Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	Dec. 31, 2012
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Treasury Stock	Treasury Stock We account for treasury stock transactions at cost and for the reissuance of treasury stock using the average cost.
Principles of Consolidation	Principles of Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include our accounts and those of our subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and the related notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates and may affect future results of operations and cash flows. Examples include: determination of the allowance for doubtful accounts, accruals for incentive compensation, the fair value of acquisition-related contingent consideration, revenue-related percentage of completion estimates, the measurement of deferred tax assets, estimating future performance for recording expense associated with our performance based long-term incentive plan, and the assessment of recoverability of intangible assets and goodwill. We base our estimates on historical trends, current experience and other assumptions that we believe are reasonable.
Cash and Cash Equivelants	Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash equivalents are comprised of liquid instruments with original maturity dates of 90 days or less.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	Fair Value of Financial Instruments We consider the recorded value of our financial assets and liabilities, which consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, and accounts payable, to approximate the fair value of the respective assets and liabilities at December 31, 2012 and 2011 based upon the short-term nature of the assets and liabilities. In addition, the fair value of our bank debt considers counter party credit risk and as of December 31, 2012 approximated carrying value. As noted below, we maintain interest rate derivatives which are recorded at fair value (see Note 15 — Fair Value).
Accounts Receivable Realization	Accounts Receivable Realization We maintain allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from our review and assessment of our clients’ ability to make required payments, and the estimated realization, in cash, by us of amounts due from our clients. If our clients’ financial condition were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payment, additional allowances might be required. If the collectability of billed amounts is not assured, an allowance is recorded to general and administrative expense. If the collectability of unbilled amounts is not assured an allowance is recorded as a reduction to revenue.
Property and Equipment	Property and Equipment We record property and equipment at cost. We compute depreciation using the straight-line method based on the estimated useful lives of the assets, ranging from three to seven years for software and for furniture, fixtures and equipment. We compute amortization of leasehold improvements over the shorter of the remaining lease term or the estimated useful life of the asset. The lease term of our leaseholds expire at various dates through 2022.
Operating Leases	Operating Leases We lease office space under operating leases. Some of the lease agreements contain one or more of the following provisions or clauses: tenant allowances, rent holidays, lease premiums, and rent escalation clauses. For the purpose of recognizing these provisions on a straight-line basis over the terms of the leases, we use the date of initial possession to begin amortization, which is generally when we enter the space and begin to make improvements in preparation of intended use. For tenant allowances and rent holidays, we record a deferred rent liability and amortize the deferred rent over the terms of the leases as reductions to rent expense. For scheduled rent escalation clauses during the lease term or for rental payments commencing at a date other than the date of initial occupancy, we record minimum rental expenses on a straight-line basis over the terms of the leases. In addition, some of our operating leases contain exit clauses, which include termination fees associated with exiting a lease prior to the expiration of the lease term. We record termination obligations when we give notice to the landlord that we have elected the termination clause of such agreement.
Notes Receivable and Prepaid Sign-on and Retention Bonuses	Notes Receivable and Prepaid Sign-on and Retention Bonuses We grant and pay sign-on and retention bonuses to attract and retain highly-skilled consultants. Generally, we require grantees to sign incentive recovery agreements, which obligate the grantees to fulfill a service term, typically between one to five years. If such service term is not fulfilled, the monetary equivalent of the uncompleted service term is required to be paid back to us. We record paid sign-on and retention bonuses to current and non-current other assets and the bonuses are amortized as compensation expense over the service period as defined by the incentive recovery agreements. Certain sign-on and retention bonuses of relatively low amounts are expensed to compensation expense when paid. We also issue notes receivable in the form of unsecured employee loans with terms that are generally three to five years. These loans were issued to recruit and retain highly-skilled consultants. The principal amount and accrued interest is either paid by the consultant or forgiven by us over the terms of the loans, so long as the consultants continue employment and comply with certain contractual requirements. The expense associated with the forgiveness of the principal amount of the loans and accrued interest is recorded as compensation expense over the service period, which is consistent with the term of the loans. The accrued interest is calculated based on the loan’s effective interest rate and is recorded as interest income.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	Goodwill and Intangible Assets Goodwill represents the difference between the purchase price of acquired companies and the related fair value of the net assets acquired, which is accounted for by the acquisition method of accounting. Intangible assets consist of identifiable intangibles other than goodwill. Identifiable intangible assets other than goodwill include customer lists and relationships, employee non-compete agreements, backlog revenue and trade names. Our long-term assets are subject to changes in events or circumstances that could impact their carrying value. Goodwill is tested for impairment annually during the second quarter. In addition to our annual goodwill test, on a periodic basis, we are required to consider whether it is more likely than not that the fair value has fallen below the carrying amount of an asset and thus requiring us to perform an interim goodwill impairment test. We consider elements and other factors including, but not limited to: • adverse changes in the business climate in which we operate; • attrition of key personnel; • unanticipated competition; • our market capitalization in excess of our book value; • our recent operating performance; and/or • our financial projections. The goodwill impairment test is performed at a reporting unit level. A reporting unit, as defined by Accounting Standard Codification (ASC) 350, is an operating segment of a business one level below if discrete financial information is available and regularly reviewed by segment management. At December 31, 2012, we have four operating segments which are also considered to be our reporting units, as follows: Disputes, Investigations & Economics, Financial, Risk & Compliance Advisory, Healthcare and Energy. On January 1, 2012, we adopted the principles prescribed in Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2011-08, "Intangibles — Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Goodwill for Impairment" (“ASU Topic 350”) which permits an entity to make a qualitative assessment of whether it is more likely than not that a reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying amount before applying a two-step goodwill impairment test. This step is referred to as “step zero.” If an entity concludes that it is not likely that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, it would not be required to perform a two-step impairment test for that reporting unit. The guidance lists certain factors to consider when making the qualitative assessment. In the event that the conclusion requires the two-step test, the first step compares the fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying value. The fair value is determined using a discounted cash flow analysis (income approach) and a comparable company analysis (market approach). The second step is performed only if the carrying value exceeds the fair value determined in step one. We determine the fair value of a reporting unit by using an equal weighting of estimated fair value using the income and market approaches. The income approach uses estimated future cash flows and terminal values. Assumptions used to determine future cash flows include: forecasted growth rates; profit margins; longer-term historical performance and cost of capital. Our assumptions are consistent with our internal projections and operating plans. Our internal projections and operating plans and thus our estimated fair value may be impacted by the overall economic environment. Our assumption may change as a result of, among other things: changes in our estimated business future growth rate; profit margin; long-term outlook; market valuations of comparable companies; the ability to retain key personnel; changes in operating segments; competitive environment and weighted average cost of capital. Under the market approach for determining fair value we adopt certain assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk or the risks inherent in the inputs to the valuation. Inputs to the valuation can be readily observable, market-corroborated or unobservable. Wherever possible, we use valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs; however, due to the use of our own assumptions about the inputs in measuring fair value, our goodwill impairment testing also makes use of significant unobservable inputs. The fair value of our reporting units is also impacted by our overall market capitalization and may be impacted by volatility in our stock price and assumed control premium, among other things. If the carrying value exceeds the fair value determined in step one, step two is performed. Step two requires us to calculate the implied fair value of a reporting unit’s goodwill. This is accomplished by performing a hypothetical purchase price allocation for the reporting unit as of the measurement date, similar to the purchase price allocation used when purchasing a new business. We estimate the fair value of the reporting unit’s assets and liabilities and deem the residual fair value of the reporting unit as the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill. To the extent that the implied fair value of goodwill is below our carrying value, an impairment charge is recorded to reduce the carrying value to the implied fair value. The resulting impairment charge may be significantly higher than the difference between the carrying value and fair value determined in step one as a result of fair value assigned to other assets and liabilities in the hypothetical purchase price allocation completed in step two. Our annual goodwill impairment test was completed in the second quarter of 2012 and was completed based on our four reporting units. At that time, as a result of our segment realignment, we did not perform step zero and completed the first step of the goodwill impairment test and determined that the estimated fair value of each reporting unit exceeded its net asset carrying value. Accordingly, there was no indication of impairment and the second step was not performed. Intangible assets with definite lives are amortized based on the estimated period of consumption. We review these assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate an asset’s carrying value may not be recoverable. Further information regarding our goodwill balances and current year impairment testing and review can be found in Note 5 – Goodwill and Intangible Assets.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition We recognize revenues when evidence of an arrangement exists, the price of work is fixed or determinable, work is performed and collectability is reasonably assured. We generate the majority of our revenues from providing services under the following types of billing arrangements: time and material, fixed-fee and transaction/event-based. For our time and material billing arrangements, clients are invoiced based on the number of hours worked by our consultants at the contracted bill rates or on units of service delivered, which are reviewed on a periodic basis. Revenue is recognized as work is performed on our time and material engagements. Additionally, revenue is recognized on our units of production engagements in a similar manner based on measures such as the number of items processed at agreed-upon rates. With our fixed-fee billing engagements, we are contracted to complete a pre-determined set of professional services for a pre-determined fee. However, the fee and engagement scope can be adjusted based on a mutual agreement between us and the client. In many cases, the recording of fixed revenue amounts requires us to make an estimate of the total amount of work to be performed, and revenues are then recognized as efforts are expended based on (i) objectively determinable output measures, (ii) input measures if output measures are not reliable or (iii) the straight-line method over the term of the arrangement. In transaction or event-based billing arrangements, fees are tied to the completion of contractually defined requirements. In many cases, this contingent fee is earned in addition to an hourly or fixed-fee, but is not recognized until certain milestones or objectives are met. We also recognize revenue from business referral fees or commissions on certain contractual outcomes. Revenue recognized by transaction or event-based billing arrangements may cause unusual variations in quarterly revenues and operating results. In connection with recording revenues, estimates and assumptions are required in determining the expected conversion of the revenues to cash. We may provide multiple services under the terms of an arrangement and are required to assess whether one or more units of accounting are present. Reimbursable expenses for our engagements include transportation, lodging, out-of-pocket and independent contractor costs. Such expenses are included in our revenues as applicable and are passed through to cost of services. Typically, reimbursable expenses are recognized as revenue during the period in which the expense is incurred. Revenues recognized for services performed but not yet billed are recorded as unbilled receivables on our consolidated balance sheet. Advance payments and retainers are recorded as deferred revenue and are recognized as services are provided. Any taxes assessed on revenues relating to services provided to our clients are recorded on a net basis.
