CDI 10-Q 3 Nov 16 2016 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document And Entity Information

Document And Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Oct. 31, 2016
Document and Entity Information
Entity Registrant Name	CDI CORP
Entity Central Index Key	18,396
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2016
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,016
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Amendment Flag	false
Common Class A [Member]
Document and Entity Information
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		18,655,958
Common Class B [Member]
Document and Entity Information
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		0

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 10,210	$ 16,932
Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $1,126 and $1,942	192,391	205,494
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	11,809	12,768
Prepaid income taxes	4,467	5,126
Total current assets	218,877	240,320
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $87,666 and $84,941	19,372	18,728
Deferred income taxes	3,017	3,228
Goodwill	45,525	45,794
Other intangible assets, net	16,610	20,427
Other non-current assets	10,540	10,600
Total assets	313,941	339,097
Current liabilities:
Credit facility	15,000	18,831
Accounts payable	34,824	30,262
Accrued compensation and related expenses	36,241	34,464
Other accrued expenses and other current liabilities	15,894	19,903
Income taxes payable	306	323
Total current liabilities	102,265	103,783
Deferred compensation	7,505	7,723
Deferred income tax	6,002	1,530
Other non-current liabilities	7,332	4,818
Total liabilities	123,104	117,854
Commitments and contingencies
Equity:
Preferred stock, $0.10 par value - authorized 1,000 shares; none issued	0	0
Common stock	2,227	2,216
Additional paid-in-capital	76,175	74,774
Retained earnings	180,756	210,875
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	(8,579)	(14,135)
Common stock in treasury, at cost - 3,653 and 2,463 shares	(59,742)	(52,487)
Total CDI shareholders' equity	190,837	221,243
Total equity	190,837	221,243
Total liabilities and equity	313,941	339,097
Common Class B [Member]
Equity:
Common stock	$ 0	$ 0

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Accounts receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 1,126	$ 1,942
Property and equipment depreciation	$ 87,666	$ 84,941
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	22,273,000	22,163,000
Treasury stock, shares	3,653,000	2,463,000
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 Oper

Consolidated Statements Of Operations - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Income Statement [Abstract]
Revenue	$ 220,260	$ 244,662	$ 680,477	$ 748,941
Cost of services	179,727	197,835	554,574	608,697
Gross profit	40,533	46,827	125,903	140,244
Operating and administrative expenses	43,675	46,853	139,037	137,570
Charges	3,478	566	3,767	613
Impairment	0	21,537	0	21,537
Loss on disposition of business interests	11,301	0	11,301	310
Operating profit	(17,921)	(22,129)	(28,202)	(19,786)
Other income (expense), net	(112)	683	(713)	599
Income before income taxes	(18,033)	(21,446)	(28,915)	(19,187)
Income tax expense	(215)	(1,244)	1,204	785
Net income	(17,818)	(20,202)	(30,119)	(19,972)
Less: Income attributable to the noncontrolling interest	0	0	0	(83)
Net income attributable to CDI	$ (17,818)	$ (20,202)	$ (30,119)	$ (19,889)
Earnings per common share:
Basic (per share)	$ (0.96)	$ (1.03)	$ (1.57)	$ (1.01)
Diluted (per share)	$ (0.96)	$ (1.03)	$ (1.57)	$ (1.01)

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Net income	$ (17,818)	$ (20,202)	$ (30,119)	$ (19,972)
Other comprehensive income:
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment	(824)	(3,266)	1,851	(6,404)
Reclassification of foreign currency translation adjustment	3,705	0	3,705	362
Total comprehensive income	(14,937)	(23,468)	(24,563)	(26,014)
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to the noncontrolling interest	0	0	0	15
Total comprehensive income attributable to CDI	$ (14,937)	$ (23,468)	$ (24,563)	$ (26,029)

Consolidated Statements Of Cash

Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Operating activities:
Net loss	$ (30,119)	$ (19,972)
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities:
Depreciation	8,111	7,311
Landlord contribution for tenant improvements	2,628	0
Deferred income taxes	4,790	873
Stock-based compensation	1,511	1,703
Impairment	0	21,537
Loss on disposition of business interests	11,301	310
Loss on disposal of assets, net	95	(779)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable, net	(4,788)	(14,368)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	258	(4,108)
Accounts payable	5,072	(3,031)
Accrued compensation and related expenses	6,194	16,488
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	(1,994)	557
Income taxes prepaid/payable	617	(3,369)
Other non-current assets	2,688	(42)
Other non-current liabilities	131	(684)
Net cash used in operating activities	6,495	2,426
Investing activities:
Additions to property and equipment	(6,908)	(6,482)
Acquisition-related payment	(2,108)	0
Proceeds from disposition	5,849	360
Proceeds from sale of assets	36	1,220
Net cash used in investing activities	(3,131)	(4,902)
Financing activities:
Dividends paid to shareholders	0	(7,675)
Stock repurchased under stock repurchase program	(7,255)	0
Borrowings on credit facilities	105,917	19,768
Repayments on credit facilities	(109,559)	(17,981)
Payment of debt issuance costs	(28)	0
Common shares withheld for taxes	(111)	(301)
Change in book overdraft	706	0
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation awards	0	52
Net cash used in financing activities	(10,330)	(6,137)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	244	(1,278)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(6,722)	(9,891)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	16,932	36,324
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	10,210	26,433
Cash paid for interest	528	114
Cash paid for income taxes, net	$ (4,289)	$ 3,163

Consolidated Statements Of Shar

Consolidated Statements Of Shareholders' Equity - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock	Treasury Stock	Additional Paid-In-Capital	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Total CDI Shareholders' Equity	Non-Controlling Interest
Beginning balance (shares) at Dec. 31, 2014		22,084
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$ 274,353	$ 2,208	$ (52,487)	$ 72,023	$ 258,113	$ (6,207)	$ 273,650	$ 703
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income attributable to CDI	(19,889)				(19,889)		(19,889)
Net income	(19,972)							(83)
Translation adjustments	(6,042)					(6,140)	(6,140)	98
Share-based compensation expense	1,703			1,703			1,703
Reclassification of equity awards from liabilities, net	632			632			632
Vesting of equity awards (shares)		98
Vesting of equity awards	0	$ 10		(10)			0
Common shares withheld for taxes (shares)		(19)
Common shares withheld for taxes	(301)	$ (2)		(299)			(301)
Disposition of controlling interest	(718)							(718)
Cash dividends paid	(7,675)				(7,675)		(7,675)
Ending balance (shares) at Sep. 30, 2015		22,163
Ending balance at Sep. 30, 2015	241,980	$ 2,216	(52,487)	74,049	230,549	(12,347)	241,980	0
Beginning balance (shares) at Dec. 31, 2015		22,163
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2015	221,243	$ 2,216	(52,487)	74,774	210,875	(14,135)	221,243	0
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income attributable to CDI	(30,119)						(30,119)
Net income	(30,119)							0
Translation adjustments	5,556					5,556	5,556	0
Share-based compensation expense	1,511			1,511			1,511
Reclassification of equity awards from liabilities, net	12			12			12
Vesting of equity awards (shares)		130
Vesting of equity awards	0	$ 13		(13)			0
Common shares withheld for taxes (shares)		(20)
Common shares withheld for taxes	(111)	$ (2)		(109)			(111)
Stock repurchased under stock repurchase program	(7,255)		(7,255)				(7,255)
Ending balance (shares) at Sep. 30, 2016		22,273
Ending balance at Sep. 30, 2016	$ 190,837	$ 2,227	$ (59,742)	$ 76,175	$ 180,756	$ (8,579)	$ 190,837	$ 0

