| Component: (Network and Table) | |
|---|---|
| Network | 2403406 - Disclosure - Estimated Amortization Expense on Intangible Assets (Detail) (http://www.chrobinson.com/role/EstimatedAmortizationExpenseOnIntangibleAssetsDetail)  | 
| Table | (Implied) | 
| Reporting Entity [Axis] | 0001043277 (http://www.sec.gov/CIK) | 
| Disclosure Estimated Amortization Expense On Intangible Assets [Abstract] | Period [Axis] | 
|---|---|
2012-12-31  | |
Disclosure Estimated Amortization Expense On Intangible Assets [Abstract]  | |
Estimated amortization expense  | |
2013  | 20,158,000    | 
2014  | 18,719,000    | 
2015  | 16,939,000    | 
2016  | 16,922,000    | 
2017  | 16,827,000    | 
Thereafter  | 45,971,000    | 
Net  | 135,536,000    |