CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net Income (Loss)	$ 37,104	$ 108,284	$ 92,475	$ 30,452	$ 158,557	$ 65,744	$ 91,903	$ 38,927	$ 268,315	$ 355,131	$ 171,724
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss):
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment									11,994	(164,107)	108,564
Change in Fair Value of Derivative Instruments									(8,783)	(973)
Total Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)									3,211	(165,080)	108,564
Comprehensive Income (Loss)									271,526	190,051	280,288
Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests									1,066	(2,207)	1,591
Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to Iron Mountain Incorporated									$ 270,460	$ 192,258	$ 278,697