XML 78 R64.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v3.6.0.2

Convertible Notes (Narrative) (Details) |  |  | 12 Months Ended |  |  |
--- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | ---
Aug. 16, 2013 USD ($) $ / shares | Jun. 29, 2009 USD ($) shares $ / shares | Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2013 USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($) | Jul. 10, 2009 USD ($) | Jun. 28, 2009 USD ($)
Events of default |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Additional paid in capital |  |  | $ 1,181,230,000 |  |  | $ 1,130,368,000 |  |
Convertible notes |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Events of default |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Additional paid in capital |  |  | 93,400,000 |  |  | 93,400,000 |  |
Convertible notes | 1.125% Convertible Senior Notes due 2018 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Face Value | $ 138,000,000 |  | $ 138,000,000 |  |  | $ 138,000,000 |  |
Liability Component, Principal amount | 107,700,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Equity Component, Principal amount | $ 30,300,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt discount amortization period | 5 years |  | 20 months |  |  |  |  |
Stated Interest rate (as a percent) | 1.125% |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Issuance Cost, Convertible, Liability Component | $ 2,800,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Issuance Cost, Convertible, Equity Component | $ 800,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument, Term | 5 years |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Issuance Costs, Gross | $ 3,600,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Conversion rate, number of shares to be issued per $1000 of principal (in shares) | 82.8329 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Principal amount of notes used as the denominator to determine number of shares converted into notes | $ 1,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Initial conversion price of notes (in dollars per share) | $ / shares | $ 12.07 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Number of trading days within 30 consecutive trading days in which the closing price of the entity's common stock must exceed the conversion price for the notes to be redeemable, minimum | 20 days |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Number of consecutive trading days during which the closing price of the entity's common stock must exceed the conversion price for at least 20 days in order for the notes to be redeemable | 30 days |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Percentage of the closing sales price of the entity's common stock that the conversion price must exceed in order for the notes to be convertible | 130.00% |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Number of business days immediately after any ten consecutive trading day period during the note measurement period | 5 days |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Number of consecutive trading days before the five business days during the debt instrument measurement period | 5 days |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Denomination of the principal amount of notes used to calculate the percent of trading price during the debt instrument measurement period | $ 1,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Maximum conversion price as a percentage of closing stock price | 98.00% |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Percentage of face amount of debt instrument redeemable at the company's option | 100.00% |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Events of default |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Period of default in payment of interest (in days) | 30 days |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Period of default to comply with other agreements (in days) | 60 days |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Minimum percentage of aggregate outstanding principal required for default event with other agreements | 25.00% |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Minimum principal amount of debt nonpayment required for debt default to occur | $ 40,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Period of nonpayment of principal amount required for debt default to occur (in days) | 30 days |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Minimum percentage of aggregate outstanding principal required for nonpayment of debt default to occur | 25.00% |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Minimum percentage of aggregate outstanding principal required for immediate payment declaration to occur | 25.00% |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Convertible notes | 5% Convertible Senior Notes due 2014 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Face Value |  | $ 150,000,000 |  |  |  |  | $ 22,500,000 |
Liability Component, Principal amount |  | 92,400,000 |  |  |  |  | 14,300,000 |
Equity Component, Principal amount |  | $ 57,600,000 |  |  |  |  | $ 8,200,000 |
Debt discount amortization period |  | 5 years |  |  |  |  |  |
Stated Interest rate (as a percent) |  | 5.00% |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Issuance Cost, Convertible, Liability Component |  | $ 3,200,000 |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Issuance Cost, Convertible, Equity Component |  | $ 1,900,000 |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument, Term |  | 5 years |  |  |  |  |  |
Periodic interest payment |  |  |  | $ 4,300,000 | $ 8,600,000 |  |  |
Debt Issuance Costs, Gross |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 5,100,000
Conversion rate, number of shares to be issued per $1000 of principal (in shares) |  | 51.8 |  |  |  |  |  |
Principal amount of notes used as the denominator to determine number of shares converted into notes |  | $ 1,000 |  |  |  |  |  |
Initial conversion price of notes (in dollars per share) | $ / shares |  | $ 19.31 |  |  |  |  |  |
