Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Goodwill [Table]
Schedule of Goodwill [Table]
Segments [Axis]
Segments [Axis]
Segments [Domain]
Segments [Domain]
Activision
Activision [Member]
The Activision reportable segment of the entity.
Blizzard
Blizzard [Member]
The Blizzard reportable segment of the entity.
King
King Digital Entertainment [Member]
King Digital Entertainment [Member]
Other segments
Corporate and Other [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance
Goodwill
Other
Goodwill, Other Increase (Decrease)
Ending balance
Goodwill segment transfer
Goodwill, Transfers
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table]
Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table]
Derivative Instrument [Axis]
Derivative Instrument [Axis]
Derivative, Name [Domain]
Derivative Contract [Domain]
Foreign currency forward contracts
Foreign Exchange Forward [Member]
Hedging Designation [Axis]
Hedging Designation [Axis]
Hedging Designation [Domain]
Hedging Designation [Domain]
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Designated as Hedges
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Hedging Relationship [Axis]
Hedging Relationship [Axis]
Hedging Relationship [Domain]
Hedging Relationship [Domain]
Cash Flow Hedging
Cash Flow Hedging [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Notional amount of foreign currency derivatives
Derivative, Notional Amount
Fair value of foreign currency forward contracts
Derivative, Fair Value, Net
Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) Remaining Maturity within Twelve Months
Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified within Twelve Months
Deferred Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified within Twelve Months
Deferred Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified within Twelve Months
The estimated net amount of existing gains or losses on cash flow hedges that settled and were deferred at the reporting date that are expected to be reclassified to earnings, along with the associated hedged revenues, within the next 12 months.
Ineffective portion relating to these hedges
Gain (Loss) on Cash Flow Hedge Ineffectiveness, Net
Maximum length of time over which our foreign currency forward contracts mature
Derivative, Remaining Maturity
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table]
Scenario [Axis]
Scenario [Axis]
Scenario, Unspecified [Domain]
Scenario, Unspecified [Domain]
Pro Forma
Pro Forma [Member]
Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis]
Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis]
Type of Adoption [Domain]
Type of Adoption [Domain]
Adjustments For ASU 2016-15
AdjustmentsForASU201615 [Member]
Potential impact on the statement of cash flows for cash provided by (used in) investing activities if early adoption of new accounting principle were adopted as of the date of the financial statements.
New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption [Axis]
New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption [Axis]
New Accounting Principles, Early Adoption [Domain]
New Accounting Principles, Early Adoption [Domain]
New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption, Effect
New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption, Effect [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Movement in restricted cash related to acquisition
Increase (Decrease) in Restricted Cash
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Operating Segments and Geographic Region
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block]
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisitions
Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block]
Fair Value Measurements
Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block]
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Statement [Table]
Statement [Table]
Equity Components [Axis]
Equity Components [Axis]
Equity Component [Domain]
Equity Component [Domain]
Common Stock
Common Stock [Member]
Treasury Stock
Treasury Stock [Member]
Additional Paid-In Capital
Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]
Retained Earnings
Retained Earnings [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Statement [Line Items]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent
Balance (in shares)
Shares, Issued
Components of comprehensive income:
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent [Abstract]
Net income
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent
Other comprehensive loss
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax
Issuance of common stock pursuant to employee stock options
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Gross
Issuance of common stock pursuant to employee stock options (in shares)
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Gross
Issuance of common stock pursuant to restricted stock units
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Restricted Stock Award, Gross
Issuance of common stock pursuant to restricted stock units (in shares)
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Gross
Restricted stock surrendered for employees’ tax liability
Adjustments Related to Tax Withholding for Share-based Compensation
Restricted stock surrendered for employees' tax liability (in shares)
Shares Paid for Tax Withholding for Share Based Compensation
Share-based compensation expense related to employee stock options and restricted stock rights
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition
Dividends ($0.30 per common share)
Dividends, Common Stock, Cash
Ending balance
Balance (in shares)
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table]
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table]
Long-term Debt, Type [Axis]
Long-term Debt, Type [Axis]
Long-term Debt, Type [Domain]
Long-term Debt, Type [Domain]
Unsecured Debt
Unsecured Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Axis]
Debt Instrument [Axis]
Debt Instrument, Name [Domain]
Debt Instrument, Name [Domain]
2021 Notes
Unsecured 2021 Notes [Member]
2.3% Unsecured Notes.
