EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN - Trading results related to SERP (Details 1) (Non-qualified Supplemental Retirement Plan ("SERP"), USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Non-qualified Supplemental Retirement Plan ("SERP")
Multiemployer Plans [Line Item]
Gains (losses), net	$ 46	$ (470)	$ 568	$ 180

The element represents gain loss on defined benefit plan assets.

No definition available.

Name:	res_GainLossOnDefinedBenefitPlanAssets
Namespace Prefix:	res_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration