Branch Offices

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- Definition

Segment Reporting Information, Description of Shared Transactions between Branches

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- Definition

Segment Reporting Information, Percentage of Intersegment Transactions

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- Definition

The amortization method of a major finite-lived intangible asset class. A major class is composed of intangible assets that can be grouped together because they are similar either by their nature or by their use in the operations of a company. The straight-line method is the preferred amortization method, unless another method better reflects the pattern in which the asset is consumed.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 350

-SubTopic 30

-Section 35

-Paragraph 6

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26713198&loc=d3e15372-109273

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- Definition

Useful life of finite-lived intangible assets, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days.

+ References

No definition available.

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- Definition

The net cash inflow or outflow for the increase (decrease) associated with funds that are not available for withdrawal or use (such as funds held in escrow) and are associated with underlying transactions that are classified as investing activities.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 230

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 12

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=31042434&loc=d3e3179-108585

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Glossary Investing Activities

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6516133

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-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 230

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 13

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=31042434&loc=d3e3213-108585

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- Definition

Description of the methodology for computing depreciation for classes of depreciable assets.

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Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 360

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (d)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6391035&loc=d3e2868-110229

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Useful life of long lived, physical assets used in the normal conduct of business and not intended for resale, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days. Examples include, but not limited to, land, buildings, machinery and equipment, office equipment, furniture and fixtures, and computer equipment.

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No definition available.

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- Definition

Restrictions on equity-based instruments during the vesting period, such as the inability to transfer unvested awards, are not taken into account in estimating the fair value of the award. However, restrictions that remain in effect after an award is vested, such as the inability to transfer or hedge vested options or a prohibition on the sale of outstanding vested shares (or other type of equity) for a period of time, affect the estimate of an award's fair value.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 718

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 2

-Subparagraph (f)(2)(v)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5070-113901

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SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014 Location	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Network of branch offices		281chrw_BranchOffices			281chrw_BranchOffices
Restricted cash		$ 359,388	$ 0	$ 0
Shared transactions between branches	Our offices work together to complete transactions and collectively meet the needs of our customers. For large multi-location customers, we often coordinate our efforts in one location and rely on multiple locations to deliver specific geographic or modal needs. As an example, approximately 48 percent of our truckload transactions are shared transactions between offices.
Property and equipment, depreciation method	Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated lives of the assets of 3 to 30 years.
Intangible assets, amortization method	These intangible assets are being amortized using the straight-line method over their estimated lives, ranging from 3 to 8 years.
Software
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Intangible assets, estimated lives (in years)		3 years
Intangible assets, amortization method	We amortize software using the straight-line method over 3 years.
Minimum
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property and equipment, estimated lives (in years)		3 years
Intangible assets, estimated lives (in years)		3 years
Restricted shares and restricted units grants, discount for post-vesting holding restrictions		17.00%
Maximum
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property and equipment, estimated lives (in years)		30 years
Intangible assets, estimated lives (in years)		8 years
Restricted shares and restricted units grants, discount for post-vesting holding restrictions		22.00%
Truckload Transactions
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Percentage of truckload transactions that are shared transactions between branches		48.00%
Freightquote
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Restricted cash					$ 359,400