0001066605-21-000048 | 10-Q | XBRL Viewer | Heidrick Struggles International INC

Cover - shares	3 Months Ended
Cover - shares	Mar. 31, 2021	Apr. 26, 2021
Cover [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2021
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	0-25837
Entity Registrant Name	HEIDRICK & STRUGGLES INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	DE
Entity Tax Identification Number	36-2681268
City Area Code	(312)
Local Phone Number	496-1200
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock, $0.01 par value
Trading Symbol	HSII
Security Exchange Name	NASDAQ
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		19,498,734
Entity Central Index Key	0001066605
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2021
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Address, Address Line One	233 South Wacker Drive
Entity Address, Address Line Two	Suite 4900
Entity Address, City or Town	Chicago
Entity Address, State or Province	IL
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	60606-6303
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Amendment Flag	false
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false

Statement of Financial Position, Classified (Statement) - USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Assets, Current [Abstract]
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value	$ 184,055,000	$ 316,473,000
Marketable Securities, Current	0	19,999,000
Accounts Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss, Current	128,419,000	88,123,000
Prepaid Expense	26,600,000	18,956,000
Other Assets, Current	25,496,000	23,279,000
Income Taxes Receivable	5,205,000	5,856,000
Assets, Current	369,775,000	472,686,000
Assets, Noncurrent [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	22,373,000	23,492,000
Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset	85,318,000	92,671,000
Assets for Plan Benefits, Defined Benefit Plan	13,853,000	14,425,000
Long-term Investments	33,545,000	31,369,000
Other Assets, Noncurrent	27,617,000	24,439,000
Goodwill	91,452,000	91,643,000
Other Intangible Assets, Net	961,000	1,129,000
Deferred Income Tax Assets, Net	35,712,000	35,958,000
Assets, Noncurrent	310,831,000	315,126,000
Assets	680,606,000	787,812,000
Liabilities, Current [Abstract]
Accounts Payable, Current	10,149,000	8,799,000
Employee-related Liabilities, Current	112,830,000	217,908,000
Deferred Revenue, Current	38,847,000	38,050,000
Operating Lease, Liability, Current	27,947,000	28,984,000
Other Liabilities, Current	20,114,000	23,311,000
Accrued Income Taxes, Current	7,383,000	1,186,000
Liabilities, Current	217,270,000	318,238,000
Liabilities, Noncurrent [Abstract]
Accrued Salaries and Benefits	44,301,000	56,925,000
Liability, Defined Benefit Plan, Noncurrent	54,826,000	53,496,000
Operating Lease, Liability, Noncurrent	81,536,000	86,816,000
Other Liabilities, Noncurrent	4,103,000	4,735,000
Liabilities, Noncurrent	184,766,000	201,972,000
Liabilities	402,036,000	520,210,000
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract]
Preferred Stock, Value, Issued	0	0
Common Stock, Value, Issued	196,000	196,000
Treasury Stock, Value	(3,090,000)	(8,041,000)
Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock	225,998,000	231,048,000
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)	52,742,000	40,982,000
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	2,724,000	3,417,000
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	278,570,000	267,602,000
Liabilities and Equity	$ 680,606,000	$ 787,812,000

Statement of Income (Statement) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
Statement of Income (Statement) - USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	$ 193,656,000	$ 171,481,000
Revenues	194,731,000	174,847,000
Labor and Related Expense	141,363,000	121,089,000
General and Administrative Expense	28,824,000	32,240,000
Operating Expenses	175,123,000	156,695,000
Operating Income (Loss)	19,608,000	18,152,000
Interest Income (Expense), Net	82,000	679,000
Other Nonoperating Income (Expense)	3,082,000	(4,435,000)
Nonoperating Income (Expense)	3,164,000	(3,756,000)
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest	22,772,000	14,396,000
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	7,940,000	5,730,000
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent	14,832,000	8,666,000
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax	(693,000)	(3,716,000)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent	0	(30,000)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	(693,000)	(3,746,000)
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent	$ 14,139,000	$ 4,920,000
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic	19,387,000	19,192,000
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted	20,171,000	19,776,000
Earnings Per Share, Basic	$ 0.77	$ 0.45
Earnings Per Share, Diluted	0.74	0.44
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared	$ 0.15	$ 0.15
Restructuring Charges	$ 3,861,000	$ 0
Reimbursements
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	1,075,000	3,366,000
Cost of Goods and Services Sold	$ 1,075,000	$ 3,366,000

Statement of Shareholders' Equity (Statement) - USD ($)	Total	Common Stock Including Additional Paid in Capital	Treasury Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Retained Earnings	AOCI Attributable to Parent	Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjustment	Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjustment Retained Earnings
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding		19,586,000	420,000
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	$ 309,115,000	$ 196,000	$ (14,795,000)	$ 228,807,000	$ 91,083,000	$ 3,824,000
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent	8,666,000				8,666,000
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent	4,920,000
APIC, Share-based Payment Arrangement, Restricted Stock Unit, Increase for Cost Recognition	2,614,000			2,614,000
Restricted Stock, Value, Shares Issued Net of Tax Withholdings	(1,550,000)		$ 3,838,000	(5,388,000)
Restricted Stock, Shares Issued Net of Shares for Tax Withholdings			(109,000)
Dividends, Cash	(2,876,000)				(2,876,000)
Dividend, Share-based Payment Arrangement, Cash	$ (126,000)				(126,000)
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared	$ 150
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	$ (3,746,000)					(3,746,000)
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding		19,586,000	311,000
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	$ 311,765,000	$ 196,000	$ (10,957,000)	226,033,000	96,415,000	78,000
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent							$ (332,000)	$ (332,000)
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	19,359,586	19,586,000	226,000
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	$ 267,602,000	$ 196,000	$ (8,041,000)	231,048,000	40,982,000	3,417,000
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent	14,832,000				14,832,000
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent	14,139,000
APIC, Share-based Payment Arrangement, Restricted Stock Unit, Increase for Cost Recognition	2,991,000			2,991,000
Restricted Stock, Value, Shares Issued Net of Tax Withholdings	(3,090,000)		$ 4,951,000	(8,041,000)
Restricted Stock, Shares Issued Net of Shares for Tax Withholdings			(138,000)
Dividends, Cash	(2,905,000)				(2,905,000)
Dividend, Share-based Payment Arrangement, Cash	$ (167,000)				(167,000)
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared	$ 0.15
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	$ (693,000)					(693,000)
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	19,497,365	19,586,000	88,000
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	$ 278,570,000	$ 196,000	$ (3,090,000)	$ 225,998,000	$ 52,742,000	$ 2,724,000

Statement of Cash Flows (Statement) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
Statement of Cash Flows (Statement) - USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent	$ 14,832,000	$ 8,666,000
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization	6,068,000	2,337,000
Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	(495,000)	110,000
Marketable Securities, Gain (Loss)	(1,000)	(111,000)
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Assets	21,000	1,000
Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable	(41,209,000)	(24,656,000)
Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable	1,365,000	1,897,000
Increase (Decrease) in Accrued Liabilities	(116,327,000)	(147,265,000)
Restructuring Reserve, Accrual Adjustment	(2,902,000)	(138,000)
Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Revenue	963,000	837,000
Increase (Decrease) in Income Taxes Payable, Net of Income Taxes Receivable	6,819,000	4,082,000
Increase (Decrease) in Obligation, Pension Benefits	1,235,000	2,033,000
Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid Expense	(7,894,000)	(6,566,000)
Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets and Liabilities, Net	(8,037,000)	(9,441,000)
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities	(142,571,000)	(165,600,000)
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Noncash Expense	2,991,000	2,614,000
Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment	(945,000)	(1,753,000)
Payments to Acquire Available-for-sale Securities	(1,354,000)	(2,125,000)
Proceeds from Sale of Available-for-sale Securities	20,153,000	61,395,000
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities	17,854,000	57,517,000
Proceeds from Lines of Credit	0	100,000,000.0
Payments of Dividends	(3,072,000)	(3,002,000)
Payment, Tax Withholding, Share-based Payment Arrangement	(3,090,000)	(1,550,000)
Payment for Contingent Consideration Liability, Financing Activities	0	(2,788,000)
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities	(6,162,000)	92,660,000
Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents	(1,539,000)	(5,296,000)
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease), Including Exchange Rate Effect	(132,418,000)	(20,719,000)
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents	184,071,000	251,000,000
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross	(32,600,000)
Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment	945,000	1,753,000
Payments to Acquire Available-for-sale Securities	1,354,000	2,125,000
Proceeds from Sale of Available-for-sale Securities	20,153,000	61,395,000
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities	17,854,000	57,517,000
Proceeds from Lines of Credit	0	100,000,000.0
Payments of Dividends	3,072,000	3,002,000
Payment, Tax Withholding, Share-based Payment Arrangement	3,090,000	1,550,000
Payment for Contingent Consideration Liability, Financing Activities	0	2,788,000
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities	(6,162,000)	92,660,000
Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents	$ (1,539,000)	$ (5,296,000)

Statement of Financial Position, Classified (Details) - USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Common Stock, Shares Authorized	100,000,000	100,000,000
Common Stock, Shares, Issued	19,585,777	19,585,777
Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized	10,000,000	10,000,000
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued	0	0
Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share	$ 0.01
Common Stock, Shares Authorized	100,000,000	100,000,000
Common Stock, Shares, Issued	19,585,777	19,585,777
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	19,497,365	19,359,586
Treasury Stock, Shares	88,412	226,191
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Current	$ 6,624,000	$ 6,557,000

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure	Basis of Presentation of Interim Financial Information The accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements of Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses. Significant items subject to estimates and assumptions include revenue recognition, income taxes, interim effective tax rate and the assessment of goodwill, other intangible assets and long lived assets for impairment. Estimates are subject to a degree of uncertainty and actual results could differ from these estimates. In the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary to fairly present the financial position of the Company at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 and its cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 have been included and are of a normal, recurring nature except as otherwise disclosed. These financial statements and notes are to be read in conjunction with the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, as filed with the SEC on February 24, 2021.

Accounting Policies

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

A complete listing of the Company’s significant accounting policies is discussed in Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020.

Revenue Recognition

See Note 3, Revenue.

Marketable Securities

The Company’s marketable securities consist of available-for-sale debt securities with original maturities exceeding three months.

Restricted Cash

The following table provides a reconciliation of the cash and cash equivalents between the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows as of March 31, 2021 and 2020, and December 31, 2020 and 2019:


	March 31,				December 31,
	2021		2020		2020		2019
Cash and cash equivalents	$	184,055	$	251,000	$	316,473	$	271,719

Restricted cash included within other non-current assets	$	16	$	—	$	16	$	—
Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	$	184,071	$	251,000	$	316,489	$	271,719

Earnings per Common Share

Basic earnings per common share is computed by dividing net income by weighted average common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share reflect the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted. Common equivalent shares are excluded from the determination of diluted earnings per share in periods in which they have an anti-dilutive effect.

