CRA International (CRAI) 10-Q 27 Oct 14 2014 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014	Oct. 23, 2014
Document and Entity Information	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'CRA INTERNATIONAL, INC.	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0001053706	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Document Period End Date	27-Sep-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	'	9,529,418
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'

Condensed_Consolidated_Income_

Condensed Consolidated Income Statements (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
Condensed Consolidated Income Statements	'	'	'	'
Revenues	$73,483	$74,427	$227,912	$202,760
Costs of services	49,417	50,577	153,952	137,634
Gross profit	24,066	23,850	73,960	65,126
Selling, general and administrative expenses	16,674	16,096	51,297	47,276
Depreciation and amortization	1,597	1,640	4,746	4,792
Income from operations	5,795	6,114	17,917	13,058
Interest income	29	39	107	121
Interest expense	-162	-183	-453	-425
Other expense, net	-87	-18	-278	-57
Income before provision for income taxes	5,575	5,952	17,293	12,697
Provision for income taxes	-2,386	-2,619	-7,629	-5,178
Net income	3,189	3,333	9,664	7,519
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest, net of tax	35	-63	158	129
Net income attributable to CRA International, Inc.	$3,224	$3,270	$9,822	$7,648
Net income per share attributable to CRA International, Inc.:	'	'	'	'
Basic (in dollars per share)	$0.33	$0.32	$0.99	$0.76
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$0.33	$0.32	$0.98	$0.75
Weighted average number of shares outstanding:	'	'	'	'
Basic (in shares)	9,729	10,093	9,892	10,088
Diluted (in shares)	9,919	10,192	10,018	10,180

Condensed_Consolidated_Compreh

Condensed Consolidated Comprehensive Income Statements (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income	'	'	'	'
Net income	$3,189	$3,333	$9,664	$7,519
Other comprehensive income (loss):	'	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-2,116	1,605	-1,247	276
Comprehensive income	1,073	4,938	8,417	7,795
Less: comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	35	-63	158	129
Comprehensive income attributable to CRA International, Inc.	$1,108	$4,875	$8,575	$7,924

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Sep. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$44,684	$51,251
Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $4,777 at September 27, 2014 and $7,210 at December 28, 2013	52,139	57,856
Unbilled services	28,559	24,275
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	14,096	11,775
Deferred income taxes	17,559	17,806
Total current assets	157,037	162,963
Property and equipment, net	15,180	15,655
Goodwill	83,125	81,573
Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $9,406 at September 27, 2014 and $8,392 at December 28, 2013	4,886	4,537
Deferred income taxes, net of current portion	147	955
Other assets	47,257	54,621
Total assets	307,632	320,304
Current liabilities:	'	'
Accounts payable	11,793	13,766
Accrued expenses	56,545	65,657
Deferred revenue and other liabilities	4,823	6,098
Deferred income taxes	82	'
Current portion of deferred rent	1,997	2,322
Current portion of deferred compensation	167	117
Total current liabilities	75,407	87,960
Notes payable	981	1,007
Deferred rent and facility-related non-current liabilities	2,246	3,669
Deferred compensation and other non-current liabilities	2,647	1,446
Deferred income taxes, net of current portion	1,840	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; 9,580,508 shares and 10,048,611 shares issued and outstanding at September 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013, respectively	84,694	93,242
Retained earnings	143,802	133,980
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-4,671	-3,424
Total CRA International, Inc. shareholders' equity	223,825	223,798
Noncontrolling interest	686	839
Total shareholders' equity	224,511	224,637
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$307,632	$320,304

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance1

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets	'	'
Accounts receivable, allowances (in dollars)	$4,777	$7,210
Intangible assets, accumulated amortization (in dollars)	$9,406	$8,392
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0	$0
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 )	$0	$0
Common stock, shares authorized	25,000,000	25,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	9,580,508	10,048,611
Common stock, shares outstanding	9,580,508	10,048,611

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
Operating activities:	'	'
Net income	$9,664	$7,519
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities, net of effect of acquired businesses:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	4,748	4,853
Loss on disposal of property and equipment	-9	'
Deferred rent	-1,739	-1,594
Deferred income taxes	967	357
Share-based compensation expenses	4,123	2,153
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation	'	-5
Accounts receivable allowances	-2,655	-328
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:	'	'
Accounts receivable	8,515	-1,210
Unbilled services	-4,037	-8,710
Prepaid expenses and other assets	-302	-18,336
Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and other liabilities	-8,541	-1,840
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	10,752	-17,141
Investing activities:	'	'
Consideration relating to acquisitions, net	-1,537	-15,591
Purchase of property and equipment	-3,175	-2,497
Collections on notes receivable	114	14
Net cash used in investing activities	-4,598	-18,074
Financing activities:	'	'
Issuance of common stock, principally stock option exercises	'	207
Borrowings under line of credit	'	17,320
Repayments under line of credit	'	-17,320
Payments on notes payable	-26	-700
Payments of debt issuance costs	'	-1,039
Tax withholding payment reimbursed by restricted shares	-159	-227
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation	'	5
Repurchase of common stock	-11,927	-631
Net cash used in financing activities	-12,112	-2,385
Effect of foreign exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents	-609	51
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	-6,567	-37,549
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	51,251	55,451
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	44,684	17,902
Noncash investing and financing activities:	'	'
Issuance of common stock for acquired business	427	'
Supplemental cash flow information:	'	'
Cash paid for income taxes	12,608	1,337
Cash paid for interest	$287	$222

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme1

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Shareholders' Equity (USD $)	CRA International, Inc. Shareholders' Equity	Common Stock	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Noncontrolling Interest	Total
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
BALANCE at Dec. 28, 2013	$223,798	$93,242	$133,980	($3,424)	$839	$224,637
BALANCE (in shares) at Dec. 28, 2013	'	10,048,611	'	'	'	10,048,611
Increase (Decrease) in Shareholders' Equity	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	9,822	'	9,822	'	-158	9,664
Foreign currency translation adjustment	-1,247	'	'	-1,247	'	-1,247
Issuance of common stock	427	427	'	'	'	427
Issuance of common stock (in shares)	'	22,520	'	'	'	'
Share-based compensation expense for employees	3,958	3,958	'	'	'	3,958
Share-based compensation expense for non-employees	165	165	'	'	'	165
Restricted share vesting (in shares)	'	48,128	'	'	'	'
Redemption of vested employee restricted shares for tax withholding	-159	-159	'	'	'	-159
Redemption of vested employee restricted shares for tax withholding (in shares)	'	-7,057	'	'	'	'
Tax deficit on stock options and restricted shares vesting	-239	-239	'	'	'	-239
Shares repurchased	-12,700	-12,700	'	'	'	-12,700
Shares repurchased (in shares)	'	-531,694	'	'	'	-531,694
Equity transactions of noncontrolling interest	'	'	'	'	5	5
BALANCE at Sep. 27, 2014	$223,825	$84,694	$143,802	($4,671)	$686	$224,511
BALANCE (in shares) at Sep. 27, 2014	'	9,580,508	'	'	'	9,580,508

Description_of_Business

Description of Business	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Description of Business	'
Description of Business	'
	1. Description of Business
	CRA International, Inc. (the "Company" or "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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 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 and year-to-date periods ended September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013, the condensed consolidated comprehensive income statements for the fiscal quarters and year-to-date periods ended September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013, the condensed consolidated balance sheet as of September 27, 2014, the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for the fiscal year-to-date periods ended September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013, and the condensed consolidated statement of shareholders' equity for the fiscal year-to-date period ended September 27, 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 the Company'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.
	The condensed consolidated statement of cash flows for the fiscal year-to-date period ended September 28, 2013 has been adjusted to properly present payments of debt issuance costs, which were previously presented in cash used in operating activities and have been reclassified to cash used in financing activities. This revision is not material to CRA's consolidated financial statements taken as a whole.

Principles_of_Consolidation

Principles of Consolidation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Principles of Consolidation	'
Principles of Consolidation	'
	3. Principles of Consolidation
	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries. In addition, the consolidated financial statements include the Company'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. 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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Recent Accounting Standards	'
Recent Accounting Standards	'
	4. Recent Accounting Standards
	Accounting for Share-Based Payments
	In June 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2014-12, Accounting  for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period (a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force) ("ASU 2014-12"). ASU 2014-12 clarifies that entities should treat performance targets that can be met after the requisite service period of a share-based payment award as performance conditions that affect vesting. Therefore, an entity would not record compensation expense (measured as of the grant date without taking into account the effect of the performance target) related to an award for which transfer to the employee is contingent on the entity's satisfaction of a performance target until it becomes probable that the performance target will be met. There are no new disclosures required under ASU 2014-12. ASU 2014-12 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2015. CRA believes that the adoption of ASU 2014-12 will not have a material impact on its financial position, results of operations, cash flows, or disclosures.
	Revenue from Contracts with Customers
	In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers ("ASU 2014-09"). The main provision of ASU 2014-09 is to recognize revenue when control of the goods or services transfers to the customer, as opposed to the existing guidance of recognizing revenue when the risks and rewards transfer to the customer. ASU 2014-09 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2016. CRA has not yet determined the effects, if any, that the adoption of ASU 2014-09 may have on its financial position, results of operations, cash flows, or disclosures.
	Presentation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits
	In July 2013, the FASB issued 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 a net operating loss 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_and_Cash_Equivalents

Cash and Cash Equivalents	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Cash and Cash Equivalents	'
Cash and Cash Equivalents	'
	5. Cash and Cash Equivalents
	Cash equivalents consist principally of money market funds and commercial paper, with maturities of three months or less when purchased. As of September 27, 2014, a substantial portion of the Company's cash accounts was concentrated at a single financial institution, which potentially exposes the Company to credit risks. The financial institution has a short-term credit rating of A-2 by Standard & Poor's ratings services. The Company has not experienced any losses related to such accounts, and the Company does not believe that there is significant risk of non-performance by the financial institution. The Company's cash on deposit at this financial institution is fully liquid, and the Company continually monitors the credit ratings of this financial institution.

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Fair Value Measurements	'
Fair Value Measurements	'
	6. Fair Value Measurements
	Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurement), then priority to quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active and model-based valuation techniques for which all significant assumptions are observable in the market (Level 2 measurement), then the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurement).
	The following table shows CRA's assets as of September 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013 that are measured and recorded in the financial statements at fair value on a recurring basis (in thousands):
		September 27, 2014
		Quoted Prices in Active Markets		Significant Other		Unobservable
		for Identical Assets or Liabilities		Observable Inputs		Inputs
		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	Money market funds	$	20,037	$	—	$	—
	Commercial paper		—		4,999		—
		December 28, 2013
		Quoted Prices in Active Markets		Significant Other		Unobservable
		for Identical Assets or Liabilities		Observable Inputs		Inputs
		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	Money market funds	$	21,034	$	—	$	—
	Commercial paper		—		9,000		—
	The fair values of the Company's money market funds are based on quotes received from third-party banks. The fair value of commercial paper is based on broker quotes that utilize observable market inputs. The carrying amounts of the Company's 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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets, and Other Assets	'
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets, and Other Assets	'
	7. Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets, and Other Assets
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets consist of the following (in thousands):
		September 27,		December 28,
		2014		2013
	Term loans to employees	$	1,664	$	1,764
	Other		12,432		10,011
	Total	$	14,096	$	11,775
	Other assets consist of the following (in thousands):
		September 27,		December 28,
		2014		2013
	Forgivable loans to employees and non-employee experts	$	44,624	$	51,083
	Other		2,633		3,538
	Total	$	47,257	$	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 September 27, 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 fiscal year-to-date period ended September 27, 2014, CRA issued approximately $10.2 million in forgivable loans to employees and non-employee experts for future service.

