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Document And Entity Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
Document And Entity Information - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2011	Mar. 07, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2011
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2011
Entity Registrant Name	HEIDRICK & STRUGGLES INTERNATIONAL INC
Entity Central Index Key	0001066605
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		17,870,236
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Public Float			$ 399,492,807
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 185,390	$ 181,124
Restricted cash	440	393
Accounts receivable, net	69,081	83,360
Other receivables	9,404	7,724
Prepaid expenses	16,551	15,323
Other current assets	1,382	1,871
Income taxes recoverable	19,866	11,912
Deferred income taxes	8,211	10,759
Total current assets	310,325	312,466
Non-current assets:
Property and equipment, net	44,781	34,406
Restricted cash	1,470	1,609
Assets designated for retirement and pension plans	22,883	23,647
Investments	9,868	11,021
Other non-current assets	6,480	8,593
Goodwill	90,696	109,888
Other intangible assets, net	2,556	6,480
Deferred income taxes	26,506	36,917
Total non-current assets	205,240	232,561
Total assets	515,565	545,027
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	9,157	8,408
Accrued salaries and employee benefits	131,697	124,969
Other current liabilities	39,362	34,064
Income taxes payable	4,868	3,208
Deferred income taxes	6	1,807
Total current liabilities	185,090	172,456
Non-current liabilities:
Retirement and pension plans	31,747	30,907
Other non-current liabilities	47,396	47,015
Deferred income taxes	37	107
Total non-current liabilities	79,180	78,029
Total liabilities	264,270	250,485
Commitments and contingencies (Note 23)
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock, $.01 par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued at December 31, 2011 and 2010
Common stock, $.01 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized, 19,585,777 shares issued, 17,870,236 and 17,558,098 shares outstanding at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively	196	196
Treasury stock at cost, 1,715,541 and 2,027,679 shares at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively	(58,690)	(69,549)
Additional paid in capital	238,523	246,601
Retained earnings	55,029	99,056
Accumulated other comprehensive income	16,237	18,238
Total stockholders' equity	251,295	294,542
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 515,565	$ 545,027

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Consolidated Balance Sheets [Abstract]
Preferred stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	10,000,000	10,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Common stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	100,000,000	100,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	19,585,777	19,585,777
Common stock, shares outstanding	17,870,236	17,558,098
Treasury stock, shares	1,715,541	2,027,679

Consolidated Statements Of Operations - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Revenue:
Revenue before reimbursements (net revenue)	$ 527,793	$ 493,091	$ 395,651
Reimbursements	26,187	20,145	19,067
Total revenue	553,980	513,236	414,718
Operating expenses (income):
Salaries and employee benefits	372,406	340,178	281,545
General and administrative expenses	123,592	130,622	115,758
Other charges		4,218
Reimbursed expenses	26,187	20,145	19,067
Restructuring charges	16,344	1,621	22,640
Impairment charges	26,366		4,080
Other operating income		(1,072)	(1,661)
Total operating expenses	564,895	495,712	441,429
Operating income (loss)	(10,915)	17,524	(26,711)
Non-operating income (expense):
Interest income, net	1,402	813	1,201
Other, net	(5,262)	(1,389)	(4,189)
Net non-operating income (expense)	(3,860)	(576)	(2,988)
Income (loss) before income taxes	(14,775)	16,948	(29,699)
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes	18,947	9,455	(8,791)
Net income (loss)	$ (33,722)	$ 7,493	$ (20,908)
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding	17,780	17,437	16,901
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding	17,780	17,869	16,901
Basic earnings (loss) per common share	$ (1.90)	$ 0.43	$ (1.24)
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share	(1.90)	0.42	(1.24)
Cash dividends paid per share	$ 0.52	$ 0.52	$ 0.52

Consolidated Statements Of Stockholders' Equity And Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Common Stock [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Additional Paid In Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]	Total
Balance at Dec. 31, 2008	$ 196	$ (110,838)	$ 273,731	$ 131,061	$ 12,154	$ 306,304
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2008	19,586	3,216
Net income (loss)				(20,908)		(20,908)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized gain (loss) on available for sale investments					1,336	1,336
Pension adjustment, net of tax					(937)	(937)
Foreign currency translation adjustment					3,175	3,175
Other comprehensive income (loss)				(20,908)	3,574	(17,334)
Treasury and common stock transactions:
Stock-based compensation			18,677			18,677
Exercise of stock options		$ 3,072	(1,834)			1,238
Exercise of stock options, shares		(88)
Vesting of restricted stock units, net of tax withholdings		$ 20,645	(24,034)			(3,389)
Vesting of restricted stock units, net of tax withholdings, shares		(595)
Re-issuance of treasury stock		$ 702	(327)			375
Re-issuance of treasury stock, shares		(20)
Cash dividends declared ($0.52 per share)				(8,860)		(8,860)
Dividend equivalents on restricted stock units				(202)		(202)
Tax deficit related to stock-based compensation			(5,957)			(5,957)
Balance at Dec. 31, 2009	$ 196	$ (86,419)	260,256	101,091	15,728	290,852
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2009	19,586	2,513
Net income (loss)				7,493		7,493
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized gain (loss) on available for sale investments					706	706
Pension adjustment, net of tax					(1,055)	(1,055)
Foreign currency translation adjustment					2,859	2,859
Other comprehensive income (loss)				7,493	2,510	10,003
Treasury and common stock transactions:
Stock-based compensation			8,552			8,552
Vesting of restricted stock units, net of tax withholdings		$ 16,431	(21,060)			(4,629)
Vesting of restricted stock units, net of tax withholdings, shares		(473)
Re-issuance of treasury stock		$ 439	(139)			300
Re-issuance of treasury stock, shares		(13)
Cash dividends declared ($0.52 per share)				(9,114)		(9,114)
Dividend equivalents on restricted stock units				(414)		(414)
Tax deficit related to stock-based compensation			(1,008)			(1,008)
Balance at Dec. 31, 2010	$ 196	$ (69,549)	246,601	99,056	18,238	294,542
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2010	19,586	2,027
Net income (loss)				(33,722)		(33,722)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized gain (loss) on available for sale investments					(104)	(104)
Pension adjustment, net of tax					(615)	(615)
Foreign currency translation adjustment					(1,282)	(1,282)
Other comprehensive income (loss)				(33,722)	(2,001)	(35,723)
Treasury and common stock transactions:
Stock-based compensation			5,664			5,664
Vesting of restricted stock units, net of tax withholdings		$ 10,204	(12,979)			(2,775)
Vesting of restricted stock units, net of tax withholdings, shares		(293)
Re-issuance of treasury stock		$ 655	(280)			375
Re-issuance of treasury stock, shares		(19)
Cash dividends declared ($0.52 per share)				(9,277)		(9,277)
Dividend equivalents on restricted stock units				(1,028)		(1,028)
Tax deficit related to stock-based compensation			(483)			(483)
Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	$ 196	$ (58,690)	$ 238,523	$ 55,029	$ 16,237	$ 251,295
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2011	19,586	1,715

Consolidated Statements Of Stockholders' Equity And Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Consolidated Statements Of Stockholders' Equity And Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Cash dividends declared	$ 0.52	$ 0.52	$ 0.52

Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)	$ (33,722)	$ 7,493	$ (20,908)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	10,263	11,584	11,265
Write-off of investment	2,810		2,977
Write-off of software development project			1,329
Deferred income taxes	10,571	7,093	(10,107)
Net realized and unrealized losses on investments	211	1,509	2,054
Stock-based compensation expense	5,503	7,765	19,016
Other operating income		(1,072)	(1,661)
Impairment charges	26,366		4,080
Restructuring charges	16,344	1,621	22,640
Cash paid for restructuring charges	(7,491)	(3,439)	(25,020)
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions:
Trade and other receivables	10,819	(17,211)	7,786
Accounts payable	(732)	2,203	(566)
Accrued expenses	5,960	65,162	(86,708)
Income taxes recoverable (payable), net	(6,886)	3,726	(4,848)
Retirement and pension assets and liabilities	667	(483)	1,649
Prepayments	(1,186)	672	4,397
Other assets and liabilities, net	5,277	(2,329)	(552)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	44,774	84,294	(73,177)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Restricted cash	83	2,620	5,058
Acquisition of business and earnout payments, net of cash acquired	(3,930)	(554)	(15,453)
Capital expenditures	(18,016)	(17,564)	(12,274)
Purchase of equity method investment			(1,300)
Purchases of available for sale investments	(986)	(1,046)	(305)
Proceeds from sales of available for sale investments	83	292	753
Loan to equity method investment	(1,008)
Other, net	74		90
Net cash used in investing activities	(23,700)	(16,252)	(23,431)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from stock options exercised			1,238
Cash dividends paid	(9,723)	(9,696)	(9,332)
Payment of employee tax withholdings on equity transactions	(2,853)	(4,585)	(3,386)
Net cash used in financing activities	(12,576)	(14,281)	(11,480)
Effect of exchange rates fluctuations on cash and cash equivalents	(4,232)	4,333	(3,413)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	4,266	58,094	(111,501)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	181,124	123,030	234,531
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	185,390	181,124	123,030
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information
Interest	4	10	12
Income taxes, net	$ 13,916	$ 954	$ 4,777

Basis Of Presentation	12 Months Ended
Basis Of Presentation	Dec. 31, 2011
Basis Of Presentation [Abstract]
Basis Of Presentation	1. Basis of Presentation Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc. and Subsidiaries (the "Company") is engaged in providing executive search and leadership consulting services to clients on a retained basis. The Company operates in the Americas, Europe and Asia Pacific. The consolidated financial statements include Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries and have been prepared using accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP"). The preparation of these financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, revenues and expenses and certain financial statement disclosures. Significant items subject to estimates and assumptions include revenue recognition, allowance for doubtful accounts, allowances for deferred tax assets, assessment of goodwill and other intangible assets for impairment, compensation accruals, stock-based compensation and contingent liabilities. Given that global economies are undergoing a period of substantial uncertainty, such estimates are subject to a greater degree of uncertainty, and actual results could differ from these estimates. The Company revised its prior year Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows to conform to the current year presentation, which had no effect on the Consolidated Balance Sheets or Consolidated Statements of Operations for the prior periods presented.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for organization, consolidation and basis of presentation of financial statements disclosure.

+ References

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+ Details

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company considers all highly liquid instruments with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

Concentration of Risk

The Company is potentially exposed to concentrations of risk associated with its accounts receivable. However, this risk is limited due to the Company's large number of clients and their dispersion across many different industries and geographies. At December 31, 2011, the Company had no significant concentrations of risk.

Accounts Receivable

The Company's accounts receivable primarily consist of trade receivables. The allowance for doubtful accounts is developed based upon several factors including the age of the Company's accounts receivable, historical write-off experience and specific account analysis. These factors may change over time, impacting the allowance level.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Cash and cash equivalents are stated at cost, which approximates fair market value. The carrying value for receivables from clients, accounts payable, deferred revenue and other accrued liabilities reasonably approximate fair market value due to the nature of the financial instruments and the short term nature of the items.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the asset or, for leasehold improvements, the shorter of the lease term or the estimated useful life of the asset, as follows:


Office furniture, fixtures and equipment			5–10 years
Computer equipment and software			3–8 years

Depreciation is calculated for tax purposes using accelerated methods, where applicable.

Long-lived Assets

The Company reviews its long-lived assets, including property and equipment, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated future cash flows, an impairment charge, equal to the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset, is recognized.

Investments

The Company's investments consist primarily of available-for-sale investments within the U.S. non-qualified deferred compensation plan (the "Plan"), an equity method investment associated with the Company's joint venture investment in JobKoo, and warrants for equity securities in client companies classified as derivative instruments, cost method investments or available-for-sale investments.

Available-for-sale investments are reported at fair value with changes in unrealized gains (losses) recorded as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income in the Consolidated Balance Sheets until realized. Realized gains (losses) resulting from an employee's termination from the Plan are recorded as a non-operating gain (loss) in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

The equity method of accounting is used to account for investments in which the Company has the ability to exercise significant influence, but not control, over an investee. Significant influence is generally deemed to exist if the Company has ownership interest in the voting stock of an investee of between 20% and 50%. The Company accounts for its ownership percentage as a non-operating gain (loss) in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

The Company receives warrants for equity securities in client companies, in addition to the cash fee, for services rendered on some searches. Some warrants meet the definition of a derivative instrument while others are classified as cost method investments. Both investment classifications are initially recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at their fair value, using a Black-Scholes model, with a corresponding amount recorded as net revenue in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Variable compensation expense related to this net revenue is also recorded. Subsequent changes in the fair value of the warrants are accounted for depending on the classification of the warrants. Changes in warrants classified as derivative instruments are recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as unrealized gains (losses), net of the consultants' share of the gains (losses), whereas warrants classified as cost method investments are regularly reviewed for other-than-temporary declines in fair value. Any permanent declines in the fair value of these warrants are recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as realized losses, net of the consultants' share of the losses.

Upon a value event such as an initial public offering or an acquisition, any changes in the fair value of the warrants, both derivatives and non-derivatives, are recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as unrealized gains (losses), net of the consultants' share of the gains (losses).

Any equity securities arising from the exercise of a warrant are accounted for as available-for-sale investments. Upon the sale of these investments, the Company records a realized gain (loss), net of the consultants' share of the gain (loss) and other costs.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill represents the difference between the purchase price of acquired companies and the related fair value of the net assets acquired, which is accounted for by the acquisition method of accounting. Other intangible assets include client relationships, candidate databases, and employee non-compete agreements. The Company performs assessments of the carrying value of its goodwill and other intangible assets at least annually or whenever events occur or circumstances indicate that a carrying amount of these assets may not be recoverable. These circumstances include a significant change in business climate, attrition of key personnel, changes in financial condition or results of operations, a prolonged decline in the Company's stock price and market capitalization, competition, and other factors.

The goodwill impairment test compares the fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, goodwill of the reporting unit would be considered impaired. To measure the amount of the impairment loss, the implied fair value of a reporting unit's goodwill is compared to the carrying amount of that goodwill. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit's goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of that goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined in the same manner as the amount of goodwill recognized in a business combination is determined. The fair value of each of the Company's reporting units is determined using a combination of valuation techniques, including a discounted cash flow methodology and comparable public company methodology, with the assistance of an independent valuation firm.

The other intangible asset impairment review compares the carrying amount of an asset to estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated future cash flows, an impairment charge, equal to the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value, is recognized.

Other intangible assets acquired are amortized either using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives or based on the projected cash flow associated with the respective intangible assets.

Restructuring Charges

The Company accounts for restructuring charges by recognizing a liability at fair value when the costs are incurred.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue before reimbursements of out-of-pocket expenses ("net revenue") consists of retainers and indirect expenses billed to clients. For each assignment, the Company and its client enter into a contract that outlines the general terms and conditions of the assignment. Typically, the Company is paid a retainer for its executive search services equal to approximately one-third of the estimated first year compensation for the position to be filled. In addition, if the actual compensation of a placed candidate exceeds the estimated compensation, the Company often will be authorized to bill the client for one-third of the excess. Indirect expenses are calculated as a percentage of the retainer with certain dollar limits per search. The Company generally bills its clients for its retainer and indirect expenses in one-third increments over a three-month period commencing in the month of a client's acceptance of the contract.

Net revenue is recognized when earned and realizable and therefore when the following criteria have been met: (a) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, (b) services have been rendered, (c) the fee to our client is fixed or determinable, and (d) collectability is reasonably assured. Taxes collected from clients and remitted to governmental authorities are presented on a net basis. Typically, net revenue from standard executive search engagements is recognized over the expected average period of performance, in proportion to the estimated personnel time incurred to fulfill our obligations under the arrangements. Net revenue in excess of the retainer, resulting from actual compensation of the placed candidate exceeding the estimated compensation, is recognized upon completion of the executive search when the amount of the additional fee is known.

Net revenue from certain leadership consulting and non-standard executive search engagements is recognized in accordance with the completion of the engagement deliverables.

Reimbursements

The Company incurs certain out-of-pocket expenses that are reimbursed by its clients, which are accounted for as revenue in its Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Salaries and Employee Benefits

Salaries and employee benefits consist of compensation and benefits paid to consultants, executive officers, and administrative and support personnel, of which the most significant elements are salaries and annual performance-related bonuses. Other items in this category are expenses related to sign-on bonuses and minimum guaranteed bonuses (often incurred in connection with the hiring of new consultants), restricted stock unit amortization, payroll taxes, profit sharing and retirement benefits, and employee insurance benefits.

Salaries and employee benefits are recognized on an accrual basis. Certain signing bonuses, retention awards, and minimum guaranteed compensation are capitalized and amortized in accordance with the terms of the respective agreements.

A portion of the Company's consultants' and management cash bonuses are deferred and paid over a three-year vesting period. The portion of the bonus that is deferred varies between 10% and 15% depending on the employee's level or position. The compensation expense related to the amounts being deferred is recognized on a graded vesting attribution method over the requisite service period. This service period begins on January 1 of the respective fiscal year and continues through the deferral date, which coincides with the Company's bonus payments in the first quarter of the following year, and for an additional three year vesting period. The deferrals are recorded in accrued salaries and employee benefits and other non-current liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Stock-Based Compensation

The Company accounts for stock-based compensation based on the fair value of the award at grant date, which is typically the closing stock-price, and recognizes compensation expense over the requisite service period.

Consultants' Share of Gains Related to Warrant Monetizations

Historically, the Company's policy with respect to warrants was that 55% of the net proceeds resulting from the monetizations of warrants was payable to the consultants involved in the search. For warrants received by the Company after April 1, 2005, the portion of the net proceeds payable to consultants was reduced from 55% to 50% and is limited to $10 million per monetization. In addition, of the 50% of the net proceeds retained by the Company, 20% (or 10% of the total net proceeds) will be reserved for discretionary distributions to the broader employee population.

Income Taxes

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the differences between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities, applying enacted statutory tax rates in effect for the year in which the tax differences are expected to reverse. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of management, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for the effects of changes in tax laws and rates on the date of enactment.

Earnings per Common Share

Basic earnings per common share is computed by dividing net income (loss) by weighted average common shares outstanding for the year. Diluted earnings per share reflect the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted. Common equivalent shares are excluded from the determination of diluted earnings per share in periods in which they have an anti-dilutive effect.

Translation of Foreign Currencies

The Company generally designates the local currency for all its subsidiaries as the functional currency. The Company translates the assets and liabilities of its subsidiaries into U.S. dollars at the current rate of exchange prevailing at the balance sheet date. Revenue and expenses are translated at a monthly average exchange rate for the period. Translation adjustments are reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income.

Recently Adopted Financial Accounting Standards

On January 1, 2011, we adopted guidance which expands the required disclosures about fair value measurements. This guidance requires disclosures about transfers of investments between levels in the fair value hierarchy and disclosures relating to the reconciliation of fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs (level 3 investments). The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the company's financial condition or results of operations.

Recently Issued Financial Accounting Standards

In June 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued guidance to increase the prominence of other comprehensive income within the financial statements. The guidance requires entities to present the components of net income and other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement or in two separate, but consecutive, statements of net income and other comprehensive income. The option to present other comprehensive income within the statement of stockholders' equity will be eliminated. This guidance is effective for us as of January 1, 2012 and will be applied retrospectively beginning with the March 31, 2012 interim reporting period. The Company does not believe adoption of this guidance will have any impact on its financial condition or results of operations.

In September 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued guidance that permits an entity to make a qualitative assessment of whether it is more likely than not that a reporting unit's fair value is less than its carrying amount before applying the two-step goodwill impairment test. If an entity concludes it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, it need not perform the two-step impairment test. The guidance is effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011 and early adoption is permitted. The Company does not believe adoption of this guidance will have any impact on its financial condition or results of operations.

In December 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued guidance that requires an entity to disclose information about offsetting and related arrangements to enable users of its financial statements to understand the effect of those arrangements on its financial position. The amendment enhances disclosures required by U.S. GAAP by requiring additional disclosures about financial instruments and derivative instruments that are either offset or subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement or similar agreement. The amendment is effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013, and interim periods within those annual periods. The Company does not believe adoption of the guidance will have any impact on its financial condition or results of operations.

Allowance For Doubtful Accounts

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Allowance For Doubtful Accounts [Abstract]

Allowance For Doubtful Accounts

3. Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

The following table summarizes the activity of the allowance for doubtful accounts for the years ended:


	December 31,
	2011			2010			2009
Balance at January 1,	$	6,589		$	4,854		$	5,808
Provision (benefit) charged to income		(558	)		3,305			1,006
Write-offs		(2,288	)		(1,447	)		(1,729	)
Currency		62			(123	)		(231	)

Balance at December 31,	$	3,805		$	6,589		$	4,854

Property And Equipment

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Property And Equipment [Abstract]

Property And Equipment

4. Property and Equipment

The components of the Company's property and equipment are as follows:


	December 31,
	2011			2010
Leasehold improvements	$	42,789		$	41,556
Office furniture, fixtures and equipment		24,602			23,588
Computer equipment and software		45,270			35,279

Property and equipment, gross		112,661			100,423
Accumulated depreciation		(67,880	)		(66,017	)

Property and equipment, net	$	44,781		$	34,406

Depreciation expense for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 was $9.1 million, $9.6 million and $9.5 million, respectively.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for long-lived, physical assets that are used in the normal conduct of business to produce goods and services and not intended for resale. Examples include land, buildings, machinery and equipment, and other types of furniture and equipment including, but not limited to, office equipment, furniture and fixtures, and computer equipment and software. This disclosure may include property plant and equipment accounting policies and methodology, a schedule of property, plant and equipment gross, additions, deletions, transfers and other changes, depreciation, depletion and amortization expense, net, accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization expense and useful lives, income statement disclosures, assets held for sale and public utility disclosures.

+ References + Details

Restricted Cash	12 Months Ended
Restricted Cash	Dec. 31, 2011
Restricted Cash [Abstract]
Restricted Cash	5. Restricted Cash The Company had $1.9 million and $2.0 million of restricted cash at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, in support of lease guarantees. In accordance with the terms of the lease agreements, the cash balances are restricted through the termination dates of the leases, which extend through 2019.

Investments

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Investments [Abstract]

Investments

6. Investments

The components of the Company's investments are as follows:


	December 31,
	2011		2010
U.S. non-qualified deferred compensation plan	$	9,313	$	8,487
JobKoo		—		1,803
Warrants and equity securities		555		731

Total	$	9,868	$	11,021

The Company's U.S. non-qualified deferred compensation plan consists primarily of U.S. marketable securities and mutual funds, all of which are valued using Level 1 inputs. The aggregate cost basis for these investments was $8.3 million and $7.4 million as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The warrants and equity securities primarily consist of cost method investments, none of which were evaluated for impairment since there were no triggering events in the respective periods.

During 2011, the Company provided a loan to its equity method investee, JobKoo, in the principal amount of $1.0 million. As a result of JobKoo's inability to demonstrate sufficient cash flow to support repayment of the loan or recoverability of the investment, the Company wrote-off its $1.8 million investment and $1.0 million loan during 2011. The Company continues to hold its 50% interest in JobKoo. The write-off is included in non-operating expense-other, net on the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2011.

Fair Value Measurements

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]

Fair Value Measurements

7. Fair Value Measurements

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. A three-level fair value hierarchy prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value. The hierarchy requires entities to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. The three levels of inputs used to measure fair value are as follows:

•

Level 1 – Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities.

•

Level 2 – Quoted prices in active markets for similar assets and liabilities, or other inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument.

•

Level 3 – Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets and liabilities. This includes certain pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies and similar techniques that use significant unobservable inputs.

Substantially all of the Company's assets that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis are measured using Level 1 inputs. The Company considers the recorded value of its financial assets and liabilities, which consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, and accounts payable, to approximate the fair value of the respective assets and liabilities at December 31, 2011 and 2010 based upon the short-term nature of the assets and liabilities.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the fair value of financial instruments (as defined), including financial assets and financial liabilities (collectively, as defined), and the measurements of those instruments as well as disclosures related to the fair value of non-financial assets and liabilities. Such disclosures about the financial instruments, assets, and liabilities would include: (1) the fair value of the required items together with their carrying amounts (as appropriate); (2) for items for which it is not practicable to estimate fair value, disclosure would include: (a) information pertinent to estimating fair value (including, carrying amount, effective interest rate, and maturity, and (b) the reasons why it is not practicable to estimate fair value; (3) significant concentrations of credit risk including: (a) information about the activity, region, or economic characteristics identifying a concentration, (b) the maximum amount of loss the entity is exposed to based on the gross fair value of the related item, (c) policy for requiring collateral or other security and information as to accessing such collateral or security, and (d) the nature and brief description of such collateral or security; (4) quantitative information about market risks and how such risks are managed; (5) for items measured on both a recurring and nonrecurring basis information regarding the inputs used to develop the fair value measurement; and (6) for items presented in the financial statement for which fair value measurement is elected: (a) information necessary to understand the reasons for the election, (b) discussion of the effect of fair value changes on earnings, (c) a description of [similar groups] items for which the election is made and the relation thereof to the balance sheet, the aggregate carrying value of items included in the balance sheet that are not eligible for the election; (7) all other required (as defined) and desired information.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 133
-Paragraph 44A, 44B
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 107
-Paragraph 15C, 15D
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 107
-Paragraph 15A
-Subparagraph a-d
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 107
-Paragraph 15B
-Subparagraph a, b
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 107
-Paragraph 3, 10, 14, 15
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 157
-Paragraph 32, 33, 34
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 159
-Paragraph 17-22, 27, 28
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 820
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6925170&loc=d3e19207-110258

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 825
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 21
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6947722&loc=d3e13537-108611

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 825
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 28
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6957238&loc=d3e14064-108612

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 825
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 10
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6947722&loc=d3e13433-108611

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 825
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 30
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6957238&loc=d3e14172-108612

Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 825
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 16
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6947722&loc=d3e13504-108611

Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 820
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 5
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6925170&loc=d3e19296-110258

+ Details

Other Non-Current Assets

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Other Non-Current Assets [Abstract]

Other Non-Current Assets

8. Other Non-Current Assets

The components of the Company's other non-current assets are as follows:


	December 31,
	2011		2010
Deferred compensation	$	4,345	$	6,380
Prepaid rent		2,075		2,084
Other		60		129

Total other non-current assets	$	6,480	$	8,593

Acquisitions	12 Months Ended
Acquisitions	Dec. 31, 2011
Acquisitions [Abstract]
Acquisitions	9. Acquisitions IronHill Partners, LLC In May 2008, the Company acquired IronHill Partners, LLC ("IronHill"), an executive search boutique firm in the United States, specializing in the venture capital sector with a particular focus on technology companies. IronHill was eligible to receive earnout payments up to $4.4 million based on the achievement of certain revenue metrics in 2009, 2010, and 2011. As a result of the achievement of these revenue metrics, the Company paid an earnout payment of $3.9 million in 2011. The earnout period for the IronHill acquisition has expired and there will be no future payments associated with the acquisition. Ray & Berndtson Sp. z o. o In February 2009, the Company acquired Ray & Berndtson Sp. z o. o, a retained executive search firm in Warsaw, Poland, for $2.7 million of initial consideration, pursuant to a stock purchase, which was funded from existing cash. Ray & Berndtson Sp. z o. o was eligible to receive earnout payments based on the achievement of certain revenue metrics in 2009, 2010, and 2011. As a result, as of the acquisition date, the Company accrued €1.8 million (equivalent to $2.3 million at December 31, 2011) representing the estimated fair value of the future earnout payments. Additionally, the Company recorded $4.2 million of goodwill, $0.7 million of identifiable intangible assets, $0.3 million of assets and assumed $0.1 million of liabilities. As a result of significantly lower than expected 2009 revenue production from the consultants acquired and uncertainty regarding future performance, the Company performed a fair value assessment of the future earnout payments under the purchase agreement. This assessment resulted in a $1.7 million reduction to the original earnout accrual in 2009. Additionally, the deterioration in business performance in 2009 triggered a review of the client relationship intangible assets associated with this acquisition, resulting in an impairment charge in the European region of $0.2 million during 2009. As a result of continued lower than expected 2010 revenue production from consultants acquired and uncertainty regarding future performance, the Company performed a second fair value assessment which resulted in a $1.1 million adjustment in 2010. Under the acquisition method of accounting for business combinations, the Company recognized the 2010 and 2009 fair value adjustments as other operating income in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. As of December 31, 2011 there was no goodwill, intangible assets, or earnout accruals recorded related to the Ray & Berndtson Sp. z o. o acquisition. Bell McCaw Bampflyde Limited In March 2010, the Company acquired Bell McCaw Bampflyde Limited, a retained executive search firm based in New Zealand for 0.8 million New Zealand dollars (equivalent to $0.6 million at December 31, 2011) of initial consideration, pursuant to an asset purchase, which was funded from existing cash. Bell McCaw Bampflyde Limited is eligible to receive earnout payments of up to 1.4 million New Zealand dollars based on the achievement of certain revenue metrics in 2011, 2012 and 2013. As a result, the Company accrued 1.4 million New Zealand dollars (equivalent to $1.1 million at December 31, 2011), representing the estimated fair value of future earnout payments as of the acquisition date. As part of the purchase price allocation, the Company recorded 0.2 million New Zealand dollars (equivalent to $0.1 million at December 31, 2011) of property and equipment, and 2.0 million New Zealand dollars (equivalent to $1.6 million at December 31, 2011) of goodwill. There were no intangibles recorded as part of this acquisition. The IronHill acquisition was accounted for using the purchase method of accounting and the Ray & Berndtson Sp. z o. o and Bell McCaw Bampflyde Limited acquisitions were accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting for business combinations. The results of operations of these entities have been included in the consolidated financial statements since their respective acquisition dates. Additionally, none of these acquisitions is considered material to the Company, and, therefore, pro-forma information has not been presented.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for a business combination (or series of individually immaterial business combinations) completed during the period, including background, timing, and recognized assets and liabilities. The disclosure may include leverage buyout transactions (as applicable).