Number of trading days within 30 consecutive trading days in which the closing price of the entity's common stock must exceed the conversion price for the notes to be redeemable, minimum |  | 20 days |  |  |  |  |  |
Number of consecutive trading days during which the closing price of the entity's common stock must exceed the conversion price for at least 20 days in order for the notes to be redeemable |  | 30 days |  |  |  |  |  |
Percentage of the closing sales price of the entity's common stock that the conversion price must exceed in order for the notes to be convertible |  | 130.00% |  |  |  |  |  |
Number of business days immediately after any ten consecutive trading day period during the note measurement period |  | 5 days |  |  |  |  |  |
Number of consecutive trading days before the five business days during the debt instrument measurement period |  | 10 days |  |  |  |  |  |
Denomination of the principal amount of notes used to calculate the percent of trading price during the debt instrument measurement period |  | $ 1,000 |  |  |  |  |  |
Maximum conversion price as a percentage of closing stock price |  | 98.00% |  |  |  |  |  |
Number of trading days conversion reference period |  | 20 days |  |  |  |  |  |
Number of consecutive trading days during which the closing price of the entity's common stock must exceed the conversion price for at least 20 days in order for the notes to be redeemable at the company's option |  | 30 days |  |  |  |  |  |
Percentage of face amount of debt instrument redeemable at the company's option |  | 100.00% |  |  |  |  |  |
Number of trading days within 30 consecutive trading days in which the closing price of the entity's common stock must exceed the conversion price for the notes to be redeemable at the company's option, minimum |  | 20 days |  |  |  |  |  |
Percentage of the closing sales price of the entity's common stock that the conversion price must exceed in order for the notes to be redeemable at the company's option |  | 130.00% |  |  |  |  |  |
Percentage of face amount which may be redeemed by the debt holder for cash upon occurrence of a fundamental change |  | 100.00% |  |  |  |  |  |
Maximum increase in conversion rate per $1000 principal amount upon occurrence of fundamental change | shares |  | 15.5401 |  |  |  |  |  |
Events of default |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Period of default in payment of interest (in days) |  | 30 days |  |  |  |  |  |
Period of default to comply with other agreements (in days) |  | 60 days |  |  |  |  |  |
Minimum percentage of aggregate outstanding principal required for default event with other agreements |  | 25.00% |  |  |  |  |  |
Minimum principal amount of debt nonpayment required for debt default to occur |  | $ 30,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |
Period of nonpayment of principal amount required for debt default to occur (in days) |  | 10 days |  |  |  |  |  |
Minimum percentage of aggregate outstanding principal required for nonpayment of debt default to occur |  | 25.00% |  |  |  |  |  |
Minimum percentage of aggregate outstanding principal required for immediate payment declaration to occur |  | 25.00% |  |  |  |  |  |
Convertible Senior Notes [Member] | 1.125% Convertible Senior Notes due 2018 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Stated Interest rate (as a percent) | 1.125% |  | 1.125% | 1.125% |  | 1.125% |  |
Convertible Senior Notes [Member] | 5% Convertible Senior Notes due 2014 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Stated Interest rate (as a percent) |  |  |  | 5.00% |  |  |  |
Events of default |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Repayments of Debt |  |  |  | $ 172,500,000 |  |  |  |

X
- Definition Represents the percentage of the closing sales price of the entity's common stock for at least 20 days within 30 consecutive trading days that the closing sales price of the entity's common stock must exceed the applicable conversion price in order for the debt instruments to be redeemable at the reporting entity's option. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | rmbs_ConvertibleDebtInstrumentCompanyRedemptionOptionCommonStockClosingSalesPriceAsPercentageOfConversionPrice
Namespace Prefix: | rmbs_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The minimum number of trading days within a period of 30 consecutive trading days in which the closing price of the reporting entity's common stock must exceed the applicable conversion price in order for the debt instruments to be eligible for redemption at the reporting entity's option. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | rmbs_ConvertibleDebtInstrumentCompanyRedemptionOptionCommonStockClosingSalesPriceNumberOfTradingDaysMinimum
Namespace Prefix: | rmbs_
Data Type: | xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The consecutive number of trading days during which the closing price of the reporting entity's common stock must exceed the applicable conversion price in order for the debt instruments to be eligible for redemption at the reporting entity's option. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | rmbs_ConvertibleDebtInstrumentCompanyRedemptionOptionNumberOfConsecutiveTradingDays
Namespace Prefix: | rmbs_
Data Type: | xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The percentage of the face amount of the debt instrument which may be redeemed by the entity for cash at the reporting entity's option if certain conditions are met. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | rmbs_ConvertibleDebtInstrumentCompanyRedemptionOptionPercentageOfFaceAmountRedeemable
Namespace Prefix: | rmbs_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The percentage of the face amount of the debt instrument which may be redeemed by the debt holder for cash upon occurrence of a fundamental change. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | rmbs_ConvertibleDebtInstrumentPercentageOfFaceAmountRedeemableIfFundamentalChange
