MicroStrategy (MSTR) 10-Q 29 Oct 14 2014 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Oct. 22, 2014	Oct. 22, 2014
		Class A	Class B Convertible
Document Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'	'
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-14	'	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'	'
Trading Symbol	'MSTR	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'MICROSTRATEGY INC	'	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0001050446	'	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	9,148,710	2,152,327

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$136,006	$220,171
Restricted cash	1,550	583
Short-term investments	218,596	137,198
Accounts receivable, net	57,514	86,181
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	19,682	14,260
Deferred tax assets, net	30,909	21,555
Total current assets	464,257	479,948
Property and equipment, net	81,542	85,445
Capitalized software development costs, net	8,458	10,295
Deposits and other assets	4,651	6,622
Deferred tax assets, net	825	3,204
Total assets	559,733	585,514
Current liabilities:	'	'
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	34,601	39,946
Accrued compensation and employee benefits	58,965	79,495
Accrued restructuring costs	8,062	0
Deferred revenue and advance payments	120,707	113,656
Deferred tax liabilities	189	422
Total current liabilities	222,524	233,519
Deferred revenue and advance payments	11,479	8,970
Other long-term liabilities	23,208	25,511
Deferred tax liabilities	3,462	7,188
Total liabilities	260,673	275,188
Commitments and Contingencies	'	'
Stockholders' Equity	'	'
Preferred stock undesignated, $0.001 par value; 5,000 shares authorized; no shares issued or outstanding	0	0
Additional paid-in capital	502,647	494,086
Treasury stock, at cost; 6,405 shares	-475,184	-475,184
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-2,994	-831
Retained earnings	274,574	292,238
Total stockholders' equity	299,060	310,326
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	559,733	585,514
Class A	'	'
Stockholders' Equity	'	'
Common stock	15	15
Class B Convertible	'	'
Stockholders' Equity	'	'
Common stock	$2	$2

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Preferred stock, par value	$0.00	$0.00
Preferred stock, shares authorized	5,000,000	5,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Treasury stock, shares	6,405,000	6,405,000
Class A	'	'
Common stock, par value	$0.00	$0.00
Common stock, shares authorized	330,000,000	330,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	15,528,000	15,478,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	9,123,000	9,073,000
Class B Convertible	'	'
Common stock, par value	$0.00	$0.00
Common stock, shares authorized	165,000,000	165,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	2,177,000	2,227,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	2,177,000	2,227,000

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_OPE

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013
Revenues:	'		'		'		'
Product licenses and subscription services	$39,962		$37,120		$107,525		$101,316
Product support	75,019		71,216		221,069		205,005
Other services	36,221		33,583		102,365		103,686
Total revenues	151,202		141,919		430,959		410,007
Cost of revenues:	'		'		'		'
Product licenses and subscription services	6,044		5,424		19,285		16,342
Product support	3,695		4,105		10,713		12,560
Other services	25,214		23,724		73,577		76,698
Total cost of revenues	34,953		33,253		103,575		105,600
Gross profit	116,249		108,666		327,384		304,407
Operating expenses:	'		'		'		'
Sales and marketing	58,195		50,798		178,028		154,198
Research and development	28,659		21,977		89,469		72,021
General and administrative	24,811		24,265		76,376		77,271
Restructuring costs	11,578		0		11,578		0
Total operating expenses	123,243		97,040		355,451		303,490
(Loss) income from continuing operations	-6,994		11,626		-28,067		917
Interest income, net	53		80		133		463
Other income (expense), net	4,928		-3,213		3,336		-1,924
(Loss) income from continuing operations before income taxes	-2,013		8,493		-24,598		-544
Benefit from income taxes	-1,168		-8,653		-6,934		-10,946
(Loss) income from continuing operations, net of tax	-845		17,146		-17,664		10,402
Discontinued operations:	'		'		'		'
Gain from sale of discontinued operations, net of tax provision	0		0		0		57,377
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax benefit	0		0		0		-595
Discontinued operations, net of tax	0		0		0		56,782
Net (loss) income	($845)		$17,146		($17,664)		$67,184
Basic (loss) earnings per share	'		'		'		'
From continuing operations	($0.07)		$1.52		($1.56)		$0.92
From discontinued operations	$0		$0		$0		$5.03
Basic (loss) earnings per share	($0.07)	[1]	$1.52	[1]	($1.56)	[1]	$5.95	[1]
Weighted average shares outstanding used in computing basic (loss) earnings per share	11,301		11,301		11,301		11,299
Diluted (loss) earnings per share	'		'		'		'
From continuing operations	($0.07)		$1.52		($1.56)		$0.92
From discontinued operations	$0		$0		$0		$5.03
Diluted (loss) earnings per share	($0.07)	[1]	$1.52	[1]	($1.56)	[1]	$5.95	[1]
Weighted average shares outstanding used in computing diluted (loss) earnings per share	11,301		11,301		11,301		11,300
[1]	Basic and fully diluted (loss) earnings per share for class A and class B common stock are the same.

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_OPE1

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Gain from sale of discontinued operations, tax provision	$0	$0	$0	$37,548
Loss from discontinued operations, tax benefit	$0	$0	$0	$391

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_COM

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Net (loss) income	($845)	$17,146	($17,664)	$67,184
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of applicable taxes:	'	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustment	-2,103	1,042	-2,186	231
Unrealized gain (loss) on short-term investments	4	-6	23	-10
Total other comprehensive (loss) income	-2,099	1,036	-2,163	221
Comprehensive (loss) income	($2,944)	$18,182	($19,827)	$67,405

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Operating activities:	'	'
Net (loss) income	($17,664)	$67,184
Plus: (Income) from discontinued operations, net of tax	0	-56,782
(Loss) income from continuing operations, net of tax	-17,664	10,402
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	19,305	19,584
Bad debt expense	2,242	1,388
Non-cash portion of restructuring costs	165	0
Deferred taxes	-12,337	-4,035
Release of liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits	0	-14,145
Share-based compensation expense	8,561	444
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation arrangements	0	-23,580
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:	'	'
Accounts receivable	23,488	24,403
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	-6,089	88
Deposits and other assets	412	503
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	-2,791	-8,008
Accrued compensation and employee benefits	-19,380	-6,908
Accrued restructuring costs	8,083	0
Deferred revenue and advance payments	11,723	17,723
Other long-term liabilities	603	-2,606
Net cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations	16,321	15,253
Net cash used in operating activities from discontinued operations	0	-664
Net cash provided by operating activities	16,321	14,589
Investing activities:	'	'
Proceeds from redemption of short-term investments	222,300	29,000
Purchases of property and equipment	-11,856	-10,019
Purchases of short-term investments	-303,565	-209,115
Capitalized software development costs	-2,254	-5,414
Increase in restricted cash	-1,013	-97
Net cash used in investing activities from continuing operations	-96,388	-195,645
Net cash provided by investing activities from discontinued operations	0	99,136
Net cash used in investing activities	-96,388	-96,509
Financing activities:	'	'
Proceeds from sale of class A common stock under exercise of employee stock options	0	341
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation arrangements	0	23,580
Payments on capital lease obligations and other financing arrangements	-2,035	-2,037
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities from continuing operations	-2,035	21,884
Net cash provided by financing activities from discontinued operations	0	0
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	-2,035	21,884
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-2,063	-580
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	-84,165	-60,616
Cash and cash equivalents (including held-for-sale of $0 and $1,350, respectively), beginning of period	220,171	224,393
Cash and cash equivalents (including held-for-sale of $0 and $0, respectively), end of period	136,006	163,777
Supplemental disclosure of noncash investing and financing activities:	'	'
Assets acquired under capital lease obligations and other financing arrangements	$0	$3,793

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS1

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Held-for-sale beginning of period	$0	$0	$0	$1,350
Held-for-sale end of period	$0	$0	$0	$1,350

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	'
	(1) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	(a)	Basis of Presentation
	Except for the Consolidated Balance Sheet of MicroStrategy Incorporated (“MicroStrategy” or the “Company”) as of December 31, 2013, which was derived from audited financial statements, the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements are unaudited. In the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary for a fair statement of such financial position and results of operations have been included. All such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature unless otherwise disclosed. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of results for a full year.
	Certain amounts in the prior year’s Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements have been reclassified to conform to current year presentation. Revenues and cost of revenues have been reclassified in the Consolidated Statements of Operations to reflect the new presentation of the Company’s three different types of revenue. In addition, bad debt expense and changes in accounts receivable have been reclassified within operating activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
	The Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are presented as required by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and do not contain certain information included in the Company’s annual financial statements and notes. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited financial statements and the notes thereto filed with the SEC in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013. There have been no significant changes in the Company’s accounting policies since December 31, 2013, other than the addition of accounting policies related to “Restructuring Costs”, as disclosed below.
	On March 15, 2013, the Company completed the sale of its wholly-owned subsidiary, Angel.com Incorporated (“Angel.com”), and subsequently classified this business line as discontinued operations. Refer to Note 13, Discontinued Operations, to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.
	The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The Company is not aware of any subsequent event which would require recognition or disclosure.
	(b)	Restructuring Costs
	In September 2014, the Company committed to a restructuring plan that is expected to be substantially implemented by December 31, 2014. In connection with this restructuring plan, the Company will incur restructuring related costs, including employee severance and related benefit costs, lease and contract termination costs, and other related costs. See Note 6, Restructuring, to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information on the Company’s current restructuring activities.
	Employee severance and related benefit costs may include cash payments, outplacement services, continuing health insurance coverage, and other benefits. Where no substantive involuntary termination plan previously exists, these severance costs are generally considered “one-time” benefits and recognized at fair value in the period in which the liability is incurred, which is generally when management has approved and communicated to the terminated employees a detailed plan of termination. Severance costs pursuant to ongoing-benefit arrangements, including statutorily mandated termination benefits or termination benefits provided for in existing employment contracts, are recognized when probable and reasonably estimable. Severance costs are reasonably estimated based on the mix of staffing composition and geography. Where termination benefits are offered for a short period of time in exchange for voluntary termination, severance costs are recognized when the employee has irrevocably accepted the offer.
	Contract termination costs may include costs to exit office space under existing operating leases and consist of both costs to terminate the contract before the end of the term and costs that will continue to be incurred under the contract for the remaining term without economic benefit to the Company. Costs to terminate the contract before the term has ended are recognized at fair value when the Company terminates the contract in accordance with the contract terms. Costs that will continue to be incurred under the contract for the remaining term without economic benefit to the Company (for example, remaining lease rental payments and executory costs) are recognized at fair value in the period in which the Company ceases using the right conveyed by the contract (for example, when the leased space ceases to be used). In the case of operating leases, these continuing costs are also adjusted for the effects of any prepaid or deferred items previously recognized under the lease and reduced by estimated sublease rental income.
	Other related costs generally include employee relocation costs, office moving costs, and external consulting and advisory fees related to restructuring activities. Such costs are recognized at fair value in the period in which the costs are incurred.
	At each reporting date, the Company evaluates its accrued restructuring costs to help ensure the liabilities reported are still appropriate. Any changes to the estimated costs of executing approved restructuring plans are reflected in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Recent_Accounting_Standards

