CRA International (CRAI) 10-K 17 Mar 15 2014 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 03, 2015	Mar. 10, 2015	Jun. 28, 2014
Document and Entity Information
Entity Registrant Name	CRA INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Entity Central Index Key	1053706
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	3-Jan-15
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-2
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float			$220.30
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		9,205,740
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_OPE

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 03, 2015	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
Revenues	$306,371	$278,432	$270,390
Costs of services	206,813	189,262	182,381
Gross profit	99,558	89,170	88,009
Selling, general and administrative expenses	69,074	64,242	67,235
Depreciation and amortization	6,443	6,411	7,190
Goodwill impairment	0	0	71,394
Income (loss) from operations	24,041	18,517	-57,810
Interest income	163	155	264
Interest expense	-594	-574	-300
Other expense, net	-295	-180	-177
Income (loss) before (provision) benefit for income taxes	23,315	17,918	-58,023
(Provision) benefit for income taxes	-9,908	-6,683	5,180
Net income (loss)	13,407	11,235	-52,843
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest, net of tax	231	135	-147
Net income (loss) attributable to CRA International, Inc.	$13,638	$11,370	($52,990)
Net income per share attributable to CRA International, Inc.:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$1.40	$1.13	($5.21)
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$1.38	$1.12	($5.21)
Weighted average number of shares outstanding:
Basic (in shares)	9,747	10,084	10,167
Diluted (in shares)	9,897	10,173	10,167

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_COM

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 03, 2015	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
Net income (loss)	$13,407	$11,235	($52,843)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-3,280	964	1,950
Comprehensive income (loss)	10,127	12,199	-50,893
Less: comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	231	135	-147
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to CRA International, Inc.	$10,358	$12,334	($51,040)

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Jan. 03, 2015	Dec. 28, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$48,199	$51,251
Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $4,177 at January 3, 2015 and $7,210 at December 28, 2013	58,080	57,856
Unbilled services, net of allowance of $2,233 at January 3, 2015 and at $1,827 at December 28, 2013	25,085	24,275
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	13,165	11,775
Deferred income taxes	20,638	17,806
Total current assets	165,167	162,963
Property and equipment, net	14,696	15,655
Goodwill	82,303	81,573
Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $9,584 at January 3, 2015 and $8,392 at December 28, 2013	4,757	4,537
Deferred income taxes, net of current portion	174	955
Other assets	47,915	54,621
Total assets	315,012	320,304
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	13,700	13,766
Accrued expenses	66,548	65,657
Deferred revenue and other liabilities	6,220	6,098
Deferred income taxes	121
Current portion of deferred rent	1,623	2,322
Current portion of deferred compensation	182	117
Total current liabilities	88,394	87,960
Notes payable, net of current portion	981	1,007
Deferred rent and facility-related non-current liabilities	4,535	3,669
Deferred compensation and other non-current liabilities	3,371	1,446
Deferred income taxes, net of current portion	3,027	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; 9,228,272 and 10,048,611 shares issued and outstanding at January 3, 2015 and December 28, 2013, respectively	73,171	93,242
Retained earnings	147,618	133,980
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-6,704	-3,424
Total CRA International, Inc. shareholders' equity	214,085	223,798
Noncontrolling interest	619	839
Total shareholders' equity	214,704	224,637
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$315,012	$320,304

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Jan. 03, 2015	Dec. 28, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
Accounts receivable, net of allowances (in dollars)	$4,177	$7,210
Allowance for unbilled services (in dollars)	2,233	1,827
Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization (in dollars)	$9,584	$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	9,228,272	10,048,611
Common stock, shares outstanding	9,228,272	10,048,611

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 03, 2015	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Operating activities:
Net income (loss)	$13,407	$11,235	($52,843)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities, net of effect of acquired businesses:
Depreciation and amortization	6,438	6,460	5,841
Loss on disposal of property and equipment	28	16	1,444
Goodwill impairment	0	0	71,394
Deferred rent	220	-1,903	-4,475
Deferred income taxes	-1,431	3,924	-9,882
Share-based compensation expenses	5,619	3,035	4,947
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation	-392	-7	-81
Accounts receivable allowances	-2,996	-2,186	2,814
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	1,929	9,917	10,271
Unbilled services	-738	-2,997	-4,674
Prepaid expenses and other current assets, and other assets	-86	-20,160	-19,870
Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and other liabilities	8,152	11,114	-13,411
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	30,150	18,448	-8,525
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Consideration relating to acquisitions, net	-1,784	-15,591
Purchase of property and equipment	-4,192	-2,816	-2,732
Purchase of investments			-9,494
Sale of investments			23,989
Collections on notes receivable	114	14	989
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities	-5,862	-18,393	12,752
Financing activities:
Issuance of common stock, principally stock option exercises	469	207	647
Borrowings under line of credit		17,320
payments under line of credit		-17,320
Payments on notes payable	-26	-700	-650
Payments of debt issuance costs		-1,120
Tax withholding payment reimbursed by restricted shares	-1,222	-730	-1,360
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation	392	7	81
Repurchase of common stock	-25,492	-2,190	-9,062
Net cash used in financing activities	-25,879	-4,526	-10,344
Effect of foreign exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents	-1,461	271	-19
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	-3,052	-4,200	-6,136
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	51,251	55,451	61,587
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	48,199	51,251	55,451
Noncash investing and financing activities:
Issuance of common stock for acquired business	427
Supplemental cash flow information:
Cash paid for taxes	15,580	2,887	8,718
Cash paid for interest	$443	$339	$223

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_SHA

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (USD $)	CRA International, Inc. Shareholders' Equity	Common Stock	Receivables from Shareholders	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Noncontrolling Interest	Total
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
BALANCE at Dec. 31, 2011	$267,604	$98,578	($236)	$175,600	($6,338)	$803	$268,407
BALANCE (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2011		10,329,051
Increase (Decrease) in Shareholders' Equity
Net income (loss)	-52,990			-52,990		147	-52,843
Foreign currency translation adjustment	1,950				1,950		1,950
Exercise of stock options	647	647					647
Exercise of stock options (in shares)		47,185					47,185
Share-based compensation expense for employees	4,868	4,868					4,868
Restricted share vesting (in shares)		216,528
Redemption of vested employee restricted shares for tax withholding	-1,360	-1,360					-1,360
Redemption of vested employee restricted shares for tax withholding (in shares)		-69,207
Tax (deficit) benefit on stock options and restricted shares vesting	-576	-576					-576
Payments received on notes receivable from shareholders	116		116				116
Shares repurchased	-9,062	-9,062					-9,062
Shares repurchased (in shares)		-466,109					-466,109
Share-based compensation expense for non-employees	79	79					79
Equity transactions of noncontrolling interest						8	8
BALANCE at Dec. 29, 2012	211,276	93,174	-120	122,610	-4,388	958	212,234
BALANCE (in shares) at Dec. 29, 2012		10,057,448
Increase (Decrease) in Shareholders' Equity
Net income (loss)	11,370			11,370		-135	11,235
Foreign currency translation adjustment	964				964		964
Exercise of stock options	207	207					207
Exercise of stock options (in shares)		13,389					13,389
Share-based compensation expense for employees	2,888	2,888					2,888
Restricted share vesting (in shares)		134,384
Redemption of vested employee restricted shares for tax withholding	-730	-730					-730
Redemption of vested employee restricted shares for tax withholding (in shares)		-37,642
Tax (deficit) benefit on stock options and restricted shares vesting	-254	-254					-254
Payments received on notes receivable from shareholders	120		120				120
Shares repurchased	-2,190	-2,190					-2,190
Shares repurchased (in shares)		-118,968					-118,968
Share-based compensation expense for non-employees	147	147					147
Equity transactions of noncontrolling interest						16	16
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)	13,638			13,638		-231	13,407
Foreign currency translation adjustment	-3,280				-3,280		-3,280
Issuance of common stock	427	427					427
Issuance of common stock (in shares)		22,520
Exercise of stock options	469	469					469
Exercise of stock options (in shares)		20,931					20,931
Share-based compensation expense for employees	5,348	5,348					5,348
Restricted share vesting (in shares)		149,195
Redemption of vested employee restricted shares for tax withholding	-1,222	-1,222					-1,222
Redemption of vested employee restricted shares for tax withholding (in shares)		-41,470
Tax (deficit) benefit on stock options and restricted shares vesting	128	128					128
Shares repurchased	-25,492	-25,492					-25,492
Shares repurchased (in shares)		-971,515					-971,515
Share-based compensation expense for non-employees	271	271					271
Equity transactions of noncontrolling interest						11	11
BALANCE at Jan. 03, 2015	$214,085	$73,171		$147,618	($6,704)	$619	$214,704
BALANCE (in shares) at Jan. 03, 2015		9,228,272					9,228,272