2022 Notes
Unsecured 2022 Notes [Member]
2.6% Unsecured Notes.
2023 Notes
Unsecured 2023 Notes [Member]
6.125% Unsecured Notes.
2026 Notes
Unsecured 2026 Notes [Member]
3.4% Unsecured Notes.
2027 Notes
Unsecured 2027 Notes [Member]
3.4% Unsecured Notes.
2047 Notes
Unsecured 2047 Notes [Member]
4.5% Unsecured Notes.
2022, 2027, and 2047 Notes
NewNotes [Member]
Unsecured Senior Notes due in 2022, 2027, and 2047.
Total Unsecured Senior Notes
Notes [Member]
Total Outstanding Unsecured Senior Notes.
Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis]
Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis]
Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain]
Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain]
Fair value measurements using significant other observable inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount
Long-term Debt, Gross
Interest rate
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage
Interest payable
Interest Payable
Interest expense
Interest Expense, Debt, Excluding Amortization
Amortization of financing costs and discounts
Amortization of Debt Issuance Costs and Discounts
Debt discount and issuance costs
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium) and Debt Issuance Costs, Net
Fair value of notes
Long-term Debt, Fair Value
Redemption percentage of aggregate principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price Plus Accrued And Unpaid Interest, Percentage
The amount the entity would be required to repurchase its unsecured notes at, expressed as a percentage of the principal, upon certain criteria.
Redemption percentage of aggregate principal amount plus a make-whole premium and accrued and unpaid interest
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price Plus Make-Whole Premium And Accrued And Unpaid Interest, Percentage
The amount the entity would be required to repurchase its unsecured notes at, expressed as a percentage of the principal, plus a make whole premium that would need to be paid in addition to the principal, for if the notes were to be redeemed earlier than the stated periods per the notes indenture.
Percentage of Principal Repayable to Option Holders Upon Certain Criteria
Percentage of Principal Repayable to Option Holders Upon Certain Criteria
The amount the entity would be required to repurchase its unsecured notes at, expressed as a percentage of the principal, upon certain criteria.
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) [Abstract]
Intangible Assets, Net
Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block]
Document and Entity Information
Document Type
Document Type
Amendment Flag
Amendment Flag
Document Period End Date
Document Period End Date
Document Fiscal Year Focus
Document Fiscal Year Focus
Document Fiscal Period Focus
Document Fiscal Period Focus
Entity Registrant Name
Entity Registrant Name
Entity Central Index Key
Entity Central Index Key
Current Fiscal Year End Date
Current Fiscal Year End Date
Entity Current Reporting Status
Entity Current Reporting Status
Entity Filer Category
Entity Filer Category
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding
Software Development Costs and Intellectual Property Licenses
Software development and intellectual property licenses:
Software Development and Intellectual Property Licenses [Abstract]
Internally-developed software costs
Internally Developed Software Costs
Capitalization of certain internally developed software costs incurred after technological feasibility of the software is established.
Payments made to third-party software developers
Software Costs Payments, Made to Third Party Developers
Capitalized software costs resulting from payments made to third-party software developers.
Total software development costs
Software Development Costs
Unamortized costs incurred for development of computer software, which is to be sold, leased or otherwise marketed, after establishing technological feasibility through to the general release of the software products.
Amortization:
Amortization [Abstract]
Amortization of capitalized software development costs and intellectual property licenses
Capitalized Software Development Costs and Intellectual Property Licenses Amortization
The amortization of capitalized software development costs and intellectual property licenses.
Line of Credit
Line of Credit [Member]
2017 TLA
2017 Tranche A Term Loan [Member]
Sixth Amendment Tranche A Term Loan [Member]
2016 TLA
2016 Tranche A Term Loan [Member]
Fifth Amendment Tranche A Term Loan [Member]
Unamortized Discount and Deferred Financing Costs
Net Carrying Amount
Long-term Debt
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of computation of earnings per share
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Accounts receivable allowances
Accounts Receivable Allowance
A provision for trade and other receivables due to an Entity within one year (or the normal operating cycle, whichever is longer) that are expected to be uncollectible, an estimate for product returns, and an estimate for price protection.
