Huron Consulting (HURN) 10-Q 28 Oct 14 2014 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Oct. 22, 2014
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-14	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'
Trading Symbol	'HURN	'
Entity Registrant Name	'Huron Consulting Group Inc.	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0001289848	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	22,868,714

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_Un

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$225,913	$58,131
Receivables from clients, net	102,354	123,750
Unbilled services, net	93,901	55,125
Income tax receivable	7,044	270
Deferred income taxes, net	18,509	15,498
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	15,731	19,740
Total current assets	463,452	272,514
Property and equipment, net	40,059	38,742
Long term investment	12,750	'
Other non-current assets	21,096	16,485
Intangible assets, net	26,908	21,222
Goodwill	566,297	536,637
Total assets	1,130,562	885,600
Current liabilities:	'	'
Accounts payable	9,884	8,185
Accrued expenses	20,808	19,180
Accrued payroll and related benefits	87,069	97,677
Current maturities of long term debt	27,500	25,000
Accrued consideration for business acquisitions	'	5,177
Income tax payable	'	2,917
Deferred revenues	13,015	15,248
Total current liabilities	158,276	173,384
Non-current liabilities:	'	'
Deferred compensation and other liabilities	9,823	5,360
Long term debt, net of current portion	333,619	143,750
Deferred lease incentives	13,867	12,355
Deferred income taxes, net	24,362	20,487
Total non-current liabilities	381,671	181,952
Commitments and Contingencies	'	'
Stockholders' equity	'	'
Common stock; $0.01 par value; 500,000,000 shares authorized; 25,033,760 and 25,246,565 shares issued at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively	242	245
Treasury stock, at cost, 2,077,798 and 1,993,769 shares at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively	-93,043	-88,091
Additional paid-in capital	442,651	443,144
Retained earnings	242,021	175,763
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-1,256	-797
Total stockholders' equity	590,615	530,264
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$1,130,562	$885,600

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_Un1

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]	'	'
Common stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	500,000,000	500,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	25,033,760	25,246,565
Treasury stock, shares	2,077,798	1,993,769

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_EAR

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS AND OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Revenues and reimbursable expenses:	'	'	'	'
Revenues	$198,049	$174,735	$618,185	$509,178
Reimbursable expenses	18,679	17,542	58,923	51,001
Total revenues and reimbursable expenses	216,728	192,277	677,108	560,179
Direct costs and reimbursable expenses (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown in operating expenses):	'	'	'	'
Direct costs	129,899	106,087	377,798	315,084
Amortization of intangible assets and software development costs	1,227	675	3,618	2,007
Reimbursable expenses	18,651	17,531	58,981	51,000
Total direct costs and reimbursable expenses	149,777	124,293	440,397	368,091
Operating expenses and other operating gains:	'	'	'	'
Selling, general and administrative expenses	39,276	37,197	120,148	100,307
Restructuring charges	233	'	1,396	596
Litigation and other gains	-150	-5,300	-590	-6,450
Depreciation and amortization	6,315	4,968	18,638	14,624
Total operating expenses and other operating gains	45,674	36,865	139,592	109,077
Operating income	21,277	31,119	97,119	83,011
Other income (expense), net:	'	'	'	'
Interest expense, net of interest income	-1,878	-1,531	-4,843	-5,100
Other income (expense), net	-54	104	291	-35
Total other expense, net	-1,932	-1,427	-4,552	-5,135
Income from continuing operations before income tax expense	19,345	29,692	92,567	77,876
Income tax expense	7,126	12,531	26,309	33,532
Net income from continuing operations	12,219	17,161	66,258	44,344
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	'	10	'	-31
Net income	12,219	17,171	66,258	44,313
Net earnings per basic share:	'	'	'	'
Net income from continuing operations	$0.54	$0.77	$2.94	$1.99
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	'	'	'	'
Net income	$0.54	$0.77	$2.94	$1.99
Net earnings per diluted share:	'	'	'	'
Net income from continuing operations	$0.53	$0.75	$2.87	$1.95
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	'	'	'	'
Net income	$0.53	$0.75	$2.87	$1.95
Weighted average shares used in calculating earnings per share:	'	'	'	'
Basic	22,488	22,386	22,573	22,293
Diluted	22,975	22,873	23,052	22,712
Comprehensive income:	'	'	'	'
Net income	12,219	17,171	66,258	44,313
Foreign currency translation gain (loss), net of tax	-1,127	1,025	-735	119
Unrealized gain on investment, net of tax	152	'	152	'
Unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedging instruments, net of tax	304	-245	124	439
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-671	780	-459	558
Comprehensive income	$11,548	$17,951	$65,799	$44,871

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENT_OF_STOC

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Unaudited) (USD $)	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member]
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	$530,264	$245	($88,091)	$443,144	$175,763	($797)
Beginning Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2013	'	24,453,461	-2,003,704	'	'	'
Comprehensive income	65,799	'	'	'	66,258	-459
Issuance of common stock in connection with:	'	'	'	'	'	'
Restricted stock awards, net of cancellations	'	4	-1,491	1,487	'	'
Restricted stock awards, net of cancellations, shares	'	400,078	-33,473	'	'	'
Exercise of stock options	848	'	'	848	'	'
Exercise of stock options, shares	'	37,442	'	'	'	'
Share-based compensation	16,543	'	'	16,543	'	'
Shares redeemed for employee tax withholdings	-3,461	'	-3,461	'	'	'
Shares redeemed for employee tax withholdings, shares	'	'	-52,583	'	'	'
Income tax benefit on share-based compensation	4,962	'	'	4,962	'	'
Equity component of convertible senior notes, net of tax and issuance costs	22,739	'	'	22,739	'	'
Purchase of convertible senior note hedges, net of tax	-25,612	'	'	-25,612	'	'
Issuance of warrants	23,625	'	'	23,625	'	'
Share repurchases	-45,092	-7	'	-45,085	'	'
Share repurchases, shares	'	-725,640	'	'	'	'
Ending Balance at Sep. 30, 2014	$590,615	$242	($93,043)	$442,651	$242,021	($1,256)
Ending Balance, shares at Sep. 30, 2014	'	24,165,341	-2,089,760	'	'	'

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net income	$66,258	$44,313
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	22,636	16,631
Share-based compensation	15,504	12,692
Amortization of debt discount and issuance costs	1,482	1,014
Allowances for doubtful accounts and unbilled services	8,829	3,153
Deferred income taxes	1,817	7,062
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:	'	'
(Increase) decrease in receivables from clients	26,807	13,200
(Increase) decrease in unbilled services	-44,020	-36,083
(Increase) decrease in current income tax receivable / payable, net	-9,690	-10,218
(Increase) decrease in other assets	3,258	-2,318
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accrued liabilities	11,466	453
Increase (decrease) in accrued payroll and related benefits	-9,565	891
Increase (decrease) in deferred revenues	-2,661	-3,028
Net cash provided by operating activities	92,121	47,762
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Purchases of property and equipment, net	-16,683	-16,383
Net investment in life insurance policies	-1,151	-842
Purchases of businesses	-51,694	-297
Purchase of convertible debt investment	-12,500	'
Capitalization of internally developed software	'	-1,207
Proceeds from note receivable	328	438
Net cash used in investing activities	-81,700	-18,291
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	848	39
Shares redeemed for employee tax withholdings	-3,461	-760
Tax benefit from share-based compensation	4,962	1,374
Share repurchases	-45,092	'
Proceeds from borrowings under credit facility	129,000	83,500
Repayments on credit facility	-147,750	-101,000
Proceeds from convertible senior notes issuance	250,000	'
Proceeds from sale of warrants	23,625	'
Payments for convertible senior note hedges	-42,125	'
Payments for debt issuance costs	-7,346	-1,155
Payments for capital lease obligations	-63	'
Deferred payments for purchase of property and equipment	-471	-471
Deferred acquisition payments	-4,745	-5,356
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	157,382	-23,829
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	-21	-23
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	167,782	5,619
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period	58,131	25,162
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period	225,913	30,781
Non-cash investing and financing activities:	'	'
Property and equipment expenditures included in accounts payable and accrued expenses	2,755	1,434
Contingent consideration related to business acquisitions	$590	'

Description_of_Business

Description of Business	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Description of Business	'
	1	Description of Business
	Huron Consulting Group is a leading provider of operational and financial consulting services. We help clients in diverse industries improve performance, transform the enterprise, reduce costs, leverage technology, process and review large amounts of complex data, address regulatory changes, recover from distress, and stimulate growth. Our professionals employ their expertise in finance, operations, strategy, and technology to provide our clients with specialized analyses and customized advice and solutions that are tailored to address each client’s particular challenges and opportunities to deliver sustainable and measurable results. We provide consulting services to a wide variety of both financially sound and distressed organizations, including healthcare organizations, leading academic institutions, Fortune 500 companies, governmental entities, and law firms.

Basis_of_Presentation

Basis of Presentation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Basis of Presentation	'
	2	Basis of Presentation
	The accompanying unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements reflect the financial position, results of operations, and cash flows as of and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013. These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) for Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Accordingly, these financial statements do not include all of the information and note disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for annual financial statements. In the opinion of management, these financial statements reflect all adjustments of a normal, recurring nature necessary for the fair statement of our financial position, results of operations, and cash flows for the interim periods presented in conformity with GAAP. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto for the year ended December 31, 2013 included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K and our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the periods ended March 31, 2014 and June 30, 2014.
	Certain amounts reported in the previous year have been reclassified to conform to the 2014 presentation. Our results for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of results for a full year or any other interim period.
	During the fourth quarter of 2013, we identified that accrued capital expenditures were incorrectly classified as Purchases of property and equipment, net within the investing activities section of the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. The Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 presented herein have been revised to reflect the correction of this error. The result of this correction was an increase in net cash used in investing activities of $2.0 million and an increase in net cash used in financing activities of $0.5 million in the first nine months of 2013 with an offsetting increase in net cash provided by operating activities of $2.5 million. This classification error was not considered material for any period impacted.

