Conversant Inactive 10-Q7 Nov 142014 Q3 Quarterly reportFinancial data

Company Profile

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information	Sep. 30, 2014	Oct. 31, 2014
Document and Entity Information	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'CONVERSANT, INC.	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0001080034	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-14	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	64,444,183
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
CURRENT ASSETS:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$66,051	$81,319
Accounts receivable, net	132,838	148,738
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	9,023	9,897
Income taxes receivable	26,228	7,057
Deferred tax assets, current portion	6,056	1,556
Current assets held for sale	0	32,802
Total current assets	240,196	281,369
Assets held for sale, less current portion	0	55,642
Property and equipment, net	27,421	28,006
Goodwill	402,254	388,922
Intangible assets acquired in business combinations, net	39,586	48,501
Deferred tax assets, less current portion	331	12,422
Other assets	2,027	2,913
TOTAL ASSETS	711,815	817,775
CURRENT LIABILITIES:	'	'
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	108,015	126,472
Other current liabilities	6,691	4,057
Liabilities related to assets held for sale	0	7,646
Total current liabilities	114,706	138,175
Income taxes payable, less current portion	23,342	24,050
Deferred tax liabilities, less current portion	4,818	855
Borrowings under credit agreement	55,000	140,000
Other non-current liabilities	9,372	8,740
Liabilities related to assets held for sale, less current portion	0	1,058
TOTAL LIABILITIES	207,238	312,878
Commitments and contingencies (Note 10)	'	'
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:	'	'
Convertible preferred stock, $0.001 par value; 20,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued or outstanding at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013	0	0
Common stock, $0.001 par value; 500,000,000 shares authorized; 64,344,772 and 66,828,670 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively	64	67
Additional paid-in capital	458,414	461,822
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-10,125	-2,722
Retained earnings	56,224	45,730
Total stockholders' equity	504,577	504,897
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	$711,815	$817,775

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Convertible preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.00	$0.00
Convertible preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares)	20,000,000	20,000,000
Convertible preferred stock, shares issued (in shares)	0	0
Convertible preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	0	0
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.00	$0.00
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	500,000,000	500,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	64,344,772	66,828,670
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	64,344,772	66,828,670

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Revenue	$138,313	$134,101	$421,606	$396,678
Cost of revenue	47,893	42,928	142,448	127,141
Gross profit	90,420	91,173	279,158	269,537
Operating expenses:	'	'	'	'
Sales and marketing	24,964	21,700	77,421	64,143
General and administrative	23,636	15,097	57,124	45,585
Technology	17,582	14,124	50,719	41,706
Amortization of intangible assets acquired in business combinations	3,606	3,550	11,750	10,650
Total operating expenses	69,788	54,471	197,014	162,084
Income from operations	20,632	36,702	82,144	107,453
Interest and other income (expense), net	1,135	-152	1,399	-24,022
Income before income taxes	21,767	36,550	83,543	83,431
Income tax expense	11,887	14,456	36,584	31,921
Net income from continuing operations	9,880	22,094	46,959	51,510
Discontinued operations (Note 5):	'	'	'	'
Net (loss) income from discontinued operations	0	-4,103	155	2,353
Gain on sale, net of tax	0	0	34,895	2,286
Net income	9,880	17,991	82,009	56,149
Other comprehensive income:	'	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation	-5,211	4,796	-7,403	1,716
Total comprehensive income	$4,669	$22,787	$74,606	$57,865
Basic income per common share from:	'	'	'	'
Continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$0.15	$0.31	$0.71	$0.69
Discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	$0	($0.06)	$0.54	$0.06
Basic net income per common share (in dollars per share)	$0.15	$0.25	$1.25	$0.76
Diluted income per common share from:	'	'	'	'
Continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$0.15	$0.30	$0.70	$0.68
Discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	$0	($0.06)	$0.52	$0.06
Diluted net income per common share (in dollars per share)	$0.15	$0.25	$1.22	$0.74
Weighted-average shares used to calculate net income per common share:	'	'	'	'
Basic (in shares)	64,198	71,649	65,691	74,261
Diluted (in shares)	65,585	73,322	67,160	76,085

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (USD $)	Total	Preferred Stock [Member]	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Total	Preferred Stock [Member]	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]
Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	$504,897	$0	$67	$461,822	($2,722)	$45,730
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2013	'	0	66,828,670	'	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity	'	'	'	'	'	'
Non-cash, stock-based compensation	15,076	'	'	15,076	'	'
Shares issued in connection with employee stock programs (in shares)	'	'	1,608,141	'	'	'
Shares issued in connection with employee stock programs	6,577	'	1	6,576	'	'
Tax benefit from employee stock transactions	3,424	0	0	3,424	0	0
Repurchase and retirement of common stock (in shares)	'	0	-4,092,039	'	'	'
Repurchase and retirement of common stock	-100,003	0	-4	-28,484	0	-71,515
Net Income	82,009	'	'	'	'	82,009
Foreign currency translation	-7,403	'	'	'	-7,403	'
Balance at Sep. 30, 2014	$504,577	$0	$64	$458,414	($10,125)	$56,224
Balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2014	'	0	64,344,772	'	'	'

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME2

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net income	$82,009	$56,149
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Loss on note receivable	0	22,556
Depreciation and amortization	28,564	29,086
Non-cash, stock-based compensation	15,076	14,950
Provision for doubtful accounts and sales credits	2,093	2,718
Gain on sale of business, net of tax	-34,895	-2,286
Amortization of discount on note receivable	0	-570
Deferred income taxes	-5,226	10,398
Tax benefit from stock-based awards	3,424	4,056
Excess tax benefit from stock-based awards	-4,133	-4,216
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, excluding business acquisitions	23,222	-18,382
Net cash provided by operating activities	110,134	114,459
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Purchases of property and equipment	-9,953	-12,203
Principal payments received on note receivable	0	7,460
Proceeds from the sale of business, net of cash divested	72,813	0
Payments for acquisitions, net of cash acquired	-24,286	0
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities	38,574	-4,743
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Proceeds from borrowings under credit agreement	205,000	155,799
Repayments under credit agreement	-290,000	-105,000
Repurchases and retirement of common stock	-100,003	-223,824
Proceeds from shares issued under employee stock programs	6,577	8,479
Excess tax benefit from stock-based awards	4,133	4,216
Net cash used in financing activities	-174,293	-160,330
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-4,616	1,031
Effect on cash and cash equivalents from discontinued operations	14,933	3,702
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	-15,268	-45,881
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	81,319	100,403
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$66,051	$54,522

