| Document and Entity Information | Mar. 03, 2021 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Mar. 3, 2021 |
| Entity Registrant Name | OWENS & MINOR INC/VA/ |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | VA |
| Entity File Number | 001-09810 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 54-1701843 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 9120 Lockwood Blvd. |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Mechanicsville |
| Entity Address, State or Province | VA |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 23116 |
| City Area Code | 804 |
| Local Phone Number | 723-7000 |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, $2 par value per share |
| Trading Symbol | OMI |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000075252 |
