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, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Equity [Abstract]
Net income attributable to Callaway Golf Company	$ (28,499)	$ 9,517	$ 60,867	$ 62,855	$ (19,386)	$ 3,060	$ 31,443	$ 25,689	$ 104,740	$ 40,806	$ 189,900
Weighted-average common shares outstanding—basic (in shares)									94,579	94,329	94,045
Basic earnings per common share (in dollars per share)	$ (0.30)	$ 0.10	$ 0.65	$ 0.66	$ (0.20)	$ 0.03	$ 0.33	$ 0.27	$ 1.11	$ 0.43	$ 2.02
Options and restricted stock (in shares)									2,574	2,248	1,800
Weighted-average common shares outstanding—diluted (in shares)									97,153	96,577	95,845
Dilutive earnings (loss) per common share (in dollars per share)	$ (0.30)	$ 0.10	$ 0.63	$ 0.65	$ (0.20)	$ 0.03	$ 0.33	$ 0.27	$ 1.08	$ 0.42	$ 1.98