Accounting Policies (Policies) | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2013 |
Accounting Policies [Abstract] | ' |
Consolidation [Policy Text Block] | ' |
Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation |
The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (U.S. GAAP) and U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission regulations. The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of the Company’s majority-owned subsidiaries. All material intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated upon consolidation. |
Reclassification, Policy [Policy Text Block] | ' |
Reclassification |
Certain balances in prior years have been reclassified to conform to current year presentation. |
Use of Estimates [Policy Text Block] | ' |
Use of Estimates, Risks and Uncertainties |
The preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported. These estimates include, but are not limited to, project completion dates, time and cost required to complete projects for purposes of revenue recognition and future revenue, expense and cash flow estimates for purposes of impairment analysis and loss contract evaluation. Actual results could differ from those estimates. |
|
The Company’s results are affected by economic, political, legislative, regulatory and legal actions. Economic conditions, such as recessionary trends, inflation, interest and monetary exchange rates, and government fiscal policies, can have a significant effect on operations. While the Company maintains reserves for anticipated liabilities and carries various levels of insurance, the Company could be affected by civil, criminal, regulatory or administrative actions, claims or proceedings. |
Foreign Currency [Policy Text Block] | ' |
Foreign Currency Translation |
Assets and liabilities of foreign operations are translated to U.S. dollars at year-end exchange rates. Revenues and expenses are translated at average exchange rates for the year. Translation adjustments are accumulated and reflected as adjustments to other comprehensive (loss) income, a component of Shareholders’ Equity, and included in net earnings only upon sale or liquidation of the underlying foreign subsidiary. Gains or losses resulting from foreign exchange transactions related to balance sheet positions are recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Income within Other income, net. |
Revenue Recognition [Policy Text Block] | ' |
Revenue Recognition |
Revenues mostly consist of fees generated from outsourced services provided to the Company’s clients. Approximately 91% of the Company's revenues are derived from agent-related services. The Company typically recognizes these revenues as services are performed based on staffing hours or the number of contacts handled by service agents using contractual rates. The remaining revenues are derived from the sale of premise-based and hosted automated self-care and technology solutions and provision of professional services. Revenues from the sale of these solutions and provision of services are typically recognized as services are provided over the duration of the contract using contractual rates. |
|
Revenues are recognized only when the services are performed, there is evidence of an arrangement, the Company determines that the fee is fixed and determinable and collection of the fee included in the arrangement is considered probable. When determining whether the fee is considered fixed and determinable and collection is probable, the Company considers a number of factors including the creditworthiness of the client and the contractual payment terms. If a client is not considered creditworthy, all revenue under arrangements with that client is recognized upon receipt of cash. If payment terms extend beyond what is considered customary or standard in the related industry and geographic location, the related fees are considered extended and deferred until they become due and payable. |
|
The Company considers the criteria established primarily by Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 605-45, “Principal Agent Considerations,” (ASC 605-45) in determining whether revenue should be recognized on a gross versus a net basis. Factors considered in determining if gross or net basis recognition is appropriate include whether the Company is primarily responsible to the client for the services, has discretion on vendor selection, or bears credit risk. The Company provides certain services to clients using third-party vendors. Typically, the costs incurred with third-party vendors related to these services are passed through to the clients. In consideration of the above mentioned criteria, total payments the Company receives from clients related to these services are recorded as revenue and payments the Company makes to third-party vendors are recorded as cost of providing services and products sold. |
|
The Company sometimes earns supplemental revenues depending on the satisfaction of certain service levels or achievement of certain performance measurement targets. The supplemental revenues are recognized only after required measurement targets are met. |
|
The Company recognizes revenues from transition services provided to the buyer of the Information Management business as such services are performed. |
Stock Compensation [Policy Text Block] | ' |
Stock-Based Compensation |
The Company accounts for stock-based payment transactions in which the Company receives employee services in exchange for equity instruments of the Company. Stock-based compensation cost for restricted stock awards and restricted stock units and performance restricted stock units is measured based on the closing fair market value of the Company's common stock on the date of grant. Stock-based compensation cost for stock options is estimated at the grant date based on each option's fair-value as calculated by the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The Company recognizes stock-based compensation cost as expense for awards other than its performance-based restricted stock units ratably on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. The Company recognizes stock-based compensation cost associated with its performance based restricted stock units over the requisite service period if it is probable that the performance conditions will be satisfied. The Company will recognize a benefit from stock-based compensation in equity if an incremental tax benefit is realized by following the ordering provisions of the tax law. Tax benefits related to stock compensation expense are reported as financing cash flow and tax expenses are reported as operating cash flow. Further, the Company applies an estimated forfeiture rate to unvested awards when computing the stock compensation-related expenses |