Consolidated Statements Of Sha8

Consolidated Statements Of Shareholders' Equity (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Cash dividends declared	$ 0	$ 0.39

Business

Business	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Business	Business CDI Corp. and its subsidiaries (the “Company” or “CDI”) seek to create extraordinary outcomes with its clients by delivering solutions based on highly skilled and professional talent. CDI’s business is comprised of four segments: Enterprise Talent, Specialty Talent and Technology Solutions, Engineering Solutions and Management Recruiters International (MRI). CDI’s client offerings include an array of engineering design project solutions, information technology project solutions and managed services, specialty technology staff augmentation, and program and managed staffing services. CDI's clients are corporations in multiple industries, including energy, chemicals, infrastructure, aerospace, industrial equipment, technology, as well as municipal and state governments, and the United States (U.S.) Department of Defense. CDI has offices and delivery centers in the U.S. and Canada. In addition, CDI provides recruiting and staffing services through its global MRINetwork ® of franchisees. In September 2016, the Company approved a restructuring plan to further align its organizational structure, facilities and resource utilization with business volumes and strategic direction. See Note — 6 Restructuring and Other Related Costs. On September 16, 2016, CDI completed the sale of CDI AndersElite Limited, the Company's United Kingdom (UK) staffing and recruitment business included in the Enterprise Talent reporting segment. The Consolidated Statement of Operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 include the results of CDI AndersElite Limited for the period prior to disposition. See Note — 7 Acquisitions and Dispositions. On September 16, 2016, the Company announced that Scott Freidheim, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), resigned from the Company effective September 15, 2016, and Michael Castleman, CDI’s Chief Financial Officer, was elected as President of the Company and agreed to serve as interim CEO.

Principles of Consolidation and

Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
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 3, 2016. Results for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 are not necessarily indicative of results that may be expected for the full year.

Summary of Significant Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
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. Reclassifications - Certain historical financial information in the prior period consolidated financial statements has been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. Historical segment financial information has been reclassified as a result of an operational realignment plan adopted in December 2015. This reclassification did not impact any previously reported consolidated revenues, gross profit or results of operations. See Note 12-Reporting Segments. 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 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 July 9, 2015, the FASB approved a one-year deferral of the effective date that allows the Company to defer the effective date to January 1, 2018 but still permit the Company to adopt the standard as of the original January 1, 2017 effective date. In 2016, the FASB issued two amendments that are effective as of the effective date selected for the original standard. 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, but has determined that it will utilize the deferred effective date of January 1, 2018 to adopt the standard. 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 Company adopted ASU 2015-02 during the first quarter of 2016, which adoption did not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) , which supersedes ASC 840, Leases (ASU 2016-02). ASU 2016-02 requires lessees to recognize a right-of-use asset and lease liability for all leases with terms of more than 12 months. Lessees are permitted to make an accounting policy election to not recognize the asset and liability for leases with a term of twelve months or less. ASU 2016-02 does not significantly change the lessees’ recognition, measurement and presentation of expenses and cash flows from the previous accounting standard. Lessors’ accounting is largely unchanged from the previous accounting standard. In addition, ASU 2016-02 expands the disclosure requirements of lease arrangements. Lessees and lessors will use a modified retrospective transition approach. The guidance is effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2019. Early adoption is permitted. The Company has not determined the impact that adoption of this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718) (ASU 2016-09). ASU 2016-09 makes several modifications to Topic 718 related to the accounting for forfeitures, employer tax withholding on share-based compensation and the financial statement presentation of excess tax benefits or deficiencies. ASU 2016-09 also clarifies the statement of cash flows presentation for certain components of share-based awards. The standard is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, although early adoption is permitted. The Company adopted ASU 2016-09 during the first quarter of 2016, which adoption did not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (ASU 2016-13). ASU 2016-13 changes the methodology for measuring credit losses on financial instruments and the timing of when such losses are recorded. The standard is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company has not determined the impact that adoption of this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements. In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 320): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments (ASU 2016-15) . ASU 2016-15 clarifies how certain cash receipts and payments should be presented in the statement of cash flows. The standard is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted for interim and annual reporting periods with retrospective application for all periods presented. The Company has not determined the impact that adoption of this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements.

Fair Value Disclosures

Fair Value Disclosures	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
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 September 30, 2016 Using Fair Value Measurements at September 30, 2016 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 $ 1,700 $ 1,700 $ — $ — Large cap 2,406 2,406 — — International 1,482 1,482 — — Mid cap 990 990 — — Small cap 561 561 — — Balanced 536 536 — — Money market funds 759 759 — — Total assets (1) $ 8,434 $ 8,434 $ — $ — (1) As of September 30, 2016 , $1.2 million and $7.2 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, 2015 Using Fair Value Measurements at December 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 $ 1,772 $ 1,772 $ — $ — Large cap 2,686 2,686 — — International 1,449 1,449 — — Mid cap 530 530 — — Small cap 425 425 — — Balanced 450 450 — — Money market funds 1,041 1,041 — — Total assets (1) $ 8,353 $ 8,353 $ — $ — (1) As of December 31, 2015, $0.9 million and $7.5 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 A

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
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, 2015 September 30, 2016 Gross Balance Accumulated Impairment Losses Additions Translation Gross Balance Accumulated Impairment Losses Enterprise Talent $ 40,134 $ (34,511 ) $ — $ — $ 22,890 $ (17,267 ) Specialty Talent and Technology Solutions 16,445 — — — 16,445 — Engineering Solutions 35,713 (21,431 ) — — 35,713 (21,431 ) MRI 15,749 (6,305 ) — (269 ) 14,726 (5,551 ) Total goodwill $ 108,041 $ (62,247 ) $ — $ (269 ) $ 89,774 $ (44,249 ) The Company performs its annual assessment for impairment of goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets using a measurement date of July 1 of each fiscal year. The Company performs an assessment for impairment of goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets 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. The Company performed its annual assessment as of July 1, 2016 and determined that the fair values for each of the Company's reporting units were substantially in excess of their related carrying values. The Company estimated the fair values of all reporting units using a discounted cash flow model based on significant unobservable inputs or level 3 inputs of the fair value hierarchy. The key assumption used to determine the fair values was management's estimate of future earnings. 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 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, 2015 September 30, 2016 Gross Balance Accumulated Amortization Amortization Disposition Translation Gross Balance Accumulated Amortization Intangible assets subject to amortization: Customer relationships $ 20,376 $ (7,974 ) $ (2,441 ) $ (841 ) $ (106 ) $ 19,190 $ (10,176 ) Trademarks 6,440 (1,054 ) (355 ) — — 6,440 (1,409 ) Non-compete 150 (150 ) — — — 150 (150 ) Reacquired franchise rights 972 (498 ) (74 ) — — 972 (572 ) Total intangible assets subject to amortization 27,938 (9,676 ) (2,870 ) (841 ) (106 ) 26,752 (12,307 ) Indefinite-lived intangible assets: Trademarks 2,165 — — — — 2,165 — Total other intangible assets $ 30,103 $ (9,676 ) $ (2,870 ) $ (841 ) $ (106 ) $ 28,917 $ (12,307 )

Restructuring and Other Related

Restructuring and Other Related Costs	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring and Other Related Costs	Restructuring and Other Related Costs In September 2016, the Company approved a restructuring plan (the “2016 Restructuring Plan”) to further align its organizational structure, facilities and resource utilization with business volumes and strategic direction. The 2016 Restructuring Plan is expected to be substantially completed by the end of 2016 with certain payments related to the consolidation of facilities expected through 2018. In December 2015, the Company approved a restructuring plan (the “2015 Restructuring Plan”) to better align its organization and operations with the Company's strategy. The 2015 Restructuring Plan was substantially completed during 2016 with certain payments related to the consolidation of facilities expected through 2022. In December 2014, the Company approved a restructuring plan (the “2014 Restructuring Plan”) to optimize its operations and facility footprint. The 2014 Restructuring Plan was substantially complete during 2015 with certain payments related to the consolidation of facilities expected through 2019 and certain employee severance expected through 2016. 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, 2014 $ 2,031 $ 2,600 $ — $ 4,631 Cash payments (1,455 ) (1,060 ) — (2,515 ) Charges — 599 14 613 Non-cash — — (14 ) (14 ) Adjustments (30 ) 30 — — Balance as of September 30, 2015 $ 546 $ 2,169 $ — $ 2,715 Balance as of December 31, 2015 $ 2,202 $ 2,935 $ — $ 5,137 Cash payments (1,487 ) (1,812 ) — (3,299 ) Charges 1,353 2,301 113 3,767 Non-cash — — (113 ) (113 ) Adjustments (300 ) 300 — — Balance as of September 30, 2016 $ 1,768 $ 3,724 $ — $ 5,492 The consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 include provisions related to the foregoing restructuring plans of $4.2 million and $4.1 million in “Other accrued expenses and other current liabilities”, and $1.3 million and $1.0 million in "Other non-current liabilities", respectively.

Acquisition and Dispositions

Acquisition and Dispositions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Acquisition and Dispositions	Dispositions EdgeRock Technologies, LLC Acquisition On October 6, 2015, the Company acquired EdgeRock Technologies, LLC (EdgeRock), a provider of ERP and other specialist IT staffing, including business intelligence and data analytics, for cash consideration of $33.4 million , including a working capital adjustment that was paid in 2016, plus up to an additional $4.0 million of cash contingent on EdgeRock's operating performance for the twelve months ending October 31, 2016. EdgeRock currently comprises the Specialty Talent business within the Specialty Talent and Technology Solutions reporting segment. During the first three months of 2016 , the Company recorded a benefit of $0.8 million to "Operating and administrative expenses" in the consolidated statements of operations related to the reversal of the estimated contingent earnout liability. CDI AndersElite Limited Disposition On September 16, 2016, the Company completed the sale of CDI AndersElite Limited (Anders), the Company's UK-based staffing and recruitment business in the Enterprise Talent reporting segment, to AndersElite Holdings Ltd. (Holdings), an entity controlled by certain members of Anders' management. The Company received purchase consideration that included £4.5 million cash, £1.75 million subordinated debt in Holdings and warrants representing 19.99% of the fully diluted equity in Holdings. The Company valued the non-cash purchase consideration at £0.5 million and recorded it to "Other non-current assets" in the consolidated balance sheets. The Company recorded a loss of $11.3 million to "Loss on disposition of business interests" in the consolidated statements of operation related to the disposition of Anders. Anders does not meet the criteria to be reported as a discontinued operation under ASU 2014-08; accordingly, Anders' results are reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Operations within continuing operations. See Note 12 — Reporting Segments, for Anders summarized results included in the consolidated statements of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015. CDI-Pycopsa 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 in the Engineering Solutions (formerly GETS) reporting segment. CDI-Pycopsa does not meet the criteria to be reported as a discontinued operation 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 the nine months ended September 30, 2015 . During the nine months ended September 30, 2016 , the Company received $0.1 million of proceeds related to the sale.

Credit Facility

Credit Facility	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Short-term Debt [Abstract]
Credit Facility	On October 30, 2015, the Company and certain domestic subsidiaries (collectively with the Company, the “U.S. Borrowers”), certain Canadian subsidiaries of the Company (collectively, the "Canadian Borrowers"), and certain UK subsidiaries of the Company (collectively, the "UK Borrowers"), collectively (the "Borrowers") entered into an agreement for a secured lending facility (the "Credit Agreement") with Bank of America, N.A. and other lenders. The Credit Agreement established a $150.0 million revolving line of credit facility which also includes an option to expand the facility by up to $75.0 million subject to agreement by the lenders, with a five -year term ending on October 30, 2020 . In connection with the sale of Anders, the Company executed an amendment to the Credit Agreement to release all liens and security interests on the UK collateral and allocate the available UK borrowings to the U.S. Borrowers. As of September 30, 2016 , the facility is comprised of two subfacilities with $135.0 million available to the U.S. Borrowers and $15.0 million available to the Canadian Borrowers. It also includes a $25.0 million sublimit for swing line loans and a $15.0 million sublimit for letters of credit. Availability under the Credit Agreement is tied to a borrowing base, measured by 85% of eligible billed accounts receivable, plus 80% of eligible unbilled accounts receivable, less customary reserve amounts; provided however that the portion of the borrowing base consisting of 80% of eligible unbilled accounts receivable may not exceed 30% of the sum of (i) 85% of the eligible billed accounts receivable, plus (ii) 80% of the eligible unbilled accounts receivable. Borrowings under the Credit Agreement may be used by the Company and the other Borrowers for general business purposes including capital expenditures and permitted acquisitions and investments. Accounts receivable, used in the determination of the borrowing base, are subject to lender discretion and, in certain circumstances, the lender may use cash balances in a dominion account established with the administrative agent to repay outstanding balances. As a result, amounts borrowed under the Credit Agreement are presented as current in the consolidated balance sheets. The Borrowers’ obligations under the Credit Agreement are secured by a first lien security interest in all of the Borrowers’ personal property (subject to customary exceptions), including, among other things, accounts receivable, equity interests, deposit accounts, intellectual property, and leased properties where books and records are kept. As of September 30, 2016 , the Company had total outstanding borrowings of $15.0 million , letters of credit outstanding of $3.3 million and $110.4 million available to borrow under the Credit Agreement. The Company was in compliance with all covenants under the Credit Agreement as of September 30, 2016 . Interest was payable at a rate of 1.77% per annum for outstanding borrowings as of September 30, 2016 . As of December 31, 2015 , the Company had total outstanding borrowings of $18.8 million , letters of credit outstanding of $3.3 million and $120.7 million available to borrow under the Credit Agreement. The Company was in compliance with all covenants under the Credit Agreement as of December 31, 2015 .

