Gartner (IT) 10-Q 30 Jul 15 2015 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jul. 23, 2015
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	GARTNER INC
Entity Central Index Key	749,251
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Jun. 30, 2015
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		83,042,367

Condensed Consolidated Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents		$ 357,581	$ 365,302
Fees receivable, net of allowances of $6,800 and $6,700, respectively		527,615	552,107
Deferred commissions		98,211	115,381
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		82,661	63,868
Total current assets		1,066,068	1,096,658
Property, equipment and leasehold improvements, net		107,112	97,990
Goodwill		583,002	586,665	[1]
Intangible assets, net		27,110	30,689
Other assets		77,747	92,349
Total Assets		1,861,039	1,904,351
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		262,293	353,761
Deferred revenues		922,227	841,457
Current portion of long-term debt		20,000	20,000
Total current liabilities		1,204,520	1,215,218
Long-term debt		695,000	385,000
Other liabilities		131,674	142,962
Total Liabilities		2,031,194	1,743,180
Stockholders’ (Deficit) Equity
Preferred stock, $.01 par value, 5,000,000 shares authorized; none issued or outstanding		0	0
Common stock, $.0005 par value, 250,000,000 shares authorized; 156,234,415 shares issued for both periods		78	78
Additional paid-in capital		795,408	764,433
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net	[2]	(35,617)	(21,170)
Accumulated earnings		1,354,555	1,275,049
Treasury stock, at cost, 73,193,514 and 68,713,890 common shares, respectively		(2,284,579)	(1,857,219)
Total Stockholders’ (Deficit) Equity		(170,155)	161,171
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ (Deficit) Equity		$ 1,861,039	$ 1,904,351
[1]	The Company does not have any accumulated goodwill impairment losses.
[2]	Amounts in parentheses represent debits (deferred losses).

Condensed Consolidated Balance3

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (Parentheticals) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 6,800	$ 6,700
Preferred stock par value (in Dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares)	5,000,000	5,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued (in shares)	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	0	0
Common stock par value (in Dollars per share)	$ 0.0005	$ 0.0005
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	250,000,000	250,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	156,234,415	156,234,415
Treasury stock, shares (in shares)	73,193,514	68,713,890

Condensed Consolidated Statemen

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Revenues:
Research	$ 385,718	$ 358,495	$ 766,808	$ 706,609
Consulting	88,336	93,488	165,128	177,759
Events	73,882	67,837	87,186	82,154
Total revenues	547,936	519,820	1,019,122	966,522
Costs and expenses:
Cost of services and product development	210,495	203,178	388,257	373,999
Selling, general and administrative	237,991	218,537	467,513	423,154
Depreciation	8,440	7,721	16,429	15,180
Amortization of intangibles	2,107	1,979	4,246	3,258
Acquisition and integration charges	3,683	6,644	8,775	10,000
Total costs and expenses	462,716	438,059	885,220	825,591
Operating income	85,220	81,761	133,902	140,931
Interest expense, net	(5,240)	(2,680)	(8,720)	(4,930)
Other (expense) income, net	(468)	175	(1,430)	(54)
Income before income taxes	79,512	79,256	123,752	135,947
Provision for income taxes	28,357	26,216	44,246	45,171
Net income	$ 51,155	$ 53,040	$ 79,506	$ 90,776
Earnings per common share:
Basic (in Dollars per share)	$ 0.61	$ 0.59	$ 0.94	$ 1
Diluted (in Dollars per share)	$ 0.61	$ 0.58	$ 0.92	$ 0.99
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic (in shares)	83,203	89,521	84,871	90,595
Diluted (in shares)	84,271	90,744	86,064	92,012

Condensed Consolidated Stateme5

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
		Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income		$ 51,155	$ 53,040	$ 79,506	$ 90,776
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments		6,224	876	(13,883)	598
Interest rate hedges – net change in deferred (loss) gain		434	511	(670)	981
Pension – net change in deferred actuarial gain		53	14	106	29
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	[1]	6,711	1,401	(14,447)	1,608
Comprehensive income		$ 57,866	$ 54,441	$ 65,059	$ 92,384
[1]	Amounts in parentheses represent debits (deferred losses).

