Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Summary of Carrying Amounts of Debt Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block] Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block] Schedule of Convertible Notes Convertible Debt [Table Text Block] Summary of Interest Expense Recognized Interest Expense Disclosure [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of components of interest expense recognized during the period related to the convertible senior notes. Components of interest expense include the contractual interest coupon, the amortization of debt issuance costs, and the amortization of the debt discount. Business Combinations [Abstract] Acquisitions Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block] Fair Value Disclosures - Promissory Note Reconciliation [Abstract] Fair Value Disclosures - Promissory Note Reconciliation [Abstract] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Receivable Type [Axis] Receivable Type [Axis] Receivable [Domain] Receivable [Domain] Interest Income [Member] Interest Income [Member] Notes Receivable [Member] Notes Receivable [Member] Debt Security [Axis] Debt Security [Axis] Major Types of Debt Securities [Domain] Major Types of Debt Securities [Domain] Promissory note Promissory Note [Member] Promissory note. Measurement Frequency [Axis] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Assets, Fair Value Disclosure Assets, Fair Value Disclosure Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Settlements Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Settlements Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Interest rate swap agreement, effective date Derivative, Inception Date Interest rate swap agreement, end date Derivative, Maturity Date Interest rate swap agreement for a notional amount Derivative, Notional Amount Duration of LIBOR Duration Of Libor The duration of LIBOR which is used to calculate the interest received from the counterparty. Percentage of fixed rate Interest Rate Swap Fixed Interest Rate The fixed interest rate we pay to the counterparty of the interest rate swap. Gain (loss) reclassification from accumulated OCI to income, estimate of time to transfer Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassification from Accumulated OCI to Income, Estimate of Time to Transfer Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Segments [Domain] Segments [Domain] Healthcare Health Care [Member] Healthcare. Education and Life Sciences Education And Life Sciences [Member] Education And Life Sciences [Member] Business Advisory Business Advisory [Member] Business Advisory [Member] Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill Goodwill, Gross Accumulated impairment losses Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss Goodwill [Roll Forward] Goodwill [Roll Forward] Goodwill, net beginning balance Goodwill Goodwill recorded in connection with business acquisitions (1) Goodwill, Acquired During Period Foreign currency translation Goodwill, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Goodwill, net ending balance Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Innosight Holdings, LLC [Member] Innosight Holdings, LLC [Member] Innosight Holdings, LLC [Member] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Cash Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross Common stock Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Equity Interests Issued and Issuable Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability Accrued preliminary net working capital adjustment Business Combination Consideration Transferred Net Working Capital Adjustment Business combination consideration transferred net working capital adjustment. Total consideration transferred Business Combination, Consideration Transferred Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Assets Assets [Abstract] Current assets: Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Receivables from clients, net Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Unbilled services, net Costs in Excess of Billings, Current Income tax receivable Income Taxes Receivable, Current Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current Total current assets Assets, Current Property and equipment, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Long-term investment Long-term Investments Other non-current assets Other Assets, Noncurrent Intangible assets, net Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Goodwill Total assets Assets Liabilities and stockholders’ equity Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Current liabilities: Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Accounts payable Accounts Payable, Current Accrued expenses Accrued Liabilities, Current Accrued payroll and related benefits Employee-related Liabilities, Current Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability, Current Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability, Current Deferred revenues Deferred Revenue, Current Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Non-current liabilities: Liabilities, Noncurrent [Abstract] Deferred compensation and other liabilities Deferred Compensation And Other Liabilities Aggregate carrying value, as of the balance sheet date, of the liabilities for all deferred compensation arrangements and all other non current obligations not separately disclosed in the balance sheet payable beyond one year (or the operating cycle, if longer). Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability, Noncurrent Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability, Noncurrent Long-term debt Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities Deferred lease incentives Deferred Rent Credit, Noncurrent Deferred income taxes, net Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Noncurrent Total non-current liabilities Liabilities, Noncurrent Commitments and contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Stockholders’ equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Common stock Common Stock, Value, Issued Treasury stock Treasury Stock, Value Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock Retained earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Accumulated other comprehensive income Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Total stockholders’ equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity Liabilities and Equity Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] 1.25% convertible senior notes due 2019 Convertible Debt [Member] Senior secured credit facility Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member] Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Net carrying amount Long-term Debt Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] MyRounding [Member] MyRounding [Member] MyRounding [Member] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Customer Relationships [Member] Customer Relationships [Member] Trade Names [Member] Trade Names [Member] Customer Contracts [Member] Customer Contracts [Member] Technology And Software [Member] Technology And Software [Member] Technology And Software [Member] Noncompete Agreements [Member] Noncompete Agreements [Member] Publishing Content [Member] Publishing Content [Member] Publishing Content [Member] Off-Market Favorable Lease [Member] Off-Market Favorable Lease [Member] In Process Research and Development [Member] In Process Research and Development [Member] Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Minimum Minimum [Member] Maximum Maximum [Member] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Intangible assets Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract] Useful Life in Years Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life Gross Carrying Amount Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Accumulated Amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill) Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill) Line of Credit Facility [Table] Line of Credit Facility [Table] Convertible Senior Notes [Line Items] Convertible Senior Notes [Line Items] Convertible Senior Notes [Line Items] Proceeds Debt Instrument, Face Amount Less: debt discount, net of amortization Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount Debt Issuance Costs, Net Debt Issuance Costs, Net Net carrying amount Equity component Debt Instrument, Convertible, Carrying Amount of Equity Component Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Underlying Asset Class [Axis] Underlying Asset Class [Axis] Underlying Asset Class [Domain] Underlying Asset Class [Domain] Deferred Compensation Plan Assets [Member] Deferred Compensation Plan Assets [Member] Deferred Compensation Plan Assets [Member] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring Level 2 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Level 3 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Axis] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Axis] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Domain] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Domain] Convertible debt investment Convertible Debt Securities [Member] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Contract [Domain] Derivative Contract [Domain] Interest Rate Swap [Member] Interest Rate Swap [Member] Liability Class [Axis] Liability Class [Axis] Fair Value by Liability Class [Domain] Fair Value by Liability Class [Domain] Contingent consideration for business acquisitions Contingent Consideration Liability [Member] Contingent Consideration Liability [Member] Liabilities: Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] Fair Value, Asset/Liability Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] Assets, fair value Liabilities, fair value Financial and Nonfinancial Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block] Intangible Assets Schedule of Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Table Text Block] Schedule of Future Amortization Expense Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block] Accounting Policies [Abstract] Basis of Presentation Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block] New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Discontinued Operations Discontinued Operations, Policy [Policy Text Block] Business Combinations Policy Business Combinations Policy [Policy Text Block] Accounting For Convertible Senior Notes Accounting For Convertible Senior Notes [Policy Text Block] Disclosure of accounting policy for convertible senior notes including the process of calculating the debt discount and related treatment of the equity and liability components. Derivatives and Hedging Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block] Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block] Segment Reporting, Policy Segment Reporting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Common stock, par value (USD per share) Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, shares authorized (shares) Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, shares issued (shares) Common Stock, Shares, Issued Treasury stock, shares (shares) Treasury Stock, Shares Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets [Member] Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets [Member] Accrued expenses Accrued Liabilities [Member] Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Fair Value interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedging instruments Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Derivative at Fair Value, Net [Abstract] Fair Value (Derivative Asset and Liability) Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Derivative at Fair Value, Net New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract] New Accounting Pronouncements New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Text Block] Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Net income from continuing operations Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Net income Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Weighted average common shares outstanding – basic Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Weighted average common stock equivalents Weighted Average Number Diluted Shares Outstanding Adjustment Weighted average common shares outstanding – diluted Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Net earnings per basic share: Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Abstract] Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Basic Share Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Basic Share Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation, Net of Tax, Per Basic Share Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation, Net of Tax, Per Basic Share Basic (USD