XML 40 R44.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v2.4.0.6

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 4) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified | 3 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended
--- | --- | ---
Dec. 31, 2011 | Sep. 30, 2011 | Jun. 30, 2011 | Mar. 31, 2011 | Dec. 31, 2010 | Sep. 30, 2010 | Jun. 30, 2010 | Mar. 31, 2010 | Dec. 31, 2011 | Dec. 31, 2010 | Dec. 31, 2009
Consolidated financial information of the Company's operations by geographic location |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Net sales | $ 2,033.9 | $ 2,138.6 | $ 2,049.5 | $ 1,912.7 | $ 1,584.3 | $ 1,653.8 | $ 1,620.6 | $ 1,454.1 | $ 8,134.7 | $ 6,312.8 | $ 5,318.1
Long-lived assets | 3,331.2 |  |  |  | 2,968.0 |  |  |  | 3,331.2 | 2,968.0 | 2,915.9
Share-Based Compensation |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Share-based compensation expense |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 21.3 | 17.3 | 15.5
Income Taxes |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Minimum percentage of likelihood of realization of tax benefits on settlement |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 50.00% |  |
Foreign Currencies |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Net gain (loss) resulting from foreign currency transactions |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (5.9) | 0.2 | 0.2
United States |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Consolidated financial information of the Company's operations by geographic location |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Net sales |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 7,647.4 | 6,023.6 | 5,122.2
Long-lived assets | 3,035.1 |  |  |  | 2,807.8 |  |  |  | 3,035.1 | 2,807.8 | 2,762.6
Foreign Countries |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Consolidated financial information of the Company's operations by geographic location |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Net sales |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 487.3 | 289.2 | 195.9
Long-lived assets | $ 296.1 |  |  |  | $ 160.2 |  |  |  | $ 296.1 | $ 160.2 | $ 153.3

X
- Details
Name: | rs_IncomeTaxesAbstract
Namespace Prefix: | rs_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Represents the details of uncertain tax positions not recognized if the likelihood of being sustained is less than a specified percentage. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | rs_UncertainTaxPositionsNotRecognizedPercentageOfLikelihoodOfBeingSustained
Namespace Prefix: | rs_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Sum of the carrying amounts as of the balance sheet date of all assets that are expected to be realized in cash, sold or consumed after one year or beyond the normal operating cycle, if longer. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 18 -Article 5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.10-17) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrent
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_ForeignCurrencyTransactionAbstract
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The aggregate foreign currency transaction gain (loss) (both realized and unrealized) included in determining net income for the reporting period. Excludes foreign currency transactions designated as hedges of net investment in a foreign entity and intercompany foreign currency transactions that are of a long-term nature, when the entities to the transaction are consolidated, combined, or accounted for by the equity method in the reporting enterprise's financial statements. For certain enterprises, primarily banks, that are dealers in foreign exchange, foreign currency transaction gains (losses) may be disclosed as dealer gains (losses). + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 830 -SubTopic 20 -Section 45 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6450189&loc=d3e30690-110894 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 52 -Paragraph 30 -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 830 -SubTopic 20 -Section 45 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6450189&loc=d3e30700-110894 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 830 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6450222&loc=d3e30840-110895 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_ForeignCurrencyTransactionGainLossBeforeTax
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_RevenuesFromExternalCustomersAndLongLivedAssetsLineItems
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Total revenue from sale of goods and services rendered during the reporting period, in the normal course of business, reduced by sales returns and allowances, and sales discounts. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Article 5 -Section 03 -Paragraph 1 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 225 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.1) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6880815&loc=d3e20235-122688 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The aggregate amount of noncash, equity-based employee remuneration. This may include the value of stock or unit options, amortization of restricted stock or units, and adjustment for officers' compensation. As noncash, this element is an add back when calculating net cash generated by operating activities using the indirect method. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 28 -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 28 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6943989&loc=d3e3602-108585 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAbstract
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration