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, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Equity [Abstract]
Net income attributable to Callaway Golf Company	$ (29,218)	$ 31,048	$ 28,931	$ 48,647	$ (28,499)	$ 9,517	$ 60,867	$ 62,855	$ 79,408	$ 104,740	$ 40,806
Weighted-average common shares outstanding—basic (in shares)									94,251	94,579	94,329
Basic earnings per common share (in dollars per share)	$ (0.31)	$ 0.33	$ 0.31	$ 0.51	$ (0.30)	$ 0.10	$ 0.65	$ 0.66	$ 0.84	$ 1.11	$ 0.43
Options and restricted stock (in shares)									2,036	2,574	2,248
Weighted-average common shares outstanding—diluted (in shares)									96,287	97,153	96,577
Dilutive earnings (loss) per common share (in dollars per share)	$ (0.31)	$ 0.32	$ 0.30	$ 0.50	$ (0.30)	$ 0.10	$ 0.63	$ 0.65	$ 0.82	$ 1.08	$ 0.42