Heidrick & Struggles International (HSII) 10-K 13 Mar 18 2017 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Mar. 09, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
Document Information [Line Items]
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2017
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Trading Symbol	HSII
Entity Registrant Name	HEIDRICK & STRUGGLES INTERNATIONAL INC
Entity Central Index Key	1,066,605
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		18,813,585
Entity Public Float			$ 408,475,592

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 207,534	$ 165,011	$ 190,452
Accounts receivable, net	98,700	93,191
Prepaid expenses	22,003	21,602
Other current assets	11,620	13,779
Income taxes recoverable	3,933	4,847
Total current assets	343,790	298,430
Non-current assets:
Property and equipment, net	39,514	35,099
Assets designated for retirement and pension plans	17,130	15,698
Investments	21,319	17,346
Other non-current assets	8,999	9,322
Goodwill	118,892	151,844	131,122
Other intangible assets, net	2,158	20,690
Deferred income taxes	35,402	33,073
Total non-current assets	243,414	283,072
Total assets	587,204	581,502
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	9,824	7,952
Accrued salaries and employee benefits	177,426	155,523
Deferred revenue, net	31,272	28,367
Other current liabilities	40,346	24,133
Income taxes payable	6,924	4,617
Total current liabilities	265,792	220,592
Non-current liabilities:
Employee-related Liabilities, Non-current	40,308	34,993
Retirement and pension plans	44,802	39,039
Other non-current liabilities	23,597	28,288
Total non-current liabilities	108,707	102,320
Total liabilities	374,499	322,912
Commitments and contingencies (Note 20)
Stockholders’ equity:
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016	0	0
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized, 19,585,777 shares issued, 18,781,433 and 18,578,176 shares outstanding at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively	196	196
Treasury stock at cost, 804,344 and 1,007,601 shares at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively	(26,096)	(32,915)
Additional paid in capital	226,006	229,957
Retained earnings (deficit)	(716)	58,030
Accumulated other comprehensive income	13,315	3,322
Total stockholders’ equity	212,705	258,590	$ 254,802
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$ 587,204	$ 581,502

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	10,000,000	10,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	100,000,000	100,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	19,585,777	19,585,777
Common stock, shares outstanding	18,781,433	18,578,176
Treasury stock, shares	804,344	1,007,601

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Revenue:
Revenue before reimbursements (net revenue)	$ 621,400	$ 582,390	$ 531,139
Reimbursements	18,656	18,516	17,172
Total revenue	640,056	600,906	548,311
Operating expenses:
Salaries and employee benefits	434,219	400,070	369,385
General and administrative expenses	147,316	147,087	127,692
Goodwill and Intangible Asset Impairment	50,722	0	0
Restructuring Charges	15,666	0	0
Impairment charges	18,656	18,516	17,172
Total operating expenses	666,579	565,673	514,249
Operating income (loss)	(26,523)	35,233	34,062
Non-operating income (expense):
Interest, net	385	244	(122)
Other, net	(3,280)	2,289	(2,386)
Net non-operating income (expense)	(2,895)	2,533	(2,508)
Income (loss) before income taxes	(29,418)	37,766	31,554
Provision for income taxes	19,217	22,353	14,422
Net income (loss)	(48,635)	15,413	17,132
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustment	6,853	(6,271)	(1,811)
Net unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale investments	2,660	1,035	(789)
Pension gain (loss) adjustment	480	(701)	714
Unrealized loss on cash flow hedge	0	0	(78)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	9,993	5,937	1,964
Comprehensive income (loss)	$ (38,642)	$ 9,476	$ 15,168
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding (in shares)	18,735	18,540	18,334
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding (in shares)	18,735	19,038	18,715
Weighted Average Number Diluted Shares Outstanding Adjustment	0	498	381
Basic net income per common share (in dollars per share)	$ (2.60)	$ 0.83	$ 0.93
Diluted net income per common share (in dollars per share)	(2.60)	0.81	0.92
Cash dividends paid per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.52	$ 0.52	$ 0.52

Consolidated Statements of Chan

Consolidated Statements of Changes In Stockholders' Equity - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Additional Paid in Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Beginning Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2014		19,586	1,346
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$ 244,664	$ 196	$ (44,261)	$ 232,075	$ 45,431	$ 11,223
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss)	17,132				17,132
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax	1,964					1,964
Treasury and common stock transactions:
Stock-based compensation	5,066			5,066
Vesting of equity, net of tax withholdings (in shares)			(123)
Vesting of equity, net of tax withholdings	(878)		$ (4,094)	(4,972)
Re-issuance of treasury stock (in shares)			(17)
Re-issuance of treasury stock	449		$ 584	135
Cash dividends declared ($0.52 per share)	(9,550)				(9,550)
Dividend equivalents on restricted stock units	(441)				(441)
Tax surplus related to stock-based compensation	(324)			324
Ending Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2015		19,586	1,206
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2015	254,802	$ 196	$ (39,583)	232,358	52,572	9,259
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss)	15,413				15,413
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax	5,937					5,937
Treasury and common stock transactions:
Stock-based compensation	6,393			6,393
Vesting of equity, net of tax withholdings (in shares)			(167)
Vesting of equity, net of tax withholdings	(2,688)		$ (5,636)	(8,324)
Re-issuance of treasury stock (in shares)			(31)
Re-issuance of treasury stock	562		$ 1,032	470
Cash dividends declared ($0.52 per share)	(9,668)				(9,668)
Dividend equivalents on restricted stock units	(287)				(287)
Ending Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2016		19,586	1,008
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2016	258,590	$ 196	$ (32,915)	229,957	58,030	3,322
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss)	(48,635)				(48,635)
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax	9,993
Treasury and common stock transactions:
Stock-based compensation	4,935			4,935
Vesting of equity, net of tax withholdings (in shares)			(188)
Vesting of equity, net of tax withholdings	(2,405)		$ (6,311)	(8,716)
Re-issuance of treasury stock (in shares)			(15)
Re-issuance of treasury stock	338		$ 508	170
Cash dividends declared ($0.52 per share)	(9,762)				(9,762)
Dividend equivalents on restricted stock units	(349)				(349)
Ending Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2017		19,586	805
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2017	$ 212,705	$ 196	$ (26,096)	$ 226,006	$ (716)	$ 13,315

Consolidated Statements of Cha6

Consolidated Statements of Changes In Stockholders' Equity (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Cash dividends per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.52	$ 0.52	$ 0.52
Retained Earnings [Member]
Cash dividends per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.52	$ 0.52	$ 0.52

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Cash flows - operating activities:
Net income (loss)	$ (48,635)	$ 15,413	$ 17,132
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	14,774	16,433	13,696
Deferred income taxes	(1,690)	2,394	(1,166)
Stock-based compensation expense	4,935	6,393	5,066
Accretion expense related to earnout payments	1,038	635	1,294
Cash paid for restructuring charges	(50,722)	0	0
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions:
Accounts receivables	1,882	14,425	8,714
Accounts payable	1,474	941	810
Accrued expenses	18,330	(909)	37,207
Deferred revenue	2,010	(1,672)	(236)
Income taxes (payable) recoverable, net	3,381	1,184	(3,257)
Retirement and pension plan assets and liabilities	3,065	4,215	(1,142)
Prepaid expenses	(797)	2,330	4,388
Other assets and liabilities, net	(5,626)	3,449	(1,281)
Changes in Restructuring Accrual	13,025	0	0
Net cash provided by operating activities	66,970	24,823	57,583
Cash flows - investing activities:
Restricted cash	(3)	(7,228)	0
Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired	(364)	(27,722)	(10,312)
Capital expenditures	(14,022)	(5,351)	(16,427)
Purchases of available for sale investments	(2,269)	(2,475)	(1,526)
Proceeds from sale of available for sale investments	1,404	535	758
Net cash used in investing activities	(15,254)	(27,785)	(27,507)
Cash flows - financing activities:
Proceeds from Lines of Credit	40,000	0	0
Repayments of Lines of Credit	(40,000)	0	(29,500)
Debt issuance costs	0	0	(473)
Cash dividends paid	(10,111)	(9,955)	(9,991)
Payment of employee tax withholdings on equity transactions	(2,392)	(2,676)	(878)
Acquisition earnout payments	(4,557)	(7,461)	(5,496)
Net cash used in financing activities	(17,060)	(20,092)	(46,338)
Effect of exchange rates fluctuations on cash and cash equivalents	7,867	(2,387)	(4,638)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	42,523	(25,441)	(20,900)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	165,011	190,452	211,352
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	207,534	165,011	190,452
Supplemental Schedule of Non-cash Financing Activities:
Term loan facility retirement	0	0	(26,500)
Subsequent drawing on line of credit	0	0	26,500
Cash paid for
Income taxes	14,814	16,817	16,936
Interest	$ 193	$ 41	$ 442

Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc. and Subsidiaries (the “Company”) is engaged in providing executive search, culture shaping and leadership consulting services to clients on a retained basis. The Company operates in the Americas, Europe and Asia Pacific regions. The consolidated financial statements include Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries and have been prepared using accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). The preparation of these financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. Significant items subject to estimates and assumptions include revenue recognition, allowances for deferred tax assets and liabilities, and assessment of goodwill and other intangible assets for impairment. Estimates are subject to a degree of uncertainty and actual results could differ from these estimates.

Summary of Significant Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Cash and Cash Equivalents The Company considers all highly liquid instruments with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Concentration of Risk The Company is potentially exposed to concentrations of risk associated with its accounts receivable. However, this risk is limited due to the Company’s large number of clients and their dispersion across many different industries and geographies. At December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company had no significant concentrations of risk. Accounts Receivable The Company’s accounts receivable consist of trade receivables. The allowance for doubtful accounts is developed based upon several factors including the age of the Company’s accounts receivable, historical write-off experience and specific account analysis. These factors may change over time, impacting the allowance level. Fair Value of Financial Instruments Cash equivalents are stated at cost, which approximates fair market value. The carrying value for receivables from clients, accounts payable, deferred revenue and other accrued liabilities reasonably approximate fair market value due to the nature of the financial instruments and the short term nature of the items. Property and Equipment Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the asset or, for leasehold improvements, the shorter of the lease term or the estimated useful life of the asset, as follows: Office furniture, fixtures and equipment 5–10 years Computer equipment and software 3–7 years Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the lesser of the lease term or life of the asset improvement, which typically range from three to ten years. Depreciation is calculated for tax purposes using accelerated methods, where applicable. Long-lived Assets The Company reviews its long-lived assets, including property and equipment, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated future cash flows, an impairment charge, equal to the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset, is recognized. Investments The Company’s investments consist primarily of available-for-sale investments within the U.S. non-qualified deferred compensation plan (the “Plan”). Available-for-sale investments are reported at fair value with changes in unrealized gains (losses) recorded as a separate component of Accumulated other comprehensive income in the Consolidated Balance Sheets until realized. Realized gains (losses) resulting from an employee’s termination from the Plan are recorded as a non-operating expense in Other, net in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss). Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill represents the difference between the purchase price of acquired companies and the related fair value of the net assets acquired, which is accounted for by the acquisition method of accounting. Other intangible assets include client relationships and employee non-compete agreements. The Company performs assessments of the carrying value of goodwill at least annually and of its goodwill and other intangible assets whenever events occur or circumstances indicate that a carrying amount of these assets may not be recoverable. These circumstances include a significant change in business climate, attrition of key personnel, changes in financial condition or results of operations, a prolonged decline in the Company’s stock price and market capitalization, competition, and other factors. The goodwill impairment test compares the fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying amount, including goodwill. The Company operates five reporting units: Americas; Europe, which includes Africa; Asia Pacific, which includes the Middle East; Leadership Consulting; and Culture Shaping. The goodwill impairment test is completed by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. The fair value of each of the Company’s reporting units is determined using a discounted cash flow methodology. An impairment charge is recognized for the amount by which the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, however, the loss recognized is not to exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. The other intangible asset impairment review compares the carrying amount of an asset to estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated future cash flows, an impairment charge, equal to the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value, is recognized. Other intangible assets acquired are amortized either using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives or based on the projected cash flow associated with the respective intangible assets. Restructuring Charges The Company accounts for restructuring charges by recognizing a liability at fair value when the costs are incurred. Revenue Recognition Revenue before reimbursements of out-of-pocket expenses (“net revenue”) consists of retainers and indirect expenses billed to clients. For each assignment, the Company and its client enter into a contract that outlines the general terms and conditions of the assignment. Typically, the Company is paid a retainer for its executive search services equal to approximately one-third of the estimated first year compensation for the position to be filled. In addition, generally, if the actual compensation of a placed candidate exceeds the estimated compensation, the Company often is authorized to bill the client for one-third of the excess. Indirect expenses are calculated as a percentage of the retainer with certain dollar limits per search. The Company generally bills its clients for its retainer and indirect expenses in one-third increments over a three -month period commencing in the month of a client’s acceptance of the contract. Net revenue is recognized when earned and realizable and therefore when the following criteria have been met: (a) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, (b) services have been rendered, (c) the fee to our client is fixed or determinable, and (d) collectability is reasonably assured. Taxes collected from clients and remitted to governmental authorities are presented on a net basis. Typically, net revenue from standard executive search engagements is recognized over the expected average period of performance, in proportion to the estimated personnel time incurred to fulfill our obligations under the arrangements. Net revenue in excess of the retainer, resulting from actual compensation of the placed candidate exceeding the estimated compensation, is recognized upon completion of the executive search when the amount of the additional fee is known. Net revenue associated with culture shaping services is recognized proportionally as services are performed. Net revenue associated with licenses to use our culture shaping proprietary materials is typically recognized over the term of the arrangement. Depending on the terms of that agreement, net revenue from certain leadership consulting and non-standard executive search engagements is either recognized proportionally as services are performed or in accordance with the completion of the engagement deliverables. Reimbursements The Company incurs certain out-of-pocket expenses that are reimbursed by its clients, which are accounted for as revenue and expense in its Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss). Salaries and Employee Benefits Salaries and employee benefits consist of compensation and benefits paid to consultants, executive officers, and administrative and support personnel, of which the most significant elements are salaries and annual performance-related bonuses. Other items in this category are expenses related to sign-on bonuses, forgivable employee loans and minimum guaranteed bonuses (often incurred in connection with the hiring of new consultants), restricted stock unit and performance share unit amortization, payroll taxes, profit sharing and retirement benefits, and employee insurance benefits. Salaries and employee benefits are recognized on an accrual basis. Certain sign-on bonuses, retention awards, and minimum guaranteed compensation are capitalized and amortized in accordance with the terms of the respective agreements. A portion of the Company’s consultants’ and management cash bonuses are deferred and paid over a three -year vesting period. The portion of the bonus is approximately 15% depending on the employee’s level or position. The compensation expense related to the amounts being deferred is recognized on a graded vesting attribution method over the requisite service period. This service period begins on January 1 of the respective fiscal year and continues through the deferral date, which coincides with the Company’s bonus payments in the first quarter of the following year, and for an additional three year vesting period. The deferrals are recorded in Accrued salaries and employee benefits within both Current liabilities and Non-current liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Income Taxes Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the differences between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities, applying enacted statutory tax rates in effect for the year in which the tax differences are expected to reverse. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of management, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for the effects of changes in tax laws and rates on the date of enactment. Earnings per Common Share Basic earnings per common share is computed by dividing net income by weighted average common shares outstanding for the year. Diluted earnings per share reflect the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted. Common equivalent shares are excluded from the determination of diluted earnings per share in periods in which they have an anti-dilutive effect. The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share: December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Net income (loss) $ (48,635 ) $ 15,413 $ 17,132 Weighted average shares outstanding: Basic 18,735 18,540 18,334 Effect of dilutive securities: Restricted stock units — 347 234 Performance stock units — 151 147 Diluted 18,735 19,038 18,715 Basic earnings (loss) per share $ (2.60 ) $ 0.83 $ 0.93 Diluted earnings (loss) per share $ (2.60 ) $ 0.81 $ 0.92 Translation of Foreign Currencies The Company generally designates the local currency for all its subsidiaries as the functional currency. The Company translates the assets and liabilities of its subsidiaries into U.S. dollars at the current rate of exchange prevailing at the balance sheet date. Revenue and expenses are translated at a monthly average exchange rate for the period. Translation adjustments are reported as a component of Accumulated other comprehensive income . Restricted Cash The Company has lease agreements and business licenses with terms that require the Company to restrict cash through the termination dates of the agreements, which extend through 2019. During 2016, the Company paid certain key executives of Senn Delaney a $6.5 million retention bonus out of restricted cash for remaining with the Company for three years subsequent to the acquisition. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the total restricted cash was $0.6 million and $0.6 million , respectively. Current and non-current restricted cash is included in Other current assets and Other non-current assets , respectively, on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Recently Issued Financial Accounting Standards In May 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2017-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation, Scope of Modification Accounting, which is intended to provide clarity and reduce both diversity in practice, cost and complexity when implementing a change in the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award. ASU 2017-09 requires that an entity should account for the effects of a modification unless the fair value, vesting conditions, and whether the award is classified as a liability instrument or an equity instrument remain unchanged in the modification. ASU 2017-09 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017 with early adoption permitted. The Company will adopt this guidance effective January 1, 2018. The impact of this accounting guidance will be dependent on future modification events including the number of awards modified. In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-07, Compensation - Retirement Benefits: Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Post-retirement Benefit Cost, which is intended to improve the consistency, transparency and usefulness of net benefit cost disclosures. ASU 2017-07 requires that an employer report the service cost component of net benefit cost in the same line item or items as other compensation costs arising from services rendered by the pertinent employees during the period. Additionally, the other components of net benefit costs are required to be presented in the income statement separately from the service cost component and outside a subtotal of income from operations. ASU 2017-07 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017 with early adoption permitted. The Company will adopt this guidance effective January 1, 2018. The impact of this accounting guidance will not be material to the Company's financial statements. In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows: Restricted Cash, which requires that the statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. Therefore amounts generally described as restricted cash should be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning of period and end of period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. The Company currently does not include restricted cash amounts in the beginning and ending cash amounts and will change the presentation of the cash flow statement to include restricted cash in the beginning and ending cash totals. The standard is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017 with early adoption permitted. The Company will adopt this guidance effective January 1, 2018. If the Company had adopted the guidance as of December 31, 2017, the beginning and ending balance of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash for the year ended December 31, 2017 would have each increased by $0.6 million in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. In August 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows: Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments, which is intended to reduce diversity in practice as to how certain cash receipts and cash payments should be presented and classified. The standard is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017 with early adoption permitted. The Company will adopt this guidance effective January 1, 2018. The Company has evaluated the standard and noted the guidance for contingent consideration payments made after a business combination are applicable to the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. The Company currently classifies all contingent consideration payments as financing activities. The impact of this change is not expected to be significant to the classification of these activities on the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases, intended to improve financial reporting about leasing transactions. The new guidance will require entities that lease assets to recognize on their balance sheets the assets and liabilities for the rights and obligations created by those leases and to disclose key information about the leasing arrangements. ASU 2016-02 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018 with early adoption permitted. The guidance requires lessees and lessors to recognize and measure leases at the beginning of the earliest period presented using a modified retrospective approach. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this accounting guidance. The effect is not known or reasonably estimable at this time. In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, which addresses certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of financial instruments including the recognition of unrealized changes in fair value within net income. The standard is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company will adopt this guidance effective January 1, 2018. Upon adoption, the Company will reclassify approximately $6.1 million of unrecognized gains on the Company's available for sale securities, which are currently included in accumulated other comprehensive income, to retained earnings. Future holding gains on the Company's available for sale securities will be recorded in earnings. During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company had holding gains of approximately $2.7 million prior to the reclassification of realized gains to earnings, on its available for sale securities, which would have been recognized in earnings under ASU 2016-01. The amount of future holding gains or losses is dependent upon market conditions and may substantially fluctuate between periods. In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. The ASU requires that an entity recognizes revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled in exchange for these goods or services. The guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The guidance permits the use of either of the following transition methods: (i) a full retrospective method reflecting the application of the standard in each prior reporting period with the option to elect certain practical expedients or (ii) a retrospective method with the cumulative effect upon initial adoption recognized at the date of initial application (modified retrospective). The Company will adopt the guidance on January 1, 2018 and will apply the modified retrospective method, which involves recognizing the cumulative effect of applying the guidance at the date of initial application with no restatement of the comparative periods presented. The Company continues to perform its evaluation of ASU No. 2014-09 and has made certain assessments regarding each of its primary revenue streams. Executive Search - The Company’s executive search engagements involve the receipt of a retainer that is equal to approximately one-third of the estimated first year compensation for the position to be filled. If actual compensation of a placed candidate exceeds the original compensation estimate, the Company is often authorized to bill the client for one-third of the excess compensation. The Company refers to this excess compensation billing as uptick revenue. Currently, the Company recognizes uptick revenue upon the completion of the executive search at the point the uptick revenue becomes fixed and determinable. Under ASU No. 2014-09, uptick revenue is considered variable consideration and the Company will be required to estimate this revenue at contract inception. The Company has developed an estimation process utilizing the expected value method, incorporating historical uptick revenue realized in the Company’s geographic regions and industry practices, which will result in an initial recording of a contract’s uptick revenue that is probable not to result in a significant reversal of cumulative revenue recognized when the actual amount of uptick revenue for that contract is known. Estimates of uptick revenue will be recognized using the same over time revenue recognition model the Company currently utilizes to recognize retainer revenue, and differences between the estimated and actual amount of uptick revenue will be recorded when known. Typically, revenue from executive search engagements is recognized over the expected average period of performance, in proportion to the estimated personnel time incurred to fulfill our obligations under the executive search arrangement. The Company is currently quantifying the required transition adjustment for the Executive Search revenue streams. Leadership Consulting - The Company does not anticipate a significant change in revenue recognition as it relates to its leadership consulting engagements. Substantially all of the Company’s engagements will continue to be recognized over time although the identification of the performance obligations within any given engagement may differ from the Company’s current revenue recognition methodology. Culture Shaping - The Company does not anticipate a significant change in revenue recognition as it relates to its culture shaping consulting engagements. Substantially all of the Company’s consulting engagements will continue to be recognized over time although the identification of the performance obligations within any given engagement may differ from the Company’s current revenue recognition methodology. The Company has concluded that licenses to use our proprietary culture shaping materials, which the Company refers to as enterprise agreements, generally contain a material right resulting in the recognition of this type of revenue over a longer period of time. The Company is currently quantifying the required transition adjustment. Recently Adopted Financial Accounting Standards In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other, which eliminates Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. Instead, under the amendments in this update, an entity should perform its annual, or interim, goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. An entity should recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value; however, the loss recognized should not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. Additionally, an entity should consider income tax effects from any tax deductible goodwill on the carrying amount of the reporting unit when measuring the goodwill impairment loss, if applicable. The Board also eliminated the requirements for any reporting unit with a zero or negative carrying amount to perform a qualitative assessment and, if it fails that qualitative test, to perform Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test. An entity is required to disclose the amount of goodwill allocated to each reporting unit with a zero or negative carrying amount of net assets. The Company early adopted ASU 2017-04, during the three months ended June 30, 2017. The Company concluded that ASU 2017-04 is preferable to the current guidance included in ASC 350 due to the simplified process of subsequently measuring goodwill.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Receivables [Abstract]
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	Allowance for Doubtful Accounts The activity of the allowance for doubtful accounts for the years ended: December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Balance at January 1, $ 2,575 $ 5,376 $ 3,942 Provision charged to income 963 1,407 2,772 Write-offs (1,134 ) (4,106 ) (1,140 ) Foreign currency translation 130 (102 ) (198 ) Balance at December 31, $ 2,534 $ 2,575 $ 5,376

Property and Equipment, net

Property and Equipment, net	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property and Equipment, net	Property and Equipment, net The components of the Company’s property and equipment are as follows: December 31, 2017 2016 Leasehold improvements $ 48,216 $ 42,891 Office furniture, fixtures and equipment 17,732 16,677 Computer equipment and software 28,300 30,186 Property and equipment, gross 94,248 89,754 Accumulated depreciation (54,734 ) (54,655 ) Property and equipment, net $ 39,514 $ 35,099 Depreciation expense for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 was $ 10.4 million , $9.4 million , and $8.8 million , respectively.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	Fair Value Measurements Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. A three-level fair value hierarchy prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value. The hierarchy requires entities to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. The three levels of inputs used to measure fair value are as follows: • Level 1 – Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities. • Level 2 – Quoted prices in active markets for similar assets and liabilities, or other inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument. • Level 3 – Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets and liabilities. This includes certain pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies and similar techniques that use significant unobservable inputs. The following tables provide a summary of the fair value measurements at December 31, 2017 and 2016 for each major category of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis: Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Total At December 31, 2017 U.S. non-qualified deferred compensation plan $ 21,319 $ — $ — $ 21,319 Assets designated for retirement and pension plans — 18,590 — 18,590 Pension benefit obligation — (23,886 ) — (23,886 ) Acquisition earnout accruals — — (7,213 ) (7,213 ) $ 21,319 $ (5,296 ) $ (7,213 ) $ 8,810 Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Total At December 31, 2016 U.S. non-qualified deferred compensation plan $ 17,346 $ — $ — $ 17,346 Assets designated for retirement and pension plans — 16,979 — 16,979 Pension benefit obligation — (22,128 ) — (22,128 ) Acquisition earnout accruals — — (10,991 ) (10,991 ) $ 17,346 $ (5,149 ) $ (10,991 ) $ 1,206 The Level 2 assets above are reinsurance contracts fair valued in accordance with BaFin - German Federal Financial Supervisory Authority guidelines, which utilize observable inputs including mortality tables and discount rates. The Level 3 liabilities are accruals for future earnout payments related to prior year acquisitions, the values of which are determined based on discounted cash flow models. The Company considers the recorded value of its financial assets and liabilities, which consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, and accounts payable, to approximate the fair value of the respective assets and liabilities at December 31, 2017 and 2016 based upon the short-term nature of the assets and liabilities. The following table provides a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balance of Level 3 assets and liabilities for the year ended December 31, 2017 . Acquisition Balance at December 31, 2016 $ (10,991 ) Earnout accretion (1,038 ) Earnout payments 4,557 Philosophy IB earnout adjustment (Note 7) 705 Foreign currency translation (446 ) Balance at December 31, 2017 $ (7,213 )

Investments

Investments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Investments Schedule [Abstract]
Investments	Investments The Company has a U.S. non-qualified deferred compensation plan that consists primarily of U.S. marketable securities and mutual funds, all of which are valued using Level 1 inputs (See Note 6 , Fair Value Measurements ). The fair value for these investments was $ 21.3 million and $ 17.3 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. The aggregate cost basis for these investments was $ 14.6 million and $ 13.3 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively.

Acquisition

Acquisition	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisition	Acquisitions On October 1, 2015 , the Company acquired Co Company, a UK-based management consulting firm that specializes in organizational development. The former owners of Co Company were eligible to receive additional cash consideration upon the realization of specific revenue and EBITDA Margin milestones achieved over the period October 2015 through December 2018. On August 25, 2016 , the Company and the former owners of Co Company entered into a Deed of Amendment (the "Amendment") to the Share Purchase Agreement dated October 1, 2015 . The Amendment adjusted the target fee revenue and targeted EBITDA margin for each remaining earn out period taking into consideration the unanticipated acquisitions completed subsequent to the Share Purchase Agreement. The new targets include subsequent acquisitions and took effect retrospectively from January 1, 2016 . On June 14, 2017 , the Company and the former owners of Co Company entered into an Earn Out Buyout Agreement (the “Buyout Agreement”) in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Share Purchase Agreement dated October 1, 2015 , as amended by a Deed of Amendment dated August 25, 2016 . Pursuant to the Buyout Agreement, in accordance with the Share Purchase Agreement and Deed of Amendment, the Company exercised its right to buy out all of the remaining earnout amounts. The price paid to buy out the Remaining Earn Out Amounts was calculated in accordance with the formula set forth in the Purchase Agreement and resulted in an aggregate buyout payment to the former owners of Co Company of $2.3 million during the three months ended June 30, 2017. On September 1, 2016 the Company acquired substantially all of the assets of Philosophy IB, LLP ("Philosophy IB"), a New Jersey-based leadership, organization development and management consulting firm. The former owners of Philosophy IB are eligible to receive additional cash consideration based on two components: achieving revenue milestones generated from its software products from September 2016 through August 2019 and percentage of consulting revenue achieved over the period September 2016 to August 2019, subject to a profitability test. During the three months ended September 30, 2017, the Company determined that the software and consulting revenue targets for the period from September 2016 to August 2017, or first installment, would not be achieved. As such, the Company reduced the first installment earnout accrual by $0.7 million .

Goodwill and Other Intangible A

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill The Company's goodwill by segment is as follows: December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Executive Search Americas $ 88,690 $ 88,101 Europe 44,407 42,599 Asia Pacific 9,302 8,893 Total Executive Search 142,399 139,593 Leadership Consulting 6,940 6,534 Culture Shaping 29,317 29,224 Goodwill, gross 178,656 175,351 Accumulated impairment (59,764 ) (23,507 ) Goodwill, net $ 118,892 $ 151,844 Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by segment for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 were as follows: Executive Search Americas Europe Asia Pacific Leadership Consulting Culture Total Gross balance at December 31, 2014 $ 82,270 $ 23,507 $ 10,255 $ — $ 29,651 $ 145,683 Accumulated goodwill impairment — (23,507 ) — — — (23,507 ) Net balance at December 31, 2014 82,270 — 10,255 — 29,651 122,176 Co Company acquisition — 10,745 — — — 10,745 Exchange rate fluctuations (644 ) — (1,044 ) — (111 ) (1,799 ) Net balance at December 31, 2015 81,626 10,745 9,211 — 29,540 131,122 DSI acquisition 5,673 — — — — 5,673 Philosophy IB acquisition 2,357 — — — — 2,357 JCA acquisition — 15,769 — — — 15,769 Segment reallocation (1) (1,670 ) (4,517 ) (347 ) 6,534 — — Exchange rate fluctuations 115 (2,905 ) 29 — (316 ) (3,077 ) Net balance at December 31, 2016 88,101 19,092 8,893 6,534 29,224 151,844 Philosophy IB acquisition 357 — — 7 — 364 Exchange rate fluctuations 232 1,808 409 399 93 2,941 Impairment — — — (6,940 ) (29,317 ) (36,257 ) Net balance at December 31, 2017 $ 88,690 $ 20,900 $ 9,302 $ — $ — $ 118,892 (1) Due to the Company's change in segment reporting during the year ended December 31, 2016, goodwill amounts included in the Company's Americas, Europe and Asia Pacific segments in the prior year have been reallocated to the Leadership Consulting segment utilizing the relative fair value method. In 2017, the Culture Shaping business continued the transition of senior-level personnel which began in 2016, primarily due to planned retirements. The Company has experienced lower than expected consultant productivity during the transition period. Also, the marketplace for culture shaping services has become increasingly more competitive and the business experienced lengthening sales cycles and decision processes within target client organizations. These events led to a decline in the revenue performance of the business and uncertainty around the timing of improving such performance. As a result, the Company identified a triggering event and performed an interim impairment evaluation on the goodwill related to its Culture Shaping reporting unit during the three months ended June 30, 2017. During the impairment evaluation process, the Company used a discounted cash flow methodology to estimate the fair value of its Culture Shaping reporting unit. The discounted cash flow approach is dependent on a number of factors, including estimates of future market growth and trends, forecasted revenue and costs, capital investments, appropriate discount rates, certain assumptions to allocate shared costs, assets and liabilities, historical and projected performance of the reporting unit, and the macroeconomic conditions affecting each of the Company’s reporting units. The assumptions used in the determination of fair value were (1) a forecast of growth in the near and long term; (2) the discount rate; (3) working capital investments; and (4) other factors. The Company adopted ASU No. 2017-04, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other in conjunction with its impairment evaluation during the three months ended June 30, 2017. Under the adopted guidance, Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test is eliminated. Instead, the goodwill impairment test is completed by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. An impairment charge is recognized for the amount by which the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, however, the loss recognized is not to exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. Based on the results of the impairment evaluation, the Company determined that the goodwill within the Culture Shaping reporting unit was impaired, which resulted in an impairment charge of $29.3 million to write-off all of the goodwill. The impairment charge is recorded within Impairment charges in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss). The impairment was non-cash in nature and did not affect our current liquidity, cash flows, borrowing capability or operations; nor did it impact the debt covenants under our credit agreement. During the 2017 fourth quarter, the Company conducted its annual goodwill impairment evaluation as of October 31, 2017 in accordance with ASU No. 2017-04, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other. The goodwill impairment test is completed by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. An impairment charge is recognized for the amount by which the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, however, the loss recognized is not to exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. The impairment test is considered for each of the Company’s reporting units that have goodwill as defined in the accounting standard for goodwill and intangible assets. The Company operates five reporting units: Americas; Europe, which includes Africa; Asia Pacific, which includes the Middle East; Leadership Consulting; and Culture Shaping. No annual impairment test was conducted for the Culture Shaping reporting unit as all goodwill associated with this reporting unit was impaired during the three months ended June 30, 2017. During the impairment evaluation process, the Company used a discounted cash flow methodology to estimate the fair value of each of its reporting units with goodwill. The discounted cash flow approach is dependent on a number of factors, including estimates of future market growth and trends, forecasted revenue and costs, capital investments, appropriate discount rates, certain assumptions to allocate shared costs, assets and liabilities, historical and projected performance of the reporting unit, and the macroeconomic conditions affecting each of the Company’s reporting units. The assumptions used in the determination of fair value were (1) a forecast of growth in the near and long term; (2) the discount rate; (3) working capital investments; and (4) other factors. Based on the results of the impairment analysis, the fair values of the Americas, Europe and Asia Pacific reporting units exceeded their carrying values by 180% , 38% and 7% , respectively. The Leadership Consulting impairment analysis indicated that the book value of the reporting unit was in excess of its fair value, which resulted in an impairment charge of approximately $6.9 million to write-off all of the goodwill associated with the reporting unit. Throughout the year, the Company was continually evaluating the results of its Leadership Consulting business, including Philosophy IB failing to achieve targets outlined in its earnout agreement and the potential impact of the conclusion of the Co Company earnout on the reporting unit. In the fourth quarter, the Company finalized its assessment of these events and its forecast for the Leadership Consulting reporting unit in future years. The forecast for the Leadership Consulting reporting unit indicated significant uncertainty around the pace and timing of growth in profitability in the Leadership Consulting reporting unit as the Company invests in talent and service offerings, which resulted in the impairment of the Leadership Consulting goodwill. The impairment was non-cash in nature and did not affect our current liquidity, cash flows, borrowing capability or operations; nor did it impact the debt covenants under our credit agreement. The fair value of the Asia Pacific reporting unit may deteriorate and could result in the need to record an impairment charge in future periods. The Company continues to monitor potential triggering events including changes in the business climate in which it operates, the Company’s market capitalization compared to its book value, and the Company’s recent operating performance, specifically in relation to the Asia Pacific reporting unit. Any changes in these factors could result in an impairment charge. Other Intangible Assets, net The Company’s other intangible assets, net by segment, are as follows: December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Executive Search Americas $ 252 $ 501 Europe 1,799 2,937 Asia Pacific 107 127 Total Executive Search 2,158 3,565 Leadership Consulting — 6,223 Culture Shaping — 10,902 Total Other Intangible Assets, Net $ 2,158 $ 20,690 As discussed above, the Culture Shaping business was impacted by the transition of senior-level personnel, primarily due to planned retirements, and the Company experienced lower than expected consultant productivity. The Company has also experienced lengthening sales cycles and decision processes within target client organizations. Due to the impact of these events on revenue and earnings when compared to actual and forecasted results, and the impact to the revenue and earnings inputs utilized in the fair value assessment of the intangible assets, the Company identified a triggering event for its Culture Shaping intangible assets and performed an impairment evaluation during the three months ended June 30, 2017. As noted above, due to the uncertainty around the pace and timing of growth in profitability in the Leadership Consulting reporting unit as the Company invests in talent and service offerings, the Company identified a triggering event for its Leadership Consulting intangible assets and performed an impairment evaluation as of October 31, 2017. These analyses were conducted in accordance with accounting guidance on fair value measurements taking into consideration Level 3 inputs, primarily consisting of discounted cash flow and replacement cost methodologies. Based on these evaluations, the Company recorded an impairment charge related to its Culture Shaping client relationships, trade name, software and non-compete intangible assets of $9.9 million during the year ended December 31, 2017. The Company also recorded an impairment charge related to its Leadership Consulting client relationships, software and non-compete intangible assets of $4.6 million during the year ended December 31, 2017. These impairment charges are recorded within Impairment charges in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the year ended December 31, 2017. The impairments were non-cash in nature and did not affect our current liquidity, cash flows, borrowing capability or operations; nor did it impact the debt covenants under our credit agreement. The carrying amount of amortizable intangible assets and the related accumulated amortization were as follows: December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Weighted Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Client relationships 7.9 $ 13,703 $ (11,612 ) $ 2,091 $ 33,299 $ (21,653 ) $ 11,646 Trade name 0.0 459 (459 ) — 9,436 (4,465 ) 4,971 Software 0.0 — — — 7,200 (4,114 ) 3,086 Non-compete 2.0 230 (163 ) 67 974 (423 ) 551 Technology 0.0 — — — 604 (168 ) 436 Total intangible assets 7.7 $ 14,392 $ (12,234 ) $ 2,158 $ 51,513 $ (30,823 ) $ 20,690 Intangible asset amortization expense for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 was $4.4 million , $7.1 million and $4.9 million respectively. The Company's estimated future amortization expense related to intangible assets as of December 31, 2017 for the years ended December 31st is as follows: 2018 $ 968 2019 507 2020 294 2021 194 2022 129 Thereafter 66 Total $ 2,158

