ICON Public Limited (ICLR) 20-F12 Mar 142013 FY Annual report (foreign)Financial data

Company Profile

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	12 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information	Dec. 31, 2013
Document Information [Line Items]	'
Document Type	'20-F
Amendment Flag	'false
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-13
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'FY
Trading Symbol	'ICLR
Entity Registrant Name	'ICON PLC
Entity Central Index Key	'0001060955
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	'Yes
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	61,587,257

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Current Assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$182,519	$114,047
Short term investments - available for sale (Note 3)	138,317	76,183
Accounts receivable, net	342,581	285,419
Unbilled revenue	113,239	112,483
Other receivables	14,415	13,387
Deferred tax asset (Note 13)	28,644	20,574
Prepayments and other current assets	24,664	23,155
Income taxes receivable (Note 13)	9,049	18,500
Total current assets	853,428	663,748
Other Assets:	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, net (Note 6)	160,830	168,373
Goodwill (Note 4)	357,523	315,441
Non-current other assets	6,732	5,584
Non-current income taxes receivable (Note 13)	25,172	9,506
Non-current deferred tax asset (Note 13)	7,421	5,009
Intangible assets (Note 5)	31,354	34,447
Total Assets	1,442,460	1,202,108
Current Liabilities:	'	'
Accounts payable	4,594	8,149
Payments on account	297,347	219,467
Other liabilities (Note 7)	194,812	181,092
Deferred tax liability (Note 13)	'	144
Income taxes payable (Note 13)	4,416	4,570
Total current liabilities	501,169	413,422
Other Liabilities:	'	'
Non-current other liabilities (Note 8)	11,198	14,312
Non-current government grants (Note 11)	1,359	1,427
Non-current income taxes payable (Note 13)	5,288	5,650
Non-current deferred tax liability (Note 13)	12,867	12,722
Shareholders' Equity:	'	'
Ordinary shares, par value 6 euro cents per share; 100,000,000 shares authorized, (Note 12) 61,587,257 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2013 and 60,287,498 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2012.	5,168	5,067
Additional paid-in capital	279,572	237,217
Capital redemption reserve (Note 12 (a))	100	100
Accumulated other comprehensive income (Note 19)	1,960	-8,776
Retained earnings	623,779	520,967
Total Shareholders' Equity	910,579	754,575
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity	$1,442,460	$1,202,108

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (EUR €)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Ordinary shares, par value	€ 0.06	€ 0.06
Ordinary shares, shares authorized	100,000,000	100,000,000
Ordinary shares, shares issued	61,587,257	60,287,498
Ordinary shares, shares outstanding	61,587,257	60,287,498

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope

Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Revenue:	'	'	'
Gross revenue	$1,784,345	$1,503,993	$1,296,509
Reimbursable expenses	-448,287	-388,987	-350,780
Net revenue	1,336,058	1,115,006	945,729
Costs and expenses:	'	'	'
Direct costs	845,413	717,750	611,923
Selling, general and administrative	313,931	280,780	255,864
Depreciation and amortization	46,514	42,823	38,682
Restructuring and other items, net (Note 14)	9,033	5,636	9,817
Total costs and expenses	1,214,891	1,046,989	916,286
Income from operations	121,167	68,017	29,443
Interest income	986	1,151	1,194
Interest expense	-1,288	-1,947	-1,642
Income before provision for income taxes	120,865	67,221	28,995
Provision for income taxes (Note 13)	-18,053	-11,801	-6,115
Net income	$102,812	$55,420	$22,880
Net income per ordinary share:	'	'	'
Basic	$1.69	$0.92	$0.38
Diluted	$1.65	$0.92	$0.37
Weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding:	'	'	'
Basic (Note 2 (u))	60,907,274	59,968,174	60,379,338
Diluted (Note 2 (u))	62,253,251	60,450,706	61,070,686

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Com

Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Net income	$102,812	$55,420	$22,880
Currency translation adjustment	10,725	4,494	-11,347
Currency impact on long-term funding	-1,046	1,982	-802
Tax on currency impact of long term funding	-87	-356	294
Unrealized capital gain/(loss) - investments	-239	861	-622
Actuarial gain/(loss) on defined benefit pension plan	1,383	689	-4,365
Total comprehensive income	$113,548	$63,090	$6,038

Consolidated_Statements_of_Sha

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity and Comprehensive Income (USD $)	Total	Ordinary Shares	Additional Paid-in Capital	Capital Redemption Reserve	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	Retained Earnings
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Total	Ordinary Shares	Additional Paid-in Capital	Capital Redemption Reserve	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	Retained Earnings
Balance at Dec. 31, 2010	$669,999	$5,063	$196,960	'	$396	$467,580
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2010	'	60,247,092	'	'	'	'
Comprehensive Income:	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income	22,880	'	'	'	'	22,880
Currency translation adjustment	-11,347	'	'	'	-11,347	'
Currency impact on long-term funding	-802	'	'	'	-802	'
Tax on currency impact of long term funding	294	'	'	'	294	'
Unrealized capital gain/loss - investments	-622	'	'	'	-622	'
Actuarial gain/loss on defined benefit pension plan	-4,365	'	'	'	-4,365	'
Total comprehensive income	6,038	'	'	'	'	'
Exercise of share options (in shares)	'	430,340	'	'	'	'
Exercise of share options	4,665	36	4,629	'	'	'
Issue of restricted share units (in shares)	'	3,768	'	'	'	'
Share based compensation expense	9,355	'	9,355	'	'	'
Share issue costs	-76	'	-76	'	'	'
Repurchase of ordinary shares (in shares)	-545,597	-545,597	'	'	'	'
Repurchase of ordinary shares	-9,005	-44	'	44	'	-9,005
Share repurchase costs	-113	'	'	'	'	-113
Excess tax benefit on exercise of equity compensation	681	'	681	'	'	'
Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	681,544	5,055	211,549	44	-16,446	481,342
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2011	'	60,135,603	'	'	'	'
Comprehensive Income:	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income	55,420	'	'	'	'	55,420
Currency translation adjustment	4,494	'	'	'	4,494	'
Currency impact on long-term funding	1,982	'	'	'	1,982	'
Tax on currency impact of long term funding	-356	'	'	'	-356	'
Unrealized capital gain/loss - investments	861	'	'	'	861	'
Actuarial gain/loss on defined benefit pension plan	689	'	'	'	689	'
Total comprehensive income	63,090	'	'	'	'	'
Exercise of share options (in shares)	'	890,236	'	'	'	'
Exercise of share options	13,015	68	12,947	'	'	'
Share based compensation expense	11,521	'	11,521	'	'	'
Share issue costs	-74	'	-74	'	'	'
Repurchase of ordinary shares (in shares)	-738,341	-738,341	'	'	'	'
Repurchase of ordinary shares	-15,605	-56	'	56	'	-15,605
Share repurchase costs	-190	'	'	'	'	-190
Excess tax benefit on exercise of equity compensation	1,274	'	1,274	'	'	'
Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	754,575	5,067	237,217	100	-8,776	520,967
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2012	'	60,287,498	'	'	'	'
Comprehensive Income:	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income	102,812	'	'	'	'	102,812
Currency translation adjustment	10,725	'	'	'	10,725	'
Currency impact on long-term funding	-1,046	'	'	'	-1,046	'
Tax on currency impact of long term funding	-87	'	'	'	-87	'
Unrealized capital gain/loss - investments	-239	'	'	'	-239	'
Actuarial gain/loss on defined benefit pension plan	1,383	'	'	'	1,383	'
Total comprehensive income	113,548	'	'	'	'	'
Exercise of share options (in shares)	'	1,249,759	'	'	'	'
Exercise of share options	26,989	101	26,888	'	'	'
Issue of restricted share units (in shares)	'	50,000	'	'	'	'
Issue of restricted share units	4	'	4	'	'	'
Share based compensation expense	13,882	'	13,882	'	'	'
Share issue costs	-70	'	-70	'	'	'
Repurchase of ordinary shares (in shares)	'	'	'	'	'	'
Repurchase of ordinary shares	'	'	'	'	'	'
Excess tax benefit on exercise of equity compensation	1,651	'	1,651	'	'	'
Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	$910,579	$5,168	$279,572	$100	$1,960	$623,779
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2013	'	61,587,257	'	'	'	'

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'	'
Net income	$102,812	$55,420	$22,880
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'	'
Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment	662	233	136
Depreciation expense	38,975	35,210	34,030
Amortization of intangibles	7,539	7,613	4,652
Amortization of government grants	-349	-154	-115
Stock compensation expense	14,220	11,521	9,355
Deferred taxes	-10,583	-10,430	-6,121
Changes in assets and liabilities:	'	'	'
Increase in accounts receivable	-37,538	-79,155	-32,081
(Increase)/decrease in unbilled revenue	-4,015	13,227	-27,164
(Increase)/decrease in other receivables	-1,638	1,125	-1,669
(Increase)/decrease in prepayments and other current assets	-898	682	-1,345
Increase in other non current assets	-1,146	-861	-233
Increase in payments on account	76,066	68,654	9,494
Increase in other current liabilities	43,291	17,035	20,390
Increase/(decrease) in other non current liabilities	899	189	-613
Decrease in income taxes payable	-5,013	-7,916	-2,753
(Decrease)/increase in accounts payable	-2,057	1,038	-8,652
Net cash provided by operating activities	221,227	113,431	20,191
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'	'
Purchase of property, plant and equipment	-29,488	-30,791	-35,284
Purchase of subsidiary undertakings and acquisition costs	-93,553	-72,508	-69,836
Cash acquired with subsidiary undertaking	1,039	2,572	8,300
Sale of short term investments	109,795	82,193	438
Purchase of short term investments	-172,168	-102,575	-56,000
Net cash used in investing activities	-184,375	-121,109	-152,382
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'	'
Drawdown of credit lines and facilities	'	20,000	'
Repayment of credit lines and facilities	'	-20,000	'
Proceeds from the exercise of share options	26,993	13,015	4,665
Share issuance costs	-70	-74	-76
Excess tax benefit on exercise of equity compensation	1,651	1,274	681
Repurchase of ordinary shares	'	-15,605	-9,005
Share repurchase costs	'	-190	-113
Receipt of government grant	225	340	'
Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities	28,799	-1,240	-3,848
Effect of exchange rate movements on cash	2,821	3,728	-430
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	68,472	-5,190	-136,469
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	114,047	119,237	255,706
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	$182,519	$114,047	$119,237

Description_of_business

Description of business	12 Months Ended
Description of business	Dec. 31, 2013
Description of business	'
	1. Description of business

	ICON plc and its subsidiaries (“the Company” or “ICON”) is a contract research organization (“CRO”), providing outsourced development services on a global basis to the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device industries. We specialize in the strategic development, management and analysis of programs that support all stages of the clinical development process from compound selection to Phase I-IV clinical studies. Our vision is to be the Global CRO partner of choice in drug development by delivering best in class information, solutions and performance in clinical and outcomes research.

	We believe that we are one of a select group of CRO’s with the expertise and capability to conduct clinical trials in most major therapeutic areas on a global basis and have the operational flexibility to provide development services on a stand-alone basis or as part of an integrated “full service” solution. At December 31, 2013 we had approximately 10,300 employees, in 77 locations in 38 countries. During the year ended December 31, 2013, we derived approximately 43.6%, 45.4% and 11.0% of our net revenue in the United States, Europe and Rest of World, respectively.

	We began operations in 1990 and have expanded our business predominately through internal growth, together with a number of strategic acquisitions to enhance our capabilities and expertise in certain areas of the clinical development process. We are incorporated in Ireland and our principal executive office is located at: South County Business Park, Leopardstown, Dublin 18, Republic of Ireland. The contact telephone number of this office is 353 (1) 291 2000.

Significant_Accounting_Policie

Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Significant Accounting Policies

2. Significant Accounting Policies

The accounting policies noted below were applied in the preparation of the accompanying financial statements of the Company and are in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.

(a) Basis of consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of the Company and all of its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany profits, transactions and account balances have been eliminated. The results of subsidiary undertakings acquired in the period are included in the consolidated statement of operations from the date of acquisition.

(b) Use of estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States requires management to make estimates and judgments 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 reported period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The principle management estimates and judgements used in preparing the financial statements relate to revenue recognition, taxation, goodwill and business combinations.

The Company primarily earns revenues by providing a number of different services to its customers. These services, which are integral elements of the clinical development process, include clinical trials management, biometric activities, consulting, imaging, contract staffing, informatics and laboratory services. Contracts range in duration from a number of months to several years. Revenue for services, as rendered, is recognized only after persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, the sales price is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured.

Clinical trials management revenue is recognized on a proportional performance method. Depending on the contractual terms revenue is either recognized on the percentage of completion method based on the relationship between hours incurred and the total estimated hours of the trial or on the unit of delivery method. Contract costs equate to the product of labor hours incurred and compensation rates. For the percentage of completion method, the input (effort expended) method has been used to measure progress towards completion as there is a direct relationship between input and productivity. Contract revenue is the product of the aggregated labor hours required to complete the specified contract tasks at the agreed contract rates. The Company regularly reviews the estimate of total contract time to ensure such estimates remain appropriate taking into account actual contract stage of completion, remaining time to complete and any identified changes to the contract scope. Remaining time to complete depends on the specific contract tasks and the complexity of the contract and can include geographical site selection and initiation, patient enrolment, patient testing and level of results analysis required. While the Company may routinely adjust time estimates, the Company’s estimates and assumptions historically have been accurate in all material respects in the aggregate. Where revenue is recognized on the unit of delivery method, the basis applied is the number of units completed as a percentage of the total number of contractual units.

Biometrics revenue is recognized on a fee-for-service method as each unit of data is prepared on the basis of the number of units completed in a period as a percentage of the total number of contracted units. Imaging revenue is recognized on a fee-for-service basis recognizing revenue for each image completed. Consulting revenue is recognized on a fee-for-service basis as each hour of the related service is performed. Contract staffing revenue is recognized on a fee-for-service basis, over the time the related service is performed, or in the case of permanent placement, once the candidate has been placed with the client. Informatics revenue is recognized on a fee-for-service basis. Informatics contracts are treated as multiple element arrangements, with contractual elements comprising licence fee revenue, support fee revenue and revenue from software services, each of which can be sold separately. Sales prices for contractual elements are determined by reference to objective and reliable evidence of their sales price. Licence and support fee revenues are recognized rateably over the period of the related agreement. Revenue from software services is recognized using the percentage of completion method based on the relationship between hours incurred and the total estimated hours required to perform the service.

Laboratory service revenue is recognized on a fee-for-service basis. The Company accounts for laboratory service contracts as multiple element arrangements, with contractual elements comprising laboratory kits and laboratory testing, each of which can be sold separately. Sales prices for contractual elements are determined by reference to objective and reliable evidence of their sales price. Revenues for contractual elements are recognised on the basis of the number of deliverable units completed in the period.

Contracts generally contain provisions for renegotiation in the event of changes in the scope, nature, duration, or volume of services of the contract. Renegotiated amounts are recognised as revenue by revision to the total contract value arising as a result of an authorised customer change order.

The difference between the amount of revenue recognized and the amount billed on a particular contract is included in the balance sheet as unbilled revenue or payments on account. Normally, amounts become billable upon the achievement of certain milestones, for example, target patient enrollment rates, clinical testing sites initiated or case report forms completed. Once the milestone target is reached, amounts become billable in accordance with pre-agreed payment schedules included in the contract or on submission of appropriate billing detail. Such cash payments are not representative of revenue earned on the contract as revenues are recognized over the period in which the specified contractual obligations are fulfilled. Amounts included in unbilled revenue are expected to be collected within one year and are included within current assets. Advance billings to customers, for which revenue has not been recognized, are recognized as payments on account within current liabilities.

In the event of contract termination, if the value of work performed and recognised as revenue is greater than aggregate milestone billings at the date of termination, cancellation clauses ensure that the Company is paid for all work performed to the termination date.

(d) Reimbursable expenses

Reimbursable expenses comprise investigator payments and certain other costs which are reimbursed by clients under terms specific to each contract and are deducted from gross revenue in arriving at net revenue. Investigator payments are accrued based on patient enrollment over the life of the contract. Investigator payments are made based on predetermined contractual arrangements, which may differ from the accrual of the expense.

(e) Direct costs

Direct costs consist of compensation, associated employee benefits and share-based payments for project-related employees and other direct project-related costs.

(f) Advertising costs

All costs associated with advertising and promotion are expensed as incurred. The advertising and promotion expense was $5,195,120, $3,679,000 and $2,905,000 for the years ended December 31, 2013, December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 respectively.

(g) Foreign currencies and translation of subsidiaries

The Company's financial statements are prepared in United States dollars. Transactions in currencies other than United States dollars are recorded at the rate ruling at the date of the transactions. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than United States dollars are translated into United States dollars at exchange rates prevailing at the balance sheet date. Adjustments resulting from these translations are charged or credited to income. Amounts credited or charged to the statement of operations for the years ended December 31, 2013, December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 were as follows:

Year ended

December 31,

(in thousands)

2013

2012

2011

Amounts (credited)/charged

(1,233

)

(1,231

)

391

The financial statements of subsidiaries with other functional currencies are translated at period end rates for the balance sheet and average rates for the statement of operations. Translation gains and losses arising are reported as a movement on accumulated other comprehensive income.

(h) Disclosure about fair value of financial instruments

The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each material class of financial instrument:

Cash, cash equivalents, unbilled revenue, other receivables, short term investments, prepayments and other current assets, accounts receivable, accounts payable, investigator payments, payments on account, accrued liabilities, accrued bonuses and income taxes payable have carrying amounts that approximate fair value due to the short term maturities of these instruments. Other liabilities’ carrying amounts approximate fair value based on net present value of estimated future cash flows.

(i) Business combinations

The cost of a business combination is measured as the aggregate of the fair values at the date of exchange of assets given, liabilities incurred or assumed and equity instruments issued in exchange for control. Where a business combination agreement provides for an adjustment to the cost of the acquisition which is contingent upon future events, the amount of the estimated adjustment is recognised on the acquisition date at the acquisition date fair value of this contingent consideration. Any changes to this estimate in subsequent periods will depend on the classification of the contingent consideration. If the contingent consideration is classified as equity it shall not be re-measured and the settlement shall be accounted for within equity. If the contingent consideration is classified as a liability any adjustments will be accounted for through the Consolidated Statement of Operations or other comprehensive income depending on whether the liability is considered a financial instrument.

The assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities of businesses acquired are measured at their fair values at the date of acquisition. In the case of a business combination which is completed in stages, the fair values of the identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities are determined at the date of each exchange transaction. When the initial accounting for a business combination is determined provisionally, any subsequent adjustments to the provisional values allocated to the identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities are made within twelve months of the acquisition date and presented as adjustments to the original acquisition accounting.

(j) Goodwill and Impairment

Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of acquired entities over the net amounts assigned to assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Goodwill primarily comprises acquired workforce in place which does not qualify for recognition as an asset apart from goodwill. Goodwill is stated net of any provision for impairment. The Company tests goodwill annually for any impairments or whenever events occur which may indicate impairment. The first step is to compare the carrying amount of the reporting unit’s assets to the fair value of the reporting unit. If the carrying amount exceeds the fair value then a second step is completed which involves the fair value of the reporting unit being allocated to each asset and liability with the excess being implied goodwill. The impairment loss is the amount by which the recorded goodwill exceeds the implied goodwill. No impairment was recognized as a result of the impairment testing carried out for the years ended December 31, 2013, December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011.

(k) Intangible assets

Intangible assets are amortized on a straight line basis over their estimated useful life.

(l) Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash and highly liquid investments with initial maturities of three months or less and are stated at cost, which approximates market value.

(m) Short term investments - available for sale

The Company classifies short-term investments as available for sale in accordance with the terms of FASB ASC 320, Investments – Debt and Equity Securities. Realized gains and losses are determined using specific identification. The investments are reported at fair value, with unrealized gains or losses reported in a separate component of shareholders’ equity. Any differences between the cost and fair value of the investments are represented by accrued interest.

(n) Inventory

Inventory is valued at the lower of cost and net market value and after provisions for obsolescence. Cost of inventories comprises the purchase price and attributable costs, less trade discounts. At December 31, 2013 the carrying value of inventory, included within prepayments and other current assets on the balance sheet, was $2.2 million (2012: $3.0 million).

(o) Property, plant and equipment

Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation of property, plant and equipment is computed using the straight line method based on the estimated useful lives of the assets as listed below:

Years

Building

Office furniture and fixtures

Laboratory equipment

Motor vehicles

Computer equipment and software

8-Feb

Leasehold improvements are amortized using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the asset or the lease term, whichever is shorter.

(p) Leased assets

Costs in respect of operating leases are charged to the statement of operations on a straight line basis over the lease term.

Assets acquired under capital finance leases are included in the balance sheet at the present value of the future minimum lease payments and are depreciated over the shorter of the lease term and their remaining useful lives. The corresponding liabilities are recorded in the balance sheet and the interest element of the capital lease rental is charged to interest expense.

(q) Income taxes

The Company applies the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under the asset and liability method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases, and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which these temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. The Company recognizes the effect of income tax positions only if those positions are more likely than not of being sustained. Recognized income tax positions are measured at the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized upon settlement.

(r) Government grants

Government grants received relating to capital expenditure are shown as deferred income and credited to income on a basis consistent with the depreciation policy of the relevant assets. Grants relating to categories of operating expenditures are credited to income in the period in which the expenditure to which they relate is charged.

Under the grant agreements amounts received may become repayable in full should certain circumstances specified within the grant agreements occur, including downsizing by the Company, disposing of the related assets, ceasing to carry on its business or the appointment of a receiver over any of its assets. The Company has not recognized any loss contingency having assessed as remote the likelihood of these events arising.

(s) Research and development credits

Research and development credits are available to the Company under the tax laws in certain jurisdictions, based on qualifying research and development spend as defined under those tax laws. Research and development credits are generally recognized as a reduction of income tax expense. However, certain tax jurisdictions provide refundable credits that are not wholly dependent on the Company’s ongoing income tax status or income tax position. In these circumstances the benefit of these credits is not recorded as a reduction to income tax expense, but rather as a reduction of operating expenditure.

(t) Pension costs

The Company contributes to defined contribution plans covering all eligible employees. The Company contributes to these plans based upon various fixed percentages of employee compensation and such contributions are expensed as incurred.

The Company operates, through a subsidiary, a defined benefit plan for certain of its United Kingdom employees. The Company accounts for the costs of this plan using actuarial models required by FASB ASC 715-30 and the plan is presented in accordance with the requirements of FASB ASC 715-60 Defined Benefit Plans – Other Postretirement.

(u) Net income per ordinary share

Basic net income per ordinary share has been computed by dividing net income available to ordinary shareholders by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income per ordinary share is computed by adjusting the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the period for all potentially dilutive ordinary shares outstanding during the period and adjusting net income for any changes in income or loss that would result from the conversion of such potential ordinary shares.

There is no difference in net income used for basic and diluted net income per ordinary share. The reconciliation of the number of shares used in the computation of basic and diluted net income per ordinary share is as follows:

Year Ended December 31,

2013

2012

2011

Weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding for basic net income per ordinary share

60,907,274

59,968,174

60,379,338

Effect of dilutive share options outstanding

1,345,977

482,532

691,348

Weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding for diluted net income per ordinary share

62,253,251

60,450,706

61,070,686

(v) Share-based compensation

The Company accounts for its share options , restricted share units (“RSU’s”) and performance share units (“PSU’s”) in accordance with the provisions of FASB ASC 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation. Share-based compensation expense for equity-settled awards made to employees and directors is measured and recognized based on estimated grant date fair values. These awards include employee stock options, RSU’s and PSU’s.

Share-based compensation expense for stock options awarded to employees and directors is estimated at the grant date based on each option’s fair value as calculated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. Share-based compensation for RSU’s and PSU’s awarded to employees and directors is calculated based on the market value of the Company’s shares on the date of award of the RSU’s and PSU’s. The value of awards expected to vest is recognized as an expense over the requisite service periods. Forfeitures are estimated on the date of grant and revised if actual or expected forfeiture activity differs materially from original estimates.

Estimating the fair value of share-based awards as of the grant date using an option-pricing model, such as the Black-Scholes model, is affected by the Company’s share price as well as assumptions regarding a number of complex variables. These variables include, but are not limited to, the expected share price volatility over the term of the awards, risk-free interest rates, and the expected term of the awards.

(w) Impairment of long-lived assets

Long lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets. Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less selling costs.

(x) Reclassifications

Certain amounts in the consolidated financial statements have been reclassified where necessary to conform to the current year presentation.

Short_Term_Investments_Availab

Short Term Investments - Available for Sale	12 Months Ended
Short Term Investments - Available for Sale	Dec. 31, 2013
Short Term Investments - Available for Sale	'
	3. Short term investments - available for sale

		December 31,			December 31,
		2013			2012
		(in thousands)

	At start of year	$	76,183		$	54,940
	Additions		172,168			102,575
	Disposals		(109,795	)		(82,193	)
	Unrealized capital gain/(loss) - investments		(239	)		861

	At end of year	$	138,317		$	76,183

	The Company classifies its short term investments as available for sale. Short term investments comprise highly liquid investments with maturities of greater than three months and minimum “A-” rated fixed and floating rate securities. Short term investments at December 31, 2013 have an average maturity of 1.6 years compared to 1.7 years at December 31, 2012. The investments are reported at fair value with unrealized gains or losses reported in a separate component of shareholders’ equity. Any differences between the cost and fair value of investments are represented by accrued interest. The fair value of short term investments are represented by level 1 fair value measurements – quoted prices in active markets for identical assets.

Goodwill

Goodwill	12 Months Ended
Goodwill	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill	'
	4. Goodwill

			December 31,				December 31,
			2013				2012
			(in thousands)
	Opening goodwill		$	315,441			$	253,393
	Current year acquisitions			36,922				55,759
	Prior year acquisitions			-				1,382
	Foreign exchange movement			5,160				4,907
	Closing goodwill		$	357,523			$	315,441

	The Company has made a number of strategic acquisitions since its inception to enhance its capabilities and experience in certain areas of the clinical development process. Goodwill arising on acquisition represents the excess of the cost of acquired entities over the net amounts assigned to assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Goodwill primarily comprises acquired workforce in place which does not qualify for recognition as an asset apart from goodwill.

	The Company tests goodwill annually for any impairments or whenever events occur which may indicate impairment. The results of the Company’s goodwill impairment testing during the year ended December 31, 2013, indicated the existence of sufficient headroom such that a reasonably possible change to the key assumptions used would be unlikely to result in an impairment of the related goodwill.

	(a) Acquisition of Clinical Trial Services Division of Cross Country Healthcare, Inc.

	On February 15, 2013 the Company acquired the clinical trial services division of Cross Country Healthcare Inc. for an initial cash consideration of $51.9 million. The agreement provided for further consideration of up to $3.75 million which could become payable if certain performance milestones were achieved during the period ended December 31, 2013. Cross Country Healthcare’s Clinical Trial Services division includes US resourcing providers, ClinForce and Assent Consulting, whose services include contract staffing, permanent placement and functional service provision. The division also includes AKOS, a leading US and EU provider of pharmacovigilance and drug safety services. ClinForce and Assent will be combined with ICON’s functional service provision (“FSP”) division, DOCS, creating a leader in global resourcing and FSP, while AKOS will enhance the services offered by ICON’s medical and safety services team. Certain operating margin perfomance milestones in relation to ClinForce and Assent Consulting were not achieved during the period ended December 31, 2013 resulting in a reduction of $3.75 million to the contingent consideration.

	The acquisition agreement also provided for certain working capital targets to be achieved by the clinical trial services division of Cross Country Healthcare, Inc on completion. In October 2013 the Company received $0.2 million on completion of this review.

	The acquisition of the clinical trial services division of Cross Country Healthcare, Inc has been accounted for as a business combination in accordance with FASB ASC 805 Business Combinations. The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed:

			15-Feb
			2013
			(in thousands)
	Property, plant and equipment		$	339
	Goodwill*			36,922
	Intangible asset – customer relationships			3,300
	Intangible asset – order backlog			600
	Cash and cash equivalents			1,039
	Accounts receivable			9,200
	Unbilled revenue			2,128
	Prepayments and other current assets			465
	Non-current assets			6
	Other liabilities			(2,285	)
	Non-current other liabilities			(16	)

	Net assets acquired		$	51,698

	Cash consideration		$	51,897
	Working capital adjustment			(199	)
	Net assets acquired		$	51,698

	* Goodwill represents the acquisition of an established workforce with experience in the clinical research industry, thereby allowing the Company to enhance its capabilities in global resourcing and FSP and also medical and safety services. Goodwill related to the US portion of the business acquired is tax deductible.

	The proforma effect of the clinical trial services division of Cross Country Healthcare, Inc acquisition if completed on January 1, 2012 would have resulted in net revenue, net income and earnings per share for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2013 as follows:

			Year Ended
			December 31,
			2013				2012
			(in thousands)
	Net revenue		$	1,343,996			$	1,182,734
	Net income		$	103,133			$	58,944
	Basic earnings per share		$	1.69			$	0.98
	Diluted earnings per share		$	1.66			$	0.98

	(b) Acquisition of PriceSpective

	On February 28, 2012 the Company acquired 100% of the common stock of PriceSpective LLC (PriceSpective) strategy consulting company for an initial cash consideration of $37.1 million. Headquartered in Philadelphia, and with offices in London, Los Angeles, San Diego, Raleigh and Boston, PriceSpective is a premier consultancy that has a strong reputation for excellence in strategic pricing, market access, Health Economics and Outcomes Research (“HEOR”), due diligence support and payer engagement services. Since PriceSpective’s incorporation in 2003, it has developed strategies for dozens of new product launches, and hundreds of development and in-market products, across 40+ disease areas. Further consideration of up to $15.0 million was payable if certain performance milestones were achieved in respect of periods up to December 31, 2012. On August 13, 2012 the Company paid $5.0 million in relation to performance milestones for the year ended December 31, 2011. On May 29, 2013 the Company paid $10.0 million in relation to the remaining performance milestones for the year ended December 31, 2012.

	The following table summarizes the Company’s estimates of the fair values of assets acquired and the liabilities assumed:

		28-Feb
		2012
		(in thousands)
Property, plant and equipment		$	256
Goodwill*			42,247
Intangible asset – customer relationships			10,237
Intangible asset – order backlog			405
Intangible asset – non-compete arrangements			392
Cash and cash equivalents			2,311
Accounts receivable			2,662
Unbilled revenue			1,140
Other current assets			236
Current liabilities			(7,788	)
Liability arising from contingent consideration arrangement			(15,000	)
Net assets acquired		$	37,098


Cash consideration		$	37,199
Working capital adjustment			(101	)
Contingent consideration			15,000
Amount of total consideration			52,098
Liabilities included in preliminary purchase price allocation re contingent consideration			(15,000	)
Net assets acquired		$	37,098

* Goodwill represents the acquisition of an established workforce with experience in strategic pricing, market access, HEOR, due diligence support and payer engagement services. Goodwill related to the US portion of the business acquired is tax deductible.

The proforma effect of the PriceSpective acquisition if completed on January 1, 2011 would have resulted in net revenue, net income and earnings per share for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2012 as follows:

		Year Ended
		December 31,
		2012				2011
		(in thousands)
Net revenue		$	1,118,410			$	964,388
Net income		$	55,931			$	25,363
Basic earnings per share		$	0.93			$	0.42
Diluted earnings per share		$	0.93			$	0.42

(c) Acquisition of BeijingWits Medical

On February 15, 2012 the Company acquired 100% of the common stock of BeijingWits Medical Consulting Co. Limited (BeijingWits Medical), a leading Chinese CRO, for an initial cash consideration of $9.0 million. BeijingWits Medical offers full-service clinical development capabilities and has a strong track record in clinical trial execution in China. It is a renowned expert in Chinese regulatory processes and a leading advocate of International Conference on Harmonisation Good Clinical Practice (“ICH GCP”) in China. In addition to boosting the Company’s service capabilities in the region, BeijingWits Medical will also strengthen the Company’s presence through the addition of over 100 highly qualified and experienced professionals in Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Wuhan and Hong Kong. Further consideration of up to $7.0 million may become payable if certain performance milestones are achieved in respect of periods up to December 31, 2013. On June 13, 2013 the Company paid $3.8 million in relation to the remaining performance milestones for the year ended December 31, 2012. At December 31, 2013 the Company has recorded a liability of $3.2 million in respect of the additional consideration.

The following table summarizes the Company’s estimates of the fair values of assets acquired and the liabilities assumed:

		15-Feb
		2012
		(in thousands)
Property, plant and equipment		$	172
Goodwill*			13,512
Intangible asset – customer relationships			1,761
Intangible asset – order backlog			376
Intangible asset – non-compete arrangements			97
Cash and cash equivalents			587
Accounts receivable			657
Unbilled revenue			176
Other current assets			228
Deferred tax liability			(559	)
Current liabilities			(1,007	)
Liability arising from contingent consideration arrangement			(7,000	)
Net assets acquired		$	9,000

Cash consideration		$	9,000
Contingent consideration			7,000
Amount of total consideration			16,000
Liabilities included in preliminary purchase price allocation re contingent consideration			(7,000	)
Net assets acquired		$	9,000

* Goodwill represents the acquisition of an established workforce with experience in clinical trial execution and regulatory processes in China and is not tax deductible.

The proforma effect of the BeijingWits acquisition if completed on January 1, 2011 would have resulted in net revenue, net income and earnings per share for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2012 as follows:

		Year Ended
		December 31,
		2012				2011
		(in thousands)
Net revenue		$	1,115,355			$	989,942
Net income		$	55,349			$	22,549
Basic earnings per share		$	0.92			$	0.37
Diluted earnings per share		$	0.92			$	0.37

(d) Acquisition of Firecrest Clinical

On July 14, 2011 the Company acquired 100% of the common stock of Firecrest Clinical Limited (“Firecrest”), a market leading provider of technology solutions that boost investigator site performance and study management, for an initial cash consideration of €17.0 million ($24.5 million). Headquartered in Limerick, Ireland, Firecrest Clinical provides a comprehensive site performance management system that is used to improve compliance consistency and execution of activities at investigative sites. The acquisition agreement provided that further consideration of up to €33.0 million ($46.8 million) would become payable if certain performance milestones were achieved in respect of periods up to June 30, 2013. At the date of acquisition the Company recorded a liability of €31.3 million ($44.0 million) in relation to these performance milestones, with the balance recorded as a non-cash finance charge relating to the acquisition contingent consideration. In March 2012 €3.0 million ($4.0million) was paid by the Company in relation to performance milestones for the six months ended June 30, 2011 and in July 2012 a further €10.0 million ($12.5 million) was paid by the Company in relation to performance milestones for the year ended December 31, 2011. In May 2013 €10.0 million ($13.0 million) was paid by the Company in relation to performance milestones for the year ended December 31, 2012 and in September 2013 a final payment of €10.0 million ($13.2 million) was made.

The acquisition agreement also provided for certain working capital targets to be achieved by Firecrest Clinical on completion. In March 2012 the Company paid €0.4 million ($0.5 million) on completion of this review.

The acquisition of Firecrest has been accounted for as a business combination in accordance with FASB ASC 805 Business Combinations. The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed:

		14-Jul
		2011
		(in thousands)
Property, plant and equipment		$	687
Goodwill*			48,073
Intangible asset – technology asset			11,169
Intangible asset – customer relationships			5,243
Intangible asset – order backlog			1,172
Intangible asset - trade name			1,357
Cash and cash equivalents			1,965
Other current assets			3,713
Deferred tax liability			(2,367	)
Other liabilities			(2,521	)
Liability arising from contingent consideration arrangement			(44,028	)
Net assets acquired		$	24,463

Cash consideration		$	24,463
Contingent consideration			44,028
Amount of total consideration			68,491
Liabilities included in preliminary purchase price allocation re contingent consideration			(44,028	)
Net assets acquired		$	24,463

* Goodwill represents the cost of an established workforce with experience in the development of site performance and study management systems and process related efficiencies expected to be generated from the use of the Firecrest site performance management system and is not tax deductible.

The proforma effect of the Firecrest acquisition if completed on January 1, 2010 would have resulted in net revenue, net income and earnings per share for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2010 and December 31, 2011 as follows:

		Year Ended
		December 31,
		2011				2010
		(in thousands)
Net revenue		$	952,729			$	906,311
Net income		$	25,851			$	86,127
Basic earnings per share		$	0.43			$	1.44
Diluted earnings per share		$	0.42			$	1.42

Intangible_Assets

Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
Intangible Assets	Dec. 31, 2013
Intangible Assets	'
	5. Intangible Assets

		December 31,			December 31,
		2013			2012
	Cost	(in thousands)
	Customer relationships acquired	$	36,900		$	33,951
	Technology asset acquired		11,169			11,169
	Order backlog		3,171			2,571
	Tradenames acquired		1,357			1,357
	Volunteer list acquired		1,325			1,325
	Non-compete arrangements		489			489
	Foreign exchange movement		(62	)		(1,001	)
	Total cost		54,349			49,861
	Accumulated amortization		(22,550	)		(15,363	)
	Foreign exchange movement		(445	)		(51	)

	Net book value	$	31,354		$	34,447

	On February 15, 2013 the Company acquired the Clinical Trial Services division of Cross Country Healthcare, Inc. Cross Country Healthcare’s Clinical Trial Services division includes US resourcing providers, ClinForce and Assent Consulting, whose services include contract staffing, permanent placement and functional service provision (“FSP”). The value of certain customer relationships and order backlog identified of $3.3 million and $0.6 million respectively are being amortized over approximately 3 years and 1 year, the estimated period of benefit. $1,488,000 has been amortized in the period since the date of acquisition.

	On February 28, 2012 the Company acquired PriceSpective a strategy consulting company. The value of certain customer relationships identified of $10.2 million is being amortized over approximately 10 years, the estimated period of benefit. The value of order backlog and certain non-compete arrangements identified of $0.4 million and $0.4 million respectively are being amortized over approximately 0.8 and 3 years, the estimated period of benefit. $2,521,000 has been amortized in the period since the date of acquisition.

	On February 15, 2012 the Company acquired BeijingWits Medical, a Chinese CRO. The value of certain customer relationships and order backlog identified of $1.8 million and $0.4 million respectively are being amortized over approximately 10 and 4 years, the estimated period of benefit. The value of certain non-compete arrangements identified of $0.01 million are being amortized over approximately 5 years, the estimated period of benefit. $549,000 has been amortized in the period since the date of acquisition.

	On July 14, 2011 the Company acquired Firecrest Clinical Limited, a provider of technology solutions that boost investigator site performance and study management. The value of certain technology assets and customer relationships identified of $11.2 million and $5.2 million respectively are being amortized over approximately 7.5 years, the estimated period of benefit. The value of the Firecrest tradename and order backlog identified of $1.4 million and $1.2 million respectively are being amortized over approximately 4.5 and 1.2 years, the estimated period of benefit. $6,807,000 has been amortized in the period since the date of acquisition.

	On January 14, 2011 the Company acquired Oxford Outcomes Limited, an international health outcomes consultancy business. The value of certain customer relationships and order backlog identified of $6.6 million and $0.6 million respectively are being amortized over approximately 6.5 and 2 years, the estimated period of benefit. $3,706,000 has been amortized in the period since the date of acquisition. A put and call option was also agreed between the Company and the selling shareholders for the acquisition of the remaining common stock of Oxford Outcomes Limited. This option was exercised in October 2011.

	On May 17, 2010 the Company acquired Timaq Medical Imaging, a European provider of advanced imaging services. The value of certain client relationships identified of $0.8 million is being amortized over approximately 3 years, the estimated period of benefit. $770,000 has been amortized in the period since the date of acquisition.

	On November 14, 2008 the Company acquired Prevalere Life Sciences, a US provider of bioanalytical and immunoassay laboratory services. The value of certain customer relationships identified of $7.4 million is being amortized over periods ranging from approximately 7 to 11 years, the estimated period of the benefit. $4,162,000 has been amortized in the period since the date of acquisition.

	On February 11, 2008 the Company acquired Healthcare Discoveries, a US provider of Phase I clinical trial services. The value of certain client relationships identified of $1.6 million is being amortized over periods ranging from approximately 2 to 9 years, the estimated periods of benefit. The value of certain volunteer lists identified of $1.3 million is being amortized over approximately 6 years, the estimated period of benefit. $2,547,000 has been amortized in the period since the date of acquisition.

	Future intangible asset amortization expense for the years ended December 31, 2014 to December 31, 2018 is as follows:

		Year ended
		31-Dec
		(in thousands)
	2014	$	7,099
	2015		6,867
	2016		5,297
	2017		4,283
	2018		3,693

		$	27,239

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_n

Property, Plant and Equipment, net	12 Months Ended
Property, Plant and Equipment, net	Dec. 31, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment, net	'
	6. Property, Plant and Equipment, net

		December 31,			December 31,
		2013			2012
		(in thousands)
	Cost
	Land	$	3,464		$	3,325
	Building		96,450			94,395
	Computer equipment and software		212,019			189,455
	Office furniture and fixtures		68,268			66,351
	Laboratory equipment		29,678			32,724
	Leasehold improvements		15,304			10,482
	Motor vehicles		56			69
			425,239			396,801
	Less accumulated depreciation and asset write off		(264,409	)		(228,428	)

	Property, plant and equipment (net)	$	160,830		$	168,373

Other_Liabilities

Other Liabilities	12 Months Ended
Other Liabilities	Dec. 31, 2013
Other Liabilities	'
	7. Other Liabilities

		December 31,		December 31,
		2013		2012
		(in thousands)

	Personnel related liabilities	$	138,639	$	90,902
	Facility related liabilities		16,205		15,393
	General overhead liabilities		31,034		22,776
	Other liabilities		3,019		5,010
	Short term government grants (note 11)		240		235
	Restructuring and other items (note 14)		2,430		926
	Acquisition consideration payable		3,245		45,850

		$	194,812	$	181,092

Other_NonCurrent_Liabilities

Other Non-Current Liabilities	12 Months Ended
Other Non-Current Liabilities	Dec. 31, 2013
Other Non-Current Liabilities	'
	8. Other Non-Current Liabilities

		December 31,		December 31,
		2013		2012
		(in thousands)

	Personnel related liabilities	$	4,278	$	6,920
	Defined benefit pension obligations, net (note 9)		3,536		4,720
	Other non-current liabilities		3,384		2,672

		$	11,198	$	14,312

Employee_Benefits

Employee Benefits	12 Months Ended
Employee Benefits	Dec. 31, 2013
Employee Benefits	'
	9. Employee Benefits

	Certain Company employees are eligible to participate in a defined contribution plan (the "Plan"). Participants in the Plan may elect to defer a portion of their pre-tax earnings into a pension plan, which is run by an independent party. The Company matches participant's contributions typically at 6% of the participant's annual compensation. Contributions to this plan are recorded, as an expense in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. Contributions for the years ended December 31, 2011, December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2013 were $16,644,000, $18,187,000 and $20,293,000 respectively.

	The Company's United States operations maintain a retirement plan (the "U.S. Plan") that qualifies as a deferred salary arrangement under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. Participants in the U.S. Plan may elect to defer a portion of their pre-tax earnings, up to the Internal Revenue Service annual contribution limit. The Company matches 50% of each participant's contributions; each participant can contribute up to 6% of their annual compensation. Contributions to this U.S. Plan are recorded, in the year contributed, as an expense in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. Contributions for the years ended December 31, 2011, December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2013 were $7,064,000, $8,442,000 and $9,816,000 respectively.

	One of the Company’s subsidiaries which was acquired during the 2003 fiscal year, ICON Development Solutions Limited, operates a defined benefit pension plan in the United Kingdom for its employees. The plan is managed externally and the related pension costs and liabilities are assessed in accordance with the advice of a professionally qualified actuary. Plan assets at December 31, 2013, December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, consist of units held in independently administered funds. The pension costs of this plan are presented in the following tables in accordance with the requirements of ASC 715-60, Defined Benefit Plans – Other Postretirement. The plan has been closed to new entrants with effect from July 1, 2003.

	Change in benefit obligation		December 31,				December 31,
	Change in benefit obligation		2013				2012
			(in thousands)
	Benefit obligation at beginning of year		$	22,527			$	19,924
	Service cost			251				242
	Interest cost			1,005				964
	Plan participants’ contributions			75				101
	Benefits paid			(105	)			(237	)
	Actuarial loss			680				405
	Foreign currency exchange rate changes			525				1,128

	Benefit obligation at end of year		$	24,958			$	22,527

	Change in plan assets		December 31,				December 31,
	Change in plan assets		2013				2012
			(in thousands)
	Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year		$	17,807			$	15,021
	Actual return on plan assets			2,916				1,810
	Employer contributions			224				239
	Plan participants’ contributions			75				101
	Benefits paid			(105	)			(237	)
	Foreign currency exchange rate changes			505				873

	Fair value of plan assets at end of year		$	21,422			$	17,807

	The fair values of the assets above do not include any of the Company’s own financial instruments, property occupied by, or other assets used by, the Company.

	Funded status		December 31,				December 31,
	Funded status		2013				2012
			(in thousands)
	Projected benefit obligation		$	(24,958	)		$	(22,527	)
	Fair value of plan assets			21,422				17,807

	Funded status		$	(3,536	)		$	(4,720	)

	Non-current other liabilities		$	(3,536	)		$	(4,720	)

	The following amounts were recorded in the consolidated statement of operations as components of the net periodic benefit cost:

			December 31,				December 31,				December 31,
			2013				2012				2011
			(in thousands)
	Service cost		$	251			$	242			$	212
	Interest cost			1,005				964				931
	Expected return on plan assets			(983	)			(895	)			(1,141	)
	Amortization of net loss			130				179				-

	Net periodic benefit cost		$	403			$	490			$	2

	The following assumptions were used at the commencement of the year in determining the net periodic pension benefit cost for the years ended December 31, 2011, December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2013:

			December 31,				December 31,				December 31,
			2013				2012				2011
	Discount rate			4.6	%			4.7	%			5.4	%
	Rate of compensation increase			3.4	%			3.5	%			4	%
Expected rate of return on plan assets			5.7	%			5.8	%			7.1	%

Accumulated other comprehensive income		December 31,				December 31,				December 31,
Accumulated other comprehensive income		2013				2012				2011
		(in thousands)
Actuarial loss - benefit obligation		$	680			$	405			$	2,621
Actuarial (gain)/loss – plan assets			(1,933	)			(915	)			1,744
Actuarial gain recognized in net periodic benefit cost			(130	)			(179	)			-

Total		$	(1,383	)		$	(689	)		$	4,365

The estimated net gain and prior service cost for the defined benefit pension plan that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income into net periodic benefit cost over the next year are $20,000 and $nil respectively.

Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income that have not yet been recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost are as follows:

		December 31,				December 31,				December 31,
		2013				2012				2011
		(in thousands)
Net actuarial loss		$	1,988			$	3,371			$	4,060

Total		$	1,988			$	3,371			$	4,060

Benefit Obligation

The following assumptions were used in determining the benefit obligation at December 31, 2013:

		December 31,				December 31,
		2013				2012
Discount rate			4.7	%			4.6	%
Rate of compensation increase			4	%			3.4	%

The discount rate is determined by reference to UK long dated government and corporate bond yields at the balance sheet date. This is represented by the iboxx corporate bond over 15 year index plus 30 basis points.

Plan Assets

The assets of the scheme are invested in the Legal and General Fixed Income Fund, the Baillie Gifford Diversified Growth Fund and the Standard Life Global Absolute Return Strategies Fund. The aim of the Legal and General Fixed Income Fund is to capture the returns on UK and overseas equity markets with a more even investment in UK and overseas equities than would be provided by reference to market capitalization or consensus weights. The Diversified Growth and Absolute Return funds are actively managed with a wide investment remit which results in dynamic asset allocation. The funds utilize a combination of traditional assets (such as equities and bonds), alternative asset classes and investment strategies based on advanced derivative techniques resulting in a highly diversified portfolio. The expected long-term rate of return on assets at December 31, 2013 of 6.1% was calculated as the value of the fund after application of a market value reduction factor. The expected long term rates of return on different asset classes are as follows:

Asset Category		Expected long-term
Asset Category		return per annum
Equity			6.6	%
Bonds			4.7	%

At December 31, 2013 UK gilts were yielding around 3.6% per annum. This is often referred to as the risk free rate of return as UK gilts have a negligible risk of default and the income payments and capital on redemption are guaranteed by the UK Government. The long-term expected return on equities has been determined by setting appropriate risk premiums above the yield on UK gilts. A long term equity “risk-premium” of 3.0% per annum has been assumed, this being the expected long-term out-performance of equities over UK gilts. The long-term expected return on bonds is determined by reference to UK long dated government and corporate bond yields at the balance sheet date. This is represented by the iboxx AA 15 index plus 30 basis points.

The underlying asset split of the fund is shown below.

Asset Category		December 31,				December 31,
Asset Category		2013				2012
Equity			70	%			90	%
Bonds			30	%			10	%
			100	%			100	%

Applying the above expected long term rates of return to the asset distribution at December 31, 2013, gives rise to an expected overall rate of return of scheme assets of approximately 6.1% per annum.

Plan Asset Fair Value Measurements

		Quoted Prices in Active
		Markets for Identical
		Assets
		Level 1
		(in thousands)

Cash		$	58

Fixed Income Securities
Legal and General Active Corporate Bond – Over 10 Year			5,788

Other Types of Investments
Baillie Gifford Diversified Growth Fund			8,452
Standard Life Global Absolute Return Strategies			7,124

		$	21,422

Cash Flows

The Company expects to contribute $0.2 million to its pension fund in the year ending December 31, 2014.

The following annual benefit payments, which reflect expected future service as appropriate, are expected to be paid.

		(in thousands)

2013		$	108
2014			108
2015			108
2016			108
2017			108
Years 2018 - 2022		$	538

The expected cash flows are estimated figures based on the members expected to retire over the next 10 years assuming no early retirements plus an additional amount in respect of recent average withdrawal experience. At the present time it is not clear whether annuities will be purchased when members reach retirement or whether pensions will be paid each month out of scheme assets. The cash flows above have been estimated on the assumption that pensions will be paid monthly out of scheme assets. If annuities are purchased, then the expected benefit payments will be significantly different from those shown above.

Equity_Incentive_Schemes_and_S

Equity Incentive Schemes and Stock Compensation Charges	12 Months Ended
Equity Incentive Schemes and Stock Compensation Charges	Dec. 31, 2013
Equity Incentive Schemes and Stock Compensation Charges	'
	10. Equity Incentive Schemes and Stock Compensation Charges

	Share Options

	On July 21, 2008 the Company adopted the Employee Share Option Plan 2008 (the “2008 Employee Plan”) pursuant to which the Compensation and Organization Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors may grant options to any employee, or any director holding a salaried office or employment with the Company or a Subsidiary for the purchase of ordinary shares. On the same date, the Company also adopted the Consultants Share Option Plan 2008 (the “2008 Consultants Plan”), pursuant to which the Compensation and Organization Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors may grant options to any consultant, adviser or non-executive director retained by the Company or any Subsidiary for the purchase of ordinary shares.

	Each option granted under the 2008 Employee Plan or the 2008 Consultants Plan (together the “2008 Option Plans”) will be an employee stock option, or NSO, as described in Section 422 or 423 of the Internal Revenue Code. Each grant of an option under the 2008 Options Plans will be evidenced by a Stock Option Agreement between the optionee and the Company. The exercise price will be specified in each Stock Option Agreement, however option prices will not be less than 100% of the fair market value of an ordinary share on the date the option is granted.

	An aggregate of 6.0 million ordinary shares have been reserved under the 2008 Employee Plan, as reduced by any shares issued or to be issued pursuant to options granted under the 2008 Consultants Plan, under which a limit of 400,000 shares applies. Further, the maximum number of ordinary shares with respect to which options may be granted under the 2008 Employee Option Plan, during any calendar year to any employee shall be 400,000 ordinary shares. There is no individual limit under the 2008 Consultants Plan. No options may be granted under the 2008 Option Plans after July 21, 2018.

	On January 17, 2003 the Company adopted the Share Option Plan 2003 (the “2003 Share Option Plan”) pursuant to which the Compensation and Organization Committee of the Board could grant options to officers and other employees of the Company or its subsidiaries for the purchase of ordinary shares. An aggregate of 6.0 million ordinary shares were reserved under the 2003 Share Option Plan; and, in no event could the number of ordinary shares issued pursuant to options awarded under this plan exceed 10% of the outstanding shares, as defined in the 2003 Share Option Plan, at the time of the grant, unless the Board expressly determined otherwise. Further, the maximum number of ordinary shares with respect to which options could be granted under the 2003 Share Option Plan during any calendar year to any employee was 400,000 ordinary shares. The 2003 Share Option Plan expired on January 17, 2013. No new options may be granted under this plan.

	Share option awards are granted with an exercise price equal to the market price of the Company’s shares at date of grant. Share options typically vest over a period of five years from date of grant and expire eight years from date of grant. The maximum contractual term of options outstanding at December 31, 2013 is eight years.

	The following table summarizes the transactions for the Company’s share option plans for the years ended December 31, 2013, December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011:

			Options Granted				Number of				Weighted			Weighted Average Grant
			Under Plans				Shares				Average			Date Fair
											Exercise Price			Value
	Outstanding at December 31, 2010			4,798,677				4,798,677			$	21.71		$	8.47
	Granted			989,449				989,449			$	19.66		$	8.2
	Exercised			(430,340	)			(430,340	)		$	10.84		$	4.8
	Cancelled			(454,968	)			(454,968	)		$	25.77		$	9.87
	Outstanding at December 31, 2011			4,902,818				4,902,818			$	21.87		$	8.61
	Granted			842,273				842,273			$	22.01		$	9.59
	Exercised			(890,236	)			(890,236	)		$	14.62		$	6.16
	Cancelled			(504,224	)			(504,224	)		$	25.14		$	9.76
	Outstanding at December 31, 2012			4,350,631				4,350,631			$	23.01		$	9.17
	Granted			264,950				264,950			$	33.09		$	12.05
	Exercised			(1,249,759	)			(1,249,759	)		$	21.6		$	8.58
	Cancelled			(392,034	)			(392,034	)		$	25.27		$	10.02
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013			2,973,788				2,973,788			$	24.2		$	9.57

	Vested and exercisable at December 31, 2013			1,505,707				1,505,707			$	24.92		$	8.64

	The weighted average remaining contractual life of options outstanding and options exercisable at December 31, 2013, was 4.52 years and 3.29 years respectively. 655,224 options are expected to vest during the year ended December 31, 2014.

	The intrinsic value of options exercised during the year ended December 31, 2013 amounted to $18.3 million. The intrinsic value of options outstanding and options exercisable at December 31, 2013 amounted to $48.2 million and $23.3 million respectively. Intrinsic value is calculated based on the market value of the Company’s shares at the date of exercise.

	Non vested shares outstanding as at December 31, 2013 are as follows:

			Options				Weighted Average				Weighted Average
			Outstanding				Exercise Price				Fair Value
			Number of Shares

	Non vested outstanding at December 31, 2012			2,094,533			$	22.43			$	9.17

	Granted			264,950				33.09				12.05
	Vested			(641,773	)			24.29				9.6
	Forfeited			(249,629	)			22.97				9.46

	Non vested outstanding at December 31, 2013			1,468,081			$	23.45			$	9.45

	Outstanding and exercisable share options:

	The following table summarizes information concerning outstanding and exercisable share options as of December 31, 2013:

		Options Outstanding													Options Exercisable
		Range							Weighted			Weighted					Weighted
		Exercise				Number of			Average			Average			Number of		Average
		Price				Shares			Remaining			Exercise Price			Shares		Exercise Price
									Contractual Life
		$	11			24,140			0.09			$	11		24,140		$	11
	$	15.47			180			3.33			$	15.47		-		$	15.47
	$	15.84			50,000			3.33			$	15.84		40,000		$	15.84
	$	16.8			150,000			5.83			$	16.8		60,000		$	16.8
	$	17.17			30,000			5.85			$	17.17		12,000		$	17.17
	$	18			24,000			0.83			$	18		24,000		$	18
	$	18.98			6,600			2.87			$	18.98		6,600		$	18.98
	$	19.45			15,000			4.82			$	19.45		1,800		$	19.45
	$	20.16			2,000			4.87			$	20.16		1,200		$	20.16
	$	20.28			457,871			5.17			$	20.28		177,987		$	20.28
	$	20.59			162,000			6.14			$	20.59		20,400		$	20.59
	$	21.25			231,751			1.12			$	21.25		231,751		$	21.25
	$	22.1			400			3.56			$	22.1		-		$	22.1
	$	22.26			233,927			3.15			$	22.26		155,161		$	22.26
	$	22.3			475,333			6.32			$	22.3		82,326		$	22.3
	$	23.66			8,900			6.57			$	23.66		1,780		$	23.66
	$	24.25			100,000			4.18			$	24.25		100,000		$	24.25
	$	24.46			343,677			4.17			$	24.46		172,209		$	24.46
	$	26.2			2,400			4.38			$	26.2		1,440		$	26.2
	$	26.71			7,650			6.7			$	26.71		4,090		$	26.71
	$	29.45			3,000			4.32			$	29.45		1,800		$	29.45
	$	31.49			12,450			7.16			$	31.49		-		$	31.49
	$	32.37			200,203			7.33			$	32.37		2,500		$	32.37
	$	35.33			377,523			2.15			$	35.33		377,523		$	35.33
	$	36.05			6,000			2.4			$	36.05		6,000		$	36.05
	$	36.22			37,483			7.46			$	36.22		-		$	36.22
	$	37.9			10,300			7.93			$	37.9		-		$	37.9
	$	41.25			1,000			2.67			$	41.25		1,000		$	41.25

	$	11.00 - $41.25			2,973,788			4.52			$	24.2		1,505,707		$	24.92

Options outstanding include both vested and unvested options as at December 31, 2013. Options excercisable represent options which have vested at December 31, 2013. From the date of grant, substantially all options vest over a five year period at 20% per annum.

Fair value of Stock Options Assumptions

The weighted average fair value of options granted during the years ended December 31, 2013, December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 was calculated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The weighted average fair values and assumptions were as follows:

		Year Ended
		December 31,				December 31,				December 31,
		2013				2012				2011

Weighted average fair value		$	12.05			$	9.59			$	8.2

Assumptions:
Expected volatility			40	%			50	%			45	%
Dividend yield			0	%			0	%			0	%
Risk-free interest rate			0.76	%			0.83	%			1.4	%
Expected life		5.0 years				5.0 years				5.0 years

Expected volatility is based on the historical volatility of our common stock over a period equal to the expected term of the options; the expected life represents the weighted average period of time that options granted are expected to be outstanding given consideration to vesting schedules, and our historical experience of past vesting and termination patterns. The risk-free rate is based on the U.S. government zero-coupon bonds yield curve in effect at time of the grant for periods corresponding with the expected life of the option.

Restricted Share Units and Performance Share Units

On July 21, 2008 the Company adopted the 2008 Employees Restricted Share Unit Plan (the “2008 RSU Plan”) pursuant to which the Compensation and Organization Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors may select any employee, or any director holding a salaried office or employment with the Company, or a Subsidiary to receive an award under the plan. An aggregate of 1.0 million ordinary shares have been reserved for issuance under the 2008 RSU Plan.

On April 23, 2013 the Company adopted the 2013 Employees Restricted Share Unit and Performance Share Unit Plan (the “2013 RSU Plan”) pursuant to which the Compensation and Organization Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors may select any employee, or any director holding a salaried office or employment with the Company, or a Subsidiary to receive an award under the plan. An aggregate of 1.6 million ordinary shares have been reserved for issuance under the 2013 RSU Plan. The shares are awarded at zero cost and vest over a service period. Awards under the 2013 RSU Plan may be settled in cash or shares at the option of the Company.

The Company has awarded RSU’s and PSU’s to certain key individuals of the Group. The following table summarizes RSU and PSU activity for the year ended December 31, 2013:

		PSU				PSU			PSU		RSU			RSU		RSU
		Outstanding				Weighted			Weighted		Outstanding			Weighted		Weighted
		Number of				Average			Average		Number of			Average		Average
		Shares				Fair			Remaining		Shares			Fair Value		Remaining
						Value			Contractual							Contractual
									Life							Life

Outstanding at December 31, 2012			-				-					496,000		$	20.26

Granted			359,570			$	33.09					409,492		$	34.62
Shares vested			-				-					(50,000	)	$	22.3
Forfeited			(6,326	)		$	36.22					(9,033	)	$	25.53

Outstanding at December 31, 2013			353,244			$	33.04		2.35			846,459		$	27.05	1.77

The fair value of RSU’s vested for the year ended December 31, 2013 totaled $1.1 million. (No RSU’s vested during 2012).

No PSU’s vested during 2013 or during 2012.

The PSU’s vest based on service and specified EPS targets. The maximum number of PSU’s that could vest based on PSU’s outstanding is 353,244, based on attaining cumulative EPS targets over the period 2013 – 2015.

Non-cash stock compensation expense

Income from operations for the year ended December 31, 2013 is stated after charging $14.2 million in respect of non-cash stock compensation expense. Non-cash stock compensation expense for the year ended December 31, 2013 has been allocated as follows:

		Year ended
		December 31,				December 31,				December 31,
		2013				2012				2011
		(in thousands)
Direct costs		$	7,835			$	6,007			$	5,155
Selling, general and administrative		$	6,385			$	4,894			$	4,200
Restructuring and other non-recurring items (note 14)			-			$	620				-

Total compensation costs		$	14,220			$	11,521			$	9,355

Total non-cash stock compensation expense not yet recognized at December 31, 2013 amounted to $34.3 million. The weighted average period over which this is expected to be recognized is 2.51 years. Total tax benefit recognized in additional paid in capital related to the non-cash compensation expense amounted to $1.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 (2012: $1.3 million, 2011: $0.7 million).

Government_Grants

Government Grants	12 Months Ended
Government Grants	Dec. 31, 2013
Government Grants	'
	11. Government Grants

		December 31,			December 31,
		2013			2012
		(in thousands)
	Received	$	3,698		$	3,473
	Less accumulated amortization		(2,497	)		(2,148	)
	Foreign exchange translation adjustment		398			337
			1,599			1,662
	Less current portion		(240	)		(235	)
		$	1,359		$	1,427

	Capital grants received may be refundable in full if certain events occur. Such events, as set out in the related grant agreements, include sale of the related asset, liquidation of the Company or failure to comply with other conditions of the grant agreements. No loss contingency has been recognized as the likelihood of such events arising has been assessed as remote. Government grants amortized to the profit and loss account amounted to $349,000 and $154,000 for the years ended December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 respectively. As at December 31, 2013 the Company had $2.0 million in restricted retained earnings, pursuant to the terms of grant agreements.

Share_Capital

Share Capital	12 Months Ended
Share Capital	Dec. 31, 2013
Share Capital	'
	12. Share Capital

	Holders of ordinary shares will be entitled to receive such dividends as may be recommended by the board of directors of the Company and approved by the shareholders and/or such interim dividends as the board of directors of the Company may decide. On liquidation or a winding up of the Company, the par value of the ordinary shares will be repaid out of the assets available for distribution among the holders of the ordinary shares of the Company. Holders of ordinary shares have no conversion or redemption rights. On a show of hands, every holder of an ordinary share present in person or proxy at a general meeting of shareholders shall have one vote, for each ordinary share held with no individual having more than one vote.

	During the year ended December 31, 2013, 1,249,759 options were exercised by employees at an average exercise price of $21.60 per share for total proceeds of $27.0 million. During the year ended December 31, 2013, 50,000 ordinary shares were issued in respect of certain RSU’s previously awarded by the Company.

	During the year ended December 31, 2012, 890,236 options were exercised by employees at an average exercise price of $14.62 per share for total proceeds of $13.0 million.

	During the year ended December 31, 2011, 430,340 options were exercised by employees at an average exercise price of $10.84 per share for total proceeds of $4.7 million. During the year ended December 31, 2011 3,768 ordinary shares were issued in respect of certain RSU’s previously awarded by the Company.


	(a) Share Repurchase Program

	On October 27, 2011 the Company announced its intention to commence a share repurchase program of up to $50 million. On November 22, 2011 the Company entered into two separate share repurchase plans of up to $10 million each, covering the periods November 23, 2011 to December 31, 2011 and January 1, 2012 to February 20, 2012 respectively. On February 21, 2012 the Company entered into a further share repurchase plan of up to $20 million, covering the period February 22, 2012 to April 22, 2012. On April 27, 2012 the Company entered into a fourth share repurchase plan of up to $20 million, covering the period April 27, 2012 to July 18, 2012. On July 30, 2012 the Company entered into a fifth share repurchase plan of up to $10 million, covering the period July 30, 2012 to October 26, 2012.

	Under the repurchase program, a broker purchased the Company’s shares from time to time on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions in accordance with agreed terms and limitations. The program was designed to allow share repurchases during periods when the Company would ordinarily not be permitted to do so because it may be in possession of material non-public or price-sensitive information, applicable insider trading laws or self-imposed trading blackout periods. The Company’s instructions to the broker were irrevocable and the trading decisions in respect of the repurchase program were made independently of and uninfluenced by the Company. The Company confirms that on entering the share repurchase plans it had no material non-public, price-sensitive or inside information regarding the Company or its securities. Furthermore, the Company will not enter into additional plans whilst in possession of such information.

	During the year ended December 31, 2012 738,341 ordinary shares were repurchased by the Company for a total consideration of $15.6 million. During the year ended December 31, 2011 545,597 ordinary shares were repurchased by the Company for a total consideration of $9.0 million. As at December 31, 2012 1,283,938 ordinary shares have been repurchased by the Company for a total consideration of $24.6 million. There were no share repurchases completed during 2013. All ordinary shares repurchased by the Company were cancelled, and the nominal value of these shares transferred to a capital redemption reserve fund as required under Irish Company Law.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Taxes	'
	13. Income Taxes

	The Company’s United States and Irish based subsidiaries file tax returns in the United States and Ireland respectively. Other foreign subsidiaries are taxed separately under the laws of their respective countries.

	The components of income before provision for income tax expense are as follows:

			Year ended
			December				December				December
			2013				2012				2011
			(in thousands)
	Ireland		$	80,914			$	12,157			$	(33,732	)
	United States			16,218				11,371				13,317
	Other			23,733				43,693				49,410

	Income before provision for income taxes		$	120,865			$	67,221			$	28,995

	The components of total income tax expense are as follows:

			Year ended
			December				December				December
			2013				2012				2011
			(in thousands)
	Provision for income taxes:
	Current:
	Ireland		$	9,158			$	1,684			$	351
	United States			14,492				12,290				6,367
	Other			4,876				8,257				5,518

	Total current tax			28,526				22,231				12,236

	Deferred expense/(benefit):
	Ireland			1,914				(287	)			(3,825	)
	United States			(9,420	)			(9,715	)			(1,711	)
	Other			(2,967	)			(428	)			(585	)

	Total deferred tax expense/(benefit)			(10,473	)			(10,430	)			(6,121	)

	Provision for income taxes			18,053				11,801				6,115

	Impact on shareholders equity and other comprehensive income of the tax consequence of :
	Excess tax benefit on stock compensation			(1,651	)			(1,274	)			(681	)
	Currency impact on long term funding			87				356				(294	)

	Total		$	16,489			$	10,883			$	5,140

	Ireland’s statutory income tax rate is 12.5%. The Company’s consolidated effective tax rate differed from the statutory rate as set forth below;

			Year ended
			December				December				December
			2013				2012				2011
			(in thousands)
	Taxes at Irish statutory rate of 12.5% (2011:12.5%; 2012: 12.5%)		$	15,108			$	8,401			$	3,625
	Foreign and other income taxed at higher/(reduced) rates			4,229				7,873				5,373
	Research & development tax incentives			(2,598	)			(4,954	)			(6,341	)
	Movement in valuation allowance			2,389				1,557				4,362
	Prior year over provision in respect of foreign taxes			(47	)			(678	)			(83	)
	Effects of permanent items			(1,002	)			(26	)			(615	)
	Other			(26	)			(372	)			(206	)

			$	18,053			$	11,801			$	6,115

	The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are presented below:

		Year ended
		December				December				December
		2013				2012				2011
		(in thousands)
Deferred tax liabilities:
Property, plant and equipment		$	6,501			$	6,631			$	7,331
Goodwill			14,013				11,467				9,443
Other intangible assets			970				2,707				3,525
Accruals			51				77				1,185
Other			4				88				97
Unrealised FX			1,056				1,160				-

Total deferred tax liabilities recognized			22,595				22,130				21,581

Deferred tax assets:
Net operating loss carry forwards			27,646				25,116				21,981
Property, plant and equipment			2,739				2,345				1,324
Accrued expenses and payments on account			29,429				19,382				11,652
Stock compensation			6,291				5,586				4,818
Deferred compensation expense			1,187				1,136				1,197
Other			-				-				214
Unrealised FX			92				98				-
Total deferred tax assets			67,384				53,663				41,186
Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets			(21,591	)			(18,817	)			(16,445	)

Deferred tax assets recognized		$	45,793			$	34,846			$	24,741

Net deferred tax asset		$	23,198			$	12,716			$	3,160

At December 31, 2013 non-U.S subsidiaries had operating loss carry forwards for income tax purposes that may be carried forward indefinitely, available to offset against future taxable income, if any, of approximately $96.2 million (2012: $94.4 million). At December 31, 2013 non-U.S. subsidiaries also had additional operating loss carry forwards of $5.9 million which are due to expire between 2014 and 2016.

At December 31, 2013 U.S. subsidiaries, had U.S. federal and state net operating loss (“NOL”) carry forwards of approximately $8.3 million and $15.9 million, respectively. These net operating losses are available for offset against future taxable income and expire between 2014 and 2032. Of the $8.3 million U.S. federal and $15.9 million state net operating losses, approximately $7.6 million and $15.2 million are currently available for offset against future U.S. federal and state taxable income respectively. Annual utilization of these state net operating losses may be limited by specific state rules. The subsidiary’s ability to use the remaining U.S. federal and state net operating loss carry forwards of $0.7 million and $0.7 million, respectively is further limited to $113,000 per year due to a change of ownership in 2000, as defined by Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

The expected expiry dates of these losses are as follows:

	Federal				State
	NOL’s				NOL’s
	(in thousands)

2014- 2020	$	678			$	678
2021- 2025		-				8,572
2026- 2032		7,644				6,648

	$	8,322			$	15,898

In addition US subsidiaries have alternative minimum tax credit carry forwards of approximately $0.3 million that are available to reduce future U.S. federal regular income taxes, over an indefinite period. They also have general business credit carry forwards of approximately $0.3 million that are available to offset future U.S. federal income taxes.

The valuation allowance at December 31, 2013 was approximately $21.6 million. The valuation allowance for deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 was $18.8 million and $16.4 million respectively. The net change in the total valuation allowance was an increase of $2.8 million during 2013 and an increase of $2.4 million during 2012.

The valuation allowances at December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 were primarily related to tax losses and tax credits carried forward that, in the judgment of management, are not more likely than not to be realized. In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, and tax planning strategies in making this assessment.

The Company has not recognized a deferred tax liability for the undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries that arose in 2013 and prior years as the Company considers these earnings to be indefinitely reinvested. It is not practical to calculate the unrecognized deferred tax liability.

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of total unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:

		December 31,				December 31,				December 31,
		2013				2012				2011
		(in thousands)
Gross amount of unrecognized tax benefits at start of year		$	7,189			$	6,543			$	8,566

Increase related to prior year tax positions			-				1,167				304
Decrease related to prior year tax positions			(494	)			-				(36	)
Increase related to current year tax positions			2,269				1,473				482
Settlements			(899	)			(98	)			-
Lapse of statute of limitations			(2,285	)			(1,896	)			(2,773	)

Gross amount of unrecognized tax benefits at end of year		$	5,780			$	7,189			$	6,543

The relevant statute of limitations for gross unrealized tax benefits totaling $1.2 million could potentially expire during 2014.

Included in the balance of total unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2013 there were net potential benefits of $5.8 million, which if recognized, would affect the effective rate on income tax from continuing operations. The balance of total unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 included net potential benefits which, if recognized, would affect the effective rate of income tax from continuing operations of $7.2 million and $6.5 million respectively.

Interest and penalties recognized as a net benefit during the year ended December 31, 2013 amounted to $0.2 million (2012: $0.1 million) and are included within the provision for income taxes. Total accrued interest and penalties as of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 were $0.9 million and $1.1 million respectively and are included in the closing income tax liabilities at those dates.

Our major tax jurisdictions are the United States and Ireland. We may potentially be subjected to tax audits in both our major jurisdictions. In the United States tax periods open to audit include the years December 31, 2010, December 31, 2011, December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2013. In Ireland tax periods open to audit include the years ended December 31, 2008, December 31, 2009, December 31, 2010, December 31, 2011, December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2013. During such audits, local tax authorities may challenge the positions taken by us in tax returns.

Restructuring_and_Other_Items

Restructuring and Other Items	12 Months Ended
Restructuring and Other Items	Dec. 31, 2013
Restructuring and Other Items	'
	14. Restructuring and other items

	Restructuring and other items recognized during the year ended December 31, 2013 comprise:

		Year Ended
		December 31,			December 31,			December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
		(in thousands)
	Restructuring charges	$	9,033		$	4,525			9,817
	Other items		-			1,111			-

	Net charge	$	9,033		$	5,636		$	9,817

	Restructuring Charges

	Restructuring and other items of $9.0 million were recorded during the year ended December 31, 2013. During 2013 the Company conducted a review of its operations. This review resulted in the adoption of an initial restructuring plan, which included the closure of its Phase I facility in Omaha, Nebraska. This followed the expansion of the Company’s Phase I facility in San Antonio, Texas and the consolidation of the Company’s US Phase I capabilities in this location. The restructuring plan also included resource rationalizations in certain areas of the business to improve resource utilization. A further restructuring plan was also adopted during 2013 which resulted in resource rationalizations in order to improve operating efficiencies and reduce expenses. Details of the movement in this restructuring plan recognized are as follows:

		Workforce			Office
		Reductions			Consolidations			Total
		(in thousands)

	Q1 Plan - Initial provision recognized	$	3,903		$	509		$	4,412
	Q2 Plan - Initial provision recognized		4,228			393			4,621
	Total provision recognised		8,131			902			9,033
	Cash payments		(6,544	)		(199	)		(6,743	)
	Amounts released		(93	)		-			(93	)
	Foreign exchange movement		(3	)		-			(3	)
	Provision at December 31, 2013	$	1,491		$	703		$	2,194

	We expect to pay these amounts in 2014.

	Prior Period Restructuring Charges

	Restructuring charges of $4.5 million were recorded during year ended December 31, 2012 (inclusive of the release of $0.1 million relating to the 2011 Restructuring Plans) under a restructuring plan (“the 2012 restructuring plan”) adopted following a review by the Company of its operations. The 2012 restructuring plan included resource rationalizations in certain areas of the business and a re-organization of available office space at the Company’s Philadelphia facility. The restructuring plan recognized included $3.4 million in respect of resource rationalizations and $1.2 million in respect of lease termination and exit costs associated with the re-organization of available space at the Company’s Philadelphia facility.

	Details of the movement in the 2012 restructuring plan are as follows:

		Workforce			Office
		Reductions			Consolidations			Total
		(in thousands)
	Initial provision recognized	$	3,394		$	1,250		$	4,644
	Residual balance from prior period		-			130			130
	Cash payments		(3,030	)		(824	)		(3,854	)
	Foreign exchange movement		(4	)		-			(4	)
	Provision at December 31, 2012	$	360		$	556		$	916
	Cash payments		(197	)		(426	)		(623	)
	Amounts released		(57	)		-			(57	)
	Provision at December 31, 2013	$	106		$	130		$	236

	Other Items

	On September 30, 2011 Mr. Peter Gray, retired as Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) of the Company, in accordance with the provisions of his service agreement, which was terminable on twelve months notice by either party. On October 1, 2011 Mr. Gray was appointed Vice Chairman of the Board. On June 11, 2012 the Company entered into an agreement with Mr. Gray whereby Mr. Gray’s employment and directorship of ICON plc and other ICON group companies would terminate on July 19, 2012. Under the terms of this agreement Mr. Gray would be entitled to be paid €160,000 ($200,000) in lieu of the balance of his notice period and to receive a discretionary bonus of €194,000 ($243,000) in respect of 2012. In addition, under the agreement Mr. Gray’s unvested share options would vest on the date of termination of his employment. The Company has recognized a share-based compensation charge of $738,000 in respect of these options during the year ended December 31, 2012, $620,000 of which was recognized within restructuring and other non-recurring items during the three months ended June 30, 2012.

Provision_for_Doubtful_Debts

Provision for Doubtful Debts	12 Months Ended
Provision for Doubtful Debts	Dec. 31, 2013
Provision for Doubtful Debts	'
	15. Provision for Doubtful Debts

	The Company does business with most major international pharmaceutical companies. Provision for doubtful debts at December 31, 2013 comprises:

		December 31,			December 31,
		2013			2012
		(in thousands)
	Opening provision	$	5,047		$	5,526
	Amounts used during the year		(3,132	)		(756	)
	Amounts provided during the year		1,368			382
	Amounts released during the year		(135	)		(105	)
	Closing provision	$	3,148		$	5,047

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
Commitments and Contingencies	Dec. 31, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	16. Commitments and Contingencies

	Litigation

	The Company is not party to any litigation or other legal proceedings that the Company believes could reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, results of operations and financial condition.

	Operating Leases

	The Company has several non-cancelable operating leases, primarily for facilities, that expire over the next 10 years. These leases generally contain renewal options and require the Company to pay all executory costs such as maintenance and insurance. The Company recognized $54.9 million, $52.5 million and $52.2 million in rental expense, including rates, for the years ended December 31, 2013, December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 respectively. Future minimum rental commitments for operating leases with non-cancelable terms in excess of one year are as follows:

		Minimum rental payments
		(in thousands)
	2014	$	36,070
	2015		31,815
	2016		25,993
	2017		17,013
	2018		12,704
	Thereafter		40,224
	Total	$	163,819

Business_Segment_Information

Business Segment Information	12 Months Ended
Business Segment Information	Dec. 31, 2013
Business Segment Information	'
	17. Business Segment Information

	The Company is a contract research organization (“CRO”), providing outsourced development services on a global basis to the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device industries. It specializes in the strategic development, management and analysis of programs that support all stages of the clinical development process - from compound selection to Phase I-IV clinical studies. The Company has the expertise and capability to conduct clinical trials in most major therapeutic areas on a global basis and has the operational flexibility to provide development services on a stand-alone basis or as part of an integrated “full service” solution. The Company has expanded predominately through internal growth, together with a number of strategic acquisitions to enhance its expertise and capabilities in certain areas of the clinical development process. The Company also provides laboratory services through its central laboratory business, which includes the Company’s central laboratories located in Dublin, New York, India, Singapore and China.

	The Company determines and presents operating segments based on the information that is internally provided to the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, who together are considered the Company’s chief operating decision maker, in accordance with FASB ASC 280-10 Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprises and Related Information. Historically, the Group organized, operated and assessed its business in two segments, the clinical research segment and the central laboratory segment. In Q1 2013 the Group consolidated and reclassified the results of the former central laboratory segment into the clinical research segment as the central laboratory segment does not reach the thresholds of net revenue, income from operations and total assets as a requirement for being reported as a separate segment. Management determined that its clinical research and central laboratory businesses operate in the same clinical research market, have a similar customer profile, are subject to the same regulatory environment, support the development of new clinical therapies and are so economically similar, reporting their results on an aggregated basis would be more useful to users of the Company’s financial statements.

	The Company's areas of operation outside of Ireland include the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, The Netherlands, Sweden, Belgium, Turkey, Poland, Czech Republic, Lithuania, Latvia, Russia, Ukraine, Hungary, Israel, Romania, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, Argentina, Chile, Peru, India, China, South Korea, Japan, Thailand, Taiwan, Singapore, The Philippines, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.

	Segment information as at December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 and for the years ended December 31, 2013, December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 is as follows:

	a) The distribution of net revenue by geographical area was as follows:

				Year ended
				December			December			December
				2013			2012			2011
				(in thousands)
	Ireland		$	272,683		$	171,977		$	88,869
	Rest of Europe			333,543			338,537			348,492
	U.S.			582,250			471,700			393,957
	Other			147,582			132,792			114,411
	Total		$	1,336,058		$	1,115,006		$	945,729

	b) The distribution of income from operations, including restructuring and other items, by geographical area was as follows:

			Year ended
			December			December			December
			2013			2012			2011
			(in thousands)
	Ireland		$	81,811		$	9,659		$	(34,703	)
	Rest of Europe			2,831			29,240			32,175
	U.S.			29,472			21,036			24,874
	Other			7,053			8,082			7,097
	Total		$	121,167		$	68,017		$	29,443

	c) The distribution of income from operations, excluding restructuring and other items, by geographical area was as follows:

			Year ended
			December			December			December
			2013			2012			2011
			(in thousands)
	Ireland		$	82,867		$	11,733		$	(33,139	)
	Rest of Europe			6,269			29,786			35,175
	U.S.			33,564			23,687			30,127
	Other			7,500			8,447			7,097
	Total		$	130,200		$	73,653		$	39,260

	d) The distribution of property, plant and equipment, net, by geographical area was as follows:

			December 31,			December 31,
			2013			2012
			(in thousands)
	Ireland		$	103,868		$	110,369
	Rest of Europe			14,630			16,115
	U.S.			33,947			32,400
	Other			8,385			9,489
	Total		$	160,830		$	168,373

	e) The distribution of depreciation and amortization by geographical area was as follows:

			Year ended
			December			December			December
			2013			2012			2011
			(in thousands)
Ireland		$	19,826		$	17,885		$	15,192
Rest of Europe			6,595			7,211			7,057
U.S.			16,233			13,865			12,427
Other			3,860			3,862			4,006
Total		$	46,514		$	42,823		$	38,682

f) The distribution of total assets by geographical area was as follows:

		December 31,			December 31,
		2013			2012
		(in thousands)
Ireland		$	581,568		$	476,159
Rest of Europe			321,661			236,305
U.S.			486,232			437,756
Other			52,999			51,888
Total		$	1,442,460		$	1,202,108

g) The distribution of capital expenditures by geographical area was as follows:

		Year ended
		December			December			December
		2013			2012			2011
		(in thousands)
Ireland		$	3,976		$	12,406		$	16,987
Rest of Europe			1,887			2,506			4,795
U.S.			20,842			13,389			10,222
Other			2,783			4,725			4,001
Total		$	29,488		$	33,026		$	36,005

h) The following table sets forth the clients which represented 10% or more of the Company's net revenue in each of the periods set out below.

		Year ended
		December			December			December
		2013			2012			2011

Client A			26	%		18	%		*

Client B			10	%		12	%		13	%

* Net revenue did not exceed 10%.

i) The distribution of interest income by geographical area was as follows:

		Year ended
		December			December			December
		2013			2012			2011
		(in thousands)
Ireland		$	355		$	464		$	762
Rest of Europe			501			661			364
U.S.			-			3			18
Other			130			23			50
Total		$	986		$	1,151		$	1,194

j) The distribution of the tax charge by geographical area was as follows:

		Year ended
		December			December			December
		2013			2012			2011
		(in thousands)
Ireland		$	11,073		$	1,216		$	(3,475	)
Rest of Europe			(7	)		3,298			657
U.S.			5,072			3,669			4,656
Other			1,915			3,618			4,277
Total		$	18,053		$	11,801		$	6,115

Supplemental_Disclosure_of_Cas

Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information	12 Months Ended
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information	Dec. 31, 2013
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information	'
	18. Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information

		Year ended
		December		December		December
		2013		2012		2011
		(in thousands)

	Non-cash interest on acquisition consideration payable*	$	240	$	940	$	743
	Cash paid for interest	$	548	$	602	$	388
	Cash paid for income taxes	$	14,103	$	18,475	$	22,723
	* recorded within interest expense

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	12 Months Ended
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	Dec. 31, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	'
	19. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

		December 31,			December 31,
		2013			2012
		(in thousands)
	Currency translation adjustments	$	22,828		$	12,103
	Currency impact on long term funding		(19,977	)		(18,931	)
	Tax on currency impact on long term funding		1,097			1,184
	Actuarial loss on defined benefit pension plan (note 9)		(1,988	)		(3,371	)
	Unrealised capital gain(loss) – investments (note 3)		-			239
	Total	$	1,960		$	(8,776	)

Impact_of_New_Accounting_Prono

Impact of New Accounting Pronouncements	12 Months Ended
Impact of New Accounting Pronouncements	Dec. 31, 2013
Impact of New Accounting Pronouncements	'
	20. Impact of New Accounting Pronouncements

	In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-11, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists. ASU 2013-11 requires an entity to present an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward. To the extent a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward is not available at the reporting date under the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction to settle any additional income taxes that would result from the disallowance of a tax position or the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction does not require the entity to use, and the entity does not intend to use, the deferred tax asset for such purpose, the unrecognized tax benefit should be presented in the financial statements as a liability and should not be combined with deferred tax assets. The amendments in ASU 2013-11 are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013. The Company does not expect the adoption of ASU 2013-11 to have a material impact on the financial statements.

	In March 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-05, Foreign Currency Matters (Topic 830): Parent’s Accounting for the Cumulative Translation Adjustment upon Derecognition of Certain Subsidiaries or Groups of Assets within a Foreign Entity or of an Investment in a Foreign Entity. When a reporting entity (parent) ceases to have a controlling financial interest in a subsidiary or group of assets that is a nonprofit activity or a business (other than a sale of in substance real estate or conveyance of oil and gas mineral rights) within a foreign entity, the parent is required to apply the guidance in Subtopic 830-30 to release any related cumulative translation adjustment into net income. Accordingly, the cumulative translation adjustment should be released into net income only if the sale or transfer results in the complete or substantially complete liquidation of the foreign entity in which the subsidiary or group of assets had resided. For an equity method investment that is a foreign entity, a pro rata portion of the cumulative translation adjustment should be released into net income upon a partial sale of such an equity method investment. However, this treatment does not apply to an equity method investment that is not a foreign entity. In those instances, the cumulative translation adjustment is released into net income only if the partial sale represents a complete or substantially complete liquidation of the foreign entity that contains the equity method investment. The amendments in ASU 2013-05 are effective prospectively for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013. The Company does not expect the adoption of ASU 2013-05 to have a material impact on the financial statements.

	In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-02, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. ASU 2013-02 requires an entity to provide information about the amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component. In addition, an entity is required to present, either on the face of the statement where net income is presented or in the notes, significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other compehensive income by the respective line items of net income. ASU 2013-02 is effective prospectively for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2012. The adoption of ASU 2013-02 did not have a material impact on the financial statements.

	In December 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-11, Balance Sheet (Topic 210): Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities. ASU 2011-11 requires an entity to disclose information about offsetting and related arrangements to enable users of financial statements to understand the effect of those arrangements on its financial position, and to allow investors to better compare financial statements prepared under U.S. GAAP with financial statements prepared under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). ASU 2011-11 is effective retrospectively for fiscal years beginning after January 1, 2013. The adoption of ASU 2011-11 did not have a material impact on the financial statements.

Related_Parties

Related Parties	12 Months Ended
Related Parties	Dec. 31, 2013
Related Parties	'
	21. Related Parties

	On July 19, 2012, Mr. Peter Gray retired as a Director and employee of the Company. The Company subsequently entered into an agreement with Integritum Limited, a company controlled by Mr. Gray, for the provision of consultancy services for a period of two years from August 1, 2012, at an agreed fee of €265,000 ($350,000) per annum.

	On December 31, 2009, Dr. John Climax retired as Chairman of the Board of the Company. From January 2010 he has held the position as an outside director of the Company. The Company entered into an agreement with Rotrua Limited, a company controlled by Dr. Climax for the provision of consultancy services for a period of three years from January 1, 2010, at an agreed fee of €262,500 ($346,000) per annum. The consultancy agreement expired in December 2012.

Significant_Accounting_Policie1

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Basis of Consolidation

(a) Basis of consolidation

Use of Estimates

(b) Use of estimates

Revenue Recognition

Reimbursable Expenses

(d) Reimbursable expenses

Direct Costs

(e) Direct costs

Direct costs consist of compensation, associated employee benefits and share-based payments for project-related employees and other direct project-related costs.

Advertising Costs

(f) Advertising costs

Foreign Currencies and Translation of Subsidiaries

(g) Foreign currencies and translation of subsidiaries

Year ended

December 31,

(in thousands)

2013

2012

2011

Amounts (credited)/charged

(1,233

)

(1,231

)

391

Disclosure About Fair Value of Financial Instruments

(h) Disclosure about fair value of financial instruments

The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each material class of financial instrument:

Business Combinations

(i) Business combinations

Goodwill and Impairment

(j) Goodwill and Impairment

Intangible Assets

(k) Intangible assets

Intangible assets are amortized on a straight line basis over their estimated useful life.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

(l) Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash and highly liquid investments with initial maturities of three months or less and are stated at cost, which approximates market value.

Short Term Investments - Available for Sale

(m) Short term investments - available for sale

Inventory

(n) Inventory

Property, Plant and Equipment

(o) Property, plant and equipment

Years

Building

Office furniture and fixtures

Laboratory equipment

Motor vehicles

Computer equipment and software

8-Feb

Leasehold improvements are amortized using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the asset or the lease term, whichever is shorter.

Leased Assets

(p) Leased assets

Costs in respect of operating leases are charged to the statement of operations on a straight line basis over the lease term.

Income Taxes

(q) Income taxes

Government Grants

(r) Government grants

Research and Development Credits

(s) Research and development credits

Pension Costs

(t) Pension costs

Net Income per Ordinary Share

(u) Net income per ordinary share

Year Ended December 31,

2013

2012

2011

Weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding for basic net income per ordinary share

60,907,274

59,968,174

60,379,338

Effect of dilutive share options outstanding

1,345,977

482,532

691,348

Weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding for diluted net income per ordinary share

62,253,251

60,450,706

61,070,686

Share-Based Compensation

(v) Share-based compensation

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

(w) Impairment of long-lived assets

Reclassifications

(x) Reclassifications

Certain amounts in the consolidated financial statements have been reclassified where necessary to conform to the current year presentation.

Significant_Accounting_Policie2

Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2013
Adjustments Resulting From Foreign Currency Translations	'
	Amounts credited or charged to the statement of operations for the years ended December 31, 2013, December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 were as follows:

		Year ended
		December 31,
		(in thousands)
		2013			2012			2011

	Amounts (credited)/charged	$	(1,233	)	$	(1,231	)	$	391
Estimated Useful Lives of Assets	'
	Depreciation of property, plant and equipment is computed using the straight line method based on the estimated useful lives of the assets as listed below:

		Years
	Building	40
	Office furniture and fixtures	8
	Laboratory equipment	5
	Motor vehicles	5
	Computer equipment and software	8-Feb
Reconciliation of Number of Shares Used in Computation of Basic and Diluted Net Income Per Ordinary Share	'
	The reconciliation of the number of shares used in the computation of basic and diluted net income per ordinary share is as follows:

		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding for basic net income per ordinary share		60,907,274			59,968,174			60,379,338
	Effect of dilutive share options outstanding		1,345,977			482,532			691,348
	Weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding for diluted net income per ordinary share		62,253,251			60,450,706			61,070,686

Short_Term_Investments_Availab1

Short Term Investments - Available for Sale (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Short Term Investments - Available for Sale (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2013
Cost and Fair Value of Investments	'
		December 31,			December 31,
		2013			2012
		(in thousands)

	At start of year	$	76,183		$	54,940
	Additions		172,168			102,575
	Disposals		(109,795	)		(82,193	)
	Unrealized capital gain/(loss) - investments		(239	)		861

	At end of year	$	138,317		$	76,183

Goodwill_Tables

Goodwill (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Goodwill (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill	'
		December 31,			December 31,
		2013			2012
		(in thousands)
	Opening goodwill	$	315,441		$	253,393
	Current year acquisitions		36,922			55,759
	Prior year acquisitions		-			1,382
	Foreign exchange movement		5,160			4,907
	Closing goodwill	$	357,523		$	315,441
Clinical Trial Services	'
Schedule of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed	'
	The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed:

		15-Feb
		2013
		(in thousands)
	Property, plant and equipment	$	339
	Goodwill*		36,922
	Intangible asset – customer relationships		3,300
	Intangible asset – order backlog		600
	Cash and cash equivalents		1,039
	Accounts receivable		9,200
	Unbilled revenue		2,128
	Prepayments and other current assets		465
	Non-current assets		6
	Other liabilities		(2,285	)
	Non-current other liabilities		(16	)

	Net assets acquired	$	51,698

	Cash consideration	$	51,897
	Working capital adjustment		(199	)
	Net assets acquired	$	51,698

	* Goodwill represents the acquisition of an established workforce with experience in the clinical research industry, thereby allowing the Company to enhance its capabilities in global resourcing and FSP and also medical and safety services. Goodwill related to the US portion of the business acquired is tax deductible.
Proforma Effect in Net Revenue Net Income and Earnings Per Share	'
	The proforma effect of the clinical trial services division of Cross Country Healthcare, Inc acquisition if completed on January 1, 2012 would have resulted in net revenue, net income and earnings per share for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2013 as follows:

		Year Ended
		December 31,
		2013			2012
		(in thousands)
	Net revenue	$	1,343,996		$	1,182,734
	Net income	$	103,133		$	58,944
	Basic earnings per share	$	1.69		$	0.98
	Diluted earnings per share	$	1.66		$	0.98
PriceSpective LLC	'
Schedule of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed	'
	The following table summarizes the Company’s estimates of the fair values of assets acquired and the liabilities assumed:

		28-Feb
		2012
		(in thousands)
	Property, plant and equipment	$	256
	Goodwill*		42,247
	Intangible asset – customer relationships		10,237
	Intangible asset – order backlog		405
	Intangible asset – non-compete arrangements		392
	Cash and cash equivalents		2,311
	Accounts receivable		2,662
	Unbilled revenue		1,140
	Other current assets		236
	Current liabilities		(7,788	)
	Liability arising from contingent consideration arrangement		(15,000	)
	Net assets acquired	$	37,098


	Cash consideration	$	37,199
	Working capital adjustment		(101	)
	Contingent consideration		15,000
	Amount of total consideration		52,098
	Liabilities included in preliminary purchase price allocation re contingent consideration		(15,000	)
	Net assets acquired	$	37,098

	* Goodwill represents the acquisition of an established workforce with experience in strategic pricing, market access, HEOR, due diligence support and payer engagement services. Goodwill related to the US portion of the business acquired is tax deductible.
Proforma Effect in Net Revenue Net Income and Earnings Per Share	'
	The proforma effect of the PriceSpective acquisition if completed on January 1, 2011 would have resulted in net revenue, net income and earnings per share for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2012 as follows:

		Year Ended
		December 31,
		2012			2011
		(in thousands)
	Net revenue	$	1,118,410		$	964,388
	Net income	$	55,931		$	25,363
	Basic earnings per share	$	0.93		$	0.42
	Diluted earnings per share	$	0.93		$	0.42
BeijingWits Medical Limited	'
Schedule of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed	'
	The following table summarizes the Company’s estimates of the fair values of assets acquired and the liabilities assumed:

		15-Feb
		2012
		(in thousands)
	Property, plant and equipment	$	172
	Goodwill*		13,512
	Intangible asset – customer relationships		1,761
	Intangible asset – order backlog		376
	Intangible asset – non-compete arrangements		97
	Cash and cash equivalents		587
	Accounts receivable		657
	Unbilled revenue		176
	Other current assets		228
	Deferred tax liability		(559	)
	Current liabilities		(1,007	)
	Liability arising from contingent consideration arrangement		(7,000	)
	Net assets acquired	$	9,000

	Cash consideration	$	9,000
	Contingent consideration		7,000
	Amount of total consideration		16,000
	Liabilities included in preliminary purchase price allocation re contingent consideration		(7,000	)
	Net assets acquired	$	9,000

	* Goodwill represents the acquisition of an established workforce with experience in clinical trial execution and regulatory processes in China and is not tax deductible.
Proforma Effect in Net Revenue Net Income and Earnings Per Share	'
	The proforma effect of the BeijingWits acquisition if completed on January 1, 2011 would have resulted in net revenue, net income and earnings per share for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2012 as follows:

		Year Ended
		December 31,
		2012			2011
		(in thousands)
	Net revenue	$	1,115,355		$	989,942
	Net income	$	55,349		$	22,549
	Basic earnings per share	$	0.92		$	0.37
	Diluted earnings per share	$	0.92		$	0.37
Firecrest Clinical Limited	'
Schedule of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed	'
	The acquisition of Firecrest has been accounted for as a business combination in accordance with FASB ASC 805 Business Combinations. The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed:

		14-Jul
		2011
		(in thousands)
	Property, plant and equipment	$	687
	Goodwill*		48,073
	Intangible asset – technology asset		11,169
	Intangible asset – customer relationships		5,243
	Intangible asset – order backlog		1,172
	Intangible asset - trade name		1,357
	Cash and cash equivalents		1,965
	Other current assets		3,713
	Deferred tax liability		(2,367	)
	Other liabilities		(2,521	)
	Liability arising from contingent consideration arrangement		(44,028	)
	Net assets acquired	$	24,463

	Cash consideration	$	24,463
	Contingent consideration		44,028
	Amount of total consideration		68,491
	Liabilities included in preliminary purchase price allocation re contingent consideration		(44,028	)
	Net assets acquired	$	24,463

	* Goodwill represents the cost of an established workforce with experience in the development of site performance and study management systems and process related efficiencies expected to be generated from the use of the Firecrest site performance management system and is not tax deductible.
Proforma Effect in Net Revenue Net Income and Earnings Per Share	'
	The proforma effect of the Firecrest acquisition if completed on January 1, 2010 would have resulted in net revenue, net income and earnings per share for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2010 and December 31, 2011 as follows:

		Year Ended
		December 31,
		2011			2010
		(in thousands)
	Net revenue	$	952,729		$	906,311
	Net income	$	25,851		$	86,127
	Basic earnings per share	$	0.43		$	1.44
	Diluted earnings per share	$	0.42		$	1.42

Intangible_Assets_Tables

Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Intangible Assets (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2013
Intangible Assets	'
		December 31,			December 31,
		2013			2012
	Cost	(in thousands)
	Customer relationships acquired	$	36,900		$	33,951
	Technology asset acquired		11,169			11,169
	Order backlog		3,171			2,571
	Tradenames acquired		1,357			1,357
	Volunteer list acquired		1,325			1,325
	Non-compete arrangements		489			489
	Foreign exchange movement		(62	)		(1,001	)
	Total cost		54,349			49,861
	Accumulated amortization		(22,550	)		(15,363	)
	Foreign exchange movement		(445	)		(51	)

	Net book value	$	31,354		$	34,447
Future Intangible Asset Amortization Expense	'
	Future intangible asset amortization expense for the years ended December 31, 2014 to December 31, 2018 is as follows:

		Year ended
		31-Dec
		(in thousands)
	2014	$	7,099
	2015		6,867
	2016		5,297
	2017		4,283
	2018		3,693

		$	27,239

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_n1

Property, Plant and Equipment, net (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Property, Plant and Equipment, net (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2013
Property Plant and Equipment Net	'
		December 31,			December 31,
		2013			2012
		(in thousands)
	Cost
	Land	$	3,464		$	3,325
	Building		96,450			94,395
	Computer equipment and software		212,019			189,455
	Office furniture and fixtures		68,268			66,351
	Laboratory equipment		29,678			32,724
	Leasehold improvements		15,304			10,482
	Motor vehicles		56			69
			425,239			396,801
	Less accumulated depreciation and asset write off		(264,409	)		(228,428	)

	Property, plant and equipment (net)	$	160,830		$	168,373

Other_Liabilities_Tables

Other Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Other Liabilities (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2013
Other Liabilities	'

		December 31,		December 31,
		2013		2012
		(in thousands)

	Personnel related liabilities	$	138,639	$	90,902
	Facility related liabilities		16,205		15,393
	General overhead liabilities		31,034		22,776
	Other liabilities		3,019		5,010
	Short term government grants (note 11)		240		235
	Restructuring and other items (note 14)		2,430		926
	Acquisition consideration payable		3,245		45,850

		$	194,812	$	181,092

Other_NonCurrent_Liabilities_T

Other Non-Current Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Other Non-Current Liabilities (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2013
Other Noncurrent Liabilities	'
		December 31,		December 31,
		2013		2012
		(in thousands)

	Personnel related liabilities	$	4,278	$	6,920
	Defined benefit pension obligations, net (note 9)		3,536		4,720
	Other non-current liabilities		3,384		2,672

		$	11,198	$	14,312

Employee_Benefits_Tables

Employee Benefits (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Employee Benefits (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2013
Pension Costs of Plan	'
	The pension costs of this plan are presented in the following tables in accordance with the requirements of ASC 715-60, Defined Benefit Plans – Other Postretirement. The plan has been closed to new entrants with effect from July 1, 2003.

	Change in benefit obligation	December 31,			December 31,
	Change in benefit obligation	2013			2012
		(in thousands)
	Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	22,527		$	19,924
	Service cost		251			242
	Interest cost		1,005			964
	Plan participants’ contributions		75			101
	Benefits paid		(105	)		(237	)
	Actuarial loss		680			405
	Foreign currency exchange rate changes		525			1,128

	Benefit obligation at end of year	$	24,958		$	22,527

	Change in plan assets	December 31,			December 31,
	Change in plan assets	2013			2012
		(in thousands)
	Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	$	17,807		$	15,021
	Actual return on plan assets		2,916			1,810
	Employer contributions		224			239
	Plan participants’ contributions		75			101
	Benefits paid		(105	)		(237	)
	Foreign currency exchange rate changes		505			873

	Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$	21,422		$	17,807
Funded Status	'
	Funded status	December 31,			December 31,
	Funded status	2013			2012
		(in thousands)
	Projected benefit obligation	$	(24,958	)	$	(22,527	)
	Fair value of plan assets		21,422			17,807

	Funded status	$	(3,536	)	$	(4,720	)

	Non-current other liabilities	$	(3,536	)	$	(4,720	)
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost	'
	The following amounts were recorded in the consolidated statement of operations as components of the net periodic benefit cost:

		December 31,			December 31,			December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
		(in thousands)
	Service cost	$	251		$	242		$	212
	Interest cost		1,005			964			931
	Expected return on plan assets		(983	)		(895	)		(1,141	)
	Amortization of net loss		130			179			-

	Net periodic benefit cost	$	403		$	490		$	2
Amounts Recognized In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Which Have Not Yet Been Recognized as Components Of Net Periodic Benefit Cost	'
	Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income that have not yet been recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost are as follows:

		December 31,			December 31,			December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
		(in thousands)
	Net actuarial loss	$	1,988		$	3,371		$	4,060

	Total	$	1,988		$	3,371		$	4,060
Assumptions Used in Calculating Pension Benefit Obligations	'
	The following assumptions were used in determining the benefit obligation at December 31, 2013:

		December 31,			December 31,
		2013			2012
	Discount rate		4.7	%		4.6	%
	Rate of compensation increase		4	%		3.4	%
Expected Long Term Rates of Return on Different Asset Classes	'
	The expected long term rates of return on different asset classes are as follows:

	Asset Category	Expected long-term
	Asset Category	return per annum
	Equity		6.6	%
	Bonds		4.7	%
Underlying Asset Split of Fund	'
	The underlying asset split of the fund is shown below.

	Asset Category	December 31,			December 31,
	Asset Category	2013			2012
	Equity		70	%		90	%
	Bonds		30	%		10	%
			100	%		100	%
Annual Benefit Payments which Reflect Expected Future Service	'
	The following annual benefit payments, which reflect expected future service as appropriate, are expected to be paid.

		(in thousands)

	2013	$	108
	2014		108
	2015		108
	2016		108
	2017		108
	Years 2018 - 2022	$	538
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit	'
Assumptions Used in Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost	'
	The following assumptions were used at the commencement of the year in determining the net periodic pension benefit cost for the years ended December 31, 2011, December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2013:

		December 31,			December 31,			December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Discount rate		4.6	%		4.7	%		5.4	%
	Rate of compensation increase		3.4	%		3.5	%		4	%
	Expected rate of return on plan assets		5.7	%		5.8	%		7.1	%

	Accumulated other comprehensive income	December 31,			December 31,			December 31,
	Accumulated other comprehensive income	2013			2012			2011
		(in thousands)
	Actuarial loss - benefit obligation	$	680		$	405		$	2,621
	Actuarial (gain)/loss – plan assets		(1,933	)		(915	)		1,744
	Actuarial gain recognized in net periodic benefit cost		(130	)		(179	)		-

	Total	$	(1,383	)	$	(689	)	$	4,365
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1	'
Plan Asset Fair Value Measurements	'
	Plan Asset Fair Value Measurements

		Quoted Prices in Active
		Markets for Identical
		Assets
		Level 1
		(in thousands)

	Cash	$	58

	Fixed Income Securities
	Legal and General Active Corporate Bond – Over 10 Year		5,788

	Other Types of Investments
	Baillie Gifford Diversified Growth Fund		8,452
	Standard Life Global Absolute Return Strategies		7,124

		$	21,422

Equity_Incentive_Schemes_and_S1

Equity Incentive Schemes and Stock Compensation Charges (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Transactions for Company's Share Option Plans	'
	The following table summarizes the transactions for the Company’s share option plans for the years ended December 31, 2013, December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011:

			Options Granted				Number of				Weighted				Weighted Average Grant
			Under Plans				Shares				Average				Date Fair
											Exercise Price				Value
	Outstanding at December 31, 2010			4,798,677				4,798,677			$	21.71			$	8.47
	Granted			989,449				989,449			$	19.66			$	8.2
	Exercised			(430,340	)			(430,340	)		$	10.84			$	4.8
	Cancelled			(454,968	)			(454,968	)		$	25.77			$	9.87
	Outstanding at December 31, 2011			4,902,818				4,902,818			$	21.87			$	8.61
	Granted			842,273				842,273			$	22.01			$	9.59
	Exercised			(890,236	)			(890,236	)		$	14.62			$	6.16
	Cancelled			(504,224	)			(504,224	)		$	25.14			$	9.76
	Outstanding at December 31, 2012			4,350,631				4,350,631			$	23.01			$	9.17
	Granted			264,950				264,950			$	33.09			$	12.05
	Exercised			(1,249,759	)			(1,249,759	)		$	21.6			$	8.58
	Cancelled			(392,034	)			(392,034	)		$	25.27			$	10.02
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013			2,973,788				2,973,788			$	24.2			$	9.57

	Vested and exercisable at December 31, 2013			1,505,707				1,505,707			$	24.92			$	8.64
Non Vested Shares Outstanding	'
	Non vested shares outstanding as at December 31, 2013 are as follows:

			Options				Weighted Average				Weighted Average
			Outstanding				Exercise Price				Fair Value
			Number of Shares

	Non vested outstanding at December 31, 2012			2,094,533			$	22.43			$	9.17

	Granted			264,950				33.09				12.05
	Vested			(641,773	)			24.29				9.6
	Forfeited			(249,629	)			22.97				9.46

	Non vested outstanding at December 31, 2013			1,468,081			$	23.45			$	9.45
Information Concerning Outstanding and Exercisable Share Options	'
	The following table summarizes information concerning outstanding and exercisable share options as of December 31, 2013:

		Options Outstanding														Options Exercisable
		Range							Weighted			Weighted						Weighted
		Exercise				Number of			Average			Average				Number of		Average
		Price				Shares			Remaining			Exercise Price				Shares		Exercise Price
									Contractual Life
		$	11			24,140			0.09			$	11			24,140		$	11
		$	15.47			180			3.33			$	15.47			-		$	15.47
		$	15.84			50,000			3.33			$	15.84			40,000		$	15.84
		$	16.8			150,000			5.83			$	16.8			60,000		$	16.8
		$	17.17			30,000			5.85			$	17.17			12,000		$	17.17
		$	18			24,000			0.83			$	18			24,000		$	18
		$	18.98			6,600			2.87			$	18.98			6,600		$	18.98
		$	19.45			15,000			4.82			$	19.45			1,800		$	19.45
		$	20.16			2,000			4.87			$	20.16			1,200		$	20.16
		$	20.28			457,871			5.17			$	20.28			177,987		$	20.28
		$	20.59			162,000			6.14			$	20.59			20,400		$	20.59
		$	21.25			231,751			1.12			$	21.25			231,751		$	21.25
		$	22.1			400			3.56			$	22.1			-		$	22.1
		$	22.26			233,927			3.15			$	22.26			155,161		$	22.26
		$	22.3			475,333			6.32			$	22.3			82,326		$	22.3
		$	23.66			8,900			6.57			$	23.66			1,780		$	23.66
		$	24.25			100,000			4.18			$	24.25			100,000		$	24.25
		$	24.46			343,677			4.17			$	24.46			172,209		$	24.46
		$	26.2			2,400			4.38			$	26.2			1,440		$	26.2
		$	26.71			7,650			6.7			$	26.71			4,090		$	26.71
		$	29.45			3,000			4.32			$	29.45			1,800		$	29.45
		$	31.49			12,450			7.16			$	31.49			-		$	31.49
		$	32.37			200,203			7.33			$	32.37			2,500		$	32.37
		$	35.33			377,523			2.15			$	35.33			377,523		$	35.33
		$	36.05			6,000			2.4			$	36.05			6,000		$	36.05
		$	36.22			37,483			7.46			$	36.22			-		$	36.22
		$	37.9			10,300			7.93			$	37.9			-		$	37.9
		$	41.25			1,000			2.67			$	41.25			1,000		$	41.25

		$	11.00 - $41.25			2,973,788			4.52			$	24.2			1,505,707		$	24.92
Weighted Average Fair Values and Assumptions Used	'
	The weighted average fair values and assumptions were as follows:

			Year Ended
			December 31,				December 31,				December 31,
			2013				2012				2011

	Weighted average fair value		$	12.05			$	9.59			$	8.2

	Assumptions:
	Expected volatility			40	%			50	%			45	%
	Dividend yield			0	%			0	%			0	%
	Risk-free interest rate			0.76	%			0.83	%			1.4	%
	Expected life		5.0 years				5.0 years				5.0 years
RSU and PSU Activity	'
	The Company has awarded RSU’s and PSU’s to certain key individuals of the Group. The following table summarizes RSU and PSU activity for the year ended December 31, 2013:

			PSU				PSU			PSU		RSU				RSU		RSU
			Outstanding				Weighted			Weighted		Outstanding				Weighted		Weighted
			Number of				Average			Average		Number of				Average		Average
			Shares				Fair			Remaining		Shares				Fair Value		Remaining
							Value			Contractual								Contractual
										Life								Life

	Outstanding at December 31, 2012			-				-					496,000			$	20.26

	Granted			359,570			$	33.09					409,492			$	34.62
	Shares vested			-				-					(50,000	)		$	22.3
	Forfeited			(6,326	)		$	36.22					(9,033	)		$	25.53

	Outstanding at December 31, 2013			353,244			$	33.04		2.35			846,459			$	27.05	1.77
Schedule of Non-cash Stock Compensation Expense	'
	Non-cash stock compensation expense for the year ended December 31, 2013 has been allocated as follows:

			Year ended
			December 31,				December 31,				December 31,
			2013				2012				2011
			(in thousands)
	Direct costs		$	7,835			$	6,007			$	5,155
	Selling, general and administrative		$	6,385			$	4,894			$	4,200
	Restructuring and other non-recurring items (note 14)			-			$	620				-

	Total compensation costs		$	14,220			$	11,521			$	9,355

Government_Grants_Tables

Government Grants (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Government Grants (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2013
Government Grant	'
		December 31,			December 31,
		2013			2012
		(in thousands)
	Received	$	3,698		$	3,473
	Less accumulated amortization		(2,497	)		(2,148	)
	Foreign exchange translation adjustment		398			337
			1,599			1,662
	Less current portion		(240	)		(235	)
		$	1,359		$	1,427

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2013
Components of Income Before Provision for Income Tax Expense	'
	The components of income before provision for income tax expense are as follows:

			Year ended
			December				December			December
			2013				2012			2011
			(in thousands)
	Ireland		$	80,914			$	12,157		$	(33,732	)
	United States			16,218				11,371			13,317
	Other			23,733				43,693			49,410

	Income before provision for income taxes		$	120,865			$	67,221		$	28,995
Components of Total Income Tax Expense	'
	The components of total income tax expense are as follows:

			Year ended
			December				December			December
			2013				2012			2011
			(in thousands)
	Provision for income taxes:
	Current:
	Ireland		$	9,158			$	1,684		$	351
	United States			14,492				12,290			6,367
	Other			4,876				8,257			5,518

	Total current tax			28,526				22,231			12,236

	Deferred expense/(benefit):
	Ireland			1,914				(287	)		(3,825	)
	United States			(9,420	)			(9,715	)		(1,711	)
	Other			(2,967	)			(428	)		(585	)

	Total deferred tax expense/(benefit)			(10,473	)			(10,430	)		(6,121	)

	Provision for income taxes			18,053				11,801			6,115

	Impact on shareholders equity and other comprehensive income of the tax consequence of :
	Excess tax benefit on stock compensation			(1,651	)			(1,274	)		(681	)
	Currency impact on long term funding			87				356			(294	)

	Total		$	16,489			$	10,883		$	5,140
Reconciliation of Consolidated Effective Tax Rate and Statutory Rate	'
	The Company’s consolidated effective tax rate differed from the statutory rate as set forth below;

			Year ended
			December				December			December
			2013				2012			2011
			(in thousands)
	Taxes at Irish statutory rate of 12.5% (2011:12.5%; 2012: 12.5%)		$	15,108			$	8,401		$	3,625
	Foreign and other income taxed at higher/(reduced) rates			4,229				7,873			5,373
	Research & development tax incentives			(2,598	)			(4,954	)		(6,341	)
	Movement in valuation allowance			2,389				1,557			4,362
	Prior year over provision in respect of foreign taxes			(47	)			(678	)		(83	)
	Effects of permanent items			(1,002	)			(26	)		(615	)
	Other			(26	)			(372	)		(206	)

			$	18,053			$	11,801		$	6,115
Tax Effects of Temporary Differences that Give Rise to Significant Portions of Deferred Tax Assets and Deferred Tax Liabilities	'
	The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are presented below:

			Year ended
			December				December			December
			2013				2012			2011
			(in thousands)
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Property, plant and equipment		$	6,501			$	6,631		$	7,331
	Goodwill			14,013				11,467			9,443
	Other intangible assets			970				2,707			3,525
	Accruals			51				77			1,185
	Other			4				88			97
	Unrealised FX			1,056				1,160			-

	Total deferred tax liabilities recognized			22,595				22,130			21,581

	Deferred tax assets:
	Net operating loss carry forwards			27,646				25,116			21,981
	Property, plant and equipment			2,739				2,345			1,324
	Accrued expenses and payments on account			29,429				19,382			11,652
	Stock compensation			6,291				5,586			4,818
	Deferred compensation expense			1,187				1,136			1,197
	Other			-				-			214
	Unrealised FX			92				98			-
	Total deferred tax assets			67,384				53,663			41,186
	Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets			(21,591	)			(18,817	)		(16,445	)

	Deferred tax assets recognized		$	45,793			$	34,846		$	24,741

	Net deferred tax asset		$	23,198			$	12,716		$	3,160
Expected Expiry Dates of NOL's	'
	The expected expiry dates of these losses are as follows:

		Federal				State
		NOL’s				NOL’s
		(in thousands)

	2014- 2020	$	678			$	678
	2021- 2025		-				8,572
	2026- 2032		7,644				6,648

		$	8,322			$	15,898
Reconciliation of Beginning and Ending Amount of Total Unrecognized Tax Benefits	'
	A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of total unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:

			December 31,				December 31,			December 31,
			2013				2012			2011
			(in thousands)
	Gross amount of unrecognized tax benefits at start of year		$	7,189			$	6,543		$	8,566

	Increase related to prior year tax positions			-				1,167			304
	Decrease related to prior year tax positions			(494	)			-			(36	)
	Increase related to current year tax positions			2,269				1,473			482
	Settlements			(899	)			(98	)		-
	Lapse of statute of limitations			(2,285	)			(1,896	)		(2,773	)

	Gross amount of unrecognized tax benefits at end of year		$	5,780			$	7,189		$	6,543

Restructuring_and_Other_Items_

Restructuring and Other Items (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Restructuring and Other Items (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2013
Recognized Restructuring and Other Items, Net	'
	Restructuring and other items recognized during the year ended December 31, 2013 comprise:

		Year Ended
		December 31,			December 31,			December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
		(in thousands)
	Restructuring charges	$	9,033		$	4,525			9,817
	Other items		-			1,111			-

	Net charge	$	9,033		$	5,636		$	9,817
Details of Movement in Restructuring Provisions Recognized	'
	Details of the movement in this restructuring plan recognized are as follows:

		Workforce			Office
		Reductions			Consolidations			Total
		(in thousands)

	Q1 Plan - Initial provision recognized	$	3,903		$	509		$	4,412
	Q2 Plan - Initial provision recognized		4,228			393			4,621
	Total provision recognised		8,131			902			9,033
	Cash payments		(6,544	)		(199	)		(6,743	)
	Amounts released		(93	)		-			(93	)
	Foreign exchange movement		(3	)		-			(3	)
	Provision at December 31, 2013	$	1,491		$	703		$	2,194
Prior Period Restructuring Charges	'
	Details of the movement in the 2012 restructuring plan are as follows:

		Workforce			Office
		Reductions			Consolidations			Total
		(in thousands)
	Initial provision recognized	$	3,394		$	1,250		$	4,644
	Residual balance from prior period		-			130			130
	Cash payments		(3,030	)		(824	)		(3,854	)
	Foreign exchange movement		(4	)		-			(4	)
	Provision at December 31, 2012	$	360		$	556		$	916
	Cash payments		(197	)		(426	)		(623	)
	Amounts released		(57	)		-			(57	)
	Provision at December 31, 2013	$	106		$	130		$	236

Provision_for_Doubtful_Debts_T

Provision for Doubtful Debts (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Provision for Doubtful Debts (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2013
Provision for Doubtful Debts	'
	The Company does business with most major international pharmaceutical companies. Provision for doubtful debts at December 31, 2013 comprises:

		December 31,			December 31,
		2013			2012
		(in thousands)
	Opening provision	$	5,047		$	5,526
	Amounts used during the year		(3,132	)		(756	)
	Amounts provided during the year		1,368			382
	Amounts released during the year		(135	)		(105	)
	Closing provision	$	3,148		$	5,047

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2013
Future Minimum Rental Commitments for Operating Leases with Non-cancelable Terms	'
	Future minimum rental commitments for operating leases with non-cancelable terms in excess of one year are as follows:

		Minimum rental payments
		(in thousands)
	2014	$	36,070
	2015		31,815
	2016		25,993
	2017		17,013
	2018		12,704
	Thereafter		40,224
	Total	$	163,819

Business_Segment_Information_T

Business Segment Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Business Segment Information (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2013
Distribution of Net Revenue by Geographical Area	'
	a) The distribution of net revenue by geographical area was as follows:

			Year ended
			December			December			December
			2013			2012			2011
			(in thousands)
	Ireland	$	272,683		$	171,977		$	88,869
	Rest of Europe		333,543			338,537			348,492
	U.S.		582,250			471,700			393,957
	Other		147,582			132,792			114,411
	Total	$	1,336,058		$	1,115,006		$	945,729
Distribution of Income from Operations, Including Restructuring and Other Items, by Geographical Area	'
	b) The distribution of income from operations, including restructuring and other items, by geographical area was as follows:

		Year ended
		December			December			December
		2013			2012			2011
		(in thousands)
	Ireland	$	81,811		$	9,659		$	(34,703	)
	Rest of Europe		2,831			29,240			32,175
	U.S.		29,472			21,036			24,874
	Other		7,053			8,082			7,097
	Total	$	121,167		$	68,017		$	29,443



		Year ended
		December			December			December
		2013			2012			2011
		(in thousands)
	Ireland	$	82,867		$	11,733		$	(33,139	)
	Rest of Europe		6,269			29,786			35,175
	U.S.		33,564			23,687			30,127
	Other		7,500			8,447			7,097
	Total	$	130,200		$	73,653		$	39,260
Distribution of Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, by Geographical Area	'
	d) The distribution of property, plant and equipment, net, by geographical area was as follows:

		December 31,			December 31,
		2013			2012
		(in thousands)
	Ireland	$	103,868		$	110,369
	Rest of Europe		14,630			16,115
	U.S.		33,947			32,400
	Other		8,385			9,489
	Total	$	160,830		$	168,373
Distribution of Depreciation and Amortization by Geographical Area	'
	e) The distribution of depreciation and amortization by geographical area was as follows:

		Year ended
		December			December			December
		2013			2012			2011
		(in thousands)
	Ireland	$	19,826		$	17,885		$	15,192
	Rest of Europe		6,595			7,211			7,057
	U.S.		16,233			13,865			12,427
	Other		3,860			3,862			4,006
	Total	$	46,514		$	42,823		$	38,682
Distribution of Total Assets by Geographical Area	'
	f) The distribution of total assets by geographical area was as follows:

		December 31,			December 31,
		2013			2012
		(in thousands)
	Ireland	$	581,568		$	476,159
	Rest of Europe		321,661			236,305
	U.S.		486,232			437,756
	Other		52,999			51,888
	Total	$	1,442,460		$	1,202,108
Distribution of Capital Expenditures by Geographical Area	'
	g) The distribution of capital expenditures by geographical area was as follows:

		Year ended
		December			December			December
		2013			2012			2011
		(in thousands)
	Ireland	$	3,976		$	12,406		$	16,987
	Rest of Europe		1,887			2,506			4,795
	U.S.		20,842			13,389			10,222
	Other		2,783			4,725			4,001
	Total	$	29,488		$	33,026		$	36,005
Clients Representing Company's Net Revenue	'
	h) The following table sets forth the clients which represented 10% or more of the Company's net revenue in each of the periods set out below.

		Year ended
		December			December			December
		2013			2012			2011

	Client A		26	%		18	%		*

	Client B		10	%		12	%		13	%

	* Net revenue did not exceed 10%.
Distribution of Interest Income by Business Segment	'
	i) The distribution of interest income by geographical area was as follows:

		Year ended
		December			December			December
		2013			2012			2011
		(in thousands)
	Ireland	$	355		$	464		$	762
	Rest of Europe		501			661			364
	U.S.		-			3			18
	Other		130			23			50
	Total	$	986		$	1,151		$	1,194
Distribution of Tax Charge by Geographical Area	'
	j) The distribution of the tax charge by geographical area was as follows:

		Year ended
		December			December			December
		2013			2012			2011
		(in thousands)
	Ireland	$	11,073		$	1,216		$	(3,475	)
	Rest of Europe		(7	)		3,298			657
	U.S.		5,072			3,669			4,656
	Other		1,915			3,618			4,277
	Total	$	18,053		$	11,801		$	6,115

Supplemental_Disclosure_of_Cas1

Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2013
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information	'
		Year ended
		December		December		December
		2013		2012		2011
		(in thousands)

	Non-cash interest on acquisition consideration payable*	$	240	$	940	$	743
	Cash paid for interest	$	548	$	602	$	388
	Cash paid for income taxes	$	14,103	$	18,475	$	22,723
	* recorded within interest expense

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	'
		December 31,			December 31,
		2013			2012
		(in thousands)
	Currency translation adjustments	$	22,828		$	12,103
	Currency impact on long term funding		(19,977	)		(18,931	)
	Tax on currency impact on long term funding		1,097			1,184
	Actuarial loss on defined benefit pension plan (note 9)		(1,988	)		(3,371	)
	Unrealised capital gain(loss) – investments (note 3)		-			239
	Total	$	1,960		$	(8,776	)

Description_of_Business_Additi

Description of Business - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
	Location
	Country
	Employee
Product Information [Line Items]	'
Number of employees	10,300
Number of locations in which company operates	77
Number of countries in which company operates	38
United States	'
Product Information [Line Items]	'
Percentage of company revenue	43.60%
Europe	'
Product Information [Line Items]	'
Percentage of company revenue	45.40%
Rest of World	'
Product Information [Line Items]	'
Percentage of company revenue	11.00%

Significant_Accounting_Policie3

Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Advertising and promotion expense	$5,195,120	$3,679,000	$2,905,000
Impairment charge	0	0	0
Carrying value of inventory	$2,200,000	$3,000,000	'

Adjustments_Resulting_from_For

Adjustments Resulting from Foreign Currency Translations (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Intercompany Foreign Currency Balance [Line Items]	'	'	'
Amounts (credited)/charged	($1,233)	($1,231)	$391

Estimated_Useful_Lives_of_Asse

Estimated Useful Lives of Assets (Detail)	12 Months Ended
Estimated Useful Lives of Assets (Detail)	Dec. 31, 2013
Building	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Estimated useful lives	'40 years
Office furniture and fixtures	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Estimated useful lives	'8 years
Laboratory equipment	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Estimated useful lives	'5 years
Motor vehicles	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Estimated useful lives	'5 years
Computer equipment and software \| Minimum	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Estimated useful lives	'2 years
Computer equipment and software \| Maximum	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Estimated useful lives	'8 years

Reconciliation_of_Number_of_Sh

Reconciliation of Number of Shares Used in Computation of Basic and Diluted Net Income Per Ordinary Share (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Schedule of Weighted Average Number of Diluted Shares Outstanding [Line Items]	'	'	'
Weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding for basic net income per ordinary share	60,907,274	59,968,174	60,379,338
Effect of dilutive share options outstanding	1,345,977	482,532	691,348
Weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding for diluted net income per ordinary share	62,253,251	60,450,706	61,070,686

Cost_and_Fair_Value_of_Investm

Cost and Fair Value of Investments (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
At start of year	$76,183	$54,940
Additions	172,168	102,575
Disposals	-109,795	-82,193
Unrealized capital gain/(loss) - investments	-239	861
At end of year	$138,317	$76,183

Short_Term_Investments_Availab2

Short Term Investments - Available for Sale - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Short term investments average maturity period	'1.6 years	'1.7 years

Goodwill_Detail

Goodwill (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'
Opening goodwill	$315,441	$253,393
Current year acquisitions	36,922	55,759
Prior year acquisitions	'	1,382
Foreign exchange movement	5,160	4,907
Closing goodwill	$357,523	$315,441

Goodwill_Additional_Informatio

Goodwill - Additional Information (Detail)

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

29-May-13

Aug. 13, 2012

Feb. 28, 2012

Jun. 13, 2013

Feb. 15, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Feb. 15, 2012

Jul. 31, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Jul. 14, 2011

Sep. 30, 2013

Jul. 14, 2011

Feb. 15, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Oct. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

USD ($)

PriceSpective LLC

BeijingWits Medical Limited

Firecrest Clinical Limited

Clinical Trial Services

USD ($)

Initial

Maximum

USD ($)

Maximum

Minimum

USD ($)

EUR (€)

USD ($)

EUR (€)

USD ($)

EUR (€)

USD ($)

EUR (€)

Maximum

USD ($)

Maximum

USD ($)

Employee

USD ($)

EUR (€)

USD ($)

Goodwill [Line Items]

Cash consideration

$93,553,000

$72,508,000

$69,836,000

$37,199,000

$37,100,000

$9,000,000

$24,463,000

€ 17,000,000

$51,897,000

Additional consideration

3,245,000

45,850,000

15,000,000

7,000,000

3,200,000

7,000,000

44,028,000

31,300,000

13,200,000

10,000,000

46,800,000

33,000,000

3,750,000

Reduction in additional consideration

3,750,000

Working capital adjustment

101,000

500,000

400,000

-199,000

199,000

Percentage of common stock acquired

100.00%

Further consideration paid in relation to certain performance milestones achieved

$10,000,000

$5,000,000

$3,800,000

$12,500,000

€ 10,000,000

$4,000,000

€ 3,000,000

Addition of new employees

100

Summary_of_Estimates_of_Fair_V

Summary of Estimates of Fair Values of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed of Clinical Trial Services Division of Cross Country Healthcare, Inc. (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			1 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Feb. 15, 2013		Oct. 30, 2013	Feb. 15, 2013	Feb. 15, 2013
				Clinical Trial Services		Clinical Trial Services	Clinical Trial Services	Clinical Trial Services
							Customer relationships acquired	Order Backlog
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'	'		'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment	'	'	'	$339		'	'	'
Goodwill	357,523	315,441	253,393	36,922	[1]	'	'	'
Intangible asset	'	'	'	'		'	3,300	600
Cash and cash equivalents	'	'	'	1,039		'	'	'
Accounts receivable	'	'	'	9,200		'	'	'
Unbilled revenue	'	'	'	2,128		'	'	'
Prepayments and other current assets	'	'	'	465		'	'	'
Non-current assets	'	'	'	6		'	'	'
Other liabilities	'	'	'	-2,285		'	'	'
Non-current other liabilities	'	'	'	-16		'	'	'
Net assets acquired	'	'	'	51,698		'	'	'
Cash consideration	93,553	72,508	69,836	51,897		'	'	'
Working capital adjustment	'	'	'	-199		199	'	'
Net assets acquired	'	'	'	$51,698		'	'	'

[1]	Goodwill represents the acquisition of an established workforce with experience in the clinical research industry, thereby allowing the Company to enhance its capabilities in global resourcing and FSP and also medical and safety services. Goodwill related to the US portion of the business acquired is tax deductible.

Proforma_Effect_in_Net_Revenue

Proforma Effect in Net Revenue, Net Income and Earnings Per Share (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
	Clinical Trial Services	Clinical Trial Services	PriceSpective LLC	PriceSpective LLC	BeijingWits Medical Limited	BeijingWits Medical Limited	Firecrest Clinical Limited	Firecrest Clinical Limited
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net revenue	$1,343,996	$1,182,734	$1,118,410	$964,388	$1,115,355	$989,942	$952,729	$906,311
Net income	$103,133	$58,944	$55,931	$25,363	$55,349	$22,549	$25,851	$86,127
Basic earnings per share	$1.69	$0.98	$0.93	$0.42	$0.92	$0.37	$0.43	$1.44
Diluted earnings per share	$1.66	$0.98	$0.93	$0.42	$0.92	$0.37	$0.42	$1.42

Summary_of_Estimates_of_Fair_V1

Summary of Estimates of Fair Values of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed of PriceSpective LLC (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			1 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Feb. 28, 2012		Feb. 28, 2012	Feb. 28, 2012	Feb. 28, 2012
				PriceSpective LLC		PriceSpective LLC	PriceSpective LLC	PriceSpective LLC
						Customer relationships acquired	Order Backlog	Non-compete Agreements
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'	'		'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment	'	'	'	$256		'	'	'
Goodwill	357,523	315,441	253,393	42,247	[1]	'	'	'
Intangible asset	'	'	'	'		10,237	405	392
Cash and cash equivalents	'	'	'	2,311		'	'	'
Accounts receivable	'	'	'	2,662		'	'	'
Unbilled revenue	'	'	'	1,140		'	'	'
Other current assets	'	'	'	236		'	'	'
Current liabilities	'	'	'	-7,788		'	'	'
Liability arising from contingent consideration arrangement	'	'	'	-15,000		'	'	'
Net assets acquired	'	'	'	37,098		'	'	'
Cash consideration	93,553	72,508	69,836	37,199		'	'	'
Working capital adjustment	'	'	'	-101		'	'	'
Contingent consideration	3,245	45,850	'	15,000		'	'	'
Amount of total consideration	'	'	'	52,098		'	'	'
Contingent consideration	'	'	'	-15,000		'	'	'
Net assets acquired	'	'	'	$37,098		'	'	'

[1]	Goodwill represents the acquisition of an established workforce with experience in strategic pricing, market access, HEOR, due diligence support and payer engagement services. Goodwill related to the US portion of the business acquired is tax deductible.

Summary_of_Estimates_of_Fair_V2

Summary of Estimates of Fair Values of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed of BeijingWits Medical Limited (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			1 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Feb. 15, 2012		Dec. 31, 2013	Feb. 15, 2012	Feb. 15, 2012	Feb. 15, 2012
				BeijingWits Medical Limited		BeijingWits Medical Limited	BeijingWits Medical Limited	BeijingWits Medical Limited	BeijingWits Medical Limited
							Customer relationships acquired	Order Backlog	Non-compete Agreements
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'	'		'	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment	'	'	'	$172		'	'	'	'
Goodwill	357,523	315,441	253,393	13,512	[1]	'	'	'	'
Intangible asset	'	'	'	'		'	1,761	376	97
Cash and cash equivalents	'	'	'	587		'	'	'	'
Accounts receivable	'	'	'	657		'	'	'	'
Unbilled revenue	'	'	'	176		'	'	'	'
Other current assets	'	'	'	228		'	'	'	'
Deferred tax liability	'	'	'	-559		'	'	'	'
Current liabilities	'	'	'	-1,007		'	'	'	'
Liability arising from contingent consideration arrangement	'	'	'	-7,000		'	'	'	'
Net assets acquired	'	'	'	9,000		'	'	'	'
Cash consideration	93,553	72,508	69,836	9,000		'	'	'	'
Contingent consideration	3,245	45,850	'	7,000		3,200	'	'	'
Amount of total consideration	'	'	'	16,000		'	'	'	'
Contingent consideration	'	'	'	-7,000		'	'	'	'
Net assets acquired	'	'	'	$9,000		'	'	'	'

[1]	Goodwill represents the acquisition of an established workforce with experience in clinical trial execution and regulatory processes in China and is not tax deductible.

Summary_of_Estimates_of_Fair_V3

Summary of Estimates of Fair Values of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed of Firecrest Clinical Limited (Detail)

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Jul. 14, 2011

Sep. 30, 2013

Jul. 14, 2011

USD ($)

Firecrest Clinical Limited

USD ($)

EUR (€)

USD ($)

EUR (€)

Technology Assets

Customer relationships acquired

Order Backlog

Trade Names

USD ($)

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Property, plant and equipment

$687

Goodwill

357,523

315,441

253,393

48,073

[1]

Intangible asset

11,169

5,243

1,172

1,357

Cash and cash equivalents

1,965

Other current assets

3,713

Deferred tax liability

-2,367

Other liabilities

-2,521

Liability arising from contingent consideration arrangement

-44,028

Net assets acquired

24,463

Cash consideration

93,553

72,508

69,836

24,463

17,000

Contingent consideration

3,245

45,850

44,028

31,300

13,200

10,000

Amount of total consideration

68,491

Contingent consideration

-44,028

Net assets acquired

$24,463

[1]

Goodwill represents the cost of an established workforce with experience in the development of site performance and study management systems and process related efficiencies expected to be generated from the use of the Firecrest site performance management system and is not tax deductible.

Intangible_Assets_Detail

Intangible Assets (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Cost	'	'
Foreign exchange movement	($62)	($1,001)
Intangible assets gross	54,349	49,861
Accumulated amortization	-22,550	-15,363
Foreign exchange movement	-445	-51
Net book value	31,354	34,447
Customer relationships acquired	'	'
Cost	'	'
Intangible assets gross	36,900	33,951
Technology Assets	'	'
Cost	'	'
Intangible assets gross	11,169	11,169
Order Backlog	'	'
Cost	'	'
Intangible assets gross	3,171	2,571
Trade Names	'	'
Cost	'	'
Intangible assets gross	1,357	1,357
Volunteer list acquired	'	'
Cost	'	'
Intangible assets gross	1,325	1,325
Non-compete Agreements	'	'
Cost	'	'
Intangible assets gross	$489	$489

Intangible_Assets_Additional_I

Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

10 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

35 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

36 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

43 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

62 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

71 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

10 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

10 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Feb. 15, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Jul. 14, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Jan. 14, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

17-May-10

Dec. 31, 2013

Nov. 14, 2008

Dec. 31, 2013

Feb. 11, 2008

Dec. 31, 2012

Feb. 28, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Feb. 15, 2013

BeijingWits Medical Limited

Firecrest Clinical Limited

Oxford Outcomes Limited

Timaq Medical Imaging

Prevalere Life Sciences

Healthcare Discoveries Inc

PriceSpective LLC

Clinical Trial Services

Customer relationships acquired

Order Backlog

Non-compete Agreements

Customer relationships acquired

Order Backlog

Technology Assets

Trade Names

Customer relationships acquired

Order Backlog

Customer relationships acquired

Volunteer list acquired

Minimum

Maximum

Customer relationships acquired

Volunteer list acquired

Minimum

Maximum

Customer relationships acquired

Order Backlog

Non-compete Agreements

Customer relationships acquired

Order Backlog

Volunteer list acquired

Customer relationships acquired

Volunteer list acquired

Customer relationships acquired

Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]

Value of amortizable intangible asset acquired

$1,800,000

$400,000

$10,000

$5,200,000

$1,200,000

$11,200,000

$1,400,000

$6,600,000

$600,000

$800,000

$7,400,000

$1,600,000

$1,300,000

$10,200,000

$400,000

$3,300,000

$600,000

Amortization period

'10 years

'4 years

'5 years

'7 years 6 months

'1 year 2 months 12 days

'7 years 6 months

'4 years 6 months

'6 years 6 months

'2 years

'3 years

'7 years

'11 years

'2 years

'6 years

'9 years

'10 years

'9 months 18 days

'3 years

'1 year

Amount amortized in the period since the date of acquisition

$7,539,000

$7,613,000

$4,652,000

$549,000

$6,807,000

$3,706,000

$770,000

$4,162,000

$2,547,000

$2,521,000

$1,488,000

Future_Intangible_Asset_Amorti

Future Intangible Asset Amortization Expense (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]	'
2014	$7,099
2015	6,867
2016	5,297
2017	4,283
2018	3,693
Finite Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Net, Total	$27,239

Recovered_Sheet1

Property, Plant and Equipment, Net (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Cost	'	'
Land	$3,464	$3,325
Building	96,450	94,395
Computer equipment and software	212,019	189,455
Office furniture and fixtures	68,268	66,351
Laboratory equipment	29,678	32,724
Leasehold improvements	15,304	10,482
Motor vehicles	56	69
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross, Total	425,239	396,801
Less accumulated depreciation and asset write off	-264,409	-228,428
Property, plant and equipment (net)	$160,830	$168,373

Other_Liabilities_Detail

Other Liabilities (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Other Liabilities [Line Items]	'	'
Personnel related liabilities	$138,639	$90,902
Facility related liabilities	16,205	15,393
General overhead liabilities	31,034	22,776
Other liabilities	3,019	5,010
Short term government grants (note 11)	240	235
Restructuring and other items (note 14)	2,430	926
Acquisition consideration payable	3,245	45,850
Other Liabilities	$194,812	$181,092

Other_NonCurrent_Liabilities_D

Other Non-Current Liabilities (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Schedule of Accrued Liabilities [Line Items]	'	'
Defined benefit pension obligations, net (note 9)	$3,536	$4,720
Other non-current liabilities	3,384	2,672
Other liabilities, noncurrent	11,198	14,312
Personnel Related	'	'
Schedule of Accrued Liabilities [Line Items]	'	'
Other liabilities, noncurrent	$4,278	$6,920

Employee_Benefits_Additional_I

Employee Benefits - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Employee Benefits - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Discount Rate Description	'Certain Company employees are eligible to participate in a defined contribution plan (the "Plan"). Participants in the Plan may elect to defer a portion of their pre-tax earnings into a pension plan, which is run by an independent party. The Company matches participant's contributions typically at 6% of the participant's annual compensation. Contributions to this plan are recorded, as an expense in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. Contributions for the years ended December 31, 2011, December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2013 were $16,644,000, $18,187,000 and $20,293,000 respectively.	'	'
Contributions	$75,000	$101,000	'
Net gain for the defined benefit pension plan	20,000	'	'
Prior service cost for the defined benefit pension plan	'	'	'
Expected long-term rate of return on assets	6.10%	'	'
Long term equity risk-premium	6.60%	'	'
Expected long term rate of return on bonds Description	'Expected long term rates of return to the asset distribution at December 31, 2013, gives rise to an expected overall rate of return of scheme assets of approximately 6.1% per annum.	'	'
Contribution to Pension fund	200,000	'	'
Expected benefit cash flow description	'The expected cash flows are estimated figures based on the members expected to retire over the next 10 years assuming no early retirements plus an additional amount in respect of recent average withdrawal experience.	'	'
Retirement period used as a basis to estimate expected cash flows	'10 years	'	'
Legal and General over 15 year Gilts Index	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Risk free interest rate	3.60%	'	'
Long term equity risk-premium	3.00%	'	'
Expected long term rate of return on bonds Description	'The long-term expected return on bonds is determined by reference to UK long dated government and corporate bond yields at the balance sheet date. This is represented by the iboxx AA 15 index plus 30 basis points.	'	'
Basis points increase to determine log-term expected return on bonds	0.30%	'	'
Iboxx Corporate Bond	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Basis point increase in benefits obligation discount rate	0.30%	'	'
Defined benefit plan bond maturity period	15	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Contributions	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Contributions percentage of compensation	6.00%	'	'
Contributions	20,293,000	18,187,000	16,644,000
Defined Contribution Pension Plan 401(k)	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Contributions percentage of compensation	6.00%	'	'
Contributions	$9,816,000	$8,442,000	$7,064,000
Participant's contributions percentage	50.00%	'	'

Change_in_Benefit_Obligations_

Change in Benefit Obligations (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$22,527	$19,924	'
Service cost	251	242	212
Interest cost	1,005	964	931
Plan participants' contributions	75	101	'
Benefits paid	-105	-237	'
Actuarial loss	680	405	'
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	525	1,128	'
Benefit obligation at end of year	$24,958	$22,527	$19,924

Change_in_Plan_Assets_Detail

Change in Plan Assets (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	$17,807	$15,021
Actual return on plan assets	2,916	1,810
Employer contributions	224	239
Plan participants' contributions	75	101
Benefits paid	-105	-237
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	505	873
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$21,422	$17,807

Funded_Status_Detail

Funded Status (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Projected benefit obligation	($24,958)	($22,527)	'
Fair value of plan assets	21,422	17,807	15,021
Funded status	-3,536	-4,720	'
Non-current other liabilities	($3,536)	($4,720)	'

Components_of_Net_Periodic_Ben

Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Service cost	$251	$242	$212
Interest cost	1,005	964	931
Expected return on plan assets	-983	-895	-1,141
Amortization of net loss	130	179	'
Net periodic benefit cost	$403	$490	$2

Net_Periodic_Pension_Benefit_C

Net Periodic Pension Benefit Cost Assumptions (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Expected rate of return on plan assets	6.10%	'	'
Actuarial loss - benefit obligation	$680	$405	$2,621
Actuarial (gain)/loss - plan assets	-1,933	-915	1,744
Actuarial gain recognized in net periodic benefit cost	-130	-179	'
Total	($1,383)	($689)	$4,365
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Discount rate	4.60%	4.70%	5.40%
Rate of compensation increase	3.40%	3.50%	4.00%
Expected rate of return on plan assets	5.70%	5.80%	7.10%

Amounts_recognized_in_accumula

Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income that have not been recognized (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net actuarial loss	$1,988	$3,371	$4,060
Total	$1,988	$3,371	$4,060

Assumptions_Used_in_Determinin

Assumptions Used in Determining Benefit Obligation (Detail)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Discount rate	4.70%	4.60%
Rate of compensation increase	4.00%	3.40%

Expected_Long_Term_Rates_of_Re

Expected Long Term Rates of Return on Different Asset Classes (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Equity - Expected long-term return per annum	6.60%
Bonds - Expected long-term return per annum	4.70%

Underlying_Asset_Split_of_Fund

Underlying Asset Split of Fund (Detail)	12 Months Ended
Underlying Asset Split of Fund (Detail)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Total underlying asset split	100.00%	100.00%
Equity	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Total underlying asset split	70.00%	90.00%
Bonds	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Total underlying asset split	30.00%	10.00%

Plan_Asset_Fair_Value_Measurem

Plan Asset Fair Value Measurements (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	$21,422	$17,807	$15,021
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	21,422	'	'
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 \| Cash	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	58	'	'
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 \| Fixed Income Securities \| Legal and General Active Corporate Bond Over 10 Year	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	5,788	'	'
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 \| Other Types Of Investments \| Baillie Gifford Diversified Growth Fund	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	8,452	'	'
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 \| Other Types Of Investments \| Standard Life Global Absolute Return Strategies	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	$7,124	'	'

Annual_Benefit_Payments_Detail

Annual Benefit Payments (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Expected future benefit payments in 2013	$108
Expected future benefit payments in 2014	108
Expected future benefit payments in 2015	108
Expected future benefit payments in 2016	108
Expected future benefit payments in 2017	108
Expected future benefit payments in Years 2018 - 2022	$538

Equity_Incentive_Schemes_and_S2

Equity Incentive Schemes and Stock Compensation Charges - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Apr. 23, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Employee Stock Plan, 2008 Plan

Employee Stock Plan, 2003 Plan

Restricted Stock Units 2008

Restricted Stock Units 2013

Performance Share Unit (PSUs)

Employee Stock Option

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)

Individual Employee

Minimum

Individual Employee

Minimum

Maximum

Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]

Percentage of option price for fair value of ordinary share

100.00%

Ordinary shares which have been reserved for issuance

6,000,000

400,000

6,000,000

400,000

1,000,000

1,600,000

Maximum number of award as percentage of shares outstanding

10.00%

Shares vesting period

'5 years

Shares expiration period

'8 years

Contractual term of options outstanding

'4 years 6 months 7 days

'8 years

Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life of Options Exercisable

'3 years 3 months 15 days

Options Expected to Vest

655,224

Intrinsic Value Of Options Exercised

$18,300,000

Intrinsic Value Of Options Outstanding

48,200,000

Intrinsic Value Of Options Exercisable

23,300,000

Options vesting percentage

20.00%

Cost of shares awarded

Fair value of stock units vested

1,100,000

Stock units vested

50,000

Number of shares expected to vest

353,244

Cumulative EPS vesting period

'2013

'2015

Share-based compensation expense

14,220,000

11,521,000

9,355,000

Non-cash stock compensation expense not yet recognized

34,300,000

Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense, weighted average period (years)

'2 years 6 months 4 days

Tax benefit on exercise of options

$1,651,000

$1,274,000

$681,000

Summary_of_Stock_Option_Activi

Summary of Stock Option Activity (Detail) (Stock Option And Award Plans, USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Stock Option And Award Plans	'	'	'
Options Granted Under Plans	'	'	'
Beginning balance	4,350,631	4,902,818	4,798,677
Granted	264,950	842,273	989,449
Exercised	-1,249,759	-890,236	-430,340
Cancelled	-392,034	-504,224	-454,968
Ending Balance	2,973,788	4,350,631	4,902,818
Vested and exercisable at end of period	1,505,707	'	'
Number of Shares	'	'	'
Beginning balance	4,350,631	4,902,818	4,798,677
Granted	264,950	842,273	989,449
Exercised	-1,249,759	-890,236	-430,340
Cancelled	-392,034	-504,224	-454,968
Ending balance	2,973,788	4,350,631	4,902,818
Vested and exercisable at end of period	1,505,707	'	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price	'	'	'
Beginning balance	$23.01	$21.87	$21.71
Granted	$33.09	$22.01	$19.66
Exercised	$21.60	$14.62	$10.84
Cancelled	$25.27	$25.14	$25.77
Ending balance	$24.20	$23.01	$21.87
Vested and exercisable at end of period	$24.92	'	'
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	'	'	'
Beginning balance	$9.17	$8.61	$8.47
Granted	$12.05	$9.59	$8.20
Exercised	$8.58	$6.16	$4.80
Cancelled	$10.02	$9.76	$9.87
Ending balance	$9.57	$9.17	$8.61
Vested and exercisable at end of period	$8.64	'	'

Summary_of_Movement_in_NonVest

Summary of Movement in Non-Vested Share Options (Detail) (Employee Stock Option, USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Employee Stock Option	'	'	'
Number of Shares	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	2,094,533	'	'
Granted	264,950	'	'
Vested	-641,773	'	'
Forfeited	-249,629	'	'
Ending Balance	1,468,081	2,094,533	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price	'	'	'
Beginning balance	$22.43	'	'
Granted	$33.09	'	'
Vested	$24.29	'	'
Forfeited	$22.97	'	'
Ending balance	$23.45	$22.43	'
Weighted Average Fair Value	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	$9.17	'	'
Granted	$12.05	$9.59	$8.20
Vested	$9.60	'	'
Forfeited	$9.46	'	'
Ending Balance	$9.45	$9.17	'

Outstanding_and_Exercisable_Sh

Outstanding and Exercisable Share Options (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Outstanding and Exercisable Share Options (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Range Exercise Price Maximum	$41.25
Range Exercise Price Minimum	$11
Options Outstanding Number of Shares	2,973,788
Options Outstanding Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	'4 years 6 months 7 days
Options Outstanding Weighted Average Exercise Price	$24.20
Options Exercisable Number of Shares	1,505,707
Options Exercisable Weighted Average Exercise Price	$24.92
Range 1	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Range Exercise Price Maximum	$11
Options Outstanding Number of Shares	24,140
Options Outstanding Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	'1 month 2 days
Options Outstanding Weighted Average Exercise Price	$11
Options Exercisable Number of Shares	24,140
Options Exercisable Weighted Average Exercise Price	$11
Range 2	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Range Exercise Price Maximum	$15.47
Options Outstanding Number of Shares	180
Options Outstanding Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	'3 years 3 months 29 days
Options Outstanding Weighted Average Exercise Price	$15.47
Options Exercisable Weighted Average Exercise Price	$15.47
Range 3	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Range Exercise Price Maximum	$15.84
Options Outstanding Number of Shares	50,000
Options Outstanding Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	'3 years 3 months 29 days
Options Outstanding Weighted Average Exercise Price	$15.84
Options Exercisable Number of Shares	40,000
Options Exercisable Weighted Average Exercise Price	$15.84
Range 4	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Range Exercise Price Maximum	$16.80
Options Outstanding Number of Shares	150,000
Options Outstanding Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	'5 years 9 months 29 days
Options Outstanding Weighted Average Exercise Price	$16.80
Options Exercisable Number of Shares	60,000
Options Exercisable Weighted Average Exercise Price	$16.80
Range 5	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Range Exercise Price Maximum	$17.17
Options Outstanding Number of Shares	30,000
Options Outstanding Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	'5 years 10 months 6 days
Options Outstanding Weighted Average Exercise Price	$17.17
Options Exercisable Number of Shares	12,000
Options Exercisable Weighted Average Exercise Price	$17.17
Range 6	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Range Exercise Price Maximum	$18
Options Outstanding Number of Shares	24,000
Options Outstanding Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	'9 months 29 days
Options Outstanding Weighted Average Exercise Price	$18
Options Exercisable Number of Shares	24,000
Options Exercisable Weighted Average Exercise Price	$18
Range 7	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Range Exercise Price Maximum	$18.98
Options Outstanding Number of Shares	6,600
Options Outstanding Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	'2 years 10 months 13 days
Options Outstanding Weighted Average Exercise Price	$18.98
Options Exercisable Number of Shares	6,600
Options Exercisable Weighted Average Exercise Price	$18.98
Range 8	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Range Exercise Price Maximum	$19.45
Options Outstanding Number of Shares	15,000
Options Outstanding Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	'4 years 9 months 26 days
Options Outstanding Weighted Average Exercise Price	$19.45
Options Exercisable Number of Shares	1,800
Options Exercisable Weighted Average Exercise Price	$19.45
Range 9	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Range Exercise Price Maximum	$20.16
Options Outstanding Number of Shares	2,000
Options Outstanding Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	'4 years 10 months 13 days
Options Outstanding Weighted Average Exercise Price	$20.16
Options Exercisable Number of Shares	1,200
Options Exercisable Weighted Average Exercise Price	$20.16
Range 10	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Range Exercise Price Maximum	$20.28
Options Outstanding Number of Shares	457,871
Options Outstanding Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	'5 years 2 months 1 day
Options Outstanding Weighted Average Exercise Price	$20.28
Options Exercisable Number of Shares	177,987
Options Exercisable Weighted Average Exercise Price	$20.28
Range 11	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Range Exercise Price Maximum	$20.59
Options Outstanding Number of Shares	162,000
Options Outstanding Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	'6 years 1 month 21 days
Options Outstanding Weighted Average Exercise Price	$20.59
Options Exercisable Number of Shares	20,400
Options Exercisable Weighted Average Exercise Price	$20.59
Range 12	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Range Exercise Price Maximum	$21.25
Options Outstanding Number of Shares	231,751
Options Outstanding Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	'1 year 1 month 13 days
Options Outstanding Weighted Average Exercise Price	$21.25
Options Exercisable Number of Shares	231,751
Options Exercisable Weighted Average Exercise Price	$21.25
Range 13	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Range Exercise Price Maximum	$22.10
Options Outstanding Number of Shares	400
Options Outstanding Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	'3 years 6 months 22 days
Options Outstanding Weighted Average Exercise Price	$22.10
Options Exercisable Weighted Average Exercise Price	$22.10
Range 14	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Range Exercise Price Maximum	$22.26
Options Outstanding Number of Shares	233,927
Options Outstanding Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	'3 years 1 month 24 days
Options Outstanding Weighted Average Exercise Price	$22.26
Options Exercisable Number of Shares	155,161
Options Exercisable Weighted Average Exercise Price	$22.26
Range 15	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Range Exercise Price Maximum	$22.30
Options Outstanding Number of Shares	475,333
Options Outstanding Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	'6 years 3 months 26 days
Options Outstanding Weighted Average Exercise Price	$22.30
Options Exercisable Number of Shares	82,326
Options Exercisable Weighted Average Exercise Price	$22.30
Range 16	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Range Exercise Price Maximum	$23.66
Options Outstanding Number of Shares	8,900
Options Outstanding Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	'6 years 6 months 26 days
Options Outstanding Weighted Average Exercise Price	$23.66
Options Exercisable Number of Shares	1,780
Options Exercisable Weighted Average Exercise Price	$23.66
Range 17	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Range Exercise Price Maximum	$24.25
Options Outstanding Number of Shares	100,000
Options Outstanding Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	'4 years 2 months 5 days
Options Outstanding Weighted Average Exercise Price	$24.25
Options Exercisable Number of Shares	100,000
Options Exercisable Weighted Average Exercise Price	$24.25
Range 18	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Range Exercise Price Maximum	$24.46
Options Outstanding Number of Shares	343,677
Options Outstanding Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	'4 years 2 months 1 day
Options Outstanding Weighted Average Exercise Price	$24.46
Options Exercisable Number of Shares	172,209
Options Exercisable Weighted Average Exercise Price	$24.46
Range 19	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Range Exercise Price Maximum	$26.20
Options Outstanding Number of Shares	2,400
Options Outstanding Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	'4 years 4 months 17 days
Options Outstanding Weighted Average Exercise Price	$26.20
Options Exercisable Number of Shares	1,440
Options Exercisable Weighted Average Exercise Price	$26.20
Range 20	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Range Exercise Price Maximum	$26.71
Options Outstanding Number of Shares	7,650
Options Outstanding Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	'6 years 8 months 12 days
Options Outstanding Weighted Average Exercise Price	$26.71
Options Exercisable Number of Shares	4,090
Options Exercisable Weighted Average Exercise Price	$26.71
Range 21	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Range Exercise Price Maximum	$29.45
Options Outstanding Number of Shares	3,000
Options Outstanding Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	'4 years 3 months 26 days
Options Outstanding Weighted Average Exercise Price	$29.45
Options Exercisable Number of Shares	1,800
Options Exercisable Weighted Average Exercise Price	$29.45
Range 22	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Range Exercise Price Maximum	$31.49
Options Outstanding Number of Shares	12,450
Options Outstanding Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	'7 years 1 month 28 days
Options Outstanding Weighted Average Exercise Price	$31.49
Options Exercisable Weighted Average Exercise Price	$31.49
Range 23	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Range Exercise Price Maximum	$32.37
Options Outstanding Number of Shares	200,203
Options Outstanding Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	'7 years 3 months 29 days
Options Outstanding Weighted Average Exercise Price	$32.37
Options Exercisable Number of Shares	2,500
Options Exercisable Weighted Average Exercise Price	$32.37
Range 24	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Range Exercise Price Maximum	$35.33
Options Outstanding Number of Shares	377,523
Options Outstanding Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	'2 years 1 month 24 days
Options Outstanding Weighted Average Exercise Price	$35.33
Options Exercisable Number of Shares	377,523
Options Exercisable Weighted Average Exercise Price	$35.33
Range 25	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Range Exercise Price Maximum	$36.05
Options Outstanding Number of Shares	6,000
Options Outstanding Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	'2 years 4 months 24 days
Options Outstanding Weighted Average Exercise Price	$36.05
Options Exercisable Number of Shares	6,000
Options Exercisable Weighted Average Exercise Price	$36.05
Range 26	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Range Exercise Price Maximum	$36.22
Options Outstanding Number of Shares	37,483
Options Outstanding Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	'7 years 5 months 16 days
Options Outstanding Weighted Average Exercise Price	$36.22
Options Exercisable Weighted Average Exercise Price	$36.22
Range 27	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Range Exercise Price Maximum	$37.90
Options Outstanding Number of Shares	10,300
Options Outstanding Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	'7 years 11 months 5 days
Options Outstanding Weighted Average Exercise Price	$37.90
Options Exercisable Weighted Average Exercise Price	$37.90
Range 28	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Range Exercise Price Maximum	$41.25
Options Outstanding Number of Shares	1,000
Options Outstanding Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	'2 years 8 months 1 day
Options Outstanding Weighted Average Exercise Price	$41.25
Options Exercisable Number of Shares	1,000
Options Exercisable Weighted Average Exercise Price	$41.25

Schedule_of_Weighted_Average_F

Schedule of Weighted Average Fair Values and Assumptions Used (Detail) (Employee Stock Option, USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Employee Stock Option	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Weighted average fair value	$12.05	$9.59	$8.20
Assumptions:	'	'	'
Expected volatility	40.00%	50.00%	45.00%
Dividend yield	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Risk-free interest rate	0.76%	0.83%	1.40%
Expected life	'5 years	'5 years	'5 years

Summary_of_RSU_and_PSU_Activit

Summary of RSU and PSU Activity (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Summary of RSU and PSU Activity (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Performance Share Unit (PSUs)	'	'
Outstanding Number of Shares	'	'
Granted	359,570	'
Shares vested	0	0
Forfeited	-6,326	'
Outstanding at ending of period	353,244	'
Weighted Average Fair Value	'	'
Granted	$33.09	'
Forfeited	$36.22	'
Outstanding at end of period	$33.04	'
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	'	'
Outstanding at end of period	'2 years 4 months 6 days	'
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)	'	'
Outstanding Number of Shares	'	'
Outstanding at beginning of period	496,000	'
Granted	409,492	'
Shares vested	-50,000	'
Forfeited	-9,033	'
Outstanding at ending of period	846,459	'
Weighted Average Fair Value	'	'
Outstanding at beginning of period	$20.26	'
Granted	$34.62	'
Shares vested	$22.30	'
Forfeited	$25.53	'
Outstanding at end of period	$27.05	'
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	'	'
Outstanding at end of period	'1 year 9 months 7 days	'

NonCash_Stock_Compensation_Exp

Non-Cash Stock Compensation Expense (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Share-based compensation expense	$14,220	$11,521	$9,355
Direct costs	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Share-based compensation expense	7,835	6,007	5,155
Selling, General and Administrative Expense	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Share-based compensation expense	6,385	4,894	4,200
Restructuring and other non-recurring items	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Share-based compensation expense	'	$620	'

Government_Grants_Detail

Government Grants (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Government Grants [Line Items]	'	'
Received	$3,698	$3,473
Less accumulated amortization	-2,497	-2,148
Foreign exchange translation adjustment	398	337
Deferred Revenue and Credits	1,599	1,662
Less current portion	-240	-235
Non-current government grants	$1,359	$1,427

Government_Grants_Additional_I

Government Grants - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Government Grants - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Government Grants [Line Items]	'	'
Government grants amortized to the profit and loss account	$349,000	$154,000
Restricted retained earnings	$2,000,000	'

Share_Capital_Additional_Infor

Share Capital - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2011

Oct. 27, 2011

Nov. 22, 2011

Feb. 21, 2012

Apr. 27, 2012

Jul. 30, 2012

Employee Stock Option

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)

Maximum

Plan 1

Plan 2

Plan 3

Plan 4

Plan 5

Maximum

Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) Disclosures [Line Items]

Share allotment description

'Every holder of an ordinary share present in person or proxy at a general meeting of shareholders shall have one vote, for each ordinary share held with no individual having more than one vote.

Options exercised by employees

1,249,759

890,236

430,340

Average exercise price of Option per share

$21.60

$14.62

$10.84

Total proceeds from exercise of stock options by employees

$27,000,000

$13,000,000

$4,700,000

Ordinary shares issued in respect of certain RSU's previously awarded by the Company

50,000

3,768

Share repurchase program value

50,000,000

10,000,000

20,000,000

10,000,000

Share repurchase plans, start date

23-Nov-11

1-Jan-12

22-Feb-12

27-Apr-12

30-Jul-12

Share repurchase plans, end date

31-Dec-11

20-Feb-12

22-Apr-12

18-Jul-12

26-Oct-12

Ordinary shares repurchased

738,341

545,597

Ordinary shares repurchased, value

15,605,000

9,005,000

Total ordinary shares repurchased

1,283,938

Total ordinary shares repurchased, value

$24,600,000

Components_of_Income_Before_Pr

Components of Income Before Provision for Income Tax Expense (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Schedule of Components of Income Before Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Line Items]	'	'	'
Income before provision for income taxes	$120,865	$67,221	$28,995
Ireland	'	'	'
Schedule of Components of Income Before Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Line Items]	'	'	'
Income before provision for income taxes	80,914	12,157	-33,732
United States	'	'	'
Schedule of Components of Income Before Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Line Items]	'	'	'
Income before provision for income taxes	16,218	11,371	13,317
Other	'	'	'
Schedule of Components of Income Before Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Line Items]	'	'	'
Income before provision for income taxes	$23,733	$43,693	$49,410

Components_of_Total_Income_Tax

Components of Total Income Tax Expense (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Current:	'	'	'
Current tax	$28,526	$22,231	$12,236
Deferred expense/(benefit):	'	'	'
Deferred tax expense/(benefit)	-10,473	-10,430	-6,121
Provision for income taxes	18,053	11,801	6,115
Impact on shareholders equity and other comprehensive income of the tax consequence of :	'	'	'
Excess tax benefit on stock compensation	-1,651	-1,274	-681
Currency impact on long term funding	87	356	-294
Total	16,489	10,883	5,140
Ireland	'	'	'
Current:	'	'	'
Current tax	9,158	1,684	351
Deferred expense/(benefit):	'	'	'
Deferred tax expense/(benefit)	1,914	-287	-3,825
Provision for income taxes	11,073	1,216	-3,475
United States	'	'	'
Current:	'	'	'
Current tax	14,492	12,290	6,367
Deferred expense/(benefit):	'	'	'
Deferred tax expense/(benefit)	-9,420	-9,715	-1,711
Provision for income taxes	5,072	3,669	4,656
Other	'	'	'
Current:	'	'	'
Current tax	4,876	8,257	5,518
Deferred expense/(benefit):	'	'	'
Deferred tax expense/(benefit)	-2,967	-428	-585
Provision for income taxes	$1,915	$3,618	$4,277

Income_Taxes_Additional_Inform

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible [Line Items]	'	'	'
Ireland's statutory income tax rate	12.50%	12.50%	12.50%
Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets	$21,591,000	$18,817,000	$16,445,000
Net change in the total valuation allowance	2,800,000	2,400,000	'
Deferred tax liability unrecognized for the undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries	0	0	0
Unrecognized tax benefit	1,200,000	'	'
Total unrecognized tax benefits net of potential benefits	5,800,000	7,200,000	6,500,000
Interest and penalties recognized as an expense	200,000	100,000	'
Total accrued interest and penalties	900,000	1,100,000	'
Tax Jurisdiction Description	'In the United States tax periods open to audit include the years December 31, 2010, December 31, 2011, December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2013. In Ireland tax periods open to audit include the years ended December 31, 2008, December 31, 2009, December 31, 2010, December 31, 2011, December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2013. During such audits, local tax authorities may challenge the positions taken by us in tax returns.	'	'
Foreign Country	'	'	'
Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible [Line Items]	'	'	'
Non-U.S subsidiaries Operating loss carry forwards for income tax	96,200,000	94,400,000	'
Additional operating loss carry forward	5,900,000	'	'
Expiration period	'Expire between 2014 and 2016	'	'
Ireland	'	'	'
Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible [Line Items]	'	'	'
Ireland's statutory income tax rate	12.50%	'	'
United States	'	'	'
Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible [Line Items]	'	'	'
Expiration period	'Expire between 2014 and 2032	'	'
U.S. Federal net operating loss carry forwards currently available for offset	7,600,000	'	'
State net operating loss carry forwards carry forwards currently available for offset	15,200,000	'	'
Operating Loss Carry forwards Limitation Per Year	113,000	'	'
Limitation description	'Due to a change of ownership in 2000, as defined by Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended	'	'
Alternative minimum tax credit carry forwards	300,000	'	'
Business credit carry forwards that are available to offset	300,000	'	'
United States \| Federal	'	'	'
Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible [Line Items]	'	'	'
Additional operating loss carry forward	8,322,000	'	'
Net operating loss carry forwards remaining	700,000	'	'
United States \| State	'	'	'
Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible [Line Items]	'	'	'
Additional operating loss carry forward	15,898,000	'	'
Net operating loss carry forwards remaining	$700,000	'	'

Consolidated_Effective_Tax_Rat

Consolidated Effective Tax Rate Differed from Statutory Rate (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Schedule of Deferred Income Tax Assets and Liabilities [Line Items]	'	'	'
Taxes at Irish statutory rate of 12.5% (2011:12.5%; 2012: 12.5%)	$15,108	$8,401	$3,625
Foreign and other income taxed at higher/(reduced) rates	4,229	7,873	5,373
Research & development tax incentives	-2,598	-4,954	-6,341
Movement in valuation allowance	2,389	1,557	4,362
Prior year over provision in respect of foreign taxes	-47	-678	-83
Effects of permanent items	-1,002	-26	-615
Other	-26	-372	-206
Provision for income taxes	$18,053	$11,801	$6,115

Consolidated_Effective_Tax_Rat1

Consolidated Effective Tax Rate Differed from Statutory Rate (Parenthetical) (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Schedule of Deferred Income Tax Assets and Liabilities [Line Items]	'	'	'
Irish statutory rate	12.50%	12.50%	12.50%

Tax_Effects_of_Temporary_Diffe

Tax Effects of Temporary Differences That Gives Rise to Significant Portions of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Deferred tax liabilities:	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment	$6,501	$6,631	$7,331
Goodwill	14,013	11,467	9,443
Other intangible assets	970	2,707	3,525
Accruals	51	77	1,185
Other	4	88	97
Unrealised FX	1,056	1,160	'
Total deferred tax liabilities recognized	22,595	22,130	21,581
Deferred tax assets:	'	'	'
Net operating loss carry forwards	27,646	25,116	21,981
Property, plant and equipment	2,739	2,345	1,324
Accrued expenses and payments on account	29,429	19,382	11,652
Stock compensation	6,291	5,586	4,818
Deferred compensation expense	1,187	1,136	1,197
Other	'	'	214
Unrealised FX	92	98	'
Total deferred tax assets	67,384	53,663	41,186
Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets	-21,591	-18,817	-16,445
Deferred tax assets recognized	45,793	34,846	24,741
Net deferred tax asset	$23,198	$12,716	$3,160

Expected_Expiry_Dates_of_NOIs_

Expected Expiry Dates of NOI's (Detail) (United States, USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013
Federal	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'
Net operating loss carryforward	$8,322
Federal \| Expiring 2014-2020	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'
Net operating loss carryforward	678
Federal \| Expiring 2026-2032	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'
Net operating loss carryforward	7,644
State	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'
Net operating loss carryforward	15,898
State \| Expiring 2014-2020	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'
Net operating loss carryforward	678
State \| Expiring 2021-2025	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'
Net operating loss carryforward	8,572
State \| Expiring 2026-2032	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'
Net operating loss carryforward	$6,648

Reconciliation_of_Beginning_an

Reconciliation of Beginning and Ending Amount of Total Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]	'	'	'
Gross amount of unrecognized tax benefits at start of year	$7,189	$6,543	$8,566
Increase related to prior year tax positions	'	1,167	304
Decrease related to prior year tax positions	-494	'	-36
Increase related to current year tax positions	2,269	1,473	482
Settlements	-899	-98	'
Lapse of statute of limitations	-2,285	-1,896	-2,773
Gross amount of unrecognized tax benefits at end of year	$5,780	$7,189	$6,543

Recognized_Restructuring_and_O

Recognized Restructuring and Other Items, Net (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'
Restructuring charges	$9,033	$4,525	$9,817
Other items	'	1,111	'
Net charge	$9,033	$5,636	$9,817

Restructuring_and_Other_Items_1

Restructuring and Other Items - Additional Information (Detail)	1 Months Ended		3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 11, 2012	Jun. 11, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
	USD ($)	EUR (€)	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	2011 Restructuring Plan	2012 Restructuring Plan
							USD ($)	USD ($)
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Restructuring and other charges	'	'	'	$9,000,000	'	'	'	'
Restructuring charges	'	'	'	9,033,000	4,525,000	9,817,000	100,000	4,500,000
Resource rationalizations	'	'	'	'	1,111,000	'	'	3,400,000
Lease termination and exit costs	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,200,000
Agreement settlement charges	200,000	160,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Discretionary bonus	243,000	194,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based compensation	'	'	$620,000	'	$738,000	'	'	'

Details_of_Movement_in_Restruc

Details of Movement in Restructuring Provisions Recognized (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'
Initial provision recognized	$9,033	$4,525	$9,817
Cash payments	-6,743	'	'
Amounts released	-93	'	'
Foreign exchange movement	-3	'	'
Closing provision	2,194	'	'
1st Quarter 2013 Restructuring Plan	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'
Initial provision recognized	4,412	'	'
2nd Quarter 2013 Restructuring Plan	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'
Initial provision recognized	4,621	'	'
Restructuring - Fiscal 2012 Plan	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'
Initial provision recognized	'	4,644	'
Residual balance from prior period	'	130	'
Cash payments	-623	-3,854	'
Amounts released	-57	'	'
Foreign exchange movement	'	-4	'
Closing provision	236	916	'
Workforce Reduction	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'
Initial provision recognized	8,131	'	'
Cash payments	-6,544	'	'
Amounts released	-93	'	'
Foreign exchange movement	-3	'	'
Closing provision	1,491	'	'
Workforce Reduction \| 1st Quarter 2013 Restructuring Plan	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'
Initial provision recognized	3,903	'	'
Workforce Reduction \| 2nd Quarter 2013 Restructuring Plan	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'
Initial provision recognized	4,228	'	'
Workforce Reduction \| Restructuring - Fiscal 2012 Plan	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'
Initial provision recognized	'	3,394	'
Cash payments	-197	-3,030	'
Amounts released	-57	'	'
Foreign exchange movement	'	-4	'
Closing provision	106	360	'
Office Consolidations	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'
Initial provision recognized	902	'	'
Cash payments	-199	'	'
Closing provision	703	'	'
Office Consolidations \| 1st Quarter 2013 Restructuring Plan	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'
Initial provision recognized	509	'	'
Office Consolidations \| 2nd Quarter 2013 Restructuring Plan	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'
Initial provision recognized	393	'	'
Office Consolidations \| Restructuring - Fiscal 2012 Plan	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'
Initial provision recognized	'	1,250	'
Residual balance from prior period	'	130	'
Cash payments	-426	-824	'
Closing provision	$130	$556	'

Provision_For_Doubtful_Debts_D

Provision For Doubtful Debts (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
Opening provision	$5,047	$5,526
Amounts used during the year	-3,132	-756
Amounts provided during the year	1,368	382
Amounts released during the year	-135	-105
Closing provision	$3,148	$5,047

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Operating Lease Obligations [Line Items]	'	'	'
Non-cancelable operating leases for facilities expiration period	'10 years	'	'
Operating leases rental expense	$54.90	$52.50	$52.20

Future_Minimum_Rental_Commitme

Future Minimum Rental Commitments for Operating Leases (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]	'
2014	$36,070
2015	31,815
2016	25,993
2017	17,013
2018	12,704
Thereafter	40,224
Total	$163,819

Distribution_of_Net_Revenue_by

Distribution of Net Revenue by Geographical Area (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net Revenue	$1,336,058	$1,115,006	$945,729
Ireland	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net Revenue	272,683	171,977	88,869
Rest Of Europe	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net Revenue	333,543	338,537	348,492
United States	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net Revenue	582,250	471,700	393,957
Other	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net Revenue	$147,582	$132,792	$114,411

Distribution_of_Income_from_Op

Distribution of Income from Operations, including Restructuring and Other Items, by Geographical Area (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Income from operations	$121,167	$68,017	$29,443
Ireland	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Income from operations	81,811	9,659	-34,703
Rest Of Europe	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Income from operations	2,831	29,240	32,175
United States	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Income from operations	29,472	21,036	24,874
Other	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Income from operations	$7,053	$8,082	$7,097

Distribution_of_Income_from_Op1

Distribution of Income from Operations, excluding Restructuring and Other Items, by Geographical Area (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Income from operations, excluding restructuring and other items	$130,200	$73,653	$39,260
Ireland	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Income from operations, excluding restructuring and other items	82,867	11,733	-33,139
Rest Of Europe	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Income from operations, excluding restructuring and other items	6,269	29,786	35,175
United States	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Income from operations, excluding restructuring and other items	33,564	23,687	30,127
Other	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Income from operations, excluding restructuring and other items	$7,500	$8,447	$7,097

Distribution_of_Property_Plant

Distribution of Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, by Geographical Area (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, net	$160,830	$168,373
Ireland	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, net	103,868	110,369
Rest Of Europe	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, net	14,630	16,115
United States	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, net	33,947	32,400
Other	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, net	$8,385	$9,489

Distribution_of_Depreciation_a

Distribution of Depreciation and Amortization by Geographical Area (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	$46,514	$42,823	$38,682
Ireland	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	19,826	17,885	15,192
Rest Of Europe	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	6,595	7,211	7,057
United States	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	16,233	13,865	12,427
Other	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	$3,860	$3,862	$4,006

Distribution_of_Total_Assets_b

Distribution of Total Assets by Geographical Area (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	$1,442,460	$1,202,108
Ireland	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	581,568	476,159
Rest Of Europe	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	321,661	236,305
United States	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	486,232	437,756
Other	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	$52,999	$51,888

Distribution_of_Capital_Expend

Distribution of Capital Expenditure by Geographical Area (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Capital Expenditures	$29,488	$33,026	$36,005
Ireland	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Capital Expenditures	3,976	12,406	16,987
Rest Of Europe	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Capital Expenditures	1,887	2,506	4,795
United States	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Capital Expenditures	20,842	13,389	10,222
Other	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Capital Expenditures	$2,783	$4,725	$4,001

Clients_Representing_Companys_

Clients Representing Company's Net Revenue (Detail)	12 Months Ended
Clients Representing Company's Net Revenue (Detail)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Client A	'	'	'
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'
Clients which represented 10% or more of the company's net revenue	26.00%	18.00%	'	[1]
Client B	'	'	'
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'
Clients which represented 10% or more of the company's net revenue	10.00%	12.00%	13.00%

[1]	Net revenue did not exceed 10%.

Distribution_of_Interest_Incom

Distribution of Interest Income by Geographical Area (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Interest income	$986	$1,151	$1,194
Ireland	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Interest income	355	464	762
Rest Of Europe	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Interest income	501	661	364
United States	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Interest income	'	3	18
Other	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Interest income	$130	$23	$50

Distribution_of_Tax_Charge_by_

Distribution of Tax Charge by Geographical Area (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Taxes [Line Items]	'	'	'
Tax Charge	$18,053	$11,801	$6,115
Ireland	'	'	'
Income Taxes [Line Items]	'	'	'
Tax Charge	11,073	1,216	-3,475
Rest Of Europe	'	'	'
Income Taxes [Line Items]	'	'	'
Tax Charge	-7	3,298	657
United States	'	'	'
Income Taxes [Line Items]	'	'	'
Tax Charge	5,072	3,669	4,656
Other	'	'	'
Income Taxes [Line Items]	'	'	'
Tax Charge	$1,915	$3,618	$4,277

Supplemental_Disclosure_of_Cas2

Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental [Line Items]	'		'		'
Non-cash interest on acquisition consideration payable	$240	[1]	$940	[1]	$743	[1]
Cash paid for interest	548		602		388
Cash paid for income taxes	$14,103		$18,475		$22,723

[1]	recorded within interest expense

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'
Currency translation adjustments	$22,828	$12,103	'
Currency impact on long term funding	-19,977	-18,931	'
Tax on currency impact on long term funding	1,097	1,184	'
Actuarial loss on defined benefit pension plan (note 9)	-1,988	-3,371	-4,060
Unrealised capital gain(loss) - investments (note 3)	'	239	'
Total	$1,960	($8,776)	'

Related_Parties_Additional_Inf

Related Parties - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
	Mr. Peter Gray	Mr. Peter Gray	Dr. John Climax	Dr. John Climax
	USD ($)	EUR (€)	USD ($)	EUR (€)
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Related party transaction amounts	$350,000	€ 265,000	$346,000	€ 262,500
Term of agreement	'Two years	'Two years	'Three years	'Three years
Related party agreement expiration date	'	'	31-Dec-12	31-Dec-12