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	1.     Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	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 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.
	Fiscal Year
	CRA's fiscal year end is the Saturday nearest December 31 of each year. CRA's fiscal years periodically contain 53 weeks rather than 52 weeks. Fiscal 2014 was a 53-week year; fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012 were 52-week years.
	Principles of Consolidation
	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of CRA and its wholly owned subsidiaries. In addition, as more fully explained below, the consolidated financial statements include CRA's interest in NeuCo, Inc. ("NeuCo"). All significant intercompany accounts have been eliminated.
	NeuCo Interest
	CRA's ownership interest in NeuCo is 55.89% for all periods presented. Therefore, NeuCo's financial results have been consolidated with CRA's and the portion of NeuCo's results allocable to its other owners is shown as "noncontrolling interest." NeuCo's revenues included in CRA's consolidated statements of operations for fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013, and fiscal 2012 totaled approximately $4.8 million, $5.1 million, and $5.5 million, respectively. NeuCo's net loss included in CRA's consolidated statements of operations for fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2013 was approximately $0.5 million and $0.3 million, respectively. NeuCo's net income included in CRA's consolidated statements of operations for fiscal fiscal 2012 was approximately $0.3 million. NeuCo's net loss, net of amounts allocable to its other owners, included in CRA's consolidated statements of operations for each of fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2013 was approximately $0.2 million. NeuCo's net income, net of amounts allocable to its other owners, included in CRA's consolidated statements of operations for fiscal 2012 was approximately $0.2 million. NeuCo's interim reporting schedule is based on calendar month-ends, and 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, if any, will have a significant impact on CRA's consolidated statements of operations or financial condition.
	Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. 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 consolidated revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Estimates in these consolidated financial statements include, but are not limited to, accounts and unbilled 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 and 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.
	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. These engagements generally last three to six months, although some of CRA's engagements can be much longer in duration. Each contract must be approved by one of CRA's vice presidents.
	CRA recognizes substantially all of its revenues under written service contracts with its clients when the fee is fixed or determinable, as the services are provided, and only in those situations where collection from the client is reasonably assured and sufficient contractual documentation has been obtained. In certain cases CRA provides services to its clients without sufficient contractual documentation, or fees are tied to performance-based criteria, which require CRA to defer revenue in accordance with U.S. GAAP. In these cases, these amounts are fully reserved until all criteria for recognizing revenue are met.
	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 the consideration of the criteria set forth in Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 605-45, Principal Agent Considerations.
	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 the 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. CRA derived approximately 15%, 13%, and 15% of consolidated revenues from fixed-price engagements in fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013, and fiscal 2012, respectively. In general, project costs are classified as 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 non-employee experts. The proportional performance method is used for fixed-price contracts because reasonably dependable estimates of the revenues and costs applicable to various stages of a contract can be made, based on historical experience and the terms set forth in the contract, and are indicative of the level of benefit provided to CRA's clients. Fixed-price contracts generally convert to time-and-materials contracts in the event the contract terminates. CRA's management maintains contact with project managers to discuss the status of the projects and, for fixed-price engagements, management is updated on the budgeted costs and resources required to complete the project. These budgets are then used to calculate revenue recognition and to estimate the anticipated income or loss on the project. Occasionally, CRA has been required to commit unanticipated additional resources to complete projects, which has resulted in lower than anticipated income or losses on those contracts. CRA may experience similar situations in the future. Provisions for estimated losses on contracts are made during the period in which such losses become probable and can be reasonably estimated. To date, such losses have not been significant.
	Revenues also include reimbursable expenses, which include reimbursements for travel and other out-of-pocket expenses, outside consultants, and other reimbursable expenses. Reimbursable expenses are as follows (in thousands):
			Year Ended			Year Ended			Year Ended
			January 3,			December 28,			December 29,
			2015			2013			2012
			(53 weeks)			(52 weeks)			(52 weeks)
	Reimbursable expenses		$	36,676		$	37,320		$	33,530
	CRA maintains accounts receivable allowances for estimated losses and disputed amounts resulting from clients' failure to make required payments. CRA bases its estimates on historical collection experience, current trends, and credit policy. In determining these estimates, CRA examines historical write-offs of its receivables and reviews client accounts to identify any specific customer collection issues.
	If the financial condition of CRA's customers were to deteriorate or disputes were to arise regarding the services provided, resulting in an impairment of their ability or intent to make payment, additional allowances may be required.
	Unbilled services represent revenue recognized by CRA for services performed but not yet billed to the client. Deferred revenue represents amounts billed or collected in advance of services rendered.
	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.
	Cash Equivalents
	Cash equivalents consist principally of money market funds and commercial paper with maturities of three months or less when purchased. As of January 3, 2015, 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. CRA's cash on deposit is fully liquid and CRA continually monitors the credit ratings of the 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.
	Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	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 financial instruments as of January 3, 2015 and December 28, 2013 that are measured and recorded in the financial statements at fair value on a recurring basis (in thousands):
			January 3, 2015
			Quoted Prices in			Significant			Unobservable
			Active Markets			Other			Inputs
			for Identical			Observable
			Assets or Liabilities			Inputs
			Level 1			Level 2			Level 3
	Assets:
	Money market funds		$	20,042		$	—		$	—
	Commercial paper			—			—			—
	Total Assets		$	20,042		$	—		$	—
	Liabilities:
	Contingent acquisition liability		$	—		$	—		$	316
	Total Liabilities		$	—		$	—		$	316
			December 28, 2013
			Quoted Prices in			Significant			Unobservable
			Active Markets			Other			Inputs
			for Identical			Observable
			Assets or Liabilities			Inputs
			Level 1			Level 2			Level 3
	Assets:
	Money market funds		$	21,034		$	—		$	—
	Commercial paper			—			9,000			—
	Total Assets		$	21,034		$	9,000		$	—
	Liabilities:
	Contingent acquisition liability		$	—		$	—		$	—
	Total Liabilities		$	—		$	—		$	—
	The fair values of CRA'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 fair value of the contingent acquisition liability is based on the use of a Monte Carlo model. This fair value measure is based on significant inputs not observed in the market and thus represents a Level 3 measurement. The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurements of this contingent acquisition liability are CRA's measures of the estimated payouts based on internally generated financial projections and discount rates.
	CRA's financial instruments, including cash, accounts receivable, loans and advances to employees and non-employee experts, accounts payable, and accrued expenses, are carried at cost, which approximates their fair value because of the short-term maturity of these instruments or because their stated interest rates are indicative of market interest rates.
	Goodwill
	In accordance with 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 the 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 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 which 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 the consolidated statement of operations.
There were no impairment losses related to goodwill during fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2013 as there were no events or circumstances that would more likely than not reduce CRA's fair value below its carrying amount.
When CRA performed its annual impairment test in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012, its net book value exceeded its market capitalization plus an estimated control premium. Therefore, CRA was required to perform the second step of the goodwill impairment test. In this step, CRA's fair value is allocated among all of its assets and liabilities, including any unrecognized intangible assets, in a hypothetical analysis that calculates the implied fair value of goodwill in the same manner as if CRA were being acquired in a business acquisition. If the implied fair value of goodwill is less than the recorded goodwill, an impairment charge is recorded for the difference. During the process of conducting the second step of the annual goodwill impairment test in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012, CRA identified significant unrecognized intangible assets. The combination of these hypothetical unrecognized intangible assets and other hypothetical unrecognized fair value changes to the carrying values of other assets and liabilities, together with the lower fair value calculated in the first step of the annual impairment test, resulted in a goodwill impairment charge of $71.4 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012.
The re-measurement of goodwill is classified as a Level 3 fair value assessment due to the significance of unobservable inputs developed using CRA-specific information. CRA used a combination of the income, cost and market approach techniques to determine the fair value of its assets and liabilities. The fair value adjustment to goodwill was computed as the difference between CRA's fair value and the fair value of underlying assets and liabilities. The unobservable inputs used to determine the fair value of the underlying assets and liabilities were based on CRA-specific information such as estimates of revenue and cost growth rates, profit margins, discount rates, and cost estimates.
Intangible Assets
Intangible assets that are separable from goodwill and have determinable useful lives are valued separately and amortized over their estimated useful lives. Intangible assets consist of non-competition agreements, customer relationships, customer lists, developed technology, and trademarks, all of which are amortized on a straight-line basis over their remaining useful lives of four to ten years.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are recorded at cost. Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method based on the estimated useful lives of three years for computer equipment, three to ten years for computer software, and ten years for furniture and fixtures. Amortization of leasehold improvements is calculated using the straight-line method over the shorter of the lease term or the estimated useful life of the leasehold improvements. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. Expenditures for renewals and betterments are capitalized.
Leases and Deferred Rent
CRA leases all of its office space. Leases are evaluated and classified as operating or capital leases for financial reporting purposes. For leases that contain rent escalations and rent holidays, CRA records the total rent payable during the lease term, as determined above, on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease and records the difference between the rents paid and the straight-line rent as deferred rent. Additionally, any tenant improvement allowances received from the lessor are recorded as a reduction to rent expense.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
CRA reviews the carrying value of its long-lived assets (primarily property and equipment and intangible assets) to assess the recoverability of these assets whenever events or circumstances indicate that impairment may have occurred. Factors CRA considers important that could trigger an impairment review include the following:
•	a significant underperformance relative to expected historical or projected future operating results;
•	a significant change in the manner of CRA's use of the acquired asset or the strategy for CRA's overall business; and
•	a significant negative industry or economic trend.
If CRA determines that an impairment review is required, CRA would review the expected future undiscounted cash flows to be generated by the assets or asset groups. If CRA determines that the carrying value of long-lived assets or asset groups may not be recoverable, CRA would measure any impairment based on a projected discounted cash flow method using a discount rate determined by CRA to be commensurate with the risk inherent in CRA's current business model. If impairment is indicated through this review, the carrying amount of the assets would be reduced to their estimated fair value.
Concentration of Credit Risk
CRA's billed and unbilled receivables consist of receivables from a broad range of clients in a variety of industries located throughout the U.S. and in other countries. CRA performs a credit evaluation of its clients to minimize its collectability risk. Periodically, CRA will require advance payment from certain clients. However, CRA does not require collateral or other security. CRA maintains accounts receivable allowances for estimated losses and disputed amounts resulting from clients' failures to make required payments. CRA bases its estimates on historical collection experience, current trends, and credit policy. In determining these estimates, CRA examines historical write-offs of its receivables and reviews client accounts to identify any specific customer collection issues. If the financial condition of any of CRA's customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability or intent to make payment, additional allowances may be required.
A rollforward of the accounts receivable allowances is as follows (in thousands):
		Fiscal			Fiscal			Fiscal
		Year			Year			Year
		2014			2013			2012
Balance at beginning of period		$	7,210		$	9,459		$	6,548
Change related to NeuCo			(18	)		(2	)		—
Increases to reserve			948			5,619			6,854
Amounts written off			(3,993	)		(7,891	)		(3,897	)
Effects of foreign currency translation			30			25			(46	)
Balance at end of period		$	4,177		$	7,210		$	9,459
A rollforward of the unbilled receivables allowances is as follows (in thousands):
		Fiscal			Fiscal			Fiscal
		Year			Year			Year
		2014			2013			2012
Balance at beginning of period		$	1,827		$	2,921		$	2,521
Increases to reserves			5,242			443			1,329
Amounts written off			(4,836	)		(1,538	)		(928	)
Effects of foreign currency translation			—			1			(1	)
Balance at end of period		$	2,233		$	1,827		$	2,921
Amounts deemed uncollectible are recorded as a reduction to revenues.
Share-Based Compensation
CRA accounts for equity-based compensation using a fair value based recognition method. Under the fair value recognition requirements of ASC Topic 718, "Compensation-Stock Compensation" ("ASC Topic 718"), share-based compensation cost is estimated at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and is recognized as expense over the requisite service period of the award. The amount of share-based compensation expense recognized at any date must at least equal the portion of grant date value of the award that is vested at that date. In accordance with ASC Topic 718, for performance-vesting restricted stock units awarded to employees, CRA estimates share-based compensation cost at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and recognizes the cost over the requisite service period using the graded acceleration method.
For share-based awards granted to non-employee experts, CRA accounts for the compensation under variable accounting in accordance with ASC Topic 718 and ASC Topic 505-50, "Equity-Based Payments to Non-Employees" (formerly Emerging Issues Task Force 96-18, "Accounting for Equity Instruments That Are Issued to Other Than Employees for Acquiring, or in Conjunction with Selling, Goods or Services"), and recognizes the cost over the related vesting period.
Income Taxes
CRA accounts for income taxes using the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized based upon anticipated future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective income tax bases, and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. A valuation allowance is recorded to reduce the carrying amounts of deferred tax assets if it is more likely than not that such assets will not be realized.
In addition, the calculation of CRA's tax liabilities involves dealing with uncertainties in the application of complex tax regulations in several different tax jurisdictions. CRA records liabilities for estimated tax obligations resulting in a provision for taxes that may become payable in the future, in accordance with ASC Topic 740-10, "Income Taxes," which prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return and also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, and disclosure. CRA includes accrued interest and penalties, if any, related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense.
Foreign Currency Translation
Balance sheet accounts of CRA's foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars at year-end exchange rates and operating accounts are translated at average exchange rates for each year. The resulting translation adjustments are recorded in shareholders' equity as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Foreign currency transactions are translated at current exchanges rates, with adjustments recorded in the statement of operations. The effect of transaction gains and losses recorded in income (loss) before (provision) benefit for income taxes amounted to losses of $0.3 million, $0.2 million, and $0.2 million for fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013, and fiscal 2012, respectively.
Recent Accounting Standards
Reporting of Going-Concern Uncertainties
In August 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2014-15, Presentation of Financial Statements—Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40): Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity's Ability to Continue as a Going Concern ("ASU 2014-15"). ASU 2014-15 is intended to define management's responsibility to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an organization's ability to continue as a going concern and provides guidance to an organization's management, with principles and definitions that are intended to reduce diversity in the timing and content of disclosures in the financial statement footnotes. ASU 2014-15 is effective for the annual period ending after December 15, 2016, and for annual periods and interim periods thereafter. Early application is permitted. CRA believes that the adoption of ASU 2014-15 will not have a material impact on its financial position, results of operations, cash flows, or disclosures.
Accounting for Share-Based Payments
In June 2014, the FASB issued 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.

Business_Acquisition

Business Acquisition	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Business Acquisition
Business Acquisition	2.     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 was accounted for under the purchase method of accounting, and the results of operations have been included in the accompanying statements of operations from the date of acquisition.

Prepaid_Expenses_and_Other_Cur

Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets, and Other Assets	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets, and Other Assets
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets, and Other Assets	3.     Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets, and Other Assets
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets consist of the following (in thousands):
		January 3,		December 28,
		2015		2013
	Term loans to employees	$	1,564	$	1,764
	Other		11,601		10,011
	Total	$	13,165	$	11,775
	Other assets consist of the following (in thousands):
		January 3,		December 28,
		2015		2013
	Forgivable loans to employees and non-employee experts	$	42,907	$	51,083
	Other		5,008		3,538
	Total	$	47,915	$	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" on the accompanying balance sheets as of January 3, 2015 and December 28, 2013. A portion of these loans is 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 fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2013, CRA issued approximately $10.9 million and $38.8 million, respectively, in forgivable loans to employees and non-employee experts for future service.

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	4.     Goodwill and Intangible Assets
	The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2013 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		1,797			—			1,797
	Effect of foreign currency translation		(1,067	)		—			(1,067	)
	Balance at January 3, 2015	$	154,196		$	(71,893	)	$	82,303
		Goodwill,			Accumulated			Goodwill,
		gross			impairment			net
					losses
	Balance at December 29, 2012	$	142,658		$	(71,893	)	$	70,765
	Goodwill adjustments related to acquisitions		10,563			—			10,563
	Goodwill adjustments related to NeuCo		(63	)		—			(63	)
	Effect of foreign currency translation		308			—			308
	Balance at December 28, 2013	$	153,466		$	(71,893	)	$	81,573
	There were no impairment losses related to goodwill during fiscal 2014 or fiscal 2013. When CRA performed its annual impairment test in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012, its net book value exceeded its market capitalization plus an estimated control premium. Therefore, CRA was required to perform the second step of the goodwill impairment test, which resulted in a goodwill impairment charge of $71.4 million. CRA recorded this goodwill impairment charge in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012.
	Intangible assets that are separable from goodwill and have determinable useful lives are valued separately and amortized over their expected useful lives. There were no impairment losses related to intangible assets during fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013, or fiscal 2012.
	The components of acquired identifiable intangible assets are as follows (in thousands):
		January 3,			December 28,
		2015			2013
	Non-competition agreements, net of accumulated amortization of $4,046 and $3,802, respectively	$	236		$	598
	Customer relationships, net of accumulated amortization of $3,746 and $3,550, respectively		4,521			3,909
	Other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $1,792 and $1,040, respectively		—			30
		$	4,757		$	4,537
	Amortization of intangible assets was $1.4 million, $1.2 million, and $0.8 million in fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013, and fiscal 2012, respectively. Amortization of intangible assets held at January 3, 2015 for the next five fiscal years is expected to be as follows (in thousands):
	Fiscal Year	Amortization
		Expense
	2015	$	1,063
	2016		899
	2017		857
	2018		831
	2019		563
		$	4,213

Property_and_Equipment

Property and Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Property and Equipment
Property and Equipment	5.     Property and Equipment
	Property and equipment consist of the following (in thousands):
		January 3,			December 28,
		2015			2013
	Computer, office equipment and software	$	24,197		$	25,034
	Leasehold improvements		21,613			21,388
	Furniture		7,730			7,788
			53,540			54,210
	Accumulated depreciation and amortization		(38,844	)		(38,555	)
		$	14,696		$	15,655
	Depreciation expense, including amounts recorded in costs of services, was $5.0 million, $5.2 million, and $5.0 million, in fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013, and fiscal 2012, respectively.

Accrued_Expenses

Accrued Expenses	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Accrued Expenses.
Accrued Expenses	6.     Accrued Expenses
	Accrued expenses consist of the following (in thousands):
		January 3,		December 28,
		2015		2013
	Compensation and related expenses	$	61,527	$	51,960
	Income taxes payable		490		3,503
	Other		4,531		10,194
		$	66,548	$	65,657
	As of January 3, 2015 and December 28, 2013, $49.2 million and $40.0 million of accrued bonuses for fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2013, respectively, were included above in "Compensation and related expenses".

Credit_Agreement

Credit Agreement	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Credit Agreement
Credit Agreement	7.     Credit Agreement
	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 January 3, 2015.
	As of January 3, 2015, 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 $6.4 million in net assets as of January 3, 2015.
	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 an adjusted consolidated EBITDA to consolidated interest expense 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 January 3, 2015, CRA was in compliance with the covenants of its credit agreement.

Employee_Benefit_Plans

Employee Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Employee Benefit Plans
Employee Benefit Plans	8.     Employee Benefit Plans
	CRA maintains qualified defined-contribution plans under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code, covering substantially all U.S. employees who meet specified age and service requirements. Company contributions are made at the discretion of CRA, and cannot exceed the maximum amount deductible under applicable provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. Effective in fiscal 2014, CRA also has a defined-contribution plan covering employees in the United Kingdom for which company contributions are made at the discretion of CRA. Company contributions under these plans amounted to approximately $1.6 million, $1.7 million, and $1.8 million for fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013, and fiscal 2012, respectively.

Leases

Leases	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Leases
Leases	9.     Leases
	At January 3, 2015, CRA had the following minimum rental commitments for office space and equipment leases, all of which are under non-cancelable operating leases (in thousands):
	Fiscal Year	Rental
		Commitments
	2015	$	9,683
	2016		7,160
	2017		5,991
	2018		5,020
	2019		4,172
	Thereafter		27,329
		$	59,355
	Future minimum rentals under sublease arrangements		(457	)
		$	58,898
	Certain office leases contain renewal options that CRA may exercise at its discretion, which were not included in the amounts above. Rent expense was approximately $10.0 million, $9.6 million, and $12.4 million in fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013, and fiscal 2012, respectively. Included in rent expense was $0.9 million in restructuring charges in fiscal 2012. There were no restructuring charges during fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2013.
	CRA is party to standby letters of credit with its bank in support of the minimum future lease payments under leases for office space amounting to $1.3 million as of January 3, 2015.
	See Note 18 for subsequent event related to operating lease obligations.

Net_Income_Loss_Per_Share

Net Income (Loss) Per Share	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Net Income (Loss) Per Share
Net Income per Share	10.   Net Income (Loss) Per Share
	Basic net income (loss) per share represents net income (loss) attributable to CRA International, Inc., 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, unvested shares of restricted stock and unvested restricted stock units, using the treasury stock method. Under the treasury stock method, the amount CRA would receive on the exercise of stock options, the vesting of shares of restricted stock and restricted stock units, 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, shares of restricted stock, and restricted stock units 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, unvested shares of restricted stock, and unvested restricted stock units. 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 fiscal 2014. A reconciliation of basic to diluted weighted average shares of common stock outstanding is as follows (in thousands):
		Fiscal Year		Fiscal Year		Fiscal Year
		2014		2013		2012
	Basic weighted average shares outstanding		9,747		10,084		10,167
	Common stock equivalents:
	Stock options and restricted stock		150		89		—
	Diluted weighted average shares outstanding		9,897		10,173		10,167
	For fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013, and fiscal 2012, certain share-based awards, which amounted to 764,748, 1,138,411, and 1,947,992 shares, respectively, were excluded from the calculation of common stock equivalents for purposes of computing diluted weighted average shares outstanding because they were anti-dilutive. These share-based awards were anti-dilutive because their exercise price exceeded the average market price over the applicable period. Additionally, approximately 140,000 common stock equivalents were excluded from diluted weighted average shares outstanding for fiscal 2012 because they were anti-dilutive as CRA had a net loss for that period.