New_Accounting_Pronouncements

New Accounting Pronouncements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]	'
New Accounting Pronouncements	'
	3	New Accounting Pronouncements
	In August 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-15, Presentation of Financial Statements—Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40): Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern. This ASU requires management to evaluate, at each interim and annual reporting period, whether there are conditions or events that raise substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the date the financial statements are issued and provide related footnote disclosures. The guidance will be effective for the Company for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2016, with early adoption permitted. We do not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
	In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-12, Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period. This guidance requires that a performance target that affects vesting and could be achieved after the requisite service period be treated as a performance condition. A reporting entity should apply existing guidance in Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 718, Compensation—Stock Compensation, as it relates to such awards. This guidance is effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of 2016, with early adoption permitted. The amendments of ASU 2014-12 may be applied either (a) prospectively to all awards granted or modified after the effective date or (b) retrospectively to all awards with performance targets that are outstanding as of the beginning of the earliest annual period presented in the financial statements and to all new or modified awards thereafter, with the cumulative effect of applying the amendments as an adjustment to the opening retained earnings balance as of the beginning of the earliest annual period presented in the financial statements. We do not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, as a new Topic, ASC 606. The new revenue recognition standard provides a five-step analysis of transactions to determine when and how revenue is recognized. The core principle is that a company should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. This guidance is effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of 2017 and is to be applied retrospectively to each period presented or as a cumulative-effect adjustment as of the date of adoption. Early adoption is not permitted. We are currently evaluating the potential effect of adopting this guidance on our consolidated financial statements, as well as the transition methods.
	In April 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-08, Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant, and Equipment (Topic 360), Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity. This guidance includes amendments that change the requirements for reporting discontinued operations and require additional disclosures about discontinued operations. Under the new guidance, only disposals representing a strategic shift in operations that has (or will have) a major effect on the entity’s operations and financial results should be presented as discontinued operations. Examples include a disposal of a major geographic area, a major line of business, a major equity method investment, or other major parts of an entity. Additionally, the revised guidance requires expanded disclosures in the financial statements for discontinued operations as well as for disposals of significant components of an entity that do not qualify for discontinued operations presentation. This guidance is effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of 2015. We do not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
	In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-11, Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists. This guidance requires that an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, be presented in the financial statements as either a reduction to a deferred tax asset or separately as a liability depending on the existence, availability and/or use of an operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward. The Company adopted ASU 2013-11 effective January 1, 2014. The adoption of this guidance did not have any effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
	In March 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-05, Parent’s Accounting for the Cumulative Translation Adjustment Upon Derecognition of Certain Subsidiaries or Groups of Assets Within a Foreign Entity or of an Investment in a Foreign Entity, which amends current accounting guidance on foreign currency matters. This guidance requires that the entire amount of a cumulative translation adjustment related to an entity’s investment in a foreign entity should be released when there has been a: (i) sale of a subsidiary or group of net assets within a foreign entity and the sale represents the substantially complete liquidation of the investment in the foreign entity, (ii) loss of a controlling financial interest in an investment in a foreign entity, and (iii) step acquisition for a foreign entity. The Company adopted ASU 2013-05 effective January 1, 2014. The adoption of this guidance did not have any effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	'
	4	Goodwill and Intangible Assets
	The table below sets forth the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment for the nine months ended September 30, 2014.
			Huron				Huron				Huron				Huron				Total
			Healthcare				Legal				Education				Business
											and Life				Advisory
											Sciences
	Balance as of December 31, 2013:
	Goodwill		$	355,880			$	53,159			$	111,504			$	159,077			$	679,620
	Accumulated impairment			—				—				—				(142,983	)			(142,983	)
	Goodwill, net as of December 31, 2013			355,880				53,159				111,504				16,094				536,637
	Goodwill recorded in connection with business combinations			21,708				—				8,308				—				30,016
	Goodwill reallocation			—				—				(16,744	)			16,744				—
	Foreign currency translation			—				(154	)			(162	)			(40	)			(356	)
	Goodwill, net as of September 30, 2014		$	377,588			$	53,005			$	102,906			$	32,798			$	566,297
	During the first quarter of 2014, we reorganized our internal operating structure to better align our service offerings and moved our Enterprise Performance Management (“EPM”) practice (formerly referred to as Blue Stone International, a business which we acquired during the fourth quarter of 2013) from the Huron Education and Life Sciences segment to the Huron Business Advisory segment. As a result of this change, we reassigned the goodwill balance of the EPM practice, which totaled $16.7 million as of March 31, 2014, from the Huron Education and Life Sciences reporting unit to the EPM reporting unit, which is part of the Huron Business Advisory segment.
	In conjunction with the goodwill reassignment, we performed an interim impairment test for the goodwill balances within our Huron Education and Life Sciences and EPM reporting units as of March 31, 2014. Our goodwill impairment test was performed using the quantitative two-step process. Based on the results of the first step of the goodwill impairment test, we determined that the fair values of our Huron Education and Life Sciences and EPM reporting units exceeded their carrying values, including goodwill. As the fair value of each reporting unit exceeded its carrying value, including goodwill, the second step of the goodwill impairment test was not necessary.
	During the first quarter of 2014, the Company completed the acquisition of The Frankel Group Associates LLC, a New York-based life sciences consulting firm, within the Huron Education and Life Sciences segment. The acquisition date fair value of the consideration transferred totaled $18.0 million, which included the fair value of contingent consideration of $0.6 million. As part of the purchase price allocation, we recorded $5.7 million of intangible assets and $8.3 million of goodwill.
	During the second quarter of 2014, the Company completed the acquisition of Vonlay, LLC, a healthcare technology consulting firm, within the Huron Healthcare segment. The fair value of the consideration transferred totaled $34.5 million. As part of the purchase price allocation, we recorded $8.3 million of intangible assets and $21.7 million of goodwill.
	Intangible assets as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 consisted of the following:
					September 30, 2014								December 31, 2013
			Useful		Gross				Accumulated				Gross				Accumulated
			Life in		Carrying				Amortization				Carrying				Amortization
			Years		Amount								Amount
	Customer contracts		1		$	1,257			$	791			$	689			$	226
	Customer relationships		3 to 13			41,975				19,445				31,946				14,814
	Non-competition agreements		1 to 6			3,470				849				5,480				3,655
	Trade names		1 to 8			270				135				120				24
	Technology and software		3 to 5			4,321				3,235				4,041				2,559
	Document reviewer database		3			450				405				450				270
	License		2			50				25				50				6
	Total				$	51,793			$	24,885			$	42,776			$	21,554
	Identifiable intangible assets with finite lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives. The majority of customer relationships are amortized on an accelerated basis to correspond to the cash flows expected to be derived from the relationships. All other intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis.
	Intangible assets amortization expense was $2.8 million and $8.3 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively. Intangible asset amortization expense was $1.4 million and $4.3 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively. Estimated annual intangible assets amortization expense is $11.0 million for 2014, $8.4 million for 2015, $6.0 million for 2016, $4.3 million for 2017, $3.0 million for 2018, and $1.4 million for 2019. Actual future amortization expense could differ from these estimated amounts as a result of future acquisitions and other factors.

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings Per Share	'
	5	Earnings Per Share
	Basic earnings per share excludes dilution and is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period, excluding unvested restricted common stock. Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential reduction in earnings per share that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock under the treasury stock method. Earnings per share under the basic and diluted computations are as follows:
			Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
			September 30,				September 30,
			2014		2013		2014		2013
	Net income from continuing operations		$	12,219	$	17,161	$	66,258	$	44,344
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax			—		10		—		(31	)
	Net income		$	12,219	$	17,171	$	66,258	$	44,313
	Weighted average common shares outstanding – basic			22,488		22,386		22,573		22,293
	Weighted average common stock equivalents			487		487		479		419
	Weighted average common shares outstanding – diluted			22,975		22,873		23,052		22,712
	Net earnings per basic share:
	Income from continuing operations		$	0.54	$	0.77	$	2.94	$	1.99
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax			—		—		—		—
	Net income		$	0.54	$	0.77	$	2.94	$	1.99
	Net earnings per diluted share:
	Income from continuing operations		$	0.53	$	0.75	$	2.87	$	1.95
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax			—		—		—		—
	Net income		$	0.53	$	0.75	$	2.87	$	1.95
	The anti-dilutive securities excluded from the computation of the weighted average common stock equivalents presented above were as follows (in thousands):
			As of September 30,
			2014		2013
	Unvested restricted stock awards			14		—
	Outstanding common stock options			—		37
	Convertible senior notes			3,129		—
	Warrants related to the issuance of convertible senior notes			3,129		—
	Total anti-dilutive securities			6,272		37
	See Note 6, “Financing Arrangements” for further information on the convertible senior notes and warrants related to the issuance of convertible notes.
	In February 2014, the Company’s board of directors authorized a share repurchase program pursuant to which the Company may, from time to time, repurchase up to $50 million of its common stock through February 28, 2015 (the “February 2014 Share Repurchase Program”). The amount and timing of the repurchases will be determined by management and will depend on a variety of factors, including the trading price of the Company’s common stock, general market and business conditions, and applicable legal requirements. In the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, we executed share repurchases of 567,790 shares and 725,640 shares, respectively. Such repurchased shares were settled for $35.6 million and $45.1 million, respectively.

Financing_Arrangements

Financing Arrangements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Financing Arrangements	'
	6		Financing Arrangements
	A summary of the carrying amounts of our debt is as follows (in thousands):
			September 30, 2014			December 31, 2013
	1.25% convertible senior notes due 2019		$	211,119		$	—
	Senior secured credit facility			150,000			168,750
	Total debt			361,119			168,750
	Current maturities of debt			(27,500	)		(25,000	)
	Long-term debt, net of current portion		$	333,619		$	143,750
	Convertible Notes
	In September 2014, the Company issued $250 million principal amount of 1.25% convertible senior notes due 2019 (the “Convertible Notes”) in a private offering. The Convertible Notes are governed by the terms of an indenture between the Company and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee (the “Indenture”). The Convertible Notes are senior unsecured obligations of the Company and will pay interest semi-annually on April 1 and October 1 of each year at an annual rate of 1.25%. The Convertible Notes will mature on October 1, 2019, unless earlier repurchased by the Company or converted in accordance with their terms.
	Upon conversion, the Convertible Notes will be settled, at our election, in cash, shares of the Company’s common stock, or a combination of cash and shares of the Company’s common stock. Our current intent and policy is to settle conversions with a combination of cash and shares of common stock with the principal amount of the Convertible Notes paid in cash, in accordance with the settlement provisions of the Indenture.
	The initial conversion rate for the Convertible Notes is 12.5170 shares of our common stock per $1,000 principal amount of the Convertible Notes, which is equal to an initial conversion price of approximately $79.89 per share of our common stock. The conversion rate will be subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of certain specified events but will not be adjusted for accrued and unpaid interest, except in certain limited circumstances described in the Indenture. Upon the occurrence of a “make-whole fundamental change” (as defined in the Indenture) the Company will, in certain circumstances, increase the conversion rate by a number of additional shares for a holder that elects to convert its Convertible Notes in connection with such make-whole fundamental change. Additionally, if the Company undergoes a “fundamental change” (as defined in the Indenture), a holder will have the option to require the Company to repurchase all or a portion of its Convertible Notes for cash at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Convertible Notes being repurchased plus any accrued and unpaid interest. As discussed below, the warrants which were entered into in connection with the Convertible Notes effectively raise the initial conversion price of the Convertible Notes from approximately $79.89 to approximately $97.12 per share.
	Holders of the Convertible Notes may convert their Convertible Notes at their option at any time prior to July 1, 2019, only under the following circumstances:
		•		during any calendar quarter (and only during such calendar quarter) commencing after December 31, 2014 if, for each of at least 20 trading days (whether or not consecutive) during the 30 consecutive trading day period ending on, and including, the last trading day of the immediately preceding calendar quarter, the last reported sale price of the Company’s common stock for such trading day is equal to or greater than 130% of the applicable conversion price on such trading day;
		•		during the five consecutive business day period immediately following any five consecutive trading day period (such five consecutive trading day period, the “measurement period”) in which, for each trading day of the measurement period, the “trading price” (as defined in the Indenture) per $1,000 principal amount of the Convertible Notes for such trading day was less than 98% of the product of the last reported sale price of the Company’s common stock for such trading day and the applicable conversion rate on such trading day; or
		•		upon the occurrence of specified corporate transactions described in the Indenture.
	On or after July 1, 2019 until the close of business on the second scheduled trading day immediately preceding the maturity date, a holder may convert all or a portion of its Convertible Notes, regardless of the foregoing circumstances.
	In accordance with ASC 470, Debt, we have separated the Convertible Notes into liability and equity components. The carrying amount of the liability component was determined by measuring the fair value of a similar liability that does not have an associated convertible feature, assuming our non-convertible debt borrowing rate. The carrying value of the equity component representing the conversion option, which is recognized as a debt discount, was determined by deducting the fair value of the liability component from the proceeds of the Convertible Notes. The debt discount is amortized to interest expense using an effective interest rate of 4.837% over the term of the Convertible Notes. As of September 30, 2014, the remaining life of the Convertible Notes is 5 years. The equity component will not be remeasured as long as it continues to meet the conditions for equity classification.
	As of September 30, 2014, the Convertible Notes consisted of the following (in thousands):
	Liability component:
	Proceeds		$	250,000
	Less: debt discount, net of amortization			(38,881	)
	Net carrying amount		$	211,119
	Equity component (1)		$	39,287
	-1	Included in Additional paid-in capital on the consolidated balance sheet as of September 30 2014.
	The transaction costs related to the issuance of the Convertible Notes were separated into liability and equity components based on their relative values, as determined above. Transaction costs attributable to the liability component are capitalized and amortized to interest expense over the term of the Convertible Notes, and transaction costs attributable to the equity component were netted with the equity component of the Convertible Notes in stockholders’ equity. Total debt issuance costs were approximately $7.3 million, of which $6.2 million was allocated to liability issuance costs and $1.1 million was allocated to equity issuance costs.
	The following table presents the amount of interest expense recognized related to the Convertible Notes (in thousands):
			Three and Nine
			Months Ended
			September 30, 2014
	Contractual interest coupon		$	182
	Amortization of debt issuance costs			68
	Amortization of debt discount			406
	Total interest expense recognized		$	656
	In connection with the issuance of the Convertible Notes, we entered into convertible note hedge transactions and warrant transactions. The convertible note hedge transactions are intended to reduce the potential future economic dilution associated with the conversion of the Convertible Notes and, combined with the warrants, effectively raise the price at which economic dilution would occur from the initial conversion price of approximately $79.89 to approximately $97.12 per share. For purposes of the computation of diluted earnings per share in accordance with GAAP, dilution will occur when the average share price of our common stock for a given period exceeds the conversion price of the Convertible Notes, which initially is equal to approximately $79.89 per share. The convertible note hedge transactions and warrant transactions are discussed separately below.
		•		Convertible Note Hedge Transactions. In connection with the issuance of the Convertible Notes, the Company entered into the convertible note hedge transactions whereby the Company has call options to purchase a total of approximately 3.1 million shares of the Company’s common stock, which is the number of shares initially issuable upon conversion of the Convertible Notes in full, at a price of approximately $79.89, which corresponds to the initial conversion price of the Convertible Notes, subject to customary anti-dilution adjustments substantially similar to those in the Convertible Notes. The convertible note hedge transactions are exercisable upon conversion of the Convertible Notes and will expire in 2019 if not earlier exercised. We paid an aggregate amount of $42.1 million for the convertible note hedge transactions, which was recorded as additional paid-in capital in the consolidated balance sheets. The convertible note hedge transactions are separate transactions and are not part of the terms of the Convertible Notes.
		•		Warrants. In connection with the issuance of the Convertible Notes, the Company sold warrants whereby the holders of the warrants have the option to purchase a total of approximately 3.1 million shares of the Company’s common stock at a strike price of approximately $97.12. The warrants will expire incrementally on 100 different dates from January 6, 2020 to May 28, 2020 and are exercisable at each such expiry date. If the average market value per share of our common stock for the reporting period exceeds the strike price of the warrants, the warrants will have a dilutive effect on our earnings per share. We received aggregate proceeds of $23.6 million from the sale of the warrants, which was recorded as additional paid-in capital in the consolidated balance sheets. The warrants are separate transactions and are not part of the terms of the Convertible Notes or the convertible note hedge transactions.
	The Company recorded a deferred tax liability of $15.4 million in connection with the debt discount associated with the Convertible Notes and recorded a deferred tax asset of $16.5 million in connection with the convertible note hedge transactions. The deferred tax liability and deferred tax asset are included in non-current deferred tax liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets.
	Senior Secured Credit Facility
	During 2011, the Company and certain of the Company’s subsidiaries as guarantors entered into an Amended and Restated Credit Agreement with various financial institutions, as amended by the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth amendments to the credit agreement dated as of August 31, 2012, September 25, 2013, February 14, 2014, June 27, 2014, and September 3, 2014, respectively (as amended and modified, the “2011 Credit Agreement”).
	The 2011 Credit Agreement consists of a senior secured credit facility in an aggregate principal amount of $450.0 million comprised of a five-year revolving credit facility (“Revolver”) under which the Company may borrow from time to time up to $247.5 million and a $202.5 million five-year term loan facility (“Term Loan”) that was funded in a single advance on the closing date of the first amendment. The 2011 Credit Agreement provides for the option to increase the revolving credit facility in an aggregate amount of up to $50 million subject to certain requirements as defined in the 2011 Credit Agreement. The proceeds of the senior secured credit facility were used to refinance existing indebtedness and will continue to be used for working capital, capital expenditures, and other corporate purposes.
	The obligations under the 2011 Credit Agreement are secured pursuant to a Security Agreement with Bank of America, N.A. as Collateral Agent. The Security Agreement grants Bank of America, N.A., for the ratable benefit of the lenders under the 2011 Credit Agreement, a first-priority lien, subject to permitted liens, on substantially all of the personal property assets of the Company and the subsidiary guarantors. The Revolver and Term Loan are also secured by a pledge of 100% of the voting stock or other equity interests in our domestic subsidiaries and 65% of the voting stock or other equity interests in our foreign subsidiaries.
	Fees and interest on borrowings vary based on our total debt to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) ratio as set forth in the 2011 Credit Agreement. Interest is based on a spread over the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) or a spread over the base rate, as selected by the Company. The base rate is the greater of (a) the Federal Funds Rate plus 0.5%, (b) the Prime Rate and (c) except during a Eurodollar Unavailability Period, the Eurodollar Rate plus 1.0%.
	As of September 30, 2014, the Term Loan had a principal amount outstanding of $150.0 million, which is subject to scheduled quarterly principal payments. The current quarterly principal payments are $6.3 million and increase to $7.5 million beginning June 30, 2015 until the maturity date of September 25, 2018, at which time a final payment of $40 million, plus any accrued and unpaid interest, will be due, as set forth in the 2011 Credit Agreement. All outstanding borrowings under the Revolver, as amended, will be due upon expiration of the 2011 Credit Agreement on September 25, 2018. As of September 30, 2014, the Company has made all scheduled quarterly amortization payments as they have come due in accordance with the Term Loan.
	Under the 2011 Credit Agreement, dividends are restricted to an amount up to $50 million plus 50% of cumulative consolidated net income from the closing date of the 2011 Credit Agreement plus 50% of the net cash proceeds from equity issuances.
	The 2011 Credit Agreement contains quarterly financial covenants that require us to maintain a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of 2.25 to 1.00 and a maximum leverage ratio of 3.00 to 1.00, as those ratios are defined therein, as well as a minimum net worth greater than $150 million. At September 30, 2014, we were in compliance with these financial covenants with a fixed charge coverage ratio of 4.77 to 1.00, a leverage ratio of 1.13 to 1.00, and net worth greater than $150 million. At December 31, 2013, we were also in compliance with the financial debt covenants.
	The borrowing capacity under the 2011 Credit Agreement is reduced by any outstanding letters of credit and payments under the Term Loan. At September 30, 2014, outstanding letters of credit totaled $5.1 million and are primarily used as security deposits for our office facilities. As of September 30, 2014, the unused borrowing capacity under the 2011 Credit Agreement was $242.4 million. Borrowings outstanding under this credit facility at September 30, 2014 totaled $150.0 million. These borrowings carried a weighted average interest rate of 2.0%, including the effect of the interest rate swaps described below in Note 8 “Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activity.” Borrowings outstanding at December 31, 2013 were $168.8 million and carried a weighted average interest rate of 2.0%.