Condensed Consolidated Stateme6

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		6 Months Ended
		Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Operating activities:
Net income		$ 79,506	$ 90,776
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization		19,734	18,438
Stock-based compensation expense		27,392	20,617
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation		(11,117)	(14,275)
Deferred taxes		2,298	4,450
Amortization of debt issue costs		1,595	1,100
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Fees receivable, net		13,582	2,909
Deferred commissions		15,539	18,039
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		(17,193)	(4,996)
Other assets		11,164	(3,708)
Deferred revenues		93,454	77,100
Accounts payable, accrued, and other liabilities		(86,551)	(57,692)
Cash provided by operating activities		149,403	152,758
Investing activities:
Additions to property, equipment and leasehold improvements		(23,614)	(19,151)
Acquisitions - cash paid (net of cash acquired)		0	(107,528)
Acquisitions - increase in restricted cash (escrow)		0	(14,363)
Cash used in investing activities		(23,614)	(141,042)
Financing activities:
Proceeds from stock issued under stock plans		3,824	5,064
Proceeds from debt issuance		320,000	175,625
Payments on debt		(10,000)	(5,625)
Purchases of treasury stock	[1]	(441,442)	(307,448)
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation		11,117	14,275
Cash used in financing activities		(116,501)	(118,109)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		9,288	(106,393)
Effects of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents		(17,009)	328
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period		365,302	423,990
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period		$ 357,581	$ 317,925
[1]	The cash paid for the six months ended June 30, 2015 includes $2.7 million for share repurchase transactions that occurred in late December 2014 and were paid in early January 2015.

Business and Basis of Presentat

Business and Basis of Presentation	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Business and Basis of Presentation	Business and Basis of Presentation Business. Gartner, Inc. is a global information technology research and advisory company with its headquarters in Stamford, Connecticut. Gartner delivers its products and services globally through three business segments: Research, Consulting, and Events. When used in these notes, the terms “Gartner,” “Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our” refer to Gartner, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries. Basis of presentation . The accompanying interim condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”), as defined in the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 270 for interim financial information and with the applicable instructions of the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission (“SEC”) Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X on Form 10-Q and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes of the Company filed in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 . The fiscal year of Gartner is the twelve-month calendar period from January 1 through December 31. In the opinion of management, all normal recurring accruals and adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation of financial position, results of operations and cash flows at the dates and for the periods presented herein have been included. The results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 may not be indicative of the results of operations for the remainder of 2015 . Principles of consolidation . The accompanying interim condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated. Use of estimates . The preparation of the accompanying interim condensed consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions about future events. These estimates and the underlying assumptions affect the amounts of assets and liabilities reported, disclosures about contingent assets and liabilities, and reported amounts of revenues and expenses. Such estimates include the valuation of fees receivable, goodwill, intangible assets, and other long-lived assets, as well as tax accruals and other liabilities. In addition, estimates are used in revenue recognition, income tax expense, performance-based compensation charges, depreciation and amortization, and the allowance for losses on fees receivable. Management believes its use of estimates in these interim condensed consolidated financial statements to be reasonable. Management continually evaluates and revises its estimates using historical experience and other factors, including the general economic environment and actions it may take in the future. Management adjusts these estimates when facts and circumstances dictate. However, these estimates may involve significant uncertainties and judgments and cannot be determined with precision. In addition, these estimates are based on management’s best judgment at a point in time. As a result, differences between our estimates and actual results could be material and would be reflected in the Company’s financial statements in future periods. Adoption of new accounting standard . On January 1, 2015, the Company adopted FASB Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-08, Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity ("ASU 2014-08"), which changes the criteria for determining which disposal transactions can be presented as discontinued operations and modifies related disclosure requirements. Under the new guidance, a discontinued operation is defined as a disposal of a component or group of components that is disposed of or is classified as held for sale and represents a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on an entity’s operations and financial results. The adoption of the rule did not have an impact on the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements contained in this report. Acquisitions . In July 2015 the Company acquired Nubera eBusiness S.L . ("Nubera"), a Barcelona-based business whose primary asset is GetApp, a discovery and review platform that helps organizations discover, compare and choose the right business software and applications for their needs. Nubera was acquired by a foreign subsidiary of the Company with cash held overseas. The Company completed three acquisitions in the six months ended June 30, 2014. Certain charges related to these acquisitions are presented in the Acquisition and Integration Charges line on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. These charges include amounts accrued for payments contingent on the achievement of certain employment conditions, legal, consulting, and severance costs. The Company paid $9.2 million of the amount accrued for the achievement of certain employment conditions in the six months ended June 30, 2015.

