Morningstar (MORN) 10-Q 1 May 14 2014 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Apr. 25, 2014
Document and Entity Information Abstract	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'MORNINGSTAR, INC.	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0001289419	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Document Period End Date	31-Mar-14	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q1	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	44,734,223

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014		Mar. 31, 2013
Revenue	$181,165		$168,856
Operating expense (1):	'		'
Cost of revenue	75,714	[1]	61,650	[1]
Sales and marketing	28,428	[1]	27,980	[1]
General and administrative	26,104	[1]	27,327	[1]
Depreciation and amortization	12,387	[1]	11,339	[1]
Total operating expense	142,633	[1]	128,296	[1]
Operating income (loss)	38,532		40,560
Non-operating income (expense):	'		'
Interest income (expense), net	585		741
Gain (loss) on sale of investments reclassified from other comprehensive income	-24		725
Other income (expense), net	304		-521
Non-operating income (expense), net	865		945
Income before income taxes and equity in net income of unconsolidated entities	39,397		41,505
Equity in net income of unconsolidated entities	599		497
Income tax expense	13,650		12,427
Consolidated net income	26,346		29,575
Net (income) loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest	30		43
Net income attributable to Morningstar, Inc.	$26,376		$29,618
Net income per share attributable to:	'		'
Basic (in dollars per share)	$0.59		$0.64
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$0.58		$0.63
Dividends declared per common share	$0.17		$0.13
Dividends paid per common share	$0.17		$0
Weighted average shares outstanding:	'		'
Basic (in shares)	44,777		46,406
Diluted (in shares)	45,093		46,814
[1]	Three months ended March 31 2014 2013(1) Includes stock-based compensation expense of: Cost of revenue $1,762 $1,701Sales and marketing 497 512General and administrative 1,680 1,570Total stock-based compensation expense $3,939 $3,783

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme1

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
(1) Includes stock-based compensation expense of:	'	'
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	$3,939	$3,783
Cost of Revenue	'	'
(1) Includes stock-based compensation expense of:	'	'
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	1,762	1,701
Sales and Marketing	'	'
(1) Includes stock-based compensation expense of:	'	'
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	497	512
General and Administrative	'	'
(1) Includes stock-based compensation expense of:	'	'
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	$1,680	$1,570

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme2

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Consolidated net income	$26,346	$29,575
Other comprehensive income (loss):	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustment	2,472	-9,071
Unrealized gains on securities, net of tax:	'	'
Unrealized holding gains arising during period	116	1,166
Reclassification of (gains) losses included in net income	15	-463
Other comprehensive income (loss)	2,603	-8,368
Comprehensive income	28,949	21,207
Comprehensive income	5	142
Comprehensive income attributable to Morningstar, Inc.	$28,954	$21,349

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$204,633	$168,160
Investments	59,340	130,407
Accounts receivable, less allowance of $827 and $1,089, respectively	131,464	114,131
Deferred tax asset, net	4,381	3,892
Income tax receivable, net	0	3,942
Other	25,124	26,361
Total current assets	424,942	446,893
Property, equipment, and capitalized software, net	107,438	104,986
Investments in unconsolidated entities	39,176	38,714
Goodwill	327,936	326,450
Intangible assets, net	98,947	103,909
Other assets	8,978	9,716
Total assets	1,007,417	1,030,668
Current liabilities:	'	'
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	39,790	42,131
Accrued compensation	41,718	71,403
Deferred revenue	159,591	149,225
Other	6,758	6,786
Total current liabilities	247,857	269,545
Accrued compensation	7,495	8,193
Deferred tax liability, net	21,743	23,755
Deferred rent	23,541	23,938
Other long-term liabilities	10,064	13,947
Total liabilities	310,700	339,378
Morningstar, Inc. shareholders' equity:	'	'
Common stock, no par value, 200,000,000 shares authorized, of which 44,732,223 and 44,967,423 shares were outstanding as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively	5	5
Treasury stock at cost, 7,485,203 shares as of March 31, 2014 and 7,202,896 shares as of December 31, 2013	-470,751	-449,054
Additional paid-in capital	545,358	539,507
Retained earnings	613,326	594,626
Accumulated other comprehensive income:	'	'
Currency translation adjustment	7,056	4,609
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities	695	564
Total accumulated other comprehensive income	7,751	5,173
Total Morningstar, Inc. shareholders' equity	695,689	690,257
Noncontrolling interest	1,028	1,033
Total equity	696,717	691,290
Total liabilities and equity	$1,007,417	$1,030,668

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance1

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]	'	'
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current	$827	$1,089
Common Stock, No Par Value	$0	$0
Common Stock, Shares Authorized	200,000,000	200,000,000
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	44,732,223	44,967,423
Treasury Stock, Shares	7,485,203	7,202,896

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme3

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Equity (USD $)	Total	Common Stock	Treasury Stock	Additional Paid-In Capital	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Non Controlling Interests
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	$691,290	$5	($449,054)	$539,507	$594,626	$5,173	$1,033
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2013	44,967,423	44,967,423	'	'	'	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	26,346	'	'	'	26,376	'	-30
Other comprehensive income (loss):	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale investments, net of income tax of $54	116	'	'	'	'	116	0
Reclassification of adjustments for losses included in net income, net of income tax of $9	15	'	'	'	'	15	0
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net	2,472	'	'	'	'	2,447	25
Other comprehensive income (loss)	2,603	'	'	'	'	2,578	25
Issuance of common stock related to stock-option exercises and vesting of restricted stock units, net	1,271	0	0	1,271	'	'	'
Issuance of common stock related to stock-option exercises and vesting of restricted stock units, net (in shares)	'	47,107	'	'	'	'	'
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation - restricted stock units	3,692	'	'	3,692	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation - restricted stock	97	'	'	97	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation b performance share awards	27	0	0	27	0	0	0
Stock-based compensation - stock options	123	'	'	123	'	'	'
Excess tax benefit derived from stock-option exercises and vesting of restricted stock units	573	'	'	573	'	'	'
Common share repurchased	-21,697	'	-21,697	'	'	'	'
Common share repurchased (in shares)	'	-282,307	'	'	'	'	'
Dividends declared - common shares outstanding	-7,606	'	'	'	-7,606	'	'
Dividends declared - restricted stock units	-2	'	'	68	-70	'	'
Balance at Mar. 31, 2014	$696,717	$5	($470,751)	$545,358	$613,326	$7,751	$1,028
Balance (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2014	44,732,223	44,732,223	'	'	'	'	'

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme4

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Equity (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Tax	$54
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment for Sale of Securities Included in Net Income, Tax	$9

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme5

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014		Mar. 31, 2013
Operating activities	'		'
Consolidated net income	$26,346		$29,575
Adjustments to reconcile consolidated net income to net cash flows from operating activities:	'		'
Depreciation and amortization	12,387	[1]	11,339	[1]
Deferred income taxes	-2,338		-2,934
Stock-based compensation expense	3,939		3,783
Provision for bad debt	-295		175
Equity in net income of unconsolidated entities	-599		-497
Excess tax benefits from stock-option exercises and vesting of restricted stock units	-573		-1,587
Other, net	-243		-632
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions:	'		'
Accounts receivable	-16,807		-5,906
Other assets	-3,301		-6,575
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	4,539		400
Accrued compensation	-27,378		-31,812
Income taxes- current	7,221		14,487
Deferred revenue	10,151		17,769
Deferred rent	-506		-461
Other liabilities	-659		-451
Cash provided by operating activities	11,884		26,673
Investing activities	'		'
Purchases of investments	-1,697		-3,694
Proceeds from maturities and sales of investments	73,712		61,152
Capital expenditures	-20,793		-9,118
Other, net	260		892
Cash used for investing activities	51,482		49,232
Financing activities	'		'
Proceeds from stock-option exercises, net	1,278		2,088
Employee taxes withheld for restricted stock units	-7		-82
Excess tax benefits from stock-option exercises and vesting of restricted stock units	573		1,587
Common shares repurchased	-21,697		-15,240
Dividends paid	-7,644		0
Other, net	-5		-3
Cash provided by (used for) financing activities	-27,502		-11,650
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	609		-3,252
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	36,473		61,003
Cash and cash equivalents-beginning of period	168,160		163,889
Cash and cash equivalents-end of period	204,633		224,892
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:	'		'
Cash paid for income taxes	8,785		627
Supplemental information of non-cash investing and financing activities:	'		'
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale investments	193		1,102
Equipment obtained under long-term financing arrangement	$0		$4,860
[1]	Three months ended March 31 2014B 2013(1)B Includes stock-based compensation expense of: Cost of revenueB $1,762B $1,701Sales and marketingB 497B 512General and administrativeB 1,680B 1,570Total stock-based compensation expenseB $3,939B $3,783

Basis_of_Presentation_of_Inter

Basis of Presentation of Interim Financial Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Basis of Presentation of Interim Financial Information	'
	Basis of Presentation of Interim Financial Information
	The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements of Morningstar, Inc. and subsidiaries (Morningstar, we, our, the Company) have been prepared to conform to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets, liabilities, revenue, and expenses. Actual results could differ from those estimates. In the opinion of management, the statements reflect all adjustments, which are of a normal recurring nature, necessary to present fairly our financial position, results of operations, equity, and cash flows. These financial statements and notes are unaudited and should be read in conjunction with our Audited Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013, filed with the SEC on February 28, 2014.
	Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to our current period's presentation. We now include development expense in the cost of revenue category. We have reclassified development expense to include it in cost of revenue for all periods presented. We previously reported development expense as a separate operating expense category.
	Separately, as a result of our recent reorganization (including new positions created, changes in focus for some existing roles, and the refinement of employee cost categorizations as we moved to a more centralized structure), approximately 180 net positions shifted from the general and administrative and sales and marketing categories to cost of revenue. For the first three months of 2014 as compared with the same period in 2013, changes related to our more centralized organizational structure added approximately $7 million of compensation expense to cost of revenue, and reduced the compensation expense in our sales and marketing and general and administrative expense categories by approximately $4 million and $3 million, respectively. These changes did not affect our total operating expense or operating income for any of the periods presented.
	The acronyms that appear in the Notes to our Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements refer to the following:
	ASC: Accounting Standards Codification
	ASU: Accounting Standards Update
	FASB: Financial Accounting Standards Board

Correction

Correction	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]	'
Correction	'
	Correction
	In 2014, we identified and corrected an immaterial classification error related to the current and long-term balance for deferred rent included on our Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2013. The correcting entries had the effect of decreasing accounts payable and accrued liabilities by $10.7 million and increasing deferred rent (long-term) by the same amount. The financial statements have been corrected to reduce the current balance and increase the long-term balance as shown in the table below:
		As of December 31, 2013
	$0	Previously Reported		Correction			As Corrected
	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	52,877	$	(10,746	)	$	42,131
	Deferred rent	$	13,192	$	10,746		$	23,938

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	'
	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	We discuss our significant accounting policies in Note 2 of our Audited Consolidated Financial Statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013, filed with the SEC on February 28, 2014.
	In addition, effective January 1, 2014, we adopted FASB ASU No. 2013-05, Foreign Currency Matters (Topic 830): Parent's Accounting for the Cumulative Translation Adjustment upon Derecognition of Certain Subsidiaries or Groups of Assets within a Foreign Entity or an Investment in a Foreign Entity (a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force). ASU No. 2013-05 specifies that when a reporting entity (parent) ceases to have a controlling financial interest in a subsidiary or group of assets that is a business within a foreign entity, the parent is required to apply the guidance in Subtopic 830-30 to release any related cumulative translation adjustment into net income. Accordingly, the cumulative translation adjustment should be released into net income only if the sale or transfer results in the complete or substantially complete liquidation of the foreign entity in which the subsidiary or group of assets had resided. Additionally, the amendments in this update clarify that the sale of an investment in a foreign entity includes both (1) events that result in the loss of a controlling financial interest in a foreign entity and (2) events that results in an acquirer obtaining control of an acquiree in which it held an equity interest immediately before the acquisition date (sometimes referred to as a step acquisition). The currency translation adjustment should be released into net income upon the occurrence of those events. The adoption of ASU No. 2013-05 did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.
	We also adopted FASB ASU No. 2013-11, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists (a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force), effective January 1, 2014. This update requires an entity to present an unrecognized tax benefit as a reduction of a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss (NOL) carryforward, or similar tax loss or tax credit carryforward, rather than as a liability when (1) the uncertain tax position would reduce the NOL or other carryforward under the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction and (2) the entity intends to use the deferred tax asset for that purpose. The update does not require new recurring disclosures. The adoption of ASU No. 2013-11 did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	'
	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
	Goodwill
	The following table shows the changes in our goodwill balances from December 31, 2013 to March 31, 2014:
		$0
	Balance as of December 31, 2013	$	326,450
	Foreign currency translation	1,486
	Balance as of March 31, 2014	$	327,936
	We did not record any impairment losses in the first three months of 2014 or 2013. We perform our annual impairment reviews in the fourth quarter.
	Intangible Assets
	The following table summarizes our intangible assets:
		As of March 31, 2014								As of December 31, 2013
	$0	Gross		Accumulated			Net		Weighted	Gross		Accumulated			Net		Weighted
				Amortization					Average			Amortization					Average
									Useful  Life								Useful  Life
									(years)								(years)
	Intellectual property	$	29,778	$	(23,973	)	$	5,805	9	$	29,477	$	(23,128	)	$	6,349	9
	Customer-related assets	141,991		(77,361		)	64,630		12	141,833		(74,311		)	67,522		12
	Supplier relationships	240		(111		)	129		20	240		(108		)	132		20
	Technology-based assets	80,870		(52,567		)	28,303		9	80,489		(50,673		)	29,816		9
	Non-competition agreement	1,686		(1,606		)	80		4	1,661		(1,571		)	90		4
	Total intangible assets	$	254,565	$	(155,618	)	$	98,947	10	$	253,700	$	(149,791	)	$	103,909	10
	The following table summarizes our amortization expense related to intangible assets:
		Three months ended March 31
	$0	2014		2013
	Amortization expense	$	5,142	$	5,625
	We amortize intangible assets using the straight-line method over their expected economic useful lives.
	We expect intangible amortization expense for 2014 and subsequent years as follows:
		$0
	2014	$	20,547
	2015	19,719
	2016	15,145
	2017	10,577
	2018	8,574
	2019	7,386
	Our estimates of future amortization expense for intangible assets may be affected by additional acquisitions, divestitures, changes in the estimated average useful life, and currency translations.

Income_Per_Share

Income Per Share	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Income Per Share	'
	Income Per Share
	The following table shows how we reconcile our net income and the number of shares used in computing basic and diluted income per share:
		Three months ended March 31
	(in thousands, except per share amounts)	2014				2013
	Basic net income per share attributable to Morningstar, Inc.:
	Net income attributable to Morningstar, Inc.:	$	26,376			$	29,618
	Less: Distributed earnings available to participating securities	(3		)		(15		)
	Less: Undistributed earnings available to participating securities	(7		)		(13		)
	Numerator for basic net income per share — undistributed and distributed earnings available to common shareholders	$	26,366			$	29,590
	Weighted average common shares outstanding	44,777				46,406
	Basic net income per share attributable to Morningstar, Inc.	$	0.59			$	0.64
	Diluted net income per share attributable to Morningstar, Inc.:
	Numerator for basic net income per share — undistributed and distributed earnings available to common shareholders	$	26,366			$	29,590
	Add: Undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities	7				13
	Less: Undistributed earnings reallocated to participating securities	(7		)		(13		)
	Numerator for diluted net income per share — undistributed and distributed earnings available to common shareholders	$	26,366			$	29,590
	Weighted average common shares outstanding	44,777				46,406
	Net effect of dilutive stock options and restricted stock units	316				408
	Weighted average common shares outstanding for computing diluted income per share	45,093				46,814
	Diluted net income per share attributable to Morningstar, Inc.	$	0.58			$	0.63
	The following table shows the number of weighted average stock options, restricted stock units, performance share awards, and restricted stock excluded from our calculation of diluted earnings per share because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive:
		Three months ended March 31
	(in thousands)	2014			2013
	Weighted average stock options	—			—
	Weighted average restricted stock units	6			9
	Weighted average performance share awards	9			—
	Weighted average restricted stock	—			—
	Total	15			9
	These restricted stock units and performance share awards could be included in the calculation in the future.

Segment_and_Geographical_Area_

Segment and Geographical Area Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment and Geographical Area Information	'
	Segment, Enterprise-Wide, and Geographical Area Information
	Segment Information
	Beginning with the third quarter of 2013, we revised our segment structure to reflect our shift to a more centralized organizational structure. We now report our results in a single reportable segment, which reflects how our chief operating decision maker allocates resources and evaluates our financial results.
	Because we have one reportable segment, all required financial segment information can be found directly in the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
	The accounting policies for our single reportable segment are the same as those described in “Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013. We evaluate the performance of our reporting segment based on revenue and operating income.
	Products and Services Information
	We derive revenue from two product groups. The investment information product group includes all of our data, software, and research products and services. These products are typically sold through subscriptions or license agreements. The investment management product group includes all of our asset management operations, which earn the majority of their revenue from asset-based fees. The table below summarizes our revenue by product group:
	External revenue by product group
		Three months ended March 31
	$0	2014		2013
	Investment information	$	141,270	$	135,085
	Investment management	39,895		33,771
	Consolidated revenue	$	181,165	$	168,856
	Geographical Area Information
	The tables below summarize our revenue and long-lived assets by geographical area:
	External revenue by geographical area
		Three months ended March 31
	$0	2014		2013
	United States	$	129,952	$	121,413
	United Kingdom	15,338		13,153
	Continental Europe	15,626		13,167
	Australia	8,168		9,352
	Canada	7,667		7,736
	Asia	3,709		3,424
	Other	705		611
	Total International	51,213		47,443
	Consolidated revenue	$	181,165	$	168,856
	Long-lived assets by geographical area
		As of March 31		As of December 31
	$0	2014		2013
	United States	$	88,154	$	84,321
	United Kingdom	6,552		6,873
	Continental Europe	1,666		1,873
	Australia	1,005		1,051
	Canada	1,101		1,275
	Asia	8,854		9,479
	Other	106		114
	Total International	19,284		20,665
	Consolidated property, equipment, and capitalized software, net	$	107,438	$	104,986

Investments_and_Fair_Value_Mea

Investments and Fair Value Measurements	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Investments and Fair Value Measurements	'
	Investments and Fair Value Measurements
	We account for our investments in accordance with FASB ASC 320, Investments—Debt and Equity Securities. We classify our investments in three categories: available-for-sale, held-to-maturity, and trading. We monitor the concentration, diversification, maturity, and liquidity of our investment portfolio, which is primarily invested in fixed-income securities, and classify our investment portfolio as shown below:
			As of March 31			As of December 31
	$0		2014			2013
	Available-for-sale		$	22,975		$	91,461
	Held-to-maturity		28,448			31,214
	Trading securities		7,917			7,732
	Total		$	59,340		$	130,407
	The following table shows the cost, unrealized gains (losses), and fair values related to investments classified as available-for-sale and held-to-maturity:
			As of March 31, 2014											As of December 31, 2013
	$0		Cost			Unrealized			Unrealized			Fair		Cost		Unrealized		Unrealized			Fair
						Gain			Loss			Value				Gain		Loss			Value
	Available-for-sale:
	Government obligations		$	5,652		$	6		$	—		$	5,658	$	19,693	$	8	$	(3	)	$	19,698
	Corporate bonds		5,206			5			—			5,211		49,913		22		(124		)	49,811
	Foreign obligations		—			—			—			—		505		—		(2		)	503
	Commercial paper		—			—			—			—		9,482		7		—			9,489
	Equity securities and exchange-traded funds		8,916			1,068			(123		)	9,861		8,872		1,011		(141		)	9,742
	Mutual funds		2,106			233			(94		)	2,245		2,095		221		(98		)	2,218
	Total		$	21,880		$	1,312		$	(217	)	$	22,975	$	90,560	$	1,269	$	(368	)	$	91,461
	Held-to-maturity:
	Certificates of deposit		$	28,448		$	—		$	—		$	28,448	$	31,214	$	—	$	—		$	31,214
	As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, investments with unrealized losses for greater than a 12-month period were not material to the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and were not deemed to have other than temporary declines in value.
	The table below shows the cost and fair value of investments classified as available-for-sale and held-to-maturity based on their contractual maturities as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013. The expected maturities of certain fixed-income securities may differ from their contractual maturities because some of these holdings have call features that allow the issuers the right to prepay obligations without penalties.
			As of March 31, 2014						As of December 31, 2013
	$0		Cost			Fair Value			Cost			Fair Value
	Available-for-sale:
	Due in one year or less		$	9,855		$	9,864		$	45,486		$	45,402
	Due in one to two years		1,003			1,005			34,107			34,099
	Equity securities, exchange-traded funds, and mutual funds		11,022			12,106			10,967			11,960
	Total		$	21,880		$	22,975		$	90,560		$	91,461
	Held-to-maturity:
	Due in one year or less		$	28,443		$	28,443		$	31,210		$	31,210
	Due in one to three years		5			5			4			4
	Total		$	28,448		$	28,448		$	31,214		$	31,214
	As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, held-to-maturity investments included a $1,500,000 certificate of deposit held primarily as collateral against bank guarantees for our office leases, primarily in Australia.
	The following table shows the realized gains and losses arising from sales of our investments classified as available-for-sale recorded in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income:
			Three months ended March 31
	$0		2014			2013
	Realized gains		$	161		$	1,564
	Realized losses		(185		)	(839		)
	Realized gains (losses), net		$	(24	)	$	725
	We determine realized gains and losses using the specific identification method.
	The following table shows the net unrealized gains on trading securities as recorded in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income:
			Three months ended March 31
	$0		2014			2013
	Unrealized gains, net		$	69		$	318
	The fair value of our assets subject to fair value measurements and that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis using the fair value hierarchy and the necessary disclosures under FASB ASC 820, Fair Value Measurement, are as follows:
			Fair Value			Fair Value Measurements as of March 31, 2014
			as of			Using Fair Value Hierarchy
	$0		March 31, 2014			Level 1			Level 2			Level 3
	Available-for-sale investments:
	Government obligations		$	5,658		$	—		$	5,658		$	—
	Corporate bonds		5,211			—			5,211			—
	Foreign obligations		—			—			—			—
	Commercial paper		—			—			—			—
	Equity securities and exchange-traded funds		9,861			9,861			—			—
	Mutual funds		2,245			2,245			—			—
	Trading securities		7,917			7,917			—			—
	Cash equivalents		643			643			—			—
	Total		$	31,535		$	20,666		$	10,869		$	—
			Fair Value			Fair Value Measurements as of December 31, 2013
			as of			Using Fair Value Hierarchy
$0		December 31, 2013			Level 1			Level 2			Level 3
Available-for-sale investments:
Government obligations		$	19,698		$	—		$	19,698		$	—
Corporate bonds		49,811			—			49,811			—
Foreign obligations		503			—			503			—
Commercial paper		9,489			—			9,489			—
Equity securities and exchange-traded funds		9,742			9,742			—			—
Mutual funds		2,218			2,218			—			—
Trading securities		7,732			7,732			—			—
Cash equivalents		925			925			—			—
Total		$	100,118		$	20,617		$	79,501		$	—
Level 1:	Valuations based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that we have the ability to access.
Level 2:	Valuations based on quoted prices in markets that are not active or for which all significant inputs are observable, either directly or indirectly.
Level 3:	Valuations based on inputs that are unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement.
Based on our analysis of the nature and risks of our investments in equity securities and mutual funds, we have determined that presenting each of these investment categories in the aggregate is appropriate.
We measure the fair value of money market funds, mutual funds, equity securities, and exchange-traded funds based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. All other financial instruments were valued either based on recent trades of securities in inactive markets or based on quoted market prices of similar instruments and other significant inputs derived from observable market data. We did not hold any securities categorized as Level 3 as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013.

Investments_in_Unconsolidated_

Investments in Unconsolidated Entities	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Investments in Unconsolidated Entities [Abstract]	'
Investments in Unconsolidated Entities	'
	Investments in Unconsolidated Entities
	Our investments in unconsolidated entities consist primarily of the following:
		As of March 31			As of December 31
	$0	2014			2013
	Investment in MJKK	$	22,543		$	21,782
	Other equity method investments	6,008			6,166
	Investments accounted for using the cost method	10,625			10,766
	Total investments in unconsolidated entities	$	39,176		$	38,714
	Morningstar Japan K.K. Morningstar Japan K.K. (MJKK) develops and markets products and services customized for the Japanese market. MJKK’s shares are traded on the Tokyo Stock Exchange under the ticker 47650. We account for our investment in MJKK using the equity method. The following table summarizes our ownership percentage in MJKK and the market value of this investment based on MJKK’s publicly quoted share price:
		As of March 31			As of December 31
		2014			2013
	Morningstar’s approximate ownership of MJKK	34		%	34		%
	Approximate market value of Morningstar’s ownership in MJKK:
	Japanese yen (¥000)	¥	8,833,406		¥	9,824,068
	Equivalent U.S. dollars ($000)	$	85,949		$	94,999
	Other Equity Method Investments. As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, other equity method investments consist of our investment in Inquiry Financial Europe AB (Inquiry Financial) and YCharts, Inc. (YCharts). Inquiry Financial is a provider of sell-side consensus estimate data. Our ownership interest in Inquiry Financial was approximately 34% as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013. YCharts is a technology company that provides stock research and analysis. Our ownership interest in YCharts was approximately 22% as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013.
	We did not record any impairment losses on our equity method investments in the first three months of 2014 or 2013.
	Cost Method Investments. As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, our cost method investments consist of minority investments in HelloWallet LLC (HelloWallet) and Pitchbook Data, Inc. (Pitchbook). HelloWallet is a provider of personalized financial guidance to employees of Fortune 1000 companies. Pitchbook offers detailed data and information about private equity transactions, investors, companies, limited partners, and service providers.
	We did not record any impairment losses on our cost method investments in the first three months of 2014 or 2013.

StockBased_Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Stock-Based Compensation	'
	Stock-Based Compensation
	Stock-Based Compensation Plans
	Our shareholders approved the Morningstar 2011 Stock Incentive Plan (the 2011 Plan) on May 17, 2011. As of that date, we stopped granting awards under the Morningstar 2004 Stock Incentive Plan (the 2004 Plan). The 2004 Plan amended and restated the Morningstar 1993 Stock Option Plan, the Morningstar 2000 Stock Option Plan, and the Morningstar 2001 Stock Option Plan.
	The 2011 Plan provides for a variety of stock-based awards, including, among other things, stock options, performance share awards, restricted stock units, and restricted stock. We granted stock options, restricted stock units, and restricted stock under the 2004 Plan.
	All of our employees and our non-employee directors are eligible for awards under the 2011 Plan.
	Grants awarded under the 2011 Plan or the 2004 Plan that are forfeited, canceled, settled, or otherwise terminated without a distribution of shares, or shares withheld by us in connection with the exercise of options, will be available for awards under the 2011 Plan. Any shares subject to awards under the 2011 Plan, but not under the 2004 Plan, that are withheld by us in connection with the payment of any required income tax withholding will be available for awards under the 2011 Plan.
	The following table summarizes the number of shares available for future grants under our 2011 Plan:
		As of March 31
	(in thousands)	2014
	Shares available for future grants	4,483
	Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation Awards
	The following table summarizes our stock-based compensation expense and the related income tax benefit we recorded:
		Three months ended March 31
	$0	2014			2013
	Restricted stock units	$	3,692		$	3,563
	Restricted stock	97			97
	Performance share awards	27			—
	Stock options	123			123
	Total stock-based compensation expense	$	3,939		$	3,783
	Income tax benefit related to the stock-based compensation expense	$	1,079		$	1,030
	The following table summarizes the amount of unrecognized stock-based compensation expense as of March 31, 2014 and the expected number of months over which the expense will be recognized:
		Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense ($000)			Expected amortization period (months)
	Restricted stock units	$	27,487		31
	Restricted stock	420			13
	Performance share awards	1,890			33
	Stock options	462			14
	Total unrecognized stock-based compensation expense	$	30,259		31
	In accordance with FASB ASC 718, Compensation—Stock Compensation, we estimate forfeitures of employee stock-based awards and recognize compensation cost only for those awards expected to vest. Our largest annual equity grants typically have vesting dates in the second quarter. We adjust the stock-based compensation expense annually in the third quarter to reflect those awards that ultimately vested and update our estimate of the forfeiture rate that will be applied to awards not yet vested.
	Restricted Stock Units
	Restricted stock units represent the right to receive a share of Morningstar common stock when that unit vests. Restricted stock units to employees vest ratably over a four-year period. Restricted stock units granted to non-employee directors vest ratably over a three-year period. For restricted stock units granted through December 31, 2008, employees could elect to defer receipt of the Morningstar common stock issued upon vesting of the restricted stock unit.
	We measure the fair value of our restricted stock units on the date of grant based on the closing market price of the underlying common stock on the day prior to the grant. We amortize that value to stock-based compensation expense, net of estimated forfeitures, ratably over the vesting period.
	The following table summarizes restricted stock unit activity during the first three months of 2014:
	Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)	Unvested		Vested but			Total		Weighted
				Deferred					Average
									Grant Date Value
									per RSU
	RSUs outstanding—December 31, 2013	680,002		16,682			696,684		$	62.02
	Granted	—		—			—		—
	Dividend equivalents	885		37			922		57.49
	Vested	(256	)	—			(256	)	53.31
	Vested but deferred	—		—			—		—
	Issued	—		—			—		—
	Forfeited	(6,893	)	—			(6,893	)	61.66
	RSUs outstanding—March 31, 2014	673,738		16,719			690,457		$	62.04
	Restricted Stock
	In conjunction with our acquisition of Realpoint LLC in May 2010, we issued 199,174 shares of restricted stock to the selling employee-shareholders under the 2004 Stock Incentive Plan. The restricted stock vests ratably over a five-year period from the acquisition date and may be subject to forfeiture if the holder terminates his or her employment during the vesting period.
	Because of the terms of the restricted stock agreements prepared in conjunction with the Realpoint acquisition, we account for the grant of restricted stock as stock-based compensation expense and not as part of the acquisition consideration.
	We measured the fair value of the restricted stock on the date of grant based on the closing market price of our common stock on the day prior to the grant. We amortize the fair value of $9,363,000 to stock-based compensation expense over the vesting period. We have assumed that all of the remaining restricted stock will ultimately vest, and therefore have not incorporated a forfeiture rate for purposes of determining the stock-based compensation expense.
	Performance Share Awards
	In 2014, executive officers were granted performance share awards pursuant to which each executive becomes entitled to a number of shares of Morningstar common stock equal to the number of notional performance shares that become vested. Each award specifies a number of performance shares that will vest if pre-established target performance goals are attained. The number of performance shares that actually vest may be more or less than the specified number of performance shares to the extent Morningstar exceeds or fails to achieve, respectively, the target performance goals over a three-year performance period.
	The performance conditions are not considered in the determination of the grant date fair value for these awards. We measure the fair value of our performance share awards on the date of grant based on the closing market price of the underlying common stock on the day prior to the grant date. We amortize that value to stock-based compensation expense, based on the satisfaction of the performance condition that is most likely to be satisfied over the three-year service period ratably over the vesting period.
	Information as of March 31, 2014 regarding the Company's target performance share awards granted and shares that would be issued at current performance levels for performance share awards granted during the first three months of 2014 is as follows:
		As of March 31, 2014
	Target performance share awards granted	23,685
	Fair value (1)	$	80.91
	Number of shares that would be issued based on current performance levels	23,685
	Unamortized expense, based on current performance levels	$	1,890,000
	(1) Represents the closing market price of Morningstar's stock on March 14, 2014, which is the last closing price prior to the grant date.
	Stock Options
	Stock options granted to employees vest ratably over a four-year period. Grants to our non-employee directors vest ratably over a three-year period. All grants expire 10 years after the date of grant. Almost all of the options granted under the 2004 Stock Incentive Plan have a premium feature in which the exercise price increases over the term of the option at a rate equal to the 10-year Treasury bond yield as of the date of grant. Options granted under the 2011 Plan have an exercise price equal to the fair market value on the grant date.
	The following tables summarize stock option activity in the first three months of 2014 for our various stock option grants. The first table includes activity for options granted at an exercise price below the fair value per share of our common stock on the grant date; the second table includes activity for all other option grants.
	Options Granted At an Exercise Price Below the Fair Value Per Share on the Grant Date	Underlying		Weighted
		Shares		Average
		Exercise
		Price
Options outstanding—December 31, 2013	179,559		$	21.47
Granted	—		—
Canceled	—		—
Exercised	(11,731	)	21.46
Options outstanding—March 31, 2014	167,828		21.68
Options exercisable—March 31, 2014	167,828		$	21.68
All Other Option Grants, Excluding Activity Shown Above	Underlying		Weighted
	Shares		Average
			Exercise
			Price
Options outstanding—December 31, 2013	253,972		$	36.48
Granted	—		—
Canceled	—		—
Exercised	(35,213	)	29.22
Options outstanding—March 31, 2014	218,759		37.85
Options exercisable—March 31, 2014	184,236		$	34.18
The following table summarizes the total intrinsic value (difference between the market value of our stock on the date of exercise and the exercise price of the option) of options exercised:
	Three months ended March 31
$0	2014			2013
Intrinsic value of options exercised	$	2,526		$	5,588
The table below shows additional information for options outstanding and exercisable as of March 31, 2014:
	Options Outstanding									Options Exercisable
Range of Exercise Prices	Number of  Options		Weighted		Weighted			Aggregate		Exercisable Shares	Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (years)	Weighted Average Exercise Price		Aggregate Intrinsic Value ($000)
			Average		Average			Intrinsic
			Remaining		Exercise			Value
			Contractual		Price			$0
			Life (years)
$21.61 - $26.68	303,106		0.87		$	23.91		$	16,704	303,106	0.87	$	23.91	$	16,704
$39.31 - $49.38	11,806		1.61		46.86			380		11,806	1.61	46.86		380
$57.28 - $59.35	71,675		7.27		57.46			1,545		37,152	7.27	57.45		741
$21.61 - $59.35	386,587		2.08		$	30.83		$	18,629	352,064	1.57	$	28.22	$	17,825
Vested or Expected to Vest
$21.61 - $59.35	386,587		2.08		$	30.83		$	18,629
The aggregate intrinsic value in the table above represents the total pretax intrinsic value all option holders would have received if they had exercised all outstanding options on March 31, 2014. The intrinsic value is based on our closing stock price of $79.02 on that date.
Excess Tax Benefits Related to Stock-Based Compensation
FASB ASC 718, Compensation—Stock Compensation, requires that we classify the cash flows that result from excess tax benefits as financing cash flows. Excess tax benefits correspond to the portion of the tax deduction taken on our income tax return that exceeds the amount of tax benefit related to the compensation cost recognized in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. The following table summarizes our excess tax benefits:
	Three months ended March 31
$0	2014			2013
Excess tax benefits related to stock-based compensation	$	573		$	1,587

