Basis of Presentation Basis of Presentation (Policies)	9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2020
Basis of Presentation [Abstract]
Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Basis of Presentation Avis Budget Group, Inc. provides mobility solutions to businesses and consumers worldwide. The accompanying unaudited Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements include the accounts and transactions of Avis Budget Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries, as well as entities in which Avis Budget Group, Inc. directly or indirectly has a controlling financial interest (collectively, the “Company”), and have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for interim financial reporting. The Company operates the following reportable business segments: •Americas—consisting primarily of (i) vehicle rental operations in North America, South America, Central America and the Caribbean, (ii) car sharing operations in certain of these markets, and (iii) licensees in the areas in which the Company does not operate directly. •International—consisting primarily of (i) vehicle rental operations in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Australasia, (ii) car sharing operations in certain of these markets, and (iii) licensees in the areas in which the Company does not operate directly. The operating results of acquired businesses are included in the accompanying Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements from the dates of acquisition. The fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in connection with the Company’s 2019 acquisitions of various licensees has not yet been finalized; however, there have been no significant changes to the preliminary allocation of the purchase price during the nine months ended September 30, 2020. In presenting the Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”), management makes estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported and related disclosures. Estimates, by their nature, are based on judgment and available information. Accordingly, actual results could differ from those estimates. In management’s opinion, the Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements contain all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of interim results reported. The results of operations reported for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations for the entire year or any subsequent interim period. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s 2019 Form 10-K.
Vehicle Program Policy [Policy Text Block]	Vehicle Programs. The Company presents separately the financial data of its vehicle programs. These programs are distinct from the Company’s other activities since the assets under vehicle programs are generally funded through the issuance of debt that is collateralized by such assets. The income generated by these assets is used, in part, to repay the principal and interest associated with the debt. Cash inflows and outflows relating to the acquisition of such assets and the principal debt repayment or financing of such assets are classified as activities of the Company’s vehicle programs. The Company believes it is appropriate to segregate the financial data of its vehicle programs because, ultimately, the source of repayment of such debt is the realization of such assets.
Transaction Related Costs Policy [Policy Text Block]	Transaction-related costs, net. Transaction-related costs, net are classified separately in the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income. These costs are comprised of expenses related to acquisition-related activities such as due diligence and other advisory costs, expenses related to the integration of the acquiree’s operations with those of the Company, including the implementation of best practices and process improvements, non-cash gains and losses related to re-acquired rights, expenses related to pre-acquisition contingencies and contingent consideration related to acquisitions.
Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy [Policy Text Block]	Currency Transactions. The Company records the gain or loss on foreign-currency transactions on certain intercompany loans and the gain or loss on intercompany loan hedges within interest expense related to corporate debt, net. During the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, the Company recorded an immaterial amount, in each period, related to such items. During the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, the Company recorded a loss of $5 million and a gain of $3 million, respectively, related to such items.
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements Intangibles—Goodwill and Other—Internal-Use Software On January 1, 2020, as the result of a new accounting pronouncement, the Company adopted Accounting Standard Update (“ASU”) 2018-15 “Customer’s Accounting for Fees Paid in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract,” which provides guidance for determining when the arrangement includes a software license. The amendments align the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software (and hosting arrangements that include an internal use software license). The amendments in this Update also require the entity to expense the capitalized implementation costs of a hosting arrangement that is a service contract over the term of the hosting arrangement, to present the expense in the same line in its statement of income as the fees associated with the hosting element (service) of the arrangement and classify payments for capitalized implementation costs in its statement of cash flows in the same manner as payments made for fees associated with the hosting element. The entity is also required to present the capitalized implementation costs in its balance sheet in the same line that a prepayment for the fees of the associated hosting arrangement would be presented. The adoption of this accounting pronouncement did not have a material impact on the Company's Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements. Fair Value Measurement On January 1, 2020, as the result of a new accounting pronouncement, the Company adopted ASU 2018-13, “Disclosure Framework—Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement,” which adds, removes, and modifies disclosure requirements related to fair value measurements. The adoption of this accounting pronouncement did not have a material impact on the Company's Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements. Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments On January 1, 2020, as the result of a new accounting pronouncement, the Company adopted ASU 2016-13, “Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments,” and related updates which sets forth a current expected credit loss impairment model for financial assets that replaces the current incurred loss model. This model requires a financial asset (or group of financial assets), including trade receivables, measured at amortized cost to be presented at the net amount expected to be collected with an allowance for credit losses deducted from the amortized cost basis. The allowance for credit losses should reflect management’s current estimate of credit losses that are expected to occur over the remaining life of a financial asset. The adoption of this accounting pronouncement did not have a material impact on the Company's Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements. Financial Disclosures About Guarantors and Issuers of Guaranteed Securities and Affiliates Whose Securities Collateralize a Registrant’s Securities During first quarter 2020, the Company early adopted the Securities Exchange Commission’s, “Financial Disclosures About Guarantors and Issuers of Guaranteed Securities and Affiliates Whose Securities Collateralize a Registrant’s Securities” rules, which simplify the disclosure requirements related to the Company’s registered securities under Rule 3-10 of Regulation S-X. The final rule also allows for the simplified disclosure to be included within Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. During third quarter 2020, the Company redeemed its remaining $100 million of publicly registered debt securities (see Note 11—Long-term corporate debt and borrowing arrangements for details). The Company’s remaining outstanding debt securities were issued in private placements exempt from the registration requirements of the federal securities laws, and therefore, such disclosure is not required. Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12, “Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes,” which simplifies the accounting for income taxes by removing certain exceptions and improving the application of existing guidance. ASU 2019-12 becomes effective for the Company on January 1, 2021. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this accounting pronouncement on its Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements but does not expect it to have a material impact. Compensation—Retirement Benefits—Defined Benefit Plans In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-14, “Disclosure Framework—Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans,” which adds, removes, and clarifies disclosure requirements related to defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans. These changes are part of the FASB’s disclosure framework project, which the Board launched in 2014 to improve the effectiveness of disclosures in notes to financial statements. ASU 2018-14 becomes effective for the Company on January 1, 2021. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of this accounting pronouncement is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements.

