Employee Stock Option [Member]
Document And Entity Information
Other Significant Noncash Transaction [Axis]
Note To Financial Statement Details Textual
Investments
Sales Revenue, Goods, Net [Member]
Restricted Stock [Member]
statementsignificantaccountingpoliciespolicies
Other Significant Noncash Transaction, Name [Domain]
statementnote2significantaccountingpoliciestables
Antidilutive Securities [Axis]
statementnote3supplierconcentrationtables
statementnote4accountsreceivabletables
Product Concentration Risk [Member]
statementnote5inventoriestables
Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain]
statementnote6valuationaccountstables
Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis]
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
statementnote7floorplannotespayableandlinesofcredittables
statementnote8longtermdebttables
Concentration Risk Type [Axis]
statementnote9financialinstrumentsandfairvaluetables
Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain]
statementnote10leasingactivitiestables
us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense
statementnote11sharebasedcompensationandemployeebenefitplanstables
Concentration Risk Type [Domain]
statementnote12earningspersharetables
Change in customer deposits
statementnote13incometaxestables
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
statementnote15acquisitionstables
us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperations
Net income available to common shareholders
statementnote17unauditedquarterlyfinancialdatatables
statementnote16accumulatedothercomprehensiveincometables
statementnote2propertyandequipmentdetails
Dallas Truck Center, Inc. [Member]
The acquisition of Dallas Truck Center, Inc.
us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss
Net income
Net income
statementnote18segmentstables
statementnote2fairvalueassumptiondetails
Peterbilt of Las Vegas, Inc. [Member]
The acquisition of Peterbilt of Las Vegas, Inc.
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block]
statementnote2goodwilldetails
statementnote4accountsreceivabledetails
statementnote3majorsuppliersanddealershipagreementsdetails
statementnote6valuationandallowanceaccountsdetails
statementnote5inventoriesdetails
Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block]
statementnote8longtermdebtdetails
Change in accrued expenses
statementnote7assetspledgedascollateraldetails
statementnote9investmentinauctionratesecuritiesfairvaluedetails
us-gaap_AdvertisingExpense
Advertising Expense
statementnote8debtmaturitiesdetails
statementnote9fairvaluesofderivativeinstrumentsdetails
statementnote9investmentinauctionratesecuritiesdetails
statementnote10futureminimumrentalreceivabledetails
statementnote10futureminimumleasepaymentsunderoperatingleasesdetails
statementnote9pretaxeffectofinterestrateswapsdetails
statementnote10futureminimumleasepaymentsundercapitalandnoncancelablevehicleleasesdetails
statementnote11nonvestedrestrictedstockawardsandrsusdetails
statementnote12earningspersharecalculationdetails
us-gaap_DepreciationAndAmortization
Depreciation and amortization
statementnote11stockoptiondetails
statementnote11nonvestedoptionsdetails
statementnote13reconciliationdetails
statementnote13componentsofincometaxesrelatedtoothercomprehensiveincomedetails
statementnote12antidilutivesecuritiesdetails
Vehicle Leases as Lessee 1 [Member]
Represents the vehicle leases as lessee.
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
statementnote13incometaxexpensebenefitsdetails
us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets
Amortization of Intangible Assets
statementnote15purchasepriceallocationdetails
statementnote16accumulatedothercomprehensivelossdetails
statementnote13deferredtaxassetsandliabilitiesdetails
statementnote13unrecognizedtaxbenefitsdetails
Notes To Financial Statements
us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities
Available-for-sale Securities
statementnote18segmentreportinginformationdetails
statementnote17quarterlyfinancialdatadetails
statementnote16lossreclassifiedfromaccumulatedothercomprehensivelossintoearningsdetails
Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]
Cash flows from investing activities:
us-gaap_ImpairmentOfLongLivedAssetsHeldForUse
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Held-for-use
Prepaid expenses and other
us-gaap_IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToShareBasedPaymentArrangements
Employee and director stock options and restricted share awards (in shares)
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year
Unpaid Policy Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Policy [Policy Text Block]
us-gaap_CapitalLeasesLesseeBalanceSheetAssetsByMajorClassPropertyPlantAndEquipmentOtherAccumulatedDepreciation
Capital Leases, Lessee Balance Sheet, Assets by Major Class, Property, Plant, and Equipment Other, Accumulated Depreciation
us-gaap_CapitalLeasesLesseeBalanceSheetAssetsByMajorClassOtherPropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet
Capital Leases, Lessee Balance Sheet, Assets by Major Class, Other Property, Plant, and Equipment, Net
Acquired research and development
us-gaap_InterestExpense
Interest expense
Interest expense
us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsOther
Other
Shares Issued to One Non-Employee Director 2 [Member]
Represents shares issued to one non-employee director 2.
Noncash investing and financing activities:
us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivable
Total
us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxLiabilities
Total
us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivableThereafter
Thereafter
us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivableInFiveYears
2020
CCTTS [Member]
Name of related party.
us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivableInFourYears
2019
Fourth Quarter [Member]
Represents the fourth quarter.
us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivableInThreeYears
2018
Third Quarter [Member]
Represents the third quarter.
us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivableInTwoYears
2017
us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivableCurrent
2016
Second Quarter [Member]
Represents the second quarter.