per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic Net earnings per diluted share: Earnings Per Share, Diluted [Abstract] Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Diluted Share Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Diluted Share Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation, Net of Tax, Per Diluted Share Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation, Net of Tax, Per Diluted Share Diluted (USD per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Unvested restricted stock awards Restricted Stock [Member] Convertible senior notes Warrants related to the issuance of convertible senior notes Warrant [Member] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Total anti-dilutive securities Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Tax Expense [Member] Income Tax Expense [Member] Income Tax Expense [Member] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Adoption, Quantification New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Adoption, Quantification Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Financing Activities Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Financing Activities Stock-Based Compensation Forfeiture Allowance Stock-Based Compensation Forfeiture Allowance Stock-Based Compensation Forfeiture Allowance Pope Woodhead [Member] Pope Woodhead [Member] Pope Woodhead [Member] Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Reasons Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Reasons Pro Forma Adjustments, Additional Expense Pro Forma Adjustments, Additional Expense Pro Forma Adjustments, Additional Expense Effective date of acquisition Business Acquisition, Effective Date of Acquisition Outstanding stock from the existing shareholders Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired Date of acquisition agreement Business Acquisition, Date of Acquisition Agreement Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Liabilities Incurred Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Liabilities Incurred Common stock issued Business Acquisition, Equity Interest Issued or Issuable, Number of Shares Acquisition date fair value, common stock Acquisition date fair value based on closing price Share Price Weighted-average amortization period Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life Business Acquisition, Goodwill, Expected Tax Deductible Amount Business Acquisition, Goodwill, Expected Tax Deductible Amount Revenues Sales Revenue, Services, Net Operating income Operating Income (Loss) Intangible assets amortization expense Amortization of Intangible Assets Expenses incurred Business Combination, Separately Recognized Transactions, Additional Disclosures, Acquisition Cost Expensed Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Value, High Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Value, High Segment Reporting [Abstract] Number of operating segments Number of Operating Segments Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Common Stock Common Stock [Member] Treasury Stock Treasury Stock [Member] Additional Paid-In Capital Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Retained Earnings Retained Earnings [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Beginning Balance Beginning Balance, shares Shares, Issued Comprehensive income Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Issuance of common stock in connection with: Issuance Of Common Stock In Connection With [Abstract] Issuance Of Common Stock In Connection With [Abstract] Restricted stock awards, net of cancellations Stock Issued During Period, Value, Restricted Stock Award, Net of Forfeitures Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Acquisitions Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Acquisitions Restricted stock awards, net of cancellations, shares Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Net of Forfeitures Stock Issued During Period, Value, Acquisitions Stock Issued During Period, Value, Acquisitions Share-based compensation Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition Shares redeemed for employee tax withholdings Adjustments Related to Tax Withholding for Share-based Compensation Shares redeemed for employee tax withholdings, shares Shares Paid for Tax Withholding for Share Based Compensation New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Adoption, Quantification Ending Balance Ending Balance, shares Fair Value Interest Rate Swaps Designated as Cash Flow Hedging Instruments Schedule of Derivatives Instruments Statements of Financial Performance and Financial Position, Location [Table Text Block] Segment Information Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Carrying Amounts And Estimated Fair Values Of Financial Instruments [Table] Carrying Amounts And Estimated Fair Values Of Financial Instruments [Table] Carrying Amounts And Estimated Fair Values Of Financial Instruments [Table] Carrying Amounts And Estimated Fair Values Of Financial Instruments [Line Items] Carrying Amounts And Estimated Fair Values Of Financial Instruments [Line Items] Carrying Amounts And Estimated Fair Values Of Financial Instruments [Line Items] Estimated Fair Value Long-term Debt, Fair Value Equity [Abstract] Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments, Beginning balance Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments, Ending balance Net Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investment, Beginning balance Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax Unrealized gain on investment, net of tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax Net Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investment, Ending balance Net Unrealized Losses on Derivatives, Beginning balance Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cumulative Changes in Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges, Effect Net of Tax Unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedging instruments, net of tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax Net Unrealized Losses on Derivatives, Ending balance Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Beginning balance Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Current period change Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Ending balance Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Summary of Carrying Amount