THE_COMPANY_AND_BASIS_OF_PRESE

THE COMPANY AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION	9 Months Ended
THE COMPANY AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION	Sep. 30, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
THE COMPANY AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION	'
	THE COMPANY AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION
	Recent Developments
	Merger Agreement
	On September 11, 2014, Conversant, Inc. (“Conversant” or the “Company”), Alliance Data Systems Corporation (“Alliance Data”) and Amber Sub LLC (“Merger Sub”) entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger pursuant to which Alliance Data, a leading global provider of data-driven marketing and loyalty solutions, will purchase Conversant. The proposed transaction is discussed in more detail in Note 16.
	Shareholder Lawsuits
	The Company is currently facing pending stockholder class action litigation relating to our potential acquisition by Alliance Data. There are currently three pending lawsuits in the Superior Court of the State of California in Los Angeles County and one pending consolidated action in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware. Each lawsuit alleges that members of the Conversant board of directors breached their fiduciary duties in connection with the proposed sale of Conversant to Alliance Data. These lawsuits are discussed in more detail in Note 10.
	Company Overview
	Conversant and its subsidiaries offer a comprehensive range of digital marketing services across its Affiliate Marketing and Media segments. The Company's services help marketers achieve a variety of strategic objectives, including customer relationship management, new customer acquisition and branding. The Company changed its name from ValueClick, Inc. to Conversant, Inc. on February 3, 2014.
	In periods prior to the third quarter of 2013, the Company derived its revenue from three business segments: Affiliate Marketing, Media and Owned & Operated Websites. In the third quarter of 2013, the Company's board of directors approved a plan to sell the Company's Owned & Operated Websites business segment. As a result of this plan and subsequent sale of this business in the first quarter of 2014, the Owned & Operated Websites segment met the definition of a business held for sale at December 31, 2013. The results of operations for the Owned & Operated Websites segment have been excluded from continuing operations for all periods herein and reported as discontinued operations. See Note 5 for additional information on this divestiture. With this divestiture, the Company now operates in two business segments: Affiliate Marketing and Media. All prior period segment information herein has been recast to conform to this presentation.
	AFFILIATE MARKETING - Conversant's Affiliate Marketing segment, which operates under the "CJ Affiliate by Conversant'' brand name, provides the technology, network and customer service that, in combination, enable advertisers to create their own fully-commissioned online sales force comprised of third-party website publishers, also known as affiliates. Advertisers upload their offers onto the Company's platform, making them available for placement by affiliates. Affiliates apply to join the advertiser's program, and upon acceptance, affiliates select and place the advertiser's offers on their websites or mobile websites, in email campaigns or in search listings. These links are served and tracked by the Company's platform. As a result, when a consumer clicks on one of the affiliate's links and makes an online purchase or completes an agreed-upon action on the advertiser's website or mobile website, the transaction is automatically tracked and recorded. The Company collects commissions due from advertisers and disburses these commission payments to thousands of individual affiliates each month. The Company's technology and service offerings enable marketers to execute their own affiliate marketing programs without the expense of building and maintaining their own in-house technical infrastructure and resources.
	The Company's Affiliate Marketing segment principally generates revenue from variable commissions paid to the Company by advertisers, which are based on a percentage of commissions advertisers pay to affiliates, or on a percentage of transaction revenue generated from the advertising programs managed by the Company's affiliate marketing platform. The commission payments advertisers pay to the Company are separate from the commission payments advertisers pay to affiliates. The Company does not receive any portion of affiliate publisher commissions, and the Company does not generally generate revenue directly from affiliates.
	MEDIA - Conversant's Media segment provides a comprehensive suite of digital marketing services and tailored programs that help marketers create and increase awareness for their products and brands, attract visitors and generate leads and sales through the Internet and mobile applications. The company's platform enables marketers to deliver personalized and individualized communications, and is designed for flexibility based on each brand’s specific needs. The level of personalization, data integration, creative development, cross-channel delivery, and measurement sophistication are tailored for each individual client.
	On February 6, 2014, the Company acquired SET Media, a digital video technology company. SET Media strengthens the Company's technology offerings and adds unique video targeting and brand safety capabilities to its personalization platform. SET Media is included in the Company's Media segment. See Note 4 for additional information on this acquisition.
	Basis of Presentation and Use of Estimates
	The condensed consolidated financial statements are unaudited and, in the opinion of management, reflect all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) that are necessary for a fair statement of the results for the periods shown. The results of operations for such periods are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for the full fiscal year or for any future period. As permitted by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) under Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X, the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes have been condensed and do not contain certain information that may be included in Conversant's annual consolidated financial statements and notes thereto. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes included in Conversant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013, filed with the SEC on March 3, 2014. The December 31, 2013 condensed consolidated balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”).
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. On an ongoing basis, management evaluates its estimates, including, but not limited to, those related to: i) the allowance for doubtful accounts and sales credits; ii) the fair value of the Company's debt; iii) the valuation of equity instruments granted by the Company; iv) the value assigned to, recoverability and estimated useful lives of, goodwill and intangible assets acquired in business combinations; v) the Company's income tax expense, its deferred tax assets and liabilities and any valuation allowances recorded against deferred tax assets; and vi) the recognition and disclosure of contingent liabilities. These estimates and assumptions are based on historical data and experience, as well as various other factors that management believes to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates and assumptions.

RECENTLY_ISSUED_ACCOUNTING_STA

RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS	9 Months Ended
RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS	Sep. 30, 2014
RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS DISCLOSURE [Abstract]	'
RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS	'
	RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

	In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU No. 2014-09, which clarifies the principles used to recognize revenue for all entities. Revenue recognition under this standard will depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The guidance also requires disclosures regarding the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. The guidance permits two methods of adoption: retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented or retrospectively with the cumulative effect of initially applying the guidance recognized at the date of initial application. The guidance is effective January 1, 2017 and early adoption is not permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of this guidance will have on its financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

	In April 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-08, which changes the criteria for reporting discontinued operations and requires additional disclosures about discontinued operations. Under the new guidance, only disposals representing a strategic shift in operations that have, or will have, a major effect on the organization’s operations and financial results should be presented as discontinued operations. Additionally, the guidance requires expanded disclosures about discontinued operations that will provide financial statement users with more information about the assets, liabilities, income, and expenses of discontinued operations. The amendments in ASU No. 2014-08 will be applied prospectively to annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2014, and interim periods within those years, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of this guidance will have on its financial position, results of operations and cash flows.


	In July 2013, the FASB determined that an unrecognized tax benefit should be presented as a reduction of a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward or other tax credit carryforward when settlement in this manner is available under applicable tax law. This guidance is effective for the Company's interim and annual periods beginning January 1, 2014. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

	In March 2013, the FASB issued new accounting guidance clarifying the accounting for the release of cumulative translation adjustment into net income when a parent either sells a part or all of its investment in a foreign entity or no longer holds a controlling financial interest in a subsidiary or group of assets that is a nonprofit activity or a business within a foreign entity. The new standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning on or after December 15, 2013. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

	In February 2013, the FASB issued a final rule related to the reporting of amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income that requires entities to report, either on the face of their financial statements or in a footnote to their financial statements, the effects on earnings from items that are reclassified out of other comprehensive income. The new accounting rules were effective for the Company on January 1, 2013. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

STOCKBASED_COMPENSATION

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Share-based Compensation, Allocation and Classification in Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION	'
	STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
	In the three-month periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, the Company recognized stock-based compensation of $5.5 million and $4.7 million, respectively. In the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, the Company recognized stock-based compensation of $15.1 million and $14.1 million, respectively.
	The following table summarizes, by statement of comprehensive income line item, the impact of stock-based compensation and the related income tax benefits recognized in the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):


		Three Months						Nine Months
		Ended September 30,						Ended September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Sales and marketing	$	1,430		$	1,254		$	3,962		$	3,801

	General and administrative	2,646			2,335			7,036			6,893

	Technology	1,423			1,126			4,078			3,371

	Total stock-based compensation	5,499			4,715			15,076			14,065

	Related income tax benefits	(2,355		)	(1,941		)	(6,101		)	(5,949		)
	Stock-based compensation, net of tax benefits	$	3,144		$	2,774		$	8,975		$	8,116

RECENT_BUSINESS_COMBINATIONS

RECENT BUSINESS COMBINATIONS (SET Media [Member])	9 Months Ended
RECENT BUSINESS COMBINATIONS (SET Media [Member])	Sep. 30, 2014
SET Media [Member]	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Recent Business Combinations	'
	RECENT BUSINESS COMBINATION

	On February 6, 2014, the Company completed the acquisition of SET Media, a digital video technology company. Under the terms of the agreement, the Company acquired all outstanding equity interests in SET Media for total cash consideration of $24.6 million. The Company also assumed 52,000 unvested options to purchase shares of Conversant common stock valued at $0.9 million. The fair value of the assumed unvested stock options will be expensed over the future service period.

	SET Media strengthens the Company's technology offerings and adds unique video targeting and brand safety capabilities to its personalization platform. These factors contributed to a purchase price in excess of the fair value of SET Media's net tangible and intangible assets acquired, and, as a result, the Company has recorded goodwill in connection with this transaction. The results of SET Media's operations are included in the Company's consolidated financial statements beginning on February 6, 2014.

	The preliminary allocation of the purchase price (based upon preliminary valuation assumptions that may change upon completion of the Company's analysis) to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, based on their estimated fair values, resulted in $13.4 million in goodwill, $10.1 million in amortizable intangible assets, including $8.1 million of developed technology with a useful life of four years, $5.0 million in deferred tax assets and $4.0 million in deferred tax liabilities. The Company does not expect any goodwill to be tax deductible. This acquisition is not considered material for purposes of further disclosure.

DISCONTINUED_OPERATIONS

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]	'
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS	'
	DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

	On January 10, 2014, the Company completed the disposition of its Owned & Operated Websites segment. The proceeds from the sale consisted of gross cash consideration of $80.0 million, and $74.8 million net of cash divested. The company incurred $2.0 million in transaction costs in connection with the divestiture. The divestiture generated a pre-tax gain of $7.0 million in the first quarter of 2014, which includes a $1.4 million reclassification adjustment relating to the foreign currency translation amounts previously included in other comprehensive income, and a $34.2 million gain net of income taxes due to a tax benefit of $27.2 million realized upon the sale due primarily to tax deductible goodwill. In the second quarter of 2014, the Company recorded an additional $1.3 million pre-tax gain, and $0.7 million gain net of income taxes, as a result of working capital adjustments defined in the sale agreement.
	The assets and liabilities of the Owned & Operated Websites segment were classified as held for sale as of December 31, 2013, and the historical results of operations of the Owned & Operated Websites segment are treated as discontinued operations herein. The Company determined that its Owned & Operated Websites segment met the definition of an asset held for sale in the third quarter of 2013.
	The following amounts related to the Owned & Operated Websites segment for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2013, were derived from historical financial information. All amounts have been segregated from continuing operations and reported in discontinued operations (in thousands):


		Three Months			Nine Months
		Ended			Ended
		30-Sep-13			30-Sep-13
	Revenue	$	28,872		$	91,489


