CDI 10-Q 7 May 15 2015 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_And_Entity_Informatio

Document And Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	1-May-15
Document and Entity Information
Entity Registrant Name	CDI CORP
Entity Central Index Key	18396
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	31-Mar-15
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Common Class A [Member]
Document and Entity Information
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		19,645,679
Common Class B [Member]
Document and Entity Information
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		0

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$28,127	$36,324
Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $2,010 and $1,950	227,669	219,578
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	14,606	8,302
Prepaid income taxes	1,287	753
Deferred income taxes	3,666	4,138
Total current assets	275,355	269,095
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $88,166 and $86,813	19,588	20,350
Deferred income taxes	8,729	9,203
Goodwill	49,988	50,630
Other intangible assets, net	12,116	12,424
Other non-current assets	9,943	10,518
Total assets	375,719	372,220
Current liabilities:
Short-term borrowings	2,971	1,250
Accounts payable	27,304	30,071
Accrued compensation and related expenses	50,888	36,005
Other accrued expenses and other current liabilities	11,818	14,502
Income taxes payable	1,138	1,015
Total current liabilities	94,119	82,843
Deferred compensation	8,617	9,094
Deferred income tax	989	1,034
Other non-current liabilities	4,654	4,896
Total liabilities	108,379	97,867
Commitments and contingencies
Equity:
Preferred stock, $0.10 par value - authorized 1,000 shares; none issued	0	0
Common stock	2,211	2,208
Additional paid-in-capital	72,474	72,023
Retained earnings	256,029	258,113
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	-10,887	-6,207
Common stock in treasury, at cost - 2,463 shares	-52,487	-52,487
Total CDI shareholders' equity	267,340	273,650
Noncontrolling interest	0	703
Total equity	267,340	274,353
Total liabilities and equity	375,719	372,220
Common Class B [Member]
Equity:
Common stock	$0	$0

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Accounts receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts	$2,010	$1,950
Property and equipment depreciation	$88,166	$86,813
Preferred stock, par value	$0.10	$0.10
Preferred stock, shares authorized	1,000,000	1,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Common stock, par value	$0.10	$0.10
Common stock, shares authorized	100,000,000	100,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	22,108,000	22,084,000
Treasury stock, shares	2,462,758	2,462,758
Common Class B [Member]
Common stock, par value	$0.10	$0.10
Common stock, shares authorized	3,175,000	3,175,000
Common stock, shares issued	0	0

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Ope

Consolidated Statements Of Operations (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Income Statement [Abstract]
Revenue	$257,458	$276,272
Cost of services	210,688	225,509
Gross profit	46,770	50,763
Operating and administrative expenses	45,273	45,708
Restructuring Charges	47	370
Loss on disposition	310	0
Operating profit	1,140	4,685
Other income (expense), net	13	-82
Income before income taxes	1,153	4,603
Income tax expense	766	2,562
Net income	387	2,041
Less: Income attributable to the noncontrolling interest	-83	4
Net income attributable to CDI	$470	$2,037
Earnings per common share:
Basic (per share)	$0.02	$0.10
Diluted (per share)	$0.02	$0.10

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Net income	$387	$2,041
Other comprehensive income:
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment	-4,944	-1,325
Reclassification foreign currency translation adjustment	362	0
Total comprehensive income	-4,195	716
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to the noncontrolling interest	15	4
Total comprehensive income attributable to CDI	($4,210)	$712

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Cas

Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Operating activities:
Net income	$387	$2,041
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities:
Depreciation	2,254	2,316
Amortization	308	374
Deferred income taxes	934	1,905
Stock-based compensation	537	575
Loss on disposition	310	0
(Gain) Loss on disposal of assets, net	48	-1
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable, net	-14,669	-38,258
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	-5,660	-5,763
Accounts payable	-1,127	-7,114
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	12,940	2,703
Income taxes prepaid/payable	-809	387
Other non-current assets	332	274
Deferred compensation	1	-35
Other non-current liabilities	-432	-157
Net cash used in operating activities	-4,646	-40,753
Investing activities:
Additions to property and equipment	-1,808	-2,296
Other	0	46
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities	-1,808	-2,250
Financing activities:
Dividends paid to shareholders	-2,554	-2,536
Borrowings on credit facility	5,813	34,130
Repayments on credit facility	-3,972	-26,655
Common shares withheld for taxes	-257	-361
Change in book overdraft	0	-1,054
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation awards	53	101
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities	-917	3,625
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-826	56
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	-8,197	-39,322
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	28,127	6,157
Cash paid for interest	37	33
Cash paid for income taxes, net	$554	$112

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Sha

Consolidated Statements Of Shareholders' Equity (USD $)	Total	Common Stock	Treasury Stock	Additional Paid-In-Capital	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Total CDI Shareholders' Equity	Non-Controlling Interest
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2013	$285,174	$2,196	($52,487)	$70,104	$265,207	($712)	$284,308	$866
Beginning balance (shares) at Dec. 31, 2013		21,958
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income attributable to CDI	2,037				2,037		2,037
Net income	2,041							4
Translation adjustments	-1,325					-1,325	-1,325	0
Share-based compensation expense	575			575			575
Reclassification of equity awards from liabilities, net	115			115			115
Vesting of equity awards (shares)		59
Vesting of equity awards	0	6		-6			0
Common shares withheld for taxes (shares)		-20
Common shares withheld for taxes	-361	-2		-359			-361
Cash dividends paid	-2,536				-2,536		-2,536
Ending balance at Mar. 31, 2014	283,683	2,200	-52,487	70,429	264,708	-2,037	282,813	870
Ending balance (shares) at Mar. 31, 2014		21,997
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2014	274,353	2,208	-52,487	72,023	258,113	-6,207	273,650	703
Beginning balance (shares) at Dec. 31, 2014		22,084
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income attributable to CDI	470						470
Net income	387							-83
Translation adjustments	-4,582					-4,680	-4,680	98
Share-based compensation expense	537			537			537
Reclassification of equity awards from liabilities, net	174			174			174
Vesting of equity awards (shares)		39
Vesting of equity awards	0	4		-4			0
Common shares withheld for taxes (shares)		-15
Common shares withheld for taxes	-257	-1		-256			-257
Disposition of controlling interest	-718							-718
Cash dividends paid	-2,554				-2,554		-2,554
Ending balance at Mar. 31, 2015	$267,340	$2,211	($52,487)	$72,474	$256,029	($10,887)	$267,340	$0
Ending balance (shares) at Mar. 31, 2015		22,108

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Sha1

Consolidated Statements Of Shareholders' Equity (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Cash dividends declared	$0.13	$0.13

Business

Business	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Business	Business
	CDI Corp. and its subsidiaries (the “Company” or “CDI”) provide customer-focused engineering, information technology and staffing solutions. The Company's customers operate in a variety of industries, ranging from Oil, Gas and Chemical to Aerospace and Industrial Equipment, and High Technology, and include corporate, federal, state and municipal entities.  The Company serves customers through offices and delivery centers in the United States (U.S.), Canada and the United Kingdom (UK).  The Company also provides staffing services through its global MRINetwork® of franchisees.

Principles_of_Consolidation_an

Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation	Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation
	Principles of Consolidation - The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of CDI Corp. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.
	Basis of Presentation - The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements include all adjustments (consisting only of normal, recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair presentation of financial position, results of operations and cash flows in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (GAAP), the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for interim financial reporting. These statements should be read in conjunction with the Company's Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 5, 2015. Results for the three months ended March 31, 2015 are not necessarily indicative of results that may be expected for the full year.

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	Use of Estimates - The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts disclosed in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Estimates, by their nature, are based on judgment and available information. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates.
	Significant estimates inherent in the preparation of the accompanying consolidated financial statements include the assumptions used in the determination of the allowance for doubtful accounts receivable, impairment assessment of goodwill, determination of the recoverability of long-lived assets, assessment of legal contingencies and calculation of income taxes.
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2014-09 (Topic 606) Revenue from Contracts with Customers (ASU 2014-09). ASU 2014-09 supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in Topic 605, Revenue Recognition, and most industry-specific revenue guidance in addition to some cost guidance. ASU 2014-09 establishes a five-step model under the core principle that an entity 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. The guidance is effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2017 and the Company may apply this guidance using either a full retrospective approach, subject to certain practical expedients, or a modified retrospective approach with a cumulative effect adjustment as of the date of initial application. On April 1, 2015, the FASB proposed a one-year deferral of the effective date that, if approved, would allow the Company to defer the effective date to January 1, 2018 but still permit the Company to adopt the standard as of the original effective date. The Company has not yet selected a transition method nor has it determined the impact that adoption of this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements.
	In April 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 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 (ASU 2014-08). The standard raises the threshold for a disposal to qualify as a discontinued operation and requires new disclosures of both discontinued operations and certain other disposals that do not meet the definition of a discontinued operation. ASU 2014-08 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning on or after December 15, 2014. The Company's adoption of ASU 2014-08 effective January 1, 2015 did not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
	In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-02, Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis (ASU 2015-02). The standard changes the way reporting enterprises evaluate whether (a) they should consolidate limited partnerships and similar entities, (b) fees paid to a decision maker or service provider are variable interests in a variable interest entity (VIE), and (c) variable interests in a VIE held by related parties of the reporting enterprise require the reporting enterprise to consolidate the VIE. The guidance is effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2017. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is evaluating the impact that adoption of this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements.
	In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs, which requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. This ASU requires retrospective adoption and will be effective for us beginning in our first quarter of 2017. Early adoption is permitted. The Company does not anticipate that the adoption of this guidance will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

Fair_Value_Disclosures

Fair Value Disclosures	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Disclosures	Fair Value Disclosures
	The Company maintains a non-qualified Deferred Compensation Plan for highly compensated employees. The assets of the plan are held in the name of CDI at a third-party financial institution. Separate accounts are maintained for each participant to reflect the amounts deferred by the participant and all earnings and losses on those deferred amounts. The assets of the plan are held in publicly traded mutual funds. The fair value of the plan assets is calculated using the market price of the mutual funds as of the end of the period.
	The following tables summarize the assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis by level of the fair value hierarchy for the indicated periods:
					Fair Value Measurements as of March 31, 2015 Using
			Fair Value Measurements at March 31, 2015		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets		Significant Other Observable Inputs		Significant Unobservable Inputs
	Description				(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
	Mutual funds:
	Bond		$	1,710	$	1,710	$	—	$	—
	Large cap		2,739		2,739		—		—
	International		1,441		1,441		—		—
	Mid cap		604		604		—		—
	Small cap		483		483		—		—
	Balanced		353		353		—		—
	Money market funds		1,247		1,247		—		—
	Total assets (1)		$	8,577	$	8,577	$	—	$	—
	(1)	As of March 31, 2015, $0.8 million and $7.8 million are included in “Prepaid expenses and other current assets” (liability offset in “Other accrued expenses and other current liabilities”) and “Other non-current assets” (liability offset in “Deferred compensation”), respectively, in the consolidated balance sheets reflecting the non-qualified Deferred Compensation Plan assets.
					Fair Value Measurements as of December 31, 2014 Using
			Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2014		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets		Significant Other Observable Inputs		Significant Unobservable Inputs
	Description				(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
	Mutual funds:
	Bond		$	1,879	$	1,879	$	—	$	—
	Large cap		2,852		2,852		—		—
	International		1,405		1,405		—		—
	Mid cap		606		606		—		—
	Small cap		470		470		—		—
	Balanced		339		339		—		—
	Money market funds		1,235		1,235		—		—
	Total assets (1)		$	8,786	$	8,786	$	—	$	—
	(1)	As of December 31, 2014, $0.7 million and $8.1 million are included in “Prepaid expenses and other current assets” (liability offset in “Other accrued expenses and other current liabilities”) and “Other non-current assets” (liability offset in “Deferred compensation”), respectively, in the consolidated balance sheets reflecting the non-qualified Deferred Compensation Plan assets.

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
	The following table summarizes the changes in the Company's carrying value of goodwill by reporting segment for the indicated periods:
		December 31, 2014										March 31, 2015
		Gross		Accumulated Impairment Losses			Additions		Translation and Other Adjustments			Gross		Accumulated Impairment Losses
		Balance										Balance
	GETS	$	35,713	$	(11,051	)	$	—	$	—		$	35,713	$	(11,051	)
	PSS	44,298		(27,904		)	—		(525		)	41,729		(25,860		)
	MRI	16,240		(6,666		)	—		(117		)	15,798		(6,341		)
	Total goodwill	$	96,251	$	(45,621	)	$	—	$	(642	)	$	93,240	$	(43,252	)
	The Company performs its annual assessment for impairment of goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets as of July 1 of each fiscal year. The Company performed its annual assessment as of July 1, 2014 and determined there was no impairment. As a result of its annual assessment, the Company identified the following reporting units with fair values that were not substantially in excess of their carrying values: PSS EMEA, GETS Infrastructure and GETS Aerospace and Industrial Equipment (GETS AIE). The Company performs an assessment for impairment of goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible whenever events or circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit or indefinite-lived intangible asset is below its carrying value.
	During the fourth quarter of 2014, the Company recorded a $10.9 million impairment of goodwill in the Company’s GETS Infrastructure reporting unit. The goodwill impairment charge was based on the implied fair value measured as the difference between the fair value of the reporting unit and the fair value of the identified net assets.
	During the fourth quarter of 2014, the Company recorded a $1.2 million charge for the impairment of definite-lived intangibles assets in the Company's data acquisition and analysis systems business within the GETS AIE reporting unit.
	The Company believes it has made reasonable estimates and used reasonable assumptions to calculate the fair value of its reporting units and indefinite-lived intangible assets. If actual future results are not consistent with management's estimates and assumptions, the Company may have to take additional impairment charges in the future.
	The following tables summarize the changes in the Company's carrying value of other intangible assets during the indicated periods:
		December 31, 2014										March 31, 2015
		Gross		Accumulated Amortization			Additions		Amortization			Gross		Accumulated Amortization
		Balance										Balance
	Intangible assets subject to amortization:
	Customer relationships	$	10,300	$	(5,047	)	$	—	$	(191	)	$	10,300	$	(5,238	)
	Trademarks	5,100		(680		)	—		(85		)	5,100		(765		)
	Developed technology	—		—			—					—		—
	Non-compete	150		(135		)	—		(8		)	150		(143		)
	Reacquired franchise rights	972		(401		)	—		(24		)	972		(425		)
	Total intangible assets subject to amortization	16,522		(6,263		)	—		(308		)	16,522		(6,571		)
	Indefinite-lived intangible assets:
	Trademarks	2,165		—			—		—			2,165		—
	Total other intangible assets	$	18,687	$	(6,263	)	$	—	$	(308	)	$	18,687	$	(6,571	)

Disposition

Disposition	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Disposition	Disposition
	On March 20, 2015, the Company completed the sale of its 67% interest in CDI-Pycopsa Ingeniería y Construcción, S. de R.L. de C.V. (“CDI-Pycopsa”), a Mexico-based engineering design company that is reported in the GETS reporting segment. CDI-Pycopsa does not meet the criteria to be reported as discontinued operations under ASU 2014-08, which was adopted by the Company on January 1, 2015. Accordingly, CDI-Pycopsa's results are reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Operations within continuing operations. Excluding the $0.3 million loss on disposition, CDI-Pycopsa's pretax results attributable to CDI were not material for three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Restructuring_and_Other_Relate

Restructuring and Other Related Costs	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring and Other Related Costs	Restructuring and Other Related Costs
	In December 2014, the Company approved a restructuring plan (the “2014 Restructuring Plan”) to optimize its operations and facility footprint. The 2014 Restructuring Plan included a workforce reduction and the consolidation of facilities and is expected to be completed during 2015. Substantially all remaining payments are expected to be made during 2015 with certain payments related to the consolidation of facilities expected through 2019. Additional charges of approximately $0.3 million to $1.7 million are expected to be recognized during 2015 primarily related to the consolidation of facilities, which charges include estimates for remaining lease obligations less sub-lease proceeds, facility relocation and related costs.
	In December 2013, the Company announced that it would undertake a corporate restructuring in the first quarter of 2014 (the “2013 Restructuring Plan”) to improve operational effectiveness and further optimize the Company's cost structure. The 2013 Restructuring Plan included a workforce reduction and the consolidation of facilities and was substantially completed by June 30, 2014. Substantially all payments were made in 2014, with certain payments related to the consolidation of facilities expected through 2019.
	The following table summarizes the provision, activity and balances related to the Restructuring Plans by cost type for the indicated periods:
		Employee severance and related costs			Real estate exit and related costs			Asset write-offs			Accrued restructuring liability
	Balance as of December 31, 2013	$	4,568		$	769		$	—		$	5,337
	Cash payments	(1,169		)	(88		)	—
	Charges	37			303			30
	Non-cash	—			—			(30		)
	Balance as of March 31, 2014	$	3,436		$	984		$	—		$	4,420
	Balance as of December 31, 2014	$	2,031		$	2,600		$	—		$	4,631
	Cash payments	(907		)	(293		)	—
	Charges	—			33			14
	Non-cash	—			—			(14		)
	Balance as of March 31, 2015	$	1,124		$	2,340		$	—		$	3,464
	The consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 include $2.5 million and $3.4 million in “Other accrued expenses and other current liabilities”, and $1.0 million and $1.2 million in "Other non-current liabilities", respectively.

ShortTerm_Borrowings

Short-Term Borrowings	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Short-term Debt [Abstract]
Short-term Debt [Text Block]	Short-Term Borrowings
	On November 30, 2012, CDI Corp., its direct wholly-owned subsidiary, CDI Corporation, and its indirect subsidiary, CDI AndersElite Limited (each a “Borrower”), entered into a Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with Bank of America, N.A. (the “Bank”). The Credit Agreement established a $75.0 million revolving line of credit facility (including a $5.0 million UK overdraft facility) that expires on November 29, 2017. The Company intends to repay outstanding borrowings under the Credit Agreement as of March 31, 2015 during the next twelve months and as a result has recorded these borrowings in "Short-term borrowings" in the consolidated balance sheets. Borrowings under this line of credit may be used by the Company and the other Borrowers for general business purposes or for letters of credit.
	As of March 31, 2015, the Company had outstanding borrowings of $3.0 million, letters of credit outstanding of $3.2 million and $68.8 million available to borrow under the Credit Agreement. The Company was in compliance with all covenants under the Credit Agreement as of March 31, 2015. Interest was payable at a rate of 1.81% per annum for outstanding borrowings as of March 31, 2015. As of March 31, 2015, the Company had an unsecured $0.4 million letter of credit outstanding under an agreement with TD Bank, N.A. that expires on July 1, 2015.
	As of December 31, 2014, the Company had outstanding borrowings of $1.3 million, letters of credit outstanding of $3.2 million and $70.5 million available to borrow under the Credit Agreement. The Company was in compliance with all covenants under the Credit Agreement as of December 31, 2014. As of December 31, 2014, the Company had an unsecured $0.4 million letter of credit outstanding under an agreement with TD Bank, N.A.

Basic_and_Diluted_Earnings_Per

Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share (bEPSb) Data	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Abstract]
Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share (bEPSb) Data	Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share (EPS) Data
	The following table reconciles the denominator used to compute basic EPS to the denominator used to compute diluted EPS for the indicated periods:
		Three months ended
		March 31,
		2015		2014
	Numerator:
	Net income attributable to CDI	$	470	$	2,037
	Denominator:
	Basic weighted-average shares	19,634		19,507
	Dilutive effect of share-based awards	228		296
	Diluted weighted-average shares	19,862		19,803
	Earnings per common share:
	Basic	$	0.02	$	0.1
	Diluted	$	0.02	$	0.1
	There were 142 thousand shares and 405 thousand shares excluded from the computation of EPS for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies
	Legal Proceedings
	The Company is subject to various legal proceedings and claims that have arisen in the ordinary course of business. The Company records a liability when it is both probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. Although management cannot predict the timing or outcome of these matters with certainty, management does not believe that the final resolution of these matters, individually or in the aggregate, would have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes
	The Company calculates an effective income tax rate each quarter using the estimated annual effective rate method based upon forecasted annual income by jurisdiction, statutory tax rates and other tax-related items. The impact of discrete items is recognized in the interim period in which they occur. Discrete items and the mix of domestic and foreign pre-tax income and losses with no tax benefit may significantly impact the interim period income tax provision and increase the volatility of the interim period effective tax rate at low levels of pre-tax income.
	The effective tax rates for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 were 66.4% and 55.7%, respectively. During the three months ended March 31, 2014, the Company recorded a $0.5 million charge for the write-off of deferred tax assets related to the forfeiture of the outstanding equity awards due to the separation of the Company's former CEO.

Reporting_Segments

Reporting Segments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Reporting Segments	Reporting Segments
	The Company has the following three reporting segments:
	•	Global Engineering and Technology Solutions (GETS) - GETS provides for its customers engineering and information technology solutions that involve principally the production of deliverable work products or services performed at a CDI facility or at a customer's facility under the supervision of CDI personnel. These solutions typically include analysis of a customer's engineering or information technology needs and the development of a solution that generally ranges in duration from several months to multiple years. Depending on the industry, engineering services can include feasibility studies, architectural and structural designs, technology assessments, conceptual designs, pricing studies, preliminary designs, execution planning, procurement optimization, detailed designs, testing and validations of regulatory compliance, technology integration and operating and maintenance support. Information technology services can include assessments, execution of business application services, web development, service-desk support, quality assurance and testing and program management. GETS provides these solutions through a delivery model consisting of: centers of excellence, with concentrated skill sets required for larger, more complex projects; regional centers to service local needs of customers; and customer-centered offices to deliver site-specific services.
	•	Professional Staffing Services (PSS) - PSS provides skilled technical and professional personnel to its customers for discrete periods of time to augment the customer's workforce in times of project, seasonal, peak period or business cycle needs. These engagements can range from several months to multiple years in duration. PSS also provides permanent placement services and professional staffing services to targeted industries that include managed services and managed staffing programs, and functional staffing outsourcing.
	•	Management Recruiters International (MRI) - MRI is a global franchisor that does business as MRINetwork® and provides the use of its trademarks, business systems and training and support services to its franchisees who engage in the search and recruitment of executive, technical, professional and managerial personnel for employment by their customers. The MRI franchisees provide permanent placement services primarily under the brand names Management Recruiters®, Sales Consultants® and OfficeMates 5®. MRI also provides training and support, implementation services and back-office services to enable franchisees to pursue contract staffing opportunities.
	For purposes of performance measurement, the Company charges certain expenses directly attributable to the reporting segments and allocates certain other expenses and support costs. Support costs consist principally of employee benefits administration, accounting support, IT services and shared service center costs. Operating and administrative expenses that are not directly attributable to the reporting segments are classified as corporate. Identifiable assets of the reporting segments exclude corporate assets. Corporate assets consist principally of all cash and cash equivalents, all current and deferred income tax assets, and certain corporate assets not directly associated with the reporting segments including certain property and equipment and certain prepaid expenses and other current assets and certain other non-current assets.
	Reporting segment operations data is presented in the following table for the indicated periods:
			Three Months Ended
			March 31,
			2015				2014
	Revenue:
	GETS		$	82,521			$	82,254
	PSS		161,426				180,139
	MRI		13,511				13,879
	Total revenue		$	257,458			$	276,272
	Gross profit:
	GETS		$	20,942			$	22,400
	PSS		19,259				21,946
	MRI		6,569				6,417
	Total gross profit		$	46,770			$	50,763
	Operating profit:
	GETS (1), (2)		$	348			$	1,556
	PSS (1)		4,156				6,145
	MRI		1,456				1,260
	Corporate (3)		(4,820		)		(4,276		)
	Total operating profit		1,140				4,685
	Other income (expense), net		13				(82		)
	Income before income taxes		$	1,153			$	4,603
	(1)	The following table summarizes the amount of restructuring and other related costs recognized by reporting segment for the indicated periods:
			Three Months Ended
			March 31,
			2015				2014
	GETS		$	—			$	333
	PSS		47				37
	MRI		—				—
	Corporate		—				—
	Restructuring and other related costs		$	47			$	370
	(2)	In the first quarter of 2014, the Company's GETS segment recorded a charge of $0.3 million related to the loss on disposition of the Company's controlling interest in a Mexico-based engineering design company.
	(3)	In the first quarter of 2014, the Company recorded an aggregate $0.9 million after tax charge related to the separation of the former CEO that is comprised of a $0.7 million pre-tax charge ($0.4 million after tax) to operations associated with the former CEO's separation arrangement and an additional $0.5 million charge to income tax expense for the write-off of deferred tax assets related to the forfeiture of equity awards.
	Inter-segment activity is not significant; therefore, revenue reported for each operating segment is substantially from external customers.
	Reporting segment asset data is presented in the following table for the indicated periods:
		March 31,				December 31,
		2015				2014
	Assets:
	GETS	$	120,552			$	120,223
	PSS	166,596				159,774
	MRI	23,260				23,539
	Corporate	65,311				68,684
	Total assets	$	375,719			$	372,220

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Principles of Consolidation	Principles of Consolidation - The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of CDI Corp. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation - The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements include all adjustments (consisting only of normal, recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair presentation of financial position, results of operations and cash flows in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (GAAP), the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for interim financial reporting. These statements should be read in conjunction with the Company's Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 5, 2015. Results for the three months ended March 31, 2015 are not necessarily indicative of results that may be expected for the full year.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates - The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts disclosed in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Estimates, by their nature, are based on judgment and available information. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates.
	Significant estimates inherent in the preparation of the accompanying consolidated financial statements include the assumptions used in the determination of the allowance for doubtful accounts receivable, impairment assessment of goodwill, determination of the recoverability of long-lived assets, assessment of legal contingencies and calculation of income taxes.

Fair_Value_Disclosures_Tables

Fair Value Disclosures (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis	The following tables summarize the assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis by level of the fair value hierarchy for the indicated periods:
					Fair Value Measurements as of March 31, 2015 Using
			Fair Value Measurements at March 31, 2015		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets		Significant Other Observable Inputs		Significant Unobservable Inputs
	Description				(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
	Mutual funds:
	Bond		$	1,710	$	1,710	$	—	$	—
	Large cap		2,739		2,739		—		—
	International		1,441		1,441		—		—
	Mid cap		604		604		—		—
	Small cap		483		483		—		—
	Balanced		353		353		—		—
	Money market funds		1,247		1,247		—		—
	Total assets (1)		$	8,577	$	8,577	$	—	$	—
	(1)	As of March 31, 2015, $0.8 million and $7.8 million are included in “Prepaid expenses and other current assets” (liability offset in “Other accrued expenses and other current liabilities”) and “Other non-current assets” (liability offset in “Deferred compensation”), respectively, in the consolidated balance sheets reflecting the non-qualified Deferred Compensation Plan assets.
					Fair Value Measurements as of December 31, 2014 Using
			Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2014		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets		Significant Other Observable Inputs		Significant Unobservable Inputs
	Description				(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
	Mutual funds:
	Bond		$	1,879	$	1,879	$	—	$	—
	Large cap		2,852		2,852		—		—
	International		1,405		1,405		—		—
	Mid cap		606		606		—		—
	Small cap		470		470		—		—
	Balanced		339		339		—		—
	Money market funds		1,235		1,235		—		—
	Total assets (1)		$	8,786	$	8,786	$	—	$	—
	(1)	As of December 31, 2014, $0.7 million and $8.1 million are included in “Prepaid expenses and other current assets” (liability offset in “Other accrued expenses and other current liabilities”) and “Other non-current assets” (liability offset in “Deferred compensation”), respectively, in the consolidated balance sheets reflecting the non-qualified Deferred Compensation Plan assets.