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)
Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)
Common Stock, Shares Authorized
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)
Common Stock, Shares, Issued
Treasury stock, shares (in shares)
Treasury Stock, Shares
Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract]
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract]
Deferred income taxes
Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
Provision for inventories
Inventory Write-down
Depreciation and amortization
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction
Amortization of capitalized software development costs and intellectual property licenses
Amortization of capitalized software development costs and intellectual property licenses
Amortization of capitalized software development costs and intellectual property licenses. This excludes deferral and amortization of share-based compensation expense.
Amortization of debt discount, financing costs, and non-cash write-off due to extinguishment of debt
Amortization Of Financing Costs, Discounts, And Write-Off Of Deferred Costs
Amount of noncash expense included in interest expense to allocate debt discount and premium, and the costs to issue debt and obtain financing over the related debt instruments. This also includes noncash write-off of discount and deferred costs associated with debt extinguishment. Alternate captions include noncash interest expense.
Share-based compensation expense
Share-based Compensation
Other
Other Operating Activities, Cash Flow Statement
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effect from business acquisitions:
Increase (Decrease) in Operating Assets [Abstract]
Accounts receivable, net
Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable
Inventories
Increase (Decrease) in Inventories
Software development and intellectual property licenses
Increase (Decrease) in Software Development and Intellectual Property Licenses
The increase (decrease) in software development and intellectual property licenses.
Other assets
Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets
Deferred revenues
Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Revenue
Accounts payable
Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
Increase (Decrease) in Accrued Liabilities
Net cash provided by operating activities
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities
Cash flows from investing activities:
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract]
Acquisition of King, net of cash acquired (see Note 14)
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired
Release of cash in escrow
Capital expenditures
Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment
Other investing activities
Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract]
Proceeds from issuance of common stock to employees
Proceeds from Stock Plans
Tax payment related to net share settlements on restricted stock units
Payments Related to Tax Withholding for Share-based Compensation
Dividends paid
Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Common Stock
Proceeds from debt issuances, net of discounts
Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt
Repayment of long-term debt
Repayments of Long-term Debt
Debt financing costs related to debt issuances
Payments of Financing Costs
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents, Continuing Operations
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
Measurement Frequency [Axis]
Measurement Frequency [Axis]
Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain]
Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain]
Nonrecurring
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member]
Fair Value Measurements on a Non-Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Asset Impairment Charges
Asset Impairment Charges
Maturities of Long-term Debt [Abstract]
Maturities of Long-term Debt [Abstract]
2017 (remaining six months)
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal, Remainder of Fiscal Year
2018
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two
2019
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three
2020
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four
2021
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Five
Thereafter
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal after Year Five
Gross Carrying Amount
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Basis of Consolidation and Presentation
Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Fair value, assets measured on a recurring and/or non-recurring basis
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Finite Lived and Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Table]
Schedule of Finite Lived and Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Table]
Disclosure of the details of intangible assets subject to amortization and not subject to amortization, excluding goodwill, in total and by major class. A major class is composed of intangible assets that can be grouped together because they are similar, either by their nature or by their use in the operations of the company.
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain]
Internally-developed franchises
Internally Developed Franchises [Member]
The cost of development of franchises by the entity.
Developed software
DevelopedSoftware [Member]
Developed Software acquired.
Customer base
Customer-Related Intangible Assets [Member]
Trade names
Trade Names [Member]
Other
Other Intangible Assets [Member]
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Axis]
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Axis]
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain]
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain]
Activision trademark
Trademarks [Member]
Acquired trade names
Range [Axis]
Range [Axis]
Range [Domain]
Range [Domain]
Minimum
Minimum [Member]
Maximum
Maximum [Member]
Definite-lived And Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Definite-lived And Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Line items related to definite-lived and indefinite-lived intangible assets.
