Robert Half International (RHI) 10-Q 31 Oct 14 2014 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]	'
Document Type	'10-Q
Amendment Flag	'false
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-14
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3
Trading Symbol	'RHI
Entity Registrant Name	'HALF ROBERT INTERNATIONAL INC /DE/
Entity Central Index Key	'0000315213
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	135,957,949

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
ASSETS	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$290,876	$275,764
Accounts receivable, less allowances of $29,502 and $27,261	657,105	551,905
Current deferred income taxes	126,894	112,881
Other current assets	239,630	231,978
Total current assets	1,314,505	1,172,528
Goodwill	200,074	200,833
Other intangible assets, net	0	556
Property and equipment, net	109,708	112,644
Other assets	2,726	3,710
Total assets	1,627,013	1,490,271
LIABILITIES	'	'
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	142,661	139,683
Accrued payroll costs and retirement obligations	468,047	396,042
Income taxes payable	13,060	0
Current portion of notes payable and other indebtedness	137	128
Total current liabilities	623,905	535,853
Notes payable and other indebtedness, less current portion	1,196	1,300
Other liabilities	29,329	33,475
Total liabilities	654,430	570,628
Commitments and Contingencies	'	'
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	'	'
Preferred stock, $.001 par value authorized 5,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding zero shares	0	0
Common stock, $.001 par value authorized 260,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 135,923,034 shares and 137,466,421 shares	136	137
Capital surplus	912,978	868,120
Accumulated other comprehensive income	25,076	38,071
Retained earnings	34,393	13,315
Total stockholders’ equity	972,583	919,643
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$1,627,013	$1,490,271

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme1

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]	'	'
Accounts receivable, allowances	$29,502	$27,261
Preferred stock, par value	$0.00	$0.00
Preferred stock, authorized	5,000,000	5,000,000
Preferred stock, issued	0	0
Preferred stock, outstanding	0	0
Common stock, par value	$0.00	$0.00
Common stock, authorized	260,000,000	260,000,000
Common stock, issued	135,923,034	137,466,421
Common stock, outstanding	135,923,034	137,466,421

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme2

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Net service revenues	$1,224,308	$1,075,119	$3,473,564	$3,162,031
Direct costs of services, consisting of payroll, payroll taxes, insurance costs and reimbursable expenses	719,088	637,641	2,051,405	1,882,155
Gross margin	505,220	437,478	1,422,159	1,279,876
Selling, general and administrative expenses	366,967	333,565	1,058,144	985,664
Amortization of intangible assets	0	433	557	1,300
Interest income, net	-108	-233	-570	-773
Income before income taxes	138,361	103,713	364,028	293,685
Provision for income taxes	53,177	37,355	142,153	108,375
Net income	85,184	66,358	221,875	185,310
Net income available to common stockholders—diluted	$85,184	$66,358	$221,875	$185,307
Net income per share:	'	'	'	'
Basic (in usd per share)	$0.64	$0.49	$1.65	$1.36
Diluted (in usd per share)	$0.63	$0.48	$1.63	$1.35
Shares:	'	'	'	'
Basic (in shares)	134,054	135,727	134,690	136,469
Diluted (in shares)	135,366	137,241	135,740	137,759
Cash dividends declared per share	$0.18	$0.16	$0.54	$0.48

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme3

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME:	'	'	'	'
Net income	$85,184	$66,358	$221,875	$185,310
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax	-15,281	6,775	-12,995	-4,486
Total comprehensive income	$69,903	$73,133	$208,880	$180,824

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme4

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (USD $)	Total	COMMON STOCK:	CAPITAL SURPLUS:	ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME:	RETAINED EARNINGS:
In Thousands
Balance at beginning of period at Dec. 31, 2012	'	$139	$798,093	$43,779	$0
Balance at beginning of period, (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2012	'	139,439	'	'	'
Net issuances of restricted stock, (in shares)	'	959	'	'	'
Repurchases of common stock, (in shares)	'	-3,377	'	'	'
Exercises of stock options, (in shares)	'	1,265	'	'	'
Net issuances of restricted stock	'	1	-1	'	'
Repurchases of common stock	'	-3	'	'	-118,957
Exercise of stock options	'	1	29,895	'	'
Cash dividends	'	'	-12,256	'	-54,718
Stock-based compensation expense	'	'	28,559	'	'
Tax impact of equity incentive plans	'	'	3,428	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax	-4,486	'	'	-4,486	'
Net income	185,310	'	'	'	185,310
Balance at end of period at Sep. 30, 2013	'	138	847,718	39,293	11,635
Balance at end of period, (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2013	'	138,286	'	'	'
Balance at beginning of period at Dec. 31, 2013	919,643	137	868,120	38,071	13,315
Balance at beginning of period, (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2013	'	137,466	'	'	'
Net issuances of restricted stock, (in shares)	'	796	'	'	'
Repurchases of common stock, (in shares)	'	-2,808	'	'	'
Exercises of stock options, (in shares)	'	469	'	'	'
Net issuances of restricted stock	'	1	-1	'	'
Repurchases of common stock	'	-3	'	'	-126,828
Exercise of stock options	'	1	12,686	'	'
Cash dividends	'	'	0	'	-73,969
Stock-based compensation expense	'	'	29,960	'	'
Tax impact of equity incentive plans	'	'	2,213	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax	-12,995	'	'	-12,995	'
Net income	221,875	'	'	'	221,875
Balance at end of period at Sep. 30, 2014	$972,583	$136	$912,978	$25,076	$34,393
Balance at end of period, (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2014	'	135,923	'	'	'

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme5

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Parenthetical) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
CAPITAL SURPLUS:	'	'
Cash dividends, per share	'	$0.48
RETAINED EARNINGS:	'	'
Cash dividends, per share	$0.54	$0.48

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme6

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Net income	$221,875	$185,310
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Amortization of intangible assets	557	1,300
Depreciation expense	36,170	34,995
Stock-based compensation expense—restricted stock and stock units	29,960	28,559
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	-1,644	-1,564
Deferred income taxes	-11,167	-23,540
Provision for doubtful accounts	6,730	6,173
Changes in assets and liabilities:	'	'
Increase in accounts receivable	-123,259	-61,039
Increase in accounts payable, accrued expenses, accrued payroll costs and retirement obligations	72,137	27,842
Increase in income taxes payable	36,991	11,015
Change in other assets, net of change in other liabilities	-10,530	2,006
Net cash flows provided by operating activities	257,820	211,057
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Capital expenditures	-36,207	-32,117
Payments to trusts for employee benefits and retirement plans	-18,220	-38,479
Net cash flows used in investing activities	-54,427	-70,596
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Repurchases of common stock	-124,679	-106,782
Cash dividends paid	-72,752	-65,612
Decrease in notes payable and other indebtedness	-95	-4,430
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	1,644	1,564
Proceeds from exercises of stock options	12,686	29,895
Net cash flows used in financing activities	-183,196	-145,365
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-5,085	-2,984
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	15,112	-7,888
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	275,764	287,635
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	290,876	279,747
Stock Repurchases Awaiting Settlement	$2,152	$12,178

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	'
	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	Nature of Operations. Robert Half International Inc. (the “Company”) provides specialized staffing and risk consulting services through such divisions as Accountemps®, Robert Half® Finance & Accounting, OfficeTeam®, Robert Half®Technology, Robert Half® Management Resources, Robert Half® Legal, The Creative Group®, and Protiviti®. The Company, through its Accountemps, Robert Half Finance & Accounting, and Robert Half Management Resources divisions, is a specialized provider of temporary, full-time, and project professionals in the fields of accounting and finance. OfficeTeam specializes in highly skilled temporary administrative support personnel. Robert Half Technology provides information technology professionals. Robert Half Legal provides temporary, project, and full-time staffing of attorneys and specialized support personnel within law firms and corporate legal departments. The Creative Group provides project staffing in the advertising, marketing, and web design fields. Protiviti provides business consulting and internal audit services, and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. Revenues are predominantly derived from specialized staffing services. The Company operates in North America, South America, Europe, Asia and Australia. The Company is a Delaware corporation.
	Basis of Presentation. The unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (“Financial Statements”) of the Company are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The comparative year-end condensed consolidated statement of financial position data presented was derived from audited financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of only normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair statement of the financial position and results of operations for the periods presented have been included. These Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the audited Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2013, included in its annual report on Form 10-K. The results of operations for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of, nor comparable to, the results of operations for a full year.
	Principles of Consolidation. The Financial Statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries, all of which are wholly-owned. All intercompany balances have been eliminated.
	Use of Estimates. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. As of September 30, 2014, such estimates included allowances for uncollectible accounts receivable, workers’ compensation losses, and income and other taxes. Management estimates are also utilized in the Company’s goodwill impairment assessment and in the valuation of stock grants subject to market conditions.
	Advertising Costs. The Company expenses all advertising costs as incurred. Advertising costs for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, are reflected in the following table (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Advertising costs	$	11,251	$	9,522	$	30,881	$	29,103
	Internal-use Software. The Company capitalizes direct costs incurred in the development of internal-use software. Amounts capitalized are reported as a component of computer software within property and equipment.
	Internal-use software development costs capitalized for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, are reflected in the following table (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Internal-use software development costs	$	7,010	$	3,913	$	17,846	$	7,980

New_Accounting_Pronouncements

New Accounting Pronouncements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]	'
New Accounting Pronouncements	'
	New Accounting Pronouncements
	Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity. In April 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued authoritative guidance in regards to the criteria for reporting discontinued operations while enhancing disclosures in this area. Under the new guidance, only disposals representing a strategic shift in operations should be presented as discontinued operations. In addition, the new guidance requires expanded disclosures about discontinued operations that will provide financial statement users with more information about the assets, liabilities, income, and expenses of discontinued operations. The amendments in the authoritative guidance are effective in the first quarter of 2015 for public organizations with calendar year-ends. The Company does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on its Financial Statements.
	Revenue from Contracts with Customers. In May 2014, the FASB issued authoritative guidance that provides companies with a single model for use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific revenue guidance.  The new guidance requires a company to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to a customer at an amount that reflects the consideration it expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. It also requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments and assets recognized from costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract. The new guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is not permitted. The guidance permits companies to either apply the requirements retrospectively to all prior periods presented, or apply the requirements in the year of adoption, through a cumulative adjustment. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact of adoption of this guidance on its Financial Statements.

Other_Current_Assets

Other Current Assets	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Other Current Assets	'
	Other Current Assets
	Other current assets consisted of the following (in thousands):
		30-Sep-14		31-Dec-13
	Deposits in trusts for employee benefits and retirement plans	$	174,355	$	149,391
	Other	65,275		82,587
		$	239,630	$	231,978

Property_and_Equipment_Net

Property and Equipment, Net	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]	'
Property and Equipment, Net	'
	Property and Equipment, Net
	Property and equipment consisted of the following (in thousands):
		30-Sep-14			31-Dec-13
	Computer hardware	$	149,644		$	148,541
	Computer software	305,823			288,532
	Furniture and equipment	105,504			111,426
	Leasehold improvements	113,732			118,868
	Other	8,990			11,488
	Property and equipment, cost	683,693			678,855
	Accumulated depreciation	(573,985		)	(566,211		)
	Property and equipment, net	$	109,708		$	112,644

Accrued_Payroll_Costs_and_Reti

Accrued Payroll Costs and Retirement Obligations	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Text Block [Abstract]	'
Accrued Payroll Costs and Retirement Obligations	'
	Accrued Payroll Costs and Retirement Obligations
	Accrued payroll costs and retirement obligations consisted of the following (in thousands):
		30-Sep-14			31-Dec-13
	Payroll and benefits	$	314,090		$	238,252
	Employee retirement obligations	99,982			96,461
	Workers’ compensation	28,574			26,671
	Payroll taxes	25,401			34,658
		$	468,047		$	396,042
	Included in employee retirement obligations is the following (in thousands):
		30-Sep-14		31-Dec-13
	Deferred compensation plan and other benefits related to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer	$78,055		$75,745

