| Summary of Significant Accounting Policies | Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (a) Basis of Preparation and Principles of Consolidation The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“US GAAP”). The accompanying financial statements have been prepared on a consolidated basis and reflect the financial statements of ExlService Holdings and all of its subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Non-controlling interest is the equity in a subsidiary not attributable, directly or indirectly, to the parent. Non-controlling interest in the net assets of consolidated subsidiaries is disclosed separately from the Company's equity. Non-controlling interest consists of the amount of such interest at the date of obtaining control over the subsidiary, and the non-controlling interest's share of changes in equity since that date. The non-controlling interest in the operations for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 was insignificant and is included under general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of income. (b) Use of Estimates The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with US 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 consolidated financial statements during the reporting period. Although these estimates are based on management’s best assessment of the current business environment, actual results may be different from those estimates. The significant estimates and assumptions that affect the financial statements include, but are not limited to, allowance for doubtful receivables, recoverability of service tax receivables, assets and obligations related to employee benefit plans, deferred tax valuation allowances, income-tax uncertainties and other contingencies, valuation of derivative financial instruments, assumptions used to calculate stock-based compensation expense, depreciation and amortization periods, purchase price allocation, recoverability of long-term assets including goodwill and intangibles, and estimates to complete fixed price contracts. In accordance with its policy, the Company reviews the estimated useful lives of its property, plant and equipment on an ongoing basis. (c) Foreign Currency Translation The functional currency of each entity in the Company is its respective local country currency which is also the currency of the primary economic environment in which it operates except for the entities in Mauritius which use the U.S. dollar as its functional currency. Transactions in foreign currencies are initially recorded into functional currency at the rates of exchange prevailing on the date of the transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into functional currency at the rates of exchange prevailing at the balance sheet date. All transaction foreign exchange gains and losses are recorded in the accompanying consolidated statements of income. The assets and liabilities of the subsidiaries for which the functional currency is other than the U.S. dollar are translated into U.S. dollars, the reporting currency, at the rate of exchange prevailing on the balance sheet date. Revenues and expenses are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rates prevailing on the last business day of each month, which approximates the average monthly exchange rate. Resulting translation adjustments are included in accumulated other comprehensive loss in the consolidated balance sheet. (d) Revenue Recognition The Company derives its revenues from operations management and analytics services. Revenues from operations management services are recognized primarily on a time-and-material based, transaction-based, outcome-based, cost-plus and fixed-price basis; revenues from analytics services are recognized primarily on a time-and-material and fixed price basis. The services provided by the Company under its contracts with the customer generally contain one unit of accounting except the software and related services contracts involving implementation services and post contract maintenance services. In such multiple element arrangements, revenue is allocated to maintenance based on the price charged when that element is sold separately (vendor specific objective evidence or “VSOE”). Revenues are recognized when the four basic criteria are met; persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, the sales price is fixed or determinable, services have been performed and collection of amounts billed is reasonably assured. Revenues under time-and-material, transaction and outcome-based contracts are recognized as the services are performed. When the terms of the client contract specify service level parameters that must be met (such as turnaround time or accuracy), the Company monitors such service level parameters to determine if any service credits or penalties have been incurred. Revenues are recognized net of any penalties or service credits that are due to a client. Revenue from Analytics services including modeling, targeting and designing of campaigns and mail marketing including email marketing and other digital solutions is typically recognized on delivery of such campaigns. In respect of arrangements involving subcontracting, in part or whole, of the assigned work, the Company evaluates revenues to be recognized under Accounting Standard Codification ("ASC") topic 605-45, “Revenue recognition - Principal agent considerations”. Revenues for Company’s fixed-price contracts are recognized using the proportional performance method when the pattern of performance under the contracts can be reasonably determined. The Company estimates the proportional performance of a contract by comparing the actual number of hours or days worked to the estimated total number of hours or days required to complete each engagement. The use of the proportional performance method requires significant judgment relative to estimating the number of hours or days required to complete the contracted scope of work, including assumptions and estimates relative to the length of time to complete the project and the nature and complexity of the work to be performed. The Company regularly monitors its estimates for completion of a project and record changes in the period