Sotheby's (BID) 10-Q 12 Nov 13 2013 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Oct. 31, 2013
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'SOTHEBYS	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000823094	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-13	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	68,709,158

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Revenues:	'	'	'	'
Auction and related revenues	$76,929	$59,711	$466,047	$447,272
Finance revenues	5,164	4,572	15,658	12,727
Dealer revenues	23,491	1,815	26,696	11,887
License fee revenues	1,902	2,046	5,178	4,539
Other revenues	378	317	898	944
Total revenues	107,864	68,461	514,477	477,369
Expenses:	'	'	'	'
Direct costs of services	7,279	4,225	46,988	38,924
Dealer cost of sales	22,417	2,553	27,115	11,624
Marketing expenses	5,057	3,500	15,603	12,508
Salaries and related costs	61,971	53,447	203,931	194,549
General and administrative expenses	40,576	37,980	128,958	116,753
Depreciation and amortization expense	4,925	4,690	14,242	13,244
Restructuring charges, net	0	-25	0	-3
Total expenses	142,225	106,370	436,837	387,599
Operating (loss) income	-34,361	-37,909	77,640	89,770
Interest income	431	280	2,258	1,102
Interest expense	-8,912	-10,390	-33,564	-30,682
Other income	982	1,596	2,513	2,391
(Loss) income before taxes	-41,860	-46,423	48,847	62,581
Equity in earnings of investees, net of taxes	31	17	19	194
Income tax (benefit) expense	-11,698	-13,841	9,613	20,574
Net (loss) income	($30,131)	($32,565)	$39,253	$42,201
Basic (loss) earnings per share - Sotheby’s common shareholders (usd per share)	($0.44)	($0.48)	$0.58	$0.62
Diluted (loss) earnings per share - Sotheby’s common shareholders (usd per share)	($0.44)	($0.48)	$0.57	$0.61
Weighted average basic shares outstanding (shares)	68,361	67,771	68,206	67,661
Weighted average diluted shares outstanding (shares)	68,361	67,771	68,957	68,494
Cash dividends paid per common share (usd per share)	$0.10	$0.08	$0.10	$0.24

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme1

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Statement of Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net (loss) income	($30,131)	($32,565)	$39,253	$42,201
Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments, net of taxes of $609, $613, ($221), and $613	23,972	15,235	4,655	14,014
Amortization of previously unrecognized net pension losses included in net (loss) income, net of taxes of $83, $0, $248, and $0	278	0	833	0
Other comprehensive income	24,250	15,235	5,488	14,014
Comprehensive (loss) income	($5,881)	($17,330)	$44,741	$56,215

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme2

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Statement of Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Taxes - Foreign currency translation adjustment	$609	$613	($221)	$613
Tax - Amortiazation of previosuly unrecognzied net pension losses	$83	$0	$248	$0

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current Assets	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$483,185	$768,347	$585,772
Restricted cash	6,814	31,974	5,132
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $6,609, $6,628, and $6,729	249,348	597,487	441,325
Notes receivable, net of allowance for credit losses of $1,686, $1,341 and $1,149	204,427	129,972	146,597
Inventory	98,377	92,187	99,038
Deferred income taxes and income tax receivable	45,923	23,497	37,957
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	40,092	27,659	40,765
Total Current Assets	1,128,166	1,671,123	1,356,586
Notes receivable	333,846	317,068	291,485
Fixed assets, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of $174,453, $165,847 and $164,149	377,368	375,031	372,537
Goodwill and other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $6,347, $6,197, and $6,081	14,727	14,660	14,634
Equity method investments	11,047	15,136	15,195
Deferred income taxes and income tax receivable	53,704	59,135	54,311
Trust assets related to deferred compensation liability	51,387	47,926	47,880
Pension asset	21,985	18,034	34,309
Other long-term assets	37,317	56,982	56,551
Total Assets	2,029,547	2,575,095	2,243,488
Current Liabilities	'	'	'
Due to consignors	225,436	599,614	264,570
Current portion of long-term debt, net	3,581	181,250	255,400
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	120,840	148,822	116,066
Accrued and deferred income taxes	17,329	27,864	18,318
Other current liabilities	8,279	7,329	17,043
Total Current Liabilities	375,465	964,879	671,397
Long-term debt, net	515,151	515,197	515,185
Accrued and deferred income taxes	23,991	19,047	22,606
Deferred compensation liability	49,469	45,223	46,002
Other long-term liabilities	21,941	37,923	37,866
Total Liabilities	986,017	1,582,269	1,293,056
Commitments and contingencies (see Note 8)	'	'	'
Shareholders' Equity:	'	'	'
Common Stock, $0.01 par value, Authorized shares at September 30, 2013 - 200,000,000, Issued and outstanding shares - 68,408,051, 67,779,637 and 67,778,305	684	677	677
Additional paid-in capital	380,819	368,173	362,565
Retained earnings	706,763	674,351	627,094
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-44,887	-50,375	-39,904
Total Shareholders' Equity	1,043,379	992,826	950,432
Noncontrolling interest	151	0	0
Total Equity	1,043,530	992,826	950,432
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity	$2,029,547	$2,575,095	$2,243,488

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance1

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]	'	'	'
Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable	$6,609	$6,628	$6,729
Allowance for credit losses	1,686	1,341	1,149
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	174,453	165,847	164,149
Accumulated amortization, Intangible assets	$6,347	$6,197	$6,081
Common stock, par value (usd per share)	$0.01	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized (shares)	200,000,000	200,000,000	200,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (shares)	68,408,051	67,779,637	67,778,305
Common stock, shares outstanding (shares)	68,408,051	67,779,637	67,778,305

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme3

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Operating Activities:	'	'
Net income	$39,253	$42,201
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used by operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization expense	14,242	13,244
Deferred income tax expense	4,793	3,216
Share-based payments	15,919	13,333
Net pension benefit	-859	-2,037
Asset provisions	8,100	5,943
Amortization of debt discount	6,470	8,572
Excess tax benefits from share-based payments	-3,490	-3,316
Other	412	1,151
Changes in assets and liabilities:	'	'
Accounts receivable	316,019	76,397
Due to consignors	-391,167	-518,026
Inventory	-1,546	5,847
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	-12,286	-15,782
Other long-term assets	-988	-43,009
Income tax receivable and deferred income tax assets	-17,877	-18,386
Accrued income taxes and deferred income tax liabilities	-5,814	-14,446
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities and other liabilities	-25,694	7,516
Net cash used by operating activities	-54,513	-437,582
Investing Activities:	'	'
Funding of notes receivable	-233,709	-271,395
Collections of notes receivable	186,497	116,038
Capital expenditures	-17,191	-13,426
Proceeds from the sale of land and buildings	0	714
Distributions from equity investees	65	100
Decrease in restricted cash	25,927	23,252
Proceeds from the sale of equity method investment	800	0
Net cash used by investing activities	-37,611	-144,717
Financing Activities:	'	'
Repayment of Convertible Notes	-197,371	0
Proceeds from the settlement of Convertible Note Hedges	15,503	0
Proceeds from the issuance of 2022 Senior Notes	0	300,000
Payment of debt issuance costs	0	-5,400
Repayments of York Property Mortgage	-2,316	-2,124
Dividends paid	-6,841	-16,389
Contribution from noncontrolling interest	322	0
Proceeds from exercise of employee stock options	4,049	966
Excess tax benefits from share-based payments	3,490	3,316
Funding of employee tax obligations upon the vesting of share-based payments	-11,399	-11,348
Net cash (used) provided by financing activities	-194,563	269,021
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	1,525	8,417
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents	-285,162	-304,861
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	768,347	890,633
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$483,185	$585,772

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme4

Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (Unaudited) - Parenthetical (Parentheticals) (Convertible Notes [Member])	0 Months Ended
	Jun. 17, 2008
Convertible Notes [Member]	'
Stated interest rate of convertible debt	3.13%

Basis_of_Presentation

Basis of Presentation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Basis of Presentation	'
	Basis of Presentation
	The Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included herein have been prepared by Sotheby’s pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) in the United States of America (the “U.S.”) have been condensed or omitted from this report, as is permitted by such rules and regulations; however, the management of Sotheby’s believes that the disclosures herein are adequate to make the information presented not misleading and that all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are reflected in the interim periods presented. It is suggested that these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included in Sotheby’s 2012 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Seasonality_of_Business

Seasonality of Business	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Seasonality Of Business [Abstract]	'
Seasonality of Business	'
	Seasonality of Business
	The worldwide art auction market has two principal selling seasons, which generally occur in the second and fourth quarters of the year. In the aggregate, second and fourth quarter Net Auction Sales (which represents the hammer, or sale, price of property sold at auction) represented 84% and 81% of total Net Auction Sales in 2012 and 2011, respectively. Accordingly, Sotheby’s auction results are seasonal, with peak revenues and operating income generally occurring in those quarters. Consequently, first and third quarter results have historically reflected a lower volume of auction activity when compared to the second and fourth quarters and, typically, a net loss due to the fixed nature of many of Sotheby’s operating expenses.

Earnings_Loss_Per_Share

Earnings (Loss) Per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings (Loss) Per Share	'
	Earnings (Loss) Per Share
	Basic (loss) earnings per share—Basic (loss) earnings per share attributable to Sotheby's common shareholders is computed under the two-class method using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. The two-class method requires that the amount of net income attributable to participating securities be deducted from consolidated net income in the computation of basic earnings per share. In periods with a net loss, the net loss attributable to participating securities is not deducted from consolidated net loss in the computation of basic loss per share as the impact would be anti-dilutive. Sotheby's only participating securities are unvested restricted stock units, which have non-forfeitable rights to dividends.
	Diluted (loss) earnings per share—Diluted (loss) earnings per share attributable to Sotheby's common shareholders is computed in a similar manner to basic (loss) earnings per share under the two-class method, using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period and, if dilutive, the weighted average number of potential common shares outstanding during the period. Sotheby's potential common shares include the following:
	•	Unvested performance share units held by employees and incremental common shares issuable upon the exercise of employee stock options. Unvested performance share units are included in the computation of diluted earnings per share if the profitability targets inherent in such awards have been achieved as of the balance sheet date. Incremental common shares issuable upon the exercise of employee stock options are included in the computation of diluted earnings per share in quarterly periods when the average price of Sotheby's Common Stock exceeds the exercise price of the stock options. (See Note 10 for information related to Sotheby’s share-based compensation programs.)
	•	Deferred stock units issued pursuant to the Sotheby's Stock Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors.
	•	In reporting periods when the average price of Sotheby's Common Stock exceeded the conversion price of its 3.125% Convertible Notes, the net shares that would be delivered to settle the resulting conversion premium upon assumed conversion. As discussed in Note 6, Sotheby's redeemed the remaining $181.9 million principal amount of its 3.125% Convertible Notes entirely in cash upon their maturity in June 2013.
	•	In reporting periods when the average price of Sotheby's Common Stock exceeds the exercise price of the warrants that were sold in conjunction with the issuance of the 3.125% Convertible Notes, the net shares that would be delivered to settle these warrants. These warrants are exercisable subject to daily limits during a period that began on September 17, 2013 and that will end on November 25, 2013. See Note 6.
	For the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, 2 million and 2.3 million potential common shares, respectively, related to unvested performance share units were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share because Sotheby's reported a net loss for the period, and therefore, their inclusion in the computation would be anti-dilutive. For the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, 1.5 million and 1.1 million potential common shares, respectively, related to unvested performance share units were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share because the profitability targets inherent in such awards were not achieved as of the balance sheet date.
	The table below summarizes the computation of basic and diluted (loss) earnings per share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts):
			Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended
									September 30,
	Basic:		2013			2012			2013		2012
	Numerator:
	Net (loss) income attributable to Sotheby’s		$	(30,131	)	$	(32,565	)	$	39,253	$	42,201
	Less: Net income attributable to participating securities		—			—			23		185
	Net (loss) income attributable to Sotheby’s common shareholders		$	(30,131	)	$	(32,565	)	$	39,230	$	42,016
	Denominator:
	Weighted average common shares outstanding		68,361			67,771			68,206		67,661
	Basic (loss) earnings per share - Sotheby’s common shareholders		$	(0.44	)	$	(0.48	)	$	0.58	$	0.62
	Diluted:
	Numerator:
	Net (loss) income attributable to Sotheby’s		$	(30,131	)	$	(32,565	)	$	39,253	$	42,201
	Less: Net income attributable to participating securities		—			—			23		184
	Net (loss) income attributable to Sotheby’s common shareholders		$	(30,131	)	$	(32,565	)	$	39,230	$	42,017
	Denominator:
	Weighted average common shares outstanding		68,361			67,771			68,206		67,661
	Weighted average dilutive potential common shares outstanding:
	3.125% Convertible Notes		—			—			129		123
	Performance share units		—			—			388		453
	Non-employee director share deferrals		—			—			151		162
	Stock options		—			—			82		95
	Warrants		—			—			1		—
	Weighted average dilutive potential common shares outstanding		—			—			751		833
	Denominator for calculation of diluted earnings per share		68,361			67,771			68,957		68,494
	Diluted (loss) earnings per share - Sotheby’s common shareholders		$	(0.44	)	$	(0.48	)	$	0.57	$	0.61