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)
-Number 88-16
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 141
-Paragraph 51, 52
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 141R
-Appendix F
-Paragraph F4
-Subparagraph e

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 141R
-Paragraph 67-73
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 30
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6911361&loc=d3e6927-128479

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
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Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Publisher FASB
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Reference 17: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 18: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
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-Publisher FASB
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+ Details

Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets [Abstract]

Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets

10. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill

Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by segment for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009 were as follows:


	Americas			Europe			Asia Pacific			Total
Balance at December 31, 2008	$	78,056		$	18,499		$	4,679		$	101,234
Ray & Berndtson Sp.z o. o acquisition		—			4,156			—			4,156
RentonJames earnout adjustment		—			—			394			394
IronHill acquisition adjustment		108			—			—			108
Exchange rate fluctuations		591			1,615			912			3,118

Balance at December 31, 2009		78,755			24,270			5,985			109,010
Bell McCaw Bampflyde Limited acquisition		—			—			1,386			1,386
Exchange rate fluctuations		234			(1,288	)		546			(508	)

Balance at December 31, 2010		78,989			22,982			7,917			109,888
Goodwill impairment		—			(23,507	)		—			(23,507	)
Iron Hill earnout adjustment		3,930			—			—			3,930
Exchange rate fluctuations		(105	)		525			(35	)		385

Balance at December 31, 2011	$	82,814		$	—		$	7,882		$	90,696

As a result of the Company's restructuring initiatives announced on October 5, 2011, which primarily related to Europe and the volatility associated with the economic outlook for Europe, including the political and economic uncertainty in the region, the Company, with the assistance of an independent valuation firm, conducted a goodwill impairment evaluation as of September 30, 2011. The goodwill impairment evaluation is performed using a two-step, fair value based test. The first step compares the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. The second step measures the impairment charge and is performed only if the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value as determined in step one. To measure the amount of the impairment loss, the implied fair value of a reporting unit's goodwill is compared to the carrying amount of that goodwill. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit's goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of that goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined in the same manner as the amount of goodwill recognized in a business combination.

The impairment test is considered for each of the Company's reporting units as defined in the accounting standard for goodwill and intangible assets. The Company operates its executive search and leadership consulting services in three geographic regions: the Americas; Europe, which includes the Middle East and Africa; and Asia Pacific. The Americas is comprised of the Company's North America and Latin America operations. These geographic regions are also considered to be the Company's reporting units as follows: North America, Latin America, Europe and Asia Pacific.

During the impairment evaluation process, the Company used discounted cash flow and comparable company methodologies to estimate the fair value of its reporting units. The discounted cash flow approach is dependent on a number of factors, including estimates of future market growth and trends, forecasted revenue and costs, capital investments, appropriate discount rates, certain assumptions to allocate shared assets and liabilities, historical and projected performance of the Company's reporting units, the outlook for the executive search industry, and the macroeconomic conditions affecting each of the Company's reporting units.

The completion of the first step of the goodwill impairment test indicated that the fair value of the Europe reporting unit did not exceed its carrying amount. The key assumptions used in the determination of fair value were (1) the volatility in current economic conditions, (2) a forecast of moderate growth in the near term driven by enhanced consultant productivity after the Company's restructuring activities followed by stabilization in the longer term, (3) improved profit margin expectations and (4) other factors. As a result of the fair value of the Europe reporting unit not exceeding its carrying amount, the second step of the impairment evaluation was performed. Based on the results of the second step of the impairment evaluation, the Company determined that the goodwill within the Europe reporting unit was impaired, which resulted in a non-cash impairment charge of $23.5 million in 2011, to write-off all of the goodwill in the Europe reporting unit.

In connection with the Company's 2008 IronHill acquisition, IronHill was eligible to receive earnout payments up to a total of $4.4 million based on achievement of certain revenue metrics in 2009, 2010 and 2011. As a result of the achievement of these revenue metrics, the Company paid an earnout payment of $3.9 million during 2011. The earnout period for the IronHill acquisition has expired and there will be no future payments associated with the acquisition.

Other Intangible Assets

The carrying amount of amortizable intangible assets and the related accumulated amortization were as follows:


			December 31,
			2011							2010
	Weighted Average Life (in years)		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Net Carrying Amount		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Net Carrying Amount
Client relationships		12.6	$	10,208	$	(7,877	)	$	2,331	$	18,430	$	(12,503	)	$	5,927
Candidate database		6.0		1,800		(1,575	)		225		1,800		(1,275	)		525
Other		—		—		—			—		204		(176	)		28

Total intangible assets		12.0	$	12,008	$	(9,452	)	$	2,556	$	20,434	$	(13,954	)	$	6,480

As a result of the departure of certain consultants during the second quarter of 2010 and post acquisition performance associated with the Company's 2008 acquisitions of Schwab Enterprise, LLC and 75 Search Partners, LLC, and 2009 acquisition of Ray and Berndtson Sp. z o. o, the Company performed analyses of the remaining client relationship intangible assets related to these acquisitions. Based on these analyses, the Company recorded impairment charges of $0.5 million in the Americas region and $0.2 million in the European region during the second quarter of 2010 which are included in general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2010.

In connection with the goodwill impairment evaluation during the third quarter of 2011, the Company also performed an evaluation of its intangible assets. The analysis was conducted in accordance with accounting guidance on fair value measurements taking into consideration Level 3 inputs, primarily consisting of discounted cash flow methodologies and assumptions regarding the highest and best use of the asset by market participants in the context of the executive search business. Based on this evaluation, the Company recorded an impairment charge related to its client relationship intangible assets in Europe of $2.5 million and the Americas of $0.4 million during the third quarter of 2011.

Intangible asset amortization expense, excluding the impairment charge noted above, for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009 was $1.1 million, $1.3 million and $1.8 million, respectively. The estimated intangible amortization expense is $0.6 million for fiscal year 2012, $0.4 million for fiscal year 2013 and 2014, and $0.3 for fiscal years 2015 and 2016. These amounts are based on intangible assets recorded as of December 31, 2011, and actual amortization expense could differ from these estimates as a result of future acquisitions and other factors.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the aggregate amount of goodwill and a description of intangible assets, which may include (a) for amortizable intangible assets (also referred to as finite-lived intangible assets), the carrying amount, the amount of any significant residual value, and the weighted-average amortization period, (b) for intangible assets not subject to amortization (also referred to as indefinite-lived intangible assets), the carrying amount, and (c) the amount of research and development assets acquired and written off in the period, including the line item in the income statement in which the amounts written off are aggregated, if not readily apparent from the income statement. Also discloses (a) for amortizable intangibles assets in total and by major class, the gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization, the total amortization expense for the period, and the estimated aggregate amortization expense for each of the five succeeding fiscal years, (b) for intangible assets not subject to amortization the carrying amount in total and by major class, and (c) for goodwill, in total and for each reportable segment, the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill during the period (including the aggregate amount of goodwill acquired, the aggregate amount of impairment losses recognized, and the amount of goodwill included in the gain (loss) on disposal of a reporting unit). If any part of goodwill has not been allocated to a reportable segment, discloses the unallocated amount and the reasons for not allocating. For each impairment loss recognized related to an intangible asset (excluding goodwill), discloses: (a) a description of the impaired intangible asset and the facts and circumstances leading to the impairment, (b) the amount of the impairment loss and the method for determining fair value, (c) the caption in the income statement or the statement of activities in which the impairment loss is aggregated, and (d) the segment in which the impaired intangible asset is reported. For each goodwill impairment loss recognized, discloses: (a) a description of the facts and circumstances leading to the impairment, (b) the amount of the impairment loss and the method of determining the fair value of the associated reporting unit, and (c) if a recognized impairment loss is an estimate not finalized and the reasons why the estimate is not final. May also disclose the nature and amount of any significant adjustments made to a previous estimate of an impairment loss.