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
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 results. A valuation allowance has been recorded to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized based on an assessment of positive and negative evidence, including estimates of future taxable income necessary to realize future deductible amounts. In the fourth quarter of 2015 the company booked a valuation allowance against federal deferred tax assets due to cumulative losses. In connection with the sale of Anders, the Company will take a $19.1 million worthless stock deduction associated with CDI AndersElite Limited on its 2016 U.S. federal income tax return, which will be treated as an ordinary loss for tax purposes. This loss will result in a deferred tax asset of $6.6 million , which can be carried forward for up to 20 years and used against future taxable income. There is no net income tax benefit related to this item due to the full valuation allowance against federal deferred tax assets. The effective tax rates for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 were (4.2)% and (4.1)% , respectively. The effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 was impacted by U.S. and certain foreign losses that do not generate tax benefits in the current period as the benefits are fully offset by valuation allowances. The effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 was (4.1)% was impacted by discrete items, the mix of domestic and foreign pre- tax income and certain foreign losses with no tax benefit. Management assesses the available positive and negative evidence to estimate whether sufficient future taxable income will be generated to permit use of the existing deferred tax assets, including net operating loss carryforwards. Management’s assessment is made for each taxpayer on a jurisdiction by jurisdiction basis. A full valuation allowance has been recorded against the deferred tax asset related to federal taxes and part of the group’s U.S. state taxes as these are not more likely than not to be realized. The amount of the deferred tax asset considered realizable, however, could be adjusted if estimates of future taxable income during the carryforward period are increased or decreased or if objective negative evidence in the form of cumulative losses is no longer present and additional weight is given to subjective evidence such as our projections for growth.

Basic and Diluted Earnings Per

Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share (“EPS”) Data	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Abstract]
Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share (“EPS”) 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 Nine months ended September 30, September 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Numerator: Net loss attributable to CDI $ (17,818 ) $ (20,202 ) $ (30,119 ) $ (19,889 ) Denominator: Basic weighted-average shares 18,627 19,695 19,158 19,668 Dilutive effect of share-based awards — — — — Diluted weighted-average shares 18,627 19,695 19,158 19,668 Earnings (loss) per common share: Basic $ (0.96 ) $ (1.03 ) $ (1.57 ) $ (1.01 ) Diluted $ (0.96 ) $ (1.03 ) $ (1.57 ) $ (1.01 ) There were 0.5 million shares and 0.7 million shares excluded from the computation of EPS for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , respectively, because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive. There were 0.5 million shares and 0.4 million shares excluded from the computation of EPS for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , respectively, because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive.

Reporting Segments

Reporting Segments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Reporting Segments	Reporting Segments During December 2015, the Company adopted a plan to deliver improved performance and efficiencies through increased strategic focus and operational realignment. As a result of this realignment, certain historical segment financial information has been reclassified to conform to the current period segment presentation that became effective during the first quarter of 2016. This reclassification did not impact any previously reported consolidated revenues, gross profit or results of operations. The Company's reporting segments are as follows: • Enterprise Talent - Enterprise Talent provides staff augmentation, placement and other staffing-related services to support its clients’ access to engineering and technology personnel on a temporary or permanent basis. Enterprise Talent focuses on delivering its services to medium and larger sized enterprises that have ongoing needs for skilled and technical labor. The duration of individual client engagements can range from several months to multiple years based on a client’s project, seasonal or business cycle needs. In addition, Enterprise Talent offers enterprise clients managed staffing program services, vendor management solutions, certification management solutions, and recruitment process outsourcing solutions. Enterprise Talent currently operates in North America under the CDI ® brand name. On September 16, 2016, CDI completed the sale of Anders, the Company's UK staffing and recruitment business. See Note — 7 Acquisitions and Dispositions. • Specialty Talent and Technology Solutions - Specialty Talent and Technology Solutions provides clients with specialized technology talent and solutions through a flexible delivery model that spans staff augmentation and placement services, project execution and management services, and outsourced managed services. Specialty Talent, currently comprised entirely of EdgeRock, provides staff augmentation services focused on highly specialized information technology skillsets, including enterprise resource planning, business intelligence, analytics, infrastructure and application management and development. Technology Solutions provides a range of information technology professional services in a consult, integrate and operate model. These services include IT strategy and consulting, assessments, execution of IT infrastructure and IT engineering solutions, business application solutions, digital marketing services, service management, quality assurance and testing, and program management. • Engineering Solutions - Engineering Solutions provides engineering design, as well as complete physical asset and product delivery solutions for its clients. Engineering design principally involves the production of construction and/or technical documentation and specifications performed at a CDI facility or at a client's facility under the supervision of CDI personnel. Complete physical asset and product delivery solutions involve services that manage the integration of all supply chain contributors to a new or upgraded industrial production or infrastructure asset, naval asset or in support of aerospace and industrial original equipment manufacturers. Engineering Solutions is organized around the following business verticals: Energy, Chemicals and Infrastructure (EC&I), Aerospace and Industrial Equipment (AIE) and Government Services. ◦ EC&I serves producers and operators of energy, chemicals, industrial, education and civil infrastructures with a full range of engineering solutions. Specific services including up-front planning, engineering design, industrial and commercial architecture, design/build, transportation and civil engineering, site services, procurement, construction management, start up and commissioning. ◦ AIE serves commercial and defense aviation, as well as industrial original equipment manufacturers, with design and manufacturing engineering services, including mechanical and electrical systems design, drafting, engineering analysis, software design and verification, validation and testing, and tooling design and development. ◦ Government Services primarily serves the U.S. Department of Defense and, in particular the U.S. Navy, with a variety of design and engineering services, including naval architecture, ship alteration, systems modification and installation, technical documentation and training, logistics management, marine manufacturing and aviation engineering. Within each of the verticals, Engineering Solutions provides these solutions through a services delivery model consisting of skill-based centers of excellence, together with regional offices to serve more localized project or client needs. • 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 clients. The MRI franchisees provide permanent placement services primarily under the brand names MRINetwork ® , Management Recruiters ® and Sales Consultants ® . MRI also provides training and support, implementation and back-office services to enable franchisees to pursue contract staffing opportunities. Inter-segment revenue is eliminated in consolidation and is not significant. 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, certain prepaid expenses, other current assets, certain property and equipment and certain other non-current assets. Reporting segment operations data is presented in the following table for the indicated periods: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Revenue: Enterprise Talent (1) $ 127,488 $ 146,863 $ 400,617 $ 457,681 Specialty Talent and Technology Solutions (2) 18,938 7,724 56,460 23,315 Engineering Solutions 60,852 76,570 185,259 227,937 MRI 12,982 13,505 38,141 40,008 Total revenue $ 220,260 $ 244,662 $ 680,477 $ 748,941 Gross profit: Enterprise Talent (1) $ 13,848 $ 18,165 $ 45,763 $ 55,751 Specialty Talent and Technology Solutions (2) 5,626 2,422 16,448 7,579 Engineering Solutions 14,859 19,624 45,112 57,257 MRI 6,200 6,616 18,580 19,657 Total gross profit $ 40,533 $ 46,827 $ 125,903 $ 140,244 Operating profit (loss): Enterprise Talent (1), (3), (4) $ (10,299 ) $ (8,955 ) $ (9,622 ) $ (1,686 ) Specialty Talent and Technology Solutions (2), (4), (5) (575 ) 188 (566 ) 1,357 Engineering Solutions (3), (4), (6) (3,856 ) (10,123 ) (8,734 ) (9,613 ) MRI (4) 1,102 1,927 2,766 4,957 Corporate (4), (7) (4,293 ) (5,166 ) (12,046 ) (14,801 ) Total operating loss (17,921 ) (22,129 ) (28,202 ) (19,786 ) Other income (expense), net (112 ) 683 (713 ) 599 Loss before income taxes $ (18,033 ) $ (21,446 ) $ (28,915 ) $ (19,187 ) (1) On September 16, 2016, the Company completed the sale of Anders, the Company's UK staffing and recruitment business, which is included in Enterprise Talent, and recorded a charge of $11.3 million on disposition. Anders results are presented in the following table for the indicated periods (excluding allocation of corporate costs): Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Revenue $ 15,835 $ 25,812 $ 59,302 $ 79,972 Gross Profit 2,446 4,504 9,758 13,507 Operating and administrative expenses 2,874 4,755 11,542 14,545 Operating loss (428 ) (251 ) (1,784 ) (1,058 ) (2) On October 6, 2015, the Company acquired EdgeRock, which is included in Specialty Talent and Technology Solutions. (3) In the third quarter of 2015, the Company recorded an aggregate charge of $21.5 million related to the impairment of goodwill and certain fixed assets, comprised of Enterprise Talent $10.7 million and Engineering Solutions $10.9 million . (4) The following table summarizes the amount of restructuring and other related costs recognized by reporting segment for the indicated periods: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Restructuring and other related costs: Enterprise Talent $ 331 $ 331 $ 433 $ 378 Specialty Talent and Technology Solutions 215 — 215 — Engineering Solutions 2,504 235 2,690 235 MRI 206 — 206 — Corporate 222 — 223 — Total restructuring and other related costs $ 3,478 $ 566 $ 3,767 $ 613 (5) In the first quarter of 2016, the Company's Specialty Talent and Technology Solutions segment recorded a benefit to "Operating and administrative expenses" of $0.8 million related to the reversal of the EdgeRock acquisition earnout liability. (6) In the first quarter of 2015, the Company's Engineering Solutions 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. (7) In the third quarter of 2015, the Company recorded a pre-tax gain of $0.8 million for a sale of a non-operating corporate asset. Proceeds from the sale were $1.2 million . Reporting segment asset data is presented in the following table for the indicated periods: September 30, December 31, 2016 2015 Assets: Enterprise Talent (1) $ 121,862 $ 137,695 Specialty Talent and Technology Solutions 39,531 40,127 Engineering Solutions 88,294 93,810 MRI 23,023 23,273 Corporate 41,231 44,192 Total assets $ 313,941 $ 339,097 (1) On September 16, 2016, the Company completed the sale of Anders, the Company's UK staffing and recruitment business, which is included in Enterprise Talent. Reporting segment depreciation and amortization data is presented in the following table for the indicated periods: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Depreciation and amortization: Enterprise Talent (1) $ 278 $ 259 $ 909 $ 925 Specialty Talent and Technology Solutions (2) 522 88 2,176 233 Engineering Solutions 1,117 1,431 3,585 4,447 MRI 73 65 205 227 Corporate 414 456 1,236 1,479 Total Depreciation and amortization $ 2,404 $ 2,299 $ 8,111 $ 7,311 (1) On September 16, 2016, the Company completed the sale of Anders, the Company's UK staffing and recruitment business, which is included in Enterprise Talent. Anders depreciation and amortization included in the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 was $0.1 million and $0.1 million . Anders depreciation and amortization included in the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 was $0.4 million and $0.5 million . (2) On October 6, 2015, the Company acquired EdgeRock, which is included in Specialty Talent and Technology Solutions.

Summary of Significant Accoun21

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
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 3, 2016. Results for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 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.
Reclassifications	Reclassifications - Certain historical financial information in the prior period consolidated financial statements has been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. Historical segment financial information has been reclassified as a result of an operational realignment plan adopted in December 2015. This reclassification did not impact any previously reported consolidated revenues, gross profit or results of operations. See Note 12-Reporting Segments.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	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 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 July 9, 2015, the FASB approved a one-year deferral of the effective date that allows the Company to defer the effective date to January 1, 2018 but still permit the Company to adopt the standard as of the original January 1, 2017 effective date. In 2016, the FASB issued two amendments that are effective as of the effective date selected for the original standard. 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, but has determined that it will utilize the deferred effective date of January 1, 2018 to adopt the standard. 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 Company adopted ASU 2015-02 during the first quarter of 2016, which adoption did not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) , which supersedes ASC 840, Leases (ASU 2016-02). ASU 2016-02 requires lessees to recognize a right-of-use asset and lease liability for all leases with terms of more than 12 months. Lessees are permitted to make an accounting policy election to not recognize the asset and liability for leases with a term of twelve months or less. ASU 2016-02 does not significantly change the lessees’ recognition, measurement and presentation of expenses and cash flows from the previous accounting standard. Lessors’ accounting is largely unchanged from the previous accounting standard. In addition, ASU 2016-02 expands the disclosure requirements of lease arrangements. Lessees and lessors will use a modified retrospective transition approach. The guidance is effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2019. Early adoption is permitted. The Company has not determined the impact that adoption of this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718) (ASU 2016-09). ASU 2016-09 makes several modifications to Topic 718 related to the accounting for forfeitures, employer tax withholding on share-based compensation and the financial statement presentation of excess tax benefits or deficiencies. ASU 2016-09 also clarifies the statement of cash flows presentation for certain components of share-based awards. The standard is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, although early adoption is permitted. The Company adopted ASU 2016-09 during the first quarter of 2016, which adoption did not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

Fair Value Disclosures (Tables)

Fair Value Disclosures (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
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 September 30, 2016 Using Fair Value Measurements at September 30, 2016 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 $ 1,700 $ 1,700 $ — $ — Large cap 2,406 2,406 — — International 1,482 1,482 — — Mid cap 990 990 — — Small cap 561 561 — — Balanced 536 536 — — Money market funds 759 759 — — Total assets (1) $ 8,434 $ 8,434 $ — $ — (1) As of September 30, 2016 , $1.2 million and $7.2 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, 2015 Using Fair Value Measurements at December 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 $ 1,772 $ 1,772 $ — $ — Large cap 2,686 2,686 — — International 1,449 1,449 — — Mid cap 530 530 — — Small cap 425 425 — — Balanced 450 450 — — Money market funds 1,041 1,041 — — Total assets (1) $ 8,353 $ 8,353 $ — $ — (1) As of December 31, 2015, $0.9 million and $7.5 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 Intangible23