	Income from discontinued operations before income taxes	$	3,805		$	13,016

	Income tax expense	7,908			10,857

	Net income from discontinued operations	$	(4,103	)	$	2,159

	The components of assets and liabilities held for sale at December 31, 2013 are as follows (in thousands):


		December 31, 2013
	Current assets held for sale:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	14,933

	Receivables, net	15,113

	Other current assets	2,756

		$	32,802

	Assets held for sale, less current portion:
	Property and equipment, net	$	1,554

	Goodwill	45,878

	Intangible assets acquired in business combinations	7,798

	Other assets	412

		$	55,642

	Current liabilities related to assets held for sale:
	Accounts payable and accrued expenses	$	7,242

	Other current liabilities	404

		$	7,646

	Liabilities related to assets held for sale, less current portion:
	Deferred tax liabilities	$	1,058

	Other non-current liabilities	—

		$	1,058

GOODWILL_AND_INTANGIBLE_ASSETS

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS	'
	GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS
	As a result of the Company's sale of its Owned & Operated Websites businesses as described in Note 1, the Company's reporting units now consist of the Affiliate Marketing, Enterprise (formerly named Dotomi) and Media operating segments as of September 30, 2014. The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill, by reporting unit, for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2014, were as follows (in thousands):


		Affiliate				Enterprise				Media				Total
		Marketing
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	30,657			206,861				$	151,404			$	388,922

	Foreign currency translation adjustments	(60		)		—				(27		)		(87		)

	Acquisition	—				—				13,419				13,419

	Balance at September 30, 2014	$	30,597			$	206,861			$	164,796			$	402,254


	Goodwill, accumulated impairment losses and the net carrying amount of goodwill, by reporting unit, as of September 30, 2014, and December 31, 2013, were as follows (in thousands):


		Affiliate				Enterprise				Media				Total
		Marketing
	September 30, 2014
	Goodwill	$	30,597			$	206,861			$	276,796			$	514,254

	Accumulated impairment losses	—				—				(112,000		)		(112,000		)

	Goodwill, net	$	30,597			$	206,861			$	164,796			$	402,254


	December 31, 2013
	Goodwill	$	30,657			$	206,861			$	263,404			$	500,922

	Accumulated impairment losses	—				—				(112,000		)		(112,000		)

	Goodwill, net	$	30,657			$	206,861			$	151,404			$	388,922

	The gross balance, accumulated amortization and net carrying amount of the Company’s intangible assets as of September 30, 2014, and December 31, 2013, were as follows (in thousands):


		Gross				Accumulated				Net Carrying
		Balance				Amortization				Amount
	September 30, 2014

	Customer, affiliate and advertiser relationships	$	96,970			$	(71,221	)		$	25,749

	Trademarks, trade names and domain names	7,847				(7,578		)		269

	Developed technologies	39,870				(26,862		)		13,008

	Non-competition agreements	840				$	(280	)		560

	Total intangible assets	$	145,527			$	(105,941	)		$	39,586


	December 31, 2013
	Customer, affiliate and advertiser relationships	$	95,810			$	(60,799	)		$	35,011

	Trademarks, trade names and domain names	11,873				(10,555		)		1,318

	Developed technologies	31,770				(19,598		)		12,172

	Total intangible assets	$	139,453			$	(90,952	)		$	48,501

	The following table summarizes, by consolidated statement of comprehensive income line item, the impact of amortization expense recognized for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):


	Three Months								Nine Months
	Ended September 30,								Ended September 30,
	2014				2013				2014				2013
Amortization of acquired developed technologies included in consolidated cost of revenue	$	2,478			$	1,986			$	7,265			$	5,957

Amortization of acquired intangible assets included in consolidated operating expenses	3,606				3,550				11,750				10,650

Total	$	6,084			$	5,536			$	19,015			$	16,607

Estimated intangible asset amortization expense for the remainder of 2014, the succeeding four years and thereafter is as follows (in thousands):


	Amortization included in:
	Cost of revenue				Operating expenses				Total
Three months ending December 31, 2014	$	2,478			$	3,606			$	6,084

2015	6,311				14,425				20,736

2016	2,025				8,378				10,403

2017	2,025				44				2,069

2018	169				44				213

Thereafter	—				81				81

Total	$	13,008			$	26,578			$	39,586

ACCOUNTS_RECEIVABLE

ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE	9 Months Ended
ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE	Sep. 30, 2014
Receivables [Abstract]	'
ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE	'
	ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE

	Accounts receivable are stated net of an allowance for doubtful accounts and sales credits of $5.5 million at September 30, 2014, and $6.9 million at December 31, 2013. No customers accounted for more than 10% of the accounts receivable balance at September 30, 2014, or December 31, 2013.

PROPERTY_AND_EQUIPMENT

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]	'
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT	'
	PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
	Property and equipment consisted of the following at September 30, 2014, and December 31, 2013 (in thousands):


		September 30, 2014			December 31, 2013
	Computer equipment and purchased software	$	63,611		$	55,965

	Furniture and equipment	8,102			7,837

	Leasehold improvements	10,720			10,660

	Property and equipment, gross	82,433			74,462

	Less: accumulated depreciation and leasehold	(55,012		)	(46,456		)
	amortization
	Total property and equipment, net	$	27,421		$	28,006

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENT

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT	9 Months Ended
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT	Sep. 30, 2014
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS [Abstract]	'
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT	'
	FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT

	The accounting guidance for fair value measurements defines fair value, establishes a consistent framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosure for each major asset and liability category measured at fair value on either a recurring or nonrecurring basis. The accounting guidance clarifies that fair value is an exit price, representing the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. As such, fair value is a market-based measurement that should be determined based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability. As a basis for considering such assumptions, the accounting guidance establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value. These tiers include: Level 1, defined as fair value measured based on observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities; Level 2, defined as fair value measured based on observable inputs other than the quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable, either directly or indirectly; and Level 3, defined as fair value measured based on unobservable inputs for which there is little or no market data, therefore requiring the reporting entity to develop its own assumptions. The fair value hierarchy also requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value.
	As of September 30, 2014, and December 31, 2013, the carrying amounts of net accounts receivable, and accounts payable and accrued expenses approximate fair value due to their short-term nature. The carrying amount of cash equivalents, which consist of money market accounts, approximate fair value using level 1 inputs. Based on borrowing rates that are available to the Company for loans with similar terms and consideration of the Company’s credit risk, the carrying value of the Company's debt approximates its fair value and is a Level 2 measurement within the fair value hierarchy.

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	9 Months Ended
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	Sep. 30, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	'
	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

	The Company is currently facing pending stockholder class action litigation relating to our potential acquisition by Alliance Data, which was publicly announced on September 11, 2014. There are currently three pending lawsuits in the Superior Court of the State of California in Los Angeles County and one pending consolidated action in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware.

	On September 12, 2014, a putative stockholder class action complaint, captioned Palkon v. Conversant, Inc., et al., No. 56-2014-00457860-CU-BT-VTA (Superior Court, Ventura County), was filed against Conversant, Conversant’s directors, Alliance Data and the Merger Subsidiary in the Superior Court of the State of California in Ventura County. On October 7, 2014, the plaintiff in the Palkon action filed a request for voluntary dismissal. The court issued an order granting the request and dismissing the action on October 21, 2014. Additionally, on September 16, 2014, a second putative stockholder class action complaint, captioned Leinoff v. Conversant, Inc., et al., No. BC-557818 (Superior Court, Los Angeles County), was filed against Conversant, Conversant’s directors, Alliance Data and the Merger Subsidiary in the Superior Court of the State of California in Los Angeles County. An amended complaint was filed in Leinoff on October 21, 2014. On September 19, 2014, a third putative stockholder class action complaint, captioned Blaze v. Conversant, Inc., et al., No. BC-558100 (Superior Court, Los Angeles County), was filed against Conversant, Conversant’s directors, Alliance Data and the Merger Subsidiary, also in the Superior Court of the State of California in Los Angeles County. The plaintiff in the Los Angeles County Blaze action filed a request for voluntary dismissal on October 17, 2014. The court issued an order granting the request and dismissing the action on October 29, 2014. On September 26, 2014, a fourth putative class action stockholder complaint, captioned Feliciano v. Buzby, et al., C.A. No. 10174-VCN (Chancery Court, Delaware) was filed against Conversant, Conversant’s directors, Alliance Data and the Merger Subsidiary in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware. An amended complaint was filed in Feliciano on October 9, 2014. On September 30, 2014, a fifth putative stockholder class action complaint, captioned Naclerio v. Conversant, Inc., et al., No. BC559187 (Superior Court, Los Angeles County) was filed against Conversant, Conversant’s directors, Alliance Data, and the Merger Subsidiary, in the Superior Court of the State of California in Los Angeles County. On October 3, 2014, a sixth putative stockholder class action complaint, captioned Hoffman v. Conversant, Inc., et al., No. BC559660 (Superior Court, Los Angeles County) was filed against Conversant, Conversant’s directors, Alliance Data, and the Merger Subsidiary, also in the Superior Court of the State of California in Los Angeles County. On October 17, 2014, a seventh putative stockholder class action complaint, captioned Blaze v. Conversant, Inc. et al., C.A. No. 10253-VCN (Chancery Court, Delaware), was filed against Conversant, Conversant’s directors, Alliance Data, and the Merger Subsidiary, also in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware. Also on October 17, 2014, an eighth putative stockholder class action complaint, captioned Joyce v. Conversant, Inc. et al., C.A. No. 10254-VCN (Chancery Court, Delaware), was filed against Conversant, Conversant’s directors, Alliance Data, and the Merger Subsidiary in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware. On October 22, 2014, the plaintiff in Joyce filed a motion to expedite proceedings. On October 30, 2014, an order was entered consolidating the Delaware actions into a consolidated action captioned In re Conversant, Inc. Stockholder Litigation, C.A. No. 10174-VCN (Chancery Court, Delaware), and appointing Plaintiffs’ co-lead counsel and liaison counsel for the consolidated action.

	Each lawsuit alleges that members of the Conversant board of directors breached their fiduciary duties in connection with the proposed sale of Conversant to Alliance Data. Each complaint also alleges that Conversant, Alliance Data and the Merger Subsidiary aided and abetted the alleged breach of fiduciary duty. The Delaware consolidated action and the amended complaint in Leinoff also include claims regarding alleged misrepresentations and omissions made in Conversant’s preliminary proxy statement. The complaints seek, among other things, injunctive relief and other equitable relief, in addition to unspecified fees and costs. The Company believes these lawsuits are without merit and intends to defend itself against each of them vigorously.

	From time to time, the Company may become subject to legal proceedings, claims and litigation arising in the ordinary course of business. In addition, the Company may receive letters alleging infringement of patent or other intellectual property rights. In October 2014, the Company received a notice of a claim for indemnification from IAC Search, LLC /InterActiveCorp related to its January 2014 acquisition of the Company’s Owned & Operated Websites segment. The Company believes that this claim is without merit and intends to defend itself vigorously. The Company is not currently a party to any material legal proceedings, except as discussed above, nor is the Company aware of any pending or threatened litigation that is reasonably possible to have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, operating results, cash flows or financial condition should such litigation be resolved unfavorably.

INCOME_TAXES

INCOME TAXES	9 Months Ended
INCOME TAXES	Sep. 30, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
INCOME TAXES	'
	INCOME TAXES

	As of December 31, 2013, the Company recorded a liability of $18.7 million for unrecognized tax benefits. During the three-month period ended September 30, 2014, the Company’s liability for unrecognized tax benefits increased by $2.0 million in respect of prior years’ tax positions and decreased by $1.0 million primarily as a result of the expiration of certain statutes of limitations. During the nine-month period ended September 30, 2014, the Company’s liability for unrecognized tax benefits increased by $2.0 million in respect of prior years’ tax positions, increased by $0.5 million as a result of income tax positions taken during the period, decreased by $1.0 million primarily as a result of the expiration of certain statutes of limitations, decreased by $0.3 million as a result of tax settlements, and, in the first quarter of 2014, $0.3 million of unrecognized tax benefits were removed related to the completion of the sale of the Owned & Operated Websites segment, resulting in a total liability for unrecognized tax benefits at September 30, 2014, of $19.6 million. If these tax benefits are recognized in future periods, the liability for unrecognized tax benefits would be recorded as a reduction to income tax expense. Facts and circumstances could arise in the twelve-month period following September 30, 2014, that could cause the Company to reduce the liability for unrecognized tax benefits, including, but not limited to, settlement of income tax positions or expiration of statutes of limitations. Because the ultimate resolution of uncertain tax positions depends on many factors and assumptions, the Company is not able to estimate the range of potential changes in the liability for unrecognized tax benefits or the timing of such changes.

	The Company’s policy is to recognize interest and penalties expense, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax expense. As of December 31, 2013, the Company had recorded an accrual of $9.7 million for interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits. During the three-month periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, the Company recognized $2.0 million and $0.4 million in gross interest and penalties, respectively, partially offset by a reversal of prior accrued interest and penalties of $0.1 million in each of these periods as a result of the expiration of certain statutes of limitations. During the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, the Company recognized $2.5 million and $1.1 million in gross interest and penalties, respectively, partially offset by a reversal of prior year accrued interest and penalties in each of these periods of $0.1 million as a result of the expiration of certain statutes of limitations. For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2014, gross interest and penalties expense accrued by the Company were also partially offset by $0.1 million in interest paid relating to the settlement of tax positions and $0.2 million of accrued interest that was removed related to the completion of the sale of the Owned & Operated Websites segment, resulting in an accrual for interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits of $11.8 million at September 30, 2014. The accrual for interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits is included in non-current income taxes payable balance on the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet.

	The Company’s uncertain tax positions are related to tax years that remain subject to examination by the relevant tax authorities. These include the 2009 and 2011 through 2013 tax years for federal purposes, 2004 through 2013 tax years for various state jurisdictions, and 2004 through 2013 tax years for various foreign jurisdictions. The Company is currently under audit examination by the Internal Revenue Service for the 2007 tax year, and in various state and foreign jurisdictions for various tax years. The Company is currently disputing an assessment from the French tax authorities relating to corporate income taxes and value added taxes associated with certain prior years. In the three-month period ended September 30, 2014, the Company recorded a reserve of approximately $3.7 million related to this matter.

STOCKHOLDERS_EQUITY

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	9 Months Ended
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	Sep. 30, 2014
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract]	'
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	'
	STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

	In September 2001, the Company’s board of directors authorized a stock repurchase program (the “Program”) to allow for the repurchase of shares of the Company’s common stock at prevailing market prices in the open market or through unsolicited negotiated transactions. Since the inception of the Program and through December 31, 2013, the Company’s board of directors authorized a total of $1.0 billion for repurchases under the Program and the Company had repurchased a total of 80.9 million shares of its common stock for approximately $926.8 million. During the three-month period ended September 30, 2014, the Company's board of directors authorized $150.0 million for additional repurchases under the Program. During the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2014, the Company repurchased 0.8 million shares for $18.9 million and 4.1 million shares for $99.9 million, respectively. As of September 30, 2014, up to an additional $150.1 million of the Company’s capital was available to be used to repurchase shares of the Company’s outstanding common stock under the Program.

	Repurchases have been funded from available working capital and borrowings under the Company's credit facility, and all shares have been retired subsequent to their repurchase. There is no guarantee as to the exact number of shares that will be repurchased by the Company, and the Company may discontinue repurchases at any time that management or the Company’s board of directors determines additional repurchases are not warranted. The amounts authorized by the Company’s board of directors exclude broker commissions.

NET_INCOME_PER_COMMON_SHARE

NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE	'
	NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE

	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net income per common share for the periods indicated (in thousands, except per share data):


		Three Months				Nine Months
		Ended September 30,				Ended September 30,
		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Net income	$	9,880	$	17,991	$	82,009	$	56,149


	Weighted-average common shares outstanding - basic	64,198		71,649		65,691		74,261

	Dilutive effect of employee stock-based awards	1,387		1,673		1,469		1,824

	Number of shares used to compute net income per common	65,585		73,322		67,160		76,085
	share - diluted

	Net income per common share:

	Basic	$	0.15	$	0.25	$	1.25	$	0.76

	Diluted	$	0.15	$	0.25	$	1.22	$	0.74

	Employee stock-based awards totaling 125,000 shares during the three-month period ended September 30, 2013 were excluded from the computation of diluted net income per common share because their effect would have been anti-dilutive under the treasury stock method. For the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, the number of anti-dilutive shares excluded from the diluted net income per common share computation was 2,000 and 64,000, respectively.

CREDIT_AGREEMENT

CREDIT AGREEMENT	9 Months Ended
CREDIT AGREEMENT	Sep. 30, 2014
CREDIT AGREEMENT [Abstract]	'
CREDIT AGREEMENT	'
	CREDIT AGREEMENT

	On August 19, 2013, the Company entered into a Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the "Credit Facility"), which amended and restated the Company's previous credit facility in its entirety. The amended Credit Facility consists of a revolving loan commitment of $400.0 million, with a Company option to increase the total revolving loan commitment to $500.0 million subject to certain conditions. The expiration date under the amended Credit Facility was extended to August 19, 2018. Borrowings under the facility bear interest at either (i) the Base Rate, which is equal to the highest of (a) the administrative agent's prime rate, (b) the federal funds rate plus 1.50% and (c) the one month reserve adjusted daily London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") plus 1.50%, or (ii) LIBOR, in each case plus an applicable margin as in effect at each interest calculation date. The applicable margin in effect from time to time is based on the Company’s total leverage ratio. The applicable margins range from 1.25% to 1.75% for LIBOR loans and from 0.25% to 0.75% for Base Rate loans.

