GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Change in the Carrying Amount of Goodwill (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017 USD ($)
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
December 31, 2016 balance	$ 1,232,796
Translation	8,154
March 31, 2017 balance	1,240,950
NAST
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
December 31, 2016 balance	907,230
Translation	6,001
March 31, 2017 balance	913,231
Global Forwarding
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
December 31, 2016 balance	159,050
Translation	1,052
March 31, 2017 balance	160,102
Robinson Fresh
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
December 31, 2016 balance	139,558
Translation	923
March 31, 2017 balance	140,481
All Other and Corporate
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
December 31, 2016 balance	26,958
Translation	178
March 31, 2017 balance	$ 27,136