Segment_Reporting

Segment Reporting	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment Reporting	'
	Segment Reporting
	Sotheby’s operations are organized under three segments—Auction, Finance, and Dealer. The table below presents Sotheby’s revenues and (loss) income before taxes by segment for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands of dollars):
	Three Months Ended September 30, 2013	Auction			Finance			Dealer			All Other		Reconciling items			Total
	Revenues	$	77,469		$	7,654		$	23,491		$	2,280	$	(3,030	)	$	107,864
	Segment (loss) income before taxes	$	(48,460	)	$	5,504		$	(516	)	$	1,668	$	(56	)	$	(41,860	)
	Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
	Revenues	$	59,711		$	6,414		$	1,815		$	2,363	$	(1,842	)	$	68,461
	Segment (loss) income before taxes	$	(50,518	)	$	4,841		$	(2,567	)	$	1,852	$	(31	)	$	(46,423	)
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
	Revenues	$	466,587		$	22,787		$	26,696		$	6,076	$	(7,669	)	$	514,477
	Segment income (loss) before taxes	$	32,508		$	16,370		$	(4,472	)	$	4,475	$	(34	)	$	48,847
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
	Revenues	$	447,272		$	17,942		$	11,887		$	5,483	$	(5,215	)	$	477,369
	Segment income (loss) before taxes	$	50,401		$	13,510		$	(4,933	)	$	3,955	$	(352	)	$	62,581
	In the table of segment information above, the reconciling items related to Revenues consist principally of charges from the Finance segment to the Auction segment for interest-free or other below market consignor advances with maturities up to 6 months (see Note 5). In the third quarter of 2013, the reconciling items related to Revenues also include $0.5 million related to the elimination of private sale commission revenues earned by the Auction segment for acting as agent in the sale of certain Dealer segment inventory. The reconciling item related to segment income (loss) before taxes consists of Sotheby's pre-tax share of earnings related to its equity investees. Such earnings are included in the table above as part of the Dealer segment loss, but are presented net of taxes in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.
	The results of the Dealer segment include the activities of Noortman Master Paintings (“NMP”), a wholly-owned art dealer. In recent years, NMP’s results have been adversely impacted by shifts in the collecting tastes of its clients and has faced increased challenges in sourcing and successfully selling categories of Old Master Paintings that traditionally formed the heart of its business. In the third quarter of 2011, management initiated a plan to restructure NMP’s business and sales strategy, but those efforts were not successful in reversing this trend. As a result, management has elected to close NMP’s remaining office in London effective December 31, 2013. Management is currently assessing its sale plans for NMP’s remaining inventory.
	For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, Auction segment revenues consisted of the following (in thousands of dollars):
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Auction commission revenues	$	48,581		$	41,955		390,836			375,116
	Private sale commission revenues	26,519			14,645			66,161			56,110
	Principal activities	(921		)	(457		)	(1,435		)	527
	Other auction and related revenues	3,290			3,568			11,025			15,519
	Total auction segment revenues	77,469			59,711			466,587			447,272
	Reconciling item	(540		)	—			(540		)	—
	Total auction and related revenues	$	76,929		$	59,711		$	466,047		$	447,272
	Principal activities consist mainly of gains and losses related to auction guarantees including: (i) Sotheby's share of overage or shortfall related to guaranteed property offered or sold at auction, (ii) subsequent writedowns to the carrying value of guaranteed property that initially failed to sell at auction, and (iii) subsequent recoveries and losses on the sale of guaranteed property that initially failed to sell at auction. Other auction and related revenues principally includes commissions and other fees earned by Sotheby's on private sales brokered by third parties, fees charged to clients for catalogue production and insurance, catalogue subscription revenues and advertising revenues.
	The table below presents Sotheby's assets by segment, as well as a reconciliation of segment assets to consolidated assets as of September 30, 2013, December 31, 2012, and September 30, 2012 (in thousands of dollars):
		September 30, 2013			December 31,			September 30, 2012
					2012
	Auction	$	1,369,396		$	1,977,620		$	1,645,321
	Finance	463,574			427,871			406,672
	Dealer	95,175			85,748			98,002
	All Other	1,775			1,224			1,225
	Total segment assets	1,929,920			2,492,463			2,151,220
	Unallocated amounts:
	Deferred tax assets and income tax receivable	99,627			82,632			92,268
	Consolidated assets	$	2,029,547		$	2,575,095		$	2,243,488

Receivables

Receivables	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Accounts and Notes Receivable, Net [Abstract]	'
Receivables	'
	Receivables
	Accounts Receivable, Net—Sotheby's Auction segment functions principally as an agent by offering works of art for sale at auction and by brokering private art sales. In its role as agent, Sotheby's accepts property on consignment and matches sellers (also known as consignors) to buyers through the auction or private sale process. Sotheby's invoices the buyer for the purchase price of the property (including the commission owed by the buyer), collects payment from the buyer and remits to the consignor the net sale proceeds after deducting its commissions, expenses and applicable taxes and royalties. Sotheby's auction commissions include those paid by the buyer ("buyer's premium") and those paid by the seller ("seller's commission") (collectively, "auction commission revenue"), both of which are calculated as a percentage of the hammer price of the property sold at auction. For private sales, Sotheby's may enter into a legally binding agreement with the seller, which outlines the terms of the arrangement including the desired sale price and the amount or rate of commission to be earned upon completion of the sale.
	Under Sotheby’s standard auction payment terms, payments from the buyer are due no more than 30 days from the sale date and payments to the consignor are due 35 days from the sale date. For private sales, payment from the buyer is typically due on the sale date, with the net sale proceeds being due to the consignor shortly thereafter. Extended payment terms are sometimes provided to a buyer and, for auctions, can vary considerably from selling season to selling season. Such terms typically extend the payment due date to a date that is no longer than one year from the sale date. In limited circumstances, the payment due date may be extended to a date that is beyond one year from the sale date. Any changes from the standard auction and private sale payment terms are subject to management approval under Sotheby's policy. When providing extended payment terms, Sotheby’s attempts to match the timing of cash receipt from the buyer with the timing of payment to the consignor, but is not always successful in doing so. As of September 30, 2013, $19.8 million of buyer receivables and $15.3 million of amounts due to consignors were classified within Other Long-Term Assets and Other Long-Term Liabilities, respectively, based on their corresponding payment due dates. The property related to these buyer receivables has not been released to the buyer and is in the possession of Sotheby's.
	Under the standard terms and conditions of its auction and private sales, Sotheby’s is not obligated to pay the consignor for property that has not been paid for by the buyer. If a buyer defaults on payment, the sale may be cancelled, and the property will be returned to the consignor. Alternatively, the consignor may reoffer the property at a future Sotheby's auction or negotiate a private sale with Sotheby's acting as its agent. In certain instances and subject to management approval under Sotheby’s policy, the consignor may be paid the net sale proceeds before payment is collected from the buyer and/or the buyer may be allowed to take possession of the property before making payment. In situations when the buyer takes possession of the property before making payment, Sotheby’s is liable to the seller for the net sale proceeds whether or not the buyer makes payment. As of September 30, 2013, December 31, 2012, and September 30, 2012, Accounts Receivable (net) included $59.9 million, $170 million, and $136 million, respectively, related to situations when Sotheby's paid the consignor before payment was collected from the buyer. As of September 30, 2013, December 31, 2012, and September 30, 2012, Accounts Receivable (net) also included $42.2 million, $83.7 million, and $35.0 million, respectively, related to situations when the buyer was allowed to take possession of the property before making payment to Sotheby’s.
	As of September 30, 2013, one buyer had an outstanding receivable balance of $32 million. No other amount exceeded 10% of total Accounts Receivable.
	Notes Receivable, Net—As of September 30, 2013, December 31, 2012, and September 30, 2012, Notes Receivable (net) consisted of the following (in thousands of dollars):
			September 30,		December 31,		September 30,
			2013		2012		2012
	Finance segment:
	Consignor advances		$	126,930	$	110,341	$	138,819
	Term loans		329,164		314,797		264,331
	Total Finance segment secured loans		456,094		425,138		403,150
	Auction segment:
	Auction guarantee advances		70,837		16,224		25,000
	Unsecured loan		2,142		2,142		2,142
	Dealer segment:
	Secured loans		5,825		3,536		7,790
	Other:
	Unsecured loan		3,375		—		—
	Total Notes Receivable (net)		$	538,273	$	447,040	$	438,082
	Notes Receivable (Finance Segment)—Through its Finance segment, Sotheby’s provides certain collectors and art dealers with financing secured by works of art that Sotheby's either has in its possession or permits borrowers to possess. The Finance segment generally makes two types of secured loans: (1) advances secured by consigned property to borrowers who are contractually committed, in the near term, to sell the property at auction (a “consignor advance”); and (2) general purpose term loans secured by property not presently intended for sale (a “term loan”).
	A consignor advance allows a seller to receive funds upon consignment for an auction or private sale that will typically occur up to one year in the future. Consignor advances normally have maturities of up to six months and may sometimes be issued interest-free as an incentive to the consignor for entering into the consignment agreement. Such interest-free consignor advances can represent a significant portion of the Finance segment loan portfolio as of the end of certain quarterly reporting periods in advance of peak selling seasons. Interest bearing consignor advances typically carry a variable rate of interest.
	Term loans allow Sotheby's to establish or enhance mutually beneficial relationships with borrowers and may generate future auction or private sale consignments and/or purchases. Term loans normally have initial maturities of up to two years and typically carry a variable market rate of interest.
	In certain situations, term loans are also made to refinance accounts receivable generated by clients' auction and private sale purchases. For the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, the Finance segment made $54 million and $65 million, respectively, of such loans. These loans are accounted for as non-cash transfers between Accounts Receivable (net) and Notes Receivable (net) and are, therefore, not reflected within investing activities in the statements of cash flows. Upon repayment, the cash received in settlement of such loans is classified within operating activities in the statements of cash flows. As of September 30, 2013, December 31, 2012, and September 30, 2012, Notes Receivable (net) included $84.5 million, $77.4 million, and $82.1 million, respectively, of such loans.
	The collection of secured loans can be adversely impacted by a decline in the art market in general or in the value of the particular collateral. In addition, in situations when there are competing claims on the collateral and/or when a borrower becomes subject to bankruptcy or insolvency laws, Sotheby’s ability to realize on its collateral may be limited or delayed.
	Sotheby’s target loan-to-value (“LTV”) ratio, which is defined as the principal loan amount divided by the low auction estimate of the collateral, is 50% or lower. However, loans are also made at an initial LTV higher than 50%. In addition, as a result of the periodic revaluation of loan collateral, the LTV ratio of certain loans may increase above the 50% target due to decreases in the low auction estimates of the collateral. The revaluation of loan collateral is performed by Sotheby’s specialists on an annual basis or more frequently if there is a material change in circumstances related to the loan or the disposal plans for the collateral. Management believes that the LTV ratio is the critical credit quality indicator for Finance segment secured loans.
	The table below provides the aggregate LTV ratio for the entire portfolio of Finance segment secured loans as of September 30, 2013, December 31, 2012, and September 30, 2012 (in thousands of dollars):
			September 30,		December 31,		September 30,
			2013		2012		2012
	Finance segment secured loans		$	456,094	$	425,138	$	403,150
	Low auction estimate of collateral		$	1,002,252	$	891,096	$	837,489
	Aggregate LTV ratio		46%		48%		48%
	The table below provides the aggregate LTV ratio for Finance segment secured loans with an LTV above 50% as of September 30, 2013, December 31, 2012, and September 30, 2012 (in thousands of dollars):
			September 30,		December 31,		September 30,
			2013		2012		2012
	Finance segment secured loans with an LTV above 50%		$	222,701	$	120,662	$	250,688
	Low auction estimate of collateral related to Finance segment secured loans with an LTV above 50%		$	355,568	$	184,205	$	423,863
	Aggregate LTV ratio of Finance segment secured loans with an LTV above 50%		63%		66%		59%
	The table below provides other credit quality information regarding Finance segment secured loans as of September 30, 2013, December 31, 2012, and September 30, 2012 (in thousands of dollars):
			September 30,		December 31,		September 30,
			2013		2012		2012
	Total secured loans		$	456,094	$	425,138	$	403,150
	Loans past due		$	72,613	$	33,737	$	41,286
	Loans more than 90 days past due		$	31,212	$	32,665	$	6,149
	Non-accrual loans		$	—	$	—	$	—
	Impaired loans		$	—	$	—	$	—
	Allowance for credit losses:
	Allowance for credit losses - impaired loans		$	—	$	—	$	—
	Allowance for credit losses based on historical data		1,686		1,341		1,149
	Total Allowance for Credit Losses - secured loans		$	1,686	$	1,341	$	1,149
	Management considers a loan to be past due when principal payments are not paid in accordance with the stated terms of the loan. As of September 30, 2013, $72.6 million of the Notes Receivable (net) balance was considered to be past due, of which $31.2 million was more than 90 days past due. Sotheby's is continuing to accrue Finance Revenue on these past due loans. The collateral securing these loans has low auction estimates of approximately $151.5 million and $82.5 million, respectively. In consideration of the value of the remaining collateral securing these past due loans, current collateral disposal plans, and negotiations with the borrowers, management believes that the principal and interest amounts due for past due loans will be collected. In the fourth quarter of 2013, the terms of two past due loans totaling $69.1 million were amended to extend the maturity date in exchange for lower LTV ratios through the receipt of additional collateral and new collateral consignments. Included in this amount is a $29.7 million loan that was classified as more than 90 days past due as of September 30, 2013.
	A non-accrual loan is a loan for which future Finance Revenue is not recorded due to management’s determination that it is probable that future interest on the loan is not collectible. Any cash receipts subsequently received on non-accrual loans are first applied to reduce the recorded principal balance of the loan, with any proceeds in excess of the principal balance then applied to interest owed by the borrower. The recognition of Finance Revenue may resume on a non-accrual loan if sufficient additional collateral is provided by the borrower or if management becomes aware of other circumstances that indicate that it is probable that the borrower will make future interest payments on the loan. As of September 30, 2013, December 31, 2012, and September 30, 2012, there were no Finance segment non-accrual loans outstanding.
	A loan is considered to be impaired when management determines that it is probable that a portion of the principal and interest owed by the borrower will not be recovered after taking into account the estimated realizable value of the collateral securing the loan, as well as the ability of the borrower to repay any shortfall between the value of the collateral and the amount of the loan. If a loan is considered to be impaired, Finance Revenue is no longer recognized and bad debt expense is recorded for any principal or accrued interest that is deemed uncollectible. As of September 30, 2013, December 31, 2012, and September 30, 2012, there were no impaired loans outstanding.
	During the period January 1, 2012 to September 30, 2013, activity related to the Allowance for Credit Losses was as follows (in thousands of dollars):
	Allowance for credit losses as of January 1, 2012	$	875
	Change in loan loss provision	466
	Allowance for credit losses as of December 31, 2012	1,341
	Change in loan loss provision	345
	Allowance for credit losses as of September 30, 2013	$	1,686
	As of September 30, 2013, unfunded commitments to extend additional credit through Sotheby's Finance segment were $27.8 million, of which $0.9 million is committed to an employee of Sotheby’s who is not an Executive Officer. As of September 30, 2013, this same employee had an outstanding Finance segment loan of approximately $0.1 million.
	Notes Receivable (Auction Segment)—Sotheby’s is obligated under the terms of certain auction guarantees to advance a portion of the guaranteed amount prior to auction. Such auction guarantee advances are recorded on Sotheby's balance sheet within Notes Receivable (net). As of September 30, 2013, December 31, 2012, and September 30, 2012, auction guarantee advances totaled $70.8 million, $16.2 million and $25 million, respectively. As of September 30, 2013, one auction guarantee advance totaling $68.4 million comprised approximately 13% of Notes Receivable (net). The property associated with this auction guarantee advance will be offered at auction in November 2013. (See Note 9 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.)
	Under certain circumstances, Sotheby's, through its Auction segment, finances the purchase of works of art by unaffiliated art dealers through unsecured loans. The property purchased pursuant to such unsecured loans is sold privately or at auction with any profit or loss shared by Sotheby's and the art dealer. As of September 30, 2013, December 31, 2012, and September 30, 2012, one such unsecured loan totaled $2.1 million. Sotheby's is no longer accruing interest with respect to this unsecured loan, but management believes that the balance is collectible based on discussions with the borrower.
	Notes Receivable (Dealer Segment)—Sotheby's Dealer segment, with assistance of Finance segment employees, provides secured loans to certain art dealers to finance the purchase of works of art. In these situations, the Dealer segment acquires a partial ownership interest in the purchased property in addition to providing the loan. Upon its eventual sale, the loan is repaid, and any profit or loss is shared by Sotheby's and the dealer according to their respective ownership interests. As of September 30, 2013, December 31, 2012, and September 30, 2012, such loans totaled $5.8 million, $3.5 million, and $7.8 million, respectively.
Notes Receivable (Other)—In the second quarter of 2013, Sotheby's agreed to sell its ownership interest in an equity method investment to its partner in the investment for $4.3 million, an amount that was funded by an upfront payment of $0.8 million and a $3.5 million unsecured loan. This loan matures in December 2018, is being charged a variable market rate of interest, and requires monthly payments during the loan term. Sotheby's recognized a gain of $0.3 million in the second quarter of 2013 in Other Non-Operating Income as result of the sale of this equity method investment.
Weighted Average Interest Rates—For the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, the weighted average interest rates earned on Finance segment secured loans were 4.8% and 5.5%, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, the weighted average interest rates earned on Finance segment secured loans were 5% and 5.7%, respectively.
For the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, the weighted average interest rates earned on consolidated Notes Receivable (net) were 4.5% and 5.4%, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, the weighted average interest rates earned on consolidated Notes Receivable (net) were 4.7% and 5.4%, respectively.