	Certain of the Company's domestic subsidiaries have guaranteed the obligations of the Company and all future domestic subsidiaries of the Company also are required to guarantee the obligations of the Company under the Credit Facility. The Company's obligations are collateralized by a lien on substantially all of its present and future assets pursuant to a separate security agreement (the "Security Agreement"). In addition, the obligations of each subsidiary guarantor are collateralized by a lien on substantially all of such subsidiary’s present and future assets pursuant to a separate guaranty agreement (the "Guaranty Agreement"). The subsidiary guarantees and the collateral under the Security Agreement are subject to release upon fulfillment of certain conditions specified in the Credit Facility, Security Agreement and the Guaranty Agreement.

	The Credit Facility is available to be used by the Company to, among other things, fund its working capital needs and for other general corporate purposes, including acquisitions and stock repurchases. The Company pays a commitment fee on the unused portion of the revolving loan commitment amount up to a maximum of 0.30% based on the Company’s total leverage ratio. The agreement also defines customary events of default such as failure to pay interest or principal when due, material inaccuracy of representations or warranties, bankruptcy events, change of control, a material adverse change in financial condition or operations, or a default of covenant. Upon the occurrence of an event of default, the principal and accrued interest under the Credit Facility then outstanding may be declared due and payable. At September 30, 2014, there was $55 million outstanding under the revolving loan commitment.

	The Company has provided various representations and agreed to certain financial covenants including a total leverage ratio, a fixed charge coverage ratio and a minimum unrestricted, unencumbered liquid assets requirement. At September 30, 2014, and December 31, 2013, the Company was in compliance with all of the covenants required by its Credit Facility.

SEGMENTS_GEOGRAPHIC_INFORMATIO

SEGMENTS, GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION AND SIGNIFICANT CUSTOMERS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Segments, Geographical Areas [Abstract]	'
SEGMENTS, GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION AND SIGNIFICANT CUSTOMERS	'
	SEGMENTS, GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION AND SIGNIFICANT CUSTOMERS

	The Company derives its revenue from two business segments: Affiliate Marketing and Media. These business segments are presented on a worldwide basis. Prior to the third quarter of 2013, the Company operated in a third segment, Owned & Operated Websites. However, in the third quarter of 2013, the Company's board of directors approved a plan to sell the Owned & Operated Websites business segment. As a result of this plan and subsequent sale of this business in the first quarter of 2014, the Owned & Operated Websites segment met the definition of a business held for sale at December 31, 2013, and also met the reporting requirements to be reported as discontinued operations. Accordingly, the results of operations for the Owned & Operated Websites segment have been excluded from continuing operations for all periods herein and reported as discontinued operations.

	The following table provides revenue and segment income from operations for each of the Company’s two business segments. The Company accounts for inter-segment revenue as if the revenue was derived from third parties, that is, at current market prices. Segment income from operations, as shown below, is the performance measure used by management to assess segment performance and excludes the effects of stock-based compensation, amortization of intangible assets and corporate expenses, as these items are excluded from the segment performance measures utilized by the Company's chief operating decision maker in evaluating the performance of the segments. Corporate expenses consist of those costs not directly attributable to a business segment, and include: salaries and benefits for the Company’s executive, finance, legal, corporate governance, human resources, and facilities organizations; fees for professional service providers including audit, tax and Sarbanes-Oxley compliance; certain legal fees not directly attributable to a business segment; insurance; acquisition related costs; and, other corporate expenses.


		Revenue								Segment Income
										from Operations
		Three Months Ended September 30,
		2014				2013				2014				2013
		(in thousands)
	Affiliate Marketing	$	39,190			$	38,872			$	23,009			$	23,606

	Media	99,123				95,254				25,613				30,242

	Inter-segment revenue	—				(25		)		—				—

	Total	$	138,313			$	134,101			$	48,622			$	53,848


		Revenue								Segment Income
										from Operations
		Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014				2013				2014				2013
		(in thousands)
	Affiliate Marketing	$	122,286			$	113,805			$	73,876			$	69,115

	Media	299,333				283,000				76,821				89,537

	Inter-segment revenue	(13		)		(127		)		—				—

	Total	$	421,606			$	396,678			$	150,697			$	158,652


	A reconciliation of total segment income from operations to consolidated income from operations is as follows for each period (in thousands):


		Three Months								Nine Months
		Ended September 30,								Ended September 30,
		2014				2013				2014				2013
	Segment income from operations	$	48,622			$	53,848			$	150,697			$	158,652

	Corporate expenses	(16,407		)		(6,895		)		(34,462		)		(20,527		)
	Stock-based compensation	(5,499		)		(4,715		)		(15,076		)		(14,065		)
	Amortization of acquired developed technology included in consolidated cost of revenue	(2,478		)		(1,986		)		(7,265		)		(5,957		)
	Amortization of acquired intangible assets included in consolidated operating expenses	(3,606		)		(3,550		)		(11,750		)		(10,650		)
	Consolidated income from operations	$	20,632			$	36,702			$	82,144			$	107,453


	Depreciation and leasehold amortization expense included in the determination of segment income from operations as presented above for the Affiliate Marketing and Media segments is as follows for each period (in thousands):


		Three Months								Nine Months
		Ended September 30,								Ended September 30,
		2014				2013				2014				2013
	Affiliate Marketing	$	318			$	363			$	1,010			$	1,030

	Media	2,575				2,572				7,493				7,353

	Corporate	375				297				1,037				857

	Total	$	3,268			$	3,232			$	9,540			$	9,240


The Company’s continuing operations are domiciled in the United States with operations internationally in Europe, South Africa and China through wholly-owned subsidiaries. Revenue is attributed to a geographic region based upon the country from which the customer relationship is maintained.

The Company’s geographic information was as follows (in thousands):


	Revenue
	Three Months								Nine Months
	Ended September 30,								Ended September 30,
	2014				2013				2014				2013
United States	$	127,930			$	123,172			$	387,419			$	362,870

International	10,454				11,087				34,457				34,302

Inter-regional eliminations	(71		)		(158		)		(270		)		(494		)
Total	$	138,313			$	134,101			$	421,606			$	396,678


	Income from Operations
	Three Months								Nine Months
	Ended September 30,								Ended September 30,
	2014				2013				2014				2013
United States	$	20,851			$	35,853			$	80,978			$	103,810

International	(219		)		849				1,166				3,643

Total	$	20,632			$	36,702			$	82,144			$	107,453


For the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, no customer comprised more than 10% of total revenue from continuing operations.

MERGER_AGREEMENT_WITH_ALLIANCE

MERGER AGREEMENT WITH ALLIANCE DATA SYSTEMS (Alliance Data Systems [Member])	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Alliance Data Systems [Member]	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Merger Agreement with Alliance Data Systems	'
	MERGER AGREEMENT WITH ALLIANCE DATA SYSTEMS
	On September 11, 2014, Conversant entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) with Alliance Data and Merger Sub. The Merger Agreement provides for the merger of Conversant with and into Merger Sub, with Merger Sub continuing as the surviving company and a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of Alliance Data (the “Merger”).

	Subject to the terms and conditions of the Merger Agreement, holders of Conversant common stock will receive, for each share of Conversant common stock entitled to the Merger consideration, consideration valued at $35.00 per share, or approximately $2.3 billion in the aggregate (based on the closing price of Alliance Data common stock on September 11, 2014). Each outstanding share of Conversant common stock will be exchanged in the Merger for consideration consisting of (i) 0.07037 shares of Alliance Data common stock and (ii) an amount in cash such that (based on the 15-day volume weighted average price of Alliance Data common stock as of the close of business on the second business day prior to closing (the “Closing VWAP”)), the total consideration per share equals $35.00 (together, the “Standard Merger Consideration”), with a final mix of consideration being determined following the determination of the Closing VWAP. However, the maximum amount of cash Alliance Data will pay per share of Conversant common stock will not exceed $18.62 and the minimum amount of cash Alliance Data will pay per share of Conversant common stock will not be less than $14.98 (the “Collar Range”).
	In the event that the maximum or minimum cash amount is reached, the amount of cash per share (i.e. either $18.62 or $14.98) and the stock exchange ratio of 0.07037 would remain fixed at these levels and the value received by Conversant shareholders would float below or above $35.00 respectively outside of the Collar Range.
	As an alternative to the Standard Merger Consideration, Conversant stockholders may instead elect to receive, for each share of Conversant common stock, all stock or all cash consideration, subject to pro ration amongst electing stockholders such that the aggregate amount of cash paid and the aggregate number of shares of Alliance Data common stock issued in the Merger is the same that would be paid and issued if each share of Conversant common stock had been converted into the Standard Merger Consideration. As long as Alliance Data common stock consists of 40% or more in the aggregate of the merger consideration as valued at one day prior to closing, the stock consideration is expected to be tax free to Conversant stockholders.
	The respective Boards of Directors of Alliance Data and Conversant have unanimously approved the Merger Agreement, and the Board of Directors of Conversant has agreed to recommend that the Conversant stockholders adopt the Merger Agreement, subject to certain exceptions set forth in the Merger Agreement.
	The Merger Agreement contains customary representations, warranties and covenants made by each of Conversant, Alliance Data and Merger Sub. Conversant may not solicit competing acquisition proposals, or, subject to certain exceptions with respect to unsolicited proposals, engage in discussions concerning, or provide confidential information in connection with, any alternative business combinations. Conversant is required to keep Alliance Data promptly and reasonably informed of all unsolicited alternative business combination proposals. The Merger Agreement further provides that, upon termination of the Merger Agreement under certain circumstances, including in connection with the acceptance of an alternative transaction or a material breach of the no-shop covenants, Conversant may be required to pay Alliance Data a termination fee equal to $65 million.
	Completion of the Merger is subject to customary conditions, including approval of the Merger by Conversant stockholders and listing of the shares of Alliance Data common stock to be issued in the Merger on the New York Stock Exchange.

