Name:	irm_AdjustedOperatingIncomeLossBeforeDepreciationAndAmortization
Namespace Prefix:	irm_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

Represents the amount of costs incurred, related to the real estate investment trust (REIT).

No definition available.

Name:	irm_RealEstateInvestmentTrustCosts
Namespace Prefix:	irm_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

The aggregate expense recognized in the current period that allocates the cost of tangible assets, intangible assets, or depleting assets to periods that benefit from use of the assets.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 230

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 28

-Subparagraph (b)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=31042434&loc=d3e3602-108585

Name:	us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

Amount of gain (loss) from the difference between the sale price or salvage price and the book value of an asset that was sold or retired, and gain (loss) from the write down of assets from their carrying value to fair value.

No definition available.

Name:	us-gaap_GainLossOnSalesOfAssetsAndAssetImpairmentCharges
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

The net result for the period of deducting operating expenses from operating revenues.

No definition available.