CRA International (CRAI) 10-Q 3 Nov 15 2015 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015	Oct. 29, 2015
Document and Entity Information
Entity Registrant Name	CRA INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Entity Central Index Key	1,053,706
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Oct. 3, 2015
Amendment Flag	false
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--01-02
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		8,968,298
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3

Condensed Consolidated Income S

Condensed Consolidated Income Statements - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014	Oct. 03, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014
Condensed Consolidated Income Statements
Revenues	$ 76,525	$ 73,483	$ 231,099	$ 227,912
Costs of services	52,029	49,417	156,523	153,952
Gross profit	24,496	24,066	74,576	73,960
Selling, general and administrative expenses	18,355	16,674	55,105	51,297
Depreciation and amortization	1,560	1,597	4,766	4,746
Income from operations	4,581	5,795	14,705	17,917
Interest income	6	29	34	107
Interest expense	(146)	(162)	(437)	(453)
Gain on extinguishment of debt			606
Other expense, net	(95)	(87)	(540)	(278)
Income before provision for income taxes	4,346	5,575	14,368	17,293
Provision for income taxes	(1,533)	(2,386)	(5,454)	(7,629)
Net income	2,813	3,189	8,914	9,664
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest, net of tax	47	35	50	158
Net income attributable to CRA International, Inc.	$ 2,860	$ 3,224	$ 8,964	$ 9,822
Net income per share attributable to CRA International, Inc.:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.32	$ 0.33	$ 0.98	$ 0.99
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.31	$ 0.33	$ 0.97	$ 0.98
Weighted average number of shares outstanding:
Basic (in shares)	8,940	9,729	9,055	9,892
Diluted (in shares)	9,025	9,919	9,182	10,018

Condensed Consolidated Statemen

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014	Oct. 03, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
Net income	$ 2,813	$ 3,189	$ 8,914	$ 9,664
Other comprehensive loss:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(731)	(2,116)	(1,437)	(1,247)
Comprehensive income	2,082	1,073	7,477	8,417
Less: comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	47	35	50	158
Comprehensive income attributable to CRA International, Inc.	$ 2,129	$ 1,108	$ 7,527	$ 8,575

Condensed Consolidated Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Oct. 03, 2015	Jan. 03, 2015
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 21,003	$ 48,199
Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $4,697 at October 3, 2015 and $4,177 at January 3, 2015	60,065	58,080
Unbilled services, net of allowances of $2,796 at October 3, 2015 and at $2,233 at January 3, 2015	33,484	25,085
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	16,871	13,165
Deferred income taxes	21,830	20,638
Total current assets	153,253	165,167
Property and equipment, net	28,471	14,696
Goodwill	81,914	82,303
Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $10,317 at October 3, 2015 and $9,584 at January 3, 2015	3,856	4,757
Deferred income taxes, net of current portion	168	174
Other assets	42,161	47,915
Total assets	309,823	315,012
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	12,089	13,700
Accrued expenses	56,532	66,548
Deferred revenue and other liabilities	5,257	6,220
Deferred income taxes	118	121
Current portion of deferred rent	1,031	1,623
Current portion of deferred compensation	818	182
Current portion of notes payable	75
Total current liabilities	75,920	88,394
Notes payable, net of current portion		981
Deferred rent and facility-related non-current liabilities	10,091	4,535
Deferred compensation and other non-current liabilities	3,530	3,371
Deferred income taxes, net of current portion	$ 4,239	$ 3,027
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; 8,898,155 shares and 9,228,272 shares issued and outstanding at October 3, 2015 and January 3, 2015, respectively	$ 67,014	$ 73,171
Retained earnings	156,582	147,618
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(8,141)	(6,704)
Total CRA International, Inc. shareholders' equity	215,455	214,085
Noncontrolling interest	588	619
Total shareholders' equity	216,043	214,704
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$ 309,823	$ 315,012

Condensed Consolidated Balance5

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Oct. 03, 2015	Jan. 03, 2015
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
Accounts receivable, net of allowances (in dollars)	$ 4,697	$ 4,177
Allowance for unbilled services (in dollars)	2,796	2,233
Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization (in dollars)	$ 10,317	$ 9,584
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	8,898,155	9,228,272
Common stock, shares outstanding	8,898,155	9,228,272

Condensed Consolidated Stateme6

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014
Operating activities:
Net income	$ 8,914	$ 9,664
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities, net of effect of acquired businesses:
Depreciation and amortization	4,782	4,748
Loss on disposal of property and equipment	16	9
Deferred rent	4,976	(1,739)
Deferred income taxes (benefit) provision	(339)	967
Share-based compensation expenses	4,403	4,123
Excess tax benefits on share-based compensation	(87)
Gain on extinguishment of debt	(606)
Accounts receivable allowances	562	(2,655)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	(3,153)	8,515
Unbilled services	(8,612)	(4,037)
Prepaid expenses and other current asset, and other assets	(770)	(302)
Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and other liabilities	(14,950)	(8,541)
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	(4,864)	10,752
Investing activities:
Consideration paid for acquisitions, net		(1,537)
Purchase of property and equipment	(12,696)	(3,175)
Collections on notes receivable	1,554	114
Payments on notes receivable	(77)
Net cash used in investing activities	(11,219)	(4,598)
Financing activities:
Issuance of common stock, principally stock option exercises	602
Payments on notes payable	(300)	(26)
Borrowings under line of credit	4,000
Repayments under line of credit	(4,000)
Tax withholding payments reimbursed by restricted shares	(127)	(159)
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation	87
Repurchase of common stock	(10,810)	(11,927)
Net cash used in financing activities	(10,548)	(12,112)
Effect of foreign exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents	(565)	(609)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(27,196)	(6,567)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	48,199	51,251
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	21,003	44,684
Noncash investing and financing activities:
Issuance of common stock for acquired business	42	427
Purchases of property and equipment not yet paid for	3,858
Purchases of property and equipment paid by a third party	1,343
Supplemental cash flow information:
Cash paid for income taxes	8,227	12,608
Cash paid for interest	240	$ 287
Securities received from a customer for settlement of accounts receivable	$ 192

Condensed Consolidated Stateme7

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Shareholders' Equity - 9 months ended Oct. 03, 2015 - USD ($) $ in Thousands	CRA International, Inc. Shareholders' Equity	Common Stock	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Noncontrolling Interest	Total
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
Increase (Decrease) in Shareholders' Equity
Net income (loss)	8,964		8,964		(50)	$ 8,914
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(1,437)			(1,437)		(1,437)
Issuance of common stock in connection with business acquisition	42	$ 42				42
Issuance of common stock in connection with business acquisition (in shares)		1,359
Exercise of stock options	602	$ 602				602
Exercise of stock options (in shares)		29,288
Share-based compensation expense for employees	4,382	$ 4,382				4,382
Share-based compensation expense for non-employees	21	$ 21				21
Restricted share vesting (in shares)		32,393
Redemption of vested employee restricted shares for tax withholding	(127)	$ (127)				(127)
Redemption of vested employee restricted shares for tax withholding (in shares)		(4,357)
Tax deficit on stock options and restricted shares vesting	(267)	$ (267)				(267)
Shares repurchased	(10,810)	$ (10,810)				$ (10,810)
Shares repurchased (in shares)		(388,800)				(388,800)
Equity transactions of noncontrolling interest					19	$ 19
BALANCE at Oct. 03, 2015	$ 215,455	$ 67,014	$ 156,582	$ (8,141)	$ 588	$ 216,043
BALANCE (in shares) at Oct. 03, 2015		8,898,155				8,898,155

Description of Business

Description of Business	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015
Description of Business
Description of Business	1. Description of Business CRA International, Inc. ("CRA") is a worldwide leading consulting services firm that applies advanced analytic techniques and in-depth industry knowledge to complex engagements for a broad range of clients. CRA offers its services in two broad areas: litigation, regulatory and financial consulting and management consulting. CRA operates in one business segment, which is consulting services. CRA operates its business under its registered trade name, Charles River Associates.

Unaudited Interim Condensed Con

Unaudited Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and Estimates	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015
Unaudited Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and Estimates
Unaudited Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and Estimates	2. Unaudited Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and Estimates The following financial statements included in this report are unaudited: the condensed consolidated income statements for the fiscal quarters and year-to-date periods ended October 3, 2015 and September 27, 2014, the condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income for the fiscal quarters and year-to-date periods ended October 3, 2015 and September 27, 2014, the condensed consolidated balance sheet as of October 3, 2015, the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for the fiscal year-to-date periods ended October 3, 2015 and September 27, 2014, and the condensed consolidated statement of shareholders' equity for the fiscal year-to-date period ended October 3, 2015. In the opinion of management, these statements include all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of CRA's consolidated financial position, results of operations, and cash flows. The condensed consolidated balance sheet as of January 3, 2015 included in this report was derived from audited consolidated financial statements included in CRA's Annual Report on Form 10-K that was filed on March 17, 2015. Results of operations for the interim periods presented herein are not necessarily indicative of results of operations for a full year. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes contained in CRA's Annual Report on Form 10-K that was filed on March 17, 2015. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the U.S. ("U.S. GAAP") requires management to make significant estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, as well as the related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Estimates in these condensed consolidated financial statements include, but are not limited to, allowances for accounts receivable and unbilled services, revenue recognition on fixed price contracts, depreciation of property and equipment, share-based compensation, valuation of acquired intangible assets, impairment of long lived assets, goodwill, accrued and deferred income taxes, valuation allowances on deferred tax assets, accrued compensation, accrued exit costs, and other accrued expenses. These items are monitored and analyzed by CRA for changes in facts and circumstances, and material changes in these estimates could occur in the future. Changes in estimates are recorded in the period in which they become known. CRA bases its estimates on historical experience and various other assumptions that CRA believes to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from those estimates if CRA's assumptions based on past experience or other assumptions do not turn out to be substantially accurate.

Principles of Consolidation

Principles of Consolidation	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015
Principles of Consolidation
Principles of Consolidation	3. Principles of Consolidation The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of CRA and its wholly owned subsidiaries. In addition, the condensed consolidated financial statements include CRA's interest in NeuCo, Inc. ("NeuCo"). All significant intercompany accounts have been eliminated. CRA's ownership interest in NeuCo was 55.89% for all periods presented. NeuCo's financial results have been consolidated with CRA, and the portion of NeuCo's results allocable to its other owners is shown as "noncontrolling interest." Additionally, a member of CRA's board of directors holds a greater than 5% interest in NeuCo as of October 3, 2015. NeuCo's interim reporting schedule is based on calendar month-ends, but its fiscal year end is the last Saturday of November. CRA's quarterly results could include a few days reporting lag between CRA's quarter end and the most recent financial statements available from NeuCo. CRA does not believe that the reporting lag will have a significant impact on CRA's consolidated income statements or financial condition. On January 8, 2015, NeuCo entered into an agreement to settle a note payable of approximately $981,000 in exchange for aggregate payments of $375,000. NeuCo recorded a gain on the extinguishment of this debt in the first quarter of fiscal 2015 of approximately $606,000. Under the settlement order, the scheduled payments are as follows: $150,000 on January 8, 2015, $150,000 on February 28, 2015, and $75,000 on February 29, 2016. NeuCo made the first two scheduled payments during the first quarter of fiscal 2015. In case of default, the original amount would become due.

Recent Accounting Standards

Recent Accounting Standards	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015
Recent Accounting Standards
Recent Accounting Standards	4. Recent Accounting Standards Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments In September 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the "FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2015-16, Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments , that eliminates the requirement to restate prior period financial statements for measurement period adjustments. The new guidance requires that the cumulative impact of a measurement period adjustment (including the impact on prior periods) be recognized in the reporting period in which the adjustment is identified. In addition, companies should present separately on the face of the income statement or disclose in the notes the portion of the adjustment recorded in current-period earnings by line item that would have been recorded in previous reporting periods if the adjustment to the provisional amounts had been recognized as of the acquisition date. The new standard should be applied prospectively to measurement period adjustments that occur after the effective date. The new standard is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015 and early adoption is permitted for all entities. CRA believes that the adoption of ASU 2015-16 will not have a material impact on its financial position, results of operations, cash flows, or disclosures. Revenue from Contracts with Customers In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Deferral of the Effective Date ("ASU 2015-14"). ASU 2015-14 defers by one year the effective date of ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers ("ASU 2014-09"). The deferral results in ASU 2014-09 being effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. 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. 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. Technical Corrections and Improvements In June 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-10, Technical Corrections and Improvements ("ASU 2015-10"), which amends a number of Topics in the FASB Accounting Standards Codification . ASU 2015- 10 is part of an ongoing project on the FASB's agenda to facilitate Codification updates for non-substantive technical corrections, clarifications, and improvements that are not expected to have a significant effect on accounting practice or create a significant administrative cost to most entities. The amendments that require transition guidance are effective for all entities for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period. All other amendments were effective on issuance. CRA believes that the adoption of ASU 2015-10 will not have a material impact on its financial position, results of operations, cash flows, or disclosures. Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, Interest-Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs ("ASU 2015-03"). ASU 2015-03 requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. ASU 2015-03 is effective for the first interim period for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015. CRA believes that the adoption of ASU 2015-03 will not have a material impact on its financial position, results of operations, cash flows, or disclosures. Reporting of Going-Concern Uncertainties In August 2014, the FASB issued 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.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and Cash Equivalents	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and Cash Equivalents	5. Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash equivalents consist principally of securities with a maturity of three months or less when purchased and are stated at amortized cost, which approximates fair value. Investments in money market mutual fund shares are held at net asset value, which approximates fair value.. As of October 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, and the cash on deposit is fully liquid. CRA continually monitors the credit ratings of this institution.

Fair Value of Financial Instrum

Fair Value of Financial Instruments	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	6. Fair Value of Financial Instruments Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures , establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurement), then priority to quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active and model-based valuation techniques for which all significant assumptions are observable in the market (Level 2 measurement), then the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurement). The following table shows CRA's financial instruments as of October 3, 2015 and January 3, 2015 that are measured and recorded in the financial statements at fair value on a recurring basis (in thousands): October 3, 2015 Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets or Liabilities Significant Other Observable Inputs Unobservable Inputs Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Assets: Money market funds $ $ — $ — ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Total Assets $ $ — $ — ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Liabilities: Contingent acquisition liability $ — $ — $ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Total Liabilities $ — $ — $ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ January 3, 2015 Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets or Liabilities Significant Other Observable Inputs Unobservable Inputs Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Assets: Money market funds $ $ — $ — ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Total Assets $ $ — $ — ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 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 contingent acquisition liability in the table above is for estimated future contingent consideration payments related to a prior acquisition. The fair value measure of this liability 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. The fair value of the contingent acquisition liability is reassessed on a quarterly basis by CRA using additional information as it becomes available and any change in the fair value estimate is recorded in the earnings of that period. The increase in the contingent acquisition liability from $0.3 million at January 3, 2015 to $0.9 million as of October 3, 2015 was due to the improved financial performance of the acquired entity during the fiscal year-to-date period ended October 3, 2015, which resulted in a charge of $0.8 million to costs of services during the fiscal year to date period ended October 3, 2015. Payments of approximately $0.3 million were made during the fiscal year-to-date period ended October 3, 2015.

Prepaid Expenses and Other Curr

Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets, and Other Assets	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets, and Other Assets
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets, and Other Assets	7. Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets, and Other Assets 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 October 3, 2015 and January 3, 2015. 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 the fiscal year-to-date period ended October 3, 2015, CRA issued approximately $9.5 million in forgivable loans to employees and non-employee experts for future service. Other assets consist of the following (in thousands): October 3, 2015 January 3, 2015 Forgivable loans to employees and non-employee experts $ $ Other ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Total $ $ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Goodwill

Goodwill	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015
Goodwill
Goodwill	8. 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 a reporting unit below its carrying amount. CRA has two reporting units, CRA's consulting business and NeuCo. CRA considered the features of each business as well as the extent CRA's chief operating decision maker oversees the financial results and operations of each reporting unit. Under ASC Topic 350, in performing the first step of the goodwill impairment testing and measurement process, the estimated fair value of each reporting unit is compared to its net book value to identify potential impairment. Management estimates the fair value of CRA's consulting business utilizing CRA's market capitalization, plus an appropriate control premium less the estimated fair value of NeuCo. Market capitalization is determined by multiplying the shares outstanding on the test date by the market price of CRA's common stock on that date. CRA has utilized a control premium that considers appropriate industry, market and other pertinent factors, including indications of such premiums from data on recent acquisition transactions. The fair value of NeuCo has been determined using an income approach which measures the value of the enterprise based on an expected stream of earnings over time. If the estimated fair value of a reporting unit is less than its net book value, the second step is performed to determine if goodwill is impaired. If through the impairment evaluation process a reporting unit determines that goodwill has been impaired, an impairment charge would be recorded in the consolidated income statements. There were no impairment losses related to goodwill during each of the fiscal year-to-date periods ended October 3, 2015 or September 27, 2014 . CRA continues to monitor the fair value of its reporting units. If the fair value of a reporting unit is below its net book value for a period considered to be other-than-temporary, it is possible that CRA may be required to record an impairment of goodwill either as a result of the annual assessment that CRA conducts in the fourth quarter of each fiscal year, or in a future quarter if events or circumstances exist that would more likely than not reduce a reporting unit's fair value below its carrying amount. A goodwill impairment charge would have the effect of decreasing CRA's earnings in such period. The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill during the fiscal year- to-date period ended October 3, 2015, are as follows (in thousands): Goodwill, gross Accumulated impairment losses Goodwill, net Balance at January 3, 2015 $ $ ) $ Effect of foreign currency translation ) — ) ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Balance at October 3, 2015 $ $ ) $ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill during the fiscal year- to-date period ended January 3, 2015, are as follows (in thousands): Goodwill, gross Accumulated impairment losses Goodwill, net Balance at December 28, 2013 $ $ ) $ Goodwill adjustments related to acquisitions — Effect of foreign currency translation ) — ) ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Balance at January 3, 2015 $ $ ) $ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Accrued Expenses

Accrued Expenses	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015
Accrued Expenses.
Accrued Expenses	9. Accrued Expenses Accrued expenses consist of the following (in thousands): October 3, 2015 January 3, 2015 Compensation and related expenses $ $ Income taxes payable Other ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Total $ $ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ As of October 3, 2015 and January 3, 2015, approximately $35.5 million and $49.2 million, respectively, of accrued bonuses were included above in "Compensation and related expenses".

Credit Agreement

Credit Agreement	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015
Credit Agreement
Credit Agreement	10. Credit Agreement As of October 3, 2015, CRA is party to a credit agreement that provides CRA with a $125.0 million revolving credit facility and a $15 million sublimit for the issuance of letters of credit. CRA may use the proceeds of the revolving credit loans for working capital and other general corporate purposes. CRA may repay any borrowings under the revolving credit facility at any time, but no later than April 24, 2018. There were no borrowings outstanding under this revolving line of credit as of October 3, 2015. As of October 3, 2015, the amount available under this revolving line of credit was reduced by certain letters of credit outstanding, which amounted to approximately $2.5 million. Borrowings under the revolving credit facility bear interest at a rate per annum at the election of CRA 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 $6.5 million in net assets as of October 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 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 October 3, 2015, CRA was in compliance with the covenants of the credit agreement.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015
Revenue Recognition
Revenue Recognition	11. Revenue Recognition CRA derives substantially all of its revenues from the performance of professional services. CRA's revenues include projects secured by our non-employee experts as well as projects secured by our employees. CRA recognizes all project revenue on a gross basis based on consideration of the criteria set forth in ASC Topic 605-45, Principal Agent Considerations . The contracts that CRA enters into and operates under specify whether the engagement will be billed on a time-and-materials or a fixed-price basis. Most of CRA's revenue is derived from time-and-materials service contracts. Revenues from time-and-materials service contracts are recognized as services are provided based upon hours worked and contractually agreed-upon hourly rates, as well as indirect fees based upon hours worked. Revenues from a majority of CRA's fixed-price engagements are recognized using a proportional performance method based on the ratio of costs incurred, substantially all of which are labor-related, to the total estimated project costs. In general, project costs are classified in costs of services and are based on the direct salary of the consultants on the engagement plus all direct expenses incurred to complete the engagement, including any amounts billed to CRA by its non-employee experts. Revenues also include reimbursable expenses, which include travel and other out-of-pocket expenses, outside consultants, and other reimbursable expenses. Reimbursable expenses are as follows (in thousands): Quarter Ended Fiscal Year to Date Period Ended October 3, 2015 September 27, 2014 October 3, 2015 September 27, 2014 Reimbursable expenses $ $ $ $ CRA collects goods and services and value added taxes from customers and records these amounts on a net basis, which is within the scope of ASC Topic 605-45, Principal Agent Considerations .

Net Income Per Share

Net Income Per Share	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015
Net Income Per Share
Net Income per Share	12. Net Income per Share CRA calculates basic and diluted earnings per common share using the two-class method. Under the two-class method, net earnings are allocated to each class of common stock and participating security as if all of the net earnings for the period had been distributed. CRA's participating securities consist of unvested share-based payment awards that contain a nonforfeitable right to receive dividends and therefore are considered to participate in undistributed earnings with common shareholders. Basic earnings per common share excludes dilution and is calculated by dividing net earnings allocable to common shares by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per common share is calculated by dividing net earnings allocable to common shares by the weighted-average number of common shares as of the balance sheet date, as adjusted for the potential dilutive effect of non-participating share-based awards. Net earnings allocable to these participating securities were not significant for each of the third quarter and year-to-date period of fiscal 2014. For each of the fiscal quarter and year-to-date period ended October 3, 2015, the following is a reconciliation of the numerators and denominators used in the calculation of basic net income per share (in thousands, except per share data): For the Quarter Ended October 3, 2015 Amount Shares Per Share Amount Net income attributable to CRA International, Inc. $ Less: net income attributable to CRA International, Inc. allocated to unvested shares ) ) ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Net income attributable to CRA International, Inc. allocated to common shares; and basic earnings per common share $ Add: net income attributable to CRA International, Inc. allocated to unvested shares. Less: undistributed earnings reallocated to unvested shares ) Dilutive effect of non-participating share-based awards ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Net income attributable to CRA International, Inc. allocated to common shares; and diluted earnings per common share $ $ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ For the Year to Date Period Ended October 3, 2015 Amount Shares Per Share Amount Net income attributable to CRA International, Inc. $ Less: net income attributable to CRA International, Inc.allocated to unvested shares ) ) Net income attributable to CRA International, Inc. allocated to common shares; and basic earnings per common share $ Add: net income attributable to CRA International, Inc. allocated to unvested shares. Less: undistributed earnings reallocated to unvested shares ) Dilutive effect of non-participating share-based awards ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Net income attributable to CRA International, Inc. allocated to common shares; and diluted earnings per common share $ $ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ For the third quarter and fiscal-year-to-date period ended October 3, 2015, the anti-dilutive share based awards that were excluded from the calculation of common stock equivalents for purposes of computing diluted weighted average shares outstanding amounted to 431,992 and 398,382 shares, respectively. For the third quarter and fiscal year-to-date period ended September 27, 2014, certain share-based awards, which amounted to 319,564 and 831,975 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 for all of these periods were anti-dilutive because their exercise price exceeded the average market price over the respective period. 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. Repurchases under these programs are discretionary and CRA may make such repurchases under any of these programs in the open market (including under any Rule 10b5-1 plan adopted by CRA) or in privately negotiated transactions, in each case 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 the third quarter and fiscal year-to-date period ended October 3, 2015, CRA repurchased and retired 125,000 shares and 388,800 shares, respectively, under these share repurchase programs at an average price per share of $22.76 and $27.83, respectively. During the third quarter and fiscal year-to-date period ended September 27, 2014, CRA repurchased and retired 279,094 shares and 531,694 shares, respectively, under these share repurchase programs at an average price per share of $25.73 and $23.91, respectively. There was approximately $10.1 million available for future repurchases under these programs as of October 3, 2015.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015
Income Taxes
Income Taxes	13. Income Taxes CRA's effective income tax rates were 35.3% and 42.8% for the third quarters of fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2014, respectively. The effective tax rate in the third quarter of fiscal 2015 was lower than the combined Federal and state statutory tax rate and included favorable rate drivers resulting from the geographical mix of earnings and the use of valuation allowances, offset by the tax treatment of contingent consideration and other permanent tax differences. Additionally, there were several discrete items in the third quarter of fiscal 2015 that benefited the rate, the majority of which related to the revaluing of CRA's US deferred tax assets for an increase in the state applicable rate stemming from 2015 state statutory law changes. The effective tax rate in the third quarter of fiscal 2014 was higher than CRA's combined Federal and state statutory tax rate primarily due to certain unfavorable tax adjustments, offset partially by a favorable geographical mix of earnings. CRA's effective income tax rates were 38.0% and 44.1% for the fiscal year-to-date periods ended October 3, 2015 and September 27, 2014, respectively. The effective tax rate in the fiscal year-to-date period ended October 3, 2015 was lower than the combined Federal and state statutory tax rate and included favorable rates drivers resulting from the geographical mix of earnings and the use of valuation allowances, offset by the tax treatment of contingent consideration and other permanent tax differences. The valuation allowance benefit resulted from the utilization of certain historical foreign net operating losses that previously had valuation allowances. Additionally, there was a discrete benefit year-to-date which included the following items: revaluing of CRA's US deferred tax assets for an increase in the state applicable rate stemming from 2015 state statutory law changes; prior period true-ups primarily as a result of a decrease in a statutory withholding tax rate; and release of reserves in connection with the finalization of the tax examination in France for fiscal years 2011 and 2012, which were partially offset by a discrete provision in the first quarter of fiscal 2015 in connection with income taxes payable for a state examination that has now concluded. The effective tax rate for the fiscal year-to-date period ended September 27, 2014 was higher than CRA's combined Federal and state statutory tax rate primarily due to the approximately $0.8 million non-cash tax expense recorded in the second quarter of fiscal 2014 to correct an immaterial error in CRA's previously issued consolidated financial statements, partially offset by certain favorable tax adjustments that were treated as discrete items in the fiscal year-to-date period ended September 27, 2014. CRA has not provided for deferred income taxes or foreign withholding taxes on undistributed earnings from its foreign subsidiaries as of October 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 and availability from its U.S. credit line to fund its U.S. operational and strategic needs. If CRA were to repatriate its foreign earnings that are indefinitely reinvested, it would incur minimal additional tax expense.