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	Income Taxes
	Effective Tax Rate
	The following table shows our effective income tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and March 31, 2013:
		Three months ended March 31
	$0	2014			2013
	Income before income taxes and equity in net income of unconsolidated entities	$	39,397		$	41,505
	Equity in net income of unconsolidated entities	599			497
	Net loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest	30			43
	Total	$	40,026		$	42,045
	Income tax expense	$	13,650		$	12,427
	Effective tax rate	34.1		%	29.6		%
	Our effective tax rate in the first quarter of 2014 was 34.1%, an increase of 4.5 percentage points compared with the prior-year period. The effective tax rate increase primarily reflects deferred income tax benefits and additional tax credits and incentives that were recognized in the prior-year period.
	Unrecognized Tax Benefits
	The table below provides information concerning our gross unrecognized tax benefits as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013. The table also provides the effect these gross unrecognized tax benefits would have on our income tax expense, if they were recognized.
		As of March 31			As of December 31
	$0	2014			2013
	Gross unrecognized tax benefits	$	11,053		$	12,958
	Gross unrecognized tax benefits that would affect income tax expense	$	11,053		$	10,557
	Decrease in income tax expense upon recognition of gross unrecognized tax benefits	$	9,665		$	9,262
	Our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets include the following liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits. These amounts include interest and penalties, less any associated tax benefits.
		As of March 31			As of December 31
	Liabilities for Unrecognized Tax Benefits ($000)	2014			2013
	Current liability	$	4,282		$	6,211
	Non-current liability	6,491			6,012
	Total liability for unrecognized tax benefits	$	10,773		$	12,223
	We conduct business globally and, as a result, we file income tax returns in U.S. federal, state, local, and foreign jurisdictions. We are currently under audit by federal and various state and local tax authorities in the United States, as well as tax authorities in certain non-U.S. jurisdictions. It is possible, though not likely, that the examination phase of some of these audits will conclude in 2014. It is not possible to estimate the effect of current audits on previously recorded unrecognized tax benefits.
	We have not provided federal and state income taxes on accumulated undistributed earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries because these earnings have been permanently reinvested. Approximately 57% of our cash, cash equivalents, and investments as of March 31, 2014 were held by our operations outside of the United States. As such, we believe that our cash balances and investments in the United States, along with cash generated from our U.S. operations, will be sufficient to meet our U.S. operating and cash needs for the foreseeable future, without requiring us to repatriate earnings from these foreign subsidiaries. It is not reasonably practical to determine the amount of the unrecognized deferred tax liability related to the undistributed earnings.
	Certain of our non-U.S. operations have incurred net operating losses (NOLs) which may become deductible to the extent these operations become profitable. For each of our operations, we evaluate whether it is more likely than not that the tax benefits related to NOLs will be realized. As part of this evaluation, we consider evidence such as tax planning strategies, historical operating results, forecasted taxable income, and recent financial performance. In the year that certain non-U.S. operations record a loss, we do not recognize a corresponding tax benefit, thus increasing our effective tax rate. Upon determining that it is more likely than not that the NOLs will be realized, we reduce the tax valuation allowances related to these NOLs, which results in a reduction to our income tax expense and our effective tax rate in the period.

Contingencies

Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Contingencies	'
	Contingencies
	Life's Good S.T.A.B.L. Hedge Fund
	In September 2011, three individual investors in Life's Good S.T.A.B.L. Mortgage hedge fund (LG), Marta Klass, Gregory Martin, and Richard Roellig, filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania against LG, its principal Robert Stinson, and several other parties, including Morningstar, Inc. (the Klass Matter). The plaintiffs claim that Morningstar committed fraud and aided and abetted the other defendants' breach of fiduciary duty through the 5-star rating LG obtained from Morningstar. The plaintiffs seek unspecified damages. Hedge fund managers self-report their performance data to Morningstar. More than a year before the Klass Matter, in June 2010, the SEC filed suit against LG and other entities claiming they were part of a Ponzi scheme operated by Stinson. As a result, LG and the other entities were placed in court-appointed receivership. Morningstar was not part of the SEC suit or receivership. Since that time, the Receiver, as part of his duties, has been investigating whether to assert claims against third parties. Morningstar is aware of 14 lawsuits filed by the Receiver seeking to recover money for the fund.
	In November 2011, Morningstar filed a motion to dismiss the Klass Matter. On behalf of the entities in receivership, the Receiver filed a motion to stay the proceedings because the Receivership Order does not permit suits against the entities in receivership without court permission. The court granted the Receiver's motion and stayed the Klass Matter. In April 2012, the Receiver filed a complaint against Morningstar, in which the Receiver claims that Morningstar is liable for contribution and aiding and abetting Stinson's breach of fiduciary duty and fraud through the 5-star rating LG obtained from Morningstar. The same day the Receiver filed his complaint, Morningstar sought leave from the court to file a countersuit against Stinson and two of his entities-Keystone State Capital Corporation and LG for, among other things, fraud, misrepresentation, and breach of user agreements. In June 2012, the court denied Morningstar's motion for leave to file suit. The court took no position on the merits of Morningstar's claims, and did not preclude us from renewing our motion to file a complaint at a later time, but deferred to the Receiver's request not to subject the receivership estate to additional litigation at this early point in the receivership. A bench trial related to the Receiver’s claims against Morningstar was held between January 13 and January 28, 2014. At trial, the Receiver claimed that Morningstar is liable under a contribution theory for all or part of a $14.5 million disgorgement judgment that the SEC obtained against the entities and individuals in receivership. Morningstar contested liability and damages at trial and believes it is not liable for any amount. The parties filed post-trial proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law on March 14, 2014. It is not known when the court will issue its decision.
	We believe the allegations against Morningstar by the Klass plaintiffs and the Receiver have no legal or factual basis, and we plan to continue to vigorously contest the claims. We also intend to refile our affirmative claims against Stinson, Keystone, and LG at a later time consistent with the court's order. We cannot predict the outcome of the proceedings.
	We have not provided an estimate of loss or range of loss in connection with this matter because no such estimate can reasonably be made.
	Business Logic Holding Corporation
	In November 2009, Business Logic Holding Corporation filed a complaint in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois against Ibbotson Associates, Inc., one of our wholly owned subsidiaries, and Morningstar, Inc. relating to Ibbotson's prior commercial relationship with Business Logic. Business Logic is alleging breach of contract and trade secret misappropriation in connection with Ibbotson's development of a proprietary web-service software and user interface that connects plan participant data with the Ibbotson Wealth Forecasting Engine. Ibbotson and Morningstar answered the complaint, and Ibbotson asserted a counterclaim against Business Logic alleging trade secret misappropriation and breach of contract, also seeking damages and injunctive relief. Business Logic filed a motion for summary judgment on its breach of contract claim, which was denied on October 1, 2013. Business Logic also filed a summary motion seeking to dismiss Ibbotson’s counterclaim, which was granted on April 15, 2014. On the same date, the Court granted Ibbotson’s motion for partial summary judgment to dismiss claims on certain enumerated trade secrets, and granted its motion for partial summary judgment on certain damages issues.
	Business Logic's complaint seeks, among other things, compensatory damages, punitive damages, attorneys' fees, and injunctive relief. With regard to compensatory damages, based on the analysis of Ibbotson's retained damages expert (who has assumed, solely for purposes of his analysis, that Business Logic will prevail with regard to the issue of liability), and recognizing the uncertainty inherent in litigation and our intention to continue to vigorously defend the claims made by Business Logic, our best estimate of the range of possible loss is between
	$0 and $5.4 million, excluding punitive damages or attorneys' fees, both of which are recoverable in certain circumstances under the Illinois Trade Secrets Act.
	Business Logic's retained damages expert (who has also assumed for purposes of her estimate that Business Logic will prevail with regard to the issue of liability) estimated compensatory damages of $84 million, excluding punitive damages or attorneys' fees. Certain elements of the $84 million compensatory damages estimate were the subject of Ibbotson’s motion for partial summary judgment, which was granted on April 15, 2014. As a result, we believe the maximum compensatory damages award now recoverable is approximately $57 million, excluding prejudgment interest, punitive damages, and attorneys' fees. We dispute the conclusions reached and the methods employed by Business Logic's expert as to the remaining claims for damages.
	With regard to Business Logic's claim for injunctive relief, no reasonable estimate of loss or range of loss is possible.
	Morningstar and Ibbotson continue to vigorously contest all the claims against them in this matter. A jury trial is set to begin on July 7, 2014. We cannot predict the outcome of the proceeding.
	In addition to these proceedings, we are involved in legal proceedings and litigation that have arisen in the normal course of our business. Although the outcome of a particular proceeding can never be predicted, we do not believe that the result of any of these other matters will have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results, or financial position.

Share_Repurchase_Program

Share Repurchase Program	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]	'
Share Repurchase Program	'
	Share Repurchase Program
	In September 2010, the board of directors approved a share repurchase program that authorizes the repurchase of shares of our outstanding common stock. We may repurchase shares from time to time at prevailing market prices on the open market or in private transactions in amounts that we deem appropriate.
	As of March 31, 2014, we had repurchased a total of 7,350,313 shares for $471,481,000 under this authorization.
	The following table summarizes the board approvals for increases to the program and the total available under the program:
	Date	Increase			Total program
	Sep-10	$	100	million	$	100	million
	Dec-11	$	200	million	$	300	million
	Dec-12	$	200	million	$	500	million
	Dec-13	$	200	million	$	700	million

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Subsequent Events [Abstract]	'
Subsequent Events	'
	Subsequent Events
	On April 1, 2014, Morningstar acquired ByAllAccounts, Inc. (ByAllAccounts), a provider of innovative data aggregation technology for financial applications for $28 million in cash, subject to post-close adjustments. ByAllAccounts uses a knowledge-based process, including patented artificial intelligence technology, to collect, consolidate, and enrich financial account data and deliver it to virtually any platform. Clients include independent financial advisors, asset managers, wealth managers/family offices, trust companies, and broker-dealers.

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Reclassification, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	Separately, as a result of our recent reorganization (including new positions created, changes in focus for some existing roles, and the refinement of employee cost categorizations as we moved to a more centralized structure), approximately 180 net positions shifted from the general and administrative and sales and marketing categories to cost of revenue. For the first three months of 2014 as compared with the same period in 2013, changes related to our more centralized organizational structure added approximately $7 million of compensation expense to cost of revenue, and reduced the compensation expense in our sales and marketing and general and administrative expense categories by approximately $4 million and $3 million, respectively. These changes did not affect our total operating expense or operating income for any of the periods presented.
Segment Reporting, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	Beginning with the third quarter of 2013, we revised our segment structure to reflect our shift to a more centralized organizational structure. We now report our results in a single reportable segment, which reflects how our chief operating decision maker allocates resources and evaluates our financial results.
	Because we have one reportable segment, all required financial segment information can be found directly in the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
	The accounting policies for our single reportable segment are the same as those described in “Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013. We evaluate the performance of our reporting segment based on revenue and operating income.
Investment, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	We account for our investments in accordance with FASB ASC 320, Investments—Debt and Equity Securities. We classify our investments in three categories: available-for-sale, held-to-maturity, and trading. We monitor the concentration, diversification, maturity, and liquidity of our investment portfolio, which is primarily invested in fixed-income securities, and classify our investment portfolio as shown below:

Recovered_Sheet1

Investments and Fair value Measurements (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Investment, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	We account for our investments in accordance with FASB ASC 320, Investments—Debt and Equity Securities. We classify our investments in three categories: available-for-sale, held-to-maturity, and trading. We monitor the concentration, diversification, maturity, and liquidity of our investment portfolio, which is primarily invested in fixed-income securities, and classify our investment portfolio as shown below:

Correction_Tables

Correction (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments	'
	The financial statements have been corrected to reduce the current balance and increase the long-term balance as shown in the table below:
		As of December 31, 2013
	$0	Previously Reported		Correction			As Corrected
	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	52,877	$	(10,746	)	$	42,131
	Deferred rent	$	13,192	$	10,746		$	23,938

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_1

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Goodwill	'
	The following table shows the changes in our goodwill balances from December 31, 2013 to March 31, 2014:
		$0
	Balance as of December 31, 2013	$	326,450
	Foreign currency translation	1,486
	Balance as of March 31, 2014	$	327,936
Schedule of Intangible Assets	'
	The following table summarizes our intangible assets:
		As of March 31, 2014								As of December 31, 2013
	$0	Gross		Accumulated			Net		Weighted	Gross		Accumulated			Net		Weighted
				Amortization					Average			Amortization					Average
									Useful  Life								Useful  Life
									(years)								(years)
	Intellectual property	$	29,778	$	(23,973	)	$	5,805	9	$	29,477	$	(23,128	)	$	6,349	9
	Customer-related assets	141,991		(77,361		)	64,630		12	141,833		(74,311		)	67,522		12
	Supplier relationships	240		(111		)	129		20	240		(108		)	132		20
	Technology-based assets	80,870		(52,567		)	28,303		9	80,489		(50,673		)	29,816		9
	Non-competition agreement	1,686		(1,606		)	80		4	1,661		(1,571		)	90		4
	Total intangible assets	$	254,565	$	(155,618	)	$	98,947	10	$	253,700	$	(149,791	)	$	103,909	10
Schedule of Intangible Asset, Amortization Expense	'
	The following table summarizes our amortization expense related to intangible assets:
		Three months ended March 31
	$0	2014		2013
	Amortization expense	$	5,142	$	5,625
Schedule of Expected Amortization Expense	'
	We expect intangible amortization expense for 2014 and subsequent years as follows:
		$0
	2014	$	20,547
	2015	19,719
	2016	15,145
	2017	10,577
	2018	8,574
	2019	7,386
	Our estimates of future amortization expense for intangible assets may be affected by additional acquisitions, divestitures, changes in the estimated average useful life, and currency translations.

Income_Per_Share_Tables

Income Per Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'
Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table shows the number of weighted average stock options, restricted stock units, performance share awards, and restricted stock excluded from our calculation of diluted earnings per share because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive:
		Three months ended March 31
	(in thousands)	2014			2013
	Weighted average stock options	—			—
	Weighted average restricted stock units	6			9
	Weighted average performance share awards	9			—
	Weighted average restricted stock	—			—
	Total	15			9
	These restricted stock units and performance share awards could be included in the calculation in the future.
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted	'
	The following table shows how we reconcile our net income and the number of shares used in computing basic and diluted income per share:
		Three months ended March 31
	(in thousands, except per share amounts)	2014				2013
	Basic net income per share attributable to Morningstar, Inc.:
	Net income attributable to Morningstar, Inc.:	$	26,376			$	29,618
	Less: Distributed earnings available to participating securities	(3		)		(15		)
	Less: Undistributed earnings available to participating securities	(7		)		(13		)
	Numerator for basic net income per share — undistributed and distributed earnings available to common shareholders	$	26,366			$	29,590
	Weighted average common shares outstanding	44,777				46,406
	Basic net income per share attributable to Morningstar, Inc.	$	0.59			$	0.64
	Diluted net income per share attributable to Morningstar, Inc.:
	Numerator for basic net income per share — undistributed and distributed earnings available to common shareholders	$	26,366			$	29,590
	Add: Undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities	7				13
	Less: Undistributed earnings reallocated to participating securities	(7		)		(13		)
	Numerator for diluted net income per share — undistributed and distributed earnings available to common shareholders	$	26,366			$	29,590
	Weighted average common shares outstanding	44,777				46,406
	Net effect of dilutive stock options and restricted stock units	316				408
	Weighted average common shares outstanding for computing diluted income per share	45,093				46,814
	Diluted net income per share attributable to Morningstar, Inc.	$	0.58			$	0.63

Segment_and_Geographical_Area_1

Segment and Geographical Area Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'
Revenue from External Customers by Products and Services [Table Text Block]	'
	Products and Services Information
	We derive revenue from two product groups. The investment information product group includes all of our data, software, and research products and services. These products are typically sold through subscriptions or license agreements. The investment management product group includes all of our asset management operations, which earn the majority of their revenue from asset-based fees. The table below summarizes our revenue by product group:
	External revenue by product group
		Three months ended March 31
	$0	2014		2013
	Investment information	$	141,270	$	135,085
	Investment management	39,895		33,771
	Consolidated revenue	$	181,165	$	168,856
Schedule of Revenue from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets, by Geographical Areas [Table Text Block]	'
	External revenue by geographical area
		Three months ended March 31
	$0	2014		2013
	United States	$	129,952	$	121,413
	United Kingdom	15,338		13,153
	Continental Europe	15,626		13,167
	Australia	8,168		9,352
	Canada	7,667		7,736
	Asia	3,709		3,424
	Other	705		611
	Total International	51,213		47,443
	Consolidated revenue	$	181,165	$	168,856
	Long-lived assets by geographical area
		As of March 31		As of December 31
	$0	2014		2013
	United States	$	88,154	$	84,321
	United Kingdom	6,552		6,873
	Continental Europe	1,666		1,873
	Australia	1,005		1,051
	Canada	1,101		1,275
	Asia	8,854		9,479
	Other	106		114
	Total International	19,284		20,665
	Consolidated property, equipment, and capitalized software, net	$	107,438	$	104,986

Investments_and_Fair_Value_Mea1

Investments and Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Investments	'
	We monitor the concentration, diversification, maturity, and liquidity of our investment portfolio, which is primarily invested in fixed-income securities, and classify our investment portfolio as shown below:
		As of March 31			As of December 31
	$0	2014			2013
	Available-for-sale	$	22,975		$	91,461
	Held-to-maturity	28,448			31,214
	Trading securities	7,917			7,732
	Total	$	59,340		$	130,407
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments	'
	The following table shows the cost, unrealized gains (losses), and fair values related to investments classified as available-for-sale and held-to-maturity:
		As of March 31, 2014											As of December 31, 2013
	$0	Cost			Unrealized			Unrealized			Fair		Cost		Unrealized		Unrealized			Fair
					Gain			Loss			Value				Gain		Loss			Value
	Available-for-sale:
	Government obligations	$	5,652		$	6		$	—		$	5,658	$	19,693	$	8	$	(3	)	$	19,698
	Corporate bonds	5,206			5			—			5,211		49,913		22		(124		)	49,811
	Foreign obligations	—			—			—			—		505		—		(2		)	503
	Commercial paper	—			—			—			—		9,482		7		—			9,489
	Equity securities and exchange-traded funds	8,916			1,068			(123		)	9,861		8,872		1,011		(141		)	9,742
	Mutual funds	2,106			233			(94		)	2,245		2,095		221		(98		)	2,218
	Total	$	21,880		$	1,312		$	(217	)	$	22,975	$	90,560	$	1,269	$	(368	)	$	91,461
	Held-to-maturity:
	Certificates of deposit	$	28,448		$	—		$	—		$	28,448	$	31,214	$	—	$	—		$	31,214
Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date	'
	The expected maturities of certain fixed-income securities may differ from their contractual maturities because some of these holdings have call features that allow the issuers the right to prepay obligations without penalties.
		As of March 31, 2014						As of December 31, 2013
	$0	Cost			Fair Value			Cost			Fair Value
	Available-for-sale:
	Due in one year or less	$	9,855		$	9,864		$	45,486		$	45,402
	Due in one to two years	1,003			1,005			34,107			34,099
	Equity securities, exchange-traded funds, and mutual funds	11,022			12,106			10,967			11,960
	Total	$	21,880		$	22,975		$	90,560		$	91,461
	Held-to-maturity:
	Due in one year or less	$	28,443		$	28,443		$	31,210		$	31,210
	Due in one to three years	5			5			4			4
	Total	$	28,448		$	28,448		$	31,214		$	31,214
Schedule of Realized Gain (Loss) on Available-For-Sale Securities	'
	The following table shows the realized gains and losses arising from sales of our investments classified as available-for-sale recorded in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income:
		Three months ended March 31
	$0	2014			2013
	Realized gains	$	161		$	1,564
	Realized losses	(185		)	(839		)
	Realized gains (losses), net	$	(24	)	$	725
Unrealized Gain (Loss) On Trading Securities	'
	The following table shows the net unrealized gains on trading securities as recorded in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income:
		Three months ended March 31
	$0	2014			2013
	Unrealized gains, net	$	69		$	318
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis	'
	The fair value of our assets subject to fair value measurements and that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis using the fair value hierarchy and the necessary disclosures under FASB ASC 820, Fair Value Measurement, are as follows:
		Fair Value			Fair Value Measurements as of March 31, 2014
		as of			Using Fair Value Hierarchy
	$0	March 31, 2014			Level 1			Level 2			Level 3
	Available-for-sale investments:
	Government obligations	$	5,658		$	—		$	5,658		$	—
	Corporate bonds	5,211			—			5,211			—
	Foreign obligations	—			—			—			—
	Commercial paper	—			—			—			—
	Equity securities and exchange-traded funds	9,861			9,861			—			—
	Mutual funds	2,245			2,245			—			—
	Trading securities	7,917			7,917			—			—
	Cash equivalents	643			643			—			—
	Total	$	31,535		$	20,666		$	10,869		$	—
		Fair Value			Fair Value Measurements as of December 31, 2013
		as of			Using Fair Value Hierarchy
	$0	December 31, 2013			Level 1			Level 2			Level 3
	Available-for-sale investments:
	Government obligations	$	19,698		$	—		$	19,698		$	—
	Corporate bonds	49,811			—			49,811			—
	Foreign obligations	503			—			503			—
	Commercial paper	9,489			—			9,489			—
	Equity securities and exchange-traded funds	9,742			9,742			—			—
	Mutual funds	2,218			2,218			—			—
	Trading securities	7,732			7,732			—			—
	Cash equivalents	925			925			—			—
	Total	$	100,118		$	20,617		$	79,501		$	—

Investments_in_Unconsolidated_1

Investments in Unconsolidated Entities (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Investments in Unconsolidated Entities [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Equity Method And Cost Method Investments	'
	Our investments in unconsolidated entities consist primarily of the following:
		As of March 31			As of December 31
	$0	2014			2013
	Investment in MJKK	$	22,543		$	21,782
	Other equity method investments	6,008			6,166
	Investments accounted for using the cost method	10,625			10,766
	Total investments in unconsolidated entities	$	39,176		$	38,714
Schedule of Equity Method Investments	'
	The following table summarizes our ownership percentage in MJKK and the market value of this investment based on MJKK’s publicly quoted share price:
		As of March 31			As of December 31
		2014			2013
	Morningstar’s approximate ownership of MJKK	34		%	34		%
	Approximate market value of Morningstar’s ownership in MJKK:
	Japanese yen (¥000)	¥	8,833,406		¥	9,824,068
	Equivalent U.S. dollars ($000)	$	85,949		$	94,999

StockBased_Compensation_Tables

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Shares Available for Future Grants	'
	The following table summarizes the number of shares available for future grants under our 2011 Plan:
		As of March 31
	(in thousands)	2014
	Shares available for future grants	4,483
Schedule of Stock-Based Compensation Expense	'
	The following table summarizes our stock-based compensation expense and the related income tax benefit we recorded:
		Three months ended March 31
	$0	2014			2013
	Restricted stock units	$	3,692		$	3,563
	Restricted stock	97			97
	Performance share awards	27			—
	Stock options	123			123
	Total stock-based compensation expense	$	3,939		$	3,783
	Income tax benefit related to the stock-based compensation expense	$	1,079		$	1,030
Schedule of Unrecognized Stock-Based Compensation Expense	'
	The following table summarizes the amount of unrecognized stock-based compensation expense as of March 31, 2014 and the expected number of months over which the expense will be recognized:
		Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense ($000)			Expected amortization period (months)
	Restricted stock units	$	27,487		31
	Restricted stock	420			13
	Performance share awards	1,890			33
	Stock options	462			14
	Total unrecognized stock-based compensation expense	$	30,259		31
Schedule of Restricted Stock Units Award Activity	'
	The following table summarizes restricted stock unit activity during the first three months of 2014:
	Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)	Unvested		Vested but			Total		Weighted
				Deferred					Average
									Grant Date Value
									per RSU
	RSUs outstanding—December 31, 2013	680,002		16,682			696,684		$	62.02
	Granted	—		—			—		—
	Dividend equivalents	885		37			922		57.49
	Vested	(256	)	—			(256	)	53.31
	Vested but deferred	—		—			—		—
	Issued	—		—			—		—
	Forfeited	(6,893	)	—			(6,893	)	61.66
	RSUs outstanding—March 31, 2014	673,738		16,719			690,457		$	62.04
Schedule of Performance Share Activity	'
	Information as of March 31, 2014 regarding the Company's target performance share awards granted and shares that would be issued at current performance levels for performance share awards granted during the first three months of 2014 is as follows:
		As of March 31, 2014
	Target performance share awards granted	23,685
	Fair value (1)	$	80.91
	Number of shares that would be issued based on current performance levels	23,685
	Unamortized expense, based on current performance levels	$	1,890,000
	(1) Represents the closing market price of Morningstar's stock on March 14, 2014, which is the last closing price prior to the grant date.
Schedule of Options Granted at Exercise Price Below Fair Value per Share on Grant Date	'
	The first table includes activity for options granted at an exercise price below the fair value per share of our common stock on the grant date; the second table includes activity for all other option grants.
	Options Granted At an Exercise Price Below the Fair Value Per Share on the Grant Date	Underlying		Weighted
		Shares		Average
				Exercise
				Price
	Options outstanding—December 31, 2013	179,559		$	21.47
	Granted	—		—
	Canceled	—		—
	Exercised	(11,731	)	21.46
	Options outstanding—March 31, 2014	167,828		21.68
	Options exercisable—March 31, 2014	167,828		$	21.68
Schedule of All Other Option Granted	'
	All Other Option Grants, Excluding Activity Shown Above	Underlying		Weighted
		Shares		Average
				Exercise
				Price
	Options outstanding—December 31, 2013	253,972		$	36.48
	Granted	—		—
	Canceled	—		—
	Exercised	(35,213	)	29.22
	Options outstanding—March 31, 2014	218,759		37.85
	Options exercisable—March 31, 2014	184,236		$	34.18
Schedule of Intrinsic Value of Stock Options Exercised During Period	'
	The following table summarizes the total intrinsic value (difference between the market value of our stock on the date of exercise and the exercise price of the option) of options exercised:
		Three months ended March 31
	$0	2014			2013
	Intrinsic value of options exercised	$	2,526		$	5,588
Schedule of Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding and Exercisable	'
	The table below shows additional information for options outstanding and exercisable as of March 31, 2014:
		Options Outstanding									Options Exercisable
	Range of Exercise Prices	Number of  Options		Weighted		Weighted			Aggregate		Exercisable Shares	Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (years)	Weighted Average Exercise Price		Aggregate Intrinsic Value ($000)
				Average		Average			Intrinsic
				Remaining		Exercise			Value
				Contractual		Price			$0
				Life (years)
	$21.61 - $26.68	303,106		0.87		$	23.91		$	16,704	303,106	0.87	$	23.91	$	16,704
	$39.31 - $49.38	11,806		1.61		46.86			380		11,806	1.61	46.86		380
	$57.28 - $59.35	71,675		7.27		57.46			1,545		37,152	7.27	57.45		741
	$21.61 - $59.35	386,587		2.08		$	30.83		$	18,629	352,064	1.57	$	28.22	$	17,825
	Vested or Expected to Vest
	$21.61 - $59.35	386,587		2.08		$	30.83		$	18,629
Schedule of Tax Benefits Related to Share Based Compensation	'
	The following table summarizes our excess tax benefits:
		Three months ended March 31
	$0	2014			2013
	Excess tax benefits related to stock-based compensation	$	573		$	1,587

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation	'
	The following table shows our effective income tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and March 31, 2013:
		Three months ended March 31
	$0	2014			2013
	Income before income taxes and equity in net income of unconsolidated entities	$	39,397		$	41,505
	Equity in net income of unconsolidated entities	599			497
	Net loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest	30			43
	Total	$	40,026		$	42,045
	Income tax expense	$	13,650		$	12,427
	Effective tax rate	34.1		%	29.6		%
Schedule of Gross Unrecognized Tax Benefits	'
	The table below provides information concerning our gross unrecognized tax benefits as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013. The table also provides the effect these gross unrecognized tax benefits would have on our income tax expense, if they were recognized.
		As of March 31			As of December 31
	$0	2014			2013
	Gross unrecognized tax benefits	$	11,053		$	12,958
	Gross unrecognized tax benefits that would affect income tax expense	$	11,053		$	10,557
	Decrease in income tax expense upon recognition of gross unrecognized tax benefits	$	9,665		$	9,262
Schedule of Liabilities for Unrecognized Tax Benefits	'
	Our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets include the following liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits. These amounts include interest and penalties, less any associated tax benefits.
		As of March 31			As of December 31
	Liabilities for Unrecognized Tax Benefits ($000)	2014			2013
	Current liability	$	4,282		$	6,211
	Non-current liability	6,491			6,012
	Total liability for unrecognized tax benefits	$	10,773		$	12,223

Share_Repurchase_Program_Table

Share Repurchase Program (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]	'
Class of Treasury Stock	'
	The following table summarizes the board approvals for increases to the program and the total available under the program:
	Date	Increase			Total program
	Sep-10	$	100	million	$	100	million
	Dec-11	$	200	million	$	300	million
	Dec-12	$	200	million	$	500	million
	Dec-13	$	200	million	$	700	million

Basis_of_Presentation_of_Inter1

Basis of Presentation of Interim Financial Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014
	position
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'
Number of positions shifted	180
Cost of Revenue [Member]	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'
Increase (decrease) in allocated compensation expense	7
Selling and Marketing Expense [Member]	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'
Increase (decrease) in allocated compensation expense	-4
General and Administrative Expense [Member]	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'
Increase (decrease) in allocated compensation expense	-3

Correction_Details

Correction (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$39,790	$42,131
Deferred rent	23,541	23,938
Previously Reported [Member]	'	'
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	'	52,877
Deferred rent	'	13,192
Correction [Member]	'	'
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	'	-10,746
Deferred rent	'	$10,746

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_2

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Schedule of Goodwill) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	$326,450
Foreign currency translation	1,486
Goodwill, Ending Balance	$327,936