Restructuring_Charges

Restructuring Charges	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]	'
Restructuring Charges	'
	7	Restructuring Charges
	During the third quarter of 2014, we incurred a $0.2 million pretax restructuring charge primarily related to updated assumptions for the lease accrual of the London office space vacated in the second quarter of 2014. During the second quarter of 2014, we incurred a $1.0 million pretax restructuring charge related to the consolidation of office spaces in Chicago, New York, and London. Of the total $1.0 million charge, $0.6 million related to the accrual of our remaining lease obligations at vacated spaces, net of estimated sublease income, and $0.4 million related to accelerated depreciation of assets disposed as a result of the space consolidation. The vacated locations in Chicago and New York were acquired as part of business acquisitions during 2013 and 2014. During the first quarter of 2014, we incurred a $0.1 million pretax restructuring charge related to workforce reductions in our London office to better align our resources with market demand in our Huron Legal segment.
	During the second quarter of 2013, we incurred a $0.6 million pretax restructuring charge related to the consolidation of office space in Washington, D.C. The charge primarily consisted of the accrual of remaining lease payments for an office we vacated during the second quarter of 2013.
	As of September 30, 2014, our restructuring charge liability is $0.6 million, and primarily consists of the present value of remaining lease payments for our vacated office spaces in Chicago, London, New York, and Washington, D.C. The restructuring charge liability is included as a component of Accrued expenses and Deferred compensation and other liabilities.

Derivative_Instruments_and_Hed

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activity	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activity	'
	8	Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activity
	On December 8, 2011, we entered into a forward amortizing interest rate swap agreement effective on February 29, 2012 and ending on April 14, 2016. We entered into this derivative instrument to hedge against the interest rate risks of our variable-rate borrowings described in Note 6 “Financing Arrangements.” The swap had an initial notional amount of $56.6 million and amortizes throughout the term. Under the terms of the interest rate swap agreement, we receive from the counterparty interest on the notional amount based on one-month LIBOR and we pay to the counterparty a fixed rate of 0.9875%.
	On May 30, 2012, we entered into an amortizing interest rate swap agreement effective on May 31, 2012 and ending on April 14, 2016. We entered into this derivative instrument to further hedge against the interest rate risks of our variable-rate borrowings. The swap had an initial notional amount of $37.0 million and amortizes throughout the term. Under the terms of the interest rate swap agreement, we receive from the counterparty interest on the notional amount based on one-month LIBOR and we pay to the counterparty a fixed rate of 0.70%.
	On April 4, 2013, we entered into a forward amortizing interest rate swap agreement effective on March 31, 2014 and ending on August 31, 2017. We entered into this derivative instrument to further hedge against the interest rate risks of our variable-rate borrowings. The swap has an initial notional amount of $60.0 million and amortizes such that, collectively with our other two interest rate swaps, we are effectively fixing the interest rate on 80% of our Term Loan borrowings throughout the term of the swap agreement. Under the terms of the interest rate swap agreement, we will receive from the counterparty interest on the notional amount based on one-month LIBOR and we will pay to the counterparty a fixed rate of 0.985%.
	ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging, requires companies to recognize all derivative instruments as either assets or liabilities at fair value on the balance sheet. In accordance with ASC 815, we have designated these derivative instruments as cash flow hedges. As such, changes in the fair value of the derivative instruments are recorded as a component of other comprehensive income (“OCI”) to the extent of effectiveness and reclassified into interest expense upon settlement. The ineffective portion of the change in fair value of the derivative instruments is recognized in interest expense. As of September 30, 2014, it was anticipated that $0.5 million of the losses, net of tax, currently recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss will be reclassified into earnings within the next 12 months. Our interest rate swap agreements were effective during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014.
	The table below sets forth additional information relating to these interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedging instruments as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013.
		Fair Value (Derivative Asset and Liability)
	Balance Sheet Location	September 30,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Other non-current assets	$	821	$	752
	Accrued expenses	$	757	$	765
	Deferred compensation and other liabilities	$	14	$	140
	All of the Company’s derivative instruments are transacted under the International Swaps and Derivatives Association (ISDA) master agreements. These agreements permit the net settlement of amounts owed in the event of default and certain other termination events. Although netting is permitted, it is the Company’s policy to record all derivative assets and liabilities on a gross basis on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. All of the Company’s derivative instruments as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 were held with the same counterparty.
	We do not use derivative instruments for trading or other speculative purposes. Refer to Note 10 “Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)” for additional information on our derivative instruments

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru

Fair Value of Financial Instruments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	'
	9	Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	Certain of our assets and liabilities are measured at fair value. ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or the price that would be paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. ASC 820 establishes a fair value hierarchy for inputs used in measuring fair value and requires companies to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. The fair value hierarchy consists of three levels based on the objectivity of the inputs as follows:
	Level 1 Inputs	Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the reporting entity has the ability to access at the measurement date.
	Level 2 Inputs	Quoted prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active; inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability; or inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means.
	Level 3 Inputs	Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, and include situations in which there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability.
	The table below sets forth our fair value hierarchy for our financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (in thousands).
		Quoted Prices		Significant		Significant		Total
		in Active		Other		Unobservable
		Markets for		Observable		Inputs
		Identical Assets		Inputs		(Level 3)
		(Level 1)		(Level 2)
	September 30, 2014
	Assets:
	Promissory note	$	—	$	—	$	2,153	$	2,153
	Interest rate swaps		—		409		—		409
	Convertible debt investment		—		—		12,750		12,750
	Total assets	$	—	$	409	$	14,903	$	15,312
	Liabilities:
	Interest rate swaps	$	—	$	359	$	—	$	359
	Contingent acquisition liability		—		—		—		—
	Total liabilities	$	—	$	359	$	—	$	359
	December 31, 2013
	Assets:
	Promissory note	$	—	$	—	$	2,726	$	2,726
	Interest rate swaps		—		430		—		430
	Total assets	$	—	$	430	$	2,726	$	3,156
	Liabilities:
	Interest rate swaps	$	—	$	583	$	—	$	583
	Deferred acquisition payment		—		—		5,177		5,177
	Total liabilities	$	—	$	583	$	5,177	$	5,760
	Promissory note: As part of the consideration received for the sale of our Accounting Advisory practice on December 30, 2011, the Company received a $3.5 million promissory note payable over four years. During the first quarter of 2014, we agreed to restructure the note to temporarily decrease the quarterly payment amounts, increase the interest rate and extend the term of the note to mature on October 31, 2017. During the second quarter of 2014, we agreed to amend and restate the note such that principal payments will be paid to the Company annually based on the amount of excess cash flows earned each year by the maker of the note until the maturity date of December 31, 2018, at which time the remaining principal balance and any accrued interest is due. The fair value of the note is based on the net present value of the projected cash flows using a discount rate of 17%, which accounts for the risks associated with the note. The decrease in the fair value of the note during the first nine months of 2014 reflects principal payments received, the amendment of terms, and the increased discount rate of 17%, less the accretion of interest income in excess of interest payments received. The portion of the note expected to be received in the next twelve months is recorded as a receivable in Prepaid expenses and other current assets. The remaining portion of the note is recorded in Other non-current assets.
	Interest rate swaps: The fair value of the interest rate swaps was derived using estimates to settle the interest rate swap agreements, which are based on the net present value of expected future cash flows on each leg of the swaps utilizing market-based inputs and discount rates reflecting the risks involved.
	Convertible debt investment: In July 2014 we made a $10 million investment, in the form of zero coupon convertible debt, in Shorelight Holdings, LLC (“Shorelight”), the parent company of Shorelight Education, a U.S.-based company that partners with leading nonprofit universities to increase access and retention of international students, boost institutional growth, and enhance an institution’s global footprint. In August 2014, we purchased an additional $2.5 million convertible note of Shorelight, increasing the cost basis of our investment to $12.5 million. The notes will mature on July 1, 2020, unless converted earlier.
	We account for our investment as an available for sale security in accordance with ASC 320, Investments – Debt and Equity Securities. As such, the investment is carried at fair value with unrealized holding gains and losses excluded from earnings and reported in other comprehensive income. We estimated the fair value of our investment using cash flow projections discounted at a risk-adjusted rate and certain assumptions related to equity volatility, default probability, and recovery rate, all of which are Level 3 inputs. In arriving at the estimated fair value, we also considered the probability weighted likelihood of conversion of the notes, in accordance with the various conversion features of the notes. An unrealized gain of $0.3 million was recorded in Other comprehensive income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014. The fair value of the convertible debt investment is recorded in Long term investment.
	Deferred acquisition payment: Deferred acquisition payments are included in the total purchase consideration for certain business acquisitions made by the Company and represent fixed future payments owed to the sellers of those businesses. The fair value of our liability as of December 31, 2013 was based on the net present value of one final payment related to a 2012 acquisition. The payment was made in July 2014.
	Contingent acquisition liability: In the first quarter of 2014, we recorded the initial acquisition date fair value of a contingent acquisition liability that resulted from the Frankel acquisition described in Note 4 “Goodwill and Intangible Assets.” The initial fair value of $0.6 million was calculated using Level 3 inputs and a probability weighted estimated payout model based on financial projections and then discounted to fair value. As of September 30, 2014, we determined that the likelihood of the contingent acquisition payout was remote and reduced the value of the contingent acquisition liability to zero.
	Financial assets and liabilities not recorded at fair value are as follows:
	Senior secured credit facility
	The carrying value of our senior secured credit facility is stated at cost. Our carrying value approximates fair value, using Level 2 inputs, as the senior secured credit facility bears interest at variable rates based on market rates as set forth in the 2011 Credit Agreement. Refer to Note 6 “Financing Arrangements.”
	Convertible Notes
	The carrying amount and estimated fair value of the Convertible Notes are as follows (in thousands):
		September 30, 2014
		Carrying		Estimated
		Amount		Fair Value
	1.25% convertible senior notes due 2019		211,119		241,563
	The difference between the $250 million principal amount of the Convertible Notes and the carrying amount represents the unamortized debt discount. As of September 30, 2014, the carrying value of the equity component of $39.3 million was unchanged from the date of issuance. Refer to Note 6 “Financing Arrangements” for additional details of our Convertible Notes. The estimated fair value of the Convertible Notes, which we have classified as a Level 2 financial instrument, was determined based on the quoted bid price of the Convertible Notes in an over-the-counter market on September 30, 2014.
	Based on the closing price of our common stock of $60.97 on September 30, 2014, the if-converted value of the Convertible Notes was less than the principal amount.
	Cash and cash equivalents are stated at cost, which approximates fair market value. The carrying values for receivables from clients, unbilled services, accounts payable, deferred revenues and other accrued liabilities reasonably approximate fair market value due to the nature of the financial instrument and the short-term maturity of these items.
	We hold our cash in accounts at multiple third party financial institutions. These deposits, at times, may exceed federally insured limits. We review the credit ratings of these financial institutions, regularly monitor the cash balances in these accounts and adjust the balances as appropriate. However, these cash balances could be impacted if the underlying financial institutions fail or are subject to other adverse conditions in the financial markets.