Other Non-Current Liabilities

Other Non-Current Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]
Other Non-Current Liabilities	Other Current and Non-Current Liabilities The components of other current liabilities are as follows: December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Restructuring charges $ 13,023 $ — Other 27,323 24,133 Total other current liabilities $ 40,346 $ 24,133 The components of other non-current liabilities are as follows: December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Premise related costs $ 18,360 $ 18,188 Accrued earnout payments 3,076 8,518 Restructuring charges 10 — Other 2,151 1,582 Total other non-current liabilities $ 23,597 $ 28,288

Line of Credit

Line of Credit	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Line of Credit	Line of Credit On June 30, 2015, the Company entered into a Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “Restated Credit Agreement”). The Restated Credit agreement amended and restated the Credit Agreement executed on June 22, 2011 (the “Credit Agreement”). Pursuant to the Restated Credit Agreement, the Company replaced its Revolving Facility and Term Facility (“Existing Facility”) with a single senior unsecured revolving line of credit with an aggregate commitment of up to $100 million , which includes a sublimit of $25 million for letters of credit, and a $50 million expansion feature (the “Replacement Facility”). The Replacement Facility will mature on June 30, 2020. Borrowings under the Restated Credit Agreement bear interest at the Company’s election at the existing Alternate Base Rate (as defined in the Credit Agreement) or Adjusted LIBOR Rate (as defined in the Credit Agreement) plus a spread as determined by the Company’s leverage ratio. Borrowings under the Replacement Facility may be used for working capital, capital expenditures, Permitted Acquisitions (as defined in the Credit Agreement) and for other general purposes of the Company and its subsidiaries. The obligations under the Replacement Facility are guaranteed by certain of the Company's subsidiaries. During the three months ended March 31, 2017, the Company borrowed $40 million under the Restated Credit Agreement and elected the Adjusted LIBOR rate. The Company subsequently repaid $15 million during the three months ended March 31, 2017 and $25 million during the three months ended June 30, 2017. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , the Company had no outstanding borrowings under the Restated Credit Agreement and the Company was in compliance with the financial and other covenants under the Restated Credit Agreement and no event of default existed. During the three months ended March 31, 2018 , the Company borrowed $20 million under the Restated Credit Agreement and elected the Adjusted LIBOR Rate.

Employee Benefit Plans

Employee Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Postemployment Benefits [Abstract]
Employee Benefit Plans	Employee Benefit Plans Qualified Retirement Plan The Company has a defined contribution retirement plan (the “Plan”) for all eligible employees in the United States. Eligible employees may begin participating in the Plan upon their hire date. The Plan contains a 401(k) provision, which provides for employee pre-tax and/or after-tax contributions, from 1% to 50% of their eligible compensation up to a combined maximum permitted by law. The Company matched employee contributions on a dollar for dollar basis per participant up to the greater of $6,000 , or 6.0% , of eligible compensation for the years ended December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016. The Company matched employee contributions up to the greater of $5,500 , or 5.5% , of eligible compensation for the year ended December 31, 2015. Beginning in 2016, employees are eligible for the Company match immediately provided that they are working on the last day of the Plan year in which the match is made. Previously, employees were eligible for the Company match after satisfying a one year service requirement provided that they were working on the last day of the Plan year in which the match was made. The Plan also provides for employees who retire, die or become disabled during the Plan year to receive the Company match for that Plan year. The Plan provides that forfeitures will be used to reduce the Company’s contributions. Forfeitures are created annually by participants who terminate employment before becoming entitled to the Company’s matching contribution under the Plan. The Company also has the option of making discretionary contributions. There were no discretionary contributions made for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 . The expense that the Company incurred for matching employee contributions for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 was $5.6 million , $4.8 million and $3.3 million , respectively. The Company maintains additional retirement plans in the Americas, Europe and Asia Pacific regions which the Company does not consider as material, and, therefore additional disclosure has not been presented. The balances associated with these plans have been reported in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 and in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 . Deferred Compensation Plans The Company has a deferred compensation plan for certain U.S. employees (the “U.S. Plan”) that became effective on January 1, 2006. The U.S. Plan allows participants to defer up to 25% of their base compensation and up to the lesser of $500,000 or 25% of their eligible bonus compensation into several different investment vehicles. These deferrals are immediately vested and are not subject to a risk of forfeiture. In 2017 and 2016 , all deferrals in the U.S. Plan were funded. The compensation deferred in the U.S. Plan was $19.2 million and $14.9 million , at December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. The assets of the U.S. Plan are included in Investments and the liabilities of the U.S. Plan are included in Retirement and pension plans in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 . The Company has a Non-Employee Directors Voluntary Deferred Compensation Plan whereby non-employee members of the Company’s Board of Directors may elect to defer up to 100% of the cash component of their directors’ fees into several different investment vehicles. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , the total amounts deferred under the plan were $2.2 million and $2.4 million , respectively, all of which was funded. The assets of the plan are included in Investments and the liabilities of the plan are included in Retirement and pension plans in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2017 and 2016 . The U.S. and Non-Employee Directors Voluntary Deferred Compensation Plans consist primarily of marketable securities and mutual funds, all of which are valued using Level 1 inputs (See Note 6, Fair Value Measurements ).

Pension Plan and Life Insurance

Pension Plan and Life Insurance Contract	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Pension Plan and Life Insurance Contract	Pension Plan and Life Insurance Contract The Company maintains a pension plan for certain current and former employees in Germany. The pensions are individually fixed Euro amounts that vary depending on the function and the eligible years of service of the employee. 2017 2016 Benefit obligation at January 1, $ 22,128 $ 22,388 Interest cost 362 453 Actuarial (gain) loss (371 ) 1,178 Benefits paid (1,453 ) (1,198 ) Cumulative translation adjustment 3,220 (693 ) Benefit obligation at December 31, $ 23,886 $ 22,128 The benefit obligation amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets are as follows: December 31, 2017 2016 Current liabilities $ 1,461 $ 1,281 Noncurrent liabilities 22,425 20,847 Total $ 23,886 $ 22,128 The accumulated benefit obligation amounts at December 31, 2017 and 2016 are $23.9 million million and $22.1 million million, respectively. The components of and assumptions used to determine the net periodic benefit cost are as follows: December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Net period benefit cost: Interest cost $ 362 $ 453 $ 436 Amortization of net loss 111 17 72 Net periodic benefit cost $ 473 $ 470 $ 508 Weighted average assumptions Discount rate (1) 1.49 % 2.15 % 1.82 % Rate of compensation increase — % — % 1.75 % Assumptions to determine the Company’s benefit obligation are as follows: December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Discount rate (1) 1.64 % 1.53 % 2.15 % Rate of compensation increase — % — % — % Measurement Date 12/31/2017 12/31/2016 12/31/2015 (1) The discount rates are based on long-term bond indices adjusted to reflect the longer duration of the benefit obligation. The amounts in Accumulated other comprehensive income as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 that had not yet been recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost were $3.7 million and $3.6 million , respectively. As of December 31, 2017, an insignificant amount of the accumulated other comprehensive income is expected to be recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost in 2018. The Company’s investment strategy is to support its pension obligations through reinsurance contracts. The BaFin—German Federal Financial Supervisory Authority—supervises the insurance companies and the reinsurance contracts. The BaFin requires each reinsurance contract to guarantee a fixed minimum return. The Company’s pension benefits are fully reinsured by group insurance contracts with ERGO Lebensversicherung AG, and the group insurance contracts are measured in accordance with BaFin guidelines (including mortality tables and discount rates) which are considered Level 2 inputs (See Note 6, Fair Value Measurements ). The fair value at December 31, 2017 and 2016 was $ 18.6 million million and $ 17.0 million , respectively. The expected contribution to be paid into the plan in 2018 is $1.5 million . Since the pension assets are not segregated in trust from the Company’s other assets, the pension assets are not shown as an offset against the pension liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. These assets are included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2017 and 2016 , as a component of Other current assets and Assets designated for retirement and pension plans . The benefits expected to be paid in each of the next five years, and in the aggregate for the five years thereafter are as follows: 2018 $ 1,461 2019 1,451 2020 1,437 2021 1,421 2022 1,401 2023 through 2027 6,573

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Stock-Based Compensation	Stock-Based Compensation The Company's 2012 Heidrick & Struggles GlobalShare Program ( the "2012 Program') provides for grants of stock options, stock appreciation rights, and other stock-based awards that are valued based upon the grant date fair value of shares. These awards may be granted to directors, selected employees and independent contractors. The 2012 Program originally authorized 1,300,000 shares of Common Stock for issuance pursuant to awards under the plan. On May 22, 2014, the stockholders of the Company approved an amendment to the 2012 Program to increase the number of shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance under the 2012 Program by 700,000 shares. As of December 31, 2017 , 1,744,266 awards have been issued under the 2012 Program and 797,453 shares remain available for future awards, which includes 541,719 forfeited awards. The 2012 Program provides that no awards can be granted after May 24, 2022 . In September 2017, the Company entered into an agreement with its former Chief Executive Officer pursuant to which Mr. Wolstencroft voluntarily agreed, with the concurrence of the Board of Directors, to forfeit 100 percent of his 2017 restricted stock unit and performance stock unit grants. Mr. Wolstencroft remains eligible to continue vesting in 100 percent of his 2014 sign-on restricted stock unit grant, without proration, subject to his continued service on the board through the future scheduled vesting dates. With respect to his outstanding 2015 and 2016 restricted stock unit and performance stock unit grants, Mr. Wolstencroft remains eligible to earn an agreed upon pro-rata portion of the tranches scheduled to vest in 2017, 2018 and 2019, subject to his continued service as a director through the scheduled vesting dates (and with the performance goals for performance stock unit deemed to have been achieved at target level performance), and he agreed to forfeit the remaining portions of such 2015 and 2016 restricted stock unit and performance stock unit awards. The Company measures its stock-based compensation costs based on the grant date fair value of the awards and recognizes these costs in the financial statements over the requisite service period. A summary of information with respect to stock-based compensation is as follows: December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Salaries and employee benefits $ 4,597 $ 5,830 $ 4,616 General and administrative expenses 338 563 450 Income tax benefit related to stock-based compensation included in net income 1,948 2,523 1,856 Restricted Stock Units Restricted stock units are generally subject to ratable vesting over a three year period. Compensation expense related to service-based restricted stock units is recognized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. For awards requiring satisfaction of service and performance conditions, compensation expense is recognized using a graded vesting attribution method. Restricted stock unit activity as of December 31, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 : Number of Weighted- Outstanding on December 31, 2014 462,717 $ 18.07 Granted 184,541 23.94 Vested and converted to common stock (146,307 ) 18.80 Forfeited (27,016 ) 20.74 Outstanding on December 31, 2015 473,935 19.98 Granted 207,405 22.92 Vested and converted to common stock (119,455 ) 20.02 Forfeited (24,612 ) 22.81 Outstanding on December 31, 2016 537,273 20.97 Granted 243,306 24.18 Vested and converted to common stock (217,028 ) 21.39 Forfeited (72,397 ) 24.05 Outstanding on December 31, 2017 491,154 21.92 As of December 31, 2017 , there was $ 2.8 million of pre-tax unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested restricted stock units, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average of 1.8 years. Performance Stock Units The Company grants performance stock units to certain of its senior executives. The performance stock units are generally subject to a cliff vesting at the end of a three year period. The vesting will vary between 0% - 200% based on the attainment of operating income goals over the three year vesting period. The performance stock units are expensed on a straight-line basis over the three year vesting period. Performance share unit activity as of December 31, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 : Number of Weighted- Outstanding on December 31, 2014 229,170 $ 17.06 Granted 59,221 23.64 Vested and converted to common stock (13,397 ) 20.62 Forfeited (2,970 ) 20.62 Outstanding on December 31, 2015 272,024 18.28 Granted 125,388 22.98 Vested and converted to common stock (160,600 ) 15.51 Forfeited — — Outstanding on December 31, 2016 236,812 22.64 Granted 88,415 23.83 Vested and converted to common stock (70,652 ) 19.65 Forfeited (68,684 ) 24.07 Outstanding on December 31, 2017 185,891 23.82 As of December 31, 2017 , there was $ 1.1 million of pre-tax unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested performance stock units, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average of 1.3 years.

Changes in Accumulated Other Co

Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Equity [Abstract]
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income The changes in Accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) by component for the year ended December 31, 2017 are summarized below: Available- Foreign Pension AOCI Balance at December 31, 2016 $ 3,429 $ 2,290 $ (2,397 ) $ 3,322 Other comprehensive income before classification, net of tax 3,108 6,853 383 10,344 Amount reclassified from AOCI (1) (448 ) — 97 (351 ) Net current period other comprehensive income 2,660 6,853 480 9,993 Balance at December 31, 2017 $ 6,089 $ 9,143 $ (1,917 ) $ 13,315 (1) Available-for-Sale Securities and Pension reclassifications from AOCI are included in Other, net and Salaries and employee benefits , respectively, in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss).

Restructuring (Notes)

Restructuring (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure [Text Block]	15. Restructuring Restructuring Charges In 2017, the Company recorded restructuring charges of $15.7 million in connection with initiatives to reduce overall costs and improve operational efficiencies. The primary components of the restructuring include: the elimination of two executive officer roles for a flatter leadership structure; a workforce reduction as the firm aligns its support resources to better meet operational needs and recognize synergies with the combination of Leadership Consulting and Culture Shaping; a reduction of the firm’s real estate expenses and support costs by consolidating or closing three of its locations across its global footprint; and the acceleration of future expenses under certain contractual obligations. These charges consist of $13.1 million of employee-related costs, including severance associated with reductions in our workforce of 251 employees globally, $2.3 million of other professional and consulting fees and $0.3 million of expenses associated with closing three office locations. Restructuring charges by operating segment for the year ended December 31, 2017 are as follows: Restructuring Charges Executive Search Americas $ 784 Europe 3,993 Asia Pacific 2,046 Total Executive Search 6,823 Leadership Consulting 913 Culture Shaping 2,480 Global Operations Support 5,450 Total restructuring $ 15,666 The accrued restructuring charges at December 31, 2017 primarily consists of employee-related costs that require cash payments based on individual severance agreements, real estate leases that require cash payments through the lease terms reduced by sublease income and other professional fees. These accruals are included within Other current liabilities and Other non-current liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2017 . The table below outlines the restructuring charges along with related cash payments for the year ended December 31, 2017 : Employee Related Office Related Other Total Accrual balance at December 31, 2016 $ — $ — $ — $ — Restructuring charges 13,065 308 2,293 15,666 Cash payments (1,199 ) (5 ) (1,282 ) (2,486 ) Non cash write-offs — (155 ) — (155 ) Accrual balance at December 31, 2017 $ 11,866 $ 148 $ 1,011 $ 13,025

