| Document and Entity Information | May 19, 2020 |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Entity Registrant Name | RR Donnelley & Sons Co |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000029669 |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | May 19, 2020 |
| Entity Incorporation State Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 1-4694 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 36-1004130 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 35 West Wacker Drive |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Chicago |
| Entity Address, State or Province | IL |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 60601 |
| City Area Code | 312 |
| Local Phone Number | 326-8000 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre Commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre Commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Common Stock [Member] | |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Security 12b Title | Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share |
| Trading Symbol | RRD |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Preferred Stock [Member] | |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| No Trading Symbol Flag | true |
| Security 12b Title | Preferred Stock Purchase Rights |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
