| Document and Entity Information | Oct. 28, 2020 |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Oct. 28, 2020 |
| Entity File Number | 001-38228 |
| Entity Registrant Name | MAXAR TECHNOLOGIES INC. |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 83-2809420 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 1300 W. 120th Avenue |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Westminster |
| Entity Address, State or Province | CO |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 80234 |
| City Area Code | 303 |
| Local Phone Number | 684-2207 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001121142 |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Current Fiscal Year End Date | --12-31 |
| Common stock | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common stock, at $0.0001 par value |
| Trading Symbol | MAXR |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Preferred Stock Purchase Right |
