| Cover | Nov. 05, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Nov. 5, 2020 |
| Entity Registrant Name | IMMERSION CORPORATION |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 001-38334 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 94-3180138 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 330 Townsend Street, Suite 234 |
| Entity Address, City or Town | San Francisco |
| Entity Address, State or Province | CA |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 94107 |
| City Area Code | 408 |
| Local Phone Number | 467-1900 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, $0.001 par value per share |
| Trading Symbol | IMMR |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001058811 |
| Amendment Flag | false |