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Estimated useful life
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life
Gross carrying amount, definite-lived intangible assets
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross
Accumulated amortization, definite-lived intangible assets
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization
Net carrying amount, definite-lived intangible assets
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net
Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill) [Abstract]
Net carrying amount, indefinite-lived intangible assets
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill)
Total intangible assets, net
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill)
Amortization Expense Disclosure
Amortization of Deferred Charges [Abstract]
Amortization expense
Amortization of Intangible Assets
Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table]
Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table]
Nonrecurring Adjustment [Axis]
Nonrecurring Adjustment [Axis]
Nonrecurring Adjustment [Domain]
Nonrecurring Adjustment [Domain]
Acquisition-related Costs
Acquisition-related Costs [Member]
Business Acquisition [Axis]
Business Acquisition [Axis]
Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain]
Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Net revenues
Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Revenue of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual
Net loss
Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Earnings or Loss of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual
Non-recurring acquisition related costs
Business Acquisition, Transaction Costs
Net revenues
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Revenue
Net income
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Net Income (Loss)
Basic earnings per common share (in dollars per share)
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Basic
Diluted earnings per common share (in dollars per share)
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Diluted
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Schedule of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net revenues
Revenue, Net [Abstract]
Product sales
Sales Revenue, Goods, Net
Subscription, licensing, and other revenues
Subscription, Licensing and Other Revenues
Revenues associated with the sale of subscriptions via packaged software and prepaid subscription cards, royalties from third-party licensee sales of our products, sales of add-on content, micro-transactions, and other ancillary revenues.
Total net revenues
Revenues
Costs and expenses
Costs and Expenses [Abstract]
Cost of revenues—product sales:
Cost of Revenue [Abstract]
Product costs
Cost of Revenues, Product Sales, Product Costs
Product costs which includes the manufacturing cost of goods produced and sold during the reporting period. This generally includes product costs, manufacturing royalties, net of volume discounts, personnel-related costs, warehousing and distribution costs. We generally recognize volume discounts when they are earned (typically in connection with the achievement of unit-based milestones).
Software royalties, amortization, and intellectual property licenses
Cost of Revenues, Product Sales, SW Royalties, Amortization, and IP Licenses
Software royalties, amortization, and intellectual property licenses which includes the amortization of capitalized software costs and royalties attributable to product sales revenues. These are costs capitalized on the balance sheet until the respective games are released, at which time the capitalized costs are amortized. Also included is amortization of intangible assets recognized in purchase accounting attributable to product sales revenues.
Cost of revenues—subscription, licensing, and other revenues:
Cost of Revenues [Abstract]
Cost of Revenues [Abstract]
Game operations and distribution costs
Cost of Revenues, Subscription, Licensing, and Other, Game Operations and Distribution Costs
Game operations and distribution costs which includes costs to operate our games, such as customer service, internet bandwidth and server costs, platform provider fee, and payment provider fees.
Software royalties, amortization, and intellectual property licenses
Cost of Revenues, Subscription, Licensing, and Other, SW Royalties, Amortization, and IP Licenses
Software royalties, amortization, and intellectual property licenses costs which includes the amortization of capitalized software costs and royalties attributable to subscription, licensing and other revenues. These are costs capitalized on the balance sheet until the respective games are released, at which time the capitalized costs are amortized. Also included is amortization of intangible assets recognized in purchase accounting attributable to subscription, licensing and other revenues.
Product development
Research and Development Expense
Sales and marketing
Selling and Marketing Expense
General and administrative
General and Administrative Expense
Total costs and expenses
Costs and Expenses
Operating income
Operating Income (Loss)
Interest and other expense (income), net
Other Nonoperating Income (Expense)
Income before income tax expense
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest
Income tax expense
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
Net income
Earnings per common share
Basic (in dollars per share)
Earnings Per Share, Basic
Diluted (in dollars per share)
Earnings Per Share, Diluted
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract]
Basic (in shares)
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic
Diluted (in shares)
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted
Dividends per common share (in dollars per share)
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared
Debt
Debt Disclosure [Text Block]
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventories, Net
Inventory Disclosure [Text Block]
Equity [Abstract]
Share Repurchase Program [Table]
Share Repurchase Program [Table]
Summarization of share repurchase programs.
Share Repurchase Program [Axis]
Share Repurchase Program [Axis]
Share Repurchase Program [Domain]
Share Repurchase Program [Domain]
Share Repurchase Program 2017
Share Repurchase Program 2017 [Member]
The 2017 Share Repurchase Program authorized by our Board of Directors.
Share Repurchase Program [Line Items]
Share Repurchase Program [Line Items]
Line items related to the share repurchase program authorized by the Board of Directors.
Share repurchase program, dollar amount authorized
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount
Shares of common stock repurchased
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired
Cost of common stock repurchased under the stock repurchase program
Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Foreign currency translation adjustment
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax
Unrealized gains (losses) on forward contracts designated as hedges, net of tax
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Net of Tax
Realized gain on investments, net of tax
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Sale of Securities, Net of Tax
Total other comprehensive loss
Comprehensive income
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
Summary of the components of capitalized software development
Schedule of Software Development Costs and Intellectual Property Licenses [Table Text Block]
Tabular disclosure of software development costs and intellectual property licenses as of the balance sheet date.
Amortization of capitalized software development costs and intellectual property licenses
Amortization of Software Development Costs and Intellectual Property Licenses [Table Text Block]
Tabular disclosure of amortization of software development costs and intellectual property licenses.
Software Development and Intellectual Property Licenses
Software Development Costs and Intellectual Property Licenses [Text block]
Includes disclosure of software development costs and intellectual property license costs. This element may be used as a single block of text to encapsulate the entire disclosure including data and tables.
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of reportable segments
Number of Reportable Segments
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Non-cash purchase price consideration
Other Significant Noncash Transaction, Value of Consideration Given
Goodwill
Goodwill Disclosure [Text Block]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring [Table]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table]
Recurring
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Balance Sheet Location [Axis]
Balance Sheet Location [Axis]
Balance Sheet Location [Domain]
Balance Sheet Location [Domain]
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]
Other current liabilities
Other Current Liabilities [Member]
Other current assets
Other Current Assets [Member]
Other assets
Other Assets [Member]
Fair value measurements using quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Investment Type [Axis]
Investment Type [Axis]
Investments [Domain]
Investments [Domain]
Money market funds
Money Market Funds [Member]
Foreign government treasury bills
Foreign Government Treasury Bills [Member]
This element represents foreign government treasury bills measured at fair value on a recurring basis.
ARS
Auction Rate Securities [Member]
Designated as Hedging Instrument
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Total assets at fair value
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring
Total liabilities at fair value
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes [Table]
Income Taxes [Table]
Summarization of various income tax disclosures.
Income Tax [Line Items]
Income Tax [Line Items]
Line items for various income tax disclosures.
Effective tax rate (in percent)
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent
Statutory income tax rate (in percent)
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent
Uncertain tax positions assumed
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Acquisition
Line of Credit Facility [Table]
Line of Credit Facility [Table]
Credit Facility [Axis]
Credit Facility [Axis]
Credit Facility [Domain]
Credit Facility [Domain]
Revolver
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity
Repayments of long-term debt
Interest rate on credit facility (as a percent)
Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate at Period End
Proceeds from new note issuances
Amount drawn on the Revolver
Long-term Line of Credit
Write-off of unamortized discount and deferred financing costs
Write Off Of Unamortized Discount (Premium) And Deferred Debt Issuance Costs
Write Off Of Unamortized Discount (Premium) And Deferred Debt Issuance Costs as a result of extinguishment.
Schedule of Goodwill
Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block]
Computation of Basic/Diluted Earnings Per Common Share
Earnings Per Share [Text Block]
Income Statement Location [Axis]
Income Statement Location [Axis]
Income Statement Location [Domain]
Income Statement Location [Domain]
General and administrative
General and Administrative Expense [Member]
Long-term debt, net
Long-Term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities [Member]
Long-Term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities [Member]
Award Type [Axis]
Award Type [Axis]
Equity Award [Domain]
Equity Award [Domain]
Stock Option
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Equity Award
Equity Award [Member]
Equity Award [Member]
Deferred Cash Award
Deferred Cash Awards [Member]
Deferred Cash Awards [Member]
Aggregate purchase price
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred
Cash paid to acquire business
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross
Cash paid to acquire business from debt financing
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Cash From New Debt
The cash outflow to acquire business from debt financing proceeds
Goodwill
Acquisition costs
Debt discount and issuance costs
Debt Discount And Issuance Costs
Amount of debt issuance costs (for example, but not limited to, legal, accounting, broker, and regulatory fees) and debt discount incurred.
Equity options and awards issued in acquisition (in shares)
Business Acquisition, Equity Interest Issued or Issuable, Number of Shares
Fair value of King’s existing vested and unvested stock options and awards assumed
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Payments For Fair Value Of Options And Awards Assumed
Purchase consideration based on the fair value of King’s existing vested and unvested stock options and awards that related to pre-combination service and were assumed and replaced with Activision Blizzard equity or deferred cash awards.