Debt

Debt	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Debt Instruments [Abstract]	'
Debt	'
	Debt
	Revolving Credit Facility—On August 31, 2009, Sotheby's and certain of its wholly-owned subsidiaries entered into a credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with an international syndicate of lenders led by General Electric Capital, Corporate Finance (“GE Capital”). On December 19, 2012, Sotheby's, GE Capital, and the lenders named therein amended and restated the Credit Agreement (the “A&R Credit Agreement”) to, among other things, extend the maturity date from September 1, 2014 to December 19, 2017, increase the borrowing capacity from $200 million to $300 million, and provide further flexibility to Sotheby's. On June 27, 2013, the A&R Credit Agreement was amended to increase the maximum permissible amount of net outstanding auction guarantees (i.e., auction guarantees less the impact of related risk and reward sharing arrangements) from $100 million to $300 million. The following summary does not purport to be a complete summary of the A&R Credit Agreement, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the A&R Credit Agreement, a copy of which was filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 8-K that was filed by Sotheby's with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 20, 2012. Capitalized terms used, but not defined, in this summary have the meanings set forth in the A&R Credit Agreement.
	The A&R Credit Agreement provides for a $300 million revolving credit facility (the “Revolving Credit Facility”), with a sub-limit of $100 million for borrowings in the U.K. and Hong Kong, and has a feature whereby any time until June 19, 2017, Sotheby's may request, subject to Lenders' approval, to increase the borrowing capacity by an amount not to exceed $50 million. The amount of borrowings available under the Revolving Credit Facility is limited by a borrowing base which is determined with reference to the levels of Sotheby's loan portfolio, art inventory balances, and Net Tangible Assets. In addition, up to $20 million of the borrowing capacity of the Revolving Credit Facility may be used to issue letters of credit. As of September 30, 2013, no Revolving Credit Facility borrowings were outstanding and the amount of borrowings available under the Revolving Credit Facility was approximately $300 million, as calculated under the borrowing base. Sotheby's has not borrowed or issued any letters of credit under the Revolving Credit Facility since its inception.
	Borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility are available in either U.S. Dollars, Pounds Sterling, or Hong Kong Dollars. The U.S. Borrowers and, subject to certain limitations, the U.K. Borrowers and Sotheby's Hong Kong, are jointly and severally liable for all obligations under the A&R Credit Agreement. In addition, certain subsidiaries of the Borrowers guarantee the obligations of the Borrowers under the A&R Credit Agreement. Sotheby's obligations under the A&R Credit Agreement are secured by liens on all or substantially all of the personal property of the Borrowers and the Guarantors.
	The A&R Credit Agreement contains certain customary affirmative and negative covenants including, but not limited to, limitations on capital expenditures, a $300 million limitation on net outstanding auction guarantees (i.e., auction guarantees less the impact of related risk and reward sharing arrangements) and limitations on the use of proceeds from borrowings under the A&R Credit Agreement. However, the A&R Credit Agreement does not limit dividend payments and Common Stock repurchases provided that: (i) there are no Events of Default, (ii) the Aggregate Borrowing Availability equals or exceeds $100 million, and (iii) the Total Liquidity Amount equals or exceeds $150 million.
	The A&R Credit Agreement also contains certain financial covenants, which are only applicable during certain defined compliance periods. These financial covenants were not applicable for the twelve month period ended September 30, 2013.
	Since August 31, 2009, Sotheby’s has paid approximately $13 million in life-to-date arrangement and amendment fees related to the Credit Agreement and the A&R Credit Agreement. These fees are being amortized on a straight-line basis to Interest Expense over the term of the facility. Additionally, Sotheby's is charged commitment fees ranging from 0.375% to 0.5% per year for undrawn amounts committed under the Revolving Credit Facility depending upon the level of borrowings. The commitment fee under the A&R Credit Agreement is currently 0.5%.
	Long-Term Debt—As of September 30, 2013, December 31, 2012, and September 30, 2012, Long-Term Debt consisted of the following (in thousands of dollars):
			September 30,			December 31,			September 30,
			2013			2012			2012
	York Property Mortgage, net of unamortized discount of $6,237, $8,911, and $9,802		$	218,732		$	218,375		$	218,576
	2022 Senior Notes		300,000			300,000			300,000
	Convertible Notes, net of unamortized discount of $0, $3,796, and $5,800		—			178,072			176,068
	2015 Senior Notes, net of unamortized discount of $0, $0, and $639		—			—			79,332
	Less current portion:
	York Property Mortgage		(3,581		)	(3,178		)	(3,391		)
	2015 Senior Notes		—			—			(79,332		)
	Convertible Notes		—			(178,072		)	(176,068		)
	Total		$	515,151		$	515,197		$	515,185
	(See the captioned sections below for detailed information related to the York Property Mortgage, the 2022 Senior Notes, the 2015 Senior Notes, and the Convertible Notes.)
	York Property Mortgage—On February 6, 2009, Sotheby's purchased the land and building located at 1334 York Avenue, New York, New York (the “York Property”) from RFR Holding Corp. (“RFR”) for a purchase price of $370 million. The York Property is home to Sotheby's sole North American auction salesroom and principal North American exhibition space, including S|2, Sotheby's private sale exhibition gallery. The York Property is also home to Sotheby's U.S. Dealer and Finance operations, as well as its corporate offices.
	Sotheby's financed the $370 million purchase price through an initial $50 million cash payment made in conjunction with the signing of the related purchase and sale agreement on January 11, 2008, an $85 million cash payment made when the purchase was consummated on February 6, 2009, and the assumption of an existing $235 million mortgage on the York Property.
	The York Property Mortgage matures on July 1, 2035, but has an optional pre-payment date of July 1, 2015 and bears an annual rate of interest of approximately 5.6%, which increases subsequent to July 1, 2015 unless the mortgage is paid in-full by that date. In conjunction with the final accounting for the York Property purchase in February 2009, the York Property Mortgage was recorded on Sotheby's balance sheet at its $212.1 million fair value. The resulting $22.9 million debt discount is being amortized to Interest Expense over the remaining expected term of the loan through July 2015. Sotheby's paid fees of $2.4 million in conjunction with the assumption of the York Property Mortgage, which are also being amortized to Interest Expense through July 2015. As of September 30, 2013, the fair value of the York Property Mortgage was approximately $228 million based on a present value calculation utilizing an interest rate obtained from a third party source. As such, this fair value measurement is considered to be a Level 3 fair value measurement in the fair value hierarchy as per Accounting Standards Codification 820, Fair Value Measurements ("ASC 820").
	The York Property and the York Property Mortgage are held by 1334 York, LLC, a separate legal entity of Sotheby's that maintains its own books and records and whose results are ultimately consolidated into Sotheby's financial statements. The assets of 1334 York, LLC are not available to satisfy the obligations of other Sotheby's affiliates or any other entity.
	2022 Senior Notes—On September 27, 2012, Sotheby’s issued $300 million aggregate principal amount of 5.25% Senior Notes, due October 1, 2022. The 2022 Senior Notes were offered only to qualified institutional buyers in accordance with Rule 144A and to non-U.S. Persons under Regulation S under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). Holders of the 2022 Senior Notes do not have registration rights, and the 2022 Senior Notes have not been and will not be registered under the Securities Act.
	The net proceeds from the issuance of the 2022 Senior Notes were approximately $293.7 million, after deducting fees paid to the initial purchasers, and were principally used to retire the 2015 Senior Notes and the Convertible Notes, as discussed below.
	The 2022 Senior Notes are guaranteed, jointly and severally, on a senior unsecured basis by certain of Sotheby's existing and future domestic subsidiaries to the extent and on the same basis that such subsidiaries guarantee borrowings under the A&R Credit Agreement. Interest on the 2022 Senior Notes is payable semi-annually in cash on April 1 and October 1 of each year.
	The 2022 Senior Notes are redeemable by Sotheby's, in whole or in part, on or after October 1, 2017, at specified redemption prices set forth in the underlying indenture, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the redemption date. Prior to October 1, 2017, the 2022 Senior Notes are redeemable, in whole or in part, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount to be redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the redemption date, plus a premium equal to the greater of 1% of the principal amount of the 2022 Senior Notes and a make-whole premium (as defined in the underlying indenture).
	In addition, at any time prior to October 1, 2015, Sotheby's may redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the 2022 Senior Notes with the net cash proceeds of certain equity offerings at the redemption price of 105.25% plus accrued and unpaid interest. The 2022 Senior Notes are not callable by holders unless Sotheby's is in default under the terms of the underlying indenture.
	As of September 30, 2013, the $300 million principal amount of 2022 Senior Notes had a fair value of approximately $281 million based on a broker quoted price derived via a pricing model using observable and unobservable inputs. As such, this fair value measurement is considered to be a Level 3 fair value measurement in the fair value hierarchy as per ASC 820.
	2015 Senior Notes—On June 17, 2008, Sotheby's issued $150 million aggregate principal amount of 7.75% Senior Notes, due June 15, 2015. The net proceeds from the issuance of the 2015 Senior Notes were approximately $145.9 million, after deducting the initial purchasers' discounts and fees. The 2015 Senior Notes had an effective interest rate of 8%.
	On November 23, 2012, Sotheby's redeemed all of the remaining $80 million of outstanding 2015 Senior Notes for a redemption price of $97 million, which includes a redemption premium of $14 million and accrued interest of $2.7 million. The redemption of the 2015 Senior Notes resulted in a $15 million loss recognized in the fourth quarter of 2012, which included the write-off of approximately $1 million in unamortized debt issuance costs and discounts.
	Convertible Notes—On June 17, 2008, Sotheby's issued $200 million aggregate principal amount of 3.125% Convertible Notes (the "Convertible Notes"). The net proceeds from the issuance of the Convertible Notes were approximately $194.3 million, after deducting transaction costs. Prior to March 15, 2013, the Convertible Notes were convertible under certain circumstances and were payable in cash, shares of Sotheby's Common Stock, or a combination thereof, at the option of Sotheby's, based on a conversion rate, as adjusted, of 29.5920 shares of Common Stock per $1,000 principal amount of Convertible Notes, which was equal to a conversion price, as adjusted, of approximately $33.79 per share. The Convertible Notes became convertible on March 15, 2013, for a period ending on the close of business on June 14, 2013, when Sotheby's became obligated to pay the conversion obligation of $197.4 million, consisting of $181.9 million related to principal and $15.5 million related to the conversion premium. In June 2013, the Conversion Obligation was settled entirely in cash and Sotheby's simultaneously received $15.5 million in cash to offset the conversion premium through the exercise of its Convertible Note Hedges, as discussed below.
	Convertible Note Hedges and Warrant Transactions —On June 11, 2008, in conjunction with the issuance of the Convertible Notes, Sotheby's entered into convertible note hedge transactions (the “Convertible Note Hedges”) at a cost of $40.6 million that allowed Sotheby's to purchase its Common Stock from affiliates of Bank of America and Goldman Sachs & Co. (collectively, the “Counterparties”) at a price equal to the conversion price of the Convertible Notes. The Convertible Note Hedges were entered into to offset the impact of any premium paid, either in cash or in shares of Sotheby's Common Stock, upon the settlement of the Convertible Notes. As previously discussed, in June 2013, Sotheby's settled the conversion obligation related to the Convertible Notes entirely in cash. As a result, the Convertible Note Hedges were exercised, and Sotheby's received $15.5 million in cash to offset the conversion premium related to the Convertible Notes.
	On June 11, 2008, Sotheby's also entered into warrant transactions, whereby it sold to the Counterparties warrants (the “Warrants”) to acquire, subject to customary anti-dilution adjustments, approximately 5.9 million shares of Sotheby's Common Stock at a price of approximately $44.50 per share, as adjusted. The net proceeds received by Sotheby's in June 2008 from the sale of the Warrants was $22.3 million and is recorded as a component of Additional Paid In Capital within Shareholders' Equity. The Warrants are automatically exercisable subject to a limit of approximately 118,348 Warrants per day for each day in the 50 trading days that began on September 17, 2013 and will end on November 25, 2013 (the "Trading Period"). If, on a particular day during the Trading Period, the daily limit of approximately 118,348 Warrants is not exercised, such Warrants up to the daily limit will expire. As of October 28, 2013, the settlement of Warrant exercises has resulted in the issuance of approximately 387,000 shares of Sotheby's Common Stock in the fourth quarter of 2013.
	Future Principal and Interest Payments—The aggregate future principal and interest payments due by Sotheby's related to its Long-Term Debt during the five-year period after the September 30, 2013 balance sheet date are as follows (in thousands of dollars):
	October 2013 to September 2014	$	31,754
	October 2014 to September 2015	$	247,269
	October 2015 to September 2016	$	15,750
	October 2016 to September 2017	$	15,750
	October 2017 to September 2018	$	15,750
	The York Property Mortgage matures on July 1, 2035, but has an optional pre-payment date of July 1, 2015 and bears an annual rate of interest of approximately 5.6%, which increases subsequent to July 1, 2015 unless the mortgage is paid in-full by that date.
	Interest Expense—For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, Interest Expense consists of the following (in thousands of dollars):
			Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
			2013			2012			2013			2012
	Revolving credit facility:
	Amortization of amendment and arrangement fees		$	319		$	430		$	946		$	1,289
	Commitment fees		383			316			1,145			944
	Sub-total		702			746			2,091			2,233
	York Property Mortgage		4,148			4,194			12,376			12,586
	2022 Senior Notes and 2015 Senior Notes		3,938			1,761			11,813			4,936
	Convertible Notes		—			3,386			6,417			10,045
	Other interest expense		124			303			867			882
	Total Interest Expense		$	8,912		$	10,390		$	33,564		$	30,682
	Other interest expense consists primarily of the amortization of debt issuance costs related to the 2022 Senior Notes, 2015 Senior Notes, and the Convertible Notes.
	For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, Interest Expense related to the Convertible Notes consisted of the following (in thousands of dollars):
			Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended
									September 30,
			2013			2012			2013			2012
	Contractual coupon interest expense		$	—		$	1,421		$	2,621		$	4,262
	Discount amortization		—			1,965			3,796			5,783
	Total		$	—		$	3,386		$	6,417		$	10,045

