Accounts receivable, net Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Accumulated amortization on intangible assets Accumulated amortization - finite-lived intangible assets Accumulated other comprehensive income Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract] Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization Finite-lived intangibles Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Capital in excess of par value Capital expenditures Payments to Acquire Productive Assets Loss from sale of an equity investment Gain (Loss) on Sale of Equity Investments Advertising expenses ADVERTISING COSTS Allowance for doubtful accounts Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Member] Stock-based awards [Member] Non-cash impairment charge for tradenames related to the two business units Consolidated Balance Sheets [Abstract] Swiss franchise realized gains Swiss franchise realized losses Net earnings / (loss) per share - basic (in dollars per share) Net earnings / (loss) per share - basic (in dollars per share) Net earnings (loss) per share - basic (in dollars per share) Building [Member] Total purchase price Acquisition date Percent of shares and voting rights acquired (in hundredths) Intangible assets Total current assets Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Current Assets Cash and cash equivalents Prepaid expenses and other assets Accounts receivable, net Total current liabilities Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Current Liabilities Accounts payable Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Current Liabilities, Accounts Payable Accrued liabilities Goodwill Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Goodwill Amount Goodwill deductible for tax purposes Other long-term liabilities Other assets Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Other Noncurrent Assets Property and equipment Business Acquisition 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share) Net earnings (loss) per share - diluted (in dollars per share) BASIS OF CONSOLIDATION Pretax income of non-U.S operations Earnings from Equity Investments Effect of exchange rate changes on cash Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents U.S. Federal statutory rate (in hundredths) Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs, Report Line [Domain] Income tax benefit recognized related to share-based compensation Share-based compensation Share-based Compensation Share-based compensation expense / (benefit) Revenues from services Disclosure on Geographic Areas, Revenue from External Customers Attributed to Foreign Countries Carrying value of equity method investments Equity Investments Equity Method Investee, Name [Domain] Ownership interest to qualify for equity method, maximum (in hundredths) Prior year adjustment FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS Financial Standby Letter of Credit [Member] Standby Letters of Credit [Member] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Amortization expense related to intangibles Future amortization expense [Abstract} FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION Foreign Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] Non-U.S. Plans [Member] Reacquired Franchise Rights [Member] 2016 Future Amortization Expense, Year Five 2015 Future Amortization Expense, Year Four 2012 Future Amortization Expense, Year One 2014 Future Amortization Expense, Year Three 2013 Future Amortization Expense, Year Two GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS Goodwill [Line Items] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Gross profit Gross profit Change in estimate Goodwill impairment methodology Goodwill impairment losses Goodwill impairment, pre-tax Impairment charge Intangible assets impairment losses Consolidated Statements Of Operations [Abstract] Income Tax Contingency [Line Items] Income Tax Contingency [Table] Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Potential interest and 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liabilities Curtailments Defined Benefit Plan, Curtailments Discount rate (in hundredths) Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Discount Rate Transfers Defined Benefit Plan, Divestitures, Benefit Obligation Transfers Defined Benefit Plan, Divestitures, Plan Assets Effect of one-percentage point change in assumed health care cost trend rates [Abstract] Effect of 1% decrease on benefit obligation Effect of 1% decrease on total of service and interest cost components Effect of 1% increase on benefit obligation Effect of 1% increase on total of service and interest cost components Percentage of equity (in hundredths) Projected benefit payment estimates [Abstract] 2012 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments in Year One 2013 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments in Year Two 2014 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments in Year Three 2015 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments in Year Four 2016 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Rate of Compensation Increase Service cost Service cost Curtailments Defined Benefit Plan, Settlements, Plan Assets Ultimate health care cost trend rate (in hundredths) Weighted-average assumptions used in measurement of benefit obligation [Abstract] Weighted-average assumptions used in measurement of net periodic benefit cost [Abstract] Year that health care cost trend rate reaches ultimate trend rate Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Disclosures [Axis] Benefit obligation, beginning of year Benefit obligation, end of year Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Preferred stock, authorized shares (in shares) Preferred stock, issued (in shares) Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share) Retiree drug subsidy reimbursements Proceeds from long-term debt Proceeds from the sale of an equity investment Cash proceeds from sale of an equity investment in Japan Proceeds from the sale of property and equipment Land, buildings, leasehold improvements and equipment Property and equipment, gross Net property and equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Property and equipment [Abstract] PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT Provision for doubtful accounts Tax audit settlement ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS Unrecognized tax benefits [Roll forward] Repayments of long-term debt Repayments of Long-term Debt Repurchases of common stock Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Reorganization costs Reorganization charges Balance, beginning of period Balance, end of year Restructuring Reserve Costs paid or utilized Retained earnings Franchise fees REVENUES AND RECEIVABLES Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block] Revenues from services As reported Revenues from Services Reconciliation of changes in benefit obligations and fair value of plan assets and funded status of plans Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table Text Block] Long-Term Debt Revenues by geographical region Schedule of Revenue from External Customers Attributed to Foreign Countries by Geographic Area [Table Text Block] Long-lived assets by geographical region Schedule of Disclosure on Geographic Areas, Long-Lived Assets in Individual Foreign Countries by Country [Table Text Block] Goodwill by reportable segment Short-Term Borrowings Property and equipment Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Text Block] Segment Data Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Segment information - Depreciation and Amortization Expense, Equity Investments, Earnings from Equity Investment, Long-Lived Assets and Additions to Long-Lived Assets Segment information - Revenues from Services, Operating Profit/(Loss), Total Assets Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items] Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated [Table] Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items] Reconciliation of Revenue from Segments to Consolidated [Table] Selling and administrative expenses Forfeited (in shares) Weighted average price per share, Forfeited (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Granted (in shares) Shares granted (in shares) Weighted average price per share, Granted (in dollars 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 Unvested, beginning of period (in shares) Unvested, end of period (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number Weighted average price per share, Unvested, beginning of period 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Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Options outstanding and exercisable Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Weighted-average interest rates Short-term borrowings Short-Term Debt [Abstract] Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Software [Member] State and Local Jurisdiction [Member] U.S. State [Member] Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows [Abstract] Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity [Abstract] Share Repurchase Programs [Abstract] Unrecognized Tax Benefit Activity Open tax years Supplemental Cash Flow Information Excess tax benefit on exercise of stock options Total current assets Assets, Current Current Assets Tradenames [Member] Treasury Stock [Member] Shares repurchased (in shares) United States Pension Plans of US Entity, Defined Benefit [Member] U.S. Plans [Member] Gross unrecognized tax benefits, beginning of year Gross 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Award, Fair Value Assumptions and Methodology [Abstract] Dividends Dividends, Common Stock Excess income tax benefit recognized related to share-based compensation awards Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Income Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation Balance (in shares) Balance (in shares) Shares, Issued Net assets acquired Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net Net Earnings / (Loss) Per Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Transaction costs associated with the acquisition Net earnings / (loss) Net earnings / (loss) As reported Net earnings / (loss) available to common shareholders Consideration paid in cash Consideration paid, equity portion Business acquisition, debt repaid upon closing Depreciation and amortization Depreciation and Amortization Expense Shareholders' Equity Total shareholders' equity Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Acquisitions Business Combination 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impairment loss Acquisitions [Abstract] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value by Measurement Frequency [Axis] Future minimum payments under noncancelable operating leases Components of Future Income Tax Benefits (Expense) Provision for Income Taxes Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation Goodwill and intangible assets Fair value of assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis COMSYS Acquisition, Fair Value of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed Contingencies [Abstract] Income Taxes [Abstract] Goodwill and intangible assets [Abstract] Goodwill [Abstract] Fair Value Measurements [Abstract] Debt [Abstract] Debt (Tables) [Abstract] Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Rental expense for all operating leases Goodwill Goodwill Disclosure [Text Block] Loss from sale of an equity investment Retirement And Deferred Compensation Plans [Abstract] Amortization of intangible assets Amortization of intangible assets Intangible asset amortization expense Quarterly data Plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of fair value of plan assets Amounts recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), net of tax Weighted-average assumptions used in measurement of benefit obligation and net periodic benefit cost Schedule of Assumptions Used [Table Text Block] Plans with projected benefit obligation in excess of fair value of plan assets Projected future benefit payments Components of net periodic benefit cost and other amounts recognized in Other Comprehensive Loss (Income) Stock option activity Assumptions used to estimate fair value of share awards Quarterly Data (Unaudited) [Abstract] Derivative Financial Instruments [Abstract] Outstanding letters of credit Share-Based Compensation Plans [Abstract] Effect of one-percentage-point change in assumed health care cost trend rates USE OF ESTIMATES SUBSEQUENT EVENTS Authorized amount Facility fee (in hundredths) Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Restricted Stock Units [Member] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Table] Goodwill and intangible asset impairment charges Non-cash goodwill and intangible asset impairment charges Impairment charge Goodwill and intangible asset impairment charges Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Weighted-average useful lives (in years) Weighted average remaining contractual term, Unvested, beginning of period (in years) Weighted average remaining contractual term, Unvested, end of period (in years) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract] Segment Data [Abstract] SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS [Abstract] Other Intangible Assets [Member] Shares authorized to be repurchased (in shares) Remaining number of shares authorized to be repurchased (in shares) Consideration paid in common stock, number of shares issued (in shares) Pro forma Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Revenue Pro forma Common stock issued for acquisition Income Tax Authority [Axis] No expirations Vesting period (in years) Interest and other expenses Net Earnings / (Loss) Per Share Options exercisable, weighted-average exercise price (in dollars per share) Options outstanding, weighted-average remaining contractual life (in years) Options outstanding, weighted-average exercise price (in dollars per share) Weighted average remaining contractual term, Outstanding, end of period (in years) Weighted-average remaining life (in years) Aggregate intrinsic value, Exercisable, end of period Restricted stock activity Bank Loan Obligations [Member] Fixed Income Securities, Bank Loans [Member] Gain/(Loss) associated with forward contracts included in earnings Amendment Flag Current Fiscal Year End Date Document Period End Date Entity [Text Block] Entity [Domain] Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Filer Category Entity Public Float Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Legal Entity [Axis] Document Type Office Closure Costs The charge against earnings in the period for known and estimated costs of consolidating or closing facilities and termination of an operating lease. The expense is net of reversals. Office closure costs, net Severance Costs Net The charge against earnings in the period for known and estimated costs of termination benefits provided to employees that are involuntarily terminated under a benefit arrangement associated with exit from/disposal of business activities/restructurings pursuant to a duly authorized plan, excluding costs/losses pertaining to an entity newly acquired in a business combination or a discontinued operation as defined by GAAP and costs associated with one-time termination benefits. The expense is net of reversal Severance costs, net Accrued Salaries Current And Accrued Vacation Current Sum of the carrying values as of the balance sheet date of the obligations incurred through that date and payable for 1) permanent employees' services provided and 2) unused vacation time owed to employees based on the entity's vacation benefit given to its employees. Used to reflect the current portion of the liabilities (due within one year or within the normal operating cycle if longer). Employee compensation payable Non-cash financing activity [Abstract] Non-cash financing activity: Performance period Represents the period over which Operating Profit Margin performance will be measured in order to determine award levels in relation to performance share units granted. Deferred Stock [Abstract] Deferred Compensation Plans, Asset Liability Aggregate carrying value as of the balance sheet date of the assets and liabilities for significant deferred compensation arrangements. Represents currently earned compensation under compensation arrangements that is not actually paid until a later date. Deferred compensation plans, asset and liability Defined Benefit Plan Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income After Tax The after tax total of net gain (loss), prior service cost (credit) and transition assets (obligations) included in accumulated other comprehensive income associated with a defined benefit pension or other postretirement plan(s) because they have yet to be recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost. Total Defined benefit plans (Note 8) Defined benefit plans (Note 8) Defined Benefit Plan Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Net Prior Service Cost Credit After Tax Amount related to the after tax cost of benefit changes attributable to plan participants' prior service pursuant to a plan amendment or a plan initiation, which has not yet been recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost. Prior service cost Defined Benefit Plan Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Net Gains Losses After Tax The after tax net amount of gains and losses that are not yet recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost, and that are recognized as increases or decreases in other comprehensive income as they arise. Gains and losses are due to changes in the value of either the benefit obligation or the plan assets resulting from experience different from that assumed or from a change in an actuarial assumption, or