Legal	Legal We record legal expenses as incurred. Potential exposures related to unfavorable outcomes of legal matters are accrued for when they become probable and reasonably estimable.
Share-based Compensation	Share-Based Compensation We recognize the cost resulting from all share-based compensation arrangements, including stock options, restricted stock and restricted stock units that we grant under our long-term incentive plans in the financial statements based on their grant date fair value. The expense is recognized over the requisite service period or performance period of the award. Awards with a graded vesting period based on service are expensed on a straight-line basis for the entire award. Awards with performance-based vesting requiring the achievement of a specific financial target at the end of the performance period and required service period are recognized over the performance period. Each reporting period, we reassess the probability of achieving the performance targets. If these targets are not met, no compensation cost is recognized and any previously recognized amount recorded is reversed. If the award contains market-based vesting targets, the total compensation is based off of the fair value at grant date based on expected achievement of market targets and is not reversed if estimated targets are not likely to be met or are determined to be lower than initial expectations. Stock options grant date fair value is based on the Black-Scholes pricing model. The Black-Scholes model requires judgmental assumptions including volatility and expected term, both based on historical experience. The risk-free interest rate is based on U.S. Treasury interest rates whose term is consistent with the expected term of the option. Restricted stock and restricted stock unit fair value is based on the closing price of the underlying stock on the date of the grant. At the time of the grant, we make an estimation for expected forfeitures based upon past experience. Compensation expense is recorded only for those awards expected to vest. Our forfeiture rate is reviewed periodically and may change from year to year.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes We account for income taxes in accordance with the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. When appropriate, we evaluate the need for a valuation allowance to reduce deferred tax assets. The evaluation of the need for a valuation allowance requires management judgment and could impact our financial results and effective tax rate. We record interest and penalties as a component of our income tax provision. Such amounts were not material during 2012, 2011 or 2010.
Foreign Currency Translation	Foreign Currency Translation The balance sheets of our foreign subsidiaries are translated into United States dollars using the period-end exchange rates, and revenues and expenses are translated using the average exchange rates for each period. The resulting translation gains or losses are recorded in stockholders’ equity as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income. Gains and losses resulting from foreign exchange transactions are recorded in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. Such amounts were not significant during 2012, 2011 or 2010.
Interest Rate Derivatives	Interest Rate Derivatives We maintain interest rate swaps that are designated as cash flow hedges to manage the market risk from changes in interest rates on a portion of our variable rate term loans. We recognize derivative instruments which are cash flow hedges as assets or liabilities at fair value, with the related gain or loss reflected within stockholders' equity as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income. Such instruments are recorded at fair value at each reporting date on a recurring basis. Changes in fair value as calculated are recorded in other comprehensive income (see Note 10 - Derivatives and Hedging Activity) only to the extent of effectiveness. Any ineffectiveness on the instruments would be recognized in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. The differentials to be received or paid under the instruments are recognized in earnings over the life of the contract as adjustments to interest expense. During 2012, 2011 and 2010, we recorded no gain or loss due to ineffectiveness and recorded $0.5 million, $1.3 million and $4.8 million, respectively, in interest expense associated with differentials paid under the instrument. Based on the net fair value of our interest rate swaps at December 31, 2012, we expect no material expense related to these instruments in 2013.
Accounting for Business Acquisition	Accounting for Business Combinations We use the acquisition method of accounting under the authoritative guidance on business combinations. Each acquired company’s operating results are included in our consolidated financial statements starting on the date of acquisition. The purchase price is equivalent to the fair value of consideration transferred. Tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the date of acquisition are recorded at fair value as of the acquisition date. Goodwill is recognized for the excess of purchase price over the net fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Contingent consideration, which is primarily based on the business achieving certain performance targets, is recognized at its fair value on the acquisition date, and changes in fair value are recognized in earnings until settled. For the year ended December 31, 2012, we recorded $1.1 million of additional expense for these fair value adjustments. No such changes were recognized for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010. The fair value of the contingent consideration is based on our estimations of future performance of the business and is determined based on Level 2 observable inputs.
Comprehensive Income	Comprehensive Income Comprehensive income consists of net income, foreign currency translation adjustments and unrealized net loss and gain on the interest rate derivatives.