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
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, 2015 September 30, 2016 Gross Balance Accumulated Impairment Losses Additions Translation Gross Balance Accumulated Impairment Losses Enterprise Talent $ 40,134 $ (34,511 ) $ — $ — $ 22,890 $ (17,267 ) Specialty Talent and Technology Solutions 16,445 — — — 16,445 — Engineering Solutions 35,713 (21,431 ) — — 35,713 (21,431 ) MRI 15,749 (6,305 ) — (269 ) 14,726 (5,551 ) Total goodwill $ 108,041 $ (62,247 ) $ — $ (269 ) $ 89,774 $ (44,249 )
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, 2015 September 30, 2016 Gross Balance Accumulated Amortization Amortization Disposition Translation Gross Balance Accumulated Amortization Intangible assets subject to amortization: Customer relationships $ 20,376 $ (7,974 ) $ (2,441 ) $ (841 ) $ (106 ) $ 19,190 $ (10,176 ) Trademarks 6,440 (1,054 ) (355 ) — — 6,440 (1,409 ) Non-compete 150 (150 ) — — — 150 (150 ) Reacquired franchise rights 972 (498 ) (74 ) — — 972 (572 ) Total intangible assets subject to amortization 27,938 (9,676 ) (2,870 ) (841 ) (106 ) 26,752 (12,307 ) Indefinite-lived intangible assets: Trademarks 2,165 — — — — 2,165 — Total other intangible assets $ 30,103 $ (9,676 ) $ (2,870 ) $ (841 ) $ (106 ) $ 28,917 $ (12,307 )

Restructuring and Other Relat24

Restructuring and Other Related Costs (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
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, 2014 $ 2,031 $ 2,600 $ — $ 4,631 Cash payments (1,455 ) (1,060 ) — (2,515 ) Charges — 599 14 613 Non-cash — — (14 ) (14 ) Adjustments (30 ) 30 — — Balance as of September 30, 2015 $ 546 $ 2,169 $ — $ 2,715 Balance as of December 31, 2015 $ 2,202 $ 2,935 $ — $ 5,137 Cash payments (1,487 ) (1,812 ) — (3,299 ) Charges 1,353 2,301 113 3,767 Non-cash — — (113 ) (113 ) Adjustments (300 ) 300 — — Balance as of September 30, 2016 $ 1,768 $ 3,724 $ — $ 5,492 The consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 include provisions related to the foregoing restructuring plans of $4.2 million and $4.1 million in “Other accrued expenses and other current liabilities”, and $1.3 million and $1.0 million in "Other non-current liabilities", respectively.

Basic and Diluted Earnings Pe25

Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share (“EPS”) Data (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
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 Nine months ended September 30, September 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Numerator: Net loss attributable to CDI $ (17,818 ) $ (20,202 ) $ (30,119 ) $ (19,889 ) Denominator: Basic weighted-average shares 18,627 19,695 19,158 19,668 Dilutive effect of share-based awards — — — — Diluted weighted-average shares 18,627 19,695 19,158 19,668 Earnings (loss) per common share: Basic $ (0.96 ) $ (1.03 ) $ (1.57 ) $ (1.01 ) Diluted $ (0.96 ) $ (1.03 ) $ (1.57 ) $ (1.01 )

Reporting Segments (Tables)

Reporting Segments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment	Reporting segment asset data is presented in the following table for the indicated periods: September 30, December 31, 2016 2015 Assets: Enterprise Talent (1) $ 121,862 $ 137,695 Specialty Talent and Technology Solutions 39,531 40,127 Engineering Solutions 88,294 93,810 MRI 23,023 23,273 Corporate 41,231 44,192 Total assets $ 313,941 $ 339,097 (1) On September 16, 2016, the Company completed the sale of Anders, the Company's UK staffing and recruitment business, which is included in Enterprise Talent. Reporting segment depreciation and amortization data is presented in the following table for the indicated periods: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Depreciation and amortization: Enterprise Talent (1) $ 278 $ 259 $ 909 $ 925 Specialty Talent and Technology Solutions (2) 522 88 2,176 233 Engineering Solutions 1,117 1,431 3,585 4,447 MRI 73 65 205 227 Corporate 414 456 1,236 1,479 Total Depreciation and amortization $ 2,404 $ 2,299 $ 8,111 $ 7,311 Reporting segment operations data is presented in the following table for the indicated periods: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Revenue: Enterprise Talent (1) $ 127,488 $ 146,863 $ 400,617 $ 457,681 Specialty Talent and Technology Solutions (2) 18,938 7,724 56,460 23,315 Engineering Solutions 60,852 76,570 185,259 227,937 MRI 12,982 13,505 38,141 40,008 Total revenue $ 220,260 $ 244,662 $ 680,477 $ 748,941 Gross profit: Enterprise Talent (1) $ 13,848 $ 18,165 $ 45,763 $ 55,751 Specialty Talent and Technology Solutions (2) 5,626 2,422 16,448 7,579 Engineering Solutions 14,859 19,624 45,112 57,257 MRI 6,200 6,616 18,580 19,657 Total gross profit $ 40,533 $ 46,827 $ 125,903 $ 140,244 Operating profit (loss): Enterprise Talent (1), (3), (4) $ (10,299 ) $ (8,955 ) $ (9,622 ) $ (1,686 ) Specialty Talent and Technology Solutions (2), (4), (5) (575 ) 188 (566 ) 1,357 Engineering Solutions (3), (4), (6) (3,856 ) (10,123 ) (8,734 ) (9,613 ) MRI (4) 1,102 1,927 2,766 4,957 Corporate (4), (7) (4,293 ) (5,166 ) (12,046 ) (14,801 ) Total operating loss (17,921 ) (22,129 ) (28,202 ) (19,786 ) Other income (expense), net (112 ) 683 (713 ) 599 Loss before income taxes $ (18,033 ) $ (21,446 ) $ (28,915 ) $ (19,187 ) (1) On September 16, 2016, the Company completed the sale of Anders, the Company's UK staffing and recruitment business, which is included in Enterprise Talent, and recorded a charge of $11.3 million on disposition. Anders results are presented in the following table for the indicated periods (excluding allocation of corporate costs): Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Revenue $ 15,835 $ 25,812 $ 59,302 $ 79,972 Gross Profit 2,446 4,504 9,758 13,507 Operating and administrative expenses 2,874 4,755 11,542 14,545 Operating loss (428 ) (251 ) (1,784 ) (1,058 ) (2) On October 6, 2015, the Company acquired EdgeRock, which is included in Specialty Talent and Technology Solutions. (3) In the third quarter of 2015, the Company recorded an aggregate charge of $21.5 million related to the impairment of goodwill and certain fixed assets, comprised of Enterprise Talent $10.7 million and Engineering Solutions $10.9 million . (4) The following table summarizes the amount of restructuring and other related costs recognized by reporting segment for the indicated periods: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Restructuring and other related costs: Enterprise Talent $ 331 $ 331 $ 433 $ 378 Specialty Talent and Technology Solutions 215 — 215 — Engineering Solutions 2,504 235 2,690 235 MRI 206 — 206 — Corporate 222 — 223 — Total restructuring and other related costs $ 3,478 $ 566 $ 3,767 $ 613 (5) In the first quarter of 2016, the Company's Specialty Talent and Technology Solutions segment recorded a benefit to "Operating and administrative expenses" of $0.8 million related to the reversal of the EdgeRock acquisition earnout liability. (6) In the first quarter of 2015, the Company's Engineering Solutions 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. (7) In the third quarter of 2015, the Company recorded a pre-tax gain of $0.8 million for a sale of a non-operating corporate asset. Proceeds from the sale were $1.2 million .