Income Taxes [Policy Text Block] | ' |
Income Taxes |
The provision for income taxes includes taxes paid, currently payable or receivable, and those deferred. Under U.S. GAAP, the Company recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities based on the differences between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to be settled or realized. |
|
The Company regularly reviews its deferred tax assets for recoverability and establishes a valuation allowance if it is more likely than not that some portion or all of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. The determination as to whether a deferred tax asset will be realized is made on a jurisdictional basis and is based on the evaluation of positive and negative evidence. This evidence includes historical pre-tax and taxable income, projected future taxable income, the expected timing of the reversal of existing temporary differences and the implementation of tax planning strategies. Projected future taxable income is based on expected results and assumptions as to the jurisdiction in which the income will be earned. The expected timing of the reversals of existing temporary differences is based on current tax law and the Company’s tax methods of accounting. |
|
The Company also reviews its tax activities and evaluates uncertain tax positions using a two-step approach. The first step is to evaluate the tax position for recognition by determining if the weight of available evidence indicates that it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained on audit, including resolution of related appeals or litigation processes, if any. The second step is to measure the tax benefit, which is the largest amount that is more than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. The Company’s policy is to recognize interest and penalties accrued on unrecognized tax benefits as part of income tax expense. |
Other Comprehensvie Income (Loss) [Policy Text Block] | ' |
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) |
Components of other comprehensive (loss) income include currency translation adjustments, changes related to pension liabilities, net of tax, and unrealized (losses) gains on hedging activities, net of tax. Foreign currency translation adjustments generally are not adjusted for income taxes as they relate to indefinite investments in non-U.S. operations. Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income also includes, net of tax, actuarial gains or losses, prior service costs or credits and transition assets and obligations that are not recognized currently as components of net periodic pension cost. |
Concentration Risk, Credit Risk, Policy [Policy Text Block] | ' |
Concentration of Credit Risk |
In the normal course of business, the Company is exposed to credit risk. The principal concentrations of credit risk are cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, accounts receivable and derivative instruments. The Company regularly monitors credit risk exposures and takes steps to mitigate the likelihood of these exposures resulting in a loss. Historically, credit losses on accounts receivable have not been material because of the large concentration of revenues with a small number of large, established companies. The Company does not require collateral or other security to support accounts receivable. The Company evaluates the creditworthiness of its clients in conjunction with its revenue recognition processes, as discussed above, as well as through its ongoing collectability assessment processes for accounts receivable. The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts receivable based upon factors surrounding the credit risk of specific clients, historical trends and other information. The Company limits its counterparty credit risk exposures by entering into derivative contracts with financial institutions that are investment grade rated. |
Cash Equivalents [Policy Text Block] | ' |
Cash and Cash Equivalents |
Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on hand and short-term, highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less. |
Receivables [Policy Text Block] | ' |
Receivables and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts |
Trade receivables are comprised primarily of amounts owed to the Company by clients and are presented net of an allowance for doubtful accounts of $5.3 and $5.9 at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Contracts with individual clients determine when receivables are due, generally within 30-60 days, and whether interest is accrued on late payments. |
|
The allowance for doubtful accounts is the Company’s best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses in the Company’s existing accounts receivable. The Company regularly reviews the adequacy of its allowance for doubtful accounts. The Company determines the allowance based on historical write-off experience and current economic conditions and also considers factors such as customer credit, past transaction history with the customer and changes in customer payment terms when determining whether the collection of a receivable is reasonably assured. Account balances are charged off against the allowance after all means of collection have been exhausted and the potential for recovery is considered remote. |
Property and Equipment [Policy Text Block] | ' |
Property and Equipment |
Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation is based on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Buildings are generally depreciated over a 30-year life, software over a three- to eight-year life and equipment generally over a three-to-five-year life. Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of their estimated useful life or the remaining term of the associated lease. |
|
The Company reviews property and equipment asset groups for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. The Company monitors these changes and events on at least a quarterly basis. Examples of events or changes in circumstances could include, but are not limited to, a prolonged economic downturn, current period operating or cash flow losses combined with a history of losses or a forecast of continuing losses associated with the use of an asset group, or a current expectation that an asset group will be sold or disposed of before the end of its previously estimated useful life. Recoverability is based upon projections of anticipated future undiscounted cash flows associated with the use and eventual disposal of the property and equipment asset groups, as well as specific appraisals in certain instances. Reviews occur at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of cash flows associated with other property and equipment asset groups. If the future undiscounted cash flows result in a value that is less than the carrying value, then the long-lived asset is considered impaired and a loss is recognized based on the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the estimated fair value. Various factors that the Company uses in determining the impact of these assessments include the expected useful lives of long-lived assets and our ability to realize any undiscounted cash flows in excess of the carrying amounts of such asset groups, and are affected primarily by changes in the expected use of the assets, changes in technology or development of alternative assets, changes in economic conditions, changes in operating performance and changes in expected future cash flows. Because judgment is involved in determining the fair value of property and equipment asset groups, there is risk that the carrying value of these assets may require adjustment in future periods. |
Software Development Costs [Policy Text Block] | ' |
Software Development Costs |
Research and development expenditures are charged to expense as incurred. The development costs of software to be marketed are charged to expense until technological feasibility is established and capitalized thereafter, subject to assessment of realizability. Amortization of the capitalized amounts is computed using the greater of the sales ratio method or the straight-line method over a life of five years or less. The Company did not capitalize any software development costs during the periods reported. |
|
Internal Use Software [Policy Text Block] | ' |
Internal Use Software |
The Company capitalizes certain expenditures for software that is purchased or internally developed for use in the business. During 2013, 2012, and 2011, internally developed software amounts capitalized were $1.0, $6.8 and $3.8, respectively. Amortization of internal use software begins when the software is ready for service and continues on the straight-line method over the estimated useful life. |
|
Goodwill and Other Intangibles [Policy Text Block] | ' |
Goodwill and Other Intangibles |
As discussed more fully in Note 6, goodwill is reviewed at the reporting unit level for impairment as of October 1 each year and at other times if events have occurred or circumstances exist that indicate the carrying value of goodwill may no longer be recoverable. |
|
As a result of the adoption of Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2011-08 "Testing goodwill for impairment," effective January 1, 2012, we first assess a range of qualitative factors including, but not limited to, macroeconomic conditions, industry conditions, the competitive environment, changes in the market for our products and services, regulatory and political developments, entity specific factors such as strategies and financial performance, when evaluating potential for impairment of goodwill. If, after completing such assessment, it is determined more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, we proceed to a two-step impairment test. |
|
The first step compares the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, including the goodwill allocated to each reporting unit (Step 1). If the fair value of the reporting unit is in excess of the carrying value, the related goodwill is considered not to be impaired and no further analysis is necessary. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds the fair value, there is an indication of potential impairment and a second step of testing is performed to measure the amount of the impairment, if any, for that reporting unit. |
|
When required, the second step compares the implied fair value of the reporting unit goodwill with the carrying amount of the reporting unit goodwill. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined in the same manner as the amount of goodwill recognized in a business combination, which is the excess of the fair value of the reporting unit determined in step one over the fair value of the net assets and identifiable intangibles as if the reporting unit were being acquired. Any excess of the carrying value of the reporting unit goodwill over the implied fair value of the reporting unit goodwill will be recorded as an impairment loss. An impairment charge recognized cannot exceed the amount of goodwill allocated to a reporting unit and cannot be reversed subsequently even if the fair value of the reporting unit recovers. |
|