Common_Stock

Common Stock	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Common Stock.
Common Stock	11.   Common Stock
	Share-Based Compensation.    Approximately $5.3 million, $2.9 million, and $4.9 million of share-based compensation expense was recorded in fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013, and fiscal 2012, respectively, as an increase to common stock for share-based payment awards made to CRA's employees and directors, based on the estimated grant date fair values of stock options, shares of restricted stock, and restricted stock units vesting during the period.
	CRA also recorded $271,000, $147,000, and $79,000 for fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013, and fiscal 2012, respectively, in shared-based compensation expense for grants to non-employees (other than directors).
	Restricted Share Vesting.    In fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013, and fiscal 2012, 149,195, 134,384, and 216,528 shares of restricted stock and restricted stock units vested, respectively. CRA redeemed 41,470, 37,642, and 69,207, of these shares from their holders in order to pay $1.2 million, $0.7 million, and $1.4 million, respectively, of employee tax withholdings.
	Common Stock Repurchases and Retirements.    On August 10, 2012, February 13, 2014, and October 23, 2014, CRA's Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $5.0 million, $15.0 million, and $30.0 million, respectively, of CRA's common stock. CRA may repurchase shares under any of these programs in open market purchases (including through any Rule 10b5-1 plan adopted by CRA) or in privately negotiated transactions 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.
	During fiscal 2014, CRA repurchased and retired 971,515 shares of its common stock under these programs at an aggregate price of approximately $25.5 million, resulting in approximately $20.9 million available for future repurchases as of January 3, 2015. During fiscal 2013, CRA repurchased and retired 118,968 shares of its common stock under these programs at an aggregate price of approximately $2.2 million. During fiscal 2012, CRA repurchased and retired 466,109 shares of its common stock under these programs at an aggregate price of approximately $9.1 million. CRA records the retirement of its repurchased common stock as a reduction to common stock.
	During fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013, and fiscal 2012, CRA did not repurchase any shares of its common stock from non-employee experts or employees based on contractual rights of first purchase contained in their stock purchase agreement with CRA.
	Exercise of Stock Options.    During fiscal 2014, 20,931 options were exercised for $0.5 million of proceeds. During fiscal 2013, 13,389 options were exercised for $0.2 million of proceeds. During fiscal 2012, 47,185 options were exercised for $0.6 million of proceeds.
	Tax Benefits and Deficits on Stock Option Exercises and Restricted Share Vesting.    In fiscal 2014, CRA recorded $0.1 million of tax benefits on stock options exercises and the vesting of shares of restricted stock and restricted stock units as a decrease to common stock. CRA recorded tax deficits on stock options exercises and vesting of shares of restricted stock and restricted stock units as a decrease to common stock in fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012, totaling $0.3 million and $0.6 million, respectively.

ShareBased_Compensation

Share-Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Share-Based Compensation
Compensation Arrangements	12.   Share-Based Compensation
	CRA recorded approximately $5.3 million, $2.9 million, and $4.9 million of compensation expense for fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013, and fiscal 2012, respectively, for share-based awards consisting of stock options, shares of restricted stock, time-vesting restricted stock units, and performance-vesting restricted stock units issued to employees and directors based on their respective estimated grant date fair values. Performance-vesting restricted stock units are expensed using the graded acceleration method.
	In addition, CRA recorded $271,000, $147,000, and $79,000 of share-based compensation expense during fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013, and fiscal 2012, respectively, for share-based awards consisting of stock options and shares of restricted stock issued to non-employees (other than directors).
	CRA maintains share-based compensation plans that use restricted stock, stock options, restricted stock units, as well as an employee stock purchase plan, to provide incentives to its directors, employees and independent contractors. Additionally, during fiscal 2009, CRA implemented a long-term incentive program ("LTIP") for certain key employees. Under this program, participants may receive a mixture of stock options, time-vesting restricted stock units, and performance-vesting restricted stock units. The program is designed to reward key employees and provide participants the opportunity to share in the long-term growth of CRA. CRA has granted options, time-vesting restricted stock units, and performance-vesting restricted stock units under this program during fiscal 2009 through fiscal 2014, except fiscal 2012. These awards are granted under the 2006 Incentive Plan discussed below.
	CRA's Amended and Restated 2006 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended (the "2006 Incentive Plan"), authorizes the grant of a variety of incentive and performance awards to CRA's directors, employees and independent contractors, including incentive stock options, nonqualified stock options, restricted stock awards, restricted stock unit awards, performance awards and other share-based awards. Each share of CRA's common stock issued pursuant to an award (other than a stock option) granted under the 2006 Incentive Plan on or after April 30, 2010 counts as 1.83 shares against the maximum number of shares issuable under the plan, as does any restricted stock unit or other performance award granted under the plan on or after April 30, 2010 to the extent that shares of CRA's common stock were or will be used for measurement purposes. This "fungibility ratio" with respect to shares of CRA's common stock issued pursuant to awards (other than stock options) granted under the plan, as well as restricted stock unit and other performance awards granted under the plan to the extent that shares of CRA's common stock are used for measurement purposes, was 2.2 for grants made on or after March 12, 2008 and before April 30, 2010 and 1.8 for grants made before March 12, 2008. The maximum number of shares issuable under the 2006 Incentive Plan is 4,874,000, consisting of (1) 500,000 shares initially reserved for issuance under the 2006 Incentive Plan, (2) 1,000,000 shares that either remained for future awards under our 1998 Incentive and Nonqualified Stock Option Plan (the "1998 Plan") on April 21, 2006, the date CRA's shareholders initially approved the 2006 Incentive Plan, or were subject to stock options issued under the 1998 Plan that were forfeited or terminated after April 21, 2006, (3) 210,000 shares approved by CRA's shareholders in 2008, (4) 1,464,000 shares approved by CRA's shareholders in 2010, and (5) the 1,700,000 shares that CRA has determined to use of the 2,500,000 shares approved by CRA's shareholders in 2012.
	The following is a rollforward of the maximum number of shares issuable under the 2006 Incentive Plan as of January 3, 2015:
		Actual			Shares Using
		Shares			Fungibility Ratio
	Maximum shares of common stock issuable under the 2006 Incentive Plan					4,874,000
	Restricted shares or units granted/reserved through March 12, 2008		471,827			(849,289	)
	Restricted shares or units granted/reserved from March 12, 2008 to April 29, 2010		352,932			(776,450	)
	Restricted shares or units granted/reserved on or after April 30, 2010		1,481,999			(2,710,594	)
	Cancellation of restricted shares or units through March 12, 2008		91,277			164,299
	Cancellation of restricted shares or units from March 12, 2008 to April 29, 2010		91,964			202,321
	Cancellation of restricted shares or units on or after April 30, 2010		470,424			860,877
	Options granted					(1,094,726	)
	Options cancelled					193,183
	Options forfeited					27,731
	Shares available for grant under the 2006 Incentive Plan					891,352
	Under the 1998 Plan, 3,839,216 options to purchase shares have been granted. With the adoption of the 2006 Incentive Plan, no new options will be granted under the 1998 Plan. Under the terms of the 1998 Plan, options have been granted at an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the shares of common stock at the date of grant. Vesting terms were determined at the discretion of the Board of Directors and generally range from immediate vesting to vesting at various rates up to five years. In general, stock options terminate 7 to 10 years after the date of grant.
	In addition, under CRA's 2004 Nonqualified Inducement Stock Option Plan, options to purchase 359,420 shares have been granted. With the adoption of the 2006 Incentive Plan, no new stock options will be granted under the 2004 Nonqualified Inducement Stock Option Plan.
	Under CRA's 2009 Nonqualified Inducement Stock Option Plan, options to purchase 200,000 shares have been granted. A maximum of 250,000 shares may be issued pursuant to stock option grants under the 2009 Nonqualified Inducement Stock Option Plan. Accordingly, there are an additional 50,000 stock options available for grant under this plan. Each stock option granted under this plan vests over four years, has a term of seven years, and an exercise price equal to $50.00 per share.
	A summary of option activity from all plans is as follows:
		Options			Weighted			Weighted Average		Aggregate
					Average			Remaining		Intrinsic
					Exercise			Contractual		Value
					Price			Term
										(in thousands)
	Outstanding at December 28, 2013		1,292,349		$	30.43
	Fiscal 2014:
	Granted		178,608			30.97
	Exercised		(20,931	)		22.4
	Forfeited		(295,081	)		33.26
	Outstanding at January 3, 2015		1,154,945			29.93			3.73	$	6,403
	Options exercisable at January 3, 2015		737,760		$	33.14			2.39	$	3,746
	The weighted average fair market value using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model of the stock options granted in fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2013 was $12.24 and $7.77, respectively. There were no stock options granted during fiscal 2012. The fair market value of the stock options at the date of grant was estimated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions:
		2014			2013
	Risk-free interest rate		1.6	%		1.4	%
	Expected volatility		43	%		47	%
	Weighted average expected life (in years)		5.00			5.00
	Expected dividends		—			—
	The risk-free interest rate is based on U.S. Treasury interest rates with corresponding terms consistent with the expected life of the stock options. Expected volatility and expected life are based on CRA's historical experience. Expected dividend yield was not considered in the option-pricing formula because CRA does not pay dividends and has no current plans to do so in the future. The forfeiture rate used was based upon historical experience. CRA may adjust the estimated forfeiture rate based upon actual experience.
	The aggregate intrinsic value of stock options exercised in fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013, and fiscal 2012 was approximately $0.1 million, $0.1 million, and $0.4 million, respectively. The following table summarizes stock options outstanding and stock options exercisable as of January 3, 2015:
		Options Outstanding								Options Exercisable
	Range of Exercise Prices	Number			Weighted-Average			Weighted-Average		Number		Weighted-Average
		Outstanding at			Remaining			Exercise		Exercisable		Exercise
		January 3,			Contractual			Price		at January 3,		Price
		2015			Life (years)					2015
	$18.48		254,355			5.88		$	18.48		63,578	$	18.48
	$18.49 - 22.81		328,253			3.39			21.68		284,453		21.64
	$22.82 - 29.07		86,665			2.00			24.22		82,665		24.18
	$29.08 - 32.26		178,608			6.93			30.97		—		—
	$32.27 - 48.85		42,500			0.79			42.58		42,500		42.58
	$48.86 - 50.00		150,000			1.50			50.00		150,000		50.00
	$50.01 - 53.72		114,564			0.25			50.73		114,564		50.73
	Total		1,154,945			3.73		$	29.93		737,760	$	33.14
	The following table summarizes the status of CRA's non-vested stock options since December 28, 2013:
		Non-vested Options
		Number of			Weighted-Average
		Shares			Fair Value
	Non-vested at December 28, 2013		401,678		$	8.16
	Granted		178,608			12.24
	Vested		(153,126	)		9.03
	Forfeited		(9,975	)		8.3
Non-vested at January 3, 2015		417,185		$	9.98
The total fair value of stock options that vested during fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013, and fiscal 2012 was $1.4 million, $1.3 million, and $1.5 million, respectively. As of January 3, 2015, there was $3.6 million of total unrecognized compensation cost, net of expected forfeitures, related to non-vested stock options granted. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 3.2 years.
CRA grants restricted stock and time-vesting restricted stock unit awards, which are subject to the execution of a restricted stock agreement or restricted stock unit agreement, as applicable. Generally, shares of restricted stock and time-vesting restricted stock units vest in four equal annual installments beginning on the first anniversary of the date of grant. Total unrecognized compensation cost, net of expected forfeitures, related to restricted stock and time-vesting restricted stock unit awards as of January 3, 2015 was $5.8 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 3.1 years.
The following table summarizes the status of CRA's non-vested restricted stock and time-vesting restricted stock unit awards since December 28, 2013:
	Non-vested
	Restricted Stock and Stock
	Units
	Number of			Weighted-Average
	Shares			Fair Value
Non-vested at December 28, 2013		309,038		$	20.39
Granted		135,593			28.51
Vested		(149,195	)		21.75
Forfeited		(9,294	)		20.95
Non-vested at January 3, 2015		286,142		$	23.72
In accordance with ASC Topic 718, for performance-vesting restricted stock units awarded to employees, CRA estimates share-based compensation cost at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and recognizes the cost over the requisite service period using the graded acceleration method. As of January 3, 2015, up to approximately 212,000 shares may become issuable under performance-vesting restricted stock unit awards upon achievement of certain financial performance goals, including revenue and profits, for a measurement period falling within the first quarter of fiscal 2014 through the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015, and up to approximately 149,000 shares may become issuable under performance-vesting restricted stock unit awards upon achievement of certain financial performance goals, including revenue and profits, for a measurement period falling within the first quarter of fiscal 2015 through the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016.
In fiscal 1998, CRA adopted its 1998 Employee Stock Purchase Plan. The 1998 Employee Stock Purchase Plan authorizes the issuance of up to an aggregate of 243,000 shares of common stock to participating employees at a purchase price equal to 85% of fair market value on either the first or the last day of the one-year offering period under the Stock Purchase Plan. In fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013, and fiscal 2012, there were no offering periods under this plan and no shares were issued.