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_3

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Schedule of Intangible Assets) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Goodwill, impairment loss	$0	$0	'
Gross	254,565	'	253,700
Accumulated Amortization	-155,618	'	-149,791
Intangible assets, Net	98,947	'	103,909
Weighted-Average Useful Life (years)	'10 years	'	'10 years
Intellectual Property [Member]	'	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Gross	29,778	'	29,477
Accumulated Amortization	-23,973	'	-23,128
Intangible assets, Net	5,805	'	6,349
Weighted-Average Useful Life (years)	'9 years	'	'9 years
Customer Related Assets [Member]	'	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Gross	141,991	'	141,833
Accumulated Amortization	-77,361	'	-74,311
Intangible assets, Net	64,630	'	67,522
Weighted-Average Useful Life (years)	'12 years	'	'12 years
Supplier Relationships [Member]	'	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Gross	240	'	240
Accumulated Amortization	-111	'	-108
Intangible assets, Net	129	'	132
Weighted-Average Useful Life (years)	'20 years	'	'20 years
Technology-Based Assets [Member]	'	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Gross	80,870	'	80,489
Accumulated Amortization	-52,567	'	-50,673
Intangible assets, Net	28,303	'	29,816
Weighted-Average Useful Life (years)	'9 years	'	'9 years
Non-competition Agreement [Member]	'	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Gross	1,686	'	1,661
Accumulated Amortization	-1,606	'	-1,571
Intangible assets, Net	$80	'	$90
Weighted-Average Useful Life (years)	'4 years	'	'4 years

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_4

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Amortization Expense) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Amortization expense	$5,142	$5,625
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]	'	'
2014	20,547	'
2015	19,719	'
2016	15,145	'
2017	10,577	'
2018	8,574	'
2019	$7,386	'

Income_Per_Share_Details

Income Per Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	15	9
Earnings Per Share, Basic [Abstract]	'	'
Net income attributable to Morningstar, Inc.	$26,376	$29,618
Less: Distributed Earnings Available to Participating Securities	-3	-15
Less: Undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities	-7	-13
Numerator for basic net income per share - undistributed and distributed earnings available to common shareholders	26,366	29,590
Weighted average common shares outstanding	44,777	46,406
Basic net income per share attributable to Morningstar, Inc.	$0.59	$0.64
Earnings Per Share, Diluted [Abstract]	'	'
Numerator for basic net income per share - undistributed and distributed earnings available to common shareholders	26,366	29,590
Add: Undistributed Earnings Allocated To Participating Securities	7	13
Less: Undistributed Earnings Reallocated to Participating Securities	-7	-13
Numerator for diluted net income per share - undistributed and distributed earnings available to common shareholders	$26,366	$29,590
Weighted average common shares outstanding	44,777	46,406
Net effect of dilutive stock options and restricted stock units	316	408
Weighted average common shares outstanding for computing diluted income per share	45,093	46,814
Diluted net income per share attributable to Morningstar, Inc.	$0.58	$0.63
Stock Options [Member]	'	'
Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	0	0
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]	'	'
Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	6	9
Performance Shares [Member]	'	'
Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	9	0
Restricted Stock [Member]	'	'
Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	0	0

Segment_and_Geographical_Area_2

Segment and Geographical Area Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information, Operating Income (Loss) [Abstract]	'	'
External revenue	$181,165	$168,856
U.S. [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information, Operating Income (Loss) [Abstract]	'	'
External revenue	129,952	121,413
Non-U.S. [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information, Operating Income (Loss) [Abstract]	'	'
External revenue	51,213	47,443
Investment Management [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information, Operating Income (Loss) [Abstract]	'	'
External revenue	39,895	33,771
Investment Information [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information, Operating Income (Loss) [Abstract]	'	'
External revenue	$141,270	$135,085

Segment_and_Geographical_Area_3

Segment and Geographical Area Information (External Revenue and Long-Lived Assets) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
External revenue	$181,165	$168,856	'
Long-lived assets	107,438	'	104,986
United States	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
External revenue	129,952	121,413	'
Long-lived assets	88,154	'	84,321
Total International	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
External revenue	51,213	47,443	'
Long-lived assets	19,284	'	20,665
United Kingdom	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
External revenue	15,338	13,153	'
Long-lived assets	6,552	'	6,873
Continental Europe	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
External revenue	15,626	13,167	'
Long-lived assets	1,666	'	1,873
Australia	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
External revenue	8,168	9,352	'
Long-lived assets	1,005	'	1,051
Canada	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
External revenue	7,667	7,736	'
Long-lived assets	1,101	'	1,275
Asia	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
External revenue	3,709	3,424	'
Long-lived assets	8,854	'	9,479
Other	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
External revenue	705	611	'
Long-lived assets	$106	'	$114

Investments_and_Fair_Value_Mea2

Investments and Fair Value Measurements (Classification of Securities) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale	$22,975	$91,461
Held-to-maturity	28,448	31,214
Trading securities	7,917	7,732
Total	$59,340	$130,407

Investments_and_Fair_Value_Mea3

Investments and Fair Value Measurements (Gains (Losses) on Investments) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Available-for-sale:	'	'	'
Available-for-sale securities, Cost	$21,880	'	$90,560
Available-for-sale Securities, Unrealized Gain	1,312	'	1,269
Available-for-sale Securities, Unrealized Loss	-217	'	-368
Available-for-sale securities, Fair Value	22,975	'	91,461
Held-to-maturity:	'	'	'
Held-to-maturity securities, Cost	28,448	'	31,214
Held-to-maturity Securities, Unrecognized Gain	0	'	0
Held-to-maturity Securities, Unrecognized Loss	0	'	0
Held-to-maturity	28,448	'	31,214
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gain (Loss) [Abstract]	'	'	'
Available-for-sale securities, realized gains	161	1,564	'
Available-for-sale securities, realized losses	-185	-839	'
Available-for-sale securities, realized gains (losses), net	-24	725	'
Government Obligations [Member]	'	'	'
Available-for-sale:	'	'	'
Available-for-sale securities, Cost	5,652	'	19,693
Available-for-sale Securities, Unrealized Gain	6	'	8
Available-for-sale Securities, Unrealized Loss	0	'	-3
Available-for-sale securities, Fair Value	5,658	'	19,698
Corporate Bonds [Member]	'	'	'
Available-for-sale:	'	'	'
Available-for-sale securities, Cost	5,206	'	49,913
Available-for-sale Securities, Unrealized Gain	5	'	22
Available-for-sale Securities, Unrealized Loss	0	'	-124
Available-for-sale securities, Fair Value	5,211	'	49,811
Foreign Government Debt Securities [Member]	'	'	'
Available-for-sale:	'	'	'
Available-for-sale securities, Cost	0	'	505
Available-for-sale Securities, Unrealized Gain	0	'	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Unrealized Loss	0	'	-2
Available-for-sale securities, Fair Value	0	'	503
Commercial Paper [Member]	'	'	'
Available-for-sale:	'	'	'
Available-for-sale securities, Cost	0	'	9,482
Available-for-sale Securities, Unrealized Gain	0	'	7
Available-for-sale Securities, Unrealized Loss	0	'	0
Available-for-sale securities, Fair Value	0	'	9,489
Equity Securities and Exchange-traded Funds [Member]	'	'	'
Available-for-sale:	'	'	'
Available-for-sale securities, Cost	8,916	'	8,872
Available-for-sale Securities, Unrealized Gain	1,068	'	1,011
Available-for-sale Securities, Unrealized Loss	-123	'	-141
Available-for-sale securities, Fair Value	9,861	'	9,742
Mutual Funds [Member]	'	'	'
Available-for-sale:	'	'	'
Available-for-sale securities, Cost	2,106	'	2,095
Available-for-sale Securities, Unrealized Gain	233	'	221
Available-for-sale Securities, Unrealized Loss	-94	'	-98
Available-for-sale securities, Fair Value	$2,245	'	$2,218

Investments_and_Fair_Value_Mea4

Investments and Fair Value Measurements (Cost and Fair Value of Investments Classified by Maturity) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale securities, Due in one year or less, Cost	$9,855,000	$45,486,000
Available-for-sale securities, Due in one year or less, Fair Vlaue	9,864,000	45,402,000
Available-for-sale securities, Due in one to two years, Cost	1,003,000	34,107,000
Available-for-sale securities, Due in one to two years, Fair Value	1,005,000	34,099,000
Available-for-sale securities, Equity securities, exchange-traded funds, and mutual funds, Cost	11,022,000	10,967,000
Available-for-sale securities, Equity securities, exchange-traded funds, and mutual funds, Fair Value	12,106,000	11,960,000
Available-for-sale securities, Cost	21,880,000	90,560,000
Available-for-sale securities, Fair Value	22,975,000	91,461,000
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities [Abstract]	'	'
Held-to-maturity securities, Due in one year or less, Cost	28,443,000	31,210,000
Held-to-maturity securities, Due within one year or less, Fair Value	28,443,000	31,210,000
Held-to-maturity securities, Due in one to three years, Cost	5,000	4,000
Held-to-maturity securities, Due in one to three years, Fair Value	5,000	4,000
Held-to-maturity securities, Cost	28,448,000	31,214,000
Held-to-maturity securities, Fair Value	28,448,000	31,214,000
Certificate of deposit held as collateral against Australia office lease	$1,500,000	'

Investments_and_Fair_Value_Mea5

Investments and Fair Value Measurements (Unrealized Gains on Trading Securities) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Schedule of Trading Securities and Other Trading Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Unrealized gains (losses), net	$69	$318

Investments_and_Fair_Value_Mea6

Investments and Fair Value Measurements (Fair Value of Assets) (Details) (Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member], USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Trading securities, fair value	$7,917	$7,732
Cash equivalents, fair value	643	925
Total investments, fair value	31,535	100,118
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Government Obligations [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale securities, fair value	5,658	19,698
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Corporate Bonds [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale securities, fair value	5,211	49,811
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Commercial Paper [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale securities, fair value	0	9,489
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Equity Securities and Exchange-traded Funds [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale securities, fair value	9,861	9,742
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Mutual Funds [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale securities, fair value	2,245	2,218
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Trading securities, fair value	7,917	7,732
Cash equivalents, fair value	643	925
Total investments, fair value	20,666	20,617
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Government Obligations [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale securities, fair value	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Corporate Bonds [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale securities, fair value	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Commercial Paper [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale securities, fair value	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Equity Securities and Exchange-traded Funds [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale securities, fair value	9,861	9,742
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Mutual Funds [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale securities, fair value	2,245	2,218
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Trading securities, fair value	0	0
Cash equivalents, fair value	0	0
Total investments, fair value	10,869	79,501
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Government Obligations [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale securities, fair value	5,658	19,698
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Corporate Bonds [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale securities, fair value	5,211	49,811
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Commercial Paper [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale securities, fair value	0	9,489
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Equity Securities and Exchange-traded Funds [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale securities, fair value	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Mutual Funds [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale securities, fair value	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Trading securities, fair value	0	0
Cash equivalents, fair value	0	0
Total investments, fair value	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Government Obligations [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale securities, fair value	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Corporate Bonds [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale securities, fair value	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Commercial Paper [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale securities, fair value	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Equity Securities and Exchange-traded Funds [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale securities, fair value	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Mutual Funds [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale securities, fair value	0	0
Foreign Government Debt Securities [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale securities, fair value	0	503
Foreign Government Debt Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale securities, fair value	0	0
Foreign Government Debt Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale securities, fair value	0	503
Foreign Government Debt Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale securities, fair value	$0	$0

Investments_in_Unconsolidated_2

Investments in Unconsolidated Entities (Details)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Morningstar Japan KK [Member]