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	Commitments and Contingencies
	On April 23, 2010, Plaintiffs David Opalinski and James McCabe, on behalf of themselves and a putative class of similarly situated Staffing Managers, filed a Complaint in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey naming the Company and one of its subsidiaries as Defendants. The Complaint alleges that salaried Staffing Managers located throughout the U.S. have been misclassified as exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act’s overtime pay requirements. Plaintiffs seek an unspecified amount for unpaid overtime on behalf of themselves and the class they purport to represent. Plaintiffs also seek an unspecified amount for statutory penalties, attorneys’ fees and other damages. On October 6, 2011, the Court granted the Company’s motion to compel arbitration of the Plaintiffs’ allegations. At this stage, it is not feasible to predict the outcome of or a range of loss, should a loss occur, from these allegations and, accordingly, no amounts have been provided in the Company’s Financial Statements. The Company believes it has meritorious defenses to the allegations, and the Company intends to continue to vigorously defend against the allegations.
	On March 13, 2014, Plaintiff Leonor Rodriguez, on her own behalf and on behalf of a putative class of allegedly similarly situated individuals, filed a complaint against the Company in the Superior Court of California, San Diego County. The complaint alleges that a putative class of current and former employees of the Company working in California since March 13, 2011 were denied compensation for the time they spent interviewing with clients of the Company as well as performing activities related to the interview process. Rodriguez seeks recovery on her own behalf and on behalf of the putative class in an unspecified amount for this allegedly unpaid compensation. Rodriguez also seeks recovery of an unspecified amount for the alleged failure of the Company to provide her and the putative class with accurate wage statements. Rodriguez also seeks an unspecified amount of other damages, attorneys’ fees, and statutory penalties, including but not limited to statutory penalties on behalf of herself and other allegedly “aggrieved employees” as defined by California’s Labor Code Private Attorney General Act (“PAGA”). On October 10, 2014, the Court granted a motion by the Company to compel all of Rodriguez’s claims, except the PAGA claim, to individual arbitration. At this stage of the litigation, it is not feasible to predict the outcome of or a range of loss, should a loss occur, from this proceeding and, accordingly, no amounts have been provided in the Company’s Financial Statements. The Company believes it has meritorious defenses to the allegations and the Company intends to continue to vigorously defend against the litigation.
	On September 5, 2014, Plaintiff Theresa Daniels, on behalf of herself and a putative class of salaried Recruiting Managers, filed a complaint in California Superior Court naming the Company as Defendant. The complaint alleges that salaried Recruiting Managers based in California have been misclassified under California law as exempt employees, and seeks an unspecified amount for unpaid overtime pay alleged to be due to them had they been paid as non-exempt hourly employees, as well as statutory penalties for alleged violations of the California Labor Code arising from such alleged misclassification. The complaint also alleges a claim under California Business and Professions Code section 17200 for unfair competition. The Plaintiff also seeks an unspecified amount for other damages, attorneys’ fees, and statutory penalties. On or about September 17, 2014, the Plaintiff provided written notice to the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency of her alleged claims and it should be assumed that the Plaintiff will amend her complaint to allege a representative claim and seek penalties under the California Private Attorney General Act. At this stage of the litigation, it is not feasible to predict the outcome of or a range of loss, should a loss occur, from this proceeding, and accordingly, no amounts have been provided in the Company’s financial statements. The Company believes it has meritorious defenses to the allegations in this case, and the Company intends to continue to vigorously defend against the litigation.
	The Company is involved in a number of other lawsuits arising in the ordinary course of business. While management does not expect any of these other matters to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial position or cash flows, litigation is subject to certain inherent uncertainties.
	Legal costs associated with the resolution of claims, lawsuits and other contingencies are expensed as incurred.

Stockholders_Equity

Stockholders' Equity	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Equity [Abstract]	'
Stockholders' Equity	'
	Stockholders’ Equity
	Stock Repurchase Program. As of September 30, 2014, the Company is authorized to repurchase, from time to time, up to 5.5 million additional shares of the Company’s common stock on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions, depending on market conditions. The number and the cost of common stock shares repurchased during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, are reflected in the following table (in thousands):
		Nine Months Ended
		September 30,
		2014		2013
	Common stock repurchased (in shares)	2,543		2,779
	Common stock repurchased	$	115,694	$	97,594
	Additional stock repurchases were made in connection with employee stock plans, whereby Company shares were tendered by employees for the payment of exercise price and applicable statutory withholding taxes. Repurchases of shares are funded with cash generated from operations. The number and the cost of employee stock plan repurchases made during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, are reflected in the following table (in thousands):
		Nine Months Ended
		September 30,
		2014		2013
	Employee stock plan repurchased (in shares)	265		598
	Employee stock plan repurchased	$	11,137	$	21,366
	The repurchased shares are held in treasury and are presented as if constructively retired. Treasury stock is accounted for using the cost method. Repurchase activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, is presented in the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity.
	Repurchases of shares and issuances of cash dividends are applied first to the extent of retained earnings and any remaining amounts are applied to capital surplus.