First Quarter [Member]
Represents the first quarter.
us-gaap_PropertySubjectToOrAvailableForOperatingLeaseNet
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease, Net
us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets1
(Loss) gain on sale of assets
Auction Rate Securities [Member]
us-gaap_PropertySubjectToOrAvailableForOperatingLeaseAccumulatedDepreciation
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease, Accumulated Depreciation
Summary of Valuation Allowance [Table Text Block]
us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance
Fair Value Measurement, Policy [Policy Text Block]
us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceDeferredTaxAssetChangeInAmount
Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset, Increase (Decrease), Amount
us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense
Selling, general and administrative
us-gaap_TableTextBlock
Notes Tables
us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsTaxDeferredExpenseReservesAndAccrualsOther
Capital lease obligations
us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsTaxDeferredExpenseReservesAndAccruals
Accounts receivable
us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsTaxDeferredExpenseReservesAndAccrualsAccruedLiabilities
Accrued liabilities
Business Combinations Policy [Policy Text Block]
us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsLossReclassifiedFromAccumulatedOCIIntoIncomeEffectivePortion
Total reclassifications
us-gaap_Revenues
Total revenue
Revenues from external customers
us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsInventory
Inventory
Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares)
Internal Use Software, Policy [Policy Text Block]
us-gaap_SharesIssued
Balance (in shares)
Balance (in shares)
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)
Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Proceeds from the sale of property and equipment
us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsOtherTaxCarryforwards
State tax credit
Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block]
us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsOperatingLossCarryforwardsSubjectToExpiration
Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, Subject to Expiration
Losses on cash flow swaps to:
us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsOperatingLossCarryforwardsStateAndLocal
State net operating loss carry forward
us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax
Comprehensive income
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Trade accounts payable
us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment
Acquisition of property and equipment
Advertising Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block]
us-gaap_Assets
Total assets
Segment assets
us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsTaxDeferredExpenseCompensationAndBenefitsShareBasedCompensationCost
Stock options
Current liabilities:
us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedFranchiseRights
Indefinite-Lived Franchise Rights
us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTax
Income tax expense
Change in fair value of available-for-sale securities
Property and equipment, net
Total
Allowance for Trade Receivables [Member]
Goodwill, net
Goodwill, balance
Goodwill, balance
Goodwill
us-gaap_NumberOfOperatingSegments
Number of Operating Segments
us-gaap_NumberOfReportableSegments
Number of Reportable Segments
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]
us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross
Land
Accumulated depreciation and amortization
Cost of Sales, Policy [Policy Text Block]
us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet
New and used commercial vehicle sales
us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesChargedToCostAndExpense
Net Charged to Costs and Expenses
us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDeductions
Net Write-Offs
Earnings Per Share [Text Block]
Earnings per share:
us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesBalance
Balance
Balance End of Year
us-gaap_DueFromRelatedParties
Due from Related Parties
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block]
us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIOnDerivativesTax
Income tax benefit
us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilities
Net deferred income tax liability
us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedGainLossOnDerivativesArisingDuringPeriodTax
Change in fair value of cash flow swaps
us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDerivativesQualifyingAsHedgesTax
Income tax expense
Deferred income tax (assets) liabilities:
Proceeds from the sale of available for sale securities
Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table Text Block]
us-gaap_CapitalizedComputerSoftwareNet
Capitalized Computer Software, Net
Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Text Block]
us-gaap_DisclosureTextBlockAbstract
Notes to Financial Statements
us-gaap_CapitalizedComputerSoftwareAccumulatedAmortization
Capitalized Computer Software, Accumulated Amortization
Difference between book and tax basis- Depreciation and amortization
Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Domain]
Debt Instrument, Name [Domain]
Valuation Allowances and Reserves Type [Axis]
Debt Instrument [Axis]
us-gaap_OperatingLeasesIncomeStatementMinimumLeaseRevenue
Operating Leases, Income Statement, Minimum Lease Revenue
us-gaap_DeferredTaxExpenseFromStockOptionsExercised
Paid in capital – stock based compensation
Paid in capital – stock based compensation
us-gaap_OperatingLeasesIncomeStatementContingentRevenue
Operating Leases, Income Statement, Contingent Revenue
Provision for deferred income tax expense
Total deferred
us-gaap_CurrentStateAndLocalTaxExpenseBenefit
State
us-gaap_OperatingLeasesIncomeStatementLeaseRevenue
Lease and rental
us-gaap_DeferredStateAndLocalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
State
us-gaap_AdditionsToOtherAssetsAmount
Expenditures for segment assets
Yancey Truck Centers LLC [Member]
Represents information pertaining to Yancey Truck Centers, LLC.
