Earnings per Common Share - Computation of Basic and Diluted Loss Per Share (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
Net income attributable to Callaway Golf Company	$ (19,386)	$ 3,060	$ 31,443	$ 25,689	$ 123,271	$ (5,866)	$ 34,105	$ 38,390	$ 40,806	$ 189,900	$ 14,568
Weighted-average common shares outstanding—basic (in shares)									94,329	94,045	83,116
Basic earnings per common share (in dollars per share)	$ (0.20)	$ 0.03	$ 0.33	$ 0.27	$ 1.31	$ (0.06)	$ 0.36	$ 0.41	$ 0.43	$ 2.02	$ 0.18
Options and restricted stock (in shares)									2,248	1,800	1,495
Weighted-average common shares outstanding—diluted (in shares)									96,577	95,845	84,611
Dilutive earnings (loss) per common share (in dollars per share)	$ (0.20)	$ 0.03	$ 0.33	$ 0.27	$ 1.28	$ (0.06)	$ 0.36	$ 0.40	$ 0.42	$ 1.98	$ 0.17