Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Segments [Domain] Segments [Domain] Phase I Services, Global Consulting and Clinical Development Phase I Services, Global Consulting and Clinical Development [Member] Phase I Services, Global Consulting and Clinical Development Measurement Frequency [Axis] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Long term debt fair value Long-term Debt, Fair Value Intangible assets, carrying amount Intangible Assets, Net (Including Goodwill) Resulting goodwill Goodwill Impairment of goodwill Goodwill, Impairment Loss Finite lived intangible assets Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Impairment of intangible assets (excluding goodwill) Impairment of Intangible Assets, Finite-lived Indefinite lived intangible assets Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill) Accounting Policies [Abstract] Principles of Consolidation Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] Use of Estimates Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Reclassifications Reclassification, Policy [Policy Text Block] Foreign Currency Translation and Transactions Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy [Policy Text Block] Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Comprehensive Income, Policy [Policy Text Block] Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Unrestricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] Restricted Cash Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] Fair Value Fair Value Measurement, Policy [Policy Text Block] Billed and Unbilled Accounts Receivable and Deferred Revenue Billed And Unbilled Accounts Receivable, And Deferred Revenues [Policy Text Block] Billed and Unbilled Accounts Receivable, and Deferred Revenues, Policy Property and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block] Goodwill Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Goodwill, Policy [Policy Text Block] Intangible Assets Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block] Long-Lived Assets Long-Lived Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block] Long-Lived Assets, Policy Revenue Recognition Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block] Reimbursable Out-of-Pocket Expenses Reimbursable Expenses, Policy [Policy Text Block] Disclosure of accounting policy for recognition and treatment of costs and out-of-pocket expenses incurred on behalf of the Company's customers in connection with management of clinical trials. Share-Based Compensation Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block] Income Taxes Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block] Advertising Costs Advertising Cost, Policy, Expensed Advertising Cost [Policy Text Block] Restructuring and Other Costs Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities or Restructurings, Policy [Policy Text Block] Earnings Per Share Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block] Segment Information Segment Reporting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Subsequent Events Subsequent Events, Policy [Policy Text Block] Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Self Insurance Reserve Self Insurance Reserve [Policy Text Block] Income Statement [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] Class C common stock Common Class C [Member] Statement Statement [Line Items] Net service revenue Sales Revenue, Services, Net Reimbursable out-of-pocket expenses Reimbursement Revenue Total revenue Revenue, Net Costs and operating expenses: Costs and Expenses [Abstract] Direct costs Cost of Services Reimbursable out-of-pocket expenses Cost of Reimbursable Expense Selling, general, and administrative Selling, General and Administrative Expense Restructuring and other costs Restructuring Charges Transaction expenses Costs Related To Business Combination, Debt Financing, Corporate Reorganization, and Other Transaction Costs Costs related to business combination, debt financing, corporate reorganization, and other transaction costs. Asset impairment charges Asset Impairment Charges Depreciation Depreciation Amortization Amortization of Intangible Assets Total operating expenses Costs and Expenses Income from operations Operating Income (Loss) Other income (expense), net: Other Income and Expenses [Abstract] Interest income Interest and Other Income Interest expense Interest Expense Loss on extinguishment of debt Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt Other income (expense), net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Total other (expense) income, net Nonoperating Income (Expense) Income (loss) before provision for income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Income tax (expense) benefit Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net income (loss) Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Class C common stock dividends Dividends, Common Stock, Cash Redemption of New Class C common stock Stock Redeemed or Called During Period, Value Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic Earnings per share attributable to common shareholders: Income (Loss) from Operations before Extraordinary Items, Per Basic and Diluted Share [Abstract] Basic (USD per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic Diluted (USD per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Weighted average common shares outstanding: Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding Reconciliation [Abstract] Basic (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Diluted (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Condensed Balance Sheet Statement [Table] Condensed Balance Sheet Statement [Table] Valuation Allowances and Reserves Type [Axis] Valuation Allowances and Reserves Type [Axis] Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Domain] Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Domain] Valuation Allowance of Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance of Deferred Tax Assets [Member] Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income Tax Authority [Domain] Income Tax Authority [Domain] Domestic Tax Authority Domestic Tax Authority [Member] State and Local Jurisdiction State and Local Jurisdiction [Member] Foreign Tax Authority Foreign Tax Authority [Member] Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items] Federal tax rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent U.S. taxes recorded on previous foreign earnings Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Repatriation of Foreign Earnings, Amount Undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries Undistributed Earnings of Foreign Subsidiaries Increase (decrease) of valuation allowance on deferred tax assets Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Period Increase (Decrease) Other tax benefit Deferred Other Tax Expense (Benefit) Operating loss carryforwards Operating Loss Carryforwards Operation loss carryforwards subject to limitation Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, Subject to Expiration Operating loss carryforwards, valuation allowance Operating Loss Carryforwards, Valuation Allowance Unrecognized excess tax benefit related to share-based payment arrangements Unrecognized Excess Tax Benefit Related to Share-Based Payment Arrangements Excess tax benefit related to share-based payment arrangements arising from current year transactions but not recorded as additional paid-in capital due to the tax deduction occurring before the actual realization of the related tax benefit. Gross unrecognized tax benefits Unrecognized Tax Benefits Unrecognized tax benefits that would impact effective tax rate Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate Accrued interest and penalties for unrecognized tax benefits Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued Amount of interest and penalties added to income tax expense due to unrecognized tax benefits Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Expense Reasonably possible decrease in unrecognized tax benefit Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible, Amount of Unrecorded Benefit Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block] Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs Restructuring and Related Costs [Table Text Block] Segment Reporting [Abstract] Schedule of Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Table] Schedule of Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Table] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Domain] North America North America [Member] United States UNITED STATES Europe, Middle East and Africa EMEA [Member] Spain SPAIN Asia-Pacific Asia Pacific [Member] Latin America Latin America [Member] Long-Lived Assets Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items] Total property and equipment, net Long-Lived Assets Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Net income (loss) Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Depreciation and amortization Depreciation and Amortization, Excluding Amortization of Financing Costs and Discounts Amount of non-cash depreciation and amortization expense, excluding amortization of financing costs and discounts. Stock repurchase costs Stock Issuance Costs, Operating Activities Amount of cash outflow for stock issuance costs. Amortization of capitalized loan fees Amortization of Financing Costs and Discounts Share-based compensation Share-based Compensation Provision (recovery) for doubtful accounts Provision for Doubtful Accounts Deferred income taxes Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Foreign currency adjustments Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), before Tax Asset impairment charges Loss on extinguishment of debt and other debt refinancing costs Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt And Other Debt Refinancing Costs Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt And Other Debt Refinancing Costs Excess income tax benefits from share-based awards Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Operating Activities Other adjustments Other Noncash Income (Expense) Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets and Liabilities, Net [Abstract] Accounts receivable billed and unbilled Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable Accounts payable and accrued expenses Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Deferred revenue Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Revenue Other assets and liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets and Liabilities, Net Net cash provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Purchase of property and equipment Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Net cash used in investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt Payments of debt financing costs Payments of Debt Issuance Costs Payments on long-term debt Repayments of Long-term Debt Proceeds from revolving credit facility Proceeds from Lines of Credit Repayment of revolving credit facility Repayments of Lines of Credit Payment of notes payable and breakage fees Repayments of Notes Payable And Breakage Fees Repayments of Notes Payable And Breakage Fees Payments related to business combinations Payments of Merger Related Costs, Financing Activities Principal payments toward capital lease obligations Repayments of Long-term Capital Lease Obligations Payments of stock repurchase costs Payments of Stock Issuance Costs Payments for repurchase of common stock Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Proceeds from the issuance of common stock Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock Proceeds from the exercise of stock options Proceeds from Stock Options Exercised Payments related to tax withholding for share-based compensation Payments Related to Tax Withholding for Share-based Compensation Excess income tax benefits from share-based awards Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Financing Activities Dividends paid Payments of Dividends Redemption of New Class C and D common stock Payments to Redeem Common Stock Payments to Redeem Common Stock Net cash used in financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents Net change in cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Cash paid for income taxes Income Taxes Paid Cash paid for interest Interest Paid Supplemental disclosure of noncash investing and financing activities Noncash Investing and Financing Items [Abstract] Capital lease obligations for purchase of property and equipment Capital Lease Obligations Incurred Components of Income (Loss) before Provision for Income Taxes Schedule of Income before Income Tax, Domestic and Foreign [Table Text Block] Schedule of Components of Income Tax (Expense) Benefit Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block] Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Summary of Valuation Allowance Summary of Valuation Allowance [Table Text Block] Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Unrecognized Tax Benefits Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Benefits Roll Forward [Table Text Block] Related Party Transactions [Abstract] Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Domain] Related Party [Domain] Significant Shareholder Significant Shareholder [Member] Significant Shareholder [Member] Affiliated Entity Affiliated Entity [Member] Related Party Transaction [Axis] Related Party Transaction [Axis] Related Party Transaction [Domain] Related Party Transaction [Domain] Consulting Services Consulting Services [Member] Consulting Services [Member] Related Party Transaction Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Fee paid to terminate agreement with related party Related Party Transaction, Amounts of Transaction Related party transaction expenses Related Party Transaction, Expenses from Transactions with Related Party Revenue from related party Revenue from Related Parties Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] ASSETS Assets [Abstract] Current assets: Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Restricted cash Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Current Accounts receivable: Accounts Receivable, Net, Current [Abstract] Billed, net Billed Contracts Receivable Unbilled Unbilled Contracts Receivable Current portion of deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current Prepaid expenses and other current assets Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current Total current assets Assets, Current Property and equipment, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Goodwill Intangible assets, net Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Deferred income taxes, less current portion Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Noncurrent Other long-term assets Other Assets, Noncurrent Total assets Assets LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Current liabilities: Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Accounts payable Accounts Payable, Current Accrued liabilities Accrued Liabilities, Current Deferred revenue Deferred Revenue, Current Current portion of long-term debt Long-term Debt, Current Maturities Capital lease obligations Capital Lease Obligations, Current Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Long-term debt, less current portion Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities Deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Noncurrent Other long-term liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Total liabilities Liabilities Commitments and contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Shareholders' equity: Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 30,000,000 shares authorized, 0 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Common stock, $0.01 par value; 600,000,000 shares authorized, 53,871,484 and 61,233,850 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively Common Stock, Value, Issued Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Accumulated deficit Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Total shareholders' equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Total liabilities and shareholders' equity Liabilities and Equity Business Combinations [Abstract] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] Direct Costs Cost of Services [Member] Cost of Services [Member] Other Income (Expense) Other Income and Expense [Member] Other Income and Expense [Member] Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Forecast Scenario, Forecast [Member] Contingent Consideration by Type [Axis] Contingent Consideration by Type [Axis] Contingent Consideration Type [Domain] Contingent Consideration Type [Domain] Contingent Consideration, Retention Program Contingent Consideration, Retention Program [Member] Contingent Consideration, Retention Program [Member] Contingent Consideration, Earned Pre-Agreed Targets, Amount Paid Contingent Consideration, Earned Pre-Agreed Targets, Amount Paid [Member] Contingent Consideration, Earned Pre-Agreed Targets, Amount Paid [Member] Contingent Consideration, Earned Pre-Agreed Targets, Released Contingent Consideration, Earned Pre-Agreed Targets, Released [Member] Contingent Consideration, Earned Pre-Agreed Targets, Released [Member] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] MEK Consulting MEK Consulting [Member] MEK Consulting [Member] Business Acquisition Business Acquisition [Line Items] Aggregate purchase price for the acquisition Business Combination, Consideration Transferred Cash paid Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross Escrow deposit Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Escrow Deposit Part of consideration transferred held as an escrow deposit related to business combination. Period for which the escrow deposit is made Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Escrow Deposit, Period of Deposit Period that escrow deposit will held related to business combination. Contingent consideration Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Liabilities Incurred Contingent consideration, payable period Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability, Period of Payment Period over which the contingent consideration, part of business combination, will be earned. Retention payments Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Compensation Expense Retention payments, period of recognition Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Requisite Service Period Contingent consideration Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability Release of accrued liabilities related to contingent consideration Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Change in Amount of Contingent Consideration, Liability Escrow deposit released Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Escrow Deposit Released Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Escrow Deposit Released Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Maturities of Long-term Debt [Abstract] Maturities of Long-term Debt [Abstract] 2016 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal, Remainder of Fiscal Year 2017 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two 2018 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three 2019 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four 2020 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal after Year Five Deferred issuance costs Deferred Finance Costs, Net Total long-term debt Long-term Debt Less current portion Total long-term debt, less current portion Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Net realized foreign currency gain (loss) Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), Realized Net unrealized foreign currency gain (loss) Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), Unrealized Other, net Other Sundry Nonoperating Income (Expense) Other nonoperating income or expense not including foreign currency gain or loss. Total other income (expense), net Quarterly Results of Operations - Unaudited Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Maximum Maximum [Member] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Buildings Building [Member] Furniture and equipment Furniture and Fixtures [Member] Computer equipment and software Computer Equipment and Software [Member] Computer Equipment and Software Property, Plant and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property and equipment, estimated useful life Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Tax benefit (expense) related to foreign currency translation adjustments recorded in comprehensive loss Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Financial Statement Details Additional Financial Information Disclosure [Text Block] Equity [Abstract] Schedule of Stock by Class Schedule of Stock by Class [Table Text Block] Concentration Risk Type [Axis] Concentration Risk Type [Axis] Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Geographic Concentration Risk Geographic Concentration Risk [Member] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Net Service Revenue Sales Revenue, Services, Net [Member] Revenues from External Customers Total net service revenue Total revenue Concentration risk percentage Concentration Risk, Percentage Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Minimum Minimum [Member] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Expected volatility of the Company's stock, low end of range Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate, Minimum Expected volatility of the Company's stock, high end of range Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate, Maximum Risk-free interest rate, low end of range Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate, Minimum Risk-free interest rate, high end of range Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate, Maximum Expected life of option (in years) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term Expected dividend yield on the Company's stock Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate Schedule of Segment Information Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Axis] Equity Award [Domain] Equity Award [Domain] Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] Number of RSUs Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward] Non-vested at December 31, 2014 (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number Granted (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Vested (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period Forfeited (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period Non-vested at December 31, 2015 (in shares) Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract] Non-vested at December 31, 2014 (in usd per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Granted (in usd per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Vested (in usd per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Forfeited (in usd per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Non-vested at December 31, 2015 (in usd per share) Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Restructuring and other costs Other Restructuring [Member] Kendle Acquisition Kendle Acquisition [Member] Kendle Acquisition Restructuring Plan [Axis] Restructuring Plan [Axis] Restructuring Plan [Domain] Restructuring Plan [Domain] 2011 Integration and Realignment Plan Twenty Eleven Integration and Realignment Plan [Member] 2011 Integration and Realignment Plan 2013 Realignment Plan Twenty Thirteen Realignment Plan [Member] 2013 Realignment Plan 2014 Realignment Plan Twenty Fourteen Realignment Plan [Member] 2014 Realignment Plan 2015 Realignment Plan Twenty Fifteen Realignment Plan [Member] Twenty Fifteen Realignment Plan [Member] Restructuring Type [Axis] Restructuring Type [Axis] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Severance Costs Employee Severance [Member] Facility Closure Cost Facility Closing [Member] Restructuring Cost and Reserve Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Restructuring charges (reductions) Expected number of positions expected to be eliminated Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Number of Positions Eliminated Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Customer relationships Customer Relationships [Member] Acquired backlog Order or Production Backlog [Member] Trademarks — other Trademarks [Member] Noncompete agreements Noncompete Agreements [Member] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Finite-lived intangible assets, gross Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Accumulated amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Finite-lived intangible assets, net Total intangible assets, gross Intangible Assets, Gross (Excluding Goodwill) Accumulated amortization Total intangible assets, net Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Related-Party Transactions Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block] Operations by Geographic Location Disclosure Of Segment Information By Geographic Area [Text Block] Disclosure of Segment Information by Geographic Area [Text Block] Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Class A common stock Common Class A [Member] Class B common stock Common Class B [Member] Class of Stock Class of Stock [Line Items] Shares Authorized: Shares Authorized [Abstract] Shares Authorized [Abstract] Common stock, shares authorized Common Stock, Shares Authorized Preferred stock, shares authorized Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Common and Preferred stock, shares authorized Common and Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Common and Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Shares Issued: Shares Issued [Abstract] Shares Issued [Abstract] Common stock, shares issued Common Stock, Shares, Issued Preferred stock, shares issued Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Total shares issued Shares, Issued Shares Outstanding: Shares Outstanding [Abstract] Shares Outstanding [Abstract] Common stock, shares outstanding Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Preferred stock, shares outstanding Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding Total shares outstanding Shares, Outstanding Basis of Presentation and Changes in Significant Accounting Policies Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Cash Total fair value Assets acquired: Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Assets [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Cash and Equivalents Accounts receivable Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets, Receivables Other current assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets, Other Property and equipment Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Property, Plant, and Equipment Intangible assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Intangible Assets, Other than Goodwill Other assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Other Noncurrent Assets Total assets acquired Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Assets Liabilities assumed: Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Liabilities [Abstract] Accounts payable Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities, Accounts Payable Accrued liabilities Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities, Other Total liabilities assumed Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Liabilities Net identifiable assets acquired Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net Impact of foreign currency translation Goodwill, Translation Adjustments Self-insurance reserves Self Insurance Reserve Schedule of Accounts Receivable, Net and Changes in the Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table Text Block] Schedule of Changes in the Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Schedule of Credit Losses for Financing Receivables, Current [Table Text Block] Schedule of Property and Equipment, Net Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] Change in Carrying Amount of Goodwill Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block] Schedule of Finite Lived Intangible Assets Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block] Schedule of Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets Schedule of Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block] Schedule of Future Amortization Expense Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block] Schedule of Accrued Liabilities Schedule of Accrued Liabilities [Table Text Block] Other Long Term Liabilities Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Table Text Block] Schedule of Other Income (Expense), Net Schedule of Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Table Text Block] Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table Text Block] Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Common Stock Common Stock [Member] Additional Paid-in Capital Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Treasury Stock Treasury Stock [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member] Accumulated Deficit Retained Earnings [Member] Class D Common Stock Common Class D [Member] Common Class D Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Balance at beginning of period (in shares) Balance at beginning of period Stock Repurchase (in shares) Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares Stock Repurchase Stock Repurchased During Period, Value Net Exercise of stock options and payment for tax withholding (in shares) Shares Paid for Tax Withholding for Share Based Compensation Net Exercise of stock options and payment for tax withholding Adjustments Related to Tax Withholding for Share-based Compensation Issuance of common stock (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues Issuance of common stock Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues Redemption of new common stock (in shares) Stock Redeemed or Called During Period, Shares Redemption of new common stock Treasury stock acquired (in shares) Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired Treasury stock acquired Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method Treasury stock retired Treasury Stock, Retired, Cost Method, Amount Exercise of stock options (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period Exercise of stock options Stock Issued During Period, Value, Stock Options Exercised Share-based compensation Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition Dividends paid Income tax benefit from share-based award activities Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Income Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax benefit (expense) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Balance at end of period (in shares) Balance at end of period Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract] Defined Contribution Plan [Table] Defined Contribution Plan [Table] Defined Contribution Plan Type [Axis] Defined Contribution Plan Type [Axis] Defined Contribution Plan Type [Domain] Defined Contribution Plan Type [Domain] United States Pension Plan of US Entity United States Pension Plan of US Entity [Member] Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Employer matching contribution (percentage) Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Matching Contribution, Percent of Match Maximum employee contribution (percentage) Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Matching Contribution, Percent of Employees' Gross Pay Participants vesting period (years) Defined Contribution Plan, Vesting Period Defined Contribution Plan, Vesting Period Employer