Namespace Prefix: | rmbs_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Represents the maximum additional conversion ratio up to which the entity can increase the conversion rate, in connection with certain fundamental changes as defined in the indenture. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | rmbs_DebtInstrumentAdditionalConvertibleConversionRatioMaximum
Namespace Prefix: | rmbs_
Data Type: | xbrli:decimalItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Represents the percentage of the closing sales price of the entity's common stock for at least 20 days within 30 consecutive trading days that the closing sales price of the entity's common stock must exceed the applicable conversion price in order for the debt instruments to be convertible. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | rmbs_DebtInstrumentConversionObligationCommonStockClosingSalesPriceAsPercentageOfConversionPrice
Namespace Prefix: | rmbs_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The minimum number of trading days within a period of 30 consecutive trading days in which the closing price of the reporting entity's common stock must exceed the applicable conversion price in order for the debt instruments to be convertible. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | rmbs_DebtInstrumentConversionObligationCommonStockClosingSalesPriceNumberOfTradingDaysMinimum
Namespace Prefix: | rmbs_
Data Type: | xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Represents the number of business days immediately after any 10 consecutive trading day period during the debt instrument measurement period. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | rmbs_DebtInstrumentConversionObligationNumberOfBusinessDaysAfterConsecutiveTradingDayPeriod
Namespace Prefix: | rmbs_
Data Type: | xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The consecutive number of trading days during which the closing price of the reporting entity's common stock must exceed the applicable conversion price in order for the debt instruments to be convertible. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | rmbs_DebtInstrumentConversionObligationNumberOfConsecutiveTradingDays
Namespace Prefix: | rmbs_
Data Type: | xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Represents the number of trading days conversion reference period specified in the Indenture. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | rmbs_DebtInstrumentConversionObligationNumberOfTradingDaysConversionReferencePeriod
Namespace Prefix: | rmbs_
Data Type: | xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Represents the number of consecutive trading days prior to the five business days during the debt instrument measurement period. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | rmbs_DebtInstrumentConversionObligationPeriodOfConsecutiveTradingDays
Namespace Prefix: | rmbs_
Data Type: | xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Represents the denomination of the principal amount of debt used to calculate the percent of trading price during the debt instrument measurement period. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | rmbs_DebtInstrumentConversionObligationPrincipalAmountDenominationForTradingPriceCalculation
Namespace Prefix: | rmbs_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Represents the percentage of the trading price of each debt instrument to the conversion value of the debt instrument that the trading price must be less than in order for the debt instruments to be convertible. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | rmbs_DebtInstrumentConversionPriceAsPercentageOfClosingStockPriceMaximum
Namespace Prefix: | rmbs_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The carrying amount of the liability component of convertible debt, which may be settled in cash upon conversion. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | rmbs_DebtInstrumentConvertibleCarryingAmountOfTheLiabilityComponent
Namespace Prefix: | rmbs_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The minimum percentage of the aggregate outstanding principal that is required for a nonpayment of debt default event to occur. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | rmbs_DebtInstrumentDefaultForNonpaymentPercentOfPrincipalOutstandingMinimum
Namespace Prefix: | rmbs_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The minimum percentage of the aggregate outstanding principal that is required for a declaration of immediate payment to occur. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | rmbs_DebtInstrumentDefaultPercentOfPrincipalOutstandingMinimumForImmediatePaymentDeclaration
Namespace Prefix: | rmbs_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Represent the period of default in payment of any interest. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | rmbs_DebtInstrumentDefaultPeriodForNonpaymentOfPeriodicInterest
Namespace Prefix: | rmbs_
Data Type: | xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The number of days of debt nonpayment for a debt default event to occur. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | rmbs_DebtInstrumentDefaultPeriodForNonpaymentOfPrincipalAmount
Namespace Prefix: | rmbs_
Data Type: | xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Represent the number of days of default to comply with the other agreements, after the receipt of written notice. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | rmbs_DebtInstrumentDefaultPeriodToComplyWithOtherAgreements
Namespace Prefix: | rmbs_
Data Type: | xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The minimum principal amount of debt nonpayment for a debt default event to occur. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | rmbs_DebtInstrumentDefaultPrincipalAmountNonpaymentMinimum
Namespace Prefix: | rmbs_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The minimum percentage of the aggregate outstanding principal that is required for a default event to occur with other agreements. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | rmbs_DebtInstrumentDefaultWithOtherAgreementsPercentOfPrincipalOutstandingMinimum
