Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Consolidation [Policy Text Block]

Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation

The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission regulations. The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of the Company’s majority-owned subsidiaries. All material intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated upon consolidation.

Reclassification, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Reclassification

Certain prior year balances in the Consolidated Balance Sheet have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.

Use of Estimates [Policy Text Block]

Use of Estimates, Risks and Uncertainties

The preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported. These estimates include, but are not limited to, project completion dates, time and cost required to complete projects for purposes of revenue recognition and future revenue, expense and cash flow estimates for purposes of impairment analysis and loss contract evaluation. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

The Company’s results are affected by economic, political, legislative, regulatory and legal actions. Economic conditions, such as recessionary trends, inflation, interest and monetary exchange rates, and government fiscal policies, can have a significant effect on operations. While the Company maintains reserves for anticipated liabilities and carries insurance in an amount and scope that the Company believes are appropriate, the Company could be adversely affected by civil, criminal, regulatory or administrative actions, claims or proceedings.

Foreign Currency [Policy Text Block]

Foreign Currency Translation

Assets and liabilities of foreign operations are translated to U.S. dollars at year-end exchange rates. Revenues and expenses are translated at average exchange rates for the related period. Translation adjustments are accumulated and reflected as adjustments to other comprehensive (loss) income, a component of Shareholders’ Equity, and included in net earnings only upon sale or liquidation of the underlying foreign subsidiary. Gains or losses resulting from foreign exchange transactions related to balance sheet positions are recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Income within Other (expense) income, net.

Revenue Recognition [Policy Text Block]

Revenue Recognition

Revenues mostly consist of fees generated from outsourced services provided to the Company’s clients. More than 95% of the Company’s revenues are derived from agent-related services. The Company typically recognizes these revenues as services are performed based on staffing hours or the number of contacts handled by service agents using contractual rates. The remaining revenues are derived from the sale of premise-based and hosted automated self-care and technology solutions and provision of professional services. Revenues from the sale of these solutions and provision of services are typically recognized as services are provided over the duration of the contract using contractual rates. These contracts are typically one year or less in duration.

Revenues are recognized only when the services are performed, there is evidence of an arrangement, the Company determines that the fee is fixed and determinable and collection of the fee included in the arrangement is considered probable. When determining whether the fee is considered fixed and determinable and collection is probable, the Company considers a number of factors including the creditworthiness of the client and the contractual payment terms. If a client is not considered creditworthy, recognition of all revenue under arrangements with that client is deferred until receipt of cash. If payment terms extend beyond what is considered customary or standard in the related industry and geographic location, recognition of the revenue is deferred until the related fees become due and payable.

Certain contracts have performance-related bonus provisions that require the client to pay us a bonus based upon our meeting agreed-upon service levels and performance metrics. These bonuses are recognized only after required measurement targets are met and the other criteria for recognition are satisfied.

Stock Compensation [Policy Text Block]

Stock-Based Compensation

The Company accounts for stock-based payment transactions in which the Company receives employee services in exchange for equity instruments of the Company. Stock-based compensation cost for restricted stock awards and restricted stock shares and performance restricted stock units is measured based on the closing fair market value of the Company’s common shares on the date of grant. Stock-based compensation cost for stock options is estimated at the grant date based on each option’s fair-value as calculated by the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The Company recognizes stock-based compensation cost as expense for awards other than its performance-based restricted stock units ratably on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. The Company recognizes stock-based compensation cost associated with its performance based restricted stock units over the requisite service period if it is probable that the performance conditions will be satisfied. The Company will recognize a benefit from stock-based compensation in equity if an incremental tax benefit is realized by following the ordering provisions of the tax law. Tax benefits related to stock compensation expense are reported as financing cash flow and tax expenses are reported as operating cash flow. Further, the Company applies an estimated forfeiture rate to unvested awards when computing the stock compensation-related expenses

Income Taxes [Policy Text Block]

Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes includes taxes paid, currently payable or receivable, and those deferred. Under U.S. GAAP, the Company recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities based on the differences between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to be settled or realized.

The Company regularly reviews its deferred tax assets for recoverability and establishes a valuation allowance if it is more likely than not that some portion or all of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. The determination as to whether a deferred tax asset will be realized is made on a jurisdictional basis and is based on the evaluation of positive and negative evidence. This evidence includes historical pre-tax and taxable income, projected future taxable income, the expected timing of the reversal of existing temporary differences and the implementation of tax planning strategies. Projected future taxable income is based on expected results and assumptions as to the jurisdiction in which the income will be earned. The expected timing of the reversals of existing temporary differences is based on current tax law and the Company’s tax methods of accounting.

The Company also reviews its tax activities and evaluates uncertain tax positions using a two-step approach. The first step is to evaluate the tax position for recognition by determining if the weight of available evidence indicates that it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained on audit, including resolution of related appeals or litigation processes, if any. The second step is to measure the tax benefit, which is the largest amount that is more than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. The Company’s policy is to recognize interest and penalties accrued on unrecognized tax benefits as part of income tax expense.

Other Comprehensvie Income (Loss) [Policy Text Block]

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Components of other comprehensive income (loss) include currency translation adjustments, changes related to pension liabilities, net of tax, and unrealized gains (losses) on hedging activities, net of tax. Foreign currency translation adjustments generally are not adjusted for income taxes as they relate to indefinite investments in non-U.S. operations. Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) also includes, net of tax, actuarial gains or losses, prior service costs or credits and transition assets and obligations that are not recognized currently as components of net periodic pension cost.

Concentration Risk, Credit Risk, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Concentration of Credit Risk

In the normal course of business, the Company is exposed to credit risk. The principal concentrations of credit risk are cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, accounts receivable and derivative instruments. The Company regularly monitors credit risk exposures and takes steps to mitigate the likelihood of these exposures resulting in a loss. Historically, credit losses on accounts receivable have not been material because of the large concentration of revenues with a small number of large, established companies. The Company does not require collateral or other security to support accounts receivable. The Company evaluates the creditworthiness of its clients in conjunction with its revenue recognition processes, as discussed above, as well as through its ongoing collectability assessment processes for accounts receivable. The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts receivable based upon factors surrounding the credit risk of specific clients, historical trends and other information. The Company limits its counterparty credit risk exposures by entering into derivative contracts with financial institutions that are investment grade rated.

Cash Equivalents [Policy Text Block]

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on hand and short-term, highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less.

Receivables [Policy Text Block]

Receivables and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Trade receivables are comprised primarily of amounts owed to the Company by clients and are presented net of an allowance for doubtful accounts of $5.3 and $8.1 at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Contracts with individual clients determine when receivables are due, generally within 30-60 days, and whether interest is accrued on late payments.

The allowance for doubtful accounts is the Company’s best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses in the Company’s existing accounts receivable. The Company regularly reviews the adequacy of its allowance for doubtful accounts. The Company determines the allowance based on historical write-off experience and current economic conditions and also considers factors such as customer credit, past transaction history with the customer and changes in customer payment terms when determining whether the collection of a receivable is reasonably assured. Account balances are charged off against the allowance after all means of collection have been exhausted and the potential for recovery is considered remote.

Property and Equipment [Policy Text Block]

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation is based on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Buildings are generally depreciated over a 30-year life, software over a three- to ten-year life and equipment generally over a three- to five-year life. Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of their estimated useful life or the remaining term of the associated lease. Assets held under capital leases are recorded at the lower of the net present value of the minimum lease payments or the fair value of the leased asset at the inception of the lease. Depreciation expense for assets held under captial lease is computed using the straight-line method over the shorter of the estimated useful lives of the assets or the period of the related lease. Included within Property and equipment is initial cost of $13.2 related to assets under capital lease arrangements.

The Company reviews property and equipment asset groups for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. The Company monitors these changes and events on at least a quarterly basis. Examples of events or changes in circumstances could include, but are not limited to, a prolonged economic downturn, current period operating or cash flow losses combined with a history of losses or a forecast of continuing losses associated with the use of an asset group, or a current expectation that an asset group will be sold or disposed of before the end of its previously estimated useful life. Recoverability is based upon projections of anticipated future undiscounted cash flows associated with the use and eventual disposal of the property and equipment asset groups, as well as specific appraisals in certain instances. Reviews occur at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of cash flows associated with other property and equipment asset groups. If the future undiscounted cash flows result in a value that is less than the carrying value, then the long-lived asset is considered impaired and a loss is recognized based on the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the estimated fair value. Various factors that the Company uses in determining the impact of these assessments include the expected useful lives of long-lived assets and our ability to realize any undiscounted cash flows in excess of the carrying amounts of such asset groups, and are affected primarily by changes in the expected use of the assets, changes in technology or development of alternative assets, changes in economic conditions, changes in operating performance and changes in expected future cash flows. Because judgment is involved in determining the fair value of property and equipment asset groups, there is risk that the carrying value of these assets may require adjustment in future periods.

Internal Use Software [Policy Text Block]

Internal Use Software

The Company capitalizes certain expenditures for software that is purchased or internally developed for use in the business. During 2015, 2014, and 2013, amounts capitalized for internally developed software were $14.2, $4.9 and $1.0, respectively. The increase in capitalized costs during 2015 is a result of certain information technology infrastructure initiatives. Amortization of internal use software begins when the software is ready for service and continues on the straight-line method over the estimated useful life

Business Combinations Policy [Policy Text Block]

Business Combinations

Accounting for acquisitions requires the Company to recognize separately from goodwill the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed at their acquisition date fair values. Goodwill as of the acquisition date is measured as the excess of consideration transferred over the net of the acquisition date fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed. While we use our best estimates and assumptions to accurately value assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date as well as contingent consideration, where applicable, our estimates are inherently uncertain and subject to refinement. As a result, during the measurement period, which may be up to one year from the acquisition date, we record adjustments to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed with corresponding adjustments to goodwill. Upon the conclusion of the measurement period or final determination of the values of assets acquired or liabilities assumed, whichever comes first, any subsequent adjustments are recorded to our consolidated statements of operations. Refer to Note 3 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of the Stream acquisition.

Goodwill and Other Intangibles [Policy Text Block]

Goodwill and Other Intangibles

As discussed more fully in Note 6, goodwill is reviewed at the reporting unit level for impairment as of October 1 each year and at other times if events have occurred or circumstances exist that indicate the carrying value of goodwill may no longer be recoverable.

The first step of the impairment test compares the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, including the goodwill allocated to the reporting unit (Step 1). If the fair value of the reporting unit is in excess of the carrying value, the related goodwill is considered not to be impaired and no further analysis is necessary. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds the fair value, there is an indication of potential impairment and a second step of testing is performed to measure the amount of the impairment, if any, for that reporting unit.

When required, the second step compares the implied fair value of the reporting unit goodwill with the carrying amount of the reporting unit goodwill. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined in the same manner as the amount of goodwill recognized in a business combination, which is the excess of the fair value of the reporting unit determined in step one over the fair value of the net assets and identifiable intangibles as if the reporting unit were being acquired. Any excess of the carrying value of the reporting unit goodwill over the implied fair value of the reporting unit goodwill will be recorded as an impairment loss. An impairment charge recognized cannot exceed the amount of goodwill allocated to a reporting unit and cannot be reversed subsequently even if the fair value of the reporting unit recovers.

Fair value of the reporting unit is determined using the income approach with corroboration from the market approach. Under the market approach, fair value is based on revenue and earnings multiples for guideline public companies in the reporting unit’s peer group. The market approach requires judgment regarding the selection of guideline companies. Under the income approach, value is dependent on the present value of net cash flows to be derived from ownership of the reporting unit. The income approach requires significant judgment including estimates about future cash flows and discount rates.

Other intangibles, primarily customer relationship assets and trademarks, are amortized over a straight-line basis with estimated useful lives ranging from four to seventeen years and are evaluated periodically if events or circumstances indicate a possible inability to recover their carrying amounts.

Postemployment Benefits [Policy Text Block]

Postemployment Benefits

The funded status of the Company’s pension and other postretirement benefit plans is recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The funded status is measured as the difference between the fair value of plan assets and the benefit obligation at December 31, the measurement date. For defined benefit pension plans, the benefit obligation is the projected benefit obligation (PBO) and, for the other postretirement benefit plans, the benefit obligation is the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation (APBO). The PBO represents the actuarial present value of benefits expected to be paid upon retirement. For active plans, the present value reflects estimated future compensation levels. The APBO represents the actuarial present value of postretirement benefits attributed to employee services already rendered. The fair value of plan assets represents the current market value of assets held by an irrevocable trust fund for the sole benefit of participants. The measurement of the benefit obligation is based on the Company’s estimates and actuarial valuations. These valuations reflect the terms of the plans and use participant-specific information such as compensation, age and years of service, as well as certain key assumptions that require significant judgment, including, but not limited to, estimates of discount rates, expected return on plan assets, rate of compensation increases, interest crediting rates and mortality rates. For additional information regarding plan assumptions and the current financial position of the pension and other postretirement plans, see Note 9.

The Company provides severance benefits to certain employees. The Company accrues the benefits when it becomes probable that such benefits will be paid and when sufficient information exists to make reasonable estimates of the amounts to be paid.

Government Grants [Policy Text Block]

Government Grants

From time to time, the Company receives grants from local or state governments as an incentive to locate or retain operations in their jurisdictions. Depending on the arrangement, the grants are either received up-front or at the time the Company achieves the milestones set forth in the grant. The Company’s policy is to record the grant funds received as deferred credit and to amortize the deferred credit as a reduction of cost of providing services and products sold or selling, general and administrative expense as the milestones are met over the term of the grant.

Derivative Instruments [Policy Text Block]

Derivative Instruments

The Company’s risk management strategy includes the use of derivative instruments to reduce the effects on its operating results and cash flows from fluctuations caused by volatility in currency exchange and interest rates. The Company currently uses only cash flow hedges. These instruments are hedges of forecasted transactions or of the variability of cash flows to be received or paid related to a recognized asset or liability. The Company generally enters into hedging contracts expiring within 36 months as hedges of anticipated cash flows denominated in foreign currencies. These contracts are entered into to protect against the risk that the eventual cash flows resulting from such transactions will be adversely affected by changes in exchange rates. In using derivative financial instruments to hedge exposures to changes in exchange rates, the Company exposes itself to counterparty credit risk.

All derivatives, including foreign currency exchange contracts, are recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value. Fair values for the Company’s derivative financial instruments are based on quoted market prices of comparable instruments or, if none are available, on pricing models or formulas using current assumptions. On the date the derivative contract is entered into, the Company determines whether the derivative contract qualifies for designation as a hedge. For derivatives that are designated as hedges, the Company further designates the hedge as either a fair value or cash flow hedge; all currently existing hedges have been designated as cash flow hedges. Changes in the fair value of derivatives that are highly effective and designated as cash flow hedges are reported as a component of Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income and reclassified into earnings in the same line-item associated with the forecasted transaction and in the same periods during which the hedged transaction impacts earnings. The Company formally documents all relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as its risk management objective and strategy for undertaking various hedging activities. This process includes linking all derivatives that are designated as fair value or cash flow hedges to specific assets and liabilities on the balance sheet or to forecasted transactions, respectively. The Company also formally assesses, both at the hedge’s inception and on an ongoing basis, whether the derivatives that are used in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting changes in the fair value or cash flows of hedged items. When it is determined that a derivative is not highly effective as a hedge or that it has ceased to be a highly effective hedge, the Company discontinues hedge accounting prospectively.

The Company also periodically enters into hedging contracts that are not designated as hedges. The purpose of the majority of these derivative instruments is to protect the Company against foreign currency exposure pertaining to receivables, payables and intercompany transactions that are denominated in currencies different from the functional currencies of the Company or the respective subsidiaries. The Company records changes in the fair value of these derivative instruments in the Consolidated Statements of Income within Other income, net.

Equity-Method Investments [Policy Text Block]

Investments

Management determines the appropriate classification of securities at the time of purchase and re-evaluates such designation as of each balance sheet date. Currently all investment securities are classified as trading, and are reported within short-term investments in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Trading securities are carried at fair value, with gains and losses, both realized and unrealized, reported in Other (expense) income, net in the Consolidated Statements of Income. The cost of securities sold is based upon the specific identification method. Interest and dividends on securities classified as trading is included in Other (expense) income, net.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Fair Value Measurements

The Company applies fair value accounting for all financial assets and liabilities and non-financial assets and liabilities that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the consolidated financial statements on a recurring basis. The Company defines fair value as the price that would be received from selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. When determining the fair value measurements for assets and liabilities, the Company considers the principal or most advantageous market in which the Company would transact and the market-based risk measurements or assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, such as inherent risk, transfer restrictions and credit risk.

New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]

New Accounting Pronouncements

In November 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2015-17, “Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes.” This ASU requires all deferred tax assets and liabilities to be classified as non-current on the balance sheet instead of separating into current and non-current amounts. This update is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and may be applied on a prospective or retrospective basis. The Company elected to early adopt this standard on a retrospective basis as of December 31, 2015. The impact of this change in accounting principle on balances previously reported as of December 31, 2014 was as follows:

	As of December 31, 2014
Consolidated Balance Sheet Caption	Previously Reported		Change		Currently Reported
Total current assets	$	890.9	(107.2	)	$	783.7
Total Assets	$	2,516.5	(100.4	)	$	2,416.1
Total current liabilities	$	368.5	(0.6	)	$	367.9
Total Liabilities	$	1,225.0	(100.4	)	$	1,124.6

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, “Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs.” This ASU requires debt issuance costs to be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying value of the associated debt liability, consistent with the presentation of a debt discount. This ASU is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015 and is required to be applied retrospectively. This standard is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-12, "Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period." This ASU requires a reporting entity to treat a performance target that affects vesting and that could be achieved after the requisite service period as a performance condition, and apply existing guidance under ASC Topic 718, Compensation - Stock Compensation, as it relates to awards with performance conditions that affect vesting to account for such awards. This update will be applied prospectively and is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015.  This standard is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers." The standard will apply one comprehensive revenue recognition model across all contracts, entities and sectors. The core principal of the new standard is that revenue should be recognized to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. Once effective, this ASU will replace most of the existing revenue recognition requirements in U.S. GAAP. This update is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period. The Company is currently assessing the effect that adoption of the new standard, including possible adoption alternatives, will have on its consolidated financial statements.

In April 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-08, "Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity." This ASU changes the criteria for a disposal to qualify as discontinued operations and requires new disclosures for individually material disposal transactions that do not meet the definition of a discontinued operation.  Under the new standard, companies report discontinued operations when they have a disposal that represents a strategic shift that has or will have a major impact on operations or financial results.  This update was applied prospectively and became effective for annual periods, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2014.  This standard did not have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements, but will impact the reporting of any future dispositions.