Cover Page	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2023 shares
Cover [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2023
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	0-12014
Entity Registrant Name	IMPERIAL OIL LIMITED
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	Z4
Entity Tax Identification Number	98-0017682
Entity Address, Address Line One	505 Quarry Park Boulevard S.E.
Entity Address, City or Town	Calgary
Entity Address, State or Province	AB
Entity Address, Country	CA
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	T2C 5N1
City Area Code	800
Local Phone Number	567-3776
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	584,152,718
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2023
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Entity Central Index Key	0000049938
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31