Fair value of the reporting unit is determined using a combination of the market approach and the income approach. Under the market approach, fair value is based on revenue and earnings multiples for guideline public companies in the reporting unit's peer group. The market approach requires significant judgment regarding the selection of guideline companies. Under the income approach, value is dependent on the present value of net cash flows to be derived from the ownership. The income approach requires significant judgment including estimates about future cash flows and discount rates. A combination of methodologies is used and weighted appropriately for reporting units with significant adverse changes in business climate. |
|
Other intangibles, primarily customer relationship assets and trademarks, are amortized over a straight-line basis with estimated useful lives ranging from four to twelve years and are evaluated periodically if events or circumstances indicate a possible inability to recover their carrying amounts. |
Postemployment Benefits [Policy Text Block] | ' |
Postemployment Benefits |
The funded status of the Company’s pension and other postretirement benefit plans is recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The funded status is measured as the difference between the fair value of plan assets and the benefit obligation at December 31, the measurement date. For defined benefit pension plans, the benefit obligation is the projected benefit obligation (PBO) and for the other postretirement benefit plans the benefit obligation is the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation (APBO). The PBO represents the actuarial present value of benefits expected to be paid upon retirement. For active plans, the present value reflects estimated future compensation levels. The APBO represents the actuarial present value of postretirement benefits attributed to employee services already rendered. The fair value of plan assets represents the current market value of assets held by an irrevocable trust fund for the sole benefit of participants. The measurement of the benefit obligation is based on the Company’s estimates and actuarial valuations. These valuations reflect the terms of the plans and use participant-specific information such as compensation, age and years of service, as well as certain key assumptions that require significant judgment, including, but not limited to, estimates of discount rates, expected return on plan assets, rate of compensation increases, interest crediting rates and mortality rates. For additional information regarding plan assumptions and the current financial position of the pension and other postretirement plans, see Note 9. |
|
The Company provides severance benefits to certain employees. The Company accrues the benefits when it becomes probable that such benefits will be paid and when sufficient information exists to make reasonable estimates of the amounts to be paid. |
Government Grants [Policy Text Block] | ' |
Government Grants |
From time to time, the Company receives grants from local or state governments as an incentive to locate or retain operations in their jurisdictions. Depending on the arrangement, the grants are either received up-front or at the time the Company achieves the milestones set forth in the grant. The Company’s policy is to record the grant funds received as deferred credit and to amortize the deferred credit as a reduction of cost of providing services and products sold or selling, general and administrative expense as the milestones are met over the term of the grant. The terms of the grants generally range from one to fifteen years. |
Derivative Instruments [Policy Text Block] | ' |
Derivative Instruments |
The Company’s risk management strategy includes the use of derivative instruments to reduce the effects on its operating results and cash flows from fluctuations caused by volatility in currency exchange and interest rates. The Company currently uses only cash flow hedges. These instruments are hedges of forecasted transactions or of the variability of cash flows to be received or paid related to a recognized asset or liability. The Company generally enters into forward exchange contracts expiring within 36 months as hedges of anticipated cash flows denominated in foreign currencies. These contracts are entered into to protect against the risk that the eventual cash flows resulting from such transactions will be adversely affected by changes in exchange rates. In using derivative financial instruments to hedge exposures to changes in exchange rates, the Company exposes itself to counterparty credit risk. |
|
All derivatives, including foreign currency exchange contracts, are recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value. Fair values for the Company’s derivative financial instruments are based on quoted market prices of comparable instruments or, if none are available, on pricing models or formulas using current assumptions. On the date the derivative contract is entered into, the Company determines whether the derivative contract qualifies for designation as a hedge. For derivatives that are designated as hedges, the Company further designates the hedge as either a fair value or cash flow hedge; all currently existing hedges have been designated as cash flow hedges. Changes in the fair value of derivatives that are highly effective and designated as fair value hedges would be recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Income along with the loss or gain on the hedged asset or liability. Changes in the fair value of derivatives that are highly effective and designated as cash flow hedges are reported as a component of Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income and reclassified into earnings in the same line-item associated with the forecasted transaction and in the same periods during which the hedged transaction impacts earnings. The Company formally documents all relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as its risk management objective and strategy for undertaking various hedging activities. This process includes linking all derivatives that are designated as fair value or cash flow hedges to specific assets and liabilities on the balance sheet or to forecasted transactions, respectively. The Company also formally assesses, both at the hedge’s inception and on an ongoing basis, whether the derivatives that are used in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting changes in fair value or cash flows of hedged items. When it is determined that a derivative is not highly effective as a hedge or that it has ceased to be a highly effective hedge, the Company discontinues hedge accounting prospectively. |
