Investments  | 
9 Months Ended | 
|---|---|
Sep. 30, 2011  | |
| Investments [Abstract] | |
| Investments | 
   
    
(10) Investments
    
        Auction Rate Certificates
    
             Auction rate certificates are long-term securities structured to reset their coupon rates by
   means of an auction. We accounted for our investment in auction rate certificates as
   available-for-sale securities. In January 2010, our investment in the auction rate certificates was
   called by the issuer at par plus accrued interest, or $9,456, resulting in a gain of $425 in the
   nine months ended September 30, 2010.
    
        Restricted Investments
    
             Restricted investments relate to reimbursement obligations under letters of credit issued for
   the benefit of lessors of office space. As of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, our
   Long-term restricted investments were $3,146 and $3,396, respectively. During the nine months
   ended September 30, 2011, $250 of obligations relating to these letters of credit was terminated.
    
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- Definition This item includes equity method investments, convertible unsecured subordinated debentures, auction rate certificates, and restricted cash and investments (deposits placed into escrow for the benefit of third parties) held by the Company. 
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- Details 
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