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes The sources of income (loss) before income taxes are as follows: December 31, 2017 2016 2015 United States $ (28,577 ) $ 30,696 $ 26,550 Foreign (841 ) 7,070 5,004 Income (loss) before income taxes $ (29,418 ) $ 37,766 $ 31,554 The provision for (benefit from) income taxes are as follows: December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Current Federal $ 10,107 $ 12,261 $ 8,598 State and local 2,372 3,219 1,697 Foreign 8,257 5,668 4,911 Current provision for income taxes 20,736 21,148 15,206 Deferred Federal 5,642 727 (1,551 ) State and local (2,951 ) (370 ) (180 ) Foreign (4,210 ) 848 947 Deferred provision (benefit) for income taxes (1,519 ) 1,205 (784 ) Total provision for income taxes $ 19,217 $ 22,353 $ 14,422 A reconciliation of the provision for income taxes to income taxes at the statutory U.S. federal income tax rate of 35% is as follows: December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Income tax provision (benefit) at the statutory U.S. federal rate $ (10,296 ) $ 13,218 $ 11,044 State income tax provision (benefit), net of federal tax benefit (593 ) 1,904 1,272 Nondeductible expenses, net 3,282 1,410 262 Foreign taxes (includes rate differential and changes in foreign valuation allowance) 5,465 (2,133 ) 368 Establishment (release) of valuation allowance (3,200 ) 340 — U.S. tax on foreign dividends — 5,898 1,120 Current/deferred true-up 567 1,226 241 Tax reform 23,732 — — Other, net 260 490 115 Total provision for income taxes $ 19,217 $ 22,353 $ 14,422 The deferred tax assets and liabilities are attributable to the following components: December 31, 2017 2016 Deferred tax assets attributable to: Foreign net operating loss carryforwards $ 31,960 $ 26,902 Accrued compensation and employee benefits 15,809 18,625 Deferred compensation 13,600 17,851 Foreign tax credit carryforwards 8,128 12,112 Accrued rent 3,607 5,113 Other accrued expenses 2,179 3,388 Deferred tax assets, before valuation allowance 75,283 83,991 Valuation allowance (35,624 ) (25,020 ) Deferred tax assets, after valuation allowance 39,659 58,971 Deferred tax liabilities attributable to: Goodwill 306 17,130 Taxes provided on unremitted earnings 129 3,331 Depreciation on property and equipment 3,216 4,723 Other 606 966 Deferred tax liabilities 4,257 26,150 Net deferred tax assets $ 35,402 $ 32,821 The recognition of deferred tax assets is based on management’s belief that it is more likely than not that the tax benefits associated with temporary differences, net operating loss carryforwards and tax credits will be utilized. The Company assesses the recoverability of the deferred tax assets on an ongoing basis. In making this assessment, the Company considers all positive and negative evidence, and all potential sources of taxable income including scheduled reversals of deferred tax liabilities, tax-planning strategies, projected future taxable income and recent financial performance. The valuation allowance increased from $25.0 million at December 31, 2016 to $35.6 million at December 31, 2017 . The valuation allowance at December 31, 2017 was related to foreign net operating loss carryforwards, foreign tax credit carryforwards, and certain foreign deferred tax assets. The Company intends to maintain these valuation allowances until sufficient evidence exists to support their reversal. At December 31, 2017 , the Company had a net operating loss carryforward of $126.0 million related to its foreign tax filings and $0.1 million related to its U.S. state tax filings. Of the $126.0 million net operating loss carryforward, $95.4 million is subject to a valuation allowance. Depending on the tax rules of the tax jurisdictions, the losses can be carried forward indefinitely or for periods ranging from five to twenty years. The Company also has a foreign tax credit carryforward of $8.1 million subject to a valuation allowance of $8.1 million recorded as a result of the Tax Reform Act described below. At December 31, 2016 , the Company had a net operating loss carryforward of $101.7 million related to its foreign tax filings and $0.5 million related to its U.S. state tax filings. Of the $101.7 million net operating loss carryforward, $79.9 million is subject to a valuation allowance. Depending on the tax rules of the tax jurisdictions, the losses can be carried forward indefinitely or for periods ranging from five to twenty years. The Company also had a foreign tax credit carryforward of $12.1 million , expiring in 2017 through 2025. As of December 31, 2017 , the Company had unremitted earnings held in its foreign subsidiaries of approximately $74.1 million , of which the company has provided $1.6 million of tax on $15.7 million of earnings that are intended to be remitted. The Company did not recognize a tax liability for income taxes and foreign withholding taxes related to the unremitted earnings of its foreign operations because the Company intends to reinvest those earnings indefinitely, net of any allowable deductions. An estimate of these taxes; however, is not practicable. A tax liability will be recognized if and when the Company is no longer able to demonstrate that it plans to permanently reinvest unremitted earnings. As of December 31, 2016 , the Company had unremitted earnings held in its foreign subsidiaries of approximately $72.7 million , of which the company has provided $3.3 million of tax on $15.6 million of earnings that are intended to be remitted. In 2016, the Company repatriated dividends from foreign operations to the United States. This resulted in additional book tax expense which will be offset by utilizing foreign tax credits. The Company did not recognize a deferred tax liability for U.S. income taxes and foreign withholding taxes related to the unremitted earnings of its foreign operations because the Company intends to reinvest those earnings indefinitely. If a distribution of these earnings were to be made, the Company might be subject to both foreign withholding taxes and U.S. income taxes, net of any allowable foreign tax credits or deductions. An estimate of these taxes; however, is not practicable. A deferred tax liability will be recognized if and when the Company is no longer able to demonstrate that it plans to permanently reinvest unremitted earnings. As of January 1, 2017, the Company had $1.0 million of unrecognized tax benefits. As of December 31, 2017 , the Company had $0.7 million of unrecognized tax benefits of which, if recognized, would be recorded as a component of income tax expense. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of the total amounts of gross unrecognized tax benefits is as follows: December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Gross unrecognized tax benefits at January 1, $ 1,038 $ 130 $ 143 Gross increases for tax positions of prior years 167 2,146 22 Gross decreases for tax positions of prior years — (4 ) (15 ) Settlements (465 ) (1,234 ) (20 ) Lapse of statute of limitations — — — Gross unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, $ 740 $ 1,038 $ 130 In many cases the Company’s uncertain tax positions are related to tax years that remain subject to examination by the relevant taxable authorities. Years 2014 through 2016 are subject to examination by the state taxing authorities. The years 2014 and 2016 are subject to examination by the federal taxing authority. There are certain foreign jurisdictions that are subject to examination for years prior to 2014. The Company is currently under audit by some jurisdictions. It is likely that the examination phase of several of these audits will conclude in the next twelve months. No significant increases or decreases in unrecognized tax benefits are expected to occur by December 31, 2018. Estimated interest and penalties related to the underpayment of income taxes are classified as a component of the provision for income taxes in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss). Accrued interest and penalties are $0.1 million as of December 31, 2017 . The “Tax Cuts and Jobs Act” was enacted in December 22, 2017. Certain changes of the 2017 Tax Reform Act to the U.S tax code include: permanently reducing the corporate tax rate from 35% to a flat 21% for tax years beginning after December 31, 2017 . The Tax Act includes the Transition Tax ‘Toll Charge’ and two additions to the tax base erosion: the global intangible low-taxed income (“GILTI”) of U.S. shareholders of CFCs, and the base-erosion and anti-abuse tax (“BEAT”). The Company uses the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this 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 basis. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to reverse. As a result of the reduction in the U.S. corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21% under the Tax Reform Act, the Company revalued its ending net deferred tax assets at December 31, 2017 and recognized a $14.2 million tax expense in the Company’s consolidated statement of income for the year ended December 31, 2017 . As a result of the changes in the Tax Reform Act, the Company also reduced its deferred tax assets by $1.4 million. The Tax Reform Act provided for a one-time deemed mandatory repatriation (“Toll Tax”) of post-1986 undistributed foreign subsidiary earnings and profits (“E&P”) through the year ended December 31, 2017 . The Company does not have undistributed foreign subsidiary E&P and therefore did not record a Toll Tax liability for the year ended December 31, 2017 . While the Tax Reform Act provides for a territorial tax system, beginning in 2018 , it includes two new U.S. tax base erosion provisions, the global intangible low-taxed income (“GILTI”) provisions and the base-erosion and anti-abuse tax (“BEAT”) provisions. The GILTI provisions require the Company to include in its U.S. income tax return foreign subsidiary earnings in excess of an allowable return on the foreign subsidiary’s tangible assets. The Company expects that it will be subject to incremental U.S. tax on GILTI income beginning in 2018, due to expense allocations required by the U.S. foreign tax credit rules. The Company has elected to account for GILTI tax in the period in which it is incurred, and therefore has not provided any deferred tax impacts of GILTI in its consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2017 . The BEAT provisions in the Tax Reform Act eliminates the deduction of certain base-erosion payments made to related foreign corporations, and impose a minimum tax if greater than regular tax. The Company does not expect it will be subject to this tax and therefore has not included any tax impacts of BEAT in its consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2017. On December 22, 2017 , the SEC staff issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 (“SAB 118”) to address the application of U.S. GAAP in situations when a registrant does not have the necessary information available, prepared, or analyzed (including computations) in reasonable detail to complete the accounting for certain income tax effects of the Tax Reform Act. The Company has recognized the provisional tax impacts related to the revaluation of deferred tax assets and liabilities, foreign earnings intended to be remitted, and the tax on foreign earnings intended to be remitted. The Company has included these amounts in its consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2017 . The ultimate impact may differ from these provisional amounts, possibly materially, due to, among other things, additional analysis, changes in interpretations and assumptions the Company has made, additional regulatory guidance that may be issued, and actions the Company may take as a result of the Tax Reform Act. The accounting is expected to be complete when the 2017 U.S. corporate income tax return is filed in 2018 .

Segment Information

Segment Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Information	In the fourth quarter of 2016, the Company restructured its operating segments. Given the significant growth of the Company's Leadership Consulting service line, the Company's chief operating decision maker began to regularly assess performance and make resource allocation decisions separately for Executive Search and Leadership Consulting. Therefore, the Company now reports Executive Search and Leadership Consulting as separate operating segments. Previously reported operating segment results for the year ended December 31, 2015 have been recast to conform to the new operating segment structure. The Company currently operates its executive search business in the Americas; Europe (which includes Africa); and Asia Pacific (which includes the Middle East) and operates its leadership consulting and culture shaping businesses as separate segments. For segment purposes, reimbursements of out-of-pocket expenses classified as revenue and other operating income are reported separately and, therefore, are not included in the results of each segment. The Company believes that analyzing trends in revenue before reimbursements (net revenue), analyzing operating expenses as a percentage of net revenue, and analyzing operating income (loss) more appropriately reflects its core operations. The revenue, operating income, depreciation and amortization, and capital expenditures, by segment, are as follows: December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Revenue Executive Search Americas $ 339,793 $ 313,292 $ 294,606 Europe 125,346 108,754 92,135 Asia Pacific 86,905 85,319 89,026 Total Executive Search 552,044 507,365 475,767 Leadership Consulting 41,227 38,806 19,045 Culture Shaping 28,129 36,219 36,327 Revenue before reimbursements 621,400 582,390 531,139 Reimbursements 18,656 18,516 17,172 Total revenue $ 640,056 $ 600,906 $ 548,311 Operating Income (Loss) Executive Search Americas (1) $ 81,531 $ 73,857 $ 68,043 Europe (2) 2,038 6,851 3,644 Asia Pacific (3) 2,128 4,799 5,909 Total Executive Search 85,697 85,507 77,596 Leadership Consulting (4) (15,614 ) (1,495 ) (1,847 ) Culture Shaping (5) (41,818 ) (1,558 ) 4,913 Total segments 28,265 82,454 80,662 Global Operations Support (6) (54,788 ) (47,221 ) (46,600 ) Total operating income (loss) $ (26,523 ) $ 35,233 $ 34,062 Depreciation and Amortization Executive Search Americas $ 4,661 $ 3,892 $ 3,858 Europe 3,207 2,478 1,530 Asia Pacific 1,579 1,774 1,383 Total Executive Search 9,447 8,144 6,771 Leadership Consulting 2,240 2,501 393 Culture Shaping 1,646 4,341 4,520 Total segments 13,333 14,986 11,684 Global Operation Support 1,441 1,447 2,012 Total depreciation and amortization $ 14,774 $ 16,433 $ 13,696 Capital Expenditures Executive Search Americas $ 7,123 $ 2,221 $ 7,334 Europe 1,460 835 890 Asia Pacific 2,633 3,346 1,030 Total Executive Search 11,216 6,402 9,254 Leadership Consulting 470 380 330 Culture Shaping 702 279 95 Total segments 12,388 7,061 9,679 Global Operation Support 3,298 1,321 6,184 Total capital expenditures $ 15,686 $ 8,382 $ 15,863 (1) Operating income for the Americas includes $0.8 million of restructuring charges in 2017. (2) Operating income for Europe includes $4.0 million of restructuring charges in 2017. (3) Operating income for Asia Pacific includes $2.0 million of restructuring charges in 2017. (4) Operating loss for Leadership Consulting includes $11.6 million of impairment charges and $0.9 million of restructuring charges in 2017. (5) Operating loss for Culture Shaping includes $39.2 million of impairment charges and $2.5 million of restructuring charges in 2017. (6) Operating loss for Global Operations Support includes $5.5 million of restructuring charges in 2017. Identifiable assets, and goodwill and other intangible assets, net, by segment, are as follows: December 31, 2017 2016 Current assets Executive Search Americas $ 171,985 $ 147,070 Europe 84,405 54,153 Asia Pacific 55,196 60,704 Total Executive Search 311,586 261,927 Leadership Consulting 16,025 15,737 Culture Shaping 15,091 19,059 Total segments 342,702 296,723 Global Operations Support 1,088 1,707 Total allocated current assets 343,790 298,430 Unallocated non-current assets 122,364 110,538 Goodwill and other intangible assets, net Executive Search Americas 88,942 88,602 Europe 22,699 22,029 Asia Pacific 9,409 9,020 Total Executive Search 121,050 119,651 Leadership Consulting — 12,757 Culture Shaping — 40,126 Total goodwill and other intangible assets, net 121,050 172,534 Total assets $ 587,204 $ 581,502

Guarantees

Guarantees	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Guarantees [Abstract]
Guarantees	Guarantees The Company has issued cash collateralized bank guarantees and letter of credit backed bank guarantees supporting certain obligations, primarily the payment of office lease obligations and business license requirements for certain of its subsidiaries in Europe and Asia Pacific. The bank guarantees were made to secure the respective agreements and are for the terms of the agreements, which extend through 2019 . For each bank guarantee issued, the Company would have to perform under the guarantee if the subsidiary defaults on a lease payment. The maximum amount of undiscounted payments the Company would be required to make in the event of default on all outstanding bank guarantees is approximately $ 2.6 million as of December 31, 2017 . The Company has not accrued for these arrangements as no event of default exists or is expected to exist.

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies Operating Leases The Company leases office space in 49 cities in 24 countries. The terms of these office-related leases provide that the Company pay base rent and a share of operating expenses and real estate taxes in excess of defined amounts. These leases expire at various dates through 2026. The Company also leases certain computer equipment and cars, the terms of which are accounted for as operating leases. Rent expense, which includes the base rent, maintenance costs, operating expenses and real estate taxes, and the costs of equipment leases for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 was $ 32.2 million , $30.8 million , and $ 29.6 million , respectively. Minimum future operating lease payments due in each of the next five years and thereafter are as follows: 2018 $ 36,386 2019 31,121 2020 22,869 2021 18,860 2022 16,229 Thereafter 22,600 Total $ 148,065 The aggregate minimum future payments on office leases are $145.1 million . The Company has contractual arrangements to receive aggregate sublease income of $0.6 million related to certain leases that expire at various dates through 2019. This sublease income primarily relates to properties that were part of prior office consolidations and closings. Certain leases provide for renewal options and payments of real estate taxes and other occupancy costs. In addition, certain leases contain rent escalation clauses that require additional rental amounts in later years of the term. Rent expense for leases with rent escalation clauses is recognized on a straight-line basis over the minimum lease term. The Company has an obligation at the end of the lease term to return certain offices to the landlord in its original condition, which is recorded at fair value at the time the liability is incurred. The Company had $2.9 million and $2.6 million of asset retirement obligations as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. In 2017, the Company began vacating three offices as a result of the restructuring plan to reduce overall costs and improve efficiencies in the Company's operations. Litigation The Company has contingent liabilities from various pending claims and litigation matters arising in the ordinary course of the Company’s business, some of which involve claims for damages that are substantial in amount. Some of these matters are covered by insurance. Based upon information currently available, the Company believes the ultimate resolution of such claims and litigation will not have a material adverse effect on its financial condition, results of operations or liquidity. UK Employee Benefits Trust On March 31, 2017, the Company reached a settlement with Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (“HMRC”) in the United Kingdom regarding HMRC’s challenge of the tax treatment of certain of the Company’s contributions in the United Kingdom to an Employee Benefits Trust between 2002 and 2008. HMRC alleged that the contributions should have been subject to Pay As You Earn tax and Class 1 National Insurance Contributions in the United Kingdom. In connection with the settlement, the Company agreed to pay approximately £5.4 million (equivalent to $6.8 million on the settlement date) related to Pay as You Earn tax, Class 1 National Insurance Contributions, inheritance tax and interest. Concurrently with the HMRC settlement, the Company also reached an agreement with the beneficiaries under the Employee Benefits Trust for the reimbursement of approximately £2.3 million (equivalent to $2.9 million on the settlement date) beneficiary-owed Pay as You Earn tax and Class 1 National Insurance Contributions. The Company has recorded $1.5 million related to the Pay as You Earn tax and Class 1 National Insurance Contributions and the respective beneficiary reimbursements as a component of Salaries and employee benefits in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss). Inheritance tax and interest expense of $2.4 million incurred as a result of the settlement is recorded as a component of Other, net in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss). During the three months ended June 30, 2017, the Company made payments of approximately £5.4 million (equivalent to $6.9 million on the payment date) related to the Pay as You Earn tax, and received reimbursement of £2.0 million (equivalent to $2.6 million on the reimbursement date) from the beneficiaries under the Employee Benefits Trust. Approximately £0.3 million (equivalent to $0.4 million ) of reimbursements related to beneficiary-owed Pay as You Earn tax is outstanding at December 31, 2017 .

Subsequent Event

Subsequent Event	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Subsequent Events	20. Subsequent Events On January 4, 2018, the Company acquired Amrop A/S ("Amrop"), a Denmark-based provider of executive search, succession planning and coaching services for 24.3 million Danish Krones (equivalent to $3.9 million on the acquisition date) of initial consideration. The former owners of Amrop are expected to receive additional cash consideration of 28.0 million Danish Krones (equivalent to $4.5 million on the acquisition date) based on fee revenue generated by the business during the two-year period following the completion of the acquisition. However, the actual amount of additional cash consideration cannot be determined at this time. The transaction was financed with cash.

Summary of Significant Accoun28

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Reclassifications [Line Items]
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents The Company considers all highly liquid instruments with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
Concentration of Risk	Concentration of Risk The Company is potentially exposed to concentrations of risk associated with its accounts receivable. However, this risk is limited due to the Company’s large number of clients and their dispersion across many different industries and geographies. At December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company had no significant concentrations of risk.
Accounts Receivable	Accounts Receivable The Company’s accounts receivable consist of trade receivables. The allowance for doubtful accounts is developed based upon several factors including the age of the Company’s accounts receivable, historical write-off experience and specific account analysis. These factors may change over time, impacting the allowance level.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	Fair Value of Financial Instruments Cash equivalents are stated at cost, which approximates fair market value. The carrying value for receivables from clients, accounts payable, deferred revenue and other accrued liabilities reasonably approximate fair market value due to the nature of the financial instruments and the short term nature of the items.
Property and Equipment	Property and Equipment Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the asset or, for leasehold improvements, the shorter of the lease term or the estimated useful life of the asset, as follows: Office furniture, fixtures and equipment 5–10 years Computer equipment and software 3–7 years Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the lesser of the lease term or life of the asset improvement, which typically range from three to ten years. Depreciation is calculated for tax purposes using accelerated methods, where applicable.
Long-lived Assets	Long-lived Assets The Company reviews its long-lived assets, including property and equipment, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated future cash flows, an impairment charge, equal to the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset, is recognized.
Investments	Investments The Company’s investments consist primarily of available-for-sale investments within the U.S. non-qualified deferred compensation plan (the “Plan”). Available-for-sale investments are reported at fair value with changes in unrealized gains (losses) recorded as a separate component of Accumulated other comprehensive income in the Consolidated Balance Sheets until realized. Realized gains (losses) resulting from an employee’s termination from the Plan are recorded as a non-operating expense in Other, net in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss).
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill represents the difference between the purchase price of acquired companies and the related fair value of the net assets acquired, which is accounted for by the acquisition method of accounting. Other intangible assets include client relationships and employee non-compete agreements. The Company performs assessments of the carrying value of goodwill at least annually and of its goodwill and other intangible assets whenever events occur or circumstances indicate that a carrying amount of these assets may not be recoverable. These circumstances include a significant change in business climate, attrition of key personnel, changes in financial condition or results of operations, a prolonged decline in the Company’s stock price and market capitalization, competition, and other factors. The goodwill impairment test compares the fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying amount, including goodwill. The Company operates five reporting units: Americas; Europe, which includes Africa; Asia Pacific, which includes the Middle East; Leadership Consulting; and Culture Shaping. The goodwill impairment test is completed by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. The fair value of each of the Company’s reporting units is determined using a discounted cash flow methodology. An impairment charge is recognized for the amount by which the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, however, the loss recognized is not to exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. The other intangible asset impairment review compares the carrying amount of an asset to estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated future cash flows, an impairment charge, equal to the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value, is recognized. Other intangible assets acquired are amortized either using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives or based on the projected cash flow associated with the respective intangible assets.
Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities or Restructurings, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Restructuring Charges The Company accounts for restructuring charges by recognizing a liability at fair value when the costs are incurred.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition Revenue before reimbursements of out-of-pocket expenses (“net revenue”) consists of retainers and indirect expenses billed to clients. For each assignment, the Company and its client enter into a contract that outlines the general terms and conditions of the assignment. Typically, the Company is paid a retainer for its executive search services equal to approximately one-third of the estimated first year compensation for the position to be filled. In addition, generally, if the actual compensation of a placed candidate exceeds the estimated compensation, the Company often is authorized to bill the client for one-third of the excess. Indirect expenses are calculated as a percentage of the retainer with certain dollar limits per search. The Company generally bills its clients for its retainer and indirect expenses in one-third increments over a three -month period commencing in the month of a client’s acceptance of the contract. Net revenue is recognized when earned and realizable and therefore when the following criteria have been met: (a) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, (b) services have been rendered, (c) the fee to our client is fixed or determinable, and (d) collectability is reasonably assured. Taxes collected from clients and remitted to governmental authorities are presented on a net basis. Typically, net revenue from standard executive search engagements is recognized over the expected average period of performance, in proportion to the estimated personnel time incurred to fulfill our obligations under the arrangements. Net revenue in excess of the retainer, resulting from actual compensation of the placed candidate exceeding the estimated compensation, is recognized upon completion of the executive search when the amount of the additional fee is known. Net revenue associated with culture shaping services is recognized proportionally as services are performed. Net revenue associated with licenses to use our culture shaping proprietary materials is typically recognized over the term of the arrangement. Depending on the terms of that agreement, net revenue from certain leadership consulting and non-standard executive search engagements is either recognized proportionally as services are performed or in accordance with the completion of the engagement deliverables.
Reimbursements	Reimbursements The Company incurs certain out-of-pocket expenses that are reimbursed by its clients, which are accounted for as revenue and expense in its Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss).
Salaries and Employee Benefits	Salaries and Employee Benefits Salaries and employee benefits consist of compensation and benefits paid to consultants, executive officers, and administrative and support personnel, of which the most significant elements are salaries and annual performance-related bonuses. Other items in this category are expenses related to sign-on bonuses, forgivable employee loans and minimum guaranteed bonuses (often incurred in connection with the hiring of new consultants), restricted stock unit and performance share unit amortization, payroll taxes, profit sharing and retirement benefits, and employee insurance benefits. Salaries and employee benefits are recognized on an accrual basis. Certain sign-on bonuses, retention awards, and minimum guaranteed compensation are capitalized and amortized in accordance with the terms of the respective agreements. A portion of the Company’s consultants’ and management cash bonuses are deferred and paid over a three -year vesting period. The portion of the bonus is approximately 15% depending on the employee’s level or position. The compensation expense related to the amounts being deferred is recognized on a graded vesting attribution method over the requisite service period. This service period begins on January 1 of the respective fiscal year and continues through the deferral date, which coincides with the Company’s bonus payments in the first quarter of the following year, and for an additional three year vesting period. The deferrals are recorded in Accrued salaries and employee benefits within both Current liabilities and Non-current liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the differences between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities, applying enacted statutory tax rates in effect for the year in which the tax differences are expected to reverse. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of management, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for the effects of changes in tax laws and rates on the date of enactment.
Earnings per Common Share	Earnings per Common Share Basic earnings per common share is computed by dividing net income by weighted average common shares outstanding for the year. Diluted earnings per share reflect the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted. Common equivalent shares are excluded from the determination of diluted earnings per share in periods in which they have an anti-dilutive effect. The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share: December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Net income (loss) $ (48,635 ) $ 15,413 $ 17,132 Weighted average shares outstanding: Basic 18,735 18,540 18,334 Effect of dilutive securities: Restricted stock units — 347 234 Performance stock units — 151 147 Diluted 18,735 19,038 18,715 Basic earnings (loss) per share $ (2.60 ) $ 0.83 $ 0.93 Diluted earnings (loss) per share $ (2.60 ) $ 0.81 $ 0.92
Translation of Foreign Currencies	Translation of Foreign Currencies The Company generally designates the local currency for all its subsidiaries as the functional currency. The Company translates the assets and liabilities of its subsidiaries into U.S. dollars at the current rate of exchange prevailing at the balance sheet date. Revenue and expenses are translated at a monthly average exchange rate for the period. Translation adjustments are reported as a component of Accumulated other comprehensive income .
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Restricted Cash The Company has lease agreements and business licenses with terms that require the Company to restrict cash through the termination dates of the agreements, which extend through 2019. During 2016, the Company paid certain key executives of Senn Delaney a $6.5 million retention bonus out of restricted cash for remaining with the Company for three years subsequent to the acquisition. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the total restricted cash was $0.6 million and $0.6 million , respectively. Current and non-current restricted cash is included in Other current assets and Other non-current assets , respectively, on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
Recently Issued Financial Accounting Standards	Recently Issued Financial Accounting Standards In May 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2017-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation, Scope of Modification Accounting, which is intended to provide clarity and reduce both diversity in practice, cost and complexity when implementing a change in the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award. ASU 2017-09 requires that an entity should account for the effects of a modification unless the fair value, vesting conditions, and whether the award is classified as a liability instrument or an equity instrument remain unchanged in the modification. ASU 2017-09 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017 with early adoption permitted. The Company will adopt this guidance effective January 1, 2018. The impact of this accounting guidance will be dependent on future modification events including the number of awards modified. In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-07, Compensation - Retirement Benefits: Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Post-retirement Benefit Cost, which is intended to improve the consistency, transparency and usefulness of net benefit cost disclosures. ASU 2017-07 requires that an employer report the service cost component of net benefit cost in the same line item or items as other compensation costs arising from services rendered by the pertinent employees during the period. Additionally, the other components of net benefit costs are required to be presented in the income statement separately from the service cost component and outside a subtotal of income from operations. ASU 2017-07 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017 with early adoption permitted. The Company will adopt this guidance effective January 1, 2018. The impact of this accounting guidance will not be material to the Company's financial statements. In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows: Restricted Cash, which requires that the statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. Therefore amounts generally described as restricted cash should be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning of period and end of period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. The Company currently does not include restricted cash amounts in the beginning and ending cash amounts and will change the presentation of the cash flow statement to include restricted cash in the beginning and ending cash totals. The standard is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017 with early adoption permitted. The Company will adopt this guidance effective January 1, 2018. If the Company had adopted the guidance as of December 31, 2017, the beginning and ending balance of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash for the year ended December 31, 2017 would have each increased by $0.6 million in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. In August 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows: Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments, which is intended to reduce diversity in practice as to how certain cash receipts and cash payments should be presented and classified. The standard is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017 with early adoption permitted. The Company will adopt this guidance effective January 1, 2018. The Company has evaluated the standard and noted the guidance for contingent consideration payments made after a business combination are applicable to the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. The Company currently classifies all contingent consideration payments as financing activities. The impact of this change is not expected to be significant to the classification of these activities on the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases, intended to improve financial reporting about leasing transactions. The new guidance will require entities that lease assets to recognize on their balance sheets the assets and liabilities for the rights and obligations created by those leases and to disclose key information about the leasing arrangements. ASU 2016-02 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018 with early adoption permitted. The guidance requires lessees and lessors to recognize and measure leases at the beginning of the earliest period presented using a modified retrospective approach. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this accounting guidance. The effect is not known or reasonably estimable at this time. In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, which addresses certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of financial instruments including the recognition of unrealized changes in fair value within net income. The standard is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company will adopt this guidance effective January 1, 2018. Upon adoption, the Company will reclassify approximately $6.1 million of unrecognized gains on the Company's available for sale securities, which are currently included in accumulated other comprehensive income, to retained earnings. Future holding gains on the Company's available for sale securities will be recorded in earnings. During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company had holding gains of approximately $2.7 million prior to the reclassification of realized gains to earnings, on its available for sale securities, which would have been recognized in earnings under ASU 2016-01. The amount of future holding gains or losses is dependent upon market conditions and may substantially fluctuate between periods. In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. The ASU requires that an entity recognizes revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled in exchange for these goods or services. The guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The guidance permits the use of either of the following transition methods: (i) a full retrospective method reflecting the application of the standard in each prior reporting period with the option to elect certain practical expedients or (ii) a retrospective method with the cumulative effect upon initial adoption recognized at the date of initial application (modified retrospective). The Company will adopt the guidance on January 1, 2018 and will apply the modified retrospective method, which involves recognizing the cumulative effect of applying the guidance at the date of initial application with no restatement of the comparative periods presented. The Company continues to perform its evaluation of ASU No. 2014-09 and has made certain assessments regarding each of its primary revenue streams. Executive Search - The Company’s executive search engagements involve the receipt of a retainer that is equal to approximately one-third of the estimated first year compensation for the position to be filled. If actual compensation of a placed candidate exceeds the original compensation estimate, the Company is often authorized to bill the client for one-third of the excess compensation. The Company refers to this excess compensation billing as uptick revenue. Currently, the Company recognizes uptick revenue upon the completion of the executive search at the point the uptick revenue becomes fixed and determinable. Under ASU No. 2014-09, uptick revenue is considered variable consideration and the Company will be required to estimate this revenue at contract inception. The Company has developed an estimation process utilizing the expected value method, incorporating historical uptick revenue realized in the Company’s geographic regions and industry practices, which will result in an initial recording of a contract’s uptick revenue that is probable not to result in a significant reversal of cumulative revenue recognized when the actual amount of uptick revenue for that contract is known. Estimates of uptick revenue will be recognized using the same over time revenue recognition model the Company currently utilizes to recognize retainer revenue, and differences between the estimated and actual amount of uptick revenue will be recorded when known. Typically, revenue from executive search engagements is recognized over the expected average period of performance, in proportion to the estimated personnel time incurred to fulfill our obligations under the executive search arrangement. The Company is currently quantifying the required transition adjustment for the Executive Search revenue streams. Leadership Consulting - The Company does not anticipate a significant change in revenue recognition as it relates to its leadership consulting engagements. Substantially all of the Company’s engagements will continue to be recognized over time although the identification of the performance obligations within any given engagement may differ from the Company’s current revenue recognition methodology. Culture Shaping - The Company does not anticipate a significant change in revenue recognition as it relates to its culture shaping consulting engagements. Substantially all of the Company’s consulting engagements will continue to be recognized over time although the identification of the performance obligations within any given engagement may differ from the Company’s current revenue recognition methodology. The Company has concluded that licenses to use our proprietary culture shaping materials, which the Company refers to as enterprise agreements, generally contain a material right resulting in the recognition of this type of revenue over a longer period of time. The Company is currently quantifying the required transition adjustment. Recently Adopted Financial Accounting Standards In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other, which eliminates Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. Instead, under the amendments in this update, an entity should perform its annual, or interim, goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. An entity should recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value; however, the loss recognized should not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. Additionally, an entity should consider income tax effects from any tax deductible goodwill on the carrying amount of the reporting unit when measuring the goodwill impairment loss, if applicable. The Board also eliminated the requirements for any reporting unit with a zero or negative carrying amount to perform a qualitative assessment and, if it fails that qualitative test, to perform Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test. An entity is required to disclose the amount of goodwill allocated to each reporting unit with a zero or negative carrying amount of net assets. The Company early adopted ASU 2017-04, during the three months ended June 30, 2017. The Company concluded that ASU 2017-04 is preferable to the current guidance included in ASC 350 due to the simplified process of subsequently measuring goodwill.

Summary of Significant Accoun29

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share: December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Net income (loss) $ (48,635 ) $ 15,413 $ 17,132 Weighted average shares outstanding: Basic 18,735 18,540 18,334 Effect of dilutive securities: Restricted stock units — 347 234 Performance stock units — 151 147 Diluted 18,735 19,038 18,715 Basic earnings (loss) per share $ (2.60 ) $ 0.83 $ 0.93 Diluted earnings (loss) per share $ (2.60 ) $ 0.81 $ 0.92
Summary of Estimated Useful Life of Property and Equipment	Property and Equipment Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the asset or, for leasehold improvements, the shorter of the lease term or the estimated useful life of the asset, as follows: Office furniture, fixtures and equipment 5–10 years Computer equipment and software 3–7 years Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the lesser of the lease term or life of the asset improvement, which typically range from three to ten years. Depreciation is calculated for tax purposes using accelerated methods, where applicable.

Allowance for Doubtful Accoun30

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Receivables [Abstract]
Summary of Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	The activity of the allowance for doubtful accounts for the years ended: December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Balance at January 1, $ 2,575 $ 5,376 $ 3,942 Provision charged to income 963 1,407 2,772 Write-offs (1,134 ) (4,106 ) (1,140 ) Foreign currency translation 130 (102 ) (198 ) Balance at December 31, $ 2,534 $ 2,575 $ 5,376

Property and Equipment, net (Ta

Property and Equipment, net (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Components of Company's Property and Equipment	The components of the Company’s property and equipment are as follows: December 31, 2017 2016 Leasehold improvements $ 48,216 $ 42,891 Office furniture, fixtures and equipment 17,732 16,677 Computer equipment and software 28,300 30,186 Property and equipment, gross 94,248 89,754 Accumulated depreciation (54,734 ) (54,655 ) Property and equipment, net $ 39,514 $ 35,099

Fair Value Measurements (Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Levels of Inputs Used to Measure Fair Value of Assets	Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Total At December 31, 2017 U.S. non-qualified deferred compensation plan $ 21,319 $ — $ — $ 21,319 Assets designated for retirement and pension plans — 18,590 — 18,590 Pension benefit obligation — (23,886 ) — (23,886 ) Acquisition earnout accruals — — (7,213 ) (7,213 ) $ 21,319 $ (5,296 ) $ (7,213 ) $ 8,810 Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Total At December 31, 2016 U.S. non-qualified deferred compensation plan $ 17,346 $ — $ — $ 17,346 Assets designated for retirement and pension plans — 16,979 — 16,979 Pension benefit obligation — (22,128 ) — (22,128 ) Acquisition earnout accruals — — (10,991 ) (10,991 ) $ 17,346 $ (5,149 ) $ (10,991 ) $ 1,206
Reconciliation of Beginning and Ending Balance of Level 3 Assets and Liabilities	The following table provides a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balance of Level 3 assets and liabilities for the year ended December 31, 2017 . Acquisition Balance at December 31, 2016 $ (10,991 ) Earnout accretion (1,038 ) Earnout payments 4,557 Philosophy IB earnout adjustment (Note 7) 705 Foreign currency translation (446 ) Balance at December 31, 2017 $ (7,213 )