in which a change in an estimate is determined. If a change in an estimate results in a projected loss on a project, such loss is recognized in the period in which it is first identified. Revenues from the Company's software and related services contracts, which are not significant, are primarily related to maintenance renewals or incremental license fees for additional users. Maintenance revenues are generally recognized on a straight-line basis over the annual contract term. Fees for incremental license fees without any associated services are recognized upon delivery of the related incremental license. To a lesser extent, software and related services contracts may contain software license, related services and maintenance elements as a multiple element arrangement. In such cases, revenue is allocated to maintenance based on the price charged when that element is sold separately (vendor specific objective evidence or “VSOE”). Services related to software licenses are evaluated to determine whether those services are significant or essential to the functionality of the software. When services are significant or considered essential, revenues related to license fee and services are recognized as the services are performed using the percentage of completion method of accounting, under which the total value of revenue is recognized on the basis of the percentage that each contract’s total labor hours to date bears to the total expected labor hours (input method). The Company accrues revenues for services rendered between the last billing date and the balance sheet date. Accordingly, its accounts receivable include amounts for services, as unbilled accounts receivables, that the Company has performed and for which an invoice has not yet been issued to the client. The Company defers the revenues and related cost of revenue while a process is under migration and recognize such revenues and costs ratably over the period during which the related services are expected to be performed. The deferred costs are limited to the amounts of the deferred revenues. Deferred revenue also includes the amount for which the services have been rendered but the other conditions of revenue recognition are not met, for example where the Company does not have the persuasive evidence of the arrangements. Reimbursements of out-of-pocket expenses received from clients are included as part of revenues. Reimbursements of out-of-pocket expenses included in revenues were $21,812 , $18,848 and $19,606 for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. (e) Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash The Company considers all highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of ninety days or less to be cash equivalents. Pursuant to the Company’s investment policy, surplus funds are invested in highly-rated mutual funds, money market accounts and time deposits to reduce its exposure to market risk with regard to these funds. Restricted cash represents amounts on deposit with banks against bank guarantees issued through banks for equipment imports and for demands against pending income tax assessments (see Note 19 for details). These deposits with banks have maturity dates before and after December 31, 2017. Restricted cash also includes client funds held in dedicated bank accounts. (f) Investments The Company’s investments consist of time deposits with financial institutions which are valued at cost and approximate fair value. Interest earned on such investments is included in interest income. Investments with original maturities greater than ninety days but less than twelve months are classified as short-term investments. Investments with maturities greater than twelve months from the balance sheet date are classified as long-term investments. The Company's mutual fund investments are in debt and money market funds which invest in instruments of various maturities in India. These investments are accounted for in accordance with the fair value option under ASC topic 825-10 and change in fair value is included in interest and other income. The fair value is represented by original cost on the acquisition date and the net asset value (“NAV”) as quoted, at each reporting period. Gain or loss on the disposal of these investments is calculated using the weighted average cost of the investments sold or disposed and is included in interest and other income. (g) Accounts Receivable Accounts receivable are recorded net of allowances for doubtful accounts. Allowances for doubtful accounts are established through the evaluation of the accounts receivable aging and prior collection experience to ascertain the ultimate collectability of these receivables. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015 , the Company had $241 and $154 of allowance for doubtful accounts, respectively. Accounts receivable include unbilled accounts receivable which represent revenues on contracts to be billed, in subsequent periods, as per the terms of the related contracts. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015 , the Company had $34,785 and $29,589 of unbilled accounts receivable, respectively. (h) Property, plant and equipment Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment. Equipment held under capital leases are capitalized at the commencement of the lease at the lower of present value of minimum lease payments at the inception of the leases or its fair value. Advances paid towards acquisition of property, plant and equipment and the cost of property, plant and equipment not yet placed in service before the end of the reporting period are classified as capital work in progress. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Depreciation and amortization on equipment held under capital leases and leasehold improvements are computed using the straight-line method over the shorter of the assets’ estimated useful lives or the lease term. (i) Software Development Costs Costs incurred for developing software or enhancements to the existing software products to be sold and/or used for internal use are capitalized once preliminary project stage is complete and technological feasibility has been established, i.e., it is probable that the software will be used as intended. Costs that qualify as software development costs include (i) external direct costs of materials and services utilized in developing or obtaining computer software, (ii) compensation and related benefits for employees who are directly associated with the software project, and (iii) interest costs (if any) incurred while developing the computer software. The capitalized costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life. Costs associated with preliminary project stage activities, training, maintenance and all post-implementation stage activities are expensed as incurred. (j) Business Combinations, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets ASC topic 805, “Business Combinations”, requires that the purchase method of accounting be used for all business combinations. The guidance specifies criteria as to intangible assets acquired in a business combination that must be recognized and reported separately from goodwill. Contingent consideration is recognized at its fair value on the acquisition date. A liability resulting from contingent consideration is re-measured to fair value as of each reporting date until the contingency is resolved. Changes in fair value are recognized in earnings. These fair value measurements represent Level 3 measurements as they are based on significant inputs not observable in the market. Under ASC topic 350, “Intangibles-Goodwill and Other”, all assets and liabilities of the acquired businesses, including goodwill, are assigned to reporting units. Acquisition related costs are expensed as incurred under general and administrative expenses. Goodwill represents the cost of the acquired businesses in excess of the fair value of identifiable tangible and intangible net assets purchased. Goodwill is not amortized but is tested for impairment at least on an annual basis, relying on a number of factors including operating results, business plans and estimated future cash flows of the reporting units to which it is assigned. Recoverability of goodwill is evaluated using a two-step process. The first step involves a comparison of the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying value. The fair value of the reporting unit is measured by discounting estimated future cash flows. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the second step of the goodwill impairment test is performed to measure the amount of impairment loss, if any. The second step of the process involves a comparison of the implied fair value and carrying value of the goodwill of that reporting unit. If the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds the implied fair value of the goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to the excess. Goodwill of a reporting unit is tested for impairment annually or more frequently if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of the reporting unit below its carrying amount. Intangible assets acquired in a business combination are initially valued and recognized at fair market value using generally accepted valuation methods appropriate for the type of intangible asset. Intangible assets with definite lives are amortized over the estimated useful lives and are reviewed for impairment, if indicators of impairment arise. The evaluation of impairment is based upon a comparison of the carrying amount of the intangible asset to its fair value, which is calculated using the estimated future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the fair value of the intangible assets is less than the carrying amount of the asset, the asset is considered impaired and an impairment expense is recognized equal to any shortfall in the current period. The Company’s definite lived intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives as listed below using a straight-line method: Customer relationships 3-15 years Leasehold benefits 3-8 years Developed technology 5-10 years Non-compete agreements 1-5 years Trade names and trademarks 3-10 years (k) Impairment of long-lived assets Long-lived assets, including intangible assets, to be held and used are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. Such assets are required to be tested for impairment if the carrying amount of the assets is higher than the future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated from the assets. The impairment amount to be recognized is measured as the amount by which the carrying value of the assets exceeds their fair value. The Company determines fair value by using a discounted cash flow approach. (l) Derivative Financial Instruments In the normal course of business, the Company uses derivative instruments for the purpose of mitigating the exposure from foreign currency fluctuation risks associated with forecasted transactions denominated in certain foreign currencies and to minimize earnings and cash flow volatility associated with changes in foreign currency exchange rates, and not for speculative trading purposes. These derivative contracts are purchased within the Company’s policy and are with counterparties that are highly rated financial institutions. The Company hedges anticipated transactions that are subject to foreign exchange exposure with foreign currency exchange contracts that qualify as cash flow hedges. Changes in the fair value of these cash flow hedges which are deemed effective, are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) (AOCI) until the hedged transactions occur and at that time are recognized in the foreign exchange gain/(loss) in the consolidated statement of income. Changes in the fair value of cash flow hedges deemed ineffective are recognized in the consolidated statements of income and are included in foreign exchange gain/(loss). The Company also uses derivatives instruments consisting of foreign currency exchange contracts to economically hedge intercompany balances and other monetary assets or liabilities denominated in currencies other than the functional currency. Changes in the fair value of these derivatives are recognized in the consolidated statements of income and are included in foreign exchange gain/(loss). The Company evaluates hedge effectiveness of cash flow hedges at the time a contract is entered into as well as on an ongoing basis. If during this time, a contract is deemed ineffective, the change in the fair value is recorded in the consolidated statement of income and is included in foreign exchange gain/(loss). For hedge relationships that are discontinued because the forecasted transaction is not expected to occur by the end of the originally specified period, any related derivative amounts recorded in equity are reclassified to earnings. (m) Employee Benefits Contributions to defined contribution plans are charged to the consolidated statements of income in the period in which services are rendered by the covered employees. Current service costs for defined benefit plans are accrued in the period to which they relate. The liability in respect of defined benefit plans is calculated annually by the Company using the projected unit credit method. Prior service cost, if any, resulting from an amendment to a plan is recognized and amortized over the remaining period of service of the covered employees. The Company recognizes its liabilities for compensated absences dependent on whether the obligation is attributable to employee services already rendered, relates to rights that vest or accumulate and payment is probable and estimable. (n) Share-Based Compensation The Company recognizes stock-based compensation expense in the consolidated financial statements for awards of equity instruments to employees and non-employee directors based on the grant-date fair value of those awards. The Company recognizes these compensation costs, net of an estimated forfeiture rate, over the requisite service period of the award. Forfeitures are estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeiture differs from those estimates. Under the Company’s 2015 Amendment and Restatement of the 2006 Omnibus Award Plan (the “2015 Plan”), the Company grants performance-based restricted stock units (“PRSUs”) to executive officers and other specified employees. 50% of the PRSUs cliff vest based on a revenue target ("PU") at the end of a three -year period. The remaining 50% vest based on a market condition (“MUs”) that is contingent on meeting or exceeding the total shareholder return relative to a group of peer companies specified under the program, measured over a three -year performance period. The award recipient may earn up to two hundred percent ( 200% ) of the PRSUs granted based on the actual achievement of both targets. The fair value of each PU was determined based on the market price of one common share of the Company on the date of grant, and the associated compensation expense was calculated on the basis that performance targets to receive 100% of the PUs is probable of being achieved. The compensation expense for the PUs is recognized on a straight-line basis over the service period, which is through the end of the third year. Over this period, the number of shares that will be issued will be adjusted upward or downward based upon the probability of achievement of the performance targets. The ultimate number of shares issued and the related compensation cost recognized as an expense will be based on a comparison of the final performance metrics to the specified targets. The expense related to the unvested PUs as of December 31, 2016 was based on the Company's assessment that the performance criteria for these grants would be met at the 100% performance target level during the respective years of vesting. The grant date fair value for the MUs was determined using a Monte Carlo simulation model and the related compensation expense is expensed on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. All compensation expense related to the MUs will be recognized if the requisite performance period is fulfilled, even if the market condition is not achieved. (o) Income Taxes The Company calculates and provides for income taxes in each of the tax jurisdictions in which it operates. The deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for future tax consequences attributable to temporary differences between the financial statement carrying values of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and all operating losses carried forward, if any. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which the applicable temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates or tax status is recognized in the statement of income in the period in which the change is identified. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance if, based on available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The Company establishes provisions for uncertain tax provisions and related interest and penalties when the Company believes those tax positions are not more likely than not of being sustained, if challenged. (p) Financial Instruments and Concentration of Credit Risk Financial Instruments. For certain financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued expenses, and other current liabilities, recorded amounts approximate fair value due to the relatively short maturity periods of such instruments. Concentration of Credit Risk . Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash and cash equivalents, time deposits, mutual fund investments, accounts receivable and derivative financial instruments. By their nature, all such financial instruments involve risks including the credit risks of non-performance by counterparties. Pursuant to the Company’s investment policy, its surplus funds are maintained as cash or cash equivalents and are invested in highly-rated mutual funds, money market accounts and time deposits, placed with highly rated financial institutions to reduce its exposure to market risk with regard to these funds. The Company’s exposure to credit risk on account receivable is influenced mainly by the individual characteristic of each customer and the concentration of risk from the top few customer s. To mitigate this risk the Company evaluates the creditworthiness of its clients in conjunction with its revenue recognition processes as well as through its ongoing collectability assessment processes for accounts receivable. The Company does not enter into or trade financial instruments, including derivative financial instruments, for speculative