Granted (in shares)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross
Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block]
Excess tax benefit (expense) from stock-based compensation
Amount of cash inflow (outflow) from realized tax benefit (expense) related to deductible compensation cost reported on the entity's tax return for equity instruments in excess of the compensation cost for those instruments recognized for financial reporting purposes.
us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriod
Forfeited (in shares)
Income taxes, net of refunds
Deferred provision-
us-gaap_CurrentIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
Total current
Current provision-
us-gaap_InterestRateCashFlowHedgeGainLossReclassifiedToEarningsNet
Interest rate swaps
Interest expense
us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
Assets acquired under capital leases
us-gaap_DeferredFederalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
Federal
us-gaap_CurrentFederalTaxExpenseBenefit
Federal
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax
Balance
Balance
Retained earnings
us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueAcquisitions
Issuance of common stock related to business acquisition
us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInFourYears
2019
us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInFiveYears
2020
us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueThereafter
Thereafter
us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueEmployeeStockPurchasePlan
Issuance of common stock under employee stock purchase plan
us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDue
Total
Total minimum lease payments
us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesEmployeeStockPurchasePlans
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Employee Stock Purchase Plans
us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalAfterYearFive
Thereafter
Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block]
us-gaap_OtherSalesRevenueNet
Other
us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueCurrent
2016
us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInTwoYears
2017
us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInThreeYears
2018
us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInNextTwelveMonths
2016
us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesShareBasedCompensation
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures
us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearThree
2018
us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearTwo
2017
us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFive
2020
us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFour
2019
us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesRestrictedStockAwardNetOfForfeitures
Vesting of restricted share awards (in shares)
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]
Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block]
us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised
Stock options exercised and stock awards (including tax benefit of $2,566) (in shares)
Exercised (in shares)
us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercised
Stock options exercised and stock awards
us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueRestrictedStockAwardNetOfForfeitures
Vesting of restricted share awards
us-gaap_InterestRateFairValueHedgeLiabilityAtFairValue
Interest Rate Swaps
us-gaap_TreasuryStockValue
Treasury stock, at cost: 2,616,657 class B shares in 2015 and 2,560,580 class B shares in 2014
us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalShareBasedCompensationEmployeeStockPurchaseProgramRequisiteServicePeriodRecognition
Stock-based compensation related to stock options, restricted shares and employee stock purchase plan
us-gaap_CapitalLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInFiveYears
2020
us-gaap_CapitalLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInFourYears
2019
us-gaap_CapitalLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDue
Total minimum lease payments
us-gaap_CapitalLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueThereafter
Thereafter
us-gaap_CapitalLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueCurrent
2016
us-gaap_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodShares
Common stock repurchases (in shares)
us-gaap_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodValue
Common stock repurchases
us-gaap_CapitalLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInThreeYears
2018
us-gaap_CapitalLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInTwoYears
2017
Concentration Risk Disclosure [Text Block]
Common stock issued related to business acquisition
us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInventories
Change in inventories
us-gaap_CapitalLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsInterestIncludedInPayments
Less amount representing interest
CIT Inc. [Member]
Represents CIT, Inc.
Effingham Truck Sales Inc. [Member]
Represents information pertaining to Effingham Truck Sales, Inc.
us-gaap_CapitalLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsPresentValueOfNetMinimumPayments
Present value of net minimum capital lease payments
us-gaap_ProceedsFromSalesOfBusinessAffiliateAndProductiveAssets
Proceeds from Sales of Business, Affiliate and Productive Assets
us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalIncomeTaxDeficiencyFromShareBasedCompensation
Stock options exercised and stock awards, tax
Reclassifications [Member]
Represents the re-classifications.
us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalTaxEffectFromShareBasedCompensation
Stock options exercised and stock awards, tax
Common stock, par value $.01 per share; 60,000,000 Class A shares and 20,000,000 Class B shares authorized; 30,303,818 Class A shares and 10,093,305 Class B shares outstanding in 2015; and 29,889,332 Class A shares and 9,999,122 Class B shares outstanding in 2014
Construction Contracts for Facilities [Member]
Represents the construction contracts for facilities.
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)
us-gaap_InterestIncomeExpenseNet
Total interest expense, net
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)
us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearFive
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five
Truck Parts Depot, Inc. [Member]
Represents Truck Parts Depot, Inc.
us-gaap_GoodwillPurchaseAccountingAdjustments
Adjustment
Revenues:
us-gaap_CommonStockCapitalSharesReservedForFutureIssuance
Common Stock, Capital Shares Reserved for Future Issuance
Information Technology Contracts [Member]
Represents the information technology contracts.
us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInReceivables
Change in accounts receivable, net
North Florida Truck Parts, Inc. [Member]
Represents North Florida Truck Parts, Inc.
us-gaap_GoodwillAcquiredDuringPeriod
Acquisitions
House of Trucks, Inc. [Member]
Represents House of Trucks, Inc.
Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block]
Preferred stock, par value $.01 per share; 1,000,000 shares authorized; 0 shares outstanding in 2015 and 2014
Inventory Disclosure [Text Block]
Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]
us-gaap_PurchaseCommitmentRemainingMinimumAmountCommitted
Purchase Commitment, Remaining Minimum Amount Committed
Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table Text Block]
Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block]
us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidDeferredExpenseAndOtherAssets
Change in prepaid expenses and other, net
Derivative, by Nature [Axis]
Derivative, Name [Domain]
us-gaap_DerivativeBasisSpreadOnVariableRate
Derivative, Basis Spread on Variable Rate
Treasury stock, shares (in shares)
Purchase Commitment, Excluding Long-term Commitment [Axis]
Purchase Commitment, Excluding Long-term Commitment [Domain]
us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAvailableForSaleSecuritiesAdjustmentNetOfTax
Balance
Balance
Rush 401 Plan [Member]
Represents the “Rush 401k Plan”, which is available to all Company employees and the employees of certain affiliates.
rusha_ContributionPlanPeriodForEligibility
Contribution Plan Period for Eligibility
Represents the contribution plan period for eligibility.
us-gaap_GrossProfit
Gross profit
Gross profit
Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block]
us-gaap_CostOfRevenue
Total cost of products sold
Employees with More Than Five Years of Service [Member]
Represents employees with more than five years of service.
Employees with Less than Five Years of Service [Member]
Represents employees with less than five years of service.
Deferred Compensation Plan [Member]
Represents the Rush Enterprises, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan (the “Deferred Compensation Plan”) pursuant to which selected employees and directors may elect to defer a portion of their annual compensation.
rusha_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualVestedPercentage
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Vested Percentage
Deferred compensation arrangement with an individual's vested percentage.
us-gaap_PriorPeriodReclassificationAdjustment
Prior Period Reclassification Adjustment
us-gaap_ProductWarrantyAccrualPayments
Warranty claims
us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life
Change in trade accounts payable
us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1
Concentration Risk, Percentage
us-gaap_CashSurrenderValueOfLifeInsurance
Cash Surrender Value of Life Insurance
Income tax expense (benefit) related to components of other comprehensive income:
us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseNextTwelveMonths
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months
us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss
Operating income
Operating income
us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearTwo
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two
us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearThree
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three
us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearFour
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four
us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInterest
Interest income
us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossCumulativeChangesInNetGainLossFromCashFlowHedgesEffectNetOfTax
Balance
Balance
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain]
Computer Software, Intangible Asset [Member]
us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition
us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized
rusha_DebtInstrumentWorkingCapitalFeePercentage
Debt Instrument, Working Capital Fee Percentage
Working capital fee percentage.
Amendment Flag
Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]
Income Statement Location [Domain]
rusha_DebtInstrumentPrepaymentProcessingFeeAmount
Debt Instrument, Prepayment Processing Fee Amount
Amount of prepayment processing fee payable to lenders.
us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock
Common stock repurchased
Income Statement Location [Axis]
Plan Name [Domain]
Plan Name [Axis]
Lease Arrangement, Type [Domain]
If Terminated After July 11, 2015 [Member]
Represents the situation if terminated after July 11, 2015.
Lease Arrangement, Type [Axis]
Minimum [Member]
Maximum [Member]
Range [Axis]
Range [Domain]
Document Fiscal Year Focus
us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period
Document Fiscal Period Focus
us-gaap_ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised
Proceeds from Stock Options Exercised
Document Period End Date
Former Chairman [Member]
Represents the former chairman.
Current Fiscal Year End Date
us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAuthorized
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized
Sales Taxes, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Disclosure of accounting policy for sales taxes.
Proceeds from issuance of shares relating to employee stock options and employee stock purchases
us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardExpirationPeriod
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Period
Air Transportation Equipment [Member]
Transportation Equipment [Member]
Award Type [Axis]
Cost of products sold:
Entity Current Reporting Status
Entity Voluntary Filers
Operating Leases of Lessee Disclosure [Table Text Block]
Entity Public Float
Entity Filer Category
us-gaap_LongTermDebt
Total
us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeTaxPortionAttributableToParent
Other comprehensive income, before tax
Machinery and Equipment [Member]
Document Type
Other comprehensive income before tax and net of reclassification adjustments:
Investment, Name [Axis]
Income tax expense related to components of other comprehensive income
Income tax expense
Total
Cash paid during the year for:
Balance Sheet Location [Axis]
Change in fair value of interest rate swaps
Changes in fair value
Equity Award [Domain]
Investment, Name [Domain]
Balance Sheet Location [Domain]
us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSold
New and used commercial vehicle sales
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block]
us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueFutureMinimumSubleaseRentals
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Future Minimum Sublease Rentals
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer
Interest Expense [Member]
us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice
Exercised (in dollars per share)
Interest income (expense):
us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice
Granted (in dollars per share)
Other Segments [Member]
Accounts receivable, net
Total
us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice
Forfeited (in dollars per share)
Segments [Domain]
us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableCurrent
Less allowance for bad debt and warranty claims
Segments [Axis]
us-gaap_AccountsReceivableGrossCurrent
Trade receivables
Statement [Table]
Receivable [Domain]
us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice
Balance of Outstanding Options at January 1, 2015 (in dollars per share)
Balance of Outstanding Options at December 31, 2015 (in dollars per share)
Receivable Type [Axis]
us-gaap_LineOfCredit
Long-term Line of Credit
us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedNumberOfShares
Non-vested at January 1, 2015 (in shares)
