Number and Cost of Employee Stock Plan Repurchases (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Stockholders Equity Note [Abstract]
Employee stock plan repurchased (in shares)	251	491
Employee stock plan repurchased	$ 10,430	$ 17,263

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