Other_Comprehensive_Income_Los

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Equity [Abstract]	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	'
	10	Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	The tables below set forth the components of other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands).
		Three Months Ended									Three Months Ended
		30-Sep-14									30-Sep-13
		Before			Tax			Net of			Before			Tax			Net of
		Taxes			(Expense)			Taxes			Taxes			(Expense)			Taxes
					Benefit									Benefit
	Other comprehensive income:
	Foreign currency translation adjustment	$	(1,127	)	$	—		$	(1,127	)	$	1,019		$	6		$	1,025
	Unrealized gain on investment	$	250		$	(98	)	$	152		$	—		$	—		$	—
	Unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedges:
	Change in fair value	$	255		$	(98	)	$	157		$	(549	)	$	218		$	(331	)
	Reclassification adjustments into earnings		246			(99	)		147			142			(56	)		86
	Net unrealized gain (loss)	$	501		$	(197	)	$	304		$	(407	)	$	162		$	(245	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss)	$	(376	)	$	(295	)	$	(671	)	$	612		$	168		$	780
		Nine Months Ended									Nine Months Ended
		30-Sep-14									30-Sep-13
		Before			Tax			Net of			Before			Tax			Net of
		Taxes			(Expense)			Taxes			Taxes			(Expense)			Taxes
					Benefit									Benefit
	Other comprehensive income:
	Foreign currency translation adjustment	$	(735	)	$	—		$	(735	)	$	62		$	57		$	119
	Unrealized gain on investment	$	250		$	(98	)	$	152		$	—		$	—		$	—
	Unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedges:
	Change in fair value	$	(427	)	$	173		$	(254	)	$	308		$	(122	)	$	186
	Reclassification adjustments into earnings		630			(252	)		378			421			(168	)		253
	Net unrealized gain (loss)	$	203		$	(79	)	$	124		$	729		$	(290	)	$	439
	Other comprehensive income (loss)	$	(282	)	$	(177	)	$	(459	)	$	791		$	(233	)	$	558
	The before tax amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss related to our cash flow hedges are recorded to Interest expense, net of interest income.
	Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, includes the following components:
		Foreign Currency			Net Unrealized			Net Unrealized			Accumulated Other
		Translation			Gain on			Gain/(Losses) on			Comprehensive Loss
		Adjustments			Investment			Derivatives
	Balance, December 31, 2013	$	(716	)	$	—		$	(81	)	$	(797	)
	Current period change		(735	)		152			124			(459	)
	Balance, September 30, 2014	$	(1,451	)	$	152		$	43		$	(1,256	)

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	11	Income Taxes
	The Company’s effective tax rates for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 were 36.8% and 42.2%, respectively. The Company’s effective tax rates for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 were 28.4% and 43.1%, respectively. The effective tax rate for the third quarter of 2014 was lower than the statutory rate, inclusive of state income taxes, primarily due to the favorable settlement of the IRS audit for years 2009, 2010, and 2011. The effective tax rate for the first nine months of 2014 was lower than the statutory tax rate, inclusive of state income taxes, primarily due to the impact of a tax election made in the first quarter of 2014 to classify one of our wholly-owned foreign subsidiaries as a disregarded entity for U.S. federal income tax purposes (commonly referred to as a “check-the-box” election). As a result of this election, we expect to realize an income tax benefit of $13.8 million, of which $2.4 million is unrecognized, resulting in a net recognized tax benefit of $11.4 million. This recognized benefit was partially offset by $1.2 million in expenses in the first quarter of 2014 related to the establishment of a valuation allowance for certain foreign tax credits and increased deferred tax liabilities as a result of the aforementioned election.
	The effective tax rates for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 were higher than the statutory rate, inclusive of state income taxes, primarily due to the impact of foreign losses with no tax benefit and certain non-deductible business expenses, partially offset by the impact of certain credits and deductions.

Commitments_Contingencies_and_

Commitments, Contingencies and Guarantees	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments, Contingencies and Guarantees	'
	12	Commitments, Contingencies and Guarantees
	Litigation
	Qui Tam Action
	On December 9, 2009, plaintiff, Associates Against Outlier Fraud, filed a first amended qui tam complaint against Huron Consulting Group Inc. and others under the federal and New York state False Claims Act (“FCA”) in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. The federal and state FCA authorize private individuals (known as “relators”) to sue on behalf of the government (known as “qui tam” actions) alleging that false or fraudulent claims were knowingly submitted to the government. Once a qui tam action is filed, the government may elect to intervene in the action. If the government declines to intervene, the relator may proceed with the action. Under the federal and state FCA, the government may recover treble damages and civil penalties (civil penalties of up to $11,000 per violation under the federal FCA and $12,000 per violation under the state FCA). On January 6, 2010, the United States declined to intervene in the lawsuit. After the Court granted Huron’s motion to dismiss without prejudice, on September 29, 2010, the relator filed a second amended complaint alleging that Huron and others caused St. Vincent Catholic Medical Center to receive more than $30 million in inflated outlier payments under the Medicare and Medicaid programs in violation of the federal and state FCA and seeking to recover an unspecified amount of civil penalties. On March 8, 2013, the Court granted Huron’s motion for summary judgment and dismissed the relator’s second amended complaint in its entirety with prejudice. As a result, we reversed the charge of $1.2 million relating to settlement discussions which we recorded in the second quarter of 2012, in accordance with ASC 450,Contingencies. The relator filed an appeal on April 2, 2013. On April 8, 2013, Huron filed an appeal of an earlier denial of a motion to dismiss filed by Huron which argued that the relator’s action was barred because, under the FCA jurisdictional bar, the action was based on publicly disclosed information and the relator cannot qualify as an original source. On May 22, 2014, the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit upheld the lower court’s decision, which granted summary judgment to Huron. The relator did not file a petition for writ of certiorari with the United States Supreme Court, and therefore the litigation is concluded.
	Tamalluk Business Development LLC v. Huron Consulting Services LLC (Abu Dhabi Court of First Instance)
	On August 22, 2013, we learned that Tamalluk Business Development LLC, who was Huron’s agent in Abu Dhabi, and its principal, Mubarak Ahmad Bin Hamouda Al Dhaheri, filed a claim against Huron Consulting Services LLC in the Abu Dhabi Court of First Instance. The lawsuit alleges that under the agency agreement, Tamalluk was entitled to a commission on certain amounts that Huron collected from Abu Dhabi clients, and that Huron breached the agreement with Tamalluk and caused damages by declining to enter into a client engagement in Abu Dhabi and subsequently terminating the agency agreement with Tamalluk. Claimants allege they are entitled to $50 million for damage to reputation and defamation and another $50 million for breach of contract. Huron submitted its written response on September 25, 2013. The response states that Huron had the right to terminate the agency agreement with Tamalluk, and Huron had the sole discretion whether to accept or reject an engagement. Huron also filed a counterclaim on October 10, 2013 seeking a judicial order to permit the cancellation of Huron’s commercial license to allow Huron to cease doing business in Abu Dhabi. On December 17, 2013, the Abu Dhabi court ruled in Huron’s favor on all claims and held that Huron permissibly terminated the contract with Tamalluk and Huron does not owe Tamalluk any compensation related to Tamalluk’s claims. In addition, the court terminated the Local Sponsorship Agreement as requested by Huron in its counterclaim. Tamalluk appealed the decision, and on March 18, 2014, the appellate court upheld the decision in Huron’s favor. Tamalluk filed an appeal on May 18, 2014 to the Court of Cassation, which is the highest court in Abu Dhabi. On October 21, 2014, the Court of Cassation referred the case back to the appellate court for consideration of Claimants’ allegations relating to damage to reputation and defamation, which the appellate court had not previously addressed. The Court of Cassation ruled in Huron’s favor on the other claims and on Huron’s counterclaim. We continue to believe that the remaining claims are without merit and intend to vigorously defend ourselves in this matter.
	Physiotherapy Associates
	In 2011, Huron was engaged to design and implement new processes, software, tools, and techniques to assist Physiotherapy Associates, Inc. (“PA”) in reducing older accounts receivable levels and optimizing cash flow. The engagement agreement specifically provides that Huron will not be auditing financial statements and that Huron’s services are not designed, and should not be relied on, to disclose weaknesses in internal controls, financial statement errors, irregularities, illegal acts, or disclosure deficiencies.
	In November 2013, Physiotherapy Holdings, Inc., and certain subsidiaries and affiliates (including PA) filed a voluntary petition for bankruptcy pursuant to Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code, which resulted in part from claims related to an alleged overstatement of PA’s revenues and profitability in connection with the sale of PA in 2012. The Joint Prepackaged Plan of Reorganization (the “Plan”), which was confirmed by the Bankruptcy Court in December 2013, establishes and funds a Litigation Trust to pursue certain claims on behalf of certain beneficiaries. The Plan discloses a lengthy list of potential defendants and witnesses regarding these claims, including but not limited to the debtors’ officers, directors, certain employees, former owners, investment bankers, auditors, and various consultants. This list of potential defendants and witnesses includes Huron, as well as three of Huron’s current or former employees.
	The Plan suggests that Huron, among others, was involved in “actively marketing PA” for sale and provided opinions to unnamed parties “defending the quality of PA’s earnings.” The Plan further states that the damages to be sought by the Litigation Trust will exceed $300 million. The Litigation Trust has not specified against which potential defendants it will bring claims, if any. We believe the Litigation Trust’s allegations with respect to Huron are without merit and will vigorously defend ourselves should any claim arising out of these alleged facts and circumstances be asserted against us by the Litigation Trust.
	From time to time, we are involved in legal proceedings and litigation arising in the ordinary course of business. As of the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, we are not a party to any other litigation or legal proceeding that, in the current opinion of management, could have a material adverse effect on our financial position or results of operations. However, due to the risks and uncertainties inherent in legal proceedings, actual results could differ from current expected results.
	Guarantees and Indemnification
	Guarantees in the form of letters of credit totaling $5.1 million and $4.9 million were outstanding at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, to support certain office lease obligations as well as Middle East performance and bid bonds.
	To the extent permitted by law, our bylaws and articles of incorporation require that we indemnify our officers and directors against judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement, including attorneys’ fees, incurred in connection with civil or criminal action or proceedings, as it relates to their services to us if such person acted in good faith. Although there is no limit on the amount of indemnification, we may have recourse against our insurance carrier for certain payments made.

Segment_Information

Segment Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment Information	'
	13		Segment Information
	Segments are defined by ASC 280, Segment Reporting, as components of a company that engage in business activities from which they may earn revenues and incur expenses, and for which separate financial information is available and is evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker, or decision-making group, in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. Our chief operating decision maker manages the business under five operating segments, which are our reportable segments: Huron Healthcare, Huron Legal, Huron Education and Life Sciences, Huron Business Advisory, and All Other.
		•		Huron Healthcare
	Our Huron Healthcare segment provides consulting services to national and regional hospitals and integrated health systems, academic medical centers, community hospitals, and physician practices. This segment provides consulting services related to hospital or healthcare organization performance improvement, revenue cycle improvement, clinical quality and care variation, labor productivity, non-labor cost management, information technology, patient flow improvement, and physician practice management.
		•		Huron Legal
	Our Huron Legal segment provides advisory and business services to assist law departments of major global corporations and law firms with their cost and risk effectiveness, organizational design and development, and operational efficiency. These services add value to organizations by helping them enhance client service and reduce the amounts spent on legal services. Our expertise focuses on strategic and management consulting, cost management, and technology and information management, including matter management, records management, document review, and discovery services. Included in this segment’s offerings is our Integrated Analytics solution, which is designed to deliver an innovative, comprehensive process resulting in more affordable and predictable discovery costs.
		•		Huron Education and Life Sciences
	Our Huron Education and Life Sciences segment provides management consulting services and software solutions to the higher education, academic medical center, pharmaceutical and medical device, and research industries. We work with our clients to develop and implement performance improvement, technology, and research enterprise solutions to help them address challenges relating to financial management, strategy, operational and organizational effectiveness, research administration, and regulatory compliance.
		•		Huron Business Advisory
	Our Huron Business Advisory segment (formerly referred to as Huron Financial) provides financial advisory; interim management; operational improvement; capital advisory; valuation; enterprise systems planning, design, and implementation; and enterprise performance management services. We assist clients in a broad range of industries and across the spectrum from healthy, well-capitalized companies to organizations in transition, creditors, owners, investors, and other key constituents in connection with out-of-court restructurings and bankruptcy proceedings. Our professionals consist of certified public accountants, certified insolvency and restructuring advisors, certified turnaround professionals, MBAs, JDs, and chartered financial analysts as well as former chief restructuring officers, chief executive officers, chief financial officers, and professionals with significant board governance experience.
		•		All Other
	Our All Other segment consists of any line of business not managed by our other four operating segments. These businesses include our public sector consulting practice and our foreign healthcare and strategic consulting operations based in the Middle East.
	During the first quarter of 2014, we reorganized our internal operating structure to better align our service offerings and moved our EPM practice (formerly referred to as Blue Stone International, a business which we acquired during the fourth quarter of 2013) from the Huron Education and Life Sciences segment to the Huron Business Advisory segment.
	Segment operating income consists of the revenues generated by a segment, less the direct costs of revenue and selling, general and administrative costs that are incurred directly by the segment. Unallocated corporate costs include costs related to administrative functions that are performed in a centralized manner that are not attributable to a particular segment. These administrative function costs include costs for corporate office support, certain office facility costs, costs relating to accounting and finance, human resources, legal, marketing, information technology, and Company-wide business development functions, as well as costs related to overall corporate management.
	The table below sets forth information about our operating segments for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, along with the items necessary to reconcile the segment information to the totals reported in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements.
			Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
			September 30,						September 30,
			2014			2013			2014			2013
	Huron Healthcare:
	Revenues		$	97,812		$	86,957		$	306,327		$	244,648
	Operating income		$	27,727		$	30,772		$	117,422		$	91,440
	Segment operating income as a percentage of segment revenues			28.3	%		35.4	%		38.3	%		37.4	%
	Huron Legal:
	Revenues		$	46,146		$	45,263		$	154,417		$	131,296
	Operating income		$	10,949		$	15,138		$	39,227		$	28,869
	Segment operating income as a percentage of segment revenues			23.7	%		33.4	%		25.4	%		22	%
	Huron Education and Life Sciences:
	Revenues		$	36,523		$	34,806		$	107,846		$	107,666
	Operating income		$	9,459		$	7,773		$	27,539		$	28,672
	Segment operating income as a percentage of segment revenues			25.9	%		22.3	%		25.5	%		26.6	%
	Huron Business Advisory:
	Revenues		$	17,142		$	7,223		$	47,098		$	25,068
	Operating income		$	4,397		$	664		$	12,081		$	7,995
	Segment operating income as a percentage of segment revenues			25.7	%		9.2	%		25.7	%		31.9	%
	All Other:
	Revenues		$	426		$	486		$	2,497		$	500
	Operating loss		$	(655	)	$	(285	)	$	(1,633	)	$	(701	)
	Segment operating loss as a percentage of segment revenues			N/M			N/M			N/M			N/M
	Total Company:
	Revenues		$	198,049		$	174,735		$	618,185		$	509,178
	Reimbursable expenses			18,679			17,542			58,923			51,001
	Total revenues and reimbursable expenses		$	216,728		$	192,277		$	677,108		$	560,179
	Statements of Earnings reconciliation:
	Segment operating income		$	51,877		$	54,062		$	194,636		$	156,275
	Charges not allocated at the segment level:
	Other operating expenses and gains			24,285			17,975			78,879			58,640
	Depreciation and amortization expense			6,315			4,968			18,638			14,624
	Other expense, net			1,932			1,427			4,552			5,135
	Income from continuing operations before income tax expense		$	19,345		$	29,692		$	92,567		$	77,876
	N/M – Not Meaningful
			September 30,			December 31,
			2014			2013
	Segment Assets(1):
	Huron Healthcare		$	103,586		$	95,900
	Huron Legal			42,226			42,190
	Huron Education and Life Sciences			28,149			22,783
	Huron Business Advisory			21,695			17,809
	All Other			630			257
	Unallocated assets(2)			934,276			706,661
	Total assets		$	1,130,562		$	885,600
	-1	The December 31, 2013 segment asset balances have been reclassified to reflect the move of our EPM practice from the Huron Education and Life Sciences segment to the Huron Business Advisory segment.
	-2	Goodwill and intangible assets are included in unallocated assets, as management does not evaluate these items at the segment level when assessing segment performance or allocating resources.
	At September 30, 2014, no single client accounted for greater than 10% of our combined receivables and unbilled services balances. At December 31, 2013, one Huron Healthcare client’s total receivables and unbilled services balance represented 14% of our total receivables and unbilled services balance. No other client’s total receivables and unbilled services represented greater than 10% of our total receivables and unbilled services balance at December 31, 2013. No single client generated greater than 10% of our consolidated revenues during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013.

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Subsequent Events [Abstract]	'
Subsequent Events	'
	14	Subsequent Events
	Effective October 1, 2014, we completed our acquisition of Threshold Consulting, Inc., a provider of cloud-based Software as a Service (SaaS) applications, data warehousing and business intelligence (BI) solutions, as well as customer relationship management (CRM) consulting services. The results of operations of Threshold will be included within the Huron Business Advisory segment.

Basis_of_Presentation_Policies

Basis of Presentation (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Basis of Presentation	'
	The accompanying unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements reflect the financial position, results of operations, and cash flows as of and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013. These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) for Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Accordingly, these financial statements do not include all of the information and note disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for annual financial statements. In the opinion of management, these financial statements reflect all adjustments of a normal, recurring nature necessary for the fair statement of our financial position, results of operations, and cash flows for the interim periods presented in conformity with GAAP. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto for the year ended December 31, 2013 included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K and our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the periods ended March 31, 2014 and June 30, 2014.
Going Concern	'
	In August 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-15,Presentation of Financial Statements—Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40): Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern. This ASU requires management to evaluate, at each interim and annual reporting period, whether there are conditions or events that raise substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the date the financial statements are issued and provide related footnote disclosures. The guidance will be effective for the Company for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2016, with early adoption permitted. We do not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
Segment Reporting	'
	Segments are defined by ASC Topic 280, “Segment Reporting,” as components of a company that engage in business activities from which they may earn revenues and incur expenses, and for which separate financial information is available and is evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker, or decision-making group, in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. Our chief operating decision maker manages the business under five operating segments, which are our reportable segments: Huron Healthcare, Huron Legal, Huron Education and Life Sciences, Huron Business Advisory, and All Other.
Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures	'
	Certain of our assets and liabilities are measured at fair value. ASC Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures,” defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or the price that would be paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. ASC Topic 820 establishes a fair value hierarchy for inputs used in measuring fair value and requires companies to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. The fair value hierarchy consists of three levels based on the objectivity of the inputs as follows:
	Level 1 Inputs	Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the reporting entity has the ability to access at the measurement date.
	Level 2 Inputs	Quoted prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active; inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability; or inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means.
	Level 3 Inputs	Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, and include situations in which there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability.
Share Based Compensation	'
	In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-12, Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period. This guidance requires that a performance target that affects vesting and could be achieved after the requisite service period be treated as a performance condition. A reporting entity should apply existing guidance in Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 718, Compensation—Stock Compensation, as it relates to such awards. This guidance is effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of 2016, with early adoption permitted. The amendments of ASU 2014-12 may be applied either (a) prospectively to all awards granted or modified after the effective date or (b) retrospectively to all awards with performance targets that are outstanding as of the beginning of the earliest annual period presented in the financial statements and to all new or modified awards thereafter, with the cumulative effect of applying the amendments as an adjustment to the opening retained earnings balance as of the beginning of the earliest annual period presented in the financial statements. We do not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
Contingencies	'
	Qui Tam Action
	On December 9, 2009, plaintiff, Associates Against Outlier Fraud, filed a first amended qui tam complaint against Huron Consulting Group Inc. and others under the federal and New York state False Claims Act (“FCA”) in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. The federal and state FCA authorize private individuals (known as “relators”) to sue on behalf of the government (known as “qui tam” actions) alleging that false or fraudulent claims were knowingly submitted to the government. Once a qui tam action is filed, the government may elect to intervene in the action. If the government declines to intervene, the relator may proceed with the action. Under the federal and state FCA, the government may recover treble damages and civil penalties (civil penalties of up to $11,000 per violation under the federal FCA and $12,000 per violation under the state FCA). On January 6, 2010, the United States declined to intervene in the lawsuit. After the Court granted Huron’s motion to dismiss without prejudice, on September 29, 2010, the relator filed a second amended complaint alleging that Huron and others caused St. Vincent Catholic Medical Center to receive more than $30 million in inflated outlier payments under the Medicare and Medicaid programs in violation of the federal and state FCA and seeking to recover an unspecified amount of civil penalties. On March 8, 2013, the Court granted Huron’s motion for summary judgment and dismissed the relator’s second amended complaint in its entirety with prejudice. As a result, we reversed the charge of $1.2 million relating to settlement discussions which we recorded in the second quarter of 2012, in accordance with ASC 450, Contingencies. The relator filed an appeal on April 2, 2013. On April 8, 2013, Huron filed an appeal of an earlier denial of a motion to dismiss filed by Huron which argued that the relator’s action was barred because, under the FCA jurisdictional bar, the action was based on publicly disclosed information and the relator cannot qualify as an original source. On May 22, 2014, the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit upheld the lower court’s decision, which granted summary judgment to Huron. The relator did not file a petition for writ of certiorari with the United States Supreme Court, and therefore the litigation is concluded.
Revenue from Contracts with Customers	'
	In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, as a new Topic, ASC 606. The new revenue recognition standard provides a five-step analysis of transactions to determine when and how revenue is recognized. The core principle is that a company should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. This guidance is effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of 2017 and is to be applied retrospectively to each period presented or as a cumulative-effect adjustment as of the date of adoption. Early adoption is not permitted. We are currently evaluating the potential effect of adopting this guidance on our consolidated financial statements, as well as the transition methods.
Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components	'
	In April 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-08, Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant, and Equipment (Topic 360), Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity. This guidance includes amendments that change the requirements for reporting discontinued operations and require additional disclosures about discontinued operations. Under the new guidance, only disposals representing a strategic shift in operations that has (or will have) a major effect on the entity’s operations and financial results should be presented as discontinued operations. Examples include a disposal of a major geographic area, a major line of business, a major equity method investment, or other major parts of an entity. Additionally, the revised guidance requires expanded disclosures in the financial statements for discontinued operations as well as for disposals of significant components of an entity that do not qualify for discontinued operations presentation. This guidance is effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of 2015. We do not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
Derivatives and Hedging	'
	ASC Topic 815, “Derivatives and Hedging,” requires companies to recognize all derivative instruments as either assets or liabilities at fair value on the balance sheet. In accordance with ASC Topic 815, we have designated these derivative instruments as cash flow hedges. As such, changes in the fair value of the derivative instruments are recorded as a component of other comprehensive income (“OCI”) to the extent of effectiveness and reclassified into interest expense upon settlement. The ineffective portion of the change in fair value of the derivative instruments is recognized in interest expense. As of September 30, 2014, it was anticipated that $0.5 million of the losses, net of tax, currently recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss will be reclassified into earnings within the next 12 months. Our interest rate swap agreements were effective during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014.
Income Taxes	'
	In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-11, Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists. This guidance requires that an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, be presented in the financial statements as either a reduction to a deferred tax asset or separately as a liability depending on the existence, availability and/or use of an operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward. The Company adopted ASU 2013-11 effective January 1, 2014. The adoption of this guidance did not have any effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
Cumulative Translation Adjustment	'
	In March 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-05, Parent’s Accounting for the Cumulative Translation Adjustment Upon Derecognition of Certain Subsidiaries or Groups of Assets Within a Foreign Entity or of an Investment in a Foreign Entity, which amends current accounting guidance on foreign currency matters. This guidance requires that the entire amount of a cumulative translation adjustment related to an entity’s investment in a foreign entity should be released when there has been a: (i) sale of a subsidiary or group of net assets within a foreign entity and the sale represents the substantially complete liquidation of the investment in the foreign entity, (ii) loss of a controlling financial interest in an investment in a foreign entity, and (iii) step acquisition for a foreign entity. The Company adopted ASU 2013-05 effective January 1, 2014. The adoption of this guidance did not have any effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
Debt	'
	In accordance with ASC 470, Debt, we have separated the Convertible Notes into liability and equity components. The carrying amount of the liability component was determined by measuring the fair value of a similar liability that does not have an associated convertible feature, assuming our non-convertible debt borrowing rate. The carrying value of the equity component representing the conversion option, which is recognized as a debt discount, was determined by deducting the fair value of the liability component from the proceeds of the Convertible Notes. The debt discount is amortized to interest expense using an effective interest rate of 4.837% over the term of the Convertible Notes. As of September 30, 2014, the remaining life of the Convertible Notes is 5 years. The equity component will not be remeasured as long as it continues to meet the conditions for equity classification.
Debt and Equity Securities	'
	We account for our investment as an available for sale security in accordance with ASC 320, Investments – Debt and Equity Securities. As such, the investment is carried at fair value with unrealized holding gains and losses excluded from earnings and reported in other comprehensive income. We estimated the fair value of our investment using cash flow projections discounted at a risk-adjusted rate and certain assumptions related to equity volatility, default probability, and recovery rate, all of which are Level 3 inputs. In arriving at the estimated fair value, we also considered the probability weighted likelihood of conversion of the notes, in accordance with the various conversion features of the notes. An unrealized gain of $0.3 million was recorded in Other comprehensive income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014. The fair value of the convertible debt investment is recorded in Long term investment.

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets1

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill	'
	The table below sets forth the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment for the nine months ended September 30, 2014.
		Huron				Huron				Huron				Huron				Total
		Healthcare				Legal				Education				Business
										and Life				Advisory
										Sciences
	Balance as of December 31, 2013:
	Goodwill	$	355,880			$	53,159			$	111,504			$	159,077			$	679,620
	Accumulated impairment		—				—				—				(142,983	)			(142,983	)
	Goodwill, net as of December 31, 2013		355,880				53,159				111,504				16,094				536,637
	Goodwill recorded in connection with business combinations		21,708				—				8,308				—				30,016
	Goodwill reallocation		—				—				(16,744	)			16,744				—
	Foreign currency translation		—				(154	)			(162	)			(40	)			(356	)
	Goodwill, net as of September 30, 2014	$	377,588			$	53,005			$	102,906			$	32,798			$	566,297
Intangible Assets	'
	Intangible assets as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 consisted of the following:
				September 30, 2014								December 31, 2013
		Useful		Gross				Accumulated				Gross				Accumulated
		Life in		Carrying				Amortization				Carrying				Amortization
		Years		Amount								Amount
	Customer contracts	1		$	1,257			$	791			$	689			$	226
	Customer relationships	3 to 13			41,975				19,445				31,946				14,814
	Non-competition agreements	1 to 6			3,470				849				5,480				3,655
	Trade names	1 to 8			270				135				120				24
	Technology and software	3 to 5			4,321				3,235				4,041				2,559
	Document reviewer database	3			450				405				450				270
	License	2			50				25				50				6
	Total			$	51,793			$	24,885			$	42,776			$	21,554

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Reconciliation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share	'
	Earnings per share under the basic and diluted computations are as follows:
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		September 30,				September 30,
		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Net income from continuing operations	$	12,219	$	17,161	$	66,258	$	44,344
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax		—		10		—		(31	)
	Net income	$	12,219	$	17,171	$	66,258	$	44,313
	Weighted average common shares outstanding – basic		22,488		22,386		22,573		22,293
	Weighted average common stock equivalents		487		487		479		419
	Weighted average common shares outstanding – diluted		22,975		22,873		23,052		22,712
	Net earnings per basic share:
	Income from continuing operations	$	0.54	$	0.77	$	2.94	$	1.99
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax		—		—		—		—
	Net income	$	0.54	$	0.77	$	2.94	$	1.99
	Net earnings per diluted share:
	Income from continuing operations	$	0.53	$	0.75	$	2.87	$	1.95
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax		—		—		—		—
	Net income	$	0.53	$	0.75	$	2.87	$	1.95
Summary of Anti-dilutive Securities Excluded From Computation of Weighted Average Common Stock Equivalents	'
	The anti-dilutive securities excluded from the computation of the weighted average common stock equivalents presented above were as follows (in thousands):
		As of September 30,
		2014		2013
	Unvested restricted stock awards		14		—
	Outstanding common stock options		—		37
	Convertible senior notes		3,129		—
	Warrants related to the issuance of convertible senior notes		3,129		—
	Total anti-dilutive securities		6,272		37

Financing_Arrangements_Tables

Financing Arrangements (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Summary of Carrying Amounts of Debt	'
	A summary of the carrying amounts of our debt is as follows (in thousands):
			September 30, 2014			December 31, 2013
	1.25% convertible senior notes due 2019		$	211,119		$	—
	Senior secured credit facility			150,000			168,750
	Total debt			361,119			168,750
	Current maturities of debt			(27,500	)		(25,000	)
	Long term debt, net of current portion		$	333,619		$	143,750
Schedule of Notes	'
	As of September 30, 2014, the Convertible Notes consisted of the following (in thousands):
	Liability component:
	Proceeds		$	250,000
	Less: debt discount, net of amortization			(38,881	)
	Net carrying amount		$	211,119
	Equity component(1)		$	39,287
	(1)	Included in Additional paid-in capital on the consolidated balance sheet as of September 30 2014.
Summary of Interest Expense Recognized	'
	The following table presents the amount of interest expense recognized related to the Convertible Notes (in thousands):
			Three and Nine
			Months Ended
			September 30, 2014
	Contractual interest coupon		$	182
	Amortization of debt issuance costs			68
	Amortization of debt discount			406
	Total interest expense recognized		$	656

Derivative_Instruments_and_Hed1

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activity (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Interest Rate Swaps Designated as Cash Flow Hedging Instruments	'
	The table below sets forth additional information relating to these interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedging instruments as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013.
		Fair Value (Derivative Asset and Liability)
	Balance Sheet Location	September 30,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Other non-current assets	$	821	$	752
	Accrued expenses	$	757	$	765
	Deferred compensation and other liabilities	$	14	$	140

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru1

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis	'
	The table below sets forth our fair value hierarchy for our financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (in thousands).
		Quoted Prices		Significant		Significant		Total
		in Active		Other		Unobservable
		Markets for		Observable		Inputs
		Identical Assets		Inputs		(Level 3)
		(Level 1)		(Level 2)
	September 30, 2014
	Assets:
	Promissory note	$	—	$	—	$	2,153	$	2,153
	Interest rate swaps		—		409		—		409
	Convertible debt investment		—		—		12,750		12,750
	Total assets	$	—	$	409	$	14,903	$	15,312
	Liabilities:
	Interest rate swaps	$	—	$	359	$	—	$	359
	Contingent acquisition liability		—		—		—		—
	Total liabilities	$	—	$	359	$	—	$	359
	December 31, 2013
	Assets:
	Promissory note	$	—	$	—	$	2,726	$	2,726
	Interest rate swaps		—		430		—		430
	Total assets	$	—	$	430	$	2,726	$	3,156
	Liabilities:
	Interest rate swaps	$	—	$	583	$	—	$	583
	Deferred acquisition payment		—		—		5,177		5,177
	Total liabilities	$	—	$	583	$	5,177	$	5,760
Summary of Carrying Amount and Estimated Fair Value of Convertible Senior Notes	'
	The carrying amount and estimated fair value of the Convertible Notes are as follows (in thousands):
		September 30, 2014
		Carrying		Estimated
		Amount		Fair Value
	1.25% convertible senior notes due 2019		211,119		241,563

Other_Comprehensive_Income_Los1

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Equity [Abstract]	'
Components of Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	'
	The tables below set forth the components of other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands).
		Three Months Ended									Three Months Ended
		30-Sep-14									30-Sep-13
		Before			Tax			Net of			Before			Tax			Net of
		Taxes			(Expense)			Taxes			Taxes			(Expense)			Taxes
					Benefit									Benefit
	Other comprehensive income:
	Foreign currency translation adjustment	$	(1,127	)	$	—		$	(1,127	)	$	1,019		$	6		$	1,025
	Unrealized gain on investment	$	250		$	(98	)	$	152		$	—		$	—		$	—
	Unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedges:
	Change in fair value	$	255		$	(98	)	$	157		$	(549	)	$	218		$	(331	)
	Reclassification adjustments into earnings		246			(99	)		147			142			(56	)		86
	Net unrealized gain (loss)	$	501		$	(197	)	$	304		$	(407	)	$	162		$	(245	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss)	$	(376	)	$	(295	)	$	(671	)	$	612		$	168		$	780
		Nine Months Ended									Nine Months Ended
		30-Sep-14									30-Sep-13
		Before			Tax			Net of			Before			Tax			Net of
		Taxes			(Expense)			Taxes			Taxes			(Expense)			Taxes
					Benefit									Benefit
	Other comprehensive income:
	Foreign currency translation adjustment	$	(735	)	$	—		$	(735	)	$	62		$	57		$	119
	Unrealized gain on investment	$	250		$	(98	)	$	152		$	—		$	—		$	—
	Unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedges:
	Change in fair value	$	(427	)	$	173		$	(254	)	$	308		$	(122	)	$	186
	Reclassification adjustments into earnings		630			(252	)		378			421			(168	)		253
	Net unrealized gain (loss)	$	203		$	(79	)	$	124		$	729		$	(290	)	$	439
	Other comprehensive income (loss)	$	(282	)	$	(177	)	$	(459	)	$	791		$	(233	)	$	558
Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net of Tax	'
	Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, includes the following components:
		Foreign Currency			Net Unrealized			Net Unrealized			Accumulated Other
		Translation			Gain on			Gain/(Losses) on			Comprehensive Loss
		Adjustments			Investment			Derivatives
	Balance, December 31, 2013	$	(716	)	$	—		$	(81	)	$	(797	)
	Current period change		(735	)		152			124			(459	)
	Balance, September 30, 2014	$	(1,451	)	$	152		$	43		$	(1,256	)

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Components of Segment Information	'
	The table below sets forth information about our operating segments for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, along with the items necessary to reconcile the segment information to the totals reported in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements.
			Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
			September 30,						September 30,
			2014			2013			2014			2013
	Huron Healthcare:
	Revenues		$	97,812		$	86,957		$	306,327		$	244,648
	Operating income		$	27,727		$	30,772		$	117,422		$	91,440
	Segment operating income as a percentage of segment revenues			28.3	%		35.4	%		38.3	%		37.4	%
	Huron Legal:
	Revenues		$	46,146		$	45,263		$	154,417		$	131,296
	Operating income		$	10,949		$	15,138		$	39,227		$	28,869
	Segment operating income as a percentage of segment revenues			23.7	%		33.4	%		25.4	%		22	%
	Huron Education and Life Sciences:
	Revenues		$	36,523		$	34,806		$	107,846		$	107,666
	Operating income		$	9,459		$	7,773		$	27,539		$	28,672
	Segment operating income as a percentage of segment revenues			25.9	%		22.3	%		25.5	%		26.6	%
	Huron Business Advisory:
	Revenues		$	17,142		$	7,223		$	47,098		$	25,068
	Operating income		$	4,397		$	664		$	12,081		$	7,995
	Segment operating income as a percentage of segment revenues			25.7	%		9.2	%		25.7	%		31.9	%
	All Other:
	Revenues		$	426		$	486		$	2,497		$	500
	Operating loss		$	(655	)	$	(285	)	$	(1,633	)	$	(701	)
	Segment operating loss as a percentage of segment revenues			N/M			N/M			N/M			N/M
	Total Company:
	Revenues		$	198,049		$	174,735		$	618,185		$	509,178
	Reimbursable expenses			18,679			17,542			58,923			51,001
	Total revenues and reimbursable expenses		$	216,728		$	192,277		$	677,108		$	560,179
	Statements of Earnings reconciliation:
	Segment operating income		$	51,877		$	54,062		$	194,636		$	156,275
	Charges not allocated at the segment level:
	Other operating expenses and gains			24,285			17,975			78,879			58,640
	Depreciation and amortization expense			6,315			4,968			18,638			14,624
	Other expense, net			1,932			1,427			4,552			5,135
	Income from continuing operations before income tax expense		$	19,345		$	29,692		$	92,567		$	77,876
	N/M – Not Meaningful
Segment Assets	'
			September 30,			December 31,
			2014			2013
	Segment Assets(1):
	Huron Healthcare		$	103,586		$	95,900
	Huron Legal			42,226			42,190
	Huron Education and Life Sciences			28,149			22,783
	Huron Business Advisory			21,695			17,809
	All Other			630			257
	Unallocated assets (2)			934,276			706,661
	Total assets		$	1,130,562		$	885,600
	-1	The December 31, 2013 segment asset balances have been reclassified to reflect the move of our EPM practice from the Huron Education and Life Sciences segment to the Huron Business Advisory segment.
	-2	Goodwill and intangible assets are included in unallocated assets, as management does not evaluate these items at the segment level when assessing segment performance or allocating resources.

Basis_of_Presentation_Addition

Basis of Presentation - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013
Impact of Cash Flow Classification Error [Abstract]	'
Impact of cash flow classification error on investing activities	$2
Impact of cash flow classification error on financing activities	0.5
Impact of cash flow classification error on operating activities	$2.50

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets2

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'
Goodwill	'	$679,620
Accumulated impairment	'	-142,983
Goodwill, net beginning balance	536,637	'
Goodwill recorded in connection with business combinations	30,016	'
Goodwill reallocation	'	'
Foreign currency translation	-356	'
Goodwill, net ending balance	566,297	'
Huron Healthcare [Member]	'	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'
Goodwill	'	355,880
Accumulated impairment	'	'
Goodwill, net beginning balance	355,880	'
Goodwill recorded in connection with business combinations	21,708	'
Goodwill reallocation	'	'
Foreign currency translation	'	'
Goodwill, net ending balance	377,588	'
Huron Legal [Member]	'	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'
Goodwill	'	53,159
Accumulated impairment	'	'
Goodwill, net beginning balance	53,159	'
Goodwill recorded in connection with business combinations	'	'
Goodwill reallocation	'	'
Foreign currency translation	-154	'
Goodwill, net ending balance	53,005	'
Huron Education and Life Sciences [Member]	'	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'
Goodwill	'	111,504
Accumulated impairment	'	'
Goodwill, net beginning balance	111,504	'
Goodwill recorded in connection with business combinations	8,308	'
Goodwill reallocation	-16,744	'
Foreign currency translation	-162	'
Goodwill, net ending balance	102,906	'
Huron Business Advisory [Member]	'	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'
Goodwill	'	159,077
Accumulated impairment	'	-142,983
Goodwill, net beginning balance	16,094	'
Goodwill recorded in connection with business combinations	'	'
Goodwill reallocation	16,744	'
Foreign currency translation	-40	'
Goodwill, net ending balance	$32,798	'

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets3

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended			3 Months Ended		3 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014
					Huron Business Advisory [Member]	Frankel Group Associates LLC [Member]	Frankel Group Associates LLC [Member]	Vonlay LLC [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Reassigned goodwill	'	'	'	'	$16,744,000	'	'	'
Fair value of purchase consideration	'	'	'	'	'	18,000,000	'	34,500,000
Contingent consideration related to business acquisitions	'	'	'	'	'	600,000	0	'
Intangible assets related to acquisition	'	'	'	'	'	5,700,000	'	8,300,000
Goodwill related to acquisition	'	'	30,016,000	'	'	8,300,000	'	21,700,000
Intangible assets amortization expense	2,800,000	1,400,000	8,300,000	4,300,000	'	'	'	'
Estimated annual intangible assets amortization expense 2014	11,000,000	'	11,000,000	'	'	'	'	'
Estimated annual intangible assets amortization expense 2015	8,400,000	'	8,400,000	'	'	'	'	'
Estimated annual intangible assets amortization expense 2016	6,000,000	'	6,000,000	'	'	'	'	'
Estimated annual intangible assets amortization expense 2017	4,300,000	'	4,300,000	'	'	'	'	'
Estimated annual intangible assets amortization expense 2018	3,000,000	'	3,000,000	'	'	'	'	'
Estimated annual intangible assets amortization expense 2019	$1,400,000	'	$1,400,000	'	'	'	'	'

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets4

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Intangible Assets (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Intangible assets	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	$51,793	$42,776
Accumulated Amortization	24,885	21,554
Customer contracts [Member]	'	'
Intangible assets	'	'
Useful Life in Years	'1 year	'
Gross Carrying Amount	1,257	689
Accumulated Amortization	791	226
Customer relationships [Member]	'	'
Intangible assets	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	41,975	31,946
Accumulated Amortization	19,445	14,814
Customer relationships [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'	'
Intangible assets	'	'
Useful Life in Years	'3 years	'
Customer relationships [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'
Intangible assets	'	'
Useful Life in Years	'13 years	'
Non-competition agreements [Member]	'	'
Intangible assets	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	3,470	5,480
Accumulated Amortization	849	3,655
Non-competition agreements [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'	'
Intangible assets	'	'
Useful Life in Years	'1 year	'
Non-competition agreements [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'
Intangible assets	'	'
Useful Life in Years	'6 years	'
Trade names [Member]	'	'
Intangible assets	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	270	120
Accumulated Amortization	135	24
Trade names [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'	'
Intangible assets	'	'
Useful Life in Years	'1 year	'
Trade names [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'
Intangible assets	'	'
Useful Life in Years	'8 years	'
Technology and software [Member]	'	'
Intangible assets	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	4,321	4,041
Accumulated Amortization	3,235	2,559
Technology and software [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'	'
Intangible assets	'	'
Useful Life in Years	'3 years	'
Technology and software [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'
Intangible assets	'	'
Useful Life in Years	'5 years	'
Document reviewer database [Member]	'	'
Intangible assets	'	'
Useful Life in Years	'3 years	'
Gross Carrying Amount	450	450
Accumulated Amortization	405	270
License [Member]	'	'
Intangible assets	'	'
Useful Life in Years	'2 years	'
Gross Carrying Amount	50	50
Accumulated Amortization	$25	$6

Earnings_Per_Share_Reconciliat

Earnings Per Share - Reconciliation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share Reconciliation [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net income from continuing operations	$12,219	$17,161	$66,258	$44,344
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	'	10	'	-31
Net income	$12,219	$17,171	$66,258	$44,313
Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic	22,488	22,386	22,573	22,293
Weighted average common stock equivalents	487	487	479	419
Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted	22,975	22,873	23,052	22,712
Net earnings per basic share:	'	'	'	'
Income from continuing operations	$0.54	$0.77	$2.94	$1.99
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	'	'	'	'
Net income	$0.54	$0.77	$2.94	$1.99
Net earnings per diluted share:	'	'	'	'
Income from continuing operations	$0.53	$0.75	$2.87	$1.95
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	'	'	'	'
Net income	$0.53	$0.75	$2.87	$1.95

Earnings_Per_Share_Summary_of_

Earnings Per Share - Summary of Anti-dilutive Securities Excluded From Computation of Weighted Average Common Stock Equivalents (Detail)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'
Total anti-dilutive securities	6,272	37
Restricted Stock Awards [Member]	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'
Total anti-dilutive securities	14	'
Equity Option [Member]	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'
Total anti-dilutive securities	'	37
Convertible Debt Investment [Member]	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'
Total anti-dilutive securities	3,129	'
Warrant [Member]	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'
Total anti-dilutive securities	3,129	'

Earnings_Per_Share_Additional_

Earnings Per Share - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Feb. 28, 2014
Accelerated Share Repurchases [Line Items]	'	'	'
Stock repurchase program settled amount	'	($45,092,000)	'
February 2014 Share Repurchase Program [Member]	'	'	'
Accelerated Share Repurchases [Line Items]	'	'	'
Share repurchase authorized amount	'	'	50,000,000
Shares repurchased	567,790	725,640	'
Stock repurchase program settled amount	$35,600,000	$45,100,000	'

Financing_Arrangements_Summary

Financing Arrangements - Summary of Carrying Amounts of Debt (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Carrying amount	$361,119	$168,750
Current maturities of debt	-27,500	-25,000
Long term debt, net of current portion	333,619	143,750
1.25% Convertible Senior Notes Due 2019 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Carrying amount	211,119	'
Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Carrying amount	$150,000	$168,750

Financing_Arrangements_Additio

Financing Arrangements - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
Share data in Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Aggregate principal amount	$250,000,000	'
Debt instrument interest rate	1.25%	'
Number of common shares converted upon debt conversion for each $1000 principal amount	12.517	'
Principal amount of notes per conversion	1,000	'
Conversion price of convertible notes	$79.89	'
Optional right of debt instrument holders to convert debt instrument into cash, portion of principal amount	100.00%	'
Earliest conversion date	1-Jul-19	'
Concentration risk percentage	98.00%	'
Debt issuance costs	7,300,000	'
Liability Issuance costs	6,200,000	'
Equity Issuance costs	1,100,000	'
Aggregate amount for convertible hedge	42,125,000	'
Aggregate proceeds from the sale of warrants	23,625,000	'
Deferred tax liability	24,362,000	20,487,000
Aggregate principal amount	450,000,000	'
Period of revolving credit facility	'5 years	'
Period of term loan facility	'5 years	'
Aggregate amount of option available to increase the revolving credit facility	50,000,000	'
Percentage of other equity interests in domestic subsidiaries	100.00%	'
Percentage of other equity interests in foreign subsidiaries	65.00%	'
Percentage of Federal Funds Rate	0.50%	'
Percentage of Eurodollar Rate	1.00%	'
Maturity date	25-Sep-18	'
Borrowings outstanding under credit facility	150,000,000	168,800,000
Credit Agreement, dividends restriction amount	50,000,000	'
Percentage of cumulative consolidated net income	50.00%	'
Percentage of net cash proceeds from equity issuances	50.00%	'
Minimum fixed charge coverage ratio	2.25	'
Maximum leverage ratio	3	'
Minimum net worth amount	150,000,000	'
Actual fixed charge coverage ratio	4.77	'
Actual leverage ratio	1.13	'
Outstanding letters of credit	5,100,000	4,900,000
Unused borrowing capacity under Credit Agreement	242,400,000	'
Percentage of weighted average interest rate of borrowings	2.00%	2.00%
Minimum [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Conversion price of convertible notes	$79.89	'
Number of least trading days required within 30 consecutive trading days	'20 days	'
Percentage of applicable conversion price	130.00%	'
Number of consecutive trading days	'30 days	'
Maximum [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Conversion price of convertible notes	$97.12	'
Warrant [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Common stock purchased	3.1	'
Common stock price per share	$97.12	'
Aggregate proceeds from the sale of warrants	23,600,000	'
Convertible Notes [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Aggregate principal amount	250,000,000	'
Debt instrument maturity date	1-Oct-19	'
Effective interest rate of debt	4.84%	'
Remaining life of notes	'5 years	'
Deferred tax liability	15,400,000	'
Note Hedge [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Common stock purchased	3.1	'
Aggregate amount for convertible hedge	42,125,000	'
Deferred tax asset	16,500,000	'
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Aggregate principal amount	247,500,000	'
Term Loan Facility [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Aggregate principal amount	202,500,000	'
Borrowings outstanding under credit facility	150,000,000	'
Quarterly principal payment	6,300,000	'
Increase quarterly principal payment	7,500,000	'
Final payment	$40,000,000	'

Financing_Arrangements_Schedul

Financing Arrangements - Schedule of Notes (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Convertible Senior Notes [Line Items]	'	'
Proceeds	$250,000	'
Net carrying amount	361,119	168,750
Equity component	39,300	'
Convertible Notes [Member]	'	'
Convertible Senior Notes [Line Items]	'	'
Proceeds	250,000	'
Less: debt discount, net of amortization	-38,881	'
Net carrying amount	211,119	'
Equity component	$39,287	'

Financing_Arrangements_Summary1

Financing Arrangements - Summary of Interest Expense Recognized (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014
Schedule Of Interest Expense On Convertible Senior Notes [Abstract]	'
Contractual interest coupon	$182
Amortization of debt issuance costs	68
Amortization of debt discount	406
Total interest expense recognized	$656

Restructuring_Charges_Addition

Restructuring Charges - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended		3 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014
				Chicago New York and London Offices [Member]	London Office [Member]	London Office [Member]	Washington, D.C [Member]	Chicago London New York and Washington Dc [Member]
Restructuring Charges [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Pretax restructuring charge incurred	$233,000	$1,396,000	$596,000	$1,000,000	$200,000	$100,000	$600,000	'
Lease payments, net of estimated sublease income charges	'	'	'	600,000	'	'	'	'
Restructuring reserve related to accelerated depreciation	'	'	'	400,000	'	'	'	'
Restructuring charge liability	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$600,000