Non-vested at December 31, 2015 (in shares)
us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedOptionsForfeitedNumberOfShares
Forfeited (in shares)
us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedNumberOfShares
Vested (in shares)
Forfeited (in dollars per share)
us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue
Non-vested at January 1, 2015 (in dollars per share)
Non-vested at December 31, 2015 (in dollars per share)
Vested (in dollars per share)
us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingIntrinsicValue
Balance of Outstanding Options at December 31, 2015
Granted (in dollars per share)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionRate
Related Party Transaction, Rate
Current assets:
us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm2
Balance of Outstanding Options at December 31, 2015
Change in fair value of available-for-sale securities
Changes in fair value
us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAmountsOfTransaction
Related Party Transaction, Amounts of Transaction
us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodTotalIntrinsicValue
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Intrinsic Value
Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table Text Block]
us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedInPeriodFairValue1
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested in Period, Fair Value
Income Statement [Abstract]
us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardPurchasePriceOfCommonStockPercent
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Purchase Price of Common Stock, Percent
us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperations
Net cash provided by financing activities
us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperations
Net cash used in investing activities
Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block]
us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant
us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperations
Net cash provided by operating activities
us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardMaximumNumberOfSharesPerEmployee
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Maximum Number of Shares Per Employee
Credit Facility [Domain]
Credit Facility [Axis]
Loans, Notes, Trade and Other Receivables Disclosure [Text Block]
us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber
Balance of Outstanding Options at January 1, 2015 (in shares)
Balance of Outstanding Options at December 31, 2015 (in shares)
us-gaap_StockholdersEquity
Balance
Balance
Total shareholders’ equity
us-gaap_DerivativeAssetNotionalAmount
Derivative Asset, Notional Amount
us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage
Deferred Bonus and Profit Sharing Arrangements, Individual Contracts, Type of Deferred Compensation [Axis]
Deferred Bonus and Profit Sharing Arrangement, Individual Contract, Type of Deferred Compensation [Domain]
us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRate
Risk-free interest rate
Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares)
us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsWeightedAverageVolatilityRate
Weighted-average stock volatility
us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRate
Expected stock volatility
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)
Leases of Lessee Disclosure [Text Block]
us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedTerm1
Expected life (years)
us-gaap_AcquiredFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsWeightedAverageUsefulLife
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life
Inventories, net
Total
Amended and Restated 2007 Incentive Plan [Member]
Represents the Amended and Restated Rush Enterprises, Inc. 2007 Long-Term Incentive Plan.
Relationship to Entity [Domain]
us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedDividendRate
Expected dividend yield
Title of Individual [Axis]
Customer deposits
us-gaap_OtherInventoryPurchasedGoods
Parts and accessories
Reclassification from Current Deferred Tax Assets to Noncurrent Deferred Tax Assets, Noncurrent Liability Decrease [Member]
Represents a group of guidance that has been adopted early.
us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber
Outstanding Non-vested shares at January 1, 2015 (in shares)
Outstanding Non-vested at December 31, 2015 (in shares)
Reclassification from Current Deferred Tax Assets to Noncurrent Deferred Tax Assets, Current Asset Decrease [Member]
Represents a group of guidance that has been adopted early.
New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption [Axis]
us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestExercisableWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm1
Vested and exercisable at December 31, 2015
rusha_IssuanceOfStockAndCashForNonemployeeDirectorCompensation
Issuance of Stock and Cash for Non-employee Director Compensation
Represents the issuance of stock and cash for compensation to a non-employee director.
us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period
us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod
Vested (in shares)
us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred
us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm1
Expected to vest after December 31, 2015
us-gaap_OtherInventory
Other
us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestExercisableNumber
Vested and exercisable at December 31, 2015 (in shares)
Shares Issued to Four Non-employee Directors [Member]
Represents shares issued to four non-employee directors.
us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestExercisableWeightedAverageExercisePrice
Vested and exercisable at December 31, 2015 (in dollars per share)
us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestExercisableAggregateIntrinsicValue
Vested and exercisable at December 31, 2015
New Accounting Principles, Early Adoption [Domain]
Reclassification from Deferred Tax Assets to Other Deferred Income Tax Liability [Member]
Represents a group of guidance that has been adopted early.
us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingNumber
Expected to vest after December 31, 2015 (in shares)
us-gaap_InventoryValuationReserves
Less allowance
us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice
Expected to vest after December 31, 2015 (in dollars per share)
us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingAggregateIntrinsicValue
Expected to vest after December 31, 2015
us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedInventory
Inventory
us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetImpairment
Goodwill and Intangible Asset Impairment
Note receivable from affiliate
us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssetsReceivables
Accounts receivable
us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodTotalFairValue
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Fair Value
us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerms
Outstanding Non-vested at December 31, 2015
us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssetsPrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssets
Prepaid expenses
us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleEffectOfChangeOnOperatingResults
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Change on Operating Results
rusha_NumberOfEmployeesEligibleToParticipateInStockPurchasePlan
Number of Employees Eligible to Participate in Stock Purchase Plan
The number of employees eligible to participate in the entity's stock purchase plan.