Fair Value Disclosures (Details

Fair Value Disclosures (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Sep. 30, 2016		Dec. 31, 2015
Fair Value, Concentration of Risk, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fair value of assets		$ 8,434	[1]	$ 8,353	[2]
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets [Member]
Fair Value, Concentration of Risk, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Deferred compensation plan assets		1,200		900
Other Non-Current Assets [Member]
Fair Value, Concentration of Risk, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Deferred compensation plan assets	[1]	7,200		7,500
Bond Mutual Fund [Member]
Fair Value, Concentration of Risk, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fair value of assets		1,700		1,772
Large Cap Mutual Fund [Member]
Fair Value, Concentration of Risk, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fair value of assets		2,406		2,686
International Mutual Fund [Member]
Fair Value, Concentration of Risk, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fair value of assets		1,482		1,449
Mid Cap Mutual Cap [Member]
Fair Value, Concentration of Risk, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fair value of assets		990		530
Small Cap Mutual Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Concentration of Risk, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fair value of assets		561		425
Balanced Mutual Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Concentration of Risk, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fair value of assets		536		450
Money Market Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Concentration of Risk, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fair value of assets		759		1,041
Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Concentration of Risk, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fair value of assets		8,434	[1]	8,353	[2]
Level 1 [Member] | Bond Mutual Fund [Member]
Fair Value, Concentration of Risk, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fair value of assets		1,700		1,772
Level 1 [Member] | Large Cap Mutual Fund [Member]
Fair Value, Concentration of Risk, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fair value of assets		2,406		2,686
Level 1 [Member] | International Mutual Fund [Member]
Fair Value, Concentration of Risk, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fair value of assets		1,482		1,449
Level 1 [Member] | Mid Cap Mutual Cap [Member]
Fair Value, Concentration of Risk, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fair value of assets		990		530
Level 1 [Member] | Small Cap Mutual Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Concentration of Risk, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fair value of assets		561		425
Level 1 [Member] | Balanced Mutual Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Concentration of Risk, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fair value of assets		536		450
Level 1 [Member] | Money Market Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Concentration of Risk, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fair value of assets		759		1,041
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
[1]	As of September 30, 2016, $1.2 million and $7.2 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.
[2]	(1) As of December 31, 2015, $0.9 million and $7.5 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 Intangible28

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Gross Balance	$ 108,041
Accumulated Impairment Losses	(44,249)	$ (62,247)
Additions	0
Translation	(269)
Gross Balance	89,774
Accumulated Impairment Losses	(44,249)	(62,247)
Engineering Solutions [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Gross Balance	35,713
Accumulated Impairment Losses	(21,431)	(21,431)
Additions	0
Translation	0
Gross Balance	35,713
Accumulated Impairment Losses	(21,431)	(21,431)
Specialty Talent and Technology [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Gross Balance	16,445
Accumulated Impairment Losses	0	0
Additions	0
Translation	0
Gross Balance	16,445
Accumulated Impairment Losses	0	0
Enterprise Talent Solutions [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Gross Balance	40,134
Accumulated Impairment Losses	(17,267)	(34,511)
Additions	0
Translation	0
Gross Balance	22,890
Accumulated Impairment Losses	(17,267)	(34,511)
MRI [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Gross Balance	15,749
Accumulated Impairment Losses	(5,551)	(6,305)
Additions	0
Translation	(269)
Gross Balance	14,726
Accumulated Impairment Losses	$ (5,551)	$ (6,305)

Goodwill and Other Intangible29

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Other Intangible Assets (Details) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)
Finite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Gross finite-lived intangible assets, beginning of period	$ 27,938
Indefinite-lived trademarks, beginning of period	2,165
Gross intangibles assets excluding goodwill, beginning of period	30,103
Accumulated amortization, beginning of period	(9,676)
Amortization	(2,870)
Finite-lived intangible assets, disposition	(841)
Indefinite-lived intangible assets, disposition	(841)
Intangible asset translation adjustments	(106)
Gross finite-lived intangible assets, end of period	26,752
Accumulated amortization, end of period	(12,307)
Indefinite-lived trademarks, end of period	2,165
Gross intangibles assets excluding goodwill, end of period	28,917
Customer Relationships [Member]
Finite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Gross finite-lived intangible assets, beginning of period	20,376
Accumulated amortization, beginning of period	(7,974)
Amortization	(2,441)
Finite-lived intangible assets, disposition	(841)
Intangible asset translation adjustments	(106)
Gross finite-lived intangible assets, end of period	19,190
Accumulated amortization, end of period	(10,176)
Trademarks [Member]
Finite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Gross finite-lived intangible assets, beginning of period	6,440
Accumulated amortization, beginning of period	(1,054)
Amortization	(355)
Finite-lived intangible assets, disposition	0
Intangible asset translation adjustments	0
Gross finite-lived intangible assets, end of period	6,440
Accumulated amortization, end of period	(1,409)
Noncompete Agreements [Member]
Finite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Gross finite-lived intangible assets, beginning of period	150
Accumulated amortization, beginning of period	(150)
Amortization	0
Finite-lived intangible assets, disposition	0
Intangible asset translation adjustments	0
Gross finite-lived intangible assets, end of period	150
Accumulated amortization, end of period	(150)
Franchise Rights [Member]
Finite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Gross finite-lived intangible assets, beginning of period	972
Accumulated amortization, beginning of period	(498)
Amortization	(74)
Finite-lived intangible assets, disposition	0
Intangible asset translation adjustments	0
Gross finite-lived intangible assets, end of period	972
Accumulated amortization, end of period	$ (572)

Restructuring and Other Relat30

Restructuring and Other Related Costs (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Charges	$ 3,478	$ 566	$ 3,767	$ 613
Employee severance and related costs
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring Reserve, Beginning			2,202	2,031
Cash payments			1,487	1,455
Charges			1,353	0
Non-cash			0	0
Adjustments			(300)	(30)
Restructuring Reserve, Ending	1,768	546	1,768	546
Real estate exit and related costs
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring Reserve, Beginning			2,935	2,600
Cash payments			1,812	1,060
Charges			2,301	599
Non-cash			0	0
Adjustments			300	30
Restructuring Reserve, Ending	3,724	2,169	3,724	2,169
Asset write-offs
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring Reserve, Beginning			0	0
Cash payments			0	0
Charges			113	14
Non-cash			113	14
Adjustments			0	0
Restructuring Reserve, Ending	0	0	0	0
Accrued restructuring liability
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring Reserve, Beginning			5,137	4,631
Cash payments			3,299	2,515
Charges			3,767	613
Non-cash			113	14
Adjustments			0
Restructuring Reserve, Ending	5,492	$ 2,715	5,492	$ 2,715
Accrued restructuring liability | Other Current Liabilities [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring Reserve, Beginning			4,100
Restructuring Reserve, Ending	4,200		4,200
Accrued restructuring liability | Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring Reserve, Beginning			1,000
Restructuring Reserve, Ending	$ 1,300		$ 1,300

