| Accounting Policies, by Policy (Policies) | 12 Months Ended |
| Dec. 31, 2014 |
| Accounting Policies [Abstract] | |
| Concentration Risk, Credit Risk, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Concentrations of Credit Risk |
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| Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentration of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, short-term investments and accounts receivable. Cash and cash equivalents and certificates of deposit are deposited with a limited number of financial institutions in the United States, Canada, Australia, United Kingdom, India, the Netherlands, Germany, Japan and Brazil. The balances held at any one financial institution are generally in excess of Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insurance limits or, in foreign territories, local insurance limits, and as a result, access to the Company’s cash and cash equivalents may be impacted by adverse conditions in the global financial markets, including fluctuations in currency exchange rates. As of December 31, 2014, domestic bank balances in excess of insured limits were $21.5 million and foreign bank balances in excess of insured limits were $22.9 million. |
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| The Company’s customers are primarily local businesses, dispersed both geographically and across a broad range of industries. Management performs ongoing evaluation of trade receivables for collectability and provides an allowance for potentially uncollectible accounts. The following table summarizes the change in the Company’s allowance for doubtful accounts for each of the three years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands): |
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| | 2014 | | | 2013 | | | 2012 | |
| Allowance for doubtful accounts as of the beginning of the year | | $ | 2,212 | | | $ | 259 | | | $ | 363 | |
| Additions charged to expense | | | 2,621 | | | | 6,080 | | | | 483 | |
| Write-offs | | | (4,511 | ) | | | (4,396 | ) | | | (791 | ) |
| Recoveries | | | 639 | | | | 268 | | | | 205 | |
| Allowance for doubtful accounts as of the end of the year | | $ | 961 | | | $ | 2,212 | | | $ | 259 | |
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| As of December 31, 2014, one client comprised 11% of the consolidated accounts receivable balance. As of December 31, 2013, a receivable from OxataSMB accounted for 13% of the total accounts receivable balance, which has been fully reserved. For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, the Company did not have any individual clients that comprised more than 10% of consolidated revenues. |
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| During 2014, 2013, and 2012, the Company’s cost of revenue was primarily for the purchase of media from two of our vendors. Other receivables and prepaid expenses included $0.6 million and $5.5 million of non-trade receivables from media vendors at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Accounts payable included $17.1 million and $21.2 million of accrued media expenses from media vendors at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. |
| New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Recent Accounting Pronouncements |
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| In February 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2015-02, Consolidation. The amendments in this update require management to reevaluate whether certain legal entities should be consolidated. Specifically, the amendments (1) modify the evaluation of whether limited partnerships and similar legal entities are variable interest entities (VIEs) or voting interest entities, (2) eliminate the presumption that a general partner should consolidate a limited partnership, (3) affect the consolidation analysis of reporting entities that are involved with VIEs, particularly those that have fee arrangements and related party relationships, and (4) provide a scope exception from consolidation guidance for reporting entities with interests in legal entities that are required to comply with or operate in accordance with requirements that are similar to those in Rule 2a-7 of the Investment Company Act of 1940 for registered money market funds. The amendments in this update are effective for the Company as of January 1, 2016. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently assessing the impact of this update, and believes that its adoption on January 1, 2016 will not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. |
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| In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-15, Presentation of Financial Statements – Going Concern. The amendments in this update require management to assess an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern by incorporating and expanding upon certain principles that are currently in U.S. auditing standards. Specifically, the amendments (1) provide a definition of the term substantial doubt, (2) require an evaluation every reporting period, including interim periods, (3) provide principles for considering the mitigating effect of management’s plans, (4) require certain disclosures when substantial doubt is alleviated as a result of consideration of management’s plans, (5) require an express statement and other disclosures when substantial doubt is not alleviated, and (6) require an assessment for a period of one year after the date that the financial statements are issued (or available to be issued). The amendments in this update are effective for the Company as of January 1, 2017. Early application is permitted. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial condition and results of operations. |
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| In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-12, Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period. The amendments in this update require that a performance target that affects vesting and that could be achieved after the requisite service period be treated as a performance condition. A reporting entity should apply existing guidance in Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation, as it relates to awards with performance conditions that affect vesting to account for such awards. The amendments in this update will be effective for the Company as of January 1, 2016. Earlier adoption is permitted. Entities may apply the amendments in this update either: (a) prospectively to all awards granted or modified after the effective date; or (b) retrospectively to all awards with performance targets that are outstanding as of the beginning of the earliest annual period presented in the financial statements and to all new or modified awards thereafter. If retrospective transition is adopted, the cumulative effect of applying this update as of the beginning of the earliest annual period presented in the financial statements should be recognized as an adjustment to the opening retained earnings balance at that date. In addition, if retrospective transition is adopted, an entity may use hindsight in measuring and recognizing the compensation cost. The Company is currently assessing the impact of this update, and believes that its adoption on January 1, 2016 will not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. |
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| In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. The guidance in this update supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in ASC 605, Revenue Recognition, and most industry-specific guidance throughout the Codification. This update supersedes some cost guidance included in ASC 605-35, Revenue Recognition - Construction-Type and Production-Type Contracts. In addition, the existing requirements for the recognition of a gain or loss on the transfer of nonfinancial assets that are not in a contract with a customer (for example, assets within the scope of ASC 360, Property, Plant, and Equipment, and intangible assets, within the scope of ASC 350, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other) are amended to be consistent with the guidance on recognition and measurement in this update. The standard will be effective for the Company as of January 1, 2017. Earlier adoption is not permitted for public entities. An entity can apply the revenue standard retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented (full retrospective method) or retrospectively with the cumulative effect of initially applying the standard recognized at the date of initial application in retained earnings (simplified transition method). The Company is currently assessing the impact of this update on its consolidated financial statements. |
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| In April 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-08, Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity. The amendments in this update change the criteria for determining which disposals can be presented as discontinued operations and modify related disclosure requirements. The guidance applies prospectively to new disposals and new classifications of disposal groups as held for sale after the effective date, and was effective for the Company as of January 1, 2015. The Company will apply this guidance to any new disposals or new classification as held for sale after the effective date. |
| Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation |
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| The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of ReachLocal, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries. The Company's consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. |
| Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Use of Estimates |
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| The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results may differ from those estimates. |
| Reclassification, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Reclassifications and Adjustments |
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| Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation and certain adjustments related to prior reporting periods totaling $0.3 million have been recorded in other income, net, in the year ended December 31, 2014. |
| Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy [Policy Text Block] | Foreign Currency Translation |
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| The Company’s operations are conducted in several countries around the world, and the financial statements of its foreign subsidiaries are reported in the applicable foreign currencies (functional currencies). Financial information is translated from the applicable functional currency to the U.S. dollar, the reporting currency, for inclusion in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Revenue and expenses are translated at average exchange rates prevailing during the period, and assets and liabilities are translated at exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date. Resulting translation adjustments are included as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net in stockholders’ equity. Foreign currency translation adjustments are generally not adjusted for income taxes as they are primarily related to indefinite investments in foreign subsidiaries. Foreign exchange transaction gains and losses are included in other income (expense), net in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. Exchange gains and losses on intercompany balances that are considered permanently invested are also included as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss in stockholders’ equity. |
| Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Cash and Cash Equivalents |
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| The Company reports all highly liquid short-term investments with original maturities of three months or less at the time of purchase as cash equivalents. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, cash equivalents consist of demand deposits and money market accounts. Cash equivalents are stated at cost, which approximates fair value. |
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| Due to the Company’s overall operating performance and capital expenditures, the Company’s cash balances at December 31, 2014, decreased approximately $33.8 million from December 31, 2013. At December 31, 2014, the Company’s current liabilities exceeded current assets by approximately $44.8 million. The Company’s management has taken and will continue to take steps to reduce expenses and improve the Company’s financial position and operating results. Management believes that available cash and anticipated cost reductions will together be sufficient to satisfy the Company’s operating activities, working capital and planned investing and financing activities for at least the next 12 months. |
| Marketable Securities, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Short-Term Investments |
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| The Company classifies investments as short-term when the original maturity is less than one year, or when the Company intends to sell the investment within one year. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, short-term investments consisted of certificates of deposit. All of the short-term investments are classified as available-for-sale. Short-term investments are stated at cost, which approximates fair value. |
| Receivables, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Accounts Receivable |
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| The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers and adjusts credit limits based upon payment history, the customer’s creditworthiness and various other factors, as determined by its review of their credit information. The Company monitors collections and payments from its customers and maintains an allowance for estimated credit losses based upon its historical experience and any customer-specific collection issues that it has identified. |
| Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Property and Equipment |
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| Property and equipment are stated at historical cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which is generally three years for computer hardware and software, five years for office equipment, and seven years for furniture and fixtures. Leasehold improvements are amortized using the straight-line method over the lesser of the useful life or the lease term. Upon retirement or sale, the cost of assets disposed of and the related accumulated depreciation are eliminated from the accounts and any resulting gain or loss is credited or charged to operations. Repairs and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred. |
| Research, Development, and Computer Software, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Software Development Costs |
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| Costs to develop software for internal use are capitalized when the Company has determined that the development efforts will result in new or additional functionality or new products. Costs incurred prior to meeting these criteria and costs associated with ongoing maintenance are expensed as incurred and included in product and technology expenses, in addition to amortization of capitalized software development costs, in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. The Company monitors its existing capitalized software costs and reduces its carrying value as the result of releases that render previous features or functions obsolete or otherwise reduce the value of previously capitalized costs. Costs capitalized as internal use software are amortized on a straight-line basis over an estimated useful life of three years. |
| Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Restricted Cash |
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| Restricted cash represents certificates of deposit held at financial institutions, which are pledged as collateral for letters of credit related to lease commitments or collateral for the Company’s merchant accounts. The letters of credit will lapse at the end of the respective lease terms through 2024 and the certificates of deposit automatically renew for successive one-year periods over the duration of the lease term. The restrictions related to merchant accounts will lapse upon termination of the merchant accounts. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company had restricted certificates of deposit in the amounts of $3.4 million and $3.7 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2014, restricted cash also included $0.2 million of cash reserved to provide for potential liabilities for employee health care claims. The restricted cash is classified as restricted certificates of deposit in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. |
| Loans and Leases Receivable, Allowance for Loan Losses Policy [Policy Text Block] | Loan Receivables |
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| The Company records loan receivables at carrying value, net of potential allowance for losses. Losses on receivables are recorded when probable and estimable. Interest income on loan receivables is accrued on a monthly basis over the life of the loan, and interest recognition is suspended upon impairment of loan principal. |
| Investment, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Investments in Third Parties |
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| The Company accounts for investments in third parties under the cost method, which are periodically assessed for other-than-temporary impairment. The fair value of a cost method investment is not evaluated if there are no identified events or changes in circumstances that may have a significant adverse effect on the fair value of the investment. However, if a significant adverse event were identified, the Company would estimate the fair value of its cost method investment considering available information at the time of the event, such as current cash position, earnings and cash flow forecasts, recent operational performance and any other readily available data. If the Company determines that an other-than-temporary impairment has occurred, the investment is written-down to its fair value. |
| Consolidation, Variable Interest Entity, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Variable Interest Entities |
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| In accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 810, Consolidations, the applicable accounting guidance for the consolidation of variable interest entities (“VIE”), the Company analyzes its interests, including agreements, loans, guarantees, and equity investments, on a periodic basis to determine if such interests are variable interests. If variable interests are identified, then the related entity is assessed to determine if it is a VIE. The Company’s analysis includes both quantitative and qualitative reviews. The Company bases its quantitative analysis on the forecasted cash flows of the entity, and its qualitative analysis on the design of the entity, its organizational structure including its decision-making authority, and relevant agreements. If the Company determines that the entity is a VIE, the Company then assesses if it must consolidate the VIE as its primary beneficiary. The Company’s determination of whether it is the primary beneficiary is based upon qualitative and quantitative analyses, which assess the purpose and design of the VIE, the nature of the VIE’s risks and the risks that the Company absorbs, the power to direct activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the VIE, and the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits that could be significant to the VIE. |
| Intangible Assets, Finite-Lived, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Finite-Lived Intangible Assets and Other Long-Lived Assets |
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| Finite-lived intangible assets are attributable to the various developed technologies, trade names, and customer relationships of the businesses the Company has acquired. The Company reports finite-lived, acquisition-related intangible assets at acquisition date fair value, net of accumulated amortization. Finite-lived intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives, ranging from three to ten years. Straight-line amortization is used as another pattern over which the economic benefits will be consumed cannot be reliably determined. The Company reviews the carrying values of long-lived assets, including intangible assets, for possible impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the related carrying amount may not be recoverable. In its analysis of other finite lived amortizable intangible assets, the Company applies the guidance of ASC 350-20, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other, in determining whether any impairment conditions exist. An impairment review is performed whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Recoverability of an intangible asset is measured by comparing its carrying amount to the expected future undiscounted cash flows that the asset is expected to generate, if it is determined that an asset is not recoverable. An impairment loss is recognized to the extent that the carrying amount exceeds the asset’s fair value. Long-lived assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of carrying amount or estimated fair value less cost to sell. |
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| At December 31, 2014 and 2013, there were no indications of impairment of the Company’s finite-lived intangible assets or other long-lived assets. |
| Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Goodwill, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Goodwill |
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| Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price of the Company’s acquired businesses over the fair value of the net tangible and intangible assets acquired. The Company accounts for goodwill in accordance with ASC 350, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other, which addresses financial accounting and reporting requirements for acquired goodwill. ASC 350 prohibits the amortization of goodwill and requires the Company to test goodwill at the reporting unit level for impairment at least annually. |
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| The Company tests the goodwill of its reporting units for impairment annually on the first day of the fourth quarter, and whenever events occur or circumstances change that would more likely than not indicate that the goodwill might be impaired. Events or circumstances which could trigger an impairment review include, but are not limited to, a significant adverse change in legal or business climate, an adverse action or assessment by a regulator, unanticipated competition, a loss of key management or other personnel, significant changes in the manner of the Company's use of the acquired assets or the strategy for the acquired business or the Company's overall business, significant negative industry or economic trends, or significant underperformance relative to expected historical or projected future results of operations. |
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| Testing goodwill for impairment involves a two-step quantitative process. However, prior to performing the two-step quantitative goodwill impairment test, the Company has the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether or not it is necessary to perform the two-step quantitative goodwill impairment test for selected reporting units. If the Company chooses the qualitative option, the Company is not required to perform the two-step quantitative goodwill impairment test unless it has determined, based on the qualitative assessment, that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. The first step of the impairment test involves comparing the estimated fair values of a reporting unit with its respective carrying amount, including goodwill. If the estimated fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, including goodwill, goodwill is considered not to be impaired and no additional steps are necessary. If, however, the estimated fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, including goodwill, then the second step is performed to compare the carrying amount of the goodwill with its implied fair value, which is determined by deducting the aggregate fair value of the reporting unit's identifiable assets and liabilities from the fair value of the reporting unit. If the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of that goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to the excess. |
