Sotheby's (BID) 10-Q 10 Nov 14 2014 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Oct. 31, 2014
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-14	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	68,990,927

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, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Revenues:	'	'	'	'
Agency	$76,229	$76,929	$515,544	$466,047
Principal	6,273	23,491	41,007	26,696
Finance	8,917	5,164	22,739	15,658
License fees	2,376	1,902	6,535	5,178
Other	406	378	1,004	898
Total revenues	94,201	107,864	586,829	514,477
Expenses:	'	'	'	'
Agency direct costs	6,002	7,279	48,056	46,988
Cost of Principal revenues	7,999	22,417	40,019	27,115
Cost of Finance revenues	2,634	0	5,368	0
Marketing	3,076	5,057	10,773	15,603
Salaries and related	58,888	61,971	222,477	203,931
General and administrative	37,798	40,576	113,340	128,958
Depreciation and amortization	5,157	4,925	15,370	14,242
Restructuring charges	14,285	0	14,285	0
Special charges, net	-4,169	0	20,088	0
Total expenses	131,670	142,225	489,776	436,837
Operating (loss) income	-37,469	-34,361	97,053	77,640
Interest income	621	431	1,439	2,258
Interest expense	-8,757	-8,912	-26,308	-33,564
Other income	1,438	982	690	2,513
(Loss) income from continuing operations before taxes	-44,167	-41,860	72,874	48,847
Equity in earnings of investees, net of taxes	296	31	680	19
Income tax (benefit) expense	-16,173	-11,698	29,502	9,613
Net (loss) income	-27,698	-30,131	44,052	39,253
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	-28	0	-260	0
Net (loss) income attributable to Sotheby's	($27,726)	($30,131)	$43,792	$39,253
Basic (loss) earnings per share - Sotheby’s common shareholders (usd per share)	($0.40)	($0.44)	$0.62	$0.58
Diluted (loss) earnings per share - Sotheby’s common shareholders (usd per share)	($0.40)	($0.44)	$0.61	$0.57
Weighted average basic shares outstanding	68,990	68,361	69,024	68,206
Weighted average diluted shares outstanding	68,990	68,361	69,572	68,957
Cash dividends paid per common share (usd per share)	$0.10	$0.10	$4.64	$0.10

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, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net (loss) income	($27,698)	($30,131)	$44,052	$39,253
Other comprehensive (loss) income:	'	'	'	'
Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments, net of taxes of ($1,218), $609, ($1,218), and ($221)	-20,471	23,972	-14,974	4,655
Reclassification of cumulative translation adjustment included in net income	0	0	2,058	0
Amortization of previously unrecognized net pension losses included in net (loss) income, net of taxes of $119, $83, $356, and $248	476	278	1,427	833
Other comprehensive (loss) income	-19,995	24,250	-11,489	5,488
Comprehensive (loss) income	-47,693	-5,881	32,563	44,741
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	-28	0	-260	0
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Sotheby's	($47,721)	($5,881)	$32,303	$44,741

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, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Taxes - Foreign currency translation adjustment	($1,218)	$609	($1,218)	($221)
Taxes - Amortization of previously unrecognized net pension losses	$119	$83	$356	$248

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current Assets:	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$419,639	$721,315	$483,185
Restricted cash	3,293	32,146	6,814
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $6,942, $6,939, and $6,609	450,153	812,582	249,348
Notes receivable, net of allowance for credit losses of $1,078, $1,746, and $1,686	172,666	176,529	204,427
Inventory	209,653	192,140	98,377
Deferred income taxes and income tax receivable	61,345	12,385	45,923
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	42,579	25,176	40,092
Total Current Assets	1,359,328	1,972,273	1,128,166
Notes receivable	557,125	336,896	333,846
Fixed assets, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of $189,484, $178,841, and $174,453	369,333	379,399	377,368
Goodwill and other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $5,960, $6,484, and $6,347	14,575	14,850	14,727
Equity method investments	10,265	11,040	11,047
Deferred income taxes and income tax receivable	40,157	55,520	53,704
Trust assets related to deferred compensation liability	50,120	53,231	51,387
Pension asset	41,510	37,284	21,985
Other long-term assets	20,332	33,053	37,317
Total Assets	2,462,745	2,893,546	2,029,547
Current Liabilities:	'	'	'
Due to consignors	385,714	922,275	225,436
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	89,520	93,581	71,316
Accrued salaries and related costs	56,823	83,128	49,524
York Property Mortgage	218,767	3,630	3,581
Accrued and deferred income taxes	31,296	26,040	17,329
Other current liabilities	22,542	13,835	8,279
Total Current Liabilities	804,662	1,142,489	375,465
Credit facility borrowings	449,000	0	0
Long-term debt, net	300,000	515,148	515,151
Accrued and deferred income taxes	21,578	22,392	23,991
Deferred compensation liability	48,745	51,831	49,469
Other long-term liabilities	11,562	22,021	21,941
Total Liabilities	1,635,547	1,753,881	986,017
Commitments and contingencies (see Note 8)	'	'	'
Shareholders’ Equity:	'	'	'
Common Stock, $0.01 par value, Authorized shares - 200,000,000, Issued shares - 69,549,098, 69,131,892 and 68,408,051; Outstanding shares - 68,990,927, 69,131,892, and 68,408,051	695	691	684
Additional paid-in capital	398,921	387,477	380,819
Treasury stock, at cost: 558,171 shares at September 30, 2014	-25,000	0	'
Retained earnings	502,922	790,603	706,763
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-50,942	-39,453	-44,887
Total Shareholders’ Equity	826,596	1,139,318	1,043,379
Noncontrolling interest	602	347	151
Total Equity	827,198	1,139,665	1,043,530
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity	$2,462,745	$2,893,546	$2,029,547

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance1

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]	'	'	'
Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable	$6,942	$6,939	$6,609
Allowance for credit losses	1,078	1,746	1,686
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	189,484	178,841	174,453
Accumulated amortization, intangible assets	$5,960	$6,484	$6,347
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)	69,549,098	69,131,892	68,408,051
Common stock, shares outstanding (shares)	68,990,927	69,131,892	68,408,051
Treasury stock, shares outstanding (shares)	558,171,000	0	0

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme3

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Operating Activities:	'	'
Net income attributable to Sotheby's	$43,792	$39,253
Adjustments to reconcile net income attributable to Sotheby's to net cash used by operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	15,370	14,242
Loss from cumulative translation adjustment upon liquidation of foreign subsidiary	2,058	0
Deferred income tax expense	10,287	4,793
Share-based payments	17,349	15,919
Net pension benefit	-525	-859
Inventory writedowns and bad debt provisions	8,108	8,100
Amortization of debt discount	2,673	6,470
Excess tax benefits from share-based payments	-3,604	-3,490
Other	953	412
Changes in assets and liabilities:	'	'
Accounts receivable	317,569	316,019
Due to consignors	-543,600	-391,167
Inventory	-38,508	-1,546
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	-14,972	-12,286
Other long-term assets	5	-988
Income tax receivable and deferred income tax assets	-41,399	-17,877
Accrued income taxes and deferred income tax liabilities	5,610	-5,814
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities and other liabilities	-30,979	-25,694
Net cash used by operating activities	-249,813	-54,513
Investing Activities:	'	'
Funding of notes receivable	-456,266	-233,709
Collections of notes receivable	301,391	186,497
Capital expenditures	-7,553	-17,191
Distributions from equity investees	2,010	65
Decrease in restricted cash	26,049	25,927
Proceeds from the sale of equity method investment	200	800
Net cash used by investing activities	-134,169	-37,611
Financing Activities:	'	'
Proceeds from credit facility borrowings	449,000	0
Repayment of Convertible Notes	0	-197,371
Proceeds from the settlement of Convertible Note Hedges	0	15,503
Repayments of York Property Mortgage	-2,684	-2,316
Repurchase of common stock	-25,000	0
Dividends paid	-324,618	-6,841
Contribution from noncontrolling interest	0	322
Proceeds from exercise of employee stock options	967	4,049
Excess tax benefits from share-based payments	3,604	3,490
Funding of employee tax obligations upon the vesting of share-based payments	-11,835	-11,399
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities	89,434	-194,563
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-7,128	1,525
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents	-301,676	-285,162
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	721,315	768,347
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$419,639	$483,185

Basis_of_Presentation

Basis of Presentation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
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 normal and recurring 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 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
	The Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Sotheby’s, its wholly-owned subsidiaries, and Sotheby's Beijing Auction Co., Ltd ("Sotheby's Beijing"), a joint venture formed in September 2012 in which Sotheby's has a controlling 80% ownership interest. The net income attributable to the minority owner of Sotheby's Beijing, which was not material prior to 2014, is reported as "Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest" in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and the non-controlling 20% ownership interest is reported as "Noncontrolling Interest" within the Equity section of the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Seasonality_of_Business

Seasonality of Business	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
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 Sales1 represented 83% and 84% of total Net Auction Sales in 2013 and 2012, respectively, with auction commission revenues comprising approximately 81% of Sotheby's total revenues in those years. Accordingly, Sotheby’s financial results are seasonal, with peak revenues and operating income generally occurring in the second and fourth quarters. Consequently, first and third quarter results have historically reflected lower revenues 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_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings Per Share	'
	Earnings 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 currently include unvested performance share units held by employees, incremental common shares issuable upon the assumed exercise of employee stock options, and deferred stock units held by members of the Board of Directors. In 2013, Sotheby's potential common shares also included the net shares that would have been delivered to settle the premium upon assumed conversion of then-outstanding convertible debt, as well as the net shares that would have been issued upon the exercise of then-outstanding common stock warrants. (See Note 6 for information on Sotheby's 3.125% Convertible Notes, which were settled in June 2013, and the related common stock warrants that were settled in the fourth quarter of 2013. See Note 11 for information on Sotheby's share-based payment programs.)
	_____________________________________________________________________
	1 Net Auction Sales represents the hammer or sale price of property sold at auction.
	For the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, 2 million potential common shares 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, 2014 and 2013, 1.2 million and 1.5 million potential common shares, respectively, related to unvested performance share units were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share as 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 earnings per share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands, except per share amounts):
		Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014			2013			2014		2013
	Basic:
	Numerator:
	Net (loss) income attributable to Sotheby’s	$	(27,726	)	$	(30,131	)	$	43,792	$	39,253
	Less: Net income attributable to participating securities	—			—			1,023		23
	Net (loss) income attributable to Sotheby’s common shareholders	$	(27,726	)	$	(30,131	)	$	42,769	$	39,230
	Denominator:
	Weighted average basic shares outstanding	68,990			68,361			69,024		68,206
	Basic (loss) earnings per share - Sotheby’s common shareholders	$	(0.40	)	$	(0.44	)	$	0.62	$	0.58
	Diluted:
	Numerator:
	Net (loss) income attributable to Sotheby’s	$	(27,726	)	$	(30,131	)	$	43,792	$	39,253
	Less: Net income attributable to participating securities	—			—			1,023		23
	Net (loss) income attributable to Sotheby’s common shareholders	$	(27,726	)	$	(30,131	)	$	42,769	$	39,230
	Denominator:
	Weighted average common shares outstanding	68,990			68,361			69,024		68,206
	Weighted average effect of Sotheby's dilutive potential common shares:
	Convertible Notes	—			—			—		129
	Performance share units	—			—			362		388
	Deferred stock units	—			—			164		151
	Stock options	—			—			22		82
	Warrants	—			—			—		1
	Weighted average dilutive potential common shares outstanding	—			—			548		751
	Weighted average diluted shares outstanding	68,990			68,361			69,572		68,957
	Diluted (loss) earnings per share - Sotheby’s common shareholders	$	(0.40	)	$	(0.44	)	$	0.61	$	0.57