Earnings per Share

Earnings per Share	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings per Share	Earnings per Share The following table sets forth the calculations of basic and diluted earnings per share (in thousands, except per share data): Three Months Ended Six Months Ended June 30, June 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Numerator: Net income used for calculating basic and diluted earnings per common share $ 51,155 $ 53,040 $ 79,506 $ 90,776 Denominator: Weighted average number of common shares used in the calculation of basic earnings per share 83,203 89,521 84,871 90,595 Common stock equivalents associated with stock-based compensation plans (1) 1,068 1,223 1,193 1,417 Shares used in the calculation of diluted earnings per share 84,271 90,744 86,064 92,012 Basic earnings per share $ 0.61 $ 0.59 $ 0.94 $ 1.00 Diluted earnings per share $ 0.61 $ 0.58 $ 0.92 $ 0.99 (1) Certain common stock equivalents were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the effect would have been anti-dilutive. These common share equivalents totaled less than 0.3 million in each of the periods presented.

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Stock-Based Compensation	Stock-Based Compensation The Company grants stock-based compensation awards as an incentive for employees and directors to contribute to the Company’s long-term success. The Company currently awards stock-settled stock appreciation rights, service-based and performance-based restricted stock units, and common stock equivalents. At June 30, 2015 , the Company had a total of 7.05 million shares of its common stock, par value $.0005 per share (the “Common Stock”), available for awards of stock-based compensation under its 2014 Long-Term Incentive Plan. The Company accounts for stock-based compensation awards in accordance with FASB ASC Topics 505 and 718, as interpreted by SEC Staff Accounting Bulletins No. 107 (“SAB No. 107”) and No. 110 (“SAB No. 110”). Stock-based compensation expense is based on the fair value of the award on the date of grant, which is then recognized as expense over the related service period, net of estimated forfeitures. The service period is the period over which the related service is performed, which is generally the same as the vesting period. Currently the Company issues treasury shares upon the exercise, release or settlement of stock-based compensation awards. Determining the appropriate fair value model and calculating the fair value of stock-based compensation awards requires the input of certain complex and subjective assumptions, including the expected life of the stock-based compensation awards and the Common Stock price volatility. In addition, determining the appropriate amount of associated periodic expense requires management to estimate the amount of employee forfeitures and the likelihood of the achievement of certain performance targets. The assumptions used in calculating the fair value of stock-based compensation awards and the associated periodic expense represent management’s best estimates, which involve inherent uncertainties and the application of judgment. As a result, if factors change and the Company deems it necessary in the future to modify the assumptions it made or to use different assumptions, or if the quantity and nature of the Company’s stock-based compensation awards changes, then the amount of expense may need to be adjusted and future stock-based compensation expense could be materially different from what has been recorded in the current period. Stock-Based Compensation Expense The Company recognized the following amounts of stock-based compensation expense by award type and expense category in the periods indicated (in millions): Three Months Ended Six Months Ended June 30, June 30, Award type: 2015 2014 2015 2014 Stock appreciation rights $ 1.2 $ 1.0 $ 3.4 $ 2.9 Common stock equivalents 0.2 0.2 0.3 0.3 Restricted stock units 9.3 5.7 23.7 17.4 Total (1) $ 10.7 $ 6.9 $ 27.4 $ 20.6 Three Months Ended Six Months Ended June 30, June 30, Amount recorded in: 2015 2014 2015 2014 Cost of services and product development $ 4.7 $ 3.7 $ 11.6 $ 9.5 Selling, general and administrative 6.0 3.2 15.8 11.1 Total (1) $ 10.7 $ 6.9 $ 27.4 $ 20.6 (1) Includes charges of $3.9 million and $2.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively, and $14.4 million and $9.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, for awards to retirement-eligible employees since these awards vest on an accelerated basis. As of June 30, 2015 , the Company had $66.5 million of total unrecognized stock-based compensation cost, which is expected to be expensed over the remaining weighted-average service period of approximately 2.4 years. Stock-Based Compensation Awards The following disclosures provide information regarding the Company’s stock-based compensation awards, all of which are classified as equity awards in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 505: Stock Appreciation Rights Stock-settled stock appreciation rights (SARs) permit the holder to participate in the appreciation of the Common Stock. SARs are settled in shares of Common Stock by the employee once the applicable vesting criteria have been met. SARs vest ratably over a four -year service period and expire seven years from the grant date. The fair value of SARs awards is recognized as compensation expense on a straight-line basis over four years . SARs have only been awarded to the Company’s executive officers. When SARs are exercised, the number of shares of Common Stock issued is calculated as follows: (1) the total proceeds from the SARs exercise (calculated as the closing price of the Common Stock on the date of exercise less the exercise price of the SARs, multiplied by the number of SARs exercised) is divided by (2) the closing price of the Common Stock as reported on the New York Stock Exchange on the exercise date. The Company withholds a portion of the shares of Common Stock issued upon exercise to satisfy minimum statutory tax withholding requirements. SARs recipients do not have any stockholder rights until after actual shares of Common Stock are issued in respect of the award, which