Net_Income_Per_Share

Net Income Per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Net Income Per Share	'
	Net Income Per Share
	The calculation of net income per share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 is reflected in the following table (in thousands, except per share amounts):
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2014			2013			2014		2013
	Basic net income per share:
	Net income	$	85,184		$	66,358		$	221,875	$	185,310
	Income allocated to participating securities—basic	—			—			—		3
	Net income available to common stockholders—basic	$	85,184		$	66,358		$	221,875	$	185,307
	Basic weighted average shares	134,054			135,727			134,690		136,469
	Basic net income per share	$	0.64		$	0.49		$	1.65	$	1.36
	Diluted net income per share:
	Net income	$	85,184		$	66,358		$	221,875	$	185,310
	Income allocated to participating securities—diluted	—			—			—		3
	Net income available to common stockholders—diluted	$	85,184		$	66,358		$	221,875	$	185,307
	Basic weighted average shares	134,054			135,727			134,690		136,469
	Dilutive effect of potential common shares	1,312			1,514			1,050		1,290
	Diluted weighted average shares	135,366			137,241			135,740		137,759
	Diluted net income per share	$	0.63		$	0.48		$	1.63	$	1.35
	Potential common shares include the dilutive effect of stock options, unvested performance-based restricted stock, restricted stock which contains forfeitable rights to dividends, and stock units. The weighted average diluted common shares outstanding for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, excludes the effect of the following (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended			Nine Months Ended
		September 30,			September 30,
		2014		2013	2014		2013
	Total number of anti-dilutive potential common shares	—		386	1		188

Business_Segments

Business Segments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Business Segments	'
	Business Segments
	The Company, which aggregates its operating segments based on the nature of services, has three reportable segments: temporary and consultant staffing, permanent placement staffing, and risk consulting and internal audit services. The temporary and consultant segment provides specialized staffing in the accounting and finance, administrative and office, information technology, legal, advertising, marketing and web design fields. The permanent placement segment provides full-time personnel in the accounting, finance, administrative and office, and information technology fields. The risk consulting segment provides business and technology risk consulting and internal audit services.
	The accounting policies of the segments are set forth in Note A—“Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013. The Company evaluates performance based on income or loss from operations before net interest income, intangible amortization expense, and income taxes.
	The following table provides a reconciliation of revenue and operating income by reportable segment to consolidated results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Net service revenues
	Temporary and consultant staffing	$	954,225		$	847,886		$	2,722,833		$	2,513,377
	Permanent placement staffing	102,345			88,222			297,797			261,946
	Risk consulting and internal audit services	167,738			139,011			452,934			386,708
		$	1,224,308		$	1,075,119		$	3,473,564		$	3,162,031
	Operating income
	Temporary and consultant staffing	$	97,660		$	76,532		$	263,901		$	226,293
	Permanent placement staffing	21,380			13,691			61,103			41,753
	Risk consulting and internal audit services	19,213			13,690			39,011			26,166
		138,253			103,913			364,015			294,212
	Amortization of intangible assets	—			433			557			1,300
	Interest income, net	(108		)	(233		)	(570		)	(773		)
	Income before income taxes	$	138,361		$	103,713		$	364,028		$	293,685

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Subsequent Events [Abstract]	'
Subsequent Events	'
	Subsequent Events
	On October 29, 2014, the Company announced the following:
	Quarterly dividend per share		$0.18
	Declaration date	October 29, 2014
	Record date	November 25, 2014
	Payment date	December 15, 2014

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Nature of Operations	'
	Nature of Operations. Robert Half International Inc. (the “Company”) provides specialized staffing and risk consulting services through such divisions as Accountemps®, Robert Half® Finance & Accounting, OfficeTeam®, Robert Half®Technology, Robert Half® Management Resources, Robert Half® Legal, The Creative Group®, and Protiviti®. The Company, through its Accountemps, Robert Half Finance & Accounting, and Robert Half Management Resources divisions, is a specialized provider of temporary, full-time, and project professionals in the fields of accounting and finance. OfficeTeam specializes in highly skilled temporary administrative support personnel. Robert Half Technology provides information technology professionals. Robert Half Legal provides temporary, project, and full-time staffing of attorneys and specialized support personnel within law firms and corporate legal departments. The Creative Group provides project staffing in the advertising, marketing, and web design fields. Protiviti provides business consulting and internal audit services, and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. Revenues are predominantly derived from specialized staffing services. The Company operates in North America, South America, Europe, Asia and Australia. The Company is a Delaware corporation.
Basis of Presentation	'
	Basis of Presentation. The unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (“Financial Statements”) of the Company are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The comparative year-end condensed consolidated statement of financial position data presented was derived from audited financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of only normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair statement of the financial position and results of operations for the periods presented have been included. These Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the audited Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2013, included in its annual report on Form 10-K. The results of operations for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of, nor comparable to, the results of operations for a full year.
Principles of Consolidation	'
	Principles of Consolidation. The Financial Statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries, all of which are wholly-owned. All intercompany balances have been eliminated.
Use of Estimates	'
	Use of Estimates. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. As of September 30, 2014, such estimates included allowances for uncollectible accounts receivable, workers’ compensation losses, and income and other taxes. Management estimates are also utilized in the Company’s goodwill impairment assessment and in the valuation of stock grants subject to market conditions.
Advertising Costs	'
	Advertising Costs. The Company expenses all advertising costs as incurred.
Internal-use Software	'
	Internal-use Software. The Company capitalizes direct costs incurred in the development of internal-use software. Amounts capitalized are reported as a component of computer software within property and equipment.