and Estimated Fair Value of Convertible Senior Notes Schedule of Carrying Values and Estimated Fair Values of Debt Instruments [Table Text Block] Earnings Per Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Restructuring Type [Axis] Restructuring Type [Axis] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Employee Severance [Member] Employee Severance [Member] Office Space Reductions [Member] Office Space Reductions [Member] Office Space Reductions [Member] Other Restructuring [Member] Other Restructuring [Member] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Restructuring reserve Restructuring Reserve Restructuring additions Restructuring and Related Cost, Incurred Cost Payments for Restructuring Payments for Restructuring Restructuring Reserve, Accrual Adjustment Restructuring Reserve, Accrual Adjustment Noncash Restructuring Charges Noncashrestructuringadjustments Adjustment to the amount of restructuring charges incurred in the period for noncash activities. Document And Entity Information [Abstract] Document and entity information. Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Trading Symbol Trading Symbol Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Document Type Document Type Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Fair Value Disclosures - Convertible Debt Investment Reconciliation [Abstract] Fair Value Disclosures - Convertible Debt Investment Reconciliation [Abstract] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Domain] Related Party [Domain] Shorelight Holdings Llc [Member] Shorelight Holdings Llc [Member] Shorelight Holdings Llc [Member] Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract] Discontinued Operations Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Restructuring Reserve by Type of Cost Schedule of Restructuring Reserve by Type of Cost [Table Text Block] Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Operating Segments Operating Segments [Member] Segment Reconciling Items Segment Reconciling Items [Member] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Components of Segment Information Segment Reporting Information, Profit (Loss) [Abstract] Operating income (loss) Segment operating income as a percentage of segment revenues Operating Income Loss As Percent Of Revenues Segment operating income (loss) as percent of segment revenues. Reimbursable expenses Reimbursement Revenue Total revenues and reimbursable expenses Revenues Other operating expenses Other Selling, General and Administrative Expense Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction Other expense, net Nonoperating Income (Expense) Income from continuing operations before income tax expense Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Prepaid expenses and other current assets Other Noncurrent Assets [Member] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Group Name [Domain] Disposal Group Name [Domain] Accounting Advisory Practice Accounting Advisory Practice [Member] The Accounting Advisory Practice of a consulting group which has been sold for non-cash or part non-cash transaction. Shorelight Holdings LLC Fair Value of Financial Instruments [Abstract] Financial Instruments, Owned, at Fair Value [Abstract] Promissory note received for sale of Accounting Advisory Non Cash Consideration For Sale Of Discontinued Operation The face value of the promissory note received for the sale of discontinued operations. Promissory note term Note Receivable, Term Note Receivable, Term Promissory note payable maturity date Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, Date Discount rate used to measure fair value Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate Investments in notes Debt instrument maturity date Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Aggregate principal amount Carrying value of equity component Closing price of common stock Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activity Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Goodwill and Intangible Assets Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Revenues and reimbursable expenses: Revenues [Abstract] Total revenues and reimbursable expenses Direct costs and reimbursable expenses (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown in operating expenses): Direct Operating Costs [Abstract] Direct costs Cost of Services Amortization of intangible assets and software development costs Cost of Services, Depreciation and Amortization Reimbursable expenses Cost of Reimbursable Expense Total direct costs and reimbursable expenses Cost of Revenue Operating expenses: Operating Expenses [Abstract] Selling, general and administrative expenses Selling, General and Administrative Expense Restructuring charges Restructuring Charges Total operating expenses Operating Expenses Operating income Other income (expense), net: Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] Interest expense, net of interest income Interest Expense Net Of Interest Income The cost of borrowed funds accounted for as interest that was charged against earnings during the period, net of immaterial amounts of interest income recognized during the period associated with banking, investing or other activities. Other income, net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Total other expense, net Income from continuing operations before income tax expense Income tax expense Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Net income Net earnings per basic share: Basic (USD per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Weighted average shares used in calculating earnings per share: Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract] Weighted average common shares outstanding – diluted Comprehensive income: Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Other comprehensive income Financing Arrangements Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired as Part of Business Combination [Table] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired as Part of Business Combination [Table] Customer Relationships [Member] Customer Contracts [Member] Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Intangible Asset Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Intangible Assets, Other than Goodwill Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Commitments And Contingencies [Table] Commitments And Contingencies [Table] Commitments