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Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified | 12 Months Ended
--- | ---
Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2011
Operating Lease Obligations [Line Items] |  |  |
Non-cancelable operating leases for facilities expiration period | 10 years |  |
Operating leases rental expense | $ 54.9 | $ 52.5 | $ 52.2

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- Definition Lease Expiration Period + References No definition available. + Details
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Namespace Prefix: | iclr_
Data Type: | xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

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- Details
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Namespace Prefix: | iclr_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

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- Definition Rental expense for the reporting period incurred under operating leases, including minimum and any contingent rent expense, net of related sublease income. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 840 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6453985&loc=d3e41499-112717 + Details
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Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
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Period Type: | duration