| Cover | May 17, 2021 | May 13, 2021 | Nov. 05, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |||
| Document Type | 8-K | ||
| Document Period End Date | May 13, 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 |
