Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $201 million and $317 million at June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Accumulated other comprehensive loss Ending Balance Accumulated other comprehensive loss Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Cash acquired through Business Combination, net of cash payments to effect acquisitions Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock Additional paid-in capital Acquisitions Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period Cash and cash equivalents at end of period Cash and cash equivalents Total cash and cash equivalents Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable Accounts receivable Increase (Decrease) in Inventories Inventories Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable Accounts payable Increase (Decrease) in Accrued Liabilities Accrued expenses and other liabilities Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Commitments and contingencies Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, shares authorized Common Stock, Value, Issued Common stock, $.000001 par value, 2,400,000,000 shares authorized, 1,370,008,534 and 1,364,117,675 shares issued at June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively Current liabilities: Liabilities, Current Total current liabilities Intangible Assets, Current Intangible assets, net Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred income taxes Deferred Revenue, Current Deferred revenues Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction Depreciation and amortization Earnings Per Share, Diluted Diluted (in dollars per share) Diluted earnings per common share (in dollars per share) Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents Share-based Compensation Stock-based compensation expense General and Administrative Expense General and administrative Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Income taxes Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets Other assets Definite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Intangible assets, net Net carrying amount, definite-lived intangible assets Inventory, Net Inventories Inventories Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Total liabilities and shareholders' equity Liabilities Total liabilities Marketable Securities, Current Short-term investments Cash flows from financing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Net cash used in financing activities Cash flows from investing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Net cash used in investing activities Cash flows from operating activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Net cash provided by operating activities Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents Proceeds from Stock Plans Proceeds from issuance of common stock to employees Investment Income, Nonoperating Operating Income (Loss) Operating income Operating income (loss) Net revenues Revenues Total net revenues Net revenues Other Comprehensive Income, Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Foreign currency translation adjustment Other Assets, Current Other current assets Proceeds from Maturities, Prepayments and Calls of Available-for-sale Securities Proceeds from maturities of investments Proceeds from Sale of Short-term Investments Proceeds from sale of investments Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Property and equipment, net Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Capital expenditures Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block] Related party transactions Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Repurchase of common stock Restructuring Charges Restructuring Restructuring Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit). Retained earnings (accumulated deficit) Sales Revenue, Goods, Net Product sales Inventory Disclosure [Text Block] Inventories Schedule of Goodwill [Text Block] Goodwill Selling and Marketing Expense Sales and marketing Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Summary of significant accounting policies Current assets: Assets, Current Total current assets Treasury Stock Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Securities Unrealized gain on auction rate securities classified as trading securities Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Diluted (in shares) Denominator for diluted earnings per common share - weighted-average common shares outstanding plus dilutive effect of employee stock options (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Basic (in shares) Denominator for basic earnings per common share - weighted-average common shares outstanding (in shares) Common Stock Research and Development Expense Product development Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities, Noncurrent Long-term investments Assets, Total Total assets Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Intangible assets, net Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Other liabilities Deferred income taxes, net Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Noncurrent Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Stock-Based Compensation Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current Deferred income taxes, net Deferred Tax Liabilities, Noncurrent Deferred income taxes, net Assets Fair Value, Measurement Inputs, Disclosure [Text Block] Fair value measurements Treasury Stock, Value Less: Treasury stock, at cost, 146,059,301 and 113,686,498 at June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively Earnings Per Share, Basic Basic (in dollars per share) Basic earnings per common share (in dollars per share) Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Financing Activities Excess tax benefits from stock option exercises Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Operating Activities Excess tax benefits from stock option exercises Schedule of Treasury Stock by Class [Text Block] Capital transactions Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common stock, shares issued Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Revenue Deferred revenues Other Assets, Noncurrent Other assets Earnings per common share Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Cumulative Effects of Changes in Accounting Principles, Noncontrolling Interest Income before income tax expense Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) Treasury Stock, Shares Treasury stock, shares Income (loss) before income tax provision (benefit) Income (loss) before income tax provision (benefit) Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Income tax expense Additional Paid-In Capital Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation Issuance of common stock pursuant to employee stock options and restricted stock rights Tender offer (see Note 1) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation Issuance of common stock pursuant to employee stock options and restricted stock rights (in shares) Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired Shares repurchased (in shares) Shares of common stock agreed to repurchase (in shares) Costs and expenses Total Costs and Expenses Total costs and expenses Shares repurchased Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method Shares of common stock agreed to repurchase Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Tax Effect from Share-based Compensation Tax effect from stock plans Shares, Issued Balance (in shares) Balance (in shares) Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net income Net income Consolidated net income Weighted-average shares outstanding Shareholders' equity: Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total shareholders' equity Balance Balance Accounts Payable, Current Accounts payable Accrued Liabilities, Current Accrued expenses and other liabilities Commitments and Contingencies. Commitments and contingencies (Note 12) Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition, Value Stock-based compensation expense related to employee stock options and restricted stock rights Net income (loss) Net income (loss) Subscription, Licensing and Other Revenues Revenues associated with the sale of subscriptions via packaged software and prepaid subscription card payments by licensees, and other ancillary revenues recognized ratably over the subscription or licensing period. Subscription, licensing, and other revenues Cost of Sales, Product Costs Total costs related to goods produced and sold during the reporting period, excluding costs related to software royalties and amortization; intellectual licenses; and massively multi-player online role-playing games. Cost of sales - product costs Cost of Sales, Software Royalties and Amortization Cost of sales - software royalties and amortization The amount of expense recognized in the current period that reflects the allocation of the costs of software development over the expected benefit period of such assets. Cost of Sales, Intellectual Property Licenses The amount of expense recognized in the current period that reflects the allocation of the costs of intellectual property licenses over the expected benefit period of such assets. Cost of sales - intellectual property licenses Cost of Sales, Massively, Multiplayer, Online Game Costs incurred and are directly related to generating revenues in fulfilling customer subscriptions to massively multi-player online role-playing games. Cost of sales - massively multi-player online role-playing game ("MMORPG") Software Development, Current The current portion of capitalization of certain software development costs incurred after technological feasibility of the software is established. Software development Intellectual Property Licenses, Current The current portion of intellectual property license costs, which represent license fees paid to intellectual property rights holders for use of their trademarks, copyrights, software, technology, music, or other intellectual property or proprietary rights. Intellectual property licenses Software Development, Noncurrent The noncurrent portion of capitalization of certain software development costs incurred after technological feasibility of the software is established. Software development Intellectual Property Licenses, Noncurrent The noncurrent portion of intellectual property license costs, which represent license fees paid to