Segment_Reporting

Segment Reporting	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment Reporting	'
	Segment Reporting
	Sotheby’s operations are organized under three segments—Agency, Principal, and Finance. The table below presents Sotheby’s revenues and (loss) income before taxes by segment for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands of dollars):
	Three Months Ended September 30, 2014		Agency			Principal			Finance				All Other			Reconciling items*			Total
	Revenues		$	76,229		$	6,273		$	11,041			$	2,782		$	(2,124	)	$	94,201
	Segment (loss) income before taxes		$	(55,068	)	$	(1,833	)	$	6,994		**	$	2,109		$	3,631		$	(44,167	)
	Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
	Revenues		$	77,469		$	23,491		$	7,654			$	2,280		$	(3,030	)	$	107,864
	Segment (loss) income before taxes		$	(48,460	)	$	(516	)	$	5,504		**	$	1,668		$	(56	)	$	(41,860	)
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
	Revenues		$	515,544		$	41,007		$	29,442			$	7,539		$	(6,703	)	$	586,829
	Segment income before taxes		$	69,511		$	197		$	18,891		**	$	5,599		$	(21,324	)	$	72,874
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
	Revenues		$	466,587		$	26,696		$	22,787			$	6,076		$	(7,669	)	$	514,477
	Segment income (loss) before taxes		$	32,508		$	(4,472	)	$	16,370		**	$	4,475		$	(34	)	$	48,847
	*	In the table of segment information above, the reconciling items related to Revenues consist principally of charges from the Finance segment to the Agency segment for secured loans issued with an interest rate below the Finance segment's target rate. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, the reconciling items related to Revenues also include $0.5 million related to the elimination of private sale commission revenues earned by the Agency segment for acting as agent in the sale of certain Principal segment inventory. See the table below for a reconciliation of segment (loss) income before taxes to consolidated (loss) income before taxes.
	** For the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, Finance segment income before taxes includes $0.3 million and $0.6 million, respectively, of intercompany charges from Sotheby's global treasury function. For the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, Finance segment income before taxes includes $2.1 million and $1.8 million, respectively, of such charges. As the Finance segment continues to implement the debt financing of its loan portfolio, it is expected that these intercompany charges will decrease in the future (see Note 5).
	The table below presents a reconciliation of segment (loss) income before taxes to consolidated (loss) income before taxes for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands of dollars):
			Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
			2014			2013			2014				2013
	Agency		$	(55,068	)	$	(48,460	)	$	69,511			$	32,508
	Principal		(1,833		)	(516		)	197				(4,472		)
	Finance		6,994			5,504			18,891				16,370
	All Other		2,109			1,668			5,599				4,475
	Segment (loss) income before taxes		(47,798		)	(41,804		)	94,198				48,881
	Reconciling items:
	Special charges, net (see Note 13)		4,169			—			(20,088		)		—
	Equity in earnings of investees		(538		)	(56		)	(1,236		)		(34		)
	(Loss) income from continuing operations before taxes		$	(44,167	)	$	(41,860	)	$	72,874			$	48,847
	The reconciling items related to segment (loss) income before taxes consist of Special Charges (net), which are explained in more detail in Note 13, as well as Sotheby's pre-tax share of earnings related to equity investees. Such equity earnings are included in the table above on a pre-tax basis as part of Principal segment (loss) income before taxes, but are presented net of taxes in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.
	For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, Agency segment revenues consist of the following (in thousands of dollars):
			Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
			2014			2013			2014				2013
	Auction commissions		$	64,247		$	48,581		$	468,087			$	390,836
	Private sale commissions		12,412			26,519			42,343				66,161
	Auction guarantee and inventory activities		(3,864		)	(921		)	(9,409		)		(1,435		)
	Other Agency revenues		3,434			3,290			14,523				11,025
	Total Agency segment revenues		76,229			77,469			515,544				466,587
	Reconciling item		—			(540		)	—				(540		)
	Total agency and related revenues		$	76,229		$	76,929		$	515,544			$	466,047
	Auction guarantee and inventory 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) writedowns to the carrying value of previously guaranteed property that failed to sell at auction, and (iii) recoveries and losses on the eventual sale of previously guaranteed property that failed to sell at auction. Other Agency revenues principally includes commissions and other fees earned by Sotheby's on 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, 2014, December 31, 2013, and September 30, 2013 (in thousands of dollars):
			September 30, 2014			December 31, 2013			September 30, 2013
	Agency		$	1,586,737		$	2,261,482		$	1,369,396
	Principal		98,236			82,560			95,175
	Finance		674,211			480,103			463,574
	All Other		2,059			1,496			1,775
	Total segment assets		2,361,243			2,825,641			1,929,920
	Unallocated amounts:
	Deferred tax assets and income tax receivable		101,502			67,905			99,627
	Consolidated assets		$	2,462,745		$	2,893,546		$	2,029,547

Receivables

Receivables	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Accounts and Notes Receivable, Net [Abstract]	'
Receivables	'
	Receivables
	Accounts Receivable, Net—Through its Agency segment, Sotheby's accepts property on consignment and matches sellers, also known as consignors, to buyers through the auction or private sale process. Following the sale, 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 enters into a legally binding agreement with the consignor, 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. In certain situations, Sotheby’s may also execute a legally binding agreement with the buyer stipulating the terms of the private sale transaction.
	Under Sotheby’s standard auction payment terms, payments from buyers 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 an auction or private sale 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 December 31, 2013, $16 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. In the first quarter of 2014, these amounts were reclassified to Accounts Receivable (net) and Due to Consignors, respectively, based on their corresponding payment due dates.
	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 sales proceeds whether or not the buyer makes payment. As of September 30, 2014, December 31, 2013, and September 30, 2013, Accounts Receivable (net) included $52.7 million, $130.5 million, and $59.9 million, respectively, related to situations when Sotheby's paid the consignor all or a portion of the net sales proceeds before payment was collected from the buyer. As of September 30, 2014, December 31, 2013, and September 30, 2013, Accounts Receivable (net) also included $31.5 million, $92.1 million, and $42.2 million, respectively, related to situations when the buyer was allowed to take possession of the property before making payment to Sotheby’s.
	Notes Receivable, Net—As of September 30, 2014, December 31, 2013, and September 30, 2013, Notes Receivable (net) consisted of the following (in thousands of dollars):
			September 30,			December 31,			September 30,
			2014			2013			2013
	Finance Segment:
	Consignor advances		$	78,411		$	139,007		$	126,930
	Term loans		577,553			335,426			329,164
	Total Finance segment secured loans		655,964			474,433			456,094
	Agency Segment:
	Guarantee advances		64,605			28,000			70,837
	Unsecured loan		2,138			2,142			2,142
	Principal Segment:
	Secured loans		4,284			5,825			5,825
	Other:
	Unsecured loan		2,800			3,025			3,375
	Total Notes Receivable (net)		$	729,791		$	513,425		$	538,273
	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 where the borrowers are contractually committed, in the near term, to sell the property through Sotheby's (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 are often issued interest-free as an incentive to the consignor for entering into the consignment agreement. 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.
	The lending activities of the Finance segment have historically been funded by the operating cash flows of the Agency segment with the ability to supplement those cash flows with revolving credit facility borrowings. In January 2014, Sotheby's established a separate capital structure for the Finance segment through which the Finance segment now predominantly relies on borrowings to fund client loans through a dedicated revolving credit facility. Cash balances are also used to fund a portion of the Finance segment loan portfolio, as appropriate. Upon establishment of the separate capital structure for the Finance segment, $170 million was drawn from its revolving credit facility on February 13, 2014 to initiate the debt financing of the client loan portfolio. Subsequent to February 13, 2014 and through September 30, 2014, an additional $279 million was borrowed to fund the further growth of the loan portfolio and to continue the process of debt financing existing loans. (See Note 6 for information related to the Finance segment's revolving credit facility.)
	In certain situations, term loans are also made to refinance clients' auction and private sale purchases. For the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, the Finance segment made $52.2 million and $54 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 as collections of Notes Receivable within investing activities in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Upon repayment, the cash received in settlement of such loans is classified within operating activities in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. As of September 30, 2014, December 31, 2013, and September 30, 2013, Notes Receivable (net) included $104.7 million, $72.9 million, and $84.5 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 Finance segment loan portfolio as of September 30, 2014, December 31, 2013, and September 30, 2013 (in thousands of dollars):
			September 30,			December 31,			September 30,
			2014			2013			2013
	Finance segment secured loans		$	655,964		$	474,433		$	456,094
	Low auction estimate of collateral		$	1,390,012		$	1,180,406		$	1,002,252
	Aggregate LTV ratio		47		%	40		%	46		%
	The table below provides the aggregate LTV ratio for Finance segment secured loans with an LTV above 50% as of September 30, 2014, December 31, 2013, and September 30, 2013 (in thousands of dollars):
			September 30,			December 31,			September 30,
			2014			2013			2013
	Finance segment secured loans with an LTV ratio above 50%		$	371,449		$	181,027		$	222,701
	Low auction estimate of collateral related to Finance segment secured loans with an LTV above 50%		$	636,705		$	295,255		$	355,568
	Aggregate LTV ratio of Finance segment secured loans with an LTV above 50%		58		%	61		%	63		%
	The table below provides other credit quality information regarding Finance segment secured loans as of September 30, 2014, December 31, 2013, and September 30, 2013 (in thousands of dollars):
			September 30,			December 31,			September 30,
			2014			2013			2013
	Total secured loans		$	655,964		$	474,433		$	456,094
	Loans past due		$	54,227		$	24,129		$	72,613
	Loans more than 90 days past due		$	11,455		$	1,266		$	31,212
	Non-accrual loans		$	—		$	—		$	—
	Impaired loans		$	—		$	—		$	—
	Allowance for credit losses:
	Allowance for credit losses for impaired loans		$	—		$	—		$	—
	Allowance for credit losses based on historical data		1,078			1,746			1,686
	Total allowance for credit losses - secured loans		$	1,078		$	1,746		$	1,686
	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, 2014, $54.2 million of the Notes Receivable (net) balance was considered to be past due, of which $11.5 million was more than 90 days past due. The collateral securing these loans has low auction estimates of approximately $169.4 million and $31.2 million, respectively, resulting in aggregate LTV ratios of 32% and 37%, respectively. Sotheby's is continuing to accrue interest on these past due loans. In consideration of the value of the remaining collateral securing these past due loans, management believes that the principal and interest amounts due for past due loans will be collected. As of November 7, 2014, $42.4 million of past due loans have been refinanced on terms favorable to Sotheby's.
	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, 2014, December 31, 2013, and September 30, 2013, there were no 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, 2014, December 31, 2013, and September 30, 2013, there were no impaired loans outstanding.
	During the period January 1, 2014 to September 30, 2014, activity related to the Allowance for Credit Losses was as follows (in thousands of dollars):
	Allowance for credit losses as of January 1, 2014	$	1,746
	Change in loan loss provision	(668		)
	Allowance for credit losses as of September 30, 2014	$	1,078
	The net decrease in the allowance for credit losses during the period is the result of better than anticipated loan loss rates.
	As of September 30, 2014, a loan to one borrower of $107 million with an LTV ratio of 56% composed 15% of Notes Receivable (net). For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, Finance segment results included revenues of $2.1 million and $4 million related to this loan, which comprised approximately 19% and 14% of total Finance segment revenue for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively.
	As of September 30, 2014, unfunded commitments to extend additional credit through Sotheby's Finance segment were $33.7 million.
	Notes Receivable (Agency Segment)—Sotheby’s is obligated under the terms of certain auction guarantees to advance a portion of the guaranteed amount prior to the auction. Such auction guarantee advances are recorded on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets within Notes Receivable (net). As of September 30, 2014, December 31, 2013, and September 30, 2013, auction guarantee advances totaled $64.6 million, $28 million, and $70.8 million, respectively. (See Note 9 for additional information related to auction guarantees.)
	Under certain circumstances, Sotheby's, through its Agency segment, finances the purchase of works of art by unaffiliated art dealers through unsecured loans. As of September 30, 2014, December 31, 2013, and September 30, 2013, one such unsecured loan totaled $2.1 million. Sotheby's is no longer accruing interest with respect to this unsecured loan.
	Notes Receivable (Principal Segment)—Under certain circumstances, the Principal segment provides secured loans to certain art dealers to finance the purchase of works of art. In these situations, Sotheby's 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, 2014, December 31, 2013, and September 30, 2013, such loans totaled $4.3 million, $5.8 million, and $5.8 million, respectively.
Notes Receivable (Other)—In the second quarter of 2013, Sotheby's sold its interest in an equity method investee for $4.3 million and, as a result, recognized a gain of $0.3 million. The sale price was funded by an upfront cash payment to Sotheby's of $0.8 million and the issuance of 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. As of September 30, 2014, December 31, 2013, and September 30, 2013 the carrying value of this loan was approximately $2.8 million, $3 million, and $3.4 million, respectively.

Debt

Debt	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Debt Instruments [Abstract]	'
Debt	'
	Debt
	Revolving Credit Facilities—On August 31, 2009, Sotheby's and certain of its wholly-owned subsidiaries entered into a credit agreement with an international syndicate of lenders led by General Electric Capital Corporation. On February 13, 2014, Sotheby’s refinanced the Credit Agreement and entered into separate dedicated revolving credit facilities for the Agency segment (the “Agency Credit Agreement”) and the Finance segment (the “Finance Credit Agreement”) (collectively, the “Credit Agreements”).
	The Agency Credit Agreement established an asset-based revolving credit facility, subject to a borrowing base, the proceeds of which may be used primarily for the working capital and other general corporate needs of the Agency segment, as well as for Principal segment inventory investments. The Finance Credit Agreement established an asset-based revolving credit facility, subject to a borrowing base, the proceeds of which may be used primarily for the working capital and other general corporate needs of the Finance segment, including the funding of client loans. The Credit Agreements allow Sotheby's to transfer the proceeds of borrowings under each of the revolving credit facilities between the Agency and Finance segments.
	The maximum borrowing availability under the Credit Agreements is subject to a borrowing base. The borrowing base under the Finance Credit Agreement is determined by a calculation that is primarily based upon a percentage of the carrying values of certain loans in the Finance segment loan portfolio and, following the amendment and restatement discussed below, the fair value of certain of Sotheby's trademarks. The borrowing base under the Agency Credit Agreement is determined by a calculation that is primarily based upon a percentage of the carrying values of certain auction guarantee advances, a percentage of the carrying value of certain inventory, a percentage of the carrying value of certain extended payment term receivables arising from auction or private sale transactions, and, following the amendment and restatement discussed below, the fair value of certain of Sotheby's trademarks.
	The obligations under the Credit Agreements are cross-guaranteed and cross-collateralized. The Domestic Borrowers are jointly and severally liable for all obligations under the Credit Agreements and, subject to certain limitations, the U.K. Borrowers and Sotheby's Hong Kong Limited, are jointly and severally liable for all obligations of the Foreign Borrowers under the Credit Agreements. In addition, certain subsidiaries of the Borrowers guarantee the obligations of the Borrowers under the Credit Agreements. Sotheby's obligations under the Credit Agreements are secured by liens on all or substantially all of the personal property of the Borrowers and the Guarantors.
	The Credit Agreements contain certain customary affirmative and negative covenants including, but not limited to, limitations on capital expenditures, a limitation on net outstanding auction guarantees and limitations on the use of proceeds from borrowings under the Credit Agreements. However, the Credit Agreements do not limit dividend payments and Common Stock repurchases provided that, both before and after giving effect thereto: (i) there are no Events of Default, (ii) the Aggregate Borrowing Availability equals or exceeds $100 million, and (iii) the Liquidity Amount equals or exceeds $200 million.
	The Credit Agreements also contain 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, 2014.
	On August 22, 2014, the Credit Agreements were amended and restated, among other things, to:
	•	Increase the aggregate borrowing capacity under the Credit Agreements from $600 million to $850 million, including a $50 million incremental revolving credit facility with higher advance rates against certain assets and higher commitment and borrowing costs (the "Incremental Facility"). The Incremental Facility has a maturity date of August 21, 2015, which may be extended for an additional 365 days on an annual basis with the consent of the lenders under such Incremental Facility who agree to extend their incremental commitments. As a result of this increase to the aggregate borrowing capacity of the Credit Agreements, the borrowing capacity of the Agency Credit Agreement increased from $150 million to $300 million and the borrowing capacity of the Finance Credit Agreement increased from $450 million to $550 million.
	•	Increase the advance rate and remove certain caps with regards to inventory, and include certain of Sotheby's trademarks in determining the borrowing base availability of the Agency Credit Agreement.
	•	Increase the maximum permissible amount of net outstanding auction guarantees from $300 million to $600 million.
	•	Extend the maturity date of the Credit Agreements from February 13, 2019 to August 22, 2019, exclusive of the Incremental Facility, which has a maturity date of August 21, 2015 but may be renewed annually, as discussed above.
	The Credit Agreements have a sub-limit of $200 million for borrowings in the U.K. and Hong Kong (with up to $150 million available for foreign borrowings under the Finance Credit Agreement and up to $50 million available for foreign borrowings under the Agency Credit Agreement), and include an accordion feature, which allows Sotheby’s to request an increase to the combined borrowing capacity of the Credit Agreements until February 23, 2019 by an amount not to exceed $100 million in the aggregate.
	Sotheby’s incurred aggregate fees of approximately $5.5 million in conjunction with the February 13, 2014 refinancing and August 22, 2014 amendment, which, along with $4.8 million of unamortized fees that remained from the establishment of and previous amendments to the credit agreement that was entered into on August 31, 2009, are being amortized on a straight-line basis through the August 22, 2019 maturity date.
	The following table summarizes outstanding borrowings, available borrowing capacity, and other information relevant to the Credit Agreements as of and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 (in thousands of dollars):
			Finance Credit Agreement			Agency Credit Agreement			Total
	Borrowing base		$	513,185		$	259,183		$	772,368
	Borrowings outstanding		$	449,000		$	—		$	449,000
	Available borrowing capacity *		$	64,185		$	259,183		$	323,368
	Average Borrowings Outstanding:
	Three months ended September 30, 2014		$	387,326		$	—		$	387,326
	Nine months ended September 30, 2014		$	255,564		$	—		$	255,564
	Borrowing Costs:
	Three months ended September 30, 2014		$	2,634		$	545		$	3,179
	Nine months ended September 30, 2014		$	5,368		$	1,513		$	6,881
	* The available borrowing capacity is calculated as the borrowing base (i.e., the current maximum borrowing availability) less borrowings outstanding as of September 30, 2014.
	Borrowing costs related to the Finance Credit Agreement, which include interest and fees, are reflected in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations as the Cost of Finance Revenues. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, the weighted average cost of borrowings related to the Finance Credit Agreement was approximately 2.7% and 2.8%, respectively.
	Borrowing costs related to the Agency Credit Agreement, which include interest and fees, are reflected in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations as Interest Expense. (See the table below for additional information related to Interest Expense associated with the Agency Credit Agreement.)
	Long-Term Debt—As of September 30, 2014, December 31, 2013, and September 30, 2013, Long-Term Debt consisted of the following (in thousands of dollars):
			September 30,			December 31,			September 30,
			2014			2013			2013
	York Property Mortgage, net of unamortized discount of $2,673, $5,346, and $6,237		$	218,767		$	218,778		$	218,732
	2022 Senior Notes		300,000			300,000			300,000
	Less Current Portion:
	York Property Mortgage		(218,767		)	(3,630		)	(3,581		)
	Total Long-Term Debt, net		$	300,000		$	515,148		$	515,151
	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 the U.S. operations of the Finance segment, as well as Sotheby's 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 to 10.6% subsequent to July 1, 2015 unless the mortgage is repaid by that date. Accordingly, the $218.8 million carrying value of the York Property Mortgage is classified as a current liability on Sotheby's Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of September 30, 2014. Management is currently exploring its options with respect to a long-term refinancing of the York Property Mortgage, with the intent of completing such a refinancing no later than June 30, 2015.
	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 June 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 June 2015. As of September 30, 2014, the fair value of the York Property Mortgage was approximately $221.3 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 $80 million of unsecured debt that was due in June 2015 and Sotheby's 3.125% 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 New Credit Agreements. 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, 2014, the $300 million principal amount of 2022 Senior Notes had a fair value of approximately $285 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.
	Convertible Notes—On June 17, 2008, Sotheby's issued $200 million aggregate principal amount of 3.125% Convertible Notes, due June 15, 2013. The net proceeds from the issuance of the Convertible Notes were approximately $194.3 million, after deducting transaction costs. The Convertible Notes 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 is equivalent to a conversion price, as adjusted, of approximately $33.79 per share.
	On January 1, 2009, upon the adoption of Accounting Standards Codification 470-20, Debt - Debt With Conversion and Other Options, the liability and equity components of the Convertible Notes were separately accounted for in Sotheby's financial statements. The liability component was initially valued at $161.8 million using Sotheby's nonconvertible debt borrowing rate, which was estimated to be 7.75% at the date of adoption, and was accounted for as Long-Term Debt. The equity component (i.e., the embedded conversion option) was initially valued at $38.2 million ($21 million, net of taxes) and was accounted for as a component of Additional Paid-In Capital within Shareholders' Equity. The corresponding debt discount was amortized to Interest Expense over the life of the Convertible Notes using the effective interest rate method.
	The Convertible Notes were convertible at the option of the bondholders for a period beginning on April 1, 2011 and ending on June 30, 2011 as a result of the stock price trigger in the underlying indenture being met in the first quarter of 2011. In June 2011, Sotheby's received conversion requests resulting in a conversion obligation of $22.5 million, which consisted of $18.1 million related to principal and approximately $4.4 million related to the conversion premium. This conversion obligation was settled entirely in cash in August 2011. As a result of the cash settlement of these conversion requests, $8.2 million ($5.4 million, net of taxes) of the amount originally attributed to the embedded conversion option and initially recorded within Shareholders' Equity no longer met the conditions for equity classification. Accordingly, this amount was reclassified to Other Current Liabilities on Sotheby's June 30, 2011 balance sheet prior to settlement of the conversion obligation in August 2011. In August 2011, simultaneous with the settlement of the June 2011 conversion requests, Sotheby's received $4.4 million in cash to fund the conversion premium through its exercise of a portion of the Convertible Note Hedges, as discussed below. In the third quarter of 2011, Sotheby's recognized a $1.5 million loss representing the write-off of a proportionate amount of the unamortized discount and deferred transaction costs related to the Convertible Notes redeemed.
	The remaining 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, which consisted of $181.9 million related to principal and $15.5 million related to the conversion premium. As of March 31, 2013, management evaluated the remaining amount originally attributed to the embedded conversion option and initially recorded within Shareholders' Equity and concluded that it no longer met the conditions for equity classification as a result of Sotheby's irrevocable election in the first quarter of 2013 to settle any remaining conversion obligation related to the Convertible Notes solely in cash. Accordingly, as of March 31, 2013, the $21.8 million fair value of the embedded conversion option was reclassified to Other Current Liabilities, with a corresponding reduction to Shareholders’ Equity of $12 million, net of taxes. 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 ($22.5 million, net of taxes) 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.
	The Convertible Note Hedges initially met the conditions for equity classification and, as a result, in June 2008, the related $40.6 million cost ($22.5 million, net of taxes) was recorded on Sotheby's balance sheet as a component of Additional Paid-In Capital within Shareholders' Equity. As previously discussed in this footnote, in June 2011, Sotheby's received conversion requests totaling a principal amount of $18.1 million from holders of the Convertible Notes. As a result, in June 2011, Sotheby's exercised the portion of the Convertible Note Hedges related to these conversion requests, which enabled it to receive $4.4 million in cash, which was equal to the amount of the conversion premium paid upon settlement of the conversion obligation in August 2011. As a result of the cash settlement of this portion of the Convertible Note Hedges, $8.2 million ($5.3 million, net of taxes) of the amount originally recorded in Shareholders' Equity no longer met the conditions for equity classification as of June 30, 2011. Accordingly, this amount was reclassified to Other Current Assets on Sotheby's June 30, 2011 balance sheet prior to settlement of the conversion obligation in August 2011.
	As of March 31, 2013, management evaluated the Convertible Note Hedges and concluded that the remaining amount in Shareholders’ Equity no longer met the conditions for equity classification as a result of Sotheby's irrevocable election in the first quarter of 2013 to settle the remaining Convertible Note Hedges solely in cash. Accordingly, as of March 31, 2013, the $21.8 million fair value of the remaining Convertible Note Hedges was reclassified to Other Current Assets, with a corresponding increase to Shareholders’ Equity of $12 million, net of taxes. In June 2013, Sotheby's settled the remaining 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 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 were $22.3 million and was recorded as a component of Additional Paid-In Capital within Shareholders' Equity. The warrants were 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 ended on November 25, 2013. The settlement of warrant exercises resulted in the issuance of 722,288 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 under Sotheby's credit facility borrowings and Long-Term Debt during the five-year period after the September 30, 2014 balance sheet date are as follows (in thousands of dollars):
	October 2014 to September 2015	$	247,351
	October 2015 to September 2016	$	15,750
	October 2016 to September 2017	$	15,750
	October 2017 to September 2018	$	15,750
	October 2018 to September 2019	$	464,750
	Consistent with the presentation of the York Property Mortgage as a current liability on the September 30, 2014 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet, the table above assumes the mortgage will be repaid within the twelve month period following the current balance sheet date. Management is currently exploring its options with respect to a long-term refinancing of the York Property Mortgage, with the intent of completing such a refinancing no later than June 30, 2015.
	Interest Expense—For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, Interest Expense consisted of the following (in thousands of dollars):
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
Agency Credit Agreement:
Amortization of amendment and arrangement fees		$	263		$	319		$	768		$	946
Commitment fees		282			383			745			1,145
Sub-total		545			702			1,513			2,091
York Property Mortgage		4,103			4,148			12,278			12,376
2022 Senior Notes		3,938			3,938			11,814			11,813
Convertible Notes		—			—			—			6,417
Other interest expense		171			124			703			867
Total Interest Expense		$	8,757		$	8,912		$	26,308		$	33,564
Other interest expense consists primarily of the amortization of debt issuance costs related to the 2022 Senior Notes and the Convertible Notes. For the nine months ended September 30, 2013, interest expense related to the Convertible Notes consisted of $2.6 million related to the contractual stated rate of interest and $3.8 million related to the amortization of discount.

Defined_Benefit_Pension_Plan

Defined Benefit Pension Plan	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
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, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands of dollars):
		Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Service cost	$	1,141		$	912		$	3,420		$	2,730
	Interest cost	3,964			3,309			11,884			9,905
	Expected return on plan assets	(5,875		)	(4,869		)	(17,612		)	(14,575		)
	Amortization of previously unrecognized pension losses	595			361			1,783			1,081
	Net pension benefit	$	(175	)	$	(287	)	$	(525	)	$	(859	)
	For the nine months ended September 30, 2014, Sotheby's contributed $1.9 million to the U.K Pension Plan and total contributions for the year ending December 31, 2014 are expected to be approximately $3 million.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	Commitments and Contingencies
	Compensation Arrangements—As of September 30, 2014, Sotheby’s had compensation arrangements with certain senior employees, which expire at various points between December 2014 and July 2018. 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 compensation arrangements, excluding any participation in Sotheby’s incentive compensation programs, was approximately $14.3 million as of September 30, 2014.
	Guarantees 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.
	Sotheby's has an outstanding guarantee of collection related to property that has been and will be offered at auctions throughout 2014 and at upcoming auctions in the first quarter of 2015. In the event a purchaser does not pay for any item sold at auction by the settlement date, which is 35 days after the date of each respective auction or such other date agreed to by the consignor, Sotheby's is required to pay the consignor the net sale proceeds up to the final pre-sale mid-estimate of the item, but Sotheby's would then take title to the property and have the right to pursue the defaulting buyer and/or reoffer the property at a future sale. If any of the property under this guarantee of collection fails to meet its reserve price and as a result, does not sell at the auction, or if the consignor elects to cancel a sale due to buyer default, Sotheby's has no obligation to pay the consignor for those items. As of September 30, 2014, the remaining guarantee of collection related to property sold under this arrangement was less than $0.1 million. All other amounts due to Sotheby's for property sold under this guarantee of collection through September 30, 2014 have been remitted by the purchasers. Additional property under this guarantee of collection with pre-sale auction estimates of $2 million to $3 million is scheduled to be offered in the fourth quarter of 2014 and the first quarter of 2015.
	Sotheby's has an outstanding guarantee of collection related to property that is being offered at auctions in the fourth quarter of 2014. In the event a purchaser has not paid for any item sold at auction by the settlement date, which is 95 days after the date of each respective auction, Sotheby's will pay the consignor the net sale proceeds of the item, but Sotheby's would then take title to the property and have the right to pursue the defaulting buyer and/or reoffer the property at a future sale. If any of the property under this guarantee of collection fails to meet its reserve price and as a result, does not sell at auction, Sotheby's has no obligation to pay the consignor for those items. As of September 30, 2014, the property under this guarantee of collection had pre-sale auction estimates of $101 million to $147 million.
	Sotheby's had a previous guarantee of collection related to property that was offered at auction in October 2014 covering net sales proceeds of approximately $11.1 million. As of October 31, 2014, all amounts due to Sotheby's for property sold under this guarantee of collection have been remitted by the purchaser.
	Legal Actions—Sotheby’s becomes involved in various claims and lawsuits incidental to the ordinary course of its business, including the matters 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, individually and in the aggregate, 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.
	Third Point LLC v. Ruprecht, et al., Civil Action No. 9469-VCP (Del. Ch. 2014)—On March 25, 2014, Third Point LLC ("Third Point") filed a verified complaint against William F. Ruprecht, Peregrine A. M. Cavendish, Domenico De Sole, John M. Angelo, Steven B. Dodge, Daniel H. Meyer, Allen I. Questrom, Marsha E. Simms, Michael I. Sovern, Robert S. Taubman, Diana L. Taylor and Dennis M. Weibling (collectively, the “Directors”) and nominal defendant Sotheby’s. Third Point alleged that the Directors breached their fiduciary duties of loyalty and due care in adopting a shareholder rights plan (the “Rights Plan”) on October 4, 2013 and enforcing the plan against Third Point on March 21, 2014 by denying Third Point’s request that it be treated as a 13G filer under the Rights Plan to allow it to acquire up to 20% of Sotheby’s outstanding Common Stock. Third Point alleged that the Rights Plan was not a reasonable response to a legitimate threat to Sotheby’s and alleged that the adoption and continuation of the Rights Plan hindered its ability to wage an effective proxy contest. The complaint sought a declaration that the Directors breached their fiduciary duties and that the Rights Plan was unenforceable, and sought an order that Sotheby’s be required to redeem the Rights Plan in its entirety, or in the alternative, be enjoined from enforcing the Rights Plan against Third Point, or be required to amend the Rights Plan to allow Third Point to acquire up to 20% of Sotheby’s outstanding Common Stock. Along with its complaint, Third Point moved for expedited proceedings. On April 10, 2014, the Court ordered partial coordination of this action with The Employees Retirement System of the City of St. Louis v. Ruprecht, et al., Civil Action No. 9497-VCP and Louisiana Municipal Employees Retirement System v. Ruprecht, et al., Civil Action No.--9508-VCP, which are discussed below. On May 2, 2014, following briefing and argument on plaintiffs’ motions for preliminary injunctions in the coordinated actions, the Court issued a Memorandum Opinion denying the motion. Specifically, the Court found that plaintiffs failed to show a likelihood of success on the merits of their claims. On May 4, 2014, Sotheby's entered into a support agreement that, among other things, resolved the previously pending proxy contest. As part of this support agreement, Third Point agreed to dismiss with prejudice this litigation. On May 6, 2014, Third Point filed a notice of dismissal terminating its case.
	The Employees Retirement System of the City of St. Louis v. Ruprecht, et al., Civil Action No. 9497-VCP (Del. Ch. 2014)—On April 1, 2014, the Employees Retirement System of the City of St. Louis, the plaintiff, on behalf of a putative class of Sotheby’s stockholders, filed a verified class action complaint against the Directors and nominal defendant Sotheby’s. The plaintiff alleged in two counts that the Directors breached their fiduciary duties in adopting the Rights Plan and by including so-called “proxy puts” in certain Sotheby’s credit agreements. The plaintiff alleged that the Rights Plan was discriminatory, was designed to entrench current board members, and undermined the proxy contest that was being conducted by Third Point. In addition, the plaintiff alleged that the Directors endorsed credit agreements containing “proxy put” provisions that were unnecessary, preemptive defensive measures designed to insulate Directors from proxy contests. The plaintiff sought judgment preliminarily and permanently enjoining the Rights Plan, judgment preliminarily enjoining the Directors from using any proxies solicited before they “approve” the Third Point nominees for directorships, and a declaration that the Rights Plan was unenforceable and that the Directors breached their fiduciary duties to the putative class. On April 10, 2014, the Court ordered partial coordination of this action and Louisiana Municipal Employees Retirement System v. Ruprecht, et al., Civil Action No. --9508-VCP with the prior pending action in Third Point LLC v. Ruprecht, et al., Civil Action No. 9469-VCP. On May 2, 2014, following briefing and argument on plaintiffs’ motions for preliminary injunctions in the coordinated actions, the Court issued a Memorandum Opinion denying the motion. Specifically, the Court found that plaintiffs failed to show a likelihood of success on the merits of their claims. On June 4, 2014, the plaintiffs in this action and in the Louisiana Municipal Employees Retirement System action discussed below jointly filed a motion for an order dismissing their actions as moot and for an award of attorneys’ fees and expenses in the amount of $3.5 million. On July 25, 2014, Sotheby’s filed a brief in opposition to the plaintiffs’ motion. A hearing on the motion was held on August 14, 2014 and a decision by the court is pending. Sotheby’s has been coordinating with its directors and officers insurance carrier on the defense of this action and believes that the outcome of this matter will not result in any cost to Sotheby's.
	Louisiana Municipal Employees Retirement System v. Ruprecht, et al., Civil Action No.--9508-VCP (Del. Ch. 2014)—On April 3, 2014, Louisiana Municipal Employees Retirement System, the plaintiff, on behalf of a putative class of Sotheby’s stockholders, filed a verified class action complaint against the Directors and nominal defendant Sotheby’s. The plaintiff alleged in two counts that the Directors breached their fiduciary duties in adopting the Rights Plan and by including so-called “proxy puts” in certain Sotheby’s credit agreements. The plaintiff alleged that the Rights Plan was discriminatory, was designed to entrench current board members, and undermined the proxy contest that was being conducted by Third Point. In addition, the plaintiff alleged that the Directors endorsed credit agreements containing “proxy put” provisions that were unnecessary, preemptive defensive measures designed to insulate Directors from proxy contests. The plaintiff sought judgment preliminarily and permanently enjoining the Rights Plan, judgment preliminarily enjoining the Directors from using any proxies solicited before they “approve” the Third Point nominees for directorships, and a declaration that the Rights Plan was unenforceable and that the Directors breached their fiduciary duties to the putative class. On April 10, 2014, the Court ordered partial coordination of this action and The Employees Retirement System of the City of St. Louis v. Ruprecht, et al., Civil Action No. 9497-VCP with the prior pending action in Third Point LLC v. Ruprecht, et al., Civil Action No. 9469-VCP. On May 2, 2014, following briefing and argument on plaintiffs’ motions for preliminary injunctions in the coordinated actions, the Court issued a Memorandum Opinion denying the motion. Specifically, the Court found that plaintiffs failed to show a likelihood of success on the merits of their claims. See The Employees Retirement System of the City of St. Louis v. Ruprecht, et al., Civil Action No. 9497-VCP (Del. Ch. 2014) above for further developments related to this action.
	(See Note 5 for information related to unfunded commitments to extend additional credit through Sotheby's Finance segment. See Note 6 for information related to Sotheby's debt commitments. See Note 9 for information related to Sotheby's auction guarantees. See Note 10 for detailed information related to the Rights Plan. See Note 13 for detailed information on the support agreement entered into with Third Point on May 4, 2014. See Note 16 for information related to Sotheby's income tax contingencies.)

Auction_Guarantees

Auction Guarantees	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
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. Depending on the mix of items subject to a guarantee, a small number of guaranteed items may represent a substantial portion of the aggregate amount of outstanding auction guarantees.
	In situations when the guaranteed property does not sell, the property is recorded as Inventory on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets 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., the 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 the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	Sotheby’s may reduce its financial exposure under auction guarantees through contractual risk and reward sharing arrangements. Such auction guarantee risk and reward sharing arrangements include irrevocable bids and partner sharing arrangements. An irrevocable bid is an arrangement under which a counterparty commits to bid a predetermined price on the guaranteed property. 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. Under a partner sharing arrangement, a counterparty commits to fund: (i) a share of the difference between the sale price at auction and the amount of the auction guarantee if the property sells for less than the minimum guaranteed price or (ii) a share of the minimum guaranteed price if the property does not sell while taking ownership of a proportionate share of the unsold property. In exchange for accepting a share of the financial exposure under the auction guarantee, the counterparty is generally entitled to receive a share of the auction commission earned if the property sells and/or a share of any overage.
	Sotheby's counterparties to these contractual risk and reward sharing arrangements 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.
	Although irrevocable bid and partner sharing arrangements may be used to reduce the risk associated with auction guarantees, Sotheby's may also enter into auction guarantees without securing such arrangements. To the extent that auction guarantees are issued without risk and reward sharing arrangements, auction commission margins and Sotheby's share of any auction guarantee overage could potentially improve, as the buyer's premium and any overage would not be shared with a counterparty, but Sotheby's could also be exposed to auction guarantee 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.
	Sotheby's credit agreement has a covenant that imposes a limitation on net outstanding auction guarantees (i.e., auction guarantees less the impact of related risk and reward sharing arrangements). As discussed in Note 6, on August 22, 2014, Sotheby's credit agreement was amended and restated to, among other things, increase the maximum permissible amount of net outstanding auction guarantees from $300 million to $600 million. In addition to compliance with this covenant, Sotheby's use of auction guarantees is also subject to management and, in some cases, Board of Directors, approval.
	As of September 30, 2014, Sotheby’s had outstanding auction guarantees totaling $318.8 million. Sotheby's financial exposure under these auction guarantees is reduced by irrevocable bids totaling $13.5 million. Each of these auction guarantees has a minimum guaranteed price that is within the range of the pre-sale auction estimates for the underlying property. The property related to these auction guarantees is being offered at auctions in the fourth quarter of 2014.
	Sotheby's is obligated under the terms of certain auction guarantees to advance all or a portion of the guaranteed amount prior to auction. As of September 30, 2014, $64.6 million of the guaranteed amount had been advanced by Sotheby's and is recorded on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets within Notes Receivable (see Note 5). As of September 30, 2014, December 31, 2013, and September 30, 2013, the carrying value of the liability representing the estimated fair value of Sotheby’s obligation to perform under its auction guarantees totaled $9.6 million, $2.9 million, and $7.4 million, respectively, and is recorded on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets within Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities.
	As of November 5, 2014, Sotheby's had outstanding auction guarantees totaling $219.2 million and, as of that date, Sotheby's financial exposure was reduced by risk and reward sharing arrangements totaling $48.8 million. Each of the auction guarantees outstanding as of November 5, 2014 had a minimum guaranteed price that was within the range of the pre-sale auction estimates for the underlying property. Substantially all of the property related to these auction guarantees is being offered at auctions in the fourth quarter of 2014. As of November 5, 2014, $37.7 million of the guaranteed amount had been advanced by Sotheby's.

Shareholders_Equity_and_Divide

Shareholders' Equity and Dividend	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Shareholders' Equity and Dividends [Abstract]	'
Shareholders' Equity and Dividends	'
	Shareholders' Equity and Dividends
	Special Dividend and Common Stock Repurchase Program—In January 2014, management and the Board of Directors concluded a review of Sotheby's capital allocation and financial policies and as a result: (i) established separate capital structures and financial policies for its Agency and Finance segments, (ii) declared a special dividend of $300 million ($4.34 per share) payable to shareholders of record as of February 12, 2014, (iii) authorized a 5-year, $150 million Common Stock repurchase program principally to offset the annual vesting of employee share-based payments, and (iv) committed to an annual assessment of Sotheby's capital position to determine the amount of any excess capital available to be returned to shareholders.
	The $300 million special dividend was paid on March 17, 2014 and was funded principally by the repatriation of $250 million of cash from Sotheby’s foreign subsidiaries, with the remaining $50 million funded by existing domestic cash balances. In conjunction with this special dividend, dividend equivalents of approximately $11 million were accrued on share-based payments to Sotheby's employees and charged against retained earnings, of which approximately $4 million was paid in March 2014. (See Note 11 for information related to Sotheby's share-based payment programs.)
	In conjunction with the Common Stock repurchase program, Sotheby's repurchased 558,171 shares of its Common Stock for an aggregate purchase price of $25 million ($44.79 per share) pursuant to an accelerated stock buyback agreement that was concluded in March 2014.
	Quarterly Cash Dividends—The following table summarizes quarterly cash dividends declared and paid in each of the quarterly periods in 2014 (in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts):
	Quarter Ended	Per Share		Amount
	31-Mar	$	0.1	$	6,944
	30-Jun	$	0.1	$	6,894
	30-Sep	$	0.1	$	6,899
	Total	$	0.3	$	20,737
	On November 6, 2014, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.10 per share (approximately $6.9 million) payable on December 15, 2014 to shareholders of record as of December 1, 2014.
	Shareholder 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 and adopted a shareholder rights plan. The dividend was paid on October 14, 2013 to the shareholders of record on that date. Each Right allowed 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”), if the Rights were to have become exercisable. This portion of a Preferred Share would have given the shareholder approximately the same dividend and liquidation rights as would one share of Sotheby's Common Stock. Prior to exercise, the Right did not give its holder any dividend, voting, or liquidation rights. On October 4, 2013, in conjunction with the adoption of the Rights Plan, 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.
	On May 5, 2014, Sotheby’s entered into Amendment No. 1 to the Rights Plan (the “Amendment”). The Amendment accelerated the expiration of the Rights Plan from the close of business on October 3, 2014, in the absence of prior approval of the Rights Plan by Sotheby's shareholders, to the close of business on May 29, 2014, the date of Sotheby’s 2014 annual meeting, and effectively terminated the Rights Plan on that date. At the time of the termination of the Rights Plan, all of the Rights distributed to holders of Sotheby’s Common Stock pursuant to the Rights Plan expired.
	(See Note 8 for a summary of legal actions that have been filed with respect to the Rights Plan.)

