| Cover | Jan. 29, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Document Period End Date | Jan. 29, 2020 |
| Entity File Number | 1-8726 |
| Entity Registrant Name | RPC, INC. |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000742278 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 58-1550825 |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 2801 Buford Highway NE |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | Suite 300 |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Atlanta |
| Entity Address, State or Province | GA |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 30329 |
| City Area Code | 404 |
| Local Phone Number | 321-2140 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, $0.10 par value |
| Trading Symbol | RES |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