Shares Issued to Three Non-employee Directors [Member]
Represents shares issued to three non-employee directors.
us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax
Other comprehensive income, net of tax
Other comprehensive income
Additional paid-in capital
us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIntangibleAssetsOtherThanGoodwill
Franchise rights
rusha_NumberOfEmployeesParticipatingInStockPurchasePlan
Number of Employees Participating in Stock Purchase Plan
The number of employees participating in the entity's stock purchase plan.
Shareholders’ equity:
us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue
Vested (in dollars per share)
us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue
Outstanding Non-vested shares at January 1, 2015 (in dollars per share)
Outstanding Non-vested at December 31, 2015 (in dollars per share)
us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedPropertyPlantAndEquipment
Property, equipment and capital lease assets
us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeTax
Changes in fair value
Entity Registrant Name
Entity Central Index Key
us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedOtherNoncurrentAssets
Other
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]
us-gaap_PledgedAssetsNotSeparatelyReportedOtherFinancialInstruments
Inventories, new and used vehicles at cost based on specific identification, net of allowance
Contribution Period [Axis]
Information by contribution period.
Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Axis]
us-gaap_PledgedAssetsNotSeparatelyReportedFinanceReceivables
Vehicle sale related accounts receivable
us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentLiabilities
Accrued expenses
Accrued expenses
Contribution Period [Domain]
Every 6 Months [Member]
Represents every six months.
Other assets, net
us-gaap_PledgedAssetsNotSeparatelyReportedOnStatementOfFinancialPosition
Total
Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Domain]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding (in shares)
us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNet
Total
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net
Asset Impairment Charges [Text Block]
us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCapitalLeaseObligation
Capital lease obligations
Peterbilt of Las Vegas [Member]
Represents the acquisition of certain assets Peterbilt of Las Vegas, Inc.
Peterbilt in Charlotte [Member]
Represents the Peterbilt dealership in Charlotte, North Carolina.
us-gaap_ShareBasedGoodsAndNonemployeeServicesTransactionQuantityOfSecuritiesIssued
Share-based Goods and Nonemployee Services Transaction, Quantity of Securities Issued
Trading Symbol
Scenario [Axis]
Scenario, Unspecified [Domain]
us-gaap_AssetsCurrent
Total current assets
Asset held for sale
rusha_AuctionRateSecuritiesRedeemed
Auction Rate Securities Redeemed
Represents the redemption of auction rate securities.
us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest
Segment income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes
us-gaap_InterestCostsCapitalized
Interest Costs Capitalized
us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedLoss
Gross unrealized loss in accumulated OCI
rusha_MonthlyRentalPaymentOperatingLease
Monthly Rental Payment Operating Lease
Amount of monthly rental payment under the operating lease.
Schedule of Future Minimum Lease Payments for Capital Leases and Operating Leases [Table Text Block]
Schedule of future minimum lease payments for capital leases and operating leases.
Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Receivable for Operating Leases [Table Text Block]
Schedule of future minimum rental receivable for operating leases.
us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent
Total current liabilities
Earnings per common share - Basic:
rusha_GuaranteedResidualValueUnderOperatingLeaseArrangements
Guaranteed Residual Value Under Operating Lease Arrangements
Guaranteed residual value under operating lease arrangements.
us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross
Business acquisitions
rusha_GuaranteedResidualValueUnderCapitalLeaseArrangements
Guaranteed Residual Value Under Capital Lease Arrangements
Guaranteed residual value under capital lease arrangements.
rusha_IssuanceOfCashForNonemployeeDirectorCompensationPercent
Issuance of Cash for Non-employee Director Compensation, Percent
Represents the maximum percent of issuance of cash for compensation to a non-employee director.
us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionEquityInterestsIssuedOrIssuableNumberOfSharesIssued
Business Acquisition, Equity Interest Issued or Issuable, Number of Shares
us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionEquityInterestIssuedOrIssuableValueAssigned
Business Acquisition, Equity Interest Issued or Issuable, Value Assigned
rusha_LeaseTerm
Lease Term
Represents the lease term.
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities-
us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireEquityMethodInvestments
Payments to Acquire Equity Method Investments
Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Fixed Interest Rate Notes [Member]
us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization
Depreciation and amortization
Vehicle Leases as Lessor [Member]
Represents the operating leases as lessor.