New_Accounting_Pronouncements_

New Accounting Pronouncements New Accounting Pronouncements (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]	'
New Accounting Pronouncements	'
	Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity. In April 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued authoritative guidance in regards to the criteria for reporting discontinued operations while enhancing disclosures in this area. Under the new guidance, only disposals representing a strategic shift in operations should be presented as discontinued operations. In addition, the new guidance requires expanded disclosures about discontinued operations that will provide financial statement users with more information about the assets, liabilities, income, and expenses of discontinued operations. The amendments in the authoritative guidance are effective in the first quarter of 2015 for public organizations with calendar year-ends. The Company does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on its Financial Statements.
	Revenue from Contracts with Customers. In May 2014, the FASB issued authoritative guidance that provides companies with a single model for use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific revenue guidance.  The new guidance requires a company to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to a customer at an amount that reflects the consideration it expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. It also requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments and assets recognized from costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract. The new guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is not permitted. The guidance permits companies to either apply the requirements retrospectively to all prior periods presented, or apply the requirements in the year of adoption, through a cumulative adjustment. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact of adoption of this guidance on its Financial Statements.

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	The Company is involved in a number of other lawsuits arising in the ordinary course of business. While management does not expect any of these other matters to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial position or cash flows, litigation is subject to certain inherent uncertainties.
	Legal costs associated with the resolution of claims, lawsuits and other contingencies are expensed as incurred.

Stockholders_Equity_Stockholde

Stockholders' Equity Stockholders' Equity (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Equity [Abstract]	'
Treasury Stock Policy	'
	The repurchased shares are held in treasury and are presented as if constructively retired. Treasury stock is accounted for using the cost method. Repurchase activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, is presented in the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity.
	Repurchases of shares and issuances of cash dividends are applied first to the extent of retained earnings and any remaining amounts are applied to capital surplus.

Summary_of_Significant_Account2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Advertising Costs	'
	Advertising costs for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, are reflected in the following table (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Advertising costs	$	11,251	$	9,522	$	30,881	$	29,103
Internal-Use Software Development Costs Capitalized	'
	Internal-use software development costs capitalized for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, are reflected in the following table (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Internal-use software development costs	$	7,010	$	3,913	$	17,846	$	7,980

Other_Current_Assets_Tables

Other Current Assets (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Other Current Assets	'
	Other current assets consisted of the following (in thousands):
		30-Sep-14		31-Dec-13
	Deposits in trusts for employee benefits and retirement plans	$	174,355	$	149,391
	Other	65,275		82,587
		$	239,630	$	231,978

Property_and_Equipment_Net_Tab

Property and Equipment, Net (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]	'
Components of Property and Equipment	'
	Property and equipment consisted of the following (in thousands):
		30-Sep-14			31-Dec-13
	Computer hardware	$	149,644		$	148,541
	Computer software	305,823			288,532
	Furniture and equipment	105,504			111,426
	Leasehold improvements	113,732			118,868
	Other	8,990			11,488
	Property and equipment, cost	683,693			678,855
	Accumulated depreciation	(573,985		)	(566,211		)
	Property and equipment, net	$	109,708		$	112,644

Accrued_Payroll_Costs_and_Reti1

Accrued Payroll Costs and Retirement Obligations (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Text Block [Abstract]	'
Accrued Payroll Costs and Retirement Obligations	'
	Accrued payroll costs and retirement obligations consisted of the following (in thousands):
		30-Sep-14			31-Dec-13
	Payroll and benefits	$	314,090		$	238,252
	Employee retirement obligations	99,982			96,461
	Workers’ compensation	28,574			26,671
	Payroll taxes	25,401			34,658
		$	468,047		$	396,042
Employee Retirement Obligations	'
	Included in employee retirement obligations is the following (in thousands):
		30-Sep-14		31-Dec-13
	Deferred compensation plan and other benefits related to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer	$78,055		$75,745