Restructuring Charges

Restructuring Charges	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015
Restructuring Charges
Restructuring Charges	14. Restructuring Charges CRA did not incur any restructuring charges during the third quarters of fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2014, or the fiscal year-to-date periods ended October 3, 2015 and September 27, 2014. The restructuring reserve balance was as follows as of October 3, 2015 (in thousands): Office Vacancies Balance at January 3, 2015 $ Amounts paid, net of amounts received, during the fiscal year-to-date period ended October 3, 2015 ) Adjustments during the fiscal year-to-date period ended October 3, 2015 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Balance at October 3, 2015 $ — ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Fair value of Financial Instr22

Fair value of Financial Instruments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015
Principles of Consolidation
Fair value of Financial Instruments.	The following table shows CRA's financial instruments as of October 3, 2015 and January 3, 2015 that are measured and recorded in the financial statements at fair value on a recurring basis (in thousands): October 3, 2015 Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets or Liabilities Significant Other Observable Inputs Unobservable Inputs Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Assets: Money market funds $ $ — $ — ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Total Assets $ $ — $ — ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Liabilities: Contingent acquisition liability $ — $ — $ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Total Liabilities $ — $ — $ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ January 3, 2015 Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets or Liabilities Significant Other Observable Inputs Unobservable Inputs Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Assets: Money market funds $ $ — $ — ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Total Assets $ $ — $ — ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Liabilities: Contingent acquisition liability $ — $ — $ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Total Liabilities $ — $ — $ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Prepaid Expenses and Other Cu23

Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets, and Other Assets (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets, and Other Assets
Schedule of other assets	Other assets consist of the following (in thousands): October 3, 2015 January 3, 2015 Forgivable loans to employees and non-employee experts $ $ Other ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Total $ $ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Goodwill (Tables)

Goodwill (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015
Goodwill
Schedule of changes in the carrying amount of goodwill	The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill during the fiscal year- to-date period ended October 3, 2015, are as follows (in thousands): Goodwill, gross Accumulated impairment losses Goodwill, net Balance at January 3, 2015 $ $ ) $ Effect of foreign currency translation ) — ) ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Balance at October 3, 2015 $ $ ) $ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill during the fiscal year- to-date period ended January 3, 2015, are as follows (in thousands): Goodwill, gross Accumulated impairment losses Goodwill, net Balance at December 28, 2013 $ $ ) $ Goodwill adjustments related to acquisitions — Effect of foreign currency translation ) — ) ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Balance at January 3, 2015 $ $ ) $ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Accrued Expenses (Tables)