Goodwill and Other Intangible33

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Goodwill by Segment [Line Items]
Goodwill by Segment [Table Text Block]	The Company's goodwill by segment is as follows: December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Executive Search Americas $ 88,690 $ 88,101 Europe 44,407 42,599 Asia Pacific 9,302 8,893 Total Executive Search 142,399 139,593 Leadership Consulting 6,940 6,534 Culture Shaping 29,317 29,224 Goodwill, gross 178,656 175,351 Accumulated impairment (59,764 ) (23,507 ) Goodwill, net $ 118,892 $ 151,844
Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill by Segment	Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by segment for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 were as follows: Executive Search Americas Europe Asia Pacific Leadership Consulting Culture Total Gross balance at December 31, 2014 $ 82,270 $ 23,507 $ 10,255 $ — $ 29,651 $ 145,683 Accumulated goodwill impairment — (23,507 ) — — — (23,507 ) Net balance at December 31, 2014 82,270 — 10,255 — 29,651 122,176 Co Company acquisition — 10,745 — — — 10,745 Exchange rate fluctuations (644 ) — (1,044 ) — (111 ) (1,799 ) Net balance at December 31, 2015 81,626 10,745 9,211 — 29,540 131,122 DSI acquisition 5,673 — — — — 5,673 Philosophy IB acquisition 2,357 — — — — 2,357 JCA acquisition — 15,769 — — — 15,769 Segment reallocation (1) (1,670 ) (4,517 ) (347 ) 6,534 — — Exchange rate fluctuations 115 (2,905 ) 29 — (316 ) (3,077 ) Net balance at December 31, 2016 88,101 19,092 8,893 6,534 29,224 151,844 Philosophy IB acquisition 357 — — 7 — 364 Exchange rate fluctuations 232 1,808 409 399 93 2,941 Impairment — — — (6,940 ) (29,317 ) (36,257 ) Net balance at December 31, 2017 $ 88,690 $ 20,900 $ 9,302 $ — $ — $ 118,892 (1) Due to the Company's change in segment reporting during the year ended December 31, 2016, goodwill amounts included in the Company's Americas, Europe and Asia Pacific segments in the prior year have been reallocated to the Leadership Consulting segment utilizing the relative fair value method.
Carrying Amount of Amortizable Intangible Assets and Related Accumulated Amortization	The Company’s other intangible assets, net by segment, are as follows: December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Executive Search Americas $ 252 $ 501 Europe 1,799 2,937 Asia Pacific 107 127 Total Executive Search 2,158 3,565 Leadership Consulting — 6,223 Culture Shaping — 10,902 Total Other Intangible Assets, Net $ 2,158 $ 20,690 As discussed above, the Culture Shaping business was impacted by the transition of senior-level personnel, primarily due to planned retirements, and the Company experienced lower than expected consultant productivity. The Company has also experienced lengthening sales cycles and decision processes within target client organizations. Due to the impact of these events on revenue and earnings when compared to actual and forecasted results, and the impact to the revenue and earnings inputs utilized in the fair value assessment of the intangible assets, the Company identified a triggering event for its Culture Shaping intangible assets and performed an impairment evaluation during the three months ended June 30, 2017. As noted above, due to the uncertainty around the pace and timing of growth in profitability in the Leadership Consulting reporting unit as the Company invests in talent and service offerings, the Company identified a triggering event for its Leadership Consulting intangible assets and performed an impairment evaluation as of October 31, 2017. These analyses were conducted in accordance with accounting guidance on fair value measurements taking into consideration Level 3 inputs, primarily consisting of discounted cash flow and replacement cost methodologies. Based on these evaluations, the Company recorded an impairment charge related to its Culture Shaping client relationships, trade name, software and non-compete intangible assets of $9.9 million during the year ended December 31, 2017. The Company also recorded an impairment charge related to its Leadership Consulting client relationships, software and non-compete intangible assets of $4.6 million during the year ended December 31, 2017. These impairment charges are recorded within Impairment charges in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the year ended December 31, 2017. The impairments were non-cash in nature and did not affect our current liquidity, cash flows, borrowing capability or operations; nor did it impact the debt covenants under our credit agreement. The carrying amount of amortizable intangible assets and the related accumulated amortization were as follows: December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Weighted Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Client relationships 7.9 $ 13,703 $ (11,612 ) $ 2,091 $ 33,299 $ (21,653 ) $ 11,646 Trade name 0.0 459 (459 ) — 9,436 (4,465 ) 4,971 Software 0.0 — — — 7,200 (4,114 ) 3,086 Non-compete 2.0 230 (163 ) 67 974 (423 ) 551 Technology 0.0 — — — 604 (168 ) 436 Total intangible assets 7.7 $ 14,392 $ (12,234 ) $ 2,158 $ 51,513 $ (30,823 ) $ 20,690

Goodwill and Other Intangible34

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Schedule of Goodwill (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Goodwill [Line Items]
Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block]	Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by segment for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 were as follows: Executive Search Americas Europe Asia Pacific Leadership Consulting Culture Total Gross balance at December 31, 2014 $ 82,270 $ 23,507 $ 10,255 $ — $ 29,651 $ 145,683 Accumulated goodwill impairment — (23,507 ) — — — (23,507 ) Net balance at December 31, 2014 82,270 — 10,255 — 29,651 122,176 Co Company acquisition — 10,745 — — — 10,745 Exchange rate fluctuations (644 ) — (1,044 ) — (111 ) (1,799 ) Net balance at December 31, 2015 81,626 10,745 9,211 — 29,540 131,122 DSI acquisition 5,673 — — — — 5,673 Philosophy IB acquisition 2,357 — — — — 2,357 JCA acquisition — 15,769 — — — 15,769 Segment reallocation (1) (1,670 ) (4,517 ) (347 ) 6,534 — — Exchange rate fluctuations 115 (2,905 ) 29 — (316 ) (3,077 ) Net balance at December 31, 2016 88,101 19,092 8,893 6,534 29,224 151,844 Philosophy IB acquisition 357 — — 7 — 364 Exchange rate fluctuations 232 1,808 409 399 93 2,941 Impairment — — — (6,940 ) (29,317 ) (36,257 ) Net balance at December 31, 2017 $ 88,690 $ 20,900 $ 9,302 $ — $ — $ 118,892 (1) Due to the Company's change in segment reporting during the year ended December 31, 2016, goodwill amounts included in the Company's Americas, Europe and Asia Pacific segments in the prior year have been reallocated to the Leadership Consulting segment utilizing the relative fair value method.

Goodwill and Other Intangible35

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Schedule of Finite Lived Intangible Assets by Segment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Schedule Of Finite Lived Intangible Assets By Segment [Table Text Block]	The Company’s other intangible assets, net by segment, are as follows: December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Executive Search Americas $ 252 $ 501 Europe 1,799 2,937 Asia Pacific 107 127 Total Executive Search 2,158 3,565 Leadership Consulting — 6,223 Culture Shaping — 10,902 Total Other Intangible Assets, Net $ 2,158 $ 20,690

Other Non-Current Liabilities (

Other Non-Current Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]
Components of Other Non-Current Liabilities	The components of other non-current liabilities are as follows: December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Premise related costs $ 18,360 $ 18,188 Accrued earnout payments 3,076 8,518 Restructuring charges 10 — Other 2,151 1,582 Total other non-current liabilities $ 23,597 $ 28,288

Other Non-Current Liabilities O

Other Non-Current Liabilities Other Current Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Other Current Liabilities [Line Items]
Other Current Liabilities [Table Text Block]	The components of other current liabilities are as follows: December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Restructuring charges $ 13,023 $ — Other 27,323 24,133 Total other current liabilities $ 40,346 $ 24,133

Pension Plan and Life Insuran38

Pension Plan and Life Insurance Contract (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Reconcile Benefit Obligation for Pension Plan	2017 2016 Benefit obligation at January 1, $ 22,128 $ 22,388 Interest cost 362 453 Actuarial (gain) loss (371 ) 1,178 Benefits paid (1,453 ) (1,198 ) Cumulative translation adjustment 3,220 (693 ) Benefit obligation at December 31, $ 23,886 $ 22,128
Benefit Obligation Amounts Recognized in Consolidated Balance Sheets	The benefit obligation amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets are as follows: December 31, 2017 2016 Current liabilities $ 1,461 $ 1,281 Noncurrent liabilities 22,425 20,847 Total $ 23,886 $ 22,128
Components of Assumptions Used to Determine Net Periodic Benefit Cost	The components of and assumptions used to determine the net periodic benefit cost are as follows: December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Net period benefit cost: Interest cost $ 362 $ 453 $ 436 Amortization of net loss 111 17 72 Net periodic benefit cost $ 473 $ 470 $ 508 Weighted average assumptions Discount rate (1) 1.49 % 2.15 % 1.82 % Rate of compensation increase — % — % 1.75 %
Assumptions to Determine Company's Benefit Obligation	Assumptions to determine the Company’s benefit obligation are as follows: December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Discount rate (1) 1.64 % 1.53 % 2.15 % Rate of compensation increase — % — % — % Measurement Date 12/31/2017 12/31/2016 12/31/2015 (1) The discount rates are based on long-term bond indices adjusted to reflect the longer duration of the benefit obligation.
Summary of Benefits Expected to Be Paid in Each of Next Five Years	The benefits expected to be paid in each of the next five years, and in the aggregate for the five years thereafter are as follows: 2018 $ 1,461 2019 1,451 2020 1,437 2021 1,421 2022 1,401 2023 through 2027 6,573

Stock-Based Compensation (Table

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Summary of Information with Respect to Stock-based Compensation	A summary of information with respect to stock-based compensation is as follows: December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Salaries and employee benefits $ 4,597 $ 5,830 $ 4,616 General and administrative expenses 338 563 450 Income tax benefit related to stock-based compensation included in net income 1,948 2,523 1,856
Restricted Stock Unit Activity	Restricted stock unit activity as of December 31, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 : Number of Weighted- Outstanding on December 31, 2014 462,717 $ 18.07 Granted 184,541 23.94 Vested and converted to common stock (146,307 ) 18.80 Forfeited (27,016 ) 20.74 Outstanding on December 31, 2015 473,935 19.98 Granted 207,405 22.92 Vested and converted to common stock (119,455 ) 20.02 Forfeited (24,612 ) 22.81 Outstanding on December 31, 2016 537,273 20.97 Granted 243,306 24.18 Vested and converted to common stock (217,028 ) 21.39 Forfeited (72,397 ) 24.05 Outstanding on December 31, 2017 491,154 21.92
Performance Stock Unit Activity	Performance share unit activity as of December 31, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 : Number of Weighted- Outstanding on December 31, 2014 229,170 $ 17.06 Granted 59,221 23.64 Vested and converted to common stock (13,397 ) 20.62 Forfeited (2,970 ) 20.62 Outstanding on December 31, 2015 272,024 18.28 Granted 125,388 22.98 Vested and converted to common stock (160,600 ) 15.51 Forfeited — — Outstanding on December 31, 2016 236,812 22.64 Granted 88,415 23.83 Vested and converted to common stock (70,652 ) 19.65 Forfeited (68,684 ) 24.07 Outstanding on December 31, 2017 185,891 23.82

Changes in Accumulated Other 40

Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Equity [Abstract]
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income ("AOCI") by Component	The changes in Accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) by component for the year ended December 31, 2017 are summarized below: Available- Foreign Pension AOCI Balance at December 31, 2016 $ 3,429 $ 2,290 $ (2,397 ) $ 3,322 Other comprehensive income before classification, net of tax 3,108 6,853 383 10,344 Amount reclassified from AOCI (1) (448 ) — 97 (351 ) Net current period other comprehensive income 2,660 6,853 480 9,993 Balance at December 31, 2017 $ 6,089 $ 9,143 $ (1,917 ) $ 13,315 (1) Available-for-Sale Securities and Pension reclassifications from AOCI are included in Other, net and Salaries and employee benefits , respectively, in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss).

Restructuring Schedule of Restr

Restructuring Schedule of Restructuring Charges by Segment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Schedule of Restructuring Charges by Segment [Line Items]
Schedule of Restructuring Charges by Segment [Table Text Block]	hese charges consist of $13.1 million of employee-related costs, including severance associated with reductions in our workforce of 251 employees globally, $2.3 million of other professional and consulting fees and $0.3 million of expenses associated with closing three office locations. Restructuring charges by operating segment for the year ended December 31, 2017 are as follows: Restructuring Charges Executive Search Americas $ 784 Europe 3,993 Asia Pacific 2,046 Total Executive Search 6,823 Leadership Consulting 913 Culture Shaping 2,480 Global Operations Support 5,450 Total restructuring $ 15,666 Th

Restructuring Schedule of Res42

Restructuring Schedule of Restructuring Charges and Related Cash Payments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Schedule of Restructuring Charges and Related Cash Payments [Line Items]
Schedule of Restructuring Charges and Related Cash Payments [Table Text Block]	accrued restructuring charges at December 31, 2017 primarily consists of employee-related costs that require cash payments based on individual severance agreements, real estate leases that require cash payments through the lease terms reduced by sublease income and other professional fees. These accruals are included within Other current liabilities and Other non-current liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2017 . The table below outlines the restructuring charges along with related cash payments for the year ended December 31, 2017 : Employee Related Office Related Other Total Accrual balance at December 31, 2016 $ — $ — $ — $ — Restructuring charges 13,065 308 2,293 15,666 Cash payments (1,199 ) (5 ) (1,282 ) (2,486 ) Non cash write-offs — (155 ) — (155 ) Accrual balance at December 31, 2017 $ 11,866 $ 148 $ 1,011 $ 13,025

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Sources of Income (Loss) before Income Taxes	The sources of income (loss) before income taxes are as follows: December 31, 2017 2016 2015 United States $ (28,577 ) $ 30,696 $ 26,550 Foreign (841 ) 7,070 5,004 Income (loss) before income taxes $ (29,418 ) $ 37,766 $ 31,554
Provision for (Benefit from) Income Taxes	The provision for (benefit from) income taxes are as follows: December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Current Federal $ 10,107 $ 12,261 $ 8,598 State and local 2,372 3,219 1,697 Foreign 8,257 5,668 4,911 Current provision for income taxes 20,736 21,148 15,206 Deferred Federal 5,642 727 (1,551 ) State and local (2,951 ) (370 ) (180 ) Foreign (4,210 ) 848 947 Deferred provision (benefit) for income taxes (1,519 ) 1,205 (784 ) Total provision for income taxes $ 19,217 $ 22,353 $ 14,422
Reconciliation of Provision for (Benefit from) Income Taxes	A reconciliation of the provision for income taxes to income taxes at the statutory U.S. federal income tax rate of 35% is as follows: December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Income tax provision (benefit) at the statutory U.S. federal rate $ (10,296 ) $ 13,218 $ 11,044 State income tax provision (benefit), net of federal tax benefit (593 ) 1,904 1,272 Nondeductible expenses, net 3,282 1,410 262 Foreign taxes (includes rate differential and changes in foreign valuation allowance) 5,465 (2,133 ) 368 Establishment (release) of valuation allowance (3,200 ) 340 — U.S. tax on foreign dividends — 5,898 1,120 Current/deferred true-up 567 1,226 241 Tax reform 23,732 — — Other, net 260 490 115 Total provision for income taxes $ 19,217 $ 22,353 $ 14,422
Summary of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities	The deferred tax assets and liabilities are attributable to the following components: December 31, 2017 2016 Deferred tax assets attributable to: Foreign net operating loss carryforwards $ 31,960 $ 26,902 Accrued compensation and employee benefits 15,809 18,625 Deferred compensation 13,600 17,851 Foreign tax credit carryforwards 8,128 12,112 Accrued rent 3,607 5,113 Other accrued expenses 2,179 3,388 Deferred tax assets, before valuation allowance 75,283 83,991 Valuation allowance (35,624 ) (25,020 ) Deferred tax assets, after valuation allowance 39,659 58,971 Deferred tax liabilities attributable to: Goodwill 306 17,130 Taxes provided on unremitted earnings 129 3,331 Depreciation on property and equipment 3,216 4,723 Other 606 966 Deferred tax liabilities 4,257 26,150 Net deferred tax assets $ 35,402 $ 32,821
Reconciliation of Amounts of Gross Unrecognized Tax Benefits	A reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of the total amounts of gross unrecognized tax benefits is as follows: December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Gross unrecognized tax benefits at January 1, $ 1,038 $ 130 $ 143 Gross increases for tax positions of prior years 167 2,146 22 Gross decreases for tax positions of prior years — (4 ) (15 ) Settlements (465 ) (1,234 ) (20 ) Lapse of statute of limitations — — — Gross unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, $ 740 $ 1,038 $ 130

Segment Information (Tables)

Segment Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue, Operating Income, Depreciation and Amortization, and Capital Expenditures, by Segment	The revenue, operating income, depreciation and amortization, and capital expenditures, by segment, are as follows: December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Revenue Executive Search Americas $ 339,793 $ 313,292 $ 294,606 Europe 125,346 108,754 92,135 Asia Pacific 86,905 85,319 89,026 Total Executive Search 552,044 507,365 475,767 Leadership Consulting 41,227 38,806 19,045 Culture Shaping 28,129 36,219 36,327 Revenue before reimbursements 621,400 582,390 531,139 Reimbursements 18,656 18,516 17,172 Total revenue $ 640,056 $ 600,906 $ 548,311 Operating Income (Loss) Executive Search Americas (1) $ 81,531 $ 73,857 $ 68,043 Europe (2) 2,038 6,851 3,644 Asia Pacific (3) 2,128 4,799 5,909 Total Executive Search 85,697 85,507 77,596 Leadership Consulting (4) (15,614 ) (1,495 ) (1,847 ) Culture Shaping (5) (41,818 ) (1,558 ) 4,913 Total segments 28,265 82,454 80,662 Global Operations Support (6) (54,788 ) (47,221 ) (46,600 ) Total operating income (loss) $ (26,523 ) $ 35,233 $ 34,062 Depreciation and Amortization Executive Search Americas $ 4,661 $ 3,892 $ 3,858 Europe 3,207 2,478 1,530 Asia Pacific 1,579 1,774 1,383 Total Executive Search 9,447 8,144 6,771 Leadership Consulting 2,240 2,501 393 Culture Shaping 1,646 4,341 4,520 Total segments 13,333 14,986 11,684 Global Operation Support 1,441 1,447 2,012 Total depreciation and amortization $ 14,774 $ 16,433 $ 13,696 Capital Expenditures Executive Search Americas $ 7,123 $ 2,221 $ 7,334 Europe 1,460 835 890 Asia Pacific 2,633 3,346 1,030 Total Executive Search 11,216 6,402 9,254 Leadership Consulting 470 380 330 Culture Shaping 702 279 95 Total segments 12,388 7,061 9,679 Global Operation Support 3,298 1,321 6,184 Total capital expenditures $ 15,686 $ 8,382 $ 15,863 (1) Operating income for the Americas includes $0.8 million of restructuring charges in 2017. (2) Operating income for Europe includes $4.0 million of restructuring charges in 2017. (3) Operating income for Asia Pacific includes $2.0 million of restructuring charges in 2017. (4) Operating loss for Leadership Consulting includes $11.6 million of impairment charges and $0.9 million of restructuring charges in 2017. (5) Operating loss for Culture Shaping includes $39.2 million of impairment charges and $2.5 million of restructuring charges in 2017. (6) Operating loss for Global Operations Support includes $5.5 million of restructuring charges in 2017.
Identifiable Assets, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, Net, by Segment	Identifiable assets, and goodwill and other intangible assets, net, by segment, are as follows: December 31, 2017 2016 Current assets Executive Search Americas $ 171,985 $ 147,070 Europe 84,405 54,153 Asia Pacific 55,196 60,704 Total Executive Search 311,586 261,927 Leadership Consulting 16,025 15,737 Culture Shaping 15,091 19,059 Total segments 342,702 296,723 Global Operations Support 1,088 1,707 Total allocated current assets 343,790 298,430 Unallocated non-current assets 122,364 110,538 Goodwill and other intangible assets, net Executive Search Americas 88,942 88,602 Europe 22,699 22,029 Asia Pacific 9,409 9,020 Total Executive Search 121,050 119,651 Leadership Consulting — 12,757 Culture Shaping — 40,126 Total goodwill and other intangible assets, net 121,050 172,534 Total assets $ 587,204 $ 581,502

