| Document and Entity Information Document | Nov. 16, 2020 |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Creation Date | Nov. 16, 2020 |
| Document Period End Date | Nov. 16, 2020 |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Registrant Name | Sphere 3D Corporation |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 895 Don Mills Road |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | Bldg. 2, Suite 900 |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Toronto |
| Entity Address, State or Province | ON |
| Entity Address, Country | CA |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | M3C 1W3 |
| Entity Incorporation, State Country Name | CA |
| City Area Code | (858) |
| Local Phone Number | 571-5555 |
| Entity File Number | 001-36532 |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001591956 |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 98-1220792 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| NASDAQ [Member] | |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Shares |
| Trading Symbol | ANY |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
