Cover Page	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020 shares
Cover [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2020
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	000-22339
Entity Registrant Name	RAMBUS INC
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	DE
Entity Tax Identification Number	94-3112828
Entity Address, Address Line One	4453 North First Street
Entity Address, Address Line Two	Suite 100
Entity Address, City or Town	San Jose
Entity Address, State or Province	CA
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	95134
City Area Code	408
Local Phone Number	462-8000
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock, $.001 Par Value
Trading Symbol	RMBS
Security Exchange Name	NASDAQ
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	113,922,520
Entity Central Index Key	0000917273
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2020
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Amendment Flag	false