Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Revenue - Estimated Amortization Expense for Contract Fulfillment Costs (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($)
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
2020	$ 28,156
2021	20,448
2022	$ 9,871

Capitalized Contract Cost, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months

No definition available.

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Namespace Prefix:	irm_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant