Property and Equipment Balances Net of Accumulated Depreciation (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Capitalized software costs	$ 179,040		$ 163,688
Furniture and equipment	25,605		29,467
Leasehold improvements	44,742		49,168
Computer and communications equipment	189,893		178,170
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross, Total	439,280		420,493
Less: accumulated depreciation	288,739		264,211
Property and equipment, net	$ 150,541	[1]	$ 156,282	[1]

[1] Total long-lived assets include property and equipment, net and at September 30, 2012, excludes $10,571 attributable to the Careers-China business whose assets are reported as business held for sale.