Basis of Presentation Basis of Presentation (Policies)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2020

Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Basis of Presentation

Avis Budget Group, Inc. provides mobility solutions to businesses and consumers worldwide. The accompanying unaudited Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements include the accounts and transactions of Avis Budget Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries, as well as entities in which Avis Budget Group, Inc. directly or indirectly has a controlling financial interest (collectively, the “Company”), and have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for interim financial reporting.

The Company operates the following reportable business segments:

•Americas—consisting primarily of (i) vehicle rental operations in North America, South America, Central America and the Caribbean, (ii) car sharing operations in certain of these markets, and (iii) licensees in the areas in which the Company does not operate directly.

•International—consisting primarily of (i) vehicle rental operations in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Australasia, (ii) car sharing operations in certain of these markets, and (iii) licensees in the areas in which the Company does not operate directly.

The operating results of acquired businesses are included in the accompanying Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements from the dates of acquisition. The fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in connection with the Company’s 2019 acquisitions of various licensees has not yet been finalized; however, there have been no significant changes to the preliminary allocation of the purchase price during the nine months ended September 30, 2020.

In presenting the Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”), management makes estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported and related disclosures. Estimates, by their nature, are based on judgment and available information. Accordingly, actual results could differ from those estimates. In management’s opinion, the Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements contain all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of interim results reported. The results of operations reported for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations for the entire year or any subsequent interim period. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s 2019 Form 10-K.

Vehicle Program Policy [Policy Text Block]

Vehicle Programs. The Company presents separately the financial data of its vehicle programs. These programs are distinct from the Company’s other activities since the assets under vehicle programs are generally funded through the issuance of debt that is collateralized by such assets. The income generated by these assets is used, in part, to repay the principal and interest associated with the debt. Cash inflows and outflows relating to the acquisition of such assets and the principal debt repayment or financing of such assets are classified as activities of the Company’s vehicle programs. The Company believes it is appropriate to segregate the financial data of its vehicle programs because, ultimately, the source of repayment of such debt is the realization of such assets.

