West (WSTC) 10-K 16 Feb 17 2016 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Feb. 10, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2016
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,016
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Trading Symbol	WSTC
Entity Registrant Name	WEST CORP
Entity Central Index Key	1,024,657
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		83,352,467
Entity Public Float			$ 831.4

Consolidated Statements of Inco

Consolidated Statements of Income - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Statement [Abstract]
REVENUE	$ 2,291,963	$ 2,280,259	$ 2,218,594
COST OF SERVICES	981,788	970,693	943,331
SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES	865,961	853,116	813,856
OPERATING INCOME	444,214	456,450	461,407
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):
Interest income	348	205	268
Interest expense	(148,627)	(154,273)	(188,102)
Debt call premium and accelerated amortization of deferred financing costs	(36,532)	(2,304)	(73,309)
Other, net	409	(1,405)	7,026
Other expense	(184,402)	(157,777)	(254,117)
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE INCOME TAX EXPENSE	259,812	298,673	207,290
INCOME TAX EXPENSE ATTRIBUTED TO CONTINUING OPERATIONS	66,423	107,757	72,679
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS	193,389	190,916	134,611
INCOME FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS, NET OF INCOME TAXES	0	50,924	23,794
NET INCOME	$ 193,389	$ 241,840	$ 158,405
EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE—BASIC:
Continuing Operations	$ 2.33	$ 2.29	$ 1.60
Discontinued Operations	0	0.61	0.29
Total Earnings Per Common Share—Basic	2.33	2.90	1.89
EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE—DILUTED
Continuing Operations	2.29	2.24	1.57
Discontinued Operations	0	0.59	0.28
Total Earnings Per Common Share—Diluted	$ 2.29	$ 2.83	$ 1.85
WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF SHARES OUTSTANDING:
Basic Common	82,969	83,420	84,007
Diluted Common	84,599	85,394	85,507

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 193,389	$ 241,840	$ 158,405
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax of $12,705, $19,903 and $13,662	(22,983)	(35,230)	(25,306)
Unrealized gain on interest rate derivatives, net of tax of ($4,956), $0 and $0	8,086	0	0
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax	(14,897)	(35,230)	(25,306)
Comprehensive income	$ 178,492	$ 206,610	$ 133,099

Consolidated Statements of Com4

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Foreign currency translation adjustment, tax	$ 12,705	$ 19,903	$ 13,662
Unrealized gain on interest rate derivatives, tax	$ (4,956)	$ 0	$ 0

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 183,059	$ 182,338
Trust and restricted cash	20,141	19,829
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $6,738 and $7,270	369,068	373,087
Income taxes receivable	4,366	19,332
Prepaid assets	40,886	43,093
Deferred expenses	44,886	65,781
Other current assets	31,889	22,040
Assets held for sale	0	17,672
Total current assets	694,295	743,172
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT:
Property and equipment	1,088,205	1,053,678
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(755,754)	(718,834)
Total property and equipment, net	332,451	334,844
GOODWILL	1,916,192	1,915,690
INTANGIBLE ASSETS, net of accumulated amortization of $651,180 and $583,623	315,474	370,021
OTHER ASSETS	182,426	191,490
TOTAL ASSETS	3,440,838	3,555,217
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable	78,881	92,935
Deferred revenue	151,148	161,828
Accrued expenses	224,871	219,234
Current maturities of long-term debt	39,709	24,375
Total current liabilities	494,609	498,372
LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS, less current maturities	3,129,963	3,318,688
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES	88,864	104,222
OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES	169,251	186,073
Total liabilities	3,882,687	4,107,355
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 16)
STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT
Common Stock $0.001 par value, 475,000 shares authorized, 86,357 and 85,459 shares issued and 83,265 and 83,367 shares outstanding	86	85
Additional paid-in capital	2,223,379	2,193,193
Retained deficit	(2,490,455)	(2,607,415)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(87,633)	(72,736)
Treasury stock at cost (3,092 and 2,092 shares)	(87,226)	(65,265)
Total stockholders’ deficit	(441,849)	(552,138)
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT	$ 3,440,838	$ 3,555,217

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Statement Of Financial Position [Abstract]
Accounts receivable, allowance	$ 6,738	$ 7,270
Accumulated amortization	$ 651,180	$ 583,623
Common stock, par value	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Common stock, shares authorized	475,000	475,000
Common stock, shares issued	86,357	85,459
Common stock, shares outstanding	83,265	83,367
Treasury stock, shares	3,092	2,092

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income	$ 193,389	$ 241,840	$ 158,405
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows from operating activities:
(Income) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes	0	(50,924)	(23,794)
Depreciation	115,103	111,214	107,303
Amortization	79,579	81,050	73,234
Provision for share based compensation	25,388	22,925	15,574
Deferred income tax (benefit) expense	(30,211)	8,930	(26,632)
Amortization of deferred financing costs	48,342	21,945	31,636
Increase in acquisition contingent consideration	1,099	234	0
(Gain) loss on disposal of equipment	(13,654)	438	(316)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of business acquisitions:
Accounts receivable	15,984	(9,257)	13,169
Other assets	28,065	(7,675)	(52,479)
Accounts payable	(15,799)	21,345	6,771
Accrued wages	6,378	3,735	1,859
Interest payable	(1,868)	(8,083)	57,439
Income tax payable	21,650	(25,085)	5,824
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	(45,170)	(1,864)	41,498
Net cash flows from continuing operating activities	428,275	410,768	409,491
Net cash flows from discontinued operating activities	0	7,222	53,232
Total net cash flows from operating activities	428,275	417,990	462,723
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired of $35, $204 and $0	(19,920)	(94,376)	(398,060)
Purchase of property and equipment	(126,581)	(136,810)	(130,318)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment	38,518	303	3,176
Other	(280)	(1,550)	826
Net cash flows from continuing investing activities	(108,263)	(232,433)	(524,376)
Net cash flows from discontinued investing activities	0	275,815	(20,530)
Total net cash flows from investing activities.	(108,263)	43,382	(544,906)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from issuance of notes	400,000	0	1,000,000
Proceeds from term loan facility	1,780,000	250,000	350,000
Payments on notes and term loan facilities	(2,405,078)	(323,661)	(1,401,560)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term revolving credit obligations	119,000	139,000	382,765
Payments on long-term revolving credit obligations	(85,000)	(324,000)	(197,765)
Dividends paid	(74,706)	(75,161)	(75,702)
Debt issuance costs	(30,654)	(4,848)	(27,330)
Debt redemption premiums paid on senior and subordinated notes	0	0	(61,708)
Repurchases of common stock	(21,961)	(59,957)	0
Proceeds from stock options exercised and ESPP shares issued including excess tax benefits	6,488	10,384	6,273
Net cash flows from continuing financing activities	(311,911)	(388,243)	(25,027)
Net cash flows from discontinued financing activities	0	0	0
Total net cash flows from financing activities	(311,911)	(388,243)	(25,027)
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATES ON CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	(7,380)	(5,852)	(7,770)
NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	721	67,277	(114,980)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, Beginning of period	182,338	115,061	230,041
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, End of period	$ 183,059	$ 182,338	$ 115,061

Consolidated Statements of Cas8

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Statement Of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired	$ 35	$ 204	$ 0

Consolidated Statements of Stoc

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Deficit - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid - in Capital [Member]	Retained Deficit [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]
BALANCE at Dec. 31, 2013	$ (740,172)	$ 84	$ 2,132,441	$ (2,855,189)	$ (12,200)	$ (5,308)
BALANCE, shares at Dec. 31, 2013	83,653,215
Net income	$ 158,405			158,405
Dividends declared (cash dividend/$0.90 per share)	(75,991)			(75,991)
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax of (13,662 - 2014, 19,903 - 2015, 7,749 - 2016)	(25,306)				(25,306)
Executive Deferred Compensation Plan activity, net	$ 3,474		3,474
Executive Deferred Compensation Plan activity, shares	62,489
Stock options exercised including related tax benefits	$ 1,165		1,165
Stock options exercised including related tax benefits, shares	112,216
Shares issued from the Employee Stock Purchase Plan	$ 6,037		6,037
Shares issued from the Employee Stock Purchase Plan, shares	271,255
Issuance of shares (vesting of restricted shares and Director awards)	$ (399)		(399)
Issuance of shares (vesting of restricted shares and Director awards), shares	80,631
Share based compensation	$ 13,146		13,146
BALANCE at Dec. 31, 2014	$ (659,641)	84	2,155,864	(2,772,775)	(37,506)	(5,308)
BALANCE, shares at Dec. 31, 2014	84,179,806
Net income	$ 241,840			241,840
Dividends declared (cash dividend/$0.90 per share)	(76,480)			(76,480)
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax of (13,662 - 2014, 19,903 - 2015, 7,749 - 2016)	(35,230)				(35,230)
Purchase of stock at cost	$ (59,957)					(59,957)
Purchase of stock at cost, shares	(2,000,000)
Executive Deferred Compensation Plan activity, net	$ 3,638		3,638
Executive Deferred Compensation Plan activity, shares	204,323
Stock options exercised including related tax benefits	$ 8,581	1	8,580
Stock options exercised including related tax benefits, shares	413,008
Shares issued from the Employee Stock Purchase Plan	$ 7,184		7,184
Shares issued from the Employee Stock Purchase Plan, shares	286,141
Issuance of shares (vesting of restricted shares and Director awards)	$ (2,940)		(2,940)
Issuance of shares (vesting of restricted shares and Director awards), shares	283,610
Share based compensation	$ 20,867		20,867
BALANCE at Dec. 31, 2015	$ (552,138)	85	2,193,193	(2,607,415)	(72,736)	(65,265)
BALANCE, shares at Dec. 31, 2015	83,366,888
Net income	$ 193,389			193,389
Dividends declared (cash dividend/$0.90 per share)	(76,429)			(76,429)
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax of (13,662 - 2014, 19,903 - 2015, 7,749 - 2016)	(14,897)				(14,897)
Purchase of stock at cost	$ (21,961)					(21,961)
Purchase of stock at cost, shares	(1,000,000)
Executive Deferred Compensation Plan activity, net	$ 2,493		2,493
Executive Deferred Compensation Plan activity, shares	47,352
Stock options exercised including related tax benefits	$ 91		91
Stock options exercised including related tax benefits, shares	69,336
Shares issued from the Employee Stock Purchase Plan	$ 7,110	1	7,109
Shares issued from the Employee Stock Purchase Plan, shares	389,158
Issuance of shares (vesting of restricted shares and Director awards)	$ (1,924)		(1,924)
Issuance of shares (vesting of restricted shares and Director awards), shares	392,178
Share based compensation	$ 22,417		22,417
BALANCE at Dec. 31, 2016	$ (441,849)	$ 86	$ 2,223,379	$ (2,490,455)	$ (87,633)	$ (87,226)
BALANCE, shares at Dec. 31, 2016	83,264,912

Consolidated Statements of St10

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Deficit (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Statement Of Stockholders Equity [Abstract]
Cash dividend per share	$ 0.90	$ 0.90	$ 0.90
Other comprehensive loss, tax	$ 7,749	$ 19,903	$ 13,662

Organization, Consolidation and

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements	1. ORGANIZATION, CONSOLIDATION AND PRESENTATION OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Business Description: West Corporation (the “Company” or “West”) is a global provider of communication and network infrastructure services. “We,” “us” and “our” also refer to West and its consolidated subsidiaries, as applicable. We believe our products and services help our clients more effectively communicate, collaborate and connect with their audiences through a diverse portfolio of solutions that include unified communications services, safety services, interactive services such as automated notifications, specialized agent services and telecom services. The scale and processing capacity of our technology platforms, combined with our expertise in managing multichannel interactions, enable us to provide reliable, high-quality, mission-critical communications designed to maximize return on investment for our clients and help them build smarter, more meaningful connections. We are dedicated to delivering and improving upon new channels, new capabilities and new choices for how businesses and consumers collaborate, connect and transact. Our clients include Fortune 1000 companies, along with small and medium enterprises in a variety of industries. We have sales and/or operations in the United States, Canada, Europe, the Middle East, Asia-Pacific, Latin America and South America. Our Services —Unified Communication Services . We provide our clients with a range of integrated unified communications services. We combine reliable world-class technologies with deep experience and flexibility to provide solutions that are easy to use and scalable for every client’s specific needs. Our products and services can improve many aspects of business by enabling personalized engagement, meetings anywhere, enhanced productivity and immersive communication experiences. —Telecom Services . We provide local and national tandem switching services that facilitate an efficient exchange of voice traffic between originating and terminating networks throughout the U.S. We connect people and unite networks by delivering interconnection services for all types of providers, including wireless, wireline, cable and Voice over Internet Protocol (“VoIP”). We operate a next generation technology-agnostic national network providing a cost-effective means for time-division multiplexing (“TDM”) to Internet Protocol (“IP”) conversion for IP networks that require access to the Public Switched Telephone Network. We provide carrier-grade interconnections that reduce cost and merge traditional telecom, mobile and IP technologies onto a common, efficient backbone. Telecom Services also provides much of the telecommunications network infrastructure that supports our conferencing business. —Safety Services . We provide technology solutions for wireline and wireless carriers; satellite, telematics and cable operators; VoIP service providers; alarm/security companies; as well as public safety organizations, government agencies and enterprises. West services the entire public and personal safety ecosystem with reliable networks and a deep understanding of safety needs. We continue to innovate and develop next generation industry solutions that match new technologies. We connect people to first responders—firefighters, law enforcement, ambulance services, and the telecommunicators answering calls in public safety answering points. Our seamless, reliable, and fault tolerant infrastructure along with our data management experience and expertise are the underpinning for individuals’ requests for assistance that require the ability to be located, and have calls routed and delivered to the correct public safety agency. We provide 9-1-1 call routing, call location creation and delivery, and call delivery and accuracy compliance tools to the majority of U.S.-based telecommunications service providers including all major Incumbent Local Exchange Carriers (“ILECs”), most Competitive Local Exchange Carriers (“CLECs”), as well as wireless carriers, VoIP service providers and telematics providers. We believe we are the leading database management provider in the industry, managing over 223 million ILEC, CLEC and VoIP records. We continue to develop and support new technologies for existing providers as well as support new entrants such as Over the Top (“OTT”) providers. —Interactive Services . We design, integrate, deliver, manage and optimize applications, services, platforms and networks that aim to create a better customer experience, strengthen customer engagement and drive efficiencies for our clients. We specialize in cloud-based communication solutions that drive a smart, personalized and convenient customer experience, including interactive voice response (“IVR”) self-service, outbound proactive notifications and mobility, cloud contact center technologies, web, mobile application development and comprehensive professional services. Our applied technology incorporates an omni-channel approach that brings together multiple channels, including voice, text, email, push notification, fax, video, web, social media and cloud contact center technologies to create a connected customer, parent and/or patient experience. In most cases, our technology directly interfaces with our client’s internal systems, including customer relationship management, PBX and enterprise reporting platforms. Our systems and platforms receive or deliver tens of millions of multichannel messages on behalf of our clients every day. —Specialized Agent Services . We provide our clients a combination of highly skilled subject matter experts with proven analytics and technology to provide solutions for the fast-growing healthcare market. We believe we are the leading provider of healthcare advocacy products and services to employees of large organizations. We also help health insurance payers, third-party administrators and self-insured employers improve cash flow and reduce healthcare costs by identifying and recovering overpaid and third-party liability claims. Additionally, we offer business-to-business sales across multiple vertical markets with a focus on increasing our clients’ market share and improving customer relationships. Our five operating segments (Unified Communications Services, Telecom Services, Safety Services, Interactive Services and Specialized Agent Services) are aggregated into four reportable segments as follows: • Unified Communications Services, including collaboration services, unified communications as a service (“UCaaS”) services and telecom services; • Safety Services, including carrier services, next generation 9-1-1, government solutions and advanced services; • Interactive Services, including outbound (proactive notification – voice/text/short message service (“SMS”) and chat), inbound speech solutions (IVR), cloud contact center technologies, web, mobile and professional services; and • Specialized Agent Services, including healthcare advocacy services, cost management services and revenue generation. Discontinued Operations: On March 3, 2015, we divested several of our agent-based businesses, including our consumer- facing customer sales and lifecycle management, account services and receivables management businesses, for $275.0 million in cash. We completed the divestiture pursuant to a purchase agreement executed January 7, 2015 and in accordance with a plan approved by our Board of Directors on December 30, 2014. As a result of the sale, the related operating results for these businesses have been reflected as discontinued operations for all periods presented and the related assets and liabilities were classified as held for sale and measured at the lower of their carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell at December 31, 2014. Unless otherwise stated, financial results discussed herein refer to continuing operations. Basis of Consolidation: The consolidated financial statements include our accounts and the accounts of our wholly owned subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in the consolidated financial statements. Use of Estimates : The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Revenue Recognition : Revenue is recognized when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, price is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. Amounts billed in advance of providing service are deferred and recorded as deferred revenue or other long-term liabilities on the balance sheet until service has been provided. Services in Unified Communications Services are generally billed, and revenue recognized on a per participant minute basis or, in the case of license arrangements, generally billed in advance and revenue recognized ratably over the service life period. We also charge clients for additional features, such as conference call recording, transcription services or professional services. Some Unified Communications Services revenue is recognized on a user or network circuit basis. Telecom services revenue is primarily comprised of switched access charges for toll-free origination services, which are paid primarily by interexchange carriers. Revenue is billed monthly and revenue recognized based on usage. Safety Services revenue is generated primarily from monthly fees, recognized as billed, based on the number of billing telephone numbers and cell towers covered under contract. In addition, product sales that may include hardware, software, and professional services (installation, training and project management) are generally recognized when shipment of the hardware and software has occurred and for professional services when client acceptance of a fully functional system is received. Contracts for annual recurring services such as support and maintenance agreements are generally billed in advance and are recognized as revenue ratably (on a monthly basis) over the contractual periods. Services in Interactive Services are generally billed, and revenue recognized, on a per call, per message or per minute basis, or in the case of subscription arrangements, generally billed in advance and revenue recognized ratably over the contract term. Services in Specialized Agent Services are generally billed based on hours of input, number of contacts, number of personnel assigned, on a contingent basis or recognized in the month collection payments are received based upon a percentage of cash collected or other agreed upon contractual parameters. Revenue for healthcare advocacy services is generally based on “Per Employee Per Month” fees charged under prepayment agreements for services and is recognized ratably over the service period. Cost of Services: Cost of services includes labor, sales commissions, telephone and other expenses directly related to service activities. Selling, General and Administrative Expenses: Selling, general and administrative expenses consist of expenses that support the ongoing operation of our business. These expenses include costs related to division management, facilities costs, depreciation, maintenance, amortization of finite-lived intangible assets, sales and marketing activities, client support services, bad debt expense and corporate management costs. Other Income (Expense): Other income (expense) includes interest expense from borrowings under credit facilities, interest income from short-term investments, investment gains or losses in the assets held in our deferred compensation plans and foreign currency transaction gains (losses) on affiliate transactions denominated in currencies other than the functional currency. In 2016 and 2015, other income (expense) included transition service agreements revenue and expense related to the divestiture of certain of our agent businesses as well as rental income from the buyer of our divested businesses. Cash and Cash Equivalents: We consider short-term investments with original maturities of three months or less at acquisition to be cash equivalents. Trust and Restricted Cash: Trust cash represents cash collected on behalf of our clients that has not yet been remitted to them. A related liability is recorded in accounts payable until settlement with the respective clients. Restricted cash primarily represents cash held as collateral for a workers’ compensation policy. Financial Instruments : Cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable are short-term in nature and the net values at which they are recorded are considered to be reasonable estimates of their fair values. Accounts Receivable: Accounts receivable from customers is presented net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. Deferred Expenses: Deferred expenses relate to costs incurred to fulfill contract obligations before the related services or goods are transferred to the customer. These costs are primarily for prepayments for services to support future revenue streams and include web collaboration services, prepaid service contracts and prepaid video hosting services. They also include customer set-up costs. These costs are expensed as the associated obligation is fulfilled and the associated revenue recognized. Assets Held for Sale: On June 21, 2016, we completed the sale of land, buildings and improvements which were previously classified as held for sale and primarily used by the agent-based businesses we divested in 2015. Proceeds from the sale were $38.8 million, excluding related expenses. In connection with this sale, we realized a pre-tax gain of approximately $19.0 million. We also entered into a 12-year leaseback agreement for one of the buildings. This lease is classified as an operating lease and the related $5.2 million gain, included in the $19.0 million realized gain, is being deferred and will be recognized over the lease term. The recognized gains are included in selling general and administrative expense. Property and Equipment: Property and equipment are recorded at cost. Depreciation expense is based on the estimated useful lives of the assets or remaining lease terms, whichever is shorter, and is calculated on the straight-line method. Our owned buildings have estimated useful lives ranging from 20 to 39 years and the majority of the other assets have estimated useful lives of three to five years. We review property, plant and equipment for impairment whenever events or changes in business circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be fully recoverable. Recoverability of an asset “held-for-use” is determined by comparing the carrying amount of the asset to the undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated from the use of the asset. If the carrying amount is greater than the undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset, the asset’s carrying amount is reduced to its fair value. Goodwill and Intangible Assets: Management is required to exercise significant judgment in valuing the acquisitions in connection with the initial purchase price allocation and the ongoing evaluation of goodwill and other intangible assets for impairment. The purchase price allocation process requires estimates and judgments as to certain expectations and business strategies. If the actual results differ from the assumptions and judgments made, the amounts recorded in the consolidated financial statements could result in a possible impairment of the intangible assets and goodwill. We test goodwill for impairment at the reporting unit level (operating segment or one level below an operating segment) on an annual basis in the fourth quarter or more frequently if we believe indicators of impairment exist. Goodwill of a reporting unit is tested for impairment between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. At December 31, 2016, our reporting units were our five operating segments. The performance of the impairment test involves a two-step process. The first step of the goodwill impairment test involves comparing the fair values of the applicable reporting units with their aggregate carrying values, including goodwill. We determine the fair value of our reporting units using the weighted-average results of an income approach (discounted cash flow methodology) and market approach. The discounted cash flow methodology requires us to make key assumptions such as projected future cash flows, growth rates, terminal value and a weighted-average cost of capital. The market approach requires the formulation of valuation multiples derived from the financial data and share trading prices of publicly traded companies which we consider comparable to West Corporation and applicable reporting units. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value, we perform the second step of the goodwill impairment test to determine the amount of impairment loss. There were no impairments in 2016 or 2015 as the fair value exceeded the carrying value for each of our reporting units. Our finite-lived intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives. Estimated useful lives are reviewed annually. Our finite-lived intangible assets are tested for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances such as reductions in demand or significant economic slowdowns are present on intangible assets used in operations that may indicate the carrying amount is not recoverable. Reviews are performed to determine whether the carrying value of an asset is recoverable, based on comparisons to undiscounted expected future cash flows. If this comparison indicates that the carrying value is not recoverable, the impaired asset is written down to fair value. There were no impairments of our finite-lived intangible assets in 2016 or 2015. Other Assets: Other assets primarily include assets held in non-qualified deferred compensation plans, and the unamortized balance of internally developed capitalized software and licensing agreements. The assets held in the non-qualified deferred compensation plans represent mutual funds invested in debt and equity securities and are classified as trading securities as employees have the ability to change the investment allocation of their deferred compensation at any time. These investments are reported at fair value with unrealized gains (losses) of $2.7 million, ($1.3) million and $2.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively, recognized currently within other income. The underlying obligation, recorded in other liabilities, is likewise reported at the investments’ fair value with adjustments recognized currently within compensation expense. Both the investments and the obligations are classified as non-current. Deferred Revenue: Deferred revenue includes receipts from customers primarily for web collaboration service licenses, video hosting services and installation fees in the Unified Communications Services reportable segment, annual subscription fees in the education vertical in the Interactive Services reportable segment and maintenance contracts in the Safety Services reportable segment. These receipts will be recognized as revenue over the life of the respective customer contracts. At December 31, 2016 and 2015 deferred revenue also included customer deposits of $0.2 million and $1.1 million, respectively. Income Taxes: We file a consolidated United States income tax return. We use an asset and liability approach for the financial reporting of income taxes in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification Topic 740 Income Taxes (“ASC 740”). Deferred income taxes arise from temporary differences between financial and tax reporting. Income tax expense has been provided on the portion of foreign source income that we have determined will be repatriated to the United States. We record uncertain tax positions based on a two-step process, whereby (1) we determine whether it is more likely than not that the tax positions will be sustained based on the technical merits of the position and (2) for those tax positions that meet the more likely than not recognition threshold, we would recognize the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely to be realized upon ultimate settlement with the related tax authority. Other Long-Term Liabilities: Other long-term liabilities include liabilities held in non-qualified deferred compensation plans of $ 65.7 million and $61.8 million at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, uncertain tax positions of $43.9 million and $45.0 million at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, non-current deferred revenue of $38.7 million and $60.0 million at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and other long-term liabilities of $21.0 million and $19.3 at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss: Accumulated other comprehensive loss is composed of unrealized gains or losses on foreign currency translation adjustments arising from changes in exchange rates of our foreign subsidiaries. Assets and liabilities are translated at the exchange rates in effect on the balance sheet dates. The translation adjustment is included in comprehensive loss, net of related tax expense. Also, the gain or loss on the effective portion of cash flow hedges (i.e., change in fair value) is initially reported as a component of comprehensive loss. The remaining gain or loss is recognized in interest expense in the same period in which the cash flow hedge affects earnings. These are our only components of comprehensive loss. Treasury Stock: We account for treasury stock under the cost method. Shares of common stock returned to, or repurchased by, the Company are recorded at cost and are included as a separate component of stockholders’ deficit. Under the cost method, the gross cost of the shares reacquired is charged to a contra equity account entitled treasury stock. The equity accounts that were credited for the original share issuance (common stock, additional paid-in capital, etc.) remain intact. When treasury stock is re-issued at a price lower than its cost, the difference is recorded as a component of additional paid-in-capital to the extent that there are previously recorded gains to offset the losses. If there are no treasury stock gains in additional paid-in-capital, the losses upon re-issuance of treasury stock are recorded in retained deficit in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company’s Board of Directors approved a share repurchase program in 2016 under which the Company may repurchase up to an aggregate of $75.0 million of its outstanding common stock. Purchases under the program may be made from time to time through open market purchases, block transactions or privately negotiated transactions. The Company expects to fund the program using its cash on hand and cash generated from operations. The program may be suspended or discontinued at any time without prior notice. During 2016, the Company purchased 1,000,000 shares of common stock through the open market for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $22.0 million. Share-Based Compensation: In accordance with Accounting Standards Codification 718, Compensation-Stock Compensation , we are required to recognize expense related to the fair value of employee stock option awards and to measure the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on the grant date fair value of the award. Dividend: We funded the dividends paid in 2016, 2015 and 2014 with cash generated by our operations and we anticipate funding future dividends with cash generated by our operations. The declaration and payment of all future dividends, if any, will be at the sole discretion of our Board of Directors. The total dividends paid in 2016, 2015 and 2014 were approximately $74.7 million, $75.2 million and $75.7 million, respectively. On February 1, 2017, we announced a $0.225 per common share quarterly dividend. The dividend is payable March 2, 2017, to stockholders of record as of the close of business on February 21, 2017. Public Offering: On March 18, 2015, we completed an underwritten public offering of 12,650,000 shares of common stock by certain of our existing stockholders at a public offering price of $30.75 per share, including 1,650,000 shares of common stock sold by the selling stockholders pursuant to the full exercise of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares. We did not receive any proceeds for the shares of common stock sold by the selling stockholders. Concurrently with the closing of the offering, we repurchased 1,000,000 shares of common stock from the selling stockholders in a private transaction at $29.596875 per share, which was the purchase price at which the shares of common stock were sold to the public in the underwritten offering, less underwriting discounts and commissions for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $29.6 million, which was funded with cash on hand. On June 24, 2015 and July 22, 2015, we completed an underwritten public offering of 7,000,000 and 200,000 shares of common stock, respectively, by certain of our existing stockholders at a public offering price of $30.75 per share, with the 200,000 shares of common stock sold by the selling stockholders pursuant to a partial exercise of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares. We did not receive any proceeds for the shares of common stock sold by the selling stockholders. Concurrent with the closing of the offering on June 24, 2015, we repurchased 1,000,000 shares of common stock from the selling stockholders in a private transaction at $30.36 per share, which was the purchase price at which the shares of common stock were sold to the public in the underwritten offering, less underwriting discounts and commissions for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $30.4 million, which was funded with cash on hand. Foreign Currency and Translation of Foreign Subsidiaries: The functional currencies of the Company’s foreign operations are the respective local currencies. All assets and liabilities of the Company’s foreign operations are translated into U.S. dollars at fiscal period-end exchange rates. Income and expense items are translated at average exchange rates prevailing during the fiscal period. The resulting translation adjustments are recorded as a component of stockholders’ equity and other comprehensive income. Foreign currency transaction gains or losses are recorded in the consolidated statements of income. Recently Implemented Accounting Pronouncements —In April 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standard Update (“ASU”) 2015-03, Interest-Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs ("ASU 2015-03") . This ASU requires capitalized debt issuance costs to be presented as a reduction to the carrying value of debt instead of being classified as a deferred charge, as previously required. This ASU became effective for interim and annual reporting periods in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within those annual periods. We adopted this guidance as of January 1, 2016, and as a result have recast the December 31, 2015 consolidated balance sheet to conform to the current period presentation. The adoption of this standard reduced previously presented other assets and long-term debt by $57.1 million each, based upon the balance of unamortized debt issuance costs relating to our senior secured term loan facilities and senior notes recorded as of December 31, 2015. In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-017, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes, Recent Accounting Pronouncements: In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350) . This update addresses the subsequent measurement of goodwill and eliminates Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. Under the amendments in this update, annual or interim goodwill impairment tests are to be performed by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. An impairment charge should be recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value; however, the loss recognized should not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. Additionally, the income tax effects should be considered for any tax deductible goodwill on the carrying amount of the reporting unit when measuring the goodwill impairment loss. The amendment also eliminates the requirements for any reporting unit with a zero or negative carrying amount to perform a qualitative assessment and, if it fails that qualitative test, to perform Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test. Therefore, the same impairment assessment applies to all reporting units. The amendment requires disclosure of the amount of goodwill allocated to each reporting unit with a zero or negative carrying amount of net assets. The amendments in this update should be applied on a prospective basis. This amendment will be effective for us in January 2020. Early adoption is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. The Company is in the process of assessing the impact of this standard on its consolidated financial statements. In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows – Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments Credit Losses (Topic 230) In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326) In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718) In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), (“ASU 2014-09”) Deferral of the Effective Date.

Discontinued Operations

Discontinued Operations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Discontinued Operations And Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Disclosure [Text Block]	2. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS On March 3, 2015, we completed the sale of several of our agent-based businesses including our consumer-facing customer sales and lifecycle management, account services and receivables management businesses for approximately $275.0 million in cash. We reflected the results of these operations as discontinued operations for all periods presented. The following table summarizes the results of discontinued operations for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 in thousands: (Amounts in thousands) 2015 2014 Revenue $ 102,251 $ 585,866 Operating income 2,326 22,685 Gain on disposal 48,226 — Income before income tax expense 50,553 21,625 Income tax benefit (371 ) (2,169 ) Income from discontinued operations $ 50,924 $ 23,794 In 2015, the divestiture resulted in a $48.2 million gain on an after tax basis which is included within income from discontinued operations. The $48.2 million gain included a $21.6 million tax benefit in 2015 due to the deferred tax benefit associated with excess outside basis over financial reporting basis. The total after tax gain realized on the sale was $56.8 million, including the $8.6 million tax benefit associated with a higher tax basis than book basis that we were required to recognize in 2014. We have agreed to indemnify the buyer, up to the full purchase price, with respect to the equity interests of the companies we have sold, title to the equity and assets sold, the authority of the Company to sell the equity and assets and certain other covenants. We had no discontinued operations in 2016.

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisitions	3. ACQUISITIONS 911 ETC On December 9, 2016, we completed the acquisition of 911 Emergency Telecom Company, Inc. (“911 ETC”). 911 ETC is a leading provider of E911 solutions to the enterprise market space across the United States. The purchase price was approximately $10.2 million in cash, net of cash acquired, plus assumed liabilities. The acquisition was funded with cash on hand. This business is included in the Safety Services reportable segment. In the preliminary purchase price allocation, approximately $5.3 million was allocated to goodwill, which is not deductible for income tax purposes, and $6.5 million was allocated to other intangible assets. The primary factors that contributed to a purchase price resulting in the recognition of goodwill for the acquisition of 911 ETC were the expansion of our safety services further into the enterprise business space, their complementary customer base and anticipated synergies which are expected to result in cost savings. Synrevoice On March 14, 2016, we completed the acquisition of substantially all of the assets of Synrevoice Technologies, Inc. (“Synrevoice”). Synrevoice, based in Markham, Ontario, is a provider of messaging and notification services to the K-12 education and commercial markets in North America. The purchase price was approximately $9.3 million and was funded with cash on hand. This business is included in the Interactive Services reportable segment. In the preliminary purchase price allocation, approximately $4.9 million was allocated to goodwill, which is partially deductible for income tax purposes, and $6.5 million was allocated to other intangible assets. The primary factors that contributed to a purchase price resulting in the recognition of goodwill for the acquisition of Synrevoice were the expansion of our interactive services further into the education vertical market and anticipated synergies which are expected to result in a more efficient and faster growing K-12 business in North America. ClientTell On November 2, 2015, we completed the acquisition of ClientTell, Inc., and ClientTell Labs, LLC collectively (“ClientTell”), which provide automated notifications and lab reporting services in the healthcare industry. The purchase price was approximately $38.4 million in cash, plus assumed liabilities, and was funded with cash on hand. Up to an additional $10.5 million in cash may be paid based on achievement of certain financial objectives during the five years ending December 31, 2020. The fair value of this contingent consideration arrangement, estimated using the Monte Carlo simulation approach, was $5.4 million as of the date of acquisition and $4.6 million as of December 31, 2016. Pursuant to this arrangement, $2.1 million of payments were made during 2016. Approximately $15.0 million of the purchase price was allocated to goodwill and $26.3 million to other intangible assets. The goodwill is deductible for income tax purposes. The primary factors that contributed to a purchase price resulting in the recognition of goodwill for the acquisition of ClientTell were the expansion of our interactive services further into the healthcare vertical market, anticipated synergies and other intangibles that do not qualify for separate recognition. This business has been integrated into the Interactive Services reportable segment. Magnetic North On October 31, 2015, we completed the acquisition of Magnetic North Software Limited (“Magnetic North”) for approximately $39.2 million in cash, net of cash acquired, plus assumed liabilities. The acquisition was funded with cash on hand. Magnetic North is a UK-based provider of inbound/outbound/blended, multichannel customer engagement technology solutions with multimedia routing, advanced analytics and compliance functionality and integrated, hosted voice and unified communications platforms to customers throughout EMEA and the Americas. Approximately $25.1 million of the purchase price was allocated to goodwill and $16.4 million to other intangible assets. The goodwill is not deductible for income tax purposes. The primary factors that contributed to a purchase price resulting in the recognition of goodwill for the acquisition of Magnetic North were their portfolio of complementary customer contact center and unified communications solutions, anticipated synergies, and other intangibles that do not qualify for separate recognition. This business has been integrated into the Unified Communications Services reportable segment. SharpSchool Effective June 1, 2015, we completed the acquisition of substantially all of the assets of Intrafinity, Inc., doing business as SharpSchool (“SharpSchool”), a leading provider of website and content management system software-as-a-service solutions for the K-12 education market. The purchase price was approximately $17.2 million and was funded with cash on hand. Approximately $8.2 million of the purchase price was allocated to goodwill, partially deductible for tax purposes under Canadian tax rules governing asset acquisitions, and $9.1 million to other intangible assets. The primary factors that contributed to a purchase price resulting in the recognition of goodwill for the acquisition of SharpSchool were the expansion of our interactive services further into the education vertical market and anticipated synergies which are expected to result in a more efficient and faster growing K-12 business for West. SharpSchool has been integrated into the Interactive Services reportable segment. SchoolReach On November 3, 2014, we completed the acquisition of the assets of GroupCast, LLC, a provider of alert and notification services for corporations, government entities and K-12 school districts that operates under two brands, GroupCast and SchoolReach, collectively (“SchoolReach”). SchoolReach is a provider of notification systems for thousands of smaller public school districts and private schools throughout the United States. The purchase price was approximately $13.5 million, less a working capital adjustment of $1.0 million, and was funded with cash on hand. In the purchase price allocation, goodwill of $6.9 million, deductible for tax purposes, and finite-lived intangible assets of $7.4 million were recorded. The primary factors that contributed to a purchase price resulting in the recognition of goodwill for the acquisition of SchoolReach was the expansion of our interactive services further into the education vertical market and anticipated synergies. SchoolReach has been integrated into the Interactive Services reportable segment. 911 Enable On September 2, 2014, we acquired the 911 Enable business of Connexon Group, Inc. (“911 Enable”), a provider of emergency communications solutions for IP-based enterprise customers across the United States and Canada. The purchase price was approximately $42.4 million and was funded with cash on hand. In the purchase price allocation, goodwill of $21.3 million, deductible for tax purposes under U.S. tax rules governing asset acquisitions, and finite-lived intangible assets of $20.7 million were recorded. The primary factors that contributed to a purchase price resulting in the recognition of goodwill for the acquisition of 911 Enable were the expansion of our enterprise VoIP 911 and safety communications services enabling improved emergency response services to business, government, education and non-profit organizations and anticipated synergies. The acquisition has been integrated into the Safety Services reportable segment. Health Advocate On June 13, 2014, we acquired Health Advocate, Inc. (“Health Advocate”), a leading provider of healthcare advocacy services. The purchase price was approximately $265.9 million and was funded with cash on hand and use of our revolving trade accounts receivable financing facility. In the purchase price allocation, goodwill of $156.0 million, not deductible for tax purposes under U.S. tax rules governing stock acquisitions, and finite- lived intangible assets of $152.0 million were recorded. The primary factors that contributed to a purchase price resulting in the recognition of goodwill for the acquisition of Health Advocate were the opportunity to expand our services in the healthcare industry and anticipated synergies. Further, Health Advocate’s strong competitive position in the healthcare advocacy market and Health Advocate’s suite of consumer focused services and health solutions provide cross-selling opportunities with our existing healthcare client base. The acquisition of Health Advocate was integrated into our Specialized Agent Services reportable segment. SchoolMessenger On April 21, 2014, we acquired Reliance Holdings, Inc., doing business through its wholly owned subsidiary Reliance Communications, LLC as SchoolMessenger (“SchoolMessenger”), a leading provider of notification and mobile communication solutions for the K-12 education market. The purchase price was approximately $77.4 million and was funded with cash on hand. In the purchase price allocation, goodwill of $50.4 million, not deductible for tax purposes, and finite-lived intangible assets of $40.1 million were recorded. The primary factors that contributed to a purchase price resulting in the recognition of goodwill for the acquisition of SchoolMessenger were the opportunity to expand our interactive services into the adjacent education vertical market and anticipated synergies. The acquisition was integrated into the Interactive Services reportable segment. The following table summarizes the preliminary estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the respective acquisition dates for 911 ETC and Synrevoice and the final fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed for ClientTell, Magnetic North and SharpSchool. (Amounts in thousands) 911 ETC Synrevoice ClientTell Magnetic North SharpSchool Working Capital $ 743 $ (2,118 ) $ 501 $ 55 $ (982 ) Property and equipment 135 21 429 574 782 Other assets, net — — 2 — 77 Intangible assets 6,484 6,455 26,300 16,361 9,092 Goodwill 5,277 4,893 15,004 25,094 8,203 Total assets acquired 12,639 9,251 42,236 42,084 17,172 Non-current deferred taxes — — — 2,927 — Long-term liabilities 2,464 — 3,828 — — Total liabilities assumed 2,464 — 3,828 2,927 — Net assets acquired $ 10,175 $ 9,251 $ 38,408 $ 39,157 $ 17,172 Acquisition costs incurred for prospective acquisitions and completed acquisitions for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 of $3.7 million, $3.1 million and $3.5 million, respectively, are included in selling, general and administrative expenses. The excess of the acquisition costs over the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed for the purchase of 911 ETC and Synrevoice were assigned to goodwill based on preliminary estimates. We are in the process of completing the acquisition accounting for certain intangible assets and liabilities. The process of completing the acquisition accounting involves numerous time consuming steps for information gathering, verification and review. We expect to finalize this process within 12 months following the date of acquisition. Pro forma The following pro forma financial information presents the combined results of operations as if the acquisitions of 911 ETC, Synrevoice, ClientTell, Magnetic North, SharpSchool, SchoolReach, 911 Enable, Health Advocate and SchoolMessenger (collectively, the acquirees) occurred as of the beginning of the year acquired and the preceding year. The acquirees' pre-acquisition results have been added to West's historical results. The pro forma results contained in the table below include adjustments for amortization of acquired intangibles, finance and acquisition costs and related income taxes. The pro forma results below are not necessarily indicative of the operating results that would have actually occurred if the acquisitions had been in effect on the dates indicated, nor are they necessarily indicative of future results of operations. (Amounts in thousands) 2016 2015 2014 Revenue $ 2,296,630 $ 2,309,491 $ 2,303,678 Income from continuing operations $ 189,563 $ 188,977 $ 124,982 Income per common share from continuing operations—basic $ 2.28 $ 2.27 $ 1.49 Income per common share from continuing operations—diluted $ 2.24 $ 2.21 $ 1.46 Our acquisitions completed in 2016, 2015 and 2014 were included in the consolidated results of operations from their respective dates of acquisition and included revenue during the 12 months subsequent to acquisition of $24.2 million, $71.9 million and $74.7 million, respectively. The net income impact of these acquisitions was not material.

Goodwill and Other Intangible A

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	4. GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS The following table presents the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment, for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2016: Unified Specialized Communications Safety Interactive Agent (Amounts in thousands) Services Services Services Services Total Balance at January 1, 2015 $ 864,568 $ 507,588 $ 223,014 $ 289,750 $ 1,884,920 Acquisitions 24,579 — 23,221 — 47,800 Acquisition accounting adjustments — 1,091 (44 ) (1,400 ) (353 ) Foreign currency translation adjustments (15,365 ) — (1,312 ) — (16,677 ) Balance at December 31, 2015 873,782 508,679 244,879 288,350 1,915,690 Acquisitions — 5,277 4,907 — 10,184 Acquisition accounting adjustments 515 — (13 ) — 502 Foreign currency translation adjustments (10,317 ) — 133 — (10,184 ) Balance at December 31, 2016 $ 863,980 $ 513,956 $ 249,906 $ 288,350 $ 1,916,192 Impairment testing results performed during the fourth quarter of 2016 and 2015 indicated that the fair value of each of our reporting units as calculated during the step one analysis exceeded the carrying value and therefore we were not required to perform the step two analysis for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015. Other intangible assets Below As of December 31, 2016 (Amounts in thousands) Acquired Accumulated Net Intangible Intangible assets Cost Amortization Assets Client Relationships $ 659,877 $ (482,037 ) $ 177,840 Technology & Patents 181,299 (113,011 ) 68,288 Trade names and trademarks 103,391 (37,331 ) 66,060 Other intangible assets 22,087 (18,801 ) 3,286 Total $ 966,654 $ (651,180 ) $ 315,474 As of December 31, 2015 Acquired Accumulated Net Intangible Intangible assets Cost Amortization Assets Client Relationships $ 649,494 $ (440,163 ) $ 209,331 Technology & Patents 178,027 (96,774 ) 81,253 Trade names and trademarks 103,398 (30,470 ) 72,928 Other intangible assets 22,725 (16,216 ) 6,509 Total $ 953,644 $ (583,623 ) $ 370,021 Amortization expense for finite-lived intangible assets was $66.5 million, $68.5 million and $61.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Estimated amortization expense for the next five years for the intangible assets is as follows: 2017 $ 56.3 million 2018 $ 49.5 million 2019 $ 43.0 million 2020 $ 36.6 million 2021 $ 29.1 million As a result of a Company-wide branding initiative during 2015, we determined that the use of the Intrado and InterCall trade names, previously considered indefinite lived, should be changed to a finite life of 20 years for each. An impairment assessment was performed, the results of which indicated no impairment of these intangible assets. In addition, as part of this branding initiative, all trade names and trademarks acquired in all acquisitions were reviewed. As a result of this review, the remaining useful lives of trade names and trademarks acquired in four other acquisitions were shortened to reflect their remaining estimated useful life. The impact on amortization expense in 2015 from the change in estimated lives of these intangible assets was approximately $1.9 million. The following table summarizes the finite-lived intangible assets acquired in the acquisitions made in 2016, 2015 and 2014. Trade Non- Marks and Amortization Amortization Amortization (Amounts in thousands) Customer Compete Trade recorded in recorded in recorded in Acquisition Acquisition Date Relationships Technology Agreements Names Total 2016 2015 2014 911 ETC December 9, 2016 $ 5,600 $ 680 $ 120 $ 84 $ 6,484 $ 57 $ — $ — Synrevoice March 14, 2016 5,309 882 143 121 6,455 1,014 — — ClientTell November 2, 2015 22,100 2,400 1,620 180 26,300 4,374 505 — Magnetic North October 31, 2015 10,197 5,206 433 525 16,361 2,591 721 — SharpSchool June 2, 2015 4,971 3,480 184 457 9,092 1,924 746 — SchoolReach November 3, 2014 5,700 760 600 290 7,350 1,864 1,674 113 911 Enable September 2, 2014 15,200 4,900 185 400 20,685 3,304 3,223 1,083 Health Advocate June 13, 2014 82,700 36,360 2,800 30,130 151,990 17,264 18,031 10,598 SchoolMessenger April 21, 2014 28,300 8,800 1,345 1,700 40,145 5,263 6,076 4,982 $ 180,077 $ 63,468 $ 7,430 $ 33,887 $ 284,862 $ 37,655 $ 30,976 $ 16,776 Weighted average amortization period by major intangible asset class in years is: 13.5 9.0 3.6 18.1 12.8 The straight line method of amortization is used for trade names, trademarks, technology and non-competition agreements. The estimated future life of customer relationships is based upon the expected attrition rate associated with the relationships. The Company uses an amortization method based on the projected cash flows generated from the existing customers on the acquisition date. As the customer relationships age and customers are lost, the cash flows generated from these relationships decline. This amortization method reflects the pattern in which the economic benefits of the intangible asset are consumed or otherwise used up.

Property and Equipment

Property and Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Property Plant And Equipment [Abstract]
Property and Equipment	5. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT Property and equipment at cost consisted of the following as of December 31, 2016 and 2015: December 31, (Amounts in thousands) 2016 2015 Land and improvements $ 5,531 $ 5,445 Buildings 73,424 71,926 Telephone and computer equipment 862,352 840,396 Office furniture and equipment 37,043 37,094 Leasehold improvements 57,057 59,384 Construction in progress 52,798 39,433 $ 1,088,205 $ 1,053,678 We lease certain land, buildings and equipment under operating leases which expire at varying dates through December 2029. Rent expense on operating leases was approximately $37.9 million, $36.7 million and $33.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. On all real estate leases, we pay real estate taxes, insurance and maintenance associated with the leased sites. Certain of the leases offer extension options ranging from month-to-month to five years. Future minimum payments under non-cancelable operating leases with initial or remaining terms of one year or more are as follows: Total (Amounts in thousands) Operating Year Ending December 31, Leases 2017 $ 23,954 2018 20,676 2019 17,206 2020 13,470 2021 8,211 2022 and thereafter 43,526 Total minimum obligations $ 127,043

Accrued Expenses

Accrued Expenses	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]
Accrued Expenses	6. ACCRUED EXPENSES Accrued expenses consisted of the following as of: December 31, (Amounts in thousands) 2016 2015 Accrued wages $ 65,695 $ 57,472 Accrued phone 39,537 42,549 Interest payable 35,702 36,440 Accrued other taxes (non-income related) 35,337 39,267 Accrued employee benefit costs 5,839 4,526 Acquisition obligation for a net operating loss carryforward claim 3,573 5,536 Accrued lease expense 3,026 2,616 Outside commissions 2,922 1,673 Accrued licensing costs 669 2,418 Acquisition contingent consideration — 2,075 Other current liabilities 32,571 24,662 $ 224,871 $ 219,234

Related Parties

Related Parties	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Parties	7. RELATED PARTIES Lease Prior to the divestiture in 2015, we leased certain office space owned by a partnership whose partners own approximately 20% of our common stock at December 31, 2016. Related party lease expense was approximately $0.1 million prior to the divestiture in 2015 and $0.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. This lease expense is included in discontinued operations.

Long-Term Obligations

Long-Term Obligations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-Term Obligations	8. LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS Long-term obligations are carried at amortized cost. At December 31, 2016 and 2015 long-term obligations consisted of the following: December 31, (Amounts in thousands) 2016 2015 Senior Secured Term Loan Facility, due 2018 (paid in 2016) $ — $ 1,813,250 Accounts Receivable Securitization Facility, due 2018 34,000 — Senior Secured Term Loan Facility, due 2019 8,814 336,875 Senior Secured A Term Loan Facility, due 2021 641,875 — Senior Secured B Term Loan Facility, due 2021 258,702 250,000 4 3/4% Senior Secured Notes, due 2021 400,000 — 5 3/8% Senior Notes, due 2022 1,000,000 1,000,000 Senior Secured B Term Loan Facility, due 2023 865,655 — Unamortized value of debt issuance costs (1) (39,374 ) (57,062 ) Net carrying value 3,169,672 3,343,063 Less: current maturities (39,709 ) (24,375 ) Long-term obligations $ 3,129,963 $ 3,318,688 Future maturities of long-term debt, in thousands, are: Year Ending December 31, Amount 2017 $ 39,709 2018 $ 89,959 2019 $ 81,024 2020 $ 76,272 2021 $ 1,099,818 Thereafter $ 1,822,264 (1) Includes the reclassification of debt issuance costs from “Other assets” as a result of the Company adopting ASU 2015-03. See Note 1. As more detailed above, our long-term obligations are comprised of the following: (i) our term and revolving senior secured credit facilities (“Senior Secured Credit Facilities”); (ii) 5.375% notes due 2022 (the “2022 Senior Notes”) issued under an indenture; (iii) 4.75% senior secured notes due 2021 (the “2021 Senior Secured Notes”); and (iv) our revolving trade accounts receivable financing facility among the Company, certain of our originating domestic subsidiaries, West Receivables Holding LLC, West Receivables LLC and Wells Fargo (“Securitization Facility”). We and our subsidiaries, affiliates or significant stockholders may from time to time, in our sole discretion, purchase, repay, redeem or retire any of our outstanding debt or equity securities (including any publicly issued debt or equity securities), in privately negotiated or open market transactions, by tender offer or otherwise. Senior Secured Credit Facilities Term Loans We have four tranches of term loans outstanding under our Senior Secured Credit Facilities: the term A-1 facility (the “2019 Maturity Term Loans”) term loan A-2 facility (the “2021 Maturity A Term Loans”) term B-14 facility (“ term B-12 facility (“ On June 17, 2016 (the “Seventh Amendment Effective Date”), the Company, certain domestic subsidiaries of the Company, as subsidiary borrowers, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (“Wells Fargo”), as administrative agent, and the various lenders party thereto modified the Senior Secured Credit Facilities by entering into an amendment (the "Seventh Amendment"), and on December 19, 2016 (the “Eighth Amendment Effective Date”), modified the Senior Secured Credit Facilities by entering into an amendment (the "Eighth Amendment"), in each case, amending the Company’s Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of October 5, 2010, by and among the Company, Wells Fargo, as administrative agent, and the various lenders and other parties party thereto from time to time (as previously amended by Amendment No. 1 to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of August 15, 2012, Amendment No. 2 to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of October 24, 2012, Amendment No. 3 to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of February 20, 2013, Amendment No. 4 to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of January 24, 2014, Amendment No. 5 to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of July 1, 2014, and Amendment No. 6 to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of November 24, 2015, and, as further amended by the Seventh Amendment and the Eighth Amendment, the “Credit Agreement”). With respect to our term loans, the Seventh Amendment: • extended the maturity of a portion of the 2019 Maturity Term Loans, which mature July 1, 2019, to June 17, 2021 by converting such existing term loans into 2021 Maturity A Term Loans; • extended the maturity of a portion of the term loan B-10 facility (the "2018 Maturity Term Loans"), which mature June 30, 2018, to June 17, 2023 by converting such existing term loans into 2023 Maturity Term Loans; • provided for an increase of 2021 Maturity A Term Loans with incremental 2021 Maturity A Term Loans, which were added to and constitute a single class of term loans with the 2021 Maturity A Term Loans, such that the aggregate amount of 2021 Maturity A Term Loans (after giving effect to the incurrence of the incremental 2021 Maturity A Term Loans) was $650.0 million; • provided for an increase of 2023 Maturity Term Loans with incremental 2023 Maturity Term Loans, which were added to and constitute a single class of term loans with the 2023 Maturity Term Loans, such that the aggregate amount of 2023 Maturity Term Loans (after giving effect to the incurrence of the incremental 2023 Maturity Term Loans) was $870.0 million; • provided for new 2021 Maturity B Term Loans in an aggregate amount of $260.0 million with a maturity date of June 17, 2021; and • provided for annual amortization (payable in quarterly installments and based on the original aggregate principal amount of the 2021 Maturity A Term Loans 2021 Maturity A Term Loans . Proceeds of the 2021 Maturity A Term Loans, 2023 Maturity Term Loans and 2021 Maturity B Term Loans were used on the Seventh Amendment Effective Date, together with proceeds from the 2021 Senior Secured Notes offering described below, to partially prepay existing non-extending 2019 Maturity Term Loans and existing non-extending 2018 Maturity Term Loans and to fully prepay existing non-extending term B-11 facility loans ("B-11 Term Loans"). With respect to our term loans, the Eighth Amendment: • reduced the applicable interest rate margin of the 2023 Maturity Term Loans by 50 basis points and of the 2021 Maturity B Term Loans by 25 basis points, as well as reduced the LIBOR floor and base rate floor on the 2021 Maturity B Term Loans from 0.75% to zero, and from 1.75% to zero, respectively; • reset the annual amortization (payable in quarterly installments) in respect of the 2023 Maturity Term Loans in an amount equal to 1.0% of the aggregate principal amount of the 2023 Maturity Term Loans outstanding on the Eighth Amendment Effective Date until the maturity date, at which point all remaining outstanding 2023 Maturity Term Loans shall become due and payable; and • reset the annual amortization (payable in quarterly installments) in respect of the 2021 Maturity B Term Loans in an amount equal to 1.0% of the aggregate principal amount of the 2021 Maturity B Term Loans outstanding on the Eighth Amendment Effective Date until the maturity date, at which point all remaining outstanding 2021 Maturity B Term Loans shall become due and payable. The Eighth Amendment included a soft call option applicable to the 2023 Maturity Term Loans and 2021 Maturity B Term Loans 2023 Maturity Term Loans and 2021 Maturity B Term Loans Our Senior Secured Credit Facilities bear interest at variable rates. The effective annual interest rate, inclusive of debt amortization costs, on the Senior Secured Credit Facilities, but excluding accelerated debt amortization costs in connection with the terminated non-extended and extended revolving credit commitments and repayment of existing non-extending 2019 Maturity Term Loans, 2018 Maturity Term Loans and B-11 Term Loans, for 2016 was 4.07% compared to 4.00% during 2015. After giving effect to the Seventh Amendment and the Eighth Amendment, interest rates for our term loans were as follows: • an interest rate margin applicable to the 2019 Maturity A Term Loans that is based on the Company’s total leverage ratio and ranges from 1.50% to 2.25% for LIBOR rate loans (2.0%, as of December 31, 2016), and from 0.50% to 1.25% for base rate loans (1.0%, as of December 31, 2016), for an all-in interest rate of 2.77% in effect as of December 31, 2016; • an interest rate margin applicable to the 2021 Maturity A Term Loans that is based on the Company’s total leverage ratio and ranges from 1.75% to 2.50% for LIBOR rate loans ( 2.25%, as of December 31, 2016), subject to a 0.0% interest rate floor for the LIBOR component of LIBOR rate 2021 Maturity A Term Loans, and from 0.75% to 1.50% for base rate loans (1.25%, as of December 31, 2016), for an all-in interest rate of 3.02% in effect as of December 31, 2016; • an interest rate margin applicable to the 2023 Maturity Term Loans equal to 2.50% for LIBOR rate loans and 1.50% for base rate loans, subject to a 0.75% interest rate floor for the LIBOR component of LIBOR rate 2023 Maturity Term Loans, and subject to a 1.75% interest rate floor for the base rate component of base rate 2023 Maturity Term Loans, for an all-in interest rate of 3.27% in effect as of December 31, 2016; and • an interest rate margin applicable to the 2021 Maturity B Term Loans equal to 2.50% for LIBOR rate loans, and 1.50% for base rate loans, subject to a 0% interest rate floor for both the LIBOR component of LIBOR rate 2021 Maturity B Term Loans, and the base rate component of base rate 2021 Maturity B Term Loans, for an all-in interest rate of 3.27% in effect as of December 31, 2016. The Company may seek additional committed term loan debt, an increase in the commitment amount to the revolving credit facility, the issuance of additional secured bonds, or any combination thereof, in an aggregate amount not to exceed $500.0 million, plus the aggregate principal payments made in respect of the term loans under the Credit Agreement following June 17, 2016 (excluding such payments made with proceeds of term loans issued in connection with the Seventh Amendment and the 2021 Senior Secured Notes offering). Availability of such additional tranches of term loans or increases to the revolving credit facility is subject to the absence of any default and pro forma compliance with financial covenants and, among other things, the receipt of commitments by existing or additional financial institutions. During 2016, in addition to the repayments described above in connection with the Seventh Amendment, we repaid $225.1 million of term loan debt, consisting of $19.8 million in scheduled amortization payments, $25.9 Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility On June 17, 2016, we amended the Credit Agreement to provide for an extended senior secured revolving credit facility (the “Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility”) in an aggregate principal amount of $300.0 million. The Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility matures on June 17, 2021. The proceeds of the Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility may be used for working capital and general corporate purposes (including dividends and distributions and acquisitions). The interest rate margins applicable to the Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility are based on the Company’s total leverage ratio and range from 1.75% to 2.50% for LIBOR rate loans, subject to a 0.0% interest rate floor for the LIBOR component of LIBOR rate loans, and from 0.75% to 1.50% for base rate loans. As of December 31, 2016, the interest rate margins applicable to the Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility were 2.25% for LIBOR rate loans and 1.25% for base rate loans. We are required to pay each non-defaulting lender a commitment fee of 0.350% in respect of any unused commitments under the Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility, which fee is subject to adjustment based upon our total leverage ratio. The Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility was undrawn at December 31, 2016 and its predecessor senior secured revolving credit facility was undrawn at December 31, 2015. The Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility and its predecessor senior secured revolving credit facility were undrawn during 2016. The average daily outstanding balance on our senior secured revolving credit facility during 2015 was $5.0 million. Senior Notes 2021 Senior Secured Notes On June 17, 2016, we issued $400.0 million 2021 Senior Secured Notes. The 2021 Senior Secured Notes mature on July 15, 2021 and were issued at par. The 2021 Senior Secured Notes are secured, subject to certain exceptions and permitted liens, by a first-priority security interest in substantially all of our and our subsidiary guarantors’ property and assets which constitutes collateral under our Senior Secured Credit Facilities. The 2021 Senior Secured Notes were offered in a private offering exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act. At any time prior to July 15, 2018, we may redeem all or a part of the 2021 Senior Secured Notes at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of 2021 Senior Secured Notes redeemed plus the applicable premium (as defined in the indenture governing the 2021 Senior Secured Notes) as of, and accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, the date of redemption, subject to the rights of holders of 2021 Senior Secured Notes on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date. At any time (which may be more than once) before July 15, 2018, we can choose to redeem up to 40% of the outstanding notes with proceeds from one or more equity offerings, as long as (i) we pay 104.750% of the face amount of the notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest; (ii) we redeem the notes within 90 days after completing the equity offering; and (iii) at least 60% of the aggregate principal amount of the notes issued remains outstanding afterwards. We may also redeem, during any 12-month period commencing from July 15, 2016 until July 15, 2018, up to 10% of the original principal amount of the notes at a redemption price equal to 103% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any, to the applicable redemption date. On or after July 15, 2018, we may redeem the 2021 Senior Secured Notes, in whole or in part, at the redemption prices (expressed as percentages of principal amount of the 2021 Senior Secured Notes to be redeemed) set forth below, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any, to the applicable date of redemption, subject to the right of holders of record of 2021 Senior Secured Notes on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date, if redeemed during the 12-month period beginning on July 15 of each of the years indicated below: Year Percentage 2018 102.375 2019 101.188 2020 and thereafter 100.000 2022 Senior Notes On July 1, 2014 we issued $1.0 billion aggregate principal amount of our 2022 Senior Notes. The 2022 Senior Notes mature on July 15, 2022 and were issued at par. The 2022 Senior Notes were offered in a private offering exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act. At any time prior to July 15, 2017, we may redeem all or a part of the 2022 Senior Notes at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of 2022 Senior Notes redeemed plus the applicable premium (as defined in the indenture governing the 2022 Senior Notes) as of, and accrued and unpaid interest to, the date of redemption, subject to the right of holders of 2022 Senior Notes on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date. At any time (which may be more than once) before July 15, 2017, we can choose to redeem up to 40% of the outstanding 2022 Senior Notes with money that we raise in one or more equity offerings, as long as (i) we pay 105.375% of the face amount of the 2022 Senior Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest; (ii) we redeem the 2022 Senior Notes within 90 days after completing the equity offering; and (iii) at least 60% of the aggregate principal amount of the 2022 Senior Notes issued remains outstanding afterwards. On and after July 15, 2017, we may redeem the 2022 Senior Notes in whole or in part at the redemption prices (expressed as percentages of principal amount of the 2022 Senior Notes to be redeemed) set forth below plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon to the applicable date of redemption, subject to the right of holders of 2022 Senior Notes of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date, if redeemed during the twelve-month period beginning on July 15 of each of the years indicated below: Year Percentage 2017 104.031 2018 102.688 2019 101.344 2020 and thereafter 100.000 Securitization Facility Under Securitization Facility, trade receivables originated by certain of our domestic subsidiaries are sold or contributed to West Receivables Holdings LLC. West Receivables Holdings LLC sells or contributes such trade receivables to West Receivables LLC, which sells undivided interests in the purchased or contributed trade receivables for cash to one or more financial institutions. The availability of the funding is subject to the level of eligible receivables after deducting certain concentration limits and reserves. The proceeds of the facility are available for general corporate purposes. The Securitization Facility provides a LIBOR spread on borrowings of 1.35% and for an unused commitment fee of 0.45% at any time the average daily borrowings during the month were less than 25% of the average daily available funding during such month and 0.25% at all other times. The Securitization Facility has been amended from time to time to add and remove originators, modify eligibility criteria for receivables and clarify the facility’s reporting metrics. In August 2016, we amended the Securitization Facility to remove certain originating subsidiaries and to reduce the maximum amount available under the Securitization Facility from $185.0 million to $160.0 million. West Receivables LLC and West Receivables Holdings LLC are consolidated in our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this report. At December 31, 2016, $34.0 million was drawn under the Securitization Facility. At December 31, 2015, the Securitization Facility was undrawn. The highest outstanding balance during 2016 and 2015 was $75.0 million and $185.0 million, respectively. Debt Covenants Senior Secured Credit Facilities and Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility —We are required to comply on a quarterly basis with a maximum total leverage ratio covenant and a minimum interest coverage ratio covenant. Pursuant to the Credit Agreement, the total leverage ratio of consolidated total debt to Consolidated EBITDA (as defined in our Credit Agreement) may not exceed 5.75 to 1.0 at December 31, 2016, and the interest coverage ratio of Consolidated EBITDA to the sum of consolidated interest expense must be not less than 1.85 to 1.0. The total leverage ratio will become more restrictive over time (adjusted annually until the maximum leverage ratio reaches 5.5 to 1.0 as of December 31, 2017). Both ratios are measured on a rolling four-quarter basis. We were in compliance with these financial covenants at December 31, 2016. Our ratio of total debt to Consolidated EBITDA (as defined in our Credit Agreement) was 4.45x and 4.68x at December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively. The Credit Agreement also contains various negative covenants, including limitations on indebtedness, liens, mergers and consolidations, asset sales, dividends and distributions (excluding dividends and distributions to other restricted subsidiaries) or repurchases of our capital stock, investments, loans and advances, capital expenditures, payment of other debt, transactions with affiliates and changes in our lines of business. Each of the negative covenants is subject to specified exceptions. The Company has sufficient capacity under applicable exceptions included in the Credit Agreement to complete a dividend in excess of the Company’s net income for the year ended December 31, 2016. The Credit Agreement includes certain customary representations and warranties, affirmative covenants and events of default, including payment defaults, breaches of representations and warranties, covenant defaults, cross-defaults to certain indebtedness, certain events of bankruptcy, certain events under the Employee Retirement Income Safety Act of 1974 ("ERISA"), material judgments, the invalidity of material provisions of the documentation with respect to the Senior Secured Credit Facilities, the failure of collateral under the security documents for the Senior Secured Credit Facilities, the failure of the Senior Secured Credit Facilities to be senior debt under the subordination provisions of certain subordinated debt we may have outstanding from time to time and a change of control of us. If an event of default occurs, the lenders under the Senior Secured Credit Facilities will be entitled to take certain actions, including the acceleration of all amounts due under the Senior Secured Credit Facilities and all actions permitted to be taken by a secured creditor. We believe that for the foreseeable future, the Senior Secured Credit Facilities and the Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility offer us sufficient capacity for our indebtedness financing requirements and we do not anticipate that the limitations on incurring additional indebtedness included in the Credit Agreement will materially impair our financial condition or results of operations. 2021 Senior Secured Notes and 2022 Senior Notes —The indentures governing the 2021 Senior Secured Notes and the 2022 Senior Notes, respectively, contain covenants limiting, among other things, our ability and the ability of our restricted subsidiaries to incur additional debt or issue certain preferred shares, pay dividends on or make distributions in respect of our capital stock or make other restricted payments (excluding dividends, distributions and restricted payments to other restricted subsidiaries), make certain investments, sell certain assets, create liens on certain assets to secure debt, consolidate, merge, sell, or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of our assets, enter into certain transactions with our affiliates and designate our subsidiaries as unrestricted subsidiaries. Each of the negative covenants is subject to specified exceptions. We were in compliance with these financial covenants at December 31, 2016. The Company has sufficient capacity under applicable exceptions included in the indentures governing the 2021 Senior Secured Notes and the 2022 Senior Notes, respectively, to complete a dividend in excess of the Company’s net income for the year ended December 31, 2016. Securitization Facility —The Securitization Facility contains various customary affirmative and negative covenants and also contains customary default and termination provisions which provide for acceleration of amounts owed under the program upon the occurrence of certain specified events, including, but not limited to, failure to pay yield and other amounts due, defaults on certain indebtedness, certain judgments, changes in control, certain events negatively affecting the overall credit quality of collateralized accounts receivable, bankruptcy and insolvency events and failure to meet financial tests requiring maintenance of certain leverage and coverage ratios, similar to those under our Senior Secured Credit Facilities. We were in compliance with these financial covenants at December 31, 2016.

Hedging Activities

Hedging Activities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Hedging Activities	9. HEDGING ACTIVITIES We are exposed to market risk from adverse changes in interest rates. Derivatives are used as part of our strategy to manage this risk. The Company does not use derivatives for trading or speculative purposes and currently does not have any derivatives that are not designated as hedges. On July 26, 2016, we entered into four interest rate swaps for hedging purposes; two 1-month LIBOR swaps with a combined beginning notional value of $275.0 million and two 3-month LIBOR swaps with a combined beginning notional value of $275.0 million, each with a maturity date of July 17, 2021. The 1-month LIBOR swaps were effective July 29, 2016, with no amortization or variable interest rate floor. The 3-month LIBOR swaps will be effective June 30, 2017, with 1% amortization per year and a 75 basis points LIBOR floor. The contracts provide for the receipt of variable interest rate amounts from the counterparties in exchange for the Company making fixed-rate payments over the life of the agreements without exchange of the underlying notional values. The Company has elected to apply hedge accounting and has designated these interest rate swaps as cash flow hedges of interest payments on a portion of our variable-rate term loan debt maturing in 2021 or later. The initial and periodic assessments of hedge effectiveness were performed using regression analysis. Hedge ineffectiveness for cash flow hedges may impact net earnings when a change in the value of a hedge does not entirely offset the change in the value of the underlying hedged item. We do not exclude any component of the hedged instrument's gain or loss when assessing ineffectiveness. An ineffectiveness gain of $1.1 million associated with our cash flow hedges was recognized in 2016 and is recorded as a reduction to interest expense. The ineffectiveness is due to a LIBOR rate floor that is included in the hedged debt but not in the related 1-month LIBOR swaps. The effective portion of changes in the fair value of derivatives designated and that qualify as cash flow hedges are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss and will be reclassified into earnings, as interest expense, when interest payments are made on the related debt. The pre-tax unrealized gain associated with our interest rate swaps, which is deferred in accumulated other comprehensive loss at December 31, 2016 is $13.0 million ($8.1 million after taxes). During the next 12 months, the Company estimates that an additional $0.4 million will be reclassified as an increase to interest expense. As of December 31, 2016, the Company had the following outstanding interest rate derivatives that were designated as cash flow hedges of interest rate risk: Interest Rate Derivative Number of Instruments Notional Value in Thousands Interest Rate Swaps Four $550,000 At December 31, 2016, the Company had 1-month and 3-month LIBOR-based debt in excess of the hedged notional value. The fixed interest rates on the 1-month and 3-month interest rate swaps range from 0.99530% to 1.50200%. All derivative instruments are recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheet at fair value (refer to Note 11 for additional information related to fair value measurement). The table below presents, in thousands, our derivative financial instruments and their classification in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2016. Derivative Liabilities Balance Sheet Derivatives designated as hedging instruments Location Fair Value Interest rate swaps Other long-term assets $ 14,528 Interest rate swaps Accrued expenses (356 ) Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments $ 14,172 The table below presents, in thousands, the effect of the Company’s derivative financial instruments designated as cash flow hedges on the Consolidated Statements of Income and the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the year ended December 31, 2016: Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedges Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in OCL on Derivatives (Effective Portion) Location of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCL into Income (Effective Portion) Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCL into Income (Effective Portion) Location of Gain Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing) Amount of Gain Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing) Interest Rate Swaps $ 12,498 Interes t $ (544 ) Interest Expense $ 1,130 The Company has agreements with each of its derivative counterparties that contain a provision where the Company could be declared in default on its derivative obligations if repayment of the underlying indebtedness is accelerated by the lender due to the Company's default on the indebtedness. The Company has been in compliance with all financial debt covenants during the periods covered by this report.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	10. INCOME TAXES For financial reporting purposes, income from continuing operations before income taxes includes the following components, in thousands: Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Income from continuing operations before income taxes: United States $ 148,055 $ 164,282 $ 65,176 Foreign 111,757 134,391 142,114 $ 259,812 $ 298,673 $ 207,290 Components of income tax expense, in thousands, were as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Current income tax expense: Federal $ 62,499 $ 54,447 $ 56,624 State 8,392 8,942 7,380 Foreign 25,743 35,438 35,307 96,634 98,827 99,311 Deferred income tax expense (benefit): Federal (26,231 ) 10,620 (20,735 ) State (2,248 ) 878 (2,429 ) Foreign (1,732 ) (2,568 ) (3,468 ) (30,211 ) 8,930 (26,632 ) Total income tax expense attributed to continuing operations $ 66,423 $ 107,757 $ 72,679 A reconciliation of income tax expense computed at statutory tax rates compared to effective income tax rates was as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Statutory rate 35.0 % 35.0 % 35.0 % Federal tax credits (0.3 )% (0.3 )% (1.8 )% Uncertain tax positions (0.4 )% 3.3 % 0.4 % Foreign rate differential (7.3 )% (4.7 )% (9.0 )% Foreign deferred tax liability on unremitted earnings (4.0 )% 0.5 % 8.0 % State income taxes, net of Federal benefit 2.1 % 1.9 % 2.1 % Other 0.5 % 0.4 % 0.4 % Effective income tax rates from continuing operations 25.6 % 36.1 % 35.1 % The decrease in the effective tax rate in 2016 was primarily due to two factors. First, a legal entity restructuring that was completed during the fourth quarter of 2016 resulted in a more efficient manner to repatriate foreign earnings in the future, and therefore, decreased the net U.S. deferred tax liability on unremitted foreign earnings. Second, during 2016 there were no significant changes recorded to the liability accrued for uncertain tax positions, so such liability had a less significant impact on 2016’s effective tax rate. The increase in the effective tax rate in 2015 was primarily due to increases related to the mix of income by country, accruals for uncertain tax positions and reduced federal jobs credits, partially offset by lower deferred tax on foreign unremitted earnings resulting from our international acquisitions in 2015. The Company’s effective income tax rate from discontinued operations for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 was 0.0%, (0.7%) and (10.0%), respectively. The Company recognized a $21.6 million and $8.6 million tax benefit in 2015 and 2014, respectively, due to the deferred tax benefit associated with excess outside basis over financial reporting basis from the divestiture of several of our agent-based businesses, resulting in a negative effective tax rate. The countries having the greatest impact on the tax rate adjustment line shown in the above table as “Foreign rate differential” for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 were Australia, Netherlands, Singapore and the United Kingdom. In 2016, 2015, and 2014, income tax benefits attributable to employee stock option transactions of $4.8 million, $4.2 million and $1.2 million, respectively, were allocated to stockholders’ equity. Significant temporary differences between reported financial and taxable earnings that give rise to deferred income tax assets and liabilities, in thousands, were as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 Deferred income tax assets: Net operating loss carryforwards $ 107,813 $ 111,288 Compensation and benefit plans 47,204 44,813 Accrued expenses 30,693 28,179 Deferred Revenue 14,076 10,984 Tax credits 13,882 13,882 Foreign currency translation — 2,183 Allowance for doubtful accounts 3,045 3,796 Reserves not currently deductible for tax purposes 4,258 4,404 Gross deferred income tax assets 220,971 219,529 Less valuation allowance (102,590 ) (100,205 ) Total deferred income tax assets $ 118,381 $ 119,324 Deferred income tax liabilities: Acquired intangibles amortization $ 136,639 $ 139,137 Foreign earnings 18,373 33,597 Excess tax depreciation over financial depreciation 44,401 42,634 Prepaid expenses 7,383 7,553 Other 412 625 Foreign currency translation 37 — Total deferred income tax liabilities 207,245 223,546 Net deferred income tax liability $ 88,864 $ 104,222 At December 31, 2016, we had federal and foreign net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards in the amount of $281.6 million which resulted in a net deferred tax asset of $16.0 million which is available to reduce future taxes. The NOL carryforwards are attributable to acquired and foreign companies. NOLs and tax credit carryforwards expire in periods starting 2017 through 2031. The valuation allowances, which reduce deferred tax assets to an amount that will more likely than not be realized, were $102.6 million at December 31, 2016 and $100.2 million at December 31, 2015. Our valuation allowance increased by $2.4 million in 2016 on a net basis as a result of the following: releasing valuation allowances related to the utilization of NOLs during the year that had full valuation allowances, planning related to the utilization of future NOLs, current year foreign NOLs and the expiration of the NOL carryover period. We have historically determined that a portion of undistributed earnings of our foreign subsidiaries will be repatriated to the United States, and accordingly, we have provided a deferred tax liability totaling $18.4 million and $33.6 million at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, on such foreign source income. For the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, we have accrued U.S. income taxes on $108.1 million and $168.1 million, respectively, of unremitted foreign earnings and profits. At December 31, 2016, we have determined we have foreign earnings of approximately $207.3 million which will be permanently reinvested, and therefore deferred income taxes of approximately $22.8 million have not been provided on such foreign subsidiary earnings. In preparing our tax returns, we are required to interpret complex tax laws and regulations. On an ongoing basis, we are subject to examinations by federal and state tax authorities that may give rise to different interpretations of these complex laws and regulations. The number of tax years that remain open and subject to tax audits varies depending upon the tax jurisdiction. Our most significant taxing jurisdictions include the U.S., United Kingdom and France. The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. and various states as well as foreign jurisdictions. Tax years 2010 and forward remain open under U.S. statutes of limitation. Due to the nature of the examination process, it generally takes years before these examinations are completed and matters are resolved. At December 31, 2016, we were under examination by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service for tax years 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013. At December 31, 2016, we believe the aggregate amount of any additional tax liabilities that may result from examinations, if any, will not have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. The following summarizes the activity related to our unrecognized tax benefits recorded in accordance with ASC 740-10 in 2016, 2015 and 2014, in thousands: For the year ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Beginning balance $ 28,959 $ 23,807 $ 22,680 Increases for positions taken in current year 327 1,768 580 Increases for positions taken in prior years 2,740 4,241 4,318 Decreases for positions taken in prior years — — (2,243 ) Decrease due to settlements with taxing authorities — (440 ) (1,528 ) Expiration of the statute of limitations for the assessment of taxes (1,140 ) (417 ) — Ending balance $ 30,886 $ 28,959 $ 23,807 The unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2016 were $30.9 million of tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect our effective tax rate. We recognize interest related to unrecognized tax benefits and penalties as income tax expense. Total interest and penalties recognized as part of income tax expense (benefit) were $(2.9) million, $5.1 million and $(0.2) million for December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. At December 31, 2016 and 2015, the aggregate recorded liability for interest and potential penalties was $13.2 million and $16.1 million, respectively. We do not expect our unrecognized tax benefits to change significantly over the next 12 months.

Fair Value Disclosures

Fair Value Disclosures	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Disclosures	11. FAIR VALUE DISCLOSURES Accounting Standards Codification 820 Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures • Defines fair value as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date; and • Establishes a three-level hierarchy for fair value measurements based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability as of the measurement date. Inputs refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk. To increase consistency and comparability in fair value measurements and related disclosures, the fair value hierarchy prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three broad levels. The three levels of the hierarchy are defined as follows: • Level 1 inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. • Level 2 inputs are inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly for substantially the full term of the financial instrument. • Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for assets or liabilities. The categorization within the valuation hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for assets and liabilities measured at fair value. We evaluate classification within the fair value hierarchy at each period. There were no transfers between any levels of the fair value hierarchy during the periods presented. Trading Securities (Asset). The assets held in the West Corporation Executive Retirement Savings Plan and the West Corporation Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan represent mutual funds, invested in debt and equity securities, classified as trading securities in accordance with the provisions of Accounting Standards Codification 320 Investments—Debt and Equity Securities considering the employee’s ability to change the investment allocation of their deferred compensation at any time. Quoted market prices are available for these securities in an active market; therefore the fair value of these securities is determined by Level 1 inputs. The carrying amount of the trading securities of $63.5 million and $60.1 million at December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, were equal to the quoted prices in active markets for identical assets. Derivatives. Our derivative instruments consist of interest rate swap assets of $14.5 million and interest rate swap liabilities of $0.3 million (see Note 9). The fair value of these Level 2 derivative instruments was determined using readily available market observable inputs such as interest rate curves, discount factors and implied volatilities. Long-term Debt (including current installments). The fair value of our 2021 Senior Secured Notes, issued on June 17, 2016, based on market quotes, which we determined to be Level 2 inputs, at December 31, 2016 was approximately $411.5 million, compared to the carrying amount of $400.0 million. The fair value of our 2022 Senior Notes based on market quotes, which we determined to be Level 2 inputs, at December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 was approximately $967.5 million and $862.5 million, respectively, compared to the carrying amount of $1.0 billion. The fair value of our senior secured term loan facilities was estimated using current market quotes on comparable debt securities from various financial institutions. All of the inputs used to determine the fair market value of our senior secured term loan facilities are Level 2 inputs and obtained from an independent source. The fair value of our senior secured term loan facilities at December 31, 2016 was approximately $1,128.6 million compared to the carrying amount of $1,124.4 million. The fair value of our senior secured term loan facilities at December 31, 2015 was approximately $2,033.2 million compared to the carrying amount of $2,063.3 million. The fair value of our senior secured A term loans based on recent trading activity, which we determined to be Level 2 inputs, at December 31, 2016 was approximately $649.8 million compared to the carrying amount of $650.7 million. The fair value of our 2019 Maturity Term Loans at December 31, 2015, was approximately $323.4 million compared to the carrying amount of $336.9 million. Other. A Level 3 liability of $4.6 million and $5.6 million was recognized as of December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, for contingent consideration related to the acquisition of ClientTell (see Note 3). Activity during 2016 consisted of payments of $2.1 million and fair value adjustments of $1.1 million. The liability was measured at fair value using a Monte Carlo simulation approach and was based on estimated revenues and the present value of related payments over the earn-out period.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Text Block [Abstract]
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements	12. OFF—BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS Performance obligations of certain operating subsidiaries are supported by performance bonds and letters of credit. These obligations will expire at various dates through December 2019 and are renewed as required. The outstanding commitments on these obligations at December 31, 2016 and 2015 were $5.4 million and $5.6 million, respectively.

Employee Benefits and Incentive

Employee Benefits and Incentive Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Postemployment Benefits [Abstract]
Employee Benefits and Incentive Plans	13. EMPLOYEE BENEFITS AND INCENTIVE PLANS Qualified Retirement Plan We have a 401(k) plan, which covers substantially all employees 18 years of age or older who will also complete a minimum of 1,000 hours of service in each calendar year. Under the plan, we match 50% of employees’ contributions up to 14% of their gross salary or the statutory limit, whichever is less, if the employee satisfies the 1,000 hours of service requirement during the calendar year. Our matching contributions vest 25% per year beginning after the second service anniversary date. The matching contributions are 100% vested after the employee has attained five years of service. Total employer contributions under the plan were approximately $9.8 million, $8.5 million and $7.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. In the United Kingdom we have a group personal pension plan which is available to all employees, if the employee earns greater than £10,000, are 22 years of age or older and are younger than the State Pension age. Qualified employees are automatically enrolled three months after commencing employment. Employees who do not meet the eligibility criteria can still apply to join the plan upon the successful completion of their 3 month probationary period or alternatively wait until they do meet the criteria when they will be automatically enrolled. We are required to make a minimum contribution of 2% of a participating employee’s basic salary which must be matched by the employee. Employees can opt to pay more if they wish and we will match up to a maximum of 3% of their basic salary. Contributions are invested immediately in the default investment option however employees can subsequently make their own investment choices. Contributions into the pension plan are paid via a salary sacrifice method and therefore all contributions into the plan, unless an employee has chosen to opt-out, are classed as employer contributions. Total employer contributions under the plan were approximately $1.3 million, $1.2 million, and $1.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. In Canada we have a Deferred Profit Sharing Plan (“DPSP”) and a Group Registered Retirement Savings Program (“GRRSP”), which covers substantially all employees who have materially and significantly contributed to the prosperity and profits of the Company. Under the plan, we match 50% of employees’ regular contributions to the GRRSP up to 3% of their earnings or the statutory limit, whichever is less. Our matching contributions vest 100% on the second anniversary of membership in the DPSP. Total employer contributions under the plan were approximately $0.3 million, for each of the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. In Australia, we contribute a percentage of the employee’s gross wages (excluding overtime) into a personal superannuation account of their choosing. If employees do not register a personal superannuation account with the Company, contributions are invested immediately in a personal MySuper compliant account until further instruction is received. From January 1, 2014 through June 30, 2014 the percentage was 9.5%, and it increased to 10.5% starting July 1, 2014. The total employer contributions under the plan were approximately $0.6 million, $0.7 million, and $0.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014 respectively . Non-Qualified Retirement Plans We maintain a grantor trust under the West Corporation Executive Retirement Savings Plan (“Trust”). The principal of the Trust, and any earnings thereon shall be held separate and apart from our other funds. Participation in the Trust is voluntary and is restricted to highly compensated individuals as defined by the Internal Revenue Service. We will match 50% of employee contributions, subject to the combined limits of the 401(k) plan and the Trust. Matching contributions 100% vest after completion of three years of service. Our total contributions under the plan for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 were approximately $2.1 million, $2.6 million, and $1.9 million, respectively. Assets under the Trust at December 31, 2016 and 2015 were $51.6 million and $46.9 million, respectively. Assets and liabilities under the Trust are recorded in other assets and other long-term liabilities on our consolidated balance sheet. We also maintain a Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan (as amended from time to time, the “Deferred Compensation Plan”). Pursuant to the terms of the Deferred Compensation Plan, eligible management, non-employee directors or highly compensated employees approved by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors may elect to defer a portion of their compensation and have such deferred compensation notionally invested in the same investments made available to participants of the 401(k) plan or in notional equity shares of the Company. We match a percentage of any amounts invested in notional equity shares (50% during 2016, 2015 and 2014). Such matched amounts are subject to 20% vesting each year. All matching contributions are 100% vested five years after the date the executive first participates in the Deferred Compensation Plan. Our total contributions for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 under the plan were approximately $0.8 million, $1.7 million and $1.1 million, respectively. Assets under the Deferred Compensation Plan at December 31, 2016 and 2015 were $9.8 million and $9.2 million, respectively. The fair value of notional equity shares in the Deferred Compensation Plan at December 31, 2016 and 2015 were $34.9 million and $28.4 million, respectively. Assets and liabilities under the Trust are recorded in other assets and other long-term liabilities on our consolidated balance sheet. Amounts deferred under the Trust and Deferred Compensation Plan (with respect to investments in mutual funds) and any earnings credited thereunder shall be held separate and apart from our other funds, but remain subject to claims by the Company’s general creditors. 2006 Executive Incentive Plan Stock options granted under the West Corporation 2006 Executive Incentive Plan (“2006 EIP”) prior to 2012 vest over a period of five years, with 20% of the stock option becoming exercisable on each of the first through fifth anniversaries of the grant date. Stock options granted under the 2006 EIP in 2012 and 2013 vest over a period of four years, with 25% of the stock option becoming exercisable on each of the first through fourth anniversaries of the grant date. Once an option has vested, it generally remains exercisable until the tenth anniversary of the grant date so long as the participant continues to provide services to the Company. 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan Prior to the completion of our IPO, we adopted the 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan, which was amended and restated in 2014 (as amended, the “2013 LTIP”). The 2013 LTIP is intended to provide our officers, employees, non-employee directors and consultants with added incentive to remain employed by or perform services for us and align such individuals’ interests with those of our stockholders. Under the terms of the 2013 LTIP, 8,500,000 shares of common stock were made available for stock options, restricted stock or other types of equity awards, subject to adjustment for stock splits and other similar changes in capitalization. The number of available shares under the 2013 LTIP is reduced by the aggregate number of shares underlying each award. To the extent that shares subject to an outstanding award granted under the 2013 LTIP are not issued or delivered by reason of the expiration, termination, cancellation or forfeiture of such award or by reason of the settlement of such award in cash, then such shares will again be available under the 2013 LTIP (excluding shares withheld by the Company to pay withholding taxes related to an award under the 2013 LTIP). Stock options granted under the 2013 LTIP vest over a period of four years, with 25% of the stock option becoming exercisable on each of the first through fourth anniversaries of the grant date. Once an option has vested, it generally remains exercisable until the tenth anniversary of the grant date so long as the participant continues to provide services to the Company. Restricted stock granted under the 2013 LTIP, which is time-vested, vests over a period of three or four years (excluding awards to directors which vest over a six-to-twelve month period), with a ratable portion of the restricted stock award vested on each anniversary of the grant date until fully vested, unless earlier forfeited as a result of termination of service to the Company prior to the applicable vesting date. Dividends are payable in respect of shares of unvested restricted stock either at the time the dividend is paid to stockholders or upon vesting of the restricted stock in accordance with the terms of the applicable restricted stock award agreement. 2006 Executive Incentive Plan and 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan The following table presents the stock or stock option activity under the 2006 EIP and 2013 LTIP for the year ended December 31, 2016: Stock or Options Outstanding Options Weighted Available Number of Average for Grant Shares Exercise Price Balance at January 1, 2016 5,868,283 2,280,030 $ 27.08 Options granted — — — Options exercised — (69,336 ) 13.15 Options canceled or forfeited (2013 LTIP) 12,490 (12,490 ) 23.52 Options canceled or forfeited (2006 EIP) — (28,899 ) 33.70 Restricted stock granted (666,733 ) — — Restricted stock canceled 119,480 — — Balance at December 31, 2016 5,333,520 2,169,305 $ 27.45 At December 31, 2016, we expect that 2,158,402 options granted and outstanding will vest. At December 31, 2016, the intrinsic value of options exercisable was approximately $0.4 million. The aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding at December 31, 2016, was approximately $0.5 million. The aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding, vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2016, was approximately $0.5 million. The following table summarizes the information on the options granted under the 2006 EIP and 2013 LTIP at December 31, 2016: Outstanding Exercisable Average Weighted Weighted Remaining Average Average Range of Number of Contractual Exercise Number of Exercise Exercise Prices Options Life (years) Price Options Price $0.00 - $25.36 389,018 6.70 $ 23.67 244,723 $ 23.47 25.37 - 28.80 1,267,788 4.78 $ 25.52 1,267,788 $ 25.52 28.81 - 33.52 490,126 4.21 $ 33.45 490,126 $ 33.45 33.53 - 84.80 22,373 2.63 $ 71.54 22,373 $ 71.54 $0.00 - $84.80 2,169,305 4.97 $ 27.45 2,025,010 $ 27.70 We account for the stock option grants under the 2006 EIP and 2013 LTIP in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification 718, Compensation-Stock Compensation 2014 Risk-free interest rate 2.02 % Dividend yield 3.64 % Expected volatility 29.10 % Expected life (years) 6.25 Weighted-average grant date fair value of options granted $ 4.90 The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve at the time of grant; the dividend yield is calculated as the ratio of dividends paid per share of common stock to the stock price on the date of grant; volatility is based on the five-year historical volatility of 12 public companies we consider guideline or peer companies; and the expected life is based on Staff Accounting Bulletin 107. This bulletin provides a simplified method for estimating the expected life of options. No stock options were granted in 2016 or 2015. Restricted Shares, Restricted Stock Units and Performance-Based Restricted Stock Units During 2016, pursuant to our agreement with our non-employee directors who are not affiliated with our former sponsors, we issued 26,483 shares of common stock with an aggregate fair value of approximately $600,000. These shares vest on the six-month anniversary of the date of grant in the case of initial awards and on the one-year anniversary for all other awards. During 2016, we issued 425,750 restricted stock awards and restricted stock units to certain key employees. These awards vest ratably with 25% of the award vesting on each of the first through fourth anniversaries of the award date. The fair value of these awards at the date of grant was approximately $9.6 million and will be recognized over the remaining vesting period of approximately 3.2 years as of December 31, 2016. During 2016, 449,824 restricted stock awards and restricted stock units vested. 366,695 of these awards are outstanding after 83,129 were withheld in settlement of related payroll taxes. During 2016, we issued 214,500 performance-based restricted stock units to certain key executives. Each performance-based restricted stock unit represents a contingent right to receive between zero and 1.75 shares of West common stock. These performance-based restricted stock units will vest based on the Company’s total shareholder return (“TSR”) percentile ranking over the applicable performance period as compared to the TSR of companies included in the Russell 2000 on both the first and last day of the performance period, which began on March 1, 2016 and ends on February 28, 2019. In accordance with the schedule below. If the Company’s TSR is negative for the performance period, the maximum award which may vest is the target award. Company Percentile Rank vs. Aggregate Percentage of Below Threshold Below the 30 th 0% Threshold At the 30 th 50% Target At the 55 th 100% Maximum At or above the 80 th 175% The fair value of these awards at the date of grant was approximately $4.8 million and will be recognized over the remaining vesting period of approximately 2.2 years as of December 31, 2016. 2013 Employee Stock Purchase Plan In 2013, we implemented the 2013 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP”), under which the sale of 1.0 million shares of our common stock initially had been authorized and reserved. On January 28, 2016, the Board approved an amendment to the ESPP to increase the number of shares available under the ESPP by an additional 1.0 million shares of common stock. The amendment was approved by a vote of the stockholders at our May 17, 2016 annual meeting. Employees may designate up to 50% of their annual compensation for the purchase of stock, subject to a per person limit of 2,000 shares in any offering period or calendar year. The price for shares purchased under the ESPP is 85% of the market closing price on the last day of the quarterly purchase period. No employee will be authorized to purchase common stock through the ESPP if, immediately after the purchase, the employee (or any other person whose stock would be attributed to such employee under U.S. tax law) would own stock and/or hold outstanding options to purchase stock possessing five percent (5%) or more of the total combined voting power or value of all classes of stock of the Company or of any parent of the Company or any subsidiary. In addition, no participant will be entitled to purchase stock under the ESPP at a rate which, when aggregated with his or her rights to purchase stock under all other employee stock purchase plans of the Company and its subsidiaries, exceeds $25,000 in fair market value, determined as of the date of grant (or such other limit as may be imposed by U.S. tax law), for each calendar year in which any option granted to the participant under any such plans is outstanding at any time. During 2016, 389,158 shares were issued under the ESPP. At December 31, 2016, 946,554 shares had been issued under the ESPP to date. During the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, we recognized compensation expense for this plan of $1.2 million, $1.2 million and $1.1 million, respectively. Share-Based Compensation Expense For the years 2016, 2015 and 2014, share-based compensation expense was $25.4 million, $22.9 million and $15.6 million, respectively. The net income effect of share-based compensation expense for 2016, 2015 and 2014 was approximately $15.7 million, $14.7 million and $10.1 million, respectively. At December 31, 2016 and 2015, there was approximately $0.5 million and $2.7 million of unrecorded and unrecognized compensation expense, adjusted for estimated forfeitures, related to unvested share-based compensation on stock options under the 2006 EIP and 2013 LTIP, respectively, which will be recognized over the remaining vesting period of approximately 0.9 years as of December 31, 2016. At December 31, 2016 and 2015, there was approximately $35.4 million and $42.1 million of unrecorded and unrecognized compensation expense, related to unvested share-based compensation on restricted stock under the 2013 LTIP, which will be recognized over the remaining vesting period of approximately 2.2 years as of December 31, 2016.

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	14. EARNINGS PER SHARE Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential dilution that could result if options or other contingently issuable shares were exercised or converted into common stock and notional shares from the Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan were granted. Diluted earnings per common share assumes the exercise of stock options using the treasury stock method. Year Ended December 31, (Amounts in thousands, except per share amounts) 2016 2015 2014 Earnings per common share—basic Continuing Operations $ 2.33 $ 2.29 $ 1.60 Discontinued Operations — 0.61 0.29 Total earnings per common share—basic $ 2.33 $ 2.90 $ 1.89 Earnings per common share—diluted Continuing Operations $ 2.29 $ 2.24 $ 1.57 Discontinued Operations — 0.59 0.28 Total earnings per common share—diluted $ 2.29 $ 2.83 $ 1.85 Weighted average number of shares outstanding: Basic common 82,969 83,420 84,007 Dilutive impact of Equity Incentive Plans: Common shares 1,630 1,974 1,500 Diluted common shares 84,599 85,394 85,507 Diluted earnings per share are computed using the weighted-average number of common shares and dilutive potential common shares outstanding during the period. Dilutive potential common shares result from the assumed exercise of outstanding stock options and unvested restricted stock, by application of the treasury stock method that have a dilutive effect on earnings per share and the notional shares of the Company in the West Corporation Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan. At December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, 1,909,821, 2,210,894 and 623,670 stock options were outstanding, respectively, with an exercise price equal to or exceeding the market value of our common stock that were therefore excluded from the computation of shares contingently issuable upon exercise of the options.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Equity [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	15. ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) Activity within accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the three years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 were as follows (net of tax) in thousands: Accumulated Foreign Cash Other Currency Flow Comprehensive Translation Hedges Income (Loss) BALANCE, January 1, 2016 $ (72,736 ) $ — $ (72,736 ) Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax of $12,705 (22,983 ) — (22,983 ) Unrealized gain on interest rate derivatives, net of tax of ($4,956) — 8,086 8,086 BALANCE, December 31, 2016 $ (95,719 ) $ 8,086 $ (87,633 ) Accumulated Foreign Cash Other Currency Flow Comprehensive Translation Hedges Income (Loss) BALANCE, January 1, 2015 $ (37,506 ) $ — $ (37,506 ) Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax of $19,903 (35,230 ) — (35,230 ) BALANCE, December 31, 2015 $ (72,736 ) $ — $ (72,736 ) Accumulated Foreign Cash Other Currency Flow Comprehensive Translation Hedges Income (Loss) BALANCE, January 1, 2014 $ (12,200 ) $ — $ (12,200 ) Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax of $13,662 (25,306 ) — (25,306 ) BALANCE, December 31, 2014 $ (37,506 ) $ — $ (37,506 )

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	16. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES In the ordinary course of business, we and certain of our subsidiaries are defendants in various litigation matters and are subject to claims from our clients for indemnification, some of which may involve claims for damages that are substantial in amount. Accruals have been made with respect to these matters, where appropriate, which are reflected in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. The Company may enter into discussions regarding settlement of these matters, and may enter into settlement agreements, if it believes settlement is in the best interest of the Company. The matters discussed below, if decided adversely to or settled by the Company, individually or in the aggregate, may result in liability material to the Company’s financial condition and/or results of operations. There are asserted claims against the Company where an unfavorable outcome is considered to be reasonably possible. These claims can generally be categorized in the following areas: (l) commercial disputes with customers or other business partners, which may involve assertion of a breach of the Company’s legal or contractual obligations to the customer or a claim for indemnification for third-party losses; and (2) other matters which may include issues such as employment related claims. The Company’s estimates of the range of reasonably possible losses in excess of any amounts accrued for such claims is $0 to $25 million for all of the matters described above. The estimated range of reasonably possible losses is based on information currently available and involves elements of judgment and significant uncertainties. As additional information becomes available and the resolution of the uncertainties becomes more apparent, it is possible that actual losses may exceed even the high end of the estimated range. In connection with the sale of certain of our agent-based businesses to Alorica Inc., we agreed to indemnify the buyer, up to the full purchase price of $275.0 million, with respect to the equity interests of the companies we sold, title to the equity and assets sold, the authority of the Company to sell the equity and assets and certain other covenants.

Segment Reporting, Geographic a

Segment Reporting, Geographic and Customer Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Reporting, Geographic and Customer Information	17. SEGMENT REPORTING, GEOGRAPHIC AND CUSTOMER INFORMATION Our five operating segments (United Communications Services, Telecom Services, Safety Services, Interactive Services, and Specialized Agent Services) are aggregated into four reportable segments as follows: • Unified Communications Services, including collaboration services, UCaaS services and telecom services; • Safety Services, including carrier services, next generation 9-1-1, government solutions and advanced solutions; • Interactive Services, including outbound (proactive notifications – voice, text/SMS and chat), inbound speech solutions (IVR), cloud contact center technologies, web, mobile and professional services; and • Specialized Agent Services which includes healthcare advocacy services, revenue generation and cost management services. For the year ended December 31, (Amounts in thousands) 2016 2015 2014 Revenue: Unified Communications Services $ 1,425,281 $ 1,467,711 $ 1,491,639 Safety Services 296,320 281,391 278,317 Interactive Services 300,739 265,664 235,481 Specialized Agent Services 281,542 276,983 224,621 Intersegment eliminations (11,919 ) (11,490 ) (11,464 ) Total $ 2,291,963 $ 2,280,259 $ 2,218,594 Depreciation and Amortization (Included in Operating Income): Unified Communications Services $ 82,371 $ 83,183 $ 89,448 Safety Services 44,668 50,494 48,115 Interactive Services 37,395 30,595 25,075 Specialized Agent Services 30,248 27,992 17,899 Total $ 194,682 $ 192,264 $ 180,537 Operating Income: Unified Communications Services $ 327,195 $ 377,850 $ 366,438 Safety Services 54,703 22,408 31,052 Interactive Services 30,631 25,044 35,604 Specialized Agent Services 16,438 30,468 31,858 Corporate Other - Unallocated 15,247 680 (3,545 ) Total $ 444,214 $ 456,450 $ 461,407 Cash Capital Expenditures: Unified Communications Services $ 42,854 $ 60,639 $ 46,860 Safety Services 31,339 23,628 31,706 Interactive Services 22,197 22,151 15,121 Specialized Agent Services 11,109 12,632 6,592 Corporate 19,082 17,760 30,039 Total $ 126,581 $ 136,810 $ 130,318 As of December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Assets: Unified Communications Services $ 1,459,919 $ 1,525,890 $ 1,337,667 Safety Services 772,308 786,447 787,889 Interactive Services 430,722 430,793 353,253 Specialized Agent Services 468,384 491,449 443,737 Corporate 309,505 302,966 516,765 Total from continuing operations 3,440,838 3,537,545 3,439,311 Assets held for sale — 17,672 304,605 Total $ 3,440,838 $ 3,555,217 $ 3,743,916 For 2016, 2015 and 2014, our largest 100 clients represented approximately 43%, 44% and 47% of total revenue, respectively. In 2016, 2015 and 2014, no client represented more than 6% of our aggregate revenue. For 2016, 2015 and 2014, revenue from the United Kingdom accounted for 12%, 13% and 13% of consolidated revenue, respectively. The United Kingdom was the only foreign country which accounted for greater than 10% of revenue. Revenue is attributed to the legal entity that has the contractual obligation with the customer regardless of the customer’s location or the currency used for billing purposes. Geographic information by organizational region for revenue and long-lived assets is noted, in thousands, below. Revenue: For the year Ended December 31, 2016 Unified Specialized Communication Safety Interactive Agent Intersegment Services Services Services Services Eliminations Total Americas - United States $ 982,319 $ 290,620 $ 290,986 $ 281,542 $ (11,919 ) $ 1,833,548 Europe, Middle East & Africa 292,843 84 2,672 — — 295,599 Asia - Pacific 140,703 632 2,266 — — 143,601 America - Other 9,416 4,984 4,815 — — 19,215 Total $ 1,425,281 $ 296,320 $ 300,739 $ 281,542 $ (11,919 ) $ 2,291,963 For the year Ended December 31, 2015 Unified Specialized Communication Safety Interactive Agent Intersegment Services Services Services Services Eliminations Total Americas - United States $ 1,010,262 $ 276,262 $ 260,051 $ 276,983 $ (11,490 ) $ 1,812,068 Europe, Middle East & Africa 308,841 34 1,930 — — 310,805 Asia - Pacific 138,595 303 2,951 — — 141,849 America - Other 10,013 4,792 732 — — 15,537 Total $ 1,467,711 $ 281,391 $ 265,664 $ 276,983 $ (11,490 ) $ 2,280,259 For the year Ended December 31, 2014 Unified Specialized Communication Safety Interactive Agent Intersegment Services Services Services Services Eliminations Total Americas - United States $ 1,002,157 $ 271,278 $ 230,075 $ 224,621 $ (11,464 ) $ 1,716,667 Europe, Middle East & Africa 323,173 3 1,290 — — 324,466 Asia - Pacific 150,028 300 3,300 — — 153,628 America - Other 16,281 6,736 816 — — 23,833 Total $ 1,491,639 $ 278,317 $ 235,481 $ 224,621 $ (11,464 ) $ 2,218,594 Long-Lived Assets: As of December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Americas—United States $ 2,546,361 $ 2,593,739 $ 2,612,394 Europe, Middle East & Africa 172,439 195,203 176,817 Asia—Pacific 18,495 21,151 17,891 Americas—Other 9,248 1,952 1,816 Total $ 2,746,543 $ 2,812,045 $ 2,808,918 The decline in Europe, Middle East and Africa ("EMEA") revenue in 2016 was due primarily to the foreign exchange translation as a result of the decline in value of the British Pound Sterling. The decline in EMEA and Asia-Pacific revenue in 2015 was primarily due to the negative impact of foreign currency translation adjustments. The aggregate gain (loss) on transactions denominated in currencies other than the functional currency of West Corporation or any of its subsidiaries was approximately $(0.9) million, $(2.5) million and $2.0 million in 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Concentration of Credit Risk

Concentration of Credit Risk	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Risks And Uncertainties [Abstract]
Concentration of Credit Risk	18. CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK Our accounts receivable subject us to the potential for credit risk with our customers. At December 31, 2016, three customers accounted for $43.9 million or 11.9% of gross accounts receivable, compared to $38.6 million, or 10.4% of gross accounts receivable at December 31, 2015. We perform ongoing credit evaluations of our customers’ financial condition. We maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts for potential credit losses based upon historical trends, specific collection problems, historical write-offs, account aging and other analysis of all accounts receivable. At February 10, 2017, $20.6 million, or 46.8%, of the December 31, 2016 accounts receivable from the three customers noted above had been received.

Supplemental Cash Flow Informat

Supplemental Cash Flow Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Supplemental Cash Flow Information	19. SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION The following table summarizes, in thousands, supplemental information about our cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014: Years Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION: Cash paid for interest $ 138,295 $ 141,048 $ 231,946 Cash paid for income taxes, net of $5,890, $7,500 and $13,336 for refunds in 2016, 2015 and 2014 $ 75,748 $ 108,090 $ 93,875 SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF NONCASH INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Accrued obligations for the purchase of property plant and equipment $ 1,079 $ 9,006 $ 20,275 SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF NONCASH FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Net settlement of stock options exercised $ — $ — $ 10 Net settlement of shares issued from the deferred compensation plan $ 987 $ 2,949 $ 527 Vesting of restricted stock $ 1,924 $ 2,742 $ — Accrued dividends $ 1,723 $ 1,419 $ 63

Quarterly Results of Operations

Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited)	20. QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED) The following is the summary of the unaudited quarterly results of operations for the two years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, in thousands. Three Months Ended Year Ended March 31, June 30, September 30, December 31, December 31, 2016 2016 (1) 2016 2016 (2) 2016 Revenue $ 570,779 $ 582,397 $ 571,407 $ 567,380 $ 2,291,963 Cost of services 241,012 249,426 247,817 243,533 981,788 Gross profit 329,767 332,971 323,590 323,847 1,310,175 SG&A 220,843 209,870 214,091 221,157 865,961 Operating income 108,924 123,101 109,499 102,690 444,214 Net income $ 44,555 $ 32,979 $ 47,535 $ 68,320 $ 193,389 Diluted earnings per common share *: $ 0.53 $ 0.39 $ 0.56 $ 0.80 $ 2.29 Three Months Ended Year Ended March 31, June 30, September 30, December 31, December 31, 2015 (3) 2015 2015 2015 (4) 2015 Revenue $ 565,490 $ 571,891 $ 574,448 $ 568,430 $ 2,280,259 Cost of services 239,701 245,266 246,337 239,389 970,693 Gross profit 325,789 326,625 328,111 329,041 1,309,566 SG&A 215,096 210,192 203,757 224,071 853,116 Operating income 110,693 116,433 124,354 104,970 456,450 Income from continuing operations 48,634 49,223 50,719 42,340 190,916 Income (loss) from discontinued operations 31,866 358 (1,235 ) 19,935 50,924 Net income $ 80,500 $ 49,581 $ 49,484 $ 62,275 $ 241,840 Diluted earnings per common share: Continuing operations $ 0.56 $ 0.58 $ 0.60 $ 0.50 $ 2.24 Discontinued operations 0.37 0.00 (0.01 ) 0.24 0.59 Diluted earnings per common share: $ 0.93 $ 0.58 0.58** $ 0.74 $ 2.83 (1) Net income in the second quarter of 2016 includes $35.2 million of accelerated amortization of deferred financing costs as a result of our refinancing and accelerated debt principal prepayments, partially offset by a $12.8 million gain recognized on the sale of buildings. (2) Net income in the fourth quarter of 2016 includes an income tax benefit of $1.2 million as a result of lower deferred tax on foreign unremitted earnings resulting from legal entity changes initiated during the fourth quarter to certain of our foreign subsidiaries. (3) Income from discontinued operations in the first quarter of 2015 includes operating results of the divested entities up to the date of sale and the preliminary gain on the sale of the divested entities. (4) Income from discontinued operations in the fourth quarter of 2015 includes the finalization of the gain on sale of the divested entities. * Year ended 2016 diluted earnings per common share does not foot due to rounding. ** Third quarter 2015 diluted earnings per common share does not foot due to rounding.

Consolidated Valuation Accounts

Consolidated Valuation Accounts	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Valuation And Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
Consolidated Valuation Accounts	Schedule II WEST CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED VALUATION ACCOUNTS THREE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 Additions- Reserves Charged Deductions- Balance Obtained to Cost Amounts Beginning in and Charged- Balance Description (amounts in thousands) of Year Acquisitions Expenses Off End of Year December 31, 2016—Allowance for doubtful accounts—Accounts receivable $ 7,270 $ — $ 916 $ (1,448 ) $ 6,738 December 31, 2015—Allowance for doubtful accounts—Accounts receivable $ 7,544 $ — $ 3,317 $ (3,591 ) $ 7,270 December 31, 2014—Allowance for doubtful accounts—Accounts receivable $ 8,415 $ 774 $ 509 $ (2,154 ) $ 7,544 Valuation Allowance Balance Obtained Beginning in Balance of Year Acquisitions Additions Deductions End of Year December 31, 2016—Allowance for deferred income tax asset valuation $ 100,205 $ — $ 2,385 $ — $ 102,590 December 31, 2015—Allowance for deferred income tax asset valuation $ 109,240 $ — $ — $ (9,035 ) $ 100,205 December 31, 2014—Allowance for deferred income tax asset valuation $ 109,677 $ — $ 1,162 $ (1,599 ) $ 109,240

Organization, Consolidation a32

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Discontinued Operations	Discontinued Operations: On March 3, 2015, we divested several of our agent-based businesses, including our consumer - facing customer sales and lifecycle management, account services and receivables management businesses, for $275.0 million in cash. We completed the divestiture pursuant to a purchase agreement executed January 7, 2015 and in accordance with a plan approved by our Board of Directors on December 30, 2014. As a result of the sale, the related operating results for these businesses have been reflected as discontinued operations for all periods presented and the related assets and liabilities were classified as held for sale and measured at the lower of their carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell at December 31, 2014. Unless otherwise stated, financial results discussed herein refer to continuing operations.
Basis of Consolidation	Basis of Consolidation: The consolidated financial statements include our accounts and the accounts of our wholly owned subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in the consolidated financial statements.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates : The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition : Revenue is recognized when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, price is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. Amounts billed in advance of providing service are deferred and recorded as deferred revenue or other long-term liabilities on the balance sheet until service has been provided. Services in Unified Communications Services are generally billed, and revenue recognized on a per participant minute basis or, in the case of license arrangements, generally billed in advance and revenue recognized ratably over the service life period. We also charge clients for additional features, such as conference call recording, transcription services or professional services. Some Unified Communications Services revenue is recognized on a user or network circuit basis. Telecom services revenue is primarily comprised of switched access charges for toll-free origination services, which are paid primarily by interexchange carriers. Revenue is billed monthly and revenue recognized based on usage. Safety Services revenue is generated primarily from monthly fees, recognized as billed, based on the number of billing telephone numbers and cell towers covered under contract. In addition, product sales that may include hardware, software, and professional services (installation, training and project management) are generally recognized when shipment of the hardware and software has occurred and for professional services when client acceptance of a fully functional system is received. Contracts for annual recurring services such as support and maintenance agreements are generally billed in advance and are recognized as revenue ratably (on a monthly basis) over the contractual periods. Services in Interactive Services are generally billed, and revenue recognized, on a per call, per message or per minute basis, or in the case of subscription arrangements, generally billed in advance and revenue recognized ratably over the contract term. Services in Specialized Agent Services are generally billed based on hours of input, number of contacts, number of personnel assigned, on a contingent basis or recognized in the month collection payments are received based upon a percentage of cash collected or other agreed upon contractual parameters. Revenue for healthcare advocacy services is generally based on “Per Employee Per Month” fees charged under prepayment agreements for services and is recognized ratably over the service period.
Cost of Services	Cost of Services: Cost of services includes labor, sales commissions, telephone and other expenses directly related to service activities.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses	Selling, General and Administrative Expenses: Selling, general and administrative expenses consist of expenses that support the ongoing operation of our business. These expenses include costs related to division management, facilities costs, depreciation, maintenance, amortization of finite-lived intangible assets, sales and marketing activities, client support services, bad debt expense and corporate management costs.
Other Income (Expense)	Other Income (Expense): Other income (expense) includes interest expense from borrowings under credit facilities, interest income from short-term investments, investment gains or losses in the assets held in our deferred compensation plans and foreign currency transaction gains (losses) on affiliate transactions denominated in currencies other than the functional currency. In 201 6 and 2015, other income (expense) included transition service agreements revenue and expense related to the divestiture of certain of our agent businesses as well as rental income from the buyer of our divested businesses.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents: We consider short-term investments with original maturities of three months or less at acquisition to be cash equivalents.
Trust and Restricted Cash	Trust and Restricted Cash: Trust cash represents cash collected on behalf of our clients that has not yet been remitted to them. A related liability is recorded in accounts payable until settlement with the respective clients. Restricted cash primarily represents cash held as collateral for a workers ’ compensation policy.
Financial Instruments	Financial Instruments : Cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable are short-term in nature and the net values at which they are recorded are considered to be reasonable estimates of their fair values.
Accounts Receivable	Accounts Receivable: Accounts receivable from customers is presented net of an allowance for doubtful accounts .
Deferred Expenses	Deferred Expenses: Deferred expenses relate to costs incurred to fulfill contract obligations before the related services or goods are transferred to the customer. These costs are primarily for prepayments for services to support future revenue streams and include web collaboration services, prepaid service contracts and prepaid video hosting services. They also include customer set-up costs. These costs are expensed as the associated obligation is fulfilled and the associated revenue recognized.
Assets Held for Sale	Assets Held for Sale: On June 21, 2016, we completed the sale of land, buildings and improvements which were previously classified as held for sale and primarily used by the agent-based businesses we divested in 2015. Proceeds from the sale were $38.8 million, excluding related expenses. In connection with this sale, we realized a pre-tax gain of approximately $19.0 million. We also entered into a 12-year leaseback agreement for one of the buildings. This lease is classified as an operating lease and the related $5.2 million gain, included in the $19.0 million realized gain, is being deferred and will be recognized over the lease term. The recognized gains are included in selling general and administrative expense.
Property and Equipment	Property and Equipment: Property and equipment are recorded at cost. Depreciation expense is based on the estimated useful lives of the assets or remaining lease terms, whichever is shorter, and is calculated on the straight-line method. Our owned buildings have estimated useful lives ranging from 20 to 39 years and the majority of the other assets have estimated useful lives of three to five years. We review property, plant and equipment for impairment whenever events or changes in business circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be fully recoverable. Recoverability of an asset “held-for-use” is determined by comparing the carrying amount of the asset to the undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated from the use of the asset. If the carrying amount is greater than the undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset, the asset’s carrying amount is reduced to its fair value.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	Goodwill and Intangible Assets: Management is required to exercise significant judgment in valuing the acquisitions in connection with the initial purchase price allocation and the ongoing evaluation of goodwill and other intangible assets for impairment. The purchase price allocation process requires estimates and judgments as to certain expectations and business strategies. If the actual results differ from the assumptions and judgments made, the amounts recorded in the consolidated financial statements could result in a possible impairment of the intangible assets and goodwill. We test goodwill for impairment at the reporting unit level (operating segment or one level below an operating segment) on an annual basis in the fourth quarter or more frequently if we believe indicators of impairment exist. Goodwill of a reporting unit is tested for impairment between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. At December 31, 2016, our reporting units were our five operating segments. The performance of the impairment test involves a two-step process. The first step of the goodwill impairment test involves comparing the fair values of the applicable reporting units with their aggregate carrying values, including goodwill. We determine the fair value of our reporting units using the weighted-average results of an income approach (discounted cash flow methodology) and market approach. The discounted cash flow methodology requires us to make key assumptions such as projected future cash flows, growth rates, terminal value and a weighted-average cost of capital. The market approach requires the formulation of valuation multiples derived from the financial data and share trading prices of publicly traded companies which we consider comparable to West Corporation and applicable reporting units. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value, we perform the second step of the goodwill impairment test to determine the amount of impairment loss. There were no impairments in 2016 or 2015 as the fair value exceeded the carrying value for each of our reporting units. Our finite-lived intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives. Estimated useful lives are reviewed annually. Our finite-lived intangible assets are tested for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances such as reductions in demand or significant economic slowdowns are present on intangible assets used in operations that may indicate the carrying amount is not recoverable. Reviews are performed to determine whether the carrying value of an asset is recoverable, based on comparisons to undiscounted expected future cash flows. If this comparison indicates that the carrying value is not recoverable, the impaired asset is written down to fair value. There were no impairments of our finite-lived intangible assets in 2016 or 2015.
Other Assets	Other Assets: Other assets primarily include assets held in non-qualified deferred compensation plans, and the unamortized balance of internally developed capitalized software and licensing agreements. The assets held in the non-qualified deferred compensation plans represent mutual funds invested in debt and equity securities and are classified as trading securities as employees have the ability to change the investment allocation of their deferred compensation at any time. These investments are reported at fair value with unrealized gains (losses) of $2.7 million, ($1.3) million and $2.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively, recognized currently within other income. The underlying obligation, recorded in other liabilities, is likewise reported at the investments’ fair value with adjustments recognized currently within compensation expense. Both the investments and the obligations are classified as non-current.
Deferred Revenue	Deferred Revenue: Deferred revenue includes receipts from customers primarily for web collaboration service licenses, video hosting services and installation fees in the Unified Communications Services reportable segment, annual subscription fees in the education vertical in the Interactive Services reportable segment and maintenance contracts in the Safety Services reportable segment. These receipts will be recognized as revenue over the life of the respective customer contracts. At December 31, 2016 and 2015 deferred revenue also included customer deposits of $ 0.2 million and $1.1 million, respectively.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes: We file a consolidated United States income tax return. We use an asset and liability approach for the financial reporting of income taxes in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification Topic 740 Income Taxes (“ASC 740”). Deferred income taxes arise from temporary differences between financial and tax reporting. Income tax expense has been provided on the portion of foreign source income that we have determined will be repatriated to the United States. We record uncertain tax positions based on a two-step process, whereby (1) we determine whether it is more likely than not that the tax positions will be sustained based on the technical merits of the position and (2) for those tax positions that meet the more likely than not recognition threshold, we would recognize the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely to be realized upon ultimate settlement with the related tax authority.
Other Long-Term Liabilities	Other Long-Term Liabilities: Other long-term liabilities include liabilities held in non-qualified deferred compensation plans of $ 65.7 million and $61.8 million at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, uncertain tax positions of $43.9 million and $45.0 million at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, non-current deferred revenue of $38.7 million and $60.0 million at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and other long-term liabilities of $21.0 million and $19.3 at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss: Accumulated other comprehensive loss is composed of unrealized gains or losses on foreign currency translation adjustments arising from changes in exchange rates of our foreign subsidiaries. Assets and liabilities are translated at the exchange rates in effect on the balance sheet dates. The translation adjustment is included in comprehensive loss, net of related tax expense. Also, the gain or loss on the effective portion of cash flow hedges (i.e., change in fair value) is initially reported as a component of comprehensive loss. The remaining gain or loss is recognized in interest expense in the same period in which the cash flow hedge affects earnings. These are our only components of comprehensive loss.
Treasury Stock	Treasury Stock: We account for treasury stock under the cost method. Shares of common stock returned to, or repurchased by, the Company are recorded at cost and are included as a separate component of stockholders’ deficit. Under the cost method, the gross cost of the shares reacquired is charged to a contra equity account entitled treasury stock. The equity accounts that were credited for the original share issuance (common stock, additional paid-in capital, etc.) remain intact. When treasury stock is re-issued at a price lower than its cost, the difference is recorded as a component of additional paid-in-capital to the extent that there are previously recorded gains to offset the losses. If there are no treasury stock gains in additional paid-in-capital, the losses upon re-issuance of treasury stock are recorded in retained deficit in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company’s Board of Directors approved a share repurchase program in 2016 under which the Company may repurchase up to an aggregate of $75.0 million of its outstanding common stock. Purchases under the program may be made from time to time through open market purchases, block transactions or privately negotiated transactions. The Company expects to fund the program using its cash on hand and cash generated from operations. The program may be suspended or discontinued at any time without prior notice. During 2016, the Company purchased 1,000,000 shares of common stock through the open market for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $22.0 million.
Share-Based Compensation	Share-Based Compensation: In accordance with Accounting Standards Codification 718, Compensation-Stock Compensation , we are required to recognize expense related to the fair value of employee stock option awards and to measure the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on the grant date fair value of the award.
Dividend	Dividend: We funded the dividends paid in 2016, 2015 and 2014 with cash generated by our operations and we anticipate funding future dividends with cash generated by our operations. The declaration and payment of all future dividends, if any, will be at the sole discretion of our Board of Directors. The total dividends paid in 2016, 2015 and 2014 were approximately $ 74.7 million, $75.2 million and $75.7 million, respectively. On February 1, 2017, we announced a $0.225 per common share quarterly dividend. The dividend is payable March 2, 2017, to stockholders of record as of the close of business on February 21, 2017.
Public Offering	Public Offering: On March 18, 2015, we completed an underwritten public offering of 12,650,000 shares of common stock by certain of our existing stockholders at a public offering price of $30.75 per share, including 1,650,000 shares of common stock sold by the selling stockholders pursuant to the full exercise of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares. We did not receive any proceeds for the shares of common stock sold by the selling stockholders. Concurrently with the closing of the offering, we repurchased 1,000,000 shares of common stock from the selling stockholders in a private transaction at $29.596875 per share, which was the purchase price at which the shares of common stock were sold to the public in the underwritten offering, less underwriting discounts and commissions for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $29.6 million, which was funded with cash on hand. On June 24, 2015 and July 22, 2015, we completed an underwritten public offering of 7,000,000 and 200,000 shares of common stock, respectively, by certain of our existing stockholders at a public offering price of $30.75 per share, with the 200,000 shares of common stock sold by the selling stockholders pursuant to a partial exercise of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares. We did not receive any proceeds for the shares of common stock sold by the selling stockholders. Concurrent with the closing of the offering on June 24, 2015, we repurchased 1,000,000 shares of common stock from the selling stockholders in a private transaction at $30.36 per share, which was the purchase price at which the shares of common stock were sold to the public in the underwritten offering, less underwriting discounts and commissions for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $30.4 million, which was funded with cash on hand.
Foreign Currency and Translation of Foreign Subsidiaries	Foreign Currency and Translation of Foreign Subsidiaries: The functional currencies of the Company’s foreign operations are the respective local currencies. All assets and liabilities of the Company’s foreign operations are translated into U.S. dollars at fiscal period-end exchange rates. Income and expense items are translated at average exchange rates prevailing during the fiscal period. The resulting translation adjustments are recorded as a component of stockholders’ equity and other comprehensive income. Foreign currency transaction gains or losses are recorded in the consolidated statements of income.
Recently Implemented Accounting Pronouncements	Recently Implemented Accounting Pronouncements —In April 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standard Update (“ASU”) 2015-03, Interest-Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs ("ASU 2015-03") . This ASU requires capitalized debt issuance costs to be presented as a reduction to the carrying value of debt instead of being classified as a deferred charge, as previously required. This ASU became effective for interim and annual reporting periods in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within those annual periods. We adopted this guidance as of January 1, 2016, and as a result have recast the December 31, 2015 consolidated balance sheet to conform to the current period presentation. The adoption of this standard reduced previously presented other assets and long-term debt by $57.1 million each, based upon the balance of unamortized debt issuance costs relating to our senior secured term loan facilities and senior notes recorded as of December 31, 2015. In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-017, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes,
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Recent Accounting Pronouncements: In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350) . This update addresses the subsequent measurement of goodwill and eliminates Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. Under the amendments in this update, annual or interim goodwill impairment tests are to be performed by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. An impairment charge should be recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value; however, the loss recognized should not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. Additionally, the income tax effects should be considered for any tax deductible goodwill on the carrying amount of the reporting unit when measuring the goodwill impairment loss. The amendment also eliminates the requirements for any reporting unit with a zero or negative carrying amount to perform a qualitative assessment and, if it fails that qualitative test, to perform Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test. Therefore, the same impairment assessment applies to all reporting units. The amendment requires disclosure of the amount of goodwill allocated to each reporting unit with a zero or negative carrying amount of net assets. The amendments in this update should be applied on a prospective basis. This amendment will be effective for us in January 2020. Early adoption is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. The Company is in the process of assessing the impact of this standard on its consolidated financial statements. In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows – Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments Credit Losses (Topic 230) In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326) In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718) In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), (“ASU 2014-09”) Deferral of the Effective Date.

Discontinued Operations (Tables

Discontinued Operations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Discontinued Operations And Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Summary of Results of Discontinued Operations	The following table summarizes the results of discontinued operations for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 in thousands: (Amounts in thousands) 2015 2014 Revenue $ 102,251 $ 585,866 Operating income 2,326 22,685 Gain on disposal 48,226 — Income before income tax expense 50,553 21,625 Income tax benefit (371 ) (2,169 ) Income from discontinued operations $ 50,924 $ 23,794

Acquisitions (Tables)

Acquisitions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Summary of Estimated Fair Values of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed at Acquisition	The following table summarizes the preliminary estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the respective acquisition dates for 911 ETC and Synrevoice and the final fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed for ClientTell, Magnetic North and SharpSchool. (Amounts in thousands) 911 ETC Synrevoice ClientTell Magnetic North SharpSchool Working Capital $ 743 $ (2,118 ) $ 501 $ 55 $ (982 ) Property and equipment 135 21 429 574 782 Other assets, net — — 2 — 77 Intangible assets 6,484 6,455 26,300 16,361 9,092 Goodwill 5,277 4,893 15,004 25,094 8,203 Total assets acquired 12,639 9,251 42,236 42,084 17,172 Non-current deferred taxes — — — 2,927 — Long-term liabilities 2,464 — 3,828 — — Total liabilities assumed 2,464 — 3,828 2,927 — Net assets acquired $ 10,175 $ 9,251 $ 38,408 $ 39,157 $ 17,172
Summary of Pro Forma Results of Operations	The following pro forma financial information presents the combined results of operations as if the acquisitions of 911 ETC, Synrevoice, ClientTell, Magnetic North, SharpSchool, SchoolReach, 911 Enable, Health Advocate and SchoolMessenger (collectively, the acquirees) occurred as of the beginning of the year acquired and the preceding year. The acquirees' pre-acquisition results have been added to West's historical results. The pro forma results contained in the table below include adjustments for amortization of acquired intangibles, finance and acquisition costs and related income taxes. The pro forma results below are not necessarily indicative of the operating results that would have actually occurred if the acquisitions had been in effect on the dates indicated, nor are they necessarily indicative of future results of operations. (Amounts in thousands) 2016 2015 2014 Revenue $ 2,296,630 $ 2,309,491 $ 2,303,678 Income from continuing operations $ 189,563 $ 188,977 $ 124,982 Income per common share from continuing operations—basic $ 2.28 $ 2.27 $ 1.49 Income per common share from continuing operations—diluted $ 2.24 $ 2.21 $ 1.46

Goodwill and Other Intangible35

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill by Reportable Segment	The following table presents the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment, for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2016: Unified Specialized Communications Safety Interactive Agent (Amounts in thousands) Services Services Services Services Total Balance at January 1, 2015 $ 864,568 $ 507,588 $ 223,014 $ 289,750 $ 1,884,920 Acquisitions 24,579 — 23,221 — 47,800 Acquisition accounting adjustments — 1,091 (44 ) (1,400 ) (353 ) Foreign currency translation adjustments (15,365 ) — (1,312 ) — (16,677 ) Balance at December 31, 2015 873,782 508,679 244,879 288,350 1,915,690 Acquisitions — 5,277 4,907 — 10,184 Acquisition accounting adjustments 515 — (13 ) — 502 Foreign currency translation adjustments (10,317 ) — 133 — (10,184 ) Balance at December 31, 2016 $ 863,980 $ 513,956 $ 249,906 $ 288,350 $ 1,916,192
Summary of Major Intangible Assets	Below As of December 31, 2016 (Amounts in thousands) Acquired Accumulated Net Intangible Intangible assets Cost Amortization Assets Client Relationships $ 659,877 $ (482,037 ) $ 177,840 Technology & Patents 181,299 (113,011 ) 68,288 Trade names and trademarks 103,391 (37,331 ) 66,060 Other intangible assets 22,087 (18,801 ) 3,286 Total $ 966,654 $ (651,180 ) $ 315,474 As of December 31, 2015 Acquired Accumulated Net Intangible Intangible assets Cost Amortization Assets Client Relationships $ 649,494 $ (440,163 ) $ 209,331 Technology & Patents 178,027 (96,774 ) 81,253 Trade names and trademarks 103,398 (30,470 ) 72,928 Other intangible assets 22,725 (16,216 ) 6,509 Total $ 953,644 $ (583,623 ) $ 370,021
Summary of Estimated Future Annual Amortization Expense for Intangible Assets	Estimated amortization expense for the next five years for the intangible assets is as follows: 2017 $ 56.3 million 2018 $ 49.5 million 2019 $ 43.0 million 2020 $ 36.6 million 2021 $ 29.1 million
Summary of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired in Acquisitions	The following table summarizes the finite-lived intangible assets acquired in the acquisitions made in 2016, 2015 and 2014. Trade Non- Marks and Amortization Amortization Amortization (Amounts in thousands) Customer Compete Trade recorded in recorded in recorded in Acquisition Acquisition Date Relationships Technology Agreements Names Total 2016 2015 2014 911 ETC December 9, 2016 $ 5,600 $ 680 $ 120 $ 84 $ 6,484 $ 57 $ — $ — Synrevoice March 14, 2016 5,309 882 143 121 6,455 1,014 — — ClientTell November 2, 2015 22,100 2,400 1,620 180 26,300 4,374 505 — Magnetic North October 31, 2015 10,197 5,206 433 525 16,361 2,591 721 — SharpSchool June 2, 2015 4,971 3,480 184 457 9,092 1,924 746 — SchoolReach November 3, 2014 5,700 760 600 290 7,350 1,864 1,674 113 911 Enable September 2, 2014 15,200 4,900 185 400 20,685 3,304 3,223 1,083 Health Advocate June 13, 2014 82,700 36,360 2,800 30,130 151,990 17,264 18,031 10,598 SchoolMessenger April 21, 2014 28,300 8,800 1,345 1,700 40,145 5,263 6,076 4,982 $ 180,077 $ 63,468 $ 7,430 $ 33,887 $ 284,862 $ 37,655 $ 30,976 $ 16,776 Weighted average amortization period by major intangible asset class in years is: 13.5 9.0 3.6 18.1 12.8

Property and Equipment (Tables)

Property and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Property Plant And Equipment [Abstract]
Property and Equipment at Cost	Property and equipment at cost consisted of the following as of December 31, 2016 and 2015: December 31, (Amounts in thousands) 2016 2015 Land and improvements $ 5,531 $ 5,445 Buildings 73,424 71,926 Telephone and computer equipment 862,352 840,396 Office furniture and equipment 37,043 37,094 Leasehold improvements 57,057 59,384 Construction in progress 52,798 39,433 $ 1,088,205 $ 1,053,678
Future Minimum Payments Under Non-Cancelable Operating Leases	Future minimum payments under non-cancelable operating leases with initial or remaining terms of one year or more are as follows: Total (Amounts in thousands) Operating Year Ending December 31, Leases 2017 $ 23,954 2018 20,676 2019 17,206 2020 13,470 2021 8,211 2022 and thereafter 43,526 Total minimum obligations $ 127,043

Accrued Expenses (Tables)

Accrued Expenses (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]
Accrued Expenses	Accrued expenses consisted of the following as of: December 31, (Amounts in thousands) 2016 2015 Accrued wages $ 65,695 $ 57,472 Accrued phone 39,537 42,549 Interest payable 35,702 36,440 Accrued other taxes (non-income related) 35,337 39,267 Accrued employee benefit costs 5,839 4,526 Acquisition obligation for a net operating loss carryforward claim 3,573 5,536 Accrued lease expense 3,026 2,616 Outside commissions 2,922 1,673 Accrued licensing costs 669 2,418 Acquisition contingent consideration — 2,075 Other current liabilities 32,571 24,662 $ 224,871 $ 219,234

Long-Term Obligations (Tables)

Long-Term Obligations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Summary of Long-term Obligations	Long-term obligations are carried at amortized cost. At December 31, 2016 and 2015 long-term obligations consisted of the following: December 31, (Amounts in thousands) 2016 2015 Senior Secured Term Loan Facility, due 2018 (paid in 2016) $ — $ 1,813,250 Accounts Receivable Securitization Facility, due 2018 34,000 — Senior Secured Term Loan Facility, due 2019 8,814 336,875 Senior Secured A Term Loan Facility, due 2021 641,875 — Senior Secured B Term Loan Facility, due 2021 258,702 250,000 4 3/4% Senior Secured Notes, due 2021 400,000 — 5 3/8% Senior Notes, due 2022 1,000,000 1,000,000 Senior Secured B Term Loan Facility, due 2023 865,655 — Unamortized value of debt issuance costs (1) (39,374 ) (57,062 ) Net carrying value 3,169,672 3,343,063 Less: current maturities (39,709 ) (24,375 ) Long-term obligations $ 3,129,963 $ 3,318,688
Future Maturities of Long-term Debt	Future maturities of long-term debt, in thousands, are: Year Ending December 31, Amount 2017 $ 39,709 2018 $ 89,959 2019 $ 81,024 2020 $ 76,272 2021 $ 1,099,818 Thereafter $ 1,822,264
Senior Notes [Member] | 2021 [Member]
Subordinated Notes	Year Percentage 2018 102.375 2019 101.188 2020 and thereafter 100.000
Senior Notes [Member] | Senior Notes 2022 [Member]
Subordinated Notes	Year Percentage 2017 104.031 2018 102.688 2019 101.344 2020 and thereafter 100.000

Hedging Activities (Tables)

Hedging Activities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Outstanding Interest Rate Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedges of Interest Rate Risk	As of December 31, 2016, the Company had the following outstanding interest rate derivatives that were designated as cash flow hedges of interest rate risk: Interest Rate Derivative Number of Instruments Notional Value in Thousands Interest Rate Swaps Four $550,000
Schedule of Derivative Financial Instruments in Consolidated Balance Sheet	The table below presents, in thousands, our derivative financial instruments and their classification in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2016. Derivative Liabilities Balance Sheet Derivatives designated as hedging instruments Location Fair Value Interest rate swaps Other long-term assets $ 14,528 Interest rate swaps Accrued expenses (356 ) Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments $ 14,172
Effect of Derivative Hedges on Consolidated Statements of Income and Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income	The table below presents, in thousands, the effect of the Company’s derivative financial instruments designated as cash flow hedges on the Consolidated Statements of Income and the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the year ended December 31, 2016: Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedges Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in OCL on Derivatives (Effective Portion) Location of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCL into Income (Effective Portion) Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCL into Income (Effective Portion) Location of Gain Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing) Amount of Gain Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing) Interest Rate Swaps $ 12,498 Interes t $ (544 ) Interest Expense $ 1,130

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Components of Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes	For financial reporting purposes, income from continuing operations before income taxes includes the following components, in thousands: Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Income from continuing operations before income taxes: United States $ 148,055 $ 164,282 $ 65,176 Foreign 111,757 134,391 142,114 $ 259,812 $ 298,673 $ 207,290
Components of Income Tax Expense	Components of income tax expense, in thousands, were as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Current income tax expense: Federal $ 62,499 $ 54,447 $ 56,624 State 8,392 8,942 7,380 Foreign 25,743 35,438 35,307 96,634 98,827 99,311 Deferred income tax expense (benefit): Federal (26,231 ) 10,620 (20,735 ) State (2,248 ) 878 (2,429 ) Foreign (1,732 ) (2,568 ) (3,468 ) (30,211 ) 8,930 (26,632 ) Total income tax expense attributed to continuing operations $ 66,423 $ 107,757 $ 72,679
Reconciliation of Income Tax Expense Computed at Statutory Tax Rates Compared to Effective Tax Rates	A reconciliation of income tax expense computed at statutory tax rates compared to effective income tax rates was as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Statutory rate 35.0 % 35.0 % 35.0 % Federal tax credits (0.3 )% (0.3 )% (1.8 )% Uncertain tax positions (0.4 )% 3.3 % 0.4 % Foreign rate differential (7.3 )% (4.7 )% (9.0 )% Foreign deferred tax liability on unremitted earnings (4.0 )% 0.5 % 8.0 % State income taxes, net of Federal benefit 2.1 % 1.9 % 2.1 % Other 0.5 % 0.4 % 0.4 % Effective income tax rates from continuing operations 25.6 % 36.1 % 35.1 %
Components of Deferred Taxes	Significant temporary differences between reported financial and taxable earnings that give rise to deferred income tax assets and liabilities, in thousands, were as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 Deferred income tax assets: Net operating loss carryforwards $ 107,813 $ 111,288 Compensation and benefit plans 47,204 44,813 Accrued expenses 30,693 28,179 Deferred Revenue 14,076 10,984 Tax credits 13,882 13,882 Foreign currency translation — 2,183 Allowance for doubtful accounts 3,045 3,796 Reserves not currently deductible for tax purposes 4,258 4,404 Gross deferred income tax assets 220,971 219,529 Less valuation allowance (102,590 ) (100,205 ) Total deferred income tax assets $ 118,381 $ 119,324 Deferred income tax liabilities: Acquired intangibles amortization $ 136,639 $ 139,137 Foreign earnings 18,373 33,597 Excess tax depreciation over financial depreciation 44,401 42,634 Prepaid expenses 7,383 7,553 Other 412 625 Foreign currency translation 37 — Total deferred income tax liabilities 207,245 223,546 Net deferred income tax liability $ 88,864 $ 104,222
Summary of Activity Related to Unrecognized Tax Benefits	The following summarizes the activity related to our unrecognized tax benefits recorded in accordance with ASC 740-10 in 2016, 2015 and 2014, in thousands: For the year ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Beginning balance $ 28,959 $ 23,807 $ 22,680 Increases for positions taken in current year 327 1,768 580 Increases for positions taken in prior years 2,740 4,241 4,318 Decreases for positions taken in prior years — — (2,243 ) Decrease due to settlements with taxing authorities — (440 ) (1,528 ) Expiration of the statute of limitations for the assessment of taxes (1,140 ) (417 ) — Ending balance $ 30,886 $ 28,959 $ 23,807

Employee Benefits and Incenti41

Employee Benefits and Incentive Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Postemployment Benefits [Abstract]
Summary of Stock Option Activity under 2006 EIP and 2013 LTIP	The following table presents the stock or stock option activity under the 2006 EIP and 2013 LTIP for the year ended December 31, 2016: Stock or Options Outstanding Options Weighted Available Number of Average for Grant Shares Exercise Price Balance at January 1, 2016 5,868,283 2,280,030 $ 27.08 Options granted — — — Options exercised — (69,336 ) 13.15 Options canceled or forfeited (2013 LTIP) 12,490 (12,490 ) 23.52 Options canceled or forfeited (2006 EIP) — (28,899 ) 33.70 Restricted stock granted (666,733 ) — — Restricted stock canceled 119,480 — — Balance at December 31, 2016 5,333,520 2,169,305 $ 27.45
Summary of Information on Options Granted under Executive Incentive Plan	The following table summarizes the information on the options granted under the 2006 EIP and 2013 LTIP at December 31, 2016: Outstanding Exercisable Average Weighted Weighted Remaining Average Average Range of Number of Contractual Exercise Number of Exercise Exercise Prices Options Life (years) Price Options Price $0.00 - $25.36 389,018 6.70 $ 23.67 244,723 $ 23.47 25.37 - 28.80 1,267,788 4.78 $ 25.52 1,267,788 $ 25.52 28.81 - 33.52 490,126 4.21 $ 33.45 490,126 $ 33.45 33.53 - 84.80 22,373 2.63 $ 71.54 22,373 $ 71.54 $0.00 - $84.80 2,169,305 4.97 $ 27.45 2,025,010 $ 27.70
Summary of Estimated Fair Value of 2006 EIP Option Awards on Grant Date Using Black-Scholes Option	We account for the stock option grants under the 2006 EIP and 2013 LTIP in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification 718, Compensation-Stock Compensation 2014 Risk-free interest rate 2.02 % Dividend yield 3.64 % Expected volatility 29.10 % Expected life (years) 6.25 Weighted-average grant date fair value of options granted $ 4.90
Summary of Percentage of Target Award to Vest	In accordance with the schedule below. If the Company’s TSR is negative for the performance period, the maximum award which may vest is the target award. Company Percentile Rank vs. Aggregate Percentage of Below Threshold Below the 30 th 0% Threshold At the 30 th 50% Target At the 55 th 100% Maximum At or above the 80 th 175%

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding	Year Ended December 31, (Amounts in thousands, except per share amounts) 2016 2015 2014 Earnings per common share—basic Continuing Operations $ 2.33 $ 2.29 $ 1.60 Discontinued Operations — 0.61 0.29 Total earnings per common share—basic $ 2.33 $ 2.90 $ 1.89 Earnings per common share—diluted Continuing Operations $ 2.29 $ 2.24 $ 1.57 Discontinued Operations — 0.59 0.28 Total earnings per common share—diluted $ 2.29 $ 2.83 $ 1.85 Weighted average number of shares outstanding: Basic common 82,969 83,420 84,007 Dilutive impact of Equity Incentive Plans: Common shares 1,630 1,974 1,500 Diluted common shares 84,599 85,394 85,507

Accumulated Other Comprehensi43

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Equity [Abstract]
Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Activity within accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the three years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 were as follows (net of tax) in thousands: Accumulated Foreign Cash Other Currency Flow Comprehensive Translation Hedges Income (Loss) BALANCE, January 1, 2016 $ (72,736 ) $ — $ (72,736 ) Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax of $12,705 (22,983 ) — (22,983 ) Unrealized gain on interest rate derivatives, net of tax of ($4,956) — 8,086 8,086 BALANCE, December 31, 2016 $ (95,719 ) $ 8,086 $ (87,633 ) Accumulated Foreign Cash Other Currency Flow Comprehensive Translation Hedges Income (Loss) BALANCE, January 1, 2015 $ (37,506 ) $ — $ (37,506 ) Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax of $19,903 (35,230 ) — (35,230 ) BALANCE, December 31, 2015 $ (72,736 ) $ — $ (72,736 ) Accumulated Foreign Cash Other Currency Flow Comprehensive Translation Hedges Income (Loss) BALANCE, January 1, 2014 $ (12,200 ) $ — $ (12,200 ) Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax of $13,662 (25,306 ) — (25,306 ) BALANCE, December 31, 2014 $ (37,506 ) $ — $ (37,506 )

Segment Reporting, Geographic44

Segment Reporting, Geographic and Customer Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Financial Information of Reportable Segments	For the year ended December 31, (Amounts in thousands) 2016 2015 2014 Revenue: Unified Communications Services $ 1,425,281 $ 1,467,711 $ 1,491,639 Safety Services 296,320 281,391 278,317 Interactive Services 300,739 265,664 235,481 Specialized Agent Services 281,542 276,983 224,621 Intersegment eliminations (11,919 ) (11,490 ) (11,464 ) Total $ 2,291,963 $ 2,280,259 $ 2,218,594 Depreciation and Amortization (Included in Operating Income): Unified Communications Services $ 82,371 $ 83,183 $ 89,448 Safety Services 44,668 50,494 48,115 Interactive Services 37,395 30,595 25,075 Specialized Agent Services 30,248 27,992 17,899 Total $ 194,682 $ 192,264 $ 180,537 Operating Income: Unified Communications Services $ 327,195 $ 377,850 $ 366,438 Safety Services 54,703 22,408 31,052 Interactive Services 30,631 25,044 35,604 Specialized Agent Services 16,438 30,468 31,858 Corporate Other - Unallocated 15,247 680 (3,545 ) Total $ 444,214 $ 456,450 $ 461,407 Cash Capital Expenditures: Unified Communications Services $ 42,854 $ 60,639 $ 46,860 Safety Services 31,339 23,628 31,706 Interactive Services 22,197 22,151 15,121 Specialized Agent Services 11,109 12,632 6,592 Corporate 19,082 17,760 30,039 Total $ 126,581 $ 136,810 $ 130,318 As of December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Assets: Unified Communications Services $ 1,459,919 $ 1,525,890 $ 1,337,667 Safety Services 772,308 786,447 787,889 Interactive Services 430,722 430,793 353,253 Specialized Agent Services 468,384 491,449 443,737 Corporate 309,505 302,966 516,765 Total from continuing operations 3,440,838 3,537,545 3,439,311 Assets held for sale — 17,672 304,605 Total $ 3,440,838 $ 3,555,217 $ 3,743,916
Geographic Information by Organizational Region for Revenue and Long-lived Assets	Geographic information by organizational region for revenue and long-lived assets is noted, in thousands, below. Revenue: For the year Ended December 31, 2016 Unified Specialized Communication Safety Interactive Agent Intersegment Services Services Services Services Eliminations Total Americas - United States $ 982,319 $ 290,620 $ 290,986 $ 281,542 $ (11,919 ) $ 1,833,548 Europe, Middle East & Africa 292,843 84 2,672 — — 295,599 Asia - Pacific 140,703 632 2,266 — — 143,601 America - Other 9,416 4,984 4,815 — — 19,215 Total $ 1,425,281 $ 296,320 $ 300,739 $ 281,542 $ (11,919 ) $ 2,291,963 For the year Ended December 31, 2015 Unified Specialized Communication Safety Interactive Agent Intersegment Services Services Services Services Eliminations Total Americas - United States $ 1,010,262 $ 276,262 $ 260,051 $ 276,983 $ (11,490 ) $ 1,812,068 Europe, Middle East & Africa 308,841 34 1,930 — — 310,805 Asia - Pacific 138,595 303 2,951 — — 141,849 America - Other 10,013 4,792 732 — — 15,537 Total $ 1,467,711 $ 281,391 $ 265,664 $ 276,983 $ (11,490 ) $ 2,280,259 For the year Ended December 31, 2014 Unified Specialized Communication Safety Interactive Agent Intersegment Services Services Services Services Eliminations Total Americas - United States $ 1,002,157 $ 271,278 $ 230,075 $ 224,621 $ (11,464 ) $ 1,716,667 Europe, Middle East & Africa 323,173 3 1,290 — — 324,466 Asia - Pacific 150,028 300 3,300 — — 153,628 America - Other 16,281 6,736 816 — — 23,833 Total $ 1,491,639 $ 278,317 $ 235,481 $ 224,621 $ (11,464 ) $ 2,218,594 Long-Lived Assets: As of December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Americas—United States $ 2,546,361 $ 2,593,739 $ 2,612,394 Europe, Middle East & Africa 172,439 195,203 176,817 Asia—Pacific 18,495 21,151 17,891 Americas—Other 9,248 1,952 1,816 Total $ 2,746,543 $ 2,812,045 $ 2,808,918

Supplemental Cash Flow Inform45

Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Supplemental Information About Cash Flows	The following table summarizes, in thousands, supplemental information about our cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014: Years Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION: Cash paid for interest $ 138,295 $ 141,048 $ 231,946 Cash paid for income taxes, net of $5,890, $7,500 and $13,336 for refunds in 2016, 2015 and 2014 $ 75,748 $ 108,090 $ 93,875 SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF NONCASH INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Accrued obligations for the purchase of property plant and equipment $ 1,079 $ 9,006 $ 20,275 SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF NONCASH FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Net settlement of stock options exercised $ — $ — $ 10 Net settlement of shares issued from the deferred compensation plan $ 987 $ 2,949 $ 527 Vesting of restricted stock $ 1,924 $ 2,742 $ — Accrued dividends $ 1,723 $ 1,419 $ 63

Quarterly Results of Operatio46

Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Unaudited Quarterly Results of Operations	The following is the summary of the unaudited quarterly results of operations for the two years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, in thousands. Three Months Ended Year Ended March 31, June 30, September 30, December 31, December 31, 2016 2016 (1) 2016 2016 (2) 2016 Revenue $ 570,779 $ 582,397 $ 571,407 $ 567,380 $ 2,291,963 Cost of services 241,012 249,426 247,817 243,533 981,788 Gross profit 329,767 332,971 323,590 323,847 1,310,175 SG&A 220,843 209,870 214,091 221,157 865,961 Operating income 108,924 123,101 109,499 102,690 444,214 Net income $ 44,555 $ 32,979 $ 47,535 $ 68,320 $ 193,389 Diluted earnings per common share *: $ 0.53 $ 0.39 $ 0.56 $ 0.80 $ 2.29 Three Months Ended Year Ended March 31, June 30, September 30, December 31, December 31, 2015 (3) 2015 2015 2015 (4) 2015 Revenue $ 565,490 $ 571,891 $ 574,448 $ 568,430 $ 2,280,259 Cost of services 239,701 245,266 246,337 239,389 970,693 Gross profit 325,789 326,625 328,111 329,041 1,309,566 SG&A 215,096 210,192 203,757 224,071 853,116 Operating income 110,693 116,433 124,354 104,970 456,450 Income from continuing operations 48,634 49,223 50,719 42,340 190,916 Income (loss) from discontinued operations 31,866 358 (1,235 ) 19,935 50,924 Net income $ 80,500 $ 49,581 $ 49,484 $ 62,275 $ 241,840 Diluted earnings per common share: Continuing operations $ 0.56 $ 0.58 $ 0.60 $ 0.50 $ 2.24 Discontinued operations 0.37 0.00 (0.01 ) 0.24 0.59 Diluted earnings per common share: $ 0.93 $ 0.58 0.58** $ 0.74 $ 2.83 (1) Net income in the second quarter of 2016 includes $35.2 million of accelerated amortization of deferred financing costs as a result of our refinancing and accelerated debt principal prepayments, partially offset by a $12.8 million gain recognized on the sale of buildings. (2) Net income in the fourth quarter of 2016 includes an income tax benefit of $1.2 million as a result of lower deferred tax on foreign unremitted earnings resulting from legal entity changes initiated during the fourth quarter to certain of our foreign subsidiaries. (3) Income from discontinued operations in the first quarter of 2015 includes operating results of the divested entities up to the date of sale and the preliminary gain on the sale of the divested entities. (4) Income from discontinued operations in the fourth quarter of 2015 includes the finalization of the gain on sale of the divested entities. * Year ended 2016 diluted earnings per common share does not foot due to rounding. ** Third quarter 2015 diluted earnings per common share does not foot due to rounding.

Organization, Consolidation a47

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements - Additional Information (Detail) $ / shares in Units, Record in Millions	Feb. 01, 2017$ / shares	Jan. 01, 2017USD ($)	Jun. 21, 2016USD ($)	Jul. 22, 2015USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Jun. 24, 2015USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Mar. 18, 2015USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Mar. 03, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)RecordSegmentshares	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)shares	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)
Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]
ILEC, CLEC and VoIP records managed | Record								223
Sale of disposal group							$ 275,000,000
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment								$ 38,518,000	$ 303,000	$ 3,176,000
Gain loss on disposition of assets and leaseback transaction			$ 19,000,000
leaseback agreement period								P12Y
Deferred gain on sales-leaseback agreement								$ 5,200,000
Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets								$ 0	0
Number of operating segments | Segment								5
Impairments of finite-lived intangible assets								$ 0	0
Customer deposit								200,000	1,100,000
Deferred compensation liability								65,700,000	61,800,000
Uncertain tax positions								43,900,000	45,000,000
Deferred revenue noncurrent								38,700,000	60,000,000
Other long term liabilities								$ 21,000,000	$ 19,300,000
Common stock repurchased | shares					1,000,000	1,000,000		1,000,000	2,000,000
Aggregate share purchase price								$ 21,961,000	$ 59,957,000	0
Total dividend paid to shareholders								$ 74,700,000	75,200,000	75,700,000
Dividends Payable, Date to be Paid								Mar. 2, 2017
Dividends Payable, Date of Record								Feb. 21, 2017
Underwritten public offering common stock issued | shares				200,000	7,000,000	12,650,000
Underwritten public offering price per share | $ / shares				$ 30.75	$ 30.75	$ 30.75
Stock repurchased, price per share | $ / shares					$ 30.36	$ 29.596875
Aggregate purchase price of stock repurchased					$ 30,400,000	$ 29,600,000		$ 21,961,000	59,957,000
Proceeds from issuance of common stock				$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Reclassification of other assets due to adoption of ASU standard								182,426,000	191,490,000
Reclassification of long-term debt due to adoption of ASU standard								3,129,963,000	3,318,688,000
Reclassification of accrued expenses due to adoption of ASU standard								224,871,000	219,234,000
Reclassification of increased deferred income due to adoption of ASU standard								88,864,000	104,222,000
Recently Implemented Accounting Pronouncements [Member] | Accounting Standard Update (“ASU”) 2015-03 [Member]
Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]
Reclassification of other assets due to adoption of ASU standard									57,100,000
Reclassification of long-term debt due to adoption of ASU standard									57,100,000
Recently Implemented Accounting Pronouncements [Member] | Accounting Standard Update (“ASU”) 2015-17 [Member]
Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]
Reclassification of accrued expenses due to adoption of ASU standard									1,700,000
Reclassification of increased deferred income due to adoption of ASU standard									1,700,000
Underwriters [Member]
Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]
Underwritten public offering common stock issued | shares				200,000	200,000	1,650,000
Subsequent Event [Member]
Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]
Per common share quarterly dividend | $ / shares	$ 0.225
Increase retained deficit		$ 100,000
Deferred Compensation Plan Mutual Fund Investments [Member]
Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]
Fair value with unrealized (losses) gains								2,700,000	$ (1,300,000)	$ 2,300,000
Maximum [Member]
Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]
Aggregate purchase price of stock repurchased								$ 75,000,000
Building [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life								20 years
Building [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life								39 years
Other Property Plant and Equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life								3 years
Other Property Plant and Equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life								5 years

Discontinued Operations - Addit

Discontinued Operations - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 03, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Discontinued Operations And Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Sale of disposal group	$ 275
Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) on Disposal of Discontinued Operation, Net of Tax		$ 48.2	$ 56.8
Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) on Disposal of Discontinued Operation, Tax Benefit		$ 21.6	$ 8.6

Discontinued Operations - Summa

Discontinued Operations - Summary of Results of Discontinued Operations (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Discontinued Operations And Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Revenue						$ 102,251	$ 585,866
Operating income						2,326	22,685
Gain on disposal						48,226	0
Income before income tax expense						50,553	21,625
Income tax benefit						(371)	(2,169)
Income from discontinued operations	$ 19,935	$ (1,235)	$ 358	$ 31,866	$ 0	$ 50,924	$ 23,794

Acquisitions - Additional Infor

Acquisitions - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands

Dec. 09, 2016

Mar. 14, 2016

Nov. 02, 2015

Jun. 01, 2015

Nov. 03, 2014

Sep. 02, 2014

Jun. 13, 2014

Apr. 21, 2014

Oct. 31, 2015

Dec. 31, 2016

Dec. 31, 2015

Dec. 31, 2014

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Purchase price of acquisition

$ 19,920

$ 94,376

$ 398,060

Purchase price allocation, goodwill recorded

1,916,192

1,915,690

1,884,920

Contingent consideration arrangement

1,099

234

0

Total acquisition costs expensed

3,700

3,100

3,500

Revenue during 12 months subsequent to acquisition

$ 24,200

71,900

$ 74,700

911 ETC [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Date of acquisition

Dec. 9, 2016

Purchase price of acquisition

$ 10,200

Purchase price allocation, goodwill recorded

5,277

Preliminary purchase price allocation, intangible assets recorded

$ 6,484

Synrevoice [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Date of acquisition

Mar. 14, 2016

Purchase price of acquisition

$ 9,300

Purchase price allocation, goodwill recorded

4,893

Preliminary purchase price allocation, intangible assets recorded

$ 6,455

ClientTell [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Date of acquisition

Nov. 2, 2015

Purchase price of acquisition

$ 38,400

Purchase price allocation, goodwill recorded

[1]

15,004

Preliminary purchase price allocation, intangible assets recorded

26,300

Additional cash to be paid

$ 10,500

Additional cash to be paid over the period in years

5 years

Contingent consideration arrangement

$ 5,400

$ 4,600

$ 5,600

Business acquisition contingent consideration paid

$ 2,100

Magnetic North [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Date of acquisition

Oct. 31, 2015

Purchase price of acquisition

$ 39,200

Purchase price allocation, goodwill recorded

25,094

Preliminary purchase price allocation, intangible assets recorded

$ 16,361

Sharp School [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Date of acquisition

Jun. 1, 2015

Purchase price of acquisition

$ 17,200

Purchase price allocation, goodwill recorded

8,203

Preliminary purchase price allocation, intangible assets recorded

$ 9,092

School Reach [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Date of acquisition

Nov. 3, 2014

Purchase price of acquisition

$ 13,500

Purchase price allocation, goodwill recorded

6,923

Preliminary purchase price allocation, intangible assets recorded

7,350

Working capital adjustment

$ 1,000

911 Enable [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Date of acquisition

Sep. 2, 2014

Purchase price of acquisition

$ 42,400

Purchase price allocation, goodwill recorded

21,289

Preliminary purchase price allocation, intangible assets recorded

$ 20,685

Health Advocate [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Date of acquisition

Jun. 13, 2014

Purchase price of acquisition

$ 265,900

Purchase price allocation, goodwill recorded

156,014

Preliminary purchase price allocation, intangible assets recorded

$ 151,990

School Messenger [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Date of acquisition

Apr. 21, 2014

Purchase price of acquisition

$ 77,400

Purchase price allocation, goodwill recorded

50,386

Preliminary purchase price allocation, intangible assets recorded

$ 40,145

[1]

15

Acquisitions - Summary of Estim

Acquisitions - Summary of Estimated Fair Values of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed at Acquisition (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 09, 2016	Mar. 14, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Nov. 02, 2015	Oct. 31, 2015	Jun. 01, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
GOODWILL		$ 1,916,192			$ 1,915,690				$ 1,884,920
911 ETC [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Working Capital			$ 743
Property and equipment			135
Other assets, net			0
Intangible assets			6,484
GOODWILL			5,277
Total assets acquired			12,639
Non-current deferred taxes			0
Long-term liabilities			2,464
Total liabilities assumed			2,464
Net assets acquired			$ 10,175
ClientTell [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Working Capital						$ 501
Property and equipment						429
Other assets, net						2
Intangible assets						26,300
GOODWILL	[1]					15,004
Total assets acquired						42,236
Non-current deferred taxes						0
Long-term liabilities						3,828
Total liabilities assumed						3,828
Net assets acquired						$ 38,408
Synrevoice [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Working Capital				$ (2,118)
Property and equipment				21
Other assets, net				0
Intangible assets				6,455
GOODWILL				4,893
Total assets acquired				9,251
Non-current deferred taxes				0
Long-term liabilities				0
Total liabilities assumed				0
Net assets acquired				$ 9,251
Magnetic North [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Working Capital							$ 55
Property and equipment							574
Other assets, net							0
Intangible assets							16,361
GOODWILL							25,094
Total assets acquired							42,084
Non-current deferred taxes							2,927
Long-term liabilities							0
Total liabilities assumed							2,927
Net assets acquired							$ 39,157
Sharp School [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Working Capital								$ (982)
Property and equipment								782
Other assets, net								77
Intangible assets								9,092
GOODWILL								8,203
Total assets acquired								17,172
Non-current deferred taxes								0
Long-term liabilities								0
Total liabilities assumed								0
Net assets acquired								$ 17,172
[1]	15

Acquisitions - Summary of Pro F

Acquisitions - Summary of Pro Forma Results of Operations (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Revenue	$ 2,296,630	$ 2,309,491	$ 2,303,678
Income from continuing operations	$ 189,563	$ 188,977	$ 124,982
Income per common share from continuing operations—basic	$ 2.28	$ 2.27	$ 1.49
Income per common share from continuing operations—diluted	$ 2.24	$ 2.21	$ 1.46

Goodwill and Other Intangible53

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Summary of Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill by Reportable Segment (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning balance	$ 1,915,690	$ 1,884,920
Acquisitions	10,184	47,800
Acquisition accounting adjustments	502	(353)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(10,184)	(16,677)
Ending balance	1,916,192	1,915,690
Unified Communications Services [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning balance	873,782	864,568
Acquisitions	0	24,579
Acquisition accounting adjustments	515	0
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(10,317)	(15,365)
Ending balance	863,980	873,782
Safety Services [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning balance	508,679	507,588
Acquisitions	5,277	0
Acquisition accounting adjustments	0	1,091
Foreign currency translation adjustments	0	0
Ending balance	513,956	508,679
Interactive Services [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning balance	244,879	223,014
Acquisitions	4,907	23,221
Acquisition accounting adjustments	(13)	(44)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	133	(1,312)
Ending balance	249,906	244,879
Specialized Agent Services [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning balance	288,350	289,750
Acquisitions	0	0
Acquisition accounting adjustments	0	(1,400)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	0	0
Ending balance	$ 288,350	$ 288,350

Goodwill and Other Intangible54

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Summary of Major Intangible Assets (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Intangible Assets Excluding Goodwill [Line Items]
Acquired Cost	$ 966,654	$ 953,644
Accumulated Amortization	(651,180)	(583,623)
Net Intangible Assets	315,474	370,021
Client Relationships [Member]
Intangible Assets Excluding Goodwill [Line Items]
Acquired Cost	659,877	649,494
Accumulated Amortization	(482,037)	(440,163)
Net Intangible Assets	177,840	209,331
Technology & Patents [Member]
Intangible Assets Excluding Goodwill [Line Items]
Acquired Cost	181,299	178,027
Accumulated Amortization	(113,011)	(96,774)
Net Intangible Assets	68,288	81,253
Trade Names and Trademarks [Member]
Intangible Assets Excluding Goodwill [Line Items]
Acquired Cost	103,391	103,398
Accumulated Amortization	(37,331)	(30,470)
Net Intangible Assets	66,060	72,928
Other Intangible Assets [Member]
Intangible Assets Excluding Goodwill [Line Items]
Acquired Cost	22,087	22,725
Accumulated Amortization	(18,801)	(16,216)
Net Intangible Assets	$ 3,286	$ 6,509

Goodwill and Other Intangible55

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Amortization expense for finite-lived intangible asset	$ 66.5	$ 68.5	$ 61
Finite lived intangible assets life	20 years
Change in estimated intangible assets value		$ 1.9

Goodwill and Other Intangible56

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Summary of Estimated Future Annual Amortization Expense for Intangible Assets (Detail) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
2,017	$ 56.3
2,018	49.5
2,019	43
2,020	36.6
2,021	$ 29.1

Goodwill and Other Intangible57

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Summary of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired in Acquisitions (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands

Dec. 09, 2016

Mar. 14, 2016

Nov. 02, 2015

Oct. 31, 2015

Jun. 02, 2015

Nov. 03, 2014

Sep. 02, 2014

Jun. 13, 2014

Apr. 21, 2014

Dec. 31, 2016

Dec. 31, 2015

Dec. 31, 2014

Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]

Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired

$ 284,862

Amortization Period Amortization Recorded

$ 37,655

$ 30,976

$ 16,776

Weighted average amortization period by major intangible asset class in years

12 years 9 months 18 days

Client Relationships [Member]

Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]

Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired

$ 180,077

Weighted average amortization period by major intangible asset class in years

13 years 6 months

Technology [Member]

Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]

Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired

$ 63,468

Weighted average amortization period by major intangible asset class in years

9 years

Non-Compete Agreements [Member]

Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]

Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired

$ 7,430

Weighted average amortization period by major intangible asset class in years

3 years 7 months 6 days

Trade Names and Trademarks (Finite-Lived) [Member]

Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]

Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired

$ 33,887

Weighted average amortization period by major intangible asset class in years

18 years 1 month 6 days

911 ETC [Member]

Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]

Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquisition Date

Dec. 9, 2016

Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired

$ 6,484

Amortization Period Amortization Recorded

$ 57

0

0

911 ETC [Member] | Client Relationships [Member]

Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]

Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired

5,600

911 ETC [Member] | Technology [Member]

Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]

Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired

680

911 ETC [Member] | Non-Compete Agreements [Member]

Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]

Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired

120

911 ETC [Member] | Trade Names and Trademarks (Finite-Lived) [Member]

Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]

Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired

$ 84

Synrevoice [Member]

Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]

Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquisition Date

Mar. 14, 2016

Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired

$ 6,455

Amortization Period Amortization Recorded

$ 1,014

0

0

Synrevoice [Member] | Client Relationships [Member]

Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]

Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired

5,309

Synrevoice [Member] | Technology [Member]

Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]

Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired

882

Synrevoice [Member] | Non-Compete Agreements [Member]

Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]

Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired

143

Synrevoice [Member] | Trade Names and Trademarks (Finite-Lived) [Member]

Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]

Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired

$ 121

Magnetic North [Member]

Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]

Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquisition Date

Oct. 31, 2015

Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired

$ 16,361

Amortization Period Amortization Recorded

$ 2,591

721

0

Magnetic North [Member] | Client Relationships [Member]

Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]

Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired

10,197

Magnetic North [Member] | Technology [Member]

Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]

Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired

5,206

Magnetic North [Member] | Non-Compete Agreements [Member]

Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]

Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired

433

Magnetic North [Member] | Trade Names and Trademarks (Finite-Lived) [Member]

Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]

Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired

$ 525

ClientTell [Member]

Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]

Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquisition Date

Nov. 2, 2015

Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired

$ 26,300

Amortization Period Amortization Recorded

$ 4,374

505

0

ClientTell [Member] | Client Relationships [Member]

Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]

Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired

22,100

ClientTell [Member] | Technology [Member]

Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]

Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired

2,400

ClientTell [Member] | Non-Compete Agreements [Member]

Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]

Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired

1,620

ClientTell [Member] | Trade Names and Trademarks (Finite-Lived) [Member]

Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]

Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired

$ 180

Sharp School [Member]

Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]

Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquisition Date

Jun. 2, 2015

Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired

$ 9,092

Amortization Period Amortization Recorded

$ 1,924

746

0

Sharp School [Member] | Client Relationships [Member]

Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]

Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired

4,971

Sharp School [Member] | Technology [Member]

Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]

Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired

3,480

Sharp School [Member] | Non-Compete Agreements [Member]

Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]

Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired

184

Sharp School [Member] | Trade Names and Trademarks (Finite-Lived) [Member]

Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]

Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired

$ 457

School Reach [Member]

Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]

Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquisition Date

Nov. 3, 2014

Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired

$ 7,350

Amortization Period Amortization Recorded

$ 1,864

1,674

113

School Reach [Member] | Client Relationships [Member]

Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]

Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired

5,700

School Reach [Member] | Technology [Member]

Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]

Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired

760

School Reach [Member] | Non-Compete Agreements [Member]

Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]

Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired

600

School Reach [Member] | Trade Names and Trademarks (Finite-Lived) [Member]

Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]

Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired

$ 290

911 Enable [Member]

Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]

Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquisition Date

Sep. 2, 2014

Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired

$ 20,685

Amortization Period Amortization Recorded

$ 3,304

3,223

1,083

911 Enable [Member] | Client Relationships [Member]

Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]

Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired

15,200

911 Enable [Member] | Technology [Member]

Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]

Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired

4,900

911 Enable [Member] | Non-Compete Agreements [Member]

Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]

Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired

185

911 Enable [Member] | Trade Names and Trademarks (Finite-Lived) [Member]

Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]

Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired

$ 400

Health Advocate [Member]

Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]

Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquisition Date

Jun. 13, 2014

Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired

$ 151,990

Amortization Period Amortization Recorded

$ 17,264

18,031

10,598

Health Advocate [Member] | Client Relationships [Member]

Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]

Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired

82,700

Health Advocate [Member] | Technology [Member]

Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]

Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired

36,360

Health Advocate [Member] | Non-Compete Agreements [Member]

Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]

Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired

2,800

Health Advocate [Member] | Trade Names and Trademarks (Finite-Lived) [Member]

Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]

Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired

$ 30,130

School Messenger [Member]

Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]

Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquisition Date

Apr. 21, 2014

Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired

$ 40,145

Amortization Period Amortization Recorded

$ 5,263

$ 6,076

$ 4,982

School Messenger [Member] | Client Relationships [Member]

Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]

Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired

28,300

School Messenger [Member] | Technology [Member]

Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]

Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired

8,800

School Messenger [Member] | Non-Compete Agreements [Member]

Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]

Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired

1,345

School Messenger [Member] | Trade Names and Trademarks (Finite-Lived) [Member]

Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]

Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired

$ 1,700

Property and Equipment - Proper

Property and Equipment - Property and Equipment at Cost (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment	$ 1,088,205	$ 1,053,678
Land and Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment	5,531	5,445
Building [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment	73,424	71,926
Telephone and Computer Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment	862,352	840,396
Office Furniture and Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment	37,043	37,094
Leasehold Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment	57,057	59,384
Construction in Progress [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment	$ 52,798	$ 39,433

Property and Equipment - Additi

Property and Equipment - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Rent expense on operating leases	$ 37.9	$ 36.7	$ 33.2
Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Operating leases offer extension options period	1 month
Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Operating leases offer extension options period	5 years

Property and Equipment - Future

Property and Equipment - Future Minimum Payments Under Non-Cancelable Operating Leases (Detail) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Leases [Abstract]
2,017	$ 23,954
2,018	20,676
2,019	17,206
2,020	13,470
2,021	8,211
2022 and thereafter	43,526
Total minimum obligations	$ 127,043

Accrued Expenses - Accrued Expe

Accrued Expenses - Accrued Expenses (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Payables And Accruals [Abstract]
Accrued wages	$ 65,695	$ 57,472
Accrued phone	39,537	42,549
Interest payable	35,702	36,440
Accrued other taxes (non-income related)	35,337	39,267
Accrued employee benefit costs	5,839	4,526
Acquisition obligation for a net operating loss carryforward claim	3,573	5,536
Accrued lease expense	3,026	2,616
Outside commissions	2,922	1,673
Accrued licensing costs	669	2,418
Acquisition contingent consideration	0	2,075
Other current liabilities	32,571	24,662
Total	$ 224,871	$ 219,234

Related Party - Additional Info

Related Party - Additional Information (Detail) - Beneficial Owner [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2016
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Percentage of common stock by partners			20.00%
Related party lease expense	$ 0.1	$ 0.4

Long-Term Obligations - Summary

Long-Term Obligations - Summary of Long-Term Obligations (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unamortized value of debt issuance costs	$ (39,374)	$ (57,062)
Net carrying value	3,169,672	3,343,063
Less: current maturities	(39,709)	(24,375)
Long-term obligations	3,129,963	3,318,688
Senior Notes [Member] | 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Secured debt	0	1,813,250
Senior Notes [Member] | 2019 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Secured debt	8,814	336,875
Senior Notes [Member] | 2021 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Secured debt	400,000	0
Senior Notes [Member] | Senior Notes 2022 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior notes	1,000,000	1,000,000
Senior Notes [Member] | 2023 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Secured debt	865,655	0
Accounts Receivable Securitization Facility [Member] | 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Secured debt	34,000	0
Senior Secured A Term Loan [Member] | 2021 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Secured debt	641,875	0
Senior Secured B Term Loan [Member] | 2021 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Secured debt	$ 258,702	$ 250,000

Long-Term Obligations - Summa64

Long-Term Obligations - Summary of Long-Term Obligations (Parenthetical) (Detail) - Senior Notes [Member]	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
2021 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	4.75%
Senior Notes 2022 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	5.375%	5.375%

Long-Term Obligations - Future

Long-Term Obligations - Future Maturities of Long-term Debt (Detail) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Future maturities of long-term debt, 2017	$ 39,709
Future maturities of long-term debt, 2018	89,959
Future maturities of long-term debt, 2019	81,024
Future maturities of long-term debt, 2020	76,272
Future maturities of long-term debt, 2021	1,099,818
Future maturities of long-term debt, Thereafter	$ 1,822,264

Long-Term Obligations - Additio

Long-Term Obligations - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)Tranche	Dec. 31, 2015
Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member ]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Number of term loan tranches | Tranche	4
Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member ] | 2019 Maturity Term Loans [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Loan amount outstanding	$ 8.8
Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member ] | 2021 Maturity A Term Loans [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Loan amount outstanding	641.9
Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member ] | 2021 Maturity B Term Loans [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Loan amount outstanding	258.7
Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member ] | 2023 Maturity Term Loans [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Loan amount outstanding	$ 865.7
Senior Notes [Member] | Senior Notes 2022 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	5.375%	5.375%
Senior Notes [Member] | 2021 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	4.75%

Long-Term Obligations - Senior

Long-Term Obligations - Senior Secured Credit Facilities - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	Jun. 16, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Seventh Amendment [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior secured credit facility, aggregate principal amount			$ 500,000,000
Debt instrument optional availability date		Jun. 17, 2016
2021 [Member] | Senior Secured A Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Secured debt		$ 641,875,000		$ 0
2021 [Member] | Senior Secured B Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Secured debt		$ 258,702,000		$ 250,000,000
Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member ]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Effective interest rate		4.07%		4.00%
Repayment of long term debt		$ 225,100,000
Scheduled amortization payments		$ 19,800,000
Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member ] | Senior Secured A Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument frequently periodic payment		quarterly
Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member ] | 2021 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument maturity date	Jul. 1, 2019	Jun. 17, 2021
Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member ] | 2021 [Member] | Senior Secured A Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Secured debt		$ 650,000,000
Effective interest rate		3.02%
Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member ] | 2021 [Member] | Senior Secured A Term Loan [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate margins		2.25%
Floor rate		0.00%
Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member ] | 2021 [Member] | Senior Secured A Term Loan [Member] | Base Rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate margins		1.25%
Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member ] | 2021 [Member] | Senior Secured A Term Loan [Member] | Minimum [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate margins		1.75%
Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member ] | 2021 [Member] | Senior Secured A Term Loan [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Base Rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate margins		0.75%
Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member ] | 2021 [Member] | Senior Secured A Term Loan [Member] | Maximum [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate margins		2.50%
Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member ] | 2021 [Member] | Senior Secured A Term Loan [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Base Rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate margins		1.50%
Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member ] | 2021 [Member] | Senior Secured B Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Secured debt		$ 260,000,000
Debt amortization rate		1.00%
Debt instrument frequently periodic payment		quarterly
Effective interest rate		3.27%
Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member ] | 2021 [Member] | Senior Secured B Term Loan [Member] | Eighth Amendment [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Premium interest rate		1.00%
Amendment changes in interest rate, description		In addition, the Eighth Amendment provided that, if the effective yield applicable to any incremental term loans issued under the Credit Agreement within 18 months of the Eighth Amendment Effective Date that are “B” term loans ranking equal in priority with respect to the collateral with the 2023 Maturity Term Loans and 2021 Maturity B Term Loans under the Credit Agreement exceeds the effective yield on the “B” term loans outstanding prior to such incremental borrowing by more than 50 basis points (giving effect to original issue discount, if any), then the effective yield on the “B” term loans (other than such incremental term loans) shall be increased by the same amount minus 50 basis points.
Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member ] | 2021 [Member] | Senior Secured B Term Loan [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate margins		2.50%
Floor rate		0.00%
Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member ] | 2021 [Member] | Senior Secured B Term Loan [Member] | Base Rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate margins		1.50%
Floor rate		0.00%
Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member ] | 2021 [Member] | Senior Secured B Term Loan [Member] | Minimum [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate margins		0.00%
Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member ] | 2021 [Member] | Senior Secured B Term Loan [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Base Rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate margins		0.00%
Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member ] | 2021 [Member] | Senior Secured B Term Loan [Member] | Maximum [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate margins		0.75%
Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member ] | 2021 [Member] | Senior Secured B Term Loan [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Base Rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate margins		1.75%
Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member ] | 2023 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument maturity date	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 17, 2023
Secured debt		$ 870,000,000
Debt amortization rate		1.00%
Debt instrument frequently periodic payment		quarterly
Effective interest rate		3.27%
Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member ] | 2023 [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate margins		2.50%
Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member ] | 2023 [Member] | Base Rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate margins		1.50%
Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member ] | 2023 [Member] | Minimum [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate margins		0.75%
Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member ] | 2023 [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Base Rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate margins		1.75%
Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member ] | June Two Thousand Sixty To March Two Thousand Seventeen | Senior Secured A Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt amortization rate		2.50%
Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member ] | March Two Thousand Seventeen To March Two Thousand Eighteen | Senior Secured A Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt amortization rate		5.00%
Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member ] | March Two Thousand Eighteen To March Two Thousand Nineteen | Senior Secured A Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt amortization rate		7.50%
Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member ] | March Two Thousand Nineteen To March Two Thousand Twenty | Senior Secured A Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt amortization rate		10.00%
Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member ] | Quarterly Rate Thereafter [Member] | Senior Secured A Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt amortization rate		2.50%
Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member ] | 2023 Maturity Term Loans [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Reduction in Basis point range minimum		0.50%
Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member ] | 2021 Maturity B Term Loans [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Reduction in Basis point		0.25%
Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member ] | 2019 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Prepayment of long term debt		$ 70,000,000
Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member ] | 2019 [Member] | Senior Secured A Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Effective interest rate		2.77%
Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member ] | 2019 [Member] | Senior Secured A Term Loan [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate margins		2.00%
Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member ] | 2019 [Member] | Senior Secured A Term Loan [Member] | Base Rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate margins		1.00%
Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member ] | 2019 [Member] | Senior Secured A Term Loan [Member] | Minimum [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate margins		1.50%
Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member ] | 2019 [Member] | Senior Secured A Term Loan [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Base Rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate margins		0.50%
Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member ] | 2019 [Member] | Senior Secured A Term Loan [Member] | Maximum [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate margins		2.25%
Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member ] | 2019 [Member] | Senior Secured A Term Loan [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Base Rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate margins		1.25%
Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member ] | 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayment of long term debt		$ 25,900,000
Prepayment of long term debt		$ 109,400,000

Long-Term Obligations - Senio68

Long-Term Obligations - Senior Secured Term Loan Facility and Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility - Additional Information (Detail) - Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility [Member] - Revolving Credit Facility [Member] - 2021 [Member] - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior secured credit facility, aggregate principal amount	$ 300,000
Debt instrument maturity date	Jun. 17, 2021
Commitment fee	0.35%
Line Of Credit Facility Average Outstanding Amount		$ 5,000,000
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate margins	2.25%
Floor rate	0.00%
Base Rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate margins	1.25%
Minimum [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate margins	1.75%
Minimum [Member] | Base Rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate margins	0.75%
Maximum [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate margins	2.50%
Maximum [Member] | Base Rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate margins	1.50%

Long-Term Obligations - Senio69

Long-Term Obligations - Senior Notes - Additional Information (Detail) - Senior Notes [Member] - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Jul. 02, 2014
2021 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument issuance date	Jun. 17, 2016
Debt instrument face amount	$ 400,000,000
Debt instrument maturity date	Jul. 15, 2021
Debt instrument redemption price percentage	104.75%
Debt instrument redemption end date	Jul. 15, 2018
Debt instrument redemption description	Equity offering
Debt instrument redemption period	90 days
Debt instrument redemption percentage maximum redeemable	40.00%
2021 [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument redemption percentage minimum remaining	60.00%
2021 [Member] | Senior Notes 2016 to 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument redemption period	12 months
Debt instrument redemption percentage maximum redeemable	10.00%
Debt instrument redemption percentage minimum remaining	103.00%
2021 [Member] | Senior Notes 2016 to 2018 [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument redemption end date	Jul. 15, 2016
2021 [Member] | Senior Notes 2016 to 2018 [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument redemption end date	Jul. 15, 2018
After July 15, 2020 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument redemption price percentage	100.00%
Debt instrument redemption end date	Jul. 15, 2018
Senior Notes 2022 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument issuance date	Jul. 1, 2014
Debt instrument face amount		$ 1,000,000,000
Debt instrument maturity date	Jul. 15, 2022
Debt instrument redemption price percentage	100.00%
Debt instrument redemption end date	Jul. 15, 2017
Senior Notes 2022 [Member] | Equity Proceeds Redemption of Senior Notes 2022 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument redemption price percentage	105.375%
Debt instrument redemption end date	Jul. 15, 2017
Debt instrument redemption description	Equity Offering
Debt instrument redemption period	90 days
Debt instrument redemption percentage maximum redeemable	40.00%
Debt instrument redemption percentage minimum remaining	60.00%

Long-Term Obligations - Subordi

Long-Term Obligations - Subordinated Notes (Detail) - Senior Notes [Member]	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
2021 Senior Secured Notes [Member] | Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period One [Member]
Schedule Of Carrying Amount Of Senior Notes [Line Items]
Debt instrument redemption period start date	Jul. 15, 2018
Debt instrument redemption price percentage	102.375%
2021 Senior Secured Notes [Member] | Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Two [Member]
Schedule Of Carrying Amount Of Senior Notes [Line Items]
Debt instrument redemption period start date	Jul. 15, 2019
Debt instrument redemption price percentage	101.188%
2021 Senior Secured Notes [Member] | Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Three [Member]
Schedule Of Carrying Amount Of Senior Notes [Line Items]
Debt instrument redemption price percentage	100.00%
2021 Senior Secured Notes [Member] | Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Three [Member] | Later Than [Member]
Schedule Of Carrying Amount Of Senior Notes [Line Items]
Debt instrument redemption period start date	Jul. 15, 2020
2022 Senior Notes [Member] | Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period One [Member]
Schedule Of Carrying Amount Of Senior Notes [Line Items]
Debt instrument redemption period start date	Jul. 15, 2017
Debt instrument redemption price percentage	104.031%
2022 Senior Notes [Member] | Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Two [Member]
Schedule Of Carrying Amount Of Senior Notes [Line Items]
Debt instrument redemption period start date	Jul. 15, 2018
Debt instrument redemption price percentage	102.688%
2022 Senior Notes [Member] | Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Three [Member]
Schedule Of Carrying Amount Of Senior Notes [Line Items]
Debt instrument redemption period start date	Jul. 15, 2019
Debt instrument redemption price percentage	101.344%
2022 Senior Notes [Member] | Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Four [Member]
Schedule Of Carrying Amount Of Senior Notes [Line Items]
Debt instrument redemption price percentage	100.00%
2022 Senior Notes [Member] | Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Four [Member] | Later Than [Member]
Schedule Of Carrying Amount Of Senior Notes [Line Items]
Debt instrument redemption period start date	Jul. 15, 2020

Long-Term Obligations - Securit

Long-Term Obligations - Securitization Facility - Additional Information (Detail) - Accounts Receivable Securitization Facility [Member] - 2018 [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Commitment fee	0.25%
Commitment fee description	0
Secured debt	$ 34,000	$ 0
Amendment 2015 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Securitized facility amended date	Aug. 31, 2016
Highest balance outstanding	$ 75,000	$ 185,000
Secured debt	34,000
Maximum [Member] | Amendment 2015 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Estimated Finance receivable	185,000
Minimum [Member] | Amendment 2015 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Estimated Finance receivable	$ 160,000
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate margins	1.35%
Subject To Average Daily Borrowings [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Commitment fee	0.45%

Long-Term Obligations - Debt Co

Long-Term Obligations - Debt Covenants - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Senior Secured Credit and Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Leverage ratio	575.00%
Interest coverage ratio	185.00%
Senior Secured Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Leverage ratio	445.00%	468.00%
Line of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Leverage ratio	445.00%	468.00%

Hedging Activities - Additional

Hedging Activities - Additional Information (Detail)	Jul. 26, 2016USD ($)Swap	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Unrealized gain on interest rate derivatives, net		$ 8,086,000	$ 0	$ 0
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Number of interest rate swap agreements | Swap	4
Derivative, description of terms		Two 1-month LIBOR swaps with a combined beginning notional value of $275.0 million and two 3-month LIBOR swaps with a combined beginning notional value of $275.0 million
Derivative, description of hedged item		The Company has elected to apply hedge accounting and has designated these interest rate swaps as cash flow hedges of interest payments on a portion of our variable-rate term loan debt maturing in 2021 or later.
Unrealized gain on interest rate swaps, before tax		$ 13,000,000
Unrealized gain on interest rate derivatives, net		8,100,000
Estimated additional reclassification as an increase to interest expense during next 12 months		400,000
Ineffectiveness gain of cash flow hedges		$ 1,100,000
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | 1-Month LIBOR Swaps [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Number of interest rate swap agreements | Swap	2
Notional value of interest rate swap agreements	$ 275,000,000
Derivative, maturity date	Jul. 17, 2021
Annual amortization payment required rate	0.00%
Derivative basis points floor rate	0.00%
Derivative, effective date	Jul. 29, 2016
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | 1-Month LIBOR Swaps [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Fixed interest rate on the interest rate swaps		0.9953%
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | 1-Month LIBOR Swaps [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Fixed interest rate on the interest rate swaps		1.502%
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | 3-Month LIBOR Swaps [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Number of interest rate swap agreements | Swap	2
Notional value of interest rate swap agreements	$ 275,000,000
Derivative, maturity date	Jul. 17, 2021
Annual amortization payment required rate	1.00%
Derivative basis points floor rate	0.75%
Derivative, effective date	Jun. 30, 2017
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | 3-Month LIBOR Swaps [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Fixed interest rate on the interest rate swaps		0.9953%
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | 3-Month LIBOR Swaps [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Fixed interest rate on the interest rate swaps		1.502%

Hedging Activities - Schedule o

Hedging Activities - Schedule of Outstanding Interest Rate Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedges of Interest Rate Risk (Detail) - Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)Swap	Jul. 26, 2016Swap
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Number of Instruments		4
Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Interest Rate Swaps [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Number of Instruments	4
Notional Value | $	$ 550,000,000

Hedging Activities - Schedule75

Hedging Activities - Schedule of Derivative Financial Instruments in Consolidated Balance Sheet (Detail) - Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] - Interest Rate Swaps [Member] $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items]
Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments	$ 14,172
Other Long-Term Assets [Member]
Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items]
Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments	14,528
Accrued Expenses [Member]
Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items]
Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments	$ (356)

Hedging Activities - Effect of

Hedging Activities - Effect of Derivative Hedges on Consolidated Statements of Income and Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Detail) - Cash Flow Hedging [Member] - Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Interest Rate Swaps [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in OCL on Derivatives (Effective Portion)	$ 12,498
Interest Expense [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCL into Income (Effective Portion)	(544)
Amount of Gain Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing)	$ 1,130

Income Taxes - Components of In

Income Taxes - Components of Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Income before income taxes:
United States	$ 148,055	$ 164,282	$ 65,176
Foreign	111,757	134,391	142,114
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE INCOME TAX EXPENSE	$ 259,812	$ 298,673	$ 207,290

Income Taxes - Components of 78

Income Taxes - Components of Income Tax Expense (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Current income tax expense:
Federal	$ 62,499	$ 54,447	$ 56,624
State	8,392	8,942	7,380
Foreign	25,743	35,438	35,307
Current income tax expense	96,634	98,827	99,311
Deferred income tax expense (benefit):
Federal	(26,231)	10,620	(20,735)
State	(2,248)	878	(2,429)
Foreign	(1,732)	(2,568)	(3,468)
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)	(30,211)	8,930	(26,632)
Total income tax expense attributed to continuing operations	$ 66,423	$ 107,757	$ 72,679

Income Taxes - Reconciliation o

Income Taxes - Reconciliation of Income Tax Expense Computed at Statutory Tax Rates Compared to Effective Tax Rates (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Statutory rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Federal tax credits	(0.30%)	(0.30%)	(1.80%)
Uncertain tax positions	(0.40%)	3.30%	0.40%
Foreign rate differential	(7.30%)	(4.70%)	(9.00%)
Foreign deferred tax liability on unremitted earnings	(4.00%)	0.50%	8.00%
State income taxes, net of Federal benefit	2.10%	1.90%	2.10%
Other	0.50%	0.40%	0.40%
Effective income tax rates from continuing operations	25.60%	36.10%	35.10%

Income Taxes - Additional Infor

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Effective income tax rate from discontinued operations	0.00%	(0.70%)	(10.00%)
Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) on Disposal of Discontinued Operation, Tax Benefit		$ 21,600	$ 8,600
Income tax benefits attributable to employee stock option transactions	$ 4,800	4,200	1,200
Net operating loss carryforwards	107,813	111,288
Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards	16,000
Valuation allowance, amount	102,590	100,205
Increase in valuation allowance	2,400
Deferred tax liability	18,373	33,597
Unremitted Foreign Earnings	108,100	168,100
Approximate amount of deferred tax liability that would be recognized if foreign operations earnings are not indefinitely reinvested	207,300
Deferred income taxes	22,800
Unrecognized tax benefit	30,886	28,959	23,807	$ 22,680
Unrecognized tax benefits, interest and penalties recognized and reversal	(2,900)	5,100	$ (200)
Liabilities for uncertain tax positions interests and penalties	13,200	$ 16,100
Federal State and Foreign [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards	$ 281,600

Income Taxes - Components of De

Income Taxes - Components of Deferred Taxes (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Deferred income tax assets:
Net operating loss carryforwards	$ 107,813	$ 111,288
Compensation and benefit plans	47,204	44,813
Accrued expenses	30,693	28,179
Deferred Revenue	14,076	10,984
Tax credits	13,882	13,882
Foreign currency translation	0	2,183
Allowance for doubtful accounts	3,045	3,796
Reserves not currently deductible for tax purposes	4,258	4,404
Gross deferred income tax assets	220,971	219,529
Less valuation allowance	(102,590)	(100,205)
Total deferred income tax assets	118,381	119,324
Deferred income tax liabilities:
Acquired intangibles amortization	136,639	139,137
Foreign earnings	18,373	33,597
Excess tax depreciation over financial depreciation	44,401	42,634
Prepaid expenses	7,383	7,553
Other	412	625
Foreign currency translation	37	0
Total deferred income tax liabilities	207,245	223,546
Net deferred income tax liability	$ 88,864	$ 104,222

Income Taxes - Summary of Activ

Income Taxes - Summary of Activity Related to Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Beginning balance	$ 28,959	$ 23,807	$ 22,680
Increases for positions taken in current year	327	1,768	580
Increases for positions taken in prior years	2,740	4,241	4,318
Decreases for positions taken in prior years	0	0	(2,243)
Decrease due to settlements with taxing authorities	0	(440)	(1,528)
Expiration of the statute of limitations for the assessment of taxes	(1,140)	(417)	0
Ending balance	$ 30,886	$ 28,959	$ 23,807

Fair Value Disclosures - Additi

Fair Value Disclosures - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Nov. 02, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Carrying amount of trading securities		$ 63,500	$ 60,100
Contingent consideration arrangement		1,099	234	$ 0
ClientTell [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Contingent consideration arrangement	$ 5,400	4,600	5,600
Contingent consideration, fair value adjustment		1,100
Business acquisition contingent consideration paid		2,100
Senior Secured Term Loan Facilities [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Long-term debt, fair value		1,128,600	2,033,200
Long-term debt		1,124,400	2,063,300
Senior Notes Due 2021 [Member] | Senior Notes [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Long-term debt, fair value		411,500
Long-term debt		400,000
Senior Notes Due 2022 [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Long-term debt, fair value		967,500	862,500
Long-term debt		1,000,000	1,000,000
Senior Secured A Term Loan [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Long-term debt, fair value		649,800
Long-term debt		650,700
2019 Maturity Term Loans [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Long-term debt, fair value			323,400
Long-term debt			$ 336,900
Interest Rate Swaps [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative instruments, asset		14,500
Derivative instruments, liability		$ 300

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Outstanding Commitments	$ 5.4	$ 5.6

Employee Benefits and Incenti85

Employee Benefits and Incentive Plans - Qualified Retirement Plan and Non-Qualified Retirement Plans - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Millions	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended				30 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016GBP (£)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Retirement Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Employees age limit		18 years	18 years
Employees minimum working hours		1000 hours	1000 hours
Employees Contribution Percentage		50.00%	50.00%
Percentage of employer matching contribution		14.00%	14.00%
Percentage of amounts in notional equity shares, vesting in each year		25.00%	25.00%
Attainment of vested employees salary contribution		100.00%	100.00%
Vested maturity period		5 years	5 years
Total employer contribution under the plan		$ 9.8		$ 8.5	$ 7.4
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Employees age limit		22 years	22 years
Total employer contribution under the plan		$ 1.3		1.2	1.3
Minimum employee earnings | £			£ 10,000
Employees successful probationary completion period		3 months	3 months
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percentage of employer matching contribution		2.00%	2.00%
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percentage of employer matching contribution		3.00%	3.00%
Deferred Profit Sharing Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Employees Contribution Percentage		50.00%	50.00%
Percentage of employer matching contribution		3.00%	3.00%
Attainment of vested employees salary contribution		100.00%	100.00%
Total employer contribution under the plan		$ 0.3		0.3	0.3
Personal Superannuation Account [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Employees Contribution Percentage	9.50%					10.50%
Total employer contribution under the plan		$ 0.6		0.7	0.8
Non Qualified Retirement Savings Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Employees Contribution Percentage		50.00%	50.00%
Attainment of vested employees salary contribution		100.00%	100.00%
Vested maturity period		3 years	3 years
Total employer contribution under the plan		$ 2.1		2.6	1.9
Assets Under Trust		$ 51.6		46.9		$ 51.6
Non Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Employees Contribution Percentage		50.00%	50.00%
Percentage of amounts in notional equity shares, vesting in each year		20.00%	20.00%
Attainment of vested employees salary contribution		100.00%	100.00%
Vested maturity period		5 years	5 years
Total employer contribution under the plan		$ 0.8		1.7	$ 1.1
Assets Under Trust		9.8		9.2		$ 9.8
Non Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan [Member] | Notional [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Notional equity shares in the deferred Compensation Plan		$ 34.9		$ 28.4

Employee Benefits and Incenti86

Employee Benefits and Incentive Plans - 2006 Executive Incentive Plan and 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan - Additional Information (Detail) - shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2012
EIP [Member] | Prior to 2012 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
The annual vesting and exercisable percentage options awarded		20.00%
Option Certificate [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
The annual vesting and exercisable percentage options awarded		25.00%
Long-Term Incentive Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
The annual vesting and exercisable percentage options awarded	25.00%
Stock based payment award vesting period	4 years
Common stock granted under plan	8,500,000
Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock based payment award vesting period	4 years
Maximum [Member] | EIP [Member] | Prior to 2012 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock based payment award vesting period	5 years
Maximum [Member] | Time Vested Restricted Stock And Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock based payment award vesting period	4 years
Maximum [Member] | Time Vested Restricted Stock And Restricted Stock Units [Member] | New Non-Employee Director [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock based payment award vesting period	12 months
Minimum [Member] | Time Vested Restricted Stock And Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock based payment award vesting period	3 years
Minimum [Member] | Time Vested Restricted Stock And Restricted Stock Units [Member] | New Non-Employee Director [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock based payment award vesting period	6 months

Employee Benefits and Incenti87

Employee Benefits and Incentive Plans - Summary of Stock Option Activity under 2006 EIP and 2013 LTIP (Detail) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Restricted stock granted	(26,483)
Number of Shares, Options Exercised	(69,336)	(413,008)	(112,216)
2006 EIP and 2013 LTIP [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options Available for Grant, Beginning Balance	5,868,283
Options Available for Grant, Options granted	0
Options Available for Grant, Options exercised	0
Restricted stock granted	(666,733)
Restricted stock canceled	119,480
Options Available for Grant, Ending Balance	5,333,520	5,868,283
Number of Shares, Beginning Balance	2,280,030
Number of Options, Options Granted	0
Number of Shares, Options Exercised	(69,336)
Number of Shares, Ending Balance	2,169,305	2,280,030
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Beginning Balance	$ 27.08
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Granted	0
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Exercised	13.15
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Ending Balance	$ 27.45	$ 27.08
2013 LTIP [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options Available for Grant, Options Canceled or forfeited	12,490
Number of Shares, Options Canceled or forfeited	(12,490)
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Canceled or forfeited	$ 23.52
2006 EIP [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options Available for Grant, Options Canceled or forfeited	0
Number of Shares, Options Canceled or forfeited	(28,899)
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Canceled or forfeited	$ 33.70

Employee Benefits and Incenti88

Employee Benefits and Incentive Plans - 2006 Executive Incentive Plan and 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan - Stock Options - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)shares
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]
Options granted and outstanding, expected to vest | shares	2,158,402
Intrinsic value of options vested and exercisable	$ 0.4
Aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding	0.5
Aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding, vested and expected to vest	$ 0.5

Employee Benefits and Incenti89

Employee Benefits and Incentive Plans - Summary of Information on Options Granted under Executive Incentive Plan (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016$ / sharesshares
0.00-25.36 [Member]
Share Based Compensation Shares Authorized Under Stock Option Plans Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Exercise Price, Lower Limit	$ 0
Exercise Price, Upper Limit	$ 25.36
Outstanding Number of Options | shares	389,018
Outstanding Average Remaining Contractual Life (years)	6 years 8 months 12 days
Outstanding Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 23.67
Exercisable Number of Options | shares	244,723
Exercisable Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 23.47
25.37-33.51 [Member]
Share Based Compensation Shares Authorized Under Stock Option Plans Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Exercise Price, Lower Limit	25.37
Exercise Price, Upper Limit	$ 28.80
Outstanding Number of Options | shares	1,267,788
Outstanding Average Remaining Contractual Life (years)	4 years 9 months 11 days
Outstanding Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 25.52
Exercisable Number of Options | shares	1,267,788
Exercisable Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 25.52
33.52-50.87 [Member]
Share Based Compensation Shares Authorized Under Stock Option Plans Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Exercise Price, Lower Limit	28.81
Exercise Price, Upper Limit	$ 33.52
Outstanding Number of Options | shares	490,126
Outstanding Average Remaining Contractual Life (years)	4 years 2 months 16 days
Outstanding Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 33.45
Exercisable Number of Options | shares	490,126
Exercisable Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 33.45
50.888-84.80 [Member]
Share Based Compensation Shares Authorized Under Stock Option Plans Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Exercise Price, Lower Limit	33.53
Exercise Price, Upper Limit	$ 84.80
Outstanding Number of Options | shares	22,373
Outstanding Average Remaining Contractual Life (years)	2 years 7 months 17 days
Outstanding Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 71.54
Exercisable Number of Options | shares	22,373
Exercisable Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 71.54
0.00-84.80 [Member]
Share Based Compensation Shares Authorized Under Stock Option Plans Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Exercise Price, Lower Limit	0
Exercise Price, Upper Limit	$ 84.80
Outstanding Number of Options | shares	2,169,305
Outstanding Average Remaining Contractual Life (years)	4 years 11 months 19 days
Outstanding Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 27.45
Exercisable Number of Options | shares	2,025,010
Exercisable Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 27.70

Employee Benefits and Incenti90

Employee Benefits and Incentive Plans - Summary of Estimated Fair Value of 2006 EIP Option Awards on Grant Date Using Black-Scholes Option (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014$ / shares
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]
Risk-free interest rate	2.02%
Dividend yield	3.64%
Expected volatility	29.10%
Expected life (years)	6 years 3 months
Weighted-average grant date fair value of options granted	$ 4.90

Employee Benefits and Incenti91

Employee Benefits and Incentive Plans - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	Jan. 28, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Common stock issued		26,483
Fair value of common stock issued		$ 600,000
Common stock, shares authorized		475,000	475,000
Shares issued from the Employee Stock Purchase Plan		389,158	286,141	271,255
Common stock, shares issued		86,357	85,459
Compensation expense		$ 25,400,000	$ 22,900,000	$ 15,600,000
Net income effect of share-based compensation expense		$ 15,700,000	14,700,000	10,100,000
2006 EIP and 2013 LTIP [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Common stock issued		666,733
Unrecorded and unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested share based compensation stock options		$ 500,000	2,700,000
Unrecorded and unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested share based compensation on restricted stock, Recognition period		10 months 24 days
2013 LTIP [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecorded and unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested share based compensation on restricted stock, Recognition period		2 years 2 months 12 days
Unrecorded and unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested share based compensation on restricted stock		$ 35,400,000	42,100,000
Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock based payment award vesting period		4 years
Vesting Award [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting rights, percentage		25.00%
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock based payment award vesting period		3 years 2 months 12 days
Shares issued		425,750
Fair value of restricted stock		$ 9,600,000
Awards vested		449,824
Awards outstanding		366,695
Shares withheld in settlement of related payroll taxes		83,129
Performance-Based Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock based payment award vesting period		2 years 2 months 12 days
Shares issued		214,500
Fair value at the date of grant		$ 4,800,000
Performance-Based Restricted Stock Units [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Contingent right to receive common stock shares		0
Performance-Based Restricted Stock Units [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Contingent right to receive common stock shares		1.75
Stock Compensation Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Common stock, shares authorized					1,000,000
Percentage of annual compensation designated by employees					50.00%
Common stock, additional shares authorized	1,000,000
Maximum shares purchasable per person					2,000
Percentage of shares purchase price to market closing price					85.00%
Maximum voting power					5.00%
Maximum stock purchased to fair market value					$ 25,000
Shares issued from the Employee Stock Purchase Plan		389,158
Common stock, shares issued		946,554
Compensation expense		$ 1,200,000	$ 1,200,000	$ 1,100,000
Non-employee Directors [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock based payment award vesting period		1 year
Non-employee Directors [Member] | Initial Awards [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock based payment award vesting period		6 months

Employee Benefits and Incenti92

Employee Benefits and Incentive Plans - Summary of Percentage of Target Award to Vest (Detail) - Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Below the 30th Percentile [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Aggregate Percentage of Shares Vested	0.00%
At the Thirty Percentile [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Aggregate Percentage of Shares Vested	50.00%
At the Fifty Five Percentile [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Aggregate Percentage of Shares Vested	100.00%
At or Above the Eighty Percentile [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Aggregate Percentage of Shares Vested	175.00%

Earnings Per Share - Earnings (

Earnings Per Share - Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share (Detail) - $ / shares	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings per common share—basic
Continuing Operations									$ 2.33	$ 2.29	$ 1.60
Discontinued Operations									0	0.61	0.29
Total Earnings Per Common Share—Basic									2.33	2.90	1.89
Earnings per common share—diluted
Continuing Operations					$ 0.50	$ 0.60	$ 0.58	$ 0.56	2.29	2.24	1.57
Discontinued Operations					0.24	(0.01)	0	0.37	0	0.59	0.28
Total Earnings Per Common Share—Diluted	$ 0.80	$ 0.56	$ 0.39	$ 0.53	$ 0.74	$ 0.58	$ 0.58	$ 0.93	$ 2.29	$ 2.83	$ 1.85

Earnings Per Share - Weighted A

Earnings Per Share - Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding (Detail) - shares shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Weighted average number of shares outstanding:
Basic Common	82,969	83,420	84,007
Dilutive impact of Equity Incentive Plans:
Common shares	1,630	1,974	1,500
Diluted common shares	84,599	85,394	85,507

Earnings Per Share - Additional

Earnings Per Share - Additional Information (Detail) - shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Options outstanding to purchase common stock	1,909,821	2,210,894	623,670

Accumulated Other Comprehensi96

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
BALANCE	$ (72,736)	$ (37,506)	$ (12,200)
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax	(22,983)	(35,230)	(25,306)
Unrealized gain on interest rate derivatives, net of tax	8,086	0	0
BALANCE	(87,633)	(72,736)	(37,506)
Foreign Currency Translation [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
BALANCE	(72,736)	(37,506)	(12,200)
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax	(22,983)	(35,230)	(25,306)
Unrealized gain on interest rate derivatives, net of tax	0
BALANCE	(95,719)	(72,736)	(37,506)
Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
BALANCE	0	0	0
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax	0	0	0
Unrealized gain on interest rate derivatives, net of tax	8,086
BALANCE	$ 8,086	$ 0	$ 0

Accumulated Other Comprehensi97

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Parenthetical) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]
Foreign currency translation adjustment, tax	$ 12,705	$ 19,903	$ 13,662
Unrealized gain on interest rate derivatives, tax	$ (4,956)	$ 0	$ 0

Commitments and Contingencies -

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Commitments [Line Items]
Product liability contingency, loss exposure description	There are asserted claims against the Company where an unfavorable outcome is considered to be reasonably possible. These claims can generally be categorized in the following areas: (l) commercial disputes with customers or other business partners, which may involve assertion of a breach of the Company’s legal or contractual obligations to the customer or a claim for indemnification for third-party losses; and (2) other matters which may include issues such as employment related claims.
Alorica Inc. [Member]
Commitments [Line Items]
Discontinued operations, indemnification up to purchase price liability	$ 275
Minimum [Member]
Commitments [Line Items]
Product liability contingency, loss exposure in excess of accrual	0
Maximum [Member]
Commitments [Line Items]
Product liability contingency, loss exposure in excess of accrual	$ 25

Segment Reporting, Geographic99

Segment Reporting, Geographic and Customer Information - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)SegmentCustomer	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)Customer	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)Customer
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of operating segments | Segment	5
Number of reportable segments | Segment	4
Gain (loss) on foreign currency exchange rate of west corporation or any of its subsidiaries | $	$ (0.9)	$ (2.5)	$ 2
Customer Concentration Risk [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of customers | Customer	3
Revenues [Member] | Customer Concentration Risk [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Percentages of consolidated revenue	43.00%	44.00%	47.00%
Number of customers | Customer	100	100	100
Revenues [Member] | Customer Concentration Risk [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Percentages of consolidated revenue	6.00%	6.00%	6.00%
Revenues [Member] | Geographic Concentration Risk [Member] | United Kingdom [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Percentages of consolidated revenue	12.00%	13.00%	13.00%
Revenues [Member] | Geographic Concentration Risk [Member] | Minimum [Member] | United Kingdom [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Percentages of consolidated revenue	10.00%	10.00%	10.00%

Segment Reporting, Geographi100

Segment Reporting, Geographic and Customer Information - Financial Information of Reportable Segments (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Revenue:
REVENUE	$ 567,380	$ 571,407	$ 582,397	$ 570,779	$ 568,430	$ 574,448	$ 571,891	$ 565,490	$ 2,291,963	$ 2,280,259	$ 2,218,594
Depreciation and Amortization (Included in Operating Income):
Depreciation and amortization									194,682	192,264	180,537
Operating Income:
OPERATING INCOME	102,690	$ 109,499	$ 123,101	$ 108,924	104,970	$ 124,354	$ 116,433	$ 110,693	444,214	456,450	461,407
Cash Capital Expenditures:
Cash Capital Expenditures									126,581	136,810	130,318
Assets:
Assets	3,440,838				3,555,217				3,440,838	3,555,217	3,743,916
Continuing Operations [Member]
Assets:
Assets	3,440,838				3,537,545				3,440,838	3,537,545	3,439,311
Assets Held For Sale [Member]
Assets:
Assets	0				17,672				0	17,672	304,605
Operating Segments [Member] | Unified Communications Services [Member]
Revenue:
REVENUE									1,425,281	1,467,711	1,491,639
Depreciation and Amortization (Included in Operating Income):
Depreciation and amortization									82,371	83,183	89,448
Operating Income:
OPERATING INCOME									327,195	377,850	366,438
Cash Capital Expenditures:
Cash Capital Expenditures									42,854	60,639	46,860
Operating Segments [Member] | Unified Communications Services [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]
Assets:
Assets	1,459,919				1,525,890				1,459,919	1,525,890	1,337,667
Operating Segments [Member] | Safety Services [Member]
Revenue:
REVENUE									296,320	281,391	278,317
Depreciation and Amortization (Included in Operating Income):
Depreciation and amortization									44,668	50,494	48,115
Operating Income:
OPERATING INCOME									54,703	22,408	31,052
Cash Capital Expenditures:
Cash Capital Expenditures									31,339	23,628	31,706
Operating Segments [Member] | Safety Services [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]
Assets:
Assets	772,308				786,447				772,308	786,447	787,889
Operating Segments [Member] | Interactive Services [Member]
Revenue:
REVENUE									300,739	265,664	235,481
Depreciation and Amortization (Included in Operating Income):
Depreciation and amortization									37,395	30,595	25,075
Operating Income:
OPERATING INCOME									30,631	25,044	35,604
Cash Capital Expenditures:
Cash Capital Expenditures									22,197	22,151	15,121
Operating Segments [Member] | Interactive Services [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]
Assets:
Assets	430,722				430,793				430,722	430,793	353,253
Operating Segments [Member] | Specialized Agent Services [Member]
Revenue:
REVENUE									281,542	276,983	224,621
Depreciation and Amortization (Included in Operating Income):
Depreciation and amortization									30,248	27,992	17,899
Operating Income:
OPERATING INCOME									16,438	30,468	31,858
Cash Capital Expenditures:
Cash Capital Expenditures									11,109	12,632	6,592
Operating Segments [Member] | Specialized Agent Services [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]
Assets:
Assets	468,384				491,449				468,384	491,449	443,737
Eliminations [Member]
Revenue:
REVENUE									(11,919)	(11,490)	(11,464)
Corporate Other-Unallocated [Member]
Operating Income:
OPERATING INCOME									15,247	680	(3,545)
Cash Capital Expenditures:
Cash Capital Expenditures									19,082	17,760	30,039
Corporate Other-Unallocated [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]
Assets:
Assets	$ 309,505				$ 302,966				$ 309,505	$ 302,966	$ 516,765

Segment Reporting, Geographi101

Segment Reporting, Geographic and Customer Information - Geographic Information by Organizational Region for Revenue and Long-lived Assets (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Revenue:
REVENUE	$ 567,380	$ 571,407	$ 582,397	$ 570,779	$ 568,430	$ 574,448	$ 571,891	$ 565,490	$ 2,291,963	$ 2,280,259	$ 2,218,594
Long-Lived Assets:
Long-Lived Assets	2,746,543				2,812,045				2,746,543	2,812,045	2,808,918
Operating Segments [Member] | Unified Communications Services [Member]
Revenue:
REVENUE									1,425,281	1,467,711	1,491,639
Operating Segments [Member] | Safety Services [Member]
Revenue:
REVENUE									296,320	281,391	278,317
Operating Segments [Member] | Interactive Services [Member]
Revenue:
REVENUE									300,739	265,664	235,481
Operating Segments [Member] | Specialized Agent Services [Member]
Revenue:
REVENUE									281,542	276,983	224,621
Eliminations [Member]
Revenue:
REVENUE									(11,919)	(11,490)	(11,464)
Americas-United States [Member]
Revenue:
REVENUE									1,833,548	1,812,068	1,716,667
Long-Lived Assets:
Long-Lived Assets	2,546,361				2,593,739				2,546,361	2,593,739	2,612,394
Americas-United States [Member] | Operating Segments [Member] | Unified Communications Services [Member]
Revenue:
REVENUE									982,319	1,010,262	1,002,157
Americas-United States [Member] | Operating Segments [Member] | Safety Services [Member]
Revenue:
REVENUE									290,620	276,262	271,278
Americas-United States [Member] | Operating Segments [Member] | Interactive Services [Member]
Revenue:
REVENUE									290,986	260,051	230,075
Americas-United States [Member] | Operating Segments [Member] | Specialized Agent Services [Member]
Revenue:
REVENUE									281,542	276,983	224,621
Americas-United States [Member] | Eliminations [Member]
Revenue:
REVENUE									(11,919)	(11,490)	(11,464)
Europe, Middle East & Africa [Member]
Revenue:
REVENUE									295,599	310,805	324,466
Long-Lived Assets:
Long-Lived Assets	172,439				195,203				172,439	195,203	176,817
Europe, Middle East & Africa [Member] | Operating Segments [Member] | Unified Communications Services [Member]
Revenue:
REVENUE									292,843	308,841	323,173
Europe, Middle East & Africa [Member] | Operating Segments [Member] | Safety Services [Member]
Revenue:
REVENUE									84	34	3
Europe, Middle East & Africa [Member] | Operating Segments [Member] | Interactive Services [Member]
Revenue:
REVENUE									2,672	1,930	1,290
Europe, Middle East & Africa [Member] | Operating Segments [Member] | Specialized Agent Services [Member]
Revenue:
REVENUE									0	0	0
Europe, Middle East & Africa [Member] | Eliminations [Member]
Revenue:
REVENUE									0	0	0
Asia Pacific [Member]
Revenue:
REVENUE									143,601	141,849	153,628
Long-Lived Assets:
Long-Lived Assets	18,495				21,151				18,495	21,151	17,891
Asia Pacific [Member] | Operating Segments [Member] | Unified Communications Services [Member]
Revenue:
REVENUE									140,703	138,595	150,028
Asia Pacific [Member] | Operating Segments [Member] | Safety Services [Member]
Revenue:
REVENUE									632	303	300
Asia Pacific [Member] | Operating Segments [Member] | Interactive Services [Member]
Revenue:
REVENUE									2,266	2,951	3,300
Asia Pacific [Member] | Operating Segments [Member] | Specialized Agent Services [Member]
Revenue:
REVENUE									0	0	0
Asia Pacific [Member] | Eliminations [Member]
Revenue:
REVENUE									0	0	0
America-Other [Member]
Revenue:
REVENUE									19,215	15,537	23,833
Long-Lived Assets:
Long-Lived Assets	$ 9,248				$ 1,952				9,248	1,952	1,816
America-Other [Member] | Operating Segments [Member] | Unified Communications Services [Member]
Revenue:
REVENUE									9,416	10,013	16,281
America-Other [Member] | Operating Segments [Member] | Safety Services [Member]
Revenue:
REVENUE									4,984	4,792	6,736
America-Other [Member] | Operating Segments [Member] | Interactive Services [Member]
Revenue:
REVENUE									4,815	732	816
America-Other [Member] | Operating Segments [Member] | Specialized Agent Services [Member]
Revenue:
REVENUE									0	0	0
America-Other [Member] | Eliminations [Member]
Revenue:
REVENUE									$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

Concentration of Credit Risk -

Concentration of Credit Risk - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Millions	Feb. 10, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)Customer	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Accounts Receivable [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Accounts Receivable		$ 43.9	$ 38.6
Customer Concentration Risk [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Number of customers | Customer		3
Customer Concentration Risk [Member] | Accounts Receivable [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration of credit risk		11.90%	10.40%
Customer Concentration Risk [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member] | Accounts Receivable [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Accounts Receivable	$ 20.6
Concentration of credit risk	46.80%

Supplemental Cash Flow Infor103

Supplemental Cash Flow Information - Supplemental Information About Cash Flows (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Cash paid for interest	$ 138,295	$ 141,048	$ 231,946
Cash paid for income taxes, net of $5,890, $7,500 and $13,336 for refunds in 2016, 2015 and 2014	75,748	108,090	93,875
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF NONCASH INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Accrued obligations for the purchase of property plant and equipment	1,079	9,006	20,275
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF NONCASH FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Net settlement of stock options exercised	0	0	10
Net settlement of shares issued from the deferred compensation plan	987	2,949	527
Vesting of restricted stock	1,924	2,742	0
Accrued dividends	$ 1,723	$ 1,419	$ 63

Supplemental Cash Flow Infor104

Supplemental Cash Flow Information - Supplemental Information About Cash Flows (Parenthetical) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Income tax refunds, net	$ 5,890	$ 7,500	$ 13,336

Quarterly Results of Operati105

Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited) - Unaudited Quarterly Results of Operations (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
REVENUE	$ 567,380	$ 571,407	$ 582,397	$ 570,779	$ 568,430	$ 574,448	$ 571,891	$ 565,490	$ 2,291,963	$ 2,280,259	$ 2,218,594
COST OF SERVICES	243,533	247,817	249,426	241,012	239,389	246,337	245,266	239,701	981,788	970,693	943,331
Gross profit	323,847	323,590	332,971	329,767	329,041	328,111	326,625	325,789	1,310,175	1,309,566
SG&A	221,157	214,091	209,870	220,843	224,071	203,757	210,192	215,096	865,961	853,116	813,856
OPERATING INCOME	102,690	109,499	123,101	108,924	104,970	124,354	116,433	110,693	444,214	456,450	461,407
Income from continuing operations					42,340	50,719	49,223	48,634	193,389	190,916	134,611
Income (loss) from discontinued operations					19,935	(1,235)	358	31,866	0	50,924	23,794
Net income	$ 68,320	$ 47,535	$ 32,979	$ 44,555	$ 62,275	$ 49,484	$ 49,581	$ 80,500	$ 193,389	$ 241,840	$ 158,405
EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE—DILUTED
Continuing Operations					$ 0.50	$ 0.60	$ 0.58	$ 0.56	$ 2.29	$ 2.24	$ 1.57
Discontinued Operations					0.24	(0.01)	0	0.37	0	0.59	0.28
Diluted earnings per common share:	$ 0.80	$ 0.56	$ 0.39	$ 0.53	$ 0.74	$ 0.58	$ 0.58	$ 0.93	$ 2.29	$ 2.83	$ 1.85

Quarterly Results of Operati106

Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited) - Unaudited Quarterly Results of Operations (Parenthetical) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016
Quarterly Financial Information [Line Items]
Accelerated amortization of deferred financing costs		$ 35.2
Income tax benefit from foreign subsidiaries	$ 1.2
Building [Member]
Quarterly Financial Information [Line Items]
Gain recognized on sale of buildings		$ 12.8

Schedule II - Consolidated Valu

Schedule II - Consolidated Valuation Accounts (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts - Accounts Receivable [Member]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance Beginning of Year	$ 7,270	$ 7,544	$ 8,415
Reserves Obtained in Acquisitions	0	0	774
Additions - Charged to Cost and Expenses	916	3,317	509
Deductions - Amounts Charged-Off	(1,448)	(3,591)	(2,154)
Balance End of Year	6,738	7,270	7,544
Allowance for Deferred Income Tax Asset Valuation [Member]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance Beginning of Year	100,205	109,240	109,677
Reserves Obtained in Acquisitions	0	0	0
Additions - Charged to Cost and Expenses	2,385	0	1,162
Deductions - Amounts Charged-Off	0	(9,035)	(1,599)
Balance End of Year	$ 102,590	$ 100,205	$ 109,240