contribution Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Recognized Software Software and Software Development Costs [Member] Computer equipment Computer Equipment [Member] Leasehold improvements Leasehold Improvements [Member] Office furniture, fixtures, and equipment Real property Land and Building [Member] Assets not yet placed in service Assets Not Yet Placed In Service [Member] Assets Not Yet Placed In Service Property and equipment, gross Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Less accumulated depreciation Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Property and equipment, net Maturities of Debt Obligations Under 2015 Credit Agreement Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block] Schedule of Future Minimum Lease Payments Under Capital Leases and Non-Cancellable Operating Leases Schedule of Future Minimum Lease Payments for Capital Leases [Table Text Block] Deferred tax assets: Deferred Tax Assets, Gross [Abstract] Net operating losses Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards Tax credits Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards Deferred revenue Deferred Tax Assets, Deferred Income Foreign exchange Deferred Tax Assets, Unrealized Currency Losses Employee compensation and other benefits Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits, Employee Benefits Allowance for doubtful accounts Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals, Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Deferred rent Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals, Deferred Rent Accrued liabilities Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals, Accrued Liabilities Other Deferred Tax Assets, Other Total deferred tax assets Deferred Tax Assets, Gross Less: valuation allowance Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance Net deferred tax assets Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance Deferred tax liabilities: Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross [Abstract] Undistributed foreign earnings Deferred Tax Liabilities, Undistributed Foreign Earnings Foreign branch operations Deferred Tax Liabilities, Earnings of Foreign Branch Operations Deferred Tax Liabilities, Earnings of Foreign Branch Operations Depreciation and amortization Deferred Tax Liabilities, Property, Plant and Equipment Total deferred tax liabilities Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross Net deferred tax (liabilities) assets Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net Net deferred tax (liabilities) assets Deferred Tax Assets, Net Number of Options Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward] Outstanding at December 31, 2014 (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number Granted (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross Exercised (in shares) Forfeited (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period Expired (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Expirations in Period Outstanding at December 31, 2015 (in shares) Vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2015 (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Exercisable, Number Exercisable at December 31, 2014 (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number Weighted Average Exercise Price Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract] Outstanding at December 31, 2014 (in usd per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Granted (in usd per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Exercised (in usd per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Forfeited (in usd per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Expired (in usd per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Expirations in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Outstanding at December 31, 2015 (in usd per share) Vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2015 (in usd per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Exercisable at December 31, 2015 (in usd per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years) Share-based Compensation Arrangement By Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life [Abstract] Share-based Compensation Arrangement By Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life [Abstract] Outstanding at December 31, 2015 (in years) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Vested and exercisable at December 31, 2015 (in years) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Exercisable at December 31, 2016 (in years) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in thousands) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Aggregate Intrinsic Value [Abstract] Outstanding at December 31, 2015 (in usd) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value Vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2015 (in usd) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Exercisable, Aggregate Intrinsic Value Exercisable at December 31, 2015 (in usd) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value Finite lived intangible asset, useful life Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life U.S. federal income tax (expense) benefit at statutory rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Amount Increase (decrease) in income tax benefit (expense) resulting from: Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Amount [Abstract] Foreign income inclusion Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Foreign Income Inclusion Foreign income inclusion under Internal Revenue Code Section 956 and Subpart F U.S. taxes recorded on previous foreign earnings Decrease (increase) in valuation allowance Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance, Amount Foreign branch earnings Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Foreign Branch Earnings, Amount Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Foreign Branch Earnings, Amount Tax credits Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Credit, Amount Income not subject to taxation Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Exempt Income, Amount State and local taxes, net of federal benefit Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, State and Local Income Taxes, Amount Capitalized transaction costs Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense, Other, Amount Impact of foreign rate differential Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Foreign Income Tax Rate Differential, Amount Decrease (increase) in reserve for uncertain tax positions Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Contingency, Amount Provision to tax return and other deferred tax adjustments Effective Income Tax Reconciliation, Expense Due to Write-Off of Deferred Tax Assets Effective Income Tax Reconciliation, Expense Due to Write-Off of Deferred Tax Assets Goodwill impairment Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense, Impairment Losses, Amount Other, net Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Adjustments, Amount Income tax (expense) benefit Changes in enacted tax rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Enacted Tax Rate, Amount Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Clinical Development Services Clinical Development Services [Member] Clinical Development Services [Member] Phase I Services Phase I Services [Member] Phase I Services [Member] Goodwill Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill [Roll Forward] Goodwill [Roll Forward] Beginning balance, gross goodwill Goodwill, Gross Beginning balance, accumulated impairment losses Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss Beginning balance, total goodwill and accumulated impairment losses Acquisition of MEK Goodwill, Acquired During Period Impairment of goodwill Impact of foreign currency translation and other Goodwill, Translation Adjustments and Other Impact of foreign currency translation adjustments on goodwill. Ending balance, gross goodwill Ending balance, accumulated impairment losses Ending balance, total goodwill and accumulated impairment losses Preferred stock, par value (USD per share) Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, par value (USD per share) Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward] Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward] Balance at beginning of the period Statute closures Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Reduction Resulting from Lapse of Applicable Statute of Limitations Additions for tax positions of prior years Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions Reductions for tax positions of prior years Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions Impact of changes in exchange rates Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Foreign Currency Translation Settlements for tax positions of prior years Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Settlements with Taxing Authorities Balance at end of the period Accounts receivable, billed Accounts Receivable, Gross, Current Less allowance for doubtful accounts Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current Accounts receivable billed, net Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable [Roll Forward] Balance at the beginning of the period Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Balance Current year recovery (provision) Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged to Cost and Expense Write-offs, net of recoveries Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Adjustments Balance at the end of the period Summary of Stock Option Activity Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block] Summary of Other Information Pertaining to Stock Option Awards Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Table Text Block] Summary of Restricted Stock Unit Activity Schedule of Nonvested Restricted Stock Units Activity [Table Text Block] Summary of Share-Based Compensation Expense Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Table Text Block] Stock Option Valuation Assumptions Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block] Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax benefit (expense) of $0, $44 and ($44), respectively Comprehensive income (loss) Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Risks and Uncertainties [Abstract] Concentration Risk [Table] Concentration Risk [Table] Customer [Axis] Customer [Axis] Customer [Domain] Customer [Domain] Otsuka Holdings Co. and Subsidiaries Otsuka Holdings Co. and Subsidiaries [Member] Otsuka Holdings Co. and Subsidiaries Astellas Pharma, Inc. and Subsidiaries Astellas Pharma, Inc. and Subsidiaries [Member] Astellas Pharma, Inc. and Subsidiaries Customer Concentration Risk Customer Concentration Risk [Member] Concentration Risk Concentration Risk [Line Items] Share-Based Compensation Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] December 31, 2016 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Remainder of Fiscal Year December 31, 2017 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two December 31, 2018 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three December 31, 2019 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four December 31, 2020 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five Thereafter Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, after Year Five Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Document Type Document Type Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Public Float Entity Public Float Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Other Assets Other Assets [Member] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] 2011 Credit Agreement Credit Agreement Two Thousand Eleven [Member] Two Thousand Eleven Credit Agreement [Member] 11.5% 2011 Senior Notes Two Thousand Eleven Eleven Point Five Percent Senior Notes [Member] 11.5% 2011 Senior Notes 2015 Credit Agreement Credit Agreement 2015 [Member] Credit Agreement 2015 Credit Agreement 2014 Credit Agreement 2014 [Member] 2014 Credit Agreement Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Domain] Credit Facility [Domain] Term Loan Secured Debt [Member] Revolver Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Letter of credit Letter of Credit [Member] Swingline loan Bridge Loan [Member] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Domain] Federal Funds Effective Rate Federal Funds Effective Swap Rate [Member] Eurodollar Rate Eurodollar [Member] Base Rate Base Rate [Member] Debt Instrument Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument, term Debt Instrument, Term Maximum borrowing capacity Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Amount outstanding Long-term Line of Credit Deferred issuance costs Principal payment required in year one (percent of outstanding balance) Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment, Principal, Percent Scheduled quarterly principal payment percent of total aggregate initial principal borrowed. Quarterly principal payment required in year one Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment, Principal Principal payment required in year two (percent of outstanding balance) Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment, Principal Due in Year Two, Percent Scheduled quarterly principal payment percent of total initial principal borrowed, due in year two. Quarterly principal payment required in year two Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment, Principal Due in Year Two Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment, Principal Due in Year Two Principal payment required in year three (percent of outstanding balance) Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment, Principal Due in Year Three, Percent Scheduled quarterly principal payment percent of total initial principal borrowed, due in year three. Quarterly principal payment required in year three Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment, Principal Due in Year Three Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment, Principal Due in Year Three Principal payment required in year four (percent of outstanding balance) Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment, Principal Due in Year Four, Percent Scheduled quarterly principal payment percent of total initial principal borrowed, due in year four. Quarterly principal payment required in year four Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment, Principal Due in Year Four Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment, Principal Due in Year Four Principal payment required in year five (percent of outstanding balance) Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment, Principal Due in Year Five, Percent Scheduled quarterly principal payment percent of total initial principal borrowed, due in year five. Quarterly principal payment required in year five Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment, Principal Due in Year Five Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment, Principal Due in Year Five Prepayment of debt Remaining borrowing capacity under Revolver Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity Applicable margin on variable rate (percent) Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Commitment fee percentage Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage Interest rate at period end Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate at Period End Permitted increase in borrowing capacity under credit facility (not to exceed) Line of Credit Facility, Permitted Maximum Borrowing Increase Permitted maximum borrowing increase under line of credit facility. Loss on extinguishment of debt Loss on extinguishment of debt related to unamortized discount Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt, before Write off of Deferred Debt Issuance Cost Loss on