THE_COMPANY_AND_BASIS_OF_PRESE1

THE COMPANY AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION (Policies)	9 Months Ended
THE COMPANY AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION (Policies)	Sep. 30, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Basis of Presentation and Use of Estimates	'
	Basis of Presentation and Use of Estimates
	The condensed consolidated financial statements are unaudited and, in the opinion of management, reflect all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) that are necessary for a fair statement of the results for the periods shown. The results of operations for such periods are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for the full fiscal year or for any future period. As permitted by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) under Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X, the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes have been condensed and do not contain certain information that may be included in Conversant's annual consolidated financial statements and notes thereto. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes included in Conversant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013, filed with the SEC on March 3, 2014. The December 31, 2013 condensed consolidated balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”).
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. On an ongoing basis, management evaluates its estimates, including, but not limited to, those related to: i) the allowance for doubtful accounts and sales credits; ii) the fair value of the Company's debt; iii) the valuation of equity instruments granted by the Company; iv) the value assigned to, recoverability and estimated useful lives of, goodwill and intangible assets acquired in business combinations; v) the Company's income tax expense, its deferred tax assets and liabilities and any valuation allowances recorded against deferred tax assets; and vi) the recognition and disclosure of contingent liabilities. These estimates and assumptions are based on historical data and experience, as well as various other factors that management believes to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates and assumptions.

STOCKBASED_COMPENSATION_Tables

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Share-based Compensation, Allocation and Classification in Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Impact of stock-based compensation and related income tax benefits	'
	The following table summarizes, by statement of comprehensive income line item, the impact of stock-based compensation and the related income tax benefits recognized in the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):


		Three Months						Nine Months
		Ended September 30,						Ended September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Sales and marketing	$	1,430		$	1,254		$	3,962		$	3,801

	General and administrative	2,646			2,335			7,036			6,893

	Technology	1,423			1,126			4,078			3,371

	Total stock-based compensation	5,499			4,715			15,076			14,065

	Related income tax benefits	(2,355		)	(1,941		)	(6,101		)	(5,949		)
	Stock-based compensation, net of tax benefits	$	3,144		$	2,774		$	8,975		$	8,116

DISCONTINUED_OPERATIONS_Tables

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures	'
	The following amounts related to the Owned & Operated Websites segment for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2013, were derived from historical financial information. All amounts have been segregated from continuing operations and reported in discontinued operations (in thousands):


		Three Months			Nine Months
		Ended			Ended
		30-Sep-13			30-Sep-13
	Revenue	$	28,872		$	91,489


	Income from discontinued operations before income taxes	$	3,805		$	13,016

	Income tax expense	7,908			10,857

	Net income from discontinued operations	$	(4,103	)	$	2,159

	The components of assets and liabilities held for sale at December 31, 2013 are as follows (in thousands):


		December 31, 2013
	Current assets held for sale:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	14,933

	Receivables, net	15,113

	Other current assets	2,756

		$	32,802

	Assets held for sale, less current portion:
	Property and equipment, net	$	1,554

	Goodwill	45,878

	Intangible assets acquired in business combinations	7,798

	Other assets	412

		$	55,642

	Current liabilities related to assets held for sale:
	Accounts payable and accrued expenses	$	7,242

	Other current liabilities	404

		$	7,646

	Liabilities related to assets held for sale, less current portion:
	Deferred tax liabilities	$	1,058

	Other non-current liabilities	—

		$	1,058

GOODWILL_AND_INTANGIBLE_ASSETS1

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Assigned goodwill by reporting unit	'
	The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill, by reporting unit, for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2014, were as follows (in thousands):


		Affiliate			Enterprise			Media			Total
		Marketing
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	30,657		206,861			$	151,404		$	388,922

	Foreign currency translation adjustments	(60		)	—			(27		)	(87		)

	Acquisition	—			—			13,419			13,419

	Balance at September 30, 2014	$	30,597		$	206,861		$	164,796		$	402,254


	Goodwill, accumulated impairment losses and the net carrying amount of goodwill, by reporting unit, as of September 30, 2014, and December 31, 2013, were as follows (in thousands):


		Affiliate			Enterprise			Media			Total
		Marketing
	September 30, 2014
	Goodwill	$	30,597		$	206,861		$	276,796		$	514,254

	Accumulated impairment losses	—			—			(112,000		)	(112,000		)

	Goodwill, net	$	30,597		$	206,861		$	164,796		$	402,254


	December 31, 2013
	Goodwill	$	30,657		$	206,861		$	263,404		$	500,922

	Accumulated impairment losses	—			—			(112,000		)	(112,000		)

	Goodwill, net	$	30,657		$	206,861		$	151,404		$	388,922

Gross balance, accumulated amortization and net carrying amount of intangible assets	'
	The gross balance, accumulated amortization and net carrying amount of the Company’s intangible assets as of September 30, 2014, and December 31, 2013, were as follows (in thousands):


		Gross			Accumulated			Net Carrying
		Balance			Amortization			Amount
	September 30, 2014

	Customer, affiliate and advertiser relationships	$	96,970		$	(71,221	)	$	25,749

	Trademarks, trade names and domain names	7,847			(7,578		)	269

	Developed technologies	39,870			(26,862		)	13,008

	Non-competition agreements	840			$	(280	)	560

	Total intangible assets	$	145,527		$	(105,941	)	$	39,586


	December 31, 2013
	Customer, affiliate and advertiser relationships	$	95,810		$	(60,799	)	$	35,011

	Trademarks, trade names and domain names	11,873			(10,555		)	1,318

	Developed technologies	31,770			(19,598		)	12,172

	Total intangible assets	$	139,453		$	(90,952	)	$	48,501

Impact of amortization expense recognized	'
	The following table summarizes, by consolidated statement of comprehensive income line item, the impact of amortization expense recognized for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):


		Three Months						Nine Months
		Ended September 30,						Ended September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Amortization of acquired developed technologies included in consolidated cost of revenue	$	2,478		$	1,986		$	7,265		$	5,957

	Amortization of acquired intangible assets included in consolidated operating expenses	3,606			3,550			11,750			10,650

	Total	$	6,084		$	5,536		$	19,015		$	16,607

Estimated intangible asset future amortization expense	'

	Estimated intangible asset amortization expense for the remainder of 2014, the succeeding four years and thereafter is as follows (in thousands):


		Amortization included in:
		Cost of revenue			Operating expenses			Total
	Three months ending December 31, 2014	$	2,478		$	3,606		$	6,084

	2015	6,311			14,425			20,736

	2016	2,025			8,378			10,403

	2017	2,025			44			2,069

	2018	169			44			213

	Thereafter	—			81			81

	Total	$	13,008		$	26,578		$	39,586

PROPERTY_AND_EQUIPMENT_Tables

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]	'
Property and Equipment	'
	Property and equipment consisted of the following at September 30, 2014, and December 31, 2013 (in thousands):


		September 30, 2014			December 31, 2013
	Computer equipment and purchased software	$	63,611		$	55,965

	Furniture and equipment	8,102			7,837

	Leasehold improvements	10,720			10,660

	Property and equipment, gross	82,433			74,462

	Less: accumulated depreciation and leasehold	(55,012		)	(46,456		)
	amortization
	Total property and equipment, net	$	27,421		$	28,006

NET_INCOME_PER_COMMON_SHARE_Ta

NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Computation of basic and diluted net income per common share	'
	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net income per common share for the periods indicated (in thousands, except per share data):


		Three Months				Nine Months
		Ended September 30,				Ended September 30,
		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Net income	$	9,880	$	17,991	$	82,009	$	56,149


	Weighted-average common shares outstanding - basic	64,198		71,649		65,691		74,261

	Dilutive effect of employee stock-based awards	1,387		1,673		1,469		1,824

	Number of shares used to compute net income per common	65,585		73,322		67,160		76,085
	share - diluted

	Net income per common share:

	Basic	$	0.15	$	0.25	$	1.25	$	0.76

	Diluted	$	0.15	$	0.25	$	1.22	$	0.74

SEGMENTS_GEOGRAPHIC_INFORMATIO1

SEGMENTS, GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION AND SIGNIFICANT CUSTOMERS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Segments, Geographical Areas [Abstract]	'
Revenue and segment income from continuing operations	'
	Segment income from operations, as shown below, is the performance measure used by management to assess segment performance and excludes the effects of stock-based compensation, amortization of intangible assets and corporate expenses, as these items are excluded from the segment performance measures utilized by the Company's chief operating decision maker in evaluating the performance of the segments. Corporate expenses consist of those costs not directly attributable to a business segment, and include: salaries and benefits for the Company’s executive, finance, legal, corporate governance, human resources, and facilities organizations; fees for professional service providers including audit, tax and Sarbanes-Oxley compliance; certain legal fees not directly attributable to a business segment; insurance; acquisition related costs; and, other corporate expenses.


		Revenue						Segment Income
								from Operations
		Three Months Ended September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
		(in thousands)
	Affiliate Marketing	$	39,190		$	38,872		$	23,009		$	23,606

	Media	99,123			95,254			25,613			30,242

	Inter-segment revenue	—			(25		)	—			—

	Total	$	138,313		$	134,101		$	48,622		$	53,848


		Revenue						Segment Income
								from Operations
		Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
		(in thousands)
	Affiliate Marketing	$	122,286		$	113,805		$	73,876		$	69,115

	Media	299,333			283,000			76,821			89,537

	Inter-segment revenue	(13		)	(127		)	—			—

	Total	$	421,606		$	396,678		$	150,697		$	158,652

Reconciliation of total segment income from operations to consolidated income from operations	'
	A reconciliation of total segment income from operations to consolidated income from operations is as follows for each period (in thousands):


		Three Months						Nine Months
		Ended September 30,						Ended September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Segment income from operations	$	48,622		$	53,848		$	150,697		$	158,652

	Corporate expenses	(16,407		)	(6,895		)	(34,462		)	(20,527		)
	Stock-based compensation	(5,499		)	(4,715		)	(15,076		)	(14,065		)
	Amortization of acquired developed technology included in consolidated cost of revenue	(2,478		)	(1,986		)	(7,265		)	(5,957		)
	Amortization of acquired intangible assets included in consolidated operating expenses	(3,606		)	(3,550		)	(11,750		)	(10,650		)
	Consolidated income from operations	$	20,632		$	36,702		$	82,144		$	107,453

Depreciation and leasehold amortization expense included in the determination of segment income from operations	'
	Depreciation and leasehold amortization expense included in the determination of segment income from operations as presented above for the Affiliate Marketing and Media segments is as follows for each period (in thousands):


		Three Months						Nine Months
		Ended September 30,						Ended September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Affiliate Marketing	$	318		$	363		$	1,010		$	1,030

	Media	2,575			2,572			7,493			7,353

	Corporate	375			297			1,037			857

	Total	$	3,268		$	3,232		$	9,540		$	9,240

Company's geographic information	'
	The Company’s geographic information was as follows (in thousands):


		Revenue
		Three Months						Nine Months
		Ended September 30,						Ended September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	United States	$	127,930		$	123,172		$	387,419		$	362,870

	International	10,454			11,087			34,457			34,302

	Inter-regional eliminations	(71		)	(158		)	(270		)	(494		)
	Total	$	138,313		$	134,101		$	421,606		$	396,678


		Income from Operations
		Three Months						Nine Months
		Ended September 30,						Ended September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	United States	$	20,851		$	35,853		$	80,978		$	103,810

	International	(219		)	849			1,166			3,643

	Total	$	20,632		$	36,702		$	82,144		$	107,453

STOCKBASED_COMPENSATION_Detail

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation	$5,499	$4,715	$15,076	$14,065
Related income tax benefits	-2,355	-1,941	-6,101	-5,949
Stock-based compensation, net of tax benefits	3,144	2,774	8,975	8,116
Selling and Marketing [Member]	'	'	'	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation	1,430	1,254	3,962	3,801
General and Administrative [Member]	'	'	'	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation	2,646	2,335	7,036	6,893
Technology [Member]	'	'	'	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation	$1,423	$1,126	$4,078	$3,371

RECENT_BUSINESS_COMBINATIONS_D

RECENT BUSINESS COMBINATIONS (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Feb. 06, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
Share data in Thousands, unless otherwise specified			SET Media [Member]	Developed Technology Rights [Member]
				SET Media [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total Cash Consideration	'	'	$24,600,000	'
Assumed Options, Unvested	'	'	52	'
Common stock fair value	'	'	900,000	'
Goodwill	402,254,000	388,922,000	13,400,000	'
Intangible Assets	'	'	10,100,000	'
Developed Technology	'	'	8,100,000	'
Weighted Average Useful Life	'	'	'	'4 years
Deferred Tax Assets	'	'	5,000,000	'
Deferred Tax Liabilities	'	'	$4,000,000	'

DISCONTINUED_OPERATIONS_Detail

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended			0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Jan. 10, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Owned & Operated Websites Segment [Member]	Owned & Operated Websites Segment [Member]	Owned & Operated Websites Segment [Member]	Owned & Operated Websites Segment [Member]	Owned & Operated Websites Segment [Member]	Owned & Operated Websites Segment [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses	'	'	'	'	'	$80,000,000	'	'	'	'	'
Proceeds from the sale of business, net of cash divested	'	'	72,813,000	0	'	74,800,000	'	'	'	'	'
Disposal costs	'	'	'	'	'	2,000,000	'	'	'	'	'
Pre-tax gain on divestiture	'	'	34,895,000	2,286,000	'	'	1,300,000	7,000,000	'	'	'
Reclassification, Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,400,000	'	'	'
Gain on sale, net of tax	0	0	34,895,000	2,286,000	'	'	700,000	34,200,000	'	'	'
Revenue	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	31,662,000	62,617,000	'
Income from discontinued operations before income taxes	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	4,941,000	9,211,000	'
Income tax expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,583,000	2,949,000	'
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-4,103,000	2,159,000	'
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Cash and Cash Equivalents	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	14,933,000
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Accounts, Notes and Loans Receivable, Net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	15,113,000
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Current Assets	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,756,000
Assets of Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Current	0	'	0	'	32,802,000	'	'	'	'	'	32,802,000
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Property, Plant, and Equipment, Net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,554,000
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Goodwill	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	45,878,000
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Intangible Assets, Net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	7,798,000
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Noncurrent Assets	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	412,000
Assets held for sale, less current portion	0	'	0	'	55,642,000	'	'	'	'	'	55,642,000
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Accounts Payable	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	7,242,000
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Current Liabilities	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	404,000
Liabilities related to assets held for sale	0	'	0	'	7,646,000	'	'	'	'	'	7,646,000
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Deferred Tax Liabilities	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,058,000
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Noncurrent Liabilities	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0
Liabilities related to assets held for sale, less current portion	$0	'	$0	'	$1,058,000	'	'	'	'	'	$1,058,000

GOODWILL_AND_INTANGIBLE_ASSETS2

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'	'
Balance at beginning of period	$388,922	'
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-87	'
Acqcuisitions	13,419	'
Balance at end of period	402,254	'
Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss [Abstract]	'	'
Goodwill	514,254	500,922
Accumulated impairment losses	-112,000	-112,000
Goodwill	402,254	'
Affiliate Marketing [Member]	'	'
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'	'
Balance at beginning of period	30,657	'
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-60	'
Acqcuisitions	0	'
Balance at end of period	30,597	'
Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss [Abstract]	'	'
Goodwill	30,597	30,657
Accumulated impairment losses	0	0
Goodwill	30,597	'
Dotomi Inc [Member]	'	'
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'	'
Balance at beginning of period	206,861	'
Foreign currency translation adjustments	0	'
Acqcuisitions	0	'
Balance at end of period	206,861	'
Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss [Abstract]	'	'
Goodwill	206,861	206,861
Accumulated impairment losses	0	0
Goodwill	206,861	'
Media [Member]	'	'
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'	'
Balance at beginning of period	151,404	'
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-27	'
Acqcuisitions	13,419	'
Balance at end of period	164,796	'
Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss [Abstract]	'	'
Goodwill	276,796	263,404
Accumulated impairment losses	-112,000	-112,000
Goodwill	$164,796	'