Acquisition and Dispositions (D

Acquisition and Dispositions (Details) £ in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Sep. 16, 2016GBP (£)	Oct. 06, 2015USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)	Mar. 20, 2015
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Operating profit			$ (17,921)	$ (22,129)	$ (28,202)	$ (19,786)
Proceeds from disposition					5,849	360
Loss on disposition of business interests			$ 11,301	$ 0	11,301	$ 310
Enterprise Talent Solutions [Member] | CDI AndersElite Limited Disposition [Member] | Disposal Group, Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Proceeds from disposition | £	£ 4,500
Consideration received, subordinated debt | £	£ 1,750
Consideration received, percent of equity in Holdings	19.99%
Value of non-cash purchase consideration received | £	£ 500
Loss on disposition of business interests					11,301
Engineering Solutions [Member] | CDI-Pycopsa Disposition [Member] | Disposal Group, Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Ownership percentage							67.00%
Proceeds from sale of interest in business					$ 100
EdgeRock Technologies, LLC [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Payments to acquire businesses		$ 33,400
Contingent consideration arrangements, range of outcomes, high		$ 4,000

Credit Facility (Details)

Credit Facility (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Oct. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt instrument, term	5 years
BANK OF AMERICA - MERRILL LYNCH ATS [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Letters of credit outstanding		$ 3.3
Credit Agreement [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Borrowings outstanding		$ 15
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage		1.77%
Credit Agreement [Member] | BANK OF AMERICA - MERRILL LYNCH ATS [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Borrowings outstanding			$ 18.8
Letters of credit outstanding			3.3
Remaining borrowing capacity		$ 110.4	$ 120.7
October 2015 Line of Credit [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Current borrowing capacity	$ 150
Current borrowing capacity, percent of eligible unbilled accounts receivable less certain reserves	80.00%
Current borrowing capacity, percent of eligible billed accounts receivable	85.00%
Line of Credit Facility, Optional Additional Borrowing Capacity	$ 75
October 2015 Line of Credit [Member] | Swingline Loans [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Current borrowing capacity	25
October 2015 Line of Credit [Member] | Letter of Credit [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Current borrowing capacity	$ 15
Maximum [Member] | October 2015 Line of Credit [Member] | Swingline Loans [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Current borrowing capacity, percent of eligible unbilled accounts receivable less certain reserves	30.00%
UNITED STATES | October 2015 Line of Credit [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Current borrowing capacity	$ 135
CANADA | October 2015 Line of Credit [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Current borrowing capacity	$ 15

Income Taxes (Details)

Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Effective income tax rate		(4.20%)	(4.10%)
Scenario, Forecast [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Worthless stock deduction, amount	$ 19.1
Deferred tax asset	$ 6.6

Basic and Diluted Earnings Pe34

Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share (“EPS”) Data (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Abstract]
Net income attributable to CDI	$ (17,818)	$ (20,202)	$ (30,119)	$ (19,889)
Basic weighted-average shares	18,627	19,695	19,158	19,668
Dilutive effect of stock-based awards	0	0	0	0
Diluted weighted-average shares	18,627	19,695	19,158	19,668
Earnings per common share:
Basic (per share)	$ (0.96)	$ (1.03)	$ (1.57)	$ (1.01)
Diluted (per share)	$ (0.96)	$ (1.03)	$ (1.57)	$ (1.01)
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of EPS	500	700	500	400

Reporting Segments (Details)

Reporting Segments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 220,260		$ 244,662		$ 680,477	$ 748,941
Gross profit	40,533		46,827		125,903	140,244
Operating profit	(17,921)		(22,129)		(28,202)	(19,786)
Other income (expense), net	(112)		683		(713)	599
Income before income taxes	(18,033)		(21,446)		(28,915)	(19,187)
Loss on disposition of business interests	11,301		0		11,301	310
Impairment	0		21,537		0	21,537
Restructuring and other related costs	3,478		566		3,767	613
Proceeds from sale of assets					36	1,220
Assets	313,941				313,941		$ 339,097
Depreciation and amortization	2,404		2,299		8,111	7,311
Enterprise Talent Solutions [Member] | CDI AndersElite Limited Disposition [Member] | Disposal Group, Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Loss on disposition of business interests					11,301
Revenue	15,835		25,812		59,302	79,972
Gross Profit	2,446		4,504		9,758	13,507
Operating and administrative expenses	2,874		4,755		11,542	14,545
Operating loss	(428)		(251)		(1,784)	(1,058)
Depreciation and amortization	100		100		400	500
Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Impairment				$ 21,500
Operating Segments [Member] | Enterprise Talent Solutions [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	127,488		146,863		400,617	457,681
Gross profit	13,848		18,165		45,763	55,751
Operating profit	(10,299)		(8,955)		(9,622)	(1,686)
Impairment				10,700
Restructuring and other related costs	331		331		433	378
Assets	121,862				121,862		137,695
Depreciation and amortization	278		259		909	925
Operating Segments [Member] | Specialty Talent and Technology [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	18,938		7,724		56,460	23,315
Gross profit	5,626		2,422		16,448	7,579
Operating profit			188			1,357
Restructuring and other related costs	215		0		215	0
Assets	39,531				39,531		40,127
Depreciation and amortization	522		88		2,176	233
Operating Segments [Member] | Specialty Talent and Technology [Member] | EdgeRock Technologies, LLC [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating profit	(575)	$ 800			(566)
Operating Segments [Member] | Engineering Solutions [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	60,852		76,570		185,259	227,937
Gross profit	14,859		19,624		45,112	57,257
Operating profit	(3,856)		(10,123)		(8,734)	(9,613)
Impairment				10,900
Restructuring and other related costs	2,504		235		2,690	235
Assets	88,294				88,294		93,810
Depreciation and amortization	1,117		1,431		3,585	4,447
Operating Segments [Member] | Engineering Solutions [Member] | CDI-Pycopsa Disposition [Member] | Disposal Group, Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Loss on disposition				$ 300
Operating Segments [Member] | MRI [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	12,982		13,505		38,141	40,008
Gross profit	6,200		6,616		18,580	19,657
Operating profit	1,102		1,927		2,766	4,957
Restructuring and other related costs	206		0		206	0
Assets	23,023				23,023		23,273
Depreciation and amortization	73		65		205	227
Corporate [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating profit	(4,293)		(5,166)		(12,046)	(14,801)
Restructuring and other related costs	222		0		223	0
Gain on sale of non-operating corporate asset			800
Proceeds from sale of assets			1,200
Assets	41,231				41,231		$ 44,192
Depreciation and amortization	$ 414		$ 456		$ 1,236	$ 1,479