XML 97 R53.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v2.4.0.8

Short Term Investments - Available for Sale - Additional Information (Detail) | 12 Months Ended
--- | ---
Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items] |  |
Short term investments average maturity period | 1.6 years | 1.7 years

X
- Definition Short Term Available For Sale Investments Average Remaining Maturity Period + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | iclr_ShortTermAvailableForSaleInvestmentsAverageRemainingMaturityPeriod
Namespace Prefix: | iclr_
Data Type: | us-types:durationStringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

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