Aggregate notional amount specified by the derivative(s). Expressed as an absolute value.

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

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Article 12

-Section 13

-Sentence Column B

+ Details

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- Definition

Represents the number of derivative instruments with contingent features of credit risk.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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Namespace Prefix:	irm_
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- Definition

The amount of cash received during the period on settlement of a hedge.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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

- Definition

The premium (cost) of a hedge, expensed during the period.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
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Balance Type:	debit
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- Details

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- Details

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- Definition

The interest rate applicable to the portion of the carrying amount of long-term borrowings outstanding as of the balance sheet date, including current maturities, which accrues interest at a set, unchanging rate.

+ References

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

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22(a)(1))

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

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Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Details) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified			3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013 item	Dec. 31, 2012 item	Sep. 30, 2013 Foreign exchange contracts USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2012 Foreign exchange contracts USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2013 Foreign exchange contracts USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2012 Foreign exchange contracts USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2013 Forward contracts Sales U.S. dollars: British pounds sterling GBP (£)	Sep. 30, 2013 Forward contracts Sales U.S. dollars: Australian dollars AUD	Sep. 30, 2013 Forward contracts Purchases U.S. dollars: British pounds sterling USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2013 Forward contracts Purchases U.S. dollars: Australian dollars USD ($)
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
Targeted percentage of debt portfolio to be fixed with interest rates	75.00%
Number of derivative instrument with contingent features of credit risk	0	0
Derivative instruments
Notional amount of derivatives							£ 125,000	77,000	$ 194,858	$ 71,610
Net cash receipts from foreign currency forward contracts				4	11,511
Net cash disbursements from foreign currency forward contracts			$ 4,764			$ 3,783