is subject to the prior satisfaction of the vesting and other criteria relating to such grants. The following table summarizes changes in SARs outstanding during the six months ended June 30, 2015 : SARs (in millions) Per Share Weighted- Average Exercise Price Per Share Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Outstanding at December 31, 2014 1.4 $ 44.44 $ 13.26 4.34 years Granted 0.3 77.92 17.56 6.61 years Exercised (0.2 ) 36.41 12.60 n/a Outstanding at June 30, 2015 (1), (2) 1.5 $ 53.37 $ 14.34 4.66 years Vested and exercisable at June 30, 2015 (2) 0.7 $ 39.38 $ 12.48 3.44 years (1) As of June 30, 2015 , 0.8 million of the SARs outstanding were unvested. The Company expects that substantially all of these unvested awards will vest in future periods. (2) Total SARs outstanding had an intrinsic value of $48.2 million . SARs vested and exercisable had an intrinsic value of $30.2 million . The fair value of the SARs is determined on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes-Merton valuation model with the following weighted-average assumptions: Six Months Ended June 30, 2015 2014 Expected dividend yield (1) — % — % Expected stock price volatility (2) 24 % 25 % Risk-free interest rate (3) 1.5 % 1.3 % Expected life in years (4) 4.4 4.4 (1) The dividend yield assumption is based on the history and expectation of the Company’s dividend payouts. Historically the Company has not paid cash dividends on its Common Stock. (2) The determination of expected stock price volatility was based on both historical Common Stock prices and implied volatility from publicly traded options in the Common Stock. (3) The risk-free interest rate is based on the yield of a U.S. Treasury security with a maturity similar to the expected life of the award. (4) The expected life represents the Company’s weighted-average estimate of the period of time the SARs are expected to be outstanding (that is, period between the service inception date and the expected exercise date). Restricted Stock Units Restricted stock units (RSUs) give the awardee the right to receive shares of Common Stock when the vesting conditions are met and the restrictions lapse, and each RSU that vests entitles the awardee to one common share. RSU awardees do not have any of the rights of a Gartner stockholder, including voting rights and the right to receive dividends and distributions, until the shares are released. The fair value of RSUs is determined on the date of grant based on the closing price of the Common Stock as reported by the New York Stock Exchange on that date. Service-based RSUs vest ratably over four years and are expensed on a straight-line basis over four years. Performance-based RSUs are subject to the satisfaction of both performance and service conditions, vest ratably over four years , and are expensed on an accelerated basis. The following table summarizes the changes in RSUs outstanding during the six months ended June 30, 2015 : Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) (in millions) Per Share Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Outstanding at December 31, 2014 1.4 $ 50.76 Granted (1) 0.6 78.23 Vested and released (0.6 ) 47.79 Outstanding at June 30, 2015 (2), (3) 1.4 $ 62.54 (1) The 0.6 million RSUs granted consisted of 0.3 million performance-based RSUs awarded to executives and 0.3 million service-based RSUs awarded to non-executive employees and non-management board members. The 0.3 million performance-based RSUs represents the target amount of the grant for the year, which is tied to an increase in the Company’s subscription-based research contract value (“CV”) for 2015 . The final number of performance-based RSUs that will ultimately be awarded for 2015 ranges from 0% to 200% of the target amount, with the final number dependent on the actual increase in CV for 2015 as measured on December 31, 2015 . If the specified minimum level of achievement is not met, the performance-based RSUs will be forfeited in their entirety, and any compensation expense previously recorded will be reversed. (2) The Company expects that substantially all of the outstanding awards will vest in future periods. (3) The weighted-average remaining contractual term of the outstanding RSUs is approximately 1.5 years. Common Stock Equivalents Common stock equivalents (CSEs) are convertible into Common Stock and each CSE entitles the holder to one common share. Members of our Board of Directors receive directors’ fees payable in CSEs unless they opt to receive up to 50% of the fees in cash. Generally, the CSEs have no defined term and are converted into common shares when service as a director terminates unless the director has elected an accelerated release. The fair value of the CSEs awarded is determined on the date of grant based on the closing price of the Common Stock as reported by the New York Stock Exchange on that date. CSEs vest immediately and as a result are recorded as expense on the date of grant. The following table summarizes the changes in CSEs outstanding during the six months ended June 30, 2015 : Common Stock Equivalents (CSEs) Per Share Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Outstanding at December 31, 2014 104,203 $ 18.65 Granted 3,739 84.75 Converted to common shares (3,023 ) 84.75 Outstanding at June 30, 2015 104,919 $ 19.10 Employee Stock Purchase Plan The Company has an employee stock purchase plan (the “ESP Plan”) under which eligible employees are permitted to purchase Common Stock through payroll deductions, which may not exceed 10% of an employee’s compensation (or $23,750 in any calendar year), at a price equal to 95% of the closing price of the Common Stock as reported by the New York Stock Exchange at the end of each offering period. At June 30, 2015 , the Company had 1.1 million shares available for purchase under the ESP Plan. The ESP Plan is considered non-compensatory under FASB ASC Topic 718, and as a result the Company does not record stock-based compensation expense for employee share purchases. The Company received $3.8 million and $2.7 million in cash from purchases under the ESP Plan during the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively.

Segment Information

Segment Information	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Information	Segment Information The Company manages its business through three reportable segments: Research, Consulting and Events. Research consists primarily of subscription-based research products, access to research inquiry, peer networking services, and membership programs. Consulting consists primarily of consulting, measurement engagements, and strategic advisory services. Events consists of various symposia, conferences, and exhibitions. The Company evaluates segment performance and allocates resources based on gross contribution margin. Gross contribution, as presented in the table below, is defined as operating income excluding certain Cost of services and product development expenses, Selling, general and administrative expense, depreciation, amortization of intangibles, and acquisition and integration charges. Certain bonus and fringe benefit costs included in consolidated Cost of services and product development are not allocated to segment expense. The accounting policies used by the reportable segments are the same as those used by the Company. There are no intersegment revenues. The Company does not identify or allocate assets, including capital expenditures, by reportable segment. Accordingly, assets are not reported by segment because the information is not available by segment and is not reviewed in the evaluation of segment performance or in making decisions in the allocation of resources. The following tables present operating information about the Company’s reportable segments for the periods indicated (in thousands): Three Months Ended June 30, 2015 Research Consulting Events Consolidated Revenues $ 385,718 $ 88,336 $ 73,882 $ 547,936 Gross contribution 269,846 33,255 39,442 342,543 Corporate and other expenses (257,323 ) Operating income $ 85,220 Three Months Ended June 30, 2014 Research Consulting Events Consolidated Revenues $ 358,495 $ 93,488 $ 67,837 $ 519,820 Gross contribution 248,263 36,235 34,232 318,730 Corporate and other expenses (236,969 ) Operating income $ 81,761 Six Months Ended June 30, 2015 Research Consulting Events Consolidated Revenues $ 766,808 $ 165,128 $ 87,186 $ 1,019,122 Gross contribution 536,911 59,582 41,884 638,377 Corporate and other expenses (504,475 ) Operating income $ 133,902 Six Months Ended June 30, 2014 Research Consulting Events Consolidated Revenues $ 706,609 $ 177,759 $ 82,154 $ 966,522 Gross contribution 494,365 66,573 37,195 598,133 Corporate and other expenses (457,202 ) Operating income $ 140,931 The following table provides a reconciliation of total segment gross contribution to net income for the periods indicated (in thousands): Three Months Ended Six Months Ended June 30, June 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Total segment gross contribution $ 342,543 $ 318,730 $ 638,377 $ 598,133 Costs and expenses: Cost of services and product development - unallocated (1) 5,102 2,088 7,512 5,610 Selling, general and administrative 237,991 218,537 467,513 423,154 Depreciation and amortization 10,547 9,700 20,675 18,438 Acquisition and integration charges 3,683 6,644 8,775 10,000 Operating income 85,220 81,761 133,902 140,931 Interest expense and other 5,708 2,505 10,150 4,984 Provision for income taxes 28,357 26,216 44,246 45,171 Net income $ 51,155 $ 53,040 $ 79,506 $ 90,776 (1) The unallocated amounts consist of certain bonus and related fringe costs recorded in Consolidated cost of services and product development expense that are not allocated to segment expense. The Company's policy is to only allocate bonus and related fringe charges to segments for up to 100% of the segment employee's target bonus. Amounts above 100% are absorbed by corporate.