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of Minimum Future Office Space and Equipment Lease Payments Due	Minimum future operating lease payments due in each of the next five years and thereafter are as follows: 2018 $ 36,386 2019 31,121 2020 22,869 2021 18,860 2022 16,229 Thereafter 22,600 Total $ 148,065

Summary of Significant Accoun46

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents maximum maturity period	3 months
Concentrations of risk	0
Percentage of estimated first year compensation received for executive search services	33.33%
Percentage of excess of actual over estimated compensation of placed candidate billed to client	33.33%
Percentage increments billed to clients for retainer and indirect expenses	33.33%
Period of billing specified increments for retailer and indirect expenses	3 months
Deferred cash bonuses paid to consultants and management over vesting period	3 years
Additional vesting period after deferral date for bonus payment	3 years
Maximum [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Portion of deferred bonus	15.00%

Summary of Significant Accoun47

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Summary of Estimated Useful Life of Property and Equipment (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Office Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life of assets	5 years
Office Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life of assets	10 years
Computer Equipment and Software [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life of assets	3 years
Computer Equipment and Software [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life of assets	7 years
Leasehold Improvements [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life of assets	3 years
Leasehold Improvements [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life of assets	10 years

Summary of Significant Accoun48

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent	$ (48,635)	$ 15,413	$ 17,132
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic	18,735	18,540	18,334
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted	18,735	19,038	18,715
Earnings Per Share, Basic	$ (2.60)	$ 0.83	$ 0.93
Earnings Per Share, Diluted	$ (2.60)	$ 0.81	$ 0.92
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted	0	347	234
Performance Shares [Member]
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted	0	151	147

Summary of Significant Accoun49

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Restricted Cash (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Items [Line Items]
Increase (Decrease) in Restricted Cash	$ 3	$ 7,228	$ 0
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents	$ 600	600
Senn Delaney Leadership Consulting Group [Member]
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Items [Line Items]
Increase (Decrease) in Restricted Cash		$ 6,500

Allowance for Doubtful Accoun50

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts - Summary of Allowance for Doubtful Accounts (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 2,575	$ 5,376	$ 3,942
Provision charged to income	963	1,407	2,772
Write-offs	(1,134)	(4,106)	(1,140)
Foreign currency translation	(130)	102	198
Ending balance	$ 2,534	$ 2,575	$ 5,376

Property and Equipment, Net - C

Property and Equipment, Net - Components of Company's Property and Equipment (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	$ 94,248	$ 89,754
Accumulated depreciation	(54,734)	(54,655)
Property and equipment, net	39,514	35,099
Leasehold Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	48,216	42,891
Office Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	17,732	16,677
Computer Equipment and Software [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	$ 28,300	$ 30,186

Property and Equipment, Net - A

Property and Equipment, Net - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciation expense	$ 10.4	$ 9.4	$ 8.8

Fair Value Measurements - Level

Fair Value Measurements - Levels of Inputs Used to Measure Fair Value of Assets (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets designated for retirement and pension plans	$ 18,590	$ 16,979
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation	(23,886)	(22,128)	$ (22,388)
Acquisition earnout accruals	(7,213)	(10,991)
Fair Value, Net Asset (Liability)	8,810	1,206
U.S. Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available for sale securities	21,319	17,346
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value, Net Asset (Liability)	21,319	17,346
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | U.S. Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available for sale securities	21,319	17,346
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets designated for retirement and pension plans	18,590	16,979
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation	(23,886)	(22,128)
Fair Value, Net Asset (Liability)	(5,296)	(5,149)
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Acquisition earnout accruals	(7,213)	(10,991)
Fair Value, Net Asset (Liability)	$ (7,213)	$ (10,991)

Fair Value Measurements - Recon

Fair Value Measurements - Reconciliation of Beginning and Ending Balance of Level 3 Assets and Liabilities (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Acquisition earnout accruals, beginning balance	$ (10,991)
Acquisition earnout accruals, ending balance	(7,213)
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Acquisition earnout accruals, beginning balance	(10,991)
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Business Combination, Acquisition Earnout Adjustment, Fair Value	705
Earnout accretion	(1,038)
Earnout payments	4,557
Foreign currency translation	(446)
Acquisition earnout accruals, ending balance	$ (7,213)

Investments - Additional Inform

Investments - Additional Information (Detail) - U.S. Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Schedule of Fair Value of Separate Accounts by Major Category of Investment [Line Items]
Aggregate cost basis for investments	$ 14.6	$ 13.3
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Schedule of Fair Value of Separate Accounts by Major Category of Investment [Line Items]
Long-term Investments	$ 21.3	$ 17.3

Acquisitions - Additional Infor

Acquisitions - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Accretion expense			$ 1,038	$ 635	$ 1,294
Goodwill			118,892	151,844	131,122	$ 122,176
Goodwill acquired					$ 10,745
Philosophy IB [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill acquired			$ 364	2,357
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Business Combination, Acquisition Earnout Adjustment, Fair Value	$ 700
JCA [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill acquired				15,769
Decision Strategies [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill acquired				$ 5,673
Co Company [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Payment of contingent consideration		$ 2,300

Goodwill and Other Intangible57

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill by Segment (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	$ 151,844	$ 131,122	$ 122,176
Goodwill acquired			10,745
Goodwill Segment Reallocation		0
Exchange rate fluctuations	2,941	(3,077)	(1,799)
Goodwill, Gross	178,656	175,351		$ 145,683
Ending Balance	118,892	151,844	131,122	122,176
Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss	(59,764)	(23,507)		(23,507)
Goodwill, Impairment Loss	(36,257)
Decision Strategies [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill acquired		5,673
Philosophy IB [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill acquired	364	2,357
JCA [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill acquired		15,769
Executive Search [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, Gross	142,399	139,593
Executive Search [Member] | Americas [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	88,101	81,626	82,270
Goodwill acquired		0	0
Goodwill Segment Reallocation		(1,670)
Exchange rate fluctuations	232	115	(644)
Goodwill, Gross	88,690	88,101		82,270
Ending Balance	88,690	88,101	81,626	82,270
Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss				0
Goodwill, Impairment Loss	0
Executive Search [Member] | Asia Pacific [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	8,893	9,211	10,255
Goodwill acquired	0	0	0
Goodwill Segment Reallocation		(347)
Exchange rate fluctuations	409	29	(1,044)
Goodwill, Gross	9,302	8,893		10,255
Ending Balance	9,302	8,893	9,211	10,255
Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss				0
Goodwill, Impairment Loss	0
Executive Search [Member] | Europe [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	19,092	10,745	0
Goodwill acquired	0	0	10,745
Goodwill Segment Reallocation		(4,517)
Exchange rate fluctuations	1,808	(2,905)		0
Goodwill, Gross	44,407	42,599		23,507
Ending Balance	20,900	19,092	10,745	0
Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss				(23,507)
Goodwill, Impairment Loss	0
Executive Search [Member] | Decision Strategies [Member] | Americas [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill acquired		5,673
Executive Search [Member] | Philosophy IB [Member] | Americas [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill acquired	357	2,357
Executive Search [Member] | JCA [Member] | Europe [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill acquired		15,769
Leadership Consulting [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	6,534	0	0
Goodwill acquired		0	0
Goodwill Segment Reallocation		6,534
Exchange rate fluctuations	399	0		0
Goodwill, Gross	6,940	6,534		0
Ending Balance	0	6,534	0	0
Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss				0
Goodwill, Impairment Loss	(6,940)
Leadership Consulting [Member] | Philosophy IB [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill acquired	7
Culture Shaping [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	29,224	29,540	29,651
Goodwill acquired	0
Goodwill Segment Reallocation		0
Exchange rate fluctuations	93	(316)	(111)
Goodwill, Gross	29,317	29,224		29,651
Ending Balance	0	$ 29,224	$ 29,540	29,651
Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss				$ 0
Goodwill, Impairment Loss	$ (29,317)

Goodwill and Other Intangible58

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Goodwill - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill, Impairment Loss	$ 36,257
Goodwill, Gross	178,656	$ 175,351		$ 145,683
Goodwill acquired			$ 10,745
Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss	(59,764)	(23,507)		(23,507)
Goodwill	118,892	151,844	131,122	122,176
Decision Strategies [Member]
Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill acquired		5,673
Philosophy IB [Member]
Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill acquired	364	2,357
JCA [Member]
Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill acquired		15,769
Executive Search [Member]
Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill, Gross	142,399	139,593
Executive Search [Member] | Europe [Member]
Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill, Impairment Loss	0
Goodwill, Gross	44,407	42,599		23,507
Goodwill acquired	$ 0	0	10,745
Percentage of fair value excess by carrying value	38.00%
Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss				(23,507)
Goodwill	$ 20,900	19,092	10,745	0
Executive Search [Member] | Americas [Member]
Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill, Impairment Loss	0
Goodwill, Gross	$ 88,690	88,101		82,270
Goodwill acquired		0	0
Percentage of fair value excess by carrying value	180.00%
Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss				0
Goodwill	$ 88,690	88,101	81,626	82,270
Executive Search [Member] | Asia Pacific [Member]
Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill, Impairment Loss	0
Goodwill, Gross	9,302	8,893		10,255
Goodwill acquired	$ 0	0	0
Percentage of fair value excess by carrying value	7.00%
Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss				0
Goodwill	$ 9,302	8,893	9,211	10,255
Executive Search [Member] | Decision Strategies [Member] | Americas [Member]
Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill acquired		5,673
Executive Search [Member] | Philosophy IB [Member] | Americas [Member]
Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill acquired	357	2,357
Executive Search [Member] | JCA [Member] | Europe [Member]
Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill acquired		15,769
Leadership Consulting [Member]
Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Impairment of Intangible Assets, Finite-lived	4,600
Goodwill, Impairment Loss	6,940
Goodwill, Gross	6,940	6,534		0
Goodwill acquired		0	0
Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss				0
Goodwill	0	6,534	0	0
Leadership Consulting [Member] | Philosophy IB [Member]
Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill acquired	7
Culture Shaping [Member]
Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Impairment of Intangible Assets, Finite-lived	9,900
Goodwill, Impairment Loss	29,317
Goodwill, Gross	29,317	29,224		29,651
Goodwill acquired	0
Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss				0
Goodwill	$ 0	$ 29,224	$ 29,540	$ 29,651

Goodwill and Other Intangible59

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Summary of Other Intangible Assets Net by Segment (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Net Carrying Amount	$ 2,158	$ 20,690
Executive Search [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Net Carrying Amount	2,158	3,565
Executive Search [Member] | Americas [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Net Carrying Amount	252	501
Executive Search [Member] | Europe [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Net Carrying Amount	1,799	2,937
Executive Search [Member] | Asia Pacific [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Net Carrying Amount	107	127
Leadership Consulting [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Net Carrying Amount	0	6,223
Culture Shaping [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Net Carrying Amount	$ 0	$ 10,902

Goodwill and Other Intangible60

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Carrying Amount of Amortizable Intangible Assets and Related Accumulated Amortization (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted Average Life (in years)	7 years 8 months 12 days
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 14,392	$ 51,513
Accumulated Amortization	(12,234)	(30,823)
Net Carrying Amount	$ 2,158	20,690
Client relationships [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted Average Life (in years)	7 years 10 months 24 days
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 13,703	33,299
Accumulated Amortization	(11,612)	(21,653)
Net Carrying Amount	$ 2,091	11,646
Trade Name [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted Average Life (in years)	1 day
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 459	9,436
Accumulated Amortization	(459)	(4,465)
Net Carrying Amount	$ 0	4,971
Software [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted Average Life (in years)	1 day
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 0	7,200
Accumulated Amortization	0	(4,114)
Net Carrying Amount	$ 0	3,086
Non-compete [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted Average Life (in years)	2 years
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 230	974
Accumulated Amortization	(163)	(423)
Net Carrying Amount	$ 67	551
Technology-Based Intangible Assets [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted Average Life (in years)	1 day
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 0	604
Accumulated Amortization	0	(168)
Net Carrying Amount	0	436
Culture Shaping [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Net Carrying Amount	$ 0	$ 10,902

Goodwill and Other Intangible61

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Intangible Assets- Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Net Carrying Amount	$ 2,158	$ 20,690
Intangible asset amortization expense, excluding impairment charge	4,400	$ 7,100	$ 4,900
Estimated Intangible asset amortization expense 2016	968
Estimated Intangible asset amortization expense 2017	507
Estimated Intangible asset amortization expense 2018	294
Estimated Intangible asset amortization expense 2019	194
Estimated Intangible asset amortization expense 2020	129
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, after Year Five	$ 66

Other Non-Current Liabilities -

Other Non-Current Liabilities - Components of Other Non-Current Liabilities (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Other Current Liabilities [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	$ 13,023	$ 0
Other Accrued Liabilities, Current	27,323	24,133
Other current liabilities	40,346	24,133
Premise related costs	18,360	18,188
Accrued earnout payments	3,076	8,518
Restructuring Reserve, Noncurrent	10	0
Other	2,151	1,582
Total other non-current liabilities	$ 23,597	$ 28,288

Line of Credit - Additional Inf

Line of Credit - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Long-term Line of Credit, Noncurrent				$ 0
Proceeds from Lines of Credit			$ 40,000	$ 40,000	$ 0	$ 0
Repayments of Long-term Debt		$ 25,000	$ 15,000
Senior Unsecured Revolving Line Of Credit Member [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Borrowing amount under term loan facility							$ 100,000
Sublimit for letters of credit							25,000
Line of credit facility expansion feature							$ 50,000
Subsequent Event [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Proceeds from Lines of Credit	$ 20,000

Employee Benefit Plans - Additi

Employee Benefit Plans - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Pension and Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans, Liabilities	$ 23,886	$ 22,128
Discretionary contribution amount	$ 0	0	$ 0
U.S. Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Percentage to defer up base compensation of employees, effective from January 1, 2006	25.00%
Amount to defer up bonus compensation of employees, effective from January 1, 2006	$ 500
Percentage to defer up eligible bonus compensation, effective from January 1, 2006	25.00%
Amount of compensation deferred in plan	$ 19,200	14,900
Percentage to defer up cash component of director's fees for non-employee [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Percentage to defer up directors' fees	100.00%
Non-Employee Directors Voluntary Deferred Compensation Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Amount of compensation deferred in plan	$ 2,200	2,400
Qualified Retirement Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Percentage for employee pre-tax and/or after-tax contributions, minimum	1.00%
Percentage for employee pre-tax and/or after-tax contributions, maximum	50.00%
Minimum amount of employee contributions	$ 6	$ 6	$ 6
Percentage of eligible compensation	6.00%	6.00%	5.50%
Eligible service period for company match	1 year
Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Recognized	$ 5,600	$ 4,800	$ 3,300
German Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Pension and Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans, Liabilities	$ 23,886	$ 22,128

Pension Plan and Life Insuran65

Pension Plan and Life Insurance Contract - Reconcile Benefit Obligation for Pension Plan (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward]
Benefit obligation at January 1,	$ 22,128	$ 22,388
Interest cost	362	453	$ 436
Actuarial (gain) loss	(371)	1,178
Benefits paid	(1,453)	(1,198)
Cumulative translation adjustment	3,220	(693)
Benefit obligation at December 31,	23,886	22,128	$ 22,388
Pension and Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans, Liabilities	$ 23,886	$ 22,128

Pension Plan and Life Insuran66

Pension Plan and Life Insurance Contract - Benefit Obligation Amounts Recognized in Consolidated Balance Sheets (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan Amounts That Yet Not Amortized From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss In Next Fiscal Year	$ 3,700	$ 3,600
Noncurrent liabilities	44,802	39,039
Total	23,886	22,128
Assets designated for retirement and pension plans	18,590	16,979
German Pension [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Current liabilities	1,461	1,281
Noncurrent liabilities	22,425	20,847
Total	$ 23,886	$ 22,128

Pension Plan and Life Insuran67

Pension Plan and Life Insurance Contract - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Amount not recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost	$ 3,700	$ 3,600
Fair value of pension benefits	18,590	$ 16,979
Expected contribution to be paid into plan	$ 1,461

Pension Plan and Life Insuran68

Pension Plan and Life Insurance Contract - Components of Assumptions Used to Determine Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Net period benefit cost:
Interest cost	$ 362	$ 453	$ 436
Amortization of net loss	111	17	72
Net periodic benefit cost	$ 473	$ 470	$ 508
Weighted average assumptions
Discount rate	1.49%	2.15%	1.82%
Rate of compensation increase	0.00%	0.00%	1.75%

Pension Plan and Life Insuran69

Pension Plan and Life Insurance Contract - Assumptions to Determine Company's Benefit Obligation (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Discount rate	1.64%	1.53%	2.15%
Rate of compensation increase	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Measurement Date	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015

Pension Plan and Life Insuran70

Pension Plan and Life Insurance Contract - Summary of Benefits Expected to Be Paid in Each of Next Five Years (Detail) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
2,018	$ 1,461
2,019	1,451
2,020	1,437
2,021	1,421
2,022	1,401
2023 through 2027	$ 6,573

Stock-based Compensation - Addi

Stock-based Compensation - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	May 22, 2014	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2012
Former Chief Executive Officer [Domain]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation, 2017 Grants Forfeited		100.00%
Share-based Compensation, 2014 Grants to Continue Vesting		100.00%
Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Performance stock units vesting period		3 years
Pre-tax unrecognized compensation expense		$ 2.8
Expected time to be recognized		1 year 9 months 27 days
Performance Stock Units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Pre-tax unrecognized compensation expense		$ 1.1
Expected time to be recognized		1 year 3 months 18 days
Performance Stock Units [Member] | Executive Officer [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Performance stock units vesting period		3 years
Performance stock units, Expiration Period		3 years
Performance Stock Units [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Executive Officer [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Performance stock units, variation percentage		0.00%
Performance Stock Units [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Executive Officer [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Performance stock units, variation percentage		200.00%
2012 Program [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares authorized or reserved for issuance with respect to awards granted			1,300,000
Increase in number of shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance	700,000
Number of stock awards issued under 2012 Program (in shares)		1,744,266
Shares available for future awards		797,453
Number of forfeited awards under 2012 Program (in shares)		541,719
Award expiration date		May 24, 2022

