Debt Covenant, Minimum Liquidity Requirement

No definition available.

Name:	sgms_DebtCovenantMinimumLiquidityRequirement
Namespace Prefix:	sgms_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Debt Instrument Amendment Extension, Restrictive Covenants, First Lien Leverage Ratio

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	sgms_DebtInstrumentAmendmentExtensionRestrictiveCovenantsFirstLienLeverageRatio
Namespace Prefix:	sgms_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Debt Instrument Amendment, Restrictive Covenants, First Lien Leverage Ratio

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	sgms_DebtInstrumentAmendmentRestrictiveCovenantsFirstLienLeverageRatio
Namespace Prefix:	sgms_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Debt Instrument Floor Interest Rate

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	sgms_DebtInstrumentFloorInterestRate
Namespace Prefix:	sgms_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Debt Instrument, Restrictive Covenants, First Lien Leverage Ratio

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	sgms_DebtInstrumentRestrictiveCovenantsFirstLienLeverageRatio
Namespace Prefix:	sgms_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Debt Instrument, Restrictive Covenants, Minimum Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	sgms_DebtInstrumentRestrictiveCovenantsMinimumFixedChargeCoverageRatio
Namespace Prefix:	sgms_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Debt Instrument, Restrictive Covenants, Total Net Leverage Ratio

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	sgms_DebtInstrumentRestrictiveCovenantsTotalNetLeverageRatio
Namespace Prefix:	sgms_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Total Available Liquidity (Excluding SciPlay)

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	sgms_TotalAvailableLiquidityExcludingSciPlay
Namespace Prefix:	sgms_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Securities (including those issuable pursuant to contingent stock agreements) that could potentially dilute basic earnings per share (EPS) or earnings per unit (EPU) in the future that were not included in the computation of diluted EPS or EPU because to do so would increase EPS or EPU amounts or decrease loss per share or unit amounts for the period presented.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 260
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (c)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6371337&loc=d3e3550-109257

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

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.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount of assets, excluding financial assets and goodwill, that lack physical substance, having a projected indefinite period of benefit, acquired at the acquisition date.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (c)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=116869197&loc=d3e4845-128472

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssets
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The amount of identifiable intangible assets recognized as of the acquisition date.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 10
-Section 55
-Paragraph 37
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=116868840&loc=d3e2207-128464

Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (c)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=116869197&loc=d3e4845-128472

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIntangibles
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Face (par) amount of debt instrument at time of issuance.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 45
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=114775744&loc=d3e28551-108399

Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 55
-Paragraph 8
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=114775985&loc=d3e28878-108400

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Contractual interest rate for funds borrowed, under the debt agreement.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22(a)(1))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount of borrowing capacity currently available under the credit facility (current borrowing capacity less the amount of borrowings outstanding).

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.19(b),22(b))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Number of segments reported by the entity. A reportable segment is a component of an entity for which there is an accounting requirement to report separate financial information on that component in the entity's financial statements.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_NumberOfReportableSegments
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The cash outflow associated with the acquisition of business during the period. The cash portion only of the acquisition price.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 30
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (b)(1)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35744584&loc=d3e6927-128479

Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 13
-Subparagraph (b)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=118932676&loc=d3e3213-108585

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount of cash inflow from contractual arrangement with the lender, including but not limited to, letter of credit, standby letter of credit and revolving credit arrangements.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 14
-Subparagraph (b)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=118932676&loc=d3e3255-108585

Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(f))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26873400&loc=d3e23780-122690

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ProceedsFromLinesOfCredit
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=sgms_SeniorUnsecuredNotesMaturing2025Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis=us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_VariableRateAxis=us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	sgms_DebtCovenantScenarioAxis=sgms_CertainCovenantInstancesMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodAxis=us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodOneMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodAxis=us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodTwoMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodAxis=us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodThreeMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodAxis=us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodFourMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodAxis=us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodFiveMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis=us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis=us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

Description of the Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) shares in Millions			3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	May 08, 2020 USD ($)	Apr. 09, 2020 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2020 USD ($) shares	Sep. 30, 2020 USD ($) Segment shares	Sep. 30, 2019 USD ($) shares	Jul. 01, 2020 USD ($)
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Number of business segments \| Segment				4
Borrowings under SGI revolving credit facility		$ 480,000,000		$ 530,000,000	$ 40,000,000
Total Available Liquidity (Excluding SciPlay)			$ 838,000,000	838,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity			3,000,000	$ 3,000,000
Debt Instrument, Restrictive Covenants, Total Net Leverage Ratio				250.00%
Debt Instrument, Restrictive Covenants, Minimum Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio				400.00%
Debt Covenant, Minimum Liquidity Requirement	$ 275,000,000
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross				$ 18,000,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles			13,000,000	13,000,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets			$ 6,000,000	$ 6,000,000
Senior Unsecured Notes Maturing 2025 [Member] \| Senior Notes
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Principal debt amount						$ 550,000,000
Debt interest rate			8.625%	8.625%		8.625%
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Debt Instrument Floor Interest Rate	0.50%
Certain Covenant Instances [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Debt Covenant, Minimum Liquidity Requirement	$ 400,000,000
Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period One [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Restrictive Covenants, First Lien Leverage Ratio				500.00%
Debt Instrument Amendment, Restrictive Covenants, First Lien Leverage Ratio				600.00%
Debt Instrument Amendment Extension, Restrictive Covenants, First Lien Leverage Ratio				600.00%
Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Two [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Restrictive Covenants, First Lien Leverage Ratio				475.00%
Debt Instrument Amendment, Restrictive Covenants, First Lien Leverage Ratio				575.00%
Debt Instrument Amendment Extension, Restrictive Covenants, First Lien Leverage Ratio				575.00%
Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Three [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Restrictive Covenants, First Lien Leverage Ratio				450.00%
Debt Instrument Amendment, Restrictive Covenants, First Lien Leverage Ratio				525.00%
Debt Instrument Amendment Extension, Restrictive Covenants, First Lien Leverage Ratio				525.00%
Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Four [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Debt Instrument Amendment, Restrictive Covenants, First Lien Leverage Ratio				475.00%
Debt Instrument Amendment Extension, Restrictive Covenants, First Lien Leverage Ratio				475.00%
Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Five [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Debt Instrument Amendment, Restrictive Covenants, First Lien Leverage Ratio				450.00%
Debt Instrument Amendment Extension, Restrictive Covenants, First Lien Leverage Ratio				450.00%
Stock Options
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount \| shares			1	2	2
Restricted Stock Units
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount \| shares				3