Future expense for converted King unvested options and awards
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized
Weighted average service period of acquired options and awards
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition
Goodwill expected to be deductible for tax purposes
Business Acquisition, Goodwill, Expected Tax Deductible Amount
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
Description of New Accounting Pronouncements Not yet Adopted [Text Block]
Schedule of Final Purchase Price Allocation
Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Pro Forma Financial Information
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block]
Summary of debt
Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block]
Schedule of maturities of debt
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block]
Assets
Assets [Abstract]
Current assets:
Assets, Current [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents
Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $147 and $261, at June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively
Accounts Receivable, Net, Current
Inventories, net
Inventory, Net
Software development
Software Development, Current
The current portion of unamortized costs incurred for development of computer software, which is to be sold, leased or otherwise marketed, after establishing technological feasibility, through to the general release of the software products.
Other current assets
Other Assets, Current
Total current assets
Assets, Current
Software development
Software Development, Noncurrent
The noncurrent portion of unamortized costs incurred for development of computer software, which is to be sold, leased or otherwise marketed, after establishing technological feasibility, through to the general release of the software products.
Property and equipment, net
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net
Deferred income taxes, net
Deferred Income Tax Assets, Net
Other assets
Other Assets, Noncurrent
Intangible assets, net
Total assets
Assets
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
Liabilities and Equity [Abstract]
Current liabilities:
Liabilities, Current [Abstract]
Accounts payable
Accounts Payable, Current
Deferred revenues
Deferred Revenue, Current
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
Accrued Liabilities, Current
Total current liabilities
Liabilities, Current
Long-term debt, net
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities
Deferred income taxes, net
Deferred Income Tax Liabilities, Net
Other liabilities
Other Liabilities, Noncurrent
Total liabilities
Liabilities
Commitments and contingencies
Commitments and Contingencies
Shareholders' equity:
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract]
Common stock, $0.000001 par value, 2,400,000,000 shares authorized, 1,183,496,138 and 1,174,163,069 shares issued at June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively
Common Stock, Value, Issued
Additional paid-in capital
Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock
Less: Treasury stock, at cost, 428,676,471 shares at June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016
Treasury Stock, Value
Retained earnings
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax
Total shareholders' equity
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
Liabilities and Equity
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table]
Foreign currency translation adjustments
Accumulated Foreign Currency Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member]
Unrealized gain (loss) on forward contracts
Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges Attributable to Parent [Member]
Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities
Accumulated Net Investment Gain (Loss) Attributable to Parent [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
OCI, before Reclassifications, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into earnings
Reclassification from AOCI, Current Period, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent
Cash and cash equivalents
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Cash and Equivalents
Accounts receivable
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets, Receivables
Other current assets
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets, Other
Property and equipment
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Property, Plant, and Equipment
Deferred income tax assets, net
Business Combination Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Deferred Tax Assets
Other assets
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Other Noncurrent Assets
Accounts payable
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities, Accounts Payable
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities, Other
Other liabilities
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Liabilities, Other
Deferred income tax liabilities, net
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Deferred Tax Liabilities
Intangible assets
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles
Total purchase price
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net
Property and equipment estimated useful life
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life
Intangible assets estimated useful life
Schedule of finite-lived intangible assets
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block]
Schedule of indefinite-lived intangible assets
Schedule of Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block]
Schedule of finite lived intangible assets, future amortization expense
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block]
Dividends
Dividends [Abstract]
Cash dividend payment
Payments Of Dividends Restricted Stock Units
Payments Of Dividends Restricted Stock Units
Dividend equivalent payments to holders of restricted stock units.
Schedule of inventories
Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block]
Income Taxes
Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]
Unvested restricted stock units participating in earnings (in shares)
Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Participating Nonvested Shares with Non-forfeitable Dividend Rights
Performance shares not included in dilutive shares (performance measures not yet met)
Contingently Issuable Shares Performance Criteria
Contingently issuable shares that were not included in diluted earnings per share (EPS) as the contingencies were not resolved. These shares may be issued in the future upon the satisfaction of specified performance measures.
Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table]
Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table]
Antidilutive Securities [Axis]
Antidilutive Securities [Axis]
Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain]
Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain]
Options
Equity Option [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of diluted earnings per share (in shares)
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount
Description of Business and Basis of Consolidation and Presentation
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block]
Definite-lived intangible assets, future amortization expense disclosure
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2017 (remaining six months)
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Remainder of Fiscal Year
2018
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two
2019
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three
2020
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four
2021
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five
Thereafter
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, after Year Five
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table]
Consolidation Items [Axis]
Consolidation Items [Axis]
Consolidation Items [Domain]
Consolidation Items [Domain]
Reportable segments
Operating Segments [Member]
Reconciling items
Segment Reconciling Items [Member]
Geographical [Axis]
Geographical [Axis]
Geographical [Domain]
Geographical [Domain]
Americas
Americas [Member]
US
UNITED STATES
EMEA
EMEA [Member]
UK
UNITED KINGDOM
Asia Pacific
Asia Pacific [Member]
Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis]
Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis]
Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain]
Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain]
Revenues
Sales Revenue, Net [Member]
Concentration Risk Type [Axis]
Concentration Risk Type [Axis]
Concentration Risk Type [Domain]
Concentration Risk Type [Domain]
Geographic Concentration Risk
Geographic Concentration Risk [Member]
Products and Services [Axis]
Products and Services [Axis]
Products and Services [Domain]
Products and Services [Domain]
Console
Console [Member]
Represents the total of consoles which includes the Sony PS4 and PS3, the Microsoft Xbox One and Xbox 360, and the Nintendo Wii U and Wii.
PC
PC [Member]
The personal computer platform.
Mobile and ancillary
Mobile And Ancillary Platforms [Member]
Mobile And Ancillary Platforms [Member]
Other
Other [Member]
Revenues from handheld and mobile devices, as well as non-platform specific game related revenues such as standalone sales of toys and accessories products from the Skylanders franchise and other physical merchandise and accessories.
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenues
Operating income
Net effect from recognition (deferral) of deferred net revenues
Deferral of Net Revenues and Related Cost of Sales Revenue Impact
Impact of the net effect from the deferral of net revenues in reconciling total segment net revenues to consolidated net revenues.
Net effect from recognition (deferral) of deferred net revenues and related cost of revenues
Deferral of Net Revenues and Related Cost of Sales Operating Income Impact
Impact of the net effect from the deferral of net revenues and related cost of revenues in reconciling total segment operating income (loss) to consolidated operating income (loss).
Share-based compensation expense
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense
Amortization of intangible assets
Fees and other expenses related to acquisitions
Fees and Other Expenses Related to acquisitions.
Impact of fees and other expenses related to acquisitions, associated integration costs, and related debt financings.
Restructuring costs
Restructuring Charges
Other non-cash charges
Other General Expense
Revenues as a percentage of consolidated net revenues
Concentration Risk, Percentage
Long-lived assets
Finished goods
Inventory, Finished Goods, Net of Reserves
Purchased parts and components
Inventory, Raw Materials, Net of Reserves
Inventories, net
Inventory reserves
Inventory Valuation Reserves
Capital Transactions
Treasury Stock [Text Block]
Numerator:
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic [Abstract]
Consolidated net income
Less: Distributed earnings to unvested share-based awards that participate in earnings
Distributed Earnings
Less: Undistributed earnings allocated to unvested share-based awards that participate in earnings
Undistributed Earnings (Loss) Allocated to Participating Securities, Basic
Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per common share—income available to common shareholders
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic
Denominator:
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, Other Disclosures [Abstract]
Denominator for basic earnings per common share - weighted-average common shares outstanding (in shares)
Effect of potential dilutive common shares under the treasury stock method:
Earnings Per Share, Nonrecurring Common Control IntraEntity Transactions, Per Diluted Share [Abstract]
Employee stock options and awards (in shares)
Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-based Payment Arrangements
Denominator for diluted earnings per common share - weighted-average common shares outstanding plus dilutive common shares under treasury stock method (in shares)
Basic earnings (loss) per common share (in dollars per share)
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share (in dollars per share)
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]
Schedule of operating segments and reconciliations of total net revenues and total segment operating income to consolidated net revenues from external customers and consolidated income before income tax expense
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]
Schedule of net revenues from external customers by geographic region
Revenue from External Customers by Geographic Areas [Table Text Block]
Schedule of net revenues by platform
Schedule of Net Revenues from External Customers by Platform [Table Text Block]
The disclosure of net revenues from external customers by platform.
Long-lived assets by geographic region
Schedule of Disclosure on Geographic Areas, Long-Lived Assets in Individual Foreign Countries by Country [Table Text Block]