Defined_Benefit_Pension_Plan

Defined Benefit Pension Plan	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Defined Benefit Pension Plans and Defined Benefit Postretirement Plans Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Defined Benefit Pension Plan	'
	Defined Benefit Pension Plan
	Sotheby’s sponsors a defined benefit pension plan covering a portion of its U.K. employees (the “U.K. Pension Plan”). The table below summarizes the components of the net pension benefit related to the U.K. Pension Plan for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands of dollars):
		Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Service cost	$	912		$	931		$	2,730		$	2,790
	Interest cost	3,309			3,275			9,905			9,812
	Expected return on plan assets	(4,869		)	(4,887		)	(14,575		)	(14,639		)
	Amortization of previously unrecognized net pension losses	361			—			1,081			—
	Net pension benefit	$	(287	)	$	(681	)	$	(859	)	$	(2,037	)
	For the nine months ended September 30, 2013, Sotheby's contributed $1.7 million to the U.K Pension Plan. Sotheby’s expects to contribute approximately $20 million to the U.K. Pension Plan in 2013, including $18 million contributed in October 2013 in respect of the recently completed statutory triennial funding valuation of the plan. This contribution satisfied the resulting statutory funding deficit in full.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	Commitments and Contingencies
	Employment Arrangements—As of September 30, 2013, Sotheby’s had employment arrangements with certain senior employees, which expire at various points between December 2013 and March 2017. Such arrangements may provide, among other benefits, for minimum salary levels and for compensation under Sotheby's incentive compensation programs that is payable only if specified Company and individual goals are attained. Additionally, under certain circumstances, certain of these arrangements provide annual share-based payments, severance payments, other cash compensation, and the continuation of benefits upon termination of employment. The aggregate remaining commitment for salaries and other cash compensation related to these employment arrangements, excluding any participation in Sotheby’s incentive compensation programs, was approximately $14 million as of September 30, 2013.
	Indirect Tax Contingencies—Sotheby's is subject to laws and regulations in many countries involving sales, use, value-added, and other indirect taxes which are assessed by various governmental authorities and imposed on certain revenue-producing transactions between Sotheby's and its clients. The application of these laws and regulations to Sotheby's unique business and global client base, and the estimation of any related liabilities, is complex and requires a significant amount of judgment. These indirect tax liabilities are generally not those of Sotheby’s unless it fails to collect the correct amount of sales, value-added, or other indirect taxes. Failure to collect the correct amount of indirect tax on a transaction may require Sotheby’s to record a liability and corresponding charge to General and Administrative Expenses. As of December 31, 2012, the total liability related to such tax contingencies was $4.9 million. In January 2013, Sotheby’s paid approximately $4.7 million of this liability to the appropriate state taxing authority and the remainder of the liability was paid in June 2013.
	Guarantee of Collection—A guarantee of collection is a guarantee to a consignor that, under certain conditions, Sotheby's will pay the consignor for property that has sold at auction but has not yet been paid for by the purchaser. It is not a guarantee that the property will be sold at a certain minimum price.
	As of September 30, 2013, Sotheby's had guaranteed to a consignor the collection of up to approximately $19.4 million in sales proceeds related to property offered at auction in Hong Kong in October 2013. As of October 31, 2013, Sotheby's has collected $12.9 million of the amount guaranteed to the consignor.
	Legal Actions—Sotheby’s becomes involved in various claims and lawsuits incidental to the ordinary course of its business, including the matter described below. Management is required to assess the likelihood of any adverse judgments or outcomes in these matters, as well as potential ranges of probable or reasonably possible losses. A determination of the amount of losses, if any, to be recorded or disclosed as a result of these contingencies is based on a careful analysis of each individual exposure with, in some cases, the assistance of outside legal counsel. The amount of losses recorded or disclosed for such contingencies may change in the future due to new developments in each matter or a change in settlement strategy. Management does not believe that the outcome of any of these pending claims or proceedings will have a material adverse effect on Sotheby’s consolidated results of operations, financial condition and/or cash flows.
	Estate of Robert Graham, et al. v. Sotheby's, Inc. is a purported class action commenced in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California in October 2011 on behalf of U.S. artists (and their estates) whose artworks were sold by Sotheby's in the State of California or at auction by California sellers and for which a royalty was allegedly due under the California Resale Royalties Act (the “Resale Royalties Act”). Plaintiffs seek unspecified damages, punitive damages and injunctive relief for alleged violations of the Resale Royalties Act and the California Unfair Competition Law. In January 2012, Sotheby’s filed a motion to dismiss the action on the grounds, among others, that the Resale Royalties Act violates the U.S. Constitution and is preempted by the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976. In February 2012, the plaintiffs filed their response to Sotheby's motion to dismiss. The court heard oral arguments on the motion to dismiss on March 12, 2012. On May 17, 2012, the court issued an order dismissing the action on the ground that the Resale Royalties Act violated the Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution. The plaintiffs have appealed this ruling. Sotheby's believes that there are meritorious defenses to the appeal. It is currently not possible to make an estimate of the amount or range of loss that could result from an unfavorable outcome of this matter.
	(See Note 6 for information related to Sotheby's debt commitments. See Note 7 for information related to Sotheby's pension commitments. See Note 9 for information related to Sotheby's auction guarantees. See Note 12 for information related to Sotheby's income tax contingencies.)

Auction_Guarantees

Auction Guarantees	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Guarantees [Abstract]	'
Auction Guarantees	'
	Auction Guarantees
	From time to time in the ordinary course of its business, Sotheby’s will guarantee to a consignor a minimum sale price in connection with the sale of property at auction (an “auction guarantee”). In the event that the property sells for less than the guaranteed price, Sotheby’s must perform under the auction guarantee by funding the difference between the sale price at auction and the amount of the auction guarantee. Sotheby’s is generally entitled to a share of the excess proceeds (the “overage”) if the property under the auction guarantee sells above the guaranteed price. If the property does not sell, the amount of the auction guarantee must be paid, but Sotheby’s has the right to recover such amount through the future sale of the property. In these situations, the guaranteed property is recorded as Inventory on Sotheby's balance sheet at the lower of cost (i.e., the amount paid under the auction guarantee) or management’s estimate of the property's net realizable value (i.e., expected sale price upon disposition). The sale proceeds ultimately realized by Sotheby’s in these situations may equal, exceed or be less than the amount recorded as Inventory on Sotheby's balance sheet.
	Sotheby’s may reduce its financial exposure under auction guarantees through contractual risk and reward sharing arrangements under which a counterparty commits to bid a predetermined price on the guaranteed property (an “irrevocable bid”). If the irrevocable bid is the winning bid, the counterparty purchases the property at the predetermined price plus the applicable buyer’s premium, which is the same amount that any other successful bidder would pay at that price. If the irrevocable bid is not the winning bid, the counterparty is generally entitled to receive a share of the auction commission earned on the sale and/or a share of any overage.
	Sotheby's irrevocable bid counterparties are typically major international art dealers or major art collectors. Sotheby’s could be exposed to losses in the event any of these counterparties do not perform according to the terms of these contractual arrangements. In the first quarter of 2013, Sotheby's recorded $1.7 million as a client goodwill gesture within General and Administrative Expenses as a result of an accommodation made to an irrevocable bid counterparty.
	As discussed in Note 6, on June 27, 2013, Sotheby's credit agreement was amended to increase the maximum permissible amount of net outstanding auction guarantees (i.e., auction guarantees less the impact of related risk and reward sharing arrangements) from $100 million to $300 million. Although irrevocable bids may be used to reduce the risk associated with auction guarantees, Sotheby's may also enter into auction guarantees without securing irrevocable bids. To the extent that auction guarantees are issued without securing irrevocable bids, auction commission margins and the results of principal activities could potentially improve, as the buyer's premium and principal activity gains would not be shared with an irrevocable bid counterparty, but Sotheby's could also be exposed to principal losses and/or deterioration in auction commission margins if the underlying property fails to sell at the minimum guaranteed price. Furthermore, in such situations, Sotheby's liquidity could be reduced. In addition to compliance with the covenant in the credit agreement, Sotheby's use of auction guarantees will continue to be subject to management and, in some cases, Board of Directors, approval.
	As of September 30, 2013, Sotheby’s had outstanding auction guarantees totaling $167 million. As of September 30, 2013, Sotheby's financial exposure under these auction guarantees is reduced by irrevocable bids totaling $24.1 million. Each of the outstanding auction guarantees has a minimum guaranteed price that is below or within the range of the pre-sale auction estimates for the underlying property. The property related to these auction guarantees will be offered at auctions in the fourth quarter of 2013.
	As of September 30, 2013, $70.8 million of the guaranteed amount had been advanced by Sotheby's and is recorded on the balance sheet within Notes Receivable (see Note 5). As of September 30, 2013, December 31, 2012, and September 30, 2012, the carrying value of the liability representing the estimated fair value of Sotheby’s obligation to perform under its auction guarantees totaled $7.4 million, $3.3 million, and $5.6 million, respectively, and is recorded on Sotheby's balance sheet within Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities.
	As of November 7, 2013, Sotheby's had outstanding auction guarantees totaling $206.4 million. As of November 7, 2013, Sotheby's financial exposure under these auction guarantees is reduced by irrevocable bids totaling $54 million. Each of the outstanding auction guarantees has a minimum guaranteed price that is below or within the range of the pre-sale auction estimates for the underlying property. The property related to these auction guarantees will be offered at auctions in the fourth quarter of 2013. As of November 7, 2013, $93.4 million of the aggregate guaranteed amount had been advanced by Sotheby's.