Transaction-related costs, net. Transaction-related costs, net are classified separately in the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income. These costs are comprised of expenses related to acquisition-related activities such as due diligence and other advisory costs, expenses related to the integration of the acquiree’s operations with those of the Company, including the implementation of best practices and process improvements, non-cash gains and losses related to re-acquired rights, expenses related to pre-acquisition contingencies and contingent consideration related to acquisitions.

Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy [Policy Text Block]

Currency Transactions. The Company records the gain or loss on foreign-currency transactions on certain intercompany loans and the gain or loss on intercompany loan hedges within interest expense related to corporate debt, net. During the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, the Company recorded an immaterial amount, in each period, related to such items. During the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, the Company recorded a loss of $5 million and a gain of $3 million, respectively, related to such items.

New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements

Intangibles—Goodwill and Other—Internal-Use Software

On January 1, 2020, as the result of a new accounting pronouncement, the Company adopted Accounting Standard Update (“ASU”) 2018-15 “Customer’s Accounting for Fees Paid in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract,” which provides guidance for determining when the arrangement includes a software license. The amendments align the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software (and hosting arrangements that include an internal use software license). The amendments in this Update also require the entity to expense the capitalized implementation costs of a hosting arrangement that is a service contract over the term of the

hosting arrangement, to present the expense in the same line in its statement of income as the fees associated with the hosting element (service) of the arrangement and classify payments for capitalized implementation costs in its statement of cash flows in the same manner as payments made for fees associated with the hosting element. The entity is also required to present the capitalized implementation costs in its balance sheet in the same line that a prepayment for the fees of the associated hosting arrangement would be presented. The adoption of this accounting pronouncement did not have a material impact on the Company's Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements.

Fair Value Measurement

On January 1, 2020, as the result of a new accounting pronouncement, the Company adopted ASU 2018-13, “Disclosure Framework—Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement,” which adds, removes, and modifies disclosure requirements related to fair value measurements. The adoption of this accounting pronouncement did not have a material impact on the Company's Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements.

Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments

On January 1, 2020, as the result of a new accounting pronouncement, the Company adopted ASU 2016-13, “Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments,” and related updates which sets forth a current expected credit loss impairment model for financial assets that replaces the current incurred loss model. This model requires a financial asset (or group of financial assets), including trade receivables, measured at amortized cost to be presented at the net amount expected to be collected with an allowance for credit losses deducted from the amortized cost basis. The allowance for credit losses should reflect management’s current estimate of credit losses that are expected to occur over the remaining life of a financial asset. The adoption of this accounting pronouncement did not have a material impact on the Company's Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements.

Financial Disclosures About Guarantors and Issuers of Guaranteed Securities and Affiliates Whose Securities Collateralize a Registrant’s Securities

During first quarter 2020, the Company early adopted the Securities Exchange Commission’s, “Financial Disclosures About Guarantors and Issuers of Guaranteed Securities and Affiliates Whose Securities Collateralize a Registrant’s Securities” rules, which simplify the disclosure requirements related to the Company’s registered securities under Rule 3-10 of Regulation S-X. The final rule also allows for the simplified disclosure to be included within Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. During third quarter 2020, the Company redeemed its remaining $100 million of publicly registered debt securities (see Note 11—Long-term corporate debt and borrowing arrangements for details). The Company’s remaining outstanding debt securities were issued in private placements exempt from the registration requirements of the federal securities laws, and therefore, such disclosure is not required.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes

In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12, “Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes,” which simplifies the accounting for income taxes by removing certain exceptions and improving the application of existing guidance. ASU 2019-12 becomes effective for the Company on January 1, 2021. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this accounting pronouncement on its Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements but does not expect it to have a material impact.

Compensation—Retirement Benefits—Defined Benefit Plans

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-14, “Disclosure Framework—Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans,” which adds, removes, and clarifies disclosure requirements related to defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans. These changes are part of the FASB’s

disclosure framework project, which the Board launched in 2014 to improve the effectiveness of disclosures in notes to financial statements. ASU 2018-14 becomes effective for the Company on January 1, 2021. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of this accounting pronouncement is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements.