Consolidated Statements Of Operations (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Consolidated Statements Of Operations [Abstract]
Revenue	$ 1,059,803	$ 926,289	$ 884,950
Cost of services	834,502	732,326	708,386
Gross profit	225,301	193,963	176,564
Operating and administrative expenses	196,826	185,958	194,699
Restructuring and other related costs	8,100
Goodwill impairment		8,312
Operating profit (loss)	20,375	(307)	(18,135)
Other income (expense), net	(245)	(540)	81
Equity in losses of affiliated companies		(2,299)	(1,357)
Income (loss) before income taxes	20,130	(3,146)	(19,411)
Income tax expense	5,130	7,668	508
Net income (loss)	15,000	(10,814)	(19,919)
Less: Income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	167	44	(17)
Net income (loss) attributable to CDI	$ 14,833	$ (10,858)	$ (19,902)
Earnings (loss) per common share:
Basic	$ 0.77	$ (0.57)	$ (1.05)
Diluted	$ 0.77	$ (0.57)	$ (1.05)