ShareBased_Payments_Dividends_

Share-Based Payments, Dividends and Shareholders' Equity	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Share-based Compensation [Abstract]	'
Share-Based Payments	'
	Share-Based Payments, Dividends and Shareholders' Equity
	Share-Based Payments—Share-based payments to employees include performance-based stock awards, shares of restricted stock, restricted stock units, and stock options. Each of these share-based payments is explained below. Compensation expense related to share-based payments is recorded as a component of Salaries and Related Costs in the statements of operations. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, compensation expense related to share-based payments was as follows (in thousands of dollars):
			Three Months Ended							Nine Months Ended September 30,
			September 30,
			2013				2012			2013		2012
	Pre-Tax		$	6,249			$	4,256		$	15,919	$	13,333
	After-Tax		$	3,801			$	2,741		$	10,871	$	9,163
	For the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, Sotheby's realized $3.5 million and $3.3 million, respectively, of excess tax benefits related to share-based payment arrangements. These tax benefits represent the amount by which the tax deduction resulting from the exercise or vesting of share-based payments exceeded the tax benefit initially recognized in Sotheby's financial statements upon the amortization of compensation expense for these awards. Such excess tax benefits are recognized in the balance sheets as an increase to Additional Paid-in Capital and are classified within financing activities in the statement of cash flows.
	As of September 30, 2013, unrecognized compensation expense related to the unvested portion of share-based payments was $24.9 million. This compensation expense is expected to be amortized over a weighted-average period of approximately 2.9 years. Sotheby’s does not capitalize any compensation expense related to share-based payments to employees.
	Sotheby's Restricted Stock Unit Plan—The Sotheby's Restricted Stock Unit Plan (the “Restricted Stock Unit Plan”) provides for the issuance of Restricted Stock Units (“RSU's”) to employees, subject to the approval of the Compensation Committee of Sotheby's Board of Directors (the “Compensation Committee”). In making awards under the Restricted Stock Unit Plan, the Compensation Committee takes into account the nature of the services rendered by employees, their present and potential future contributions to Sotheby's success, and such other factors as the Compensation Committee in its discretion deems relevant.
	RSU's generally vest evenly over a four year service period. Prior to vesting, holders of RSU's do not have voting rights, but are entitled to receive dividend equivalents. Dividend equivalents paid to holders of unvested RSU's are not forfeitable. RSU's may not be sold, assigned, transferred, pledged or otherwise encumbered until they vest.
	Performance Share Units—Performance Share Units (“PSU's”) are RSU's that generally vest ratably over four years, if Sotheby's achieves certain profitability targets. Prior to vesting, holders of PSU's do not have voting rights and are not entitled to receive dividend equivalents. Dividend equivalents are credited to holders of PSU's and are only paid for the portion of PSU's that vest. PSU's may not be sold, assigned, transferred, pledged or otherwise encumbered until they vest. The Compensation Committee believes that PSU's better align Sotheby's variable compensation strategy with its financial performance and the cyclical nature of the art market and further align the interests of Sotheby's management with its shareholders. Accordingly, Sotheby's intends to grant future share-based payment awards solely in the form of PSU's with both performance and service conditions.
	In the first quarter of 2013, Sotheby's issued 696,488 PSU's with a fair value of approximately $24.9 million as follows: (i) 600,702 PSU's with a fair value of $21.5 million related almost entirely to Sotheby's incentive compensation programs and (ii) 95,786 PSU's with a fair value of $3.4 million issued to William F. Ruprecht, Sotheby's Chief Executive Officer, in accordance with the terms of his employment agreement.
	Summary of RSU’s and PSU’s—For the nine months ended September 30, 2013, changes to the number of outstanding RSU’s and PSU’s were as follows (shares in thousands):
		Number of RSU’s			Weighted
		and PSU’s			Average
					Grant Date
					Fair Value
	Outstanding at January 1, 2013	1,912			$	30.39
	Granted	696			$	35.75
	Vested	(703	)		$	21.97
	Canceled	(20	)		$	37.76
	Outstanding at September 30, 2013	1,885			$	35.17
	The aggregate fair value of restricted stock, RSU’s, and PSU's that vested during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 was $26.9 million and $28.1 million, respectively, based on the closing price of Sotheby's Common Stock on the dates the shares vested. On May 8, 2013, Sotheby's stockholders approved the Second Amended and Restated Sotheby's Restricted Stock Unit Plan, which, among other things, increased the maximum number of shares authorized for issuance by 3 million shares. As of September 30, 2013, 3.8 million shares were available for future awards pursuant to the Restricted Stock Unit Plan.
	Stock Options—Stock options issued pursuant to the Sotheby's 1997 Stock Option Plan are exercisable into authorized, but unissued shares of Sotheby's Common Stock. Stock options vest evenly over four years and expire ten years after the date of grant. As of September 30, 2013, 35,350 shares of Common Stock were available for the issuance of stock options under the Stock Option Plan.
	For the nine months ended September 30, 2013, changes to the number of stock options outstanding were as follows (options and aggregate intrinsic value in thousands):
		Options			Weighted Average				Weighted Average	Aggregate
					Exercise Price				Remaining	Intrinsic Value
									Contractual Term (in Years)
	Outstanding at January 1, 2013	348			$	21.92
	Exercised	(186	)		$	21.75
	Outstanding at September 30, 2013	162			$	22.11			6.4	$	4,391
	Exercisable at September 30, 2013	38			$	22.11			6.4	$	1,013
	The aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 was $3.5 million and $0.6 million, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, cash proceeds received as a result of stock option exercises were $4.0 million and $1.0 million, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, the excess tax benefit realized from the exercise of stock options was $0.7 million and $0.1 million, respectively.
	Cash Dividends—In December 2012, the Board of Directors declared and Sotheby’s paid accelerated first and second quarter of 2013 cash dividends totaling $0.20 per share (approximately $13.6 million). This accelerated dividend was in lieu of quarterly dividends that would have otherwise been declared and paid in the first and second quarters of 2013.
	On August 6, 2013, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.10 per share (approximately $6.8 million) to shareholders of record as of September 3, 2013 that was paid on September 16, 2013.
	On November 11, 2013, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.10 per share (approximately $6.9 million) to shareholders of record as of December 2, 2013 to be paid on December 16, 2013.
	The declaration and payment of future cash dividends to shareholders is at the discretion of Sotheby’s Board of Directors and will depend on many factors, including Sotheby’s financial condition (in particular, U.S. liquidity), cash flows, legal requirements and other factors as the Board of Directors deems relevant.
	Stockholder Rights Plan—On October 4, 2013, the Board of Directors declared a dividend of one preferred share purchase right (a “Right”) for each outstanding share of Sotheby's Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, and adopted a stockholder rights plan (the "Rights Agreement"). The dividend was paid on October 14, 2013 to the stockholders of record on that date. Each Right will allow its holder to purchase from Sotheby's one one-hundredth of a share of Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock (a “Preferred Share”) for $200 (the “Exercise Price”), once the Rights become exercisable. This portion of a Preferred Share will give the stockholder approximately the same dividend and liquidation rights as would one share of Sotheby's Common Stock.  Prior to exercise, the Right does not give its holder any dividend, voting, or liquidation rights.
	The Rights will not be exercisable until 10 days after the public announcement that a person or group has become an “Acquiring Person” by obtaining beneficial ownership of 10% (or 20% in the case of a “13G Investor,” as such term is defined in the Rights Agreement) or more of Sotheby's outstanding Common Stock (the "Distribution Date"). If a person or group becomes an Acquiring Person, each Right will entitle its holder (other than such Acquiring Person) to purchase for $200, a number of Sotheby’s Common Stock shares having a market value of twice such price, based on the market price of Sotheby's Common Stock prior to such acquisition. In addition, if Sotheby’s is acquired in a merger or other business combination transaction after the Distribution Date, each Right will entitle its holder to purchase, at the Right’s then-current exercise price, a number of the acquiring company's Common Stock shares having a market value of twice such price, based on the market price of the acquiring company's stock prior to such transaction. In addition, at any time after a person or group becomes an Acquiring Person, but before such Acquiring Person or group owns 50% or more of Sotheby's Common Stock, the Board of Directors may exchange one share of Sotheby’s Common Stock for each outstanding Right (other than Rights owned by such Acquiring Person, which would have become void). An Acquiring Person will not be entitled to exercise the Rights.
	The Rights Agreement also includes “qualifying offer” provisions, whereby the Rights will automatically expire concurrently with (but no earlier than 100 days after the commencement of such qualifying offer) the purchase of 50% (including any shares held by the offeror) of Sotheby's outstanding Common Stock on a fully diluted basis pursuant to a tender or exchange offer for all of the outstanding shares of Sotheby's Common Stock at the same price and for the same consideration, provided that the offeror irrevocably commits to purchase all remaining untendered shares at the same price and the same consideration actually paid pursuant to the offer. The Rights will expire on October 3, 2016; provided that if Sotheby's stockholders have not ratified the Rights Agreement by October 3, 2014, the Rights will expire on such date.
	Preferred Stock—On October 4, 2013, Sotheby's designated 2,000,000 shares of its Preferred Stock with a par value of $0.01 per share as Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock.

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Notes)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Equity [Abstract]	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	'
	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
	The following is a summary of the changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands of dollars):
	Three Months ended September 30, 2013	Foreign Currency Items			Defined Benefit Pension Items			Total
	Balance at July 1, 2013	$	(37,279	)	$	(31,858	)	$	(69,137	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	25,796			(1,824		)	23,972
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	—			278			278
	Net other comprehensive income (loss)	25,796			(1,546		)	24,250
	Balance at September 30, 2013	$	(11,483	)	$	(33,404	)	$	(44,887	)
	Three Months ended September 30, 2012	Foreign Currency Items			Defined Benefit Pension Items			Total
	Balance at July 1, 2012	$	(34,965	)	$	(20,174	)	$	(55,139	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	16,047			(812		)	15,235
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	—			—			—
	Net other comprehensive income (loss)	16,047			(812		)	15,235
	Balance at September 30, 2012	$	(18,918	)	$	(20,986	)	$	(39,904	)
	Nine Months ended September 30, 2013	Foreign Currency Items			Defined Benefit Pension Items			Total
	Balance at January 1, 2013	$	(16,084	)	$	(34,291	)	$	(50,375	)
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	4,601			54			4,655
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	—			833			833
	Net other comprehensive income	4,601			887			5,488
	Balance at September 30, 2013	$	(11,483	)	$	(33,404	)	$	(44,887	)
	Nine Months ended September 30, 2012	Foreign Currency Items			Defined Benefit Pension Items			Total
	Balance at January 1, 2012	$	(34,012	)	$	(19,906	)	$	(53,918	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	15,094			(1,080		)	14,014
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	—			—			—
	Net other comprehensive income (loss)	15,094			(1,080		)	14,014
	Balance at September 30, 2012	$	(18,918	)	$	(20,986	)	$	(39,904	)
	Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) principally includes the change in the foreign currency translation adjustment account during the period, as well as unrealized gains and losses related to the U.K. Pension Plan. Such amounts are reported on a cumulative basis in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss on the balance sheet. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, the $0.3 million and $0.8 million (net of tax), respectively, reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss was recognized on a pre-tax basis within Salaries and Related Costs in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (see Note 7). For the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) before reclassifications are ($1.8) million and ($0.8) million, respectively, related to changes in the foreign currency translation adjustment account associated with accumulated unrealized losses related to the U.K. Pension Plan. For the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) before reclassifications are $0.1 million and ($1.1) million, respectively, related to changes in the foreign currency translation adjustment account associated with accumulated unrealized losses related to the U.K. Pension Plan.

Uncertain_Tax_Positions

Uncertain Tax Positions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Income Tax Uncertainties [Abstract]	'
Uncertain Tax Positions	'
	Uncertain Tax Positions
	As of September 30, 2013, Sotheby’s liability for unrecognized tax benefits, excluding interest and penalties, was $39.5 million, representing a net increase of $4.1 million when compared to the liability of $35.4 million as of December 31, 2012. This net increase is primarily the result of a liability recognized in the second quarter of 2013 for a portion of the tax benefit recorded in that period for a deduction that Sotheby's intends to claim on its 2013 U.S. federal income tax return as a result of a loss incurred on the tax basis of a foreign subsidiary. The net income tax benefit recognized in the second quarter of 2013 related to this deduction was $6.8 million. The overall increase in Sotheby’s liability for unrecognized tax benefits is partially offset by the reversal of previously recorded liabilities due to the settlement of an audit and the expiration of the statute of limitations for certain tax years. As of September 30, 2012, Sotheby’s liability for unrecognized tax benefits, excluding interest and penalties, was $35.1 million. As of September 30, 2013, December 31, 2012, and September 30, 2012, the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would favorably affect Sotheby’s effective tax rate was $24.4 million, $17.4 million, and $18.1 million, respectively. Sotheby’s believes it is reasonably possible that a decrease of $3.9 million in the balance of unrecognized tax benefits can occur within 12 months of the September 30, 2013 balance sheet date as a result of the expiration of the statute of limitations and expected settlements of currently ongoing tax audits.
	Sotheby's is subject to taxation in the U.S. and various state and foreign jurisdictions and, as a result, is subject to ongoing tax audits in various jurisdictions. Sotheby's various U.S. state and foreign tax returns are currently under examination by taxing authorities. The earliest open tax year for the major jurisdictions in which Sotheby's does business, which includes the U.S. (including various state and local jurisdictions), the U.K., and Hong Kong, is 2005.
	Sotheby’s recognizes interest expense and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of Income Tax Expense. The accrual for such interest and penalties decreased by $0.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013.
	Sotheby's policy is to record interest expense related to sales, value added and other non-income based taxes as Interest Expense in its income statements. Penalties related to such taxes are recorded as General and Administrative Expenses in its income statements. Interest expense and penalties related to income taxes are recorded as a component of Income Tax Expense in Sotheby's income statements.

Related_Party_Transactions

Related Party Transactions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]	'
Related Party Transactions	'
	Related Party Transactions
	From time-to-time, in the ordinary course of business, related parties such as members of Sotheby's Board of Directors and management, transact with Sotheby's to buy and sell property at auction and through private sales. For the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and September 30, 2012, Sotheby’s recognized total Auction and Related Revenues of $3.7 million and $4.9 million, respectively, related to the sale and purchase of property by related parties. These revenues represent less than 1% of total revenues for those periods.
	As of September 30, 2013, December 31, 2012, and September 30, 2012, Accounts Receivable (net) included $0.1 million, $3.9 million, and $0.1 million, respectively, associated with auction or private sale purchases made by related parties. These receivables represent less than 1% of Accounts Receivable (net) as of these dates. As of September 30, 2013, December 31, 2012, and September 30, 2012, Notes Receivable (net) included a $0.1 million Finance segment loan to an employee who is not an Executive Officer.