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| The process of estimating the fair value of goodwill is subjective and requires the Company to make estimates that may significantly impact the outcome of the analyses. The estimated fair value for each reporting unit is determined using both an income-based valuation approach, as well as a market-based valuation approach. Under the income-based approach, each reporting unit’s fair value is estimated using the discounted cash flow method. The discounted cash flow method is dependent upon a number of factors, including projections of the amounts and timing of future revenues and cash flows, assumed discount rates determined to be commensurate with the risks inherent in its business model, and other assumptions. Under the market-based valuation approach, each reporting unit’s fair value is estimated based on industry multiples of revenues and operating earnings. The income-based approach is weighted between 50.0% and 66.7% depending on the amount and timing of projected operating earnings attributable to each reporting unit. |
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| The Company operates in one reportable segment, in accordance with ASC 280, Segment Reporting, which is the basis that financial results are regularly reviewed by the Company's chief operating decision maker in deciding how to allocate resources and assess performance. The Company has identified its reporting units as North America, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Europe. These reporting units each constitute a business or group of businesses for which discrete financial information is available and is regularly reviewed by each reporting unit’s management. The Company’s goodwill is comprised of balances in both the North America and Asia Pacific reporting units. |
| Self Insurance Reserve [Policy Text Block] | Self-Insurance |
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| Beginning July 2, 2014, the Company implemented a self-insurance plan to provide for potential liabilities for employee health care claims in the United States. Liabilities associated with the risks are estimated, in part, by considering historical claims experience, demographic factors, severity factors, and other actuarial assumptions. The Company had insurance liabilities totaling approximately $0.5 million at December 31, 2014, which are included in accrued compensation and benefits in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. |
| Lease, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Leases |
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| The Company leases various facilities under agreements accounted for as operating leases. For leases that contain escalation or rent concessions provisions, management recognizes rent expense during the lease term on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. The difference between rent paid and straight-line rent expense is recorded as a deferred rent liability in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. |
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| Assets held under capital leases are recorded at the lower of the net present value of the minimum lease payments or at the fair value of the leased asset at the inception of the lease. Amortization expense is computed using the straight-line method over the shorter of the estimated useful life of the asset or the period of the related lease. Principal payments on capital lease obligations are recorded as reduction of capital lease liability in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, and interest payments are recorded as interest expense which is included in other income, net in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. |
| Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Revenue Recognition |
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| The Company applies the provisions of ASC 605, Revenue Recognition, and recognizes revenue for its products and solutions when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, services have been performed, the selling price is fixed or determinable, and collectibility is reasonably assured. The Company recognizes revenue for search engine marketing as clicks are recorded on sponsored links on the various search engines and for its display advertising and retargeting when the display advertisements record impressions or as otherwise provided in its agreement with the applicable publisher. The Company recognizes revenue for lead conversion software, web presence and other products with a defined license or service period on a straight-line basis over the applicable license or service period. The Company recognizes revenue when it charges set-up, management service or other fees on a straight-line basis over the term of the related contract or the completion of any obligation for services, if shorter. The Company accounts for sales and similar taxes imposed on its services on a net basis in the consolidated statements of operations. |
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| When the Company receives advance payments from clients, it records these amounts as deferred revenue until the revenue is recognized. From time to time, the Company offers incentives to clients in exchange for minimum commitments. In these circumstances, management estimates the amount of the incentives that will be earned by clients and adjusts the recognition of revenue to reflect such incentives. Estimates are either based upon a statistical analysis of previous campaigns for which such incentives were offered, or calculated on a straight-line basis over the life of the campaign. |