+ References + Details

Other Current And Non-Current Liabilities

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Other Current And Non-Current Liabilities [Abstract]

Other Current And Non-Current Liabilities

11. Other Current and Non-Current Liabilities

The components of other current liabilities are as follows:


	December 31,
	2011		2010
Deferred revenue	$	16,824	$	16,639
Restructuring charges		8,881		850
Other		13,657		16,575

Total other current liabilities	$	39,362	$	34,064

The components of other non-current liabilities are as follows:


	December 31,
	2011		2010
Accrued salaries and employee benefits	$	26,503	$	26,084
Premise related costs		16,763		16,266
Other		4,130		4,665

Total other non-current liabilities	$	47,396	$	47,015

Line Of Credit	12 Months Ended
Line Of Credit	Dec. 31, 2011
Line Of Credit [Abstract]
Line Of Credit	12. Line of Credit On June 22, 2011, the Company and certain foreign subsidiary borrowers of the Company entered into a Credit Agreement (the "Agreement") with its lenders. The Agreement provides the terms under which the lenders will make available to the Company a committed unsecured revolving credit facility in an aggregate amount of up to $75 million (the "Facility"). The Agreement includes an expansion feature that allows the Company to seek to increase the aggregate commitment under the Facility by up to $25 million provided that the Company is in compliance with certain conditions set forth in the Agreement. The Agreement also provides for the issuance of letters of credit. The Facility matures on June 22, 2016. Under the Agreement, the Borrowers may borrow U.S. dollars, euros, British pound sterling, Australian dollars or other major traded currencies as agreed by the lenders. Borrowings under the Agreement bear interest, at the Company's election, at the existing Alternate Base Rate (as defined in the Agreement) or Adjusted LIBOR Rate (as defined in the Agreement) plus a spread as determined by the Company's leverage ratio. There were no borrowings made or outstanding under the existing lines of credit during the years ended December 31, 2011 or 2010. During 2011 and 2010, the Company was in compliance with the financial covenants under the existing lines of credit and no event of default existed.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for information about short-term and long-term debt arrangements, which includes amounts of borrowings under each line of credit, note payable, commercial paper issue, bonds indenture, debenture issue, own-share lending arrangements and any other contractual agreement to repay funds, and about the underlying arrangements, rationale for a classification as long-term, including repayment terms, interest rates, collateral provided, restrictions on use of assets and activities, whether or not in compliance with debt covenants, and other matters important to users of the financial statements, such as the effects of refinancing and noncompliance with debt covenants.

+ References + Details

Employee Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
Employee Benefit Plans	Dec. 31, 2011
Employee Benefit Plans [Abstract]
Employee Benefit Plans	13. Employee Benefit Plans Qualified Retirement Plan The Company has a defined contribution retirement plan (the "Plan") for all eligible employees in the United States. Eligible employees may begin participating in the Plan upon their hire date. The Plan contains a 401(k) provision, which provides for employee pre-tax and/or after-tax contributions, from 1% to 50% of their eligible compensation up to a combined maximum permitted by law. The Company matched employee contributions on a dollar for dollar basis per participant up to the greater of $4,500, or 3.5%, of eligible compensation for the year ended December 31, 2011. The Company matched employee contributions up to the greater of $4,000, or 3%, of eligible compensation for the year ended December 31, 2010. The Company suspended its employer matching contribution for the year ended December 31, 2009. Employees are eligible for the Company match after satisfying a one year service requirement provided that they are working on the last day of the Plan year in which the match is made. The Plan also provides for employees who retire, die or become disabled during the Plan year to receive the Company match for that Plan year. The Plan provides that forfeitures will be used to reduce the Company's contributions. Forfeitures are created when participants terminate employment before becoming entitled to the Company's matching contribution under the Plan. The Company also has the option of making discretionary contributions. There were no discretionary contributions made for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009. The expense that the Company incurred for matching employee contributions for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 was $2.2 million, $1.8 million and zero, respectively. Through September 30, 2004, the Plan allowed participants the option of having their account balances or portions thereof invested in the Company's common stock. As of October 1, 2004, participants were no longer allowed the option of purchasing the Company's common stock under the Plan. However, those participants who held the Company's common stock were allowed to maintain their shares. Effective November 30, 2011, the Company's stock fund in the Plan was closed, and the remaining balances were transferred to other available funds. At December 31, 2011 and 2010, the Plan held zero and 4,772 shares, respectively, of the Company's common stock. The Company maintains additional retirement plans in the Americas, Europe and Asia Pacific regions which the Company does not consider as material, and, therefore additional disclosure has not been presented. The balances associated with these plans have been reported in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 and in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2011 and 2010. Deferred Compensation Plans The Company has a deferred compensation plan for certain U.S. employees (the "U.S. Plan") that became effective on January 1, 2006. The U.S. Plan allows participants to defer up to 25% of their base compensation and up to the lesser of $500,000 or 25% of their eligible bonus compensation into several different investment vehicles, including a Company stock fund (through November 30, 2011, at which time the Company stock fund was closed). These deferrals are immediately vested and are not subject to a risk of forfeiture. In 2011 and 2010, all deferrals in the U.S. Plan were funded. The compensation deferred in the U.S. Plan was $7.6 million and $7.2 million, at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The assets and liabilities of this plan are included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2011 and 2010. The Company has a Non-Employee Directors Voluntary Deferred Compensation Plan whereby non-employee members of the Company's Board of Directors may elect to defer up to 100% of the cash component of their directors' fees into several different investment vehicles, including a Company stock fund (through November 30, 2011, at which time the Company stock fund was closed). As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, the total amounts deferred under the plan were $1.7 million and $1.3 million, respectively, all of which was funded. The U.S. and Non-Employee Directors Voluntary Deferred Compensation Plans consist primarily of marketable securities and mutual funds, all of which are valued using Level 1 inputs (See Note 7, Fair Value Measurements).

Pension Plan And Life Insurance Contract

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Pension Plan And Life Insurance Contract [Abstract]

Pension Plan And Life Insurance Contract

14. Pension Plan and Life Insurance Contract

The Company maintains a pension plan for certain employees in Germany. The pensions are individually fixed euro amounts that vary depending on the function and the eligible years of service of the employee.

The following tables reconcile the benefit obligation for the pension plan:


	2011			2010
Benefit obligation at January 1,	$	23,406		$	24,330
Service cost		150			129
Interest cost		1,212			1,148
Actuarial gain (loss)		529			681
Benefits paid		(1,354	)		(1,281	)
Cumulative translation adjustment		(756	)		(1,601	)

Benefit obligation at December 31,	$	23,187		$	23,406

The benefit obligation amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets are as follows:


	December 31,
	2011		2010
Current liabilities	$	1,357	$	1,401
Noncurrent liabilities		21,830		22,005

Total	$	23,187	$	23,406

The accumulated benefit obligation amounts at December 31, 2011 and 2010 are $23.1 million and $23.3 million, respectively.

The components of and assumptions used to determine the net periodic benefit cost are as follows:


	December 31,
	2011			2010			2009
Net period benefit cost:
Service cost	$	150		$	129		$	126
Interest cost		1,212			1,148			1,280
Amortization of net gain		(368	)		(624	)		(880	)

Net periodic benefit cost	$	994		$	653		$	525

Weighted average assumptions
Discount rate (1)		5.10	%		5.25	%		5.75	%
Rate of compensation increase		1.75	%		1.75	%		1.75	%

Assumptions to determine the Company's benefit obligation are as follows:


	December 31,
	2011			2010			2009
Discount rate (1)		4.65	%		5.10	%		5.25	%
Rate of compensation increase		1.75	%		1.75	%		1.75	%
Measurement Date		12/31/2011			12/31/2010			12/31/2009

(1)

The discount rates are based on long-term bond indices adjusted to reflect the longer duration of the benefit obligation.

The amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 that had not yet been recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost were $2.4 million and $3.3 million, respectively. Accumulated other comprehensive income as of December 31, 2011 includes $0.1 million that is expected to be recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost in 2012.

The Company's investment strategy is to support its pension obligations through reinsurance contracts. The BaFin—German Federal Financial Supervisory Authority—supervises the insurance companies and the reinsurance contracts. The BaFin requires each reinsurance contract to guarantee a fixed minimum return. The Company's pension benefits are fully reinsured by group insurance contracts with ERGO Lebensversicherung AG, and the group insurance contracts are measured in accordance with BaFin guidelines (including mortality tables and discount rates) which are considered Level 2 inputs (See Note 7, Fair Value Measurements). The fair value at December 31, 2011 and 2010 was $24.2 million and $25.0 million, respectively. The expected contribution to be paid into the plan in 2012 is $1.4 million.

Since the pension assets are not segregated in trust from the Company's other assets, the pension assets are not shown as an offset against the pension liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. These assets are included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2011 and 2010, as a component of other current assets and assets designated for retirement and pension plans.

The benefits expected to be paid in each of the next five years, and in the aggregate for the five years thereafter are as follows:


Year ending December 31,
2012	$	1,357
2013		1,366
2014		1,756
2015		1,657
2016		1,656
2017 through 2021		8,171

- Definition

The entire disclosure for pension and other postretirement benefits.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph a
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph b
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph h
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph q
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 8
-Subparagraph m
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 106
-Paragraph 518
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 87
-Paragraph 264
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)
-Number 03-2
-Paragraph 8
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)
-Number 30
-Paragraph 26
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name FASB Staff Position (FSP)
-Number FAS106-2
-Paragraph 20, 21, 22
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 158
-Paragraph 7, 21, 22
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 5, 6, 7, 8
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Implementation Guide (Q and A)
-Number FAS88
-Paragraph 63
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/topic&trid=2235017

+ Details

Stock-Based Compensation

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]

Stock-Based Compensation

15. Stock-Based Compensation

GlobalShare Program

On May 24, 2007, the stockholders of the Company approved the 2007 Heidrick & Struggles GlobalShare Program (the "Plan") at the Company's Annual Meeting of Stockholders. A one-year extension to the Plan was approved by the Company's stockholders on May 26, 2011.

The Plan reflects the merger of the Company's prior stock-based plans, GlobalShare Program I and GlobalShare Program II. The Plan provides for grants of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock awards, restricted stock units, performance stock units and other stock-based awards that are valued based upon the fair market value of shares. These awards may be granted to directors, selected employees and independent contractors. Awards are paid in shares, but may be paid in cash. No incentive option can have a term greater than ten years and the option price per share of common stock cannot be less than 100% of the fair market value of the Company's common stock on the date of grant.

The Plan provides 2,000,000 shares available for awards to be granted on or after May 24, 2007 (the effective date of the Plan). This number includes the shares that were not subject to awards and still available for issuance under the GlobalShare Programs I and II as of May 24, 2007. As of December 31, 2011, there are 735,494 shares available for future awards.