Recent Accounting Standards	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Recent Accounting Standards	'
	(2) Recent Accounting Standards
	In July 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2013-11, Income Taxes (Topic 740) (“ASU 2013-11”), which requires the financial statement presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit in a particular jurisdiction, or a portion thereof, as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward, unless the uncertain tax position is not available to reduce, or would not be used to reduce, the NOL or carryforward under the tax law in the same jurisdiction; otherwise, the unrecognized tax benefit should be presented as a gross liability and should not be combined with a deferred tax asset. The Company adopted ASU 2013-11 on January 1, 2014. As a result, liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits of $1.0 million were netted against deferred tax assets, as of September 30, 2014. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated results of operations or cash flows.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) (“ASU 2014-09”), which supersedes nearly all existing revenue recognition guidance. The standard’s core principle is that an entity should recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The standard creates a five-step model to achieve its core principle: (1) identify the contract(s) with a customer, (2) identify the performance obligations in the contract, (3) determine the transaction price, (4) allocate the transaction price to the separate performance obligations in the contract, and (5) recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation. In addition, entities must disclose sufficient information to enable users of financial statements to understand the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. Qualitative and quantitative disclosures are required about: (1) the entity’s contracts with customers, (2) the significant judgments, and changes in judgments, made in applying the guidance to those contracts, and (3) any assets recognized from the costs to obtain or fulfill a contract with a customer. ASU 2014-09 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning January 1, 2017. Early adoption is not permitted. The standard allows entities to apply the standard retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented (“full retrospective adoption”) or retrospectively with the cumulative effect of initially applying the standard recognized at the date of initial application (“modified retrospective adoption”). The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on its consolidated financial position, results of operations, and cash flows.

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Fair Value Measurements	'
	(3) Fair Value Measurements
	The Company measures certain assets and liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis. Fair value is defined as the price that is expected to be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The Company uses a three-level hierarchy that prioritizes fair value measurements based on the types of inputs used for the various valuation techniques. The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are described below:
	Level 1:	Quoted (unadjusted) prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities.
	Level 2:	Inputs other than quoted prices that are either directly or indirectly observable, such as quoted prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in inactive markets, 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:	Inputs that are generally unobservable, supported by little or no market activity, and typically reflect management’s estimates of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.
	The categorization of an asset or liability within the fair value hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The valuation techniques used by the Company when measuring fair value maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs.
	The Company is exposed to certain risks related to its ongoing business operations, including the effect of changes in foreign exchange rates on the Company’s monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currency. The Company uses foreign currency forward contracts as part of its strategy to manage these risks, but does not hold or issue derivative instruments for trading purposes or speculation. The Company executes these instruments with financial institutions that hold an investment grade credit rating. These foreign currency forward contracts do not meet the requirements for hedge accounting and are recorded on the balance sheet as either an asset or liability measured at their fair value as of the reporting date. Changes in the fair value of derivative instruments, as measured using the three-level hierarchy described above, are recognized in “Other income (expense), net” in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations.
	Financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis, by level within the fair value hierarchy, consisted of the following (in thousands), as of:
				September 30, 2014
				Fair Value Measurements
				Using Input Types
		Line Item		Level 1				Level 2				Level 3			Total
	Non-hedging derivative assets:
	Foreign currency forward contracts	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		$	0			$	897			$	0		$	897
	Non-hedging derivative liabilities:
	Foreign currency forward contracts	Accounts payable and accrued expenses		$	0			$	13			$	0		$	13
				December 31, 2013
				Fair Value Measurements
				Using Input Types
		Line Item		Level 1				Level 2				Level 3			Total
	Non-hedging derivative assets:
	Foreign currency forward contracts	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		$	0			$	5			$	0		$	5
	Non-hedging derivative liabilities:
	Foreign currency forward contracts	Accounts payable and accrued expenses		$	0			$	46			$	0		$	46
	The fair value of our foreign currency forward contracts is determined using Level 2 observable market inputs to extrapolate forward points to be added to or subtracted from the closing market spot rate on the reporting date, and then discounted to present value. All foreign currency forward contracts outstanding as of September 30, 2014 were for durations of twelve months or less and consisted of the following sale contracts (in thousands):
		Notional Value				Notional Value				Fair Value
		Local Currency				U.S. Dollar				Gain (Loss)
										U.S. Dollar
	Forward contracts to sell:
	Australian Dollar	AUD	985			$	900			$	54
	Brazilian Real	BRL	3,184				1,300				87
	British Pound	GBP	950				1,600				65
	Canadian Dollar	CAD	757				700				29
	Chinese Renminbi	CNY	10,664				1,700				(12	)
	Euro	EUR	3,534				4,800				325
	Indian Rupee	INR	19,347				300				0
	Japanese Yen	JPY	131,508				1,300				97
	Korean Won	KRW	881,552				850				22
	Mexican Peso	MXN	4,001				300				7
	Polish Zloty	PLN	4,980				1,600				111
	Russian Rouble	RUB	7,323				200				25
	Singapore Dollar	SGD	500				400				8
	South African Rand	ZAR	6,769				600				28
	Swedish Krona	SEK	1,698				250				15
	Swiss Franc	CHF	268				300				19
	Turkish New Lira	TRY	230				100				5
	United Arab Emirates Dirham	AED	738				200				(1	)
						$	17,400			$	884
	Changes in the fair value of our foreign currency forward contracts (in thousands) for each of the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
		Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments Recognized in Income
				Three Months Ended								Nine Months Ended
				September 30,								September 30,
		Location		2014				2013				2014			2013
	Non-hedging derivative instruments:
	Unrealized gain (loss) on foreign currency forward contracts	Other income (expense), net		$	1,012			$	(47	)		$	926		$	(42	)
	Realized loss on foreign currency forward contracts	Other income (expense), net		$	0			$	(524	)		$	(562	)	$	(524	)
	There were no transfers among the levels within the fair value hierarchy during each of the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013. As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company had no assets or liabilities that were required to be measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis.
	The Company also estimates the fair value of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued expenses, accrued compensation and employee benefits, and accrued restructuring costs. The Company considers the carrying value of these instruments in the financial statements to approximate fair value due to their short maturities.

Shortterm_Investments

Short-term Investments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Short-term Investments	'
	(4) Short-term Investments
	The Company periodically invests a portion of its excess cash in short-term investment instruments. Substantially all of the Company’s short-term investments are in U.S. Treasury securities, and the Company has the ability and intent to hold these investments to maturity. The stated maturity dates of these investments are between three months and one year from the purchase date. These held-to-maturity investments are recorded at amortized cost and included within “Short-term investments” on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. The fair value of held-to-maturity investments in U.S. Treasury securities is determined based on quoted market prices in active markets for identical securities (Level 1 inputs).
	The amortized cost, carrying value, and fair value of held-to-maturity investments at September 30, 2014 were $218.5 million, $218.5 million, and $218.6 million, respectively. The amortized cost, carrying value, and fair value of held-to-maturity investments at December 31, 2013 were $137.2 million, $137.2 million, and $137.2 million, respectively. The gross unrecognized holding gains and losses were not material for each of the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013. No other-than-temporary impairments related to these investments have been recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013. As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company’s available-for-sale investments were not material.

Accounts_Receivable

Accounts Receivable	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Accounts Receivable	'
	(5) Accounts Receivable
	Accounts receivable (in thousands) consisted of the following, as of:
		September 30,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Billed and billable	$	122,137		$	190,446
	Less: unpaid deferred revenue		(60,721	)		(100,276	)
	Accounts receivable, gross		61,416			90,170
	Less: allowance for doubtful accounts		(3,902	)		(3,989	)
	Accounts receivable, net	$	57,514		$	86,181
	The Company offsets its accounts receivable and deferred revenue for any unpaid items included in deferred revenue and advance payments.
	The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts which represents its best estimate of probable losses inherent in the accounts receivable balances. The Company evaluates specific accounts when it becomes aware that a customer may not be able to meet its financial obligations due to deterioration of its liquidity or financial viability, credit ratings, or bankruptcy. In addition, the Company periodically adjusts this allowance based upon its review and assessment of the aging of receivables.

