CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ 49,525	$ 7,800	$ (13,133)	$ 63,041	$ 5,940	$ 23,517	$ 54,007	$ 41,739	$ 107,233	$ 125,203	$ 328,746
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss):
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments									(35,641)	(100,970)	(66,867)
Market Value Adjustments for Securities									(734)	(245)	53
Total Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income									(36,375)	(101,215)	(66,814)
Comprehensive Income (Loss)									70,858	23,988	261,932
Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests									3,690	633	2,184
Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to Iron Mountain Incorporated									$ 67,168	$ 23,355	$ 259,748