Recently_Issued_Accounting_Sta

Recently Issued Accounting Standards	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]	'
Recently Issued Accounting Standards	'
	Recently Issued Accounting Standards
	In February 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU")No. 2013-02, which requires entities to disclose additional information regarding changes within its accumulated other comprehensive income, but does not change the manner in which entities account for items included in accumulated other comprehensive income. Sotheby's adopted ASU 2013-02 upon its effective date in the first quarter of 2013 (see Note 11).
	In January 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-01, which clarifies the scope of financial instruments and transactions subject to the offsetting disclosure requirements established by ASU 2011-11. More specifically, ASU 2013-01 limits such disclosure requirements to certain derivatives, repurchase agreements and securities borrowing and lending transactions. Sotheby's adopted ASU 2013-01 upon its effective date in the first quarter of 2013. This standard did not have an impact on Sotheby's disclosures in this Form 10-Q.
	In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-04, which provides new accounting and disclosure guidance for joint-and-several obligations. ASU 2013-04 is effective for public entities in fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2013 and is to be applied retrospectively to obligations with joint-and-several liabilities existing at the beginning of an entity's fiscal year of adoption. Management is currently assessing the potential impact of this standard on Sotheby's financial statements.
	In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-11, which provides guidance on the financial statement presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss ("NOL") carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. ASU 2013-11 requires the presentation of unrecognized tax benefits in the financial statements as a reduction to a same-jurisdiction deferred tax asset for an NOL carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax carryforward except when (i) an NOL carryforward, a similar tax loss or a tax credit carryforward is not available as of the reporting date under the governing tax law to settle taxes that would result from the disallowance of the tax position or (ii) the entity does not intend to use the deferred tax asset for this purpose (provided that the tax law permits a choice). If either of these conditions exist, an entity should present an unrecognized tax benefit in the financial statements as a liability and should not net the unrecognized tax benefit with a deferred tax asset. This standard does not affect the recognition or measurement of uncertain tax positions. ASU 2013-11 is effective prospectively for public entities in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2013. Sotheby's will adopt this standard for the quarter ending March 31, 2014. Management is currently assessing the potential impact of this standard on Sotheby's financial statements.

Earnings_Loss_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings (Loss) Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Computation Of Basic And Diluted Earnings Per Share	'
	The table below summarizes the computation of basic and diluted (loss) earnings per share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts):
		Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended
								September 30,
	Basic:	2013			2012			2013		2012
	Numerator:
	Net (loss) income attributable to Sotheby’s	$	(30,131	)	$	(32,565	)	$	39,253	$	42,201
	Less: Net income attributable to participating securities	—			—			23		185
	Net (loss) income attributable to Sotheby’s common shareholders	$	(30,131	)	$	(32,565	)	$	39,230	$	42,016
	Denominator:
	Weighted average common shares outstanding	68,361			67,771			68,206		67,661
	Basic (loss) earnings per share - Sotheby’s common shareholders	$	(0.44	)	$	(0.48	)	$	0.58	$	0.62
	Diluted:
	Numerator:
	Net (loss) income attributable to Sotheby’s	$	(30,131	)	$	(32,565	)	$	39,253	$	42,201
	Less: Net income attributable to participating securities	—			—			23		184
	Net (loss) income attributable to Sotheby’s common shareholders	$	(30,131	)	$	(32,565	)	$	39,230	$	42,017
	Denominator:
	Weighted average common shares outstanding	68,361			67,771			68,206		67,661
	Weighted average dilutive potential common shares outstanding:
	3.125% Convertible Notes	—			—			129		123
	Performance share units	—			—			388		453
	Non-employee director share deferrals	—			—			151		162
	Stock options	—			—			82		95
	Warrants	—			—			1		—
	Weighted average dilutive potential common shares outstanding	—			—			751		833
	Denominator for calculation of diluted earnings per share	68,361			67,771			68,957		68,494
	Diluted (loss) earnings per share - Sotheby’s common shareholders	$	(0.44	)	$	(0.48	)	$	0.57	$	0.61

Segment_Reporting_Tables

Segment Reporting (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment	'
	The table below presents Sotheby’s revenues and (loss) income before taxes by segment for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands of dollars):
	Three Months Ended September 30, 2013	Auction			Finance			Dealer			All Other		Reconciling items			Total
	Revenues	$	77,469		$	7,654		$	23,491		$	2,280	$	(3,030	)	$	107,864
	Segment (loss) income before taxes	$	(48,460	)	$	5,504		$	(516	)	$	1,668	$	(56	)	$	(41,860	)
	Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
	Revenues	$	59,711		$	6,414		$	1,815		$	2,363	$	(1,842	)	$	68,461
	Segment (loss) income before taxes	$	(50,518	)	$	4,841		$	(2,567	)	$	1,852	$	(31	)	$	(46,423	)
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
	Revenues	$	466,587		$	22,787		$	26,696		$	6,076	$	(7,669	)	$	514,477
	Segment income (loss) before taxes	$	32,508		$	16,370		$	(4,472	)	$	4,475	$	(34	)	$	48,847
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
	Revenues	$	447,272		$	17,942		$	11,887		$	5,483	$	(5,215	)	$	477,369
	Segment income (loss) before taxes	$	50,401		$	13,510		$	(4,933	)	$	3,955	$	(352	)	$	62,581
Schedule of Auction Segment Revenue	'
	For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, Auction segment revenues consisted of the following (in thousands of dollars):
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Auction commission revenues	$	48,581		$	41,955		390,836			375,116
	Private sale commission revenues	26,519			14,645			66,161			56,110
	Principal activities	(921		)	(457		)	(1,435		)	527
	Other auction and related revenues	3,290			3,568			11,025			15,519
	Total auction segment revenues	77,469			59,711			466,587			447,272
	Reconciling item	(540		)	—			(540		)	—
	Total auction and related revenues	$	76,929		$	59,711		$	466,047		$	447,272
Reconciliation of Segment Assets to Consolidated Assets	'
	The table below presents Sotheby's assets by segment, as well as a reconciliation of segment assets to consolidated assets as of September 30, 2013, December 31, 2012, and September 30, 2012 (in thousands of dollars):
		September 30, 2013			December 31,			September 30, 2012
					2012
	Auction	$	1,369,396		$	1,977,620		$	1,645,321
	Finance	463,574			427,871			406,672
	Dealer	95,175			85,748			98,002
	All Other	1,775			1,224			1,225
	Total segment assets	1,929,920			2,492,463			2,151,220
	Unallocated amounts:
	Deferred tax assets and income tax receivable	99,627			82,632			92,268
	Consolidated assets	$	2,029,547		$	2,575,095		$	2,243,488

Receivables_Tables

Receivables (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Accounts and Notes Receivable, Net [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Notes Receivable (Net) by Segment	'
	As of September 30, 2013, December 31, 2012, and September 30, 2012, Notes Receivable (net) consisted of the following (in thousands of dollars):
			September 30,		December 31,		September 30,
			2013		2012		2012
	Finance segment:
	Consignor advances		$	126,930	$	110,341	$	138,819
	Term loans		329,164		314,797		264,331
	Total Finance segment secured loans		456,094		425,138		403,150
	Auction segment:
	Auction guarantee advances		70,837		16,224		25,000
	Unsecured loan		2,142		2,142		2,142
	Dealer segment:
	Secured loans		5,825		3,536		7,790
	Other:
	Unsecured loan		3,375		—		—
	Total Notes Receivable (net)		$	538,273	$	447,040	$	438,082
Financing Receivable Credit Quality Indicators	'
	The table below provides the aggregate LTV ratio for the entire portfolio of Finance segment secured loans as of September 30, 2013, December 31, 2012, and September 30, 2012 (in thousands of dollars):
			September 30,		December 31,		September 30,
			2013		2012		2012
	Finance segment secured loans		$	456,094	$	425,138	$	403,150
	Low auction estimate of collateral		$	1,002,252	$	891,096	$	837,489
	Aggregate LTV ratio		46%		48%		48%
	The table below provides the aggregate LTV ratio for Finance segment secured loans with an LTV above 50% as of September 30, 2013, December 31, 2012, and September 30, 2012 (in thousands of dollars):
			September 30,		December 31,		September 30,
			2013		2012		2012
	Finance segment secured loans with an LTV above 50%		$	222,701	$	120,662	$	250,688
	Low auction estimate of collateral related to Finance segment secured loans with an LTV above 50%		$	355,568	$	184,205	$	423,863
	Aggregate LTV ratio of Finance segment secured loans with an LTV above 50%		63%		66%		59%
Summary of Other Credit Quality Information Regarding Finance Segment Secured Loans	'
	The table below provides other credit quality information regarding Finance segment secured loans as of September 30, 2013, December 31, 2012, and September 30, 2012 (in thousands of dollars):
			September 30,		December 31,		September 30,
			2013		2012		2012
	Total secured loans		$	456,094	$	425,138	$	403,150
	Loans past due		$	72,613	$	33,737	$	41,286
	Loans more than 90 days past due		$	31,212	$	32,665	$	6,149
	Non-accrual loans		$	—	$	—	$	—
	Impaired loans		$	—	$	—	$	—
	Allowance for credit losses:
	Allowance for credit losses - impaired loans		$	—	$	—	$	—
	Allowance for credit losses based on historical data		1,686		1,341		1,149
	Total Allowance for Credit Losses - secured loans		$	1,686	$	1,341	$	1,149
Activity Related to Allowance For Credit Losses	'
	During the period January 1, 2012 to September 30, 2013, activity related to the Allowance for Credit Losses was as follows (in thousands of dollars):
	Allowance for credit losses as of January 1, 2012	$	875
	Change in loan loss provision	466
	Allowance for credit losses as of December 31, 2012	1,341
	Change in loan loss provision	345
	Allowance for credit losses as of September 30, 2013	$	1,686

Debt_Tables

Debt (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Debt Instruments [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Debt	'
	Long-Term Debt—As of September 30, 2013, December 31, 2012, and September 30, 2012, Long-Term Debt consisted of the following (in thousands of dollars):
			September 30,			December 31,			September 30,
			2013			2012			2012
	York Property Mortgage, net of unamortized discount of $6,237, $8,911, and $9,802		$	218,732		$	218,375		$	218,576
	2022 Senior Notes		300,000			300,000			300,000
	Convertible Notes, net of unamortized discount of $0, $3,796, and $5,800		—			178,072			176,068
	2015 Senior Notes, net of unamortized discount of $0, $0, and $639		—			—			79,332
	Less current portion:
	York Property Mortgage		(3,581		)	(3,178		)	(3,391		)
	2015 Senior Notes		—			—			(79,332		)
	Convertible Notes		—			(178,072		)	(176,068		)
	Total		$	515,151		$	515,197		$	515,185
Aggregate Future Principal And Interest Payments	'
	The aggregate future principal and interest payments due by Sotheby's related to its Long-Term Debt during the five-year period after the September 30, 2013 balance sheet date are as follows (in thousands of dollars):
	October 2013 to September 2014	$	31,754
	October 2014 to September 2015	$	247,269
	October 2015 to September 2016	$	15,750
	October 2016 to September 2017	$	15,750
	October 2017 to September 2018	$	15,750
Components of Interest Expense	'
	For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, Interest Expense consists of the following (in thousands of dollars):
			Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
			2013			2012			2013			2012
	Revolving credit facility:
	Amortization of amendment and arrangement fees		$	319		$	430		$	946		$	1,289
	Commitment fees		383			316			1,145			944
	Sub-total		702			746			2,091			2,233
	York Property Mortgage		4,148			4,194			12,376			12,586
	2022 Senior Notes and 2015 Senior Notes		3,938			1,761			11,813			4,936
	Convertible Notes		—			3,386			6,417			10,045
	Other interest expense		124			303			867			882
	Total Interest Expense		$	8,912		$	10,390		$	33,564		$	30,682
Convertible Note Interest Expenses	'
	For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, Interest Expense related to the Convertible Notes consisted of the following (in thousands of dollars):
			Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended
									September 30,
			2013			2012			2013			2012
	Contractual coupon interest expense		$	—		$	1,421		$	2,621		$	4,262
	Discount amortization		—			1,965			3,796			5,783
	Total		$	—		$	3,386		$	6,417		$	10,045

Defined_Benefit_Pension_Plan_T

Defined Benefit Pension Plan (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Defined Benefit Pension Plans and Defined Benefit Postretirement Plans Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Pension Benefit Plan	'
	The table below summarizes the components of the net pension benefit related to the U.K. Pension Plan for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands of dollars):
		Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Service cost	$	912		$	931		$	2,730		$	2,790
	Interest cost	3,309			3,275			9,905			9,812
	Expected return on plan assets	(4,869		)	(4,887		)	(14,575		)	(14,639		)
	Amortization of previously unrecognized net pension losses	361			—			1,081			—
	Net pension benefit	$	(287	)	$	(681	)	$	(859	)	$	(2,037	)

ShareBased_Payments_Dividends_1

Share-Based Payments, Dividends and Shareholders' Equity (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Share-based Compensation [Abstract]	'
Compensation Expense Related to Share-Based Payments	'
	For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, compensation expense related to share-based payments was as follows (in thousands of dollars):
			Three Months Ended							Nine Months Ended September 30,
			September 30,
			2013				2012			2013		2012
	Pre-Tax		$	6,249			$	4,256		$	15,919	$	13,333
	After-Tax		$	3,801			$	2,741		$	10,871	$	9,163
Changes in Number of Outstanding Restricted Stock, RSU's and PSU's	'
	For the nine months ended September 30, 2013, changes to the number of outstanding RSU’s and PSU’s were as follows (shares in thousands):
		Number of RSU’s			Weighted
		and PSU’s			Average
					Grant Date
					Fair Value
	Outstanding at January 1, 2013	1,912			$	30.39
	Granted	696			$	35.75
	Vested	(703	)		$	21.97
	Canceled	(20	)		$	37.76
	Outstanding at September 30, 2013	1,885			$	35.17
Changes in Number of Stock Options Outstanding	'
	For the nine months ended September 30, 2013, changes to the number of stock options outstanding were as follows (options and aggregate intrinsic value in thousands):
		Options			Weighted Average				Weighted Average	Aggregate
					Exercise Price				Remaining	Intrinsic Value
									Contractual Term (in Years)
	Outstanding at January 1, 2013	348			$	21.92
	Exercised	(186	)		$	21.75
	Outstanding at September 30, 2013	162			$	22.11			6.4	$	4,391
	Exercisable at September 30, 2013	38			$	22.11			6.4	$	1,013

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Equity [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	'
	The following is a summary of the changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands of dollars):
	Three Months ended September 30, 2013	Foreign Currency Items			Defined Benefit Pension Items			Total
	Balance at July 1, 2013	$	(37,279	)	$	(31,858	)	$	(69,137	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	25,796			(1,824		)	23,972
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	—			278			278
	Net other comprehensive income (loss)	25,796			(1,546		)	24,250
	Balance at September 30, 2013	$	(11,483	)	$	(33,404	)	$	(44,887	)
	Three Months ended September 30, 2012	Foreign Currency Items			Defined Benefit Pension Items			Total
	Balance at July 1, 2012	$	(34,965	)	$	(20,174	)	$	(55,139	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	16,047			(812		)	15,235
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	—			—			—
	Net other comprehensive income (loss)	16,047			(812		)	15,235
	Balance at September 30, 2012	$	(18,918	)	$	(20,986	)	$	(39,904	)
	Nine Months ended September 30, 2013	Foreign Currency Items			Defined Benefit Pension Items			Total
	Balance at January 1, 2013	$	(16,084	)	$	(34,291	)	$	(50,375	)
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	4,601			54			4,655
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	—			833			833
	Net other comprehensive income	4,601			887			5,488
	Balance at September 30, 2013	$	(11,483	)	$	(33,404	)	$	(44,887	)
	Nine Months ended September 30, 2012	Foreign Currency Items			Defined Benefit Pension Items			Total
	Balance at January 1, 2012	$	(34,012	)	$	(19,906	)	$	(53,918	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	15,094			(1,080		)	14,014
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	—			—			—
	Net other comprehensive income (loss)	15,094			(1,080		)	14,014
	Balance at September 30, 2012	$	(18,918	)	$	(20,986	)	$	(39,904	)

Seasonality_of_Business_Schedu

Seasonality of Business (Schedule of Seasonality) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2013
			principal_selling_season
Seasonality Information Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Number of principal selling seasons	'	'	2
Q2 and Q4 Net Auction Sales as a percentage of total auction sales	84.00%	81.00%	'

Earnings_Loss_Per_Share_Narrat

Earnings (Loss) Per Share (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 14, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Debt instrument stated interest percentage	3.13%	'	'	3.13%	'
Repayments of principal amount of convertible debt	'	$181.90	'	'	'
Potential common share excluded from computation of diluted earnings per share	2	'	2.3	1.5	1.1

Earnings_Loss_Per_Share_Comput

Earnings (Loss) Per Share (Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share) (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 11, 2008	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Net income	'	($30,131)	($32,565)	$39,253	$42,201
Less: Net income attributable to participating securities	'	0	0	23	185
Net (loss) income attributable to Sothebybs common shareholders	'	-30,131	-32,565	39,230	42,016
Less: Net income attributable to participating securities	'	0	0	23	184
Net (loss) income attributable to Sothebybs common shareholders	'	($30,131)	($32,565)	$39,230	$42,017
Weighted average common shares outstanding (shares)	'	68,361	67,771	68,206	67,661
Basic (loss) earnings per share - Sothebybs common shareholders (usd per share)	'	($0.44)	($0.48)	$0.58	$0.62
3.125% Convertible Notes (shares)	'	0	0	129	123
Performance share units (shares)	'	0	0	388	453
Non-employee director share deferrals (shares)	'	0	0	151	162
Stock options (shares)	'	0	0	82	95
Warrants (shares)	5,900	0	0	1	0
Weighted average dilutive potential common shares outstanding (shares)	'	0	0	751	833
Denominator for calculation of diluted earnings per share (shares)	'	68,361	67,771	68,957	68,494
Diluted (loss) earnings per share - Sothebybs common shareholders (usd per share)	'	($0.44)	($0.48)	$0.57	$0.61

Segment_Reporting_Schedule_of_

Segment Reporting (Schedule of Revenue and (Loss) Income before Taxes by Segment) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
			segment
Segment Reporting [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Number of operating segments	'	'	3	'
Revenues	$107,864,000	$68,461,000	$514,477,000	$477,369,000
Segment income (loss) before taxes	-41,860,000	-46,423,000	48,847,000	62,581,000
Maximum [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Short-term interest-free advance maturity term	'	'	'6 months	'
Auction [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	77,469,000	59,711,000	466,587,000	447,272,000
Segment income (loss) before taxes	-48,460,000	-50,518,000	32,508,000	50,401,000
Finance [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	7,654,000	6,414,000	22,787,000	17,942,000
Segment income (loss) before taxes	5,504,000	4,841,000	16,370,000	13,510,000
Dealer [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	23,491,000	1,815,000	26,696,000	11,887,000
Segment income (loss) before taxes	-516,000	-2,567,000	-4,472,000	-4,933,000
All Other [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	2,280,000	2,363,000	6,076,000	5,483,000
Segment income (loss) before taxes	1,668,000	1,852,000	4,475,000	3,955,000
Reconciling Items [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	-3,030,000	-1,842,000	-7,669,000	-5,215,000
Segment income (loss) before taxes	-56,000	-31,000	-34,000	-352,000
Special reconciling items	$500,000	'	'	'

Segment_Reporting_Schedule_of_1

Segment Reporting Schedule of Auction Segment Revenue (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Segment Reporting [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Auction commission revenues	$48,581	$41,955	$390,836	$375,116
Private sale commission revenue	26,519	14,645	66,161	56,110
Principal Activities Revenue	-921	-457	-1,435	527
Other auction and related revenues	3,290	3,568	11,025	15,519
Total revenues	107,864	68,461	514,477	477,369
Total auction and related revenues	76,929	59,711	466,047	447,272
Reconciling Items [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total revenues	-3,030	-1,842	-7,669	-5,215
Total auction and related revenues	($540)	$0	($540)	$0

Segment_Reporting_Reconciliati

Segment Reporting (Reconciliation of Segment Assets to Consolidated Assets) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Segment Reporting [Line Items]	'	'	'
Consolidated assets	$2,029,547	$2,575,095	$2,243,488
Deferred tax assets and income tax receivable	99,627	82,632	92,268
Total Segment Assets [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting [Line Items]	'	'	'
Consolidated assets	1,929,920	2,492,463	2,151,220
Auction [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting [Line Items]	'	'	'
Consolidated assets	1,369,396	1,977,620	1,645,321
Finance [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting [Line Items]	'	'	'
Consolidated assets	463,574	427,871	406,672
Dealer [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting [Line Items]	'	'	'
Consolidated assets	95,175	85,748	98,002
All Other [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting [Line Items]	'	'	'
Consolidated assets	$1,775	$1,224	$1,225

Receivables_Narrative_Details

Receivables (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Nov. 07, 2013

Nov. 07, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Oct. 31, 2013

type_of_secured_loan

loan

type_of_secured_loan

loan

loan

Finance [Member]

Finance [Member]

Finance [Member]

Finance [Member]

Finance [Member]

Auction [Member]

Auction [Member]

Auction [Member]

Dealer [Member]

Dealer [Member]

Dealer [Member]

All Other Segments [Member]

All Other Segments [Member]

All Other Segments [Member]

Accounts Rec, Consignor Paid [Member]

Accounts Rec, Consignor Paid [Member]

Accounts Rec, Consignor Paid [Member]

Transfer of Possession Without Payment [Member]

Transfer of Possession Without Payment [Member]

Transfer of Possession Without Payment [Member]

Notes receivable past due [Member]

Notes Receivable 90 Days Past Due [Member]

One Borrower [Member]

Non Executive Officer [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Related Party Employee Non Executive Officer Member [Member]

Related Party Employee Non Executive Officer Member [Member]

Related Party Employee Non Executive Officer Member [Member]

Subsequent Event [Member]

Subsequent Event [Member]

Up-front Payment Arrangement [Member]

Unsecured Debt [Member]

One Borrower [Member]

buyer

buyer

Auction [Member]

Subsequent Event [Member]

loan

loan

advance

advance

Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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'

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'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Buyer payment term

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'30 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Consignor payment term

'

'

'

'35 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Buyer receivables

$19,800,000

'

'

$19,800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Consignor Payables Classified Within Other LT Liabilities

15,300,000

'

'

15,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net accounts receivable

249,348,000

'

441,325,000

249,348,000

441,325,000

597,487,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

59,900,000

170,000,000

136,000,000

42,200,000

83,700,000

35,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of Buyers Accounts Receivable Concentration

1

'

'

1

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Accounts Receivable Concentration Amount

32,000,000

'

'

32,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Accounts Receivable Concentration Percentage

10.00%

'

'

10.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of Types of Secured Loans

2

'

'

2

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of Years for Consignor Advance Sale

'

'

'

'1 year

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Short-term interest-free advance maturity term

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'6 months

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Term Loans Maturity

'

'

'

'2 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Secured Loan Issued To Refinance Auction Or Private Sale Receivable

'

'

'

54,000,000

65,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Balance of Secured Loan to Refinance Auction or Private Sale Receivable

84,500,000

'

82,100,000

84,500,000

82,100,000

77,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Loan-to-value ratio

50.00%

'

'

50.00%

'

'

46.00%

48.00%

46.00%

48.00%

48.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Loans past due

72,613,000

'

41,286,000

72,613,000

41,286,000

33,737,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Loans more than 90 days past due

31,212,000

'

6,149,000

31,212,000

6,149,000

32,665,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

29,700,000

Net Notes Receivable Days Past Due - 90 (days)

'

'

'

'90 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Low auction estimate of collateral

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,002,252,000

837,489,000

1,002,252,000

837,489,000

891,096,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

151,500,000

82,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of Loans Past Due But Since Renewed With Extended Maturity Dates

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2

'

'

'

'

Financing Receivables Past Due Since Renewed With Extended Maturity Date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

69,100,000

'

'

'

'

Non-accrual loans

0

'

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment

0

'

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unfunded lending commitment to extend additional credit

27,800,000

'

'

27,800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

900,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Notes receivable

204,427,000

'

146,597,000

204,427,000

146,597,000

129,972,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

100,000

100,000

100,000

'

'

'

'

'

Auction guarantee advances

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

70,837,000

16,224,000

25,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

93,400,000

'

'

'

Number of significant borrowers

1

'

'

1

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Loans to entities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

68,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of Net Notes Receivable

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

13.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of Significant Unsecured Loans Used to Finance the Purchase of Works of Art Through Private Sales

1

'

1

1

1

1

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unsecured loan

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,142,000

2,142,000

2,142,000

'

'

'

3,375,000

0

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Secured loans

'

'

'

'

'

'

456,094,000

403,150,000

456,094,000

403,150,000

425,138,000

'

'

'

5,825,000

3,536,000

7,790,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Sales Price of Disposal of Equity Method Investment

'

4,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,500,000

'

Proceeds from the sale of equity method investment

'

'

'

800,000

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

800,000

'

'

Equity Method Investment, Realized Gain (Loss) on Disposal

'

$300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Notes receivable weighted average interest rate

4.50%

'

5.40%

4.70%

5.40%

'

4.80%

5.50%

5.00%

5.70%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Receivables_Notes_Receivable_N

Receivables (Notes Receivable, Net) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total Notes Receivable (net)	$538,273	$447,040	$438,082
Finance [Member]	'	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'	'
Consignor advances	126,930	110,341	138,819
Term loans	329,164	314,797	264,331
Secured loans	456,094	425,138	403,150
Auction [Member]	'	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'	'
Unsecured loan	2,142	2,142	2,142
Auction guarantee advances	70,837	16,224	25,000
Dealer [Member]	'	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'	'
Secured loans	5,825	3,536	7,790
All Other Segments [Member]	'	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'	'
Unsecured loan	$3,375	$0	$0

Receivables_Summary_of_Other_C

Receivables (Summary of Other Credit Quality Information Regarding Finance Segment Secured Loans) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Aggregate LTV ratio	50.00%	'	'	'
Loans past due	$72,613,000	$33,737,000	$41,286,000	'
Loans more than 90 days past due	31,212,000	32,665,000	6,149,000	'
Non-accrual loans	0	0	0	'
Impaired loans	0	0	0	'
Allowance for credit losses - impaired loans	0	0	0	'
Allowance for credit losses based on historical data	1,686,000	1,341,000	1,149,000	'
Total Allowance for Credit Losses - secured loans	1,686,000	1,341,000	1,149,000	875,000
Loan to Value Ratio Above 50% [Member]	'	'	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Finance segment secured loans	222,701,000	120,662,000	250,688,000	'
Low auction estimate of collateral	355,568,000	184,205,000	423,863,000	'
Aggregate LTV ratio	63.00%	66.00%	59.00%	'
Finance [Member]	'	'	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Finance segment secured loans	456,094,000	425,138,000	403,150,000	'
Low auction estimate of collateral	1,002,252,000	891,096,000	837,489,000	'
Aggregate LTV ratio	46.00%	48.00%	48.00%	'
Secured loans	456,094,000	425,138,000	403,150,000	'
Non-accrual loans	0	0	0	'
Impaired loans	$0	$0	$0	'

Receivables_Activity_Related_t

Receivables (Activity Related to Allowance for Credit Losses) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Allowance for credit losses, beginning balance	$1,341	$875	$1,149
Change in loan loss provision	345	466	'
Allowance for credit losses, ending balance	$1,686	$1,341	$1,149

Debt_Narrative_Details

Debt (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)

0 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

49 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

Jun. 11, 2008

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 14, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 28, 2013

Jun. 26, 2013

Dec. 19, 2012

Feb. 28, 2009

Oct. 28, 2013

Jan. 11, 2008

Feb. 06, 2009

Feb. 28, 2009

Feb. 06, 2009

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Feb. 28, 2009

Sep. 28, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Nov. 23, 2012

Jun. 17, 2008

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 17, 2008

Jun. 14, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 19, 2012

Dec. 18, 2012

Dec. 19, 2012

Dec. 19, 2012

warrant

Subsequent Event [Member]

Signing Of Related Purchase And Sale Agreement On January 11, 2008 [Member]

Purchase Consummated On February 6, 2009 [Member]

Assumption Of Existing Mortgage [Member]

Assumption Of Existing Mortgage [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Credit Agreement [Member]

Credit Agreement [Member]

Credit Agreement [Member]

York Property Mortgage Member [Member]

York Property Mortgage Member [Member]

Senior Notes 2022 [Member]

Senior Notes 2022 [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Convertible Notes [Member]

Convertible Notes [Member]

Convertible Notes [Member]

