Operating segments and geographic region (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011
Operating segments and geographic region
Number of operating segments	3		3
No single customer accounted for more than, percentage of consolidated net revenue	10.00%	10.00%	10.00%	10.00%
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenues	$ 841	$ 754	$ 3,088	$ 3,348
Net effect from deferral of net revenues	90	127	695	1,268
Total platform
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenues	787	677	2,922	3,134
Online subscriptions
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenues	226	336	701	1,090
Console
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenues	227	277	1,430	1,711
Hand-held
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenues	20	19	64	82
PC and Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenues	314	45	727	251
Total geographic region
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenues	841	754	3,088	3,348
Total geographic area long-lived assets	148		148		163
North America
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenues	403	360	1,567	1,687
Total geographic area long-lived assets	94		94		105
Europe
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenues	333	323	1,220	1,385
Total geographic area long-lived assets	42		42		46
Asia Pacific
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenues	105	71	301	276
Total geographic area long-lived assets	12		12		12
Operating segments total
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenues	751	627	2,393	2,080
Activision
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenues	283	253	928	898
Blizzard
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenues	414	297	1,299	968
Distribution
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenues	$ 54	$ 77	$ 166	$ 214