CRA International (CRAI) 10-Q 28 Apr 14 2014 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014	Apr. 24, 2014
Document and Entity Information	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'CRA INTERNATIONAL, INC.	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0001053706	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Document Period End Date	29-Mar-14	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--01-03	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'
Entity Filer Category	'Accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	10,030,617
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q1	'

Condensed_Consolidated_Income_

Condensed Consolidated Income Statements (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2014	Mar. 30, 2013
Condensed Consolidated Income Statements	'	'
Revenues	$76,245	$63,130
Costs of services	51,866	42,015
Gross profit	24,379	21,115
Selling, general and administrative expenses	17,160	15,800
Depreciation and amortization	1,590	1,541
Income from operations	5,629	3,774
Interest income	39	61
Interest expense	-164	-67
Other expense, net	-120	-391
Income before provision for income taxes	5,384	3,377
Provision for income taxes	-2,076	-542
Net income	3,308	2,835
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest, net of tax	102	134
Net income attributable to CRA International, Inc.	$3,410	$2,969
Net income per share attributable to CRA International, Inc.:	'	'
Basic (in dollars per share)	$0.34	$0.30
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$0.34	$0.29
Weighted average number of shares outstanding:	'	'
Basic (in shares)	10,029	9,994
Diluted (in shares)	10,108	10,084

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2014	Mar. 30, 2013
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income	'	'
Net income	$3,308	$2,835
Other comprehensive income (loss):	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustments	163	-1,457
Comprehensive income	3,471	1,378
Less: comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	102	134
Comprehensive income attributable to CRA International, Inc.	$3,573	$1,512

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Mar. 29, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$32,492	$51,251
Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $6,623 at March 29, 2014 and $7,210 at December 28, 2013	56,152	57,856
Unbilled services	29,817	24,275
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	9,678	11,775
Deferred income taxes	17,740	17,806
Total current assets	145,879	162,963
Property and equipment, net	14,930	15,655
Goodwill	83,596	81,573
Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $8,788 at March 29, 2014 and $8,392 at December 28, 2013	5,547	4,537
Deferred income taxes, net of current portion	956	955
Other assets	55,830	54,621
Total assets	306,738	320,304
Current liabilities:	'	'
Accounts payable	11,616	13,766
Accrued expenses	51,032	65,657
Deferred revenue and other liabilities	6,065	6,098
Deferred income taxes	89	0
Current portion of deferred rent	2,424	2,322
Current portion of deferred compensation	131	117
Total current liabilities	71,357	87,960
Notes payable, net of current portion	991	1,007
Deferred rent and facility-related non-current liabilities	2,888	3,669
Deferred compensation and other non-current liabilities	2,225	1,446
Deferred income taxes, net of current portion	1,744	1,585
Commitments and contingencies	'	'
Shareholders' equity:	'	'
Preferred stock, no par value; 1,000,000 shares authorized; none issued and outstanding	'	'
Common stock, no par value; 25,000,000 shares authorized; 9,987,365 shares and 10,048,611 shares issued and outstanding at March 29, 2014 and December 28, 2013, respectively	92,663	93,242
Retained earnings	137,390	133,980
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-3,261	-3,424
Total CRA International, Inc. shareholders' equity	226,792	223,798
Noncontrolling interest	741	839
Total shareholders' equity	227,533	224,637
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$306,738	$320,304

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance1

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Mar. 29, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets	'	'
Accounts receivable, allowances (in dollars)	$6,623	$7,210
Intangible assets, accumulated amortization (in dollars)	$8,788	$8,392
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	'	'
Preferred stock, shares authorized	1,000,000	1,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Common stock, par value ( in dollars per share )	'	'
Common stock, shares authorized	25,000,000	25,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	9,987,365	10,048,611
Common stock, shares outstanding	9,987,365	10,048,611

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme1

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2014	Mar. 30, 2013
Operating activities:	'	'
Net income	$3,308	$2,835
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities, net of effect of acquired businesses:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	1,597	1,511
Deferred rent	-687	-526
Deferred income taxes	47	53
Share-based compensation expenses	1,327	480
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation	0	-5
Accounts receivable allowances	-722	1,743
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, exclusive of acquisitions:	'	'
Accounts receivable	2,910	8,358
Unbilled services	-5,003	-3,943
Prepaid expenses and other current assets, and other assets	123	-6,566
Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and other liabilities	-17,357	-11,842
Net cash used in operating activities	-14,457	-7,902
Investing activities:	'	'
Consideration relating to acquisitions, net	-1,504	-15,731
Purchase of property and equipment	-447	-1,174
Net cash used in investing activities	-1,951	-16,905
Financing activities:	'	'
Issuance of common stock, principally stock option exercises	0	119
Payments on notes payable	-16	0
Tax withholding payment reimbursed by restricted shares	-143	-194
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation	0	5
Repurchase of common stock	-2,124	0
Net cash used in financing activities	-2,283	-70
Effect of foreign exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents	-68	16
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	-18,759	-24,861
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	51,251	55,451
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	32,492	30,590
Noncash investing and financing activities:	'	'
Issuance of common stock for acquired business	427	0
Supplemental cash flow information:	'	'
Cash paid for income taxes	3,525	1,080
Cash paid for interest	$96	$55

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme2

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Shareholders' Equity (USD $)	Total	CRA International, Inc. Shareholders' Equity	Common Stock	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Noncontrolling Interest
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
BALANCE at Dec. 28, 2013	$224,637	$223,798	$93,242	$133,980	($3,424)	$839
BALANCE (in shares) at Dec. 28, 2013	10,048,611	'	10,048,611	'	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Shareholders' Equity	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income	3,308	3,410	'	3,410	'	-102
Foreign currency translation adjustment	163	163	'	'	163	'
Issuance of common stock in connection with business acquisition	427	427	427	'	'	'
Issuance of common stock in connection with business acquisition (in shares)	'	'	22,520	'	'	'
Share-based compensation expense for employees	1,282	1,282	1,282	'	'	'
Restricted share vesting (in shares)	'	'	18,207	'	'	'
Redemption of vested employee restricted shares for tax withholding	-143	-143	-143	'	'	'
Redemption of vested employee restricted shares for tax withholding (in shares)	'	'	-6,373	'	'	'
Tax deficit on stock options and restricted shares vesting	-66	-66	-66	'	'	'
Shares repurchased	-2,124	-2,124	-2,124	'	'	'
Shares repurchased (in shares)	-95,600	'	-95,600	'	'	'
Share-based compensation expense for non-employees	45	45	45	'	'	'
Equity transactions of noncontrolling interest	4	'	'	'	'	4
BALANCE at Mar. 29, 2014	$227,533	$226,792	$92,663	$137,390	($3,261)	$741
BALANCE (in shares) at Mar. 29, 2014	9,987,365	'	9,987,365	'	'	'

Description_of_Business

Description of Business	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014
Description of Business	'
Description of Business	'
	1. Description of Business
	CRA International, Inc. ("CRA") is a worldwide leading consulting services firm that applies advanced analytic techniques and in-depth industry knowledge to complex engagements for a broad range of clients. CRA offers its services in two broad areas: litigation, regulatory and financial consulting and management consulting. CRA operates in one business segment, which is consulting services. CRA operates its business under its registered trade name, Charles River Associates.

Unaudited_Interim_Condensed_Co

Unaudited Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and Estimates	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014
Unaudited Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and Estimates	'
Unaudited Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and Estimates	'
	2. Unaudited Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and Estimates
	The following financial statements included in this report are unaudited: the condensed consolidated income statements for the fiscal quarters ended March 29, 2014 and March 30, 2013, the condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income for the fiscal quarters ended March 29, 2014 and March 30, 2013, the condensed consolidated balance sheet as of March 29, 2014, the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for the fiscal quarters ended March 29, 2014 and March 30, 2013, and the condensed consolidated statement of shareholders' equity for the fiscal quarter ended March 29, 2014. In the opinion of management, these statements include all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of CRA's consolidated financial position, results of operations, and cash flows. The condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 28, 2013 included in this report was derived from audited consolidated financial statements included in CRA's Annual Report on Form 10-K that was filed on March 13, 2014.
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the U.S. ("U.S. GAAP") requires management to make significant estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Estimates in these consolidated financial statements include, but are not limited to, accounts receivable allowances, revenue recognition on fixed price contracts, depreciation of property and equipment, share-based compensation, valuation of acquired intangible assets, impairment of long-lived assets, goodwill, accrued and deferred income taxes, valuation allowances on deferred tax assets, accrued compensation, accrued exit costs, and other accrued expenses. These items are monitored and analyzed by CRA for changes in facts and circumstances, and material changes in these estimates could occur in the future. Changes in estimates are recorded in the period in which they become known. CRA bases its estimates on historical experience and various other assumptions that CRA believes to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from those estimates if CRA's assumptions based on past experience or other assumptions do not turn out to be substantially accurate.