Business_Segment_and_Geographi

Business Segment and Geographic Information	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Business Segment and Geographic Information
Business Segment and Geographic Information	13.   Business Segment and Geographic Information
	CRA operates in one business segment, which is consulting services. Revenue and long-lived assets by country, based on the physical location of the operation to which the revenues or the assets relate, are as follows (in thousands):
		Fiscal Year		Fiscal Year		Fiscal Year
		2014		2013		2012
		(53 weeks)		(52 weeks)		(52 weeks)
	Revenue:
	United States	$	238,466	$	216,815	$	207,779
	United Kingdom		49,127		46,987		51,059
	Other		18,778		14,630		11,552
	Total foreign		67,905		61,617		62,611
		$	306,371	$	278,432	$	270,390
		January 3,		December 28,
		2015		2013
	Long-lived assets (property and equipment, net):
	United States	$	12,753	$	13,657
	United Kingdom		1,595		1,911
	Other		348		87
	Total foreign		1,943		1,998
		$	14,696	$	15,655

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Income Taxes
Income Taxes	14.   Income Taxes
	The components of income (loss) before (provision) benefit for income taxes are as follows (in thousands):
		Fiscal Year			Fiscal Year			Fiscal Year
		2014			2013			2012
		(53 weeks)			(52 weeks)			(52 weeks)
	Income (loss) before (provision) benefit for income taxes:
	U.S.	$	20,899		$	13,659		$	(27,290	)
	Foreign		2,416			4,259			(30,733	)
	Total	$	23,315		$	17,918		$	(58,023	)
	The provision (benefit) for income taxes consists of the following (in thousands):
		Fiscal Year			Fiscal Year			Fiscal Year
		2014			2013			2012
		(53 weeks)			(52 weeks)			(52 weeks)
	Currently payable:
	Federal	$	8,585		$	1,241		$	3,637
	Foreign		876			1,264			50
	State		1,878			254			1,015
			11,339			2,759			4,702
	Deferred:
	Federal		(1,068	)		3,592			(8,163	)
	Foreign		(505	)		(238	)		21
	State		142			570			(1,740	)
		$	(1,431	)	$	3,924		$	(9,882	)
		$	9,908		$	6,683		$	(5,180	)
	A reconciliation of CRA's tax rates with the Federal statutory rate is as follows:
		Fiscal Year			Fiscal Year			Fiscal Year
		2014			2013			2012
	Federal statutory rate		35	%		35	%		(35.0	)%
	State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit		3.6			4.4			(1.3	)
	Goodwill impairment		—			—			20.6
	Foreign losses benefited		(1.8	)		(2.8	)		(0.1	)
	Losses not benefited		0.6			0.3			4.2
	Foreign rate differential		0.6			(0.4	)		2.1
	Foreign tax credit		—			(0.1	)		(0.5	)
	Uncertain tax positions		0.7			(2.1	)		—
	Impact of NeuCo's tax provision charges		0.9			1.5			0.1
	Permanently disallowed expenses		2.1			1.6			1
	Prior period adjustments		3			—			—
	Release of valuation allowance		(2.2	)		—			—
	Other		—			(0.1	)		—
			42.5	%		37.3	%		(8.9	)%
	The effective tax rate in fiscal 2014 was higher than CRA's combined Federal and state statutory tax rate primarily due to a non-cash tax expense recorded in the second quarter of fiscal 2014 to correct an immaterial error in our previously issued consolidated financial statements offset slightly by other prior period adjustments recorded in the fourth quarter. The effective tax rate also included a benefit for the release of a valuation allowance as a result of recording a deferred tax liability associated with acquisition-related intangibles and the utilization of certain historical net operating losses that previously had a valuation allowance which were realized due to the profitability of the acquired business.
	The components of CRA's deferred tax assets (liabilities) are as follows (in thousands):
		January 3,			December 28,
		2015			2013
	Deferred tax assets:
	Accrued compensation and related expense	$	23,876		$	21,064
	Tax basis in excess of financial basis of net accounts receivable		2,065			2,363
	Net operating loss carryforwards		5,201			5,421
	Tax basis in excess of financial basis of fixed assets		19			1,489
	Accrued expenses and other		967			902
	Total gross deferred tax assets		32,128			31,239
	Less: valuation allowance		(4,912	)		(6,101	)
	Total deferred tax assets net of valuation allowance		27,216			25,138
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Excess tax over book amortization		5,708			2,938
	Tax basis in excess of financial basis of debentures		3,844			5,024
	Total deferred tax liabilities		9,552			7,962
	Net deferred tax assets	$	17,664		$	17,176
	In general, a valuation allowance is recorded against deferred tax assets because CRA's management believes, after considering the available evidence, that it is more likely than not that the assets will not be realized. Reductions in valuation allowances are a result of management's consideration of historical profitability, future expected results and the nature of the related deferred tax assets.
	The net change in the total valuation allowance for fiscal 2014 was a decrease of approximately $1.2 million compared to fiscal 2013. The $1.2 million decrease was primarily related to the recording of a $0.5 million deferred tax liability associated with acquisition-related intangibles, the utilization of $0.4 million net operating losses also as a result of the acquisition, as well as deferred tax changes that lowered the need for a valuation allowance by $0.2 million, offset partially by an additional valuation allowance recorded against certain foreign net operating losses of $0.1 million.
	The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets that continue to be subject to valuation allowances is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods and in the tax jurisdictions in which those temporary differences become deductible.
	At January 3, 2015 CRA had $9.9 million of foreign net operating loss carry forwards. The foreign operating losses have an indefinite life, except for $0.2 million that will begin to expire in fiscal 2016. NeuCo has net operating loss carryforwards for U.S. federal and U.S. state tax purposes of $10.4 million which are subject to a full valuation allowance and begin to expire in 2015. NeuCo files a separate U.S. federal tax return and none of its losses are available to offset CRA's consolidated taxable income.
	The aggregate changes in the balances of gross unrecognized tax benefits were as follows (in thousands):
	January 3,			December 28,
	2015			2013
Balance at beginning of period	$	372		$	3,032
Additions for tax positions taken during prior years		127			372
Additions for tax positions taken during the current year		45			—
Settlements with tax authorities		(9	)		(3,032	)
Balance at end of the period	$	535		$	372
CRA files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various state and foreign jurisdictions. A number of years may elapse before an uncertain tax position, for which CRA has unrecognized tax benefits, is audited and finally resolved. While it is often difficult to predict the final outcome or the timing of resolution of any particular uncertain tax position, CRA believes that its unrecognized tax benefits reflect the most likely outcome. CRA adjusts these unrecognized tax benefits, and the associated interest, in light of changing facts and circumstances. At the end of fiscal 2014, CRA had $185,000 of interest accrued on its unrecognized tax benefit balance for a total unrecognized tax benefit balance on the balance sheet of $720,000. Of the total unrecognized tax benefit balance, $111,000 is offset by a future tax deduction when recognized. CRA reported $85,000 of interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense during fiscal 2014 as compared to $67,000 during fiscal 2013. Settlement of any particular position could require the use of cash. Of the total $535,000 balance at the end of fiscal 2014, a favorable resolution would result in $467,000 being recognized as a reduction to the effective income tax rate in the period of resolution. It is reasonably likely that $162,000 of gross unrecognized tax benefits will reverse within the next twelve months.
The number of years with open tax audits varies depending on the tax jurisdiction. CRA's major taxing jurisdiction is the United States. CRA is no longer subject to U.S. federal examinations by the Internal Revenue Service for years before fiscal 2011. CRA's United Kingdom subsidiary's corporate tax returns are no longer subject to examination by Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs for fiscal years before fiscal 2013. CRA is currently under examination in Germany for fiscal 2008 through fiscal 2011 and in France for fiscal 2011 and fiscal 2012. CRA believes its reserves for uncertain tax positions are adequate.
CRA has not provided for deferred income taxes or foreign withholding taxes on undistributed earnings from its foreign subsidiaries of approximately $3.5 million as of January 3, 2015 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 it expects to have sufficient cash flow in the U.S. to fund its U.S. operational and strategic needs. If CRA were to repatriate its foreign earnings that are indefinitely reinvested, it would accrue substantially no additional tax expense.

RelatedParty_Transactions

Related-Party Transactions	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Related-Party Transactions
Related-Party Transactions	15.   Related-Party Transactions
	CRA made payments to shareholders of CRA who performed consulting services exclusively for CRA in the amounts of $10.2 million, $6.1 million, and $5.4 million in fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013, and fiscal 2012, respectively. These payments were to exclusive non-employee experts for consulting services performed for CRA's clients in the ordinary course of business.

Restructuring_Charges

Restructuring Charges	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Restructuring Charges
Restructuring Charges	16.   Restructuring Charges
	CRA did not incur any restructuring charges during fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2013.
	During fiscal 2012, CRA incurred pre-tax restructuring expenses of $6.7 million, of which approximately $5.4 million was for termination benefits, facility-related charges, asset write-downs and other charges in connection with the plan committed to by CRA's management during the third quarter of fiscal 2012 to eliminate and restructure selected practice areas and reduce selling, general and administrative costs. In connection with this plan, CRA eliminated its Chemicals practice and closed its Middle East operations. These restructuring actions, along with the repositioning of other select underperforming practice areas, resulted in the reduction of more than 60 consulting positions. Commensurate with these consulting staff reductions, CRA also took significant actions to lower its selling, general and administrative costs by reducing CRA's administrative staff, eliminating excess office space capacity, better rationalizing remaining office space, and lowering administrative spending, particularly related to outside contractors and professional fees. These restructuring actions were designed to intensify the focus of CRA's portfolio, increase the cohesiveness of its services and improve its margins and profitability. The majority of these actions occurred during the third quarter of fiscal 2012, and the remainder was completed during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012.
	Additionally, during fiscal 2012, CRA entered into an agreement with the landlord of its London, England office to surrender the lease of one of the three floors it leased in the office building in London. Under this agreement, CRA surrendered its lease of this floor on June 30, 2012, instead of on the lease's original termination date of October 2, 2016, and paid the landlord approximately $1.2 million in connection with the surrender. In connection with this surrender, CRA incurred pre-tax restructuring charges of $1.7 million, which included the $1.2 million surrender charge and approximately $0.5 million of fixed asset write-offs and other charges or offsets. During fiscal 2012, CRA also recorded pre-tax restructuring credits of approximately $0.4 million related primarily to adjustments to its leased office space in Houston, TX and Chicago, IL. Of the $6.7 million of restructuring charges recorded during fiscal 2012, approximately $3.8 million was charged to cost of sales, $1.5 million was charged to selling, general and administrative expenses, and $1.4 million was charged to depreciation and amortization expense.
	The restructuring expenses and reserve balance are as follows as of January 3, 2015 and December 28, 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 fiscal 2013		(759	)		(729	)		(1,488	)
	Non-cash adjustments and effect of foreign currency translation during fiscal 2013		(177	)		(144	)		(321	)
	Balance at December 28, 2013	$	1,170		$	—		$	1,170
	Amounts paid, net of amounts received, during fiscal 2014		(750	)		—			(750	)
	Non-cash adjustments and effect of foreign currency translation during fiscal 2014		42			—			42
	Balance at January 3, 2015	$	462		$	—		$	462
	The $0.5 million restructuring liability as of January 3, 2015 is expected to be paid through the third quarter of fiscal 2015 and was classified in "current portion of deferred rent" on the accompanying balance sheet as of January 3, 2015.

Quarterly_Financial_Data_Unaud

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Unaudited Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and Estimates
Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)	17.   Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)
		Quarter Ended
		March 29,		June 28,		September 27,			January 3,
		2014		2014		2014			2015
		(In thousands, except per share data)
	Revenues	$	76,245	$	78,184	$	73,483		$	78,459
	Gross profit		24,379		25,515		24,066			25,598
	Income from operations		5,629		6,493		5,795			6,124
	Income before provision for income taxes		5,384		6,334		5,575			6,022
	Net income		3,308		3,167		3,189			3,743
	Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest, net of tax		102		21		35			73
	Net income attributable to CRA International, Inc.	$	3,410	$	3,188	$	3,224			3,816
	Basic net income per share	$	0.34	$	0.32	$	0.33		$	0.41
	Diluted net income per share	$	0.34	$	0.32	$	0.33		$	0.40
	Weighted average number of shares outstanding:
	Basic		10,029		9,919		9,729			9,344
	Diluted		10,108		10,026		9,919			9,560
		Quarter Ended
		March 30,		June 29,		September 28,			December 28,
		2013		2013		2013			2013
		(In thousands, except per share data)
	Revenues	$	63,130	$	65,203	$	74,427		$	75,672
	Gross profit		21,115		20,161		23,850			24,044
	Income (loss) from operations		3,774		3,170		6,114			5,459
	Income (loss) before (provision) benefit for income taxes		3,377		3,368		5,952			5,221
	Net income (loss)		2,835		1,351		3,333			3,716
	Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest, net of tax		134		58		(63	)		6
	Net income (loss) attributable to CRA International, Inc.		2,969		1,409		3,270			3,722
	Basic net income (loss) per share	$	0.3	$	0.14	$	0.32		$	0.37
	Diluted net income (loss) per share	$	0.29	$	0.14	$	0.32		$	0.37
	Weighted average number of shares outstanding:
	Basic		9,994		10,100		10,093			10,071
	Diluted		10,084		10,188		10,192			10,148
	Earnings per share is calculated for each period, and the sum of the four quarters may not equal the full year amount.
	During the second quarter of fiscal 2014, CRA identified a prior period error, which was related to the valuation of deferred tax assets in CRA's previously issued consolidated financial statements, and recorded a non-cash tax expense of approximately $0.8 million to correct this error. CRA concluded that this error was not material to its prior reporting periods.

Subsequent_Event

Subsequent Event	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event	18.   Subsequent Event
	On February 24, 2015, CRA entered into an amendment to its lease with BP Hancock LLC for the office space it rents in the building at 200 Clarendon Street, Boston, Massachusetts. Under this amendment, CRA will lease an additional 10,057 square feet of office space on the twenty-fifth floor of this building, at an annual rate (excluding customary operating costs and expenses) of $49 per square foot, for a term beginning on June 15, 2015 (or, if later, when landlord completes certain improvements to the space) and ending on June 30, 2020, with the option to extend this term for an additional three-year period.