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:


	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2021		2020
Net income	$	14,832	$	8,666
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic	19,387		19,192
Effect of dilutive securities:
Restricted stock units	589		418
Performance stock units	195		166
Diluted	20,171		19,776
Basic earnings per share	$	0.77	$	0.45
Diluted earnings per share	$	0.74	$	0.44

Leases

The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Operating leases are included in Operating Lease Right-of-Use Assets, Operating Lease Liabilities - Current and Operating Lease Liabilities - Non-Current in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company does not have any leases that meet the finance lease criteria.

Right-of-use assets represent the Company's right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent the Company's obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Operating lease right-of-use assets and liabilities are recognized on the commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. As most of the Company's leases do not provide an implicit rate, an incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at the commencement date is used in determining the present value of lease payments. The operating lease right-of-use asset also includes any lease payments made in advance and any accrued rent expense balances. Lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that the option will be exercised. Lease expense for lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

The Company has lease agreements with lease and non-lease components. For office leases, the Company accounts for the lease and non-lease components as a single lease component. For equipment leases, such as vehicles and office equipment, the Company accounts for the lease and non-lease components separately.

Recently Issued Financial Accounting Standards

In March 2020, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2020-04, Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting. The guidance is intended to provide temporary optional expedients and exceptions to the guidance on contract modifications and hedge accounting to ease the financial reporting burdens related to the expected market transition from the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) and other interbank offered rates to alternative reference rates. This guidance is effective March 12, 2020, and the Company may elect to apply the amendments prospectively through December 31, 2022. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this accounting guidance. The effect is not known or reasonably estimable at this time.

Recently Adopted Financial Accounting Standards

On January 1, 2021, the Company adopted ASU No. 2019-12, Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes. The guidance simplifies the accounting for income taxes by eliminating certain exceptions to the guidance in Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 740 related to the approach for intraperiod tax allocation, the methodology for calculating income taxes in an interim period and the recognition of deferred tax liabilities for outside basis differences. The guidance also simplifies aspects of the accounting for franchise taxes and enacted changes in tax laws or rates and clarifies the accounting for transactions that result in a step-up in the tax basis of goodwill. The adoption had no impact on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income, Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet, Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows and Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders' Equity in any period presented.

Revenue from Contract with Customer

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]

Revenue from Contract with Customer

Revenue

Executive Search

Revenue is recognized as performance obligations are satisfied by transferring a good or service to a client. Generally, each executive search contract contains one performance obligation which is the process of identifying potentially qualified candidates for a specific client position. In most contracts, the transaction price includes both fixed and variable consideration. Fixed compensation is comprised of a retainer, equal to approximately one-third of the estimated first year compensation for the position to be filled, and indirect expenses, equal to a specified percentage of the retainer, as defined in the contract. The Company generally bills clients for the retainer and indirect expenses in one-third increments over a three-month period commencing in the month of a client’s acceptance of the contract. If actual compensation of a placed candidate exceeds the original compensation estimate, the Company is often authorized to bill the client for one-third of the excess compensation. The Company refers to this additional billing as uptick revenue. In most contracts, variable consideration is comprised of uptick revenue and direct expenses. The Company bills its clients for uptick revenue upon completion of the executive search, and direct expenses are billed as incurred.

The Company estimates uptick revenue at contract inception, based on a portfolio approach, utilizing the expected value method based on a historical analysis of uptick revenue realized in the Company’s geographic regions and industry practices, and initially records a contract’s uptick revenue in an amount that is probable not to result in a significant reversal of cumulative revenue recognized when the actual amount of uptick revenue for the contract is known. Differences between the estimated and actual amounts of variable consideration are recorded when known. The Company does not estimate revenue for direct expenses as it is not materially different than recognizing revenue as direct expenses are incurred.

Revenue from executive search engagement performance obligations is recognized over time as clients simultaneously receive and consume the benefits provided by the Company's performance. Revenue from executive search engagements is recognized over the expected average period of performance, in proportion to the estimated personnel time incurred to fulfill the obligations under the executive search contract. Revenue is generally recognized over a period of approximately six months.

The Company's executive search contracts contain a replacement guarantee which provides for an additional search to be completed, free of charge except for expense reimbursements, should the candidate presented by the Company be hired by the client and subsequently terminated by the client for performance reasons within a specified period of time. The replacement guarantee is an assurance warranty, which is not a performance obligation under the terms of the executive search contract, as the Company does not provide any services under the terms of the guarantee that transfer benefits to the client in excess of assuring that the identified candidate complies with the agreed-upon specifications. The Company accounts for the replacement guarantee under the relevant warranty guidance in ASC 460 - Guarantees.

Heidrick Consulting

Revenue is recognized as performance obligations are satisfied by transferring a good or service to a client. Heidrick Consulting enters into contracts with clients that outline the general terms and conditions of the assignment to provide succession planning, executive assessment, top team and board effectiveness and culture shaping programs. The consideration the Company expects to receive under each contract is generally fixed. Most of our consulting contracts contain one performance obligation, which is the overall process of providing the consulting service requested by the client. The majority of our consulting revenue is recognized over time utilizing both input and output methods. Contracts that contain coaching sessions, training sessions or the completion of assessments are recognized using the output method as each session or assessment is delivered to the client. Contracts that contain general consulting work are recognized using the input method utilizing a measure of progress that is based on time incurred on the project.

The Company enters into enterprise agreements with clients to provide a license for online access, via the Company's Culture Connect platform, to training and other proprietary material related to the Company's culture shaping programs. The consideration the Company expects to receive under the terms of an enterprise agreement is comprised of a single fixed fee. The enterprise agreements contain multiple performance obligations, the delivery of materials via Culture Connect and material rights related to options to renew enterprise agreements at a significant discount. The Company allocates the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract on a stand-alone selling price basis. The stand-alone selling price for the initial term of the enterprise agreement is outlined in the contract and is equal to the price paid by the client for the agreement over the initial term of the contract. The stand-alone selling price for the options to renew, or material right, are not directly observable and must be estimated. This estimate is required to reflect the discount the client would obtain when exercising the option to renew, adjusted for the likelihood that the option will be exercised. The Company estimates the likelihood of renewal using a historical analysis of client renewals. Access to Culture Connect represents a right to access the Company’s intellectual

property that the client simultaneously receives and consumes as the Company performs under the agreement, and therefore the Company recognizes revenue over time. Given the continuous nature of this commitment, the Company utilizes straight-line ratable revenue recognition over the estimated subscription period as the Company's clients will receive and consume the benefits from Culture Connect equally throughout the contract period. Revenue related to client renewals of enterprise agreements is recognized over the term of the renewal, which is generally twelve months. Enterprise agreements do not comprise a significant portion of the Company's revenue.

Contract Balances

Contract assets and liabilities are reported in a net position on a contract-by-contract basis at the end of each reporting period. Contract assets and liabilities are classified as current due to the nature of the Company's contracts, which are completed within one year. Contract assets are included within Other Current Assets on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Unbilled receivables: Unbilled revenue represents contract assets from revenue recognized over time in excess of the amount billed to the client and the amount billed to the client is solely dependent upon the passage of time. This amount includes revenue recognized in excess of billed executive search retainers and Heidrick Consulting fees.

Contract assets: Contract assets represent revenue recognized over time in excess of the amount billed to the client and the amount billed to the client is not solely subject to the passage of time. This amount primarily includes revenue recognized for upticks and contingent placement fees in executive search contracts.

Deferred revenue: Contract liabilities consist of deferred revenue, which is equal to billings in excess of revenue recognized.

The following table outlines the changes in the contract asset and liability balances from December 31, 2020 to March 31, 2021:


	March 31, 2021		December 31, 2020		Change
Contract assets
Unbilled receivables, net	$	11,806	$	9,907	$	1,899
Contract assets	9,826		9,745		81
Total contract assets	21,632		19,652		1,980

Contract liabilities
Deferred revenue	$	38,847	$	38,050	$	797

During the three months ended March 31, 2021, the Company recognized revenue of $26.3 million that was included in the contract liabilities balance at the beginning of the period. The amount of revenue recognized during the three months ended March 31, 2021, from performance obligations partially satisfied in previous periods as a result of changes in the estimates of variable consideration was $13.6 million.

Each of the Company's contracts has an expected duration of one year or less. Accordingly, the Company has elected to utilize the available practical expedient related to the disclosure of the transaction price allocated to the remaining performance obligations under its contracts. The Company has also elected the available practical expedients related to adjusting for the effects of a significant financing component and the capitalization of contract acquisition costs. The Company charges and collects from its clients sales tax and value added taxes as required by certain jurisdictions. The Company has made an accounting policy election to exclude these items from the transaction price in its contracts.

- Definition

The entire disclosure of revenue from contract with customer to transfer good or service and to transfer nonfinancial asset. Includes, but is not limited to, disaggregation of revenue, credit loss recognized from contract with customer, judgment and change in judgment related to contract with customer, and asset recognized from cost incurred to obtain or fulfill contract with customer. Excludes insurance and lease contracts.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 606
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/topic&trid=49130388

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 606
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 10
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=121604090&loc=SL49130551-203045

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 606
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 13
-Subparagraph (b)(2)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=121604090&loc=SL49130556-203045

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 606
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 12
-Subparagraph (b)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=121604090&loc=SL49130554-203045

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 606
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 9
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=121604090&loc=SL49130550-203045

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 606
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 12
-Subparagraph (e)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=121604090&loc=SL49130554-203045

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 606
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 12
-Subparagraph (a)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=121604090&loc=SL49130554-203045

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 606
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 12
-Subparagraph (d)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=121604090&loc=SL49130554-203045

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 606
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 15
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=121604090&loc=SL49130558-203045

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 606
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 12
-Subparagraph (c)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=121604090&loc=SL49130554-203045

+ Details

Credit Losses

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

Credit Loss [Abstract]

Loans, Notes, Trade and Other Receivables Disclosure

Credit Losses The Company is exposed to credit losses primarily through the provision of its executive search and consulting services. The Company’s expected credit loss allowance methodology for accounts receivable is developed using historical collection experience, current and future economic and market conditions and a review of the current status of customers' trade accounts receivables. Due to the short-term nature of such receivables, the estimate of amount of accounts receivable that may not be collected is primarily based on historical loss-rate experience. When required, the Company adjusts the loss-rate methodology to account for current conditions and reasonable and supportable expectations of future economic and market conditions. The

Company generally assesses future economic conditions for a period of sixty to ninety days, which corresponds with the contractual life of its accounts receivables. Additionally, specific allowance amounts are established to record the appropriate provision for customers that have a higher probability of default. The Company’s monitoring activities include timely account reconciliation, dispute resolution, payment confirmation, consideration of customers' financial condition and macroeconomic conditions. Balances are written off when determined to be uncollectible. The Company considered the current and expected future economic and market conditions surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic and determined that the estimate of credit losses was not significantly impacted.

The activity in the allowance for credit losses on the Company's trade receivables is as follows:


Balance at December 31, 2020	$	6,557
Provision for credit losses	945
Write-offs	(839)
Foreign currency translation	(39)
Balance at March 31, 2021	$	6,624

The fair value and unrealized losses on available for sale debt securities, aggregated by investment category and the length of time the security has been in an unrealized loss position, are as follows:


	Less Than 12 Months				Balance Sheet Classification
Balance at December 31, 2020	Fair Value		Unrealized Loss		Cash and Cash Equivalents		Marketable Securities
U.S. Treasury securities	$	31,997	$	1	$	31,997	$	—

There were no available for sale debt securities in a loss position at March 31, 2021.

Property, Plant, and Equipment

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]

Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure

Property and Equipment, net

The components of the Company’s property and equipment are as follows:


	March 31, 2021		December 31, 2020
Leasehold improvements	$	40,304	$	40,320
Office furniture, fixtures and equipment	14,580		14,816
Computer equipment and software	25,914		25,544
Property and equipment, gross	80,798		80,680
Accumulated depreciation	(58,425)		(57,188)
Property and equipment, net	$	22,373	$	23,492

Depreciation expense for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 was $1.8 million and $2.1 million, respectively.

Leases, Codification Topic 842

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

Leases [Abstract]

Lessee, Operating Leases

Leases

The Company's lease portfolio is comprised of operating leases for office space and equipment. The majority of the Company's leases include both lease and non-lease components, which the Company accounts for differently depending on the underlying class of asset. Certain of the Company's leases include one or more options to renew or terminate the lease at the Company's discretion. Generally, the renewal and termination options are not included in the right-of-use assets and lease liabilities as they are not reasonably certain of exercise. The Company regularly evaluates the renewal and termination options and when they are reasonably certain of exercise, includes the renewal or termination option in the lease term.

As most of the Company's leases do not provide an implicit interest rate, the Company utilizes an incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at the commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. The Company has a centrally managed treasury function and therefore, a portfolio approach is applied in determining the incremental borrowing rate. The incremental borrowing rate is the rate of interest that the Company would have to pay to borrow on a fully collateralized basis over a similar term in an amount equal to the total lease payments in a similar economic environment.

Office leases have remaining lease terms that range from less than one year to 12.3 years, some of which also include

options to extend or terminate the lease. Most office leases contain both fixed and variable lease payments. Variable lease costs consist primarily of rent escalations based on an established index or rate and taxes, insurance, and common area or other maintenance costs, which are paid based on actual costs incurred by the lessor. The Company has elected to utilize the available practical expedient to not separate lease and non-lease components for office leases.

As part of the Company's restructuring plan, a lease component related to one of the Company's offices was abandoned and the useful life of the associated right-of-use asset was shortened to correspond with the cease-use date. As a result of the change in the useful life, approximately $4.0 million of right-of-use asset amortization was accelerated and recorded in Restructuring charges in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income and Depreciation and amortization in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows during the three months ended March 31, 2021.

Equipment leases, which are comprised of vehicle and office equipment leases, have remaining terms that range from less than one year to 4.8 years, some of which also include options to extend or terminate the lease. The Company's equipment leases do not contain variable lease payments. The Company separates the lease and non-lease components for its equipment leases. Equipment leases do not comprise a significant portion of the Company's lease portfolio.

Lease cost components included within General and Administrative Expenses in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income were as follows:


	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2021		2020
Operating lease cost	$	4,867	$	6,261
Variable lease cost	1,228		2,073
Total lease cost	$	6,095	$	8,334

Supplemental cash flow information related to the Company's operating leases is as follows for the three months ended March 31:


	2021		2020
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Operating cash flows from operating leases	$	7,566	$	7,812
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations:
Operating leases	$	791	$	1,641

The weighted average remaining lease term and weighted average discount rate for operating leases as of March 31, is as follows:


	2021		2020
Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term
Operating leases	5.9 years		4.6 years
Weighted Average Discount Rate
Operating leases	3.44	%	3.84	%

The future maturities of the Company's operating lease liabilities as of March 31, 2021, for the years ended December 31 is as follows:


	Operating Lease Maturity
2021	$	20,785
2022	26,007
2023	24,047
2024	14,109
2025	6,700
Thereafter	30,205
Total lease payments	121,853
Less: Interest	(12,370)
Present value of lease liabilities	$	109,483

Fair Value Measures and Disclosures

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Investment

Financial Instruments and Fair Value

Cash, Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities

The Company's investments in marketable debt securities, which consist of U.S. Treasury bills, are classified and accounted for as available-for-sale. The Company classifies its marketable debt securities as either short-term or long-term based on each instrument's underlying contractual maturity date. Unrealized gains and losses on marketable debt securities classified as available-for-sale are recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive income in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets until realized.

The Company's cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities by significant investment category are as follows:



	Cash and Cash Equivalents
Balance at March 31, 2021
Cash	$	161,049

Level 1(1):
Money market funds	23,006

Total Level 1	23,006




Total	$	184,055


	Fair Value								Balance Sheet Classification
	Amortized Cost		Unrealized Gains		Unrealized Losses		Fair Value		Cash and Cash Equivalents		Marketable Securities
Balance at December 31, 2020
Cash									$	230,490	$	—

Level 1(1):
Money market funds									53,986		—
U.S. Treasury securities	51,996		1		(1)		51,996		31,997		19,999
Total Level 1	51,996		1		(1)		51,996		85,983		19,999

Total	$	51,996	$	1	$	(1)	$	51,996	$	316,473	$	19,999

(1)Level 1 – Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities.

Investments, Assets Designated for Retirement and Pension Plans and Associated Liabilities

The Company has a U.S. non-qualified deferred compensation plan that consists primarily of U.S. marketable securities and mutual funds. The aggregate cost basis for these investments was $20.8 million and $19.5 million as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.

The Company also maintains a pension plan for certain current and former employees in Germany. The pensions are individually fixed Euro amounts that vary depending on the function and the eligible years of service of the employee. The Company’s investment strategy is to support its pension obligations through reinsurance contracts. The BaFin—German Federal Financial Supervisory Authority—supervises the insurance companies and the reinsurance contracts. The BaFin requires each reinsurance contract to guarantee a fixed minimum return. The Company’s pension benefits are fully reinsured by group insurance contracts with ERGO Lebensversicherung AG, and the group insurance contracts are measured in accordance with BaFin guidelines (including mortality tables and discount rates) which are considered Level 2 inputs.

The following tables provide a summary of the fair value measurements for each major category of investments, assets designated for retirement and pension plans and associated liabilities measured at fair value:


			Balance Sheet Classification
	Fair Value		Other Current Assets		Assets Designated for Retirement and Pension Plans		Investments		Other Current Liabilities		Retirement and Pension Plans
Balance at March 31, 2021

Measured on a recurring basis:
Level 1(1):
U.S. non-qualified deferred compensation plan	$	33,545	$	—	$	—	$	33,545	$	—	$	—

Level 2(2):
Retirement and pension plan assets	15,229		1,377		13,853		—		—		—
Pension benefit obligation	(21,463)		—		—		—		(1,377)		(20,087)
Total Level 2	(6,234)		1,377		13,853		—		(1,377)		(20,087)





Total	$	27,311	$	1,377	$	13,853	$	33,545	$	(1,377)	$	(20,087)


			Balance Sheet Classification
	Fair Value		Other Current Assets		Goodwill		Assets Designated for Retirement and Pension Plans		Investments		Other Current Liabilities		Retirement and Pension Plans
Balance at December 31, 2020

Measured on a recurring basis:
Level 1(1):
U.S. non-qualified deferred compensation plan	$	31,369	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	31,369	$	—	$	—

Level 2(2):
Retirement and pension plan assets	15,859		1,434		—		14,425		—		—		—
Pension benefit obligation	(22,351)		—		—		—		—		(1,434)		(20,917)
Total Level 2	(6,492)		1,434		—		14,425		—		(1,434)		(20,917)

Measured on a non-recurring basis:
Level 3(3)(4):
Goodwill	91,643				91,643

Total	$	116,520	$	1,434	$	91,643	$	14,425	$	31,369	$	(1,434)	$	(20,917)

(1)Level 1 – Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities.

(2)Level 2 – Quoted prices in active markets for similar assets and liabilities, or other inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument.

(3)Level 3 - Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets and liabilities. This includes certain pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies and similar techniques that use significant unobservable inputs.

(4)In accordance with Subtopic 350-20, goodwill with a carrying value of $33.0 million was written down to its implied fair value of zero during the three months ended June 30, 2020, resulting in the revised total goodwill of $91.6 million and an impairment charge of $33.0 million in earnings.

Contingent Consideration

The former owners of the Company's prior year acquisitions are eligible to receive additional cash compensation based on the attainment of certain operating metrics in the periods subsequent to acquisition. Contingent compensation is valued using significant inputs that are not observable in the market which are defined as Level 3 inputs pursuant to fair value measurement accounting. The Company determines the fair value of contingent consideration using discounted cash flow models.

The following table provides a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balance of Level 3 liabilities for the three months ended March 31, 2021:


	Contingent Compensation
Balance at December 31, 2020	$	(2,390)
Compensation expense	(454)


Foreign currency translation	201

Balance at March 31, 2021	$	(2,643)

Contingent compensation accruals are recorded within Other non-current liabilities in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020.

Fair Value Disclosures

Financial Instruments and Fair Value

Cash, Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities

The Company's cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities by significant investment category are as follows:



	Cash and Cash Equivalents
Balance at March 31, 2021
Cash	$	161,049

Level 1(1):
Money market funds	23,006

Total Level 1	23,006




Total	$	184,055


	Fair Value								Balance Sheet Classification
	Amortized Cost		Unrealized Gains		Unrealized Losses		Fair Value		Cash and Cash Equivalents		Marketable Securities
Balance at December 31, 2020
Cash									$	230,490	$	—

Level 1(1):
Money market funds									53,986		—
U.S. Treasury securities	51,996		1		(1)		51,996		31,997		19,999
Total Level 1	51,996		1		(1)		51,996		85,983		19,999

Total	$	51,996	$	1	$	(1)	$	51,996	$	316,473	$	19,999

(1)Level 1 – Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities.

Investments, Assets Designated for Retirement and Pension Plans and Associated Liabilities


			Balance Sheet Classification
	Fair Value		Other Current Assets		Assets Designated for Retirement and Pension Plans		Investments		Other Current Liabilities		Retirement and Pension Plans
Balance at March 31, 2021

Measured on a recurring basis:
Level 1(1):
U.S. non-qualified deferred compensation plan	$	33,545	$	—	$	—	$	33,545	$	—	$	—

Level 2(2):
Retirement and pension plan assets	15,229		1,377		13,853		—		—		—
Pension benefit obligation	(21,463)		—		—		—		(1,377)		(20,087)
Total Level 2	(6,234)		1,377		13,853		—		(1,377)		(20,087)





Total	$	27,311	$	1,377	$	13,853	$	33,545	$	(1,377)	$	(20,087)


			Balance Sheet Classification
	Fair Value		Other Current Assets		Goodwill		Assets Designated for Retirement and Pension Plans		Investments		Other Current Liabilities		Retirement and Pension Plans
Balance at December 31, 2020

Measured on a recurring basis:
Level 1(1):
U.S. non-qualified deferred compensation plan	$	31,369	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	31,369	$	—	$	—

Level 2(2):
Retirement and pension plan assets	15,859		1,434		—		14,425		—		—		—
Pension benefit obligation	(22,351)		—		—		—		—		(1,434)		(20,917)
Total Level 2	(6,492)		1,434		—		14,425		—		(1,434)		(20,917)

Measured on a non-recurring basis:
Level 3(3)(4):
Goodwill	91,643				91,643

Total	$	116,520	$	1,434	$	91,643	$	14,425	$	31,369	$	(1,434)	$	(20,917)

(1)Level 1 – Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities.

Contingent Consideration

The following table provides a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balance of Level 3 liabilities for the three months ended March 31, 2021:


	Contingent Compensation
Balance at December 31, 2020	$	(2,390)
Compensation expense	(454)


Foreign currency translation	201

Balance at March 31, 2021	$	(2,643)

Contingent compensation accruals are recorded within Other non-current liabilities in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the fair value of financial instruments (as defined), including financial assets and financial liabilities (collectively, as defined), and the measurements of those instruments as well as disclosures related to the fair value of non-financial assets and liabilities. Such disclosures about the financial instruments, assets, and liabilities would include: (1) the fair value of the required items together with their carrying amounts (as appropriate); (2) for items for which it is not practicable to estimate fair value, disclosure would include: (a) information pertinent to estimating fair value (including, carrying amount, effective interest rate, and maturity, and (b) the reasons why it is not practicable to estimate fair value; (3) significant concentrations of credit risk including: (a) information about the activity, region, or economic characteristics identifying a concentration, (b) the maximum amount of loss the entity is exposed to based on the gross fair value of the related item, (c) policy for requiring collateral or other security and information as to accessing such collateral or security, and (d) the nature and brief description of such collateral or security; (4) quantitative information about market risks and how such risks are managed; (5) for items measured on both a recurring and nonrecurring basis information regarding the inputs used to develop the fair value measurement; and (6) for items presented in the financial statement for which fair value measurement is elected: (a) information necessary to understand the reasons for the election, (b) discussion of the effect of fair value changes on earnings, (c) a description of [similar groups] items for which the election is made and the relation thereof to the balance sheet, the aggregate carrying value of items included in the balance sheet that are not eligible for the election; (7) all other required (as defined) and desired information.

+ References + Details

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill

The Company's goodwill by segment is as follows:


	March 31, 2021		December 31, 2020
Executive Search
Americas	$	91,452	$	91,643








Total goodwill	$	91,452	$	91,643

Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by segment for the three months ended March 31, 2021, are as follows:


	Executive Search
	Americas		Europe		Asia Pacific		Total
Goodwill	$	91,643	$	24,475	$	8,495	$	124,613
Accumulated impairment losses	—		(24,475)		(8,495)		(32,970)
Balance at December 31, 2020	91,643		—		—		91,643



Foreign currency translation	(191)		—		—		(191)



Balance at March 31, 2021	$	91,452	$	—	$	—	$	91,452

Other Intangible Assets, net

The Company’s other intangible assets, net by segment, are as follows:


	March 31, 2021		December 31, 2020
Executive Search
Americas	$	178	$	225
Europe	735		852
Asia Pacific	48		52




Total other intangible assets, net	$	961	$	1,129

The carrying amount of amortizable intangible assets and the related accumulated amortization are as follows:


	Weighted Average Life (Years)	March 31, 2021						December 31, 2020
		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Net Carrying Amount		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Net Carrying Amount
Client relationships	6.6	$	16,536	$	(15,664)	$	872	$	16,600	$	(15,587)	$	1,013
Trade name	5.0	258		(169)		89		280		(164)		116
Total intangible assets	6.5	$	16,794	$	(15,833)	$	961	$	16,880	$	(15,751)	$	1,129

Intangible asset amortization expense for each of the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 was $0.2 million.

The Company's estimated future amortization expense related to intangible assets as of March 31, 2021, for the years ended December 31 is as follows:


2021	$	349
2022	309
2023	183
2024	73
2025	47

Total	$	961

Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Additional Financial Information Disclosure

Other Current Assets

The components of other current assets are as follows:


	March 31, 2021		December 31, 2020
Contract assets	$	21,632	$	19,652
Other	3,864		3,627
Total other current assets	$	25,496	$	23,279

Debt	3 Months Ended
Debt	Mar. 31, 2021
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt Disclosure	Line of Credit On October 26, 2018, the Company entered into a new Credit Agreement (the "2018 Credit Agreement") to replace the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the "Restated Credit Agreement") executed on June 30, 2015. The 2018 Credit Agreement provides the Company with a senior unsecured revolving line of credit with an aggregate commitment of $175 million, which includes a sublimit of $25 million for letters of credit, and a $10 million swingline loan sublimit. The agreement also includes a $75 million expansion feature. The 2018 Credit Agreement will mature in October 2023. Borrowings under the 2018 Credit Agreement bear interest at the Company's election of the Alternate Base Rate (as defined in the 2018 Credit Agreement) or Adjusted LIBOR (as defined in the 2018 Credit Agreement) plus a spread as determined by the Company's leverage ratio. Borrowings under the 2018 Credit Agreement may be used for working capital, capital expenditures, Permitted Acquisitions (as defined in the 2018 Credit Agreement) and for other general purposes of the Company and its subsidiaries. The obligations under the 2018 Credit Agreement are guaranteed by certain of the Company's subsidiaries. The Company capitalized approximately $1.0 million of loan acquisition costs related to the 2018 Credit Agreement, which will be amortized over the term of the agreement. During the three months ended March 31, 2020, the Company borrowed $100.0 million under the 2018 Credit Agreement. The Company elected to draw down a portion of the available funds from its revolving line of credit as a precautionary measure to increase its cash position and further enhance its financial flexibility in light of current uncertainty in the global markets resulting from the COVID-19 outbreak. The Company subsequently repaid $100.0 million during the three months ended September 30, 2020. As of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the Company had no outstanding borrowings. The Company was in compliance with the financial and other covenants under the 2018 Credit Agreement and no event of default existed.

Compensation Related Costs, Share Based Payments

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]

Share-based Payment Arrangement

Stock-Based Compensation

On May 28, 2020, the stockholders of the Company approved an amendment to the Company's Second Amended and Restated 2012 Heidrick & Struggles GlobalShare Program (as so amended, the "Third A&R 2012 Program") to increase the number of shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance under the 2012 Program by 500,000 shares. The Third A&R 2012 Program provides for grants of stock options, stock appreciation rights, and other stock-based compensation awards that are valued based upon the grant date fair value of shares. These awards may be granted to directors, selected employees and independent contractors.

As of March 31, 2021, 3,267,281 awards have been issued under the Third A&R 2012 Program and 791,113 shares remain available for future awards, including 708,394 forfeited awards. The Third A&R 2012 Program provides that no awards can be granted after May 28, 2028.

The Company measures its stock-based compensation costs based on the grant date fair value of the awards and recognizes these costs over the requisite service period.

A summary of information with respect to stock-based compensation is as follows:


	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2021		2020
Salaries and benefits (1)	$	5,461	$	1,804

Income tax benefit related to stock-based compensation included in net income	1,453		479

(1) Includes $2.5 million of expense and $0.8 million of income related to cash settled restricted stock units for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

Restricted Stock Units

Restricted stock units are generally subject to ratable vesting over a three-year period. A portion of the Company's restricted stock units are subject to ratable vesting over a four-year period. Compensation expense related to service-based restricted stock units is recognized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period.

Restricted stock unit activity for the three months ended March 31, 2021 is as follows:


	Number of Restricted Stock Units	Weighted- Average Grant-Date Fair Value
Outstanding on December 31, 2020	707,864	$	28.35
Granted	182,704	36.95
Vested and converted to common stock	(134,026)	29.60
Forfeited	—	—
Outstanding on March 31, 2021	756,542	$	30.21

As of March 31, 2021, there was $12.0 million of pre-tax unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested restricted stock units, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average of 2.6 years.

Performance Stock Units

The Company grants performance stock units to certain of its senior executives. The performance stock units are generally subject to a cliff vesting at the end of a three-year period. The vesting will vary between 0% and 200% based on the attainment of operating income goals over the three-year vesting period. Half of the award is based on the achievement of certain operating margin thresholds and half of the award is based on the Company's total shareholder return, relative to a peer group. The fair value of the awards based on total shareholder return was determined using the Monte-Carlo simulation model. A Monte Carlo simulation model uses stock price volatility and other variables to estimate the probability of satisfying the performance conditions and the resulting fair value of the award. The performance stock units are expensed on a straight-line basis over the three-year vesting period.

Performance stock unit activity for the three months ended March 31, 2021 is as follows:


	Number of Performance Stock Units	Weighted- Average Grant-Date Fair Value
Outstanding on December 31, 2020	234,934	$	29.80
Granted	83,220	33.98
Vested and converted to common stock	(90,284)	30.60
Forfeited	—	—
Outstanding on March 31, 2021	227,870	$	31.01

As of March 31, 2021, there was $5.4 million of pre-tax unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested performance stock units, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average of 2.2 years.

Phantom Stock Units

Phantom stock units are grants of phantom stock with respect to shares of the Company's common stock that are settled in cash and are subject to various restrictions, including restrictions on transferability, vesting and forfeiture provisions. Shares of phantom stock that do not vest for any reason will be forfeited by the recipient and will revert to the Company.

Phantom stock units were granted to certain employees of the Company and are subject to vesting over a period of four years and certain other conditions, including continued service to the Company. As a result of the cash-settlement feature of the awards, the Company considers the awards to be liability awards, which are measured at fair value at each reporting date and the vested portion of the award is recognized as a liability to the extent that the service condition is deemed probable. The fair value of the phantom stock awards on the balance sheet date was determined using the closing share price of the Company's common stock on that date.

The Company recorded phantom stock-based compensation expense of $2.5 million during the three months ended March 31, 2021. The Company recorded phantom stock-based compensation income of $0.8 million during the three months ended March 31, 2020.

Phantom stock unit activity for the three months ended March 31, 2021 is as follows:


			Number of Phantom Stock Units
Outstanding on December 31, 2020			351,634
Granted			—
Vested			—
Forfeited			—
Outstanding on March 31, 2021			351,634

As of March 31, 2021, there was $4.0 million of pre-tax unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested phantom stock units, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average of 2.7 years.

Restructuring and Related Activities

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]

Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure

Restructuring

During the three months ended September 30, 2020, the Company implemented a restructuring plan to optimize future growth and profitability. The primary components of the restructuring included a workforce reduction, a reduction of the Company's real estate expenses and professional fees, and the elimination of certain deferred compensation programs.

Restructuring charges for the three months ended March 31, 2021 by type of charge and reportable segment are as follows:


	Executive Search
	Americas		Europe		Asia Pacific		Heidrick Consulting		Global Operations Support		Total
Employee related	$	19	$	(52)	$	(124)	$	(44)	$	7	$	(194)
Office related	3,676		—		—		366		—		4,042
Other	3		—		—		—		10		13
Total	$	3,698	$	(52)	$	(124)	$	322	$	17	$	3,861

Restructuring charges incurred to date, which includes prior period charges, by type of charge and reportable segment are as follows:


	Executive Search
	Americas		Europe		Asia Pacific		Heidrick Consulting		Global Operations Support		Total
Employee related	$	16,223	$	8,302	$	4,110	$	2,590	$	1,360	$	32,585
Office related	17,918		226		374		2,319		2,115		22,952
Other	34		24		6		71		560		695
Total	$	34,175	$	8,552	$	4,490	$	4,980	$	4,035	$	56,232

The Company anticipates future restructuring charges of $3.0 million to $6.0 million related to further real estate optimization.

Changes to the accrual for restructuring charges for the three months ended March 31, 2021, are as follows:


	Employee Related		Office Related		Other		Total
Outstanding on December 31, 2020	$	22,312	$	953	$	—	$	23,265
Restructuring charges	(194)		4,042		13		3,861
Cash payments	(11,945)		(467)		(13)		(12,425)
Non cash write offs	—		(4,041)		—		(4,041)

Exchange rate fluctuations	(127)		—		—		(127)
Outstanding on March 31, 2021	$	10,046	$	487	$	—	$	10,533

Restructuring accruals are recorded within Other current liabilities in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets with the exception of certain employee related accruals. Accruals associated with the elimination of certain deferred compensation programs of $4.9 million and $3.6 million are recorded within current and non-current Accrued salaries and benefits, respectively, as of March 31, 2021. Accruals associated with the elimination of certain deferred compensation programs of $7.2 million and $11.3 million are recorded within current and non-current Accrued salaries and benefits, respectively, as of December 31, 2020.

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
Income Taxes	Mar. 31, 2021
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Tax Disclosure	Income Taxes The Company reported income before taxes of $22.8 million and an income tax provision of $7.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021. The Company reported income before taxes of $14.4 million and an income tax provision of $5.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020. The effective tax rates for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, were 34.9% and 39.8%, respectively. The effective tax rates for the three months ended March 31, 2021, and 2020 were each impacted by one-time items and the mix of income.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for income taxes. Disclosures may include net deferred tax liability or asset recognized in an enterprise's statement of financial position, net change during the year in the total valuation allowance, approximate tax effect of each type of temporary difference and carryforward that gives rise to a significant portion of deferred tax liabilities and deferred tax assets, utilization of a tax carryback, and tax uncertainties information.

+ References + Details

Comprehensive Text Block List

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

Text Block [Abstract]

Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note

Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

The changes in Accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) by component for the three months ended March 31, 2021 are as follows:


	Foreign Currency Translation		Pension		AOCI
Balance at December 31, 2020	$	6,184	$	(2,767)	$	3,417
Other comprehensive loss before classification, net of tax	(693)		—		(693)
Balance at March 31, 2021	$	5,491	$	(2,767)	$	2,724

Segment Reporting

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Segment Reporting Disclosure

Segment Information

The Company has four operating segments. The executive search business operates in the Americas, Europe (which includes Africa) and Asia Pacific (which includes the Middle East), and the Heidrick Consulting business operates globally.

For segment purposes, reimbursements of out-of-pocket expenses classified as revenue and other operating income are reported separately and, therefore, are not included in the results of each segment. The Company believes that analyzing trends in revenue before reimbursements (net revenue), analyzing operating expenses as a percentage of net revenue, and analyzing operating income, more appropriately reflect its core operations.

The revenue and operating income (loss) by segment are as follows:


	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2021		2020
Revenue
Executive Search
Americas	$	116,506	$	100,301
Europe	37,643		33,082
Asia Pacific	25,469		22,070
Total Executive Search	179,618		155,453
Heidrick Consulting	14,038		16,028
Revenue before reimbursements (net revenue)	193,656		171,481
Reimbursements	1,075		3,366
Total revenue	$	194,731	$	174,847


	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2021		2020
Operating income (loss)
Executive Search
Americas (1)	$	26,256	$	25,732
Europe	4,540		3,049
Asia Pacific	4,144		2,502
Total Executive Search	34,940		31,283
Heidrick Consulting (2)	(4,710)		(4,092)
Total segment operating income	30,230		27,191
Global Operations Support	(10,622)		(9,039)
Total operating income	$	19,608	$	18,152

(1) Includes restructuring charges of $3.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021.

(2) Includes restructuring charges of $0.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for reporting segments including data and tables. Reportable segments include those that meet any of the following quantitative thresholds a) it's reported revenue, including sales to external customers and intersegment sales or transfers is 10 percent or more of the combined revenue, internal and external, of all operating segments b) the absolute amount of its reported profit or loss is 10 percent or more of the greater, in absolute amount of 1) the combined reported profit of all operating segments that did not report a loss or 2) the combined reported loss of all operating segments that did report a loss c) its assets are 10 percent or more of the combined assets of all operating segments.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 31
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120311839&loc=d3e8924-108599

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
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Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
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Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120311839&loc=d3e8933-108599

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
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Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/topic&trid=2134510

+ Details

Guarantees	3 Months Ended
Guarantees	Mar. 31, 2021
Guarantees and Product Warranties [Abstract]
Guarantees	Guarantees The Company has utilized letters of credit to support certain obligations, primarily for its office lease agreements in Europe and Asia Pacific. The letters of credit were made to secure the respective agreements and are for the terms of the agreements, which extend through 2033. For each letter of credit issued, the Company would have to use cash to fulfill the obligation if there is a default on a payment. The maximum amount of undiscounted payments the Company would be required to make in the event of default on all outstanding letters of credit is approximately $5.4 million as of March 31, 2021. The Company has not accrued for these arrangements as no event of default exists or is expected to exist.

Commitment and Contingencies	3 Months Ended
Commitment and Contingencies	Mar. 31, 2021
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure	Commitments and Contingencies Litigation The Company has contingent liabilities from various pending claims and litigation matters arising in the ordinary course of the Company’s business, some of which involve claims for damages that are substantial in amount. Some of these matters are covered by insurance. Based upon information currently available, the Company believes the ultimate resolution of such claims and litigation will not have a material adverse effect on its financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.

Subsequent Events	3 Months Ended
Subsequent Events	Mar. 31, 2021
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	Subsequent Event On April 1, 2021, the Company acquired Business Talent Group, LLC ("BTG"). BTG is a market-leader in sourcing high-end, on-demand independent talent. Initial consideration of $32.6 million was paid in the 2021 second quarter with an anticipated future payment in 2023, subject to the achievement of certain agreed upon financial performance targets. As previously disclosed, on January 15, 2019, the Company announced an exclusive collaboration with BTG and has been offering the Company's clients access to BTG’s pool of top independent business professionals for specialized, project-based work since such date.

Accounting Policies (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Schedule of Cash and Cash Equivalents


	March 31,				December 31,
	2021		2020		2020		2019
Cash and cash equivalents	$	184,055	$	251,000	$	316,473	$	271,719

Restricted cash included within other non-current assets	$	16	$	—	$	16	$	—
Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	$	184,071	$	251,000	$	316,489	$	271,719

Restrictions on Cash and Cash Equivalents


	March 31,				December 31,
	2021		2020		2020		2019
Cash and cash equivalents	$	184,055	$	251,000	$	316,473	$	271,719

Restricted cash included within other non-current assets	$	16	$	—	$	16	$	—
Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	$	184,071	$	251,000	$	316,489	$	271,719

Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:


	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2021		2020
Net income	$	14,832	$	8,666
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic	19,387		19,192
Effect of dilutive securities:
Restricted stock units	589		418
Performance stock units	195		166
Diluted	20,171		19,776
Basic earnings per share	$	0.77	$	0.45
Diluted earnings per share	$	0.74	$	0.44

Revenue from Contract with Customer (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]

Contract with Customer, Contract Asset, Contract Liability, and Receivable

The following table outlines the changes in the contract asset and liability balances from December 31, 2020 to March 31, 2021:


	March 31, 2021		December 31, 2020		Change
Contract assets
Unbilled receivables, net	$	11,806	$	9,907	$	1,899
Contract assets	9,826		9,745		81
Total contract assets	21,632		19,652		1,980

Contract liabilities
Deferred revenue	$	38,847	$	38,050	$	797

Credit Losses (Tables)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

Dec. 31, 2020

Credit Loss [Abstract]

Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss

The activity in the allowance for credit losses on the Company's trade receivables is as follows:


Balance at December 31, 2020	$	6,557
Provision for credit losses	945
Write-offs	(839)
Foreign currency translation	(39)
Balance at March 31, 2021	$	6,624

Debt Securities, Available-for-sale


	Less Than 12 Months				Balance Sheet Classification
Balance at December 31, 2020	Fair Value		Unrealized Loss		Cash and Cash Equivalents		Marketable Securities
U.S. Treasury securities	$	31,997	$	1	$	31,997	$	—

Property, Plant, and Equipment (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]

Property, Plant and Equipment

The components of the Company’s property and equipment are as follows:


	March 31, 2021		December 31, 2020
Leasehold improvements	$	40,304	$	40,320
Office furniture, fixtures and equipment	14,580		14,816
Computer equipment and software	25,914		25,544
Property and equipment, gross	80,798		80,680
Accumulated depreciation	(58,425)		(57,188)
Property and equipment, net	$	22,373	$	23,492

Leases, Codification Topic 842 (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

Leases [Abstract]

Lease, Cost

Lease cost components included within General and Administrative Expenses in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income were as follows:


	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2021		2020
Operating lease cost	$	4,867	$	6,261
Variable lease cost	1,228		2,073
Total lease cost	$	6,095	$	8,334

Schedule of Cash Flow Information Related to Operating Leases

Supplemental cash flow information related to the Company's operating leases is as follows for the three months ended March 31:


	2021		2020
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Operating cash flows from operating leases	$	7,566	$	7,812
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations:
Operating leases	$	791	$	1,641

Lessee Operating Lease Weighted Averages

The weighted average remaining lease term and weighted average discount rate for operating leases as of March 31, is as follows:


	2021		2020
Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term
Operating leases	5.9 years		4.6 years
Weighted Average Discount Rate
Operating leases	3.44	%	3.84	%

Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Maturity

The future maturities of the Company's operating lease liabilities as of March 31, 2021, for the years ended December 31 is as follows:


	Operating Lease Maturity
2021	$	20,785
2022	26,007
2023	24,047
2024	14,109
2025	6,700
Thereafter	30,205
Total lease payments	121,853
Less: Interest	(12,370)
Present value of lease liabilities	$	109,483

Fair Value Measures and Disclosures (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments

The Company's cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities by significant investment category are as follows:



	Cash and Cash Equivalents
Balance at March 31, 2021
Cash	$	161,049

Level 1(1):
Money market funds	23,006

Total Level 1	23,006




Total	$	184,055


	Fair Value								Balance Sheet Classification
	Amortized Cost		Unrealized Gains		Unrealized Losses		Fair Value		Cash and Cash Equivalents		Marketable Securities
Balance at December 31, 2020
Cash									$	230,490	$	—

Level 1(1):
Money market funds									53,986		—
U.S. Treasury securities	51,996		1		(1)		51,996		31,997		19,999
Total Level 1	51,996		1		(1)		51,996		85,983		19,999

Total	$	51,996	$	1	$	(1)	$	51,996	$	316,473	$	19,999

(1)Level 1 – Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities.

Fair Value, Separate Account Investment


			Balance Sheet Classification
	Fair Value		Other Current Assets		Assets Designated for Retirement and Pension Plans		Investments		Other Current Liabilities		Retirement and Pension Plans
Balance at March 31, 2021

Measured on a recurring basis:
Level 1(1):
U.S. non-qualified deferred compensation plan	$	33,545	$	—	$	—	$	33,545	$	—	$	—

Level 2(2):
Retirement and pension plan assets	15,229		1,377		13,853		—		—		—
Pension benefit obligation	(21,463)		—		—		—		(1,377)		(20,087)
Total Level 2	(6,234)		1,377		13,853		—		(1,377)		(20,087)





Total	$	27,311	$	1,377	$	13,853	$	33,545	$	(1,377)	$	(20,087)


			Balance Sheet Classification
	Fair Value		Other Current Assets		Goodwill		Assets Designated for Retirement and Pension Plans		Investments		Other Current Liabilities		Retirement and Pension Plans
Balance at December 31, 2020

Measured on a recurring basis:
Level 1(1):
U.S. non-qualified deferred compensation plan	$	31,369	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	31,369	$	—	$	—

Level 2(2):
Retirement and pension plan assets	15,859		1,434		—		14,425		—		—		—
Pension benefit obligation	(22,351)		—		—		—		—		(1,434)		(20,917)
Total Level 2	(6,492)		1,434		—		14,425		—		(1,434)		(20,917)

Measured on a non-recurring basis:
Level 3(3)(4):
Goodwill	91,643				91,643

Total	$	116,520	$	1,434	$	91,643	$	14,425	$	31,369	$	(1,434)	$	(20,917)

(1)Level 1 – Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities.

Investments and Other Noncurrent Assets

The following table provides a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balance of Level 3 liabilities for the three months ended March 31, 2021:


	Contingent Compensation
Balance at December 31, 2020	$	(2,390)
Compensation expense	(454)


Foreign currency translation	201

Balance at March 31, 2021	$	(2,643)

Contingent compensation accruals are recorded within Other non-current liabilities in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Intangible Assets and Goodwill

The Company's goodwill by segment is as follows:


	March 31, 2021		December 31, 2020
Executive Search
Americas	$	91,452	$	91,643








Total goodwill	$	91,452	$	91,643

Schedule of Goodwill

Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by segment for the three months ended March 31, 2021, are as follows:


	Executive Search
	Americas		Europe		Asia Pacific		Total
Goodwill	$	91,643	$	24,475	$	8,495	$	124,613
Accumulated impairment losses	—		(24,475)		(8,495)		(32,970)
Balance at December 31, 2020	91,643		—		—		91,643



Foreign currency translation	(191)		—		—		(191)



Balance at March 31, 2021	$	91,452	$	—	$	—	$	91,452

Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets

The Company’s other intangible assets, net by segment, are as follows:


	March 31, 2021		December 31, 2020
Executive Search
Americas	$	178	$	225
Europe	735		852
Asia Pacific	48		52




Total other intangible assets, net	$	961	$	1,129

The carrying amount of amortizable intangible assets and the related accumulated amortization are as follows:


	Weighted Average Life (Years)	March 31, 2021						December 31, 2020
		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Net Carrying Amount		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Net Carrying Amount
Client relationships	6.6	$	16,536	$	(15,664)	$	872	$	16,600	$	(15,587)	$	1,013
Trade name	5.0	258		(169)		89		280		(164)		116
Total intangible assets	6.5	$	16,794	$	(15,833)	$	961	$	16,880	$	(15,751)	$	1,129

Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense

The Company's estimated future amortization expense related to intangible assets as of March 31, 2021, for the years ended December 31 is as follows:


2021	$	349
2022	309
2023	183
2024	73
2025	47

Total	$	961

Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Other Current Assets

The components of other current assets are as follows:


	March 31, 2021		December 31, 2020
Contract assets	$	21,632	$	19,652
Other	3,864		3,627
Total other current assets	$	25,496	$	23,279

Compensation Related Costs, Share Based Payments (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]

Share-based Payment Arrangement, Expensed and Capitalized, Amount

A summary of information with respect to stock-based compensation is as follows:


	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2021		2020
Salaries and benefits (1)	$	5,461	$	1,804

Income tax benefit related to stock-based compensation included in net income	1,453		479

Share-based Payment Arrangement, Restricted Stock Unit, Activity

Restricted stock unit activity for the three months ended March 31, 2021 is as follows:


	Number of Restricted Stock Units	Weighted- Average Grant-Date Fair Value
Outstanding on December 31, 2020	707,864	$	28.35
Granted	182,704	36.95
Vested and converted to common stock	(134,026)	29.60
Forfeited	—	—
Outstanding on March 31, 2021	756,542	$	30.21

Share-based Payment Arrangement, Performance Shares, Outstanding Activity


	Number of Performance Stock Units	Weighted- Average Grant-Date Fair Value
Outstanding on December 31, 2020	234,934	$	29.80
Granted	83,220	33.98
Vested and converted to common stock	(90,284)	30.60
Forfeited	—	—
Outstanding on March 31, 2021	227,870	$	31.01

Share-Based Compensation, Phantom Shares Award Outstanding Activity

Phantom stock unit activity for the three months ended March 31, 2021 is as follows:


			Number of Phantom Stock Units
Outstanding on December 31, 2020			351,634
Granted			—
Vested			—
Forfeited			—
Outstanding on March 31, 2021			351,634

Restructuring and Related Activities (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]

Restructuring Charges by Type for Current Period

Restructuring charges for the three months ended March 31, 2021 by type of charge and reportable segment are as follows:


	Executive Search
	Americas		Europe		Asia Pacific		Heidrick Consulting		Global Operations Support		Total
Employee related	$	19	$	(52)	$	(124)	$	(44)	$	7	$	(194)
Office related	3,676		—		—		366		—		4,042
Other	3		—		—		—		10		13
Total	$	3,698	$	(52)	$	(124)	$	322	$	17	$	3,861

Restructuring Charges by Type Incurred to Date

Restructuring charges incurred to date, which includes prior period charges, by type of charge and reportable segment are as follows:


	Executive Search
	Americas		Europe		Asia Pacific		Heidrick Consulting		Global Operations Support		Total
Employee related	$	16,223	$	8,302	$	4,110	$	2,590	$	1,360	$	32,585
Office related	17,918		226		374		2,319		2,115		22,952
Other	34		24		6		71		560		695
Total	$	34,175	$	8,552	$	4,490	$	4,980	$	4,035	$	56,232

Restructuring and Related Costs

Changes to the accrual for restructuring charges for the three months ended March 31, 2021, are as follows:


	Employee Related		Office Related		Other		Total
Outstanding on December 31, 2020	$	22,312	$	953	$	—	$	23,265
Restructuring charges	(194)		4,042		13		3,861
Cash payments	(11,945)		(467)		(13)		(12,425)
Non cash write offs	—		(4,041)		—		(4,041)

Exchange rate fluctuations	(127)		—		—		(127)
Outstanding on March 31, 2021	$	10,046	$	487	$	—	$	10,533

Comprehensive Text Block List (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

Text Block [Abstract]

Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The changes in Accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) by component for the three months ended March 31, 2021 are as follows:


	Foreign Currency Translation		Pension		AOCI
Balance at December 31, 2020	$	6,184	$	(2,767)	$	3,417
Other comprehensive loss before classification, net of tax	(693)		—		(693)
Balance at March 31, 2021	$	5,491	$	(2,767)	$	2,724

Segment Reporting (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment

The revenue and operating income (loss) by segment are as follows:


	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2021		2020
Revenue
Executive Search
Americas	$	116,506	$	100,301
Europe	37,643		33,082
Asia Pacific	25,469		22,070
Total Executive Search	179,618		155,453
Heidrick Consulting	14,038		16,028
Revenue before reimbursements (net revenue)	193,656		171,481
Reimbursements	1,075		3,366
Total revenue	$	194,731	$	174,847


	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2021		2020
Operating income (loss)
Executive Search
Americas (1)	$	26,256	$	25,732
Europe	4,540		3,049
Asia Pacific	4,144		2,502
Total Executive Search	34,940		31,283
Heidrick Consulting (2)	(4,710)		(4,092)
Total segment operating income	30,230		27,191
Global Operations Support	(10,622)		(9,039)
Total operating income	$	19,608	$	18,152

(1) Includes restructuring charges of $3.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021.

(2) Includes restructuring charges of $0.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021.

Accounting Policies (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
Accounting Policies (Details) - USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value	$ 184,055,000	$ 251,000,000	$ 316,473,000	$ 271,719,000
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Line Items]
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent	$ 14,832,000	$ 8,666,000
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic	19,387,000	19,192,000
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted	20,171,000	19,776,000
Earnings Per Share, Basic	$ 0.77	$ 0.45
Earnings Per Share, Diluted	$ 0.74	$ 0.44
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents	$ 184,071,000	$ 251,000,000	316,489,000	271,719,000
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Line Items]
Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-based Payment Arrangements	589,000	418,000
Performance Shares
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Line Items]
Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-based Payment Arrangements	195,000	166,000
Other Noncurrent Assets [Member]
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Restricted Cash	$ 16,000	$ 0	16,000	0
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Line Items]
Restricted Cash	$ 16,000	$ 0	$ 16,000	$ 0

Revenue from Contract with Customer (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
Revenue from Contract with Customer (Details) - USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Unbilled Contracts Receivable	$ 11,806,000	$ 9,907,000
Contract with Customer, Asset, after Allowance for Credit Loss	9,826,000	9,745,000
Increase (Decrease) in Unbilled Contracts Receivable	1,899,000
Increase (Decrease) In Contract With Customer, After Allowance For Credit Loss	81,000
Increase (Decrease) in Contract with Customer, Asset	1,980,000
Deferred Revenue, Current	38,847,000	38,050,000
Deferred Revenue, Period Increase (Decrease)	797,000
Deferred Revenue, Revenue Recognized	26,300,000
Contract with Customer, Performance Obligation Satisfied in Previous Period	13,600,000
Contract with Customer, Asset, before Allowance for Credit Loss, Current	$ 21,632,000	$ 19,652,000

Credit Losses (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
Credit Losses (Details) - USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Credit Loss [Abstract]
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts, Premiums and Other Receivables	$ 6,624,000	$ 6,557,000
Accounts Receivable, Credit Loss Expense (Reversal)	945,000
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Writeoff	(839,000)
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities		31,997,000
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Foreign Currency Translation	(39,000)
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gain	0	1,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gain	$ 0	1,000
Investments
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities		$ 0

Property, Plant, and Equipment (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
Property, Plant, and Equipment (Details) - USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2020
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	$ 80,798,000		$ 80,680,000
Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment	(58,425,000)		(57,188,000)
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	22,373,000		23,492,000
Depreciation	1,800,000	$ 2,100,000
Leasehold Improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	40,304,000		40,320,000
Furniture and Fixtures [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	14,580,000		14,816,000
Computer Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	$ 25,914,000		$ 25,544,000

Leases, Codification Topic 842 (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		18 Months Ended
Leases, Codification Topic 842 (Details) - USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2021
Leases [Abstract]
Operating Lease, Expense	$ 4,867,000	$ 6,261,000
Variable Lease, Cost	1,228,000	2,073,000
Lease, Cost	6,095,000	8,334,000
Operating Lease, Payments	7,566,000	7,812,000
Right-of-Use Asset Obtained in Exchange for Operating Lease Liability	$ 791,000	$ 1,641,000
Operating Lease, Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term	5 years 10 months 24 days	4 years 7 months 6 days	5 years 10 months 24 days
Operating Lease, Weighted Average Discount Rate, Percent	3.44%	3.84%	3.44%
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, to be Paid, Remainder of Fiscal Year	$ 20,785,000		$ 20,785,000
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, to be Paid, Year One	26,007,000		26,007,000
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, to be Paid, Year Two	24,047,000		24,047,000
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, to be Paid, Year Three	14,109,000		14,109,000
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, to be Paid, Year Four	6,700,000		6,700,000
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, to be Paid, After Year Four	30,205,000		30,205,000
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, to be Paid	121,853,000		121,853,000
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Undiscounted Excess Amount	(12,370,000)		(12,370,000)
Operating Lease, Liability	109,483,000		109,483,000
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	$ 3,861,000	$ 0	$ 56,232,000
Office Lease
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges		$ 4,000,000.0
Minimum [Member] \| Office Leases [Member]
Leases [Abstract]
Lessee, Operating Lease, Term of Contract	1 year		1 year
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Lessee, Operating Lease, Term of Contract	1 year		1 year
Minimum [Member] \| Equipment Lease [Member]
Leases [Abstract]
Lessee, Operating Lease, Term of Contract	1 year		1 year
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Lessee, Operating Lease, Term of Contract	1 year		1 year
Maximum [Member] \| Office Leases [Member]
Leases [Abstract]
Lessee, Operating Lease, Term of Contract	12 years 3 months 18 days		12 years 3 months 18 days
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Lessee, Operating Lease, Term of Contract	12 years 3 months 18 days		12 years 3 months 18 days
Maximum [Member] \| Equipment Lease [Member]
Leases [Abstract]
Lessee, Operating Lease, Term of Contract	4 years 9 months 18 days		4 years 9 months 18 days
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Lessee, Operating Lease, Term of Contract	4 years 9 months 18 days		4 years 9 months 18 days

Fair Value Measures and Disclosures (Details) - USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value	$ 184,055,000	$ 316,473,000	$ 251,000,000	$ 271,719,000
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain (Loss), before Tax		(1,000)
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Amortized Cost		51,996,000
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale		51,996,000
Marketable Securities		19,999,000
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax		1,000
Fair Value, Net Asset (Liability)	27,311,000	116,520,000
Goodwill	91,452,000	91,643,000
Aggregate Cost Basis for Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan	20,800,000	19,500,000
Goodwill, Gross		124,613,000
Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss		32,970,000
Europe and Asia Pacific
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Goodwill		91,600,000
Goodwill, Gross		33,000,000.0
Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss		33,000,000.0
Investments
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fair Value, Net Asset (Liability)	33,545,000	31,369,000
Other Current Assets [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fair Value, Net Asset (Liability)	1,377,000	1,434,000
Assets Designated for Retirement and Pension Plans [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fair Value, Net Asset (Liability)	13,853,000	14,425,000
Other Current Liabilities [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fair Value, Net Asset (Liability)	(1,377,000)	(1,434,000)
Other Pension Plan [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fair Value, Net Asset (Liability)	(20,087,000)	(20,917,000)
Goodwill [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fair Value, Net Asset (Liability)		91,643,000
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value	23,006,000	85,983,000
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain (Loss), before Tax		(1,000)
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Amortized Cost		51,996,000
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale		51,996,000
Marketable Securities		19,999,000
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax		1,000
Deferred Compensation Plan Assets	33,545,000	31,369,000
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] \| Investments
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Deferred Compensation Plan Assets	33,545,000	31,369,000
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount	15,229,000	15,859,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation	(21,463,000)	(22,351,000)
Fair Value, Net Asset (Liability)	(6,234,000)	(6,492,000)
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] \| Other Current Assets [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount	1,377,000	1,434,000
Fair Value, Net Asset (Liability)	1,377,000	1,434,000
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] \| Assets Designated for Retirement and Pension Plans [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount	13,853,000	14,425,000
Fair Value, Net Asset (Liability)	13,853,000	14,425,000
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] \| Other Current Liabilities [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation	(1,377,000)	(1,434,000)
Fair Value, Net Asset (Liability)	(1,377,000)	(1,434,000)
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] \| Other Pension Plan [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation	(20,087,000)	(20,917,000)
Fair Value, Net Asset (Liability)	(20,087,000)	(20,917,000)
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Goodwill		91,643,000
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 \| Goodwill [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Goodwill		91,643,000
Cash [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value	161,049,000	230,490,000
Money Market Funds [Member] \| Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value	$ 23,006,000	53,986,000
US Treasury Securities [Member] \| Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value		31,997,000
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain (Loss), before Tax		(1,000)
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Amortized Cost		51,996,000
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale		51,996,000
Marketable Securities		19,999,000
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax		$ 1,000

Fair Value Measures and Disclosures Level 3 Liabilities (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		18 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2021
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	$ 91,643,000
Restructuring Charges	3,861,000	$ 0	$ 56,232,000
Goodwill, Ending Balance	91,452,000		$ 91,452,000
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	$ 91,643,000

Fair Value Measures and Disclosures Level 3 (Details) - Contingent Compensation - Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021 USD ($)
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Acquisition Earnout Accruals	$ (2,390,000)
Earnout Accretion Fair Value Disclosure	(454,000)
Fair Value Measurement With Unobservable Inputs, Recurring Basis Liability, Foreign Currency Translation	201,000
Acquisition Earnout Accruals	$ (2,643,000)

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Goodwill (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 91,452,000	$ 91,643,000
Goodwill, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss)	(191,000)
Goodwill, Gross		124,613,000
Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss		(32,970,000)
Executive Search Member \| Americas
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	91,452,000	91,643,000
Goodwill, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss)	(191,000)
Goodwill, Gross		91,643,000
Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss		0
Executive Search Member \| Europe
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	0	0
Goodwill, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss)	0
Goodwill, Gross		24,475,000
Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss		(24,475,000)
Executive Search Member \| Asia Pacific
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	0	0
Goodwill, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss)	$ 0
Goodwill, Gross		8,495,000
Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss		$ (8,495,000)

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Other Intangible Assets, net (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2020
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Expected Amortization, Remainder of Fiscal Year	$ 349,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Expected Amortization, Year Two	309,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Expected Amortization, Year Three	183,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Expected Amortization, Year Four	73,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Expected Amortization, Year Five	47,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	$ 961,000		$ 1,129,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life	6 years 6 months
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	$ 16,794,000		16,880,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	(15,833,000)		(15,751,000)
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	961,000		1,129,000
Amortization of Intangible Assets	200,000	$ 200,000
Executive Search Member
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	961,000		1,129,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	961,000		1,129,000
Executive Search Member \| Americas
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	178,000		225,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	178,000		225,000
Executive Search Member \| Asia Pacific
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	48,000		52,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	48,000		52,000
Executive Search Member \| Europe
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	735,000		852,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	735,000		852,000
Customer Relationships [Member]
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	$ 872,000		1,013,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life	6 years 7 months 6 days
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	$ 16,536,000		16,600,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	(15,664,000)		(15,587,000)
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	872,000		1,013,000
Trade Names [Member]
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	$ 89,000		116,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life	5 years
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	$ 258,000		280,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	(169,000)		(164,000)
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	$ 89,000		$ 116,000

Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets (Details) - USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Unbilled Receivables, Current	$ 21,632,000	$ 19,652,000
Other Assets, Miscellaneous, Current	3,864,000	3,627,000
Other Assets, Current	$ 25,496,000	$ 23,279,000

Debt (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
Debt (Details) - USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2020
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	$ 175,000,000
Payments of Debt Issuance Costs	1,000,000.0
Proceeds from Lines of Credit	0	$ 100,000,000.0	$ 100,000,000.0
Long-term Line of Credit	0			$ 0
Sub Limit for Letters of Credit	25,000,000
Line of Credit Facility Expansion Borrowing Capacity	75,000,000
Swingline Loan Sub Limit	$ 10,000,000

- Definition

The carrying value as of the balance sheet date of the current and noncurrent portions of long-term obligations drawn from a line of credit, which is a bank's commitment to make loans up to a specific amount. Examples of items that might be included in the application of this element may consist of letters of credit, standby letters of credit, and revolving credit arrangements, under which borrowings can be made up to a maximum amount as of any point in time conditional on satisfaction of specified terms before, as of and after the date of drawdowns on the line. Includes short-term obligations that would normally be classified as current liabilities but for which (a) postbalance sheet date issuance of a long term obligation to refinance the short term obligation on a long term basis, or (b) the enterprise has entered into a financing agreement that clearly permits the enterprise to refinance the short-term obligation on a long term basis and the following conditions are met (1) the agreement does not expire within 1 year and is not cancelable by the lender except for violation of an objectively determinable provision, (2) no violation exists at the BS date, and (3) the lender has entered into the financing agreement is expected to be financially capable of honoring the agreement.

+ References + Details

Compensation Related Costs, Share Based Payments (Details) - USD ($)		3 Months Ended
	May 28, 2020	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2020
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Shares Issued in Period		3,267,281
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant		791,113
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Nonvested Options Forfeited, Number of Shares		708,394
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Expense, Tax Benefit		$ 1,453,000	$ 479,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Additional Shares Authorized	500,000
Labor and Related Expenses
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Expensed and Capitalized, Amount		5,461,000	1,804,000
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Nonvested Award, Cost Not yet Recognized, Amount		$ 12,000,000.0
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Nonvested Award, Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition		2 years 7 months 6 days
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Expense		$ 2,500,000	800,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Expense		2,500,000	$ 800,000
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Nonvested Award, Cost Not yet Recognized, Amount		$ 12,000,000.0
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Nonvested Award, Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition		2 years 7 months 6 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number		756,542		707,864
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value		$ 30.21		$ 28.35
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period		182,704
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period		(134,026)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period		0
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value		$ 36.95
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value		29.60
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value		$ 0
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number		756,542		707,864
Performance Shares
Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Nonvested Award, Cost Not yet Recognized, Amount		$ 5,400,000
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Nonvested Award, Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition		2 years 2 months 12 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Nonvested Award, Cost Not yet Recognized, Amount		$ 5,400,000
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Nonvested Award, Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition		2 years 2 months 12 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number			227,870	234,934
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value			$ 31.01	$ 29.80
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period		83,220
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period		(90,284)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period		0
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value		$ 33.98
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value		30.60
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value		$ 0
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number			227,870	234,934
Performance Shares \| Executive Officer
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period		3 years
Performance Shares \| Executive Officer \| Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage		0.00%
Performance Shares \| Executive Officer \| Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage		200.00%
Phantom Share Units (PSUs) [Member]
Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Nonvested Award, Cost Not yet Recognized, Amount		$ 4,000,000.0
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Nonvested Award, Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition		2 years 8 months 12 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Nonvested Award, Cost Not yet Recognized, Amount		$ 4,000,000.0
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Nonvested Award, Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition		2 years 8 months 12 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number			351,634	351,634
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period		0
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period		0
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period		0
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number			351,634	351,634

Restructuring and Related Activities - Restructuring Charges by Segment and Type (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		18 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2021
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	$ 3,861,000	$ 0	$ 56,232,000
Heidrick Consulting
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	322,000		4,980,000
Corporate, Non-Segment
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	17,000		4,035,000
Employee Severance
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	194,000		32,585,000
Employee Severance \| Heidrick Consulting
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	(44,000)		2,590,000
Employee Severance \| Corporate, Non-Segment
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	7,000		1,360,000
Facility Closing
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	(4,042,000)		22,952,000
Facility Closing \| Heidrick Consulting
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	366,000		2,319,000
Facility Closing \| Corporate, Non-Segment
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	0		2,115,000
Other Restructuring
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	(13,000)		695,000
Other Restructuring \| Heidrick Consulting
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	0		71,000
Other Restructuring \| Corporate, Non-Segment
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	10,000		560,000
Americas \| Executive Search Member
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	3,698,000		34,175,000
Americas \| Employee Severance \| Executive Search Member
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	19,000		16,223,000
Americas \| Facility Closing \| Executive Search Member
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	3,676,000		17,918,000
Americas \| Other Restructuring \| Executive Search Member
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	3,000		34,000
Europe \| Executive Search Member
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	(52,000)		8,552,000
Europe \| Employee Severance \| Executive Search Member
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	(52,000)		8,302,000
Europe \| Facility Closing \| Executive Search Member
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	0		226,000
Europe \| Other Restructuring \| Executive Search Member
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	0		24,000
Asia Pacific \| Executive Search Member
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	(124,000)		4,490,000
Asia Pacific \| Employee Severance \| Executive Search Member
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	(124,000)		4,110,000
Asia Pacific \| Facility Closing \| Executive Search Member
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	0		374,000
Asia Pacific \| Other Restructuring \| Executive Search Member
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	$ 0		$ 6,000

Restructuring and Related Activities - Restructuring Charges by Segment and Type Incurred to Date(Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		18 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2021
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	$ 3,861,000	$ 0	$ 56,232,000
Heidrick Consulting
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	322,000		4,980,000
Corporate, Non-Segment
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	17,000		4,035,000
Employee Severance
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	194,000		32,585,000
Employee Severance \| Heidrick Consulting
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	(44,000)		2,590,000
Employee Severance \| Corporate, Non-Segment
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	7,000		1,360,000
Facility Closing
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	(4,042,000)		22,952,000
Facility Closing \| Heidrick Consulting
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	366,000		2,319,000
Facility Closing \| Corporate, Non-Segment
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	0		2,115,000
Other Restructuring
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	(13,000)		695,000
Other Restructuring \| Heidrick Consulting
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	0		71,000
Other Restructuring \| Corporate, Non-Segment
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	10,000		560,000
Americas \| Executive Search Member
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	3,698,000		34,175,000
Americas \| Employee Severance \| Executive Search Member
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	19,000		16,223,000
Americas \| Facility Closing \| Executive Search Member
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	3,676,000		17,918,000
Americas \| Other Restructuring \| Executive Search Member
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	3,000		34,000
Europe \| Executive Search Member
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	(52,000)		8,552,000
Europe \| Employee Severance \| Executive Search Member
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	(52,000)		8,302,000
Europe \| Facility Closing \| Executive Search Member
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	0		226,000
Europe \| Other Restructuring \| Executive Search Member
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	0		24,000
Asia Pacific \| Executive Search Member
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	(124,000)		4,490,000
Asia Pacific \| Employee Severance \| Executive Search Member
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	(124,000)		4,110,000
Asia Pacific \| Facility Closing \| Executive Search Member
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	0		374,000
Asia Pacific \| Other Restructuring \| Executive Search Member
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	$ 0		$ 6,000

Restructuring and Related Activities (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		18 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Reserve	$ 10,533,000		$ 10,533,000	$ 23,265,000
Restructuring Charges	3,861,000	$ 0	56,232,000
Payments for Restructuring	(12,425,000)
Restructuring Reserve, Settled without Cash	(4,041,000)
Restructuring Reserve, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss)	(127,000)
Employee-related Liabilities, Current
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Reserve	4,900,000		4,900,000	7,200,000
Accrued Salaries and Benefits
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Reserve	3,600,000		3,600,000	11,300,000
Maximum [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost	6,000,000.0		6,000,000.0
Minimum [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost	3,000,000.0		3,000,000.0
Americas
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	3,700,000
Corporate, Non-Segment
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	17,000		4,035,000
Heidrick Consulting
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	322,000		4,980,000
Executive Search Member \| Americas
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	3,698,000		34,175,000
Executive Search Member \| Europe
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	(52,000)		8,552,000
Executive Search Member \| Asia Pacific
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	(124,000)		4,490,000
Employee Severance
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Reserve	10,046,000		10,046,000	22,312,000
Restructuring Charges	194,000		32,585,000
Payments for Restructuring	(11,945,000)
Restructuring Reserve, Settled without Cash	0
Restructuring Reserve, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss)	(127,000)
Employee Severance \| Corporate, Non-Segment
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	7,000		1,360,000
Employee Severance \| Heidrick Consulting
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	(44,000)		2,590,000
Employee Severance \| Executive Search Member \| Americas
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	19,000		16,223,000
Employee Severance \| Executive Search Member \| Europe
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	(52,000)		8,302,000
Employee Severance \| Executive Search Member \| Asia Pacific
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	(124,000)		4,110,000
Facility Closing
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Reserve	487,000		487,000	953,000
Restructuring Charges	(4,042,000)		22,952,000
Payments for Restructuring	(467,000)
Restructuring Reserve, Settled without Cash	(4,041,000)
Restructuring Reserve, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss)	0
Facility Closing \| Corporate, Non-Segment
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	0		2,115,000
Facility Closing \| Heidrick Consulting
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	366,000		2,319,000
Facility Closing \| Executive Search Member \| Americas
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	3,676,000		17,918,000
Facility Closing \| Executive Search Member \| Europe
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	0		226,000
Facility Closing \| Executive Search Member \| Asia Pacific
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	0		374,000
Other Restructuring
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Reserve	0		0	$ 0
Restructuring Charges	(13,000)		695,000
Payments for Restructuring	(13,000)
Restructuring Reserve, Settled without Cash	0
Restructuring Reserve, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss)	0
Other Restructuring \| Corporate, Non-Segment
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	10,000		560,000
Other Restructuring \| Heidrick Consulting
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	0		71,000
Other Restructuring \| Executive Search Member \| Americas
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	3,000		34,000
Other Restructuring \| Executive Search Member \| Europe
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	0		24,000
Other Restructuring \| Executive Search Member \| Asia Pacific
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	$ 0		$ 6,000

Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent	34.90%	39.80%
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest	$ 22,772	$ 14,396
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	$ 7,940	$ 5,730

- Definition

Amount of income (loss) from continuing operations, including income (loss) from equity method investments, before deduction of income tax expense (benefit), and income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
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+ Details

- Definition

Amount of current income tax expense (benefit) and deferred income tax expense (benefit) pertaining to continuing operations.

+ References + Details

Comprehensive Text Block List (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
Comprehensive Text Block List (Details) - USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	$ 2,724,000	$ 3,417,000
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	278,570,000	267,602,000	$ 311,765,000	$ 309,115,000
Accumulated Foreign Currency Adjustment Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	5,491,000	6,184,000
Reclassification from AOCI, Current Period, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent	(693,000)
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	(2,767,000)	(2,767,000)
Reclassification from AOCI, Current Period, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent	0
AOCI Attributable to Parent
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	2,724,000	$ 3,417,000	$ 78,000	$ 3,824,000
Reclassification from AOCI, Current Period, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent	$ (693,000)

- Definition

Accumulated change in equity from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources, net of tax effect, at period end. Excludes Net Income (Loss), and accumulated changes in equity from transactions resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners. Includes foreign currency translation items, certain pension adjustments, unrealized gains and losses on certain investments in debt and equity securities, other than temporary impairment (OTTI) losses related to factors other than credit losses on available-for-sale and held-to-maturity debt securities that an entity does not intend to sell and it is not more likely than not that the entity will be required to sell before recovery of the amortized cost basis, as well as changes in the fair value of derivatives related to the effective portion of a designated cash flow hedge.

+ References + Details

- Definition

Amount of stockholders' equity (deficit), net of receivables from officers, directors, owners, and affiliates of the entity, attributable to both the parent and noncontrolling interests. Amount excludes temporary equity. Alternate caption for the concept is permanent equity.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
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Reference 18: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
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Reference 19: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef
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Reference 20: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
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Reference 21: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
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Reference 22: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
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Reference 23: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
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+ Details

Segment Reporting (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		18 Months Ended
Segment Reporting (Details) - USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2021
Revenues [Abstract]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	$ 193,656,000	$ 171,481,000
Revenues	194,731,000	174,847,000
Operating Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Operating Income (Loss)	19,608,000	18,152,000
Restructuring Charges	3,861,000	0	$ 56,232,000
Reimbursements
Revenues [Abstract]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	1,075,000	3,366,000
Executive Search Member \| Americas
Operating Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Restructuring Charges	3,698,000		34,175,000
Executive Search Member \| Europe
Operating Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Restructuring Charges	(52,000)		8,552,000
Executive Search Member \| Asia Pacific
Operating Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Restructuring Charges	(124,000)		4,490,000
Heidrick Consulting
Operating Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Restructuring Charges	322,000		4,980,000
Americas
Operating Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Restructuring Charges	3,700,000
Corporate, Non-Segment
Operating Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Restructuring Charges	17,000		$ 4,035,000
Operating Segments
Operating Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Operating Income (Loss)	30,230,000	27,191,000
Operating Segments \| Executive Search Member
Revenues [Abstract]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	179,618,000	155,453,000
Operating Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Operating Income (Loss)	34,940,000	31,283,000
Operating Segments \| Executive Search Member \| Americas
Revenues [Abstract]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	116,506,000	100,301,000
Operating Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Operating Income (Loss)	26,256,000	25,732,000
Operating Segments \| Executive Search Member \| Europe
Revenues [Abstract]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	37,643,000	33,082,000
Operating Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Operating Income (Loss)	4,540,000	3,049,000
Operating Segments \| Executive Search Member \| Asia Pacific
Revenues [Abstract]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	25,469,000	22,070,000
Operating Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Operating Income (Loss)	4,144,000	2,502,000
Operating Segments \| Heidrick Consulting
Revenues [Abstract]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	14,038,000	16,028,000
Operating Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Operating Income (Loss)	(4,710,000)	(4,092,000)
Corporate, Non-Segment
Operating Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Operating Income (Loss)	$ (10,622,000)	$ (9,039,000)

Guarantees (Details)	Mar. 31, 2021 USD ($)
Guarantees and Product Warranties [Abstract]
Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted	$ 5,400,000

Subsequent Events (Details)	3 Months Ended
Subsequent Events (Details)	Mar. 31, 2021 USD ($)
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross	$ 32,600,000