Description of business and basis of consolidation and presentation (Details) (USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended					9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Description of Business and Basis of Consolidation and Presentation [Line Items]
Percent of Activision Blizzard common stock owned by Vivendi						61.00%
Number of Operating Segments						3
Correction of Error - Net Revenues and Operating Income	$ (1)	$ (1)	$ (1)	$ (1)	$ (1)	$ (11)	$ (4)	$ (2)	$ (4)
Correction of Error - Net Income						$ (9)
Correction of Error - Basic and Diluted EPS						$ (0.01)