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_1

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Goodwill	The following table summarizes the changes in the Company's carrying value of goodwill by reporting segment for the indicated periods:
		December 31, 2014										March 31, 2015
		Gross		Accumulated Impairment Losses			Additions		Translation and Other Adjustments			Gross		Accumulated Impairment Losses
		Balance										Balance
	GETS	$	35,713	$	(11,051	)	$	—	$	—		$	35,713	$	(11,051	)
	PSS	44,298		(27,904		)	—		(525		)	41,729		(25,860		)
	MRI	16,240		(6,666		)	—		(117		)	15,798		(6,341		)
	Total goodwill	$	96,251	$	(45,621	)	$	—	$	(642	)	$	93,240	$	(43,252	)
Other Intangible Assets	The following tables summarize the changes in the Company's carrying value of other intangible assets during the indicated periods:
		December 31, 2014										March 31, 2015
		Gross		Accumulated Amortization			Additions		Amortization			Gross		Accumulated Amortization
		Balance										Balance
	Intangible assets subject to amortization:
	Customer relationships	$	10,300	$	(5,047	)	$	—	$	(191	)	$	10,300	$	(5,238	)
	Trademarks	5,100		(680		)	—		(85		)	5,100		(765		)
	Developed technology	—		—			—					—		—
	Non-compete	150		(135		)	—		(8		)	150		(143		)
	Reacquired franchise rights	972		(401		)	—		(24		)	972		(425		)
	Total intangible assets subject to amortization	16,522		(6,263		)	—		(308		)	16,522		(6,571		)
	Indefinite-lived intangible assets:
	Trademarks	2,165		—			—		—			2,165		—
	Total other intangible assets	$	18,687	$	(6,263	)	$	—	$	(308	)	$	18,687	$	(6,571	)

Restructuring_and_Other_Relate1

Restructuring and Other Related Costs (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs
		Employee severance and related costs			Real estate exit and related costs			Asset write-offs			Accrued restructuring liability
	Balance as of December 31, 2013	$	4,568		$	769		$	—		$	5,337
	Cash payments	(1,169		)	(88		)	—
	Charges	37			303			30
	Non-cash	—			—			(30		)
	Balance as of March 31, 2014	$	3,436		$	984		$	—		$	4,420
	Balance as of December 31, 2014	$	2,031		$	2,600		$	—		$	4,631
	Cash payments	(907		)	(293		)	—
	Charges	—			33			14
	Non-cash	—			—			(14		)
	Balance as of March 31, 2015	$	1,124		$	2,340		$	—		$	3,464
	The consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 include $2.5 million and $3.4 million in “Other accrued expenses and other current liabilities”, and $1.0 million and $1.2 million in "Other non-current liabilities", respectively.

Basic_and_Diluted_Earnings_Per1

Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share (bEPSb) Data (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Abstract]
Schedule of Calculation of Numerator and Denominator in EPS	The following table reconciles the denominator used to compute basic EPS to the denominator used to compute diluted EPS for the indicated periods:
		Three months ended
		March 31,
		2015		2014
	Numerator:
	Net income attributable to CDI	$	470	$	2,037
	Denominator:
	Basic weighted-average shares	19,634		19,507
	Dilutive effect of share-based awards	228		296
	Diluted weighted-average shares	19,862		19,803
	Earnings per common share:
	Basic	$	0.02	$	0.1
	Diluted	$	0.02	$	0.1

Reporting_Segments_Tables

Reporting Segments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]	Reporting segment operations data is presented in the following table for the indicated periods:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2015			2014
	Revenue:
	GETS	$	82,521		$	82,254
	PSS	161,426			180,139
	MRI	13,511			13,879
	Total revenue	$	257,458		$	276,272
	Gross profit:
	GETS	$	20,942		$	22,400
	PSS	19,259			21,946
	MRI	6,569			6,417
	Total gross profit	$	46,770		$	50,763
	Operating profit:
	GETS (1), (2)	$	348		$	1,556
	PSS (1)	4,156			6,145
	MRI	1,456			1,260
	Corporate (3)	(4,820		)	(4,276		)
	Total operating profit	1,140			4,685
	Other income (expense), net	13			(82		)
	Income before income taxes	$	1,153		$	4,603

Fair_Value_Disclosures_Details

Fair Value Disclosures (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015		Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value, Concentration of Risk, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	$47,000		$370,000
Fair value of assets	8,577,000	[1]		8,786,000	[2]
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets [Member]
Fair Value, Concentration of Risk, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Deferred compensation plan assets	800,000			700,000
Other Non-Current Assets [Member]
Fair Value, Concentration of Risk, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Deferred compensation plan assets	7,800,000	[1]		8,100,000	[1]
Bond Mutual Fund [Member]
Fair Value, Concentration of Risk, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	1,710,000			1,879,000
Large Cap Mutual Fund [Member]
Fair Value, Concentration of Risk, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	2,739,000			2,852,000
International Mutual Fund [Member]
Fair Value, Concentration of Risk, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	1,441,000			1,405,000
Mid Cap Mutual Cap [Member]
Fair Value, Concentration of Risk, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	604,000			606,000
Small Cap Mutual Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Concentration of Risk, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	483,000			470,000
Balanced Mutual Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Concentration of Risk, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	353,000			339,000
Money Market Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Concentration of Risk, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	1,247,000			1,235,000
Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Concentration of Risk, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	8,577,000	[1]		8,786,000	[2]
Level 1 [Member] | Bond Mutual Fund [Member]
Fair Value, Concentration of Risk, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	1,710,000			1,879,000
Level 1 [Member] | Large Cap Mutual Fund [Member]
Fair Value, Concentration of Risk, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	2,739,000			2,852,000
Level 1 [Member] | International Mutual Fund [Member]
Fair Value, Concentration of Risk, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	1,441,000			1,405,000
Level 1 [Member] | Mid Cap Mutual Cap [Member]
Fair Value, Concentration of Risk, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	604,000			606,000
Level 1 [Member] | Small Cap Mutual Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Concentration of Risk, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	483,000			470,000
Level 1 [Member] | Balanced Mutual Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Concentration of Risk, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	353,000			339,000
Level 1 [Member] | Money Market Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Concentration of Risk, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	1,247,000			1,235,000
Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Concentration of Risk, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	0	[1]		0	[2]
Level 2 [Member] | Bond Mutual Fund [Member]
Fair Value, Concentration of Risk, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	0			0
Level 2 [Member] | Large Cap Mutual Fund [Member]
Fair Value, Concentration of Risk, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	0			0
Level 2 [Member] | International Mutual Fund [Member]
Fair Value, Concentration of Risk, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	0			0
Level 2 [Member] | Mid Cap Mutual Cap [Member]
Fair Value, Concentration of Risk, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	0			0
Level 2 [Member] | Small Cap Mutual Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Concentration of Risk, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	0			0
Level 2 [Member] | Balanced Mutual Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Concentration of Risk, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	0			0
Level 2 [Member] | Money Market Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Concentration of Risk, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	0			0
Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Concentration of Risk, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	0	[1]		0	[2]
Level 3 [Member] | Bond Mutual Fund [Member]
Fair Value, Concentration of Risk, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	0			0
Level 3 [Member] | Large Cap Mutual Fund [Member]
Fair Value, Concentration of Risk, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	0			0
Level 3 [Member] | International Mutual Fund [Member]
Fair Value, Concentration of Risk, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	0			0
Level 3 [Member] | Mid Cap Mutual Cap [Member]
Fair Value, Concentration of Risk, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	0			0
Level 3 [Member] | Small Cap Mutual Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Concentration of Risk, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	0			0
Level 3 [Member] | Balanced Mutual Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Concentration of Risk, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	0			0
Level 3 [Member] | Money Market Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Concentration of Risk, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	0			0
Employee Severance [Member]
Fair Value, Concentration of Risk, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Restructuring Reserve				2,031,000
Restructuring Charges	0		37,000
Restructuring Reserve, Settled without Cash	0		0
Employee Severance [Member] | Accrued Liabilities [Member]
Fair Value, Concentration of Risk, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Restructuring Reserve	1,124,000		3,436,000			4,568,000
Payments for Restructuring	-907,000		-1,169,000
Real estate exit and related costs
Fair Value, Concentration of Risk, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Restructuring Reserve				2,600,000
Restructuring Charges	33,000		303,000
Restructuring Reserve, Settled without Cash	0		0
Real estate exit and related costs | Accrued Liabilities [Member]
Fair Value, Concentration of Risk, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Restructuring Reserve	2,340,000		984,000			769,000
Payments for Restructuring	-293,000		-88,000
Asset Write-offs [Member]
Fair Value, Concentration of Risk, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Restructuring Reserve				0
Restructuring Charges	14,000		30,000
Restructuring Reserve, Settled without Cash	-14,000		-30,000
Accrued restructuring liability
Fair Value, Concentration of Risk, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Restructuring Reserve				4,631,000
Accrued restructuring liability | Accrued Liabilities [Member]
Fair Value, Concentration of Risk, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Restructuring Reserve	$3,464,000		$4,420,000			$5,337,000
[1]	As of MarchB 31, 2015, $0.8 million and $7.8 million are included in bPrepaid expenses and other current assetsb (liability offset in bOther accrued expenses and other current liabilitiesb) and bOther non-current assetsb (liability offset in bDeferred compensationb), respectively, in the consolidated balance sheets reflecting the non-qualified Deferred Compensation Plan assets.
[2]	(1)B As of December 31, 2014, $0.7 million and $8.1 million are included in bPrepaid expenses and other current assetsb (liability offset in bOther accrued expenses and other current liabilitiesb) and bOther non-current assetsb (liability offset in bDeferred compensationb), respectively, in the consolidated balance sheets reflecting the non-qualified Deferred Compensation Plan assets.

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_2

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill [Line Items]
Impairment of Intangible Assets, Finite-lived		$1,200,000
Goodwill	49,988,000	50,630,000
Indefinite-Lived Trademarks	2,165,000	2,165,000
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, Balance beginning of period	96,251,000
Accumulated Impairment Loss	-43,252,000	-45,621,000
Additions	0
Translation and purchase accounting djustments	-642,000
Goodwill, Balance end of period	93,240,000	96,251,000
GETS [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Impairment Loss		10,900,000
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, Balance beginning of period	35,713,000
Accumulated Impairment Loss	-11,051,000	-11,051,000
Additions	0
Translation and purchase accounting djustments	0
Goodwill, Balance end of period	35,713,000	35,713,000
PSS [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, Balance beginning of period	44,298,000
Accumulated Impairment Loss	-25,860,000	-27,904,000
Additions	0
Translation and purchase accounting djustments	-525,000
Goodwill, Balance end of period	41,729,000
MRI [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, Balance beginning of period	16,240,000
Accumulated Impairment Loss	-6,341,000	-6,666,000
Additions	0
Translation and purchase accounting djustments	-117,000
Goodwill, Balance end of period	$15,798,000

Other_Intangible_Assets_Detail

Other Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Impairment of Intangible Assets, Finite-lived		$1,200,000
Accumulated Amortization		-6,263,000
Goodwill, Gross	93,240,000	96,251,000
Finite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Gross finite-lived intangible assets, beginning of period	16,522,000
Indefinite-lived trademarks, beginning of period	2,165,000
Gross intangibles assets excluding goodwill, beginning of period	18,687,000
Accumulated amortization, beginning of period	-6,263,000
Additions to intangible assets	0
Amortization of Intangible Assets	-308,000
Gross finite-lived intangible assets, end of period	16,522,000	16,522,000
Indefinite-lived trademarks, end of period	2,165,000	2,165,000
Gross intangibles assets excluding goodwill, end of period	18,687,000	18,687,000
Accumulated amortization, end of period	-6,571,000	-6,263,000
Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss	-43,252,000	-45,621,000
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	0
Goodwill, Translation and Purchase Accounting Adjustments	-642,000
Trademarks [Member]
Finite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Gross finite-lived intangible assets, beginning of period	5,100,000
Accumulated amortization, beginning of period	-680,000
Additions to intangible assets	0
Amortization of Intangible Assets	-85,000
Gross finite-lived intangible assets, end of period	5,100,000
Accumulated amortization, end of period	-765,000
Customer Relationships [Member]
Finite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Gross finite-lived intangible assets, beginning of period	10,300,000
Accumulated amortization, beginning of period	-5,047,000
Additions to intangible assets	0
Amortization of Intangible Assets	-191,000
Gross finite-lived intangible assets, end of period	10,300,000
Accumulated amortization, end of period	-5,238,000
Noncompete Agreements [Member]
Finite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Gross finite-lived intangible assets, beginning of period	150,000
Accumulated amortization, beginning of period	-135,000
Additions to intangible assets	0
Amortization of Intangible Assets	-8,000
Gross finite-lived intangible assets, end of period	150,000
Accumulated amortization, end of period	-143,000
Franchise Rights [Member]
Finite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Gross finite-lived intangible assets, beginning of period	972,000
Accumulated amortization, beginning of period	-401,000
Additions to intangible assets	0
Amortization of Intangible Assets	-24,000
Gross finite-lived intangible assets, end of period	972,000
Accumulated amortization, end of period	-425,000
Developed Technology Rights [Member]
Finite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Gross finite-lived intangible assets, beginning of period	0
Accumulated amortization, beginning of period	0
Additions to intangible assets	0
Amortization of Intangible Assets
Gross finite-lived intangible assets, end of period	0
Accumulated amortization, end of period	0
GETS [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill, Gross	35,713,000	35,713,000
Finite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss	-11,051,000	-11,051,000
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	0
Goodwill, Translation and Purchase Accounting Adjustments	0
PSS [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill, Gross	41,729,000	44,298,000
Finite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss	-25,860,000	-27,904,000
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	0
Goodwill, Translation and Purchase Accounting Adjustments	-525,000
MRI [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill, Gross	15,798,000	16,240,000
Finite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss	-6,341,000	-6,666,000
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	0
Goodwill, Translation and Purchase Accounting Adjustments	($117,000)

Disposition_Details

Disposition (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 20, 2015
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Loss on disposition	$310	$0
Subsidiaries
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Ownership percentage			67.00%
CDI-Pycopsa Ingenieria y Construccion
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Loss on disposition	$310

Restructuring_and_Other_Relate2

Restructuring and Other Related Costs (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	$47	$370
Accrued restructuring liability
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring Reserve, Beginning			4,631
Restructuring Reserve, Ending			4,631
Accrued restructuring liability | Other Current Liabilities [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring Reserve, Beginning			3,400
Restructuring Reserve, Ending	2,500		3,400
Accrued restructuring liability | Other Accrued Expenses and Accrued Liabilities [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring Reserve, Beginning				5,337
Restructuring Reserve, Ending	3,464	4,420		5,337
Accrued restructuring liability | Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring Reserve, Beginning			1,200
Restructuring Reserve, Ending	1,000		1,200
Employee severance and related costs
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	0	37
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring Reserve, Beginning	2,031
Employee severance and related costs | Other Accrued Expenses and Accrued Liabilities [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring Reserve, Beginning		4,568
Restructuring and other related costs, cash payments	907	1,169
Restructuring Reserve, Ending	1,124	3,436
Real estate exit and related costs
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	33	303
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring Reserve, Beginning	2,600
Real estate exit and related costs | Other Accrued Expenses and Accrued Liabilities [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring Reserve, Beginning		769
Restructuring and other related costs, cash payments	293	88
Restructuring Reserve, Ending	2,340	984
Minimum | Real estate exit and related costs
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	300
Maximum | Real estate exit and related costs
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	$1,700

ShortTerm_Borrowings_Details

Short-Term Borrowings (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Nov. 30, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
BANK OF AMERICA - MERRILL LYNCH ATS [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Letters of credit outstanding	$3.20
TD Bank [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Letters of credit outstanding	0.4	0.4
Credit Agreement [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Borrowings outstanding	3
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage	1.81%
Credit Agreement [Member] | BANK OF AMERICA - MERRILL LYNCH ATS [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity			75
Overdraft facility			5
Credit Agreement [Member] | BANK OF AMERICA - MERRILL LYNCH ATS [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Borrowings outstanding		1.3
Letters of credit outstanding		3.2
Remaining borrowing capacity	$68.80	$70.50

Basic_and_Diluted_Earnings_Per2

Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share (bEPSb) Data (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Abstract]
Net income attributable to CDI	$470	$2,037
Basic weighted-average shares	19,634	19,507
Dilutive effect of stock-based awards	228	296
Diluted weighted-average shares	19,862	19,803
Earnings per common share:
Basic (per share)	$0.02	$0.10
Diluted (per share)	$0.02	$0.10
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of EPS	142	405

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Effective income tax rate	66.40%	55.70%
CEO Separation - DTA Write-off		$0.50

Reporting_Segments_Details

Reporting Segments (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	$47,000	$370,000
Revenue	257,458,000	276,272,000
Gross profit	46,770,000	50,763,000
Operating profit	1,140,000	4,685,000
Other income (expense), net	13,000	-82,000
Assets	375,719,000		372,220,000
Income before income taxes	1,153,000	4,603,000
CEO Compensation - Net Income		900,000
CEO Compensation - Operating Charge		700,000
CEO Compensation - Operating Charge (after Tax)		400,000
CEO Separation - DTA Write-off		500,000
GETS [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	0	333,000
Revenue	82,521,000	82,254,000
Gross profit	20,942,000	22,400,000
Operating profit	348,000	1,556,000
Assets	120,552,000		120,223,000
PSS [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	47,000	37,000
Revenue	161,426,000	180,139,000
Gross profit	19,259,000	21,946,000
Operating profit	4,156,000	6,145,000
Assets	166,596,000		159,774,000
MRI [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	0	0
Revenue	13,511,000	13,879,000
Gross profit	6,569,000	6,417,000
Operating profit	1,456,000	1,260,000
Assets	23,260,000		23,539,000
Corporate [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	0	0
Operating profit	-4,820,000	-4,276,000
Assets	$65,311,000		$68,684,000