Software Development and Intellectual Property Licenses (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2020
Software development and intellectual property licenses:
Software development costs	$ 490		$ 512
Amortization:
Amortization of capitalized software development costs and intellectual property licenses	$ 112	$ 83

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.

No definition available.

Name:	atvi_SoftwareDevelopmentCosts
Namespace Prefix:	atvi_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant