Number and Cost of Employee Stock Plan Repurchases (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]
Employee stock plan repurchased (in shares)	453	909
Employee stock plan repurchased	$ 15,933	$ 26,907

Value of shares repurchased in connection with employee stock plans, whereby Company shares were tendered by employees for the payment of applicable withholding taxes and/or exercise price.

No definition available.

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