| Document And Entity Information | Oct. 23, 2019 |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Entity Registrant Name | Rush Enterprises, Inc. |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Oct. 23, 2019 |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | TX |
| Entity File Number | 0-20797 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 74-1733016 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 555 IH-35 South, Suite 500 |
| Entity Address, City or Town | New Braunfels |
| Entity Address, State or Province | TX |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 78130 |
| City Area Code | 830 |
| Local Phone Number | 302-5200 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001012019 |
| ClassACommonStock Custom [Member] | |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Class A Common Stock |
| Trading Symbol | RUSHA |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| ClassBCommonStock Custom [Member] | |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Class B Common Stock |
| Trading Symbol | RUSHB |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