Restructuring

Restructuring	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Restructuring	'
	(6) Restructuring
	In July 2014, the Company announced that it was developing a restructuring plan to streamline its workforce and spending to better align its cost structure with its business strategy. In September 2014, the Company committed to a restructuring plan (the “2014 Restructuring Plan”) and is undertaking various restructuring activities in connection with the 2014 Restructuring Plan, including reducing the Company’s workforce by approximately 800 employees, comprised of 215 employees in North America, 400 employees in Asia Pacific, 165 employees in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, and 20 employees in Latin America. The Company implemented a portion of the plan in the third quarter of 2014 and had terminated the employment of approximately 270 of the 800 affected employees as of September 30, 2014. The Company expects substantially all of the 2014 Restructuring Plan, including the remaining workforce reductions, to be implemented by the end of the fourth quarter of 2014.
	Costs associated with the 2014 Restructuring Plan include employee severance and related benefit costs (including outplacement services and continuing health insurance coverage), contract termination costs (including operating lease terminations for certain office space at the Company’s corporate headquarters and other international locations), and other charges (including external consulting and advisory fees related to implementing the restructuring plan). The following table summarizes the major types of costs associated with the 2014 Restructuring Plan (in thousands) for each of the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, total costs incurred through September 30, 2014 and total costs expected to be incurred:
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended						Total Costs
		September 30,				September 30,						Incurred To			Total Expected
		2014		2013		2014			2013			Date			Plan Costs
	Severance and related employee benefits	$	10,107	$	0	$	10,107		$	0		$	10,107		$	16,300
	Contract termination costs		1,358		0		1,358			0			1,358			1,400
	Other costs		113		0		113			0			113			700
	Total restructuring costs	$	11,578	$	0	$	11,578		$	0		$	11,578		$	18,400
	The total restructuring costs above are reported as “Restructuring costs” under “Operating expenses” in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations.
	Restructuring-related liabilities are reported as “Accrued restructuring costs” in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. The following table presents a summary of changes in the restructuring-related liabilities (in thousands) for the nine months ended September 30, 2014:
		Balance as of		Costs		Cash			Non-cash			Adjustments			Balance as of
		January 1, 2014		Incurred		Payments			Settlements			and Other			September 30, 2014
	Current:
	Severance and related employee benefits	$	0	$	10,107	$	(2,504	)	$	0		$	(20	)	$	7,583
	Contract termination costs		0		1,358		(790	)		(407	)		242			403
	Other costs		0		113		(17	)		0			(20	)		76
	Total current accured restructuring costs	$	0	$	11,578	$	(3,311	)	$	(407	)	$	202		$	8,062

Deferred_Revenue_and_Advance_P

Deferred Revenue and Advance Payments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Deferred Revenue and Advance Payments	'
	(7) Deferred Revenue and Advance Payments
	Deferred revenue and advance payments (in thousands) from customers consisted of the following, as of:
		September 30,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Current:
	Deferred product licenses revenue	$	10,010		$	14,538
	Deferred subscription services revenue		10,382			10,923
	Deferred product support revenue		145,917			167,771
	Deferred other services revenue		10,216			17,056
	Gross current deferred revenue and advance payments		176,525			210,288
	Less: unpaid deferred revenue		(55,818	)		(96,632	)
	Net current deferred revenue and advance payments	$	120,707		$	113,656
	Non-current:
	Deferred product licenses revenue	$	7,700		$	4,401
	Deferred subscription services revenue		669			1,161
	Deferred product support revenue		7,062			5,877
	Deferred other services revenue		951			1,175
	Gross non-current deferred revenue and advance payments		16,382			12,614
	Less: unpaid deferred revenue		(4,903	)		(3,644	)
	Net non-current deferred revenue and advance payments	$	11,479		$	8,970
	The Company offsets its accounts receivable and deferred revenue for any unpaid items included in deferred revenue and advance payments.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	(8) Commitments and Contingencies
	(a) Commitments
	From time to time, the Company enters into certain types of contracts that require it to indemnify parties against third party claims. These contracts primarily relate to agreements under which the Company has agreed to indemnify customers and partners for third party claims arising from intellectual property infringement. The conditions of these obligations vary. Thus, the overall maximum amount of the Company’s indemnification obligations cannot be reasonably estimated. Historically, the Company has not been obligated to make significant payments for these obligations and does not currently expect to incur any material obligations in the future. Accordingly, the Company has not recorded an indemnification liability on its balance sheets as of September 30, 2014 or December 31, 2013.
	The Company leases office space and computer and other equipment under operating lease agreements. It also leases certain computer and other equipment under capital lease agreements and licenses certain software under other financing arrangements. Under the lease agreements, in addition to base rent, the Company is generally responsible for certain taxes, utilities and maintenance costs, and other fees; and several leases include options for renewal or purchase. As of December 31, 2013, the Company was leasing approximately 190,000 square feet of office space at a location in Northern Virginia that began serving as its corporate headquarters in October 2010. In April 2014, the Company leased an additional 43,000 square feet of office space at its corporate headquarters location (the “April 2014 leased space”). The term of the amended lease expires in December 2020. In the third quarter of 2014, as part of the 2014 Restructuring Plan, the Company gave written notice of its intent to terminate the lease with respect to approximately 19,000 square feet of the April 2014 leased space effective February 2015. The Company never used the terminated lease space and it will remain vacant until it is terminated in February 2015. We have recognized and paid all related lease termination costs associated with this terminated lease space during the third quarter of 2014.
	At September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, deferred rent of $19.8 million and $20.1 million, respectively, is included in other long-term liabilities, and $2.7 million and $2.8 million, respectively, is included in current accrued expenses.
	(b) Contingencies
	In December 2011, DataTern, Inc. (“DataTern”) filed a complaint for patent infringement against the Company in the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts. The complaint alleged that the Company infringes U.S. Patent No. 6,101,502 (the “’502 Patent”), allegedly owned by DataTern, by making, selling, or offering for sale several of the Company’s products and services including MicroStrategy 9™, MicroStrategy Intelligence Server, MicroStrategy Business Intelligence Platform™, MicroStrategy Cloud Personal, and other MicroStrategy applications for creating or using data mining, dashboards, business analytics, data storage and warehousing, and Web hosting support. The complaint accused the Company of willful infringement and sought an unspecified amount of damages, an award of attorneys’ fees, and preliminary and permanent injunctive relief. In October 2012, the case was stayed pending final judgment in a separate action involving the ’502 Patent filed by DataTern in the Southern District of New York, in which MicroStrategy was not a party. Final judgment in that separate action was entered against DataTern in December 2012 (the “New York Judgment”). DataTern appealed the New York Judgment to the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (the “Federal Circuit”). In February 2013, MicroStrategy and DataTern filed motions for summary judgment of non-infringement in light of the New York Judgment and the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts entered summary judgment against DataTern. In March 2013, DataTern filed a notice of appeal with the Federal Circuit. In January 2014, the Federal Circuit stayed DataTern’s appeal pending the disposition of DataTern’s appeal of the New York Judgment. In May 2014, the Federal Circuit affirmed the New York Judgment in part and reversed it in part. After petitions for rehearing were denied regarding the New York Judgment, the Company and DataTern agreed that the stay in their appeal in the Federal Circuit should be lifted. Oral argument in the Federal Circuit appeal is scheduled for November 4, 2014. The Company has received indemnification requests from certain of its resellers and customers who were sued by DataTern in the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts in lawsuits alleging infringement of the ’502 Patent. The outcome of these matters is not presently determinable, and the Company cannot make a reasonable estimate of the possible loss or range of loss with respect to these matters at this time. Accordingly, no estimated liability for these matters has been accrued in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements.
	In December 2011, Vasudevan Software, Inc. (“Vasudevan”) filed a complaint for patent infringement against the Company in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California. The complaint alleged that the Company’s sale of MicroStrategy 9 and other MicroStrategy products infringes four patents allegedly owned by Vasudevan known as U.S. Patent Nos. 6,877,006, 7,167,864, 7,720,861, and 8,082,268, all entitled “Multimedia Inspection Database System for Dynamic Runtime Evaluation.” The complaint accused the Company of infringement, inducing others to infringe, and acts of contributory infringement with respect to the patents at issue and sought a permanent injunction, an unspecified amount of damages, and other relief as may be granted by the court. In October 2013, following a series of motions by the parties, the court dismissed the case, entered judgment of non-infringement based on a stipulation of non-infringement filed by Vasudevan, and also granted MicroStrategy’s motion for summary judgment of invalidity, finding the four patents in the suit invalid. In November 2013, Vasudevan filed its Notice of Appeal with the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. Also in November 2013, Vasudevan filed a motion that was unopposed by the Company to consolidate the appeal with Vasudevan’s appeal of a related matter against TIBCO Software, which had also been dismissed by the District Court on summary judgment. In February 2014, in response to Vasudevan’s motion, the Court entered an order that the cases be treated as companion cases. On September 12, 2014, the parties presented oral arguments before the Federal Circuit. The parties are currently awaiting the Federal Circuit’s final decision in the case. The outcome of this matter on appeal is not presently determinable, and the Company cannot make a reasonable estimate of the possible loss or range of loss with respect to this matter at this time. Accordingly, no estimated liability for this matter has been accrued in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements.
	The Company is also involved in various other legal proceedings arising in the normal course of business. Although the outcomes of these other legal proceedings are inherently difficult to predict, management does not expect the resolution of these other legal proceedings to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
	The Company has contingent liabilities that, in management’s judgment, are not probable of assertion. If such unasserted contingent liabilities were to be asserted, or become probable of assertion, the Company may be required to record significant expenses and liabilities in the period in which these liabilities are asserted or become probable of assertion.

Treasury_Stock

Treasury Stock	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Treasury Stock	'
	(9) Treasury Stock
	The Board of Directors has authorized the Company’s repurchase of up to an aggregate of $800.0 million of its class A common stock from time to time on the open market through April 29, 2018 (the “2005 Share Repurchase Program”), although the program may be suspended or discontinued by the Company at any time. The timing and amount of any shares repurchased will be determined by the Company’s management based on its evaluation of market conditions and other factors. The 2005 Share Repurchase Program may be funded using the Company’s working capital, as well as proceeds from any other funding arrangements that the Company may enter into in the future. During each of the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, the Company did not repurchase any shares of its class A common stock pursuant to the 2005 Share Repurchase Program. As of September 30, 2014, the Company had repurchased an aggregate of 3,826,947 shares of its class A common stock at an average price per share of $90.23 and an aggregate cost of $345.3 million. The average price per share and aggregate cost amounts disclosed above include broker commissions.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Income Taxes	'
	(10) Income Taxes
	The Company and its subsidiaries conduct business in the U.S. and various foreign countries and are subject to taxation in numerous domestic and foreign jurisdictions. As a result of its business activities, the Company files tax returns that are subject to examination by various federal, state and local, and foreign tax authorities. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal, state and local, or foreign income tax examination by tax authorities for years before 2010. However, due to its use of state net operating loss (“NOL”) and federal tax credit carryovers in the U.S., U.S. tax authorities may attempt to reduce or fully offset the amount of state NOL or federal tax credit carryovers from tax years ended in 2007 and forward that were used in later tax years. The Company’s major foreign tax jurisdictions and tax years that remain subject to examination are Germany for tax years 2009 forward, Poland for tax years 2010 forward, the United Kingdom and Spain for tax years 2011 forward, and China for tax years 2012 and forward. The Company is currently under tax examination in the United States for tax years 2011 and 2012 and in Germany for tax years 2009 to 2012.
	As of September 30, 2014, the Company had recorded unrecognized tax benefits of $2.1 million, which are recorded in other long-term liabilities. If recognized, $1.7 million of these unrecognized tax benefits would impact the effective tax rate. The Company recognizes estimated accrued interest related to unrecognized income tax benefits in the provision for income tax accounts. Penalties relating to income taxes, if incurred, would also be recognized as a component of the Company’s provision for income taxes. Over the next 12 months, the amount of the Company’s liability for unrecognized tax benefits is not expected to change by a material amount. As of September 30, 2014, the amount of cumulative accrued interest expense on unrecognized income tax benefits was approximately $0.3 million.
	The following table summarizes the Company’s deferred tax assets, net of deferred tax liabilities and valuation allowance (in thousands), as of:
		September 30,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Deferred tax assets, net of deferred tax liabilities	$	29,823		$	17,226
	Valuation allowance		(1,740	)		(77	)
	Deferred tax assets, net of deferred tax liabilities and valuation allowance	$	28,083		$	17,149
	The valuation allowance as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 primarily relates to certain foreign tax credit carryforwards and foreign net operating loss carryforward tax assets. The Company has determined that there is insufficient positive evidence that it is more likely than not that such deferred tax assets will be realized.
	The Company has estimated its annual effective tax rate for the full fiscal year 2014 and applied that rate to its loss from continuing operations before income taxes in determining its benefit from income taxes for the nine months ended September 30, 2014. The Company also records discrete items in each respective period as appropriate. The estimated effective tax rate is subject to fluctuation based upon the level and mix of earnings and losses by tax jurisdiction, foreign tax rate differentials, and the relative impact of permanent book to tax differences (e.g., non-deductible expenses). Each quarter, a cumulative adjustment is recorded for any fluctuations in the estimated annual effective tax rate as compared to the prior quarter. As a result of these factors, and due to potential changes in the Company’s period to period results, fluctuations in the Company’s effective tax rate and respective tax provisions or benefits may occur. The effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 was calculated based on the actual benefit from income taxes for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 (i.e., the “cut-off” method) because the Company determined that it was unable to make a reliable estimate of the annual effective tax rate as relatively small changes in its projected income or loss produced a significant variance in its annual effective tax rate.
	For the nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Company recorded a benefit from income taxes from continuing operations of $6.9 million that resulted in an effective tax rate of 28.2%, as compared to a benefit from income taxes from continuing operations of $10.9 million that resulted in an effective tax rate of 2,012.1% for the nine months ended September 30, 2013. The change in the effective tax rate is mainly due to the changes in the year-to-date loss or income amounts and the release of liability for certain unrecognized tax benefits in the second and third quarters of 2013.
	Except as discussed below, the Company intends to indefinitely reinvest its undistributed earnings of all of its foreign subsidiaries. Therefore, the annualized effective tax rate applied to the Company’s pre-tax income from continuing operations does not include any provision for U.S. federal and state income taxes on the amount of the undistributed foreign earnings. U.S. federal tax laws, however, require the Company to include in its U.S. taxable income certain investment income earned outside of the U.S. in excess of certain limits (“Subpart F deemed dividends”). Because Subpart F deemed dividends are already required to be recognized in the Company’s U.S. federal income tax return, the Company regularly repatriates Subpart F deemed dividends to the U.S. and no additional tax is incurred on the distribution. As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the amount of cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments held by U.S. entities was $120.7 million and $160.5 million, respectively, and by non-U.S. entities was $233.9 million and $196.9 million, respectively. If the cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments held by non-U.S. entities were to be repatriated to the U.S., the Company would generate U.S. taxable income to the extent of the Company’s undistributed foreign earnings, which amounted to $192.7 million at December 31, 2013. Although the tax impact of repatriating these earnings is difficult to determine, the Company would not expect the maximum effective tax rate that would be applicable to such repatriation to exceed the U.S. statutory rate of 35.0%, after considering applicable foreign tax credits.
	In determining the Company’s provision or benefit for income taxes, net deferred tax assets, liabilities, and valuation allowances, management is required to make judgments and estimates related to projections of domestic and foreign profitability, the timing and extent of the utilization of net operating loss carryforwards, applicable tax rates, transfer pricing methods, and prudent and feasible tax planning strategies. As a multinational company, the Company is required to calculate and provide for estimated income tax liabilities for each of the tax jurisdictions in which it operates. This process involves estimating current tax obligations and exposures in each jurisdiction, as well as making judgments regarding the future recoverability of deferred tax assets. Changes in the estimated level of annual pre-tax income, changes in tax laws, particularly changes related to the utilization of net operating losses in various jurisdictions, and changes resulting from tax audits can all affect the overall effective income tax rate which, in turn, impacts the overall level of income tax expense or benefit and net income.
	Judgments and estimates related to the Company’s projections and assumptions are inherently uncertain; therefore, actual results could differ materially from projections. The timing and manner in which the Company will use net operating loss carryforward tax assets, research and development tax credit carryforward tax assets, alternative minimum tax credit carryforward tax assets, and foreign tax credit carryforward tax assets in any year, or in total, may be limited by provisions of the Internal Revenue Code regarding changes in the Company’s ownership. Currently, the Company expects to use the tax assets, subject to Internal Revenue Code limitations, within the carryforward periods. Although the Company is implementing the 2014 Restructuring Plan, if the Company is unable to achieve profitability after it has fully implemented the restructuring plan, it may not be able to realize these tax assets. Valuation allowances have been established where the Company has concluded that it is more likely than not that such deferred tax assets are not realizable. If the Company is unable to achieve profitability in the near future, it may be required to increase the valuation allowance against the deferred tax assets, which could result in a charge that would materially adversely affect net income in the period in which the charge is incurred.

