Accounting Policies, by Policy (Policies) | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2013 |
Accounting Policies [Abstract] | ' |
Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block] | ' |
Nature of Operations and Reorganization |
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Angie’s List, Inc. (collectively with its wholly owned subsidiaries, the Company) operates a consumer-driven service for its members to research, hire, rate and review local professionals for critical needs, such as home, health care and automotive services. Ratings and reviews, which are available only to the Company’s members, help its members to find the best provider for their local service needs. Membership subscriptions are sold on a monthly, annual and multi-year basis. The consumer rating network “Angie’s List” is maintained and updated based on member feedback. The Company also sells advertising in its monthly publication, on its website and through its call center to service providers that meet certain rating criteria. In addition, the Company’s e-commerce offerings provide its members the opportunity to purchase services directly from the Company from service providers that are rated on its website. The Company’s services are provided in markets located across the continental United States. |
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Operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise engaging in business activities for which discrete financial information is available and regularly reviewed by the chief operating decision maker in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. The Company manages its business on the basis of one operating segment. |
Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] | ' |
Principles of Consolidation |
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The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. |
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The Company has evaluated subsequent events through the date these consolidated financial statements were issued. |
Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] | ' |
Estimates |
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Management uses estimates and assumptions in preparing consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. Those estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities and the reported revenue and expenses. Actual results could vary from the estimates that were used. |
Stockholders' Equity, Policy [Policy Text Block] | ' |
Common Stock |
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On October 31, 2011, the Company effected an eight-for-one split of its common stock by way of a stock dividend. As a result of the stock split, holders of the Company’s common stock received seven additional shares of common stock for every share held on such date, and a proportionate adjustment was made to the applicable conversion prices for each share of the Company’s outstanding convertible preferred stock (see Note 12). All share and per share amounts for all periods presented in these consolidated financial statements and notes thereto were adjusted retroactively, where applicable, to reflect this stock split and the adjustment of the convertible preferred stock conversion prices. |
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In May 2012, the Company completed a follow-on public offering of 8,629,797 shares of its common stock, which included 703,235 shares of common stock sold by the Company and 7,926,562 shares of common stock sold by the selling stockholders (inclusive of 189,374 shares of common stock from the partial exercise of the over-allotment option granted to the underwriters). The Company incurred fees resulting from the transaction of approximately $770, of which $81 is included in additional paid-in-capital and $689 is included in general and administrative expenses. |
Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block] | ' |
Revenue Recognition and Deferred Revenue |
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The Company recognizes revenue when all of the following conditions are met: there is persuasive evidence of an arrangement, the service has been provided to the customer, the collection of the fees is reasonably assured and the amount of fees to be paid by the customer is fixed or determinable. |
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Membership Revenue |
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Revenue from the sale of membership subscriptions is recognized ratably over the term of the associated subscription. |
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At the time a member joins, the Company may receive a one-time nonrefundable enrollment fee. Enrollment fees are deferred and recognized on a straight-line basis over an estimated average membership life of 76 months for annual or multi-year members and 15 months for monthly members, which is based on historical membership experience. The Company reviews the estimated average membership life on an annual basis, or more frequently if circumstances change. Changes in member behavior, performance, competition and economic conditions may cause attrition levels to change, which could impact the estimated average membership life. |
Revenue Recognition, Sales of Services [Policy Text Block] | ' |
Service Provider Revenue |
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Revenue from the sale of advertising in the Company’s publication is recognized in the month in which the Company’s monthly publication is published and distributed. Revenue from the sale of website and call center advertising is recognized ratably over the time period the advertisements run. Revenue from e-commerce vouchers is recognized on a net basis when the voucher has been delivered to the purchaser. While the Company is not the merchant of record with respect to its customers for these transactions, it does offer customers refunds in certain circumstances. Revenue from e-commerce transactions is recorded net of a reserve for estimated refunds. The Company’s e-commerce revenue was $22,062, $14,475, and $6,651 for 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively. |
Revenue Recognition, Deferred Revenue [Policy Text Block] | ' |
Deferred Revenue |
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Deferred revenue includes the unamortized portion of revenue associated with membership and advertising fees for which the Company has received payment in advance of services or advertising to be provided. |
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] | ' |
Cash and Cash Equivalents |
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The Company maintains its cash in bank deposit accounts and money market funds with contractual maturities of three months or less, which, at times, may exceed federally insured limits. The Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts. |
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] | ' |
Restricted Cash |
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Restricted cash relates to monies held in reserve at institutions pursuant to credit card processing agreements. The restricted cash is not available for operating activities. |
Investment, Policy [Policy Text Block] | ' |
Short-term Investments |
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Investments with maturities less than one year consist of certificates of deposit (short-term only) and corporate bonds, all of which are designated as held-to-maturity investments and are recorded at amortized cost, adjusted for amortization of premiums to maturity computed under the effective interest method, in the consolidated balance sheets. Such amortization and interest income from held-to-maturity investments is included in interest expense, net in the consolidated statement of operations. For these investments, the Company’s objective is to earn a higher rate of return on funds that are not anticipated to be required to meet liquidity needs in the near term, while maintaining a low level of investment risk with the positive intent and ability to hold these investments to maturity. Short-term investments are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the investment may be impaired. As of December 31, 2013, Angie’s List, Inc. had $21,055 in short-term investments with no material unrealized gains or losses. |
Receivables, Policy [Policy Text Block] | ' |
Accounts Receivable |
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Accounts receivable are stated at the amount billed to service providers, less an estimated allowance for doubtful accounts. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations and generally requires no collateral from service providers. Management reviews individual accounts as they become past due to determine collectability. The allowance for doubtful accounts is adjusted periodically based on management’s consideration of past due accounts. Individual accounts are charged against the allowance when all reasonable collection efforts have been exhausted. |
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The changes in the allowance for doubtful accounts during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 were as follows: |
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| | Year Ended December 31, | | | | | |
| | 2013 | | | 2012 | | | 2011 | | | | | |
Beginning balance | | $ | 922 | | | $ | 535 | | | $ | 241 | | | | | |
Additions, net of recoveries | | | 3,773 | | | | 1,955 | | | | 806 | | | | | |
Deductions | | | (3,588 | ) | | | (1,568 | ) | | | (512 | ) | | | | |
Ending Balance | | $ | 1,107 | | | $ | 922 | | | $ | 535 | | | | | |
Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block] | ' |
Property and Equipment |
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Property and equipment are stated at cost and are depreciated over the estimated useful life of each asset. The Company also capitalizes the cost of computer software developed or obtained for internal use. The Company’s estimated lives for property and equipment range from 3 to 25 years. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method. Repairs and routine maintenance are charged to expense as incurred. |
Intangible Assets, Finite-Lived, Policy [Policy Text Block] | ' |
Data Acquisition Costs |
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Data acquisition costs consist of external costs related to acquiring consumer reports on service providers. These reports are used by the Company to provide its members with feedback on service providers. Amortization is computed using the straight-line method over the period which the information is expected to benefit the Company’s members, which is estimated to be three years. The capitalized costs are included in intangible assets on the consolidated balance sheet, and the amortized expense is reflected within operations and support expenses in the consolidated statements of operations. |
Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block] | ' |
Long-Lived Assets |
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Long-lived assets, including property and equipment and amortizable intangible assets, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability is measured by comparison of the carrying amount to future net undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the related asset. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the fair market value of the assets. To date, there have been no adjustments to the respective carrying values. |
Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Goodwill, Policy [Policy Text Block] | ' |
Goodwill |
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Goodwill is not amortized but is tested for impairment annually on December 31 and more frequently whenever an event occurs or circumstances indicate the carrying amount may be impaired. If the estimated fair value of goodwill is lower than its carrying amount, a goodwill impairment is indicated, and goodwill is written down to its estimated fair value. To date, there has been no impairment of goodwill. |
Commissions Expense, Policy [Policy Text Block] | ' |
Sales Commissions |