Morningstar Japan KK [Member]

Morningstar Japan KK [Member]

Morningstar Japan KK [Member]

Other Equity Method Investments [Member]

Other Equity Method Investments [Member]

YCharts [Member]

YCharts [Member]

Morningstar Sweden AB [Member]

Inquiry Financial Europe AB [Member]

Inquiry Financial Europe AB [Member]

USD ($)

JPY (¥)

USD ($)

JPY (¥)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Equity method investments

'

'

'

$22,543,000

'

$21,782,000

'

$6,008,000

$6,166,000

'

'

'

'

'

Cost method investments

10,625,000

'

10,766,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total investments in unconsolidated entities

39,176,000

'

38,714,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Equity method investment, ownership percentage

'

'

'

34.00%

34.00%

34.00%

34.00%

'

'

22.00%

22.00%

100.00%

34.00%

34.00%

Equity method investment, approximate market value

'

'

'

85,949,000

8,833,406,000

94,999,000

9,824,068,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Equity-method investments, other than temporary impairment

0

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cost-method investments, other than temporary impairment

$0

$0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

StockBased_Compensation_Shares

Stock-Based Compensation (Shares Available For Future Grants) (Details)	Mar. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Shares available for future grants	4,483

StockBased_Compensation_Alloca

Stock-Based Compensation (Allocation of Stock-Based Compensation Costs by Plan) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	$3,939	$3,783
Income tax benefit related to the stock-based compensation expense	1,079	1,030
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	3,692	3,563
Restricted Stock [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	97	97
Performance Shares [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	27	0
Stock Options [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	$123	$123

StockBased_Compensation_Schedu

Stock-Based Compensation (Schedule of Unrecognized Stock-based Compensation Expense) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense	$30,259
Expected amortization period (months)	'31 years
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense	27,487
Expected amortization period (months)	'31 years
Restricted Stock [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense	420
Expected amortization period (months)	'13 years
Performance Shares [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense	1,890
Expected amortization period (months)	'33 years
Stock Options [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense	$462
Expected amortization period (months)	'14 years

StockBased_Compensation_Restri

Stock-Based Compensation (Restricted Stock Units Activity) (Details) (Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested [Roll Forward]	'
RSUs outstanding, Beginning Balance, Unvested	680,002
RSUs outstanding, Beginning Balance, Vested but Deferred	16,682
RSUs outstanding, Beginning Balance, Total	696,684
RSUs outstanding, Beginning Balance, Weighted Average Grant Date Valueper RSU	$62.02
Granted, Unvested	0
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Vested But Deferred Grants In Period	0
Granted, Total	0
Granted, Weighted Average Grant Date Valueper RSU	$0
Dividend equivalents, Unvested	885
Dividend equivalents, Vestedd but Deferred	37
Dividend equivalents, Total	922
Dividend equivalents, Weighted Average Grant Date Valueper RSU	$57.49
Vested, Unvested	-256
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Vested But Deferred Vested In Period	0
Vested, Total	-256
Vested, Weighted Average Grant Date Valueper RSU	$53.31
Vested but deferred, Unvested	0
Vested but deferred, Vested but Deferred	0
Vested but deferred, Total	0
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Vested but Deferred Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$0
Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other than Options Nonvested Issued in Period	0
Issued, Vested but Deferred	0
Issued, Total	0
Issued, Weighted Average Grant Date Valueper RSU	$0
Forfeited, Unvested	-6,893
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Vested But Deferred Forfeited In Period	0
Forfeited, Total	-6,893
Forfeited, Weighted Average Grant Date Valueper RSU	$61.66
RSUs outstanding, Ending Balance, Unvested	673,738
RSUs outstanding, Ending Balance, Vested but Deferred	16,719
RSUs outstanding, Ending Balance, Total	690,457
RSUs outstanding, Ending Balance, Weighted Average Grant Date Valueper RSU	$62.04

StockBased_Compensation_Perfor

Stock-Based Compensation (Performance Shares Activity) (Details) (Performance Shares [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Performance Shares [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Target performance share awards granted	23,685
Fair value (1)	$80.91	[1]
Number of shares that would be issued based on current performance levels	23,685
Unamortized expense, based on current performance levels	$1,890,000
[1]	Represents the closing market price of Morningstar's stock on March 14, 2014, which is the last closing price prior to the grant date.

StockBased_Compensation_Stock_

Stock-Based Compensation (Stock Option Activity) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Option Exercise Price Grouping [Member]	'	'
Intrinsic Value of Options Exercised [Abstract]	'	'
Intrinsic value of options exercised	$2,526	$5,588
Options Granted At Discount [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]	'	'
Options outstanding, Beginning Balance, Underlying Shares	179,559	'
Granted, Underlying Shares	0	'
Canceled, Underlying Shares	0	'
Exercised, Underlying Shares	-11,731	'
Options outstanding, Ending Balance, Underlying Shares	167,828	'
Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract]	'	'
Options outstanding, Beginning Balance, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$21.47	'
Granted, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$0	'
Canceled, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$0	'
Exercised, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$21.46	'
Options outstanding, Ending Balance, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$21.68	'
Options, Exercisable, Number of Shares and Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract]	'	'
Options exercisable, Underlying Shares	167,828	'
Options exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$21.68	'
Option Grants Excluding Options Granted at Discount [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]	'	'
Options outstanding, Beginning Balance, Underlying Shares	253,972	'
Granted, Underlying Shares	0	'
Canceled, Underlying Shares	0	'
Exercised, Underlying Shares	-35,213	'
Options outstanding, Ending Balance, Underlying Shares	218,759	'
Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract]	'	'
Options outstanding, Beginning Balance, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$36.48	'
Granted, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$0	'
Canceled, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$0	'
Exercised, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$29.22	'
Options outstanding, Ending Balance, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$37.85	'
Options, Exercisable, Number of Shares and Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract]	'	'
Options exercisable, Underlying Shares	184,236	'
Options exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$34.18	'

StockBased_Compensation_Additi

Stock-Based Compensation (Additional Information on Options) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'
Closing stock price used to calculate intrinsic value	$79.02
Range One [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'
Range of Exercise Prices	'$21.61 - $26.68
Range of Exercise Prices, Lower Limit	$21.61
Range of Exercise Prices, Upper Limit	$26.68
Options Outstanding, Number of Options	303,106
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (years)	'0 years 10 months 13 days
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$23.91
Options Outstanding, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$16,704
Options Exercisable, Exercisable Shares	303,106
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (years)	'0 years 10 months 13 days
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$23.91
Options Exercisable, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	16,704
Range Two [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'
Range of Exercise Prices	'$39.31 - $49.38
Range of Exercise Prices, Lower Limit	$39.31
Range of Exercise Prices, Upper Limit	$49.38
Options Outstanding, Number of Options	11,806
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (years)	'1 year 7 months 10 days
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$46.86
Options Outstanding, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	380
Options Exercisable, Exercisable Shares	11,806
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (years)	'1 year 7 months 10 days
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$46.86
Options Exercisable, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	380
Range Three [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'
Range of Exercise Prices	'$57.28 - $59.35
Range of Exercise Prices, Lower Limit	$57.28
Range of Exercise Prices, Upper Limit	$59.35
Options Outstanding, Number of Options	71,675
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (years)	'7 years 3 months 7 days
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$57.46
Options Outstanding, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	1,545
Options Exercisable, Exercisable Shares	37,152
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (years)	'7 years 3 months 7 days
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$57.45
Options Exercisable, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	741
Range Four [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'
Range of Exercise Prices	'$21.61 - $59.35
Range of Exercise Prices, Lower Limit	$21.61
Range of Exercise Prices, Upper Limit	$59.35
Options Outstanding, Number of Options	386,587
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (years)	'2 years 0 months 29 days
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$30.83
Options Outstanding, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	18,629
Options Exercisable, Exercisable Shares	352,064
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (years)	'1 year 6 months 26 days
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$28.22
Options Exercisable, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	17,825
Vested or Expected to Vest [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'
Range of Exercise Prices, Lower Limit	$21.61
Range of Exercise Prices, Upper Limit	$59.35
Vested or Expected to Vest, Range of Exercise Prices	'$21.61 - $59.35
Vested or Expected to Vest, Number of Options	386,587
Vested or Expected to Vest, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (years)	'2 years 0 months 29 days
Vested or Expected to Vest, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$30.83
Vested or Expected to Vest, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$18,629

StockBased_Compensation_Excess

Stock-Based Compensation (Excess Tax Benefits Related to Stock-Based Compensation) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'	'
Excess tax benefits related to stock-based compensation	$573	$1,587

StockBased_Compensation_Restri1

Stock-Based Compensation (Restricted Stock Activity Related to the Realpoint Acquisition) (Details) (USD $)	3-May-10	Mar. 31, 2014
	Realpoint, LLC [Member]	Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Shares of Restricted Stock	199,174	'
Share Based Compensation, Fair Value of Share Based Compensation Expensed Over Vesting Period	'	$9,363,000

Income_Taxes_Income_Tax_Reconc

Income Taxes (Income Tax Reconciliation and Unrecognized Tax Benefits) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Amount [Abstract]	'	'	'
Income before income taxes and equity in net income of unconsolidated entities	$39,397	$41,505	'
Equity in net income of unconsolidated entities	599	497	'
Net (income) loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest	30	43	'
Total	40,026	42,045	'
Income tax expense	13,650	12,427	'
Effective income tax rate	34.10%	29.60%	'
Effective income tax rate reconciliation, change in percentage points compared with prior year period	'	4.5	'
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued [Abstract]	'	'	'
Current liabilities	4,282	'	6,211
Non-current liabilities	6,491	'	6,012
Total liability for unrecognized tax benefits	$10,773	'	$12,223

Income_Taxes_Income_Tax_Contin

Income Taxes (Income Tax Contingency) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Gross unrecognized tax benefits	$11,053	$12,958
Gross unrecognized tax benefits which would affect income tax expense	11,053	10,557
Decrease in income tax expense upon recognition of gross unrecognized tax benefits	$9,665	$9,262

Contingencies_Details

Contingencies (Details) (Pending Litigation [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Apr. 15, 2014
	Klass Matter [Member]	Business Logic Holding Corporation [Member]	Subsequent Event [Member]
			Business Logic Holding Corporation [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Range of possible loss, minimum	'	$0	'
Range of possible loss, maximum	'	5.4	57
Damages sought, value	$14.50	$84	'

Share_Repurchase_Program_Detai

Share Repurchase Program (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010	Mar. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Shares repurchased, program life to date, shares	'	'	'	'	7,350,313
Shares repurchased, program life to date, value	'	'	'	'	$471,481,000
Share repurchase program, increase in authorized amount	200,000,000	200,000,000	200,000,000	100,000,000	'
Share repurchase program, authorized amount	$700,000,000	$500,000,000	$300,000,000	$100,000,000	'

Subsequent_Events_Details

Subsequent Events (Details) (Subsequent Event [Member], USD $)	0 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 02, 2014
Subsequent Event [Member]	'
Subsequent Event [Line Items]	'
Cash paid to acquire businesses	$28