Sharebased_Compensation

Share-based Compensation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Share-based Compensation	'
	(11) Share-based Compensation
	In September 2013, the Board of Directors approved the Company’s 2013 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2013 Plan”), under which the Company’s employees, officers, directors, and other eligible participants may be awarded various types of share-based compensation and authorized 600,000 shares of the Company’s class A common stock for issuance under the 2013 Plan. In April 2014, the Company’s stockholders approved the 2013 Plan at the Company’s annual meeting.
	In April 2014, following the Company’s annual meeting, the Board of Directors authorized, subject to stockholder approval, an amendment to the 2013 Plan to increase the total number of shares of the Company’s class A common stock authorized for issuance under the 2013 Plan from 600,000 to 1,500,000 shares (“Amendment No. 1”). Also in April 2014, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors (the “Compensation Committee”) authorized, subject to stockholder approval, an additional amendment to the 2013 Plan to provide for automatic annual stock option grants to each of the Company’s non-employee directors with respect to 5,000 shares of the Company’s class A common stock, beginning in 2015 (“Amendment No. 2”). The Company considers stockholder approval of both amendments to the 2013 Plan to be perfunctory since the Company’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer holds a majority of the total voting power of all the Company’s outstanding voting stock.
	In April and May 2014, the Compensation Committee approved, in each case subject to stockholder approval of Amendment No. 1, the grant of stock options to purchase an aggregate of 660,000 shares of class A common stock to certain Company executives and directors pursuant to the 2013 Plan. These awards, and any additional awards granted prior to stockholder approval of Amendment No. 1, will be terminated or forfeited if stockholder approval is not obtained within 12 months of the date of grant of the awards, and no award may be exercised or settled prior to such stockholder approval. However, the Company expects to obtain stockholder approval of both amendments to the 2013 Plan at the Company’s annual meeting of stockholders in 2015. In the event stockholder approval for Amendment No. 1 is not obtained within 12 months of the grant date of any option awards, the cumulative share-based compensation expense associated with those stock option awards would be reversed. As of September 30, 2014, there were options to purchase 1,260,000 shares of class A common stock outstanding under the 2013 Plan (including the options to purchase 660,000 shares of class A common stock that are subject to stockholder approval of Amendment No. 1) and 240,000 remaining shares of class A common stock authorized for issuance under the 2013 Plan, subject to stockholder approval of Amendment No. 1.
	Shares issued under the 2013 Plan may consist in whole or in part of authorized but unissued shares or treasury shares. Stock options that are granted under the 2013 Plan must have an exercise price equal to at least the fair market value of the Company’s class A common stock on the date of grant, become exercisable as established by the Board of Directors or the Compensation Committee, and expire no later than ten years following the date of grant. The Company recognizes share-based compensation expense associated with such stock option awards on a straight-line basis over the award’s requisite service period (generally, the vesting period). The stock option awards granted to date vest in equal annual installments over an approximately four-year vesting period (unless accelerated upon a change in control event (as defined in the stock option agreement for the applicable award) or otherwise in accordance with provisions of the 2013 Plan or applicable option agreement).
	Share-based compensation expense is based on the fair value of the stock option awards on the date of grant, as estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The Black-Scholes option pricing model requires the input of certain management assumptions, including the expected term, expected stock price volatility, risk-free interest rate, and expected dividend yield. The Company estimates the term over which optionholders are expected to hold their stock options by using the simplified method for “plain-vanilla” stock option awards because the Company’s stock option exercise history does not provide a reasonable basis to compute the expected term for stock options granted under the 2013 Plan. The Company relies exclusively on its historical stock price volatility to estimate the expected stock price volatility over the expected term because the Company believes future volatility is unlikely to differ from the past. In estimating the expected stock price volatility, the Company uses a simple average calculation method. The risk-free interest rate is based on U.S. Treasury securities with terms that approximate the expected term of the stock options. The expected dividend yield is based on the Company’s past cash dividend history and anticipated future cash dividend payments. The expected dividend yield is zero, as the Company has not previously declared cash dividends and does not currently intend to declare cash dividends in the foreseeable future. These assumptions are based on management’s best judgment, and changes to these assumptions could materially affect the fair value estimates and amount of share-based compensation expense recognized.
	The following table summarizes the Company’s stock option activity (in thousands, except per share data and years) for the three months ended September 30, 2014:
		Stock Options Outstanding
		Shares		Weighted Average		Aggregate		Weighted Average
				Exercise Price		Intrinsic		Remaining Contractual
				Per Share		Value		Term (Years)
	Balance as of July 1, 2014		1,260	$	107.54
	Granted		0		0
	Exercised		0		0
	Forfeited/Expired		0		0
	Balance as of September 30, 2014		1,260	$	107.54
	Exercisable as of September 30, 2014		150	$	92.84	$	5,700		8.9
	Expected to vest as of September 30, 2014		1,110	$	109.53	$	23,660		9.3
	Total		1,260	$	107.54	$	29,360		9.3
	An aggregate of 150,000 stock options with an aggregate fair value of $6.3 million vested during the three months ended September 30, 2014. The Company expects all unvested options at September 30, 2014 to fully vest in future years in accordance with their vesting schedules and therefore share-based compensation expense has not been adjusted for any expected forfeitures.
	For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Company recognized approximately $3.9 million and $8.6 million, respectively, in share-based compensation expense from stock options granted under the 2013 Plan. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, the Company recognized approximately $0.4 million and $0.4 million, respectively, in share-based compensation expense from stock options granted under the 2013 Plan. As of September 30, 2014, there was approximately $50.2 million of total unrecognized share-based compensation expense related to unvested stock options. The Company expects to recognize this remaining share-based compensation expense over a weighted average vesting period of approximately 3.3 years.
	During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, no windfall tax benefits were realized from the exercise of stock options. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, the Company was able to recognize and utilize net operating loss carryforwards arising directly from tax deductions related to equity compensation in excess of compensation recognized for financial reporting that was generated primarily in prior years under previous stock incentive plans that are now expired. Accordingly, stockholders’ equity increased by $23.6 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2013.
	MicroStrategy’s former subsidiary, Angel.com, previously maintained a stock incentive plan under which certain employees, officers, and directors of MicroStrategy and Angel.com were granted options to purchase shares of the class A common stock of Angel.com, subject to the satisfaction of both performance and continued service conditions. Share-based compensation expense would have been recognized over the requisite service period of the award based on the probability of the satisfaction of the performance condition, reduced by the number of awards that were not expected to vest due to the failure to satisfy the continued service condition. In connection with the sale of Angel.com in the first quarter of 2013, the Angel.com stock incentive plan was terminated and all outstanding options thereunder were terminated in exchange for cash payments totaling $8.0 million. Prior to their termination, no share-based compensation expense was recognized for these awards for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 because the performance condition had not been satisfied.

Common_Equity_and_Earnings_per

Common Equity and Earnings per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Common Equity and Earnings per Share	'
	(12) Common Equity and Earnings per Share
	The Company has two classes of common stock: class A common stock and class B common stock. Holders of class A common stock generally have the same rights, including rights to dividends, as holders of class B common stock, except that holders of class A common stock have one vote per share while holders of class B common stock have ten votes per share. Each share of class B common stock is convertible at any time, at the option of the holder, into one share of class A common stock. As such, basic and fully diluted earnings per share for class A common stock and for class B common stock are the same. The Company has never declared or paid any cash dividends on either class A or class B common stock. As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, there were no shares of preferred stock issued or outstanding.
	Potential shares of common stock are included in the diluted earnings per share calculation when dilutive. Potential shares of common stock, consisting of common stock issuable upon exercise of outstanding stock options, are calculated using the treasury stock method. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, 55,021 and 22,624 potential shares of common stock, respectively, under the 2013 Plan were excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation because their impact would have been anti-dilutive. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, stock options issued under the 2013 Plan to purchase an aggregate of 600,000 shares of class A common stock were excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation because their impact would have been anti-dilutive.

Discontinued_Operations

Discontinued Operations	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Discontinued Operations	'
	(13) Discontinued Operations
	On March 15, 2013, the Company completed the sale of its equity interest in its Angel.com business for consideration to the Company of approximately $111.2 million, resulting in a net cash inflow of $100.7 million after $10.5 million in transaction costs. The sale resulted in a gain of $57.4 million, net of tax. On our Consolidated Statement of Operations, we classified operations of the Angel.com business as Loss from Discontinued Operations, net of tax, because we have no continuing involvement with or cash flows from this business following its divestiture. The following table summarizes the revenues and pre-tax loss generated by the Angel.com business during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, in addition to the pre-tax gain on the sale of Angel.com recorded by the Company during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended		Nine Months Ended
		September 30,		September 30,
		2013		2013
	Angel.com revenues	$	0	$	6,320
	Angel.com pre-tax loss	$	0	$	986
	MicroStrategy pre-tax gain on sale	$	0	$	94,925

Segment_Information

Segment Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Segment Information	'
	(14) Segment Information
	The Company manages its business in one reportable segment. As discussed in Note 13, the Angel.com business was sold on March 15, 2013. Prior to its divestiture, the Angel.com business was the sole component of the former reportable segment “Other.” The Company’s one reportable segment is engaged in the design, development, marketing, and sales of analytics software through licensing arrangements and cloud-based subscriptions and related services. It includes the MicroStrategy Analytics PlatformTM, MicroStrategy MobileTM, and MicroStrategy CloudTM. The Company has also included the MicroStrategy Identity PlatformTM, branded as MicroStrategy UsherTM, as part of the one reportable segment for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 because this platform did not generate significant revenues during these periods. The following table presents total revenues from continuing operations, gross profit from continuing operations, and long-lived assets, excluding long-term deferred tax assets, (in thousands) according to geographic region:
	Geographic regions:	Domestic		EMEA		Other Regions		Consolidated
	Three months ended September 30, 2014
	Total revenues	$	89,732	$	44,296	$	17,174	$	151,202
	Gross profit	$	68,677	$	33,019	$	14,553	$	116,249
	Three months ended September 30, 2013
	Total revenues	$	89,114	$	38,795	$	14,010	$	141,919
	Gross profit	$	69,384	$	27,955	$	11,327	$	108,666
	Nine months ended September 30, 2014
	Total revenues	$	252,879	$	131,366	$	46,714	$	430,959
	Gross profit	$	191,681	$	96,864	$	38,839	$	327,384
	Nine months ended September 30, 2013
	Total revenues	$	249,709	$	115,339	$	44,959	$	410,007
	Gross profit	$	186,664	$	80,967	$	36,776	$	304,407
	As of September 30, 2014
	Long-lived assets	$	83,322	$	6,160	$	5,169	$	94,651
	As of September 30, 2013
	Long-lived assets	$	94,269	$	7,588	$	6,086	$	107,943
	The domestic region consists of the United States and Canada. The EMEA region includes operations in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. The other regions include all other foreign countries, generally comprising Latin America and the Asia Pacific region. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, no individual foreign country accounted for 10% or more of total consolidated revenues from continuing operations.
	For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, no individual customer accounted for 10% or more of total consolidated revenues from continuing operations.
	As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, no individual foreign country accounted for 10% or more of total consolidated assets.

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Basis of Presentation	'
	(a)	Basis of Presentation
	Except for the Consolidated Balance Sheet of MicroStrategy Incorporated (“MicroStrategy” or the “Company”) as of December 31, 2013, which was derived from audited financial statements, the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements are unaudited. In the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary for a fair statement of such financial position and results of operations have been included. All such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature unless otherwise disclosed. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of results for a full year.
	Certain amounts in the prior year’s Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements have been reclassified to conform to current year presentation. Revenues and cost of revenues have been reclassified in the Consolidated Statements of Operations to reflect the new presentation of the Company’s three different types of revenue. In addition, bad debt expense and changes in accounts receivable have been reclassified within operating activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
	The Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are presented as required by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and do not contain certain information included in the Company’s annual financial statements and notes. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited financial statements and the notes thereto filed with the SEC in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013. There have been no significant changes in the Company’s accounting policies since December 31, 2013, other than the addition of accounting policies related to “Restructuring Costs”, as disclosed below.
	On March 15, 2013, the Company completed the sale of its wholly-owned subsidiary, Angel.com Incorporated (“Angel.com”), and subsequently classified this business line as discontinued operations. Refer to Note 13, Discontinued Operations, to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.
	The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The Company is not aware of any subsequent event which would require recognition or disclosure.
Restructuring Costs	'
	(b)	Restructuring Costs
	In September 2014, the Company committed to a restructuring plan that is expected to be substantially implemented by December 31, 2014. In connection with this restructuring plan, the Company will incur restructuring related costs, including employee severance and related benefit costs, lease and contract termination costs, and other related costs. See Note 6, Restructuring, to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information on the Company’s current restructuring activities.
	Employee severance and related benefit costs may include cash payments, outplacement services, continuing health insurance coverage, and other benefits. Where no substantive involuntary termination plan previously exists, these severance costs are generally considered “one-time” benefits and recognized at fair value in the period in which the liability is incurred, which is generally when management has approved and communicated to the terminated employees a detailed plan of termination. Severance costs pursuant to ongoing-benefit arrangements, including statutorily mandated termination benefits or termination benefits provided for in existing employment contracts, are recognized when probable and reasonably estimable. Severance costs are reasonably estimated based on the mix of staffing composition and geography. Where termination benefits are offered for a short period of time in exchange for voluntary termination, severance costs are recognized when the employee has irrevocably accepted the offer.
	Contract termination costs may include costs to exit office space under existing operating leases and consist of both costs to terminate the contract before the end of the term and costs that will continue to be incurred under the contract for the remaining term without economic benefit to the Company. Costs to terminate the contract before the term has ended are recognized at fair value when the Company terminates the contract in accordance with the contract terms. Costs that will continue to be incurred under the contract for the remaining term without economic benefit to the Company (for example, remaining lease rental payments and executory costs) are recognized at fair value in the period in which the Company ceases using the right conveyed by the contract (for example, when the leased space ceases to be used). In the case of operating leases, these continuing costs are also adjusted for the effects of any prepaid or deferred items previously recognized under the lease and reduced by estimated sublease rental income.
	Other related costs generally include employee relocation costs, office moving costs, and external consulting and advisory fees related to restructuring activities. Such costs are recognized at fair value in the period in which the costs are incurred.
	At each reporting date, the Company evaluates its accrued restructuring costs to help ensure the liabilities reported are still appropriate. Any changes to the estimated costs of executing approved restructuring plans are reflected in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis by Level within Fair Value Hierarchy	'
	Financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis, by level within the fair value hierarchy, consisted of the following (in thousands), as of:
				September 30, 2014
				Fair Value Measurements
				Using Input Types
		Line Item		Level 1				Level 2				Level 3			Total
	Non-hedging derivative assets:
	Foreign currency forward contracts	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		$	0			$	897			$	0		$	897
	Non-hedging derivative liabilities:
	Foreign currency forward contracts	Accounts payable and accrued expenses		$	0			$	13			$	0		$	13
				December 31, 2013
				Fair Value Measurements
				Using Input Types
		Line Item		Level 1				Level 2				Level 3			Total
	Non-hedging derivative assets:
	Foreign currency forward contracts	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		$	0			$	5			$	0		$	5
	Non-hedging derivative liabilities:
	Foreign currency forward contracts	Accounts payable and accrued expenses		$	0			$	46			$	0		$	46
Sale Contracts Consisted in Foreign Currency Forward Contracts Outstanding	'
	All foreign currency forward contracts outstanding as of September 30, 2014 were for durations of twelve months or less and consisted of the following sale contracts (in thousands):
		Notional Value				Notional Value				Fair Value
		Local Currency				U.S. Dollar				Gain (Loss)
										U.S. Dollar
	Forward contracts to sell:
	Australian Dollar	AUD	985			$	900			$	54
	Brazilian Real	BRL	3,184				1,300				87
	British Pound	GBP	950				1,600				65
	Canadian Dollar	CAD	757				700				29
	Chinese Renminbi	CNY	10,664				1,700				(12	)
	Euro	EUR	3,534				4,800				325
	Indian Rupee	INR	19,347				300				0
	Japanese Yen	JPY	131,508				1,300				97
	Korean Won	KRW	881,552				850				22
	Mexican Peso	MXN	4,001				300				7
	Polish Zloty	PLN	4,980				1,600				111
	Russian Rouble	RUB	7,323				200				25
	Singapore Dollar	SGD	500				400				8
	South African Rand	ZAR	6,769				600				28
	Swedish Krona	SEK	1,698				250				15
	Swiss Franc	CHF	268				300				19
	Turkish New Lira	TRY	230				100				5
	United Arab Emirates Dirham	AED	738				200				(1	)
						$	17,400			$	884
Changes in Fair Value of Foreign Currency Forward Contracts	'
	Changes in the fair value of our foreign currency forward contracts (in thousands) for each of the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
		Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments Recognized in Income
				Three Months Ended								Nine Months Ended
				September 30,								September 30,
		Location		2014				2013				2014			2013
	Non-hedging derivative instruments:
	Unrealized gain (loss) on foreign currency forward contracts	Other income (expense), net		$	1,012			$	(47	)		$	926		$	(42	)
	Realized loss on foreign currency forward contracts	Other income (expense), net		$	0			$	(524	)		$	(562	)	$	(524	)

Accounts_Receivable_Tables

Accounts Receivable (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Schedule of Accounts Receivable	'
	Accounts receivable (in thousands) consisted of the following, as of:
		September 30,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Billed and billable	$	122,137		$	190,446
	Less: unpaid deferred revenue		(60,721	)		(100,276	)
	Accounts receivable, gross		61,416			90,170
	Less: allowance for doubtful accounts		(3,902	)		(3,989	)
	Accounts receivable, net	$	57,514		$	86,181

Restructuring_Tables

Restructuring (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Summary of Major Types of Costs, Cumulative Costs Incurred and Total Cost Expected Associated With Restructuring Activities	'
	The following table summarizes the major types of costs associated with the 2014 Restructuring Plan (in thousands) for each of the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, total costs incurred through September 30, 2014 and total costs expected to be incurred:
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended						Total Costs
		September 30,				September 30,						Incurred To			Total Expected
		2014		2013		2014			2013			Date			Plan Costs
	Severance and related employee benefits	$	10,107	$	0	$	10,107		$	0		$	10,107		$	16,300
	Contract termination costs		1,358		0		1,358			0			1,358			1,400
	Other costs		113		0		113			0			113			700
	Total restructuring costs	$	11,578	$	0	$	11,578		$	0		$	11,578		$	18,400
Summary of Changes in Restructuring-Related Liabilities	'
	The following table presents a summary of changes in the restructuring-related liabilities (in thousands) for the nine months ended September 30, 2014:
		Balance as of		Costs		Cash			Non-cash			Adjustments			Balance as of
		January 1, 2014		Incurred		Payments			Settlements			and Other			September 30, 2014
	Current:
	Severance and related employee benefits	$	0	$	10,107	$	(2,504	)	$	0		$	(20	)	$	7,583
	Contract termination costs		0		1,358		(790	)		(407	)		242			403
	Other costs		0		113		(17	)		0			(20	)		76
	Total current accured restructuring costs	$	0	$	11,578	$	(3,311	)	$	(407	)	$	202		$	8,062

Deferred_Revenue_and_Advance_P1

Deferred Revenue and Advance Payments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Deferred Revenue and Advance Payments	'
	Deferred revenue and advance payments (in thousands) from customers consisted of the following, as of:
		September 30,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Current:
	Deferred product licenses revenue	$	10,010		$	14,538
	Deferred subscription services revenue		10,382			10,923
	Deferred product support revenue		145,917			167,771
	Deferred other services revenue		10,216			17,056
	Gross current deferred revenue and advance payments		176,525			210,288
	Less: unpaid deferred revenue		(55,818	)		(96,632	)
	Net current deferred revenue and advance payments	$	120,707		$	113,656
	Non-current:
	Deferred product licenses revenue	$	7,700		$	4,401
	Deferred subscription services revenue		669			1,161
	Deferred product support revenue		7,062			5,877
	Deferred other services revenue		951			1,175
	Gross non-current deferred revenue and advance payments		16,382			12,614
	Less: unpaid deferred revenue		(4,903	)		(3,644	)
	Net non-current deferred revenue and advance payments	$	11,479		$	8,970

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Company's Deferred Tax Assets, Liabilities and Valuation Allowance	'
	The following table summarizes the Company’s deferred tax assets, net of deferred tax liabilities and valuation allowance (in thousands), as of:
		September 30,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Deferred tax assets, net of deferred tax liabilities	$	29,823		$	17,226
	Valuation allowance		(1,740	)		(77	)
	Deferred tax assets, net of deferred tax liabilities and valuation allowance	$	28,083		$	17,149

Sharebased_Compensation_Tables

Share-based Compensation (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Summary of Stock Option Activity	'
	The following table summarizes the Company’s stock option activity (in thousands, except per share data and years) for the three months ended September 30, 2014:
		Stock Options Outstanding
		Shares		Weighted Average		Aggregate		Weighted Average
				Exercise Price		Intrinsic		Remaining Contractual
				Per Share		Value		Term (Years)
	Balance as of July 1, 2014		1,260	$	107.54
	Granted		0		0
	Exercised		0		0
	Forfeited/Expired		0		0
	Balance as of September 30, 2014		1,260	$	107.54
	Exercisable as of September 30, 2014		150	$	92.84	$	5,700		8.9
	Expected to vest as of September 30, 2014		1,110	$	109.53	$	23,660		9.3
	Total		1,260	$	107.54	$	29,360		9.3

Discontinued_Operations_Tables

Discontinued Operations (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Pretax Loss Generated in Addition to Pretax Gain on Sale of Discontinued Operations	'
	The following table summarizes the revenues and pre-tax loss generated by the Angel.com business during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, in addition to the pre-tax gain on the sale of Angel.com recorded by the Company during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended		Nine Months Ended
		September 30,		September 30,
		2013		2013
	Angel.com revenues	$	0	$	6,320
	Angel.com pre-tax loss	$	0	$	986
	MicroStrategy pre-tax gain on sale	$	0	$	94,925

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Revenues and Long-Lived Assets, by Geographic Region	'
	The following table presents total revenues from continuing operations, gross profit from continuing operations, and long-lived assets, excluding long-term deferred tax assets, (in thousands) according to geographic region:
	Geographic regions:	Domestic		EMEA		Other Regions		Consolidated
	Three months ended September 30, 2014
	Total revenues	$	89,732	$	44,296	$	17,174	$	151,202
	Gross profit	$	68,677	$	33,019	$	14,553	$	116,249
	Three months ended September 30, 2013
	Total revenues	$	89,114	$	38,795	$	14,010	$	141,919
	Gross profit	$	69,384	$	27,955	$	11,327	$	108,666
	Nine months ended September 30, 2014
	Total revenues	$	252,879	$	131,366	$	46,714	$	430,959
	Gross profit	$	191,681	$	96,864	$	38,839	$	327,384
	Nine months ended September 30, 2013
	Total revenues	$	249,709	$	115,339	$	44,959	$	410,007
	Gross profit	$	186,664	$	80,967	$	36,776	$	304,407
	As of September 30, 2014
	Long-lived assets	$	83,322	$	6,160	$	5,169	$	94,651
	As of September 30, 2013
	Long-lived assets	$	94,269	$	7,588	$	6,086	$	107,943

Recent_Accounting_Standards_Ad

Recent Accounting Standards - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]	'
Unrecognized tax benefits	$2.10
Netted against deferred tax assets	'
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]	'
Unrecognized tax benefits	$1

Financial_Assets_and_Liabiliti

Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis by Level within Fair Value Hierarchy (Detail) (Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring, Foreign currency forward contracts, Non-hedging derivative, USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative assets	$897	$5
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative liabilities	13	46
Level 1 | Prepaid expenses and other current assets	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative assets	0	0
Level 1 | Accounts payable and accrued expenses	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative liabilities	0	0
Level 2 | Prepaid expenses and other current assets	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative assets	897	5
Level 2 | Accounts payable and accrued expenses	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative liabilities	13	46
Level 3 | Prepaid expenses and other current assets	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative assets	0	0
Level 3 | Accounts payable and accrued expenses	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative liabilities	$0	$0

Sale_Contracts_Consisted_in_Fo

Sale Contracts Consisted in Foreign Currency Forward Contracts Outstanding (Detail)

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

USD ($)

Australia, Dollars

Australia, Dollars

Brazil, Brazil Real

Brazil, Brazil Real

United Kingdom, Pounds

United Kingdom, Pounds

Canada, Dollars

Canada, Dollars

China, Yuan Renminbi

China, Yuan Renminbi

Euro Member Countries, Euro

Euro Member Countries, Euro

India, Rupees

India, Rupees

Japan, Yen

Japan, Yen

Korea (South), Won

Korea (South), Won

Mexico, Pesos

Mexico, Pesos

Poland, Zlotych

Poland, Zlotych

Russia, Rubles

Russia, Rubles

Singapore, Dollars

Singapore, Dollars

South Africa, Rand

South Africa, Rand

Sweden, Kronor

Sweden, Kronor

Switzerland, Francs

Switzerland, Francs

Turkey, New Lira

Turkey, New Lira

United Arab Emirates, Dirhams

United Arab Emirates, Dirhams

USD ($)

AUD

USD ($)

BRL

USD ($)

GBP (£)

USD ($)

CAD

USD ($)

CNY

USD ($)

EUR (€)

USD ($)

INR

USD ($)

JPY (¥)

USD ($)

KRW

USD ($)

MXN

USD ($)

PLN

USD ($)

RUB

USD ($)

SGD

USD ($)

ZAR

USD ($)

SEK

USD ($)

CHF

USD ($)

TRY

USD ($)

AED

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Notional Value

$17,400

$900

985

$1,300

3,184

$1,600

£ 950

$700

757

$1,700

10,664

$4,800

€ 3,534

$300

19,347

$1,300

¥ 131,508

$850

881,552

$300

4,001

$1,600

4,980

$200

7,323

$400

500

$600

6,769

$250

1,698

$300

268

$100

230

$200

738

Fair Value Gain (Loss)

$884

$54

'

$87

'

$65

'

$29

'

($12)

'

$325

'

$0

'

$97

'

$22

'

$7

'

$111

'

$25

'

$8

'

$28

'

$15

'

$19

'

$5

'

($1)

'

Changes_in_Fair_Value_of_Forei

Changes in Fair Value of Foreign Currency Forward Contracts (Detail) (Other (expense) income, net, USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Unrealized (loss) gain on foreign currency forward contracts	'	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Gain (loss) on derivative instruments	$1,012	($47)	$926	($42)
Realized loss on foreign currency forward contracts	'	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Gain (loss) on derivative instruments	$0	($524)	($562)	($524)

Short_Term_Investments_Additio

Short Term Investments - Additional Information (Detail) (US Treasury Securities, USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified			Minimum	Maximum
Investment [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Held to maturity securities maturity range	'	'	'3 months	'1 year
Held to maturity securities, amortized cost	$218.50	$137.20	'	'
Held to maturity securities, carrying value	218.5	137.2	'	'
Held to maturity securities, fair value	$218.60	$137.20	'	'

Accounts_Receivable_Detail

Accounts Receivable (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
Billed and billable	$122,137	$190,446
Less: unpaid deferred revenue	-60,721	-100,276
Accounts receivable, gross	61,416	90,170
Less: allowance for doubtful accounts	-3,902	-3,989
Accounts receivable, net	$57,514	$86,181

Restructuring_Additional_Infor

Restructuring - Additional Information (Detail) (2014 Restructuring Plan)	3 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
	Employee
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'
Number of workforce expected to be reduced	800
Number of employee terminated	270
Domestic	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'
Number of workforce expected to be reduced	215
Asia Pacific	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'
Number of workforce expected to be reduced	400
EMEA	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'
Number of workforce expected to be reduced	165
Latin America	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'
Number of workforce expected to be reduced	20

Summary_of_Major_Types_of_Cost

Summary of Major Types of Costs, Cumulative Costs Incurred and Total Cost Expected Associated With Restructuring Activities (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring costs	$11,578	$0	$11,578	$0
Operating expenses	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring costs	11,578	0	11,578	0
Total Costs Incurred To Date	11,578	'	11,578	'
Total Expected Plan Costs	18,400	'	18,400	'
Operating expenses | Severance and related employee benefits	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring costs	10,107	0	10,107	0
Total Costs Incurred To Date	10,107	'	10,107	'
Total Expected Plan Costs	16,300	'	16,300	'
Operating expenses | Contract termination costs	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring costs	1,358	0	1,358	0
Total Costs Incurred To Date	1,358	'	1,358	'
Total Expected Plan Costs	1,400	'	1,400	'
Operating expenses | Other costs	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring costs	113	0	113	0
Total Costs Incurred To Date	113	'	113	'
Total Expected Plan Costs	$700	'	$700	'

Summary_of_Changes_in_Restruct

Summary of Changes in Restructuring-Related Liabilities (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Costs Incurred	$11,578	$0	$11,578	$0
Accrued restructuring costs | Current accrued restructuring costs	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	'	'	0	'
Costs Incurred	'	'	11,578	'
Cash Payments	'	'	-3,311	'
Non-cash Settlements	'	'	-407	'
Adjustments and Other	'	'	202	'
Ending Balance	8,062	'	8,062	'
Accrued restructuring costs | Current accrued restructuring costs | Severance and related employee benefits	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	'	'	0	'
Costs Incurred	'	'	10,107	'
Cash Payments	'	'	-2,504	'
Non-cash Settlements	'	'	0	'
Adjustments and Other	'	'	-20	'
Ending Balance	7,583	'	7,583	'
Accrued restructuring costs | Current accrued restructuring costs | Contract termination costs	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	'	'	0	'
Costs Incurred	'	'	1,358	'
Cash Payments	'	'	-790	'
Non-cash Settlements	'	'	-407	'
Adjustments and Other	'	'	242	'
Ending Balance	403	'	403	'
Accrued restructuring costs | Current accrued restructuring costs | Other costs	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	'	'	0	'
Costs Incurred	'	'	113	'
Cash Payments	'	'	-17	'
Non-cash Settlements	'	'	0	'
Adjustments and Other	'	'	-20	'
Ending Balance	$76	'	$76	'

Deferred_Revenue_and_Advance_P2

Deferred Revenue and Advance Payments (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Deferred Revenue Arrangement [Line Items]	'	'
Deferred product licenses revenue, Current	$10,010	$14,538
Deferred subscription services revenue, Current	10,382	10,923
Deferred product support revenue, Current	145,917	167,771
Deferred other services revenue, Current	10,216	17,056
Gross current deferred revenue and advance payments	176,525	210,288
Less: unpaid deferred revenue	-55,818	-96,632
Net current deferred revenue and advance payments	120,707	113,656
Deferred product licenses revenue, Non-current	7,700	4,401
Deferred subscription services revenue, Non-current	669	1,161
Deferred product support revenue, Non-current	7,062	5,877
Deferred other services revenue, Non-current	951	1,175
Gross non-current deferred revenue and advance payments	16,382	12,614
Less: unpaid deferred revenue	-4,903	-3,644
Net non-current deferred revenue and advance payments	$11,479	$8,970

