| Document and Entity Information Document | Nov. 04, 2020 |
| Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Nov. 4, 2020 |
| Entity Registrant Name | ANSYS, Inc. |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 0-20853 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 04-3219960 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 2600 ANSYS Drive, |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Canonsburg, |
| Entity Address, State or Province | PA |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 15317 |
| City Area Code | 844 |
| Local Phone Number | 462-6797 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001013462 |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| The Nasdaq Global Select Market | |
| Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share |
| Trading Symbol | ANSS |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
