| Summary of Significant Accounting Policies | Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Description of Business CRA International, Inc. ("CRA or the "Company") 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. CRA operates its business under its registered trade name, Charles River Associates. Fiscal Year and Quarters 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 2020 was a 53-week year. Fiscal 2019 and fiscal 2018 were 52-week years. CRA's fiscal quarter ends are determined as the last Saturday nearest the respective calendar quarter end. Basis of Presentation The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of CRA International, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries (collectively the 'Company') which require consolidation, after the elimination of intercompany accounts and transactions. In addition, as more fully explained in Note 11, the consolidated financial statements include CRA's interest in GNU123 Liquidating Corporation ('GNU') for fiscal 2018. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to current year presentation. Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("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 consolidated revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Estimates in these consolidated financial statements include, but are not limited to, allowances for accounts receivable and unbilled services, revenue recognition on fixed price contracts, variable consideration to be included in the transaction price of revenue contracts, depreciation of property and equipment, measurement of operating lease right-of-use ("ROU") assets and liabilities, share-based compensation, valuation of the contingent consideration liability, valuation of acquired intangible assets, impairment of long-lived assets, goodwill, accrued and deferred income taxes, valuation allowances on deferred tax assets, accrued incentive compensation, and certain 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. Cash and Cash Equivalents As of January 2, 2021, CRA's cash accounts were concentrated at two financial institutions, which potentially exposes CRA to credit risks. The financial institutions both have short-term credit ratings 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 institutions, and its cash on deposit is fully liquid. CRA continually monitors the credit ratings of the institutions. Cash equivalents consist principally of money market funds with maturities of three months or less when purchased. Foreign Currency Translation Asset and liability accounts of CRA's foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars at period-end exchange rates and operating accounts are translated at average exchange rates for each reporting period. The resulting translation adjustments are recorded in shareholders' equity as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Foreign currency transactions are remeasured at current exchanges rates, with adjustments recorded in the consolidated statement of operations. The effect of transaction gains and losses recorded in income before provision for income taxes amounted to gains of $0.04 million for fiscal 2020, losses of $1.3 million for fiscal 2019, and gains of $0.4 million for fiscal 2018. Revenue Recognition and Allowances for Accounts Receivable and Unbilled Services On December 31, 2017, CRA adopted ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers ("ASC 606") using the modified retrospective method for all contracts not completed as of the date of adoption. The cumulative effect of applying ASC 606 to all contracts with customers that were not completed as of December 30, 2017 resulted in an increase to CRA's fiscal 2018 opening balance of retained earnings of $0.4 million, net of tax. Prior periods were not retrospectively adjusted. Under ASC 606, revenue is recognized when CRA satisfies a performance obligation by transferring services promised in a contract to a client in an amount that reflects the consideration that CRA expects to receive in exchange for those services. Performance obligations in CRA's contracts represent distinct or separate service streams that CRA provides to clients Revenue contracts with clients are evaluated based on the five-step model under ASC 606: (1) identify the contract with the customer; (2) identify the performance obligations in the contract; (3) determine the transaction price; (4) allocate the transaction price to separate performance obligations; and (5) recognize revenues when (or as) each performance obligation is satisfied. If, at the outset of an arrangement, CRA determines that an enforceable contract does not exist, revenues are deferred until all criteria for an enforceable contract are met. CRA derives substantially all of its revenues from the performance of professional services for its clients. The contracts that CRA enters into and operates under specify whether the engagement will be billed on a time-and-materials basis or a fixed-price basis. These engagements generally last three • Time-and-materials arrangements require the client to pay based on the number of hours worked at contractually agreed-upon hourly rates. Revenues are recognized from these arrangements based on hours incurred and contracted rates based on a right-to-payment for services completed to date. When a time-and-materials arrangement has a "cap" or "limit" amount, revenue is recognized up to the cap or limit amount specified by the client, based on the efforts or hours incurred and expenses incurred. Thereafter, revenue is reserved pending an amendment of the cap or limit. • Fixed-price arrangements require the client to pay a contractually agreed-upon fee in exchange for a pre-established set of professional services. Fees are based on estimates of the costs and timing for completing a performance obligation. Under fixed-price arrangements, revenues are generally recognized using a proportional performance method, which is based on the ratio of costs incurred to the total estimated costs for completing a performance obligation. CRA's fixed-price arrangements generally have a single performance obligation. For arrangements that contain multiple performance obligations, the fixed price is allocated based on the estimated relative standalone selling prices of the promised services underlying each performance obligation. Reimbursable expenses, including those relating to travel, out-of-pocket expenses, outside consultants and other outside service costs, are generally included in revenues, and an equivalent amount of reimbursable expenses is included in costs of services in the period in which the expense is incurred. Sales, value-added, and other taxes collected on behalf of third parties are excluded from revenue. CRA usually issues invoices to its customers on a monthly basis, and payment is due upon receipt of the invoice. When determining the transaction price of a contract, an adjustment is made if payment from a customer occurs either significantly before or significantly after performance, resulting in a significant financing component. Applying the practical expedient in ASC 606, CRA does not assess whether a significant financing component exists if the period between when it performs its obligations under the contract and when the customer pays is one year or less. None of CRA's contracts contained a significant financing component as of January 2, 2021 or December 28, 2019. Contract Balances from Contracts with Customers The timing of revenue recognition, billings, and cash collections results in accounts receivables, unbilled services, and contract liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. Revenues recognized for services performed but not yet billed to clients are recorded as unbilled services. CRA defines contract assets as assets for which it has recorded revenue because it determines that it is probable that it will earn a performance-based or contingent fee, but is not yet entitled to receive a fee because certain events, such as completion of the measurement period or client approval, must occur. CRA defines contract liabilities as advance payments from or billings to its clients for services that have not yet been performed or earned. When consideration is received, or such consideration is unconditionally due from a customer prior to transferring consulting services to the customer under the terms of a contract, a contract liability is recorded. Contract liabilities are recognized as revenue after performance obligations have been satisfied and all revenue recognition criteria have been met. Contract liabilities are included in deferred revenue and other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. Variable Consideration Variable consideration to be included in the transaction price is estimated using either the expected value method or the most likely method based on facts and circumstances. Variable consideration is included in the transaction price if it is probable that a significant future reversal of cumulative revenue under the contract will not occur. Revenues from CRA's consulting services are recorded at the net transaction price, which includes estimates of variable consideration for which reserves are established. These variable consideration reserves, which are based on specific price concessions and those expected to be extended to CRA clients estimated by CRA's historical realization rates, are classified as reductions of accounts receivable and unbilled services. Actual amounts of consideration ultimately received may differ from CRA's estimates. If actual results in the future vary from its estimates, CRA adjusts these estimates, which would affect net revenue and earnings in the period such variances become known. Reserves for Credit Risk CRA's accounts receivable and unbilled services 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 adopted ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Loss (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments ("ASC 326) on December 29, 2019, which changed the method CRA utilizes to estimate reserves related to credit risk. As a result of the adoption, CRA recognized a cumulative-effect adjustment of $0.2 million to retained earnings and allowances for accounts receivable. Comparative periods and their respective disclosures prior to the adoption of ASC 326 have not been adjusted. Under ASC 326, CRA maintains allowances for accounts receivable and unbilled services for estimated losses resulting from clients’ failure to make required payments. CRA estimates these allowances based on historical charge-off rates, adjusted for days of sales outstanding and expected changes to clients’ financial conditions during the anticipated collection period. CRA writes off allowances when management determines the balance is uncollectible and all efforts of collection have been exhausted. Bad debt expense, net of recoveries of previously written off allowances, is recorded as a component of selling, general and administrative expenses on the consolidated statements of operations. Prior to adopting ASC 326, CRA determined allowances for accounts receivable and unbilled services for specific customer accounts based on the financial condition of the customer and related facts and circumstances. Expenses associated with these allowances were recorded as a component of selling, general and administrative expenses on the consolidated statements of operations. Deferred Compensation CRA accounts for performance-based and service-based cash awards using an accrual method where changes in estimates are accounted for prospectively over the remaining service period. To the extent the terms of an award attribute all or a portion of the expected future benefits to a period of service greater than one year, the cost of those benefits is accrued over the employee's or non-employee's requisite service period in a systematic and rational manner, usually on a straight-line basis. The requisite service period typically ranges from three terminates during the measurement period, the amount paid will be determined in accordance with the recipient's specific contract provisions. The terms of award agreements may include the achievement of minimum required financial targets over the award's measurement period. These financial targets may include a measure of revenue generation, profitability, or both. The amount of the liability of the award agreements is estimated based on internally generated financial projections. The process of projecting these financial targets over the measurement period is highly subjective and requires significant judgment and estimates. There can be no assurance that the estimates and assumptions used in preparing these projections will prove to be accurate. Leases CRA is a lessee under certain operating leases for office space and equipment. Prior to adopting ASC Topic 842, Leases ("ASC 842") on December 30, 2018, CRA followed the lease accounting guidance as issued in ASC Topic 840, Leases ("ASC 840"). Under ASC 840, CRA classified its leases as operating or capital leases based on evaluation of certain criteria of the lease agreement. For leases that contained rent escalations or rent holidays, CRA recorded the total rent expense during the lease term on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease and recorded the difference between the rents paid and the straight-line rent expense as deferred rent on the balance sheet. Any tenant improvement allowances received from the lessor were recorded as a reduction to rent expense over the term of the lease. CRA adopted ASC 842 on the first day of fiscal 2019 using the modified retrospective transition method. The cumulative effect of the transition adjustments was recognized as of the date of adoption. As a result of adopting the new standard, CRA recognized ROU assets of $82.3 million and lease liabilities of $106.8 million. The difference between the amount of ROU assets and lease liabilities recognized was an adjustment to deferred rent. There was no change to net deferred tax assets as a result of CRA's adoption of ASC 842. The adoption of ASC 842 did not have a material impact on CRA's results of operations or cash flows, nor did it have an impact on any of CRA's existing debt covenants. The reported results for fiscal 2019 reflect the application of ASC 842 guidance, whereas comparative periods and their respective disclosures prior to the adoption of ASC 842 are presented using the legacy guidance of ASC 840. ASC 842 requires lessees to recognize leases on the balance sheet as a lease liability with a corresponding ROU asset, subject to certain permitted accounting policy elections. Under ASC 842, CRA determines whether a contract is a lease at the inception of the contract. This determination is based on whether the contract provides CRA the right to control the use of a physically distinct asset or substantially all of the capacity of an asset. Leases with an initial noncancellable term of twelve months or less that do not include an option to purchase the underlying asset that CRA is reasonably certain to exercise are classified as short-term leases. ROU assets and lease liabilities related to short-term leases are excluded from the consolidated balance sheets. CRA recognizes rent expense for its operating leases on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. Many of CRA's equipment leases are short-term or cancellable with notice. CRA's office space leases have remaining lease terms between one Certain of CRA's leases include covenants that oblige CRA, at its sole expense, to repair and maintain the leased asset periodically during the lease term. CRA is not a party to any leases that contain residual value guarantees nor is CRA a party to any leases that provide an option to purchase the underlying asset. Many of CRA's office space leases include fixed and variable payments. Variable payments relate to real estate taxes, sales or use taxes, insurance, operating expenses, and common area maintenance, which are usually billed at actual amounts incurred proportionate to CRA's rented square feet of the building. Variable payments that do not depend on an index or rate are expensed by CRA as they are incurred and are not included in the measurement of the lease liability. Many of CRA's leases contain both lease and non-lease components. For office space leases, lease and non-lease components are accounted for as a single component. For equipment leases, fixed and variable payments are allocated to each component relative to observable or estimated standalone prices. CRA measures its variable lease costs as the portion of variable payments that are allocated to lease components. CRA measures its lease liability for each leased asset as the present value of lease payments, as defined in ASC 842, allocated to the lease component, discounted using an incremental borrowing rate specific to the underlying asset. CRA's ROU assets are equal to the lease liability, adjusted for payments made to the lessor prior to the lease commencement date and lease incentives received, which include tenant improvement allowances. CRA estimates its incremental borrowing rate for each leased asset based on the interest rate CRA would incur to borrow an amount equal to the lease payments on a collateralized basis over a similar term in a similar economic environment. Goodwill In accordance with ASC Topic 350, Intangibles —Goodwill and Other ("ASC Topic 350"), goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives are not subject to amortization but are monitored annually as of October 15th for impairment, or more frequently, as necessary, if events or circumstances exist that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of the reporting unit below its carrying amount. For CRA's fiscal 2020 goodwill impairment analysis, it operates as one reporting unit, which is its consulting services. Under ASC Topic 350, in performing the goodwill impairment testing and measurement process, CRA compares the estimated value of its reporting unit to its net book value to identify potential impairment. CRA estimates the fair value of its consulting business reporting unit utilizing its market capitalization plus an appropriate control premium. Market capitalization is determined by multiplying CRA's shares outstanding on the test date by the market price of its common stock on that date. CRA determines the control premium utilizing data from publicly available premium studies for the trailing four quarters for public company transactions in its industry group. If the estimated fair value of the reporting unit is less than its net book value, an impairment charge would be recorded in CRA's consolidated statement of operations. Intangible Assets Intangible assets are comprised of non-competition agreements and customer relationship intangibles, which are separable from goodwill and have determinable useful lives. CRA's intangible assets are valued separately and amortized over their estimated useful lives based on the pattern in which the economic benefit of the asset is expected to be consumed, if reliably determinable. Non-competition agreements are amortized on a straight-line basis over their useful lives, which are estimated to be five years. Customer relationship intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over periods that range between eight 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 Impairment of Long-Lived Assets CRA reviews the carrying value of its long-lived assets (primarily property and equipment, intangible assets, and ROU 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, among others, 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. Fair Value of Financial Instruments ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement, 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). CRA's financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, 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. The contingent consideration liability, which is included in deferred compensation on our consolidated balance sheets, is for estimated future contingent consideration payments related to the acquisition of C1 Consulting, LLC, an independent consulting firm, and its wholly-owned subsidiary C1 Associates (collectively, "C1"). The fair value measurement of the liability is based on significant inputs not observed in the market and thus represent a Level 3 measurement. The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the contingent consideration liability are CRA's measures of the estimated payouts based on internally generated revenue projections, expected volatility of the revenue projections, and discount rates. The fair value of the contingent consideration had been determined using a Monte Carlo simulation in prior fiscal years. As of the current fiscal year end, the liability was estimated using an accrual method that approximates the fair value, as the end of the measurement period occurs in January 2021. The fair value of the contingent consideration liability is reassessed on a quarterly basis by CRA using additional information as it becomes available, and any change in the fair value estimates are recorded in costs of services (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) on the consolidated statements of operations. Income Taxes CRA records income taxes using the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized based on estimated future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective income tax bases. CRA includes in the estimate of deferred tax assets and liabilities an estimate of the realizable benefits from 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. CRA is required to establish a valuation allowance on its deferred tax assets to reflect the likelihood of realization. Significant management judgment is required in determining deferred tax assets and liabilities and any valuation allowance recorded against its net deferred tax assets. The weight of all available evidence is evaluated to determine whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred income tax assets will not be realized. The decision to record a valuation allowance requires varying degrees of judgment based upon the nature of the item giving rise to the deferred tax asset. If, after a valuation allowance is recorded, it is determined that CRA would be able to realize deferred tax assets in the future in excess of their net recorded amount, CRA would make an adjustment to the deferred tax asset valuation allowance, which would reduce the provision for income taxes. CRA's effective tax rate may vary from period to period based on changes in estimated taxable income or loss; changes to the valuation allowance; changes to federal, state, or foreign tax laws; future expansion into areas with varying country, state, and local income tax rates; deductibility of certain costs; uncertain tax positions; expenses by jurisdiction; and results of acquisitions or dispositions. The calculation of CRA's tax liabilities involves dealing with uncertainties in the application of complex tax regulations in several different tax jurisdictions. CRA is periodically reviewed by domestic and foreign tax authorities. These reviews include questions regarding the timing and amount of deductions and the allocation of income among various tax jurisdictions. CRA accounts for uncertainties in income tax positions in accordance with ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes ("ASC 740"). The number of years with open tax audits varies depending on the tax jurisdiction. The Company has elected to recognize the tax on global intangible low-taxed income ("GILTI") as a period expense in the period the tax is incurred. As such, CRA has included its GILTI provision associated with current-year operations solely within the estimated annual effective tax rate ("EAETR") and has not provided additional GILTI on deferred items. 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. For those awards that are deemed probable of vesting, CRA recognizes the estimated fair value 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 time-vesting restricted stock units awarded to employees, CRA estimates share-based compensation cost at the grant date based on the fair value of the restricted stock units and awards and recognizes the cost for awards that are probable of vesting over the requisite service period on a straight-line basis. Performance-vesting restricted stock units are expensed using the graded attribution method. Common Stock and Equity Equity transactions consist primarily of the repurchase by CRA of its common stock under its share repurchase program and the recognition of compensation expense and issuance of common stock under CRA’s 2006 Equity Incentive Plan. Under CRA’s share repurchase program, the Company repurchases its common stock 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. The purchase price is first charged against available paid-in capital (“PIC”) until PIC is exhausted, wherein purchases will be charged to retained earnings. CRA’s common stock has no par value. All shares repurchased have been retired. Net Income (Loss) Per Share CRA computes basic net income or loss per share utilizing the two-class method, whereby net earnings are allocated to each class of common stock and participating security as if all the net earnings for the period had been distributed. Under the two-class method, basic net income or loss per share is computed by dividing net income or loss allocated to common stock by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding. CRA's participating securities consist of unvested share-based payment awards that contain a nonforfeitable right to receive dividends. Potentially dilutive shares are excluded from the basic net income or loss per share calculation. CRA computes diluted net income or loss per share utilizing the more dilutive of either the two-class method or the treasury stock method. Under the two-class method, diluted net income or loss per share is computed by dividing net income or loss by the sum of the weighted-average number of shares determined from the basic earnings per share computation and the number of common stock equivalents that would have a dilutive effect. Under the treasury stock method, the weighted average number of common shares outstanding is increased by the potentially dilutive common shares. Potentially dilutive shares are related to our restricted stock, stock options, time-vesting RSUs, and performance-vesting RSUs. To the extent that there is a net loss, CRA assumes all common stock equivalents to be anti-dilutive, and they are excluded from diluted weighted-average shares outstanding. Recent Accounting Standards Adopted Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments CRA adopted ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments on the first day of fiscal 2020. ASC 326 replaces the methodology that recognizes impairment of financial instruments when losses have been incurred with a methodology that recognizes impairment of financial instruments when losses are expected. The amendment requires entities to use a forward-looking “expected loss” model for most financial instruments, including accounts receivable, unbilled services, and loans, that is based on historical information, current information, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. As a result of adopting the new standard, CRA recognized a cumulative increase to allowances for accounts receivable and unbilled services and a reduction to the fiscal 2020 opening balance of retained earnings of $0.2 million. Comparative periods prior to the adoption of ASC 326 and their respective disclosures have not been adjusted. The adoption of ASC 326 did not have a material impact on CRA’s results of operations or cash flows on the date of transition. Fair Value Measurements (Topic 820) C |