And Contingencies [Table] Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items] Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items] Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items] Guarantees in the form of letters of credit Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount Discontinued Operations [Member] Discontinued Operations [Member] Corporate, Non-Segment [Member] Corporate, Non-Segment [Member] Huron Legal Huron Legal [Member] Huron Legal [Member] Restructuring Charges [Abstract] Restructuring Charges [Abstract] Restructuring Reserve, Current Restructuring Reserve, Current Fair Value Disclosures - Contingent Consideration Reconciliation [Abstract] Fair Value Disclosures - Contingent Consideration Reconciliation [Abstract] Financial and Nonfinancial Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Purchases Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Purchases Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Settlements Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Settlements Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Period Increase (Decrease) Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Period Increase (Decrease) Basis of Presentation Basis of Accounting [Text Block] Estimated annual intangible assets amortization expense in next twelve months Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months Estimated annual intangible assets amortization expense, Year Two Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two Estimated annual intangible assets amortization expense, Year Three Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three Estimated annual intangible assets amortization expense, Year Four Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four Estimated annual intangible assets amortization expense, Year Five Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five Estimated annual intangible assets amortization expense, after Year Five Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, after Year Five Restructuring Charges Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Note Hedge Note Hedge [Member] Note Hedge [Member] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Domain] Variable Rate [Domain] LIBOR London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] Base Rate [Member] Base Rate [Member] Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario One, Leverage Ratio Scenario One, Leverage Ratio [Member] Scenario One, Leverage Ratio [Member] Scenario Two, Leverage Ratio Scenario Two, Leverage Ratio [Member] Scenario Two, Leverage Ratio [Member] Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Debt instrument maturity date Debt Conversion, Original Debt, Due Date of Debt Number of common shares converted upon debt conversion for each $1000 principal amount Debt Instrument, Convertible, Conversion Ratio Principal amount of notes per conversion Principal Amount Per Note The principal, or par, value of each note issued. Conversion price of convertible notes Debt Instrument, Convertible, Conversion Price Optional right of debt instrument holders to convert debt instrument into cash, portion of principal amount Percentage Of Principal Paid Upon Exercise Of Put Percentage of principal amount required to be paid upon a debt holder's exercise of the put option following a fundamental change as defined in the indenture. Earliest conversion date Debt Instrument Convertible Date The earliest date on which the debt instrument can be converted into equity if none of the other conversion conditions have been met. Number of least trading days required within consecutive trading days Debt Instrument, Convertible, Threshold Consecutive Trading Days Number of consecutive trading days Number Of Consecutive Period Of Trading Number of consecutive trading days during the last month of the preceding quarter in which the closing price on 20 such days must meet the stock price threshold defined in the indenture. Percentage of applicable conversion price Debt Instrument, Convertible, Threshold Percentage of Stock Price Trigger Number of consecutive business days following consecutive trading days Debt instrument, Convertible, Threshold of Consecutive Business Days Following Consecutive Trading Days Debt instrument, Convertible, Threshold of Consecutive Business Days Following Consecutive Trading Days Concentration risk percentage Minimum Trading Price Percentage The minimum trading price as a percentage of the product of the last reported share price and the conversion rate of the notes. Effective interest rate of debt Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage Remaining life of notes Debt Instrument, Convertible, Remaining Discount Amortization Period Payments of Debt Issuance Costs Payments of Debt Issuance Costs Liability issuance costs Debt Issuance Costs Assigned To Liability Total debt issuance costs assigned to the liability component of the convertible senior notes based on the relative fair value of the liability component to the total value of the notes issued. Equity issuance costs Issuance Costs Assigned To Equity Total issuance costs assigned to the equity component of the convertible senior notes based on the relative fair value of the equity component to the total value of the notes issued. Common stock purchased Common Stock Underlying Convertible Senior Note And Related Transactions The number of shares of common stock underlying the convertible senior notes as well as the warrants and convertible note hedge transactions purchased concurrently with the issuance of the convertible senior notes. Aggregate amount for convertible hedge Payments For Note Hedges The cash outflow associated with the amount paid for convertible senior note hedges. Common stock price per share Class of Warrant or Right, Exercise Price of Warrants or Rights Aggregate proceeds from the sale of warrants Proceeds from Issuance of Warrants Deferred tax liability Deferred tax asset Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance, Noncurrent Revolving Credit facility Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity Period of revolving credit facility Period Of Revolving Credit Facility Period of time between issuance and maturity of the revolving credit facility. Credit agreement expiration date Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Date Option to increase revolving credit