Goodwill

Goodwill	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Goodwill	'
Goodwill	'
	8. Goodwill
	In accordance 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 year-to-date periods ended September 27, 2014 and September 28, 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 year-to-date period ended September 27, 2014, are as follows (in thousands):
		Goodwill,			Accumulated			Goodwill,
		gross			impairment			net
					losses
	Balance at December 28, 2013	$	153,466		$	(71,893	)	$	81,573
	Goodwill adjustments related to acquisitions		1,809			—			1,809
	Effect of foreign currency translation		(257	)		—			(257	)
	Balance at September 27, 2014	$	155,018		$	(71,893	)	$	83,125
	The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill during the fiscal year-to-date period ended September 28, 2013, are as follows (in thousands):
		Goodwill,			Accumulated			Goodwill,
		gross			impairment			net
					losses
	Balance at December 29, 2012	$	142,658		$	(71,893	)	$	70,765
	Goodwill adjustments related to acquisition		5,358			—			5,358
	Goodwill adjustments related to NeuCo		(63	)		—			(63	)
	Effect of foreign currency translation		(34	)		—			(34	)
	Balance at September 28, 2013	$	147,919		$	(71,893	)	$	76,026

Accrued_Expenses

Accrued Expenses	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Accrued Expenses	'
Accrued Expenses	'
	9. Accrued Expenses
	Accrued expenses consist of the following (in thousands):
		September 27,		December 28,
		2014		2013
	Compensation and related expenses	$	50,414	$	51,960
	Forgivable loans to employees		—		4,966
	Income taxes payable		740		3,503
	Other		5,391		5,228
	Total	$	56,545	$	65,657
	As of September 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013, approximately $37.6 million and $40.0 million of accrued bonuses were included above in "Compensation and related expenses".

Credit_Agreement

Credit Agreement	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Credit Agreement	'
Credit Agreement	'
	10. Credit Agreement
	As of September 27, 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 facility 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 September 27, 2014.
	As of September 27, 2014, the amount available under this revolving line of credit was reduced by certain letters of credit outstanding, which amounted to $1.3 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 September 27, 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. As of September 27, 2014, CRA was in compliance with the covenants of its credit agreement.

Revenue_Recognition

Revenue Recognition	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Revenue Recognition	'
Revenue Recognition	'
	11. Revenue Recognition
	CRA derives substantially all of its revenues from the performance of professional services. CRA's revenues include projects secured by our non-employee experts as well as projects secured by our employees. CRA recognizes all project revenue on a gross basis based on consideration of the criteria set forth in ASC Topic 605-45, Principal Agent Considerations.
	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				Fiscal Year to Date
						Period Ended
		September 27,		September 28,		September 27,		September 28,
		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Reimbursable expenses	$	8,683	$	9,521	$	26,369	$	26,929
	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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 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. CRA's unvested shares of restricted stock that contain rights to receive non-forfeitable dividends are considered participating securities, but net earnings available to these participating securities were not significant for the third quarter and fiscal year-to-date period ended September 27, 2014. A reconciliation of basic to diluted weighted average shares of common stock outstanding is as follows (in thousands):
		Quarter Ended				Fiscal Year to Date
						Period Ended
		September 27,		September 28,		September 27,		September 28,
		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Basic weighted average shares outstanding		9,729		10,093		9,892		10,088
	Common stock equivalents:
	Stock options and restricted shares		190		99		126		92
	Diluted weighted average shares outstanding		9,919		10,192		10,018		10,180
	For the fiscal quarter and fiscal year-to-date period ended September 27, 2014, 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 319,564 and 831,975 shares, respectively. For the fiscal quarter and fiscal year-to-date period ended September 28, 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 1,048,432 and 1,085,432 shares, respectively. These share-based awards were antidilutive because their exercise price exceeded the average market price for the applicable period.
	On August 10, 2012 and February 13, 2014, the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $5.0 million and $15.0 million, respectively, of CRA's common stock. During the third quarter and fiscal year-to-date period ended September 28, 2013, CRA repurchased and retired 33,775 shares under these share repurchase programs at an average price per share of $18.70. During the third quarter of fiscal 2014, CRA repurchased and retired 279,094 shares under these share repurchase programs at an average price per share of $25.73. During the fiscal year-to-date period ended September 27, 2014, CRA repurchased and retired 531,694 shares under these share repurchase programs at an average price per share of $23.91. There was approximately $3.7 million available for future repurchases under these programs as of September 27, 2014.
	On October 23, 2014, CRA announced that its Board of Directors approved a share repurchase program of up to $30 million of CRA's common stock, in addition to the share repurchase programs discussed above.
	CRA may repurchase shares under any of these programs in open market purchases in privately negotiated transactions (including through any 10b5-1 plan adopted by CRA) in accordance with applicable insider trading and other securities laws and regulations. CRA records the retirement of its repurchased shares as a reduction to common stock.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Income Taxes	'
Income Taxes	'
	13. Income Taxes
	CRA's effective income tax rates were 42.8% and 44.0% for the third quarters of fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2013, respectively. The effective tax rate in the third quarter of fiscal 2014 was higher than CRA's combined Federal and state statutory tax rate primarily due to certain unfavorable tax adjustments, offset partially by a favorable geographical mix of earnings. The effective tax rate for the third quarter of fiscal 2013 was higher than the Company's combined Federal and state statutory tax rate primarily due to losses in foreign jurisdictions that provided no tax benefit.
	CRA's effective income tax rates were 44.1% and 40.8% for the fiscal year-to-date periods ended September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013, respectively. The effective tax rate for the fiscal year-to-date period ended September 27, 2014 was higher than CRA's combined Federal and state statutory tax rate primarily due to the approximately $0.8 million non-cash tax expense recorded in the second quarter of fiscal 2014 to correct an immaterial error in CRA's previously issued consolidated financial statements, partially offset by certain favorable tax adjustments that were treated as discrete items in the first half of fiscal 2014. The effective tax rate for the fiscal year-to-date period ended September 28, 2013 was lower than the Company's combined Federal and state statutory tax rate primarily due to the favorable settlement of a tax matter in the first quarter of fiscal 2013, partially offset by a discrete tax adjustment of $0.3 million recorded in the second quarter of fiscal 2013 and the effect of losses in foreign jurisdictions that provided no tax benefit in the fiscal year-to-date period ended September 28, 2013.
	CRA has not provided for deferred income taxes or foreign withholding taxes on undistributed earnings from its foreign subsidiaries as of September 27, 2014, because such earnings are considered to be indefinitely reinvested. CRA does not rely on these unremitted earnings as a source of funds for its domestic business as CRA expects to have sufficient cash flow and availability from its cash generated from operations and amounts available under its bank line of credit to fund its U.S. operational and strategic needs. If CRA were to repatriate its foreign earnings that are indefinitely reinvested, it would incur minimal additional tax expense.

Restructuring_Charges

Restructuring Charges	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Restructuring Charges	'
Restructuring Charges	'
	14. Restructuring Charges
	The Company did not incur any restructuring charges during the quarter or fiscal year-to-date period ended September 27, 2014. The restructuring reserve balance was as follows as of September 27, 2014 (in thousands):
		Office
		Vacancies
	Balance at December 28, 2013	$	1,170
	Amounts paid, net of amounts received, during the fiscal year-to-date period ended September 27, 2014		(549	)
	Adjustments and foreign currency translation during the fiscal year-to-date period ended September 27, 2014		20
	Balance at September 27, 2014	$	641
	On the accompanying balance sheet as of September 27, 2014, the reserve balance of $0.6 million was classified principally in "current portion of deferred rent".
	The Company did not incur any restructuring charges during the quarter or fiscal year-to-date period ended September 28, 2013. The restructuring reserve balance was as follows as of September 28, 2013 (in thousands):
		Facility-Related			Employee			Total
		Costs			Workforce			Restructuring
					Reduction
	Balance at December 29, 2012	$	2,106		$	873		$	2,979
	Amounts paid during the fiscal year-to-date period ended September 28, 2013		(689	)		(729	)		(1,418	)
	Adjustments and effect of foreign currency translation during the fiscal year-to-date period ended September 28, 2013		(177	)		(144	)		(321	)
	Balance at September 28, 2013	$	1,240		$	—		$	1,240

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Fair Value Measurements	'
Fair value assets measured and recorded at fair value on a recurring basis	'
	The following table shows CRA's assets as of September 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013 that are measured and recorded in the financial statements at fair value on a recurring basis (in thousands):
		September 27, 2014
		Quoted Prices in Active Markets		Significant Other		Unobservable
		for Identical Assets or Liabilities		Observable Inputs		Inputs
		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	Money market funds	$	20,037	$	—	$	—
	Commercial paper		—		4,999		—
		December 28, 2013
		Quoted Prices in Active Markets		Significant Other		Unobservable
		for Identical Assets or Liabilities		Observable Inputs		Inputs
		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	Money market funds	$	21,034	$	—	$	—
	Commercial paper		—		9,000		—