GOODWILL_AND_INTANGIBLE_ASSETS3

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Intangible Assets) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Balance	$145,527	$139,453
Accumulated Amortization	-105,941	-90,952
Net Carrying Amount	39,586	48,501
Customer affiliate and advertiser relationships [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Balance	96,970	95,810
Accumulated Amortization	-71,221	-60,799
Net Carrying Amount	25,749	35,011
Trademarks trade names and domain names [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Balance	7,847	11,873
Accumulated Amortization	-7,578	-10,555
Net Carrying Amount	269	1,318
Developed technologies and websites [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Balance	39,870	31,770
Accumulated Amortization	-26,862	-19,598
Net Carrying Amount	13,008	12,172
Noncompete Agreements [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Balance	840	'
Accumulated Amortization	-280	'
Net Carrying Amount	$560	'

GOODWILL_AND_INTANGIBLE_ASSETS4

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Amortization Expense) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Amortization of acquired developed technologies included in consolidated cost of revenue	$2,478	$1,986	$7,265	$5,957
Amortization of acquired intangible assets included in consolidated operating expenses	3,606	3,550	11,750	10,650
Total	$6,084	$5,536	$19,015	$16,607

GOODWILL_AND_INTANGIBLE_ASSETS5

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Fiscal Year Maturity) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Three months ending December 31, 2014	$6,084	'
2015	20,736	'
2016	10,403	'
2017	2,069	'
2018	213	'
Thereafter	81	'
Net Carrying Amount	39,586	48,501
Cost of Sales [Member]	'	'
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Three months ending December 31, 2014	2,478	'
2015	6,311	'
2016	2,025	'
2017	2,025	'
2018	169	'
Thereafter	0	'
Net Carrying Amount	13,008	'
Operating Expense [Member]	'	'
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Three months ending December 31, 2014	3,606	'
2015	14,425	'
2016	8,378	'
2017	44	'
2018	44	'
Thereafter	81	'
Net Carrying Amount	$26,578	'

ACCOUNTS_RECEIVABLE_Details

ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts and Sales Credits	5.5	6.9
Accounts Receivable [Member] \| Customer Concentration Risk [Member]	'	'
Concentration Risks, Types, No Concentration Percentage [Abstract]	'	'
Accounts receivable balance	'No customers accounted for more than 10%	'No customers accounted for more than 10%

PROPERTY_AND_EQUIPMENT_Details

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Property and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property and equipment, gross	$82,433	$74,462
Less: accumulated depreciation and leasehold amortization	-55,012	-46,456
Total property and equipment, net	27,421	28,006
Computer equipment and purchased software [Member]	'	'
Property and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property and equipment, gross	63,611	55,965
Furniture and equipment [Member]	'	'
Property and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property and equipment, gross	8,102	7,837
Leasehold Improvements [Member]	'	'
Property and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property and equipment, gross	$10,720	$10,660

INCOME_TAXES_Details

INCOME TAXES (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended			3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Owned and Operated Websites [Member]	Owned and Operated Websites [Member]	Foreign Tax Authority [Member]
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Unrecognized Tax Benefits	$19,600,000	'	$19,600,000	'	$18,700,000	'	'	'
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increases Resulting from Current Period Tax Positions	2,000,000	'	500,000	'	'	-300,000	-200,000	'
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Reduction Resulting from Lapse of Applicable Statute of Limitations	-1,000,000	-100,000	'	-100,000	'	'	'	'
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions	'	'	2,000,000	'	'	'	'	'
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decreases Resulting from Settlements with Taxing Authorities	'	'	-300,000	'	'	'	-100,000	'
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Expense	2,000,000	400,000	2,500,000	1,100,000	'	'	'	'
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued	11,800,000	'	11,800,000	'	9,700,000	'	'	'
Income taxes payable, less current portion	$23,342,000	'	$23,342,000	'	$24,050,000	'	'	$3,700,000

STOCKHOLDERS_EQUITY_Details

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	148 Months Ended
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]	'	'	'
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Value	'	$100,003,000	'
Common Stock [Member]	'	'	'
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]	'	'	'
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount	150,000,000	150,000,000	1,026,835,846
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Shares	800,000	4,100,000	80,900,000
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Value	18,900,000	99,900,000	926,800,000
Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount	$150,100,000	$150,100,000	'

NET_INCOME_PER_COMMON_SHARE_De

NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Schedule of Earnings Per Share Basic and Diluted [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net income	$9,880	$17,991	$82,009	$56,149
Weighted-average common shares outstanding - basic	64,198	71,649	65,691	74,261
Dilutive effect of employee stock-based awards	1,387	1,673	1,469	1,824
Number of shares used to compute net income per common share - diluted	65,585	73,322	67,160	76,085
Basic net income per common share (in dollars per share)	$0.15	$0.25	$1.25	$0.76
Diluted net income per common share (in dollars per share)	$0.15	$0.25	$1.22	$0.74
Antidilutive Securities [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive shares excluded from the diluted net income per common share computation (in shares)	'	'	2	64
Stock Compensation Plan [Member]	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive Securities [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive shares excluded from the diluted net income per common share computation (in shares)	'	125	'	'

CREDIT_AGREEMENT_Details

CREDIT AGREEMENT (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
CREDIT AGREEMENT (Details) (USD $)	Aug. 19, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding	'	55,000,000
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]	'	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'
Amended Credit Facility	400,000,000	'
Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity	$500,000,000	'
Applicable margin range, minimum - LIBOR loans	1.25%	'
Applicable margin range, maximum - LIBOR loans	1.75%	'
Applicable margin range, minimum - base rate loans	0.25%	'
Applicable margin range, maximum - base rate loans	0.75%	'
Commitment fee on unused amounts of line of credit	0.30%	'
Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate Description	'	'Either (i)B the Base Rate, which is equal to the highest of (a)B the Agent's prime rate, (b)B the federal funds rate plus 1.50%, and (c)B the one month reserve adjusted daily LIBOR rate plus 1.50%, or (ii)B the London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR")
Federal Funds [Member]	'	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	1.50%	'
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]	'	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	1.50%	'

SEGMENTS_GEOGRAPHIC_INFORMATIO2

SEGMENTS, GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION AND SIGNIFICANT CUSTOMERS (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	business_segments	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Number of Business Segments (in segments)	'	'	2	'
Revenue	$138,313	$134,101	$421,606	$396,678
Segment income from operations	48,622	53,848	150,697	158,652
Corporate Expenses	-16,407	-6,895	-34,462	-20,527
Share-based Compensation	-5,499	-4,715	-15,076	-14,065
Amortization of Acquired Intangible Assets	-3,606	-3,550	-11,750	-10,650
Income from operations	20,632	36,702	82,144	107,453
Depreciation and leasehold amortization	3,268	3,232	9,540	9,240
Cost of Sales [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Amortization of Acquired Intangible Assets	-2,478	-1,986	-7,265	-5,957
Operating Expense [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Amortization of Acquired Intangible Assets	-3,606	-3,550	-11,750	-10,650
Affiliate Marketing [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenue	39,190	38,872	122,286	113,805
Segment income from operations	23,009	23,606	73,876	69,115
Depreciation and leasehold amortization	318	363	1,010	1,030
Media [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenue	99,123	95,254	299,333	283,000
Segment income from operations	25,613	30,242	76,821	89,537
Depreciation and leasehold amortization	2,575	2,572	7,493	7,353
Inter-regional Elimination [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenue	0	-25	-13	-127
Segment income from operations	0	0	0	0
Corporate Segment [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Depreciation and leasehold amortization	$375	$297	$1,037	$857

SEGMENTS_GEOGRAPHIC_INFORMATIO3

SEGMENTS, GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION AND SIGNIFICANT CUSTOMERS GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Revenues from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenue	$138,313	$134,101	$421,606	$396,678
Income from operations	20,632	36,702	82,144	107,453
Sales Revenue [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Number of major customers (in major customers)	0	0	0	0
United States [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenue	127,930	123,172	387,419	362,870
Income from operations	20,851	35,853	80,978	103,810
International [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenue	10,454	11,087	34,457	34,302
Income from operations	-219	849	1,166	3,643
Inter-regional Elimination [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenue	($71)	($158)	($270)	($494)

MERGER_AGREEMENT_WITH_ALLIANCE1

MERGER AGREEMENT WITH ALLIANCE DATA SYSTEMS (Details) (Alliance Data Systems [Member], USD $)	0 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 11, 2014	Sep. 11, 2014
Common Stock [Member]	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Tax exemption, minimum equity threshold	40.00%	40.00%
Conversant Inc [Member]	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Consideration value (usd per share)	'	$35
Aggregate Consideration	$2,300	'
Contingent liability	'	$65
Conversant Inc [Member] \| Common Stock [Member]	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Equity issued in combination, per share	0.07037	'
Conversant Inc [Member] \| Maximum [Member] \| Common Stock [Member]	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Business combination, cash consideration per share	$18.62	$18.62
Conversant Inc [Member] \| Minimum [Member] \| Common Stock [Member]	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Business combination, cash consideration per share	$14.98	$14.98