Namespace Prefix: | rmbs_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The principal amount of debt used as the denominator to determine the number of shares that the debt can be converted into at the exchange rate. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | rmbs_DebtInstrumentPrincipalAmountDenominatorForConversionIntoCommonStock
Namespace Prefix: | rmbs_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Debt Issuance Cost, Convertible, Equity Component + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | rmbs_DebtIssuanceCostConvertibleEquityComponent
Namespace Prefix: | rmbs_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Debt Issuance Cost, Convertible, Liability Component + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | rmbs_DebtIssuanceCostConvertibleLiabilityComponent
Namespace Prefix: | rmbs_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Value received from shareholders in common stock-related transactions that are in excess of par value or stated value and amounts received from other stock-related transactions. Includes only common stock transactions (excludes preferred stock transactions). May be called contributed capital, capital in excess of par, capital surplus, or paid-in capital. + References Reference 1: 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(30)(a)(1)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalCommonStock
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtDefaultLongtermDebtAbstract
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The carrying amount of the equity component of convertible debt which may be settled in cash upon conversion. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 4 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928298&loc=SL6031897-161870 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleCarryingAmountOfTheEquityComponent
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The price per share of the conversion feature embedded in the debt instrument. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 5 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928298&loc=SL6031898-161870 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleConversionPrice1
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | num:perShareItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Ratio applied to the conversion of debt instrument into equity with equity shares divided by debt principal amount. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 505 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 6 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21506-112644 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Glossary Conversion Rate -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6509012 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22(a)(5)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 505 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21475-112644 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 505 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 7 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21521-112644 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleConversionRatio1
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:pureItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Remaining amortization period for discount on the liability component of convertible debt which may be settled in cash upon conversion, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 5 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928298&loc=SL6031898-161870 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleRemainingDiscountAmortizationPeriod1
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Face (par) amount of debt instrument at time of issuance. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 835 -SubTopic 30 -Section 55 -Paragraph 8 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=64930739&loc=d3e28878-108400 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 835 -SubTopic 30 -Section 45 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=64930785&loc=d3e28551-108399 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Contractual interest rate for funds borrowed, under the debt agreement. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22(a)(1)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Line items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Period of time between issuance and maturity of debt instrument, in PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTerm
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount, before accumulated amortization, of debt issuance costs. Includes, but is not limited to, legal, accounting, underwriting, printing, and registration costs. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 835 -SubTopic 30 -Section 45 -Paragraph 3 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=64930785&loc=d3e28555-108399 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsGross
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The amount of cash paid for interest during the period. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6367179&loc=d3e4297-108586 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 25 -Subparagraph (e) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=66902209&loc=d3e3536-108585 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_InterestPaid
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The cash outflow during the period from the repayment of aggregate short-term and long-term debt. Excludes payment of capital lease obligations. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_RepaymentsOfDebt
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis=us-gaap_ConvertibleNotesPayableMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=rmbs_SeniorOnePointOneTwoFivePercentConvertibleNotesDueTwoThousandEighteenMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=rmbs_Senior5PercentConvertibleNotesDue2014Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis=rmbs_ConvertibleSeniorNotesMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |