Forrester Research (FORR) 10-K 10 Mar 17 2016 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Mar. 06, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2016
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,016
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Trading Symbol	FORR
Entity Registrant Name	FORRESTER RESEARCH, INC.
Entity Central Index Key	1,023,313
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		18,082,000
Entity Public Float			$ 367,000,000

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 76,958	$ 53,331
Marketable investments (Note 3)	61,147	47,775
Accounts receivable, net (Note 11)	58,812	67,355
Deferred commissions	12,052	13,529
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	14,467	15,737
Total current assets	223,436	197,727
Property and equipment, net (Note 11)	23,894	27,569
Goodwill (Note 2)	73,193	74,071
Intangible assets, net (Note 2)	1,464	2,334
Other assets	13,798	17,290
Total assets	335,785	318,991
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable	1,806	525
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities (Note 11)	41,403	41,252
Deferred revenue	134,265	140,676
Total current liabilities	177,474	182,453
Non-current liabilities	8,275	9,236
Total liabilities	185,749	191,689
Commitments (Note 6)
Stockholders' Equity (Note 7):
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value Authorized - 500 shares, issued and outstanding - none
Common stock, $0.01 par value Authorized - 125,000 shares Issued - 21,719 and 21,063 shares as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively Outstanding 18,361 and 17,752 shares as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively	217	211
Additional paid-in capital	157,569	134,967
Retained earnings	121,799	117,135
Treasury stock -3,358 and 3,311 shares as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, at cost	(121,976)	(120,185)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(7,573)	(4,826)
Total stockholders’ equity	150,036	127,302
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$ 335,785	$ 318,991

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Statement Of Financial Position [Abstract]
Preferred stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	500,000	500,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Common stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	125,000,000	125,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	21,719,000	21,063,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	18,361,000	17,752,000
Treasury stock, shares	3,358,000	3,311,000

Consolidated Statements of Inco

Consolidated Statements of Income - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Revenues:
Research services	$ 215,216	$ 210,268	$ 207,517
Advisory services and events	110,879	103,458	104,545
Total revenues	326,095	313,726	312,062
Operating expenses:
Cost of services and fulfillment	128,175	126,261	126,199
Selling and marketing	116,898	116,081	115,753
General and administrative	40,579	39,041	38,584
Depreciation	7,812	8,192	9,325
Amortization of intangible assets	831	891	2,171
Reorganization costs	1,026	4,433	1,817
Total operating expenses	295,321	294,899	293,849
Income from operations	30,774	18,827	18,213
Other income, net	740	511	464
Losses on investments, net	(805)	(18)	(288)
Income before income taxes	30,709	19,320	18,389
Income tax provision	13,058	7,324	7,524
Net income	$ 17,651	$ 11,996	$ 10,865
Basic income per common share	$ 0.98	$ 0.67	$ 0.58
Diluted income per common share	$ 0.97	$ 0.66	$ 0.57
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding	17,984	17,927	18,713
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding	18,269	18,143	19,007

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 17,651	$ 11,996	$ 10,865
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes:
Foreign currency translation	(2,764)	(3,187)	(3,977)
Net change in market value of investments	17	(26)	(90)
Other comprehensive loss	(2,747)	(3,213)	(4,067)
Comprehensive income	$ 14,904	$ 8,783	$ 6,798

Consolidated Statement of Share

Consolidated Statement of Shareholders' Equity - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	$ 204,662	$ 205	$ 109,676	$ 118,415	$ (26,088)	$ 2,454
Beginning Balance, Shares at Dec. 31, 2013		20,491			735
Issuance of common stock under stock plans, including tax effects	7,826	$ 4	7,822
Issuance of common stock under stock plans, including tax effects, Shares		365
Stock-based compensation expense	7,444		7,444
Repurchases of common stock	(73,166)				$ (73,166)
Repurchase of common stock, Shares					1,968
Dividends paid on common shares	(11,962)			(11,962)
Net income	10,865			10,865
Net change in marketable investments, net of tax	(90)					(90)
Foreign currency translation	(3,977)					(3,977)
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	141,602	$ 209	124,942	117,318	$ (99,254)	(1,613)
Ending Balance, Shares at Dec. 31, 2014		20,856			2,703
Issuance of common stock under stock plans, including tax effects	1,680	$ 2	1,678
Issuance of common stock under stock plans, including tax effects, Shares		207
Stock-based compensation expense	8,347		8,347
Repurchases of common stock	(20,931)				$ (20,931)
Repurchase of common stock, Shares					608
Dividends paid on common shares	(12,179)			(12,179)
Net income	11,996			11,996
Net change in marketable investments, net of tax	(26)					(26)
Foreign currency translation	(3,187)					(3,187)
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2015	127,302	$ 211	134,967	117,135	$ (120,185)	(4,826)
Ending Balance, Shares at Dec. 31, 2015		21,063			3,311
Issuance of common stock under stock plans, including tax effects	14,632	$ 6	14,626
Issuance of common stock under stock plans, including tax effects, Shares		656
Stock-based compensation expense	7,976		7,976
Repurchases of common stock	(1,791)				$ (1,791)
Repurchase of common stock, Shares					47
Dividends paid on common shares	(12,987)			(12,987)
Net income	17,651			17,651
Net change in marketable investments, net of tax	17					17
Foreign currency translation	(2,764)					(2,764)
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2016	$ 150,036	$ 217	$ 157,569	$ 121,799	$ (121,976)	$ (7,573)
Ending Balance, Shares at Dec. 31, 2016		21,719			3,358

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 17,651	$ 11,996	$ 10,865
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and asset write offs	7,812	8,350	9,325
Amortization of intangible assets	831	891	2,171
Net losses from investments	805	18	288
Deferred income taxes	2,602	(985)	(7,526)
Stock-based compensation	7,976	8,347	7,444
Amortization of premium on investments	345	693	1,273
Foreign currency (gains) losses	(81)	38	141
Changes in assets and liabilities
Accounts receivable	7,963	(718)	9,140
Deferred commissions	1,477	225	(815)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	311	1,431	620
Accounts payable	1,317	(357)	(82)
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	(2,011)	4,657	2,171
Deferred revenue	(5,140)	(2,120)	(6,220)
Net cash provided by operating activities	41,858	32,466	28,795
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment	(4,140)	(3,931)	(1,503)
Purchases of marketable investments	(36,763)	(20,587)	(35,386)
Proceeds from sales and maturities of marketable investments	23,086	26,960	60,112
Other investing activity	(48)	347	1,542
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(17,865)	2,789	24,765
Cash flows from financing activities:
Dividends paid on common stock	(12,987)	(12,179)	(11,962)
Repurchases of common stock	(1,791)	(20,931)	(73,166)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock under employee equity incentive plans	16,734	3,347	8,969
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	550	51	244
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	2,506	(29,712)	(75,915)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(2,872)	(1,862)	(2,127)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	23,627	3,681	(24,482)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year	53,331	49,650	74,132
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year	76,958	53,331	49,650
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Cash paid for income taxes	$ 8,507	$ 6,425	$ 14,180

Summary of Significant Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	(1) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Basis of Presentation Principles of Consolidation Forrester Research, Inc. (“Forrester” or the “Company”) is a global independent research, data, and advisory services firm. Forrester works with business and technology leaders to help them develop customer-obsessed strategies that drive growth. Forrester’s unique insights are grounded in annual surveys of more than 500,000 consumers and business leaders worldwide, rigorous and objective research methodologies, and the shared wisdom of our clients. Through proprietary research and data, custom consulting, exclusive executive peer groups and events, Forrester challenges the thinking of its clients and positions them to lead change in their organizations. The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Forrester and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. Management Estimates 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 and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Forrester considers the more significant of these estimates to be revenue recognition, stock-based compensation, non-marketable investments, goodwill and intangible assets, and income taxes. On an ongoing basis, management evaluates its estimates. Actual results could differ from these estimates. Fair Value Measurements The Company has certain financial assets recorded at fair value which have been classified as either Level 1, 2 or 3 within the fair value hierarchy as described in the accounting standards for fair value measurements. Level 1 — Fair value based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2 — Fair value based on inputs other than Level 1 inputs that are observable, either directly or indirectly, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities. Level 3 — Fair value based on unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and such inputs are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities. The carrying amounts reflected in the Consolidated Balance Sheets for cash, cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and accrued expenses approximate fair value due to their short-term maturities. Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Marketable Investments Forrester considers all short-term, highly liquid investments with original maturities at the time of purchase of 90 days or less to be cash equivalents. The Company’s portfolio of investments may at any time include securities of U.S. government agencies, municipal notes, corporate notes and bonds, and money market funds. Forrester accounts for all marketable investments as available-for-sale securities and as such, the marketable investments are carried at fair value with unrealized gains and losses (not related to credit losses) recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Realized gains and losses on securities are included in earnings and are determined using the specific identification method. The Company conducts periodic reviews to identify and evaluate each investment that has an unrealized loss, in accordance with the meaning of other-than-temporary impairment and its application to certain investments, as required under current accounting standards. An unrealized loss exists when the current fair value of an individual security is less than its amortized cost basis. Unrealized losses on available-for-sale securities that are determined to be temporary, and not related to credit loss, are recorded, net of tax, in accumulated other comprehensive loss. The determination of whether a loss is considered temporary is based in part on whether the Company intends to sell the security or whether the Company would more likely than not be required to sell the security before the expected recovery of the amortized cost basis. During the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, the Company did not record any other-than-temporary impairment losses on its available-for-sale securities. Concentrations of Credit Risk Forrester has no off-balance sheet or significant concentration of credit risk such as foreign exchange contracts, option contracts, or other foreign hedging arrangements. Financial instruments that potentially subject Forrester to concentrations of credit risk are principally cash, cash equivalents, marketable investments, and accounts receivable. Forrester places its investments in highly rated securities. No single customer accounted for greater than 2% of revenues or accounts receivable in any of the periods presented. Deferred Commissions Commissions incurred in acquiring new or renewing existing contracts, which are earned in the month that a contract is booked, are deferred and expensed to operations as the related revenue is recognized. Forrester evaluates the recoverability of deferred commissions at each balance sheet date. Goodwill Goodwill is not amortized; however, it is required to be tested for impairment annually. Furthermore, testing for impairment is required on an interim basis if an event or circumstance indicates that it is more likely than not an impairment loss has been incurred. An impairment loss would be recognized to the extent that the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds its implied fair value. Absent an event that indicates a specific impairment may exist, the Company has selected November 30th as the date for performing the annual goodwill impairment test. Goodwill impairment charges have not been required for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014. Impairment of Other Long-Lived Tangible and Intangible Assets Forrester continually evaluates whether events or circumstances have occurred that indicate that the estimated remaining useful life of long-lived assets and intangible assets may warrant revision or if events or circumstances indicate that the carrying value of these assets may be impaired. To compute whether assets have been impaired, the estimated undiscounted future cash flows for the estimated remaining useful life of the assets are compared to the carrying value. To the extent that the future cash flows are less than the carrying value, the assets are written down to the estimated fair value of the asset. Impairment charges have not been required for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014. Non-Current Liabilities The Company records certain liabilities that are expected to be settled over a period that exceeds one year as non-current liabilities. The Company also records as a non-current liability the portion of the deferred rent liability that is expected to be recognized over a period greater than one year. The non-current deferred rent liability at December 31, 2016 and 2015 was $7.4 million and $6.4 million, respectively, and results from the difference between cash payments and the straight-line recognition of rent expense under the Company’s facility leases. Foreign Currency The functional currency of the majority of Forrester’s wholly-owned subsidiaries is their respective local currency. These subsidiary financial statements are translated to U.S. dollars using period-end exchange rates for assets and liabilities and average exchange rates during the corresponding period for revenues and expenses, with translation gains and losses accumulated as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Gains and losses related to the remeasurement of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in a currency other than an entity’s functional currency are included in other income, net in the Consolidated Statements of Income. For the years ended December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2014, Forrester recorded $0.1 million of foreign exchange gains and $0.1 million of foreign exchange losses, respectively, in other income, net. Foreign exchange losses were insignificant for the year ended December 31, 2015. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) The components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) are as follows (in thousands): Total Net Unrealized Gain Cumulative Accumulated (Loss) on Marketable Translation Other Comprehensive Investments Adjustment Income (Loss) Balance at December 31, 2013 $ 16 $ 2,438 $ 2,454 Foreign currency translation — (3,977 ) (3,977 ) Unrealized loss on investments before reclassification, net of tax of $47 (84 ) — (84 ) Reclassification adjustment for net losses realized in net income, net of tax of $8 (6 ) — (6 ) Balance at December 31, 2014 (74 ) (1,539 ) (1,613 ) Foreign currency translation before reclassification — (3,505 ) (3,505 ) Reclassification adjustment for write-off of foreign currency translation loss — 318 318 Unrealized loss on investments, net of tax of $20 (26 ) — (26 ) Balance at December 31, 2015 (100 ) (4,726 ) (4,826 ) Foreign currency translation — (2,764 ) (2,764 ) Unrealized gain on investments, net of tax of ($14) 17 — 17 Balance at December 31, 2016 $ (83 ) $ (7,490 ) $ (7,573 ) Reclassification adjustments for net investment gains (losses) are reported in losses on investments, net in the Consolidated Statements of Income. The reclassification adjustment for the write-off of a foreign currency translation loss relates to the liquidation of a non-U.S. subsidiary during 2015 and is reported in reorganization costs in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Revenue Recognition Forrester generates revenues from memberships to, and sales of, its Research, Connect and Data products, performing advisory services and consulting projects and hosting events. Forrester executes contracts that govern the terms and conditions of each arrangement. Revenues are recognized when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, the fee is fixed or determinable, services have been provided to the customer, and collectability is reasonably assured. Revenues are presented net of any sales or value added taxes that are collected from customers and remitted to the government. Revenue contracts may include either a single product or service or a combination of multiple products and services. Revenues from contracts that contain multiple products and services are allocated among the separate units of accounting based on their relative selling prices; however, the amount recognized is limited to the amount that is not contingent on future performance conditions. The Company obtains the relative selling prices of its products and services based on an analysis of standalone sales of these products and services during the year or upon an analysis of the estimated selling price of products for which there are insufficient standalone sales. The majority of research services revenues, including RoleView Research, Leadership Boards and the Data subscription products, are recognized ratably over the term of the contract. Research services revenues such as reprints are recognized as revenue when delivered. Advisory services revenues, such as workshops, speeches and advisory days, are recognized when the customer receives the agreed upon deliverable and consulting project revenues, which are short-term in nature and based upon fixed-fee agreements, are recognized as the services are provided. Event revenues are recognized upon completion of the event. Reimbursed out-of-pocket expenses are recorded as advisory services and events revenue. Annual subscriptions to our RoleView Research include access to all or a designated portion of our research and, depending on the type of license, unlimited phone or email analyst inquiry and unlimited participation in Forrester Webinars, all of which are delivered throughout the contract period and are accounted for as one unit of accounting. Annual subscriptions for Leadership Boards include access to the RoleView Research offering, access to a private forum with other Leadership Board member peers, access to a Forrester advisor, member-generated content and one Event ticket. Leadership Boards are accounted for as two units of accounting: 1) the event ticket and 2) the remaining services that are delivered throughout the contract period. Arrangement consideration is allocated to each of these elements based upon their relative selling prices, which is based on standalone sales of event tickets and the estimated selling price of the remaining services. Annual subscriptions to our data subscription products include access to designated survey data products and access to a data advisor, which are delivered throughout the contract period, and are accounted for as one unit of accounting and recognized ratably as research services revenue over the contract period. Certain of the data subscription products also include advisory services and these contracts are accounted for as two units of accounting: 1) the data subscription and data advisor and 2) the advisory services. Arrangement consideration is allocated to each element based upon its relative selling price, which is determined based on standalone sales of the advisory services and the estimated selling price of the remaining data services. Stock-Based Compensation The Company recognizes the fair value of stock-based compensation expense over the requisite service period of the individual grantee, which generally equals the vesting period. Cash flows resulting from the tax benefits of tax deductions in excess of the compensation expense recognized for stock-based awards are classified as financing cash flows. For periods through December 31, 2016, the Company was required to estimate future forfeitures of stock-based awards for recognition of compensation expense and either recorded additional expense if the actual forfeitures were lower than estimated or recorded a recovery of prior recognized expense if the actual forfeitures were higher than estimated. The actual expense recognized over the vesting period was only for those awards that vested. As of January 1, 2017, the Company will adopt Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2016-09, Compensation – Stock Compensation: Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting. Under this standard, entities are permitted to make an accounting policy election to either estimate forfeitures, as previously required, or to recognize forfeitures as they occur. The Company will elect to recognize forfeitures as they occur, effective January 1, 2017, and as such will record expense over the service period for 100% of its share-based awards that are outstanding and not yet vested and will record a recovery of prior recognized expense at the date an award is forfeited prior to vesting. Significant forfeitures during a reporting period could increase the volatility, and decrease the predictability of the Company’s financial results. Years Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Cost of services and fulfillment $ 4,431 $ 4,573 $ 4,316 Selling and marketing 1,054 1,152 1,132 General and administrative 2,491 2,622 1,996 Total $ 7,976 $ 8,347 $ 7,444 The options granted under the equity incentive plan and shares subject to the employee stock purchase plan were valued utilizing the Black Scholes model using the following assumptions and had the following fair values: Years Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Equity Incentive Plans Employee Stock Purchase Plan Equity Incentive Plans Employee Stock Purchase Plan Equity Incentive Plans Employee Stock Purchase Plan Average risk-free interest rate 1.30 % 0.32 % 1.59 % 0.07 % 1.69 % 0.06 % Expected dividend yield 2.2 % 2.1 % 2.1 % 1.9 % 1.8 % 2.0 % Expected life 5.0 Years 0.5 Years 5.0 Years 0.5 Years 5.1 Years 0.5 Years Expected volatility 24 % 24 % 24 % 22 % 26 % 24 % Weighted average fair value $ 6.16 $ 6.69 $ 6.15 $ 7.19 $ 7.91 $ 7.32 Dividend yields are based on the initiation of a regular quarterly dividend program approved by the Board of Directors in February 2012. Expected volatility is based, in part, on the historical volatility of Forrester’s common stock as well as management’s expectations of future volatility over the expected term of the awards granted. The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury Constant Maturity rate with an equivalent remaining term. Where the expected term of a stock-based award does not correspond with a term for which the interest rates are quoted, Forrester uses the rate with the maturity closest to the award’s expected term. The expected term calculation is based upon Forrester’s historical experience of exercise patterns. The unamortized fair value of stock-based awards as of December 31, 2016 was $15.5 million, with a weighted average remaining recognition period of 2.5 years. Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Forrester maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of its customers to make contractually obligated payments. When evaluating the adequacy of the allowance for doubtful accounts, the Company makes judgments regarding the collectability of accounts receivable by specifically analyzing historical bad debts, customer concentrations, current economic trends, and changes in the customer payment terms. If the financial condition of the Company’s customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances may be required and if the financial condition of the Company’s customers were to improve, the allowances may be reduced accordingly. Depreciation and Amortization Forrester provides for depreciation and amortization of property and equipment, computed using the straight-line method, over estimated useful lives of assets as follows: Estimated Useful Life Computers and equipment 3 to 10 Years Computer software 3 to 5 Years Furniture and fixtures 7 Years Leasehold improvements Shorter of asset life or lease term Forrester provides for amortization of intangible assets, computed using an accelerated method according to the expected cash flows to be received from the underlying assets, over the respective lives as follows: Estimated Useful Life Customer relationships 5 to 11 Years Research content 1 to 2 Years Technology 7 Years Income Taxes Forrester recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the financial statements and tax basis of assets and liabilities as well as operating loss carryforwards. Forrester’s provision for income taxes is composed of a current and a deferred provision for federal, state and foreign jurisdictions. The current provision is calculated as the estimated taxes payable or refundable on tax returns for the current year. The deferred income tax provision is calculated as the net change during the year in deferred tax assets and liabilities. Valuation allowances are provided if based on the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. Forrester accounts for uncertain tax positions using a “more-likely-than-not” threshold for recognizing and resolving uncertain tax positions. The evaluation of uncertain tax positions is based on factors including, but not limited to, changes in tax law, the measurement of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in tax returns, the effective settlement of matters subject to audit, new audit activity, and changes in facts or circumstances related to a tax position. The Company evaluates these tax positions on a quarterly basis. The Company also accrues for potential interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. Net Income Per Common Share Basic net income per common share is computed by dividing net income by the basic weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income per common share is computed by dividing net income by the diluted weighted average number of common shares and common equivalent shares outstanding during the period. The weighted average number of common equivalent shares outstanding has been determined in accordance with the treasury-stock method. Common stock equivalents consist of common stock issuable upon the exercise of outstanding stock options and the vesting of restricted stock units. Basic and diluted weighted average common shares are as follows (in thousands): Years Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Basic weighted average common shares outstanding 17,984 17,927 18,713 Weighted average common equivalent shares 285 216 294 Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding 18,269 18,143 19,007 Options excluded from diluted weighted average share calculation as effect would have been anti-dilutive 706 1,237 587 New Accounting Pronouncements In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Principal versus Agent Considerations Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing , Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients Technical Corrections and Improvements: Revenue from Contracts with Customers In 2016, Forrester established a formal program and cross-functional implementation team to identify, design and implement changes to its accounting systems and policies, business processes and internal controls to support recognition and disclosures under the new standard. The Company estimates it is more than half way through its adoption analysis and significant completed activities to date include assessments of material, active contracts, performance obligations, standalone selling prices and transaction price allocation, revenue recognition timing and variable consideration. The Company does not anticipate that the standard will have a material impact on its results of operations. The number of performance obligations in the Company’s arrangements will not be different under the new standard than under current guidance. Determining standalone selling prices and allocating contract consideration on multiple element arrangements will not be different from the Company’s current methodologies of establishing fair value / estimated selling price for our goods and services or allocating total contract consideration under the relative selling price method. Additionally, the timing of revenue recognition will remain substantially unchanged for most products. Subscription based research services revenues will continue to be recognized over time, using the new standard’s output method of time elapsed, as Forrester’s clients receive and consume the benefits of our services as we transfer control throughout the contract period. Advisory, reprint and events revenues will continue to be recognized at the point in time as control is transferred to the customer, which will generally be when the client has physical possession of the good(s) or upon completion of the service(s). Although the Company is still evaluating its consulting revenues, it expects that most of its consulting contracts will continue to be recognized over time, while some contracts may be required to be recognized at a point in time upon completion of the project. Key areas still in process include the evaluation of contract costs and the recording of contract assets and liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet. The adoption program and all remaining activities, including updates to the Company’s systems, processes, policies and controls, are expected to be completed in late 2017. The new standard will be effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period, with early adoption permitted for the first interim period within annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The two permitted transition methods under the new standard are the full retrospective method, in which case the standard would be applied to each prior reporting period presented, or the modified retrospective method, in which case the cumulative effect of applying the standard would be recognized at the date of initial application. The Company has not yet determined its adoption methodology. Notwithstanding the Company’s current conclusions above, certain areas of the standard, as well as implementation issues, continue to be worked through by the various standard setting bodies. The Company’s implementation team continues to monitor industry activities and standard updates and will adjust its adoption plans based on any relevant guidance issued by the standard setters and regulators. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, Compensation – Stock Compensation: Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting Under ASU No. 2016-09, entities are permitted to make an accounting policy election to either estimate forfeitures on share-based payment awards, as previously required, or to recognize forfeitures as they occur. The Company will recognize forfeitures as they occur upon adoption of the standard on January 1, 2017, which will require a cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings upon adoption. The impact of this change in accounting policy is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s retained earnings balance as of January 1, 2017. Additionally, ASU No. 2016-09 requires that all income tax effects related to settlements of share-based payment awards be reported in earnings as an increase or decrease to income tax expense. The requirement to report those income tax effects in earnings will be applied on a prospective basis to settlements occurring on or after January 1, 2017 and the impact of applying this guidance will be dependent on how many options are exercised and how many restricted stock units vest, as well as the volatility of the Company’s stock price. ASU No. 2016-09 also requires that all income tax-related cash flows resulting from share-based payments be reported as operating activities in the statement of cash flows. This change will not have a material impact on the Company’s statement of cash flows and the Company will apply this change retrospectively to all periods presented. This ASU also requires that cash paid by directly withholding shares for tax withholding purposes be classified as a financing activity in the statement of cash flows. This change will be applied retrospectively and will result in a reclassification of approximately $2.1 million and $1.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, that will increase cash provided by operating activities and decrease cash provided by (used in) financing activities. In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses: Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows: Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-16, Accounting for Income Taxes: Intra-Entity Asset Transfers of Assets Other than Inventory

Goodwill and Other Intangible A

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	(2) Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets A summary of the goodwill by segment and the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill is shown in the following table (in thousands). Project Product Research Consulting Total Balance at January 1, 2015 $ 2,454 $ 74,229 $ — $ 76,683 Translation adjustments (83 ) (2,529 ) — (2,612 ) Balance at December 31, 2015 2,371 71,700 — 74,071 Translation adjustments (28 ) (850 ) — (878 ) Balance at December 31, 2016 $ 2,343 $ 70,850 $ — $ 73,193 As of December 31, 2016, the Company had no accumulated goodwill impairment losses. A summary of Forrester’s intangible assets is as follows (in thousands): December 31, 2016 Gross Net Carrying Accumulated Carrying Amount Amortization Amount Amortizable intangible assets: Customer relationships $ 30,998 $ 29,534 $ 1,464 Research content 1,083 1,083 — Total $ 32,081 $ 30,617 $ 1,464 December 31, 2015 Gross Net Carrying Accumulated Carrying Amount Amortization Amount Amortizable intangible assets: Customer relationships $ 32,270 $ 29,936 $ 2,334 Research content 3,583 3,583 — Technology 1,507 1,507 — Total $ 37,360 $ 35,026 $ 2,334 Amortization expense related to intangible assets was approximately $0.8 million, $0.9 million and $2.2 million during the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Estimated amortization expense related to intangible assets that will continue to be amortized is as follows (in thousands): Year ending December 31, 2017 $ 759 Year ending December 31, 2018 705 Total $ 1,464

Marketable Investments

Marketable Investments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Investments Debt And Equity Securities [Abstract]
Marketable Investments	(3) Marketable Investments The following table summarizes the Company’s marketable investments, all of which are classified as available-for-sale (in thousands): As of December 31, 2016 Gross Gross Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Market Cost Gains Losses Value Federal agency obligations $ 1,800 $ — $ (7 ) $ 1,793 Corporate obligations 59,481 2 (129 ) 59,354 Total $ 61,281 $ 2 $ (136 ) $ 61,147 As of December 31, 2015 Gross Gross Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Market Cost Gains Losses Value Corporate obligations $ 47,939 $ — $ (164 ) $ 47,775 The following table summarizes the maturity periods of the marketable securities in the Company’s portfolio as of December 31, 2016. FY 2017 FY 2018 Total Federal agency obligations $ — $ 1,793 $ 1,793 Corporate obligations 37,159 22,195 59,354 Total $ 37,159 $ 23,988 $ 61,147 The following table shows the gross unrealized losses and market value of Forrester’s available-for-sale securities with unrealized losses that are not deemed to be other-than-temporary, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position (in thousands): As of December 31, 2016 Less Than 12 Months 12 Months or Greater Market Unrealized Market Unrealized Value Losses Value Losses Federal agency obligations $ 1,793 $ 7 $ — $ — Corporate obligations 53,647 129 — — Total $ 55,440 $ 136 $ — $ — As of December 31, 2015 Less Than 12 Months 12 Months or Greater Market Unrealized Market Unrealized Value Losses Value Losses Corporate obligations $ 45,748 $ 158 $ 2,027 $ 6 Realized gains or losses on sales of the Company’s available-for-sale securities were not significant for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015. The following table represents the Company’s fair value hierarchy for its financial assets (cash equivalents and marketable investments) measured at fair value on a recurring basis (in thousands): As of December 31, 2016 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Money market funds (1) $ 2,522 $ — $ — $ 2,522 Federal agency obligations — 1,793 — 1,793 Corporate obligations — 59,354 — 59,354 Total $ 2,522 $ 61,147 $ — $ 63,669 As of December 31, 2015 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Money market funds (1) $ 325 $ — $ — $ 325 Corporate obligations — 47,775 — 47,775 Total $ 325 $ 47,775 $ — $ 48,100 (1) Included in cash and cash equivalents. Level 2 assets consist of the Company’s entire portfolio of marketable investments. Level 2 assets have been initially valued at the transaction price and subsequently valued, at the end of each reporting period, typically utilizing third party pricing services or other market observable data. The pricing services utilize industry standard valuation methods, including both income and market based approaches and observable market inputs to determine value. These observable market inputs include reportable trades, benchmark yields, credit spreads, broker/dealer quotes, bids, offers, current spot rates and other industry and economic events.

Non-Marketable Investments

Non-Marketable Investments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Investments Debt And Equity Securities [Abstract]
Non-Marketable Investments	(4) Non-Marketable Investments At December 31, 2016 and 2015, the carrying value of the Company’s non-marketable investments, which were composed primarily of interests in technology-related private equity funds, were $2.8 million and $3.6 million, respectively, and are included in other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. One of the Company’s investments, with a book value of $0.4 million at both December 31, 2016 and 2015, is being accounted for using the cost method and, accordingly, is valued at cost unless an other-than-temporary impairment in its value occurs. The other investments are being accounted for using the equity method as the investments are limited partnerships and the Company has an ownership interest in excess of 5% and, accordingly, the Company records its share of the investee’s operating results each period. During the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2014, the Company recorded losses from its non-marketable investments of $(0.8) million and $(0.3) million, respectively, which are included in losses on investments, net in the Consolidated Statements of Income. During the year ended December 31, 2015 losses from non-marketable investments were insignificant. During the year ended December 31, 2016, no distributions were received from the funds. During the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, gross distributions of $0.1 million and $1.5 million, respectively, were received from the funds.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	(5) Income Taxes Income before income taxes consists of the following (in thousands): Years Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Domestic $ 22,303 $ 11,347 $ 12,939 Foreign 8,406 7,973 5,450 Total $ 30,709 $ 19,320 $ 18,389 The components of the income tax provision (benefit) are as follows (in thousands): Years Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Current: Federal $ 6,094 $ 5,103 $ 11,644 State 2,330 1,252 2,239 Foreign 2,032 1,954 1,167 Total current 10,456 8,309 15,050 Deferred: Federal 2,719 (723 ) (6,470 ) State 59 (232 ) (1,095 ) Foreign (176 ) (30 ) 39 Total deferred 2,602 (985 ) (7,526 ) Income tax provision $ 13,058 $ 7,324 $ 7,524 A reconciliation of the federal statutory rate to Forrester’s effective tax rate is as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Income tax provision at federal statutory rate 35.0 % 35.0 % 35.0 % Increase (decrease) in tax resulting from: State tax provision, net of federal benefit 5.0 4.0 4.2 Foreign tax rate differential (3.9 ) (2.7 ) (3.2 ) Stock option compensation deduction 0.6 2.5 2.6 Non-deductible expenses 1.5 1.7 1.1 Change in valuation allowance 3.2 (0.7 ) (1.0 ) Change in tax legislation — (3.1 ) — Out-of-period adjustment — — 2.5 Other, net 1.1 1.2 (0.3 ) Effective tax rate 42.5 % 37.9 % 40.9 % In July 2015, the U.S. Tax Court issued an opinion in Altera Corp. v. Commissioner related to the treatment of stock-based compensation expense in an intercompany cost-sharing arrangement. The opinion invalidates part of a treasury regulation requiring stock-based compensation to be included in any qualified intercompany cost-sharing arrangement. The Company has reviewed this case and concluded that recording a tax benefit of $0.6 million during 2015, representing the benefit of adjusting its cost-sharing agreement for the years of 2012 through 2014, was appropriate based on the opinion in the case. This benefit is included in the change in tax legislation line in the table above. There were no significant developments in this case during 2016 and the Company will continue to monitor ongoing developments and potential impacts to its consolidated financial statements. The components of deferred income taxes are as follows (in thousands): As of December 31, 2016 2015 Non-deductible reserves and accruals $ 8,189 $ 9,795 Net operating loss and other carryforwards 7,560 7,862 Stock compensation 5,327 5,900 Depreciation and amortization 1,196 813 Other assets 50 490 Gross deferred tax asset 22,322 24,860 Less - valuation allowance (2,193 ) (1,534 ) Sub-total 20,129 23,326 Depreciation and amortization (453 ) — Goodwill amortization (5,013 ) (5,097 ) Deferred commissions (4,928 ) (5,344 ) Net deferred tax asset $ 9,735 $ 12,885 As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, long-term net deferred tax assets were $9.8 million and $13.1 million, respectively and are included in other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, long-term net deferred tax liabilities were $0.1 million and $0.2 million, respectively, and are included in non-current liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company considers all available evidence, both positive and negative, to determine whether, based on the weight of that evidence, a valuation allowance is needed for some portion or all of a net deferred income tax asset. Judgment is required in considering the relative impact of negative and positive evidence. In arriving at these judgments, the weight given to the potential effect of negative and positive evidence is commensurate with the extent to which it can be objectively verified. Although realization is not assured, based upon the Company’s historical taxable income and projections of the Company’s future taxable income over the periods during which the deferred tax assets are deductible and the carryforwards expire, management believes it is more likely than not that the Company will realize the benefits of these deductible differences, net of the existing valuation allowances, as discussed below. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company maintained a valuation allowance of approximately $2.2 million and $1.5 million, respectively, primarily relating to U.S. capital losses from the Company’s investment in a technology-related private equity fund, and from foreign net operating loss carryforwards from an acquisition. As of December 31, 2016, the Company had U.S. federal net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $0.7 million obtained from acquired businesses. These carryforwards are limited pursuant to section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code due to changes in ownership as a result of the acquisitions. If unused, these carryforwards would expire in 2020. The Company also has foreign net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $20.4 million, which can be carried forward indefinitely. Approximately $3.5 million of the foreign net operating loss carryforwards relate to a prior acquisition, the utilization of which is subject to limitation under the tax law of the United Kingdom. As of December 31, 2016, the Company had U.S. federal and state capital loss carryforwards of $3.4 million, of which $0.4 million expires in 2018, $1.6 million expires in 2020 and $1.4 million expires in 2021. The following table provides a summary of the changes in the deferred tax valuation allowance for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands): 2016 2015 2014 Deferred tax valuation allowance at January 1 $ 1,534 $ 1,565 $ 2,200 Additions 1,256 150 17 Deductions (455 ) (134 ) (574 ) Translation adjustments (142 ) (47 ) (78 ) Deferred tax valuation allowance at December 31 $ 2,193 $ 1,534 $ 1,565 During the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company recognized approximately $0.1 million and $0.2 million, respectively, of net tax deficiencies from tax deductions less than book deductions resulting from employee stock option exercises. Net tax benefits were insignificant for the year ended December 31, 2014. The net tax deficiencies were recorded as a decrease to additional paid-in-capital. Excess tax benefits from share-based payments are recognized in the year that the deduction reduces the amount of cash payable for taxes. Undistributed earnings of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries amounted to approximately $27.8 million as of December 31, 2016. The Company has not provided any additional federal or state income taxes or foreign withholding taxes on the undistributed earnings as such earnings have been indefinitely reinvested in the business. Due to the various methods by which such earnings could be repatriated in the future, the amount of taxes attributable to the undistributed earnings is not practicably determinable. The Company utilizes a two-step process for the measurement of uncertain tax positions that have been taken or are expected to be taken on a tax return. The first step is a determination of whether the tax position should be recognized in the financial statements. The second step determines the measurement of the tax position. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is summarized as follows for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands): 2016 2015 2014 Unrecognized tax benefits at January 1 $ 1,910 $ 2,136 $ 2,012 Additions for tax positions of prior years — 36 6 Reductions for tax positions of prior years (31 ) — — Additions for tax positions of current year 75 46 121 Settlements (163 ) (303 ) — Lapse of statute of limitations — — — Translation adjustments (17 ) (5 ) (3 ) Unrecognized tax benefits at December 31 $ 1,774 $ 1,910 $ 2,136 As of December 31, 2016, the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits totaled approximately $1.8 million, all of which if recognized, would decrease our effective tax rate in a future period. The Company expects that $1.1 million of unrecognized tax benefits will be recognized within the next 12 months due to the closure of tax audits during 2017. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense and such amounts were not significant in the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014. At December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, the Company had $0.1 million, $0.2 million and $0.2 million, respectively, of accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions. The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. and in foreign jurisdictions. Generally, the Company is no longer subject to U.S., state, local and foreign income tax examinations by tax authorities in its major jurisdictions for years before 2009, except to the extent of net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards from those years. Major taxing jurisdictions include the U.S., the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Germany and Switzerland. During 2016, the Internal Revenue Service completed the audit of the Company’s amended 2010 consolidated Federal income tax return and there were no material adjustments. As of December 31, 2016, the Company was under audit by the Internal Revenue Service for the Company’s amended 2012 consolidated Federal income tax return. This audit was completed in the first quarter of 2017 with no material adjustments.

Commitments

Commitments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments	(6) Commitments As of December 31, 2016, Forrester had future contractual obligations as follows for operating leases (in thousands): 2017 $ 11,913 2018 11,153 2019 10,775 2020 10,223 2021 8,816 Thereafter 35,943 Total minimum lease payments $ 88,823 The cost of these operating leases, including any contractual rent increases, rent concessions, and landlord incentives, are recognized ratably over the life of the related lease agreement. Aggregate rent expense was $16.1 million, $16.0 million and $15.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively.

Stockholders' Equity

Stockholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Equity [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity	(7) Stockholders’ Equity Preferred Stock Forrester has authorized 500,000 shares of $0.01 par value preferred stock. The Board of Directors has full authority to issue this stock and to fix the voting powers, preferences, rights, qualifications, limitations, or restrictions thereof, including dividend rights, conversion rights, redemption privileges and liquidation preferences and the number of shares constituting any series or designation of such series. Treasury Stock Through 2016, Forrester’s Board of Directors has authorized an aggregate $485.0 million to purchase common stock under its stock repurchase program including $25.0 million authorized in each of October 2016, February 2015 and July 2015. The shares repurchased may be used, among other things, in connection with Forrester’s equity incentive and purchase plans. As of December 31, 2016 the Company had repurchased approximately 15.0 million shares of common stock at an aggregate cost of $424.9 million. Dividends During the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, the Company declared and paid four quarterly dividends of $0.18, $0.17 and $0.16 per share each quarter, respectively, amounting to $0.72 per share or $13.0 million, $0.68 per share or $12.2 million and $0.64 per share or $12.0 million, respectively. Equity Plans Forrester maintains the following two equity incentive plans: the Forrester Research, Inc. Amended and Restated Equity Incentive Plan (the “Equity Incentive Plan” and previously the “2006 Plan”) and the 2006 Stock Option Plan for Directors, as amended (the “2006 Directors’ Plan”). Upon approval of an amendment to the 2006 Plan by stockholders in 2012 no future awards under the 2006 Directors’ Plan could be granted or issued. In May 2016, the stockholders of the Company approved an amendment and restatement of the Company’s 2006 Plan. The amendment and restatement resulted in (1) extending the term of the plan for 10 years until May 2026, (2) increasing the number of shares issuable under the plan by 2,000,000 shares, (3) establishing a maximum amount of awards issuable under the plan to the Company’s non-employee directors, and (4) changing the name of the plan to the Forrester Research, Inc. Amended and Restated Equity Incentive Plan The Equity Incentive Plan provides for the issuance of stock-based awards, including incentive stock options (“ISOs”), non-qualified stock options (“NSOs”), and restricted stock units (“RSUs”) to purchase up to 6,350,000 shares authorized in the plan, 80,000 shares returned from the 2006 Directors’ Plan and up to 2,500,000 shares returned from a prior plan. Under the terms of the Equity Incentive Plan, ISOs may not be granted at less than fair market value on the date of grant (and in no event less than par value). Options and RSUs generally vest annually over four years and options expire after 10 years. Options and RSUs granted under the Equity Incentive Plan immediately vest upon certain events, as described in the plan. As of December 31, 2016, approximately 2.7 million shares were available for future grant of awards under the Equity Incentive Plan. The 2006 Directors’ Plan provided for the issuance of options to purchase up to 450,000 shares of common stock. Prior to the 2012 annual stockholders meeting when the 2006 Directors’ Plan was terminated, each non-employee director who became a director between annual meetings of stockholders was entitled to receive an option to purchase 6,000 shares of common stock and, following each annual meeting of stockholders, each non-employee director was entitled to receive an option to purchase a specified number of shares of common stock, in all cases at an exercise price equal to the fair market value on the date of grant. Prior to 2011, the annual grant was an option for 12,500 shares of common stock and, in 2011, an option for 12,000 shares of common stock. These options vest in four equal annual installments, with the first installment vested on the date of grant in the case of a new director award or upon the anniversary of the applicable annual meeting of stockholders. As of December 31, 2016, approximately 0.2 million options remain outstanding and are fully vested under the 2006 Directors’ Plan. Stock Options Stock option activity for the year ended December 31, 2016 is presented below (in thousands, except per share data and contractual term): Weighted - Weighted - Average Average Exercise Remaining Aggregate Number Price Per Contractual Intrinsic of Shares Share Term (in years) Value Outstanding at December 31, 2015 2,171 $ 33.84 Granted 83 35.61 Exercised (496 ) 31.73 Forfeited (218 ) 35.68 Outstanding at December 31, 2016 1,540 $ 34.35 6.44 $ 13,235 Exercisable at December 31, 2016 883 $ 33.53 5.22 $ 8,315 Vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2016 1,474 $ 34.32 6.36 $ 12,727 The total intrinsic value of options exercised during 2016, 2015 and 2014 was $3.7 million, $0.4 million and $2.3 million, respectively. Restricted Stock Units Restricted stock units (“RSUs”) represent the right to receive one share of Forrester common stock when the restrictions lapse and the vesting conditions are met, and are valued on the date of grant based upon the value of the Company’s stock on the date of grant less the present value of dividends expected to be paid during the requisite service period. Shares of Forrester’s common stock will be delivered to the grantee upon vesting, subject to a reduction of shares for payment of withholding taxes. The weighted average grant date fair value for RSUs granted in 2016, 2015 and 2014 was $37.87, $31.50 and $36.67, respectively. The value of RSUs vested and converted to common stock, based on the value of Forrester’s common stock on the date of vesting, was $6.6 million, $4.6 million and $3.5 million during 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. RSU activity for the year ended December 31, 2016 is presented below (in thousands, except per share data): Weighted- Average Number of Grant Date Shares Fair Value Unvested at December 31, 2015 504 $ 33.67 Granted 259 37.87 Vested (171 ) 34.05 Forfeited (53 ) 34.32 Unvested at December 31, 2016 539 $ 35.50 Employee Stock Purchase Plan The Amended and Restated Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “Stock Purchase Plan”) provides for the issuance of up to 0.7 million shares of common stock and as of December 31, 2016 approximately 0.2 million shares remain available for issuance. With certain limited exceptions, all employees of Forrester whose customary employment is more than 20 hours per week, including officers and directors who are employees, are eligible to participate in the Stock Purchase Plan. Purchase periods under the Stock Purchase Plan are generally six months in length and commence on each successive March 1 and September 1. Stock purchased under the Stock Purchase Plan is required to be held for one year before it is able to be sold. During each purchase period the maximum number of shares of common stock that may be purchased by an employee is limited to the number of shares equal to $12,500 divided by the fair market value of a share of common stock on the first day of the purchase period. An employee may elect to have up to 10% deducted from his or her compensation for the purpose of purchasing shares under the Stock Purchase Plan. The price at which the employee’s shares are purchased is the lower of: a) 85% of the closing price of the common stock on the day that the purchase period commences, or b) 85% of the closing price of the common stock on the day that the purchase period terminates. Shares purchased by employees under the Stock Purchase Plan are as follows (in thousands, except per share data): Shares Purchase Purchase Period Ended Purchased Price February 29, 2016 28 $ 26.00 August 31, 2016 25 $ 27.04 February 28, 2015 25 $ 31.98 August 31, 2015 25 $ 26.87

Employee Pension Plans

Employee Pension Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Compensation And Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Employee Pension Plans	(8) Employee Pension Plans Forrester sponsors several defined contribution plans for eligible employees. Generally, the defined contribution plans have funding provisions which, in certain situations, require contributions based upon formulas relating to employee wages or the level of elective participant contributions, as well as allow for additional discretionary contributions. Further, certain plans contain vesting provisions. Forrester’s contributions to these plans totaled approximately $4.3 million, $4.1 million and $4.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Reorganization

Reorganization	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Restructuring And Related Activities [Abstract]
Reorganization	(9) Reorganization In the first quarter of 2016, the Company implemented and completed a reduction in its workforce of approximately 2% of its employees across various geographies and functions. The Company incurred $1.0 million of severance and related costs for this action. In the first quarter of 2015, the Company implemented a reduction in its workforce of approximately 4% of its employees across various geographies and functions, in order to reallocate investment in 2015 to planned sales expansion and to delivery areas seeing the greatest client demand. The Company recorded $3.2 million of severance and related costs for this action. In addition, the Company incurred an additional $0.3 million charge related to the action primarily for a non-cash charge for the liquidation of a small non-U.S. subsidiary. In the third quarter of 2015, the Company implemented a reorganization of its Products Group and incurred $0.7 million of severance and related benefits for the termination of the chief product officer and related administrative staff and the termination of a senior product leader with the intent to relocate this position to the U.S. The responsibilities of the former chief product officer have been assumed by the Company’s chief research officer. In addition, as a result of the change in leadership in the Products Group, the Company incurred $0.2 million of expense to write off a software development project that was no longer deemed probable to be completed. During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company terminated approximately 1% of its employees across various geographies and functions primarily to realign resources due to the Company’s new organizational structure implemented in late 2013. The Company incurred $1.8 million of severance and related costs for this action. The activity related to the reorganization accrual during the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 is as follows (in thousands): Workforce Subsidiary Products Reduction Liquidation Reorganization Total Accrual at December 31, 2014 $ 118 $ — $ — $ 118 Additions 3,173 334 926 4,433 Cash payments (3,250 ) (9 ) (336 ) (3,595 ) Non-cash charge — (318 ) (157 ) (475 ) Accrual at December 31, 2015 41 7 433 481 Additions 1,022 — 4 1,026 Cash payments (1,063 ) (7 ) (437 ) (1,507 ) Accrual at December 31, 2016 $ — $ — $ — $ —

Operating Segment and Enterpris

Operating Segment and Enterprise Wide Reporting	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Operating Segment and Enterprise Wide Reporting	(10) Operating Segment and Enterprise Wide Reporting The Research segment includes the costs of the Company’s research personnel who are responsible for writing the research and performing the webinars and inquiries for the Company’s Research and Connect products. In addition, the research personnel deliver advisory services (such as workshops, speeches and advisory days) and a portion of the Company’s project consulting services. Revenue in this segment includes only revenue from advisory services and project consulting services that are delivered by the research personnel in this segment. The Product segment includes the costs of the product management organization that is responsible for product pricing and packaging and the launch of new products. In addition, this segment includes the costs of the Company’s Data, Connect and Events organizations. Revenue in this segment includes all revenue for the Company (including Research and Connect) except for revenue from advisory services and project consulting services that are delivered by personnel in the Research and Project Consulting segments. The Project Consulting segment includes the costs of the consultants that deliver the majority of the Company’s project consulting services. Revenue in this segment includes the project consulting revenue delivered by the consultants in this segment. The Company evaluates reportable segment performance and allocates resources based on segment revenues and expenses. Segment expenses include the direct expenses of each segment organization and exclude selling and marketing expenses, general and administrative expenses, stock-based compensation expense, depreciation expense, adjustments to incentive bonus compensation from target amounts, amortization of intangible assets, reorganization costs, other income and losses on investments. The accounting policies used by the segments are the same as those used in the consolidated financial statements. The Company does not identify or allocate assets, including capital expenditures, by operating segment. Accordingly, assets are not being reported by segment because the information is not available by segment and is not reviewed in the evaluation of performance or making decisions in the allocation of resources. The following tables present information about reportable segments (in thousands): Project Product Research Consulting Consolidated Year Ended December 31, 2016 Research services revenues $ 215,216 $ — $ — $ 215,216 Advisory services and events revenues 20,374 45,601 44,904 110,879 Total segment revenues 235,590 45,601 44,904 326,095 Segment expenses 41,528 51,132 26,647 119,307 Contribution margin (loss) 194,062 (5,531 ) 18,257 206,788 Selling, marketing, administrative and other expenses (174,157 ) Amortization of intangible assets (831 ) Reorganization costs (1,026 ) Other income and losses on investments (65 ) Income before income taxes $ 30,709 Project Product Research Consulting Consolidated Year Ended December 31, 2015 Research services revenues $ 210,268 $ — $ — $ 210,268 Advisory services and events revenues 17,512 42,997 42,949 103,458 Total segment revenues 227,780 42,997 42,949 313,726 Segment expenses 38,615 51,510 27,320 117,445 Contribution margin (loss) 189,165 (8,513 ) 15,629 196,281 Selling, marketing, administrative and other expenses (172,130 ) Amortization of intangible assets (891 ) Reorganization costs (4,433 ) Other income and losses on investments 493 Income before income taxes $ 19,320 Project Product Research Consulting Consolidated Year Ended December 31, 2014 Research services revenues $ 207,517 $ — $ — $ 207,517 Advisory services and events revenues 20,759 48,658 35,128 104,545 Total segment revenues 228,276 48,658 35,128 312,062 Segment expenses 39,466 53,307 27,236 120,009 Contribution margin (loss) 188,810 (4,649 ) 7,892 192,053 Selling, marketing, administrative and other expenses (169,852 ) Amortization of intangible assets (2,171 ) Reorganization costs (1,817 ) Other income and losses on investments 176 Income before income taxes $ 18,389 Net long-lived tangible assets by location as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 are as follows (in thousands): 2016 2015 United States $ 22,150 $ 24,914 United Kingdom 782 1,176 Europe (excluding United Kingdom) 259 381 Other 703 1,098 Total $ 23,894 $ 27,569 Revenues by geographic destination and as a percentage of total revenues for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014 are as follows (dollars in thousands): 2016 2015 2014 United States $ 252,222 $ 241,025 $ 232,440 Europe (excluding United Kingdom) 27,061 24,607 30,257 United Kingdom 14,808 16,815 16,804 Canada 13,806 14,424 17,089 Other 18,198 16,855 15,472 Total $ 326,095 $ 313,726 $ 312,062 2016 2015 2014 United States 77 % 77 % 74 % Europe (excluding United Kingdom) 8 % 8 % 10 % United Kingdom 5 % 5 % 5 % Canada 4 % 5 % 6 % Other 6 % 5 % 5 % Total 100 % 100 % 100 %

Certain Balance Sheet Accounts

Certain Balance Sheet Accounts	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Certain Balance Sheet Accounts	(11) Certain Balance Sheet Accounts Property and Equipment: Property and equipment as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 is recorded at cost less accumulated depreciation and consists of the following (in thousands): 2016 2015 Computers and equipment $ 17,137 $ 18,177 Computer software 26,686 23,899 Furniture and fixtures 8,471 8,527 Leasehold improvements 25,204 25,560 Total property and equipment 77,498 76,163 Less accumulated depreciation 53,604 48,594 Total $ 23,894 $ 27,569 Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities: Accrued expenses and other current liabilities as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 consist of the following (in thousands): 2016 2015 Payroll and related benefits $ 28,681 $ 29,902 Taxes 4,704 2,564 Other 8,018 8,786 Total $ 41,403 $ 41,252 Allowance for Doubtful Accounts: A roll-forward of the allowance for doubtful accounts as of and for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014 is as follows (in thousands): 2016 2015 2014 Balance, beginning of year $ 153 $ 188 $ 254 Provision for doubtful accounts 150 106 320 Write-offs (163 ) (141 ) (386 ) Balance, end of year $ 140 $ 153 $ 188

Summary Selected Quarterly Fina

Summary Selected Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)	(12) Summary Selected Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited) The following is a summary of selected unaudited consolidated quarterly financial data for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 (in thousands, except per share data): Three Months Ended March 31, June 30, September 30, December 31, 2016 2016 2016 2016 Total revenues $ 77,401 $ 87,821 $ 77,427 $ 83,446 Income from operations $ 2,712 $ 11,472 $ 7,552 $ 9,038 Net income $ 1,289 $ 7,460 $ 3,112 $ 5,790 Basic income per common share $ 0.07 $ 0.42 $ 0.17 $ 0.32 Diluted income per common share $ 0.07 $ 0.41 $ 0.17 $ 0.31 Three Months Ended March 31, June 30, September 30, December 31, 2015 2015 2015 2015 Total revenues $ 75,187 $ 82,811 $ 74,753 $ 80,975 Income (loss) from operations $ (715 ) $ 10,093 $ 5,341 $ 4,108 Net income (loss) $ (224 ) $ 5,750 $ 4,450 $ 2,020 Basic income (loss) per common share $ (0.01 ) $ 0.32 $ 0.25 $ 0.11 Diluted income (loss) per common share $ (0.01 ) $ 0.31 $ 0.25 $ 0.11

Summary of Significant Accoun20

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation Principles of Consolidation Forrester Research, Inc. (“Forrester” or the “Company”) is a global independent research, data, and advisory services firm. Forrester works with business and technology leaders to help them develop customer-obsessed strategies that drive growth. Forrester’s unique insights are grounded in annual surveys of more than 500,000 consumers and business leaders worldwide, rigorous and objective research methodologies, and the shared wisdom of our clients. Through proprietary research and data, custom consulting, exclusive executive peer groups and events, Forrester challenges the thinking of its clients and positions them to lead change in their organizations. The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Forrester and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. Management Estimates 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 and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Forrester considers the more significant of these estimates to be revenue recognition, stock-based compensation, non-marketable investments, goodwill and intangible assets, and income taxes. On an ongoing basis, management evaluates its estimates. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
Fair Value Measurements	Fair Value Measurements The Company has certain financial assets recorded at fair value which have been classified as either Level 1, 2 or 3 within the fair value hierarchy as described in the accounting standards for fair value measurements. Level 1 — Fair value based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2 — Fair value based on inputs other than Level 1 inputs that are observable, either directly or indirectly, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities. Level 3 — Fair value based on unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and such inputs are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities. The carrying amounts reflected in the Consolidated Balance Sheets for cash, cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and accrued expenses approximate fair value due to their short-term maturities.
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Marketable Investments	Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Marketable Investments Forrester considers all short-term, highly liquid investments with original maturities at the time of purchase of 90 days or less to be cash equivalents. The Company’s portfolio of investments may at any time include securities of U.S. government agencies, municipal notes, corporate notes and bonds, and money market funds. Forrester accounts for all marketable investments as available-for-sale securities and as such, the marketable investments are carried at fair value with unrealized gains and losses (not related to credit losses) recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Realized gains and losses on securities are included in earnings and are determined using the specific identification method. The Company conducts periodic reviews to identify and evaluate each investment that has an unrealized loss, in accordance with the meaning of other-than-temporary impairment and its application to certain investments, as required under current accounting standards. An unrealized loss exists when the current fair value of an individual security is less than its amortized cost basis. Unrealized losses on available-for-sale securities that are determined to be temporary, and not related to credit loss, are recorded, net of tax, in accumulated other comprehensive loss. The determination of whether a loss is considered temporary is based in part on whether the Company intends to sell the security or whether the Company would more likely than not be required to sell the security before the expected recovery of the amortized cost basis. During the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, the Company did not record any other-than-temporary impairment losses on its available-for-sale securities.
Concentrations of Credit Risk	Concentrations of Credit Risk Forrester has no off-balance sheet or significant concentration of credit risk such as foreign exchange contracts, option contracts, or other foreign hedging arrangements. Financial instruments that potentially subject Forrester to concentrations of credit risk are principally cash, cash equivalents, marketable investments, and accounts receivable. Forrester places its investments in highly rated securities. No single customer accounted for greater than 2% of revenues or accounts receivable in any of the periods presented.
Deferred Commissions	Deferred Commissions Commissions incurred in acquiring new or renewing existing contracts, which are earned in the month that a contract is booked, are deferred and expensed to operations as the related revenue is recognized. Forrester evaluates the recoverability of deferred commissions at each balance sheet date.
Goodwill	Goodwill Goodwill is not amortized; however, it is required to be tested for impairment annually. Furthermore, testing for impairment is required on an interim basis if an event or circumstance indicates that it is more likely than not an impairment loss has been incurred. An impairment loss would be recognized to the extent that the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds its implied fair value. Absent an event that indicates a specific impairment may exist, the Company has selected November 30th as the date for performing the annual goodwill impairment test. Goodwill impairment charges have not been required for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014.
Impairment of Other Long-Lived Tangible and Intangible Assets	Impairment of Other Long-Lived Tangible and Intangible Assets Forrester continually evaluates whether events or circumstances have occurred that indicate that the estimated remaining useful life of long-lived assets and intangible assets may warrant revision or if events or circumstances indicate that the carrying value of these assets may be impaired. To compute whether assets have been impaired, the estimated undiscounted future cash flows for the estimated remaining useful life of the assets are compared to the carrying value. To the extent that the future cash flows are less than the carrying value, the assets are written down to the estimated fair value of the asset. Impairment charges have not been required for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014.
Non-Current Liabilities	Non-Current Liabilities The Company records certain liabilities that are expected to be settled over a period that exceeds one year as non-current liabilities. The Company also records as a non-current liability the portion of the deferred rent liability that is expected to be recognized over a period greater than one year. The non-current deferred rent liability at December 31, 2016 and 2015 was $7.4 million and $6.4 million, respectively, and results from the difference between cash payments and the straight-line recognition of rent expense under the Company’s facility leases.
Foreign Currency	Foreign Currency The functional currency of the majority of Forrester’s wholly-owned subsidiaries is their respective local currency. These subsidiary financial statements are translated to U.S. dollars using period-end exchange rates for assets and liabilities and average exchange rates during the corresponding period for revenues and expenses, with translation gains and losses accumulated as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Gains and losses related to the remeasurement of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in a currency other than an entity’s functional currency are included in other income, net in the Consolidated Statements of Income. For the years ended December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2014, Forrester recorded $0.1 million of foreign exchange gains and $0.1 million of foreign exchange losses, respectively, in other income, net. Foreign exchange losses were insignificant for the year ended December 31, 2015.
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) The components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) are as follows (in thousands): Total Net Unrealized Gain Cumulative Accumulated (Loss) on Marketable Translation Other Comprehensive Investments Adjustment Income (Loss) Balance at December 31, 2013 $ 16 $ 2,438 $ 2,454 Foreign currency translation — (3,977 ) (3,977 ) Unrealized loss on investments before reclassification, net of tax of $47 (84 ) — (84 ) Reclassification adjustment for net losses realized in net income, net of tax of $8 (6 ) — (6 ) Balance at December 31, 2014 (74 ) (1,539 ) (1,613 ) Foreign currency translation before reclassification — (3,505 ) (3,505 ) Reclassification adjustment for write-off of foreign currency translation loss — 318 318 Unrealized loss on investments, net of tax of $20 (26 ) — (26 ) Balance at December 31, 2015 (100 ) (4,726 ) (4,826 ) Foreign currency translation — (2,764 ) (2,764 ) Unrealized gain on investments, net of tax of ($14) 17 — 17 Balance at December 31, 2016 $ (83 ) $ (7,490 ) $ (7,573 ) Reclassification adjustments for net investment gains (losses) are reported in losses on investments, net in the Consolidated Statements of Income. The reclassification adjustment for the write-off of a foreign currency translation loss relates to the liquidation of a non-U.S. subsidiary during 2015 and is reported in reorganization costs in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition Forrester generates revenues from memberships to, and sales of, its Research, Connect and Data products, performing advisory services and consulting projects and hosting events. Forrester executes contracts that govern the terms and conditions of each arrangement. Revenues are recognized when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, the fee is fixed or determinable, services have been provided to the customer, and collectability is reasonably assured. Revenues are presented net of any sales or value added taxes that are collected from customers and remitted to the government. Revenue contracts may include either a single product or service or a combination of multiple products and services. Revenues from contracts that contain multiple products and services are allocated among the separate units of accounting based on their relative selling prices; however, the amount recognized is limited to the amount that is not contingent on future performance conditions. The Company obtains the relative selling prices of its products and services based on an analysis of standalone sales of these products and services during the year or upon an analysis of the estimated selling price of products for which there are insufficient standalone sales. The majority of research services revenues, including RoleView Research, Leadership Boards and the Data subscription products, are recognized ratably over the term of the contract. Research services revenues such as reprints are recognized as revenue when delivered. Advisory services revenues, such as workshops, speeches and advisory days, are recognized when the customer receives the agreed upon deliverable and consulting project revenues, which are short-term in nature and based upon fixed-fee agreements, are recognized as the services are provided. Event revenues are recognized upon completion of the event. Reimbursed out-of-pocket expenses are recorded as advisory services and events revenue. Annual subscriptions to our RoleView Research include access to all or a designated portion of our research and, depending on the type of license, unlimited phone or email analyst inquiry and unlimited participation in Forrester Webinars, all of which are delivered throughout the contract period and are accounted for as one unit of accounting. Annual subscriptions for Leadership Boards include access to the RoleView Research offering, access to a private forum with other Leadership Board member peers, access to a Forrester advisor, member-generated content and one Event ticket. Leadership Boards are accounted for as two units of accounting: 1) the event ticket and 2) the remaining services that are delivered throughout the contract period. Arrangement consideration is allocated to each of these elements based upon their relative selling prices, which is based on standalone sales of event tickets and the estimated selling price of the remaining services. Annual subscriptions to our data subscription products include access to designated survey data products and access to a data advisor, which are delivered throughout the contract period, and are accounted for as one unit of accounting and recognized ratably as research services revenue over the contract period. Certain of the data subscription products also include advisory services and these contracts are accounted for as two units of accounting: 1) the data subscription and data advisor and 2) the advisory services. Arrangement consideration is allocated to each element based upon its relative selling price, which is determined based on standalone sales of the advisory services and the estimated selling price of the remaining data services.
Stock-Based Compensation	Stock-Based Compensation The Company recognizes the fair value of stock-based compensation expense over the requisite service period of the individual grantee, which generally equals the vesting period. Cash flows resulting from the tax benefits of tax deductions in excess of the compensation expense recognized for stock-based awards are classified as financing cash flows. For periods through December 31, 2016, the Company was required to estimate future forfeitures of stock-based awards for recognition of compensation expense and either recorded additional expense if the actual forfeitures were lower than estimated or recorded a recovery of prior recognized expense if the actual forfeitures were higher than estimated. The actual expense recognized over the vesting period was only for those awards that vested. As of January 1, 2017, the Company will adopt Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2016-09, Compensation – Stock Compensation: Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting. Under this standard, entities are permitted to make an accounting policy election to either estimate forfeitures, as previously required, or to recognize forfeitures as they occur. The Company will elect to recognize forfeitures as they occur, effective January 1, 2017, and as such will record expense over the service period for 100% of its share-based awards that are outstanding and not yet vested and will record a recovery of prior recognized expense at the date an award is forfeited prior to vesting. Significant forfeitures during a reporting period could increase the volatility, and decrease the predictability of the Company’s financial results. Years Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Cost of services and fulfillment $ 4,431 $ 4,573 $ 4,316 Selling and marketing 1,054 1,152 1,132 General and administrative 2,491 2,622 1,996 Total $ 7,976 $ 8,347 $ 7,444 The options granted under the equity incentive plan and shares subject to the employee stock purchase plan were valued utilizing the Black Scholes model using the following assumptions and had the following fair values: Years Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Equity Incentive Plans Employee Stock Purchase Plan Equity Incentive Plans Employee Stock Purchase Plan Equity Incentive Plans Employee Stock Purchase Plan Average risk-free interest rate 1.30 % 0.32 % 1.59 % 0.07 % 1.69 % 0.06 % Expected dividend yield 2.2 % 2.1 % 2.1 % 1.9 % 1.8 % 2.0 % Expected life 5.0 Years 0.5 Years 5.0 Years 0.5 Years 5.1 Years 0.5 Years Expected volatility 24 % 24 % 24 % 22 % 26 % 24 % Weighted average fair value $ 6.16 $ 6.69 $ 6.15 $ 7.19 $ 7.91 $ 7.32 Dividend yields are based on the initiation of a regular quarterly dividend program approved by the Board of Directors in February 2012. Expected volatility is based, in part, on the historical volatility of Forrester’s common stock as well as management’s expectations of future volatility over the expected term of the awards granted. The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury Constant Maturity rate with an equivalent remaining term. Where the expected term of a stock-based award does not correspond with a term for which the interest rates are quoted, Forrester uses the rate with the maturity closest to the award’s expected term. The expected term calculation is based upon Forrester’s historical experience of exercise patterns. The unamortized fair value of stock-based awards as of December 31, 2016 was $15.5 million, with a weighted average remaining recognition period of 2.5 years.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Forrester maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of its customers to make contractually obligated payments. When evaluating the adequacy of the allowance for doubtful accounts, the Company makes judgments regarding the collectability of accounts receivable by specifically analyzing historical bad debts, customer concentrations, current economic trends, and changes in the customer payment terms. If the financial condition of the Company’s customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances may be required and if the financial condition of the Company’s customers were to improve, the allowances may be reduced accordingly.
Depreciation and Amortization	Depreciation and Amortization Forrester provides for depreciation and amortization of property and equipment, computed using the straight-line method, over estimated useful lives of assets as follows: Estimated Useful Life Computers and equipment 3 to 10 Years Computer software 3 to 5 Years Furniture and fixtures 7 Years Leasehold improvements Shorter of asset life or lease term Forrester provides for amortization of intangible assets, computed using an accelerated method according to the expected cash flows to be received from the underlying assets, over the respective lives as follows: Estimated Useful Life Customer relationships 5 to 11 Years Research content 1 to 2 Years Technology 7 Years
Income Taxes	Income Taxes Forrester recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the financial statements and tax basis of assets and liabilities as well as operating loss carryforwards. Forrester’s provision for income taxes is composed of a current and a deferred provision for federal, state and foreign jurisdictions. The current provision is calculated as the estimated taxes payable or refundable on tax returns for the current year. The deferred income tax provision is calculated as the net change during the year in deferred tax assets and liabilities. Valuation allowances are provided if based on the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. Forrester accounts for uncertain tax positions using a “more-likely-than-not” threshold for recognizing and resolving uncertain tax positions. The evaluation of uncertain tax positions is based on factors including, but not limited to, changes in tax law, the measurement of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in tax returns, the effective settlement of matters subject to audit, new audit activity, and changes in facts or circumstances related to a tax position. The Company evaluates these tax positions on a quarterly basis. The Company also accrues for potential interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense.
Net Income Per Common Share	Net Income Per Common Share Basic net income per common share is computed by dividing net income by the basic weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income per common share is computed by dividing net income by the diluted weighted average number of common shares and common equivalent shares outstanding during the period. The weighted average number of common equivalent shares outstanding has been determined in accordance with the treasury-stock method. Common stock equivalents consist of common stock issuable upon the exercise of outstanding stock options and the vesting of restricted stock units. Basic and diluted weighted average common shares are as follows (in thousands): Years Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Basic weighted average common shares outstanding 17,984 17,927 18,713 Weighted average common equivalent shares 285 216 294 Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding 18,269 18,143 19,007 Options excluded from diluted weighted average share calculation as effect would have been anti-dilutive 706 1,237 587
New Accounting Pronouncements	New Accounting Pronouncements In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Principal versus Agent Considerations Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing , Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients Technical Corrections and Improvements: Revenue from Contracts with Customers In 2016, Forrester established a formal program and cross-functional implementation team to identify, design and implement changes to its accounting systems and policies, business processes and internal controls to support recognition and disclosures under the new standard. The Company estimates it is more than half way through its adoption analysis and significant completed activities to date include assessments of material, active contracts, performance obligations, standalone selling prices and transaction price allocation, revenue recognition timing and variable consideration. The Company does not anticipate that the standard will have a material impact on its results of operations. The number of performance obligations in the Company’s arrangements will not be different under the new standard than under current guidance. Determining standalone selling prices and allocating contract consideration on multiple element arrangements will not be different from the Company’s current methodologies of establishing fair value / estimated selling price for our goods and services or allocating total contract consideration under the relative selling price method. Additionally, the timing of revenue recognition will remain substantially unchanged for most products. Subscription based research services revenues will continue to be recognized over time, using the new standard’s output method of time elapsed, as Forrester’s clients receive and consume the benefits of our services as we transfer control throughout the contract period. Advisory, reprint and events revenues will continue to be recognized at the point in time as control is transferred to the customer, which will generally be when the client has physical possession of the good(s) or upon completion of the service(s). Although the Company is still evaluating its consulting revenues, it expects that most of its consulting contracts will continue to be recognized over time, while some contracts may be required to be recognized at a point in time upon completion of the project. Key areas still in process include the evaluation of contract costs and the recording of contract assets and liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet. The adoption program and all remaining activities, including updates to the Company’s systems, processes, policies and controls, are expected to be completed in late 2017. The new standard will be effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period, with early adoption permitted for the first interim period within annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The two permitted transition methods under the new standard are the full retrospective method, in which case the standard would be applied to each prior reporting period presented, or the modified retrospective method, in which case the cumulative effect of applying the standard would be recognized at the date of initial application. The Company has not yet determined its adoption methodology. Notwithstanding the Company’s current conclusions above, certain areas of the standard, as well as implementation issues, continue to be worked through by the various standard setting bodies. The Company’s implementation team continues to monitor industry activities and standard updates and will adjust its adoption plans based on any relevant guidance issued by the standard setters and regulators. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, Compensation – Stock Compensation: Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting Under ASU No. 2016-09, entities are permitted to make an accounting policy election to either estimate forfeitures on share-based payment awards, as previously required, or to recognize forfeitures as they occur. The Company will recognize forfeitures as they occur upon adoption of the standard on January 1, 2017, which will require a cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings upon adoption. The impact of this change in accounting policy is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s retained earnings balance as of January 1, 2017. Additionally, ASU No. 2016-09 requires that all income tax effects related to settlements of share-based payment awards be reported in earnings as an increase or decrease to income tax expense. The requirement to report those income tax effects in earnings will be applied on a prospective basis to settlements occurring on or after January 1, 2017 and the impact of applying this guidance will be dependent on how many options are exercised and how many restricted stock units vest, as well as the volatility of the Company’s stock price. ASU No. 2016-09 also requires that all income tax-related cash flows resulting from share-based payments be reported as operating activities in the statement of cash flows. This change will not have a material impact on the Company’s statement of cash flows and the Company will apply this change retrospectively to all periods presented. This ASU also requires that cash paid by directly withholding shares for tax withholding purposes be classified as a financing activity in the statement of cash flows. This change will be applied retrospectively and will result in a reclassification of approximately $2.1 million and $1.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, that will increase cash provided by operating activities and decrease cash provided by (used in) financing activities. In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses: Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows: Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-16, Accounting for Income Taxes: Intra-Entity Asset Transfers of Assets Other than Inventory

Summary of Significant Accoun21

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Schedule of Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	The components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) are as follows (in thousands): Total Net Unrealized Gain Cumulative Accumulated (Loss) on Marketable Translation Other Comprehensive Investments Adjustment Income (Loss) Balance at December 31, 2013 $ 16 $ 2,438 $ 2,454 Foreign currency translation — (3,977 ) (3,977 ) Unrealized loss on investments before reclassification, net of tax of $47 (84 ) — (84 ) Reclassification adjustment for net losses realized in net income, net of tax of $8 (6 ) — (6 ) Balance at December 31, 2014 (74 ) (1,539 ) (1,613 ) Foreign currency translation before reclassification — (3,505 ) (3,505 ) Reclassification adjustment for write-off of foreign currency translation loss — 318 318 Unrealized loss on investments, net of tax of $20 (26 ) — (26 ) Balance at December 31, 2015 (100 ) (4,726 ) (4,826 ) Foreign currency translation — (2,764 ) (2,764 ) Unrealized gain on investments, net of tax of ($14) 17 — 17 Balance at December 31, 2016 $ (83 ) $ (7,490 ) $ (7,573 )
Summary of Stock-Based Compensation Expense Recorded in Expense Categories	Stock-based compensation expense was recorded in the following expense categories (in thousands): Years Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Cost of services and fulfillment $ 4,431 $ 4,573 $ 4,316 Selling and marketing 1,054 1,152 1,132 General and administrative 2,491 2,622 1,996 Total $ 7,976 $ 8,347 $ 7,444
Options Granted Under Equity Incentive Plans and Shares Subject to Employee Stock Purchase Plan Valuation Assumptions	The options granted under the equity incentive plan and shares subject to the employee stock purchase plan were valued utilizing the Black Scholes model using the following assumptions and had the following fair values: Years Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Equity Incentive Plans Employee Stock Purchase Plan Equity Incentive Plans Employee Stock Purchase Plan Equity Incentive Plans Employee Stock Purchase Plan Average risk-free interest rate 1.30 % 0.32 % 1.59 % 0.07 % 1.69 % 0.06 % Expected dividend yield 2.2 % 2.1 % 2.1 % 1.9 % 1.8 % 2.0 % Expected life 5.0 Years 0.5 Years 5.0 Years 0.5 Years 5.1 Years 0.5 Years Expected volatility 24 % 24 % 24 % 22 % 26 % 24 % Weighted average fair value $ 6.16 $ 6.69 $ 6.15 $ 7.19 $ 7.91 $ 7.32
Depreciation and Amortization of Property and Equipment, Useful Life	Forrester provides for depreciation and amortization of property and equipment, computed using the straight-line method, over estimated useful lives of assets as follows: Estimated Useful Life Computers and equipment 3 to 10 Years Computer software 3 to 5 Years Furniture and fixtures 7 Years Leasehold improvements Shorter of asset life or lease term
Amortization of Intangible Assets, Useful Life	Forrester provides for amortization of intangible assets, computed using an accelerated method according to the expected cash flows to be received from the underlying assets, over the respective lives as follows: Estimated Useful Life Customer relationships 5 to 11 Years Research content 1 to 2 Years Technology 7 Years
Schedule of Basic and Diluted Weighted Average Common Shares	Basic and diluted weighted average common shares are as follows (in thousands): Years Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Basic weighted average common shares outstanding 17,984 17,927 18,713 Weighted average common equivalent shares 285 216 294 Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding 18,269 18,143 19,007 Options excluded from diluted weighted average share calculation as effect would have been anti-dilutive 706 1,237 587

Goodwill and Other Intangible22

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of Goodwill by Segment and Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill	A summary of the goodwill by segment and the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill is shown in the following table (in thousands). Project Product Research Consulting Total Balance at January 1, 2015 $ 2,454 $ 74,229 $ — $ 76,683 Translation adjustments (83 ) (2,529 ) — (2,612 ) Balance at December 31, 2015 2,371 71,700 — 74,071 Translation adjustments (28 ) (850 ) — (878 ) Balance at December 31, 2016 $ 2,343 $ 70,850 $ — $ 73,193
Summary of Intangible Assets	A summary of Forrester’s intangible assets is as follows (in thousands): December 31, 2016 Gross Net Carrying Accumulated Carrying Amount Amortization Amount Amortizable intangible assets: Customer relationships $ 30,998 $ 29,534 $ 1,464 Research content 1,083 1,083 — Total $ 32,081 $ 30,617 $ 1,464 December 31, 2015 Gross Net Carrying Accumulated Carrying Amount Amortization Amount Amortizable intangible assets: Customer relationships $ 32,270 $ 29,936 $ 2,334 Research content 3,583 3,583 — Technology 1,507 1,507 — Total $ 37,360 $ 35,026 $ 2,334
Estimated Amortization Expense Related to Intangible Assets	Estimated amortization expense related to intangible assets that will continue to be amortized is as follows (in thousands): Year ending December 31, 2017 $ 759 Year ending December 31, 2018 705 Total $ 1,464

Marketable Investments (Tables)

Marketable Investments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Investments Debt And Equity Securities [Abstract]
Summary of Company's Marketable Investments	The following table summarizes the Company’s marketable investments, all of which are classified as available-for-sale (in thousands): As of December 31, 2016 Gross Gross Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Market Cost Gains Losses Value Federal agency obligations $ 1,800 $ — $ (7 ) $ 1,793 Corporate obligations 59,481 2 (129 ) 59,354 Total $ 61,281 $ 2 $ (136 ) $ 61,147 As of December 31, 2015 Gross Gross Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Market Cost Gains Losses Value Corporate obligations $ 47,939 $ — $ (164 ) $ 47,775
Summary of Maturity Periods of Marketable Securities	The following table summarizes the maturity periods of the marketable securities in the Company’s portfolio as of December 31, 2016. FY 2017 FY 2018 Total Federal agency obligations $ — $ 1,793 $ 1,793 Corporate obligations 37,159 22,195 59,354 Total $ 37,159 $ 23,988 $ 61,147
Summary of Gross Unrealized Losses and Market Value of Available-for-Sale Securities with Unrealized Losses	The following table shows the gross unrealized losses and market value of Forrester’s available-for-sale securities with unrealized losses that are not deemed to be other-than-temporary, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position (in thousands): As of December 31, 2016 Less Than 12 Months 12 Months or Greater Market Unrealized Market Unrealized Value Losses Value Losses Federal agency obligations $ 1,793 $ 7 $ — $ — Corporate obligations 53,647 129 — — Total $ 55,440 $ 136 $ — $ — As of December 31, 2015 Less Than 12 Months 12 Months or Greater Market Unrealized Market Unrealized Value Losses Value Losses Corporate obligations $ 45,748 $ 158 $ 2,027 $ 6
Summary of Company's Fair Value Hierarchy for its Financial Assets	The following table represents the Company’s fair value hierarchy for its financial assets (cash equivalents and marketable investments) measured at fair value on a recurring basis (in thousands): As of December 31, 2016 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Money market funds (1) $ 2,522 $ — $ — $ 2,522 Federal agency obligations — 1,793 — 1,793 Corporate obligations — 59,354 — 59,354 Total $ 2,522 $ 61,147 $ — $ 63,669 As of December 31, 2015 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Money market funds (1) $ 325 $ — $ — $ 325 Corporate obligations — 47,775 — 47,775 Total $ 325 $ 47,775 $ — $ 48,100 (1) Included in cash and cash equivalents.

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Before Income Taxes	Income before income taxes consists of the following (in thousands): Years Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Domestic $ 22,303 $ 11,347 $ 12,939 Foreign 8,406 7,973 5,450 Total $ 30,709 $ 19,320 $ 18,389
Components of the Income Tax Provision (benefit)	The components of the income tax provision (benefit) are as follows (in thousands): Years Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Current: Federal $ 6,094 $ 5,103 $ 11,644 State 2,330 1,252 2,239 Foreign 2,032 1,954 1,167 Total current 10,456 8,309 15,050 Deferred: Federal 2,719 (723 ) (6,470 ) State 59 (232 ) (1,095 ) Foreign (176 ) (30 ) 39 Total deferred 2,602 (985 ) (7,526 ) Income tax provision $ 13,058 $ 7,324 $ 7,524
Reconciliation of the Federal Statutory Rate	A reconciliation of the federal statutory rate to Forrester’s effective tax rate is as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Income tax provision at federal statutory rate 35.0 % 35.0 % 35.0 % Increase (decrease) in tax resulting from: State tax provision, net of federal benefit 5.0 4.0 4.2 Foreign tax rate differential (3.9 ) (2.7 ) (3.2 ) Stock option compensation deduction 0.6 2.5 2.6 Non-deductible expenses 1.5 1.7 1.1 Change in valuation allowance 3.2 (0.7 ) (1.0 ) Change in tax legislation — (3.1 ) — Out-of-period adjustment — — 2.5 Other, net 1.1 1.2 (0.3 ) Effective tax rate 42.5 % 37.9 % 40.9 %
Components of Deferred Income Taxes	The components of deferred income taxes are as follows (in thousands): As of December 31, 2016 2015 Non-deductible reserves and accruals $ 8,189 $ 9,795 Net operating loss and other carryforwards 7,560 7,862 Stock compensation 5,327 5,900 Depreciation and amortization 1,196 813 Other assets 50 490 Gross deferred tax asset 22,322 24,860 Less - valuation allowance (2,193 ) (1,534 ) Sub-total 20,129 23,326 Depreciation and amortization (453 ) — Goodwill amortization (5,013 ) (5,097 ) Deferred commissions (4,928 ) (5,344 ) Net deferred tax asset $ 9,735 $ 12,885
Summary of Changes in Deferred Tax Valuation Allowance	The following table provides a summary of the changes in the deferred tax valuation allowance for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands): 2016 2015 2014 Deferred tax valuation allowance at January 1 $ 1,534 $ 1,565 $ 2,200 Additions 1,256 150 17 Deductions (455 ) (134 ) (574 ) Translation adjustments (142 ) (47 ) (78 ) Deferred tax valuation allowance at December 31 $ 2,193 $ 1,534 $ 1,565
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits	A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is summarized as follows for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands): 2016 2015 2014 Unrecognized tax benefits at January 1 $ 1,910 $ 2,136 $ 2,012 Additions for tax positions of prior years — 36 6 Reductions for tax positions of prior years (31 ) — — Additions for tax positions of current year 75 46 121 Settlements (163 ) (303 ) — Lapse of statute of limitations — — — Translation adjustments (17 ) (5 ) (3 ) Unrecognized tax benefits at December 31 $ 1,774 $ 1,910 $ 2,136

Commitments (Tables)

Commitments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Future Contractual Obligations for Operating Leases	As of December 31, 2016, Forrester had future contractual obligations as follows for operating leases (in thousands): 2017 $ 11,913 2018 11,153 2019 10,775 2020 10,223 2021 8,816 Thereafter 35,943 Total minimum lease payments $ 88,823

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Equity [Abstract]
Schedule of Stock Option Activity	Stock option activity for the year ended December 31, 2016 is presented below (in thousands, except per share data and contractual term): Weighted - Weighted - Average Average Exercise Remaining Aggregate Number Price Per Contractual Intrinsic of Shares Share Term (in years) Value Outstanding at December 31, 2015 2,171 $ 33.84 Granted 83 35.61 Exercised (496 ) 31.73 Forfeited (218 ) 35.68 Outstanding at December 31, 2016 1,540 $ 34.35 6.44 $ 13,235 Exercisable at December 31, 2016 883 $ 33.53 5.22 $ 8,315 Vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2016 1,474 $ 34.32 6.36 $ 12,727
Schedule of Restricted Stock Unit Activity	RSU activity for the year ended December 31, 2016 is presented below (in thousands, except per share data): Weighted- Average Number of Grant Date Shares Fair Value Unvested at December 31, 2015 504 $ 33.67 Granted 259 37.87 Vested (171 ) 34.05 Forfeited (53 ) 34.32 Unvested at December 31, 2016 539 $ 35.50
Summary of Shares Purchased by Employees Under the Stock Purchase Plan	Shares purchased by employees under the Stock Purchase Plan are as follows (in thousands, except per share data): Shares Purchase Purchase Period Ended Purchased Price February 29, 2016 28 $ 26.00 August 31, 2016 25 $ 27.04 February 28, 2015 25 $ 31.98 August 31, 2015 25 $ 26.87

Reorganization (Tables)

Reorganization (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Restructuring And Related Activities [Abstract]
Schedule of Rolls Forward of Activity in Reorganization Accrual	The activity related to the reorganization accrual during the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 is as follows (in thousands): Workforce Subsidiary Products Reduction Liquidation Reorganization Total Accrual at December 31, 2014 $ 118 $ — $ — $ 118 Additions 3,173 334 926 4,433 Cash payments (3,250 ) (9 ) (336 ) (3,595 ) Non-cash charge — (318 ) (157 ) (475 ) Accrual at December 31, 2015 41 7 433 481 Additions 1,022 — 4 1,026 Cash payments (1,063 ) (7 ) (437 ) (1,507 ) Accrual at December 31, 2016 $ — $ — $ — $ —

Operating Segment and Enterpr28

Operating Segment and Enterprise Wide Reporting (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Information about Reportable Segments	The following tables present information about reportable segments (in thousands): Project Product Research Consulting Consolidated Year Ended December 31, 2016 Research services revenues $ 215,216 $ — $ — $ 215,216 Advisory services and events revenues 20,374 45,601 44,904 110,879 Total segment revenues 235,590 45,601 44,904 326,095 Segment expenses 41,528 51,132 26,647 119,307 Contribution margin (loss) 194,062 (5,531 ) 18,257 206,788 Selling, marketing, administrative and other expenses (174,157 ) Amortization of intangible assets (831 ) Reorganization costs (1,026 ) Other income and losses on investments (65 ) Income before income taxes $ 30,709 Project Product Research Consulting Consolidated Year Ended December 31, 2015 Research services revenues $ 210,268 $ — $ — $ 210,268 Advisory services and events revenues 17,512 42,997 42,949 103,458 Total segment revenues 227,780 42,997 42,949 313,726 Segment expenses 38,615 51,510 27,320 117,445 Contribution margin (loss) 189,165 (8,513 ) 15,629 196,281 Selling, marketing, administrative and other expenses (172,130 ) Amortization of intangible assets (891 ) Reorganization costs (4,433 ) Other income and losses on investments 493 Income before income taxes $ 19,320 Project Product Research Consulting Consolidated Year Ended December 31, 2014 Research services revenues $ 207,517 $ — $ — $ 207,517 Advisory services and events revenues 20,759 48,658 35,128 104,545 Total segment revenues 228,276 48,658 35,128 312,062 Segment expenses 39,466 53,307 27,236 120,009 Contribution margin (loss) 188,810 (4,649 ) 7,892 192,053 Selling, marketing, administrative and other expenses (169,852 ) Amortization of intangible assets (2,171 ) Reorganization costs (1,817 ) Other income and losses on investments 176 Income before income taxes $ 18,389
Schedule of Net Long-lived Tangible Assets by Location	Net long-lived tangible assets by location as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 are as follows (in thousands): 2016 2015 United States $ 22,150 $ 24,914 United Kingdom 782 1,176 Europe (excluding United Kingdom) 259 381 Other 703 1,098 Total $ 23,894 $ 27,569
Schedule of Revenues by Geographic Destination and as a Percentage of Total Revenues	Revenues by geographic destination and as a percentage of total revenues for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014 are as follows (dollars in thousands): 2016 2015 2014 United States $ 252,222 $ 241,025 $ 232,440 Europe (excluding United Kingdom) 27,061 24,607 30,257 United Kingdom 14,808 16,815 16,804 Canada 13,806 14,424 17,089 Other 18,198 16,855 15,472 Total $ 326,095 $ 313,726 $ 312,062 2016 2015 2014 United States 77 % 77 % 74 % Europe (excluding United Kingdom) 8 % 8 % 10 % United Kingdom 5 % 5 % 5 % Canada 4 % 5 % 6 % Other 6 % 5 % 5 % Total 100 % 100 % 100 %

Certain Balance Sheet Accounts

Certain Balance Sheet Accounts (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Summary of Property and Equipment	Property and equipment as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 is recorded at cost less accumulated depreciation and consists of the following (in thousands): 2016 2015 Computers and equipment $ 17,137 $ 18,177 Computer software 26,686 23,899 Furniture and fixtures 8,471 8,527 Leasehold improvements 25,204 25,560 Total property and equipment 77,498 76,163 Less accumulated depreciation 53,604 48,594 Total $ 23,894 $ 27,569
Summary of Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities	Accrued expenses and other current liabilities as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 consist of the following (in thousands): 2016 2015 Payroll and related benefits $ 28,681 $ 29,902 Taxes 4,704 2,564 Other 8,018 8,786 Total $ 41,403 $ 41,252
Summary of Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	A roll-forward of the allowance for doubtful accounts as of and for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014 is as follows (in thousands): 2016 2015 2014 Balance, beginning of year $ 153 $ 188 $ 254 Provision for doubtful accounts 150 106 320 Write-offs (163 ) (141 ) (386 ) Balance, end of year $ 140 $ 153 $ 188

Summary Selected Quarterly Fi30

Summary Selected Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of Selected Consolidated Quarterly Financial Data	The following is a summary of selected unaudited consolidated quarterly financial data for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 (in thousands, except per share data): Three Months Ended March 31, June 30, September 30, December 31, 2016 2016 2016 2016 Total revenues $ 77,401 $ 87,821 $ 77,427 $ 83,446 Income from operations $ 2,712 $ 11,472 $ 7,552 $ 9,038 Net income $ 1,289 $ 7,460 $ 3,112 $ 5,790 Basic income per common share $ 0.07 $ 0.42 $ 0.17 $ 0.32 Diluted income per common share $ 0.07 $ 0.41 $ 0.17 $ 0.31 Three Months Ended March 31, June 30, September 30, December 31, 2015 2015 2015 2015 Total revenues $ 75,187 $ 82,811 $ 74,753 $ 80,975 Income (loss) from operations $ (715 ) $ 10,093 $ 5,341 $ 4,108 Net income (loss) $ (224 ) $ 5,750 $ 4,450 $ 2,020 Basic income (loss) per common share $ (0.01 ) $ 0.32 $ 0.25 $ 0.11 Diluted income (loss) per common share $ (0.01 ) $ 0.31 $ 0.25 $ 0.11

Summary of Significant Accoun31

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)Customer	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policy [Line Items]
Original maturities	90 days
Number of customers accounted for revenues or accounts receivable greater than 2% of total | Customer	0
Annual goodwill impairment test, period	November 30th
Goodwill impairment charges	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Non-current deferred rent liabilities	7,400,000	6,400,000
Foreign exchange gains (losses)	$ 100,000		$ (100,000)
Percentage of expense over the service period on share based awards	100.00%
Unamortized fair value stock based compensation	$ 15,500,000
Weighted average remaining recognition period	2 years 6 months
ASU No. 2016-09 [Member]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policy [Line Items]
Change in reclassification of tax withholding	$ 2,100,000	$ 1,500,000
Research Service Revenue [Member] | Customer Concentration Risk [Member]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policy [Line Items]
Customer accounted for percentage	2.00%
Accounts Receivable [Member] | Credit Concentration Risk [Member]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policy [Line Items]
Customer accounted for percentage	2.00%

Summary of Significant Accoun32

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Schedule of Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	$ (4,826)
Foreign currency translation	(2,764)	$ (3,187)	$ (3,977)
Foreign currency translation before reclassification		(3,505)
Reclassification adjustment for write-off of foreign currency translation loss		318
Unrealized gain (loss) on investments before reclassification, net of tax	17	(26)	(84)
Reclassification adjustment for net losses realized in net income, net of tax			(6)
Ending Balance	(7,573)	(4,826)
Beginning Balance	127,302	141,602	204,662
Ending Balance	150,036	127,302	141,602
Net Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Marketable Investments [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	(100)	(74)	16
Unrealized gain (loss) on investments before reclassification, net of tax	17	(26)	(84)
Reclassification adjustment for net losses realized in net income, net of tax			(6)
Ending Balance	(83)	(100)	(74)
Cumulative Translation Adjustment [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	(4,726)	(1,539)	2,438
Foreign currency translation	(2,764)		(3,977)
Foreign currency translation before reclassification		(3,505)
Reclassification adjustment for write-off of foreign currency translation loss		318
Ending Balance	(7,490)	(4,726)	(1,539)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Foreign currency translation	(2,764)	(3,187)	(3,977)
Beginning Balance	(4,826)	(1,613)	2,454
Ending Balance	$ (7,573)	$ (4,826)	$ (1,613)

Summary of Significant Accoun33

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Schedule of Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Parenthetical) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Other Comprehensive Income Loss Tax Parenthetical Disclosures [Abstract]
Tax on Unrealized gain (loss) on investments before reclassification	$ (14)	$ 20	$ 47
Tax on Reclassification adjustment for net losses realized in net income			$ 8

Summary of Significant Accoun34

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Summary of Stock-Based Compensation Expense Recorded in Expense Categories (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Employee Service Share Based Compensation Allocation Of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Total allocated share-based compensation expense	$ 7,976	$ 8,347	$ 7,444
Cost of Services and Fulfillment [Member]
Employee Service Share Based Compensation Allocation Of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Total allocated share-based compensation expense	4,431	4,573	4,316
Selling and Marketing [Member]
Employee Service Share Based Compensation Allocation Of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Total allocated share-based compensation expense	1,054	1,152	1,132
General and Administrative [Member]
Employee Service Share Based Compensation Allocation Of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Total allocated share-based compensation expense	$ 2,491	$ 2,622	$ 1,996

Summary of Significant Accoun35

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Options Granted Under Equity Incentive Plans and Shares Subject to Employee Stock Purchase Plan Valuation Assumptions (Detail) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Equity Incentive Plans [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Average risk-free interest rate	1.30%	1.59%	1.69%
Expected dividend yield	2.20%	2.10%	1.80%
Expected life	5 years	5 years	5 years 1 month 6 days
Expected volatility	24.00%	24.00%	26.00%
Weighted average fair value	$ 6.16	$ 6.15	$ 7.91
Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Average risk-free interest rate	0.32%	0.07%	0.06%
Expected dividend yield	2.10%	1.90%	2.00%
Expected life	6 months	6 months	6 months
Expected volatility	24.00%	22.00%	24.00%
Weighted average fair value	$ 6.69	$ 7.19	$ 7.32

Summary of Significant Accoun36

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Depreciation and Amortization of Property and Equipment, Useful Life (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Computers and Equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property and Equipment, Estimated Useful Life	3 years
Computers and Equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property and Equipment, Estimated Useful Life	10 years
Computer Software [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property and Equipment, Estimated Useful Life	3 years
Computer Software [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property and Equipment, Estimated Useful Life	5 years
Furniture and Fixtures [Member]
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property and Equipment, Estimated Useful Life	7 years
Leasehold Improvements [Member]
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property and Equipment, Estimated Useful Life	Shorter of asset life or lease term

Summary of Significant Accoun37

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Amortization of Intangible Assets, Useful Life (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Customer Relationships [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization of intangible assets, estimated useful life	5 years
Customer Relationships [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization of intangible assets, estimated useful life	11 years
Research Content [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization of intangible assets, estimated useful life	1 year
Research Content [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization of intangible assets, estimated useful life	2 years
Technology [Member]
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization of intangible assets, estimated useful life	7 years

Summary of Significant Accoun38

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Summary of Basic and Diluted Weighted Average Common Shares (Detail) - shares shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding	17,984	17,927	18,713
Weighted average common equivalent shares	285	216	294
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding	18,269	18,143	19,007
Options excluded from diluted weighted average share calculation as effect would have been anti-dilutive	706	1,237	587

Goodwill and Other Intangible39

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Summary of Goodwill by Segment and Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	$ 74,071	$ 76,683
Translation adjustments	(878)	(2,612)
Goodwill, Ending Balance	73,193	74,071
Product Segment [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	2,371	2,454
Translation adjustments	(28)	(83)
Goodwill, Ending Balance	2,343	2,371
Research Segment [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	71,700	74,229
Translation adjustments	(850)	(2,529)
Goodwill, Ending Balance	$ 70,850	$ 71,700

Goodwill and Other Intangible40

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Accumulated goodwill impairment losses	$ 0
Amortization of intangible assets	$ 831,000	$ 891,000	$ 2,171,000

Goodwill and Other Intangible41

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Summary of Intangible Assets (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 32,081	$ 37,360
Accumulated Amortization	30,617	35,026
Total	1,464	2,334
Customer Relationships [Member]
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	30,998	32,270
Accumulated Amortization	29,534	29,936
Total	1,464	2,334
Research Content [Member]
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	1,083	3,583
Accumulated Amortization	$ 1,083	3,583
Technology [Member]
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount		1,507
Accumulated Amortization		$ 1,507

Goodwill and Other Intangible42

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Estimated Amortization Expense Related to Intangible Assets (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Year ending December 31, 2017	$ 759
Year ending December 31, 2018	705
Total	$ 1,464	$ 2,334

Marketable Investments - Summar

Marketable Investments - Summary of Company's Marketable Investments (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	$ 61,281
Gross Unrealized Gains	2
Gross Unrealized Losses	(136)
Market Value	61,147	$ 47,775
Federal Agency Obligations [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	1,800
Gross Unrealized Losses	(7)
Market Value	1,793
Corporate Obligations [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	59,481	47,939
Gross Unrealized Gains	2
Gross Unrealized Losses	(129)	(164)
Market Value	$ 59,354	$ 47,775

Marketable Investments - Summ44

Marketable Investments - Summary of Maturity Periods of the Marketable Securities (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
FY 2,017	$ 37,159
FY 2,018	23,988
Total	61,147	$ 47,775
Federal Agency Obligations [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
FY 2,018	1,793
Total	1,793
Corporate Obligations [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
FY 2,017	37,159
FY 2,018	22,195
Total	$ 59,354	$ 47,775

Marketable Investments - Summ45

Marketable Investments - Summary of Gross Unrealized Losses and Market Value of Available-for-Sale Securities with Unrealized Losses (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available for sale securities, Less Than 12 Months, Market Value	$ 55,440
Available for sale securities, Less Than 12 Months, Unrealized Losses	136
Federal Agency Obligations [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available for sale securities, Less Than 12 Months, Market Value	1,793
Available for sale securities, Less Than 12 Months, Unrealized Losses	7
Corporate Obligations [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available for sale securities, Less Than 12 Months, Market Value	53,647	$ 45,748
Available for sale securities, Less Than 12 Months, Unrealized Losses	$ 129	158
Available for sale securities, 12 Months or Greater, Market Value		2,027
Available for sale securities, 12 Months or Greater, Unrealized Losses		$ 6

Marketable Investments - Summ46

Marketable Investments - Summary of Company's Fair Value Hierarchy for its Financial Assets (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets on recurring basis	$ 63,669	$ 48,100
Money Market Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets on recurring basis	2,522	325
Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets on recurring basis	2,522	325
Level 1 [Member] | Money Market Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets on recurring basis	2,522	325
Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets on recurring basis	61,147	47,775
Federal Agency Obligations [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets on recurring basis	1,793
Federal Agency Obligations [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets on recurring basis	1,793
Corporate Obligations [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets on recurring basis	59,354	47,775
Corporate Obligations [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets on recurring basis	$ 59,354	$ 47,775

Non-Marketable Investments - Ad

Non-Marketable Investments - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Investments Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Carrying value of the Company's non-marketable investments	$ 2,800,000	$ 3,600,000
Book value of investment	400,000	400,000
Losses from non-marketable investments	(800,000)		$ (300,000)
Distributions received from funds	$ 0	$ 100,000	$ 1,500,000
Limited Partnerships Investments [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Fair Value Investments Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Ownership interest of Company	5.00%

Income Taxes - Income Before In

Income Taxes - Income Before Income Taxes (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Domestic	$ 22,303	$ 11,347	$ 12,939
Foreign	8,406	7,973	5,450
Income before income taxes	$ 30,709	$ 19,320	$ 18,389

Income Taxes - Components of th

Income Taxes - Components of the Income Tax Provision (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Current:
Federal	$ 6,094	$ 5,103	$ 11,644
State	2,330	1,252	2,239
Foreign	2,032	1,954	1,167
Total current	10,456	8,309	15,050
Deferred:
Federal	2,719	(723)	(6,470)
State	59	(232)	(1,095)
Foreign	(176)	(30)	39
Total deferred	2,602	(985)	(7,526)
Income tax provision	$ 13,058	$ 7,324	$ 7,524

Income Taxes - Reconciliation o

Income Taxes - Reconciliation of the Federal Statutory Rate (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income tax provision at federal statutory rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Increase (decrease) in tax resulting from:
State tax provision, net of federal benefit	5.00%	4.00%	4.20%
Foreign tax rate differential	(3.90%)	(2.70%)	(3.20%)
Stock option compensation deduction	0.60%	2.50%	2.60%
Non-deductible expenses	1.50%	1.70%	1.10%
Change in valuation allowance	3.20%	(0.70%)	(1.00%)
Change in tax legislation		(3.10%)
Out-of-period adjustment			2.50%
Other, net	1.10%	1.20%	(0.30%)
Effective tax rate	42.50%	37.90%	40.90%

Income Taxes - Additional Infor

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Income tax benefit from new interpretation of tax law		$ 600
Long-term net deferred tax assets	$ 9,800	13,100
Long-term net deferred tax liabilities	100	200
Valuation allowance	$ 2,193	1,534	$ 1,565	$ 2,200
Operating loss carryforwards, expired	2,020
Operating loss carryforwards related to a prior acquisition	$ 3,500
U.S. federal and state capital loss carryforwards	3,400
Deferred tax assets, Capital loss carryforwards expires in 2018	400
Deferred tax assets, Capital loss carryforwards expires in 2020	1,600
Deferred tax assets, Capital loss carryforwards expires in 2021	1,400
Net tax deficiencies from tax deductions less than book deductions resulting from employee stock option exercises	100	200
Undistributed earnings of company's foreign subsidiaries	27,800
Unrecognized tax benefits	1,774	1,910	2,136	$ 2,012
Unrecognized tax benefits will be recognized within next twelve months	1,100
Accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions	100	$ 200	$ 200
Domestic Tax Authority [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Operating loss carryforwards	700
Foreign Tax Authority [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Operating loss carryforwards	$ 20,400

Income Taxes - Components of De

Income Taxes - Components of Deferred Income Taxes (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Non-deductible reserves and accruals	$ 8,189	$ 9,795
Net operating loss and other carryforwards	7,560	7,862
Stock compensation	5,327	5,900
Depreciation and amortization	1,196	813
Other assets	50	490
Gross deferred tax asset	22,322	24,860
Less - valuation allowance	(2,193)	(1,534)	$ (1,565)	$ (2,200)
Sub-total	20,129	23,326
Depreciation and amortization	(453)
Goodwill amortization	(5,013)	(5,097)
Deferred commissions	(4,928)	(5,344)
Net deferred tax asset	$ 9,735	$ 12,885

Income Taxes - Summary of Chang

Income Taxes - Summary of Changes in Deferred Tax Valuation Allowance (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Deferred tax valuation allowance, Beginning Balance	$ 1,534	$ 1,565	$ 2,200
Additions	1,256	150	17
Deductions	(455)	(134)	(574)
Translation adjustments	(142)	(47)	(78)
Deferred tax valuation allowance, Ending Balance	$ 2,193	$ 1,534	$ 1,565

Income Taxes - Reconciliation54

Income Taxes - Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Unrecognized tax benefits, Beginning Balance	$ 1,910	$ 2,136	$ 2,012
Additions for tax positions of prior years		36	6
Reductions for tax positions of prior years	(31)
Additions for tax positions of current year	75	46	121
Settlements	(163)	(303)
Translation adjustments	(17)	(5)	(3)
Unrecognized tax benefits, Ending Balance	$ 1,774	$ 1,910	$ 2,136

Commitments - Future Contractua

Commitments - Future Contractual Obligations for Operating Leases (Detail) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
2,017	$ 11,913
2,018	11,153
2,019	10,775
2,020	10,223
2,021	8,816
Thereafter	35,943
Total minimum lease payments	$ 88,823

Commitments - Additional Inform

Commitments - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Aggregate rent expense	$ 16.1	$ 16	$ 15.9

Stockholders' Equity - Addition

Stockholders' Equity - Additional Information (Detail)	3 Months Ended												12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Sep. 30, 2016$ / shares	Jun. 30, 2016$ / shares	Mar. 31, 2016$ / shares	Dec. 31, 2015$ / sharesshares	Sep. 30, 2015$ / shares	Jun. 30, 2015$ / shares	Mar. 31, 2015$ / shares	Dec. 31, 2014$ / shares	Sep. 30, 2014$ / shares	Jun. 30, 2014$ / shares	Mar. 31, 2014$ / shares	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)Installment$ / shares	Dec. 31, 2012shares	Oct. 31, 2016USD ($)	Jul. 31, 2015USD ($)	Feb. 28, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2011shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Preferred stock, shares authorized	500,000				500,000								500,000	500,000
Preferred stock, par value | $ / shares	$ 0.01				$ 0.01								$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Authorized to purchase of common stock under the stock repurchase program | $	$ 485,000,000												$ 485,000,000				$ 25,000,000	$ 25,000,000	$ 25,000,000
Cumulative repurchase of common stock	15,000,000												15,000,000
Aggregate cost of repurchase of common stock | $													$ 424,900,000
Dividend declared and paid per share | $ / shares	$ 0.18	$ 0.18	$ 0.18	$ 0.18	$ 0.17	$ 0.17	$ 0.17	$ 0.17	$ 0.16	$ 0.16	$ 0.16	$ 0.16
Dividend declared per share | $ / shares													$ 0.72	$ 0.68	$ 0.64
Aggregate dividend declared for the year | $													$ 13,000,000	$ 12,200,000	$ 12,000,000
Option Outstanding and vested	1,540,000				2,171,000								1,540,000	2,171,000
Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Future awards granted or issued under plans	200,000												200,000
Shares authorized	700,000												700,000
Hours of work per week													20 hours
Duration of purchase periods under employee stock purchase plan													6 months
Holding period of stocks acquired under employee stock purchase plan													1 year
Value used to derive maximum number of shares per participant for employee stock purchase | $													$ 12,500
Employee maximum elected percentage reduction of compensation to purchase shares													10.00%
Exercise price rate of fair value													85.00%
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted average grant date fair value for RSUs granted | $ / shares													$ 37.87	$ 31.50	$ 36.67
Number of shares received per restricted stock unit on lapse of restrictions and vesting condition met													1
Value of RSUs vested and converted to common stock | $													$ 6,600,000	$ 4,600,000	$ 3,500,000
Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Intrinsic value of options exercised | $													$ 3,700,000	$ 400,000	$ 2,300,000
Equity Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares of common stock options entitlement of non- employee directors	12,000												12,000
Number of installments upon which share based awards vest | Installment															4
1996 Equity Plan [Member] | Equity Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Future awards granted or issued under plans	0												0
2006 Director Plan [Member] | Equity Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Future awards granted or issued under plans	0												0
Shares authorized	450,000,000												450,000,000
Shares returned																80,000
Number of shares of common stock options entitlement of non- employee directors																				6,000,000
Option Outstanding and vested	200,000												200,000
1996 Director [Member] | Equity Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Future awards granted or issued under plans	0												0
Equity Incentive Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Equity incentive plan extended term													10 years
Equity incentive plan expiration													2026-05
Increase in number of shares issuable under plan													2,000,000
Equity Incentive Plan [Member] | Equity Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Future awards granted or issued under plans	2,700,000												2,700,000
Shares authorized																6,350,000
Shares returned																2,500,000
Option expiration period													10 years
Equity Incentive Plan [Member] | Equity Plan [Member] | Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options vested period													4 years
Prior to 2011 [Member] | Equity Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares of common stock options entitlement of non- employee directors	12,500												12,500

Stockholders' Equity - Schedule

Stockholders' Equity - Schedule of Stock Option Activity (Detail) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)$ / sharesshares
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]
Number of Shares, Outstanding at December 31, 2015 | shares	2,171
Number of Shares, Granted | shares	83
Number of Shares, Exercised | shares	(496)
Number of Shares, Forfeited | shares	(218)
Number of Shares, Outstanding at December 31, 2016 | shares	1,540
Number of Shares, Exercisable at December 31, 2016 | shares	883
Number of Shares, Vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2016 | shares	1,474
Weighted - Average Exercise Price Per Share, Outstanding, Beginning balance | $ / shares	$ 33.84
Weighted - Average Exercise Price Per Share, Granted | $ / shares	35.61
Weighted - Average Exercise Price Per Share, Exercised | $ / shares	31.73
Weighted - Average Exercise Price Per Share, Forfeited | $ / shares	35.68
Weighted - Average Exercise Price Per Share, Outstanding, Ending balance | $ / shares	34.35
Weighted - Average Exercise Price Per Share, Exercisable at December 31, 2016 | $ / shares	33.53
Weighted - Average Exercise Price Per Share, Vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2016 | $ / shares	$ 34.32
Weighted - Average Remaining Contractual Term, Outstanding at December 31, 2016	6 years 5 months 9 days
Weighted - Average Remaining Contractual Term, Exercisable at December 31, 2016	5 years 2 months 19 days
Weighted - Average Remaining Contractual Term, Vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2016	6 years 4 months 10 days
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Outstanding at December 31, 2016 | $	$ 13,235
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Exercisable at December 31, 2016 | $	8,315
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2016 | $	$ 12,727

Stockholders' Equity - Schedu59

Stockholders' Equity - Schedule of Restricted Stock Unit Activity (Detail) - Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] - $ / shares shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of Shares, Unvested at December 31, 2015	504
Number of Shares, Granted	259
Number of Shares, Vested	(171)
Number of Shares, Forfeited	(53)
Number of Shares, Unvested at December 31, 2016	539	504
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Unvested, Beginning Balance	$ 33.67
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Granted	37.87	$ 31.50	$ 36.67
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Vested	34.05
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Forfeited	34.32
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Unvested, Ending Balance	$ 35.50	$ 33.67

Stockholders' Equity - Summary

Stockholders' Equity - Summary of Shares Purchased by Employees Under the Stock Purchase Plan (Detail) - $ / shares shares in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016	Feb. 29, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015	Feb. 28, 2015
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]
Shares Purchased	25	28	25	25
Purchase Price	$ 27.04	$ 26	$ 26.87	$ 31.98

Employee Pension Plans - Additi

Employee Pension Plans - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Defined Contribution Pension And Other Postretirement Plans Disclosure [Abstract]
Contribution to defined contribution plans	$ 4.3	$ 4.1	$ 4

Reorganization - Additional Inf

Reorganization - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items]
Percentage of workforce reduction	2.00%		4.00%	1.00%
Severance costs	$ 1		$ 3.2	$ 1.8
Subsidiary Liquidation [Member]
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items]
Reorganization costs			$ 0.3
Products Group Reorganization [Member]
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items]
Severance costs		$ 0.7
Products Group Reorganization [Member] | Software Development Project [Member]
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items]
Expenses to write off		$ 0.2

Reorganization - Schedule of Ro

Reorganization - Schedule of Rolls Forward of Activity in Reorganization Accrual (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items]
Accrual Beginning Balance	$ 481	$ 118
Additions	1,026	4,433	$ 1,817
Cash payments	(1,507)	(3,595)
Non-cash charge		(475)
Accrual Ending Balance		481	118
Workforce Reduction [Member]
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items]
Accrual Beginning Balance	41	118
Additions	1,022	3,173
Cash payments	(1,063)	(3,250)
Accrual Ending Balance		41	$ 118
Subsidiary Liquidation [Member]
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items]
Accrual Beginning Balance	7
Additions		334
Cash payments	(7)	(9)
Non-cash charge		(318)
Accrual Ending Balance		7
Products Group Reorganization [Member]
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items]
Accrual Beginning Balance	433
Additions	4	926
Cash payments	$ (437)	(336)
Non-cash charge		(157)
Accrual Ending Balance		$ 433

Operating Segment and Enterpr64

Operating Segment and Enterprise Wide Reporting - Schedule of Information about Reportable Segments (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Research services revenues									$ 215,216	$ 210,268	$ 207,517
Advisory services and events revenues									110,879	103,458	104,545
Total revenues	$ 83,446	$ 77,427	$ 87,821	$ 77,401	$ 80,975	$ 74,753	$ 82,811	$ 75,187	326,095	313,726	312,062
Segment expenses									119,307	117,445	120,009
Contribution margin (loss)									206,788	196,281	192,053
Selling, marketing, administrative and other expenses									(174,157)	(172,130)	(169,852)
Amortization of intangible assets									(831)	(891)	(2,171)
Reorganization costs									(1,026)	(4,433)	(1,817)
Other income and losses on investments									(65)	493	176
Income before income taxes									30,709	19,320	18,389
Product Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Research services revenues									215,216	210,268	207,517
Advisory services and events revenues									20,374	17,512	20,759
Total revenues									235,590	227,780	228,276
Segment expenses									41,528	38,615	39,466
Contribution margin (loss)									194,062	189,165	188,810
Research Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Advisory services and events revenues									45,601	42,997	48,658
Total revenues									45,601	42,997	48,658
Segment expenses									51,132	51,510	53,307
Contribution margin (loss)									(5,531)	(8,513)	(4,649)
Project Consulting [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Advisory services and events revenues									44,904	42,949	35,128
Total revenues									44,904	42,949	35,128
Segment expenses									26,647	27,320	27,236
Contribution margin (loss)									$ 18,257	$ 15,629	$ 7,892

Operating Segment and Enterpr65

Operating Segment and Enterprise Wide Reporting - Schedule of Net Long-lived Tangible Assets by Location (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Revenues From External Customers And Long Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net long-lived tangible assets	$ 23,894	$ 27,569
United States [Member]
Revenues From External Customers And Long Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net long-lived tangible assets	22,150	24,914
United Kingdom [Member]
Revenues From External Customers And Long Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net long-lived tangible assets	782	1,176
Europe (Excluding United Kingdom) [Member]
Revenues From External Customers And Long Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net long-lived tangible assets	259	381
Other [Member]
Revenues From External Customers And Long Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net long-lived tangible assets	$ 703	$ 1,098

Operating Segment and Enterpr66

Operating Segment and Enterprise Wide Reporting - Schedule of Revenues by Geographic Destination and as a Percentage of Total Revenues (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Revenues From External Customers And Long Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 83,446	$ 77,427	$ 87,821	$ 77,401	$ 80,975	$ 74,753	$ 82,811	$ 75,187	$ 326,095	$ 313,726	$ 312,062
Revenues by geographical area percentage									100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
United States [Member]
Revenues From External Customers And Long Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenue									$ 252,222	$ 241,025	$ 232,440
Revenues by geographical area percentage									77.00%	77.00%	74.00%
Europe (Excluding United Kingdom) [Member]
Revenues From External Customers And Long Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenue									$ 27,061	$ 24,607	$ 30,257
Revenues by geographical area percentage									8.00%	8.00%	10.00%
United Kingdom [Member]
Revenues From External Customers And Long Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenue									$ 14,808	$ 16,815	$ 16,804
Revenues by geographical area percentage									5.00%	5.00%	5.00%
Canada [Member]
Revenues From External Customers And Long Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenue									$ 13,806	$ 14,424	$ 17,089
Revenues by geographical area percentage									4.00%	5.00%	6.00%
Other [Member]
Revenues From External Customers And Long Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenue									$ 18,198	$ 16,855	$ 15,472
Revenues by geographical area percentage									6.00%	5.00%	5.00%

Certain Balance Sheet Account67

Certain Balance Sheet Accounts - Summary of Property and Equipment (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Total property and equipment	$ 77,498	$ 76,163
Less accumulated depreciation	53,604	48,594
Total	23,894	27,569
Computers and Equipment [Member]
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Total property and equipment	17,137	18,177
Computer Software [Member]
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Total property and equipment	26,686	23,899
Furniture and Fixtures [Member]
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Total property and equipment	8,471	8,527
Leasehold Improvements [Member]
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Total property and equipment	$ 25,204	$ 25,560

Certain Balance Sheet Account68

Certain Balance Sheet Accounts - Summary of Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Payables And Accruals [Abstract]
Payroll and related benefits	$ 28,681	$ 29,902
Taxes	4,704	2,564
Other	8,018	8,786
Total	$ 41,403	$ 41,252

Certain Balance Sheet Account69

Certain Balance Sheet Accounts - Summary of Allowance for Doubtful Accounts (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Receivables [Abstract]
Balance, beginning of year	$ 153	$ 188	$ 254
Provision for doubtful accounts	150	106	320
Write-offs	(163)	(141)	(386)
Balance, end of year	$ 140	$ 153	$ 188

Summary Selected Quarterly Fi70

Summary Selected Quarterly Financial Data - Summary of Selected Consolidated Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited) (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Total revenues	$ 83,446	$ 77,427	$ 87,821	$ 77,401	$ 80,975	$ 74,753	$ 82,811	$ 75,187	$ 326,095	$ 313,726	$ 312,062
Income (loss) from operations	9,038	7,552	11,472	2,712	4,108	5,341	10,093	(715)	30,774	18,827	18,213
Net income (loss)	$ 5,790	$ 3,112	$ 7,460	$ 1,289	$ 2,020	$ 4,450	$ 5,750	$ (224)	$ 17,651	$ 11,996	$ 10,865
Basic income (loss) per common share	$ 0.32	$ 0.17	$ 0.42	$ 0.07	$ 0.11	$ 0.25	$ 0.32	$ (0.01)	$ 0.98	$ 0.67	$ 0.58
Diluted income (loss) per common share	$ 0.31	$ 0.17	$ 0.41	$ 0.07	$ 0.11	$ 0.25	$ 0.31	$ (0.01)	$ 0.97	$ 0.66	$ 0.57