Accrued Expenses (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015
Accrued Expenses.
Schedule of accrued expenses	Accrued expenses consist of the following (in thousands): October 3, 2015 January 3, 2015 Compensation and related expenses $ $ Income taxes payable Other ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Total $ $ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Revenue Recognition (Tables)

Revenue Recognition (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015
Revenue Recognition
Schedule of reimbursable expenses included in revenues	Reimbursable expenses are as follows (in thousands): Quarter Ended Fiscal Year to Date Period Ended October 3, 2015 September 27, 2014 October 3, 2015 September 27, 2014 Reimbursable expenses $ $ $ $

Net Income Per Share (Tables)

Net Income Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015
Net Income Per Share
Schedule of numerator and denominator used in calculation for basic earnings per share	For each of the fiscal quarter and year-to-date period ended October 3, 2015, the following is a reconciliation of the numerators and denominators used in the calculation of basic net income per share (in thousands, except per share data): For the Quarter Ended October 3, 2015 Amount Shares Per Share Amount Net income attributable to CRA International, Inc. $ Less: net income attributable to CRA International, Inc. allocated to unvested shares ) ) ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Net income attributable to CRA International, Inc. allocated to common shares; and basic earnings per common share $ Add: net income attributable to CRA International, Inc. allocated to unvested shares. Less: undistributed earnings reallocated to unvested shares ) Dilutive effect of non-participating share-based awards ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Net income attributable to CRA International, Inc. allocated to common shares; and diluted earnings per common share $ $ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ For the Year to Date Period Ended October 3, 2015 Amount Shares Per Share Amount Net income attributable to CRA International, Inc. $ Less: net income attributable to CRA International, Inc.allocated to unvested shares ) ) Net income attributable to CRA International, Inc. allocated to common shares; and basic earnings per common share $ Add: net income attributable to CRA International, Inc. allocated to unvested shares. Less: undistributed earnings reallocated to unvested shares ) Dilutive effect of non-participating share-based awards ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Net income attributable to CRA International, Inc. allocated to common shares; and diluted earnings per common share $ $ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Restructuring Charges (Tables)

Restructuring Charges (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015
Restructuring Charges
Schedule of restructuring reserve balance	The restructuring reserve balance was as follows as of October 3, 2015 (in thousands): Office Vacancies Balance at January 3, 2015 $ Amounts paid, net of amounts received, during the fiscal year-to-date period ended October 3, 2015 ) Adjustments during the fiscal year-to-date period ended October 3, 2015 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Balance at October 3, 2015 $ — ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Description of Business (Detail

Description of Business (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015item
Description of Business
Number of broad areas of services	2
Number of business segments	1

Principles of Consolidation (De

Principles of Consolidation (Details) - USD ($)	Jan. 08, 2015	Apr. 04, 2015	Oct. 03, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014
Principles of Consolidation
Repayments of Notes Payable			$ 300,000	$ 26,000
Gain on extinguishment of debt			$ 606,000
NeuCo, Inc.
Principles of Consolidation
Percentage of ownership interest held by the entity			55.89%
Notes Payable	$ 981,000
Repayments of Notes Payable	$ 375,000
Gain on extinguishment of debt		$ 606,000
NeuCo, Inc. | Repayments of Notes payable on January 2015
Principles of Consolidation
Repayments of Notes Payable			$ 150,000
NeuCo, Inc. | Repayments of Notes payable on February 2015
Principles of Consolidation
Repayments of Notes Payable			150,000
NeuCo, Inc. | Repayments of Notes Payable on February 2016
Principles of Consolidation
Repayments of Notes Payable			$ 75,000
NeuCo, Inc. | Board of directors | Minimum
Principles of Consolidation
Percentage of ownership interest held by the entity			5.00%

Fair Value of Financial Instr31

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015	Jan. 03, 2015
Fair Value of Financial Instruments.
Costs of services	$ 800
Payment of contingent consideration	300
Recurring | Level 1
Fair Value of Financial Instruments.
Total Assets	46	$ 20,042
Recurring | Level 1 | Money Market Funds
Fair Value of Financial Instruments.
Cash and cash equivalents	46	20,042
Recurring | Level 3
Fair Value of Financial Instruments.
Contingent acquisition liability	873	316
Total Liabilities	$ 873	$ 316

Prepaid Expenses and Other Cu32

Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets, and Other Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015	Jan. 03, 2015
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	$ 9,500
Other assets
Forgivable loans to employees and non-employee experts	38,865	$ 42,907
Other	3,296	5,008
Total	$ 42,161	$ 47,915