purposes. (q) Lease Obligations Leases under which the Company assumes substantially all risks and rewards of the ownership are classified as capital lease. When acquired, such assets are capitalized at fair value or present value of minimum committed lease payments at the inception of the lease, whichever is lower. The Company leases its office facilities under non-cancellable operating lease agreements. Office facilities subject to an operating lease and the related lease payments are not recorded on the Company’s balance sheet. Lease payments under operating lease are recognized as an expense on a straight line basis in the consolidated statement of income over the lease term. (r) Government Grants Government grants related to income are recognized as a reduction of expenses in the consolidated statement of income when there is a reasonable assurance that the entity will comply with the conditions attached to the grant and that the grants will be received. (s) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Accumulated other comprehensive loss consists of amortization of actuarial gain/(loss) on retirement benefits and changes in the cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments. In addition, the Company enters into foreign currency exchange contracts, which are designated as cash flow hedges in accordance with ASC No. 815. Changes in the fair values of contracts that are deemed effective are recognized in other comprehensive income on the Company's consolidated balance sheet until the settlement of those contracts. The balances as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 are as follows: December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Cumulative currency translation adjustments $ (77,299 ) $ (68,063 ) Unrealized gain on cash flow hedges, net of taxes of $1,207 and $662 2,740 824 Retirement benefits, net of taxes of ($342) and ($201) (498 ) (86 ) Accumulated other comprehensive loss $ (75,057 ) $ (67,325 ) (t) Recent Accounting Pronouncements In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers”. The new standard is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and early adoption is not permitted. The comprehensive new standard will supersede existing revenue recognition guidance and require revenue to be recognized when promised goods or services are transferred to customers in amounts that reflect the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. Adoption of the new rules could affect the timing of revenue recognition for certain transactions of the Company. ASU No. 2014-09 is effective for the Company in the first quarter of fiscal 2018 using either one of two methods: (i) retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented with the option to elect certain practical expedients as defined within ASU No. 2014-09; or (ii) retrospectively with the cumulative effect of initially applying ASU No. 2014-09 recognized at the date of initial application and providing certain additional disclosures as defined per ASU No. 2014-09. The Company is in process of evaluating the impact of the standard update. The ultimate impact on revenue resulting from the application of the new standard will be subject to assessments that are dependent on many variables, including, but not limited to, the terms of our contractual arrangements and our mix of business. Upon adoption, we expect there to be a change in the manner that variable consideration in our revenue arrangements is recognized from the current practice of recognizing such revenue as the services are performed and the variable consideration is earned to estimating the achievability of the variable conditions when we begin delivering services and recognizing that amount over the contractual period. The Company also expects a change in the manner that we recognize certain incremental and fulfillment costs from expensing them as incurred to deferring and recognizing them over the contractual period. The Company continues to evaluate the available transition methods and our contractual arrangements. Our considerations include, but are not limited to, the comparability of our financial statements and the comparability within our industry from application of the new standard to our contractual arrangements. We plan to select a transition method by the second half of 2017. We have established an implementation team to implement the standard update related to the recognition of revenue from contracts with customers. The Company continues to evaluate the changes to accounting system and processes, and additional disclosure requirements that may be necessary. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-08, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net). ASU No. 2016-08 clarifies the implementation guidance on principal versus agent considerations. The guidance includes indicators to assist an entity in determining whether it controls a specified good or service before it is transferred to the customers. The amendments are effective for all entities for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). ASU No. 2016-02 requires the identification of arrangements that should be accounted for as leases by lessees. In general, for lease arrangements exceeding a twelve month term, these arrangements must now be recognized as assets and liabilities on the balance sheet of the lessee. Under ASU No. 2016-02, a right-of-use asset and lease obligation will be recorded for all leases, whether operating or financing, while the income statement will reflect lease expense for operating leases and amortization/interest expense for financing leases. The balance sheet amount recorded for existing leases at the date of adoption of ASU No. 2016-02 must be calculated using the applicable incremental borrowing rate at the date of adoption. In addition, ASU No. 2016-02 requires the use of the modified retrospective method, which will require adjustment to all comparative periods presented in the consolidated financial statements. The new guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements and the implementation approach to be used. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718). ASU No. 2016-09 identifies areas for simpl |