intellectual property rights holders for use of their trademarks, copyrights, software, technology, music, or other intellectual property or proprietary rights. Intellectual property licenses Amortization and write-off of capitalized software development costs and intellectual property licenses Amortization and write-offs of capitalized software development costs and intellectual property licenses. Amortization and write-off of capitalized software development costs and intellectual property licenses Increase (Decrease) in Software Development and Intellectual Property Licenses Increase and decrease in software development and intellectual property licenses. Software development and intellectual property licenses Payments for Net Cash Transfers to Affiliated Companies Net cash transfers to parent and affiliated companies Net cash transfers to Vivendi and affiliated companies Document and Entity Information 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. Software development and intellectual property licenses Investment Income, Net [Text Block] This item represents the aggregate amount of income from investments not considered a component of the entity's core operations. Investment and other income (loss), net Restructuring Restructuring [Text Block] Description of restructuring activities including exit and disposal activities, which should include facts and circumstances leading to the plan, the expected plan completion date, the major types of costs associated with the plan activities, total expected costs, the accrual balance at the end of the period, and the periods over which the remaining accrual will be settled. Goodwill: Goodwill Goodwill, balance at end of period Goodwill, balance at beginning of period Stock Issued During Period, Value, Acquisitions Purchase consideration upon the business combination Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total comprehensive income Components of comprehensive income: CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity Statement [Table] Statement Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity Statement, Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Increase (Decrease) in Restricted Cash (Increase) decrease in restricted cash Investments Excluding Investment Income Disclosure [Text Block] Investments This disclosure includes information about available-for-Sale Investments and trading Investments excluding investment income disclosure. Tax Benefit from Stock Options Exercised Tax shortfall from employee stock option exercises Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill) Trademark and trade names Accounts receivable, allowances (in dollars) 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. Asset Impairment Charges Impairment Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock Issuance of additional common stock related to the Business Combination Payments to Acquire Short-term Investments Purchases of short-term investments Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Acquisitions Purchase consideration upon the business combination (in shares) Payments of Distributions to Affiliates Return of capital Payments for Repurchase of Other Equity Repurchase of common stock through tender offer Investment Income and Other, Net Investment and other income, net The aggregate amount of income from investments (for example, dividends) not considered a component of the entity's core operations and the sum of all other revenue and income recognized by the entity in the period not otherwise specified in the income statement. Investment and other income, net Comprehensive income Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Disclosure [Text Block] Recently issued accounting pronouncements Represents disclosure in a single block of text of new accounting pronouncements that have been issued but not yet adopted. An entity's disclosure should (1) describe the new pronouncement, the date that adoption is required and the date that the entity plans to adopt, if earlier; (2) discuss the methods of adoption allowed by the pronouncement and the method expected to be utilized by the entity, if determined; (3) discuss the impact that adoption of the pronouncement is expected to have on the financial statements of the entity, unless such impact is not known or reasonably estimable (in which case, a statement to that effect should be made) and; (4) disclose the potentia l impact of other significant matters that the entity believes might result from the adoption of the pronouncement (for example, technical violations of debt covenant agreements and planned or intended changes in business practices.) Number of operating segments Number Of Operating Segments The number of operating segments. Term of licensing arrangements with NetEase.com in China, for certain games The term of the licensing arrangements with an affiliated company in China, related to certain games. Licensing Term Games Affiliated Company in China Immaterial Error Correction Balance Sheet Impact Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable Decrease The amount by which accounts receivable was reduced and the amount by which accounts payable was reduced on the balance sheet, due to the effect of corrections of prior year errors in the current year financial statements when the effect of the prior year error was immaterial to the prior year financial statements and the current year correction is immaterial to the current year financial statements. Balance sheet, reduction of accounts receivable and accounts payable due to immaterial error correction Immaterial Error Correction Cash Flow Impact Change in Accounts Receivable Increase Change in Accounts Payable Decrease The amount by which the change in accounts receivable was increased and the amount by which the change in accounts payable was decreased on the statement of cash flows, due to the effect of corrections of prior year errors in the current year financial statements when the effect of the prior year error was immaterial to the prior year financial statements and the current year correction is immaterial to the current year financial statements. Statement of cash flows, increase in change in accounts receivable and decrease in change in accounts payable due to immaterial error correction Summary of significant accounting policies Trading Securities, Debt, Current Auction rate securities classified as trading Financial Instruments, Owned, US Government and Agency Obligations, at Fair Value U.S. Government agency securities Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Current Restricted cash Mortgage-backed Securities Held-to-maturity, Fair Value Disclosure Mortgage-backed securities Inventories Schedule of Inventory Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of the components of inventories. Schedule of inventories Inventory, Finished Goods, Net of Reserves Finished goods Inventory, Raw Materials, Net of Reserves Purchased parts and components Goodwill Schedule of Goodwill Activity [Text Block] Schedule of goodwill activity The schedule disclosing the changes of goodwill during the period. Activision The Activision reportable segment of the entity. Blizzard The Blizzard reportable segment of the entity. Distribution The Distribution reportable segment of the entity. Goodwill Issuance of Contingent Consideration Issuance of contingent consideration Reflects net changes to the recorded value of goodwill due to the issuance of contingent consideration. Goodwill, Acquired During Period Goodwill acquired Goodwill Purchase Accounting Adjustments Purchase accounting adjustments Reflects net changes to the recorded value of goodwill for purchase accounting adjustments. Tax Benefit Credited to Goodwill Tax benefit credited to goodwill The tax deduction resulting from the exercise of stock options that were outstanding and vested at the consummation of a business combination and included in the purchase price to the extent that the tax deduction did not exceed the fair value of those options. Effect of Foreign Exchange Changed on Goodwill Foreign exchange Reflects net changes to the recorded value of goodwill for foreign currency translation adjustments. Intangible assets, net Schedule of finite lived and indefinite lived intangible assets by major class Disclosure of the carrying value 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. Schedule of Finite Lived and Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Text Block] Schedule of Finite Lived Intangible Assets Future Amortization Expense [Text Block] Schedule of finite lived intangible assets, future amortization expense Disclosure of the estimated future amortization of finite-lived assets (i.e., assets subject to amortization). 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. Schedule of Definite-Lived and Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Table] Definite-Lived and Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Schedule 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. Definite-Lived and Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Domain] The major class of finite-lived and indefinite-lived intangible asset, excluding goodwill. 