Principles_of_Consolidation

Principles of Consolidation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014
Principles of Consolidation	'
Principles of Consolidation	'
	3. Principles of Consolidation
	The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of CRA and its wholly owned subsidiaries. In addition, the condensed consolidated financial statements include CRA's interest in NeuCo, Inc. ("NeuCo"). All significant intercompany accounts have been eliminated.
	CRA's ownership interest in NeuCo constitutes control under U.S. GAAP for all periods presented. Therefore, NeuCo's financial results have been consolidated with CRA, and the portion of NeuCo's results allocable to its other owners is shown as "noncontrolling interest."
	NeuCo's interim reporting schedule is based on calendar month-ends, but its fiscal year end is the last Saturday of November. CRA's quarterly results could include a few days reporting lag between CRA's quarter end and the most recent financial statements available from NeuCo. CRA does not believe that the reporting lag will have a significant impact on CRA's consolidated income statements or financial condition.

Recent_Accounting_Standards

Recent Accounting Standards	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014
Recent Accounting Standards	'
Recent Accounting Standards	'
	4. Recent Accounting Standards
	Presentation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits
	In July 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the "FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2013-11, Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists ("ASU 2013-11") to clarify the presentation of current and deferred income taxes on the balance sheet. Under ASU 2013-11, companies generally must present an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, for an NOL carryforward, similar tax loss, or tax credit carryforward using the "net presentation" approach as a reduction of a deferred tax asset, with some allowed exceptions. ASU 2013-11 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013. CRA's adoption of ASU 2013-11 in the first quarter of fiscal 2014 had no impact on its financial position, results of operations, cash flows, or disclosures.
	Cumulative Translation Adjustment
	In March 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-05, Parent's Accounting for the Cumulative Translation Adjustment upon Derecognition of Certain Subsidiaries or Groups of Assets within a Foreign Entity or of an Investment in a Foreign Entity ("ASU 2013-05"). ASU 2013-05 addresses the accounting for the cumulative translation adjustment when a parent either sells a part or all of its investment in a foreign entity or no longer holds a controlling financial interest in a subsidiary or group of assets that is a nonprofit activity or a business within a foreign entity. ASU 2013-05 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013 and should be applied prospectively. CRA's adoption of ASU 2013-05 in the first quarter of fiscal 2014 had no impact on its financial position, results of operations, cash flows, or disclosures.

Cash_Equivalents

Cash Equivalents	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014
Cash Equivalents	'
Cash Equivalents	'
	5. Cash Equivalents
	Cash equivalents consist principally of money market funds with maturities of three months or less when purchased. As of March 29, 2014, a substantial portion of CRA's cash accounts was concentrated at a single financial institution, which potentially exposes CRA to credit risks. The financial institution has a short-term credit rating of A-2 by Standard & Poor's ratings services. CRA has not experienced any losses related to such accounts. CRA does not believe that there is significant risk of non-performance by the financial institution, and the cash on deposit is fully liquid. CRA continually monitors the credit ratings of this institution.
	The carrying amounts of these instruments classified as cash equivalents are stated at amortized cost, which approximates fair value because of their short-term maturity.

Prepaid_Expenses_and_Other_Cur

Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets, and Other Assets	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets, and Other Assets	'
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets, and Other Assets	'
	6. Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets, and Other Assets
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets consist of the following (in thousands):
		March 29,		December 28,
		2014		2013
	Term loans to employees	$	1,764	$	1,764
	Other		7,914		10,001
	Total	$	9,678	$	11,775
	Other assets consist of the following (in thousands):
		March 29,		December 28,
		2014		2013
	Forgivable loans to employees and non-employee experts	$	52,613	$	51,083
	Other		3,217		3,538
	Total	$	55,830	$	54,621
	In order to attract and retain highly skilled professionals, CRA may issue forgivable loans or term loans to employees and non-employee experts which are classified in "prepaid expenses and other current assets" and "other assets" within the accompanying balance sheets as of March 29, 2014 and December 28, 2013. A portion of the term loans are collateralized. The forgivable loans have terms that are generally between three and eight years. The principal amount of forgivable loans and accrued interest is forgiven by CRA over the term of the loans, so long as the employee or non-employee expert continues employment or affiliation with CRA and complies with certain contractual requirements. The expense associated with the forgiveness of the principal amount of the loans is recorded as compensation expense over the service period, which is consistent with the term of the loans. During the first quarter of fiscal 2014, CRA issued approximately $5.0 million in forgivable loans to employees and non-employee experts for future service. As of March 29, 2014, CRA had obligations to issue approximately $4.3 million in forgivable loans to employees, future employees, and non-employee experts for future service, which are included in the $52.6 million of such loans reported as of March 29, 2014 in the table above. CRA expects that the $4.3 million in loans will be issued, and the corresponding payments will be made, before the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2014.

