Summarized Results of Business Held for Sale (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
(Loss) income from business held for sale, net of tax	$ (233,228)	$ 13,279	$ (242,706)	$ 8,276
Careers - China
Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Revenue	8,636	10,469	31,452	28,885
Operating expenses	232,514	(1,507)	264,426	23,487
Interest and other, net	(260)	(57)	(642)	(4)
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes	9,090	(1,360)	9,090	(2,882)
(Loss) income from business held for sale, net of tax	(233,228)	13,279	(242,706)	8,276
Careers - China | Salaries and related
Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Operating expenses	7,898	7,706	18,804	17,349
Careers - China | Office and general
Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Operating expenses	4,416	4,572	12,976	11,372
Careers - China | Marketing and promotion
Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Operating expenses	3,919	3,615	16,206	12,166
Careers - China | Restructuring and other special charges
Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Operating expenses	60		219
Careers - China | Release of ChinaHR escrowed funds
Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Operating expenses		(17,400)		(17,400)
Careers - China | Impairment of Goodwill
Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Operating expenses	$ 216,221		$ 216,221