Stock-based Compensation - Summ

Stock-based Compensation - Summary of Information with Respect to Stock-Based Compensation (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Salaries and employee benefits	$ 4,597	$ 5,830	$ 4,616
Income tax benefit related to stock-based compensation included in net income	1,948	2,523	1,856
General and Administrative Expense [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
General and administrative expenses	$ 338	$ 563	$ 450

Stock-based Compensation - Rest

Stock-based Compensation - Restricted Stock Unit Activity (Detail) - Restricted Stock Units [Member] - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period	3 years
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized	$ 2.8
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Number of Stock Units, Beginning balance (in shares)	537,273	473,935	462,717
Number of Stock Units, Granted (in shares)	243,306	207,405	184,541
Number of Stock Units, Vested and converted to common stock (in shares)	(217,028)	(119,455)	(146,307)
Number of Stock Units, Forfeited (in shares)	(72,397)	(24,612)	(27,016)
Number of Stock Units, Ending balance (in shares)	491,154	537,273	473,935
Weighted- Average Grant-date Fair Value
Weighted-Average Grant-date Fair Value, Beginning balance (in dollars per share)	$ 20.97	$ 19.98	$ 18.07
Weighted-Average Grant-date Fair Value, Granted (in dollars per share)	24.18	22.92	23.94
Weighted-Average Grant-date Fair Value, Vested and converted to common stock (in dollars per share)	21.39	20.02	18.80
Weighted-Average Grant-date Fair Value, Forfeited (in dollars per share)	24.05	22.81	20.74
Weighted-Average Grant-date Fair Value, Ending balance (in dollars per share)	$ 21.92	$ 20.97	$ 19.98
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	1 year 9 months 27 days

Stock-based Compensation - Perf

Stock-based Compensation - Performance Stock Unit Activity (Detail) - Performance Stock Units [Member] - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized	$ 1.1
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Number of Stock Units, Beginning balance (in shares)	236,812	272,024	229,170
Number of Stock Units, Granted (in shares)	88,415	125,388	59,221
Number of Stock Units, Vested and converted to common stock (in shares)	(70,652)	(160,600)	(13,397)
Number of Stock Units, Forfeited (in shares)	(68,684)	0	(2,970)
Number of Stock Units, Ending balance (in shares)	185,891	236,812	272,024
Weighted- Average Grant-date Fair Value
Weighted-Average Grant-date Fair Value, Beginning balance (in dollars per share)	$ 22.64	$ 18.28	$ 17.06
Weighted-Average Grant-date Fair Value, Granted (in dollars per share)	23.83	22.98	23.64
Weighted-Average Grant-date Fair Value, Vested and converted to common stock (in dollars per share)	19.65	15.51	20.62
Weighted-Average Grant-date Fair Value, Forfeited (in dollars per share)	24.07	0	20.62
Weighted-Average Grant-date Fair Value, Ending balance (in dollars per share)	$ 23.82	$ 22.64	$ 18.28
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	1 year 3 months 18 days

Changes in Accumulated Other 75

Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income - Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income ("AOCI") by Component (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 3,322
Other comprehensive income (loss) before classification, net of tax	10,344
Amount reclassified from AOCI	351
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)	9,993	$ 5,937	$ 1,964
Ending balance	13,315	3,322
Available-for-Sale Securities Adjustment [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	3,429
Other comprehensive income (loss) before classification, net of tax	3,108
Amount reclassified from AOCI	448
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)	(2,660)
Ending balance	6,089	3,429
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	2,290
Other comprehensive income (loss) before classification, net of tax	6,853
Amount reclassified from AOCI	0
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)	(6,853)
Ending balance	9,143	2,290
Pension Adjustment [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(2,397)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before classification, net of tax	383
Amount reclassified from AOCI	(97)
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)	(480)
Ending balance	$ (1,917)	$ (2,397)

Restructuring (Details)

Restructuring (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	$ 15,666	$ 0	$ 0

Restructuring Restructuring Cha

Restructuring Restructuring Charges Additional Details (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	$ 15,666	$ 0	$ 0
Restructuring and Related Cost, Number of Positions Eliminated	251
Employee Severance [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	$ 13,065
Other Professional and Consulting Fees [Domain]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	2,293
Real Estate Related Expenses [Domain]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	308
Culture Shaping [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	2,480
Executive Search [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	6,823
Leadership Consulting [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	913
Corporate, Non-Segment [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	5,450
Americas [Member] | Executive Search [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	784
Europe [Member] | Executive Search [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	3,993
Asia Pacific [Member] | Executive Search [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	$ 2,046

Restructuring Restructuring C78

Restructuring Restructuring Charges and Related Cash Payments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Schedule of Restructuring Charges and Related Cash Payments [Line Items]
Restructuring Reserve	$ 13,025	$ 0
Restructuring Charges	15,666	0	$ 0
Payments for Restructuring	(2,486)
Restructuring Charges, Non-cash Write-offs	(155)
Employee Severance [Member]
Schedule of Restructuring Charges and Related Cash Payments [Line Items]
Restructuring Reserve	11,866	0
Restructuring Charges	13,065
Payments for Restructuring	(1,199)
Restructuring Charges, Non-cash Write-offs	0
Real Estate Related Expenses [Domain]
Schedule of Restructuring Charges and Related Cash Payments [Line Items]
Restructuring Reserve	148	0
Restructuring Charges	308
Payments for Restructuring	(5)
Restructuring Charges, Non-cash Write-offs	(155)
Other Professional and Consulting Fees [Domain]
Schedule of Restructuring Charges and Related Cash Payments [Line Items]
Restructuring Reserve	1,011	$ 0
Restructuring Charges	2,293
Payments for Restructuring	(1,282)
Restructuring Charges, Non-cash Write-offs	$ 0

Income Taxes - Sources of Incom

Income Taxes - Sources of Income before Income Taxes (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
United States	$ (28,577)	$ 30,696	$ 26,550
Foreign	(841)	7,070	5,004
Income (loss) before income taxes	$ (29,418)	$ 37,766	$ 31,554

Income Taxes - Provision for (B

Income Taxes - Provision for (Benefit from) Income Taxes (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Current
Federal	$ 10,107	$ 12,261	$ 8,598
State and local	2,372	3,219	1,697
Foreign	8,257	5,668	4,911
Current provision for income taxes	20,736	21,148	15,206
Deferred
Federal	5,642	727	(1,551)
State and local	(2,951)	(370)	(180)
Foreign	(4,210)	848	947
Deferred provision (benefit) for income taxes	(1,519)	1,205	(784)
Total provision for income taxes	$ 19,217	$ 22,353	$ 14,422

Income Taxes - Additional Infor

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Statutory U.S. federal income tax rate	35.00%
Valuation allowance	$ 35,624	$ 25,020
Foreign tax credit carryforwards	$ 8,128	12,112
Losses carried forward	Indefinitely or for periods ranging from five to twenty years
Unremitted earnings held in foreign subsidiaries	$ 74,100	72,700
Tax provided on earnings	1,600	3,300
Unremitted earnings intended to be remitted	15,700	15,600
Unrecognized tax benefits	$ 740	$ 1,038	$ 130	$ 143
Several statutes of limitation expected to close	12 months
Accrued interest and penalties	$ 100
Effects of Tax Reform, Corporte Tax Rate, Prior Rate		35.00%
Effects of Tax Reform, Corporate Tax Rate, New Rate	21.00%
Provision for income taxes	$ 14,200
Minimum [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Foreign tax credit carryforward expiring	5 years	5 years
Operating loss carryforwards ranging period	5 years
Maximum [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Foreign tax credit carryforward expiring	20 years	20 years
Operating loss carryforwards ranging period	20 years
Foreign Tax Authority [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforward	$ 126,000	$ 101,700
Net operating loss carryforward subject to valuation allowance	$ 95,400	79,900
Income tax examination years subject to examination	Years prior to 2014
Federal Tax Authority [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforward	$ 100	$ 500
Income tax examination years subject to examination	2014 through 2016
State Tax Authority [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Income tax examination years subject to examination	2014 through 2016

Income Taxes - Reconciliation o

Income Taxes - Reconciliation of Provision for (Benefit from) Income Taxes (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent	35.00%
Income tax provision (benefit) at the statutory U.S. federal rate	$ (10,296)	$ 13,218	$ 11,044
State income tax provision (benefit), net of federal tax benefit	(593)	1,904	1,272
Nondeductible expenses, net	3,282	1,410	262
Foreign taxes (includes rate differential and changes in foreign valuation allowance)	5,465	(2,133)	368
Establishment (release) of valuation allowance	(3,200)	340	0
U.S. tax on foreign dividends	0	(5,898)	(1,120)
Current/deferred true-up	567	1,226	241
Effective Income Tax Reconciliation, Tax Reform	23,732	0	0
Other, net	260	490	115
Total provision for income taxes	$ 19,217	$ 22,353	$ 14,422

Income Taxes - Summary of Defer

Income Taxes - Summary of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Unremitted Earnings Of Foreign Subsidiary Intended To Be Remitted	$ 15,700	$ 15,600
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Undistributed Foreign Earnings	1,600	3,300
Undistributed Earnings of Foreign Subsidiaries	74,100	72,700
Deferred tax assets attributable to:
Foreign net operating loss carryforwards	31,960	26,902
Accrued compensation & employee benefits	15,809	18,625
Deferred compensation	13,600	17,851
Foreign tax credit carryforwards	8,128	12,112
Accrued rent	3,607	5,113
Other accrued expenses	2,179	3,388
Deferred tax assets, after valuation allowance	75,283	83,991
Valuation allowance	(35,624)	(25,020)
Deferred tax assets, after valuation allowance	39,659	58,971
Deferred tax liabilities attributable to:
Goodwill	306	17,130
Taxes provided on unremitted earnings	129	3,331
Depreciation on property and equipment	3,216	4,723
Other	606	966
Deferred tax liabilities	4,257	26,150
Net deferred tax assets	35,402	32,821
Domestic Tax Authority [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Operating Loss Carryforwards	100	500
Foreign Tax Authority [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Operating Loss Carryforwards	126,000	101,700
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards	8,100	12,100
Tax Credit Carryforward, Valuation Allowance	8,100
Deferred tax liabilities attributable to:
Operating Loss Carryforwards, Valuation Allowance	$ 95,400	$ 79,900
Minimum [Member]
Deferred tax liabilities attributable to:
Foreign Tax Credit Carryforward Expiring Period	5 years	5 years
Maximum [Member]
Deferred tax liabilities attributable to:
Foreign Tax Credit Carryforward Expiring Period	20 years	20 years

Income Taxes - Reconciliation84

Income Taxes - Reconciliation of Amounts of Gross Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Unrecognized Tax Benefits Reconciliation [Roll Forward]
Gross unrecognized tax benefits at January 1,	$ 1,038	$ 130	$ 143
Gross increases for tax positions of prior years	167	2,146	22
Gross decreases for tax positions of prior years	0	(4)	(15)
Settlements	(465)	(1,234)	(20)
Lapse of statute of limitations	0	0	0
Gross unrecognized tax benefits at December 31,	$ 740	$ 1,038	$ 130

Segment Information - Revenue,

Segment Information - Revenue, Operating Income, Depreciation and Amortization, and Capital Expenditures, by Segment (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Revenue:
Revenue before reimbursements (net revenue)	$ 621,400	$ 582,390	$ 531,139
Reimbursements	18,656	18,516	17,172
Total revenue	640,056	600,906	548,311
Operating Income (Loss)
Operating (loss) income	(26,523)	35,233	34,062
Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation and amortization	14,774	16,433	13,696
Capital Expenditures
Capital expenditures	15,686	8,382	15,863
Operating Segments [Member]
Operating Income (Loss)
Operating (loss) income	28,265	82,454	80,662
Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation and amortization	13,333	14,986	11,684
Capital Expenditures
Capital expenditures	12,388	7,061	9,679
Corporate, Non-Segment [Member]
Operating Income (Loss)
Global Operations Support (6)	54,788	47,221	46,600
Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation and amortization	1,441	1,447	2,012
Capital Expenditures
Capital expenditures	3,298	1,321	6,184
Executive Search [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Revenue:
Revenue before reimbursements (net revenue)	552,044	507,365	475,767
Operating Income (Loss)
Operating (loss) income	85,697	85,507	77,596
Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation and amortization	9,447	8,144	6,771
Capital Expenditures
Capital expenditures	11,216	6,402	9,254
Leadership Consulting [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Revenue:
Revenue before reimbursements (net revenue)	41,227	38,806	19,045
Operating Income (Loss)
Operating (loss) income	(15,614)	(1,495)	(1,847)
Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation and amortization	2,240	2,501	393
Capital Expenditures
Capital expenditures	470	380	330
Culture Shaping [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Revenue:
Revenue before reimbursements (net revenue)	28,129	36,219	36,327
Operating Income (Loss)
Operating (loss) income	(41,818)	(1,558)	4,913
Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation and amortization	1,646	4,341	4,520
Capital Expenditures
Capital expenditures	702	279	95
Executive Search and Leadership Consulting Americas Segment [Member] | Executive Search [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Revenue:
Revenue before reimbursements (net revenue)	339,793	313,292	294,606
Operating Income (Loss)
Operating (loss) income	81,531	73,857	68,043
Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation and amortization	4,661	3,892	3,858
Capital Expenditures
Capital expenditures	7,123	2,221	7,334
Executive Search and Leadership Consulting Europe Segment [Member] | Executive Search [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Revenue:
Revenue before reimbursements (net revenue)	125,346	108,754	92,135
Operating Income (Loss)
Operating (loss) income	2,038	6,851	3,644
Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation and amortization	3,207	2,478	1,530
Capital Expenditures
Capital expenditures	1,460	835	890
Executive Search and Leadership Consulting Asia Pacific Segment [Member] | Executive Search [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Revenue:
Revenue before reimbursements (net revenue)	86,905	85,319	89,026
Operating Income (Loss)
Operating (loss) income	2,128	4,799	5,909
Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation and amortization	1,579	1,774	1,383
Capital Expenditures
Capital expenditures	$ 2,633	$ 3,346	$ 1,030

Segment Information - Identifia

Segment Information - Identifiable Assets, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, Net, by Segment (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Current assets:
Total allocated current assets	$ 343,790	$ 298,430
Unallocated non-current assets	122,364	110,538
Intangible Assets, Net (Including Goodwill)	121,050	172,534
Goodwill and other intangible assets, net
Total Current Assets, Unallocated Noncurrent Assets, Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Net	587,204	581,502
Assets	587,204	581,502
Operating Segments [Member]
Current assets:
Total allocated current assets	342,702	296,723
Corporate, Non-Segment [Member]
Current assets:
Total allocated current assets	1,088	1,707
Executive Search [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Current assets:
Total allocated current assets	311,586	261,927
Intangible Assets, Net (Including Goodwill)	121,050	119,651
Leadership Consulting [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Current assets:
Total allocated current assets	16,025	15,737
Intangible Assets, Net (Including Goodwill)	0	12,757
Culture Shaping [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Current assets:
Total allocated current assets	15,091	19,059
Intangible Assets, Net (Including Goodwill)	0	40,126
Americas [Member] | Executive Search [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Current assets:
Total allocated current assets	171,985	147,070
Intangible Assets, Net (Including Goodwill)	88,942	88,602
Europe [Member] | Executive Search [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Current assets:
Total allocated current assets	84,405	54,153
Intangible Assets, Net (Including Goodwill)	22,699	22,029
Asia Pacific [Member] | Executive Search [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Current assets:
Total allocated current assets	55,196	60,704
Intangible Assets, Net (Including Goodwill)	$ 9,409	$ 9,020

Guarantees - Additional Informa

Guarantees - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Guarantees [Abstract]
Extend termination dates of the leases	extend through 2019
Maximum undiscounted payments under outstanding guarantees	$ 2.6

Commitments and Contingencies -

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Number of cities in which office spaces leased	49
Lease expiration period description	Through 2,026
Number of countries in which office spaces leased	24
Rent expense, costs of equipment leases and maintenance costs	$ 32,200	$ 30,800	$ 29,600
Aggregate minimum future payments on office leases	$ 148,065
Sublease expiration period	Through 2,019
Asset retirement obligation	$ 2,900	$ 2,600
Office Leases [Member]
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Aggregate minimum future payments on office leases	$ 145,100

Commitments and Contingencies89

Commitments and Contingencies - Summary of Minimum Future Office Space and Equipment Lease Payments Due (Detail) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
2,016	$ 36,386
2,017	31,121
2,018	22,869
2,019	18,860
2,020	16,229
Thereafter	22,600
Total	148,065
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Future Minimum Sublease Rentals	600
Office Leases [Member]
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Total	$ 145,100

Commitments and Contingencies C

Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies - HRMC Details (Details) £ in Millions, $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2017GBP (£)	Jun. 30, 2017USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2017GBP (£)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017GBP (£)
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Employee Benefit Tax Settlement, Gross Amount	$ 6.8	£ 5.4
Employee Benefit Tax Settlement, Reimbursement Amount	$ 2.9	£ 2.3
Employee Benefit Tax Settlement, Payment			$ 6.9	£ 5.4
Employee Benefit Tax Settlement, Reimbursement Received			$ 2.6	£ 2
Employee Benefit Tax Settlement, Receivable					$ 0.4	£ 0.3
Salaries and Employee Benefits [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Employee Benefit Tax Settlement, Gross Amount					1.5
Other, Net [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Employee Benefit Tax Settlement, Gross Amount					$ 2.4

Subsequent Event (Details)

Subsequent Event (Details) - Jan. 04, 2018 - Subsequent Event [Member] kr in Millions, $ in Millions	USD ($)	DKK (kr)	DKK (kr)
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred	$ 3.9	kr 24.3
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability	$ 4.5		kr 28