Convertible Note Hedge And Warrant Transactions [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Letter Of Credit [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Debt [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Current borrowing capacity

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$300,000,000

$200,000,000

'

$20,000,000

Maximum amount of net auction guarantees permissable

'

300,000,000

'

'

300,000,000

'

300,000,000

100,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of credit facility, sub-limit

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

100,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Increase in borrowing capacity

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

50,000,000

'

Credit facility, amount outstanding

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

'

'

'

'

Credit facility, remaining borrowing capacity

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

300,000,000

'

'

'

'

Covenant, aggregate borrowing availability

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

100,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Covenant, total liquidity amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

150,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total life-to-date Credit Facility fees paid

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

13,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Credit facility, unused capacity, commitment fee percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.50%

0.38%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Property acquisition price

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

370,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Components of purchase price of land and buildings

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

50,000,000

85,000,000

'

235,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

York mortgage property maturity date

'

'

'

'

'2035-07-01

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt instrument stated interest percentage

'

3.13%

'

'

3.13%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5.60%

'

5.25%

'

'

7.75%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Long-term debt, fair value

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

228,000,000

212,100,000

'

281,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amortization of debt discount to interest expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

22,900,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fees paid in conjunction with assumption of mortgage property

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Aggregate principal value of debt

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

300,000,000

300,000,000

'

150,000,000

'

'

200,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt instrument maturity date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'10/1/2022

'

'

'

'2015-06-15

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net Proceeds From the Issuance of Long Term Debt

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

293,700,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of senior notes principal as part of redemption price

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

100.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of principal amount of debt as component of premium price

'

'

'

'

1.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Maximum percentage of redeemable 2022 Senior notes principal

'

'

'

'

35.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Redemption price percentage of 2022 Senior Notes

'

'

'

'

105.25%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Proceeds from issuance of senior notes

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

145,900,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Effective interest rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

8.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Payments of debt extinguishment costs

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

97,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Repurchase price make whole premium

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

14,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Long-term debt, gross

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

80,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Current interest payable

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,700,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Life-to-date non-cash gain (loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-15,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Write-off of unamortized discount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stated interest rate of convertible debt

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3.13%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net proceeds from convertible notes

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

194,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Convertible notes conversion ratio

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

29.592

'

'

'

'

'

'

Conversion per principal value of convertible notes

'

'

'

'

1,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Convertible notes conversion price, per share

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$33.79

'

'

'

'

'

'

Conversion obiligation

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

197,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Repayments of principal amount of convertible debt

'

'

181,900,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Conversion premium

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

15,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Proceeds from the settlement of Convertible Note Hedges

'

'

'

'

15,503,000

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

15,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

Cost of convertible note hedges

40,600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Incremental common shares attributable to call options and warrants

5,900,000

0

'

0

1,000

0

'

'

'

'

387,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Common stock price per share to be acquired through warrant (usd per share)

'

44.5

'

'

44.5

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Warrant exercise daily limit (warrants)

'

'

'

'

118,348

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Warrant exercise daily limit time period

'50 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net proceeds from sale of warrant

$22,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

York mortgage annual interest rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5.60%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt_Summary_of_LongTerm_Debt_

Debt (Summary of Long-Term Debt) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt [Line Items]	'	'	'
Less current portion	($3,581)	($181,250)	($255,400)
Long-term debt, excluding current portion	515,151	515,197	515,185
York Property Mortgage [Member]	'	'	'
Debt [Line Items]	'	'	'
Long-term debt	218,732	218,375	218,576
Less current portion	-3,581	-3,178	-3,391
Unamortized discount	6,237	8,911	9,802
Senior Notes 2022 [Member]	'	'	'
Debt [Line Items]	'	'	'
Long-term debt	300,000	300,000	300,000
Convertible Notes [Member]	'	'	'
Debt [Line Items]	'	'	'
Long-term debt	0	178,072	176,068
Less current portion	0	-178,072	-176,068
Unamortized discount	0	3,796	5,800
Senior Notes [Member]	'	'	'
Debt [Line Items]	'	'	'
Long-term debt	0	0	79,332
Less current portion	0	0	-79,332
Unamortized discount	$0	$0	$639

Debt_Aggregate_Future_Principa

Debt (Aggregate Future Principal and Interest Payments) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Instruments [Abstract]	'
October 2013 to September 2014	$31,754
October 2014 to September 2015	247,269
October 2015 to September 2016	15,750
October 2016 to September 2017	15,750
October 2017 to September 2018	$15,750

Debt_Components_of_Interest_Ex

Debt (Components of Interest Expense) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Debt [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Amortization of amendment and arrangement fees	$319	$430	$946	$1,289
Commitment fees	383	316	1,145	944
Sub-total	702	746	2,091	2,233
Interest expense	8,912	10,390	33,564	30,682
Other interest expense	124	303	867	882
York Property Mortgage [Member]	'	'	'	'
Debt [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Interest expense	4,148	4,194	12,376	12,586
Senior Notes [Member]	'	'	'	'
Debt [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Interest expense	3,938	1,761	11,813	4,936
Convertible Notes [Member]	'	'	'	'
Debt [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Interest expense	$0	$3,386	$6,417	$10,045

Debt_Convertible_Note_Interest

Debt (Convertible Note Interest Expenses) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Debt Conversion [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Discount amortization	'	'	$6,470	$8,572
Convertible Notes [Member]	'	'	'	'
Debt Conversion [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Contractual coupon interest expense	0	1,421	2,621	4,262
Discount amortization	0	1,965	3,796	5,783
Total	$0	$3,386	$6,417	$10,045

Defined_Benefit_Pension_Plan_C

Defined Benefit Pension Plan (Components of Net Pension Benefits Related to U.K. Pension Plan Assets) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Disclosures [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Service cost	$912	$931	$2,730	$2,790
Interest cost	3,309	3,275	9,905	9,812
Expected return on plan assets	-4,869	-4,887	-14,575	-14,639
Amortization of previously unrecognized net pension losses	361	0	1,081	0
Net pension benefit	($287)	($681)	($859)	($2,037)

Defined_Benefit_Pension_Plan_N

Defined Benefit Pension Plan (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	1 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Oct. 31, 2013
		Subsequent Event [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Contributions	$1.70	'
Estimated future contributions in 2013	20	'
Statutory funding valuation	'	$18

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2013
				Subsequent Event [Member]
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Amount Collected on Due to Consignor from Guarantee of Collection	'	'	'	$12.90
Commitment for salaries and other cash compensation under employment arrangement	'	14	'	'
Estimate of possible loss	'	'	4.9	'
Payments on contingency accrual	4.7	'	'	'
Guarantee of collection	'	$19.40	'	'

Auction_Guarantees_Details

Auction Guarantees (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 28, 2013	Jun. 26, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012
Guarantees [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Client goodwill gesture	$1.70	'	'	'	'	'
Maximum amount of net auction guarantees permissable	'	300	300	100	'	'
Estimated fair value of obligation to perform under auction guarantees	'	$7.40	'	'	$3.30	$5.60

Auction_Guarantees_Additional_

Auction Guarantees - Additional Informaiton (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Nov. 07, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified		Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]	'	'
Outstanding guarantee	$167	$206.40
Irrevocable bids	$24.10	$54

ShareBased_Payments_Dividends_2

Share-Based Payments, Dividends and Shareholders' Equity (Compensation Expense Related to Share-Based Payments) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Share-based Compensation [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Pre-Tax	$6,249	$4,256	$15,919	$13,333
After-Tax	$3,801	$2,741	$10,871	$9,163

ShareBased_Payments_Dividends_3

Share-Based Payments, Dividends and Shareholders' Equity (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)

0 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

Aug. 06, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Oct. 04, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Nov. 11, 2013

Oct. 31, 2013

Oct. 04, 2013

8-May-13

Oct. 04, 2013

Oct. 04, 2013

Sotheby's Incentive Compensation Programs [Member]

Mr. Ruprecht September 2010 Employment Agreement [Member]

Restricted Stock, RSU's And PSU's [Member]

Restricted Stock, RSU's And PSU's [Member]

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]

Performance Shares [Member]

Stock Options [Member]

Subsequent Event [Member]

Subsequent Event [Member]

Subsequent Event [Member]

Subsequent Event [Member]

Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock [Member]

Preferred Stock [Member]

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]

Subsequent Event [Member]

Subsequent Event [Member]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Excess tax benefits related to share-based payment arrangements

'

'

'

$3,500,000

$3,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unrecognized compensation expense related to the unvested portion of share-based payments

'

'

24,900,000

24,900,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Compensation expense is expected to be amortized over a weighted-average period

'

'

'

'2 years 10 months 18 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Vesting period

'

'

'

'4 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'4 years

'

'4 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

Shares granted (shares)

'

'

'

696,000

'

'

600,702

95,786

'

'

'

'

696,488

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fair value of shares issued

'

'

'

'

'

'

21,500,000

3,400,000

'

'

'

'

24,900,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fair value of share vested

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

26,900,000

28,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Rights allowed per share

'

'

'

'

'

0.01

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Shares available for future awards (shares)

'

'

35,350

35,350

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Increase in restricted stock shares authorized for issuance (shares)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,000,000

'

'

Stock options expiration period

'

'

'

'10 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Aggregate intrinsic value of option exercised

'

'

'

3,500,000

600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Proceeds from exercise of employee stock options

'

'

'

4,049,000

966,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Excess tax benefits realized from the exercise of stock options

'

'

'

700,000

100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Accelerated dividend declared (usd per share)

'

$0.20

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Accelerated dividend declared

'

13,600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Dividends declared (usd per share)

$0.10

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$0.10

'

'

'

'

'

Dividends

'

'

6,800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

6,900,000

'

'

'

'

'

Preferred share dividend

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1

'

Common stock, par value (usd per share)

'

$0.01

$0.01

$0.01

$0.01

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$0.01

'

'

'

Exercise price per warrang (usd per warrant)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$200

'

Number of common share equivallents (share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1

'

'

'

Waiting period

'

'

'

'10 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Beneficial ownership needed

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

10.00%

'

'

'

Beneficial ownership of 13G

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

20.00%

'

'

'

Number common stock shares exchanged (share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1

'

'

'

Maximum acquiring person ownership

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

50.00%

'

'

'

Commencement period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'100 days

'

'

'

'

Qualifying offer purchase

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

50.00%

'

'

'

Preferred stocks shares designated as Series A participating preferred stock (shares)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,000,000

Preferred Stock, par value (usd per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$0.01

'

'

'

ShareBased_Payments_Dividends_4

Share-Based Payments, Dividends and Shareholders' Equity (Changes in Number of Outstanding Restricted Stock, RSU's And PSU's) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested [Roll Forward]	'
Outstanding at January 1, 2013, Number of RSU's adn PSU's, Shares	1,912
Granted, Number of RSU's adn PSU's, Shares	696
Vested, Number of RSU's adn PSU's, Shares	-703
Canceled, Number of RSU's adn PSU's, Shares	-20
Outstanding at September 30, 2013, Number of RSU's adn PSU's, Shares	1,885
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Roll Forward]	'
Outstanding at January 1, 2013, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in usd per share)	$30.39
Granted, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in usd per share)	$35.75
Vested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in usd per share)	$21.97
Canceled, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in usd per share)	$37.76
Outstanding at September 30, 2013, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in usd per share)	$35.17

ShareBased_Payments_Dividends_5

Share-Based Payments, Dividends and Shareholders' Equity (Changes in Number of Stock Options Outstanding) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]	'
Outstanding at January 1, 2013, Options	348
Exercised, Options	-186
Outstanding at September 30, 2013, Options	162
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Roll Forward]	'
Oustanding at January 1, 2013, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in usd per share)	$21.92
Exercised, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in usd per share)	$21.75
Outstanding at September 30, 2013, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in usd per share)	$22.11
Outstanding at September 30, 2013, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	'6 years 4 months 18 days
Outstanding at September 30, 2013, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$4,391
Exercisable at September 30, 2013, Options	38
Exercisable at September 30, 2013, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in usd per share)	$22.11
Exercisable at September 30, 2013, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	'6 years 4 months 18 days
Exercisable at September 30, 2013, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$1,013

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Balance, beginning period	($69,137)	($55,139)	($50,375)	($53,918)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	23,972	15,235	4,655	14,014
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	278	0	833	0
Other comprehensive income	24,250	15,235	5,488	14,014
Balance, ending period	-44,887	-39,904	-44,887	-39,904
Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member]	'	'	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Balance, beginning period	-37,279	-34,965	-16,084	-34,012
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	25,796	16,047	4,601	15,094
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	0	0	0	0
Other comprehensive income	25,796	16,047	4,601	15,094
Balance, ending period	-11,483	-18,918	-11,483	-18,918
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment [Member]	'	'	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Balance, beginning period	-31,858	-20,174	-34,291	-19,906
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	-1,824	-812	54	-1,080
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	278	0	833	0
Other comprehensive income	-1,546	-812	887	-1,080
Balance, ending period	($33,404)	($20,986)	($33,404)	($20,986)

Uncertain_Tax_Positions_Narrat

Uncertain Tax Positions (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012
Income Tax Uncertainties [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Unrecognized tax benefits	'	$39.50	$35.40	$35.10
Unrecognized tax benefits, period increase	'	4.1	'	'
Net Income Tax Benefit Deduction Foreign Subsidiary	6.8	'	'	'
Unrecognized tax benefits that would impact effective tax rate	'	24.4	17.4	18.1
Decrease in unrecognized tax benefits within 12 months	'	3.9	'	'
Decrease in accrual for interest & penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits	'	$0.10	'	'

Related_Party_Transactions_Det

Related Party Transactions (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'
Revenue from Related Parties	$3,700,000	$4,900,000	'
Percentage of revenue from related party to total revenue (Less than)	1.00%	1.00%	'
Net accounts receivable from related party transaction	100,000	100,000	3,900,000
Percentage of net account receivable from related party to total account receivable	1.00%	1.00%	1.00%
Notes receivable	204,427,000	146,597,000	129,972,000
Related Party Employee Non Executive Officer Member [Member]	'	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'
Notes receivable	$100,000	$100,000	$100,000