Business_Acquisition

Business Acquisition	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014
Business Acquisition	'
Business Acquisition	'
	7. Business Acquisition
	On January 31, 2013, CRA announced that an approximate 40-person litigation consulting team joined CRA, effective February 1, 2013. Under an agreement to hire the team, CRA accelerated the previously announced start dates of certain key personnel from May 2013. Under the terms of the transaction, CRA acquired certain intangible assets, accounts receivable, and certain client projects currently underway. The fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed as part of the acquisition were finalized in the first quarter of fiscal 2014. The acquisition was not material. The acquisition has been accounted for under the purchase method of accounting, and the results of operations have been included in the accompanying income statements from the date of acquisition.

Goodwill

Goodwill	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014
Goodwill	'
Goodwill	'
	8. Goodwill
	In accordance with Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 350, "Intangibles—Goodwill and Other," goodwill is not subject to amortization, but is monitored at least annually for impairment, or more frequently, as necessary, if events or circumstances exist that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of the reporting unit below its carrying amount. For CRA's goodwill impairment analysis, CRA operates under one reporting unit. Under ASC Topic 350, in performing the first step of the goodwill impairment testing and measurement process, CRA compares its entity-wide estimated fair value to its net book value to identify potential impairment. Management estimates the entity-wide fair value utilizing CRA's market capitalization, plus an appropriate control premium. Market capitalization is determined by multiplying the shares outstanding on the test date by the market price of CRA's common stock on that date. CRA has utilized a control premium that considers appropriate industry, market and other pertinent factors, including indications of such premiums from data on recent acquisition transactions. If the fair value of CRA is less than its net book value, the second step is performed to determine if goodwill is impaired. If CRA determines through the impairment evaluation process that goodwill has been impaired, an impairment charge would be recorded in its consolidated income statements.
	There were no impairment losses related to goodwill during each of the fiscal quarters ended March 29, 2014 and March 30, 2013, respectively, as there were no events or circumstances that would more likely than not reduce CRA's fair value below its carrying amount.
	CRA continues to monitor its market capitalization. If CRA's market capitalization, plus an estimated control premium, is below its net book value for a period considered to be other-than-temporary, it is possible that CRA may be required to record an impairment of goodwill either as a result of the annual assessment that CRA conducts in the fourth quarter of each fiscal year, or in a future quarter if events or circumstances exist that would more likely than not reduce CRA's fair value below its carrying amount. A non-cash goodwill impairment charge would have the effect of decreasing CRA's earnings in such period.
	The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill during the fiscal quarter ended March 29, 2014, are as follows (in thousands):
		Goodwill,			Accumulated			Goodwill, net
		gross			impairment
					losses
	Balance at December 28, 2013	$	153,466		$	(71,893	)	$	81,573
	Goodwill adjustments related to acquisitions		1,886			—			1,886
	Effect of foreign currency translation		137			—			137
	Balance at March 29, 2014	$	155,489		$	(71,893	)	$	83,596
	The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill during the fiscal quarter ended March 30, 2013, are as follows (in thousands):
		Goodwill,			Accumulated			Goodwill, net
		gross			impairment
					losses
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	142,658		$	(71,893	)	$	70,765
	Goodwill adjustments related to acquisition		5,565			—			5,565
	Effect of foreign currency translation		(823	)		—			(823	)
	Balance at March 30, 2013	$	147,400		$	(71,893	)	$	75,507

Accrued_Expenses

Accrued Expenses	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014
Accrued Expenses	'
Accrued Expenses	'
	9. Accrued Expenses
	Accrued expenses consist of the following (in thousands):
		March 29,		December 28,
		2014		2013
	Compensation and related expenses	$	39,747	$	51,960
	Forgivable loans to employees		4,250		4,966
	Income taxes payable		2,292		3,503
	Other		4,743		5,228
	Total	$	51,032	$	65,657
	As of March 29, 2014 and December 28, 2013, approximately $20.8 million and $40.0 million of accrued bonuses were included above in "Compensation and related expenses".

Credit_Agreement

Credit Agreement	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014
Credit Agreement	'
Credit Agreement	'
	10. Credit Agreement
	As of March 29, 2014, CRA is party to a credit agreement that provides CRA with a $125.0 million revolving credit facility and a $15 million sublimit for the issuance of letters of credit. CRA may use the proceeds of the revolving credit loans for working capital and other general corporate purposes. CRA may repay any borrowings under the revolving credit facility at any time, but no later than April 24, 2018. There was no amount outstanding under this revolving line of credit as of March 29, 2014.
	As of March 29, 2014, the amount available under this revolving line of credit was reduced by certain letters of credit outstanding, which amounted to $1.4 million. Borrowings under the revolving credit facility bear interest at a rate per annum of either (i) the adjusted base rate, as defined in the credit agreement, plus an applicable margin, which varies between 0.50% and 1.50% depending on CRA's total leverage ratio as determined under the credit agreement, or (ii) the adjusted eurocurrency rate, as defined in the credit agreement, plus an applicable margin, which varies between 1.50% and 2.50% depending on CRA's total leverage ratio. CRA is required to pay a fee on the unused portion of the revolving credit facility at a rate per annum that varies between 0.25% and 0.375% depending on its total leverage ratio. Borrowings under the credit facility are secured by 100% of the stock of certain of CRA's U.S. subsidiaries and 65% of the stock of certain of its foreign subsidiaries, which represent approximately $6.8 million in net assets as of March 29, 2014.
	Under the credit agreement, CRA must comply with various financial and non-financial covenants. Compliance with these financial covenants is tested on a fiscal quarterly basis. Any indebtedness outstanding under the credit facility may become immediately due and payable upon the occurrence of stated events of default, including CRA's failure to pay principal, interest or fees or a violation of any financial covenant. The financial covenants require CRA to maintain a consolidated interest expense to adjusted consolidated EBITDA ratio of more than 2.5 to 1.0 and to comply with a consolidated debt to adjusted consolidated EBITDA ratio of not more than 3.0 to 1.0. The non-financial covenant restrictions of the senior credit agreement include, but are not limited to, CRA's ability to incur additional indebtedness, engage in acquisitions or dispositions, and enter into business combinations.

Revenue_Recognition

Revenue Recognition	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014
Revenue Recognition	'
Revenue Recognition	'
	11. Revenue Recognition
	CRA derives substantially all of its revenues from the performance of professional services. The contracts that CRA enters into and operates under specify whether the engagement will be billed on a time-and-materials or a fixed-price basis. Most of CRA's revenue is derived from time-and-materials service contracts. Revenues from time-and-materials service contracts are recognized as services are provided based upon hours worked and contractually agreed-upon hourly rates, as well as indirect fees based upon hours worked. Revenues from a majority of CRA's fixed-price engagements are recognized on a proportional performance method based on the ratio of costs incurred, substantially all of which are labor-related, to the total estimated project costs. In general, project costs are classified in costs of services and are based on the direct salary of the consultants on the engagement plus all direct expenses incurred to complete the engagement, including any amounts billed to CRA by its non-employee experts.
	Revenues also include reimbursable expenses, which include travel and other out-of-pocket expenses, outside consultants, and other reimbursable expenses. Reimbursable expenses are as follows (in thousands):
		Quarter Ended
		March 29,		March 30,
		2014		2013
	Reimbursable expenses	$	9,028	$	7,658
	CRA's revenues include projects secured by our non-employee experts as well as projects secured by our employees. CRA collects goods and services and value added taxes from customers and records these amounts on a net basis, which is within the scope of ASC Topic 605-45, "Principal Agent Considerations."

Net_Income_per_Share

Net Income per Share	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014
Net Income per Share	'
Net Income per Share	'
	12. Net Income per Share
	Basic net income per share represents net income divided by the weighted average shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted net income per share represents net income divided by the weighted average shares of common stock and common stock equivalents, if applicable, outstanding during the period. Common stock equivalents arise from stock options and unvested shares of restricted stock, using the treasury stock method. Under the treasury stock method, the amount CRA would receive on the exercise of stock options and the vesting of shares of restricted stock, the amount of compensation cost for future service that CRA has not yet recognized, and the amount of tax benefits that would be recorded in common stock when these stock options and shares of restricted stock become deductible, are assumed to be used to repurchase shares at the average share price over the applicable fiscal period, and these repurchased shares are netted against the shares underlying these stock options and these unvested shares of restricted stock. A reconciliation of basic to diluted weighted average shares of common stock outstanding is as follows (in thousands):
		Quarter Ended
		March 29,		March 30,
		2014		2013
	Basic weighted average shares outstanding		10,029		9,994
	Common stock equivalents:
	Stock options and restricted stock		79		90
	Diluted weighted average shares outstanding		10,108		10,084
	For the first quarters of fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2013, the anti-dilutive share based awards that were excluded from the calculation of common stock equivalents for purposes of computing diluted weighted average shares outstanding amounted to 1,287,614 and 1,142,624 shares, respectively. These share-based awards were anti-dilutive because their exercise price exceeded the average market price over the respective period.
	On August 30, 2011, CRA announced that its Board of Directors approved a share repurchase program of up to $7.5 million of CRA's common stock. On February 22, 2012, August 10, 2012, and February 13, 2014, the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to an additional $4.45 million, $5.0 million, and $15.0 million, respectively, of CRA's common stock under these programs. During the first quarter of fiscal 2014, CRA repurchased and retired 95,600 shares under these share repurchase programs at an average price per share of $22.25. During the first quarter of fiscal 2013, CRA did not repurchase and retire any shares of its common stock under these programs. There was approximately $14.3 million available for future repurchases under these programs as of March 29, 2014. CRA may repurchase shares under these programs in open market purchases or in privately negotiated transactions in accordance with applicable insider trading and other securities laws and regulations.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014
Income Taxes	'
Income Taxes	'
	13. Income Taxes
	CRA's effective income tax rates were 38.6% and 16.0% for the first quarter of fiscal 2014 and the first quarter of fiscal 2013, respectively. The effective tax rate in the first quarter of fiscal 2014 was lower than the combined federal and state statutory tax rate primarily due to the geographical mix of earnings and certain items that were treated as discrete items in the first quarter of fiscal 2014. The effective tax rate in the first quarter of fiscal 2013 was lower than CRA's combined federal and state statutory tax rate due to the utilization of net operating loss carryforwards in the United Kingdom. The effective tax rate in the first quarter of fiscal 2013 was also impacted by a favorable tax settlement.