extinguishment of debt related to unamortized debt issuance costs Write off of Deferred Debt Issuance Cost Interest rate during period Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate During Period Redemption principal amount Debt Instrument Redemption, Principal Amount Debt Instrument Redemption, Principal Amount Interest rate on senior notes Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Redemption premium and make-whole interest payment Debt Instrument, Redemption Premium And Make-Whole Interest Debt Instrument, Redemption Premium And Make-Whole Interest Debt issuance costs Unamortized Debt Issuance Expense Unamortized discount Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount Secured net leverage ratio (no more than) Debt Instrument, Covenant, Secured Leverage Ratio, Maximum Debt Instrument, Covenant, Secured Leverage Ratio, Maximum Interest coverage ratio (no less than) Debt Instrument, Covenant, Interest Coverage Ratio, Maximum Debt Instrument, Covenant, Interest Coverage Ratio, Maximum Debt issuance cost Debt Issuance Cost Facilities rent expense Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Net Early lease termination fee Gain (Loss) on Contract Termination Capital lease obligation Capital Lease Obligations Gross value of capital leased assets Capital Leased Assets, Gross Accumulated depreciation associated with capital lease assets Capital Leases, Lessee Balance Sheet, Assets by Major Class, Accumulated Depreciation Concentration of Credit Risk Concentration Risk Disclosure [Text Block] Uncertain tax positions Liability for Uncertain Tax Positions, Noncurrent Accrued restructuring costs, less current portion Restructuring Reserve, Noncurrent Other liabilities Other Sundry Liabilities, Noncurrent Total other long-term liabilities Total Revenue by Geographic Area Revenue from External Customers by Geographic Areas [Table Text Block] Long-Lived Assets by Geographic Area Long-lived Assets by Geographic Areas [Table Text Block] Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Stock Conversion Description [Axis] Stock Conversion Description [Axis] Conversion of Stock, Name [Domain] Conversion of Stock, Name [Domain] Class B Common Stock to Class A Common Stock Class B Common Stock to Class A Common Stock [Member] Class B Common Stock to Class A Common Stock [Member] Sale of Stock [Axis] Sale of Stock [Axis] Sale of Stock [Domain] Sale of Stock [Domain] Initial Public Offering IPO [Member] Registered Secondary Offering Registered Secondary Offering [Member] Registered Secondary Offering [Member] Over-Allotment Option Over-Allotment Option [Member] Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Domain] Plan Name [Domain] Corporate Reorganization, IPO Related Corporate Reorganization, IPO related [Member] Corporate Reorganization, IPO related [Member] Class A and Class B Common Stock Class A and Class B Common Stock [Member] Class A and Class B Common Stock IPO price per share (USD per share) Shares Issued, Price Per Share Issuance of common stock Proceeds from issuance initial public offering Proceeds from Issuance Initial Public Offering Stock split conversion ratio Stockholders' Equity Note, Stock Split, Conversion Ratio Common stock, par value Preferred stock, par value Ownership following conversion (percent) Common Stock Owned, Third-Party Investor, Ownership Percentage Common Stock Owned, Third-Party Investor, Ownership Percentage Redemption of new common stock Stock repurchased (in shares) Stock repurchased, price per share (USD per share) Treasury Stock Acquired, Average Cost Per Share Total value of stock repurchased, net of underwriting discounts, commissions and related expenses Shares sold by shareholders Shareholder, Sale of Shares, Shares Number of shares sold held by shareholders. Shareholders, conversion of stock, shares converted Shareholders, Conversion of Stock, Shares Converted Shareholders, Conversion of Stock, Shares Converted Shareholders, conversion of stock, shares converted ratio Shareholders, Conversion of Stock, Shares Converted Ratio Shareholders, Conversion of Stock, Shares Converted Ratio Number of votes (per share) Common Stock, Votes per Share Common Stock, Votes per Share Special dividends, annual maximum amount Dividends, Common Stock, Special, Annual Maximum, Cash Dividends, Common Stock, Special, Annual Maximum, Cash Special dividends Dividends, Common Stock, Special, Cash Dividends, Common Stock, Special, Cash Special dividends, shares Dividends, Common Stock, Special, Shares Dividends, Common Stock, Special, Shares Liquidation preference per share Common Stock, Liquidation Preference Per Share Common Stock, Liquidation Preference Per Share Net Income (Loss) (Numerator) Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations and Disposal of Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Basic Share [Abstract] Effect of dilutive securities Dilutive Securities, Effect on Basic Earnings Per Share, Options and Restrictive Stock Units Diluted net income (loss) per share Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Diluted Number of Shares (Denominator) Basic net income per share (in shares) Effect of dilutive securities (in shares) Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-based Payment Arrangements Diluted net income per share (in shares) Per Share Amount Earnings Per Share, Basic [Abstract] Segment Information Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Earnings Per Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Subsidiary or Equity Method Investee, Sale of Stock by Subsidiary or Equity Investee [Table] Subsidiary or Equity Method Investee, Sale of Stock by Subsidiary or Equity Investee [Table] Initial Public Offering Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items] Advertising Costs Marketing and Advertising Expense [Abstract] Advertising costs Advertising Expense Earnings Per Share Number of reportable segments Number of Reportable Segments Number of operating segments Number of Operating Segments Weighted average grant date fair value of options granted Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Total intrinsic value of options exercised Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Intrinsic Value Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Stock Options and Restricted Stock Units Stock Compensation Plan [Member] Antidilutive Securities, Stock Compensation Plan, Type [Axis] Antidilutive Securities, Stock Compensation Plan, Type [Axis] Antidilutive Securities, Stock Compensation Plan, Type [Axis] Antidilutive Securities, Stock Option, Type [Domain] Antidilutive Securities, Stock Option, Type [Domain] [Domain] for Antidilutive Securities, Stock Option, Type [Axis] Antidilutive Securities Excluded Due to Exercise/Threshold Price Exceeding Average Market Price of Common Stock During the Period Antidilutive Securities Excluded Due to Exercise/Threshold Price Exceeding Average Market Price of Common Stock During the Period [Member] Antidilutive Securities Excluded Due to Exercise/Threshold Price Exceeding Average Market Price of Common Stock During the Period [Member] Antidilutive Securities Excluded Due to Reporting of Net Loss During the Period Antidilutive Securities Excluded Due to Reporting of Net Loss During the Period [Member] Antidilutive Securities Excluded Due to Reporting of Net Loss During the Period[Member] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Total common stock equivalents excluded from diluted earnings per share computation Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Compensation, including bonuses, fringe benefits, and payroll taxes Employee-related Liabilities, Current Accrued interest Interest Payable, Current Accrued taxes Taxes Payable, Current Accrued rebates to customers Accrued Rebates To Customers, Current Accrual for rebates provided to customers (current). Accrued professional fees Accrued Professional Fees, Current Accrued restructuring costs, current portion Restructuring Reserve, Current Contingent consideration payable on acquisitions Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability, Current Current portion of deferred income tax liability Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross, Current Other liabilities Other Accrued Liabilities, Current Total accrued liabilities Restructuring and Other Costs Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Federal income taxes: Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] Current Current Federal Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred Deferred Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Foreign income taxes: Foreign Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] Current Current Foreign Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred Deferred Foreign Income Tax Expense (Benefit) State income taxes: State and Local Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] Current Current State and Local Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred Deferred State and Local Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Business Combinations Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block] Operating Leases Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] 2016 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Remainder of Fiscal Year 2017 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years 2018 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years 2019 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years 2020 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Five Years 2021 and thereafter Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter Total minimum payments Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Shareholders' Equity Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Phase I Services Segment Reporting Information Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Revenue: Segment Reporting Information, Revenue for Reportable Segment [Abstract] Segment revenue Reimbursable out-of-pocket expenses not allocated to segments Direct costs: Segment Reporting Information Direct Costs [Abstract] Segment Reporting Information Direct Costs [Abstract] Segment direct costs Reimbursable out-of-pocket expenses not allocated to segments Direct costs and reimbursable out-of-pocket expenses Cost of Revenue Segment contribution margin: Segment Reporting Information Contribution Margin [Abstract] Segment Reporting Information Contribution Margin [Abstract] Segment contribution margin Gross Profit Less expenses not allocated to segments: Segment Reporting, Expenses not Allocated [Abstract] Segment Reporting, Expenses not Allocated [Abstract] Selling general and administrative Transaction expenses Goodwill and intangible assets impairment Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Amortization and Accretion, Net Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Table] Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Table] Direct Costs Selling, general, and administrative Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items] Total share-based compensation expense Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Schedule of Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Schedule of Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Global Consulting Global Consulting [Member] Global Consulting [Member] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Long-lived asset impairment charge Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Held-for-use Impairment of intangible assets Intangible assets Increase in other long-term assets Other Long-Term Assets, Increase (Decrease) Other Long-Term Assets, Increase (Decrease) Amortization period for other long-term assets (years) Amortization of Other Long-Term Assets, Period for Recognition Amortization of Other Long-Term Assets, Period for Recognition Estimated Useful Lives of Property and Equipment Estimated Useful Lives of Intangible Assets Schedule Of Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets, Estimated Useful Life [Table Text Block] Schedule of Finite and Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets, Estimated Useful Life [Table Text Block] Income from operations Net (loss) income Basic earnings per share (USD per share Diluted earnings per share (USD per share Transaction expenses Costs Related To Business Acquisition And Debt Refinancing Transactions Costs Related to Business Acquisition and Debt Refinancing Transactions Goodwill and intangible assets impairment Goodwill and Intangible Asset Impairment Valuation Allowance [Table] Valuation Allowance [Table] Valuation Allowance Valuation Allowance [Line Items] Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward] Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward] Balance at the beginning of the period Charged (credited) to income tax expense Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged to Other Accounts Other adjustments Balance at the end of the period Industry of Counterparty, Type [Axis] Industry of Counterparty, Type [Axis] Industry of Counterparty [Domain] Industry of Counterparty [Domain] Brokerage Services Provider Receivable Brokerage Services Provider Receivable [Member] Brokerage Services Provider Receivable [Member] Employee Stock Option Employee Stock Option [Member] 2013 Options Modification Two Thousand Thirteen Options Modification [Member] 2013 Options Modification 2014 Options Modification Two Thousand Fourteen Options Modification [Member] 2014 Options Modification 2014 Equity Incentive Plan Two Thousand Fourteen Equity Incentive Plan [Member] Two Thousand Fourteen Equity Incentive Plan Vesting period (in years) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period Expiration term (in years) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Period Number of shares authorized Common Stock, Capital Shares Reserved for Future Issuance Number of shares available for future grants Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant Share price (in usd per share) Share Price Unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested stock options Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Not yet Recognized, Stock Options Weighted average period of recognition (in years) Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition Stock options exercised (in shares) Number of current employees affected by plan modification Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Plan Modification, Number of Employees Affected Aggregate number of shares affected by plan modification Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Plan Modification, Aggregate Number of Shares Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Plan Modification, Aggregate Number of Shares Incremental compensation expense Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Plan Modification, Incremental Compensation Cost Unrecognized compensation expense related to RSU's Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Not yet Recognized, Share-based Awards Other than Options Income tax benefit recognized for stock-based compensation arrangements Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit from Compensation Expense Employee Severance Costs Facility Closure Charges Other Charges Restructuring Reserve Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward] Balance at beginning of the period Restructuring Reserve Expenses incurred Payments made Payments for Restructuring Balance at end of the period Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Domestic Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Domestic Foreign Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Foreign Estimated Fair Value of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block] Employee Benefit Plan Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Debt and Leases Debt Disclosure [Text Block]