FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Notes)	3 Months Ended
FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Notes)	Mar. 31, 2021
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
FINANCIAL INFORMATION	FINANCIAL INFORMATION The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Avid Technology, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries (collectively, “we” or “our”). These financial statements are unaudited. However, in the opinion of management, the condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all normal and recurring adjustments necessary for their fair statement. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of results expected for any other interim period or a full year. We prepared the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements in accordance with the instructions for Form 10-Q and, therefore, include all information and footnotes necessary for a complete presentation of operations, comprehensive income (loss), financial position, changes in stockholders’ deficit, and cash flows in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). The accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2020 was derived from our audited consolidated financial statements and does not include all disclosures required by U.S. GAAP for annual financial statements. We filed audited consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2020 in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, which included information and footnotes necessary for such presentation. The financial statements contained in this Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020. The consolidated results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2021 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2021. The Company’s results of operations are affected by economic conditions, including macroeconomic conditions and levels of business and consumer confidence. The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, together with the measures implemented or recommended by governmental authorities and private organizations in response to the pandemic, has had a material adverse impact to the Company's business, operating results and financial condition primarily due to reduced demand for our products and services which has led to lower net revenues. The Company began experiencing a significant decline in international and domestic demand due to COVID-19 by the end of the first quarter of 2020, and this reduction in demand continued through the balance of 2020. These economic impacts were the result of, but not limited to: •the postponement or cancellation of film and television productions, major sporting events, and live music events; •delays in purchasing and projects by our enterprise customers and channel partners; •disruption to the supply chain caused by distribution and other logistical issues, including disruptions arising from government restrictions; and •decreased productivity due to travel restrictions, work-from-home policies or shelter-in-place orders. Our results for the first quarter began to show a gradual recovery towards pre-pandemic spending levels with the continuing positive signs of recovery from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic driven by vaccination and government stimulus programs, particularly in the US. At the same time, certain international countries around the globe continue to face challenges with renewed lockdowns and travel restrictions and there remains uncertainty relating to the ongoing spread and severity of the virus. While we are encouraged by the trends we saw in the first quarter, to the extent that the pandemic continues to have negative impacts on economies, our results could be affected and uneven. Consequently, we will continue to evaluate our financial position in light of future developments, particularly those relating to COVID-19. Our preparation of condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the dates of the condensed consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reported periods. Actual results could differ from our estimates. Significant Accounting Policies - Revenue Recognition We enter into contracts with customers that include various combinations of products and services, which are typically capable of being distinct and are accounted for as separate performance obligations. We account for a contract when (i) it has approval and commitment from both parties, (ii) the rights of the parties have been identified, (iii) payment terms have been identified, (iv) the contract has commercial substance, and (v) collectability is probable. We recognize revenue upon transfer of control of promised products or services to customers, which typically occurs upon shipment or delivery depending on the terms of the underlying contracts, in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to receive in exchange for those products or services. We often enter into contractual arrangements that have multiple performance obligations, one or more of which may be delivered subsequent to the delivery of other performance obligations. These arrangements may include a combination of products, maintenance, training, and professional services. We allocate the transaction price of the arrangement based on the relative estimated standalone selling price of each distinct performance obligation. See Note 9 for disaggregated revenue schedules and further discussion on revenue and deferred revenue performance obligations and the timing of revenue recognition. Recent Accounting Pronouncements Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements On January 1, 2021, we adopted ASU 2019-12, Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes (“ASU 2019-12”). ASU 2019-12 is intended to enhance and simplify aspects of the income tax accounting guidance in ASC 740 as part of the FASB's simplification initiative. This guidance is effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those years beginning after December 15, 2020 with early adoption permitted. Our adoption of ASU 2019-12 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. Recent Accounting Pronouncements To Be Adopted In March 2020, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU 2020-04, Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting (“ASU 2020-04”). ASU 2020-04 is intended to provide temporary optional expedients and exceptions to the U.S. GAAP guidance on contract modifications and hedge accounting to ease the financial reporting burdens related to the expected market transition from the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) and other interbank offered rates to alternative reference rates. This guidance is effective beginning on March 12, 2020, and the Company may elect to apply the amendments prospectively through December 31, 2022. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this guidance may have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.