Goodwill (Details)

Goodwill (Details) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015USD ($)item	Sep. 27, 2014USD ($)
Goodwill
Number of reporting units | item	2
Goodwill impairment	$ 0	$ 0
Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill
Balance at the beginning of the period, gross	154,196	153,466
Goodwill adjustments related to acquisitions		1,797
Effect of foreign currency translation	(389)	(1,067)
Balance at the end of the period, gross	153,807	154,196
Balance at the beginning of the period, Accumulated impairment losses	(71,893)	(71,893)
Balance at the end of the period, Accumulated impairment losses	(71,893)	(71,893)
Balance at the beginning of the period, net	82,303	81,573
Balance at the end of the period, net	$ 81,914	$ 82,303

Accrued Expenses (Details)

Accrued Expenses (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Oct. 03, 2015	Jan. 03, 2015
Accrued Expenses.
Compensation and related expenses	$ 47,236	$ 61,527
Income taxes payable	319	490
Other	8,977	4,531
Total	56,532	66,548
Accrued bonuses	$ 35,500	$ 49,200

Credit Agreement (Details)

Credit Agreement (Details) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015USD ($)
Senior Loan Agreement
Repayments of Lines of Credit	$ 4,000
Proceeds from Lines of Credit	4,000
Revolving credit facility
Senior Loan Agreement
Revolving credit facility, maximum capacity	125,000
Amount of borrowings outstanding under revolving line of credit	0
Amounts outstanding under letters of credit	$ 2,500
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	$ 6,500
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)	0.375%
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	$ 15,000

Revenue Recognition (Details)

Revenue Recognition (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014	Oct. 03, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014
Revenue Recognition
Reimbursable expenses	$ 8,400	$ 8,683	$ 24,719	$ 26,369

Net Income per Share (Details)

Net Income per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014	Oct. 03, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Diluted [Abstract]
Net income attributable to CRA International, Inc.	$ 2,860	$ 3,224	$ 8,964	$ 9,822
Less: net income attributable to CRA International, Inc. allocated to unvested shares	(22)		(69)
Net income attributable to CRA International, Inc. allocated to common shares; and basic earnings per common share	2,838		8,895
Add: net income attributable to CRA International, Inc. allocated to unvested shares.	22		69
Less: net income reallocated to unvested shares	(21)		(66)
Net income attributable to CRA International, Inc. allocated to common shares; and diluted earnings per common share	$ 2,839		$ 8,898
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract]
Net income attributable to CRA International, Inc. allocated to common shares (in shares)	9,008,000		9,125,000
Less: net income attributable to CRA International, Inc. allocated to unvested shares (in shares)	(68,000)		(70,000)
Net income attributable to CRA International, Inc. allocated to common shares; and basic earnings per common share (in shares)	8,940,000	9,729,000	9,055,000	9,892,000
Dilutive effect of non-participating share-based awards (in shares)	85,000		127,000
Net income attributable to CRA International, Inc. allocated to common shares; and diluted earnings per common share (in shares)	9,025,000		9,182,000
Income (Loss) from Operations before Extraordinary Items, Per Basic Share [Abstract]
Net income attributable to CRA International, Inc. allocated to common shares; and basic earnings per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.32	$ 0.33	$ 0.98	$ 0.99
Net income attributable to CRA International, Inc. allocated to common shares; and diluted earnings per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.31	$ 0.33	$ 0.97	$ 0.98
Reconciliation of basic to diluted weighted average shares of common stock outstanding
Basic weighted average shares outstanding	8,940,000	9,729,000	9,055,000	9,892,000
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding	9,025,000	9,919,000	9,182,000	10,018,000
Calculation of common stock equivalents for purposes of computing diluted weighted average shares outstanding
Anti-dilutive securities excluded from EPS computation (in shares)	431,992	319,564	398,382	831,975

Net Income per Share (Details 2

Net Income per Share (Details 2) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014	Oct. 03, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014	Oct. 23, 2014	Feb. 13, 2014	Aug. 10, 2012
Share Repurchase Program
Share repurchase program, amount authorized to be repurchased					$ 30	$ 15	$ 5
Number of shares repurchased and retired	125,000	279,094	388,800	531,694
Average repurchase price per share (in dollars per share)	$ 22.76	$ 25.73	$ 27.83	$ 23.91
Amount available for future repurchases	$ 10.1		$ 10.1

Income Taxes (Details)

Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014	Jun. 28, 2014	Oct. 03, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014
Income Taxes
Non-cash tax expense			$ 0.8
Reconciliation of tax rates with federal statutory rate
Effective tax rate (as a percent)	35.30%	42.80%		38.00%	44.10%

Restructuring Charges (Details)

Restructuring Charges (Details) - Office Vacancies $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015USD ($)
Restructuring reserve balance
Balance at the beginning of the period	$ 462
Amounts paid, net of amounts received	(513)
Adjustments	$ 51