the consequence of a decision to temporarily deviate from the substantive plan. Net loss (gain) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Unrealized gain (loss), effective portion of net investment hedges, net of taxes Accumulated change, net of tax, in accumulated gains and losses from derivative instruments designated and qualifying as the effective portion of hedges of a net investment in a foreign entity. Unrealized loss, effective portion of net investment hedges included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), net of taxes Indefinite-lived intangible assets, accumulated impairment loss The accumulated impairment losses as of the balance sheet date relating to indefinite lived intangible assets. Accumulated impairment loss Capitalized software for internal use [Abstract] Goodwill Impairment Loss, After-Tax After-tax loss recognized during the period that results from the write-down of goodwill after comparing the implied fair value of reporting unit goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. Goodwill is assessed at least annually for impairment. Goodwill impairment, after-tax Number of reporting units experiencing strong indicators of impairment Number of reporting units experiencing strong indicators of impairment Total gross intangible assets Sum of the gross carrying amounts before accumulated amortization as of the balance sheet date of all intangible assets. The aggregate gross carrying amount (including any previously recognized impairment charges) of a major intangible asset class. A major class is composed of intangible assets that can be grouped together because they are similar, either by their nature or by their use in the operations of a company. Total intangible assets, gross Fair value of goodwill and tradenames [Abstract] Nature of operations [Abstract] Basis of consolidation [Abstract] Revenues and receivables [Abstract] Equity Method Investment Ownership Percentage, minimum The minimum percentage of ownership of common stock or equity participation in the investee accounted for under the equity method of accounting. Ownership interest to qualify for equity method, minimum (in hundredths) Operating Unit Profit (loss) Operating unit profit (loss) is equal to segment revenues less cost of services and branch and national headquarters operating costs. This profit measure does not include goodwill and intangible asset impairment charges or amortization of intangibles related to acquisitions, interest and other income and expense amounts or income taxes. Operating Unit Profit (Loss) Savings Related Share Option Scheme [Abstract] Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Abstract] Unrecognized tax benefits, reductions from expiration of statute of limitations and audit settlements The gross amount of decreases in unrecognized tax benefits resulting from lapses of the applicable statutes of limitations and from settlements with taxing authorities. Expiration of statute of limitations and audit settlements Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Alloction, Total assets The sum of assets acquired in a business combination. Total assets Total assets Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Total liabilities assumed The sum of liabilities assumed as a result of a business combination. Total liabilities assumed Total liabilities assumed Defined Benefit Plan Fair Value Of Plan Assets By Asset Category [Abstract] Fair value of pension plan assets by asset category [Abstract] Defined Benefit Plans Total Amounts Recognized In Net Periodic Benefit Cost And Other Comprehensive Income Loss Before Tax Period Increase Decrease Total amounts recognized in in net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive income, including the net gain (loss) and net prior service cost (credit) arising during the period. Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive income / loss Defined Benefit Plan Number Of Plans Using Guaranteed Insurance Contracts Number of defined benefit plans using guaranteed insurance contracts. Number of foreign plans using guaranteed insurance contracts Defined Benefit Plan Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost Expected Long Term Return On Assets Maximum An assumption as to the highest rate of return on non-U.S. plan assets reflecting the rate of earnings expected on the funds invested or to be invested to provide for the benefits included in the benefit obligation. Expected long-term rate of return, non-U.S., highest (in hundredths) Defined Benefit Plan Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost Expected Long Term Return On Assets Minimum An assumption as to the lowest rate of return on non-U.S. plan assets reflecting the rate of earnings expected on the funds invested or to be invested to provide for the benefits included in the benefit obligation. Expected long-term rate of return, non-U.S., lowest (in hundredths) Defined Benefit Plan Accumulated Benefit Obligation For Plans That Do Not Have Plan Assets For defined benefit pension plans, the actuarial present value of benefits (whether vested or nonvested) attributed by the pension benefit formula to employee service rendered before a specified date and based on employee service and compensation (if applicable) before that date for the plans that do not have plan assets. Accumulated benefit obligation for plans that do not have plan assets Fair Value Plan Assets Measured On Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of plan assets measured at fair value, by category that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis. The disclosures include the fair value measurements at the reporting date by the level within the fair value hierarchy in which the fair value measurements in their entirety fall, segregating fair value measurements using quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1), significant other observable inputs (Level 2), and significant unobservable inputs (Level 3). Fair value of plan assets by asset category Defined Benefit Plan Expected Future Benefit Payments Total The total amount of the aggregate benefits expected to be paid. Total projected benefit payments Tax benefits relating to unrecognized tax benefits Tax benefits recognized relating to unrecognized tax benefits. Unrecognized tax benefits including potential interest and penalties The gross amount of unrecognized tax benefits pertaining to uncertain tax positions taken in tax returns including potential interest and penalties as of the balance sheet date. Balance, end of year Net operating loss carryforwards expiring after five years For net operating loss carryforwards expiring after the fifth year following the balance sheet date. Thereafter Net operating loss carryforward expiring within five years For net operating loss carryforwards expiring within the fifth year following the balance sheet date. Year 5 Net operating loss carryforwards expiring within four years For net operating loss carryforwards expiring within the fourth year following the balance sheet date. Year 4 Net operating loss carryforward expiration within three years For net operating loss carryforwards expiring within the third year following the balance sheet date. Year 3 Net operating loss carryforwards expiration in two years For net operating loss carryforwards expiring within the second year following the balance sheet date. Year 2 Net operating loss carryforwards expiration within twelve months For net operating loss carryforwards expiring within twelve months of the balance sheet date. Year 1 Expirations of Net Operating Loss Carryforwards [Abstract] Goodwill balances by reporting unit [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of goodwill balances by reporting unit. Goodwill balances by reporting unit Goodwill by reporting unit [Abstract] Other goodwill detail [Abstract] Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Stock Options Additional shares included in the calculation of diluted EPS as a result of the potentially dilutive effect of stock options using the treasury stock method. Effect of dilutive securities - stock options (in shares) Discounted issue price The debt discount is the percentage of the face amount at which the notes were issued. Discounted issue price (in hundredths) Impairment charge per diluted share Per share amount of loss recognized during the period from the impairment of goodwill and intangible assets other than goodwill. Impairment charge per diluted share (in dollars per share) Reorganization costs per diluted share Per share amount charged against earnings in the period for incurred and estimated costs associated with exit from or disposal of business activities or restructurings pursuant to a duly authorized plan, excluding asset retirement obligations. Reorganization costs per diluted share (in dollars per share) Market price of shares traded on an exchange, Low Market price of shares traded on an exchange, Low. Low (in dollars per share) Market price of shares traded on an exchange, High Market price of shares traded on an exchange, High. High (in dollars per share) Market price [Abstract] Market price: Other segment disclosures [Abstract] Reclassification of French business tax The French Business Tax was reported in Provision for Income Taxes rather than in Cost of Services, in accordance with the current accounting guidance on income taxes. However, we view this tax as operational in nature. Accordingly, the financial information presented above continues to include the French Business Tax within the OUP of our France reportable segment. Therefore, we have shown the amount of the French Business Tax separately to be able to reconcile to our Earnings before Income Taxes. Reclassification of French business tax Corporate expenses Corporate expenses not allocated to segments. Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Outstanding Vested Number The number of vested equity-based payment instruments, excluding stock (or unit) options, that validly exist and are outstanding as of the balance sheet date. Vested shares outstanding (in shares) Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Outstanding Aggregate Intrinsic Value As of the balance sheet date, the total dollar difference between fair values of the underlying shares reserved for issuance and exercise prices of nonvested equity instruments other than options outstanding. Aggregate intrinsic value, Unvested, end of period Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Grants In Period Gross Gross number of shares (or share units) of equity instruments other than options granted during the period. Shares granted, gross (in shares) Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Payroll Deduction Period The payroll deduction period over which specified payroll deductions are made to accumulate funds used for share-based payment award. Payroll deduction period to accumulate funds used for share-based payment award (in months) Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Purchase Price Percentage Of Fair Market Value, Minimum The minimum purchase price of stock purchase options expressed as a percentage of the fair market value. Purchase price, minimum (in hundredths) Employee Stock Purchase Plan, Purchase Price Percentage of Fair Market Value The purchase price as a percentage of fair market value of the company's common stock for employees under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan. Purchase price (in hundredths) Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Settlement Period Settlement period after the date of grant, after which the deferred stock can be settled in shares of common stock. Settlement period after date of grant (in years) Schedule Of Threshold, Target And Outstanding Award Levels For Performance Share Units [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of threshold, target and outstanding award levels for each outstanding grant of performance share units. Threshold, target and outstanding award levels for each outstanding grant of performance share units Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Implied Volatility Stock Options, Weight The weight of the implied volatility based on the exchange traded options for the Company's common stock used in the fair value assumptions of the stock options granted. Implied volatility based on exchange traded options for Company's common stock, weight (in hundredths) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Daily Historical Volatility of Stock Price, Weight The weight of the weighted average daily historical volatility of Company's stock price used in the fair value assumptions of the stock options granted. Weighted average of daily historical volatility of Company's stock price, weight (in hundredths) Options And Stock Appreciation Rights, Grant Price Minimum Percentage Minimum grant price of options and stock appreciation rights as a percentage of the fair market value at date of grant. Grant price of options and stock appreciation rights as percentage of fair market value at date of grant, minimum (in hundredths) Net loss earnings [Abstract] Net earnings / (loss) Employee Compensation Payable The amount of acquisition cost of a business combination allocated to employee compensation payable of the acquired entity. Employee compensation payable Accounts Payable And Accrued Temp Payroll Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of liabilities incurred (and for which invoices have typically been received) and payable to vendors and temporary employees for goods and services received that are used in an entity's business. Used to reflect the current portion of the liabilities (due within one year or within the normal operating cycle if longer). Accounts payable Capital charges assumption as a percent of revenue The assumed capital charges, expressed as a percent of revenue, utilized in the valuation of net assets acquired in a business combination. Capital charges assumption as a percent of revenue (in hundredths) Discount rate used in valuation of assets and liabilities acquired The discount rate used to estimate the fair value of assets and liabilities acquired in a business combination. Discount rate used in valuation of assets and liabilities acquired (in hundredths) Percentage of consideration paid in cash The percentage of the total consideration paid for an acquisition that was paid in the form of cash. Percentage of consideration paid in cash (in hundredths) Percentage of consideration paid in common stock The percentage of the total consideration paid for an acquisition that was paid in the form of common stock. Percentage of consideration paid in common stock (in hundredths) Acquisition cost per share The value, in currency per share, of the acquiree company's common stock as of the date of acquisition. Value of common stock acquired (price per share) Interest Income Interest income received from interest bearing assets. The balance includes income earned in return for depositing or lending money that can include income from time deposits, demand deposits, saving accounts, certificates of deposit, money market deposits, bonds, and loans. Interest income Interest And Other Expenses [Text Block] The entire disclosure for interest income and expense, foreign exchange gains and losses and other miscellaneous non-operating income and expenses. Interest and Other Expenses Accrued Payroll Taxes And Employee Benefits Current Sum of 1) the carrying value as of the balance sheet date of 1) obligations incurred and payable for statutory payroll taxes incurred through that date and withheld from employees pertaining to services received from them, including entity's matching share of the employees FICA taxes and contributions to the state and federal unemployment insurance programs. Used to reflect the current portion of the liabilities (due within one year or within the normal operating cycle if longer) and 2) obligations, excluding pension and other postretirement benefits, incurred through that date and payable for perquisites provided to employees pertaining to services received from them. Used to reflect the current portion of the liabilities (due within one year or within the normal operating cycle if longer). Accrued payroll taxes and insurance Interest And Other Nonoperating Expenses Sum of interest income and expense, foreign exchange gains and losses and other miscellaneous non-operating income and expenses. Interest and other expenses Interest and other expense Interest and other expenses Selling And Administrative Expenses Excluding Goodwill And Intangible Asset Impairment Charges The aggregate total costs related to selling a firm's product and services, including all other general and administrative expenses but excluding goodwill and intangible asset impairment charges. Direct selling expenses (for example, credit, warranty, and advertising) are expenses that can be directly linked to the sale of specific products. Indirect selling expenses are expenses that cannot be directly linked to the sale of specific products, for example telephone expenses, Internet, and postal charges. Selling and administrative expenses, excluding impairment charges Americas reportable segment [Member] Segment information pertaining to Americas. Southern Europe reportable segment [Member] Segment information pertaining to Southern Europe. Northern Europe reportable segment [Member] Segment information pertaining to Northern Europe. Right Management reportable segment [Member] Segment information pertaining to Right Management. APME reportable segment [Member] Segment information pertaining to Asia Pacific Middle East. Corporate reportable segment [Member] Represents corporate amounts not allocated to segments. United States reportable segment [Member] Segment information related to the United States reportable segment. France reportable segment [Member] Segment information related to the France reportable segment. Italy reportable segment [Member] Segment information related to the Italy reportable segment. Other Americas reportable segment [Member] Segment information related to the Americas excluding the United States reportable segment. Other Southern Europe reportable segment [Member] Segment information related to the Southern Europe segment excluding France and Italy reportable segments. Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Member] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets amortized over their individual useful lives. Indefinite-lived intangible assets [Member] Indefinite-lived intangible assets, useful life does not apply to these items. Goodwill [Member] Cumulative amount paid and (if applicable) the fair value of any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree, adjusted for any amortization recognized prior to the adoption of any changes in generally accepted accounting principles (as applicable) and for any impairment charges, in excess of the fair value of net assets acquired in one or more business combination transactions. Schedule of Intangible Assets [Table] Schedule of Intangible Assets [Line Items] Swiss Franchise [Member] A franchise in Switzerland, in which we hold a 49 percent interest. Furniture, Fixtures and Autos [Member] Long lived, depreciable assets, commonly used in offices and stores and autos. Common Stock Repurchase 2007 Authorization [Member] Authorized in 2007 [Member] Represents treasury stock transactions made under the 2007 Share Repurchase authorization by the Board of Directors. Common Stock Repurchase 2010 Authorization [Member] Authorized in 2010 [Member] Represents treasury stock transactions made under the 2010 Share Repurchase authorization by the Board of Directors. Common Stock Repurchase 2011 Authorization [Member] Authorized in 2011 [Member] Represents treasury stock transactions made under the 2011 Share Repurchase authorization by the Board of Directors. COMSYS [Member] Information pertaining to acquisition of COMSYS IT Partners, Inc. Proservia Sa [Member] Proservia SA [Member] Information pertaining to acquisition of Proservia SA. All Other Acquisitions [Member] Acquisitions other than separately identified items. Deferred Stock Units [Member] Deferred stock units as awarded by a company to non-employee directors as a form of incentive compensation. Performance Share Units [Member] Performance Share Units awarded by a company to their employees as a form of incentive compensation tied to their performance. U K Savings Related Share Option Scheme [Member] A stock plan which offers employees the opportunity to obtain an option for a specified number of shares of common stock at not less than 85% of its market value on the day prior to the offer to participate in the plan. U. K. Savings Related Share Option Scheme [Member] Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member] A stock plan under which designated employees meeting certain service requirements may purchase shares of the Company's common stock through payroll deductions. Nonemployee Director Restricted Stock [Member] Shares of restricted stock awarded to nonemployee directors. Threshold Award [Member] In the event the performance criteria falls below the target performance level, a reduced number of shares, as low as the Threshold Award level, may be granted. Target Award [Member] In the event the performance criteria meets the target performance level, the number of shares, up to the Target Award level, may be granted. Outstanding Award [Member] In the event the performance criteria exceeds the target performance level, an additional number of shares, up to the Outstanding Award level, may be granted. Cash Retainer [Member] Deferred stock units issued in lieu of the annual cash retainer to non-employee directors. Board Service [Member] Deferred stock units issued to non-employee directors for compensation for board service. Selling and Administrative Expense [Member] The allocation (or location) of expense to (in) selling and administrative expense. Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Level [Axis] Pertinent data describing and reflecting required disclosures pertaining to an equity-based compensation arrangement, by award level. Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Award Level [Domain] Equity-based compensation award levels. Range One [Member] Exercise Price $26 - $34 [Member] Stock options outstanding and exercisable with exercise price range of $26 to $34 per share. Range Two [Member] Exercise Price $35 - $44 [Member] Stock options outstanding and exercisable with exercise price range of $35 to $44 per share. Range Three [Member] Exercise Price $45 - $55 [Member] Stock options outstanding and exercisable with exercise price range of $45 to $55 per share. Range Four [Member] Exercise Price $56 - $93 [Member] Stock options outstanding and exercisable with exercise price range of $56 to $93 per share. Current [Member] The current portion of the aggregate tax effects as of the balance sheet date of all future tax deductions arising from temporary differences between tax basis and generally accepted accounting principles basis recognition of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, which can only be deducted for tax purposes when permitted under enacted tax laws. Noncurrent [Member] The noncurrent portion of the aggregate tax effects as of the balance sheet date of all future tax deductions arising from temporary differences between tax basis and generally accepted accounting principles basis recognition of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, which can only be deducted for tax purposes when permitted under enacted tax laws. Income Taxes, Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table] Deferred Taxes, by Classification [Axis] Presentation of deferred tax assets and liabilities on a current or noncurrent basis. Deferred Taxes, by Classification [Domain] Presentation of deferred tax assets and liabilities on a current or noncurrent basis. Income Taxes, Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Line Items] U S Federal and Non U S [Member] U.S. Federal and Non-U.S. [Member] The group of designated tax departments of the governments that are entitled to levy and collect income taxes from the entity in or outside their countries of domicile. Americas [Member] Americas reportable segment Southern Europe [Member] Southern Europe reportable segment Northern Europe [Member] Northern Europe reportable segment APME [Member] APME reportable segment Right Management [Member] Right Management reportable segment Corporate [Member] Corporate reportable segment United States [Member] United States operating segment Elan [Member] Elan operating segment Netherlands (Vitae) [Member] Netherlands operating segment France [Member] France operating segment Italy [Member] Italy operating segment Euro-denominated Notes Tranche 1 [Member] Euro 300 Due June 2012 [Member] EUR 300M aggregate principal amount 4.50% notes Euro-denominated Notes Tranche 2 [Member] Euro 200 Due June 2013 [Member] EUR 200M aggregate principal amount 4.75% notes Other Debt [Member] Other long-term debt not otherwise identified. Credit Agreement [Member] $800M Credit Agreement [Member] Information pertaining to the $800M Credit Agreement. Prior Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Information pertaining to the prior revolving credit facility. This revolving credit facility was replaced by the new Five-Year Credit Agreement. Uncommitted Credit Lines [Member] Uncommitted credit lines for working capital needs of subsidiaries. Line Of Credit Facility By Facility [Axis] The information pertaining to the line of credit by facility. Line Of Credit Facility Facility [Domain] Identification of the facility. Equity Securities U S Companies [Member] This category includes ownership interest in United States corporations. Equity Securities, U.S. Companies [Member] Equity Securities, International Companies [Member] This category includes ownership interest in international corporations. Fixed Income Securities, Government Bonds [Member] This category includes investments in debt securities issued by U.S. Treasury/ Federal agency and foreign governments. Fixed Income Securities, Guaranteed Insurance Contracts [Member] A contract promising a stated nominal interest rate over some specific time period, usually several years. Unitized Funds [Member] A fund structure that allows investors to pool assets while retaining individual net asset values for each participant and keeping track of historical fund records. Each investor in the fund is accounted for separately and has their own unit - their own class of shares of the portfolio's total assets. United Kingdom [Member] Geographical information pertaining to business activities in the United Kingdom. Total Foreign [Member] Geographical information pertaining to all the business activities outside the United States. Segment, Region [Axis] The geographical segments reported in a Statement. Segment, Region [Domain] The name of a geographic segment representing facts about a reporting entity disaggregated by the geographic area of the entities activities. This element may be used to identify operations in an individual country or group of countries depending on materiality. If a Geographical segment is an individual country use the countries defined in the Country Domain (Domain -2000) to identify the country segment. CommonStockDividendsPerShareDeclared Dividends per share (in dollars per share) Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Entity by Location [Axis] Location [Domain] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Performance Share Units Activity [Abstract] Performance Share Units [Abstract] Unrecognized Tax Benefits [Abstract] Tradename Impairment After Tax Tradename impairment, after-tax The after-tax charge against earnings resulting from the write down of tradename due to the difference between the carrying value and lower fair value. Swiss Franchise Investment Market Value Investment in debt and equity securities that are categorized as neither held-to-maturity or trading, associated with a Swiss franchise in which we hold a 49 percent interest. Award Level Award levels for each outstanding grant Award Payout Percentage of Performance Target Award payout percentage of performance target Award payout percentage of performance target (in hundredths) Deferred compensation plan assets Estimated net loss that will be amortized from AOCI into net periodic benefit cost during next fiscal year Estimated prior service cost that will be amortized from AOCI into net periodic benefit cost during next fiscal year AwardLevel Award levels for each outstanding grant Award Level Expected Additional Cost Resulting From Downgrades Impact of downgrades from credit rating agencies on facility fees Impact of downgrades from credit rating agencies on facility fees Available-for-sale investments unrealized loss Interest Expense Associated With Repayments Of Amounts Outstanding Under Revolving Credit Agreement And Termination On Interest Rate Swap Agreements Interest expense associated with repayments of amounts outstanding under the previous Revolving Credit Agreement and termination of interest rate swap agreements. Interest expense associated with repayments of amounts outstanding under revolving credit agreement and termination on interest rate swap agreements Corporate Right Management [Member] The portion of Right Management goodwill assigned to the Corporate reportable segment. Corporate - Right Management [Member] Corporate Jefferson Wells [Member] Represents amounts attributable to Jefferson Wells which are carried under the Corporate reportable segment. Corporate Jefferson Wells [Member]