Restructuring_Charges

Restructuring Charges	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014
Restructuring Charges	'
Restructuring Charges	'
	14. Restructuring Charges
	CRA did not incur any restructuring charges during the first quarter of fiscal 2014 or the first quarter of fiscal 2013. The restructuring reserve balance was as follows as of March 29, 2014 (in thousands):
		Office
		Vacancies
	Balance at December 28, 2013	$	1,170
	Amounts paid, net of amounts received, during the first quarter of fiscal 2014		(231	)
	Adjustments and effect of foreign currency translation during the first quarter of fiscal 2014		(53	)
	Balance at March 29, 2014	$	886
	On the accompanying balance sheet as of March 29, 2014, the reserve balance of $0.9 million was classified as follows: approximately $0.7 million in "current portion of deferred rent", and approximately $0.1 million in "deferred rent and facility-related non-current liabilities."
	The restructuring reserve balance was as follows as of March 30, 2013 (in thousands):
		Office			Employee			Total
		Vacancies			Workforce			Restructuring
					Reduction
	Balance at December 29, 2012	$	2,106		$	873		$	2,979
	Amounts paid, net of amounts received, during the first quarter of fiscal 2013		(147	)		(398	)		(545	)
	Adjustments and effect of foreign currency translation during the first quarter of fiscal 2013		(177	)		(6	)		(183	)
	Balance at March 30, 2013	$	1,782		$	469		$	2,251

Compensation_Arrangements

Compensation Arrangements	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014
Compensation Arrangements	'
Compensation Arrangements	'
	15. Compensation Arrangements
	In connection with an acquisition completed in fiscal 2013, the CRA agreed to pay incentive performance awards to certain non-employee experts and employees of the acquired business, if specific performance targets are met from June 2013 through May 2017. Retention of amounts paid is contingent on the individuals' continued relationships with CRA through May 2019. The amount of the award could fluctuate depending on future performance through May 2017. Changes in the estimated award are expensed prospectively over the remaining service period.

Prepaid_Expenses_and_Other_Cur1

Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets, and Other Assets (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets, and Other Assets	'
Schedule of prepaid expenses and other current assets	'
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets consist of the following (in thousands):
		March 29,		December 28,
		2014		2013
	Term loans to employees	$	1,764	$	1,764
	Other		7,914		10,001
	Total	$	9,678	$	11,775
Schedule of other assets	'
	Other assets consist of the following (in thousands):
		March 29,		December 28,
		2014		2013
	Forgivable loans to employees and non-employee experts	$	52,613	$	51,083
	Other		3,217		3,538
	Total	$	55,830	$	54,621

Goodwill_Tables

Goodwill (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014
Goodwill	'
Schedule of changes in the carrying amount of goodwill	'
	The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill during the fiscal quarter ended March 29, 2014, are as follows (in thousands):
		Goodwill,			Accumulated			Goodwill, net
		gross			impairment
					losses
	Balance at December 28, 2013	$	153,466		$	(71,893	)	$	81,573
	Goodwill adjustments related to acquisitions		1,886			—			1,886
	Effect of foreign currency translation		137			—			137
	Balance at March 29, 2014	$	155,489		$	(71,893	)	$	83,596
	The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill during the fiscal quarter ended March 30, 2013, are as follows (in thousands):
		Goodwill,			Accumulated			Goodwill, net
		gross			impairment
					losses
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	142,658		$	(71,893	)	$	70,765
	Goodwill adjustments related to acquisition		5,565			—			5,565
	Effect of foreign currency translation		(823	)		—			(823	)
	Balance at March 30, 2013	$	147,400		$	(71,893	)	$	75,507

Accrued_Expenses_Tables

Accrued Expenses (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014
Accrued Expenses	'
Schedule of accrued expenses	'
	Accrued expenses consist of the following (in thousands):
		March 29,		December 28,
		2014		2013
	Compensation and related expenses	$	39,747	$	51,960
	Forgivable loans to employees		4,250		4,966
	Income taxes payable		2,292		3,503
	Other		4,743		5,228
	Total	$	51,032	$	65,657

Revenue_Recognition_Tables

Revenue Recognition (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014
Revenue Recognition	'
Schedule of reimbursable expenses included in revenues	'
	Reimbursable expenses are as follows (in thousands):
		Quarter Ended
		March 29,		March 30,
		2014		2013
	Reimbursable expenses	$	9,028	$	7,658

Net_Income_per_Share_Tables

Net Income per Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014
Net Income per Share	'
Schedule of reconciliation of basic to diluted weighted average shares of common stock outstanding	'
	A reconciliation of basic to diluted weighted average shares of common stock outstanding is as follows (in thousands):
		Quarter Ended
		March 29,		March 30,
		2014		2013
	Basic weighted average shares outstanding		10,029		9,994
	Common stock equivalents:
	Stock options and restricted stock		79		90
	Diluted weighted average shares outstanding		10,108		10,084

Restructuring_Charges_Tables

Restructuring Charges (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014
Restructuring Charges	'
Schedule of restructuring reserve balance	'
	The restructuring reserve balance was as follows as of March 29, 2014 (in thousands):
		Office
		Vacancies
	Balance at December 28, 2013	$	1,170
	Amounts paid, net of amounts received, during the first quarter of fiscal 2014		(231	)
	Adjustments and effect of foreign currency translation during the first quarter of fiscal 2014		(53	)
	Balance at March 29, 2014	$	886
	The restructuring reserve balance was as follows as of March 30, 2013 (in thousands):
		Office			Employee			Total
		Vacancies			Workforce			Restructuring
					Reduction
	Balance at December 29, 2012	$	2,106		$	873		$	2,979
	Amounts paid, net of amounts received, during the first quarter of fiscal 2013		(147	)		(398	)		(545	)
	Adjustments and effect of foreign currency translation during the first quarter of fiscal 2013		(177	)		(6	)		(183	)
	Balance at March 30, 2013	$	1,782		$	469		$	2,251

Description_of_Business_Detail

Description of Business (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014
	item
Description of Business	'
Number of broad areas of services	2
Number of business segments	1

Prepaid_Expenses_and_Other_Cur2

Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets, and Other Assets (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Sep. 27, 2014
			Subsequent event
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	'	'	'
Term loans to employees	$1,764,000	$1,764,000	'
Other	7,914,000	10,001,000	'
Total	9,678,000	11,775,000	'
Other assets	'	'	'
Forgivable loans to employees and non-employee experts	52,613,000	51,083,000	'
Other	3,217,000	3,538,000	'
Total	55,830,000	54,621,000	'
Prepaid expenses and other assets disclosures	'	'	'
Term of forgivable loans or advances to employees and non-employee experts, minimum	'3 years	'	'
Term of forgivable loans or advances to employees and non-employee experts, maximum	'8 years	'	'
Forgivable loans issuable to employees, future employees and non-employee experts for future service	4,300,000	4,966,000	'
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets, and Other Assets	'	'	'
Forgivable loans issued to future employees for future service	$5,000,000	'	$4,300,000

Business_Acquisition_Details

Business Acquisition (Details)	Jan. 31, 2013
	item
Business Acquisition	'
Number of litigation consulting team members who joined the entity	40

Goodwill_Details

Goodwill (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014	Mar. 30, 2013
	item
Goodwill	'	'
Number of reporting units	1	'
Goodwill impairment	$0	$0
Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill	'	'
Balance at the beginning of the period, gross	153,466,000	142,658,000
Goodwill adjustments related to acquisitions	1,886,000	5,565,000
Effect of foreign currency translation	137,000	-823,000
Balance at the end of the period, gross	155,489,000	147,400,000
Balance at the beginning of the period, Accumulated impairment losses	-71,893,000	-71,893,000
Balance at the end of the period, Accumulated impairment losses	-71,893,000	-71,893,000
Balance at the beginning of the period, net	81,573,000	70,765,000
Balance at the end of the period, net	$83,596,000	$75,507,000