Variable Interest Rate Notes [Member]
Ford Motor Financing Agreement [Member]
Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain]
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Assets Pledged As Collateral [Table Text Block]
Tablular disclosure of assets pledged as collateral.
rusha_LineOfCreditAmountPledgedToSecureLettersOfCredit
Line of Credit Amount Pledged to Secure Letters of Credit
Line of credit, amount pledged to secure letters of credit.
us-gaap_Depreciation
Depreciation
Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis]
GE Capital Credit Agreement [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis]
Land [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain]
Land and Building [Member]
Leasehold Improvements [Member]
Business Acquisition [Axis]
Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain]
Building and Building Improvements [Member]
Schedule of Income Taxes Related to Other Comprehensive Income [Table Text Block]
Schedule of income taxes related to other comprehensive income.
Disposal Group Name [Domain]
us-gaap_AdjustmentForAmortization
Amortization
rusha_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedExpectedToVestAggregateIntrinsicValue
Expected to vest after December 31, 2015
Share based compensation arrangement by share based payment award equity instruments other than options nonvested expected to vest aggregate intrinsic value.
us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanEmployerMatchingContributionPercent
Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Matching Contribution, Percent of Employees' Gross Pay
Furniture and Fixtures [Member]
us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanEmployerMatchingContributionPercentOfMatch
Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Matching Contribution, Percent of Match
Disposal Group Name [Axis]
rusha_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedExpectedToVest
Expected to vest after December 31, 2015 (in shares)
Share based compensation arrangement by share based payment award, equity instruments other than options, nonvested expected to vest.
us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanMaximumAnnualContributionsPerEmployeeAmount
Defined Contribution Plan, Maximum Annual Contributions Per Employee, Amount
rusha_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedExpectedToVestWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerms
Expected to vest after December 31, 2015
Share based compensation arrangement by share based payment award equity instruments other than options, nonvested expected to vest, weighted average remaining contractual terms.
us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanMaximumAnnualContributionsPerEmployeePercent
Defined Contribution Plan, Maximum Annual Contributions Per Employee, Percent
rusha_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedAggregateIntrinsicValue
Outstanding Non-vested at December 31, 2015
Share based compensation arrangement by share based payment award, equity instruments other than options, nonvested aggregate intrinsic value.
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanCostRecognized
Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Recognized
Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Benefits Roll Forward [Table Text Block]
us-gaap_ExcessTaxBenefitFromShareBasedCompensationOperatingActivities
Excess tax expense (benefit) from stock-based compensation
Construction in Progress [Member]
rusha_PaymentToNonemployeeDirectors
Payment to Nonemployee Directors
Payment to non-employee directors.
Defined Contribution Plan Name [Domain]
Shares Issued to One Nonemployee Director [Member]
Shares issued to one nonemployee director member.
Defined Contribution Plan Name [Axis]
Stock-based compensation expense related to employee stock options and employee stock purchases
Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block]
rusha_NumberOfSharesAvailableForPurchaseWithOptionsByNonemployeeDirectorEachYear
Number of Shares Available for Purchase With Options by Nonemployee Director Each Year
Number of shares available for purchase with options by non-employee director each year.
Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block]
us-gaap_LongTermDebtPercentageBearingFixedInterestRate
Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Fixed Interest, Percentage Rate
Highly Compensated Employees [Member]
Highly compensated employees member.
us-gaap_LongtermDebtPercentageBearingFixedInterestAmount
Fixed interest rate term notes
rusha_ReductionInNumberOfSharesReservedForIssuance
Reduction in Number of Shares Reserved for Issuance
Reduction in number of shares reserved for issuance.
The 2006 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan [Member]
The 2006 non-employee director stock option plan member.
Liabilities directly associated with asset held for sale
Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]
Employee stock purchase plan member.
Shares Issued to Three Non-employee Directors 2 [Member]
Represents the issuance of compensation to another three non-employee directors.
rusha_MaximumFairValueForEmployeeStockPurchasePerYear
Maximum Fair Value for Employee Stock Purchase Per Year
Maximum fair value for employee stock purchase per year.
us-gaap_LongTermDebtPercentageBearingVariableInterestRate
Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Variable Interest, Percentage Rate
us-gaap_LongtermDebtPercentageBearingVariableInterestAmount
Variable interest rate term notes
us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLife
Buildings and improvements
us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitExpense
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Expense
Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis
us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsInterestOnIncomeTaxesAccrued
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Interest on Income Taxes Accrued
us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateEffectivePercentage
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage
Cash flows from operating activities:
Cash flows from financing activities:
us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentageRateRangeMinimum
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Rate Range, Minimum
us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsInterestOnIncomeTaxesExpense
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Interest on Income Taxes Expense
us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIncomeTaxPenaltiesAccrued
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties Accrued
us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsReductionsResultingFromLapseOfApplicableStatuteOfLimitations
Reductions due to lapse of statute of limitations
us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIncreasesResultingFromCurrentPeriodTaxPositions
Gross increases – tax positions in current year
Current maturities of long-term debt
Less: current maturities
December 31, 2014 [Member]
Represents the Company's December 31, 2014 Consolidated Balance Sheet.