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Fiscal Year	Fiscal Year
	CRA's fiscal year end is the Saturday nearest December 31 of each year. CRA's fiscal years periodically contain 53 weeks rather than 52 weeks. Fiscal 2014 was a 53-week year; fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012 were 52-week years.
Principles of Consolidation	Principles of Consolidation
	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of CRA and its wholly owned subsidiaries. In addition, as more fully explained below, the consolidated financial statements include CRA's interest in NeuCo, Inc. ("NeuCo"). All significant intercompany accounts have been eliminated.
NeuCo Interest	NeuCo Interest
	CRA's ownership interest in NeuCo is 55.89% for all periods presented. Therefore, NeuCo's financial results have been consolidated with CRA's and the portion of NeuCo's results allocable to its other owners is shown as "noncontrolling interest." NeuCo's revenues included in CRA's consolidated statements of operations for fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013, and fiscal 2012 totaled approximately $4.8 million, $5.1 million, and $5.5 million, respectively. NeuCo's net loss included in CRA's consolidated statements of operations for fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2013 was approximately $0.5 million and $0.3 million, respectively. NeuCo's net income included in CRA's consolidated statements of operations for fiscal fiscal 2012 was approximately $0.3 million. NeuCo's net loss, net of amounts allocable to its other owners, included in CRA's consolidated statements of operations for each of fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2013 was approximately $0.2 million. NeuCo's net income, net of amounts allocable to its other owners, included in CRA's consolidated statements of operations for fiscal 2012 was approximately $0.2 million. NeuCo's interim reporting schedule is based on calendar month-ends, and 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, if any, will have a significant impact on CRA's consolidated statements of operations or financial condition.
Estimates	Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. 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 consolidated revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Estimates in these consolidated financial statements include, but are not limited to, accounts and unbilled 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 and 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.
Revenue Recognition	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. These engagements generally last three to six months, although some of CRA's engagements can be much longer in duration. Each contract must be approved by one of CRA's vice presidents.
	CRA recognizes substantially all of its revenues under written service contracts with its clients when the fee is fixed or determinable, as the services are provided, and only in those situations where collection from the client is reasonably assured and sufficient contractual documentation has been obtained. In certain cases CRA provides services to its clients without sufficient contractual documentation, or fees are tied to performance-based criteria, which require CRA to defer revenue in accordance with U.S. GAAP. In these cases, these amounts are fully reserved until all criteria for recognizing revenue are met.
	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 the consideration of the criteria set forth in Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 605-45, Principal Agent Considerations.
	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 the 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. CRA derived approximately 15%, 13%, and 15% of consolidated revenues from fixed-price engagements in fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013, and fiscal 2012, respectively. In general, project costs are classified as 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 non-employee experts. The proportional performance method is used for fixed-price contracts because reasonably dependable estimates of the revenues and costs applicable to various stages of a contract can be made, based on historical experience and the terms set forth in the contract, and are indicative of the level of benefit provided to CRA's clients. Fixed-price contracts generally convert to time-and-materials contracts in the event the contract terminates. CRA's management maintains contact with project managers to discuss the status of the projects and, for fixed-price engagements, management is updated on the budgeted costs and resources required to complete the project. These budgets are then used to calculate revenue recognition and to estimate the anticipated income or loss on the project. Occasionally, CRA has been required to commit unanticipated additional resources to complete projects, which has resulted in lower than anticipated income or losses on those contracts. CRA may experience similar situations in the future. Provisions for estimated losses on contracts are made during the period in which such losses become probable and can be reasonably estimated. To date, such losses have not been significant.
	Revenues also include reimbursable expenses, which include reimbursements for travel and other out-of-pocket expenses, outside consultants, and other reimbursable expenses. Reimbursable expenses are as follows (in thousands):
			Year Ended			Year Ended			Year Ended
			January 3,			December 28,			December 29,
			2015			2013			2012
			(53 weeks)			(52 weeks)			(52 weeks)
	Reimbursable expenses		$	36,676		$	37,320		$	33,530
	CRA maintains accounts receivable allowances for estimated losses and disputed amounts resulting from clients' failure to make required payments. CRA bases its estimates on historical collection experience, current trends, and credit policy. In determining these estimates, CRA examines historical write-offs of its receivables and reviews client accounts to identify any specific customer collection issues.
	If the financial condition of CRA's customers were to deteriorate or disputes were to arise regarding the services provided, resulting in an impairment of their ability or intent to make payment, additional allowances may be required.
	Unbilled services represent revenue recognized by CRA for services performed but not yet billed to the client. Deferred revenue represents amounts billed or collected in advance of services rendered.
	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.
Cash Equivalents	Cash Equivalents
	Cash equivalents consist principally of money market funds and commercial paper with maturities of three months or less when purchased. As of January 3, 2015, 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. CRA's cash on deposit is fully liquid and CRA continually monitors the credit ratings of the 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.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	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 financial instruments as of January 3, 2015 and December 28, 2013 that are measured and recorded in the financial statements at fair value on a recurring basis (in thousands):
			January 3, 2015
			Quoted Prices in			Significant			Unobservable
			Active Markets			Other			Inputs
			for Identical			Observable
			Assets or Liabilities			Inputs
			Level 1			Level 2			Level 3
	Assets:
	Money market funds		$	20,042		$	—		$	—
	Commercial paper			—			—			—
	Total Assets		$	20,042		$	—		$	—
	Liabilities:
	Contingent acquisition liability		$	—		$	—		$	316
	Total Liabilities		$	—		$	—		$	316
			December 28, 2013
			Quoted Prices in			Significant			Unobservable
			Active Markets			Other			Inputs
			for Identical			Observable
			Assets or Liabilities			Inputs
			Level 1			Level 2			Level 3
	Assets:
	Money market funds		$	21,034		$	—		$	—
	Commercial paper			—			9,000			—
	Total Assets		$	21,034		$	9,000		$	—
	Liabilities:
	Contingent acquisition liability		$	—		$	—		$	—
	Total Liabilities		$	—		$	—		$	—
	The fair values of CRA'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 fair value of the contingent acquisition liability is based on the use of a Monte Carlo model. This fair value measure is based on significant inputs not observed in the market and thus represents a Level 3 measurement. The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurements of this contingent acquisition liability are CRA's measures of the estimated payouts based on internally generated financial projections and discount rates.
	CRA's financial instruments, including cash, accounts receivable, loans and advances to employees and non-employee experts, accounts payable, and accrued expenses, are carried at cost, which approximates their fair value because of the short-term maturity of these instruments or because their stated interest rates are indicative of market interest rates.
Goodwill	Goodwill
	In accordance with 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 the 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 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 which 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 the consolidated statement of operations.
	There were no impairment losses related to goodwill during fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2013 as there were no events or circumstances that would more likely than not reduce CRA's fair value below its carrying amount.
	When CRA performed its annual impairment test in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012, its net book value exceeded its market capitalization plus an estimated control premium. Therefore, CRA was required to perform the second step of the goodwill impairment test. In this step, CRA's fair value is allocated among all of its assets and liabilities, including any unrecognized intangible assets, in a hypothetical analysis that calculates the implied fair value of goodwill in the same manner as if CRA were being acquired in a business acquisition. If the implied fair value of goodwill is less than the recorded goodwill, an impairment charge is recorded for the difference. During the process of conducting the second step of the annual goodwill impairment test in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012, CRA identified significant unrecognized intangible assets. The combination of these hypothetical unrecognized intangible assets and other hypothetical unrecognized fair value changes to the carrying values of other assets and liabilities, together with the lower fair value calculated in the first step of the annual impairment test, resulted in a goodwill impairment charge of $71.4 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012.
	The re-measurement of goodwill is classified as a Level 3 fair value assessment due to the significance of unobservable inputs developed using CRA-specific information. CRA used a combination of the income, cost and market approach techniques to determine the fair value of its assets and liabilities. The fair value adjustment to goodwill was computed as the difference between CRA's fair value and the fair value of underlying assets and liabilities. The unobservable inputs used to determine the fair value of the underlying assets and liabilities were based on CRA-specific information such as estimates of revenue and cost growth rates, profit margins, discount rates, and cost estimates.
Intangible Assets	Intangible Assets
	Intangible assets that are separable from goodwill and have determinable useful lives are valued separately and amortized over their estimated useful lives. Intangible assets consist of non-competition agreements, customer relationships, customer lists, developed technology, and trademarks, all of which are amortized on a straight-line basis over their remaining useful lives of four to ten years.
Property and Equipment	Property and Equipment
	Property and equipment are recorded at cost. Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method based on the estimated useful lives of three years for computer equipment, three to ten years for computer software, and ten years for furniture and fixtures. Amortization of leasehold improvements is calculated using the straight-line method over the shorter of the lease term or the estimated useful life of the leasehold improvements. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. Expenditures for renewals and betterments are capitalized.
Leases and Deferred Rent	Leases and Deferred Rent
	CRA leases all of its office space. Leases are evaluated and classified as operating or capital leases for financial reporting purposes. For leases that contain rent escalations and rent holidays, CRA records the total rent payable during the lease term, as determined above, on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease and records the difference between the rents paid and the straight-line rent as deferred rent. Additionally, any tenant improvement allowances received from the lessor are recorded as a reduction to rent expense.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets	Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
	CRA reviews the carrying value of its long-lived assets (primarily property and equipment and intangible assets) to assess the recoverability of these assets whenever events or circumstances indicate that impairment may have occurred. Factors CRA considers important that could trigger an impairment review include the following:
	•	a significant underperformance relative to expected historical or projected future operating results;
	•	a significant change in the manner of CRA's use of the acquired asset or the strategy for CRA's overall business; and
	•	a significant negative industry or economic trend.
	If CRA determines that an impairment review is required, CRA would review the expected future undiscounted cash flows to be generated by the assets or asset groups. If CRA determines that the carrying value of long-lived assets or asset groups may not be recoverable, CRA would measure any impairment based on a projected discounted cash flow method using a discount rate determined by CRA to be commensurate with the risk inherent in CRA's current business model. If impairment is indicated through this review, the carrying amount of the assets would be reduced to their estimated fair value.
Concentration of Credit Risk	Concentration of Credit Risk
	CRA's billed and unbilled receivables consist of receivables from a broad range of clients in a variety of industries located throughout the U.S. and in other countries. CRA performs a credit evaluation of its clients to minimize its collectability risk. Periodically, CRA will require advance payment from certain clients. However, CRA does not require collateral or other security. CRA maintains accounts receivable allowances for estimated losses and disputed amounts resulting from clients' failures to make required payments. CRA bases its estimates on historical collection experience, current trends, and credit policy. In determining these estimates, CRA examines historical write-offs of its receivables and reviews client accounts to identify any specific customer collection issues. If the financial condition of any of CRA's customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability or intent to make payment, additional allowances may be required.
	A rollforward of the accounts receivable allowances is as follows (in thousands):
			Fiscal			Fiscal			Fiscal
			Year			Year			Year
			2014			2013			2012
	Balance at beginning of period		$	7,210		$	9,459		$	6,548
	Change related to NeuCo			(18	)		(2	)		—
	Increases to reserve			948			5,619			6,854
	Amounts written off			(3,993	)		(7,891	)		(3,897	)
	Effects of foreign currency translation			30			25			(46	)
	Balance at end of period		$	4,177		$	7,210		$	9,459
	A rollforward of the unbilled receivables allowances is as follows (in thousands):
			Fiscal			Fiscal			Fiscal
			Year			Year			Year
			2014			2013			2012
	Balance at beginning of period		$	1,827		$	2,921		$	2,521
	Increases to reserves			5,242			443			1,329
	Amounts written off			(4,836	)		(1,538	)		(928	)
	Effects of foreign currency translation			—			1			(1	)
	Balance at end of period		$	2,233		$	1,827		$	2,921
	Amounts deemed uncollectible are recorded as a reduction to revenues.
Share-Based Compensation	Share-Based Compensation
	CRA accounts for equity-based compensation using a fair value based recognition method. Under the fair value recognition requirements of ASC Topic 718, "Compensation-Stock Compensation" ("ASC Topic 718"), share-based compensation cost is estimated at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and is recognized as expense over the requisite service period of the award. The amount of share-based compensation expense recognized at any date must at least equal the portion of grant date value of the award that is vested at that date. In accordance with ASC Topic 718, for performance-vesting restricted stock units awarded to employees, CRA estimates share-based compensation cost at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and recognizes the cost over the requisite service period using the graded acceleration method.
	For share-based awards granted to non-employee experts, CRA accounts for the compensation under variable accounting in accordance with ASC Topic 718 and ASC Topic 505-50, "Equity-Based Payments to Non-Employees" (formerly Emerging Issues Task Force 96-18, "Accounting for Equity Instruments That Are Issued to Other Than Employees for Acquiring, or in Conjunction with Selling, Goods or Services"), and recognizes the cost over the related vesting period.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes
	CRA accounts for income taxes using the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized based upon anticipated future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective income tax bases, and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. A valuation allowance is recorded to reduce the carrying amounts of deferred tax assets if it is more likely than not that such assets will not be realized.
	In addition, the calculation of CRA's tax liabilities involves dealing with uncertainties in the application of complex tax regulations in several different tax jurisdictions. CRA records liabilities for estimated tax obligations resulting in a provision for taxes that may become payable in the future, in accordance with ASC Topic 740-10, "Income Taxes," which prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return and also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, and disclosure. CRA includes accrued interest and penalties, if any, related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense.
Foreign Currency Translation	Foreign Currency Translation
	Balance sheet accounts of CRA's foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars at year-end exchange rates and operating accounts are translated at average exchange rates for each year. The resulting translation adjustments are recorded in shareholders' equity as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Foreign currency transactions are translated at current exchanges rates, with adjustments recorded in the statement of operations. The effect of transaction gains and losses recorded in income (loss) before (provision) benefit for income taxes amounted to losses of $0.3 million, $0.2 million, and $0.2 million for fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013, and fiscal 2012, respectively.
Recent Accounting Standards	Recent Accounting Standards
	Reporting of Going-Concern Uncertainties
	In August 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2014-15, Presentation of Financial Statements—Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40): Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity's Ability to Continue as a Going Concern ("ASU 2014-15"). ASU 2014-15 is intended to define management's responsibility to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an organization's ability to continue as a going concern and provides guidance to an organization's management, with principles and definitions that are intended to reduce diversity in the timing and content of disclosures in the financial statement footnotes. ASU 2014-15 is effective for the annual period ending after December 15, 2016, and for annual periods and interim periods thereafter. Early application is permitted. CRA believes that the adoption of ASU 2014-15 will not have a material impact on its financial position, results of operations, cash flows, or disclosures.
	Accounting for Share-Based Payments
	In June 2014, the FASB issued 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.

Summary_of_Significant_Account2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Schedule of reimbursable expenses included in revenues	Reimbursable expenses are as follows (in thousands):
		Year Ended			Year Ended			Year Ended
		January 3,			December 28,			December 29,
		2015			2013			2012
		(53 weeks)			(52 weeks)			(52 weeks)
	Reimbursable expenses	$	36,676		$	37,320		$	33,530
Fair value of Financial Instruments	The following table shows CRA's financial instruments as of January 3, 2015 and December 28, 2013 that are measured and recorded in the financial statements at fair value on a recurring basis (in thousands):
		January 3, 2015
		Quoted Prices in			Significant			Unobservable
		Active Markets			Other			Inputs
		for Identical			Observable
		Assets or Liabilities			Inputs
		Level 1			Level 2			Level 3
	Assets:
	Money market funds	$	20,042		$	—		$	—
	Commercial paper		—			—			—
	Total Assets	$	20,042		$	—		$	—
	Liabilities:
	Contingent acquisition liability	$	—		$	—		$	316
	Total Liabilities	$	—		$	—		$	316
		December 28, 2013
		Quoted Prices in			Significant			Unobservable
		Active Markets			Other			Inputs
		for Identical			Observable
		Assets or Liabilities			Inputs
		Level 1			Level 2			Level 3
	Assets:
	Money market funds	$	21,034		$	—		$	—
	Commercial paper		—			9,000			—
	Total Assets	$	21,034		$	9,000		$	—
	Liabilities:
	Contingent acquisition liability	$	—		$	—		$	—
	Total Liabilities	$	—		$	—		$	—
Schedule of rollforward of the accounts receivable allowances	A rollforward of the accounts receivable allowances is as follows (in thousands):
		Fiscal			Fiscal			Fiscal
		Year			Year			Year
		2014			2013			2012
	Balance at beginning of period	$	7,210		$	9,459		$	6,548
	Change related to NeuCo		(18	)		(2	)		—
	Increases to reserve		948			5,619			6,854
	Amounts written off		(3,993	)		(7,891	)		(3,897	)
	Effects of foreign currency translation		30			25			(46	)
	Balance at end of period	$	4,177		$	7,210		$	9,459
Schedule of rollforward of unbilled accounts receivable allowances	A rollforward of the unbilled receivables allowances is as follows (in thousands):
		Fiscal			Fiscal			Fiscal
		Year			Year			Year
		2014			2013			2012
	Balance at beginning of period	$	1,827		$	2,921		$	2,521
	Increases to reserves		5,242			443			1,329
	Amounts written off		(4,836	)		(1,538	)		(928	)
	Effects of foreign currency translation		—			1			(1	)
	Balance at end of period	$	2,233		$	1,827		$	2,921

