Number and Cost of Common Stock Shares Repurchased (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]
Common stock repurchased (in shares)	4,689	5,308	3,678
Common stock repurchased	$ 132,691	$ 141,552	$ 96,296

This element represents the value of stock that has been repurchased during the period that is held in treasury and is presented as if constructively retired. Some state laws may mandate the circumstances under which an entity may acquire its own stock and prescribe the accounting treatment therefore. This element is used when state law does not recognize treasury stock.

No definition available.

Name:	rhi_CommonStockRepurchasedValue
Namespace Prefix:	rhi_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration