| Cover | Feb. 03, 2021 | Oct. 28, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | ||
| Document Type | 8-K | |
| Document Period End Date | Feb. 3, 2021 | |
| Entity Registrant Name | Cognizant Technology Solutions Corporation | |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE | |
| Entity File Number | 0-24429 | |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 13-3728359 | |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 300 Frank W. Burr Blvd. | |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Teaneck | |
| Entity Address, State or Province | NJ | |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 07666 | |
| City Area Code | 201 | |
| Local Phone Number | 801-0233 | |
| Written Communications | false | |
| Soliciting Material | false | |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false | |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Class A Common Stock,$0.01 par value per share | |
| Trading Symbol | CTSH | |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ | |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false | |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001058290 | |
| Amendment Flag | false | |
| Name Change Event [Line Items] | ||
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 300 Frank W. Burr Blvd. | |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Teaneck | |
| Entity Address, State or Province | NJ | |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 07666 | |
| Former Address [Member] | ||
| Cover [Abstract] | ||
| Entity Address, Address Line One | Glenpoint Centre West | |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | 500 Frank W. Burr Blvd. | |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Teaneck | |
| Entity Address, State or Province | NJ | |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 07666 | |
| Name Change Event [Line Items] | ||
| Entity Address, Address Line One | Glenpoint Centre West | |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | 500 Frank W. Burr Blvd. | |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Teaneck | |
| Entity Address, State or Province | NJ | |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 07666 |