Prepaid_Expenses_and_Other_Cur1

Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets, and Other Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
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):
		January 3,		December 28,
		2015		2013
	Term loans to employees	$	1,564	$	1,764
	Other		11,601		10,011
	Total	$	13,165	$	11,775
Schedule of other assets	Other assets consist of the following (in thousands):
		January 3,		December 28,
		2015		2013
	Forgivable loans to employees and non-employee experts	$	42,907	$	51,083
	Other		5,008		3,538
	Total	$	47,915	$	54,621

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets1

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Schedule of changes in the carrying amount of goodwill	The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2013 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		1,797			—			1,797
	Effect of foreign currency translation		(1,067	)		—			(1,067	)
	Balance at January 3, 2015	$	154,196		$	(71,893	)	$	82,303
		Goodwill,			Accumulated			Goodwill,
		gross			impairment			net
					losses
	Balance at December 29, 2012	$	142,658		$	(71,893	)	$	70,765
	Goodwill adjustments related to acquisitions		10,563			—			10,563
	Goodwill adjustments related to NeuCo		(63	)		—			(63	)
	Effect of foreign currency translation		308			—			308
	Balance at December 28, 2013	$	153,466		$	(71,893	)	$	81,573
Schedule of components of acquired identifiable intangible assets	The components of acquired identifiable intangible assets are as follows (in thousands):
		January 3,			December 28,
		2015			2013
	Non-competition agreements, net of accumulated amortization of $4,046 and $3,802, respectively	$	236		$	598
	Customer relationships, net of accumulated amortization of $3,746 and $3,550, respectively		4,521			3,909
	Other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $1,792 and $1,040, respectively		—			30
		$	4,757		$	4,537
Schedule of expected amortization of intangible assets	Amortization of intangible assets held at January 3, 2015 for the next five fiscal years is expected to be as follows (in thousands):
	Fiscal Year	Amortization
		Expense
	2015	$	1,063
	2016		899
	2017		857
	2018		831
	2019		563
		$	4,213

Property_and_Equipment_Tables

Property and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Property and Equipment
Schedule of property and equipment	Property and equipment consist of the following (in thousands):
		January 3,			December 28,
		2015			2013
	Computer, office equipment and software	$	24,197		$	25,034
	Leasehold improvements		21,613			21,388
	Furniture		7,730			7,788
			53,540			54,210
	Accumulated depreciation and amortization		(38,844	)		(38,555	)
		$	14,696		$	15,655

Accrued_Expenses_Tables

Accrued Expenses (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Accrued Expenses.
Schedule of accrued expenses	Accrued expenses consist of the following (in thousands):
		January 3,		December 28,
		2015		2013
	Compensation and related expenses	$	61,527	$	51,960
	Income taxes payable		490		3,503
	Other		4,531		10,194
		$	66,548	$	65,657

Leases_Tables

Leases (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Leases
Schedule of minimum rental commitments for office space and equipment leases	At January 3, 2015, CRA had the following minimum rental commitments for office space and equipment leases, all of which are under non-cancelable operating leases (in thousands):
	Fiscal Year	Rental
		Commitments
	2015	$	9,683
	2016		7,160
	2017		5,991
	2018		5,020
	2019		4,172
	Thereafter		27,329
		$	59,355
	Future minimum rentals under sublease arrangements		(457	)
		$	58,898

Net_Income_Loss_Per_Share_Tabl

Net Income (Loss) Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Net Income (Loss) 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):
		Fiscal Year		Fiscal Year		Fiscal Year
		2014		2013		2012
	Basic weighted average shares outstanding		9,747		10,084		10,167
	Common stock equivalents:
	Stock options and restricted stock		150		89		—
	Diluted weighted average shares outstanding		9,897		10,173		10,167

ShareBased_Compensation_Tables

Share-Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Share-Based Compensation
Schedule of rollforward of the maximum number of shares issuable under the 2006 Incentive Plan	The following is a rollforward of the maximum number of shares issuable under the 2006 Incentive Plan as of January 3, 2015:
		Actual			Shares Using
		Shares			Fungibility Ratio
	Maximum shares of common stock issuable under the 2006 Incentive Plan					4,874,000
	Restricted shares or units granted/reserved through March 12, 2008		471,827			(849,289	)
	Restricted shares or units granted/reserved from March 12, 2008 to April 29, 2010		352,932			(776,450	)
	Restricted shares or units granted/reserved on or after April 30, 2010		1,481,999			(2,710,594	)
	Cancellation of restricted shares or units through March 12, 2008		91,277			164,299
	Cancellation of restricted shares or units from March 12, 2008 to April 29, 2010		91,964			202,321
	Cancellation of restricted shares or units on or after April 30, 2010		470,424			860,877
	Options granted					(1,094,726	)
	Options cancelled					193,183
	Options forfeited					27,731
	Shares available for grant under the 2006 Incentive Plan					891,352
Summary of option activity
		Options			Weighted			Weighted Average		Aggregate
					Average			Remaining		Intrinsic
					Exercise			Contractual		Value
					Price			Term
										(in thousands)
	Outstanding at December 28, 2013		1,292,349		$	30.43
	Fiscal 2014:
	Granted		178,608			30.97
	Exercised		(20,931	)		22.4
	Forfeited		(295,081	)		33.26
	Outstanding at January 3, 2015		1,154,945			29.93			3.73	$	6,403
	Options exercisable at January 3, 2015		737,760		$	33.14			2.39	$	3,746
Schedule of weighted average assumptions used to estimate the fair market value of the stock options at the date of grant
		2014			2013
	Risk-free interest rate		1.6	%		1.4	%
	Expected volatility		43	%		47	%
	Weighted average expected life (in years)		5.00			5.00
	Expected dividends		—			—
Summary of options outstanding and options exercisable	The following table summarizes stock options outstanding and stock options exercisable as of January 3, 2015:
		Options Outstanding								Options Exercisable
	Range of Exercise Prices	Number			Weighted-Average			Weighted-Average		Number		Weighted-Average
		Outstanding at			Remaining			Exercise		Exercisable		Exercise
		January 3,			Contractual			Price		at January 3,		Price
		2015			Life (years)					2015
	$18.48		254,355			5.88		$	18.48		63,578	$	18.48
	$18.49 - 22.81		328,253			3.39			21.68		284,453		21.64
	$22.82 - 29.07		86,665			2.00			24.22		82,665		24.18
	$29.08 - 32.26		178,608			6.93			30.97		—		—
	$32.27 - 48.85		42,500			0.79			42.58		42,500		42.58
	$48.86 - 50.00		150,000			1.50			50.00		150,000		50.00
	$50.01 - 53.72		114,564			0.25			50.73		114,564		50.73
	Total		1,154,945			3.73		$	29.93		737,760	$	33.14
Summary of non-vested stock options	The following table summarizes the status of CRA's non-vested stock options since December 28, 2013:
		Non-vested Options
		Number of			Weighted-Average
		Shares			Fair Value
	Non-vested at December 28, 2013		401,678		$	8.16
	Granted		178,608			12.24
	Vested		(153,126	)		9.03
	Forfeited		(9,975	)		8.3
	Non-vested at January 3, 2015		417,185		$	9.98
Summary of non-vested restricted stock and time-vesting restricted stock unit awards	The following table summarizes the status of CRA's non-vested restricted stock and time-vesting restricted stock unit awards since December 28, 2013:
		Non-vested
		Restricted Stock and Stock
		Units
		Number of			Weighted-Average
		Shares			Fair Value
	Non-vested at December 28, 2013		309,038		$	20.39
	Granted		135,593			28.51
	Vested		(149,195	)		21.75
	Forfeited		(9,294	)		20.95
	Non-vested at January 3, 2015		286,142		$	23.72

Business_Segment_and_Geographi1

Business Segment and Geographic Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Business Segment and Geographic Information
Schedule of revenue and long-lived assets by country, based on the physical location of the operation to which the revenues or the assets relate	Revenue and long-lived assets by country, based on the physical location of the operation to which the revenues or the assets relate, are as follows (in thousands):
		Fiscal Year		Fiscal Year		Fiscal Year
		2014		2013		2012
		(53 weeks)		(52 weeks)		(52 weeks)
	Revenue:
	United States	$	238,466	$	216,815	$	207,779
	United Kingdom		49,127		46,987		51,059
	Other		18,778		14,630		11,552
	Total foreign		67,905		61,617		62,611
		$	306,371	$	278,432	$	270,390
		January 3,		December 28,
		2015		2013
	Long-lived assets (property and equipment, net):
	United States	$	12,753	$	13,657
	United Kingdom		1,595		1,911
	Other		348		87
	Total foreign		1,943		1,998
		$	14,696	$	15,655

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Income Taxes
Schedule of components of income (loss) before (provision) benefit for income taxes	The components of income (loss) before (provision) benefit for income taxes are as follows (in thousands):
		Fiscal Year			Fiscal Year			Fiscal Year
		2014			2013			2012
		(53 weeks)			(52 weeks)			(52 weeks)
	Income (loss) before (provision) benefit for income taxes:
	U.S.	$	20,899		$	13,659		$	(27,290	)
	Foreign		2,416			4,259			(30,733	)
	Total	$	23,315		$	17,918		$	(58,023	)
Schedule of components of provision (benefit) for income taxes	The provision (benefit) for income taxes consists of the following (in thousands):
		Fiscal Year			Fiscal Year			Fiscal Year
		2014			2013			2012
		(53 weeks)			(52 weeks)			(52 weeks)
	Currently payable:
	Federal	$	8,585		$	1,241		$	3,637
	Foreign		876			1,264			50
	State		1,878			254			1,015
			11,339			2,759			4,702
	Deferred:
	Federal		(1,068	)		3,592			(8,163	)
	Foreign		(505	)		(238	)		21
	State		142			570			(1,740	)
		$	(1,431	)	$	3,924		$	(9,882	)
		$	9,908		$	6,683		$	(5,180	)
Schedule of reconciliation of tax rates with the federal statutory rate
		Fiscal Year			Fiscal Year			Fiscal Year
		2014			2013			2012
	Federal statutory rate		35	%		35	%		(35.0	)%
	State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit		3.6			4.4			(1.3	)
	Goodwill impairment		—			—			20.6
	Foreign losses benefited		(1.8	)		(2.8	)		(0.1	)
	Losses not benefited		0.6			0.3			4.2
	Foreign rate differential		0.6			(0.4	)		2.1
	Foreign tax credit		—			(0.1	)		(0.5	)
	Uncertain tax positions		0.7			(2.1	)		—
	Impact of NeuCo's tax provision charges		0.9			1.5			0.1
	Permanently disallowed expenses		2.1			1.6			1
	Prior period adjustments		3			—			—
	Release of valuation allowance		(2.2	)		—			—
	Other		—			(0.1	)		—
			42.5	%		37.3	%		(8.9	)%
Schedule of components of deferred tax assets (liabilities)	The components of CRA's deferred tax assets (liabilities) are as follows (in thousands):
		January 3,			December 28,
		2015			2013
	Deferred tax assets:
	Accrued compensation and related expense	$	23,876		$	21,064
	Tax basis in excess of financial basis of net accounts receivable		2,065			2,363
	Net operating loss carryforwards		5,201			5,421
	Tax basis in excess of financial basis of fixed assets		19			1,489
	Accrued expenses and other		967			902
	Total gross deferred tax assets		32,128			31,239
	Less: valuation allowance		(4,912	)		(6,101	)
	Total deferred tax assets net of valuation allowance		27,216			25,138
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Excess tax over book amortization		5,708			2,938
	Tax basis in excess of financial basis of debentures		3,844			5,024
	Total deferred tax liabilities		9,552			7,962
	Net deferred tax assets	$	17,664		$	17,176
Schedule of aggregate changes in the balances of gross unrecognized tax benefits	The aggregate changes in the balances of gross unrecognized tax benefits were as follows (in thousands):
		January 3,			December 28,
		2015			2013
	Balance at beginning of period	$	372		$	3,032
	Additions for tax positions taken during prior years		127			372
	Additions for tax positions taken during the current year		45			—
	Settlements with tax authorities		(9	)		(3,032	)
	Balance at end of the period	$	535		$	372

Restructuring_Charges_Tables

Restructuring Charges (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Restructuring Charges
Schedule of restructuring reserve balance	The restructuring expenses and reserve balance are as follows as of January 3, 2015 and December 28, 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 fiscal 2013		(759	)		(729	)		(1,488	)
	Non-cash adjustments and effect of foreign currency translation during fiscal 2013		(177	)		(144	)		(321	)
	Balance at December 28, 2013	$	1,170		$	—		$	1,170
	Amounts paid, net of amounts received, during fiscal 2014		(750	)		—			(750	)
	Non-cash adjustments and effect of foreign currency translation during fiscal 2014		42			—			42
	Balance at January 3, 2015	$	462		$	—		$	462

Quarterly_Financial_Data_Unaud1

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Unaudited Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and Estimates
Schedule of quarterly financial data (unaudited)
		Quarter Ended
		March 29,		June 28,		September 27,			January 3,
		2014		2014		2014			2015
		(In thousands, except per share data)
	Revenues	$	76,245	$	78,184	$	73,483		$	78,459
	Gross profit		24,379		25,515		24,066			25,598
	Income from operations		5,629		6,493		5,795			6,124
	Income before provision for income taxes		5,384		6,334		5,575			6,022
	Net income		3,308		3,167		3,189			3,743
	Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest, net of tax		102		21		35			73
	Net income attributable to CRA International, Inc.	$	3,410	$	3,188	$	3,224			3,816
	Basic net income per share	$	0.34	$	0.32	$	0.33		$	0.41
	Diluted net income per share	$	0.34	$	0.32	$	0.33		$	0.40
	Weighted average number of shares outstanding:
	Basic		10,029		9,919		9,729			9,344
	Diluted		10,108		10,026		9,919			9,560
		Quarter Ended
		March 30,		June 29,		September 28,			December 28,
		2013		2013		2013			2013
		(In thousands, except per share data)
	Revenues	$	63,130	$	65,203	$	74,427		$	75,672
	Gross profit		21,115		20,161		23,850			24,044
	Income (loss) from operations		3,774		3,170		6,114			5,459
	Income (loss) before (provision) benefit for income taxes		3,377		3,368		5,952			5,221
	Net income (loss)		2,835		1,351		3,333			3,716
	Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest, net of tax		134		58		(63	)		6
	Net income (loss) attributable to CRA International, Inc.		2,969		1,409		3,270			3,722
	Basic net income (loss) per share	$	0.3	$	0.14	$	0.32		$	0.37
	Diluted net income (loss) per share	$	0.29	$	0.14	$	0.32		$	0.37
	Weighted average number of shares outstanding:
	Basic		9,994		10,100		10,093			10,071
	Diluted		10,084		10,188		10,192			10,148

