| Document and Entity Information | Feb. 18, 2020 |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Document Period End Date | Feb. 18, 2020 |
| Entity Registrant Name | SCIENTIFIC GAMES CORPORATION |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000750004 |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Entity File Number | 001-11693 |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | NV |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 81-0422894 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 6601 Bermuda Road |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Las Vegas |
| Entity Address, State or Province | NV |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 89119 |
| City Area Code | 702 |
| Local Phone Number | 897-7150 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Common Stock | |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, $.001 par value |
| Trading symbol | SGMS |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Preferred Stock Purchase Rights | |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Preferred Stock Purchase Rights |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Trading symbol | true |