ShareBased_Payments

Share-Based Payments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Share-based Compensation [Abstract]	'
Share-Based Payments	'
	Share-Based Payments
	Share-based payments to employees include performance-based stock unit awards, 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 Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, compensation expense related to share-based payments was as follows (in thousands of dollars):
			Three Months Ended September 30,							Nine Months Ended September 30,
			2014				2013			2014		2013
	Pre-Tax		$	4,454			$	6,249		$	17,349	$	15,919
	After-Tax		$	3,117			$	3,801		$	11,772	$	10,871
	For the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, Sotheby's realized $3.6 million and $3.5 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 on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as an increase to Additional Paid-in Capital and are classified within financing activities in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
	As of September 30, 2014, unrecognized compensation expense related to the unvested portion of share-based payments was $30.1 million. This compensation expense is expected to be amortized over a weighted-average period of approximately 2.3 years. Sotheby’s does not capitalize any compensation expense related to share-based payments to employees.
	Sotheby's Restricted Stock Unit Plan—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 vest evenly over a three-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 (or “PSU's”) are RSU's that generally vest over three or four years, subject to the achievement of certain profitability targets. Prior to vesting, holders of PSU's do not have voting rights and are not entitled to receive dividends or dividend equivalents. Dividend equivalents are credited to holders of PSU's and are only paid for the portion of PSU's that vest and become shares of Common Stock. PSU's may not be sold, assigned, transferred, pledged or otherwise encumbered until they vest.
	In February 2014, Sotheby's issued share-based payment awards with a total fair value of $29.1 million, as follows: (i) 423,203 PSU's with a fair value of $18.9 million and a single vesting opportunity after a three-year service period, including 344,692 PSU's with a fair value of $15.4 million, related almost entirely to Sotheby's incentive compensation programs, and 78,511 PSU's with a fair value of $3.5 million issued to William F. Ruprecht, in accordance with the terms of his employment agreement, and (ii) 227,936 RSU's with annual vesting over a three-year service period and a fair value of $10.2 million related almost entirely to Sotheby's incentive compensation programs.
	Summary of RSU’s and PSU’s—For the nine months ended September 30, 2014, 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, 2014	1,823			$	35.37
	Granted	651			$	44.68
	Vested	(604	)		$	30.21
	Canceled	(49	)		$	38.93
	Outstanding at September 30, 2014	1,821			$	40.32
	The aggregate fair value of RSU’s and PSU's that vested during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 was $28.1 million and $26.9 million, respectively, based on the closing price of Sotheby's Common Stock on the dates the shares vested. As of September 30, 2014, 3.6 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, 2014, 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, 2014, 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, 2014	93			$	22.11
	Exercised	(43	)		$	22.11
	Outstanding at September 30, 2014	50			$	22.11			5.4	$	681
	Exercisable at September 30, 2014	50			$	22.11			5.4	$	681
	The aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 was $1.2 million and $3.5 million, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, cash proceeds received as a result of stock option exercises were $1 million and $4 million, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, the excess tax benefit realized from the exercise of stock options was $0.3 million and $0.7 million, respectively.

Restructuring_Charges

Restructuring Charges	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]	'
Restructuring Charges	'
	Restructuring Charges
	On July 16, 2014, the Executive Committee of Sotheby's Board of Directors approved a restructuring plan (the "2014 Restructuring Plan") principally impacting Sotheby's operations in the United States and the United Kingdom. The 2014 Restructuring Plan is the result of a strategic review conducted by management and will result in the reallocation of resources to collecting categories and regions with the highest growth opportunity in the future. A large majority of the headcount reductions resulting from the 2014 Restructuring Plan are expected to be implemented by the end of 2014 with the remainder occurring in 2015.
	The 2014 Restructuring Plan is expected to result in total Restructuring Charges of approximately $14.8 million, consisting of $14.3 million in employee termination benefits recognized in the third quarter of 2014 (of which $2.1 million was paid in the third quarter of 2014) and approximately $0.5 million in lease exit costs expected to be recognized in the fourth quarter of 2014. The accrued liability related to the 2014 Restructuring Plan was $12.2 million as of September 30, 2014 and is recorded on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets within Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities. This liability will be settled through cash payments to be made principally in the fourth quarter of 2014.

Special_Charges_Net

Special Charges, Net	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Special Charges [Abstract]	'
Special Charges, Net	'
	Special Charges, Net
	For the nine months ended September 30, 2014, Sotheby's recognized Special Charges of $20.1 million related to third party advisory, legal, and other professional service fees directly associated with issues related to shareholder activism, the resulting proxy contest with Third Point, and the litigation concerning Sotheby's former shareholder rights plan and the change in control provision in its credit agreement. This amount is net of a $4.6 million insurance recovery recognized in the third quarter of 2014 pertaining to certain professional services fees incurred in defense of the litigation concerning the former shareholder rights plan and the change in control provision in Sotheby's credit agreement.
	Included in Special Charges for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 is a $10 million charge recognized in the second quarter of 2014 related to the reimbursement by Sotheby's of Third Point's documented, out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with the proxy contest and the litigation concerning Sotheby's former shareholder rights plan. This reimbursement is part of a support agreement Sotheby's entered into with Third Point, Daniel S. Loeb, Olivier Reza, Harry J. Wilson and other entities affiliated with Third Point (together with Third Point, the “Third Point Entities”) on May 4, 2014 pursuant to which Sotheby's and Third Point settled the previously pending proxy contest for the election of directors (the "Support Agreement"). Pursuant to the Support Agreement, on May 4, 2014, Sotheby's Board of Directors expanded the size of the Board to 15 directors and appointed Mr. Loeb, Mr. Reza and Mr. Wilson (the “Third Point Nominees”) to fill the resulting vacancies. The Support Agreement also contains various other terms and provisions, including with respect to standstill and voting commitments entered into by Third Point, Third Point's withdrawal of the litigation concerning Sotheby's former shareholder rights plan, and the accelerated expiration of Sotheby's former shareholder rights plan.
	(See Note 8 for information related to the litigation concerning Sotheby's former shareholder rights plan and the change in control provision in its credit agreement. See Note 10 for information related to Sotheby's former shareholder rights plan.)

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
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, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands of dollars):
	Three Months Ended September 30, 2014	Foreign Currency Items			Defined Benefit Pension Items			Total
	Balance at July 1, 2014	$	7,452		$	(38,399	)	$	(30,947	)
	Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	(22,601		)	2,130			(20,471		)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	—			476			476
	Net other comprehensive (loss) income	(22,601		)	2,606			(19,995		)
	Balance at September 30, 2014	$	(15,149	)	$	(35,793	)	$	(50,942	)
	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	)
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014	Foreign Currency Items			Defined Benefit Pension Items			Total
	Balance at January 1, 2014	$	(1,352	)	$	(38,101	)	$	(39,453	)
	Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	(15,855		)	881			(14,974		)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	2,058			1,427			3,485
	Net other comprehensive (loss) income	(13,797		)	2,308			(11,489		)
	Balance at September 30, 2014	$	(15,149	)	$	(35,793	)	$	(50,942	)
	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	)
	Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income reflects the change in the foreign currency translation adjustment account during the period, including the change in the foreign currency translation adjustment account related to the U.K. Pension Plan. Such amounts are reported on a cumulative basis in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	For the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, $0.5 million and $0.3 million (respectively, net of taxes) was reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss and recorded on a pre-tax basis to Salaries and Related Costs in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations as a result of the amortization of previously unrecognized U.K. Pension Plan losses. For the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, approximately $1.4 million and $0.8 million (respectively, net of taxes) was reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss and recorded on a pre-tax basis to Salaries and Related Costs in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations as a result of the amortization of previously unrecognized U.K. Pension Plan losses. (See Note 7 for information related to the U.K. Pension Plan.)
	For the nine months ended September 30, 2014, $2.1 million was reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss to Other Income in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations as a result of the cumulative translation adjustment that was recognized upon the liquidation of a foreign subsidiary.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Income Taxes [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	Income Taxes
	In January 2014, management and the Board of Directors concluded a review of Sotheby's capital allocation and financial policies and, as a result: (i) established separate capital structures and financial policies for its Agency and Finance segments, (ii) returned $325 million of excess liquidity to shareholders in March 2014 through a $300 million special dividend and $25 million of Common Stock repurchases (see Note 10), and (iii) committed to an annual assessment of Sotheby's capital position to determine the amount of any excess capital available to be returned to shareholders. The $300 million special dividend was funded principally by the repatriation of $250 million of accumulated foreign earnings from Sotheby’s subsidiaries in Switzerland ($120 million), the U.K. ($105 million), and Hong Kong ($25 million). The remaining $50 million of the special dividend was funded by existing domestic cash balances.
	Based on the results of this review and current projections and planned uses of foreign cash balances, management has determined that, beginning in 2014, the current earnings of Sotheby's foreign subsidiaries will not be indefinitely reinvested. Accordingly, beginning in the first quarter of 2014, U.S. income taxes are being accrued on these earnings, resulting in an increase of approximately 7% to Sotheby's 2014 estimated annual effective income tax rate. Management continues to consider the unremitted earnings of foreign subsidiaries that were generated prior to 2014 to be indefinitely reinvested.

Uncertain_Tax_Positions

Uncertain Tax Positions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Income Tax Uncertainties [Abstract]	'
Uncertain Tax Positions	'
	Uncertain Tax Positions
	As of September 30, 2014, Sotheby’s liability for unrecognized tax benefits, excluding interest and penalties, was $23.7 million, representing a net decrease of $1.7 million when compared to the liability of $25.4 million as of December 31, 2013. This net decrease is primarily the result of the expiration of the statute of limitations for certain tax years and the settlement of an audit. As of September 30, 2013, Sotheby’s liability for unrecognized tax benefits, excluding interest and penalties, was $39.5 million. As of September 30, 2014, December 31, 2013, and September 30, 2013, the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would favorably affect Sotheby’s effective tax rate was $13 million, $11.7 million, and $24.4 million, respectively. Sotheby’s believes it is reasonably possible that a decrease of $6.3 million in the balance of unrecognized tax benefits can occur within 12 months of the September 30, 2014 balance sheet date as a result of the expiration of statutes of limitations and the expected settlements of 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. federal, 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, primarily the U.S. (including various state and local jurisdictions), the U.K., and Hong Kong, is 2007.
	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 increased by less than $0.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014.
	Sotheby’s policy is to record interest expense related to sales, value added and other non-income based taxes as Interest Expense in its Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. Penalties related to such taxes are recorded as General and Administrative Expenses in its Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. Interest expense and penalties related to income taxes are recorded as a component of Income Tax (Benefit) Expense in Sotheby’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Related_Party_Transactions

Related Party Transactions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
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 certain employees buy and sell property via auctions and private sales conducted by Sotheby's. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, Sotheby’s results include Agency Revenues of $0.1 million and $2.8 million, respectively, related to the sale and purchase of property by related parties. For the nine months ended September 30, 2013, results include Agency Revenues of $3.7 million related to the sale and purchase of property by related parties. As of September 30, 2014, December 31, 2013, and September 30, 2013, Accounts Receivable (net) included $0.1 million, $2.7 million, and $0.1 million, respectively, associated with auction or private sale purchases made by related parties. The $0.1 million related party receivable balance outstanding as of September 30, 2014 was collected in October 2014.

Recently_Issued_Accounting_Sta

Recently Issued Accounting Standards	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]	'
Recently Issued Accounting Standards	'
	Recently Issued Accounting Standards
	In March 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the "FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2013-05, which states that a cumulative translation adjustment attached to a parent’s investment in a foreign entity should be recognized in the income statement in a manner consistent with the derecognition guidance on investments in entities. For example, the entire amount of the cumulative translation adjustment associated with foreign entities would be recognized in the income statement upon the sale of a foreign entity that represents a substantially complete liquidation of the investment in that entity or in circumstances which result in the loss of a controlling financial interest in an investment in a foreign entity (i.e., the foreign entity is deconsolidated). ASU 2013-05 was adopted by Sotheby's on January 1, 2014.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, which introduces a new five-step framework for revenue recognition. The core principal of the standard is that entities should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration for which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. This ASU also requires enhanced disclosures regarding the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from an entity’s contracts with customers. This standard will be effective for Sotheby’s beginning on January 1, 2017 and can be applied either retrospectively to each period presented or as a cumulative-effect adjustment as of the date of adoption. Management is currently assessing the potential impact of adopting this new accounting standard on Sotheby’s financial statements.

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Computation Of Basic And Diluted Earnings Per Share	'
	The table below summarizes the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands, except per share amounts):
		Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014			2013			2014		2013
	Basic:
	Numerator:
	Net (loss) income attributable to Sotheby’s	$	(27,726	)	$	(30,131	)	$	43,792	$	39,253
	Less: Net income attributable to participating securities	—			—			1,023		23
	Net (loss) income attributable to Sotheby’s common shareholders	$	(27,726	)	$	(30,131	)	$	42,769	$	39,230
	Denominator:
	Weighted average basic shares outstanding	68,990			68,361			69,024		68,206
	Basic (loss) earnings per share - Sotheby’s common shareholders	$	(0.40	)	$	(0.44	)	$	0.62	$	0.58
	Diluted:
	Numerator:
	Net (loss) income attributable to Sotheby’s	$	(27,726	)	$	(30,131	)	$	43,792	$	39,253
	Less: Net income attributable to participating securities	—			—			1,023		23
	Net (loss) income attributable to Sotheby’s common shareholders	$	(27,726	)	$	(30,131	)	$	42,769	$	39,230
	Denominator:
	Weighted average common shares outstanding	68,990			68,361			69,024		68,206
	Weighted average effect of Sotheby's dilutive potential common shares:
	Convertible Notes	—			—			—		129
	Performance share units	—			—			362		388
	Deferred stock units	—			—			164		151
	Stock options	—			—			22		82
	Warrants	—			—			—		1
	Weighted average dilutive potential common shares outstanding	—			—			548		751
	Weighted average diluted shares outstanding	68,990			68,361			69,572		68,957
	Diluted (loss) earnings per share - Sotheby’s common shareholders	$	(0.40	)	$	(0.44	)	$	0.61	$	0.57

Segment_Reporting_Tables

Segment Reporting (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
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, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands of dollars):
	Three Months Ended September 30, 2014	Agency			Principal			Finance				All Other			Reconciling items*			Total
	Revenues	$	76,229		$	6,273		$	11,041			$	2,782		$	(2,124	)	$	94,201
	Segment (loss) income before taxes	$	(55,068	)	$	(1,833	)	$	6,994		**	$	2,109		$	3,631		$	(44,167	)
	Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
	Revenues	$	77,469		$	23,491		$	7,654			$	2,280		$	(3,030	)	$	107,864
	Segment (loss) income before taxes	$	(48,460	)	$	(516	)	$	5,504		**	$	1,668		$	(56	)	$	(41,860	)
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
	Revenues	$	515,544		$	41,007		$	29,442			$	7,539		$	(6,703	)	$	586,829
	Segment income before taxes	$	69,511		$	197		$	18,891		**	$	5,599		$	(21,324	)	$	72,874
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
	Revenues	$	466,587		$	26,696		$	22,787			$	6,076		$	(7,669	)	$	514,477
	Segment income (loss) before taxes	$	32,508		$	(4,472	)	$	16,370		**	$	4,475		$	(34	)	$	48,847
Reconciliation of Other Significant Reconciling Items from Segments to Consolidated	'
		Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014			2013			2014				2013
	Agency	$	(55,068	)	$	(48,460	)	$	69,511			$	32,508
	Principal	(1,833		)	(516		)	197				(4,472		)
	Finance	6,994			5,504			18,891				16,370
	All Other	2,109			1,668			5,599				4,475
	Segment (loss) income before taxes	(47,798		)	(41,804		)	94,198				48,881
	Reconciling items:
	Special charges, net (see Note 13)	4,169			—			(20,088		)		—
	Equity in earnings of investees	(538		)	(56		)	(1,236		)		(34		)
	(Loss) income from continuing operations before taxes	$	(44,167	)	$	(41,860	)	$	72,874			$	48,847
Schedule of Auction Segment Revenue	'
	For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, Agency segment revenues consist of the following (in thousands of dollars):
		Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014			2013			2014				2013
	Auction commissions	$	64,247		$	48,581		$	468,087			$	390,836
	Private sale commissions	12,412			26,519			42,343				66,161
	Auction guarantee and inventory activities	(3,864		)	(921		)	(9,409		)		(1,435		)
	Other Agency revenues	3,434			3,290			14,523				11,025
	Total Agency segment revenues	76,229			77,469			515,544				466,587
	Reconciling item	—			(540		)	—				(540		)
	Total agency and related revenues	$	76,229		$	76,929		$	515,544			$	466,047
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, 2014, December 31, 2013, and September 30, 2013 (in thousands of dollars):
		September 30, 2014			December 31, 2013			September 30, 2013
	Agency	$	1,586,737		$	2,261,482		$	1,369,396
	Principal	98,236			82,560			95,175
	Finance	674,211			480,103			463,574
	All Other	2,059			1,496			1,775
	Total segment assets	2,361,243			2,825,641			1,929,920
	Unallocated amounts:
	Deferred tax assets and income tax receivable	101,502			67,905			99,627
	Consolidated assets	$	2,462,745		$	2,893,546		$	2,029,547

Receivables_Tables

Receivables (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Accounts and Notes Receivable, Net [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Notes Receivable (Net) by Segment	'
	As of September 30, 2014, December 31, 2013, and September 30, 2013, Notes Receivable (net) consisted of the following (in thousands of dollars):
			September 30,			December 31,			September 30,
			2014			2013			2013
	Finance Segment:
	Consignor advances		$	78,411		$	139,007		$	126,930
	Term loans		577,553			335,426			329,164
	Total Finance segment secured loans		655,964			474,433			456,094
	Agency Segment:
	Guarantee advances		64,605			28,000			70,837
	Unsecured loan		2,138			2,142			2,142
	Principal Segment:
	Secured loans		4,284			5,825			5,825
	Other:
	Unsecured loan		2,800			3,025			3,375
	Total Notes Receivable (net)		$	729,791		$	513,425		$	538,273
Financing Receivable Credit Quality Indicators	'
	The table below provides the aggregate LTV ratio for the Finance segment loan portfolio as of September 30, 2014, December 31, 2013, and September 30, 2013 (in thousands of dollars):
			September 30,			December 31,			September 30,
			2014			2013			2013
	Finance segment secured loans		$	655,964		$	474,433		$	456,094
	Low auction estimate of collateral		$	1,390,012		$	1,180,406		$	1,002,252
	Aggregate LTV ratio		47		%	40		%	46		%
	The table below provides the aggregate LTV ratio for Finance segment secured loans with an LTV above 50% as of September 30, 2014, December 31, 2013, and September 30, 2013 (in thousands of dollars):
			September 30,			December 31,			September 30,
			2014			2013			2013
	Finance segment secured loans with an LTV ratio above 50%		$	371,449		$	181,027		$	222,701
	Low auction estimate of collateral related to Finance segment secured loans with an LTV above 50%		$	636,705		$	295,255		$	355,568
	Aggregate LTV ratio of Finance segment secured loans with an LTV above 50%		58		%	61		%	63		%
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, 2014, December 31, 2013, and September 30, 2013 (in thousands of dollars):
			September 30,			December 31,			September 30,
			2014			2013			2013
	Total secured loans		$	655,964		$	474,433		$	456,094
	Loans past due		$	54,227		$	24,129		$	72,613
	Loans more than 90 days past due		$	11,455		$	1,266		$	31,212
	Non-accrual loans		$	—		$	—		$	—
	Impaired loans		$	—		$	—		$	—
	Allowance for credit losses:
	Allowance for credit losses for impaired loans		$	—		$	—		$	—
	Allowance for credit losses based on historical data		1,078			1,746			1,686
	Total allowance for credit losses - secured loans		$	1,078		$	1,746		$	1,686
Activity Related to Allowance For Credit Losses	'
	During the period January 1, 2014 to September 30, 2014, activity related to the Allowance for Credit Losses was as follows (in thousands of dollars):
	Allowance for credit losses as of January 1, 2014	$	1,746
	Change in loan loss provision	(668		)
	Allowance for credit losses as of September 30, 2014	$	1,078

Debt_Tables

Debt (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Debt Instruments [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Line of Credit Facilities	'
	The following table summarizes outstanding borrowings, available borrowing capacity, and other information relevant to the Credit Agreements as of and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 (in thousands of dollars):
			Finance Credit Agreement			Agency Credit Agreement			Total
	Borrowing base		$	513,185		$	259,183		$	772,368
	Borrowings outstanding		$	449,000		$	—		$	449,000
	Available borrowing capacity *		$	64,185		$	259,183		$	323,368
	Average Borrowings Outstanding:
	Three months ended September 30, 2014		$	387,326		$	—		$	387,326
	Nine months ended September 30, 2014		$	255,564		$	—		$	255,564
	Borrowing Costs:
	Three months ended September 30, 2014		$	2,634		$	545		$	3,179
	Nine months ended September 30, 2014		$	5,368		$	1,513		$	6,881
Schedule of Debt	'
	ong-Term Debt—As of September 30, 2014, December 31, 2013, and September 30, 2013, Long-Term Debt consisted of the following (in thousands of dollars):
			September 30,			December 31,			September 30,
			2014			2013			2013
	York Property Mortgage, net of unamortized discount of $2,673, $5,346, and $6,237		$	218,767		$	218,778		$	218,732
	2022 Senior Notes		300,000			300,000			300,000
	Less Current Portion:
	York Property Mortgage		(218,767		)	(3,630		)	(3,581		)
	Total Long-Term Debt, net		$	300,000		$	515,148		$	515,151
Aggregate Future Principal And Interest Payments	'
	The aggregate future principal and interest payments due under Sotheby's credit facility borrowings and Long-Term Debt during the five-year period after the September 30, 2014 balance sheet date are as follows (in thousands of dollars):
	October 2014 to September 2015	$	247,351
	October 2015 to September 2016	$	15,750
	October 2016 to September 2017	$	15,750
	October 2017 to September 2018	$	15,750
	October 2018 to September 2019	$	464,750
Components of Interest Expense	'
	For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, Interest Expense consisted of the following (in thousands of dollars):
			Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
			September 30,						September 30,
			2014			2013			2014			2013
	Agency Credit Agreement:
	Amortization of amendment and arrangement fees		$	263		$	319		$	768		$	946
	Commitment fees		282			383			745			1,145
	Sub-total		545			702			1,513			2,091
	York Property Mortgage		4,103			4,148			12,278			12,376
	2022 Senior Notes		3,938			3,938			11,814			11,813
	Convertible Notes		—			—			—			6,417
	Other interest expense		171			124			703			867
	Total Interest Expense		$	8,757		$	8,912		$	26,308		$	33,564

Defined_Benefit_Pension_Plan_T

Defined Benefit Pension Plan (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
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, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands of dollars):
		Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Service cost	$	1,141		$	912		$	3,420		$	2,730
	Interest cost	3,964			3,309			11,884			9,905
	Expected return on plan assets	(5,875		)	(4,869		)	(17,612		)	(14,575		)
	Amortization of previously unrecognized pension losses	595			361			1,783			1,081
	Net pension benefit	$	(175	)	$	(287	)	$	(525	)	$	(859	)

Shareholders_Equity_and_Divide1

Shareholders' Equity and Dividend (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Shareholders' Equity and Dividends [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Quarterly Dividends Declared and Paid	'
	The following table summarizes quarterly cash dividends declared and paid in each of the quarterly periods in 2014 (in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts):
	Quarter Ended	Per Share		Amount
	31-Mar	$	0.1	$	6,944
	30-Jun	$	0.1	$	6,894
	30-Sep	$	0.1	$	6,899
	Total	$	0.3	$	20,737

ShareBased_Payments_Tables

Share-Based Payments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Share-based Compensation [Abstract]	'
Compensation Expense Related to Share-Based Payments	'
	For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, compensation expense related to share-based payments was as follows (in thousands of dollars):
			Three Months Ended September 30,							Nine Months Ended September 30,
			2014				2013			2014		2013
	Pre-Tax		$	4,454			$	6,249		$	17,349	$	15,919
	After-Tax		$	3,117			$	3,801		$	11,772	$	10,871
Changes in Number of Outstanding Restricted Stock, RSU's and PSU's	'
	For the nine months ended September 30, 2014, 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, 2014	1,823			$	35.37
	Granted	651			$	44.68
	Vested	(604	)		$	30.21
	Canceled	(49	)		$	38.93
	Outstanding at September 30, 2014	1,821			$	40.32
Changes in Number of Stock Options Outstanding	'
	For the nine months ended September 30, 2014, 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, 2014	93			$	22.11
	Exercised	(43	)		$	22.11
	Outstanding at September 30, 2014	50			$	22.11			5.4	$	681
	Exercisable at September 30, 2014	50			$	22.11			5.4	$	681

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
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, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands of dollars):
	Three Months Ended September 30, 2014	Foreign Currency Items			Defined Benefit Pension Items			Total
	Balance at July 1, 2014	$	7,452		$	(38,399	)	$	(30,947	)
	Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	(22,601		)	2,130			(20,471		)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	—			476			476
	Net other comprehensive (loss) income	(22,601		)	2,606			(19,995		)
	Balance at September 30, 2014	$	(15,149	)	$	(35,793	)	$	(50,942	)
	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	)
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014	Foreign Currency Items			Defined Benefit Pension Items			Total
	Balance at January 1, 2014	$	(1,352	)	$	(38,101	)	$	(39,453	)
	Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	(15,855		)	881			(14,974		)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	2,058			1,427			3,485
	Net other comprehensive (loss) income	(13,797		)	2,308			(11,489		)
	Balance at September 30, 2014	$	(15,149	)	$	(35,793	)	$	(50,942	)
	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	)

Basis_of_Presentation_Details

Basis of Presentation (Details)	Sep. 30, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Ownership percentage by parent	80.00%
Ownership percentage by non controlling interest	20.00%

Seasonality_of_Business_Schedu

Seasonality of Business (Schedule of Seasonality) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2014
			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	83.00%	84.00%	'
Auction commission revenues as percentage of total revenues	81.00%	81.00%	'

Earnings_Per_Share_Narrative_D

Earnings Per Share (Narrative) (Details)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		0 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 17, 2008
					Convertible Notes [Member]
Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Stated interest rate of convertible debt	'	'	'	'	3.13%
Potential common share excluded from computation of diluted earnings per share	2	2	1.2	1.5	'

Earnings_Per_Share_Computation

Earnings 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, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Net (loss) income attributable to Sotheby’s	'	($27,726)	($30,131)	$43,792	$39,253
Less: Net income attributable to participating securities	'	0	0	1,023	23
Net (loss) income attributable to Sotheby’s common shareholders	'	-27,726	-30,131	42,769	39,230
Weighted average basic shares outstanding	'	68,990	68,361	69,024	68,206
Basic (loss) earnings per share - Sotheby’s common shareholders (usd per share)	'	($0.40)	($0.44)	$0.62	$0.58
Net income attributable to Sotheby's	'	-27,726	-30,131	43,792	39,253
Less: Net income attributable to participating securities	'	0	0	1,023	23
Net (loss) income attributable to Sotheby’s common shareholders	'	($27,726)	($30,131)	$42,769	$39,230
Weighted average common shares outstanding	'	68,990	68,361	69,024	68,206
Weighted average effect of Sotheby's dilutive potential common shares:	'	'	'	'	'
Convertible Notes	'	0	0	0	129
Performance share units	'	0	0	362	388
Deferred stock units	'	0	0	164	151
Stock options	'	0	0	22	82
Warrants	5,900	0	0	0	1
Weighted average dilutive potential common shares outstanding	'	0	0	548	751
Weighted average diluted shares outstanding	'	68,990	68,361	69,572	68,957
Diluted (loss) earnings per share - Sotheby’s common shareholders (usd per share)	'	($0.40)	($0.44)	$0.61	$0.57

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, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
			segment
Segment Reporting [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Number of operating segments	'	'	3	'
Revenues	$94,201,000	$107,864,000	$586,829,000	$514,477,000
Segment (loss) income before taxes	-44,167,000	-41,860,000	72,874,000	48,847,000
Intersegment Revenue	0	540,000	0	540,000
Intercompany Charge	300,000	600,000	2,100,000	1,800,000
Agency [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	76,229,000	77,469,000	515,544,000	466,587,000
Segment (loss) income before taxes	-55,068,000	-48,460,000	69,511,000	32,508,000
Principal [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	6,273,000	23,491,000	41,007,000	26,696,000
Segment (loss) income before taxes	-1,833,000	-516,000	197,000	-4,472,000
Finance [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	11,041,000	7,654,000	29,442,000	22,787,000
Segment (loss) income before taxes	6,994,000	5,504,000	18,891,000	16,370,000
All Other [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	2,782,000	2,280,000	7,539,000	6,076,000
Segment (loss) income before taxes	2,109,000	1,668,000	5,599,000	4,475,000
Reconciling Items [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	-2,124,000	-3,030,000	-6,703,000	-7,669,000
Segment (loss) income before taxes	$3,631,000	($56,000)	($21,324,000)	($34,000)

Segment_Reporting_Reconciliati

Segment Reporting (Reconciliation of Segment Income (Loss) Before Taxes) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Segment (loss) income before taxes	($44,167)	($41,860)	$72,874	$48,847
Special charges, net	4,169	0	-20,088	0
Equity in earnings of investees	-538	-56	-1,236	-34
Agency [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Segment (loss) income before taxes	-55,068	-48,460	69,511	32,508
Principal [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Segment (loss) income before taxes	-1,833	-516	197	-4,472
Finance [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Segment (loss) income before taxes	6,994	5,504	18,891	16,370
All Other Segments [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Segment (loss) income before taxes	2,109	1,668	5,599	4,475
All Segments [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Segment (loss) income before taxes	($47,798)	($41,804)	$94,198	$48,881

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, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total revenues	$94,201	$107,864	$586,829	$514,477
Reconciling item	0	-540	0	-540
Total agency and related revenues	76,229	76,929	515,544	466,047
Agency [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Auction commissions	64,247	48,581	468,087	390,836
Private sale commissions	12,412	26,519	42,343	66,161
Auction guarantee and inventory activities	-3,864	-921	-9,409	-1,435
Other Agency revenues	3,434	3,290	14,523	11,025
Total revenues	$76,229	$77,469	$515,544	$466,587

Segment_Reporting_Reconciliati1

Segment Reporting (Reconciliation of Segment Assets to Consolidated Assets) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Segment Reporting [Line Items]	'	'	'
Consolidated assets	$2,462,745	$2,893,546	$2,029,547
Deferred tax assets and income tax receivable	101,502	67,905	99,627
Total Segment Assets [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting [Line Items]	'	'	'
Consolidated assets	2,361,243	2,825,641	1,929,920
Agency [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting [Line Items]	'	'	'
Consolidated assets	1,586,737	2,261,482	1,369,396
Principal [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting [Line Items]	'	'	'
Consolidated assets	98,236	82,560	95,175
Finance [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting [Line Items]	'	'	'
Consolidated assets	674,211	480,103	463,574
All Other [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting [Line Items]	'	'	'
Consolidated assets	$2,059	$1,496	$1,775

Receivables_Narrative_Details

Receivables (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)

0 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

7 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

Feb. 13, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Nov. 07, 2014

Nov. 05, 2014

type_of_secured_loan

loan

type_of_secured_loan

type_of_secured_loan

loan

loan

Finance [Member]

Finance [Member]

Finance [Member]

All Other Segments [Member]

All Other Segments [Member]

All Other Segments [Member]

Agency [Member]

Agency [Member]

Agency [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

One Borrower Member

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Up-front Payment Arrangement [Member]

Unsecured Loan [Member]

Subsequent Event [Member]

Subsequent Event [Member]

loan

loan

loan

Agency [Member]

borrower

borrower

borrower

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

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Buyer payment term

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'30 days

'

'

'

'

'

Consignor payment term

'

'

'

'

'

'35 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Buyer receivables

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$16,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Consignor payables classified within other LT liabilities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

15,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net accounts receivable

'

450,153,000

249,348,000

'

450,153,000

450,153,000

249,348,000

812,582,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

52,700,000

130,500,000

59,900,000

31,500,000

92,100,000

42,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of types of secured loans

'

2

'

'

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

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Proceeds from lines of credit

170,000,000

'

'

'

279,000,000

449,000,000

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Secured loan issued to refinance auction or private sale receivable

'

'

'

'

'

52,200,000

54,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Balance of secured loan to refinance auction or private sale receivable

'

104,700,000

84,500,000

'

104,700,000

104,700,000

84,500,000

72,900,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Loan-to-value ratio

'

50.00%

'

'

50.00%

50.00%

'

'

47.00%

40.00%

46.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

32.00%

37.00%

56.00%

56.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

Loans past due

'

54,227,000

72,613,000

'

54,227,000

54,227,000

72,613,000

24,129,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Loans more than 90 days past due

'

11,455,000

31,212,000

'

11,455,000

11,455,000

31,212,000

1,266,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net notes receivable days past due - 90 (days)

'

'

'

'

'

'90 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Low auction estimate of collateral

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,390,012,000

1,180,406,000

1,002,252,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

169,400,000

31,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Past Due Loans Refinanced

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

42,400,000

'

Non-accrual loans

'

0

0

'

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment

'

0

0

'

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Loan concentration, number of significant borrowers

'

1

'

'

1

1

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Loans to entities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

107,000,000

107,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of note receivable to total loan receivable

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

15.00%

15.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

Finance revenues

'

8,917,000

5,164,000

'

'

22,739,000

15,658,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,100,000

4,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of finance segment revenue attributable to loans to borrowers

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

19.09%

13.64%

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unfunded lending commitment to extend additional credit

'

33,700,000

'

'

33,700,000

33,700,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Guarantee advances

'

64,600,000

'

'

64,600,000

64,600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

64,605,000

28,000,000

70,837,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

37,700,000

Number of significant unsecured loans used to finance the purchase of works of art through private sales

'

1

1

'

1

1

1

1

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unsecured loan

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,800,000

3,025,000

3,375,000

2,138,000

2,142,000

2,142,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Secured loans

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

655,964,000

474,433,000

456,094,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Sales Price of Disposal of Equity Method Investment

'

'

'

4,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,500,000

'

'

Equity Method Investment, Realized Gain (Loss) on Disposal

'

'

'

300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Proceeds from the sale of equity method investment

'

'

'

'

'

$200,000

$800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$800,000

'

'

'

Receivables_Notes_Receivable_N

Receivables (Notes Receivable, Net) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'	'
Guarantee advances	$64,600	'	'
Total Notes Receivable (net)	729,791	513,425	538,273
Finance [Member]	'	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'	'
Consignor advances	78,411	139,007	126,930
Term loans	577,553	335,426	329,164
Secured loans	655,964	474,433	456,094
Agency [Member]	'	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'	'
Unsecured loan	2,138	2,142	2,142
Guarantee advances	64,605	28,000	70,837
Principal [Member]	'	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'	'
Secured loans	4,284	5,825	5,825
All Other Segments [Member]	'	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'	'
Unsecured loan	$2,800	$3,025	$3,375

Receivables_Summary_of_Other_C

Receivables (Summary of Other Credit Quality Information Regarding Finance Segment Secured Loans) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'	'
Aggregate LTV ratio	50.00%	'	'
Loans past due	$54,227,000	$24,129,000	$72,613,000
Loans more than 90 days past due	11,455,000	1,266,000	31,212,000
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	1,078,000	1,746,000	1,686,000
Total Allowance for Credit Losses - secured loans	1,078,000	1,746,000	1,686,000
Loan to Value Ratio Above 50% [Member]	'	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'	'
Finance segment secured loans	371,449,000	181,027,000	222,701,000
Low auction estimate of collateral	636,705,000	295,255,000	355,568,000
Aggregate LTV ratio	58.00%	61.00%	63.00%
Finance [Member]	'	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'	'
Finance segment secured loans	655,964,000	474,433,000	456,094,000
Low auction estimate of collateral	1,390,012,000	1,180,406,000	1,002,252,000
Aggregate LTV ratio	47.00%	40.00%	46.00%
Secured loans	655,964,000	474,433,000	456,094,000
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
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses [Roll Forward]	'	'
Allowance for credit losses, beginning balance	$1,746	$1,686
Change in loan loss provision	-668	'
Allowance for credit losses, ending balance	$1,078	$1,686

Debt_Narrative_Details

Debt (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)

0 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

2 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

60 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

60 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

61 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

Jun. 17, 2008

Jun. 11, 2008

Jun. 30, 2013

Aug. 31, 2011

Jun. 30, 2011

Jun. 30, 2008

Nov. 25, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 14, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Aug. 22, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Feb. 06, 2009

Oct. 01, 2017

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jan. 11, 2008

Feb. 06, 2009

Feb. 28, 2009

Feb. 06, 2009

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Feb. 06, 2009

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 27, 2012

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 27, 2012

Oct. 01, 2017

Nov. 23, 2012

Jun. 17, 2008

Jun. 30, 2011

Jun. 18, 2008

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2008

Jun. 30, 2008

Sep. 30, 2014

Aug. 22, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Aug. 22, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Aug. 22, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Aug. 22, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2011

Jun. 14, 2013

Sep. 30, 2011

warrant

Subsequent Event [Member]

York Property Mortgage [Member]

York Property Mortgage [Member]

York Property Mortgage [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]

Maximum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

York Property Mortgage Member [Member]

York Property Mortgage Member [Member]

York Property Mortgage Member [Member]

York Property Mortgage Member [Member]

Senior Notes 2022 [Member]

Senior Notes 2022 [Member]

Senior Notes 2022 [Member]

Senior Notes 2022 [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Convertible Notes [Member]

Convertible Notes [Member]

Convertible Notes [Member]

Convertible Notes [Member]

Convertible Notes [Member]

Convertible Note Hedge And Warrant Transactions [Member]

New Credit Agreement [Member]

New Credit Agreement [Member]

New Credit Agreement [Member]

Incremental Credit Facility [Member]

Finance Segment Credit Agreement [Member]

Finance Segment Credit Agreement [Member]

Finance Segment Credit Agreement [Member]

Agency Segment Credit Agreement [Member]

Agency Segment Credit Agreement [Member]

Agency Segment Credit Agreement [Member]

Prior Credit Agreement [Member]

Convertible Notes [Member]

Convertible Notes [Member]

Convertible Notes [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Subsequent Event [Member]

Debt [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Covenant, aggregate borrowing availability

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$100,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Covenant, total liquidity amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

200,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

850,000,000

600,000,000

50,000,000

'

550,000,000

450,000,000

'

300,000,000

150,000,000

'

'

'

'

Maximum amount of net auction guarantees permissible

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

600,000,000

300,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of credit facility, sub-limit

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

200,000,000

'

'

'

150,000,000

'

'

50,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total life-to-date credit facility fees paid

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Deferred finance costs, net

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4,800,000

'

'

'

Line of credit facility, interest rate during period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2.70%

'

'

'

'

2.80%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'July 1, 2035

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt instrument stated interest percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

10.60%

5.60%

'

'

5.25%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Long-term debt

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

218,767,000

218,778,000

218,732,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Long-term debt, fair value

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

221,300,000

212,100,000

'

'

'

285,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Discount initially recorded on the entity's mortgage

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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

'

'

200,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt instrument maturity date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'October 1, 2022

'

'

'

'

'June 15, 2013

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net proceeds from the issuance of long term debt

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

293,700,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Long-term debt, gross

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

80,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Convertible Notes Payable

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

161,800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Estimated Debt Rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

7.75%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Embedded derivative, no longer bifurcated, amount reclassified to stockholders' equity

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

38,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Adjustments to additional paid in capital, equity component of convertible debt

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

21,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Repayment of convertible notes

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

197,371,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

22,500,000

197,400,000

'

Repayments of debt

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

181,900,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

18,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt instrument, convertible, beneficial conversion feature

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4,400,000

15,500,000

'

Liability for conversion option reclassified to stockholders equity

'

'

'

'

8,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

21,800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Embedded net of tax

'

'

'

'

5,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

12,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Payments for (proceeds from) derivative instrument, financing activities

'

'

-15,500,000

-4,400,000

'

40,600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Write off of deferred debt issuance cost

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,500,000

Payments for (proceeds from) derivative instruments, financing activities, net of tax

'

'

'

'

'

22,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Carrying Value Of Convertible Note Hedge Recorded In Equity Net Of Taxes

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

12,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

22,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Convertible Note Hedge reclassification

'

'

'

'

8,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Convertible Note Hedge Reclassification Net of Taxes

'

'

'

'

5,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Carrying Value Of Convertible Note Hedge Reclassified to Other Current Assets

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

21,800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Incremental common shares attributable to call options and warrants

'

5,900,000

'

'

'

'

'

0

'

0

'

'

0

1,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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

'

$44.50

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net proceeds from sale of warrant

'

22,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Warrant exercise daily limit (warrants)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

118,348

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Warrant exercise daily limit time period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'50 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Other

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

722,288

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest Expense, Debt, Excluding Amortization

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amortization of Debt Discount (Premium)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$2,673,000

$6,470,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$3,800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt_Schedule_of_Line_of_Credi

Debt (Schedule of Line of Credit Facilities) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified				Finance Segment Credit Agreement [Member]	Finance Segment Credit Agreement [Member]	Agency Segment Credit Agreement [Member]	Agency Segment Credit Agreement [Member]	New Credit Agreement [Member]	New Credit Agreement [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Borrowing base	'	'	'	$513,185	$513,185	$259,183	$259,183	$772,368	$772,368
Borrowings outstanding	449,000	0	0	449,000	449,000	0	0	449,000	449,000
Available borrowing capacity	'	'	'	64,185	64,185	259,183	259,183	323,368	323,368
Average Borrowings Outstanding:	'	'	'	387,326	255,564	0	0	387,326	255,564
Borrowing Costs:	'	'	'	$2,634	$5,368	$545	$1,513	$3,179	$6,881

Debt_Summary_of_LongTerm_Debt_

Debt (Summary of Long-Term Debt) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total Long-Term Debt, net	$300,000	$515,148	$515,151
York Property Mortgage [Member]	'	'	'
Debt [Line Items]	'	'	'
Long-term debt	218,767	218,778	218,732
Less current portion	-218,767	-3,630	-3,581
Unamortized discount	2,673	5,346	6,237
Senior Notes 2022 [Member]	'	'	'
Debt [Line Items]	'	'	'
Long-term debt	$300,000	$300,000	$300,000

Debt_Aggregate_Future_Principa

Debt (Aggregate Future Principal and Interest Payments) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Instruments [Abstract]	'
October 2014 to September 2015	$247,351
October 2015 to September 2016	15,750
October 2016 to September 2017	15,750
October 2017 to September 2018	15,750
October 2018 to September 2019	$464,750

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, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Debt [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Amortization of amendment and arrangement fees	$263	$319	$768	$946
Commitment fees	282	383	745	1,145
Sub-total	545	702	1,513	2,091
Interest expense	8,757	8,912	26,308	33,564
Other interest expense	171	124	703	867
York Property Mortgage [Member]	'	'	'	'
Debt [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Interest expense	4,103	4,148	12,278	12,376
Senior Notes 2022 [Member]	'	'	'	'
Debt [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Interest expense	3,938	3,938	11,814	11,813
Convertible Notes [Member]	'	'	'	'
Debt [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Interest expense	$0	$0	$0	$6,417

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, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Disclosures [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Service cost	$1,141	$912	$3,420	$2,730
Interest cost	3,964	3,309	11,884	9,905
Expected return on plan assets	-5,875	-4,869	-17,612	-14,575
Amortization of previously unrecognized pension losses	595	361	1,783	1,081
Net pension benefit	($175)	($287)	($525)	($859)

Defined_Benefit_Pension_Plan_N

Defined Benefit Pension Plan (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014
Defined Benefit Pension Plans and Defined Benefit Postretirement Plans Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Contributions	$1.90
Estimated future contributions in 2014	$3

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 04, 2014	Apr. 01, 2014	Mar. 25, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Oct. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
			count		Minimum [Member]	Maximum [Member]	Subsequent Event [Member]	Scenario, Forecast [Member]	Scenario, Forecast [Member]
								Minimum [Member]	Maximum [Member]
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Employment arrangement expiration date range start	'December 2014	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Employment arrangement expiration date range end	'July 2018	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Commitment for salaries and other cash compensation under employment arrangement	$14.30	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Settlement date	'35 days	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Guarantee of collection	0.1	'	'	'	'	'	11.1	'	'
Pre-sale Auction Estimate	'	'	'	'	101	147	'	2	3
Beneficial Ownership Percentage of 13G Investor under Stockholders Rights Plan	'	'	'	20.00%	'	'	'	'	'
Number of counts	'	'	2	'	'	'	'	'	'
Loss contingency estimate of possible loss	'	$3.50	'	'	'	'	'	'	'

Auction_Guarantees_Details

Auction Guarantees (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Aug. 22, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Nov. 05, 2014	Nov. 05, 2014
							Agency [Member]	Agency [Member]	Agency [Member]	Subsequent Event [Member]	Subsequent Event [Member]
											Agency [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Client goodwill gesture	$1,700,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Maximum amount of net auction guarantees permissible	'	'	600,000,000	300,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Outstanding guarantee	'	318,800,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	219,200,000	'
Irrevocable bids	'	13,500,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	48,800,000	'
Guarantee advances	'	64,600,000	'	'	'	'	64,605,000	28,000,000	70,837,000	'	37,700,000
Estimated fair value of obligation to perform under auction guarantees	'	$9,600,000	'	'	$2,900,000	$7,400,000	'	'	'	'	'

Shareholders_Equity_and_Divide2

Shareholders' Equity and Dividend (Details) (USD $)

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2014

Jan. 31, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Oct. 04, 2013

Mar. 17, 2014

Jan. 31, 2014

Mar. 17, 2014

Jan. 31, 2014

Nov. 06, 2014

Oct. 04, 2014

Oct. 04, 2013

Special Dividend [Member]

Special Dividend [Member]

All Countries [Domain]

All Countries [Domain]

Subsequent Event [Member]

Subsequent Event [Member]

Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock [Member]

Dividends, common stock

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$300,000,000

$300,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

Dividends declared (usd per share)

'

'

$100

$100

$100

$300

'

'

$4.34

'

'

$0.10

'

'

Stock repurchase program, period in force

'

'5 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock repurchase program, authorized amount

'

150,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Foreign earnings repatriated

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

250,000,000

250,000,000

'

'

'

Funding of dividend by domestic cash

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

50,000,000

50,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

Dividend equivalents accrued

11,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Dividend equivalents paid

4,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock repurchased during period, shares

558,171

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock repurchased during period, value

'

25,000,000

'

'

'

25,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share price of stock repurchased (usd per share)

$44.79

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Dividends Payable

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

6,900,000

'

'

Preferred share dividend

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1

Exercise price of series a junior participating preferred stock

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$200

Number of common share equivalents (share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

1

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Preferred Stock Shares Designated as Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,000,000

'

Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$0.01

'

Shareholders_Equity_and_Divide3

Shareholders' Equity and Dividend (Schedule of Quarterly Dividends Declared and Paid) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
Dividends declared (usd per share)	$100	$100	$100	$300
Quarterly Dividend [Member]	'	'	'	'
Dividends, common stock	$6,899	$6,894	$6,944	$20,737

ShareBased_Payments_Compensati

Share-Based Payments (Compensation Expense Related to Share-Based Payments) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Share-based Compensation [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Pre-Tax	$4,454	$6,249	$17,349	$15,919
After-Tax	$3,117	$3,801	$11,772	$10,871

ShareBased_Payments_Narrative_

Share-Based Payments (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Excess tax benefits related to share-based payment arrangements	'	$3,600,000	$3,500,000
Unrecognized compensation expense related to the unvested portion of share-based payments	'	30,100,000	'
Compensation expense is expected to be amortized over a weighted-average period	'	'2 years 3 months 18 days	'
Fair value of shares issued	29,100,000	'	'
Shares granted (shares)	'	651,000	'
Shares available for future awards (shares)	'	35,350	'
Stock options expiration period	'	'10 years	'
Aggregate intrinsic value of option exercised	'	1,200,000	3,500,000
Proceeds from exercise of employee stock options	'	967,000	4,049,000
Excess tax benefits realized from the exercise of stock options	'	300,000	700,000
Company S Incentive Compensation Programs Member	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of shares issued	15,400,000	'	'
Shares granted (shares)	344,692	'	'
CEO September2010 Employment Agreement Member	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of shares issued	3,500,000	'	'
Shares granted (shares)	78,511	'	'
Restricted Stock, RSU's And PSU's [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of share vested	'	28,100,000	26,900,000
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Shares available for future awards (shares)	'	3,600,000	'
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Vesting period	'3 years	'3 years	'
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] | Company S Incentive Compensation Programs Member	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of shares issued	10,200,000	'	'
Shares granted (shares)	227,936	'	'
Performance Shares [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of shares issued	$18,900,000	'	'
Shares granted (shares)	423,203	'	'
Stock Options [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Vesting period	'	'4 years	'
Minimum [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Vesting period	'3 years	'3 years	'
Maximum [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Vesting period	'	'4 years	'

ShareBased_Payments_Changes_in

Share-Based Payments (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, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested [Roll Forward]	'
Outstanding at January 1, 2014, Number of RSU's and PSU's, Shares	1,823
Granted, Number of RSU's and PSU's, Shares	651
Vested, Number of RSU's and PSU's, Shares	-604
Canceled, Number of RSU's and PSU's, Shares	-49
Outstanding at September 30, 2014, Number of RSU's and PSU's, Shares	1,821
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Roll Forward]	'
Outstanding at January 1, 2014, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in usd per share)	$35.37
Granted, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in usd per share)	$44.68
Vested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in usd per share)	$30.21
Canceled, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in usd per share)	$38.93
Outstanding at September 30, 2014, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in usd per share)	$40.32

ShareBased_Payments_Changes_in1

Share-Based Payments (Changes in Number of Stock Options Outstanding) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]	'
Outstanding at January 1, 2014, Options (in shares)	93
Exercised, Options (in shares)	-43
Outstanding at September 30, 2014, Options (in shares)	50
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Roll Forward]	'
Oustanding at January 1, 2014, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in usd per share)	$22.11
Exercised, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in usd per share)	$22.11
Outstanding at September 30, 2014, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in usd per share)	$22.11
Outstanding at September 30, 2014, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	'5 years 5 months 6 days
Outstanding at September 30, 2014, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$681
Exercisable at September 30, 2014, Options	50
Exercisable at September 30, 2014, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in usd per share)	$22.11
Exercisable at September 30, 2014, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	'5 years 5 months 6 days
Exercisable at September 30, 2014, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$681

Restructuring_Charges_Details

Restructuring Charges (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
					Employee Severance [Member]	Scenario, Forecast [Member]	Scenario, Forecast [Member]
							Lease Exit Costs [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Restructuring charges	$14,285,000	$0	$14,285,000	$0	$14,300,000	$14,800,000	$500,000
Payments for restructuring	2,100,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Restructuring reserve	$12,200,000	'	$12,200,000	'	'	'	'

Special_Charges_Net_Details

Special Charges, Net (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	29-May-14
					director
Special Charges [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Special charges, net	($4,169,000)	$0	$20,088,000	$0	'
Insurance recoveries	'	'	4,600,000	'	'
Expected reimbursement	'	'	$10,000,000	'	'
Number of Directors	'	'	'	'	15

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Balance, beginning period	($30,947)	($69,137)	($39,453)	($50,375)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	-20,471	23,972	-14,974	4,655
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	476	278	3,485	833
Other comprehensive (loss) income	-19,995	24,250	-11,489	5,488
Balance, ending period	-50,942	-44,887	-50,942	-44,887
Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member]	'	'	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Balance, beginning period	7,452	-37,279	-1,352	-16,084
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	-22,601	25,796	-15,855	4,601
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	0	0	2,058	0
Other comprehensive (loss) income	-22,601	25,796	-13,797	4,601
Balance, ending period	-15,149	-11,483	-15,149	-11,483
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment [Member]	'	'	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Balance, beginning period	-38,399	-31,858	-38,101	-34,291
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	2,130	-1,824	881	54
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	476	278	1,427	833
Other comprehensive (loss) income	2,606	-1,546	2,308	887
Balance, ending period	($35,793)	($33,404)	($35,793)	($33,404)

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	0 Months Ended	1 Months Ended	0 Months Ended	1 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Mar. 17, 2014	Jan. 31, 2014	Mar. 17, 2014	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2014
				Special Dividend [Member]	Special Dividend [Member]	All Countries [Domain]	All Countries [Domain]	Switzerland [Member]	U. K. [Member]	Hong Kong [Member]
Investments, Owned, Federal Income Tax Note [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Capital returned to shareholders	$325,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Dividends, common stock	'	'	'	300,000,000	300,000,000	'	'	'	'	'
Stock repurchased during period, value	25,000,000	'	25,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Foreign earnings repatriated	'	'	'	'	'	250,000,000	250,000,000	120,000,000	105,000,000	25,000,000
Funding of dividend by domestic cash	'	'	'	$50,000,000	$50,000,000	'	'	'	'	'
Increase in effective tax rate due to non reinvestment of earnings of foreign subsidiaries	'	7.00%	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'

Uncertain_Tax_Positions_Narrat

Uncertain Tax Positions (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
Income Tax Uncertainties [Abstract]	'	'	'
Unrecognized tax benefits	$23.70	$25.40	$39.50
Unrecognized tax benefits, period increase (decrease)	-1.7	'	'
Unrecognized tax benefits that would impact effective tax rate	13	11.7	24.4
Decrease in unrecognized tax benefits within 12 months	6.3	'	'
Increase (decrease) in accrual for interest & penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits	$0.10	'	'

Related_Party_Transactions_Det

Related Party Transactions (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Revenue from Related Parties	$0.10	$2.80	$3.70	'
Net accounts receivable from related party transaction	$0.10	$0.10	$0.10	$2.70