Agreements with SK hynix and Micron (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	0 Months Ended		0 Months Ended
Jun. 11, 2013 SK hynix [Member]	Jun. 30, 2014 SK hynix [Member]	Dec. 09, 2013 Micron [Member]	Jun. 30, 2014 Micron [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
License Agreement, Term of Agreement	5 years		7 years
Amount to be paid quarterly		$ 12.0		$ 10.0
Future Receivables		$ 192.0		$ 254.5

License Agreement, Fixed Amount to be Paid Quarterly

No definition available.

Name:	rmbs_LicenseAgreementFixedAmounttobePaidQuarterly
Namespace Prefix:	rmbs_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant