ICON Public Limited (ICLR) 20-F12 Mar 152014 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, 2014
Document Information [Line Items]
Document Type	20-F
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-14
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Trading Symbol	ICLR
Entity Registrant Name	ICON PLC
Entity Central Index Key	1060955
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	60,106,780

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$118,900	$182,519
Short term investments - available for sale (Note 3)	97,100	138,317
Accounts receivable, net	370,956	342,581
Unbilled revenue	146,163	113,239
Other receivables	17,491	14,415
Deferred tax asset (Note 13)	24,716	28,644
Prepayments and other current assets	28,465	24,664
Income taxes receivable (Note 13)	15,716	9,049
Total current assets	819,507	853,428
Other Assets:
Property, plant and equipment, net (Note 6)	148,185	160,830
Goodwill (Note 4)	463,324	357,523
Non-current other assets	11,583	6,732
Non-current income taxes receivable (Note 13)	15,060	25,172
Non-current deferred tax asset (Note 13)	21,472	7,421
Intangible assets (Note 5)	49,719	31,354
Total Assets	1,528,850	1,442,460
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable	2,793	4,594
Payments on account	280,097	297,347
Other liabilities (Note 7)	251,091	194,812
Deferred tax liability (Note 13)	229
Income taxes payable (Note 13)	4,149	4,416
Total current liabilities	538,359	501,169
Other Liabilities:
Non-current other liabilities (Note 8)	13,179	11,198
Non-current government grants (Note 11)	1,116	1,359
Non-current income taxes payable (Note 13)	12,389	5,288
Non-current deferred tax liability (Note 13)	13,601	12,867
Shareholders' Equity:
Ordinary shares, par value 6 euro cents per share; 100,000,000 shares authorized, (Note 12) 60,106,780 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2014 and 61,587,257 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2013.	5,037	5,168
Additional paid-in capital	327,234	279,572
Capital redemption reserve (Note 12 (a))	305	100
Accumulated other comprehensive income (Note 19)	-37,555	1,960
Retained earnings	655,185	623,779
Total Shareholders' Equity	950,206	910,579
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity	$1,528,850	$1,442,460

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (EUR €)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Ordinary shares, par value	€ 0.06	€ 0.06
Ordinary shares, shares authorized	100,000,000	100,000,000
Ordinary shares, shares issued	60,106,780	61,587,257
Ordinary shares, shares outstanding	60,106,780	61,587,257

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope

Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Revenue:
Gross revenue	$2,030,286	$1,784,345	$1,503,993
Reimbursable expenses	-526,970	-448,287	-388,987
Net revenue	1,503,316	1,336,058	1,115,006
Costs and expenses:
Direct costs	903,167	845,413	717,750
Selling, general and administrative	336,461	313,931	280,780
Depreciation and amortization	52,542	46,514	42,823
Restructuring and other items, net (Note 14)	8,796	9,033	5,636
Total costs and expenses	1,300,966	1,214,891	1,046,989
Income from operations	202,350	121,167	68,017
Interest income	1,151	986	1,151
Interest expense	-785	-1,288	-1,947
Income before provision for income taxes	202,716	120,865	67,221
Provision for income taxes (Note 13)	-30,248	-18,053	-11,801
Net income	$172,468	$102,812	$55,420
Net income per ordinary share:
Basic	$2.80	$1.69	$0.92
Diluted	$2.73	$1.65	$0.92
Weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding:
Basic (Note 2 (u))	61,496,115	60,907,274	59,968,174
Diluted (Note 2 (u))	63,131,417	62,253,251	60,450,706

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Com

Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Net income	$172,468	$102,812	$55,420
Currency translation adjustment	-45,038	10,725	4,494
Currency impact on long-term funding	9,806	-1,046	1,982
Tax on currency impact of long term funding	-178	-87	-356
Unrealized capital gain/(loss) - investments	20	-239	861
Actuarial (loss)/gain on defined benefit pension plan	-4,125	1,383	689
Total comprehensive income	$132,953	$113,548	$63,090

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, 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 - investments	861				861
Actuarial gain 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
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 - investments	-239				-239
Actuarial gain 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
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	61,587,257
Comprehensive Income:
Net income	172,468					172,468
Currency translation adjustment	-45,038				-45,038
Currency impact on long-term funding	9,806				9,806
Tax on currency impact of long term funding	-178				-178
Unrealized capital gain - investments	20				20
Actuarial gain on defined benefit pension plan	-4,125				-4,125
Total comprehensive income	132,953
Exercise of share options (in shares)		926,407
Exercise of share options	22,256	74	22,182
Issue of restricted share units (in shares)		233,726
Issue of restricted share units	18		18
Share based compensation expense	23,078		23,078
Share issue costs	-20		-20
Repurchase of ordinary shares (in shares)		-2,640,610
Repurchase of ordinary shares	-140,030	-205		205		-140,030
Share repurchase costs	-1,032					-1,032
Excess tax benefit on exercise of equity compensation	2,404		2,404
Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$950,206	$5,037	$327,234	$305	($37,555)	$655,185
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2014	60,106,780	60,106,780

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$172,468	$102,812	$55,420
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment	248	662	233
Depreciation expense	42,200	38,975	35,210
Amortization of intangibles	10,342	7,539	7,613
Amortization of government grants	-213	-349	-154
Stock compensation expense	22,742	14,220	11,521
Deferred taxes	-7,900	-10,583	-10,430
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Increase in accounts receivable	-7,032	-37,538	-79,155
(Increase)/decrease in unbilled revenue	-13,671	-4,015	13,227
(Increase)/decrease in other receivables	-4,259	-1,638	1,125
(Increase)/decrease in prepayments and other current assets	-3,574	-898	682
Increase in other non current assets	-2,264	-1,146	-861
(Decrease)/increase in payments on account	-47,548	76,066	68,654
Increase in other current liabilities	15,111	43,291	17,035
Increase in other non current liabilities	1,283	899	189
Increase /(decrease) in income taxes payable	3,021	-5,013	-7,916
(Decrease)/increase in accounts payable	-11,006	-2,057	1,038
Net cash provided by operating activities	169,948	221,227	113,431
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchase of property, plant and equipment	-32,779	-29,488	-30,791
Purchase of subsidiary undertakings and acquisition costs	-124,301	-93,553	-72,508
Cash acquired with subsidiary undertaking	3,527	1,039	2,572
Sale of short term investments	102,565	109,795	82,193
Purchase of short term investments	-61,328	-172,168	-102,575
Net cash used in investing activities	-112,316	-184,375	-121,109
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 equity compensation	22,274	26,993	13,015
Share issuance costs	-20	-70	-74
Excess tax benefit on exercise of equity compensation	2,404	1,651	1,274
Repurchase of ordinary shares	-140,030		-15,605
Share repurchase costs	-1,032		-190
Receipt of government grant		225	340
Net cash (used in)/provided by financing activities	-116,404	28,799	-1,240
Effect of exchange rate movements on cash	-4,847	2,821	3,728
Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents	-63,619	68,472	-5,190
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	182,519	114,047	119,237
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	$118,900	$182,519	$114,047

Description_of_business

Description of business	12 Months Ended
Description of business	Dec. 31, 2014
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, 2014 we had approximately 10,600 employees, in 81 locations in 38 countries. During the year ended December 31, 2014, we derived approximately 40.3%, 48.8% and 10.9% 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 011- 353-1- 291-2000.

Significant_Accounting_Policie

Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

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 recognized 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 recognized 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 recognized as revenue is greater than aggregate milestone billings at the date of termination, cancellation clauses usually 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 $3,563,900, $5,195,120 and $3,679,000 for the years ended December 31, 2014, December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 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, 2014, December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 were as follows:

Year ended

December 31,

(in thousands)

2014

2013

2012

Amounts (credited)

(5,942

)

(1,233

)

(1,231

)

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 recognized at the acquisition date at the 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, 2014, December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012.

(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, 2014 the carrying value of inventory, included within prepayments and other current assets on the balance sheet, was $1.7 million (2013: $2.2 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

Computer equipment and software

8-Feb

Office furniture and fixtures

Laboratory equipment

Motor vehicles

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 expenditures 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 Post retirement.

(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,

2014

2013

2012

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

61,496,115

60,907,274

59,968,174

Effect of dilutive share options outstanding

1,635,302

1,345,977

482,532

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

63,131,417

62,253,251

60,450,706

(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 equity-settled awards include employee share options, RSU’s and PSU’s.

Share-based compensation expense for share 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 grant date fair value of share options 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 of the asset 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, 2014
Short term investments - available for sale	3. Short term investments - available for sale

		December 31,			December 31,
		2014			2013
		(in thousands)

	At start of year	$	138,317		$	76,183
	Additions		61,328			172,168
	Disposals		(102,565	)		(109,795	)
	Unrealized capital gain/(loss) - investments		20			(239	)

	At end of year	$	97,100		$	138,317

	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, 2014 have an average maturity of 1.7 years compared to 1.6 years at December 31, 2013. 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, 2014
Goodwill	4. Goodwill

			December 31,				December 31,
			2014				2013
			(in thousands)
	Opening goodwill		$	357,523			$	315,441
	Current year acquisitions			121,209				36,922
	Foreign exchange movement			(15,408	)			5,160
	Closing goodwill		$	463,324			$	357,523

	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 impairment or whenever events occur which may indicate impairment. The results of the Company’s goodwill impairment testing during the year ended December 31, 2014 provided no evidence of impairment and 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) Acquisitions of Aptiv Solutions

	On May 7, 2014 the Company acquired 100% of the common stock of Aptiv Solutions (“Aptiv”), a global biopharmaceutical and medical device development services company and leader in adaptive clinical trials for a cash consideration of $143.5 million, including certain payments to be made on behalf of the company on completion totalling $22.4 million. Aptiv offers full-service clinical trial consulting and regulatory support for drugs, medical devices and diagnostics with a specific focus on strategies to increase product development efficiency and productivity. It is a market leader in the integrated design and execution of adaptive clinical trials for exploratory and late phase development as well as being an industry leader in medical device and diagnostic development in key medical technology segments.
	The acquisition of Aptiv has been accounted for as a business combination in accordance with FASB ASC 805 Business Combinations. The following table summarizes the preliminary estimated fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed:
			7-May
			2014
			(in thousands)
	Property, plant and equipment		$	6,924
	Goodwill*			121,209
	Intangible asset**			30,037
	Cash and cash equivalents			3,527
	Accounts receivable			25,091
	Unbilled revenue			21,154
	Prepayments and other current assets***			5,254
	Non-current assets			2,911
	Accounts payable			(9,565	)
	Other liabilities			(29,903	)
	Payments on account			(31,094	)
	Non-current other liabilities****			(24,444	)

	Net assets acquired		$	121,101


	Cash consideration		$	143,500
	Adjustments to cash consideration*****			(22,399	)
	Net purchase consideration		$	121,101
	* Goodwill represents the acquisition of an established workforce with experience in clinical trial consulting and regulatory support for the development of drugs, medical devices and diagnostics, with a specific focus on strategy to increase efficiency and productivity in product development. Goodwill related to the US portion of the business acquired is tax deductible.
	** The Company have assumed a 20% valuation of Intangible asset. This is currently under review and will be finalized within the 12 month period from the date of acquisition.
	*** The Company has included a provisional assessment of uncertain tax benefits relating to certain historic net operating losses carryforwards. This is currently under review and will be finalized within the 12 month period from the date of acquisition.
	**** The Company has a defined benefit plan covering its employees in Switzerland as mandated by the Swiss government. Benefits are based on the employee’s years of service and compensation. Benefits are paid directly by the Company when they become due, in conformity with the funding requirements of applicable government regulations. An estimate of the liability at the date of acquisition is included within non-current other liabilities.
	***** Adjustments to cash consideration represent certain one-time liabilities identified at the acquisition date.

	The proforma effect of the Aptiv Solutions acquisition if completed on January 1, 2013 would have resulted in net revenue, net income and earnings per share for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2014 as follows:
			Year Ended
			December 31,
			2014				2013
			(in thousands)
	Net revenue		$	1,543,820			$	1,451,682
	Net income		$	172,508			$	101,857
	Basic earnings per share		$	2.81			$	1.67
	Diluted earnings per share		$	2.73			$	1.64
	(b) 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. 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 have been combined with ICON’s functional service provision (“FSP”) division, DOCS, creating a leader in global resourcing and FSP, while AKOS has enhanced the services offered by ICON’s medical and safety services team.
	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 purchase consideration		$	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
(c) 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 purchase consideration		$	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

(d) 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 Harmonization Good Clinical Practise (“ICH GCP”) in China. In addition to boosting the Company’s service capabilities in the region, BeijingWits Medical has strengthened the Company’s presence in China 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 were 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. On November 7, 2014 the Company paid $3.2 million in relation to the remaining performance milestones for the year ended December 31, 2013. No further amounts remain due.

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 purchase consideration		$	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

Intangible_Assets

Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
Intangible Assets	Dec. 31, 2014
Intangible Assets	5. Intangible Assets

		December 31,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Cost	(in thousands)
	Customer relationships acquired	$	36,130		$	36,900
	Technology asset acquired		11,169			11,169
	Order backlog		3,171			3,171
	Tradenames acquired		1,357			1,357
	Volunteer list acquired		1,325			1,325
	Non-compete arrangements		489			489
	Aptiv intangible asset		30,037			-
	Foreign exchange movement		(2,769	)		(62	)
	Total cost		80,909			54,349
	Accumulated amortization		(32,120	)		(22,550	)
	Foreign exchange movement		930			(445	)

	Net book value	$	49,719		$	31,354

	On May 7, 2014 the Company acquired Aptiv Solutions (“Aptiv”), a global biopharmaceutical and medical device development services company and leader in adaptive clinical trials. Aptiv offers full-service clinical trial consulting and regulatory support for drugs, medical devices and diagnostics with a specific focus on strategy to increase product development efficiency and productivity. The intangible asset split and estimated useful life is currently under review by the Company and will be finalized within 12 months from the date of acquisition. $3,313,000 has been amortized in the period since the date of acquisition.

	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. $2,663,000 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. $3,675,000 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. $845,000 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. $9,152,000 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. $4,791,000 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. $4,977,000 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. $2,704,000 has been amortized in the period since the date of acquisition.

	Future intangible asset amortization expense for the years ended December 31, 2015 to December 31, 2019 is as follows:

		Year ended
		31-Dec
		(in thousands)
	2015	$	6,506
	2016		4,972
	2017		3,990
	2018		3,434
	2019		1,491

		$	20,393

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_n

Property, Plant and Equipment, net	12 Months Ended
Property, Plant and Equipment, net	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment, net	6. Property, Plant and Equipment, net

		December 31,			December 31,
		2014			2013
		(in thousands)
	Cost
	Land	$	3,464		$	3,464
	Building		88,580			96,450
	Computer equipment and software		247,980			212,019
	Office furniture and fixtures		64,690			68,268
	Laboratory equipment		23,599			29,678
	Leasehold improvements		19,516			15,304
	Motor vehicles		47			56
			447,876			425,239
	Less accumulated depreciation and asset write off		(299,691	)		(264,409	)

	Property, plant and equipment (net)	$	148,185		$	160,830

Other_Liabilities

Other Liabilities	12 Months Ended
Other Liabilities	Dec. 31, 2014
Other Liabilities	7. Other Liabilities

		December 31,		December 31,
		2014		2013
		(in thousands)

	Personnel related liabilities	$	167,362	$	138,639
	Facility related liabilities		19,862		16,205
	General overhead liabilities		33,422		31,034
	Other liabilities		26,631		3,019
	Short term government grants (note 11)		110		240
	Restructuring and other items (note 14)		3,704		2,430
	Acquisition consideration payable		-		3,245

		$	251,091	$	194,812

Other_NonCurrent_Liabilities

Other Non-Current Liabilities	12 Months Ended
Other Non-Current Liabilities	Dec. 31, 2014
Other Non-Current Liabilities	8. Other Non-Current Liabilities

		December 31,		December 31,
		2014		2013
		(in thousands)

	Personnel related liabilities		1,059	$	4,278
	Defined benefit pension obligations, net (note 9)		7,466		3,536
	Other non-current liabilities		4,654		3,384

		$	13,179	$	11,198

Employee_Benefits

Employee Benefits	12 Months Ended
Employee Benefits	Dec. 31, 2014
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 the plan are recorded, as an expense in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. Contributions for the years ended December 31, 2012, December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2014 were $18,187,000, $20,293,000 and $22,582,000 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, 2012, December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2014 were $8,442,000, $9,816,000 and $10,514,000 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, 2014, December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, 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		2014				2013
			(in thousands)
	Benefit obligation at beginning of year		$	24,958			$	22,527
	Service cost			91				251
	Interest cost			1,235				1,005
	Plan participants’ contributions			44				75
	Plan curtailments			359				-
	Benefits paid			(68	)			(105	)
	Actuarial loss			8,270				680
	Foreign currency exchange rate changes			(2,014	)			525

	Benefit obligation at end of year		$	32,875			$	24,958

	Change in plan assets		December 31,				December 31,
	Change in plan assets		2014				2013
			(in thousands)
	Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year		$	21,422			$	17,807
	Actual return on plan assets			5,424				2,916
	Employer contributions			155				224
	Plan participants’ contributions			44				75
	Benefits paid			(68	)			(105	)
	Foreign currency exchange rate changes			(1,568	)			505

	Fair value of plan assets at end of year		$	25,409			$	21,422

	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		2014				2013
			(in thousands)
	Projected benefit obligation		$	(32,875	)		$	(24,958	)
	Fair value of plan assets			25,409				21,422

	Funded status		$	(7,466	)		$	(3,536	)

	Non-current other liabilities		$	(7,466	)		$	(3,536	)
	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,
			2014				2013				2012
			(in thousands)
	Service cost		$	91			$	251			$	242
	Interest cost			1,235				1,005				964
	Expected return on plan assets			(1,299	)			(983	)			(895	)
	Amortization of net loss			20				130				179
	Curtailment loss			359				-				-

	Net periodic benefit cost		$	406			$	403			$	490

	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, 2012, December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2014:

			December 31,				December 31,				December 31,
			2014				2013				2012
	Discount rate			4.7	%			4.6	%			4.7	%
	Rate of compensation increase			4	%			3.4	%			3.5	%
	Expected rate of return on plan assets			6.1	%			5.7	%			5.8	%
Accumulated other comprehensive income		December 31,				December 31,				December 31,
Accumulated other comprehensive income		2014				2013				2012
		(in thousands)
Actuarial loss - benefit obligation		$	8,270			$	680			$	405
Actuarial gain – plan assets			(4,125	)			(1,933	)			(915	)
Actuarial gain recognized in net periodic benefit cost			(20	)			(130	)			(179	)

Total		$	4,125			$	(1,383	)		$	(689	)

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 $268,000 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,
		2014				2013				2012
		(in thousands)
Net actuarial loss		$	6,113			$	1,988			$	3,371

Total		$	6,113			$	1,988			$	3,371

Benefit Obligation

The following assumptions were used in determining the benefit obligation at December 31, 2014:

		December 31,				December 31,
		2014				2013
Discount rate			3.6	%			4.7	%
Rate of compensation increase			3.6	%			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 20 basis points.

Plan Assets

The assets of the scheme are invested with Legal and General and held in a combination of the Active Corporate Bond Over 10 Year fund, Gilt, and Index Linked Gilt funds. The overall investment strategy is that approximately 70% of investments are in government bonds (both fixed interest and index linked) and approximately 30% of investments held in corporate bonds. This results in a concentration of investments in bond type assets, though invested in a number of different bond funds are currently invested in. There is no self investment in employer related assets. The expected long-term rate of return on assets at December 31, 2014 of 2.7% 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 return per annum
Corporate Bonds			3.6	%
Gilts			2.4	%


The long-term expected return on corporate bonds and gilts (fixed interest and index linked) is determined by reference to bond yields and gilt yields at the balance sheet date.

The underlying asset split of the fund is shown below.

Asset Category		December 31,				December 31,
Asset Category		2014				2013
Equity			-				70	%
Corporate Bonds			26	%			30	%
Gilts			74	%			-
			100	%			100	%
Applying the above expected long term rates of return to the asset distribution at December 31, 2014, gives rise to an expected overall rate of return of scheme assets of approximately 2.7% per annum.

Plan Asset Fair Value Measurements
		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical
		Assets
		Level 1
		(in thousands)
		31-Dec-14				31-Dec-13
Cash		$	16			$	58

Fixed Income Securities
Legal and General Active Corporate Bond – Over 10 Year			6,560				5,788
Legal and General Gilt Funds			6,977				-
Legal and General Index Linked Gilt Funds			11,856				-
Other Types of Investments
Baillie Gifford Diversified Growth Fund			-				8,452
Standard Life Global Absolute Return Strategies			-				7,124

		$	25,409			$	21,422
Cash Flows

The Company expects to contribute $0.1 million to its pension fund in the year ending December 31, 2015.

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

		(in thousands)

2015		$	65
2016			67
2017			70
2018			72
2019			73
Years 2020 - 2024		$	294

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, 2014
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, 2014 is eight years.

	The following table summarizes the transactions for the Company’s share option plans for the years ended December 31, 2014, December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012:

			Options Granted				Number of				Weighted			Weighted Average Grant
			Under Plans				Shares				Average			Date Fair
											Exercise Price			Value
	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
	Granted			366,985				366,985			$	45.82		$	14.09
	Exercised			(926,407	)			(926,407	)		$	24.02		$	9.45
	Cancelled			(186,666	)			(186,666	)		$	22.17		$	9.01
	Outstanding at December 31, 2014			2,227,700				2,227,700			$	28		$	10.4

	Vested and exercisable at December 31, 2014			1,024,550				1,024,550			$	25.03		$	9.72

	The weighted average remaining contractual life of options outstanding and options exercisable at December 31, 2014, was 4.58 years and 3.22 years respectively (2013: 4.52 years and 3.29 years respectively). 494,951 options are expected to vest during the year ended December 31, 2015 (655,224 options were expected to vest during the year ended December 31, 2014).

	The intrinsic value of options exercised during the year ended December 31, 2014 amounted to $23.0 million. The intrinsic value of options outstanding and options exercisable at December 31, 2014 amounted to $51.2 million and $26.6 million respectively. Intrinsic value is calculated based on the market value versus strike price of the Company’s shares at the date of exercise.


	Non-vested shares outstanding as at December 31, 2014 are as follows:
			Options				Weighted Average				Weighted Average
			Outstanding				Exercise Price				Fair Value
			Number of Shares

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

	Granted			366,985				45.82				14.09
	Vested			(496,775	)			22.85				9.13
	Forfeited			(135,141	)			23.36				9.57

	Non-vested outstanding at December 31, 2014			1,203,150			$	30.54			$	10.98

	Outstanding and exercisable share options:

	The following table summarizes information concerning outstanding and exercisable share options as of December 31, 2014:

	Options Outstanding				Options Exercisable

	Range Exercise	Number of	Weighted	Weighted	Number of	Weighted Average
	Price	Shares	Average	Average Exercise	Shares	Exercise Price
			Remaining	Price
			Contractual Life
	$15.84	50,000	2.33	$15.84	50,000	$15.84
	$16.80	90,000	4.83	$16.80	30,000	$16.80
	$17.17	18,000	4.85	$17.17	6,000	$17.17
	$18.98	600	1.87	$18.98	600	$18.98
	$19.45	6,000	3.82	$19.45	-	$19.45
	$20.16	600	3.87	$20.16	200	$20.16
$20.28	344,811	4.17	$20.28	187,539	$20.28
$20.59	115,200	5.14	$20.59	23,400	$20.59
$21.25	19,741	0.12	$21.25	19,741	$21.25
$22.26	125,637	2.15	$22.26	125,637	$22.26
$22.30	352,793	5.32	$22.30	113,729	$22.30
$23.66	8,720	5.57	$23.66	3,380	$23.66
$24.25	50,000	3.18	$24.25	50,000	$24.25
$24.46	217,907	3.17	$24.46	145,419	$24.46
$26.20	2,400	3.38	$26.20	1,920	$26.20
$26.71	4,450	5.7	$26.71	1,780	$26.71
$29.45	3,000	3.32	$29.45	2,400	$29.45
$31.49	11,650	6.16	$31.49	1,690	$31.49
$32.37	187,498	6.33	$32.37	38,698	$32.37
$35.33	211,756	1.15	$35.33	211,756	$35.33
$36.22	34,630	6.46	$36.22	6,921	$36.22
$37.90	10,300	6.93	$37.90	2,060	$37.90
$40.83	111,463	7.39	$40.83	680	$40.83
$41.25	1,000	1.67	$41.25	1,000	$41.25
$47.03	82,147	7.17	$47.03	-	$47.03
$48.67	163,367	7.21	$48.67	-	$48.67
$51.35	4,030	7.6	$51.35	-	$51.35

$15.84 - $51.35	2,227,700	4.58	$28.00	1,024,550	$25.03
Options outstanding include both vested and unvested options as at December 31, 2014. Options exercisable represent options which have vested at December 31, 2014. 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, 2014, December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 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,
		2014				2013				2012

Weighted average fair value		$	14.09			$	12.05			$	9.59

Assumptions:
Expected volatility			32	%			40	%			50	%
Dividend yield			0	%			0	%			0	%
Risk-free interest rate			1.57	%			0.76	%			0.83	%
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, 2014:

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

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

Granted			346,108			$	46.34							521,926		$	41.84
Shares vested			-				-							(233,726	)	$	21.11
Forfeited			(30,181	)		$	34.62							(95,663	)	$	32.68

Outstanding at December 31, 2014			669,171			$	39.78				1.77			1,038,996		$	35.19		1.67

105




The fair value of RSU’s vested for the year ended December 31, 2014 totaled $4.9 million (2013: $1.1 million).

No PSU’s vested during 2014 or 2013.

The PSUs vest based on service and specified EPS targets over the periods 2014 – 2016 and 2015 – 2017. Since 2013, 337,738 PSUs (net of forfeitures) have been granted. Depending on the actual amount of EPS from 2013 to 2017, up to an additional 331,433 PSUs may also be granted.

Non-cash stock compensation expense

Income from operations for the year ended December 31, 2014 is stated after charging $22.7 million in respect of non-cash stock compensation expense. Non-cash stock compensation expense for the year ended December 31, 2014 has been allocated as follows:


		Year ended
		December 31,				December 31,				December 31,
		2014				2013				2012
		(in thousands)
Direct costs		$	12,531			$	7,835			$	6,007
Selling, general and administrative		$	10,211			$	6,385			$	4,894
Restructuring and other non-recurring items (note 14)			-				-			$	620

Total compensation costs		$	22,742			$	14,220			$	11,521

Total non-cash stock compensation expense not yet recognized at December 31, 2014 amounted to $51.6 million. The weighted average period over which this is expected to be recognized is 2.28 years. Total tax benefit recognized in additional paid in capital related to the non-cash compensation expense amounted to $2.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 (2013: $1.7 million, 2012: $1.3 million).

Government_Grants

Government Grants	12 Months Ended
Government Grants	Dec. 31, 2014
Government Grants	11. Government Grants

		December 31,			December 31,
		2014			2013
		(in thousands)
	Received	$	3,698		$	3,698
	Less accumulated amortization		(2,710	)		(2,497	)
	Foreign exchange translation adjustment		238			398
	Total government grants		1,226			1,599
	Less current portion		(110	)		(240	)
	Non-current government grants	$	1,116		$	1,359

	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 $213,000 and $349,000 for the years ended December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 respectively. As at December 31, 2014 the Company had $0.7 million in restricted retained earnings, pursuant to the terms of grant agreements.

Share_Capital

Share Capital	12 Months Ended
Share Capital	Dec. 31, 2014
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, 2014, 926,407 options were exercised by employees at an average exercise price of $24.02 per share for total proceeds of $22.3 million. During the year ended December 31, 2014, 233,726 ordinary shares were issued in respect of certain RSU’s previously awarded by the Company.

	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.

	(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. On September 19, 2014 the Company announced that it had completed a $40 million redemption of the Company’s ordinary shares and that it had entered into a further program under which the Company can acquire up to an additional $100 million of its outstanding ordinary shares (by way of redemption), in accordance with United States securities laws through open market share acquisitions.

	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. The timing and actual number of shares acquired by way of the redemption will be dependent on market conditions, legal and regulatory requirements and the other terms and limitations contained in the program. In addition, acquisitions under the program may be suspended or discontinued in certain circumstances in accordance with the agreed terms. Therefore, there can be no assurance as to the timing or number of shares that may be acquired under the program.

	During the year ended December 31, 2014 2,640,610 ordinary shares were repurchased by the Company for a total consideration of $140.0 million. There were no share repurchases completed during 2013. During the year ended December 31, 2012 738,341 ordinary shares were repurchased by the Company for a total consideration of $15.6 million. 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, 2014
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
			2014				2013				2012
			(in thousands)
	Ireland		$	143,889			$	80,914			$	12,157
	United States			6,966				16,218				11,371
	Other			51,861				23,733				43,693

	Income before provision for income taxes		$	202,716			$	120,865			$	67,221

	The components of total income tax expense are as follows:

			Year ended
			December				December				December
			2014				2013				2012
			(in thousands)
	Provision for income taxes:
	Current:
	Ireland		$	19,562			$	9,158			$	1,684
	United States			7,891				14,492				12,290
	Other			10,695				4,876				8,257

	Total current tax			38,148				28,526				22,231

	Deferred expense/(benefit):
	Ireland			(1,178	)			1,914				(287	)
	United States			(3,031	)			(9,420	)			(9,715	)
	Other			(3,691	)			(2,967	)			(428	)

	Total deferred tax expense/(benefit)			(7,900	)			(10,473	)			(10,430	)

	Provision for income taxes			30,248				18,053				11,801

	Impact on shareholders equity and other comprehensive income of the tax consequence of :
	Excess tax benefit on stock compensation			(2,404	)			(1,651	)			(1,274	)
	Currency impact on long term funding			178				87				356

	Total		$	28,022			$	16,489			$	10,883

	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
			2014				2013				2012
			(in thousands)
	Taxes at Irish statutory rate of 12.5% (2013:12.5%;		$	25,340			$	15,108			$	8,401
	2012:12.5%)		$	25,340			$	15,108			$	8,401
	Foreign and other income taxed at higher rates			1,981				4,085				6,360
	Research & development tax incentives			(1,810	)			(2,598	)			(4,954	)
	Movement in valuation allowance			(1,965	)			2,389				1,557
	Effects of change in tax rates			543				1,553				867
	Increase in unrecognized tax benefits			2,869				(1,409	)			646
	Prior year over provision			(552	)			(47	)			(678	)
	Effects of permanent items			3,219				(1,002	)			(26	)
	Other			623				(26	)			(372	)
			$	30,248			$	18,053			$	11,801

	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
		2014				2013				2012
		(in thousands)
Deferred tax liabilities:
Property, plant and equipment		$	4,270			$	6,501			$	6,631
Goodwill attributable to intangibles			18,645				14,013				11,467
Other intangible assets			3,657				970				2,707
Accruals			238				51				77
Other			-				4				88
Unrealized FX			1,709				1,056				1,160

Total deferred tax liabilities recognized			28,519				22,595				22,130

Deferred tax assets:
Net operating loss and tax credits carryforwards			30,586				29,696				26,545
Property, plant and equipment			4,002				2,739				2,345
Accrued expenses and payments on account			37,620				30,136				20,326
Stock compensation			8,717				6,291				5,586
Deferred compensation expense			1,853				1,187				1,136
Other			892				-				-
Unrealized FX			352				92				98
Total deferred tax assets			84,022				70,141				56,036
Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets			(23,145	)			(24,348	)			(21,190	)
Deferred tax assets recognized			60,877				45,793			$	34,846
Deferred tax assets net of unrecognized tax benefits			60,877				45,793				34,846
Overall Net deferred tax asset			32,358			$	23,198			$	12,716

At December 31, 2014 non-U.S subsidiaries had operating loss carryforwards for income tax purposes that may be carried forward indefinitely, available to offset against future taxable income, if any, of approximately $95.6 million (2013: $96.2 million). In addition at December 31, 2014 non-U.S subsidiaries had tax credit carryforwards for income tax purposes, that may be carried forward indefinitely, available to offset against future tax liabilities, if any, of approximately $3.6 million (2013: $2.4 million). At December 31, 2014 non-U.S. subsidiaries also had additional operating loss carry forwards of $5.8 million which are due to expire between 2015 and 2017.

At December 31, 2014 U.S. subsidiaries had U.S. federal and state net operating loss (“NOL”) carry forwards of approximately $36.9 million and $65.1 million, respectively. These net operating losses are available for offset against future taxable income and expire between 2015 and 2033. Of the $36.9 million U.S. federal net operating losses, approximately $11.8 million is currently available for offset against future U.S. federal taxable income. The subsidiary’s ability to use the U.S. federal and state net operating loss carry forwards is limited on an annual basis due to change of ownership in 2000, 2010 and 2014, 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)

2015- 2020			678				1,893
2021- 2025			4,031				12,705
2026- 2033			32,170				50,542
		$	36,879			$	65,140
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, 2014 was approximately $23.1 million. The valuation allowance for deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 was $24.3 million and $21.2 million respectively. The net change in the total valuation allowance was a decrease of $1.2 million during 2014 and an increase of $3.1 million during 2013.

The valuation allowances at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 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. In the UK, a change in commercial circumstances led to a change in judgment concerning the need for a valuation allowance on certain limited loss carryforwards; the release of the beginning of year valuation allowance resulted in a tax benefit of $3.1 million.

The Company has not recognized a deferred tax liability for the undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries that arose in 2014 and prior years as the Company considers these earnings to be indefinitely reinvested. It is not practicable 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,
		2014				2013				2012
		(in thousands)
Gross amount of unrecognized tax benefits at start of year		$	5,780			$	7,189			$	6,543

Increase related to acquired tax positions			14,552				-				-
Increase related to prior year tax positions			565				-				1,167
Decrease related to prior year tax positions			(183	)			(494	)			-
Increase related to current year tax positions			3,709				2,269				1,473
Settlements			(2	)			(899	)			(98	)
Lapse of statute of limitations			(1,220	)			(2,285	)			(1,896	)
Gross amount of unrecognized tax benefits at end of year		$	23,201			$	5,780			$	7,189

The relevant statute of limitations for gross unrealized tax benefits totaling $2.3 million could potentially expire during 2015. $14.5 million of the increase during the year ended December 31, 2014 reflects pre-acquisition tax positions taken by companies acquired during the period.

Included in the balance of total unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2014 there were net potential benefits of $23.2 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, 2013 and December 31, 2012 included net potential benefits which, if recognized, would affect the effective rate of income tax from continuing operations of $5.8 million and $7.2 million respectively.

Interest and penalties recognized as a net expense during the year ended December 31, 2014 amounted to $0.2 million (2013: net benefit of $0.2 million, 2012: net benefit of $0.1 million) and are included within the provision for income taxes. Total accrued interest and penalties as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 were $2.4 million and $0.9 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 ended December 31, 2011, December 31, 2012, December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2014. In Ireland tax periods open to audit include the years ended December 31, 2010, December 31, 2011, December 31, 2012, December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2014. 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, 2014
Restructuring and other items	14. Restructuring and other items

	Restructuring and other items recognized during the year ended December 31, 2014 comprise:

		Year Ended
		December 31,			December 31,			December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
		(in thousands)
	Restructuring charges	$	8,796		$	9,033		$	4,525
	Other items		-			-			1,111
	Net charge	$	8,796		$	9,033		$	5,636

	Restructuring Charges
	A restructuring charge of $8.8 million was recognized during the year ended December 31, 2014. Following the closure of the Company’s European Phase 1 services in 2013, the Company recognized a charge in 2014 in relation to its Manchester, United Kingdom facility; $5.6 million in relation to asset impairments and $3.2 million in relation to an onerous lease charge associated with this facility. We expect this to be paid by 2024.
		Onerous			Asset
		Lease			Impairment			Total
		(in thousands)

	Total provision recognized	$	3,167		$	5,629		$	8,796
	Asset write-off		-			(5,629	)		(5,629	)
	Provision at December 31, 2014	$	3,167			-		$	3,167

	Prior Period 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 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 recognized		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
	Cash payments		(1,319	)		(337	)		(1,656	)
	Amounts released		-			-			-
	Foreign exchange movement		(1	)		-			(1	)
	Provision at December 31, 2014	$	171		$	366		$	537

	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 ($220,000) in lieu of the balance of his notice period and to receive a discretionary bonus of €194,000 ($271,000) 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 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 items.

Provision_for_Doubtful_Debts

Provision for Doubtful Debts	12 Months Ended
Provision for Doubtful Debts	Dec. 31, 2014
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, 2014 comprises:

		December 31,			December 31,
		2014			2013
		(in thousands)
	Opening provision	$	3,148		$	5,047
	Amounts used during the year		(502	)		(3,132	)
	Amounts provided during the year		2,874			1,368
	Amounts released during the year		(62	)		(135	)
	Closing provision	$	5,458		$	3,148

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
Commitments and Contingencies	Dec. 31, 2014
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 $54.3 million, $54.9 million and $52.5 million in rental expense, including rates, for the years ended December 31, 2014, December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 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)
	2015		43,122
	2016		34,733
	2017		24,096
	2018		19,049
	2019		14,000
	Thereafter		54,824
	Total	$	189,824

Business_Segment_and_Geographi

Business Segment and Geographical Information	12 Months Ended
Business Segment and Geographical Information	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Segment and Geographical Information	17. Business Segment and Geographical 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 determines and presents operating segments based on the information that is internally provided to the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating 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.

	Revenues are allocated to individual entities based on where the work is performed in accordance with the Company’s global transfer pricing model. Revenues and income from operations in Ireland are a function of this transfer pricing model.

	Given ICON Clinical Research Limited (“ICON Ireland”) role in the development and management of the group, it’s ownership of key intellectual property, customer relationships, its key role in the mitigation of risks faced by the group, plus the responsibility for maintaining the group’s global network, ICON Ireland acts as the group entrepreneur and enters into the majority of the Company’s customer contracts. As such, ICON Ireland remunerates most of the other operating entities (“cost plus service providers”) in the ICON Group on the basis of a guaranteed cost plus mark up for the services they perform in each of their local territories.

	The cost plus mark up for each ICON entity is established to ensure that each of ICON Ireland and the ICON entities in the various geographical areas that are involved in the conduct of services for customers, earn an appropriate arms-length return having regard to the assets owned, risks borne, and functions performed by each entity from these intercompany transactions. The cost plus mark-up policy is reviewed annually to ensure that it is market appropriate.

	Under this method, the residual operating profits (or losses) of the group, once the cost plus service providers have been paid their respective intercompany service fee, generally fall to be retained by ICON Ireland. The geographic split of revenue disclosed for each region outside Ireland is the cost plus revenue attributable to these entities. The revenues disclosed as relating to Ireland are the net revenues after deducting the cost plus revenues attributable to the activities performed outside Ireland.

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

	Business segment and geographical information as at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 and for the years ended December 31, 2014, December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 is as follows:

	a) The distribution of net revenue by geographical area was as follows:
			Year ended
			December			December			December
			2014			2013			2012
						(in thousands)
	Ireland		$	360,376		$	272,683		$	171,977
	Rest of Europe			372,634			333,543			338,537
	U.S.			605,815			582,250			471,700
	Other			164,491			147,582			132,792
	Total		$	1,503,316		$	1,336,058		$	1,115,006
	b) The distribution of income from operations, including restructuring and other items, by geographical area was as follows:
			Year ended
			December			December			December
			2014			2013			2012
						(in thousands)
	Ireland		$	138,185		$	81,811		$	9,659
	Rest of Europe			14,481			2,831			29,240
	U.S.			39,058			29,472			21,036
	Other			10,626			7,053			8,082
	Total		$	202,350		$	121,167		$	68,017

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

			Year ended
			December			December			December
			2014			2013			2012
			(in thousands)
	Ireland		$	138,185		$	82,867		$	11,733
	Rest of Europe			23,277			6,269			29,786
	U.S.			39,058			33,564			23,687
	Other			10,626			7,500			8,447
	Total		$	211,146		$	130,200		$	73,653
	d) The distribution of property, plant and equipment, net, by geographical area was as follows:

			December 31,			December 31,
			2014			2013
			(in thousands)
	Ireland		$	95,574		$	103,868
	Rest of Europe			10,419			14,630
	U.S.			33,978			33,947
	Other			8,214			8,385
	Total		$	148,185		$	160,830


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

		Year ended
		December			December			December
		2014			2013			2012
		(in thousands)
Ireland		$	20,731		$	19,826		$	17,885
Rest of Europe			7,478			6,595			7,211
U.S.			20,491			16,233			13,865
Other			3,842			3,860			3,862
Total		$	52,542		$	46,514		$	42,823

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

		December 31,			December 31,
		2014			2013
		(in thousands)
Ireland		$	495,747		$	581,568
Rest of Europe			324,086			321,661
U.S.			648,559			486,232
Other			60,458			52,999
Total		$	1,528,850		$	1,442,460
g) The distribution of capital expenditures by geographical area was as follows:

		Year ended
		December			December			December
		2014			2013			2012
		(in thousands)
Ireland		$	15,117		$	3,976		$	12,406
Rest of Europe			2,278			1,887			2,506
U.S.			12,224			20,842			13,389
Other			3,160			2,783			4,725
Total		$	32,779		$	29,488		$	33,026
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
		2014			2013			2012

Client A			31	%		26	%		18	%
Client B			-	*		10	%		12	%

* Net revenue did not exceed 10%.


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

		Year ended
		December			December			December
		2014			2013			2012
		(in thousands)
Ireland		$	284		$	355		$	464
Rest of Europe			798			501			661
U.S.			-			-			3
Other			69			130			23
Total		$	1,151		$	986		$	1,151

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

		Year ended
		December			December			December
		2014			2013			2012
		(in thousands)
Ireland		$	18,384		$	11,073		$	1,216
Rest of Europe			2,855			(7	)		3,298
U.S.			4,860			5,072			3,669
Other			4,149			1,915			3,618
Total		$	30,248		$	18,053		$	11,801

Supplemental_Disclosure_of_Cas

Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information	12 Months Ended
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information	Dec. 31, 2014
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information	18. Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information

		Year ended
		December		December		December
		2014		2013		2012
		(in thousands)

	Non-cash interest on acquisition consideration payable*		-	$	240	$	940
	Cash paid for interest	$	533	$	548	$	602
	Cash paid for income taxes	$	17,829	$	14,103	$	18,475
	* recorded within interest expense

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	12 Months Ended
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	Dec. 31, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	19. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

		December 31,			December 31,
		2014			2013
		(in thousands)
	Currency translation adjustments	$	(22,210	)	$	22,828
	Currency impact on long term funding (Net of tax)		(9,252	)		(18,880	)
	Actuarial loss on defined benefit pension plan (note 9)		(6,113	)		(1,988	)
	Unrealised capital gain/(loss) – investments (note 3)		20			-
	Total	$	(37,555	)	$	1,960

Impact_of_New_Accounting_Prono

Impact of New Accounting Pronouncements	12 Months Ended
Impact of New Accounting Pronouncements	Dec. 31, 2014
Impact of New Accounting Pronouncements	20. Impact of New Accounting Pronouncements

	In January 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-01 Income Statement - Extraordinary and Unusual Items (Subtopic 225-20): Simplifying Income Statement Presentation by Eliminating the Concept of Extraordinary Items. ASU 2015-01 eliminates the separate presentation of extraordinary items, net of tax and the related earnings per share, but does not affect the requirement to disclose material items that are unusual in nature or infrequently occurring. The amendments in ASU 2015-01 are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2015. The Company does not expect the adoption of ASU 2015-01 to have a material impact on the financial statements.

	In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-12 Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period (a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force). ASU 2014-12 requires a reporting entity to treat a performance target that affects vesting and that could be achieved after the requisite service period as a performance condition. A reporting entity should apply FASB ASC Topic 718, Compensation—Stock Compensation, to awards with performance conditions that affect vesting. ASU 2014-12 requires a reporting entity to treat a performance target that affects vesting and that could be achieved after the requisite service period as a performance condition. A reporting entity should apply FASB ASC Topic 718, Compensation—Stock Compensation, to awards with performance conditions that affect vesting. The amendments in ASU 2014-12 are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2015. The Company does not expect the adoption of ASU 2014-18 to have a material impact on the financial statements.

	In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09 Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). ASU 2014-09 provides a five-step analysis of transactions to determine when and how revenue is recognized. The ASU will require many companies to use more judgment than under current U.S. GAAP. The amendments in ASU 2014-09 are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company does not expect the adoption of ASU 2014-09 to have a material impact on the financial statements.

	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 adoption of ASU 2013-11 did not 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 adoption of ASU 2013-05 did not have a material impact on the financial statements.

Related_Parties

Related Parties	12 Months Ended
Related Parties	Dec. 31, 2014
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.

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	12 Months Ended
Subsequent Events	Dec. 31, 2014
Subsequent Events	22. Subsequent Events

	Acquisition of MediMedia Pharma Solotions.

	On February 27, 2015 the Company acquired MediMedia Pharma Solutions for a total cash consideration of $120.0 million. Headquartered in Yardley, Pennsylvania, MediMedia Pharma Solutions includes MediMedia Managed Markets and Complete Healthcare Communications. MediMedia Managed Markets is a leading provider of strategic payer-validated market access solutions. Complete Healthcare Communications is one of the leading medical and scientific communication agencies working with medical affairs, commercial and brand development teams within life science companies.

	The folowing table summarizes the Company’s provisional estimates of the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed:
		February 27,
		2015
		(In thousands)
	Property, plant and equipment	$	796
	Accounts receivable		4,877
	Unbilled revenue		4,826
	Prepayments and other current assets		721
	Accounts payable		(671	)
	Other liabilities		(4,763	)
	Payments on account		(4,376	)
	Net assets acquired	$	1,410

	It is anticipated that goodwill arising from the acquisition of the MediMedia Managed Markets will comprise an established workforce with experience in the provision of strategic payer-validated market access solutions while the acquisition of Complete Healthcare Communications will comprise an established workforce with significant communication experience working with medical affairs, commercial and brand development teams within the life science industry. Other intangible assets are expected to comprise customer relationships.

Significant_Accounting_Policie1

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

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)

2014

2013

2012

Amounts (credited)

(5,942

)

(1,233

)

(1,231

)

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

Computer equipment and software

8-Feb

Office furniture and fixtures

Laboratory equipment

Motor vehicles

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,

2014

2013

2012

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

61,496,115

60,907,274

59,968,174

Effect of dilutive share options outstanding

1,635,302

1,345,977

482,532

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

63,131,417

62,253,251

60,450,706

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, 2014
Adjustments Resulting From Foreign Currency Translations	Amounts credited or charged to the statement of operations for the years ended December 31, 2014, December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 were as follows:

			Year ended
			December 31,
			(in thousands)
			2014			2013			2012

	Amounts (credited)		$	(5,942	)	$	(1,233	)	$	(1,231	)
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
	Computer equipment and software	8-Feb
	Office furniture and fixtures	8
	Laboratory equipment	5
	Motor vehicles	5
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,
			2014			2013			2012
	Weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding for basic net income per ordinary share			61,496,115			60,907,274			59,968,174
	Effect of dilutive share options outstanding			1,635,302			1,345,977			482,532
	Weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding for diluted net income per ordinary share			63,131,417			62,253,251			60,450,706

Short_term_investments_availab1

Short term investments - available for sale (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Short term investments - available for sale (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2014
Cost and Fair Value of Investments		December 31,			December 31,
		2014			2013
		(in thousands)

	At start of year	$	138,317		$	76,183
	Additions		61,328			172,168
	Disposals		(102,565	)		(109,795	)
	Unrealized capital gain/(loss) - investments		20			(239	)

	At end of year	$	97,100		$	138,317

Goodwill_Tables

Goodwill (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Goodwill (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill		December 31,			December 31,
		2014			2013
		(in thousands)
	Opening goodwill	$	357,523		$	315,441
	Current year acquisitions		121,209			36,922
	Foreign exchange movement		(15,408	)		5,160
	Closing goodwill	$	463,324		$	357,523
Aptiv Solutions
Summary of Estimates of Fair Values of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed	The following table summarizes the preliminary estimated fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed:
		7-May
		2014
		(in thousands)
	Property, plant and equipment	$	6,924
	Goodwill*		121,209
	Intangible asset**		30,037
	Cash and cash equivalents		3,527
	Accounts receivable		25,091
	Unbilled revenue		21,154
	Prepayments and other current assets***		5,254
	Non-current assets		2,911
	Accounts payable		(9,565	)
	Other liabilities		(29,903	)
	Payments on account		(31,094	)
	Non-current other liabilities****		(24,444	)

	Net assets acquired	$	121,101


	Cash consideration	$	143,500
	Adjustments to cash consideration*****		(22,399	)
	Net purchase consideration	$	121,101
	* Goodwill represents the acquisition of an established workforce with experience in clinical trial consulting and regulatory support for the development of drugs, medical devices and diagnostics, with a specific focus on strategy to increase efficiency and productivity in product development. Goodwill related to the US portion of the business acquired is tax deductible.
	** The Company have assumed a 20% valuation of Intangible asset. This is currently under review and will be finalized within the 12 month period from the date of acquisition.
	*** The Company has included a provisional assessment of uncertain tax benefits relating to certain historic net operating losses carryforwards. This is currently under review and will be finalized within the 12 month period from the date of acquisition.
	**** The Company has a defined benefit plan covering its employees in Switzerland as mandated by the Swiss government. Benefits are based on the employee’s years of service and compensation. Benefits are paid directly by the Company when they become due, in conformity with the funding requirements of applicable government regulations. An estimate of the liability at the date of acquisition is included within non-current other liabilities.
	***** Adjustments to cash consideration represent certain one-time liabilities identified at the acquisition date.
Proforma Effect in Net Revenue Net Income and Earnings Per Share	The proforma effect of the Aptiv Solutions acquisition if completed on January 1, 2013 would have resulted in net revenue, net income and earnings per share for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2014 as follows:
		Year Ended
		December 31,
		2014			2013
		(in thousands)
	Net revenue	$	1,543,820		$	1,451,682
	Net income	$	172,508		$	101,857
	Basic earnings per share	$	2.81		$	1.67
	Diluted earnings per share	$	2.73		$	1.64
Clinical Trial Services
Summary of Estimates of Fair Values 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 purchase consideration	$	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
BeijingWits Medical Limited
Summary of Estimates of Fair Values 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 purchase consideration	$	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
PriceSpective LLC
Summary of Estimates of Fair Values 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 purchase consideration	$	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
MediMedia Pharma Solutions
Summary of Estimates of Fair Values of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed	The folowing table summarizes the Company’s provisional estimates of the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed:
		February 27,
		2015
		(In thousands)
	Property, plant and equipment	$	796
	Accounts receivable		4,877
	Unbilled revenue		4,826
	Prepayments and other current assets		721
	Accounts payable		(671	)
	Other liabilities		(4,763	)
	Payments on account		(4,376	)
	Net assets acquired	$	1,410

Intangible_Assets_Tables

Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Intangible Assets (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2014
Intangible Assets		December 31,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Cost	(in thousands)
	Customer relationships acquired	$	36,130		$	36,900
	Technology asset acquired		11,169			11,169
	Order backlog		3,171			3,171
	Tradenames acquired		1,357			1,357
	Volunteer list acquired		1,325			1,325
	Non-compete arrangements		489			489
	Aptiv intangible asset		30,037			-
	Foreign exchange movement		(2,769	)		(62	)
	Total cost		80,909			54,349
	Accumulated amortization		(32,120	)		(22,550	)
	Foreign exchange movement		930			(445	)

	Net book value	$	49,719		$	31,354
Future Intangible Asset Amortization Expense	Future intangible asset amortization expense for the years ended December 31, 2015 to December 31, 2019 is as follows:

		Year ended
		31-Dec
		(in thousands)
	2015	$	6,506
	2016		4,972
	2017		3,990
	2018		3,434
	2019		1,491

		$	20,393

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_n1

Property, Plant and Equipment, net (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Property, Plant and Equipment, net (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2014
Property Plant and Equipment Net		December 31,			December 31,
		2014			2013
		(in thousands)
	Cost
	Land	$	3,464		$	3,464
	Building		88,580			96,450
	Computer equipment and software		247,980			212,019
	Office furniture and fixtures		64,690			68,268
	Laboratory equipment		23,599			29,678
	Leasehold improvements		19,516			15,304
	Motor vehicles		47			56
			447,876			425,239
	Less accumulated depreciation and asset write off		(299,691	)		(264,409	)

	Property, plant and equipment (net)	$	148,185		$	160,830

Other_Liabilities_Tables

Other Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Other Liabilities (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2014
Other Liabilities		December 31,		December 31,
		2014		2013
		(in thousands)

	Personnel related liabilities	$	167,362	$	138,639
	Facility related liabilities		19,862		16,205
	General overhead liabilities		33,422		31,034
	Other liabilities		26,631		3,019
	Short term government grants (note 11)		110		240
	Restructuring and other items (note 14)		3,704		2,430
	Acquisition consideration payable		-		3,245

		$	251,091	$	194,812

Other_NonCurrent_Liabilities_T

Other Non-Current Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Other Non-Current Liabilities (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2014
Other Noncurrent Liabilities		December 31,		December 31,
		2014		2013
		(in thousands)

	Personnel related liabilities		1,059	$	4,278
	Defined benefit pension obligations, net (note 9)		7,466		3,536
	Other non-current liabilities		4,654		3,384

		$	13,179	$	11,198

Employee_Benefits_Tables

Employee Benefits (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Employee Benefits (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2014
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	2014			2013
		(in thousands)
	Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	24,958		$	22,527
	Service cost		91			251
	Interest cost		1,235			1,005
	Plan participants’ contributions		44			75
	Plan curtailments		359			-
	Benefits paid		(68	)		(105	)
	Actuarial loss		8,270			680
	Foreign currency exchange rate changes		(2,014	)		525

	Benefit obligation at end of year	$	32,875		$	24,958

	Change in plan assets	December 31,			December 31,
	Change in plan assets	2014			2013
		(in thousands)
	Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	$	21,422		$	17,807
	Actual return on plan assets		5,424			2,916
	Employer contributions		155			224
	Plan participants’ contributions		44			75
	Benefits paid		(68	)		(105	)
	Foreign currency exchange rate changes		(1,568	)		505

	Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$	25,409		$	21,422
Funded Status	Funded status	December 31,			December 31,
	Funded status	2014			2013
		(in thousands)
	Projected benefit obligation	$	(32,875	)	$	(24,958	)
	Fair value of plan assets		25,409			21,422

	Funded status	$	(7,466	)	$	(3,536	)

	Non-current other liabilities	$	(7,466	)	$	(3,536	)
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,
		2014			2013			2012
		(in thousands)
	Service cost	$	91		$	251		$	242
	Interest cost		1,235			1,005			964
	Expected return on plan assets		(1,299	)		(983	)		(895	)
	Amortization of net loss		20			130			179
	Curtailment loss		359			-			-

	Net periodic benefit cost	$	406		$	403		$	490
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,
		2014			2013			2012
		(in thousands)
	Net actuarial loss	$	6,113		$	1,988		$	3,371

	Total	$	6,113		$	1,988		$	3,371
Assumptions Used in Calculating Pension Benefit Obligations	The following assumptions were used in determining the benefit obligation at December 31, 2014:

		December 31,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Discount rate		3.6	%		4.7	%
	Rate of compensation increase		3.6	%		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 return per annum
	Corporate Bonds		3.6	%
	Gilts		2.4	%

Underlying Asset Split of Fund	The underlying asset split of the fund is shown below.

	Asset Category	December 31,			December 31,
	Asset Category	2014			2013
	Equity		-			70	%
	Corporate Bonds		26	%		30	%
	Gilts		74	%		-
			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)

	2015	$	65
	2016		67
	2017		70
	2018		72
	2019		73
	Years 2020 - 2024	$	294
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, 2012, December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2014:

		December 31,			December 31,			December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Discount rate		4.7	%		4.6	%		4.7	%
	Rate of compensation increase		4	%		3.4	%		3.5	%
	Expected rate of return on plan assets		6.1	%		5.7	%		5.8	%
	Accumulated other comprehensive income	December 31,			December 31,			December 31,
	Accumulated other comprehensive income	2014			2013			2012
		(in thousands)
	Actuarial loss - benefit obligation	$	8,270		$	680		$	405
	Actuarial gain – plan assets		(4,125	)		(1,933	)		(915	)
	Actuarial gain recognized in net periodic benefit cost		(20	)		(130	)		(179	)

	Total	$	4,125		$	(1,383	)	$	(689	)
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)
		31-Dec-14			31-Dec-13
	Cash	$	16		$	58

	Fixed Income Securities
	Legal and General Active Corporate Bond – Over 10 Year		6,560			5,788
	Legal and General Gilt Funds		6,977			-
	Legal and General Index Linked Gilt Funds		11,856			-
	Other Types of Investments
	Baillie Gifford Diversified Growth Fund		-			8,452
	Standard Life Global Absolute Return Strategies		-			7,124

		$	25,409		$	21,422

Equity_Incentive_Schemes_and_S1

Equity Incentive Schemes and Stock Compensation Charges (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
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, 2014, December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012:

			Options Granted				Number of			Weighted			Weighted Average Grant
			Under Plans				Shares			Average			Date Fair
										Exercise Price			Value
	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
	Granted			366,985				366,985		$	45.82		$	14.09
	Exercised			(926,407	)			(926,407	)	$	24.02		$	9.45
	Cancelled			(186,666	)			(186,666	)	$	22.17		$	9.01
	Outstanding at December 31, 2014			2,227,700				2,227,700		$	28		$	10.4

	Vested and exercisable at December 31, 2014			1,024,550				1,024,550		$	25.03		$	9.72
Non Vested Shares Outstanding	Non-vested shares outstanding as at December 31, 2014 are as follows:
			Options				Weighted Average			Weighted Average
			Outstanding				Exercise Price			Fair Value
			Number of Shares

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

	Granted			366,985				45.82			14.09
	Vested			(496,775	)			22.85			9.13
	Forfeited			(135,141	)			23.36			9.57

	Non-vested outstanding at December 31, 2014			1,203,150			$	30.54		$	10.98
Information Concerning Outstanding and Exercisable Share Options	The following table summarizes information concerning outstanding and exercisable share options as of December 31, 2014:

	Options Outstanding				Options Exercisable

	Range Exercise	Number of	Weighted	Weighted	Number of	Weighted Average
	Price	Shares	Average	Average Exercise	Shares	Exercise Price
			Remaining	Price
			Contractual Life
	$15.84	50,000	2.33	$15.84	50,000	$15.84
	$16.80	90,000	4.83	$16.80	30,000	$16.80
	$17.17	18,000	4.85	$17.17	6,000	$17.17
	$18.98	600	1.87	$18.98	600	$18.98
	$19.45	6,000	3.82	$19.45	-	$19.45
	$20.16	600	3.87	$20.16	200	$20.16
	$20.28	344,811	4.17	$20.28	187,539	$20.28
	$20.59	115,200	5.14	$20.59	23,400	$20.59
	$21.25	19,741	0.12	$21.25	19,741	$21.25
	$22.26	125,637	2.15	$22.26	125,637	$22.26
	$22.30	352,793	5.32	$22.30	113,729	$22.30
	$23.66	8,720	5.57	$23.66	3,380	$23.66
	$24.25	50,000	3.18	$24.25	50,000	$24.25
	$24.46	217,907	3.17	$24.46	145,419	$24.46
	$26.20	2,400	3.38	$26.20	1,920	$26.20
	$26.71	4,450	5.7	$26.71	1,780	$26.71
	$29.45	3,000	3.32	$29.45	2,400	$29.45
	$31.49	11,650	6.16	$31.49	1,690	$31.49
	$32.37	187,498	6.33	$32.37	38,698	$32.37
	$35.33	211,756	1.15	$35.33	211,756	$35.33
	$36.22	34,630	6.46	$36.22	6,921	$36.22
	$37.90	10,300	6.93	$37.90	2,060	$37.90
	$40.83	111,463	7.39	$40.83	680	$40.83
	$41.25	1,000	1.67	$41.25	1,000	$41.25
	$47.03	82,147	7.17	$47.03	-	$47.03
	$48.67	163,367	7.21	$48.67	-	$48.67
	$51.35	4,030	7.6	$51.35	-	$51.35

	$15.84 - $51.35	2,227,700	4.58	$28.00	1,024,550	$25.03
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,
			2014				2013			2012

	Weighted average fair value		$	14.09			$	12.05		$	9.59

	Assumptions:
	Expected volatility			32	%			40	%		50	%
	Dividend yield			0	%			0	%		0	%
	Risk-free interest rate			1.57	%			0.76	%		0.83	%
	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, 2014:

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

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

	Granted			346,108			$	46.34						521,926		$	41.84
	Shares vested			-				-						(233,726	)	$	21.11
	Forfeited			(30,181	)		$	34.62						(95,663	)	$	32.68

	Outstanding at December 31, 2014			669,171			$	39.78			1.77			1,038,996		$	35.19		1.67
Schedule of Non-cash Stock Compensation Expense	Non-cash stock compensation expense for the year ended December 31, 2014 has been allocated as follows:

			Year ended
			December 31,				December 31,			December 31,
			2014				2013			2012
			(in thousands)
	Direct costs		$	12,531			$	7,835		$	6,007
	Selling, general and administrative		$	10,211			$	6,385		$	4,894
	Restructuring and other non-recurring items (note 14)			-				-		$	620

	Total compensation costs		$	22,742			$	14,220		$	11,521

Government_Grants_Tables

Government Grants (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Government Grants (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2014
Government Grant		December 31,			December 31,
		2014			2013
		(in thousands)
	Received	$	3,698		$	3,698
	Less accumulated amortization		(2,710	)		(2,497	)
	Foreign exchange translation adjustment		238			398
	Total government grants		1,226			1,599
	Less current portion		(110	)		(240	)
	Non-current government grants	$	1,116		$	1,359

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2014
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
		2014			2013			2012
		(in thousands)
	Ireland	$	143,889		$	80,914		$	12,157
	United States		6,966			16,218			11,371
	Other		51,861			23,733			43,693

	Income before provision for income taxes	$	202,716		$	120,865		$	67,221
Components of Total Income Tax Expense	The components of total income tax expense are as follows:

		Year ended
		December			December			December
		2014			2013			2012
		(in thousands)
	Provision for income taxes:
	Current:
	Ireland	$	19,562		$	9,158		$	1,684
	United States		7,891			14,492			12,290
	Other		10,695			4,876			8,257

	Total current tax		38,148			28,526			22,231

	Deferred expense/(benefit):
	Ireland		(1,178	)		1,914			(287	)
	United States		(3,031	)		(9,420	)		(9,715	)
	Other		(3,691	)		(2,967	)		(428	)

	Total deferred tax expense/(benefit)		(7,900	)		(10,473	)		(10,430	)

	Provision for income taxes		30,248			18,053			11,801

	Impact on shareholders equity and other comprehensive income of the tax consequence of :
	Excess tax benefit on stock compensation		(2,404	)		(1,651	)		(1,274	)
	Currency impact on long term funding		178			87			356

	Total	$	28,022		$	16,489		$	10,883
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
		2014			2013			2012
		(in thousands)
	Taxes at Irish statutory rate of 12.5% (2013:12.5%;	$	25,340		$	15,108		$	8,401
	2012:12.5%)	$	25,340		$	15,108		$	8,401
	Foreign and other income taxed at higher rates		1,981			4,085			6,360
	Research & development tax incentives		(1,810	)		(2,598	)		(4,954	)
	Movement in valuation allowance		(1,965	)		2,389			1,557
	Effects of change in tax rates		543			1,553			867
	Increase in unrecognized tax benefits		2,869			(1,409	)		646
	Prior year over provision		(552	)		(47	)		(678	)
	Effects of permanent items		3,219			(1,002	)		(26	)
	Other		623			(26	)		(372	)
		$	30,248		$	18,053		$	11,801
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
		2014			2013			2012
		(in thousands)
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Property, plant and equipment	$	4,270		$	6,501		$	6,631
	Goodwill attributable to intangibles		18,645			14,013			11,467
	Other intangible assets		3,657			970			2,707
	Accruals		238			51			77
	Other		-			4			88
	Unrealized FX		1,709			1,056			1,160

	Total deferred tax liabilities recognized		28,519			22,595			22,130

	Deferred tax assets:
	Net operating loss and tax credits carryforwards		30,586			29,696			26,545
	Property, plant and equipment		4,002			2,739			2,345
	Accrued expenses and payments on account		37,620			30,136			20,326
	Stock compensation		8,717			6,291			5,586
	Deferred compensation expense		1,853			1,187			1,136
	Other		892			-			-
	Unrealized FX		352			92			98
	Total deferred tax assets		84,022			70,141			56,036
	Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets		(23,145	)		(24,348	)		(21,190	)
	Deferred tax assets recognized		60,877			45,793		$	34,846
	Deferred tax assets net of unrecognized tax benefits		60,877			45,793			34,846
	Overall Net deferred tax asset		32,358		$	23,198		$	12,716
Expected Expiry Dates of NOL's	The expected expiry dates of these losses are as follows:
			Federal			State
			NOL’s			NOL’s
			(in thousands)

	2015- 2020		678			1,893
	2021- 2025		4,031			12,705
	2026- 2033		32,170			50,542
		$	36,879		$	65,140
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,
		2014			2013			2012
		(in thousands)
	Gross amount of unrecognized tax benefits at start of year	$	5,780		$	7,189		$	6,543

	Increase related to acquired tax positions		14,552			-			-
	Increase related to prior year tax positions		565			-			1,167
	Decrease related to prior year tax positions		(183	)		(494	)		-
	Increase related to current year tax positions		3,709			2,269			1,473
	Settlements		(2	)		(899	)		(98	)
	Lapse of statute of limitations		(1,220	)		(2,285	)		(1,896	)
	Gross amount of unrecognized tax benefits at end of year	$	23,201		$	5,780		$	7,189

Restructuring_and_other_items_

Restructuring and other items (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Restructuring and other items (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2014
Recognized Restructuring and Other Items, Net	Restructuring and other items recognized during the year ended December 31, 2014 comprise:

		Year Ended
		December 31,			December 31,			December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
		(in thousands)
	Restructuring charges	$	8,796		$	9,033		$	4,525
	Other items		-			-			1,111
	Net charge	$	8,796		$	9,033		$	5,636
Restructuring Charges		Onerous			Asset
		Lease			Impairment			Total
		(in thousands)

	Total provision recognized	$	3,167		$	5,629		$	8,796
	Asset write-off		-			(5,629	)		(5,629	)
	Provision at December 31, 2014	$	3,167			-		$	3,167
Details of Movement in Restructuring Provisions Recognized	Details of the movement in this restructuring plan 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 recognized		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
	Cash payments		(1,319	)		(337	)		(1,656	)
	Amounts released		-			-			-
	Foreign exchange movement		(1	)		-			(1	)
	Provision at December 31, 2014	$	171		$	366		$	537

Provision_for_Doubtful_Debts_T

Provision for Doubtful Debts (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Provision for Doubtful Debts (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2014
Provision for Doubtful Debts	The Company does business with most major international pharmaceutical companies. Provision for doubtful debts at December 31, 2014 comprises:

		December 31,			December 31,
		2014			2013
		(in thousands)
	Opening provision	$	3,148		$	5,047
	Amounts used during the year		(502	)		(3,132	)
	Amounts provided during the year		2,874			1,368
	Amounts released during the year		(62	)		(135	)
	Closing provision	$	5,458		$	3,148

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2014
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)
	2015		43,122
	2016		34,733
	2017		24,096
	2018		19,049
	2019		14,000
	Thereafter		54,824
	Total	$	189,824

Business_Segment_and_Geographi1

Business Segment and Geographical Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Business Segment and Geographical Information (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2014
Distribution of Net Revenue by Geographical Area	a) The distribution of net revenue by geographical area was as follows:
		Year ended
		December			December			December
		2014			2013			2012
					(in thousands)
	Ireland	$	360,376		$	272,683		$	171,977
	Rest of Europe		372,634			333,543			338,537
	U.S.		605,815			582,250			471,700
	Other		164,491			147,582			132,792
	Total	$	1,503,316		$	1,336,058		$	1,115,006
Distribution of Income from Operations 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
		2014			2013			2012
					(in thousands)
	Ireland	$	138,185		$	81,811		$	9,659
	Rest of Europe		14,481			2,831			29,240
	U.S.		39,058			29,472			21,036
	Other		10,626			7,053			8,082
	Total	$	202,350		$	121,167		$	68,017


		Year ended
		December			December			December
		2014			2013			2012
		(in thousands)
	Ireland	$	138,185		$	82,867		$	11,733
	Rest of Europe		23,277			6,269			29,786
	U.S.		39,058			33,564			23,687
	Other		10,626			7,500			8,447
	Total	$	211,146		$	130,200		$	73,653
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,
		2014			2013
		(in thousands)
	Ireland	$	95,574		$	103,868
	Rest of Europe		10,419			14,630
	U.S.		33,978			33,947
	Other		8,214			8,385
	Total	$	148,185		$	160,830
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
		2014			2013			2012
		(in thousands)
	Ireland	$	20,731		$	19,826		$	17,885
	Rest of Europe		7,478			6,595			7,211
	U.S.		20,491			16,233			13,865
	Other		3,842			3,860			3,862
	Total	$	52,542		$	46,514		$	42,823
Distribution of Total Assets by Geographical Area	f) The distribution of total assets by geographical area was as follows:

		December 31,			December 31,
		2014			2013
		(in thousands)
	Ireland	$	495,747		$	581,568
	Rest of Europe		324,086			321,661
	U.S.		648,559			486,232
	Other		60,458			52,999
	Total	$	1,528,850		$	1,442,460
Distribution of Capital Expenditures by Geographical Area	g) The distribution of capital expenditures by geographical area was as follows:

		Year ended
		December			December			December
		2014			2013			2012
		(in thousands)
	Ireland	$	15,117		$	3,976		$	12,406
	Rest of Europe		2,278			1,887			2,506
	U.S.		12,224			20,842			13,389
	Other		3,160			2,783			4,725
	Total	$	32,779		$	29,488		$	33,026
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
		2014			2013			2012

	Client A		31	%		26	%		18	%
	Client B		-	*		10	%		12	%

	* 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
		2014			2013			2012
		(in thousands)
	Ireland	$	284		$	355		$	464
	Rest of Europe		798			501			661
	U.S.		-			-			3
	Other		69			130			23
	Total	$	1,151		$	986		$	1,151
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
		2014			2013			2012
		(in thousands)
	Ireland	$	18,384		$	11,073		$	1,216
	Rest of Europe		2,855			(7	)		3,298
	U.S.		4,860			5,072			3,669
	Other		4,149			1,915			3,618
	Total	$	30,248		$	18,053		$	11,801

Supplemental_Disclosure_of_Cas1

Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2014
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information		Year ended
		December		December		December
		2014		2013		2012
		(in thousands)

	Non-cash interest on acquisition consideration payable*		-	$	240	$	940
	Cash paid for interest	$	533	$	548	$	602
	Cash paid for income taxes	$	17,829	$	14,103	$	18,475
	* recorded within interest expense

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income		December 31,			December 31,
		2014			2013
		(in thousands)
	Currency translation adjustments	$	(22,210	)	$	22,828
	Currency impact on long term funding (Net of tax)		(9,252	)		(18,880	)
	Actuarial loss on defined benefit pension plan (note 9)		(6,113	)		(1,988	)
	Unrealised capital gain/(loss) – investments (note 3)		20			-
	Total	$	(37,555	)	$	1,960

Description_of_Business_Additi

Description of Business - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
	Location
	Country
	Employee
Product Information [Line Items]
Number of employees	10,600
Number of locations in which company operates	81
Number of countries in which company operates	38
Geographic Concentration Risk \| United States \| Sales Revenue, Net
Product Information [Line Items]
Percentage of company revenue	40.30%
Geographic Concentration Risk \| Europe \| Sales Revenue, Net
Product Information [Line Items]
Percentage of company revenue	48.80%
Geographic Concentration Risk \| Rest of World \| Sales Revenue, Net
Product Information [Line Items]
Percentage of company revenue	10.90%

Significant_Accounting_Policie3

Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Advertising and promotion expense	$3,563,900	$5,195,120	$3,679,000
Impairment charge	0	0	0
Carrying value of inventory	$1,700,000	$2,200,000

Adjustments_Resulting_from_For

Adjustments Resulting from Foreign Currency Translations (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Intercompany Foreign Currency Balance [Line Items]
Amounts (credited)	($5,942)	($1,233)	($1,231)

Estimated_Useful_Lives_of_Asse

Estimated Useful Lives of Assets (Detail)	12 Months Ended
Estimated Useful Lives of Assets (Detail)	Dec. 31, 2014
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, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
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	61,496,115	60,907,274	59,968,174
Effect of dilutive share options outstanding	1,635,302	1,345,977	482,532
Weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding for diluted net income per ordinary share	63,131,417	62,253,251	60,450,706

Cost_and_Fair_Value_of_Investm

Cost and Fair Value of Investments (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
At start of year	$138,317	$76,183
Additions	61,328	172,168
Disposals	-102,565	-109,795
Unrealized capital gain/(loss) - investments	20	-239
At end of year	$97,100	$138,317

Recovered_Sheet1

Short Term Investments - Available for Sale - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Short term investments average maturity period	1 year 8 months 12 days	1 year 7 months 6 days

Goodwill_Detail

Goodwill (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill [Line Items]
Opening goodwill	$357,523	$315,441
Current year acquisitions	121,209	36,922
Foreign exchange movement	-15,408	5,160
Closing goodwill	$463,324	$357,523

Goodwill_Additional_Informatio

Goodwill - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Feb. 15, 2013

Oct. 30, 2013

29-May-13

Aug. 13, 2012

Feb. 28, 2012

7-May-14

Nov. 07, 2014

Jun. 13, 2013

Feb. 15, 2012

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Cash consideration

$124,301,000

$93,553,000

$72,508,000

Clinical Trial Services

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Cash consideration

51,897,000

Working capital adjustment

200,000

PriceSpective LLC

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Percentage of common stock acquired

100.00%

Cash consideration

52,098,000

Additional consideration

15,000,000

Further consideration paid in relation to certain performance milestones achieved

10,000,000

5,000,000

Cash consideration

37,199,000

PriceSpective LLC | Initial

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Cash consideration

37,100,000

Aptiv Solutions

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Percentage of common stock acquired

100.00%

Cash consideration

143,500,000

Adjustments to cash consideration

22,399,000

[1]

BeijingWits Medical Limited

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Percentage of common stock acquired

100.00%

Cash consideration

16,000,000

Additional consideration

7,000,000

Further consideration paid in relation to certain performance milestones achieved

3,200,000

3,800,000

Cash consideration

$9,000,000

BeijingWits Medical Limited | Minimum

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Addition of new employees

100

[1]

Adjustments to cash consideration represent certain one-time liabilities identified at the acquisition date.

Summary_of_Estimates_of_Fair_V

Summary of Estimates of Fair Values of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed of Aptiv Solutions (Detail) (USD $)	0 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	7-May-14		Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill			$463,324	$357,523	$315,441
Aptiv Solutions
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment	6,924
Goodwill	121,209	[1]
Intangible asset	30,037	[2]
Cash and cash equivalents	3,527
Accounts receivable	25,091
Unbilled revenue	21,154
Prepayments and other current assets	5,254	[3]
Non-current assets	2,911
Accounts payable	-9,565
Other liabilities	-29,903
Payments on account	-31,094
Non-current other liabilities	-24,444	[4]
Net assets acquired	121,101
Cash consideration	143,500
Adjustments to cash consideration	-22,399	[5]
Net assets acquired/Net purchase consideration	$121,101

[1]	Goodwill represents the acquisition of an established workforce with experience in clinical trial consulting and regulatory support for the development of drugs, medical devices and diagnostics, with a specific focus on strategy to increase efficiency and productivity in product development. Goodwill related to the US portion of the business acquired is tax deductible.
[2]	The Company have assumed a 20% valuation of Intangible asset. This is currently under review and will be finalized within the 12 month period from the date of acquisition.
[3]	The Company has included a provisional assessment of uncertain tax benefits relating to certain historic net operating losses carryforwards. This is currently under review and will be finalized within the 12 month period from the date of acquisition.
[4]	The Company has a defined benefit plan covering its employees in Switzerland as mandated by the Swiss government. Benefits are based on the employee's years of service and compensation. Benefits are paid directly by the Company when they become due, in conformity with the funding requirements of applicable government regulations. An estimate of the liability at the date of acquisition is included within non-current other liabilities.
[5]	Adjustments to cash consideration represent certain one-time liabilities identified at the acquisition date.

Summary_of_Estimates_of_Fair_V1

Summary of Estimates of Fair Values of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed of Aptiv Solutions (Parenthetical) (Detail) (Aptiv Solutions)	0 Months Ended
	7-May-14
Aptiv Solutions
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Percentage of valuation assumed on intangible assets	20.00%

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, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Aptiv Solutions
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Net revenue	$1,543,820	$1,451,682
Net income	172,508	101,857
Basic earnings per share	$2.81	$1.67
Diluted earnings per share	$2.73	$1.64
Clinical Trial Services
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
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
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
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
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
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

Summary_of_Estimates_of_Fair_V2

Summary of Estimates of Fair Values of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed of Clinical Trial Services Division of Cross Country Healthcare, Inc. (Detail) (USD $)	0 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 15, 2013		Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill			$463,324	$357,523	$315,441
Clinical Trial Services
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment	339
Goodwill	36,922	[1]
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/Net purchase consideration	51,698
Clinical Trial Services \| Customer relationships acquired
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible asset	3,300
Clinical Trial Services \| Order Backlog
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible asset	$600

[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.

Summary_of_Estimates_of_Fair_V3

Summary of Estimates of Fair Values of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed of PriceSpective LLC (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Feb. 28, 2012
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill	$463,324	$357,523	$315,441
Cash consideration	124,301	93,553	72,508
Contingent consideration		3,245
PriceSpective LLC
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment				256
Goodwill				42,247	[1]
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/Net purchase consideration				37,098
PriceSpective LLC \| Customer relationships acquired
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible asset				10,237
PriceSpective LLC \| Order Backlog
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible asset				405
PriceSpective LLC \| Non-compete Agreements
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible asset				$392

[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_V4

Summary of Estimates of Fair Values of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed of BeijingWits Medical Limited (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Feb. 15, 2012
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill	$463,324	$357,523	$315,441
Cash consideration	124,301	93,553	72,508
Contingent consideration		3,245
BeijingWits Medical Limited
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment				172
Goodwill				13,512	[1]
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/Net purchase consideration				9,000
BeijingWits Medical Limited \| Customer relationships acquired
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible asset				1,761
BeijingWits Medical Limited \| Order Backlog
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible asset				376
BeijingWits Medical Limited \| Non-compete Agreements
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible asset				$97

[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.

Intangible_Assets_Detail

Intangible Assets (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Cost
Foreign exchange movement	($2,769)	($62)
Intangible assets gross	80,909	54,349
Accumulated amortization	-32,120	-22,550
Foreign exchange movement	930	-445
Net book value	49,719	31,354
Customer relationships acquired
Cost
Intangible assets gross	36,130	36,900
Technology Assets
Cost
Intangible assets gross	11,169	11,169
Order Backlog
Cost
Intangible assets gross	3,171	3,171
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
Aptiv intangible asset
Cost
Intangible assets gross	$30,037

Intangible_Assets_Additional_I

Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	0 Months Ended
Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Feb. 15, 2012	Jul. 14, 2011	Jan. 14, 2011	Nov. 14, 2008	Feb. 11, 2008	Feb. 28, 2012	Feb. 15, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amount amortized since date of acquisition								$32,120,000	$22,550,000
BeijingWits Medical Limited
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amount amortized since date of acquisition								845,000
BeijingWits Medical Limited \| Customer relationships acquired
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Value of amortizable intangible asset acquired	1,800,000
Amortization period	10 years
BeijingWits Medical Limited \| Order Backlog
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Value of amortizable intangible asset acquired	400,000
Amortization period	4 years
BeijingWits Medical Limited \| Non-compete Agreements
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Value of amortizable intangible asset acquired	10,000
Amortization period	5 years
Firecrest Clinical Limited
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amount amortized since date of acquisition								9,152,000
Firecrest Clinical Limited \| Customer relationships acquired
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Value of amortizable intangible asset acquired		5,200,000
Amortization period		7 years 6 months
Firecrest Clinical Limited \| Order Backlog
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Value of amortizable intangible asset acquired		1,200,000
Amortization period		1 year 2 months 12 days
Firecrest Clinical Limited \| Technology Assets
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Value of amortizable intangible asset acquired		11,200,000
Amortization period		7 years 6 months
Firecrest Clinical Limited \| Trade Names
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Value of amortizable intangible asset acquired		1,400,000
Amortization period		4 years 6 months
Oxford Outcomes Limited
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amount amortized since date of acquisition								4,791,000
Oxford Outcomes Limited \| Customer relationships acquired
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Value of amortizable intangible asset acquired			6,600,000
Amortization period			6 years 6 months
Oxford Outcomes Limited \| Order Backlog
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Value of amortizable intangible asset acquired			600,000
Amortization period			2 years
Prevalere Life Sciences
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amount amortized since date of acquisition								4,977,000
Prevalere Life Sciences \| Volunteer list acquired
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Value of amortizable intangible asset acquired				7,400,000
Prevalere Life Sciences \| Minimum \| Volunteer list acquired
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization period				7 years
Prevalere Life Sciences \| Maximum \| Volunteer list acquired
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization period				11 years
Healthcare Discoveries Inc
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amount amortized since date of acquisition								2,704,000
Healthcare Discoveries Inc \| Customer relationships acquired
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Value of amortizable intangible asset acquired					1,600,000
Healthcare Discoveries Inc \| Volunteer list acquired
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Value of amortizable intangible asset acquired					1,300,000
Healthcare Discoveries Inc \| Minimum \| Customer relationships acquired
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization period					2 years
Healthcare Discoveries Inc \| Minimum \| Volunteer list acquired
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization period					6 years
Healthcare Discoveries Inc \| Maximum \| Customer relationships acquired
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization period					9 years
PriceSpective LLC
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amount amortized since date of acquisition								3,675,000
PriceSpective LLC \| Customer relationships acquired
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Value of amortizable intangible asset acquired						10,200,000
Amortization period						10 years
PriceSpective LLC \| Order Backlog
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Value of amortizable intangible asset acquired						400,000
Amortization period						9 months 18 days
PriceSpective LLC \| Non-compete Agreements
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Value of amortizable intangible asset acquired						400,000
Amortization period						3 years
Aptiv Solutions
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amount amortized since date of acquisition								3,313,000
Clinical Trial Services
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amount amortized since date of acquisition								2,663,000
Clinical Trial Services \| Customer relationships acquired
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Value of amortizable intangible asset acquired							3,300,000
Amortization period							3 years
Clinical Trial Services \| Order Backlog
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Value of amortizable intangible asset acquired							$600,000
Amortization period							1 year

Future_Intangible_Asset_Amorti

Future Intangible Asset Amortization Expense (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
2015	$6,506
2016	4,972
2017	3,990
2018	3,434
2019	1,491
Finite Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Net, Total	$20,393

Recovered_Sheet2

Property, Plant and Equipment, Net (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Cost
Land	$3,464	$3,464
Building	88,580	96,450
Computer equipment and software	247,980	212,019
Office furniture and fixtures	64,690	68,268
Laboratory equipment	23,599	29,678
Leasehold improvements	19,516	15,304
Motor vehicles	47	56
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross, Total	447,876	425,239
Less accumulated depreciation and asset write off	-299,691	-264,409
Property, plant and equipment (net)	$148,185	$160,830

Other_Liabilities_Detail

Other Liabilities (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Other Liabilities [Line Items]
Personnel related liabilities	$167,362	$138,639
Facility related liabilities	19,862	16,205
General overhead liabilities	33,422	31,034
Other liabilities	26,631	3,019
Short term government grants (note 11)	110	240
Restructuring and other items (note 14)	3,704	2,430
Acquisition consideration payable		3,245
Other Liabilities	$251,091	$194,812

Other_NonCurrent_Liabilities_D

Other Non-Current Liabilities (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule of Accrued Liabilities [Line Items]
Defined benefit pension obligations, net (note 9)	$7,466	$3,536
Other non-current liabilities	4,654	3,384
Other liabilities, noncurrent	13,179	11,198
Personnel Related
Schedule of Accrued Liabilities [Line Items]
Other liabilities, noncurrent	$1,059	$4,278

Employee_Benefits_Additional_I

Employee Benefits - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Employee Benefits - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
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, 2012, December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2014 were $18,187,000, $20,293,000 and $20,293,000 respectively.
Plan participants' contributions	$44,000	$75,000
Net gain for the defined benefit pension plan	268,000
Prior service cost for the defined benefit pension plan
Expected rate of return on plan assets	2.70%
Expected long term rate of return on bonds Description	Above expected long term rates of return to the asset distribution at December 31, 2014, gives rise to an expected overall rate of return of scheme assets of approximately 2.7% per annum.
Contribution to pension fund in the year ending December 31, 2015	100,000
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]
Expected long term rate of return on bonds Description	The long-term expected return on corporate bonds and gilts (fixed interest and index linked) is determined by reference to bond yields and gilt yields at the balance sheet date.
Bonds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Percentage of investments	70.00%
Corporate Bond Securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Expected rate of return on plan assets	3.60%
Percentage of investments	30.00%
Corporate Bond Securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Basis point increase in benefits obligation discount rate	0.20%
Defined benefit plan bond maturity period	15 years
Defined Benefit Plan Contributions
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Contributions percentage of compensation	6.00%
Plan participants' contributions	22,582,000	20,293,000	18,187,000
Defined Contribution Pension Plan 401(k)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Contributions percentage of compensation	6.00%
Plan participants' contributions	$10,514,000	$9,816,000	$8,442,000
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, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$24,958	$22,527
Service cost	91	251	242
Interest cost	1,235	1,005	964
Plan participants' contributions	44	75
Plan curtailments	359
Benefits paid	-68	-105
Actuarial loss	8,270	680
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	-2,014	525
Benefit obligation at end of year	$32,875	$24,958	$22,527

Change_in_Plan_Assets_Detail

Change in Plan Assets (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	$21,422	$17,807
Actual return on plan assets	5,424	2,916
Employer contributions	155	224
Plan participants' contributions	44	75
Benefits paid	-68	-105
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	-1,568	505
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$25,409	$21,422

Funded_Status_Detail

Funded Status (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Projected benefit obligation	($32,875)	($24,958)
Fair value of plan assets	25,409	21,422	17,807
Funded status	-7,466	-3,536
Non-current other liabilities	($7,466)	($3,536)

Components_of_Net_Periodic_Ben

Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	$91	$251	$242
Interest cost	1,235	1,005	964
Expected return on plan assets	-1,299	-983	-895
Amortization of net loss	20	130	179
Curtailment loss	359
Net periodic benefit cost	$406	$403	$490

Net_Periodic_Pension_Benefit_C

Net Periodic Pension Benefit Cost Assumptions (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Expected rate of return on plan assets	2.70%
Actuarial loss - benefit obligation	$8,270	$680	$405
Actuarial gain - plan assets	-4,125	-1,933	-915
Actuarial gain recognized in net periodic benefit cost	-20	-130	-179
Total	$4,125	($1,383)	($689)
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate	4.70%	4.60%	4.70%
Rate of compensation increase	4.00%	3.40%	3.50%
Expected rate of return on plan assets	6.10%	5.70%	5.80%

Amounts_recognized_in_accumula

Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income that have not been recognized (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Net actuarial loss	$6,113	$1,988	$3,371
Total	$6,113	$1,988	$3,371

Assumptions_Used_in_Determinin

Assumptions Used in Determining Benefit Obligation (Detail)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate	3.60%	4.70%
Rate of compensation increase	3.60%	4.00%

Expected_Long_Term_Rates_of_Re

Expected Long Term Rates of Return on Different Asset Classes (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Expected long-term return per annum	2.70%
Corporate Bond Securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Expected long-term return per annum	3.60%
Glits
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Expected long-term return per annum	2.40%

Underlying_Asset_Split_of_Fund

Underlying Asset Split of Fund (Detail)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
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%
Corporate Bond Securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total underlying asset split	26.00%	30.00%
Glits
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total underlying asset split	74.00%

Plan_Asset_Fair_Value_Measurem

Plan Asset Fair Value Measurements (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$25,409	$21,422	$17,807
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	25,409	21,422
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 \| Cash
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	16	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	6,560	5,788
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 \| Fixed Income Securities \| Legal and General Gilt Funds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	6,977
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 \| Fixed Income Securities \| Legal and General Index Linked Gilt Funds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	11,856
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, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Expected future benefit payments in 2015	$65
Expected future benefit payments in 2016	67
Expected future benefit payments in 2017	70
Expected future benefit payments in 2018	72
Expected future benefit payments in 2019	73
Expected future benefit payments in Years 2020 - 2024	$294

Equity_Incentive_Schemes_and_S2

Equity Incentive Schemes and Stock Compensation Charges - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended	24 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Apr. 23, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]
Contractual term of options outstanding	4 years 6 months 29 days	4 years 6 months 7 days
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life of Options Exercisable	3 years 2 months 19 days	3 years 3 months 15 days
Options Expected to Vest	655,224				655,224
Intrinsic Value Of Options Exercised	$23,000,000
Intrinsic Value Of Options Outstanding	51,200,000				51,200,000
Intrinsic Value Of Options Exercisable	26,600,000				26,600,000
Share-based compensation expense	22,742,000	14,220,000	11,521,000
Non-cash stock compensation expense not yet recognized	51,600,000				51,600,000
Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense, weighted average period (years)	2 years 3 months 11 days
Tax benefit on exercise of options	2,404,000	1,651,000	1,274,000
Scenario, Forecast
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]
Options Expected to Vest						494,951
Employee Stock Plan, 2008 Plan
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]
Ordinary shares which have been reserved for issuance	6,000,000				6,000,000
Employee Stock Plan, 2008 Plan \| Individual Employee
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]
Ordinary shares which have been reserved for issuance	400,000				400,000
Employee Stock Plan, 2008 Plan \| Minimum
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]
Percentage of option price for fair value of ordinary share	100.00%
Employee Stock Plan, 2003 Plan
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]
Ordinary shares which have been reserved for issuance	6,000,000				6,000,000
Maximum number of award as percentage of shares outstanding	10.00%
Employee Stock Plan, 2003 Plan \| Individual Employee
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]
Ordinary shares which have been reserved for issuance	400,000				400,000
Employee Stock Option
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]
Shares vesting period	5 years
Shares expiration period	8 years
Options vesting percentage	20.00%
Employee Stock Option \| Maximum
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]
Contractual term of options outstanding	8 years
Restricted Stock Units 2008
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]
Ordinary shares which have been reserved for issuance	1,000,000				1,000,000
Restricted Stock Units 2013
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]
Ordinary shares which have been reserved for issuance				1,600,000
Cost of shares awarded				0
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of stock units vested	$4,900,000	$1,100,000
Stock units vested	233,726
Stock units granted	521,926
Performance Share Unit (PSUs)
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]
Stock units vested	0	0
Stock units granted	346,108
PSUs Based on Service and EPS Targets
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]
Stock units granted					337,738
PSUs Based on Service and EPS Targets \| Minimum
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]
Cumulative EPS vesting period	2013
PSUs Based on Service and EPS Targets \| Maximum
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]
Stock units to be granted	331,433				331,433
Cumulative EPS vesting period	2017

Summary_of_Stock_Option_Activi

Summary of Stock Option Activity (Detail) (Stock Option And Award Plans, USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Stock Option And Award Plans
Options Granted Under Plans
Beginning balance	2,973,788	4,350,631	4,902,818
Granted	366,985	264,950	842,273
Exercised	-926,407	-1,249,759	-890,236
Cancelled	-186,666	-392,034	-504,224
Ending Balance	2,227,700	2,973,788	4,350,631
Vested and exercisable at end of period	1,024,550
Number of Shares
Beginning balance	2,973,788	4,350,631	4,902,818
Granted	366,985	264,950	842,273
Exercised	-926,407	-1,249,759	-890,236
Cancelled	-186,666	-392,034	-504,224
Ending balance	2,227,700	2,973,788	4,350,631
Vested and exercisable at end of period	1,024,550
Weighted Average Exercise Price
Beginning balance	$24.20	$23.01	$21.87
Granted	$45.82	$33.09	$22.01
Exercised	$24.02	$21.60	$14.62
Cancelled	$22.17	$25.27	$25.14
Ending balance	$28	$24.20	$23.01
Vested and exercisable at end of period	$25.03
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Beginning balance	$9.57	$9.17	$8.61
Granted	$14.09	$12.05	$9.59
Exercised	$9.45	$8.58	$6.16
Cancelled	$9.01	$10.02	$9.76
Ending balance	$10.40	$9.57	$9.17
Vested and exercisable at end of period	$9.72

Summary_of_Movement_in_NonVest

Summary of Movement in Non-Vested Share Options (Detail) (Employee Stock Option, USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Employee Stock Option
Options Outstanding Number of Shares
Beginning Balance	1,468,081
Granted	366,985
Vested	-496,775
Forfeited	-135,141
Ending Balance	1,203,150	1,468,081
Weighted Average Exercise Price
Beginning balance	$23.45
Granted	$45.82
Vested	$22.85
Forfeited	$23.36
Ending balance	$30.54	$23.45
Weighted Average Fair Value
Beginning Balance	$9.45
Granted	$14.09	$12.05	$9.59
Vested	$9.13
Forfeited	$9.57
Ending Balance	$10.98	$9.45

Outstanding_and_Exercisable_Sh

Outstanding and Exercisable Share Options (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Outstanding and Exercisable Share Options (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Range Exercise Price Maximum	$51.35
Range Exercise Price Minimum	$15.84
Options Outstanding Number of Shares	2,227,700
Options Outstanding Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	4 years 6 months 29 days
Options Outstanding Weighted Average Exercise Price	$28
Options Exercisable Number of Shares	1,024,550
Options Exercisable Weighted Average Exercise Price	$25.03
Range 1
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	2 years 3 months 29 days
Options Outstanding Weighted Average Exercise Price	$15.84
Options Exercisable Number of Shares	50,000
Options Exercisable Weighted Average Exercise Price	$15.84
Range 2
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Range Exercise Price Maximum	$16.80
Options Outstanding Number of Shares	90,000
Options Outstanding Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	4 years 9 months 29 days
Options Outstanding Weighted Average Exercise Price	$16.80
Options Exercisable Number of Shares	30,000
Options Exercisable Weighted Average Exercise Price	$16.80
Range 3
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Range Exercise Price Maximum	$17.17
Options Outstanding Number of Shares	18,000
Options Outstanding Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	4 years 10 months 6 days
Options Outstanding Weighted Average Exercise Price	$17.17
Options Exercisable Number of Shares	6,000
Options Exercisable Weighted Average Exercise Price	$17.17
Range 4
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Range Exercise Price Maximum	$18.98
Options Outstanding Number of Shares	600
Options Outstanding Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	1 year 10 months 13 days
Options Outstanding Weighted Average Exercise Price	$18.98
Options Exercisable Number of Shares	600
Options Exercisable Weighted Average Exercise Price	$18.98
Range 5
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Range Exercise Price Maximum	$19.45
Options Outstanding Number of Shares	6,000
Options Outstanding Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	3 years 9 months 26 days
Options Outstanding Weighted Average Exercise Price	$19.45
Options Exercisable Weighted Average Exercise Price	$19.45
Range 6
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Range Exercise Price Maximum	$20.16
Options Outstanding Number of Shares	600
Options Outstanding Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	3 years 10 months 13 days
Options Outstanding Weighted Average Exercise Price	$20.16
Options Exercisable Number of Shares	200
Options Exercisable Weighted Average Exercise Price	$20.16
Range 7
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Range Exercise Price Maximum	$20.28
Options Outstanding Number of Shares	344,811
Options Outstanding Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	4 years 2 months 1 day
Options Outstanding Weighted Average Exercise Price	$20.28
Options Exercisable Number of Shares	187,539
Options Exercisable Weighted Average Exercise Price	$20.28
Range 8
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Range Exercise Price Maximum	$20.59
Options Outstanding Number of Shares	115,200
Options Outstanding Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	5 years 1 month 21 days
Options Outstanding Weighted Average Exercise Price	$20.59
Options Exercisable Number of Shares	23,400
Options Exercisable Weighted Average Exercise Price	$20.59
Range 9
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Range Exercise Price Maximum	$21.25
Options Outstanding Number of Shares	19,741
Options Outstanding Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	1 month 13 days
Options Outstanding Weighted Average Exercise Price	$21.25
Options Exercisable Number of Shares	19,741
Options Exercisable Weighted Average Exercise Price	$21.25
Range 10
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Range Exercise Price Maximum	$22.26
Options Outstanding Number of Shares	125,637
Options Outstanding Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	2 years 1 month 24 days
Options Outstanding Weighted Average Exercise Price	$22.26
Options Exercisable Number of Shares	125,637
Options Exercisable Weighted Average Exercise Price	$22.26
Range 11
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Range Exercise Price Maximum	$22.30
Options Outstanding Number of Shares	352,793
Options Outstanding Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	5 years 3 months 26 days
Options Outstanding Weighted Average Exercise Price	$22.30
Options Exercisable Number of Shares	113,729
Options Exercisable Weighted Average Exercise Price	$22.30
Range 12
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Range Exercise Price Maximum	$23.66
Options Outstanding Number of Shares	8,720
Options Outstanding Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	5 years 6 months 26 days
Options Outstanding Weighted Average Exercise Price	$23.66
Options Exercisable Number of Shares	3,380
Options Exercisable Weighted Average Exercise Price	$23.66
Range 13
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Range Exercise Price Maximum	$24.25
Options Outstanding Number of Shares	50,000
Options Outstanding Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	3 years 2 months 5 days
Options Outstanding Weighted Average Exercise Price	$24.25
Options Exercisable Number of Shares	50,000
Options Exercisable Weighted Average Exercise Price	$24.25
Range 14
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Range Exercise Price Maximum	$24.46
Options Outstanding Number of Shares	217,907
Options Outstanding Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	3 years 2 months 1 day
Options Outstanding Weighted Average Exercise Price	$24.46
Options Exercisable Number of Shares	145,419
Options Exercisable Weighted Average Exercise Price	$24.46
Range 15
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	3 years 4 months 17 days
Options Outstanding Weighted Average Exercise Price	$26.20
Options Exercisable Number of Shares	1,920
Options Exercisable Weighted Average Exercise Price	$26.20
Range 16
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Range Exercise Price Maximum	$26.71
Options Outstanding Number of Shares	4,450
Options Outstanding Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	5 years 8 months 12 days
Options Outstanding Weighted Average Exercise Price	$26.71
Options Exercisable Number of Shares	1,780
Options Exercisable Weighted Average Exercise Price	$26.71
Range 17
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	3 years 3 months 26 days
Options Outstanding Weighted Average Exercise Price	$29.45
Options Exercisable Number of Shares	2,400
Options Exercisable Weighted Average Exercise Price	$29.45
Range 18
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Range Exercise Price Maximum	$31.49
Options Outstanding Number of Shares	11,650
Options Outstanding Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	6 years 1 month 28 days
Options Outstanding Weighted Average Exercise Price	$31.49
Options Exercisable Number of Shares	1,690
Options Exercisable Weighted Average Exercise Price	$31.49
Range 19
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Range Exercise Price Maximum	$32.37
Options Outstanding Number of Shares	187,498
Options Outstanding Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	6 years 3 months 29 days
Options Outstanding Weighted Average Exercise Price	$32.37
Options Exercisable Number of Shares	38,698
Options Exercisable Weighted Average Exercise Price	$32.37
Range 20
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Range Exercise Price Maximum	$35.33
Options Outstanding Number of Shares	211,756
Options Outstanding Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	1 year 1 month 24 days
Options Outstanding Weighted Average Exercise Price	$35.33
Options Exercisable Number of Shares	211,756
Options Exercisable Weighted Average Exercise Price	$35.33
Range 21
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Range Exercise Price Maximum	$36.22
Options Outstanding Number of Shares	34,630
Options Outstanding Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	6 years 5 months 16 days
Options Outstanding Weighted Average Exercise Price	$36.22
Options Exercisable Number of Shares	6,921
Options Exercisable Weighted Average Exercise Price	$36.22
Range 22
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	6 years 11 months 5 days
Options Outstanding Weighted Average Exercise Price	$37.90
Options Exercisable Number of Shares	2,060
Options Exercisable Weighted Average Exercise Price	$37.90
Range 23
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Range Exercise Price Maximum	$40.83
Options Outstanding Number of Shares	111,463
Options Outstanding Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	7 years 4 months 21 days
Options Outstanding Weighted Average Exercise Price	$40.83
Options Exercisable Number of Shares	680
Options Exercisable Weighted Average Exercise Price	$40.83
Range 24
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	1 year 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
Range 25
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Range Exercise Price Maximum	$47.03
Options Outstanding Number of Shares	82,147
Options Outstanding Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	7 years 2 months 1 day
Options Outstanding Weighted Average Exercise Price	$47.03
Options Exercisable Weighted Average Exercise Price	$47.03
Range 26
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Range Exercise Price Maximum	$48.67
Options Outstanding Number of Shares	163,367
Options Outstanding Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	7 years 2 months 16 days
Options Outstanding Weighted Average Exercise Price	$48.67
Options Exercisable Weighted Average Exercise Price	$48.67
Range 27
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Range Exercise Price Maximum	$51.35
Options Outstanding Number of Shares	4,030
Options Outstanding Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	7 years 7 months 6 days
Options Outstanding Weighted Average Exercise Price	$51.35
Options Exercisable Weighted Average Exercise Price	$51.35

Schedule_of_Weighted_Average_F

Schedule of Weighted Average Fair Values and Assumptions Used (Detail) (Employee Stock Option, USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Employee Stock Option
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted average fair value	$14.09	$12.05	$9.59
Assumptions:
Expected volatility	32.00%	40.00%	50.00%
Dividend yield	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Risk-free interest rate	1.57%	0.76%	0.83%
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, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Performance Share Unit (PSUs)
Outstanding Number of Shares
Outstanding at beginning of period	353,244
Granted	346,108
Shares vested	0	0
Forfeited	-30,181
Outstanding at ending of period	669,171	353,244
Weighted Average Fair Value
Outstanding at beginning of period	$33.04
Granted	$46.34
Forfeited	$34.62
Outstanding at end of period	$39.78	$33.04
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life
Outstanding at end of period	1 year 9 months 7 days	2 years 4 months 6 days
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Outstanding Number of Shares
Outstanding at beginning of period	846,459
Granted	521,926
Shares vested	-233,726
Forfeited	-95,663
Outstanding at ending of period	1,038,996	846,459
Weighted Average Fair Value
Outstanding at beginning of period	$27.05
Granted	$41.84
Shares vested	$21.11
Forfeited	$32.68
Outstanding at end of period	$35.19	$27.05
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life
Outstanding at end of period	1 year 8 months 1 day	1 year 9 months 7 days

Schedule_of_Noncash_Stock_Comp

Schedule of Non-cash Stock Compensation Expense (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	$22,742	$14,220	$11,521
Direct costs
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	12,531	7,835	6,007
Selling, general and administrative
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	10,211	6,385	4,894
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, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Government Grants [Line Items]
Received	$3,698	$3,698
Less accumulated amortization	-2,710	-2,497
Foreign exchange translation adjustment	238	398
Total government grants	1,226	1,599
Less current portion	-110	-240
Non-current government grants	$1,116	$1,359

Government_Grants_Additional_I

Government Grants - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Government Grants - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Government Grants [Line Items]
Government grants amortized to profit and loss account	$213,000	$349,000
Restricted retained earnings	$700,000

Share_Capital_Additional_Infor

Share Capital - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Nov. 22, 2011	Feb. 21, 2012	Apr. 27, 2012	Jul. 30, 2012	Oct. 27, 2011
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.
Ordinary shares repurchased	2,640,610	0	738,341
Ordinary shares repurchased, value	$140		$15.60
Employee Stock Option
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) Disclosures [Line Items]
Options exercised by employees	926,407	1,249,759	890,236
Average exercise price of Option per share	$24.02	21.6	$14.62
Total proceeds from exercise of stock options by employees	22.3	27	13
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) Disclosures [Line Items]
Ordinary shares issued in respect of certain RSU's previously awarded by the Company	233,726	50,000
Maximum
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) Disclosures [Line Items]
Share repurchase program value								50
Plan 1
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) Disclosures [Line Items]
Share repurchase plans, start date				23-Nov-11
Share repurchase plans, end date				31-Dec-11
Plan 1 \| Maximum
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) Disclosures [Line Items]
Share repurchase program value				10
Plan 2
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) Disclosures [Line Items]
Share repurchase plans, start date				1-Jan-12
Share repurchase plans, end date				20-Feb-12
Plan 2 \| Maximum
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) Disclosures [Line Items]
Share repurchase program value				10
Plan 3
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) Disclosures [Line Items]
Share repurchase plans, start date					22-Feb-12
Share repurchase plans, end date					22-Apr-12
Plan 3 \| Maximum
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) Disclosures [Line Items]
Share repurchase program value					20
Plan 4
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) Disclosures [Line Items]
Share repurchase plans, start date						27-Apr-12
Share repurchase plans, end date						18-Jul-12
Plan 4 \| Maximum
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) Disclosures [Line Items]
Share repurchase program value						20
Plan 5
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) Disclosures [Line Items]
Share repurchase plans, start date							30-Jul-12
Share repurchase plans, end date							26-Oct-12
Plan 5 \| Maximum
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) Disclosures [Line Items]
Share repurchase program value							10

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, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Schedule of Components of Income Before Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Line Items]
Income before provision for income taxes	$202,716	$120,865	$67,221
Ireland
Schedule of Components of Income Before Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Line Items]
Income before provision for income taxes	143,889	80,914	12,157
United States
Schedule of Components of Income Before Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Line Items]
Income before provision for income taxes	6,966	16,218	11,371
Other
Schedule of Components of Income Before Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Line Items]
Income before provision for income taxes	$51,861	$23,733	$43,693

Components_of_Total_Income_Tax

Components of Total Income Tax Expense (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Current:
Current tax	$38,148	$28,526	$22,231
Deferred expense/(benefit):
Deferred tax expense/(benefit)	-7,900	-10,473	-10,430
Provision for income taxes	30,248	18,053	11,801
Impact on shareholders equity and other comprehensive income of the tax consequence of :
Excess tax benefit on stock compensation	-2,404	-1,651	-1,274
Currency impact on long term funding	178	87	356
Total	28,022	16,489	10,883
Ireland
Current:
Current tax	19,562	9,158	1,684
Deferred expense/(benefit):
Deferred tax expense/(benefit)	-1,178	1,914	-287
Provision for income taxes	18,384	11,073	1,216
United States
Current:
Current tax	7,891	14,492	12,290
Deferred expense/(benefit):
Deferred tax expense/(benefit)	-3,031	-9,420	-9,715
Provision for income taxes	4,860	5,072	3,669
Other
Current:
Current tax	10,695	4,876	8,257
Deferred expense/(benefit):
Deferred tax expense/(benefit)	-3,691	-2,967	-428
Provision for income taxes	$4,149	$1,915	$3,618

Income_Taxes_Additional_Inform

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
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	$23,145,000	$24,348,000	$21,190,000
Net change in the total valuation allowance	1,200,000	3,100,000
Deferred tax expense/(benefit) resulted from valuation allowance release	3,100,000
Deferred tax liability unrecognized for the undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries	0	0	0
Unrecognized tax benefit	2,300,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Period Increase	14,500,000
Total unrecognized tax benefits net of potential benefits	23,200,000	5,800,000	7,200,000
Interest and penalties recognized as an expense	200,000	200,000	100,000
Total accrued interest and penalties	2,400,000	900,000
Tax Jurisdiction Description	In the United States tax periods open to audit include the years ended December 31, 2011, December 31, 2012, December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2014. In Ireland tax periods open to audit include the years ended December 31, 2010, December 31, 2011, December 31, 2012, December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2014. 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	95,600,000	96,200,000
Additional operating loss carry forward	5,800,000
Non-U.S subsidiaries tax credit carry forwards for income tax	3,600,000	2,400,000
Expiration period	Expire between 2015 and 2017
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 2015 and 2033
U.S. Federal net operating loss carry forwards currently available for offset	11,800,000
Limitation description	Due to change of ownership in 2000, 2010 and 2014, 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	36,879,000
United States \| State
Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible [Line Items]
Additional operating loss carry forward	$65,140,000

Consolidated_Effective_Tax_Rat

Consolidated Effective Tax Rate Differed from Statutory Rate (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Schedule of Deferred Income Tax Assets and Liabilities [Line Items]
Taxes at Irish statutory rate of 12.5% (2013:12.5%; 2012:12.5%)	$25,340	$15,108	$8,401
Foreign and other income taxed at higher rates	1,981	4,085	6,360
Research & development tax incentives	-1,810	-2,598	-4,954
Movement in valuation allowance	-1,965	2,389	1,557
Effects of change in tax rates	543	1,553	867
Increase in unrecognized tax benefits	2,869	-1,409	646
Prior year over provision	-552	-47	-678
Effects of permanent items	3,219	-1,002	-26
Other	623	-26	-372
Provision for income taxes	$30,248	$18,053	$11,801

Consolidated_Effective_Tax_Rat1

Consolidated Effective Tax Rate Differed from Statutory Rate (Parenthetical) (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
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, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Deferred tax liabilities:
Property, plant and equipment	$4,270	$6,501	$6,631
Goodwill attributable to intangibles	18,645	14,013	11,467
Other intangible assets	3,657	970	2,707
Accruals	238	51	77
Other		4	88
Unrealized FX	1,709	1,056	1,160
Total deferred tax liabilities recognized	28,519	22,595	22,130
Deferred tax assets:
Net operating loss and tax credits carryforwards	30,586	29,696	26,545
Property, plant and equipment	4,002	2,739	2,345
Accrued expenses and payments on account	37,620	30,136	20,326
Stock compensation	8,717	6,291	5,586
Deferred compensation expense	1,853	1,187	1,136
Other	892
Unrealized FX	352	92	98
Total deferred tax assets	84,022	70,141	56,036
Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets	-23,145	-24,348	-21,190
Deferred tax assets recognized	60,877	45,793	34,846
Deferred tax assets net of unrecognized tax benefits	60,877	45,793	34,846
Overall Net deferred tax asset	$32,358	$23,198	$12,716

Expected_Expiry_Dates_of_NOIs_

Expected Expiry Dates of NOI's (Detail) (United States, USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
Federal
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforward	$36,879
Federal \| Expiring 2014-2020
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforward	678
Federal \| Expiring 2021-2025
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforward	4,031
Federal \| Expiring 2026-2032
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforward	32,170
State
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforward	65,140
State \| Expiring 2014-2020
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforward	1,893
State \| Expiring 2021-2025
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforward	12,705
State \| Expiring 2026-2032
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforward	$50,542

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, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Gross amount of unrecognized tax benefits at start of year	$5,780	$7,189	$6,543
Increase related to acquired tax positions	14,552
Increase related to prior year tax positions	565		1,167
Decrease related to prior year tax positions	-183	-494
Increase related to current year tax positions	3,709	2,269	1,473
Settlements	-2	-899	-98
Lapse of statute of limitations	-1,220	-2,285	-1,896
Gross amount of unrecognized tax benefits at end of year	$23,201	$5,780	$7,189

Recognized_Restructuring_and_O

Recognized Restructuring and Other Items, Net (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	$8,796	$9,033	$4,525
Other items			1,111
Net charge	$8,796	$9,033	$5,636

Recovered_Sheet3

Restructuring and Other Items - Additional Information (Detail)	0 Months Ended		3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended					12 Months Ended
	Jun. 11, 2012	Jun. 11, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jun. 11, 2012	Jun. 11, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
	USD ($)	EUR (€)	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	EUR (€)	Asset Impairment	Onerous Lease
									USD ($)	USD ($)
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges				$8,796,000	$9,033,000	$4,525,000			$5,600,000	$3,200,000
Restructuring and other charges					9,000,000
Agreement settlement charges	220,000	160,000
Discretionary bonus							271,000	194,000
Share-based compensation			$620,000			$738,000

Restructuring_Charges_Detail

Restructuring Charges (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Total provision recognized	$8,796	$9,033	$4,525
Closing provision	537	2,194
Manchester, United Kingdom facility closure
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Total provision recognized	8,796
Asset write-off	-5,629
Closing provision	3,167
Onerous Lease \| Manchester, United Kingdom facility closure
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Total provision recognized	3,167
Closing provision	3,167
Asset Impairment \| Manchester, United Kingdom facility closure
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Total provision recognized	5,629
Asset write-off	-5,629
Closing provision	$0

Details_of_Movement_in_Restruc

Details of Movement in Restructuring Provisions Recognized (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Initial provision recognized	$8,796	$9,033	$4,525
Cash payments	-1,656	-6,743
Amounts released		-93
Foreign exchange movement	-1	-3
Closing provision	537	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
Workforce Reduction
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Initial provision recognized		8,131
Cash payments	-1,319	-6,544
Amounts released		-93
Foreign exchange movement	-1	-3
Closing provision	171	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
Office Consolidations
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Initial provision recognized		902
Cash payments	-337	-199
Closing provision	366	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

Provision_For_Doubtful_Debts_D

Provision For Doubtful Debts (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Opening provision	$3,148	$5,047
Amounts used during the year	-502	-3,132
Amounts provided during the year	2,874	1,368
Amounts released during the year	-62	-135
Closing provision	$5,458	$3,148

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Operating Lease Obligations [Line Items]
Non-cancelable operating leases for facilities expiration period	10 years
Operating leases rental expense	$54.30	$54.90	$52.50

Future_Minimum_Rental_Commitme

Future Minimum Rental Commitments for Operating Leases (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
2015	$43,122
2016	34,733
2017	24,096
2018	19,049
2019	14,000
Thereafter	54,824
Total	$189,824

Distribution_of_Net_Revenue_by

Distribution of Net Revenue by Geographical Area (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Revenue	$1,503,316	$1,336,058	$1,115,006
Ireland
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Revenue	360,376	272,683	171,977
Rest Of Europe
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Revenue	372,634	333,543	338,537
United States
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Revenue	605,815	582,250	471,700
Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Revenue	$164,491	$147,582	$132,792

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, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income from operations	$202,350	$121,167	$68,017
Ireland
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income from operations	138,185	81,811	9,659
Rest Of Europe
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income from operations	14,481	2,831	29,240
United States
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income from operations	39,058	29,472	21,036
Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income from operations	$10,626	$7,053	$8,082

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, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income from operations, excluding restructuring and other items	$211,146	$130,200	$73,653
Ireland
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income from operations, excluding restructuring and other items	138,185	82,867	11,733
Rest Of Europe
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income from operations, excluding restructuring and other items	23,277	6,269	29,786
United States
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income from operations, excluding restructuring and other items	39,058	33,564	23,687
Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income from operations, excluding restructuring and other items	$10,626	$7,500	$8,447

Distribution_of_Property_Plant

Distribution of Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, by Geographical Area (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, net	$148,185	$160,830
Ireland
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, net	95,574	103,868
Rest Of Europe
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, net	10,419	14,630
United States
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, net	33,978	33,947
Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, net	$8,214	$8,385

Distribution_of_Depreciation_a

Distribution of Depreciation and Amortization by Geographical Area (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization	$52,542	$46,514	$42,823
Ireland
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization	20,731	19,826	17,885
Rest Of Europe
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization	7,478	6,595	7,211
United States
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization	20,491	16,233	13,865
Other
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization	$3,842	$3,860	$3,862

Distribution_of_Total_Assets_b

Distribution of Total Assets by Geographical Area (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	$1,528,850	$1,442,460
Ireland
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	495,747	581,568
Rest Of Europe
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	324,086	321,661
United States
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	648,559	486,232
Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	$60,458	$52,999

Distribution_of_Capital_Expend

Distribution of Capital Expenditure by Geographical Area (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Capital Expenditures	$32,779	$29,488	$33,026
Ireland
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Capital Expenditures	15,117	3,976	12,406
Rest Of Europe
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Capital Expenditures	2,278	1,887	2,506
United States
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Capital Expenditures	12,224	20,842	13,389
Other
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Capital Expenditures	$3,160	$2,783	$4,725

Clients_Representing_Companys_

Clients Representing Company's Net Revenue (Detail) (Customer Concentration Risk [Member], Sales Revenue, Net)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Client A
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Clients which represented 10% or more of the company's net revenue	31.00%	26.00%	18.00%
Client B
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Clients which represented 10% or more of the company's net revenue		10.00%	12.00%

Distribution_of_Interest_Incom

Distribution of Interest Income by Geographical Area (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]
Interest income	$1,151	$986	$1,151
Ireland
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]
Interest income	284	355	464
Rest Of Europe
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]
Interest income	798	501	661
United States
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]
Interest income			3
Other
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]
Interest income	$69	$130	$23

Distribution_of_Tax_Charge_by_

Distribution of Tax Charge by Geographical Area (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Tax Charge	$30,248	$18,053	$11,801
Ireland
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Tax Charge	18,384	11,073	1,216
Rest Of Europe
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Tax Charge	2,855	-7	3,298
United States
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Tax Charge	4,860	5,072	3,669
Other
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Tax Charge	$4,149	$1,915	$3,618

Supplemental_Disclosure_of_Cas2

Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental [Line Items]
Non-cash interest on acquisition consideration payable		$240	[1]	$940	[1]
Cash paid for interest	533	548		602
Cash paid for income taxes	$17,829	$14,103		$18,475

[1]	recorded within interest expense

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Currency translation adjustments	($22,210)	$22,828
Currency impact on long term funding (Net of tax)	-9,252	-18,880
Actuarial loss on defined benefit pension plan (note 9)	-6,113	-1,988	-3,371
Unrealised capital gain/(loss) - investments (note 3)	20
Total	($37,555)	$1,960

Related_Parties_Additional_Inf

Related Parties - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
	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	2 years	2 years	3 years	3 years
Related party agreement beginning date	1-Aug-12	1-Aug-12
Related party agreement expiration date			31-Dec-12	31-Dec-12

Subsequent_Events_Additional_I

Subsequent Events - Additional Information (Detail) (Subsequent Event, MediMedia Pharma Solutions, USD $)	0 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 27, 2015
Subsequent Event \| MediMedia Pharma Solutions
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Cash consideration	$120,000

Summary_of_Estimates_of_Fair_V5

Summary of Estimates of Fair Values of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed of MediMedia Pharma Solotions (Detail) (Subsequent Event, MediMedia Pharma Solutions, USD $)	Feb. 27, 2015
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 27, 2015
Subsequent Event \| MediMedia Pharma Solutions
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment	$796
Accounts receivable	4,877
Unbilled revenue	4,826
Prepayments and other current assets	721
Accounts payable	-671
Other liabilities	-4,763
Payments on account	-4,376
Net assets acquired	$1,410