The Plan limits the number of shares that may be granted to any participant who is or may be a "covered employee" under Code Section 162(m) to 200,000 stock options and stock appreciation rights and 200,000 performance-based awards.

The total number of restricted stock units and performance stock units and the underlying shares of the Company's common stock that may be issued or delivered under the Plan is recommended by management and approved by the Human Resources and Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors on an annual basis.

The Company has the ability to settle equity awards by issuing shares held in treasury or through the issuance of authorized but unissued common stock.

The Plan provides that no awards can be granted after May 24, 2012.

A summary of information with respect to stock-based compensation is as follows:


	December 31,
	2011		2010		2009
Total employee stock-based compensation expense included in operating income (loss)	$	5,503	$	7,765	$	19,016
Income tax benefit related to stock-based compensation included in net income (loss)		2,247		3,106		7,606

As of December 31, 2011, there was $7.6 million of pre-tax unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested restricted and performance stock units, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average of 1.9 years.

Restricted Stock Units

Restricted stock units are generally subject to ratable vesting over a three year period. Compensation expense related to service-based restricted stock units is recognized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. For awards requiring satisfaction of service and performance conditions, compensation expense is recognized using a graded vesting attribution method.

Restricted stock unit activity for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009:


	Number of Restricted Stock Units			Weighted- Average Grant-date Fair Value
Outstanding on December 31, 2008		1,880,719			$36.48
Granted		314,738			14.56
Vested and converted to common stock		(818,768	)		37.09
Forfeited		(162,169	)		33.92

Outstanding on December 31, 2009		1,214,520			30.73
Granted		297,183			26.62
Vested and converted to common stock		(637,693	)		34.44
Forfeited		(160,616	)		27.03

Outstanding on December 31, 2010		713,394			26.52
Granted		224,583			24.42
Vested and converted to common stock		(403,562	)		28.47
Forfeited		(44,695	)		26.16

Outstanding on December 31, 2011		489,720			23.99

As of December 31, 2011, there was $6.4 million of pre-tax unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested restricted stock units, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average of 1.9 years.

Performance Stock Units

The Company began granting performance stock units to certain of its senior executives in 2009. The performance stock units are generally subject to a cliff vesting at the end of a three year period. For the 2009 PSU grants, the vesting will vary between 0%—175% based on the Company's total shareholder return relative to a prescribed peer group over the 3 year service period. For the 2010 and 2011 PSU grants, the vesting will vary between 0%—200% based on the attainment of operating income goals over the 3 year vesting period. The performance stock units are expensed on a straight-line basis over the 3 year vesting period.

Performance share unit activity for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009:


	Number of Performance Share Units			Weighted- Average Grant-date Fair Value
Outstanding on December 31, 2008		—			—
Granted		104,023		$	17.85
Vested and converted to common stock		—			—
Forfeited		—			—

Outstanding on December 31, 2009		104,023			17.85
Granted		62,760			28.28
Vested and converted to common stock		—			—
Forfeited		(54,260	)		21.23

Outstanding on December 31, 2010		112,523			22.03
Granted		51,049			27.18
Vested and converted to common stock		—			—
Forfeited		(23,342	)		23.45

Outstanding on December 31, 2011		140,230			23.67

As of December 31, 2011, there was $1.2 million of pre-tax unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested performance stock units, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average of 1.7 years.

Non-qualified Stock Options

Stock options granted under the Plan have an exercise price that is equal to the fair value of the Company's common stock on the grant date. Options under the Plan are generally subject to ratable vesting over a 3 year period, and compensation expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period.

Non-qualified stock option activity for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009:


	Number of Non-qualified Stock Options			Weighted- Average Exercise Price Per Share		Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years)		Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding on December 31, 2008		737,953			$31.72		3.0	$	10,947
Granted		—			—
Exercised		(88,412	)		14.00
Expired		(125,814	)		24.23
Forfeited		(13,727	)		39.45

Outstanding on December 31, 2009		510,000			36.44		3.0		8,505
Granted		—			—
Exercised		—			—
Expired		(159,360	)		37.46
Forfeited		(13,318	)		33.79

Outstanding on December 31, 2010		337,322			35.77		2.4		5,462
Granted		—			—
Exercised		—			—
Expired		(200,551	)		34.57
Forfeited		(3,400	)		31.47

Outstanding on December 31, 2011		133,371			37.67		4.4		1,516

Exercisable on December 31, 2009		400,532			$36.73		1.8	$	7,319
Exercisable on December 31, 2010		303,781			36.06		1.9		5,116
Exercisable on December 31, 2011		133,371			37.67		4.4		1,516

Information about non-qualified stock options at December 31, 2011 is as follows:


Options Outstanding								Options Exercisable
Exercise Prices		Number Outstanding		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life in years		Weighted Average Exercise Price		Number Exercisable		Weighted Average Exercise Price
	$28.65		7,000		6.4		$28.65		7,000		$28.65
	33.79		86,121		6.2		33.79		86,121		33.79
	36.45		3,000		0.7		36.45		3,000		36.45
	48.45		37,250		0.2		48.45		37,250		48.48

			133,371		4.4		37.67		133,371		37.67

As of December 31, 2011, there was no pre-tax unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested non-qualified stock options.


	Year Ended December 31,
	2011		2010		2009
Total grant date fair value of stock options vested (in 000's)	$	322	$	700	$	914
Total intrinsic value of stock options exercised (in 000's)		—		—		257

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of components of a stock option or other award plan under which equity-based compensation is awarded to employees, typically comprised of the amount of unearned compensation (deferred compensation cost), compensation expense, and changes in the quantity and fair value of the shares (or other type of equity) granted, exercised, forfeited, and issued and outstanding pertaining to that plan. Disclosure may also include nature and general terms of such arrangements that existed during the period and potential effects of those arrangements on shareholders, effect of compensation cost arising from equity-based payment arrangements on the income statement, method of estimating the fair value of the goods or services received, or the fair value of the equity instruments granted, during the period, cash flow effects resulting from equity-based payment arrangements and, for registrants that accelerate vesting of out of the money share options, reasons for the decision to accelerate.

+ References + Details

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

16. Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Comprehensive income (loss) includes net income (loss) and also considers the effect of additional economic events that are not required to be reported in determining net income, but rather are reported as a separate component of stockholders' equity. The Company reports foreign currency translation gains and losses, unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale investments and pension adjustments, as components of comprehensive income (loss).


	Year Ended December 31,
	2011			2010			2009
Comprehensive income (loss):
Net income (loss)	$	(33,722	)	$	7,493		$	(20,908	)
Change in foreign currency translation adjustment		(1,282	)		2,859			3,175
Change in unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale investments		(104	)		706			1,336
Pension adjustment, net of tax		(615	)		(1,055	)		(937	)

Total comprehensive income (loss)	$	(35,723	)	$	10,003		$	(17,334	)

The Company recorded a deferred tax benefit related to the pension adjustment of $0.3 million, $0.6 million and $0.5 in 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively.


	December 31,
	2011		2010
Accumulated other comprehensive income:
Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment	$	14,073	$	15,355
Net unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale investments, net of tax		565		669
Pension adjustment, net of tax		1,599		2,214

Total accumulated other comprehensive income	$	16,237	$	18,238

- Definition

The entire disclosure for comprehensive income. Includes, but is not limited to, the following: 1) the amount of income tax expense or benefit allocated to each component of other comprehensive income, including reclassification adjustments, 2) the reclassification adjustments for each classification of other comprehensive income and 3) the ending accumulated balances for each component of comprehensive income. Components of comprehensive income include: (1) foreign currency translation adjustments; (2) gains (losses) on foreign currency transactions that are designated as, and are effective as, economic hedges of a net investment in a foreign entity; (3) gains (losses) on intercompany foreign currency transactions that are of a long-term-investment nature, when the entities to the transaction are consolidated, combined, or accounted for by the equity method in the reporting enterprise's financial statements; (4) change in the market value of a futures contract that qualifies as a hedge of an asset reported at fair value; (5) unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities and that resulting from transfers of debt securities from the held-to-maturity category to the available-for-sale category; (6) a net loss recognized as an additional pension liability not yet recognized as net periodic pension cost; and (7) the net gain (loss) and net prior service cost or credit for pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 130
-Paragraph 14-26
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 11
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6920043&loc=d3e637-108580

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 14
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6920043&loc=d3e681-108580

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
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-Paragraph 13
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6920043&loc=d3e653-108580

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.3-04)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6959260&loc=d3e187085-122770

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
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-Paragraph 16
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Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section 55
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6920433&loc=d3e998-108581

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6920043&loc=d3e640-108580

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Reclassification Adjustments
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6522872

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 17
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6920043&loc=d3e716-108580

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-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 15
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6920043&loc=d3e689-108580

+ Details

Basic And Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Basic And Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share [Abstract]

Basic And Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share

17. Basic and Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share

A reconciliation of the basic and diluted earnings (loss) per common share, and the shares used in the computation are as follows:


	December 31,
	2011			2010		2009
Net income (loss)	$	(33,722	)	$	7,493	$	(20,908	)
Weighted average common shares outstanding		17,780			17,437		16,901
Dilutive common shares		—			432		—

Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding		17,780			17,869		16,901

Basic earnings (loss) per common share	$	(1.90	)	$	0.43	$	(1.24	)
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share	$	(1.90	)	$	0.42	$	(1.24	)

Options to purchase 0.1 million, 0.3 million, and 0.5 million shares of common stock that were outstanding during 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively, were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the exercise prices of these options were greater than the average market price of common shares. Additionally, approximately 0.2 million and 0.8 million dilutive common shares were excluded from the computation of the loss per common share for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2009 because the effect of their inclusion would be anti-dilutive as a result of the Company's net loss position.

Other Charges	12 Months Ended
Other Charges	Dec. 31, 2011
Other Charges [Abstract]
Other Charges	18. Other Charges The other charges of $4.2 million in the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2010 consist of $3.2 million of accelerated occupancy costs and depreciation, dilapidation costs, and professional fees related to the settlement of the Company's lease obligations with its former London office which the Company vacated and $1.0 million due to an unfavorable judgment in a lawsuit filed by a former European employee separated from the Company in 2006.

Restructuring And Impairment Charges

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Restructuring And Impairment Charges [Abstract]

Restructuring And Impairment Charges

19. Restructuring and Impairment Charges

Restructuring Charges

In 2009, the Company recorded net restructuring charges of $22.6 million. These charges related to $22.9 million of employee-related costs, including severance associated with reductions in the Company's workforce of 363 employees globally, and included 75 executive search consultants. By segment, the restructuring charges recorded in 2009 were $9.5 million in the Americas, $9.5 million in Europe, $2.4 million in Asia Pacific and $1.5 million in Global Operations Support. Additionally, during 2009 the Company recorded a reduction of $0.3 million in Europe related to a previously restructured office.

In 2010, the Company recorded restructuring charges of $1.6 million. These charges consist of $0.6 million of severance associated with reductions in the Company's workforce of 19 employees globally and $1.0 million related to the default of two of our subtenants in previously restructured offices. By segment the restructuring charges recorded in the year ended December 31, 2010 were $1.0 million in the Americas, $0.3 million in Europe, and $0.3 million in Global Operations Support.

In 2011, the Company recorded restructuring charges of $16.3 million in connection with initiatives to reduce overall costs and improve operational efficiencies. These charges consist of $14.2 million of employee-related costs, including severance associated with reductions in our workforce of 139 employees globally, and $2.1 million of expenses associated with consolidating and closing 11 of our smaller office locations, predominately in Europe. By segment, the restructuring charges recorded in 2011 were $8.3 million in Europe, $5.1 million in the Americas, $0.7 million in Asia Pacific, and $2.2 million in Global Operations Support.

The accrued restructuring charges at December 31, 2011 and 2010 consist of employee-related costs that require cash payments based on individual severance agreements and real estate leases that require cash payments through the lease terms reduced by sublease income. These accruals are included within other current and non-current liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Based on current estimates, the Company expects that cash outlays over the next twelve months related to restructuring charges accrued at December 31, 2011 will be $8.4 million, with the remainder payable over the remaining lease terms of the vacated properties, which extend through 2016.

Impairment Charges

As a result of the Company's workforce reductions in January and May 2009 and continued business and economic uncertainty, during 2009, the Company performed an evaluation of the remaining client relationship intangible asset associated with its 2006 acquisition of Highland Partners. Based on this analysis, the Company recorded an impairment charge related to the Americas region of $3.8 million in 2009. See Note 10, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.

The deterioration in business performance in 2009 from the consultants acquired in the Ray and Berndtson Sp. z o. o acquisition triggered a review of the associated client relationship intangible assets, resulting in an impairment charge in the European region of $0.2 million. See Note 10, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.

As a result of the Company's restructuring initiatives that occurred during the fourth quarter of 2011, which primarily related to Europe and the volatility associated with the economic outlook for Europe, including the political and economic uncertainty in the region, the Company, with the assistance of an independent valuation firm, conducted a goodwill impairment evaluation during the third quarter of 2011. Based on the evaluation, the Company determined that the goodwill within the Europe reporting unit was impaired, which resulted in a non-cash impairment charge of $23.5 million in 2011, to write-off all of the goodwill in the Europe reporting unit. See Note 10, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.

In connection with the goodwill impairment evaluation discussed above, the Company also performed an evaluation of its intangible assets during the third quarter of 2011. Based on this evaluation, the Company recorded an impairment charge related to its client relationship intangible assets in Europe of $2.5 million and the Americas of $0.4 million in 2011.

The table below outlines the restructuring and impairment charges along with related cash payments for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2011:


	Restructuring
	Employee			Office
	Related			Related			Impairment			Total
Accrual balance at December 31, 2008	$	—		$	5,753		$	—		$	5,753
Restructuring and impairment charges		22,901			(261	)		4,080			26,720
Cash payments		(22,031	)		(2,989	)		—			(25,020	)
Non cash write-offs		455			—			(4,080	)		(3,625	)
Exchange rate fluctuations		202			238			—			440

Accrual balance at December 31, 2009		1,527			2,741			—			4,268
Restructuring charges		580			1,041			—			1,621
Cash payments		(1,745	)		(1,694	)		—			(3,439	)
Exchange rate fluctuations		(47	)		(6	)		—			(53	)

Accrual balance at December 31, 2010		315			2,082			—			2,397
Restructuring charges		14,264			2,080			—			16,344
Impairment charges		—			—			26,366			26,366
Cash payments		(6,925	)		(566	)		—			(7,491	)
Non cash write-offs		—			(1,044	)		(26,366	)		(27,410	)
Other		498			—			—			498
Exchange rate fluctuations		(488	)		(40	)		—			(528	)

Accrual balance at December 31, 2011	$	7,664		$	2,512		$	—		$	10,176

Income Taxes

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Income Taxes [Abstract]

Income Taxes

20. Income Taxes

The sources of income (loss) before income taxes are as follows:


	December 31,
	2011			2010		2009
United States	$	7,104		$	4,396	$	(18,226	)
Foreign		(21,879	)		12,552		(11,473	)

Income (loss) before income taxes	$	(14,775	)	$	16,948	$	(29,699	)

The provision for (benefit from) income taxes are as follows:


	December 31,
	2011		2010			2009
Current
Federal	$	2,777	$	(6,479	)	$	(3,397	)
State and local		1,356		327			258
Foreign		4,512		8,903			3,643
Deferred		10,302		6,704			(9,295	)

Total provision for (benefit from) income taxes	$	18,947	$	9,455		$	(8,791	)

A reconciliation of the provision for (benefit from) income taxes to income taxes at the statutory U.S. federal income tax rate of 35% is as follows:


	December 31,
	2011			2010			2009
Income tax provision (benefit) at the statutory U.S. federal rate	$	(5,171	)	$	5,932		$	(10,395	)
State income tax provision (benefit), net of federal tax benefit		1,497			513			(828	)
Nondeductible expenses		6,728			1,936			428
Foreign tax higher (lower) than U.S. (includes changes in foreign valuation allowance)		4,641			2,367			1,625
Goodwill impairment		7,590			—			—
Establishment of valuation allowance		3,493			2,078			1,436
Change in uncertain tax positions		55			(3,079	)		—
U.S. tax (benefit) on foreign dividends		—			379			(991	)
Other, net		114			(671	)		(66	)

Total provision for (benefit from) income taxes	$	18,947		$	9,455		$	(8,791	)

The deferred tax assets and liabilities are attributable to the following components:


	December 31,
	2011			2010
Deferred tax assets attributable to:
Receivable allowances	$	1,527		$	2,349
Accrued vacation		2,312			2,257
Accrued bonuses		5,072			5,943
Liability for nonqualified retirement plans		4,501			5,782
Accrued compensation-restricted stock units		1,515			2,695
Accrued rent		4,401			5,152
Foreign net operating loss carryforwards		21,615			15,679
Goodwill		—			55
Accrued restructuring charges		1,647			551
Deferred compensation		10,763			13,616
Foreign tax credit carryforwards		16,630			17,455
U.S. state net operating loss carryforwards		609			609
U.S. capital loss carryforward		1,252			1,173
Other accrued expenses		4,589			4,138

Deferred tax assets, before valuation allowance		76,433			77,454

Deferred tax liabilities attributable to:
Unrealized gain on equity and warrant portfolio		375			(758	)
Prepaid expenses		(585	)		(478	)
Depreciation on property and equipment		(2,446	)		(1,380	)
Goodwill		(9,845	)		(5,133	)
Other		(2,178	)		(5,551	)

Deferred tax liabilities		(14,679	)		(13,300	)

Valuation allowance		(27,080	)		(18,392	)

Net deferred tax assets	$	34,674		$	45,762

The recognition of deferred tax assets is based on management's belief that it is more likely than not that the tax benefits associated with temporary differences, net operating loss carryforwards and tax credits will be utilized. The Company assesses the recoverability of the deferred tax assets on an ongoing basis. In making this assessment, the Company considers all positive and negative evidence, and all potential sources of taxable income including scheduled reversals of deferred tax liabilities, tax-planning strategies, projected future taxable income and recent financial performance.

The valuation allowance increased from $18.4 million at December 31, 2010 to $27.1 million at December 31, 2011. The valuation allowance at December 31, 2011 was related to foreign net operating loss carryforwards, certain foreign deferred tax assets, and U.S. capital loss carryforward. The Company intends to maintain these valuation allowances until sufficient evidence exists to support their reversal.

At December 31, 2011, the Company had a net operating loss carryforward of $74.8 million and $10.5 million related to its foreign and U.S. state tax filings, respectively. Depending on the tax rules of the tax jurisdictions, the losses can be carried forward indefinitely or for periods ranging from five to twenty years. The Company also had a foreign tax credit carryforward of $16.6 million, expiring in 2012 through 2020. Additionally, the Company had U.S. capital loss and charitable contribution carryforwards of $1.4 million that may be carried forward three years.

As of December 31, 2011, the Company had unremitted earnings held in its foreign subsidiaries of approximately $54.3 million. The Company did not recognize a deferred tax liability for U.S. income taxes and foreign withholding taxes related to the unremitted earnings of its foreign operations because the Company intends to reinvest those earnings indefinitely. Determination of the amount of unrecognized deferred tax liability related to unremitted earnings of foreign subsidiaries is not practicable. A deferred tax liability will be recognized if and when the Company is no longer able to demonstrate that it plans to permanently reinvest unremitted earnings.

As of January 1, 2011, the Company had $1.0 million of unrecognized tax benefits. As of December 31, 2011 the Company had $0.4 million of unrecognized tax benefits of which, if recognized, approximately $0.2 million, net of federal tax benefits, would be recorded as a component of income tax expense.

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of the total amounts of gross unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:


	December 31,
	2011			2010			2009
Gross unrecognized tax benefits at January 1,	$	972		$	3,850		$	4,090
Gross increases for tax positions of prior years		10			76			254
Gross decreases for tax positions of prior years		(6	)		(18	)		(4	)
Settlements		(534	)		(2,814	)		—
Lapse of statute of limitations		(10	)		(122	)		(490	)

Gross unrecognized tax benefits at December 31,	$	432		$	972		$	3,850

In many cases the Company's uncertain tax positions are related to tax years that remain subject to examination by the relevant taxable authorities. Years 2009 and 2010 are subject to examination by the federal and state taxing authorities. There are certain foreign jurisdictions that are subject to examination for years prior to 2009.

The Company is currently under audit by some U.S. state and foreign jurisdictions. It is likely that the examination phase of several of these audits will conclude in the next 12 months. Additionally, there are several statutes of limitation expected to close within the next 12 months. No significant increases or decreases in unrecognized tax benefits are expected to occur by December 31, 2012.

Estimated interest and penalties related to the underpayment of income taxes are classified as a component of the provision for income taxes in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Accrued interest and penalties are $0.5 million as of December 31, 2011.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for income taxes. Disclosures may include net deferred tax liability or asset recognized in an enterprise's statement of financial position, net change during the year in the total valuation allowance, approximate tax effect of each type of temporary difference and carryforward that gives rise to a significant portion of deferred tax liabilities and deferred tax assets, utilization of a tax carryback, and tax uncertainties information.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 08
-Paragraph h
-Article 4

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 109
-Paragraph 136, 172
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 109
-Paragraph 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 740
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 15
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32718-109319

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32639-109319

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(h))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6881521&loc=d3e23780-122690

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 740
-SubTopic 10
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32537-109319

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 740
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32559-109319

+ Details

Segment Information

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Segment Information [Abstract]

Segment Information

21. Segment Information

The Company operates its executive search and leadership consulting services in three geographic regions: the Americas; Europe, which includes the Middle East and Africa; and Asia Pacific.

For segment purposes, reimbursements of out-of-pocket expenses classified as revenue, restructuring charges, impairment charges, and other operating income are reported separately and, therefore, are not included in the results of each geographic region. The Company believes that analyzing trends in revenue before reimbursements (net revenue), analyzing operating expenses as a percentage of net revenue, and analyzing operating income (loss) excluding restructuring charges, impairment charges, and other operating income, more appropriately reflects its core operations.

By segment, the restructuring charges recorded in 2011 were $8.3 million in Europe, $5.1 million in the Americas, $0.7 million in Asia Pacific and $2.2 in Global Operations Support; and the impairment charges recorded in 2011 were $26.0 million in Europe and $0.4 million in the Americas. By segment, the restructuring charges recorded in 2010 were $1.0 million in the Americas, $0.3 million in Europe region, and $0.3 million in Global Operations Support. The other operating income of $1.1 million in 2010 was recorded in Europe. By segment, the restructuring charges recorded in 2009 were $9.5 million in the Americas, $9.5 million in Europe, $2.4 million in Asia Pacific and $1.5 million in Global Operations Support; and the impairment charges recorded in 2009 were $3.8 million in the Americas and $0.2 million in Europe. Additionally, the Company recorded an adjustment of $0.3 million in Europe related to a previously restructured office. The other operating income of $1.7 million in 2009 was recorded in Europe.

The revenue, operating income (loss), depreciation, and capital expenditures, by segment, are as follows:


	Year Ended December 31,
	2011			2010			2009
Revenue:
Americas	$	286,503		$	255,690		$	201,530
Europe		132,722			127,267			119,441
Asia Pacific		108,568			110,134			74,680

Revenue before reimbursements (net revenue)		527,793			493,091			395,651
Reimbursements		26,187			20,145			19,067

Total	$	553,980		$	513,236		$	414,718

Operating income (loss):
Americas	$	60,612		$	40,307		$	18,509
Europe		1,250			(604	)		2,741
Asia Pacific		12,983			24,517			9,457

Total regions		74,845			64,220			30,707
Global Operations Support		(43,050	)		(46,147	)		(32,359	)

Operating income (loss) before restructuring charges, impairment charges, and other operating income		31,795			18,073			(1,652	)
Restructuring charges		(16,344	)		(1,621	)		(22,640	)
Impairment charges		(26,366	)		—			(4,080	)
Other operating income		—			1,072			1,661

Total	$	(10,915	)	$	17,524		$	(26,711	)

Depreciation and amortization:
Americas	$	4,852		$	4,746		$	5,086
Europe		2,926			4,218			2,956
Asia Pacific		1,798			2,016			2,398

Total regions		9,576			10,980			10,440
Global Operations Support		687			604			825

Total	$	10,263		$	11,584		$	11,265

Capital expenditures:
Americas	$	7,526		$	5,600		$	9,013
Europe		5,373			9,917			1,792
Asia Pacific		2,420			1,862			988

Total regions		15,319			17,379			11,793
Global Operations Support		2,697			185			481

Total	$	18,016		$	17,564		$	12,274

Identifiable assets, and goodwill and other intangible assets, net, by segment, are as follows:


	December 31,
	2011		2010
Identifiable assets:
Americas	$	295,488	$	291,851
Europe		108,437		129,390
Asia Pacific		102,980		120,011

Total regions		506,905		541,252
Global Operations Support		8,660		3,775

Total	$	515,565	$	545,027

Goodwill and other intangible assets, net:
Americas	$	85,028	$	82,353
Europe		—		25,657
Asia Pacific		8,224		8,358

Total	$	93,252	$	116,368

- Definition

The entire disclosure for reporting segments including data and tables. Reportable segments include those that meet any of the following quantitative thresholds a) it's reported revenue, including sales to external customers and intersegment sales or transfers is 10 percent or more of the combined revenue, internal and external, of all operating segments b) the absolute amount of its reported profit or loss is 10 percent or more of the greater, in absolute amount of 1) the combined reported profit of all operating segments that did not report a loss or 2) the combined reported loss of all operating segments that did report a loss c) its assets are 10 percent or more of the combined assets of all operating segments.

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+ Details

Guarantees	12 Months Ended
Guarantees	Dec. 31, 2011
Guarantees [Abstract]
Guarantees	22. Guarantees The Company has issued guarantees supporting the payment of office lease obligations of certain of its subsidiaries in Europe and Asia Pacific. The guarantees were made to secure the respective lease agreements and are for the term of the lease agreements, which extend through 2018. For each guarantee issued, should the subsidiary default on a lease payment, the Company would have to perform under the guarantee. The maximum amount of undiscounted payments the Company would be required to make in the event of default on all outstanding guarantees is approximately $1.9 million as of December 31, 2011. The Company has not accrued for these guarantee arrangements as no event of default exists.

Commitments And Contingencies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Commitments And Contingencies [Abstract]

Commitments And Contingencies

23. Commitments and Contingencies

Operating Leases

The Company leases office space in 57 cities in 28 countries. The terms of these office-related leases provide that the Company pay base rent and a share of operating expenses and real estate taxes in excess of defined amounts. These leases expire at various dates through 2024. The Company also leases certain computer equipment and cars, the terms of which are accounted for as operating leases. Rent expense, which includes the base rent, operating expenses and real estate taxes, and the costs of equipment leases for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 was $32.7 million, $35.5 million, and $39.2 million, respectively.

Minimum future office space and equipment lease payments due in each of the next five years and thereafter are as follows:


	Office Leases		Equipment Leases		Total
Year ending December 31,
2012	$	31,240	$	930	$	32,170
2013		26,733		603		27,336
2014		21,668		322		21,990
2015		18,809		116		18,925
2016		16,448		9		16,457
Thereafter		85,620		—		85,620

Total	$	200,518	$	1,980	$	202,498

The aggregate minimum future payments on office leases are $202.5 million. The Company has contractual arrangements to receive aggregate sublease income of $6.8 million related to certain leases that expire at various dates through 2016. This sublease income primarily relates to properties that were part of prior office consolidations and closings.

Certain leases provide for renewal options and payments of real estate taxes and other occupancy costs. In addition, certain leases contain rent escalation clauses that require additional rental amounts in later years of the term. Rent expense for leases with rent escalation clauses is recognized on a straight-line basis over the minimum lease term.

Litigation

The Company has contingent liabilities from various pending claims and litigation matters arising in the ordinary course of the Company's business, some of which involve claims for damages that are substantial in amount. Some of these matters are covered by insurance. Although the Company's ultimate liability in the matter discussed below cannot be determined, based upon information currently available, the Company believes the ultimate resolution of such claims and litigation will not have a material adverse effect on its financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.

UK Employee Benefits Trust

On January 27, 2010, HM Revenue & Customs ("HMRC") in the United Kingdom notified the Company that it was challenging the tax treatment of certain of the Company's contributions in the United Kingdom to an Employee Benefits Trust between 2002 and 2008. HMRC alleges that these contributions should have been subject to Pay As You Earn tax and Class 1 National Insurance Contributions in the United Kingdom; and HMRC is proposing an adjustment to the Company's payroll tax liability for the affected years. The aggregate amount of HMRC's proposed adjustment is approximately £3.9 million (equivalent to $6.1 million at December 31, 2011). The Company has appealed the proposed adjustment. At this time, the Company believes that the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome with respect to the proposed adjustment is not probable and the potential amount of any loss cannot be reasonably estimated. The Company also believes that the amount of any final adjustment would not be material to the Company's financial condition.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for commitments and contingencies.

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+ Details