Derivative_Instruments_and_Hed2

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activity - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Apr. 04, 2013	30-May-12	Dec. 08, 2011
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Interest rate swap agreement, effective date	'	31-Mar-14	31-May-12	29-Feb-12	'	'	'
Interest rate swap agreement, end date	'	31-Aug-17	14-Apr-16	14-Apr-16	'	'	'
Duration of LIBOR	'	'1 month	'1 month	'1 month	'	'	'
Percentage of fixed rate	'	'	'	'	0.99%	0.70%	0.99%
Anticipated net losses, net of tax, currently recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss reclassified into earnings	$0.50	'	'	'	'	'	'
Interest rate swap [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Interest rate swap agreement for a notional amount	'	'	'	'	60	37	56.6
Percentage of debt effectively fixed by interest rate swaps	'	'	'	'	80.00%	'	'

Derivative_Instruments_and_Hed3

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activity - Fair Value Interest Rate Swaps Designated as Cash Flow Hedging Instruments (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Other non-current assets [Member]	'	'
Fair Value interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedging instruments	'	'
Fair Value (Derivative Asset and Liability)	$821	$752
Deferred compensation and other liabilities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedging instruments	'	'
Fair Value (Derivative Asset and Liability)	14	140
Accrued expenses [Member]	'	'
Fair Value interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedging instruments	'	'
Fair Value (Derivative Asset and Liability)	$757	$765

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru2

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis (Detail) (Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member], USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Asset/Liability	'	'
Assets, fair value	$15,312	$3,156
Liabilities, fair value	359	5,760
Promissory note [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Asset/Liability	'	'
Assets, fair value	2,153	2,726
Interest rate swap [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Asset/Liability	'	'
Assets, fair value	409	430
Liabilities, fair value	359	583
Convertible Debt Investment [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Asset/Liability	'	'
Assets, fair value	12,750	'
Contingent acquisition liability [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Asset/Liability	'	'
Liabilities, fair value	'	'
Deferred acquisition payment [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Asset/Liability	'	'
Liabilities, fair value	'	5,177
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Asset/Liability	'	'
Assets, fair value	'	'
Liabilities, fair value	'	'
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | Promissory note [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Asset/Liability	'	'
Assets, fair value	'	'
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | Interest rate swap [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Asset/Liability	'	'
Assets, fair value	'	'
Liabilities, fair value	'	'
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | Convertible Debt Investment [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Asset/Liability	'	'
Assets, fair value	'	'
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | Contingent acquisition liability [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Asset/Liability	'	'
Liabilities, fair value	'	'
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | Deferred acquisition payment [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Asset/Liability	'	'
Liabilities, fair value	'	'
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Asset/Liability	'	'
Assets, fair value	409	430
Liabilities, fair value	359	583
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Promissory note [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Asset/Liability	'	'
Assets, fair value	'	'
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Interest rate swap [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Asset/Liability	'	'
Assets, fair value	409	430
Liabilities, fair value	359	583
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Convertible Debt Investment [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Asset/Liability	'	'
Assets, fair value	0	'
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Contingent acquisition liability [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Asset/Liability	'	'
Liabilities, fair value	'	'
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Deferred acquisition payment [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Asset/Liability	'	'
Liabilities, fair value	'	'
Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Asset/Liability	'	'
Assets, fair value	14,903	2,726
Liabilities, fair value	'	5,177
Level 3 [Member] | Promissory note [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Asset/Liability	'	'
Assets, fair value	2,153	2,726
Level 3 [Member] | Interest rate swap [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Asset/Liability	'	'
Assets, fair value	'	'
Liabilities, fair value	0	'
Level 3 [Member] | Convertible Debt Investment [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Asset/Liability	'	'
Assets, fair value	12,750	'
Level 3 [Member] | Contingent acquisition liability [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Asset/Liability	'	'
Liabilities, fair value	'	'
Level 3 [Member] | Deferred acquisition payment [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Asset/Liability	'	'
Liabilities, fair value	'	$5,177

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru3

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended			9 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Aug. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 30, 2011
				Frankel Group Associates LLC [Member]	Frankel Group Associates LLC [Member]	Zero Coupon Convertible Notes [Member]	Zero Coupon Convertible Notes [Member]	Zero Coupon Convertible Notes [Member]	Promissory note [Member]	Promissory note [Member]
						Shorelight Holdings LLC [Member]	Shorelight Holdings LLC [Member]	Shorelight Holdings LLC [Member]
Fair Value of Financial Instruments [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Promissory note received for sale of Accounting Advisory	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$3,500,000
Promissory note payable period	'	'	'4 years	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Debt instrument maturity date	'	'	'	'	'	1-Jul-20	'	'	31-Dec-18	'
Discount rate used to measure fair value	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	17.00%	'
Investments in notes	12,750,000	12,750,000	'	'	'	'	12,500,000	10,000,000	'	'
Purchase of additional convertible notes	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,500,000	'	'	'
Unrealized gain (loss) on investments - debt and equity securities	300,000	300,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Contingent consideration related to business acquisitions	'	'	'	0	600,000	'	'	'	'	'
Aggregate principal amount	250,000,000	250,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Carrying value of equity component	$39,300,000	$39,300,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Closing price of common stock	$60.97	$60.97	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru4

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Summary of Carrying Amount and Estimated Fair Value of Convertible Notes (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Carrying Amounts And Estimated Fair Values Of Financial Instruments [Line Items]	'	'
Carrying amount	$361,119	$168,750
1.25% Convertible Senior Notes Due 2019 [Member]	'	'
Carrying Amounts And Estimated Fair Values Of Financial Instruments [Line Items]	'	'
Carrying amount	211,119	'
Estimated Fair Value	$241,563	'

Other_Comprehensive_Income_Los2

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Components of Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustment, before taxes	($1,127)	$1,019	($735)	$62
Unrealized gain on investment, before taxes	250	'	250	'
Change in fair value, before taxes	255	-549	-427	308
Reclassification adjustments into earnings, before taxes	246	142	630	421
Net unrealized gain (loss), before taxes	501	-407	203	729
Other comprehensive income (loss), before taxes	-376	612	-282	791
Foreign currency translation adjustment, tax (expense) benefit	'	6	'	57
Unrealized gain on investment, tax (expense) benefit	-98	'	-98	'
Change in fair value, tax (expense) benefit	-98	218	173	-122
Reclassification adjustments into earnings, tax (expense) benefit	-99	-56	-252	-168
Net unrealized gain (loss), tax (expense) benefit	-197	162	-79	-290
Other comprehensive income (loss), tax (expense) benefit	-295	168	-177	-233
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of taxes	-1,127	1,025	-735	119
Unrealized gain on investment, net of taxes	152	'	152	'
Change in fair value, net of taxes	157	-331	-254	186
Reclassification adjustments into earnings, net of taxes	147	86	378	253
Net unrealized gain (loss), net of taxes	304	-245	124	439
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes	($671)	$780	($459)	$558

Other_Comprehensive_Income_Los3

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net of Tax (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments, Beginning balance	'	'	($716)	'
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments, Current period change	-1,127	1,025	-735	119
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments, Ending balance	-1,451	'	-1,451	'
Net Unrealized Gain on Investment, Beginning balance	'	'	'	'
Net Unrealized Gain on Investment, Current period change	152	'	152	'
Net Unrealized Gain on Investment, Ending balance	152	'	152	'
Net Unrealized Losses on Derivatives, Beginning balance	'	'	-81	'
Net Unrealized Losses on Derivatives, Current period change	304	-245	124	439
Net Unrealized Losses on Derivatives, Ending balance	43	'	43	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Beginning balance	'	'	-797	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Current period change	-671	780	-459	558
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Ending balance	($1,256)	'	($1,256)	'

Income_Taxes_Additional_Inform

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Effective tax rates	36.80%	'	42.20%	28.40%	43.10%
Realizable income tax benefit from check-the-box election	'	'	'	$13.80	'
Net tax benefit recognized from check-the-box election	'	'	'	11.4	'
Unrecognized tax benefit from check-the-box election	2.4	'	'	2.4	'
Expense related to valuation allowance and deferred tax liability	'	$1.20	'	'	'

Commitments_Contingencies_and_1

Commitments, Contingencies and Guarantees - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended		0 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Aug. 22, 2013	Aug. 22, 2013
				Claim against damage on reputation and defamation [Member]	Claim against breach of contract [Member]
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Maximum amount of civil penalties per violation under the Federal False Claims Act	'	$11,000	'	'	'
Maximum amount of civil penalties per violation under the State False Claims Act	'	12,000	'	'	'
Alleged amount of outlier payments received	'	30,000,000	'	'	'
Litigation settlement gain (loss)	-1,200,000	'	'	'	'
Loss contingency damages sought value	'	300,000,000	'	50,000,000	50,000,000
Guarantees in the form of letters of credit	'	$5,100,000	$4,900,000	'	'

Segment_Information_Additional

Segment Information - Additional Information (Detail)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Number of operating segments	'	'	5	'	'
Customer Concentration Risk [Member] | Sales Revenue, Net [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Customer percentage of consolidated receivables and unbilled services or consolidated net sales revenue	10.00%	10.00%	10.00%	10.00%	'
Customer Concentration Risk [Member] | Combined Receivables and Unbilled Services Balances [Member] | Huron Healthcare [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Customer percentage of consolidated receivables and unbilled services or consolidated net sales revenue	'	'	'	'	14.00%
Number of clients with a balance greater than 10% of consolidated receivables and unbilled services	'	'	0	'	1
Customer Concentration Risk [Member] | Combined Receivables and Unbilled Services Balances [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Customer percentage of consolidated receivables and unbilled services or consolidated net sales revenue	10.00%	10.00%	10.00%	10.00%	10.00%

Segment_Information_Components

Segment Information - Components of Segment Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Components of Segment Information	'	'	'	'
Revenues	$198,049	$174,735	$618,185	$509,178
Reimbursable expenses	18,679	17,542	58,923	51,001
Total revenues and reimbursable expenses	216,728	192,277	677,108	560,179
Operating income (loss)	21,277	31,119	97,119	83,011
Depreciation and amortization expense	6,315	4,968	18,638	14,624
Other expense, net	1,932	1,427	4,552	5,135
Income from continuing operations before income tax expense	19,345	29,692	92,567	77,876
Operating Segments [Member]	'	'	'	'
Components of Segment Information	'	'	'	'
Revenues	198,049	174,735	618,185	509,178
Reimbursable expenses	18,679	17,542	58,923	51,001
Total revenues and reimbursable expenses	216,728	192,277	677,108	560,179
Operating income (loss)	51,877	54,062	194,636	156,275
Operating Segments [Member] | Huron Healthcare [Member]	'	'	'	'
Components of Segment Information	'	'	'	'
Revenues	97,812	86,957	306,327	244,648
Operating income (loss)	27,727	30,772	117,422	91,440
Segment operating income as a percentage of segment revenues	28.30%	35.40%	38.30%	37.40%
Operating Segments [Member] | Huron Legal [Member]	'	'	'	'
Components of Segment Information	'	'	'	'
Revenues	46,146	45,263	154,417	131,296
Operating income (loss)	10,949	15,138	39,227	28,869
Segment operating income as a percentage of segment revenues	23.70%	33.40%	25.40%	22.00%
Operating Segments [Member] | Huron Education and Life Sciences [Member]	'	'	'	'
Components of Segment Information	'	'	'	'
Revenues	36,523	34,806	107,846	107,666
Operating income (loss)	9,459	7,773	27,539	28,672
Segment operating income as a percentage of segment revenues	25.90%	22.30%	25.50%	26.60%
Operating Segments [Member] | Huron Business Advisory [Member]	'	'	'	'
Components of Segment Information	'	'	'	'
Revenues	17,142	7,223	47,098	25,068
Operating income (loss)	4,397	664	12,081	7,995
Segment operating income as a percentage of segment revenues	25.70%	9.20%	25.70%	31.90%
Operating Segments [Member] | All Other [Member]	'	'	'	'
Components of Segment Information	'	'	'	'
Revenues	426	486	2,497	500
Operating income (loss)	-655	-285	-1,633	-701
Segment operating income as a percentage of segment revenues	'	'	'	'
Segment Reconciling Items [Member]	'	'	'	'
Components of Segment Information	'	'	'	'
Other operating expenses and gains	24,285	17,975	78,879	58,640
Depreciation and amortization expense	6,315	4,968	18,638	14,624
Other expense, net	$1,932	$1,427	$4,552	$5,135

Segment_Information_Segment_As

Segment Information - Segment Assets (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Segment Assets:	'	'
Total assets	$1,130,562	$885,600
Segment Reconciling Items [Member]	'	'
Segment Assets:	'	'
Total assets	934,276	706,661
Huron Healthcare [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]	'	'
Segment Assets:	'	'
Total assets	103,586	95,900
Huron Legal [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]	'	'
Segment Assets:	'	'
Total assets	42,226	42,190
Huron Education and Life Sciences [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]	'	'
Segment Assets:	'	'
Total assets	28,149	22,783
Huron Business Advisory [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]	'	'
Segment Assets:	'	'
Total assets	21,695	17,809
All Other [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]	'	'
Segment Assets:	'	'
Total assets	$630	$257