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Apr. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
	Northern Virginia Office Space	Northern Virginia Office Space	Northern Virginia Office, Additional Office Space	Northern Virginia Office, Additional Office Space
		sqft	sqft	2014 Restructuring Plan
				sqft
Commitments and Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Office space area leased under the agreement	'	190,000	43,000	'
Lease expiration date	31-Dec-20	'	'	28-Feb-15
Office space ceased to be used	'	'	'	19,000
Deferred rent included in other long-term liabilities	$19.80	$20.10	'	'
Deferred rent included in current accrued expenses	$2.70	$2.80	'	'

Treasury_Stock_Additional_Info

Treasury Stock - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
			Two Thousand Five Share Repurchase Program	Two Thousand Five Share Repurchase Program
				Class A
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Stock authorized to repurchase by board of directors	'	'	'	$800,000,000
Treasury stock, shares	6,405,000	6,405,000	'	3,826,947
Shares repurchased, average price per share	'	'	'	$90.23
Treasury stock, cost	$475,184,000	$475,184,000	'	$345,300,000
Shares repurchased program expiration date	'	'	29-Apr-18	'

Income_Taxes_Additional_Inform

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Taxes	'	'	'	'	'
Unrecognized tax benefits	$2,100,000	'	$2,100,000	'	'
Unrecognized tax benefits would impact the effective tax rate	1,700,000	'	1,700,000	'	'
Interest accrued	300,000	'	300,000	'	'
Effective tax rate from operations	'	'	28.20%	2012.10%	'
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes	-1,168,000	-8,653,000	-6,934,000	-10,946,000	'
Undistributed foreign earnings	'	'	'	'	192,700,000
U.S. statutory rate	'	'	35.00%	'	'
U.S. Entities	'	'	'	'	'
Income Taxes	'	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments	120,700,000	'	120,700,000	'	160,500,000
Non-U.S. Entities	'	'	'	'	'
Income Taxes	'	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments	$233,900,000	'	$233,900,000	'	$196,900,000
Germany | Earliest Tax Year	'	'	'	'	'
Income Taxes	'	'	'	'	'
Tax years subject to examination	'	'	'2009	'	'
Tax years currently under tax examination	'	'	'2009	'	'
Germany | Latest Tax Year	'	'	'	'	'
Income Taxes	'	'	'	'	'
Tax years currently under tax examination	'	'	'2012	'	'
Poland | Earliest Tax Year	'	'	'	'	'
Income Taxes	'	'	'	'	'
Tax years subject to examination	'	'	'2010	'	'
United Kingdom | Earliest Tax Year	'	'	'	'	'
Income Taxes	'	'	'	'	'
Tax years subject to examination	'	'	'2011	'	'
Spain | Earliest Tax Year	'	'	'	'	'
Income Taxes	'	'	'	'	'
Tax years subject to examination	'	'	'2011	'	'
China | Earliest Tax Year	'	'	'	'	'
Income Taxes	'	'	'	'	'
Tax years subject to examination	'	'	'2012	'	'
United States | Tax Year 2011	'	'	'	'	'
Income Taxes	'	'	'	'	'
Tax years currently under tax examination	'	'	'2011	'	'
United States | Tax Year 2012	'	'	'	'	'
Income Taxes	'	'	'	'	'
Tax years currently under tax examination	'	'	'2012	'	'

Companys_Deferred_Tax_Assets_N

Companys Deferred Tax Assets Net of Deferred Tax Liabilities and Valuation Allowance (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Deferred Income Tax Assets and Liabilities	'	'
Deferred tax assets, net of deferred tax liabilities	$29,823	$17,226
Valuation allowance	-1,740	-77
Deferred tax assets, net of deferred tax liabilities and valuation allowance	$28,083	$17,149

Share_Based_Compensation_Addit

Share Based Compensation - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Mar. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Apr. 30, 2014

Apr. 30, 2014

31-May-14

Apr. 30, 2014

Angel.Com

2013 Plan

2013 Plan

2013 Plan

2013 Plan

2013 Plan

2013 Plan

2013 Plan

2013 Plan

2013 Plan

2013 Plan

Class A

Class A

Class A

Class A

Class A

Class A

Non Employee Directors

Executives and Directors

Executives and Directors

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share-based compensation, stock authorized

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

600,000

'

1,500,000

'

'

'

Stock option awards granted

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5,000

660,000

660,000

Remaining Share-based compensation, stock authorized for issuance

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

240,000

'

'

'

'

Options outstanding, shares

1,260,000

1,260,000

'

1,260,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,260,000

'

'

'

'

Share-based compensation award expiration period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'10 years

'

'

'

'

'

Stock option awards, vesting period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'4 years

'

'

'

'

'

Expected dividend yield

'

0.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock options vested

150,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Aggregate fair value of stock option vested

$6.30

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share-based compensation expense recognized

'

'

'

'

'

3.9

0.4

8.6

0.4

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unrecognized share-based compensation expense

50.2

50.2

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unrecognized compensation expense expected to be recognized

'

'3 years 3 months 18 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Increase in equity

'

'

23.6

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Tax benefit realized from exercise of stock options

0

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash payment for termination of incentive plan

'

'

'

'

$8

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Summary_of_Stock_Option_Activi

Summary of Stock Option Activity (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014
Options outstanding, shares	'
Balance as of July 1, 2014	1,260
Granted	0
Exercised	0
Forfeited/Expired	0
Ending Balance	1,260
Exercisable as of September 30, 2014	150
Expected to vest as of September 30, 2014	1,110
Total	1,260
Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share	'
Balance as of July 1, 2014	$107.54
Granted	$0
Exercised	$0
Forfeited/Expired	$0
Ending Balance	$107.54
Exercisable as of September 30, 2014	$92.84
Expected to vest as of September 30, 2014	$109.53
Total	$107.54
Aggregate Intrinsic Value	'
Exercisable as of September 30, 2014	$5,700
Expected to vest as of September 30, 2014	23,660
Total	$29,360
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years)	'
Exercisable as of September 30, 2014	'8 years 10 months 24 days
Expected to vest as of September 30, 2014	'9 years 3 months 18 days
Total	'9 years 3 months 18 days

Recovered_Sheet1

Common Equity and Earnings Per Share - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended		3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014
			2013 Plan	2013 Plan	Class A	Class A	Class A	Class B Convertible
						2013 Plan	2013 Plan
Class of Stock	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Common stock, votes per share	'	'	'	'	'One	'	'	'Ten
Payments of dividends, common stock	$0	$0	'	'	'	'	'	'
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0	'	'	'	'	'	'
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0	'	'	'	'	'	'
Shares issuable under stock options excluded from calculation of diluted earnings per share	'	'	55,021	22,624	'	600,000	600,000	'

Discontinued_Operations_Additi

Discontinued Operations - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Gain from sale of discontinued operations, net of tax provision	$0	$0	$0	$57,377,000
Angel.Com	'	'	'	'
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Discontinued operation, cash from sale	'	'	'	111,200,000
Discontinued operation, net cash from sale	'	'	'	100,700,000
Gain from sale of discontinued operations, net of tax provision	'	'	'	57,400,000
Discontinued operation, transaction costs	'	'	'	$10,500,000

Summary_of_Revenues_and_PreTax

Summary of Revenues and Pre-Tax Loss Generated by Angel Dot Com Business In Addition to Pre-Tax Gain on Sale Recorded (Detail) (Angel.Com, USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
Angel.Com	'	'
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'	'
Angel.com revenues	$0	$6,320
Angel.com pre-tax loss	0	986
MicroStrategy pre-tax gain on sale	$0	$94,925

Segment_Information_Additional

Segment Information - Additional Information (Detail)	9 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended			12 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
	Segment	Geographic Concentration Risk	Geographic Concentration Risk	Geographic Concentration Risk	Geographic Concentration Risk	Geographic Concentration Risk	Geographic Concentration Risk	Customer Concentration Risk	Customer Concentration Risk	Customer Concentration Risk	Customer Concentration Risk
		Sales Revenue, Goods, Net	Sales Revenue, Goods, Net	Sales Revenue, Goods, Net	Sales Revenue, Goods, Net	Assets, Total	Assets, Total	Sales Revenue, Goods, Net	Sales Revenue, Goods, Net	Sales Revenue, Goods, Net	Sales Revenue, Goods, Net
		Country	Country	Country	Country	Country	Country	Customer	Customer	Customer	Customer
Segment Reporting Information	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of reportable segments	1	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number Of Individual Country accounted for 10% or more of total revenues	'	0	0	0	0	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number Of Individual Customer accounted for 10% or more of total consolidated revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	0	0	0
Number Of Individual country accounted for 10% or more of total consolidated assets	'	'	'	'	'	0	0	'	'	'	'

Total_Revenues_Gross_Profit_an

Total Revenues Gross Profit and Long Lived Assets Excluding Long Term Deferred Tax Assets (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets	'	'	'	'
Total revenues	$151,202	$141,919	$430,959	$410,007
Gross profit	116,249	108,666	327,384	304,407
Long-lived assets	94,651	107,943	94,651	107,943
Domestic	'	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets	'	'	'	'
Total revenues	89,732	89,114	252,879	249,709
Gross profit	68,677	69,384	191,681	186,664
Long-lived assets	83,322	94,269	83,322	94,269
EMEA	'	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets	'	'	'	'
Total revenues	44,296	38,795	131,366	115,339
Gross profit	33,019	27,955	96,864	80,967
Long-lived assets	6,160	7,588	6,160	7,588
Other Regions	'	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets	'	'	'	'
Total revenues	17,174	14,010	46,714	44,959
Gross profit	14,553	11,327	38,839	36,776
Long-lived assets	$5,169	$6,086	$5,169	$6,086