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Commissions expense from the sale of service provider advertisements is recognized ratably over the term of the associated advertisement. The Company defers the recognition of commission expense until such time as the revenue related to the customer contract for which the commission was paid is recognized. Deferred commissions for each contract are amortized to expense in a manner consistent with how revenue is recognized for such contract, resulting in straight-line recognition of expense over the contractual term. Unamortized commission expense of $9,395 and $17,215 as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, is included in prepaid expenses and other current assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The decrease in unamortized commissions expense in 2013 is a reflection of the change in the Company’s payment practice for commissions whereby the Company now times the actual commission payment to more closely align with the timing of expense recognition. |
Deferred Charges, Policy [Policy Text Block] | ' |
Deferred Financing Fees |
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In August 2011, in connection with its entry into a loan and security agreement, the Company incurred certain costs associated with these financing activities of $944, which are being amortized into interest expense over the term of the credit facility. Deferred financing costs recorded previously in 2009 and 2010 of $328 and $1,074 were recorded as a result of certain financing agreements and were being amortized over the terms of their respective agreements. In connection with the extinguishment of its senior and subordinated loan agreements in August 2011, the Company expensed the unamortized portion of deferred financing fees associated with these loan agreements, which are included in the loss on debt extinguishment. Deferred financing fees, net of accumulated amortization, totaled $397 and $634 at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Amortization expense of $237, $232 and $524 is included in interest expense in the consolidated statements of operations for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. |
Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block] | ' |
Income Taxes |
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The Company is subject to corporate-level federal and state income taxes at prevailing corporate rates and accounts for income taxes and the related accounts using the liability method in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 740, Income Taxes. Under this method, the Company accrues income taxes payable or refundable and recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities based on differences between the book and tax basis of assets and liabilities. The Company measures deferred tax assets and liabilities using enacted rates in effect for the years in which the differences are expected to reverse and recognizes the effect of a change in enacted rates in the period of enactment. After determining the total amount of deferred tax assets, the Company determines whether it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. If the Company determines that a deferred tax asset is not likely to be realized, a valuation allowance will be established against that asset to record it at its expected realizable value. |
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The Company establishes assets and liabilities for uncertain positions taken or expected to be taken in income tax returns using a more-likely-than-not recognition threshold. The Company includes in income tax expense any interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions. |
Advertising Cost, Policy, Expensed Advertising Cost [Policy Text Block] | ' |
Marketing Expense |
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Marketing expense consists of national television, radio and print, as well as online, advertising. The Company expenses all advertising costs as incurred. |
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 using the fair value recognition provisions of ASC 718, Stock Compensation. For its awards of restricted stock and stock options, the Company recognizes stock-based compensation expense in an amount equal to the fair market value on the grant date of the respective award. The Company recognizes this expense, net of estimated forfeitures, on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. |
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The fair value of the stock under the plans was estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions: |
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Year of Grant | | Risk-free | | | Dividend | | | Expected | | | Volatility | |
Interest | Yield | Term | Factor |
Rate | | | |
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2011 | | | 1.26 | % | | | 0 | % | | | 4.7 | | | | 50 | % |
2012 | | | 0.71 | % | | | 0 | % | | | 4.4 | | | | 60 | % |
2013 | | | 1.02 | % | | | 0 | % | | | 4.9 | | | | 57 | % |
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Expected volatility is based on historical volatilities for publicly traded common stock of comparable companies over the estimated expected life of the stock options. The expected term represents the period of time the stock options are expected to be outstanding. The risk-free interest rate is based on yields of U.S. Treasury securities with a maturity similar to the estimated expected term of the stock options. |
Sales and Use Tax Policy [Policy Text Block] | ' |
Sales and Use Tax |
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Sales and use tax expenses are included within operations and support in the consolidated statements of operations. The Company does not separately collect sales and use taxes from its members. |
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] | ' |
Recent Accounting Pronouncements |
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In July 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 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) (“ASU 2013-11”). An entity is required to present unrecognized tax benefits as a decrease in a net operating loss, similar tax loss or tax credit carryforward if certain criteria are met. The determination of whether a deferred tax asset is available is based on the unrecognized tax benefit and the deferred tax asset that exists at the reporting date and presumes disallowance of the tax position at the reporting date. The guidance will eliminate the diversity in practice in the presentation of unrecognized tax benefits but will not alter the way in which entities assess deferred tax assets for realizability. ASU 2013-11 will be effective for the company in fiscal 2014. The Company is currently assessing the impact to the consolidated financial statements. |