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	Goodwill and Intangible Assets Goodwill Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price of acquired businesses over the estimated fair value of the tangible and identifiable intangible net assets acquired. The evaluation of the recoverability of goodwill is performed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 350, which requires an annual assessment of potential goodwill impairment at the reporting unit level and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of goodwill may not be recoverable. The annual assessment of the recoverability of recorded goodwill can be based on either a qualitative or quantitative assessment or a combination of the two. Both methods utilize estimates which in turn require judgments and assumptions regarding future trends and events. As a result, both the precision and reliability of the resulting estimates are subject to uncertainty. The Company conducted a qualitative assessment of the fair value of its reporting units as of September 30, 2014 based in part on the demonstrated historical trend of the fair values of the Company’s reporting units substantially exceeding their carrying values and the Company's recent financial performance. Among the factors included in the Company’s qualitative assessment were general economic conditions and the competitive environment; actual and projected reporting unit financial performance; forward-looking business measurements; and external market assessments. Based on the results of the qualitative assessment, the Company believes the fair values of its reporting units continue to exceed their respective carrying values. The following table presents changes to the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment during the six months ended June 30, 2015 (in thousands): Research Consulting Events Total Balance, December 31, 2014 (1) $ 445,460 $ 99,417 $ 41,788 $ 586,665 Foreign currency translation adjustments (3,507 ) (89 ) (67 ) (3,663 ) Balance, June 30, 2015 $ 441,953 $ 99,328 $ 41,721 $ 583,002 (1) The Company does not have any accumulated goodwill impairment losses. Amortizable Intangible Assets The following tables present reconciliations of the carrying amounts of amortizable intangible assets as of the dates indicated (in thousands): June 30, 2015 Trade Name Customer Relationships Content Software Non-Compete Total Gross cost, December 31, 2014 $ 6,924 $ 27,933 $ 3,560 $ 6,569 $ 9,272 $ 54,258 Intangibles fully amortized (6,013 ) (7,210 ) — — — (13,223 ) Minor additions and foreign currency translation impact (3 ) (163 ) (77 ) 639 83 479 Gross cost 908 20,560 3,483 7,208 9,355 41,514 Accumulated amortization (1), (2) (306 ) (5,390 ) (2,663 ) (3,626 ) (2,419 ) (14,404 ) Balance, June 30, 2015 $ 602 $ 15,170 $ 820 $ 3,582 $ 6,936 $ 27,110 December 31, 2014 Trade Name Customer Relationships Content Software Non-Compete Total Gross cost $ 6,924 $ 27,933 $ 3,560 $ 6,569 $ 9,272 $ 54,258 Accumulated amortization (1), (2) (6,202 ) (11,072 ) (2,246 ) (2,603 ) (1,446 ) (23,569 ) Balance, December 31, 2014 $ 722 $ 16,861 $ 1,314 $ 3,966 $ 7,826 $ 30,689 (1) Intangible assets are being amortized against earnings over the following periods: Trade name— 2 to 5 years; Customer relationships— 4 to 7 years; Content— 1.5 to 4 years; Software— 3 years; Non-compete— 4 to 5 years. (2) Aggregate amortization expense related to intangible assets was $2.1 million and $2.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively, and $4.2 million and $3.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 . The estimated future amortization expense by year from amortizable intangibles is as follows (in thousands): 2015 (remaining six months) $ 3,994 2016 7,190 2017 5,665 2018 4,438 2019 2,822 2020 2,532 2021 469 $ 27,110