Summary_of_Significant_Account3

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 03, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014	Jun. 28, 2014	Mar. 29, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Sep. 28, 2013	Jun. 29, 2013	Mar. 30, 2013	Jan. 03, 2015	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
									item	item	item
									segment
Description of Business
Number of broad areas of services									2
Number of business segments									1
Fiscal Year Change
Number of weeks periodically contained in a fiscal year									53
Number of weeks in a fiscal year									52	52	52
NeuCo Interest
Net revenue	$78,459	$73,483	$78,184	$76,245	$75,672	$74,427	$65,203	$63,130	$306,371	$278,432	$270,390
Net income	3,743	3,189	3,167	3,308	3,716	3,333	1,351	2,835	13,407	11,235	-52,843
Net income attributable to CRA International, Inc.	3,816	3,224	3,188	3,410	3,722	3,270	1,409	2,969	13,638	11,370	-52,990
Repayments of Notes Payable									26	700	650
NeuCo, Inc.
NeuCo Interest
Percentage of ownership interest held by the entity									55.89%
Net revenue									4,800	5,100	5,500
Net income									-500	-300	300
Net income attributable to CRA International, Inc.									($200)	($200)	$200

Summary_of_Significant_Account4

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 03, 2015	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Revenue recognition
Reimbursable expenses	$36,676	$37,320	$33,530
Revenues | Fixed-price engagements
Revenue recognition
Percentage of consolidated revenues	15.00%	13.00%	15.00%
Minimum
Revenue recognition
Period in which engagements are generally completed	3 months
Maximum
Revenue recognition
Period in which engagements are generally completed	6 months

Summary_of_Significant_Account5

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 3) (USD $)	Jan. 03, 2015	Dec. 28, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Level 3
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Contingent acquisition liability	$316
Level 3 | Commercial Paper
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Total Liabilities	316
Recurring | Level 1
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Total Assets	20,042	21,034
Recurring | Level 1 | Money Market Funds
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Cash and cash equivalents	20,042	21,034
Recurring | Level 2
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Total Assets		9,000
Recurring | Level 2 | Commercial Paper
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Cash and cash equivalents		$9,000

Summary_of_Significant_Account6

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 4) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 03, 2015	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
	segment
Goodwill
Number of reporting units	1
Goodwill impairment	$0	$0	$71,394
Minimum
Intangible assets
Remaining useful lives	4 years
Maximum
Intangible assets
Remaining useful lives	10 years

Summary_of_Significant_Account7

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 5)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Computer equipment
Property and equipment
Estimated useful lives	3 years
Computer software | Minimum
Property and equipment
Estimated useful lives	3 years
Computer software | Maximum
Property and equipment
Estimated useful lives	10 years
Furniture
Property and equipment
Estimated useful lives	10 years

Summary_of_Significant_Account8

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 6) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Roll forward of the accounts receivable allowance
Balance at beginning of period	$7,210,000
Balance at end of period	4,177,000	7,210,000
Foreign Currency Translation
Transaction gains and losses recorded in income (loss) before (provision) benefit for income taxes	300,000	200,000	200,000
Billed Revenues
Roll forward of the accounts receivable allowance
Balance at beginning of period	7,210,000	9,459,000	6,548,000
Increases to reserve	948,000	5,619,000	6,854,000
Amounts written off	-3,993,000	-7,891,000	-3,897,000
Effects of foreign currency translation	30,000	25,000	-46,000
Balance at end of period	4,177,000	7,210,000	9,459,000
Unbilled Revenues
Roll forward of the accounts receivable allowance
Balance at beginning of period	1,827,000	2,921,000	2,521,000
Increases to reserve	5,242,000	443,000	1,329,000
Amounts written off	-4,836,000	-1,538,000	-928,000
Effects of foreign currency translation		1,000	-1,000
Balance at end of period	2,233,000	1,827,000	2,921,000
NeuCo, Inc. | Billed Revenues
Roll forward of the accounts receivable allowance
Change related to NeuCo	($18,000)	($2,000)

Business_Acquisition_Details

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

Prepaid_Expenses_and_Other_Cur2

Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets, and Other Assets (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015	Dec. 28, 2013
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
Term loans to employees	$1,564,000	$1,764,000
Other	11,601,000	10,011,000
Total	13,165,000	11,775,000
Other assets
Forgivable loans to employees and non-employee experts	42,907,000	51,083,000
Other	5,008,000	3,538,000
Total	47,915,000	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	$10,900,000	$38,800,000

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets2

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 03, 2015	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Goodwill impairment	$0	$0	$71,394
Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill
Balance at the beginning of the period, gross	153,466	142,658
Goodwill adjustments related to acquisitions	1,797	10,563
Goodwill adjustments related to NeuCo		-63
Effect of foreign currency translation	-1,067	308
Balance at the end of the period, gross	154,196	153,466	142,658
Balance at the beginning of the period, Accumulated impairment losses	-71,893	-71,893
Goodwill impairment	0	0	-71,394
Balance at the end of the period, Accumulated impairment losses	-71,893	-71,893	-71,893
Balance at the beginning of the period, net	81,573	70,765
Balance at the end of the period, net	82,303	81,573	70,765
Intangible assets impairment losses	$0	$0	$0

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets3

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Acquired identifiable intangible assets
Acquired identifiable intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization	$4,757,000	$4,537,000
Accumulated amortization	9,584,000	8,392,000
Amortization of intangible assets	1,400,000	1,200,000	800,000
Amortization Expense
2015	1,063,000
2016	899,000
2017	857,000
2018	831,000
2019	563,000
Total	4,213,000
Non-competition agreements
Acquired identifiable intangible assets
Acquired identifiable intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization	236,000	598,000
Accumulated amortization	4,046,000	3,802,000
Customer relationships
Acquired identifiable intangible assets
Acquired identifiable intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization	4,521,000	3,909,000
Accumulated amortization	3,746,000	3,550,000
Other intangible assets
Acquired identifiable intangible assets
Acquired identifiable intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization		30,000
Accumulated amortization	$1,792,000	$1,040,000

Property_and_Equipment_Details

Property and Equipment (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Property and equipment
Property and equipment, gross	$53,540,000	$54,210,000
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	-38,844,000	-38,555,000
Property and equipment, net	14,696,000	15,655,000
Depreciation expense, including amounts recorded in costs of services	5,000,000	5,200,000	5,000,000
Computer, office equipment and software
Property and equipment
Property and equipment, gross	24,197,000	25,034,000
Leasehold improvements
Property and equipment
Property and equipment, gross	21,613,000	21,388,000
Furniture
Property and equipment
Property and equipment, gross	$7,730,000	$7,788,000

Accrued_Expenses_Details

Accrued Expenses (Details) (USD $)	Jan. 03, 2015	Dec. 28, 2013
Accrued Expenses.
Compensation and related expenses	$61,527,000	$51,960,000
Income taxes payable	490,000	3,503,000
Other	4,531,000	10,194,000
Total	66,548,000	65,657,000
Accrued bonuses	$49,200,000	$40,000,000

Credit_Agreement_Details

Credit Agreement (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 03, 2015
Senior Loan Agreement
Amounts outstanding under letters of credit	$1.30
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	6.4
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

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Details

Employee Benefit Plans (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 03, 2015	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Employee Benefit Plans
Employer contributions under 401(k) plans	$1.60	$1.70	$1.80

Leases_Details

Leases (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Rental Commitments
2015	$9,683,000
2016	7,160,000
2017	5,991,000
2018	5,020,000
2019	4,172,000
Thereafter	27,329,000
Rental commitments, gross	59,355,000
Future minimum rentals under sublease arrangements	-457,000
Rental commitments	58,898,000
Additional disclosures
Rent expense	10,000,000	9,600,000	12,400,000
Restructuring expenses			6,700,000
Standby letters of credit in support of the minimum future lease payments	1,300,000
Rent expense
Additional disclosures
Restructuring expenses	$0	$0	$900,000

Net_Income_Loss_Per_Share_Deta

Net Income (Loss) Per Share (Details)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014	Jun. 28, 2014	Mar. 29, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Sep. 28, 2013	Jun. 29, 2013	Mar. 30, 2013	Jan. 03, 2015	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Reconciliation of basic to diluted weighted average shares of common stock outstanding
Basic weighted average shares outstanding	9,344,000	9,729,000	9,919,000	10,029,000	10,071,000	10,093,000	10,100,000	9,994,000	9,747,000	10,084,000	10,167,000
Common stock equivalents:
Stock options and restricted shares (in shares)									150,000	89,000
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding	9,560,000	9,919,000	10,026,000	10,108,000	10,148,000	10,192,000	10,188,000	10,084,000	9,897,000	10,173,000	10,167,000
Calculation of common stock equivalents for purposes of computing diluted weighted average shares outstanding
Anti-dilutive securities excluded from EPS computation (in shares)									764,748	1,138,411	1,947,992
Additional anti-dilutive shares									140,000

Common_Stock_Details

Common Stock (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Oct. 23, 2014	Feb. 13, 2014	Aug. 10, 2012
Share-Based Compensation
Share-based compensation expense	$5,300,000	$2,900,000	$4,900,000
Non-employee compensation expense	271,000	147,000	79,000
Employee tax withholdings paid on redemption of vested restricted shares	1,222,000	730,000	1,360,000
Common Stock Repurchases and Retirements
Share repurchase program, amount authorized to be repurchased				30,000,000	15,000,000	5,000,000
Number of shares repurchased and retired	971,515	118,968	466,109
Aggregate price of shares repurchased and retired	25,492,000	2,190,000	9,062,000
Amount available for future repurchases	20,900,000
Restricted shares
Share-Based Compensation
Vested (in shares)	149,195	134,384	216,528
Redemption of vested restricted shares in order to pay employee tax withholdings (in shares)	41,470	37,642	69,207
Employee tax withholdings paid on redemption of vested restricted shares	1,200,000	700,000	1,400,000
Employees and directors
Share-Based Compensation
Share-based compensation expense	$5,300,000	$2,900,000	$4,900,000

Common_Stock_Detail_2

Common Stock (Detail 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Oct. 23, 2014	Feb. 13, 2014	Aug. 10, 2012
Share Repurchase Program
Share repurchase program, amount authorized to be repurchased				$30,000,000	$15,000,000	$5,000,000
Options exercised (in shares)
Exercise of stock options (in shares)	20,931	13,389	47,185
Proceeds from exercise of options	500,000	200,000	600,000
Tax Deficit on Stock Option Exercises and Restricted Share Vesting
Tax deficits on stock options exercises and restricted share vestings	($128,000)	$254,000	$576,000

ShareBased_Compensation_Detail

Share-Based Compensation (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Share-Based Compensation
Compensation expense	$5,300,000	$2,900,000	$4,900,000
Weighted average fair market value (in dollars per share)	$12.24
Options granted (in shares)	178,608
Non Employee Stock Options
Share-Based Compensation
Non-employee compensation expense	$271,000	$147,000	$79,000
Options
Share-Based Compensation
Weighted average fair market value (in dollars per share)	$12.24	$7.77
Weighted average assumptions
Risk-free interest rate (as a percent)	1.60%	1.40%
Expected volatility (as a percent)	43.00%	47.00%
Weighted average expected life (in years)	5 years	5 years

ShareBased_Compensation_Detail1

Share-Based Compensation (Details 2)	12 Months Ended	26 Months Ended		56 Months Ended	108 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015	Apr. 29, 2010	Mar. 12, 2008	Jan. 03, 2015	Jan. 03, 2015	Dec. 29, 2012
Shares Using Fungibility Ratio
Options granted (in shares)	-178,608
Options forfeited (in shares)	295,081
2006 Incentive Plan
Shares Using Fungibility Ratio
Maximum shares of common stock issuable	4,874,000			4,874,000	4,874,000
Shares initially reserved for issuance	500,000			500,000	500,000
Shares available for grant	891,352			891,352	891,352
2006 Incentive Plan | On or after April 30, 2010
Share-based compensation
Fungibility ratio (as a percent)	1.83%
2006 Incentive Plan | On or after March 12, 2008 and before April 30, 2010
Share-based compensation
Fungibility ratio (as a percent)	2.20%
2006 Incentive Plan | Before March 12, 2008
Share-based compensation
Fungibility ratio (as a percent)	1.80%
2006 Incentive Plan | Shares approved in 2008
Shares Using Fungibility Ratio
Maximum shares of common stock issuable	210,000			210,000	210,000
2006 Incentive Plan | Shares approved in 2010
Shares Using Fungibility Ratio
Maximum shares of common stock issuable	1,464,000			1,464,000	1,464,000
2006 Incentive Plan | Shares approved in 2012
Shares Using Fungibility Ratio
Maximum shares of common stock issuable	2,500,000			2,500,000	2,500,000
Shares available for grant	1,700,000			1,700,000	1,700,000
2006 Incentive Plan | Restricted shares
Actual Shares
Restricted shares or units granted/reserved		352,932	471,827	1,481,999
Cancellation of restricted shares or units		91,964	91,277	470,424
Shares Using Fungibility Ratio
Restricted shares or units granted/reserved increase (decrease), available for grant		-776,450	-849,289	-2,710,594
Cancellation of restricted shares or units increase (decrease), available for grant		202,321	164,299	860,877
2006 Incentive Plan | Options
Shares Using Fungibility Ratio
Options granted (in shares)					-1,094,726
Options cancelled (in shares)					193,183
Options forfeited (in shares)					27,731
1998 Plan
Shares Using Fungibility Ratio
Shares available for grant	1,000,000			1,000,000	1,000,000
1998 Plan | Options
Shares Using Fungibility Ratio
Shares available for grant	0			0	0
LTIP | Options
Shares Using Fungibility Ratio
Options granted (in shares)						0

ShareBased_Compensation_Detail2

Share-Based Compensation (Details 3) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Share-based compensation
Exercise price (in dollars per share)	$30.97
1998 Plan
Share-based compensation
Shares available for grant	1,000,000
1998 Plan | Options
Share-based compensation
Aggregate options granted (in shares)	3,839,216
Shares available for grant	0
1998 Plan | Options | Minimum
Share-based compensation
Termination period	7 years
1998 Plan | Options | Maximum
Share-based compensation
Vesting period	5 years
Termination period	10 years
2004 Nonqualified Inducement Stock Option Plan | Options
Share-based compensation
Aggregate options granted (in shares)	359,420
Shares available for grant	0
2009 Nonqualified Inducement Stock Option Plan
Share-based compensation
Shares authorized	250,000
2009 Nonqualified Inducement Stock Option Plan | Options
Share-based compensation
Aggregate options granted (in shares)	200,000
Vesting period	4 years
Termination period	7 years
Shares available for grant	50,000
Exercise price (in dollars per share)	$50

ShareBased_Compensation_Detail3

Share-Based Compensation (Details 4) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Options
Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in shares)	1,292,349
Granted (in shares)	178,608
Exercised (in shares)	-20,931	-13,389	-47,185
Forfeited (in shares)	-295,081
Outstanding at the end of the period (in shares)	1,154,945	1,292,349
Options exercisable at the end of the period (in shares)	737,760
Weighted Average Exercise Price
Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share)	$30.43
Granted (in dollars per share)	$30.97
Exercised (in dollars per share)	$22.40
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	$33.26
Outstanding at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	$29.93	$30.43
Options exercisable at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	$33.14
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term
Outstanding at the end of the period	3 years 8 months 23 days
Options exercisable at the end of the period	2 years 4 months 21 days
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding at the end of the period (in dollars)	$6,403,000
Options exercisable at the end of the period (in dollars)	3,746,000
Aggregate intrinsic value of stock options exercised	$100,000	$100,000	$400,000