Accrued_Expenses_Details

Accrued Expenses (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 29, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
Accrued Expenses	'	'
Compensation and related expenses	$39,747,000	$51,960,000
Forgivable loans to employees	4,300,000	4,966,000
Income taxes payable	2,292,000	3,503,000
Other	4,743,000	5,228,000
Total	51,032,000	65,657,000
Accrued bonuses	$20,800,000	$40,000,000

Credit_Agreement_Details

Credit Agreement (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2014
Revolving credit facility	'
Senior Loan Agreement	'
Revolving credit facility, maximum capacity	$125
Amount outstanding under revolving line of credit	0
Amounts outstanding under letters of credit	1.4
Percentage of stock of domestic subsidiaries pledged as collateral for borrowings	100.00%
Percentage of stock of foreign subsidiaries pledged as collateral for borrowings	65.00%
Value of stock in net assets pledged as collateral for borrowings	6.8
Ratio of consolidated interest expense to consolidated EBITDA	2.5
Ratio of consolidated debt to consolidated EBITDA	3
Revolving credit facility | Minimum	'
Senior Loan Agreement	'
Commitment fee payable on the unused portion of the credit facility (as a percent)	0.25%
Revolving credit facility | Maximum	'
Senior Loan Agreement	'
Commitment fee payable on the unused portion of the credit facility (as a percent)	0.38%
Revolving credit facility | Base rate	'
Senior Loan Agreement	'
Variable rate basis	'base rate
Revolving credit facility | Base rate | Minimum	'
Senior Loan Agreement	'
Interest margin (as a percent)	0.50%
Revolving credit facility | Base rate | Maximum	'
Senior Loan Agreement	'
Interest margin (as a percent)	1.50%
Revolving credit facility | Eurocurrency rate	'
Senior Loan Agreement	'
Variable rate basis	'eurocurrency rate
Revolving credit facility | Eurocurrency rate | Minimum	'
Senior Loan Agreement	'
Interest margin (as a percent)	1.50%
Revolving credit facility | Eurocurrency rate | Maximum	'
Senior Loan Agreement	'
Interest margin (as a percent)	2.50%
Letters of credit	'
Senior Loan Agreement	'
Revolving credit facility, maximum capacity	$15

Revenue_Recognition_Details

Revenue Recognition (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2014	Mar. 30, 2013
Revenue Recognition	'	'
Reimbursable expenses	$9,028	$7,658

Net_Income_per_Share_Details

Net Income per Share (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014	Mar. 30, 2013
Reconciliation of basic to diluted weighted average shares of common stock outstanding	'	'
Basic weighted average shares outstanding	10,029,000	9,994,000
Common stock equivalents:	'	'
Stock options and restricted stock (in shares)	79,000	90,000
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding	10,108,000	10,084,000
Calculation of common stock equivalents for purposes of computing diluted weighted average shares outstanding	'	'
Anti-dilutive securities excluded from EPS computation (in shares)	1,287,614	1,142,624

Net_Income_per_Share_Details_2

Net Income per Share (Details 2) (USD $)	0 Months Ended				3 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 13, 2014	Aug. 10, 2012	Feb. 22, 2012	Aug. 30, 2011	Mar. 29, 2014
Share Repurchase Program	'	'	'	'	'
Share repurchase program, amount authorized to be repurchased	$15	$5	$4.45	$7.50	'
Number of shares repurchased and retired	'	'	'	'	95,600
Average repurchase price per share (in dollars per share)	'	'	'	'	$22.25
Amount available for future repurchases	'	'	'	'	$14.30

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014	Mar. 30, 2013
Income Taxes	'	'
Effective tax rate (as a percent)	38.60%	16.00%

Restructuring_Charges_Details

Restructuring Charges (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2014	Mar. 30, 2013
Restructuring reserve balance	'	'
Balance at the beginning of the period	'	$2,979
Amounts paid, net of amounts received	'	-545
Adjustments and effect of foreign currency translation	'	-183
Balance at the end of the period	'	2,251
Current portion of deferred rent	'	'
Restructuring reserve balance	'	'
Balance at the end of the period	700	'
Deferred rent and facility-related non-current liabilities	'	'
Restructuring reserve balance	'	'
Balance at the end of the period	100	'
Office Vacancies	'	'
Restructuring reserve balance	'	'
Balance at the beginning of the period	1,170	2,106
Amounts paid, net of amounts received	-231	-147
Adjustments and effect of foreign currency translation	-53	-177
Balance at the end of the period	886	1,782
Employee Workforce Reduction	'	'
Restructuring reserve balance	'	'
Balance at the beginning of the period	'	873
Amounts paid, net of amounts received	'	-398
Adjustments and effect of foreign currency translation	'	-6
Balance at the end of the period	'	$469