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| When the Company sells through agencies, it either receives payment in advance of delivery of its products or solutions or in some cases extends credit. The Company pays each agency an agreed-upon commission based on the revenue it earns or cash it receives. Some agency clients who have been extended credit may offset the amount otherwise due to the Company by any commissions they have earned. Management evaluates whether it is appropriate to record the gross amount of campaign revenue or the net amount earned after commissions. As the Company is generally the primary party obligated in the arrangement, subject to the credit risk, with discretion over both price and media, management typically recognizes the gross amount of such sales as revenue and any commissions are recognized as a selling and marketing expense. |
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| The Company also has a small number of resellers. Resellers integrate the Company’s products and solutions, including the Company’s branded search engine marketing, display advertising and online marketing analytics, into their product offerings. In most cases, the resellers integrate with the Company’s technology platform through a custom Application Programming Interface (API). Resellers are responsible for the price and specifications of the integrated product offered to their clients. Resellers pay the Company in arrears, net of commissions and other adjustments. Management recognizes revenue generated under reseller agreements net of the agreed-upon commissions and other adjustments earned or retained by the reseller, as management believes that the reseller has retained sufficient control and bears sufficient risks to be considered the primary obligor in those arrangements. |
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| The Company distributes its products and solutions directly through its outside and inside sales force that is focused on serving local businesses in their local markets through a consultative process, which the Company refers to as its Direct Local channel. The Direct Local channel also includes revenue from licensing of the Company’s Kickserv software solution, which is marketed directly to local businesses over the Internet. In addition, the Company employs a separate sales channel targeting national brands, franchises and strategic accounts with operations in multiple local markets and select third-party agencies and resellers. The Company refers to this as its National Brands, Agencies and Resellers channel. |
| Cost of Sales, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Cost of Revenue |
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| Cost of revenue consists primarily of the costs of online media acquired from third-party publishers. Media cost is classified as cost of revenue in the period in which the corresponding revenue is recognized. From time to time, publishers offer the Company rebates based upon various factors and operating rules, including the amount of media purchased. Rebates are recorded in the period in which they are earned as a reduction to cost of revenue and the corresponding payable to the applicable publisher, or as an other receivable, as appropriate. Cost of revenue also includes the third-party telephone and information services costs, other third-party service provider costs, data center and third-party hosting costs, credit card processing fees, and other direct costs. |
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| In addition, cost of revenue includes costs to manage and operate our various solutions and technology infrastructure, other than costs associated with our sales force, which are reflected as selling and marketing expenses. Cost of revenue includes salaries, benefits, bonuses and stock-based compensation for the related staff, and allocated overhead such as depreciation expense, rent and utilities. Cost of revenue also includes the amortization and impairment charges on certain acquired intangible assets. |
| Selling And Marketing Expenses [Policy Text Block] | Selling and Marketing Expenses |
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| Selling and marketing expenses consist primarily of personnel and related expenses for selling and marketing staff, including salaries and wages, commissions and other variable compensation, benefits, bonuses and stock-based compensation; travel and business costs; training, recruitment, marketing and promotional events; advertising; other brand building and product marketing expenses; and occupancy, technology and other direct overhead costs. A portion of the compensation for employees in the sales organization is based on commissions. In addition, the cost of agency commissions is included in selling and marketing expenses. Generally, commissions are expensed as earned. However, commencing in 2014, the Company began paying commissions to certain sales people for the acquisition of new clients. Client contracts are generally not cancelable without a penalty, and the Company defers those commissions and amortizes them over the term of the initial customer campaign. Unamortized commission expense of $0.6 million at December 31, 2014, is included in prepaid expenses and other current assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. |
| Product and Technology Expenses [Policy Text Block] | Product and Technology Expenses |
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| Product and technology expenses consist primarily of personnel and related expenses for product development and engineering professionals, including salaries, benefits, bonuses and stock-based compensation, and the cost of third-party contractors and certain other third-party service providers and other expenses, including occupancy, technology and other direct overhead costs. Technology operations costs, including related personnel and third-party costs, are included in product and technology expenses. The Company capitalizes a portion of its software development costs and, accordingly, includes amortization of those costs as costs of product and technology, as our technology platform and the Company’s other systems address all aspects of the Company’s activities, including supporting the selling and consultation process, online publisher integration, efficiencies and optimization, providing insight to clients into the results and effects of their online advertising campaigns and supporting all of the financial and other back-office functions of the business. Product and technology expenses also include the amortization of the technology obtained in acquisitions and the expenses of deferred payment obligations related to product and technology personnel. Product and technology costs do not include the costs to operate and deliver our solutions to clients, which are included in cost of revenue in the consolidated statements of operations. |
| Selling, General and Administrative Expenses, Policy [Policy Text Block] | General and Administrative Expenses |
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| General and administrative expenses consist primarily of personnel and related expenses for board, executive, legal, finance, human resources and corporate communications, including wages, benefits, bonuses and stock-based compensation, professional fees, insurance premiums, business taxes and other expenses, including occupancy, technology and other direct overhead, public company costs and other corporate expenses. |
| Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities or Restructurings, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Restructuring Charges |
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| The Company records costs associated with exit activities related to restructuring plans in accordance with the ASC Topic 420, Exit or Disposal Obligations. Liabilities for costs associated with an exit or disposal activity are recognized in the period in which the liability is incurred. Restructuring charges consist of costs associated with the realignment and reorganization of the Company’s operations. Restructuring charges include employee termination costs, facility closure and relocation costs, and contract termination costs. The timing of associated cash payments is dependent upon the type of exit cost and can extend over a 12-month period. The Company records restructuring charge liabilities in accrued restructuring in the consolidated balance sheet. |
| Advertising Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Advertising Expenses |
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| The Company expenses advertising as incurred. Advertising expense was $2.9 million, $1.7 million and $1.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and was recorded in sales and marketing expense in the consolidated statements of operations. |
| Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block] | Stock-Based Compensation |
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| The Company accounts for stock-based compensation based on the fair market value of the equity award on the date of grant. The Company follows the attribution method, which reduces current stock-based compensation expenses recorded by the effect of anticipated forfeitures. Management estimates forfeitures based upon its historical experience. |
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| The fair value of each award is estimated on the date of the grant and amortized over the requisite service period, which is the vesting period. The Company uses the Black-Scholes option pricing model to estimate the fair value of stock option awards on the date of grant. Determining the fair value of stock option awards at the grant date under this model requires judgment, including estimating volatility, expected term and the risk-free interest rate. The fair value of restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards is based on the closing market price of the Company's common stock on the date of grant. In addition, the Company uses a Monte Carlo simulation model to estimate the fair value of market-based performance-vesting restricted stock and restricted stock units. Determining the fair value of these awards at the grant date under this model requires judgment, including estimating volatility, risk-free rate and expected future stock price. The Company determines the probability of achievement of performance milestones for non-market based performance vesting restricted stock and restricted stock units, and recognize expense based on the fair value of the award if it is probable that the performance milestone will be achieved. The assumptions described above rely on management estimates based on judgment and subjective future expectations, which may result in stock-based compensation for future awards that differs significantly from the awards granted previously. |
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| The fair value of modifications to stock-based awards is generally estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. If a stock-based compensation award is modified after the grant date, incremental compensation expense is recognized in an amount equal to the excess of the fair value of the modified award over the fair value of the original award immediately before the modification. Incremental compensation expense for fully vested awards is recognized immediately. For unvested awards, the sum of the incremental compensation expense and the remaining unrecognized compensation expense for the original award on the modification date is recognized over the modified service period. |
| Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Income Taxes |
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| The Company records income taxes using the asset and liability method which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in its financial statements or tax returns. In estimating future tax consequences, all expected future events other than enactments or changes in the tax law or rates are considered. Valuation allowances are provided when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized. |
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| The Company records tax benefits for income tax positions only if it is “more-likely-than-not” to be sustained based solely on its technical merits as of the reporting date. Management considers many factors when evaluating and estimating tax positions and tax benefits, which may require periodic adjustments and which may differ from actual outcomes. The Company follows a comprehensive model for the financial statement recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in income tax returns. The Company’s policy is to recognize interest and penalties related to tax in income tax expense. |
