Document And Entity Information (USD $)
 12 Months Ended
Jan. 31, 2012
Feb. 24, 2012
Jul. 31, 2011
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]      
Document Type 10-K    
Amendment Flag false    
Document Period End Date Jan. 31, 2012    
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2012    
Document Fiscal Period Focus FY    
Trading Symbol tecd    
Entity Registrant Name TECH DATA CORP    
Entity Central Index Key 0000790703    
Current Fiscal Year End Date --01-31    
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer    
Entity Voluntary Filers No    
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes    
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Yes    
Entity Public Float     $ 1,846,959,416
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   41,131,386