| Cover | Jun. 02, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Document Period End Date | Jun. 2, 2020 |
| Entity File Number | 001-33368 |
| Entity Registrant Name | Glu Mobile Inc. |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001366246 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 91-2143667 |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 875 Howard Street |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | Suite 100 |
| Entity Address, City or Town | San Francisco |
| Entity Address, State or Province | CA |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 94103 |
| City Area Code | 415 |
| Local Phone Number | 800-6100 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, $0.0001 par value |
| Trading Symbol | GLUU |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