ShareBased_Compensation_Detail4

Share-Based Compensation (Details 5) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015	Dec. 28, 2013
Options Outstanding
Number Outstanding (in shares)	1,154,945
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life	3 years 8 months 23 days
Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$29.93
Options Exercisable
Number Exercisable (in shares)	737,760
Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$33.14
Non-vested Options, Number of Shares
Balance at the beginning of the period (in shares)	401,678
Granted (in shares)	178,608
Vested (in shares)	-153,126
Forfeited (in shares)	-9,975
Balance at the end of the period (in shares)	417,185
Non-vested Options, Weighted-Average Fair Value
Balance at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share)	$8.16
Granted (in dollars per share)	$12.24
Vested (in dollars per share)	$9.03
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	$8.30
Balance at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	$9.98
$18.48
Options Outstanding
Number Outstanding (in shares)	254,355
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life	5 years 10 months 17 days
Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$18.48	$18.48
Options Exercisable
Number Exercisable (in shares)	63,578
Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$18.48
$18.49 - 22.81
Share-based compensation
Exercise price, low end of range (in dollars per share)	$18.49
Exercise price, high end of range (in dollars per share)	$22.81
Options Outstanding
Number Outstanding (in shares)	328,253
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life	3 years 4 months 21 days
Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$21.68
Options Exercisable
Number Exercisable (in shares)	284,453
Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$21.64
$22.82 - 29.07
Share-based compensation
Exercise price, low end of range (in dollars per share)	$22.82
Exercise price, high end of range (in dollars per share)	$29.07
Options Outstanding
Number Outstanding (in shares)	86,665
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life	2 years
Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$24.22
Options Exercisable
Number Exercisable (in shares)	82,665
Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$24.18
$29.08 - 32.26
Share-based compensation
Exercise price, low end of range (in dollars per share)	$29.08
Exercise price, high end of range (in dollars per share)	$32.26
Options Outstanding
Number Outstanding (in shares)	178,608
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life	6 years 11 months 5 days
Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$30.97
$32.27 - 48.85
Share-based compensation
Exercise price, low end of range (in dollars per share)	$32.27
Exercise price, high end of range (in dollars per share)	$48.85
Options Outstanding
Number Outstanding (in shares)	42,500
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life	9 months 15 days
Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$42.58
Options Exercisable
Number Exercisable (in shares)	42,500
Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$42.58
$48.86 - 50.00
Share-based compensation
Exercise price, low end of range (in dollars per share)	$48.86
Exercise price, high end of range (in dollars per share)	$50
Options Outstanding
Number Outstanding (in shares)	150,000
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life	1 year 6 months
Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$50
Options Exercisable
Number Exercisable (in shares)	150,000
Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$50
$50.01 - 53.72
Share-based compensation
Exercise price, low end of range (in dollars per share)	$50.01
Exercise price, high end of range (in dollars per share)	$53.72
Options Outstanding
Number Outstanding (in shares)	114,564
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life	3 months
Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$50.73
Options Exercisable
Number Exercisable (in shares)	114,564
Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$50.73

ShareBased_Compensation_Detail5

Share-Based Compensation (Details 6) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 03, 2015	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
1998 Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Additional disclosures
Number of shares authorized	243,000
Purchase price as a percentage of fair market value	85.00%
Offering period		1 year
Shares issued	0	0	0
Options
Additional disclosures
Fair value of options vested	1.4	1.3	1.5
Unrecognized compensation cost, net of expected forfeitures	3.6
Weighted-average period over which cost is expected to be recognized	3 years 2 months 12 days
Restricted shares
Additional disclosures
Number of vesting installments	4
Unrecognized compensation cost, net of expected forfeitures	5.8
Weighted-average period over which cost is expected to be recognized	3 years 1 month 6 days
Non-vested Restricted Stock and Stock Units, Number of Shares
Balance at the beginning of the period (in shares)	309,038
Granted (in shares)	135,593
Vested (in shares)	-149,195	-134,384	-216,528
Forfeited (in shares)	-9,294
Balance at the end of the period (in shares)	286,142	309,038
Non-vested Restricted Stock and Stock Units, Weighted-Average Fair Value
Balance at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share)	20.39
Granted (in dollars per share)	28.51
Vested (in dollars per share)	21.75
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	20.95
Balance at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	23.72	20.39
Additional disclosures
Number of shares issuable upon achievement of certain financial performance goals, specified period one	212,000
Number of shares issuable upon achievement of certain financial performance goals, specified period two	149,000

Business_Segment_and_Geographi2

Business Segment and Geographic Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 03, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014	Jun. 28, 2014	Mar. 29, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Sep. 28, 2013	Jun. 29, 2013	Mar. 30, 2013	Jan. 03, 2015	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
									segment
Business segment and geographic information
Number of business segments									1
Revenues	$78,459	$73,483	$78,184	$76,245	$75,672	$74,427	$65,203	$63,130	$306,371	$278,432	$270,390
Long-lived assets (property and equipment, net)	14,696				15,655				14,696	15,655
United States
Business segment and geographic information
Revenues									238,466	216,815	207,779
Long-lived assets (property and equipment, net)	12,753				13,657				12,753	13,657
United Kingdom
Business segment and geographic information
Revenues									49,127	46,987	51,059
Long-lived assets (property and equipment, net)	1,595				1,911				1,595	1,911
Other
Business segment and geographic information
Revenues									18,778	14,630	11,552
Long-lived assets (property and equipment, net)	348				87				348	87
Total foreign
Business segment and geographic information
Revenues									67,905	61,617	62,611
Long-lived assets (property and equipment, net)	$1,943				$1,998				$1,943	$1,998

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 03, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014	Jun. 28, 2014	Mar. 29, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Sep. 28, 2013	Jun. 29, 2013	Mar. 30, 2013	Jan. 03, 2015	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Income (loss) before (provision) benefit for income taxes:
U.S.									$20,899	$13,659	($27,290)
Foreign									2,416	4,259	-30,733
Income (loss) before (provision) benefit for income taxes	6,022	5,575	6,334	5,384	5,221	5,952	3,368	3,377	23,315	17,918	-58,023
Components of income tax provision (benefit)
Income tax provision (benefit)									9,908	6,683	-5,180
Currently payable:
Federal									8,585	1,241	3,637
Foreign									876	1,264	50
State									1,878	254	1,015
Currently payable									11,339	2,759	4,702
Deferred:
Federal									-1,068	3,592	-8,163
Foreign									-505	-238	21
State									142	570	-1,740
Deferred									-1,431	3,924	-9,882
Provision (benefit) for income taxes									$9,908	$6,683	($5,180)
Reconciliation of tax rates with federal statutory rate
Federal statutory rate (as a percent)									35.00%	35.00%	-35.00%
State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit (as a percent)									3.60%	4.40%	-1.30%
Goodwill impairment (as a percent)											20.60%
Foreign losses benefited (as a percent)									-1.80%	-2.80%	-0.10%
Losses not benefited (as a percent)									0.60%	0.30%	4.20%
Foreign rate differential (as a percent)									0.60%	-0.40%	2.10%
Foreign tax credit (as a percent)										-0.10%	-0.50%
Uncertain tax positions (as a percent)									0.70%	-2.10%
Impact of NeuCo's tax provision charges (as a percent)									0.90%	1.50%	0.10%
Permanently disallowed expenses (as a percent)									2.10%	1.60%	1.00%
Prior period adjustments (as a percent)									3.00%
Release of valuation allowance (as a percent)									-2.20%
Other (as a percent)										-0.10%
Effective tax rate (as a percent)									42.50%	37.30%	-8.90%

Income_Taxes_Detail_2

Income Taxes (Detail 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015	Dec. 28, 2013
Deferred tax assets:
Accrued compensation and related expense	$23,876,000	$21,064,000
Tax basis in excess of financial basis of net accounts receivable	2,065,000	2,363,000
Net operating loss carryforwards	5,201,000	5,421,000
Tax basis in excess of financial basis of fixed assets	19,000	1,489,000
Accrued expenses and other	967,000	902,000
Total gross deferred tax assets	32,128,000	31,239,000
Less: valuation allowance	-4,912,000	-6,101,000
Total deferred tax assets net of valuation allowance	27,216,000	25,138,000
Deferred tax liabilities:
Tax basis in excess of financial basis of debentures	5,708,000	2,938,000
Excess tax over book amortization	3,844,000	5,024,000
Total deferred tax liabilities	9,552,000	7,962,000
Net deferred tax assets	17,664,000	17,176,000
Valuation allowance
Net change in valuation allowance	-1,200,000
Decrease related to deferred tax liability	500,000
Net operating losses
Valuation allowance
Decrease in valuation allowance from provision to return differences	-200,000
Net operating losses | Foreign
Valuation allowance
Net change in valuation allowance	100,000
Decrease in valuation allowance from benefits on prior net operating losses	($400,000)

Income_Taxes_Details_3

Income Taxes (Details 3) (USD $)	Jan. 03, 2015
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Foreign
Operating loss carryforwards
Net operating loss carryforwards	$9.90
Operating losses subject to expiration	0.2
U.S. federal and U.S. state | NeuCo, Inc.
Operating loss carryforwards
Net operating loss carryforwards	10.4
Federal | NeuCo, Inc.
Operating loss carryforwards
Operating losses available to offset the entity's consolidated taxable income	$0

Income_Taxes_Details_4

Income Taxes (Details 4) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015	Dec. 28, 2013
Changes in the balances of gross unrecognized tax benefits
Balance at beginning of period	$372,000	$3,032,000
Additions for tax positions taken during prior years	127,000	372,000
Additions for tax positions taken during the current year	45,000
Settlements with tax authorities	-9,000	-3,032,000
Balance at end of the period	535,000	372,000
Interest accrued on unrecognized tax benefits	185,000
Unrecognized tax benefits before adjustments	720,000
Unrecognized tax benefits offset by future tax deduction	111,000
Interest and penalties on unrecognized tax benefits	85,000	67,000
Unrecognized tax benefits being recognized as a reduction to the effective income tax rate	467,000
Amount of unrecognized tax benefits that is reasonably possible to be reversed within the next twelve months	162,000
Additional disclosures
Undistributed earnings from foreign subsidiaries	$3,500,000

RelatedParty_Transactions_Deta

Related-Party Transactions (Details) (Shareholders, USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 03, 2015	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Shareholders
Related-Party Transactions
Payments for consulting services	$10.20	$6.10	$5.40

Restructuring_Charges_Details

Restructuring Charges (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			3 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012
Restructuring charges disclosures
Restructuring expenses			$6,700,000
Restructuring charges related to termination benefits, facility related charges, asset write downs and other charges			5,400,000
Restructuring expenses and reserve balance
Balance at the beginning of the period	1,170,000	2,979,000
Amounts paid, net of amounts received	-750,000	-1,488,000
Non-cash adjustments and effect of foreign currency translation	42,000	-321,000
Balance at the end of the period	462,000	1,170,000	2,979,000
Cost of sales
Restructuring charges disclosures
Restructuring expenses			3,800,000
Selling, general and administrative expenses
Restructuring charges disclosures
Restructuring expenses			1,500,000
Depreciation and amortization expense
Restructuring charges disclosures
Restructuring expenses			1,400,000
Office Vacancies
Restructuring expenses and reserve balance
Balance at the beginning of the period	1,170,000	2,106,000
Amounts paid, net of amounts received	-750,000	-759,000
Non-cash adjustments and effect of foreign currency translation	42,000	-177,000
Balance at the end of the period	462,000	1,170,000
Employee Workforce Reduction
Restructuring expenses and reserve balance
Balance at the beginning of the period		873,000
Amounts paid, net of amounts received		-729,000
Non-cash adjustments and effect of foreign currency translation		-144,000
London office surrender
Restructuring charges disclosures
Restructuring expenses				1,700,000
Number of floors under lease surrendered			1
Number of floors under lease			3
London office surrender | Lease surrender
Restructuring expenses and reserve balance
Amounts paid, net of amounts received				-1,200,000
London office surrender | Other restructuring
Restructuring charges disclosures
Restructuring expenses				500,000
Houston office space adjustments
Restructuring charges disclosures
Pre-tax restructuring credit related to adjustments of leased office space in Houston, TX			$400,000
Restructuring Plan, July 2012 | Minimum
Restructuring charges disclosures
Number of consulting positions reduced under the plan			60

Quarterly_Financial_Data_Unaud2

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
Share data in Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 03, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014	Jun. 28, 2014	Mar. 29, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Sep. 28, 2013	Jun. 29, 2013	Mar. 30, 2013	Jan. 03, 2015	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Unaudited Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and Estimates
Revenues	$78,459,000	$73,483,000	$78,184,000	$76,245,000	$75,672,000	$74,427,000	$65,203,000	$63,130,000	$306,371,000	$278,432,000	$270,390,000
Gross profit	25,598,000	24,066,000	25,515,000	24,379,000	24,044,000	23,850,000	20,161,000	21,115,000	99,558,000	89,170,000	88,009,000
Income from operations	6,124,000	5,795,000	6,493,000	5,629,000	5,459,000	6,114,000	3,170,000	3,774,000	24,041,000	18,517,000	-57,810,000
Income before provision for income taxes	6,022,000	5,575,000	6,334,000	5,384,000	5,221,000	5,952,000	3,368,000	3,377,000	23,315,000	17,918,000	-58,023,000
Net income	3,743,000	3,189,000	3,167,000	3,308,000	3,716,000	3,333,000	1,351,000	2,835,000	13,407,000	11,235,000	-52,843,000
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest, net of tax	73,000	35,000	21,000	102,000	6,000	-63,000	58,000	134,000	231,000	135,000	-147,000
Net income attributable to CRA International, Inc.	3,816,000	3,224,000	3,188,000	3,410,000	3,722,000	3,270,000	1,409,000	2,969,000	13,638,000	11,370,000	-52,990,000
Basic net income (loss) per share (in dollars per share)	$0.41	$0.33	$0.32	$0.34	$0.37	$0.32	$0.14	$0.30	$1.40	$1.13	($5.21)
Diluted net income (loss) per share (in dollars per share)	$0.40	$0.33	$0.32	$0.34	$0.37	$0.32	$0.14	$0.29	$1.38	$1.12	($5.21)
Deferred tax assets valuation error correction			$800,000
Weighted average number of shares outstanding:
Basic (in shares)	9,344	9,729	9,919	10,029	10,071	10,093	10,100	9,994	9,747	10,084	10,167
Diluted (in shares)	9,560	9,919	10,026	10,108	10,148	10,192	10,188	10,084	9,897	10,173	10,167

Subsequent_Event_Details

Subsequent Event (Details) (Subsequent event., B P Hancock)	0 Months Ended
	Feb. 24, 2015	Feb. 24, 2015
		sqft
Subsequent event. | B P Hancock
Subsequent Event
Additional lease area	10,057	10,057
Annual rate (in dollars per sq. ft.)	49	49
Lease extension term	3 years