| Document and Entity Information | May 27, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | May 27, 2020 |
| Entity Registrant Name | WORKDAY, INC. |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 001-35680 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 20-2480422 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 6110 Stoneridge Mall Road |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Pleasanton |
| Entity Address, State or Province | CA |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 94588 |
| City Area Code | 925 |
| Local Phone Number | 951-9000 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Class A Common Stock, par value $0.001 |
| Trading Symbol | WDAY |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001327811 |
| Amendment Flag | false |