Stockholders_Equity_Tables

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Equity [Abstract]	'
Number and Cost of Common Stock Shares Repurchased	'
	The number and the cost of common stock shares repurchased during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, are reflected in the following table (in thousands):
		Nine Months Ended
		September 30,
		2014		2013
	Common stock repurchased (in shares)	2,543		2,779
	Common stock repurchased	$	115,694	$	97,594
Number and Cost of Employee Stock Plan Repurchases	'
	The number and the cost of employee stock plan repurchases made during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, are reflected in the following table (in thousands):
		Nine Months Ended
		September 30,
		2014		2013
	Employee stock plan repurchased (in shares)	265		598
	Employee stock plan repurchased	$	11,137	$	21,366

Net_Income_Per_Share_Tables

Net Income Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Calculation of Net Income Per Share	'
	The calculation of net income per share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 is reflected in the following table (in thousands, except per share amounts):
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2014			2013			2014		2013
	Basic net income per share:
	Net income	$	85,184		$	66,358		$	221,875	$	185,310
	Income allocated to participating securities—basic	—			—			—		3
	Net income available to common stockholders—basic	$	85,184		$	66,358		$	221,875	$	185,307
	Basic weighted average shares	134,054			135,727			134,690		136,469
	Basic net income per share	$	0.64		$	0.49		$	1.65	$	1.36
	Diluted net income per share:
	Net income	$	85,184		$	66,358		$	221,875	$	185,310
	Income allocated to participating securities—diluted	—			—			—		3
	Net income available to common stockholders—diluted	$	85,184		$	66,358		$	221,875	$	185,307
	Basic weighted average shares	134,054			135,727			134,690		136,469
	Dilutive effect of potential common shares	1,312			1,514			1,050		1,290
	Diluted weighted average shares	135,366			137,241			135,740		137,759
	Diluted net income per share	$	0.63		$	0.48		$	1.63	$	1.35
Weighted Average Diluted Common Shares Outstanding	'
	The weighted average diluted common shares outstanding for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, excludes the effect of the following (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended			Nine Months Ended
		September 30,			September 30,
		2014		2013	2014		2013
	Total number of anti-dilutive potential common shares	—		386	1		188

Business_Segments_Tables

Business Segments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Reconciliation of Revenue and Operating Income by Reportable Segment to Consolidated Results	'
	The following table provides a reconciliation of revenue and operating income by reportable segment to consolidated results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Net service revenues
	Temporary and consultant staffing	$	954,225		$	847,886		$	2,722,833		$	2,513,377
	Permanent placement staffing	102,345			88,222			297,797			261,946
	Risk consulting and internal audit services	167,738			139,011			452,934			386,708
		$	1,224,308		$	1,075,119		$	3,473,564		$	3,162,031
	Operating income
	Temporary and consultant staffing	$	97,660		$	76,532		$	263,901		$	226,293
	Permanent placement staffing	21,380			13,691			61,103			41,753
	Risk consulting and internal audit services	19,213			13,690			39,011			26,166
		138,253			103,913			364,015			294,212
	Amortization of intangible assets	—			433			557			1,300
	Interest income, net	(108		)	(233		)	(570		)	(773		)
	Income before income taxes	$	138,361		$	103,713		$	364,028		$	293,685

Subsequent_Events_Tables

Subsequent Events (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Subsequent Events [Abstract]	'
Subsequent Events	'
	On October 29, 2014, the Company announced the following:
	Quarterly dividend per share		$0.18
	Declaration date	October 29, 2014
	Record date	November 25, 2014
	Payment date	December 15, 2014

Summary_of_Significant_Account3

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Advertising costs	$11,251	$9,522	$30,881	$29,103
Internal-use software development costs	$7,010	$3,913	$17,846	$7,980

Other_Current_Assets_Detail

Other Current Assets (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Deposits in trusts for employee benefits and retirement plans	$174,355	$149,391
Other	65,275	82,587
Other current assets	$239,630	$231,978

