546	519
Total operating loss from continuing operations	211	188
Consumer Tax segment
Financial results by reportable segment
Total net revenue	57	57
Total operating loss from continuing operations	(28)	(36)
Professional Tax segment
Financial results by reportable segment
Total net revenue	110	36
Total operating loss from continuing operations	$ 72	$ (3)