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. License agreements Developed software Game engines Game engines. Internally developed franchises Internally developed franchises. Favorable leases Favorable leases. Distribution agreements Activision trademark Acquired trade names Other intangibles Intangible assets not otherwise specified in the taxonomy. Definite-Lived and Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets. Definite-Lived Intangible Assets, Useful Life, Minimum Estimated useful life, minimum (in years) Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Net carrying amount, intangible assets Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets Carrying amount, indefinite-lived intangible assets Definite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Accumulated amortization, definite-lived intangible assets Definite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Gross carrying amount, definite-lived intangible assets Definite-Lived Intangible Assets, Useful Life, Maximum Estimated useful life, maximum (in years) Operating Segments, Total Amortization expense disclosure Amortization of Intangible Assets Amortization expense Definite-lived intangible assets, future amortization expense disclosure 2010 (remaining six months) Future Amortization Expense Remainder Current Year The estimated future amortization for the remainder of the current period. Future Amortization Expense Thereafter Thereafter The amount of amortization expense on intangible assets expected to be recognized subsequent to the fourth twelve-month period following the balance sheet date. Future Amortization Expense, Year One 2011 Future Amortization Expense, Year Two 2012 Future Amortization Expense, Year Three 2013 Future Amortization Expense, Year Four 2014 Income taxes. Effective Income Tax Rate, Continuing Operations Effective income tax rate (percent in hundredths) Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate Statutory income tax rate (percent in hundredths) Foreign net operating loss valuation allowance The portion of the valuation allowance pertaining to the deferred tax asset representing potential future taxable deductions from foreign net operating loss carry forwards for which it is more likely than not that a tax benefit will not be realized. Foreign Net Operating Loss Valuation Allowance Increase (Decrease) Operating Loss Carry forwards Valuation Allowance Increase or decrease in operating loss carryforwards valuation allowance Decrease (increase) in operating loss carry forward allowance resulting from the realization of net operating losses through taxable income. Increase Decrease Deferred Tax Liabilities Increase or decrease in deferred tax liabilities Decrease (increase) in net deferred tax liabilities. Internally developed software costs Capitalization of certain internally developed software costs incurrred after technological feasibility of the software is established. Internally Developed Software Costs Software Costs Payments Made To Third Party Developers Payments made to third-party software developers Capitalized software costs resulting from payments made to third-party software developers. Capitalized Intellectual Property Licenses Intellectual property licenses Intellectual property license costs represent license fees paid to intellectual property rights holders for use of their trademarks, copyrights, software, technology, music, or other intellectual property or proprietary rights. Capitalized Software Development Costs and Intellectual Property Licenses Write-off and Impairment Write-offs and impairments The write-offs and impairment of capitalized software development costs and intellectual property licenses. Capitalized Software Development Costs and Intellectual Property Licenses Amortization Amortization of capitalized software development costs and intellectual property licenses The amortization of capitalized software development costs and intellectual property licenses. Restructuring. Schedule of Restructuring Reserve by Type of Cost [Text Block] Restructuring reserve by type of cost Schedule Of Restructuring Reserves And Restructuring Charges By Operating Segment [Text Block] Restructuring reserve and restructuring charges by segment Disclosure of an entity's restructuring reserve and the restructuring charges during the period associated with the exit from or disposal of business activities or restructurings by operating segment. Schedule of Restructuring Reserve by Type of Restructuring by Segment [Table] An entity's restructuring reserve and the changes to that reserve by segment and by major type of cost during the period associated with the exit from or disposal of business activities or restructurings. Severance Facilities costs Restructuring Reserve, Period Expense Costs charged to expense Restructuring Reserve Balance at Balance at Restructuring Reserve Restructuring Reserve, Settled with Cash Costs paid or otherwise settled Restructuring Reserve Foreign Exchange and Other Foreign exchange and other Operating segments total The aggregate of the reportable segments. Schedule of Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Text Block] Schedule of comprehensive income loss This element captures the entire table disclosure of the components of comprehensive income (loss) for the entity. Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Text Block] Schedule of accumulated other comprehensive income loss This element captures the entire table disclosure of the components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the entity. Other comprehensive income: Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments, net of taxes Other Comprehensive Income, Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Net of Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Other comprehensive income (loss) Other comprehensive income (loss) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Foreign currency translation adjustment Beginning Balance Ending Balance Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax Unrealized depreciation on investments Beginning Balance Ending Balance Unrealized depreciation on investments, net of deferred income taxes of $(2) for each of June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009 Other Comprehensive Income, Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax Unrealized depreciation on investments adjustment Investment and other income, net disclosure Investment Income, Interest Interest income Interest Expense Interest expense Gain (Loss) on Sale of Investments Net unrealized gain on investments Trading Securities, Unrealized Holding Gain Unrealized gain on trading securities Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Unrealized loss on put option from UBS Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Gain (Loss) Included in Investment Income Change in fair value of other financial liability Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Text Block] Segment reporting information Revenues by geographic region The disclosure of net revenues from external customers by geographic region. Schedule of Revenue from External Customers by Geographic Area [Text Block] No single customer accounted for more than, percentage of consolidated net revenue (in hundredths) Concentration Risk Single Customer Percent The percentage of consolidated net revenues for which the entity did not have any single external customer that accounted for an amount in excess of the percentage. Revenue by Segment by Geographical Region by Platform [Table] A schedule disclosing net revenues by reportable segment, by geographical information and by platform. Total geographic region The aggregate of items categorized by geographical region. The North America geographical region. North America Europe The Europe geographical region. Asia Pacific The Asia Pacific geographical region. Total platform The aggregate of items categorized by platform. MMORPG The subscription-based massively multi-player online role-playing game platform. Console The console product platform. Hand-held The handheld devices platform. PC and other The personal computer platform and other items not separately categorized by platform. Line items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table. Revenue by Segment by Geographical Region by Platform Deferral of Net Revenues and Related Cost of Sales Revenue Impact Net effect from deferral of net revenues Impact of the net effect from the deferral of net revenues in reconciling total segment net revenues to consolidated net revenues. Other Noncore Revenue Other Revenue from non-core activities of the entity. Deferral of Net Revenues and Related Cost of Sales Operating Income Impact Net effect from deferral of net revenues and related cost of sales Impact of the net effect from deferral of net revenues and related cost of sales in reconciling total segment net revenues to consolidated net revenues. Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Stock-based compensation expense before income taxes Amortization Intangible Assets and Purchase Price Accounting Related Adjustments Amortization of intangible assets and purchase price accounting related adjustments Amortization of intangible assets and purchase price accounting related adjustments. Integration and Transaction Costs Integration and transactions costs Integration and transactions costs. Other Noncore Operating Income Loss Other The operating income or loss from non-core activities of the entity. Investment Income [Text Block] Investment and other income, net Restructuring Reserve Roll Forward Other Comprehensive Income Foreign Currency Transaction And Translation Adjustment Net Of Tax Period Increase Decrease Abstract Other Comprehensive Income Available For Sale Securities Adjustment Net Of Tax Period Increase Decrease Abstract Other Comprehensive Income Loss Net Of Tax Portion Attributable To Parent Abstract Definite-Lived Intangible Assets Future Amortization Expense Subsequent to Balance Sheet Date Total The aggregate estimated future amortization expense on finite-lived intangible assets subsequent to the balance sheet date. Other For non-core activities of the entity. Gain (Loss) on Foreign Currency Derivatives Recorded in Earnings, Net Pre-tax net unrealized gain (loss) on foreign exchange contracts and swaps with Vivendi Commitments and contingencies Recently issued accounting pronouncements Investments Fair value measurements Capital transactions Related party transactions disclosure Available for Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position and Fair Value [Text Block] Disclosure of the gross unrealized losses on available-for-sale securities and the fair value of those securities. Includes details on the length of time the securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position. Available-for-sale investments, continuous unrealized loss position Available for Sale Securities Contractually Stated Maturities [Text Block] Disclosure of the amortized cost and fair value of available-for-sale investments classified by contractually stated maturities. Available-for-sale investments, contractually stated maturities Available-for-sale Securities [Text Block] Available-for-sale investments Fair Value Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Text Block] This element represents the disclosure related to assets and liabilities, including financial instruments measured at fair value that are classified in stockholders' equity, if any, that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis. The disclosures contemplated herein include the fair value