Summary of significant accounting policies (Details)	6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2011
Revenue Recognition
Estimated service period over which revenues are recognized, low end of range (in months)	5
Estimated service period over which revenues are recognized, high end of range (in years)	1

Name:

atvi_ValueAddedServicesRevenuesEstimatedServicePeriodHighEndOfRange

Namespace Prefix:

atvi

Data Type:

xbrli:integerItemType

Balance Type:

na

Period Type:

duration