| Cover | 6 Months Ended |
| Jun. 30, 2019 | |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Document Period End Date | Aug. 15, 2019 |
| Entity File Number | 333-124824 |
| Entity Registrant Name | RBC BEARINGS INCORPORATED |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001324948 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 95-4372080 |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | One Tribology Center |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Oxford |
| Entity Address, State or Province | CT |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 06478 |
| City Area Code | (203) |
| Local Phone Number | 267-7001 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share |
| Trading Symbol | ROLL |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Elected Not To Use the Extended Transition Period | false |