Property_and_Equipment_Net_Com

Property and Equipment, Net - Components of Property and Equipment (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]	'	'
Computer hardware	$149,644	$148,541
Computer software	305,823	288,532
Furniture and equipment	105,504	111,426
Leasehold improvements	113,732	118,868
Other	8,990	11,488
Property and equipment, cost	683,693	678,855
Accumulated depreciation	-573,985	-566,211
Property and equipment, net	$109,708	$112,644

Accrued_Payroll_Costs_and_Reti2

Accrued Payroll Costs and Retirement Obligations (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]	'	'
Payroll and benefits	$314,090	$238,252
Employee retirement obligations	99,982	96,461
Workers' compensation	28,574	26,671
Payroll taxes	25,401	34,658
Total accrued payroll costs and retirement obligations	468,047	396,042
Chief Executive Officer	'	'
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Excluding Share-based Payments and Postretirement Benefits [Line Items]	'	'
Deferred compensation plan and other benefits related to the Company's Chief Executive Officer	$78,055	$75,745

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	0 Months Ended
	Apr. 23, 2010	Mar. 13, 2014	Sep. 05, 2014
	David Opalinski and James McCabe	Leonor Rodriguez	Pending Litigation
			Theresa Daniels
Commitment And Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Allegations loss	$0	$0	'
Loss contingency	'	'	$0

Stockholders_Equity_Additional

Stockholders' Equity - Additional Information (Detail)	Sep. 30, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Equity [Abstract]	'
Maximum number of shares authorized to be repurchased	5.5

Stockholders_Equity_Number_and

Stockholders' Equity - Number and Cost of Common Stock Shares Repurchased (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Equity [Abstract]	'	'
Common stock repurchased (in shares)	2,543	2,779
Common stock repurchased	$115,694	$97,594

Stockholders_Equity_Number_and1

Stockholders' Equity - Number and Cost of Employee Stock Plan Repurchases (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Equity [Abstract]	'	'
Employee stock plan repurchased (in shares)	265	598
Employee stock plan repurchased	$11,137	$21,366

Net_Income_Per_Share_Calculati

Net Income Per Share - Calculation of Net Income Per Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net income	$85,184	$66,358	$221,875	$185,310
Income allocated to participating securities-basic	0	0	0	3
Net income available to common stockholders-basic	85,184	66,358	221,875	185,307
Basic weighted average shares	134,054	135,727	134,690	136,469
Basic net income per share	$0.64	$0.49	$1.65	$1.36
Net income	85,184	66,358	221,875	185,310
Income allocated to participating securities-diluted	0	0	0	3
Net income available to common stockholders—diluted	$85,184	$66,358	$221,875	$185,307
Basic weighted average shares	134,054	135,727	134,690	136,469
Dilutive effect of potential common shares	1,312	1,514	1,050	1,290
Diluted weighted average shares	135,366	137,241	135,740	137,759
Diluted net income per share	$0.63	$0.48	$1.63	$1.35

Net_Income_Per_Share_Weighted_

Net Income Per Share - Weighted Average Diluted Common Shares Outstanding (Details)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Total number of anti-dilutive potential common shares	0	386	1	188

Business_Segments_Additional_I

Business Segments - Additional Information (Detail)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
	Segment
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Number of reportable segments	3

Business_Segments_Reconciliati

Business Segments Reconciliation of Revenue and Operating Income by Reportable Segment (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net service revenues	$1,224,308	$1,075,119	$3,473,564	$3,162,031
Operating income	138,253	103,913	364,015	294,212
Amortization of intangible assets	0	433	557	1,300
Interest income, net	-108	-233	-570	-773
Income before income taxes	138,361	103,713	364,028	293,685
Temporary and consultant staffing	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net service revenues	954,225	847,886	2,722,833	2,513,377
Operating income	97,660	76,532	263,901	226,293
Permanent placement staffing	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net service revenues	102,345	88,222	297,797	261,946
Operating income	21,380	13,691	61,103	41,753
Risk consulting and internal audit services	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net service revenues	167,738	139,011	452,934	386,708
Operating income	$19,213	$13,690	$39,011	$26,166

Subsequent_Events_Dividend_Ann

Subsequent Events Dividend Announced (Details) (Subsequent Event, USD $)	0 Months Ended
	Oct. 29, 2014	Oct. 29, 2014
Subsequent Event	'	'
Subsequent Event [Line Items]	'	'
Quarterly dividend per share	'	$0.18
Declaration date	29-Oct-14	'
Record date	25-Nov-14	'
Payment date	15-Dec-14	'