In a motion vector detection apparatus, cascade-connected processor elements each calculates the absolute value of the difference between each of a plurality of pixels which compose a picture and a corresponding one of the same number of pixels included in a block, and also performs cumulative addition of the difference absolute values in the block. These operations are performed for each of the blocks within the predetermined search area. In said cascade-connected processor elements a difference absolute value calculation means is provided, wherein the processor elements have different bit with so as to have an improved dynamic range in the calculation.