| Cover | Jan. 29, 2021 | Nov. 05, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | ||
| Document Type | 8-K | |
| Document Period End Date | Feb. 4, 2021 | |
| 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 |