Debt

Debt	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt	Debt 2014 Credit Agreement The Company has a $1.5 billion credit arrangement (the “2014 Credit Agreement”) that provides for a five -year, $400.0 million term loan and a $1.1 billion revolving credit facility. In addition, the 2014 Credit Agreement contains an expansion feature by which the term loan and revolving credit facility may be increased, at the Company’s option and under certain conditions, by up to an additional $500.0 million in the aggregate. The term loan will be repaid in 16 consecutive quarterly installments which commenced on March 31, 2015, plus a final payment due in December 2019 , and may be prepaid at any time without penalty or premium (other than applicable breakage costs) at the Company’s option. The revolving credit facility may be used for loans, and up to $40.0 million may be used for letters of credit. The revolving loans may be borrowed, repaid and re-borrowed until December 2019, at which time all amounts borrowed must be repaid. Amounts borrowed under the 2014 Credit Agreement bear interest at a rate equal to, at Gartner’s option, either (1) the greatest of: (i) the administrative agent’s prime rate; (ii) the average rate on overnight federal funds plus 1/2 of 1% ; (iii) the eurodollar rate (adjusted for statutory reserves) plus 1% , in each case plus a margin equal to between 0.125% and 0.50% depending on Gartner’s consolidated leverage ratio as of the end of the four consecutive fiscal quarters most recently ended; or (2) the eurodollar rate (adjusted for statutory reserves) plus a margin equal to between 1.125% and 1.50% , depending on Gartner’s leverage ratio as of the end of the four consecutive fiscal quarters most recently ended. The 2014 Credit Agreement contains certain customary restrictive loan covenants, including, among others, financial covenants requiring a maximum leverage ratio, a minimum interest expense coverage ratio, and covenants limiting Gartner’s ability to incur indebtedness, grant liens, make acquisitions, be acquired, dispose of assets, pay dividends, repurchase stock, make capital expenditures, make investments and enter into certain transactions with affiliates. As of June 30, 2015 , the Company was in full compliance with the loan covenants. The Company’s total outstanding borrowings were as follows (in thousands): Balance Balance June 30, December 31, Description: 2015 2014 Term loans (1) $ 390,000 $ 400,000 Revolver loans (1), (2) 320,000 — Other (3) 5,000 5,000 Total (4) $ 715,000 $ 405,000 (1) The contractual annualized interest rates as of June 30, 2015 on the term loan and the revolver ranged from 1.56% to 1.66% , which consisted of a floating eurodollar base rate ranging from 0.18% to 0.28% plus a margin of 1.38% . However, the Company has interest rate swap contracts which convert the floating eurodollar base rates to a fixed base rate on $700.0 million of Company borrowings (see below). (2) The Company had $776.0 million of available borrowing capacity on the revolver (not including the expansion feature) as of June 30, 2015 . (3) Consists of a $5.0 million State of Connecticut economic development loan with a 3.0% fixed rate of interest. The loan was originated in 2012 and has a 10 years maturity. Principal payments are deferred for the first five years and the loan may be repaid at any point by the Company without penalty. The loan has a principal forgiveness provision in which up to $2.5 million of the loan may be forgiven if the Company meets certain employment targets during the first five years of the loan. (4) The average annual effective rate on the Company's total debt outstanding as of June 30, 2015 , including the effect of the swaps, was approximately 3.11% . Interest Rate Swaps The Company has three fixed-for-floating interest rate swap contracts which it designates as accounting hedges of the forecasted interest payments on $700.0 million of the Company’s variable rate borrowings. Under the first swap, which matures in the third quarter of 2015, the Company pays a base fixed rate of 2.26% and in return receives a floating eurodollar base rate on $200.0 million of 90 day notional borrowings. The Company's two other interest rate swaps mature in 2019. The Company pays base fixed rates on these two swaps of 1.54% and 1.60% and in return receives a floating eurodollar base rate on $500.0 million of 30 day notional borrowings. The Company accounts for the interest rate swaps as cash flow hedges in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 815. Since the swaps hedge forecasted interest payments, changes in the fair value of the swaps are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss, a component of equity, as long as the swaps continue to be highly effective hedges of the designated interest rate risk. Any ineffective portion of change in the fair value of the hedges is recorded in earnings. All of the swaps were highly effective hedges of the forecasted interest payments as of June 30, 2015 . The interest rate swaps had a total negative fair value to the Company of $4.0 million at June 30, 2015 , which is deferred and classified in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax effect. Letters of Credit The Company had $9.0 million of letters of credit and related guarantees outstanding at June 30, 2015 . The Company enters into these instruments in the ordinary course of business to facilitate transactions with customers and others.