facility Optional Increase In Revolver Optional increase in revolver. Maximum principle amount Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Interest rate on borrowings Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Convertible debt maturity term Required Payment On Revolver Related To Convertible Debt Maturity Term Required payment on revolver related to convertible debt maturity term. Percentage of other equity interests in domestic subsidiaries Percentage Of Pledged Voting Stock In Domestic Subsidiaries The percentage of pledged voting stock or other equity instruments in the domestic subsidiaries to secure the revolver and term loan. Percentage of other equity interests in foreign subsidiaries Percentage Of Pledged Voting Stock In Foreign Subsidiaries The percentage of pledged voting stock or other equity instruments in the foreign subsidiaries to secure the revolver and term loan. Maximum consolidated leverage ratio Debt Instrument, Covenant, Consolidated Leverage Ratio, Maximum Debt Instrument, Covenant, Consolidated Leverage Ratio, Maximum Minimum consolidated interest coverage ratio Debt Instrument, Covenant, Interest Coverage Ratio, Minimum Debt Instrument, Covenant, Interest Coverage Ratio, Minimum Actual consolidated leverage ratio Debt Instrument, Covenant, Actual Consolidated Leverage Ratio Debt Instrument, Covenant, Actual Consolidated Leverage Ratio Actual interest coverage ratio Debt Instrument, Covenant, Actual Interest Coverage Ratio Debt Instrument, Covenant, Actual Interest Coverage Ratio Percentage of weighted average interest rate of borrowings Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate Outstanding letters of credit Unused borrowing capacity under Credit Agreement Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity Components of Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Cash flows from operating activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Share-based compensation Share-based Compensation Amortization of debt discount and issuance costs Amortization of Debt Issuance Costs and Discounts Allowances For Doubtful Accounts And Unbilled Services Allowances For Doubtful Accounts And Unbilled Services Changes to allowance for doubtful accounts and unbilled services to an amount that approximates their net realizable value (the amount expected to be collected). Deferred income taxes Deferred Income Taxes and Tax Credits Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions: Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] (Increase) decrease in receivables from clients Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable (Increase) decrease in unbilled services Increase (Decrease) in Unbilled Receivables (Increase) decrease in current income tax receivable / payable, net Increase (Decrease) in Income Taxes Payable, Net of Income Taxes Receivable (Increase) decrease in other assets Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accrued liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Increase (decrease) in accrued payroll and related benefits Increase (Decrease) in Employee Related Liabilities Increase (decrease) in deferred revenues Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Revenue Net cash used in operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations Cash flows from investing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Purchases of property and equipment, net Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Investment in life insurance policies Payments for (Proceeds from) Life Insurance Policies Purchases of businesses, net of cash acquired Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Capitalization of internally developed software costs Payments to Develop Software Proceeds from Sale and Collection of Notes Receivable Proceeds from Sale and Collection of Notes Receivable Net cash used in investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations Cash flows from financing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Proceeds from exercise of stock options Proceeds from Stock Options Exercised Shares redeemed for employee tax withholdings Payments Related to Tax Withholding for Share-based Compensation Share repurchases Proceeds from (Repurchase of) Equity Proceeds from borrowings under credit facility Proceeds from Long-term Lines of Credit Repayments on credit facility Repayments of Long-term Debt Payment of Contingent Consideration Liabilities Payment of Contingent Consideration Liabilities Payment of Contingent Consideration Liabilities Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations Effect of exchange rate changes on cash Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information: Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Non-cash investing and financing activities: Noncash Investing and Financing Items [Abstract] Property and equipment expenditures included in accounts payable and accrued expenses Capital Expenditures Incurred but Not yet Paid Contingent consideration related to business acquisitions Common stock issued related to business acquisition Stock Issued Summary of Fair Value of Consideration Transferred Schedule Of Fair Value Of Consideration Received [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Fair Value Of Consideration Received [Table Text Block] Allocation of the Purchase Price to the Fair Value of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block] Schedule of Components of Identifiable Intangible Assets Acquired and their Estimated Useful Lives Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired as Part of Business Combination [Table Text Block] Summary of Supplemental Pro Forma Consolidated Results of Operations Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block] Interest Expense Recognized [Table] Interest Expense Recognized [Table] Interest Expense Recognized [Table] Interest Expense Recognized [Line Items] Interest Expense Recognized [Line Items] [Line Items] for Interest Expense Recognized [Table] Interest Expense, Debt, Excluding Amortization Interest Expense, Debt, Excluding Amortization Amortization of Debt Discount (Premium) Amortization of Debt Discount (Premium) Amortization of Debt Issuance Costs Amortization of Debt Issuance Costs Interest Expense, Debt Interest Expense, Debt Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block] Foreign currency translation adjustment, before taxes Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, before Tax Foreign currency translation adjustment, taxes Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Tax Amount of tax expense (benefit) related to, after reclassification adjustments of gain (loss) on foreign currency translation adjustments, foreign currency transactions designated and effective as economic hedges of a net investment in a foreign entity and intra-entity foreign currency transactions that are of a long-term-investment nature. Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of taxes Unrealized gain on investment, before taxes Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, before Tax Unrealized gain on investment, tax (expense) benefit Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities, Tax Unrealized gain on investment, net of taxes Change in fair value, before taxes Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, before Tax Change in fair value, tax (expense) benefit Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Tax Change in fair value, net of taxes Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Net of Tax Reclassification adjustments into earnings, before taxes Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI on Derivatives, before Tax Reclassification adjustments into earnings, tax (expense) benefit Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI on Derivatives, Tax Reclassification adjustments into earnings, net of taxes Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI on Derivatives, Net of Tax Net unrealized gain (loss), before taxes Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, before Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Net unrealized gain (loss), tax (expense) benefit Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Net unrealized gain (loss), net of taxes Other comprehensive income (loss), before taxes Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Other comprehensive income (loss), tax (expense) benefit Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Components of Segment Information Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible [Table] Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible [Table] Nature of Uncertainty [Axis] Nature of Uncertainty [Axis] Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible, Nature of Uncertainty [Domain] Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible, Nature of Uncertainty [Domain] Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible [Line Items] Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible [Line Items] Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate Unrecognized Tax Benefits Unrecognized Tax Benefits Decrease in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible Decrease in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible Effective tax rates Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent Commitments, Contingencies and Guarantees Commitments Contingencies and Guarantees [Text Block] Reconciliation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Summary of Anti-dilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Weighted Average Common Stock Equivalents Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table Text Block] Business Combination, Separately Recognized Transactions [Table] Business Combination, Separately Recognized Transactions [Table] Business Combination, Separately Recognized Transactions [Line Items] Business Combination, Separately Recognized Transactions [Line Items] Revenues Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Revenue Net income from continuing operations Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Net Income (Loss) Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Basic Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Basic Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Diluted Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Diluted Description of Business Nature of Operations [Text Block] Assets acquired: Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Assets [Abstract] Accounts receivable Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets, Receivables Costs in Excess of Billings, Current Prepaid expenses and other current assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets, Prepaid Expense and Other Assets Property and equipment Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Property, Plant, and Equipment Intangible assets Liabilities assumed: Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Liabilities [Abstract] Accounts payable Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities, Accounts Payable Accrued expenses and other current liabilities Business Combination Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired And Liabilities Assumed Accrued Liabilities And Other Liabilities Current Business combination recognized identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed accrued liabilities and other liabilities current. Accrued payroll and related benefits Business Combination Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed Current Liabilities Accrued Payroll and Benefits Business combination recognized identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed current liabilities accrued payroll and benefits. Deferred revenues Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities, Deferred Revenue Total identifiable net assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net Total purchase price Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net Accelerated Share Repurchases [Table] Accelerated Share Repurchases [Table] Share Repurchase Program [Axis] Share Repurchase Program [Axis] Share Repurchase Program [Domain] Share Repurchase Program [Domain] October 2014 Share Repurchase Program October 2014 Share Repurchase Program [Member] October 2014 Share Repurchase Program [Member] Accelerated Share Repurchases [Line Items] Accelerated Share Repurchases [Line Items] Share repurchase authorized amount Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount Shares repurchased, shares Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Shares Share repurchases Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Value Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount Fair Value of Financial Instruments Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block]