measurements at the reporting date by the level within the fair value hierarchy in which the fair value measurements in their entirety fall, segregating fair value measurements using quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities (Level 1), significant other observable inputs (Level 2), and significant unobservable inputs (Level 3). Fair value, assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis Fair Value Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Text Block] This element represents, for the fair value measurement of assets and liabilities using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3), a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances, separately presenting changes during the period attributable to the following: (1) total gains or losses for the period (realized and unrealized), segregating those gains or losses included in earnings (or changes in net assets), and a description of where those gains or losses included in earnings (or changes in net assets) are reported in the statement of income (or activities); (2) purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements (net); and (3) transfers in and transfers out of Level 3 (for example, transfers due to changes in the observability of significant inputs). Fair value, assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis, Level 3 reconciliation Schedule of Restricted Stock Activity [Text Block] Disclosure of activity and weighted-average grant date fair value of restricted stock (including restricted stock units, restricted stock, and performance shares) during the period. Schedule Of Restricted Stock Activity Schedule of Stock Option Activity [Text Block] Disclosure of activity and weighted-average grant date fair value of stock options during the period. Schedule Of Stock Option Activity Schedule of Share Based Compensation Arrangement Fair Value Assumptions and Methodology Binomial Lattice [Text Block] Disclosure of the weighted-average assumptions and weighted-average fair value at grant date using the binomial-lattice model. Schedule Of Share Based Compensation Arrangement Fair Value Assumptions And Methodology Binomial Lattice Schedule of Share-based Compensation Capitalized in Software Development [Text Block] Disclosure of stock-based compensation included as a component of software development. Schedule Of Share Based Compensation Capitalized In Software Development Schedule of Earnings Per Share Basic and Diluted by Common Class [Text Block] This element may be used to capture the complete disclosure pertaining to an entity's basic and diluted earnings per share. Schedule of computation of earnings per share Taxable auction rate securities. Taxable auction rate securities ARS U.S. government agency securities Mortgage-backed securities Available-for-sale investments, balance sheet Available for Sale Securities Unrealized Loss Gross This item represents the gross unrealized losses for securities which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading securities. Such gross unrealized losses are the excess of the carrying value of the Available-for-sale Securities over their fair value as of the reporting date. Gross unrealized losses Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Amortized cost Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Fair Value Fair value Available-for-sale investments, continuous unrealized loss position Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Losses Continuous unrealized loss position less than 12 months, unrealized losses Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value Continuous unrealized loss position less than 12 months, fair value Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses Continuous unrealized loss position 12 months or longer, unrealized losses Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value Continuous unrealized loss position 12 months or longer, fair value Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses Continuous unrealized loss position, aggregate unrealized losses Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value Continuous unrealized loss position, aggregate fair value Available for Sale Securities Percentage of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney Owned by Morgan Stanley The percentage of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (which holds the auction rate securities) that is owned by Morgan Stanley. Percentage of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC owned by Morgan Stanley (in hundredths) Available for Sale Securities Percentage of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney Owned by Citigroup Inc The percentage of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (which holds the auction rate securities) that is owned by Citigroup, Inc. Percentage of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC owned by Citigroup, Inc. (in hundredths) Available-for-sale investments, maturities Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, within One Year, Amortized Cost Amortized cost, U.S. government agency securities due in 1 year or less Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, without Single Maturity Date, Amortized Cost Amortized cost, Mortgage-backed securities (not due at a single maturity date) Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, after Ten Years, Amortized Cost Amortized cost, Due after ten years Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, within One Year, Fair Value Fair value, U.S. government agency securities due in 1 year or less Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, without Single Maturity Date, Fair Value Fair value, Mortgage-backed securities (not due at a single maturity date) Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, after Ten Years, Fair Value Fair value, Due after ten years Trading investments Available-for-sale Securities, Transfers to Trading, Gross Losses Transfer from available-for-sale to trading, unrealized loss at time of transfer, recognized in earnings Trading Securities Unrealized Holding Loss after Transfer to Trading For trading securities held as of the balance sheet date, the amount of excess carrying value of trading securities over their fair value (unrealized holding loss), which occurred subsequent to the reclassification of the investment from available-for-sale to trading securities. Trading securities, unrealized holding loss after transfer to trading Trading Securities, Unrealized Holding Loss Trading securities, unrealized holding loss Trading Securities, Debt Trading securities, fair value of auction rate securities held through UBS beginning balance Trading securities, fair value of auction rate securities held through UBS ending balance Trading Securities Redemption Changed in the fair value of trading securities during the period as a result of redemptions. Trading securities, redemption of auction rate securities held through UBS Fair Value Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table] Summarization of information required and determined to be disclosed concerning assets and liabilities, including financial instruments that are classified in stockholders' equity, which are measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Fair Value Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis Disclosure Items [Axis] This element represents a number of concepts which are required or desirable disclosure items concerning assets and liabilities, including financial instruments that are classified in stockholders' equity, which are measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Fair Value Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis Disclosure Items [Domain] Provides the general information items required or determined to be disclosed with respect to assets and liabilities, including financial instruments that are classified in stockholders' equity, which are measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Fair value Fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) Fair value measurements using significant other observable inputs (Level 2) Fair value measurements using quoted prices in active markets for identical financial instruments (Level 1) Line items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table. Fair Value Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Financial assets Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Cash and Cash Equivalents Money market funds Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring Basis Mortgage backed Securities This element represents mortgage-backed securities measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Mortgage backed securities Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring Basis Auction Rate Securities Trading This element represents auction rate securities classified as trading securities measured at fair value on a recurring basis. ARS held through UBS Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring Basis US Government Agency Securities This element represents U.S. government sponsored agency securities measured at fair value on a recurring basis. U.S. government sponsored agency debt securities This element represents auction rate securities that are available-for-sale securities (neither classified as trading or held-to-maturity securities) measured at fair value on a recurring basis. ARS held through Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring Basis Auction Rate Securities Available for Sale Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring Basis Put Option This element represents put options measured at fair value on a recurring basis. ARS rights from UBS Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring Basis Assets This element represents the aggregate of assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Total financial assets at fair value Financial liabilities Fair Value Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis other Financial Liability This element represents other financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Other financial liability Fair Value Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis Liabilities This element represents the aggregate of liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Total financial liabilities at fair value Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring Basis Auction Rate Securities This element represents auction rate securities measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Auction rate securities held through UBS and Citigroup, Inc. Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring Basis Foreign Exchange Contracts This element represents foreign exchange derivative contract assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Foreign exchange contract derivatives, assets Fair Value Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis Foreign Exchange Contracts This element represents foreign exchange derivative contract liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Foreign exchange contract derivatives, liabilities Liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis, gain loss included in earnings Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) Included in Other Income Earn-out liability, change in fair value, gain (loss) included in earnings Reconciliation of Level 3 assets and liabilities Fair Value Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation Recurring Basis Assets and Liabilities Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings This element represents total gains or losses for the period (realized and unrealized), arising from assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using unobservable inputs (Level 3), which are included in earnings or resulted in a change in net asset value. Total realized/unrealized gains/losses included in earnings Fair Value Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation Recurring Basis Assets and Liabilities Purchases Sales Issuances Settlements This element represents purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements (net) which have taken place during the period in relation to assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using unobservable inputs (Level 3). Purchases or acquired sales, issuances and settlements Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value Level 3 measurement reconciliation, recurring basis, fair value assets beginning balance Level 3 measurement reconciliation, recurring basis, fair value assets ending balance Numerator: Unvested Share based Awards Participating Securities EPS Numerator Adjustment The adjustment due to unvested share-based awards that participate in earnings, which is necessary to adjust net income to obtain net income applicable to common stockholders. Net income allocated to unvested share-based awards that participate in earnings Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic Numerator for basic earnings per common share - income available to common shareholders Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Diluted Numerator for diluted earnings per common share - income available to common shareholders Denominator: Effect of potential dilutive common shares under the treasury stock method: Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Share-based Payment Arrangements Employee stock options (in shares) Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Participating Nonvested Shares with Non-forfeitable Dividend Rights Common stock weighted-average shares, unvested restricted stock rights (in shares) Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share Amount Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of diluted earnings per share (in shares) Share Repurchase Program Authorized Value Amount of a share repurchase program authorized during the period by the entity's Board of Directors, under which the entity may repurchase its common stock. Share repurchase, amount authorized in period Share Repurchase Program Authorized Value Cumulative The cumulative amount authorized as of the balance sheet date by the entity's Board of Directors, for a stock repurchase program under which the entity may repurchase its common stock. Share repurchase, cumulative amount authorized Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Cumulative The cumulative amount paid as of the balance sheet date for repurchase of common stock under the stock repurchase program. Share repurchase, cumulative stock repurchases Share Repurchase Program Available for Utilization The remaining amount available as of the balance sheet date for utilization under the share repurchase program authorized by the entity's Board of Directors. Share repurchase, amount available for utilization Notional amount of derivatives by type of derivative instrument in the related party transactions. Notional Amount of Derivatives by Derivative Instrument [Axis] Foreign exchange swap with Vivendi as principal counterparty Forward foreign exchange contract with Vivendi as principal counterparty Related party transactions, treasury Notional amount of foreign currency derivatives Notional Amount Of Foreign Currency Derivatives Notional amount of foreign currency derivatives Schedule Employee Service Share Based Compensation Unrecognized Compensation And Deferred Compensation By Award [Table] Disclosure of the unrecognized compensation costs and deferred compensation costs by award type. Schedule Employee Service Share Based Compensation Unrecognized Compensation And Deferred Compensation By Award [Axis] Unrecognized compensation costs and deferred compensation costs by award type. Restricted stock are shares of stock for which sale is contractually or governmentally restricted for a given period of time. Restricted Stock Rights Stock Option Plan Blizzard Equity Plan ("BEP") is an equity incentive plan denominated in U.S. dollars. Under the BEP restricted shares of Blizzard stock and other cash settled awards were granted to certain key executives and employees of Blizzard. Blizzard Equity Plan The Vivendi Corporate Plan. Vivendi Corporate Plan Unrecognized compensation information Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Unrecognized Compensation Costs on Nonvested Awards Stock-based compensation, unrecognized compensation Employee Service Share-based Compensation Unrecognized Compensation Costs on Nonvested Awards Weighted Average Period of Recognition Term The weighted average period over which unrecognized share-based compensation costs are expected to be reported. The period may be expressed in various terms, such as the number of months or years. Stock-based compensation, unrecognized compensation weighted-average period of recognition Deferred compensation Deferred Compensation Share-based Arrangements, Liability, Current Amount included in accrued expenses and other liabilities related to the plan Deferred Compensation Share-based Arrangements, Liability, Classified, Noncurrent Amount included in other liabilities related to the plan Cost of sales for software royalties and amortization. Cost of sales - software royalties and amortization Costs of product development. Product development Sales and marketing General and administrative Restructuring Stock-based compensation expense, income statement information Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense, Net of Income Tax Benefit Represents the expense recognized during the period arising from share-based compensation arrangements (for example, shares of stock, stock options or other equity instruments) with employees, directors and certain consultants qualifying for treatment as employees, net of income tax benefit. Total stock-based compensation expense, net of income tax benefit Represents the additional expense recognized during the period arising from share-based compensation arrangements (for example, shares of stock, stock options or other equity instruments) with employees, directors and certain consultants qualifying for treatment as employees, as a result of a re-measurement of the fair value at a date subsequent to the initial grant date (for example, on the date of a business acquisition). Stock-based compensation expense, impact of remeasurement on date of acquisition Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense, Remeasurement Impact Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit from Compensation Expense Stock-based compensation expense, income tax benefit Restricted stock rights activity Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number Restricted stock rights (in shares) beginning balance Restricted stock rights (in shares) ending balance Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Restricted stock rights, granted (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period Restricted stock rights, vested (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period Restricted stock rights, forfeited (in shares) Restricted stock rights, weighted-average grant date fair value information Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Restricted stock rights, weighted-average grant date fair value (dollars per share) beginning balance Restricted stock rights, weighted-average grant date fair value (dollars per share) ending balance Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Restricted stock rights, weighted-average grant date fair value, granted (dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Restricted stock rights, weighted-average grant date fair value, vested (dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Restricted stock rights, weighted-average grant date fair value, forfeited (dollars per share) Stock option activity Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number Stock options (in shares) beginning balance Stock options (in shares) ending balance Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period Stock options, granted (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period Stock options, exercised (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period Stock options, forfeited (in shares) Stock options, additional disclosures Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Number Stock options, vested and expected to vest (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Exercisable, Number Stock options, exercisable (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Stock options, weighted-average exercise price (dollars per share) beginning balance Stock options, weighted-average exercise price (dollars per share) ending balance Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Stock options, weighted-average exercise price, granted (dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Stock options, weighted-average exercise price, exercised (dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Stock options, weighted-average exercise price, forfeited (dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Stock options, weighted-average exercise price, vested and expected to vest (dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price Stock options, weighted-average exercise price, exercisable (dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Stock options, weighted-average remaining contractual term (in years) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Stock options, weighted-average remaining contractual term, vested and expected to vest (in years) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Stock options, weighted-average remaining contractual term, exercisable (in years) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value Stock options, aggregate intrinsic value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Aggregate Intrinsic Value Stock options, aggregate intrinsic value, vested and expected to vest Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Exercisable, Aggregate Intrinsic Value Stock options, aggregate intrinsic value, exercisable Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Total Intrinsic Value Stock options, intrinsic value of options exercised Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit Realized from Exercise of Stock Options Stock options, income tax benefits from exercises Method and assumptions on valuation of stock options Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term Expected life (in years) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate Risk free interest rate (percent in hundredths) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Weighted Average Volatility Rate Volatility (percent in hundredths) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Weighted Average Expected Dividend Dividend yield (percent in hundredths) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Weighted-average fair value at grant date (dollars per share) Share-based Compensation, Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award Fair Value Assumptions Weighted Average Volatility Rate Low The estimated lower bound of the percentage amount by which a share price is expected to fluctuate during a period. Volatility also may be defined as a probability-weighted measure of the dispersion of returns about the mean. The volatility of a share price is the standard deviation of the continuously compounded rates of return on the share over a specified period. That is the same as the standard deviation of the differences in the natural logarithms of the stock prices plus dividends, if any, over the period. Expected stock price volatility, low end of range (percent in hundredths) Share-based Compensation, Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award Fair Value Assumptions Weighted Average Volatility Rate High The estimated upper bound of the percentage amount by which a share price is expected to fluctuate during a period. Volatility also may be defined as a probability-weighted measure of the dispersion of returns about the mean. The volatility of a share price is the standard deviation of the continuously compounded rates of return on the share over a specified period. That is the same as the standard deviation of the differences in the natural logarithms of the stock prices plus dividends, if any, over the period. Expected stock price volatility, high end of range (percent in hundredths) Accuracy of fair value estimates Share-based Compensation, Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award Fair Value Assumptions Forecast Period The time period in the future over which model inputs are forecasted. Fair value assumptions, forecast period Stock-based compensation, capitalized software development costs, activity Share-based Compensation, Included in Software Development Noncurrent Share-based compensation capitalized as a component of software development Stock-based compensation, software development beginning balance Stock-based compensation, software development ending balance Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs, Capitalized Amount Stock-based compensation expense capitalized during period Employee Service Share-based Compensation Allocation of Recognized Period Costs Amortization of Capitalized Amount Amortization of capitalized share-based compensation. Amortization of capitalized stock-based compensation expense Disclosure of stock-based compensation expense. Schedule of stock-based compensation expense Schedule of Stock-based Compensation Expense [Text Block] Trading Securities Debt [Roll Forward] Allocated Share Based Compensation Expense Segment Reporting Reconciliation Represents the amount of expense recognized during the period arising from share-based compensation arrangements to reconcile total income (loss) from operations from reportable segments, to the entity's consolidated operating income (loss). Stock-based compensation expense Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Table] Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities, Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Axis] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Domain] Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items] Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Table] Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs, by Report Line [Axis] Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs, Report Line [Domain] Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Award Type and Plan Name [Domain] Derivative [Table] Derivative, Name [Domain] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Statement, Business Segments [Axis] Goodwill Line Items Restructuring Reserve [Line Items] Statement, Geographical [Axis] Segment, Geographical [Domain] Products and Services [Axis] Product and Service, Name [Domain] Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated [Table] Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated Restructuring Reserve, by Type of Restructuring [Axis] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Impairment of Intangible Assets, Finite-lived Impairment of intangible assets Impairment charges Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared Dividends per common share (in dollars per share) Loss on disposal of property and equipment (see Note 8) Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Assets Proceeds from Sale of Productive Assets Net proceeds from disposal of assets-restructuring (see Note 8) Proceeds from Sale of Available-for-sale Securities Proceeds from sale of available-for-sale investments Other Payments to Acquire Businesses Payment of contingent consideration Repayments of Related Party Debt Settlement of payable to Vivendi Stockholders' Equity, Period Increase (Decrease) Issuance of contingent considerations Issuance of Contingent Considerations, Value Value of stock issued pursuant to the contingent consideration terms of a business combination agreement. Dividends, Common Stock, Cash Dividends ($0.15 per common share) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Period Increase (Decrease) Additional Common Stock Issued During Period, Value, Related to Business Combination Issuance of additional common stock related to the Business Combination (see Note 1) The issuance of additional common stock related to a business combination. Additional Common Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Related to Business Combination Issuance of additional common stock related to the Business Combination (see Note 1) (in shares) The issuance of additional common stock related to a business combination. Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Tender Offer Tender offer (see Note 1) Adjustments to additional paid in capital resulting from a tender offer. Settlement of payable to Vivendi (see Note 23) Settlement of Payable to Acquirer Represents a settlement of a payable between a parent and its subsidiary. Net transfers to Vivendi Represents net cash transfers between a parent and its subsidiary. Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital Net Transfer to Related Party Issuance of Contingent Considerations, Shares Issuance of contingent considerations (in shares) Number of shares of stock issued pursuant to the contingent consideration terms of a business combination agreement. Net Payable to Vivendi Net payable due to related party as a result of business combination. Investment and other income (loss), net Related party transactions SCHEDULE II VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS SCHEDULE II VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Text Block] Property and Equipment, Net Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] Property and Equipment, Net Current Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities Current Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities, Current Disclosure [Text Block] This item represents the entire disclosure of current accrued expenses and other liabilities. Supplemental Cash Flow Information Supplemental Cash Flow Information Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Text Block] Quarterly Financial and Market Information Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block] Quarterly Financial and Market Information Acquisitions Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block] Acquisitions Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents Disclosure [Text Block] Cash and Cash Equivalents Subsequent events Schedule of Subsequent Events [Text Block] Subsequent events Variable Interest Entity Variable Interest Entity Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Text Block] Description of Business and Business Combination Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Description of Business and Business Combination Comprehensive income and accumulated other comprehensive loss Comprehensive Income Note [Text Block] Comprehensive income and accumulated other comprehensive loss Operating segments and geographic region Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Operating segments and geographic region Computation of basic/diluted earnings per common share. Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Computation of basic/diluted earnings per common share Accumulated other comprehensive loss. Securities with original maturities of three months or less Other Cash Equivalents at Carrying Value Money market funds Money Market Funds at Carrying Value Cash and Time Deposits at Carrying Value Cash and time deposits This element represents unrestricted cash available for day-to-day operating needs and any certificate of deposit or savings account held by a bank or other financial institution for a short-term specified period of time. Because of their short-term, time deposits are considered highly liquid investments that are both readily convertible to known amounts of cash and so near their maturity that they present insignificant risk of changes in value because of changes in interest rates. Generally, only investments with original maturities of three months or less qualify under that definition. Original maturity means original maturity to the entity holding the investment. For example, both a three-month US Treasury bill and a three-year Treasury n ote purchased three months from maturity qualify as cash equivalents. However, a Treasury note purchased three-years ago does not become a cash equivalent when its remaining maturity is three months. Schedule of Cash and Cash Equivalents at Carrying Value Disclosure [Text Block] Summarizes the components of cash and cash equivalents This element represents schedule of cash and cash equivalents footnote disclosure, which may include the types of deposits and money market instruments, applicable carrying amounts and compensating balance arrangements. Amortization Write-off and Impairment of Software Development Costs and Intellectual Property Licenses [Text Block] Amortization, write-offs and impairments This element represents amortization, write-off and impairment of software development costs and intellectual property licenses. Schedule of Software Development Costs and Intellectual Property Licenses [Text Block] Summarizes the components of software development and intellectual property licenses This element represents schedule of software development costs and intellectual property licenses. Total software development costs Software Development Costs Capitalization of certain software development costs incurred after technological feasibility of the software is established. Distributed Earnings to Common Shareholders Less: Distributed earnings to common shareholders Add back: Distributed earnings to common shareholders This element represents distributed earnings to common shareholders. Distributed Earnings to Unvested Share-based Awards Participating Securities EPS Numerator Adjustment Less: Distributed earnings to unvested share-based awards that participate in earnings The distributed earnings to unvested share-based awards that participate in earnings. Undistributed Earnings (Loss) Undistributed earnings This element represents undistributed earnings or loss. Undistributed Earnings to Unvested Share-based Awards Participating Securities EPS Numerator Adjustment Less: Undistributed earnings allocated to unvested share-based awards that participate in earnings The undistributed earnings allocated to unvested share-based awards that participate in earnings. Undistributed Earnings Allocated to Common Shareholders Undistributed earnings allocated to common shareholders This element represents undistributed earnings to common shareholders. Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring Basis Money Market Funds Money market funds This element represents money market funds measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring Basis Other Cash Equivalents U.S. treasuries with original maturities of three months or less This element represents other cash equivalents measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Fair Value Assets and Fair Value Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table] Summarization of information required and determined to be provided for purposes of reconciling beginning and ending balances of fair value measurements of assets and liabilities using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3). Such reconciliation, separately presenting changes during the period, at a minimum, may include: (1) total gains or losses for the period (realized and unrealized), segregating those gains or losses included in earnings (or changes in net assets), and a description of where those gains or losses included in earnings (or changes i n net assets) are reported in the statement of income (or activities); (2) purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements (net); and (3) transfers in and transfers out of Level 3 (for example, transfers due to changes in the observability of significant inputs). Fair Value Assets and Fair Value Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Types [Axis] This element represents a number of concepts which are required or determined to be provided for purposes of reconciling beginning and ending balances of fair value measurements of assets and liabilities using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3). Such reconciliation, separately presenting changes during the period, at a minimum, may include: (1) total gains or losses for the period (realized and unrealized), segregating those gains or losses included in earnings (or changes in net assets), and a description of where those gains or loss es included in earnings (or changes in net assets) are reported in the statement of income (or activities); (2) purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements (net); and (3) transfers in and transfers out of Level 3 (for example, transfers due to changes in the observability of significant inputs). Fair Value Assets and Fair Value Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Types [Domain] This element provides general categories of investment (assets) and investment (liabilities) for which the fair value measurement of assets and liabilities using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3), a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances, separately presenting changes during the period attributable to the following: (1) total gains or losses for the period (realized and unrealized), segregating those gains or losses included in earnings (or changes in net assets), and a description of where those gains or losses in cluded in earnings (or changes in net assets) are reported in the statement of income (or activities); (2) purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements (net); and (3) transfers in and transfers out of Level 3 (for example, transfers due to changes in the observability of significant inputs). Fair Value Assets and Fair Value Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Asset and Liability Percentage of Assets Measured on Recurring Basis at Fair Value Using Significant Unobservable Inputs Percentage of assets measured on recurring basis at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (in hundredths) This element represents percentage of assets measured on recurring basis at fair value using significant unobservable Inputs. Fair Value Assets Measured on Nonrecurring Basis Intangible Assets Intangible assets, net The amount of net intangible assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. Fair Value Assets Measured on Nonrecurring Basis Assets Total non-financial assets at fair value The amount of non-financial assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Table] Disclosure of the carrying value of finite-lived intangible asset and indefinite-lived intangible asset by major class. Vivendi This element represents Vivendi which is the principal counterparty of the entity. Infinity Ward This element represents legal proceedings related to Infinity Ward. West and Zampella This element represents legal proceedings related to the former employees Jason West and Vince Zampella. Loss Contingency Claims Amount Minimum amount of damages sought by plaintiff, including punitive damages, and declaratory relief The amount of damages sought by the plaintiff against the entity related to legal proceedings. ARS rights from UBS This element represents ARS rights from UBS. Other financial liabilities This element represents other financial liabilities. Total gains or (losses) (realized/unrealized) included in investment and other income, net Fair Value Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation Recurring Basis Asset Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings Total gains or (losses) (realized/unrealized) Included in other comprehensive loss Fair Value Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation Recurring Basis Asset Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income Total Losses Non-financial assets: Amortization, write-offs and impairments: Software development and intellectual property licenses: Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Adjustment to Prior Return of Capital Return of capital This element represents the difference between the amount of taxes paid based on the method of allocation (i.e. a stand-alone taxpayer) and the actual amount of taxes due (and settled) based on the filing of tax returns and is accounted for as a return of capital. Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Asset Fair Value Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation Liability Restructuring Charges Operating Segment Impact Restructuring The amount of restructuring charges during the period to reconcile total income (loss) from operations from reportable segments, to the entity's consolidated operating income (loss). Bonuses and other compensation allegedly owed, minimum Loss Contingency Range of Possible Loss Minimum Bonuses and other compensation allegedly owed, maximum Loss Contingency Range of Possible Loss Maximum Fair value, assets and liabilities measured on a nonrecurring basis Fair Value Assets Measured on Nonrecurring Basis [Text Block] Share Repurchase Program [Table] Summarization of share repurchase programs. Share Repurchase Program [Axis] This element represents a number of share repurchase programs. Share Repurchase Program [Domain] This element provides general categories of share repurchase programs. New Share Repurchase Program This element represents a later stock repurchase program. Share Repurchase Program This element represents an earlier stock repurchase program. Share Repurchase Program. Stock-based compensation disclosure Unrealized depreciation on investments, deferred income taxes Other Comprehensive Income Available for Sale Securities Tax Fair Value Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation Recurring Basis Liability This element represents a liability measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) which is required for reconciliation purposes of beginning and ending balances. Level 3 measurement reconciliation, recurring basis, fair value liabilities beginning balance Level 3 measurement reconciliation, recurring basis, fair value liabilities ending balance Fair Value Assets Measured on Nonrecurring Basis Disclosure Items [Axis] Loss Contingencies by Nature of Contingency [Axis] Significant Ownership Of Entity Stock Percent Percent of Activision Blizzard common stock owned by Vivendi (in hundredths) The percentage of the entity's common stock that is owned by a specific company, and which represents a significant ownership percentage. Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Nonrecurring Basis [Table] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Nonrecurring Basis, Disclosure Items [Domain] Dividends paid Payments of Dividends Common Stock Cash dividend payment Computation of basic/diluted earnings per common share Computation of basic/diluted earnings per common share Income taxes Statement, Scenario [Axis] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Software development and intellectual property licenses Impairment of Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill) Impairment charges for the period Commitments Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of future minimum commitments assuming all contractual provisions are met under non-cancelable operating lease agreements Total Contractual Obligations This element represents the contractual arrangements with third parties for non-cancelable operating lease agreements, for development of products, and for the rights to intellectual property. Facility and equipment leases This element represents the contractual agreements with third parties for non-cancelable operating lease agreements for facility and equipment. Developer and Intellectual Properties This element represents the contractual arrangements with third parties for the development of products and for the rights to intellectual property. Marketing This element represents the contractual obligation to provide marketing support for the related game(s) which is to be developed or in which the intellectual property will be utilized. Contractual Obligations Future Minimum Payments Due Current 2010 (remaining six months) This element represents the future minimum commitments for contractual obligations for payments that are due within one year of the balance sheet date (or due during the remainder of the current fiscal year if the balance sheet date is not a fiscal year end). Commitments Contractual Obligations Future Minimum Payments Due in Two Years 2011 This element represents the future minimum commitments for contractual obligations for payments that are due during the second fiscal year after the balance sheet date (or due during the first full fiscal year following the balance sheet date if the balance sheet date is not a fiscal year end). Contractual Obligations Future Minimum Payments Due in Three Years 2012 This element represents the future minimum commitments for contractual obligations for payments that are due during the third fiscal year after the balance sheet date (or due during the second full fiscal year following the balance sheet date if the balance sheet date is not a fiscal year end). Contractual Obligations Future Minimum Payments Due in Four Years 2013 This element represents the future minimum commitments for contractual obligations for payments that are due during the fourth fiscal year after the balance sheet date (or due during the third full fiscal year following the balance sheet date if the balance sheet date is not a fiscal year end). Contractual Obligations Future Minimum Payments Due in Five Years 2014 This element represents the future minimum commitments for contractual obligations for payments that are due during the fifth fiscal year after the balance sheet date (or due during the fourth full fiscal year following the balance sheet date if the balance sheet date is not a fiscal year end). Contractual Obligations Future Minimum Payments Due Thereafter Thereafter This element represents the future minimum commitments for contractual obligations for payments that are due after the fifth fiscal year after the balance sheet date (or due after the fourth full fiscal year following the balance sheet date if the balance sheet date is not a fiscal year end). Contractual Obligations Future Minimum Payments Due Total This element represents the future minimum commitments for contractual obligations. Unrecognized Tax Benefits Unrecognized tax benefits Long Term Purchase Commitment [Table] Long Term Purchase Commitment by Category of Item Purchased [Axis] Long Term Purchase Commitment Category of Item Purchased [Domain] Number of External Customers That Account for 10 Percent of Consolidated Revenues This element represents the number of external customers that accounted for 10 percent of consolidated net revenues. Number of external customers accounted for 10% of consolidated net revenues Number of External Customers That Account for 8 Percent of Consolidated Revenues This element represents the number of external customers that accounted for 8 percent of consolidated net revenues. Number of external customers accounted for 8% of consolidated net revenues Number of External Customers That Account for 14 Percent of Gross Accounts Receivable This element represents the number of external customers that accounted for 14 percent of gross accounts receivable. Number of external customers accounted for 14% of consolidated gross accounts receivable Net Realized or Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Trading Securities Gain on auction rate securities ("ARS") classified as trading securities Net Realized or Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Rights Net realized or unrealized gains or losses related to rights that do not meet the definition of a derivative instrument. Loss on ARS rights from UBS The disclosure of net revenues from external customers by platform. Schedule of Net Revenues from External Customers by Platform [Text Block] Revenues by platform The accumulated amount of impairment charges of intangible assets, excluding goodwill, as of the balance sheet date. Accumulated Impairment Charges Intangible Assets Excluding Goodwill Impairment charge The total gross carrying amount of finite-lived and indefinite-lived intangible assets, excluding goodwill. Gross carrying amount, intangible assets excluding goodwill Intangible Assets Excluding Goodwill Gross Carrying Amount Fair Value Assets Still Held Measured on Recurring Basis Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings This item represents the amount of the total change in unrealized (holding) gains or losses for the period which are included in the statement of income. Such unrealized (holding) gains or losses relate to those assets still held at the reporting date for which fair value is measured on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3). The amount of total gains or (losses) for the period included in investment and other income, net attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets and liabilities still held at June 30, 2009 Aggregate platform revenue recognized during the period. Platform Revenues Total platform net revenues Segment Reporting, Segment Operating Profit (Loss) Operating segments total Entity-Wide Disclosure on Geographic Areas, Revenue from External Customers Attributed to Individual Foreign Countries, Amount Total geographic region net revenues Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Current 2010 (remaining six months) Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years 2011 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years 2012 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years 2013 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Five Years 2014 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter Thereafter Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Total Loss Contingency Claims Amount Range Minimum The lower end of the range of the plaintiff's claim against the entity related to legal proceedings. Bonuses and other compensation allegedly owed, minimum Loss Contingency Claims Amount Range Maximum The upper end of the range of the plaintiff's claim against the entity related to legal proceedings. Bonuses and other compensation allegedly owed, maximum Payments to Acquire Productive Assets, Total Capital expenditures Unsettled Funds Unsettled funds for sale of securities held with UBS The amount of unsettled funds as of the balance sheet date related to the sale of securities. Unsecured Credit Agreement Terminated After Balance Sheet Date Unsecured credit agreement terminated July 23, 2010, revolving credit facility amount The amount of a revolving credit facility included in an unsecured credit agreement that was terminated after the balance sheet date. Commitments and contingencies: Commitments and contingencies Line Items Changes in carrying amount of goodwill Description Of Business And Basis Of Consolidation And Presentation Description Of Business And Basis Of Consolidation And Presentation Table Definite-Lived and Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets This element represents U.S. treasuries and government sponsored agency securities measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring Basis US Treasuries And Government Agency Securities U.S. treasuries and government sponsored agency debt securities Operating segments total Segment Reporting Revenue Background and basis of presentation disclosure Operating segments, geographic regions, and platforms disclosure Computation of earnings (loss) per common share disclosure Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Adjustment to Prior Return of Capital Return of capital This element represents the difference between the amount of taxes paid based on the method of allocation (i.e. a stand-alone taxpayer) and the actual amount of taxes due (and settled) based on the filing of tax returns and is accounted for as a return of capital. Stock-Based Compensation