v3.5.0.2
Document and Entity Information - shares
6 Months Ended
Aug. 31, 2016
Sep. 30, 2016
Document Information [Line Items]    
Document Type 10-Q  
Amendment Flag false  
Document Period End Date Aug. 31, 2016  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2017  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q2  
Trading Symbol RHT  
Entity Registrant Name RED HAT INC  
Entity Central Index Key 0001087423  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --02-28  
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer  
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   179,596,072