| Document and Entity Information | Jan. 28, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Entity Registrant Name | MICROSTRATEGY Inc |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001050446 |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Jan. 28, 2020 |
| Entity Incorporation State Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 0-24435 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 51-0323571 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 1850 Towers Crescent Plaza |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Tysons Corner |
| Entity Address, State or Province | VA |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 22182 |
| City Area Code | (703) |
| Local Phone Number | 848-8600 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre Commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre Commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Security 12b Title | Class A common stock, par value $0.001 per share |
| Trading Symbol | MSTR |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