Current maturities of capital lease obligations
Less current portion
Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]
us-gaap_DeferredCompensationLiabilityCurrent
Deferred Compensation Liability, Current
us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsThatWouldImpactEffectiveTaxRate
Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate
us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefits
Unrecognized tax benefits at beginning of period
Unrecognized tax benefits at end of period
Trade Receivable Other Than Vehicles [Member]
rusha_InventoryNewCommercialVehiclesGross
New commercial vehicles
Inventory, new commercial vehicles, gross.
Trade Accounts Receivable From Sale of Vehicles [Member]
Parts Inventory [Member]
Commercial Vehicle Inventory [Member]
rusha_InventoryUsedCommercialVehiclesGross
Used commercial vehicles
Inventory, used commercial vehicles, gross.
us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted
Net income (in dollars per share)
Intangible Assets, Finite-Lived, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Allowance for Warranty Receivables From Manufacturers [Member]
Represents the allowance for warranty receivables from manufacturers.
Interest
Options (in shares)
us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding
Denominator for diluted earnings per share - adjusted weighted average shares and assumed conversions (in shares)
Major Suppliers and Dealership Agreements [Table Text Block]
Tabular disclosure of major suppliers and dealership agreements.
us-gaap_SharePrice
Share Price
Accrued expenses
us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments
Income before taxes
us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
Provision (benefit) for income taxes
Provision for income taxes
(Payments) draws on floor plan notes payable – trade, net
Increase or decrease in amounts borrowed to finance the purchase of new and used commercial vehicle inventory.
us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedGain
Available-for-sale Debt Securities Gross Unrealized Gain
rusha_CostOfProductsSoldPartsAndServiceSales
Parts and service sales
Total cost related to parts sold to retail and wholesale customers, as well as costs related to vehicle services and repairs.
us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities
Other
rusha_FinanceAndInsuranceNet
Finance and insurance
Revenues recognized during the period representing fees earned for the arrangement of commercial vehicle financing for customers through various institutions as well as the sale of various insurance and commercial vehicle service contracts to customers.
us-gaap_DebtWeightedAverageInterestRate
Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate
Earnings per common share - Diluted:
rusha_PartsAndServiceSales
Parts and service sales
Aggregate revenue recognized during the period derived from parts sold to retail and wholesale customers, as well as revenue from commercial vehicle services and repairs.
us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic
Denominator for basic earnings per share – weighted average shares (in shares)
us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate
us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsPerBasicShare
Basic earnings per common share (in dollars per share)
Draws on floor plan notes payable – non-trade, net
The net change during the reporting period in commercial vehicle floor plan due by the reporting entity.
us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic
Net income (in dollars per share)
us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationAccountsPayable
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Accounts Payable
us-gaap_DebtInstrumentPeriodicPayment
Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment
Floor plan notes payable
Floor Plan Notes Payable
Amounts borrowed to finance the purchase of new and used commercial vehicle inventory.
us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsPerDilutedShare
Diluted earnings per common share and common share equivalents (in dollars per share)
Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]
Class of Stock [Axis]
Class of Stock [Domain]
Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]
Long-term Debt [Text Block]
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]
us-gaap_OtherReceivablesGrossCurrent
Other accounts receivable
Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Effect on Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]
Hedging Relationship [Axis]
Hedging Relationship [Domain]
Loans and Leases Receivable, Allowance for Loan Losses Policy [Policy Text Block]
Cash Flow Hedging [Member]
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block]
Prime Rate [Member]
Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block]
Variable Rate [Domain]
Variable Rate [Axis]
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block]
AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]
Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block]
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units Activity [Table Text Block]
Statement [Line Items]
Related Party [Axis]
Schedule of Nonvested Share Activity [Table Text Block]
Related Party [Domain]
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block]
Vehicles [Member]
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block]
us-gaap_LeaseAndRentalExpense
Lease and rental
Operating Leases, Rent Expense
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities Reconciliation [Table Text Block]
Deferred income taxes, net
us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationOtherReconcilingItems
Other, net
Debt Disclosure [Text Block]
Truck Segment [Member]
Truck segment member.
us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt
Principal payments on long-term debt
us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermCapitalLeaseObligations
Principal payments on capital lease obligations
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block]
us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationOtherAdjustments
Tax effect of permanent differences
Other long-term liabilities
Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member]
us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity
Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity
us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity
Equity Component [Domain]
us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfPropertyPlantEquipment
Loss (gain) on sale of property and equipment, net
Equity Components [Axis]
Capital lease obligations, net of current maturities
Obligations under capital leases less current portion
Financial Statement Filing Date [Domain]
Long-term debt, net of current maturities
Total long-term debt, net of current maturities
Report Date [Axis]
us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationStateAndLocalIncomeTaxes
State income taxes, net of federal benefit
us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRate
Income taxes at the federal statutory rate
Common Stock [Member]
Proceeds from long-term debt
Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]
us-gaap_PolicyTextBlockAbstract
Accounting Policies
Treasury Stock [Member]
Retained Earnings [Member]
us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges
Asset Impairment Charges
Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Common Class B [Member]
Common Class A [Member]