Prepaid_Expenses_and_Other_Cur1

Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets, and Other Assets (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 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):
		September 27,		December 28,
		2014		2013
	Term loans to employees	$	1,664	$	1,764
	Other		12,432		10,011
	Total	$	14,096	$	11,775
Schedule of other assets	'
	Other assets consist of the following (in thousands):
		September 27,		December 28,
		2014		2013
	Forgivable loans to employees and non-employee experts	$	44,624	$	51,083
	Other		2,633		3,538
	Total	$	47,257	$	54,621

Goodwill_Tables

Goodwill (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Goodwill	'
Schedule of changes in the carrying amount of goodwill	'
	The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill during the fiscal year-to-date period ended September 27, 2014, are as follows (in thousands):
		Goodwill,			Accumulated			Goodwill,
		gross			impairment			net
					losses
	Balance at December 28, 2013	$	153,466		$	(71,893	)	$	81,573
	Goodwill adjustments related to acquisitions		1,809			—			1,809
	Effect of foreign currency translation		(257	)		—			(257	)
	Balance at September 27, 2014	$	155,018		$	(71,893	)	$	83,125
	The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill during the fiscal year-to-date period ended September 28, 2013, are as follows (in thousands):
		Goodwill,			Accumulated			Goodwill,
		gross			impairment			net
					losses
	Balance at December 29, 2012	$	142,658		$	(71,893	)	$	70,765
	Goodwill adjustments related to acquisition		5,358			—			5,358
	Goodwill adjustments related to NeuCo		(63	)		—			(63	)
	Effect of foreign currency translation		(34	)		—			(34	)
	Balance at September 28, 2013	$	147,919		$	(71,893	)	$	76,026

Accrued_Expenses_Tables

Accrued Expenses (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Accrued Expenses	'
Schedule of accrued expenses	'
	Accrued expenses consist of the following (in thousands):
		September 27,		December 28,
		2014		2013
	Compensation and related expenses	$	50,414	$	51,960
	Forgivable loans to employees		—		4,966
	Income taxes payable		740		3,503
	Other		5,391		5,228
	Total	$	56,545	$	65,657

Revenue_Recognition_Tables

Revenue Recognition (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Revenue Recognition	'
Schedule of reimbursable expenses included in revenues	'
	Reimbursable expenses are as follows (in thousands):
		Quarter Ended				Fiscal Year to Date
						Period Ended
		September 27,		September 28,		September 27,		September 28,
		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Reimbursable expenses	$	8,683	$	9,521	$	26,369	$	26,929

Net_Income_per_Share_Tables

Net Income per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 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				Fiscal Year to Date
						Period Ended
		September 27,		September 28,		September 27,		September 28,
		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Basic weighted average shares outstanding		9,729		10,093		9,892		10,088
	Common stock equivalents:
	Stock options and restricted shares		190		99		126		92
	Diluted weighted average shares outstanding		9,919		10,192		10,018		10,180

Restructuring_Charges_Tables

Restructuring Charges (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Restructuring Charges	'
Schedule of restructuring reserve balance	'
	The restructuring reserve balance was as follows as of September 27, 2014 (in thousands):
		Office
		Vacancies
	Balance at December 28, 2013	$	1,170
	Amounts paid, net of amounts received, during the fiscal year-to-date period ended September 27, 2014		(549	)
	Adjustments and foreign currency translation during the fiscal year-to-date period ended September 27, 2014		20
	Balance at September 27, 2014	$	641
	The restructuring reserve balance was as follows as of September 28, 2013 (in thousands):
		Facility-Related			Employee			Total
		Costs			Workforce			Restructuring
					Reduction
	Balance at December 29, 2012	$	2,106		$	873		$	2,979
	Amounts paid during the fiscal year-to-date period ended September 28, 2013		(689	)		(729	)		(1,418	)
	Adjustments and effect of foreign currency translation during the fiscal year-to-date period ended September 28, 2013		(177	)		(144	)		(321	)
	Balance at September 28, 2013	$	1,240		$	—		$	1,240

Description_of_Business_Detail

Description of Business (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
	item
Description of Business	'
Number of broad areas of services	2
Number of business segments	1

Fair_Value_Measurements_Detail

Fair Value Measurements (Details) (Recurring, USD $)	Sep. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Level 1 | Money Market Funds	'	'
Fair value measurements	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$20,037	$21,034
Level 2 | Commercial Paper	'	'
Fair value measurements	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$4,999	$9,000

Prepaid_Expenses_and_Other_Cur2

Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets, and Other Assets (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	'	'
Term loans to employees	$1,664,000	$1,764,000
Other	12,432,000	10,011,000
Total	14,096,000	11,775,000
Other assets	'	'
Forgivable loans to employees and non-employee experts	44,624,000	51,083,000
Other	2,633,000	3,538,000
Total	47,257,000	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 issued to future employees for future service	$10,200,000	'

Goodwill_Details

Goodwill (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 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	1,809,000	5,358,000
Goodwill adjustments related to NeuCo	'	-63,000
Effect of foreign currency translation	-257,000	-34,000
Balance at the end of the period, gross	155,018,000	147,919,000
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	$83,125,000	$76,026,000

Accrued_Expenses_Details

Accrued Expenses (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
Accrued Expenses	'	'
Compensation and related expenses	$50,414,000	$51,960,000
Forgivable loans to employees	'	4,966,000
Income taxes payable	740,000	3,503,000
Other	5,391,000	5,228,000
Total	56,545,000	65,657,000
Accrued bonuses	$37,600,000	$40,000,000

Credit_Agreement_Details

Credit Agreement (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 27, 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	1.3
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		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
Revenue Recognition	'	'	'	'
Reimbursable expenses	$8,683	$9,521	$26,369	$26,929

Net_Income_per_Share_Details

Net Income per Share (Details)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
Reconciliation of basic to diluted weighted average shares of common stock outstanding	'	'	'	'
Basic weighted average shares outstanding	9,729,000	10,093,000	9,892,000	10,088,000
Common stock equivalents:	'	'	'	'
Stock options and restricted shares (in shares)	190,000	99,000	126,000	92,000
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding	9,919,000	10,192,000	10,018,000	10,180,000
Calculation of common stock equivalents for purposes of computing diluted weighted average shares outstanding	'	'	'	'
Anti-dilutive securities excluded from EPS computation (in shares)	319,564	1,048,432	831,975	1,085,432

Net_Income_per_Share_Details_2

Net Income per Share (Details 2) (USD $)	0 Months Ended			3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 23, 2014	Feb. 13, 2014	Aug. 10, 2012	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
Share Repurchase Program	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Share repurchase program, amount authorized to be repurchased	$30	$15	$5	'	'	'	'
Number of shares repurchased and retired	'	'	'	279,094	33,775	531,694	33,775
Average repurchase price per share (in dollars per share)	'	'	'	$25.73	$18.70	$23.91	$18.70
Amount available for future repurchases	'	'	'	'	'	$3.70	'

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 27, 2014	Jun. 28, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013	Jun. 29, 2013	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
Income Taxes	'	'	'	'	'	'
Effective tax rate (as a percent)	42.80%	'	44.00%	'	44.10%	40.80%
Non-cash tax expense	'	$0.80	'	'	'	'
Tax adjustment	'	'	'	$0.30	'	'

Restructuring_Charges_Details

Restructuring Charges (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
Restructuring reserve balance	'	'
Balance at the beginning of the period	'	$2,979
Amounts paid, net of amounts received	'	-1,418
Adjustments and effect of foreign currency translation	'	-321
Balance at the end of the period	'	1,240
Office Vacancies	'	'
Restructuring reserve balance	'	'
Balance at the beginning of the period	1,170	2,106
Amounts paid, net of amounts received	-549	-689
Adjustments and effect of foreign currency translation	20	-177
Balance at the end of the period	641	1,240
Employee Workforce Reduction	'	'
Restructuring reserve balance	'	'
Balance at the beginning of the period	'	873
Amounts paid, net of amounts received	'	-729
Adjustments and effect of foreign currency translation	'	($144)