|
The Company also periodically enters into forward exchange contracts and options that are not designated as hedges. The purpose of the majority of these derivative instruments is to protect the Company against foreign currency exposure pertaining to receivables, payables and intercompany transactions that are denominated in currencies different from the functional currencies of the Company or the respective subsidiaries. The Company records changes in the fair value of these derivative instruments in the Consolidated Statements of Income within Other income, net. |
Equity-Method Investments [Policy Text Block] | ' |
Investments |
Management determines the appropriate classification of securities at the time of purchase and re-evaluates such designation as of each balance sheet date. Currently all investment securities are classified as trading, and are reported within short-term investments in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Trading securities are carried at fair value, with gains and losses, both realized and unrealized, reported in Other income, net in the Consolidated Statements of Income. The cost of securities sold is based upon the specific identification method. Interest and dividends on securities classified as trading is included in Other income, net. |
Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block] | ' |
Fair Value Measurements |
The Company applies fair value accounting for all financial assets and liabilities and non-financial assets and liabilities that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the consolidated financial statements on a recurring basis. The Company defines fair value as the price that would be received from selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. When determining the fair value measurements for assets and liabilities, the Company considers the principal or most advantageous market in which the Company would transact and the market-based risk measurements or assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, such as inherent risk, transfer restrictions and credit risk. |
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] | ' |
New Accounting Pronouncements |
In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-02, "Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income." The standard requires an entity to present (either on the face of the statement where net income is presented or in the notes) the effects on the line items of net income of significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income if the item reclassified is required under U.S. GAAP to be reclassified to net income in its entirety in the same reporting period. For reclassification items not required under U.S. GAAP to be reclassified directly to net income in their entirety in the same reporting period, an entity is required to cross-reference to other disclosures currently required under U.S. GAAP that provide additional detail about those amounts. ASU 2013-02 applies to all public and private companies that report items of other comprehensive income. ASU 2013-02 was effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2012, with prospective adoption required. The Company adopted ASU 2013-02 effective January 1, 2013. See Note 15. |
|
In July 2012, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2012-02, "Intangibles - Goodwill and Other: Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment." The standard is intended to reduce the cost and complexity of testing indefinite-lived intangible assets other than goodwill for impairment by providing entities with an option to perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether further impairment testing is necessary. The approach is similar to the guidance in ASU 2011-08 finalized in 2011 for goodwill impairment testing. ASU 2012-02 was effective for annual and interim impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2012. The Company adopted ASU 2012-02 effective January 1, 2013, which did not have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements. |
|
In September 2011, the FASB, issued ASU No. 2011-08, "Intangibles - Goodwill and Other: Testing Goodwill for Impairment" (ASU 2011-08). This ASU simplifies the goodwill impairment assessment by permitting a company to make a qualitative assessment of whether it is more likely than not that a reporting unit's fair value is less than its carrying amount before applying the two-step goodwill impairment test. If the conclusion is that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, the company would be required to conduct the current two-step goodwill impairment test. Otherwise, it would not need to apply the two-step test. ASU 2011-08 was effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011. The Company adopted ASU 2011-08 for its goodwill impairment test as of January 1, 2012, which did not have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements. |
|
In May 2011, the FASB issued 2011-04, "Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRS" (ASU 2011-04). The adoption of ASU 2011-04 conforms the meaning of fair value between U.S. GAPP and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and improves consistency of disclosures relating to fair value. This ASU requires a reporting entity to provide quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurements categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. The amendments in this update were effective for annual periods beginning after December 31, 2011. The Company adopted ASU 2011-04 as of January 1, 2012, which did not have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements. |
|