Equity

Equity	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Equity	Equity Share Repurchase Program On May 5, 2015, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized $1.2 billion to repurchase the Company's common stock. The Company may repurchase its common stock from time to time in amounts and at prices the Company deems appropriate, subject to the availability of stock, prevailing market conditions, the trading price of the stock, the Company’s financial performance and other conditions. Repurchases may be made through open market purchases, private transactions or other transactions and will be funded from cash on hand and borrowings under the Company’s credit agreement. The Company’s recent share repurchase activity is presented in the following table: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended June 30, June 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Number of shares repurchased (1), (2) 1,244,010 1,527,084 5,328,600 4,226,798 Cash paid for repurchased shares (in thousands) (3) $ 117,400 $ 111,598 $ 441,442 $ 307,448 (1) The average cost of the repurchased shares was $84.03 and $82.34 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 , respectively, and $69.59 and $70.07 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 , respectively. (2) These share repurchases were completed under the Company's prior share repurchase authorization, which was fully utilized. (3) The cash paid for the six months ended June 30, 2015 includes $2.7 million for share repurchase transactions that occurred in late December 2014 and were paid in early January 2015. Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income ("AOCL/I") The following tables disclose information about changes in AOCL/I by component and the related amounts reclassified out of AOCL/I to income during the periods indicated (net of tax, in thousands) (1): For the three months ended June 30, 2015 : Interest Rate Swaps Defined Benefit Pension Plans Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Total Balance – March 31, 2015 $ (2,844 ) $ (5,975 ) $ (33,509 ) $ (42,328 ) Changes during the period: Change in AOCL before reclassifications to income (596 ) — 6,224 5,628 Reclassifications from AOCL to income during the period (2), (3) 1,030 53 — 1,083 Other comprehensive income for the period 434 53 6,224 6,711 Balance – June 30, 2015 $ (2,410 ) $ (5,922 ) $ (27,285 ) $ (35,617 ) For the three months ended June 30, 2014 : Interest Rate Swap Defined Benefit Pension Plans Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Total Balance – March 31, 2014 $ (3,433 ) $ (1,796 ) $ 13,781 $ 8,552 Changes during the period: Change in AOCI before reclassifications to income (102 ) — 876 774 Reclassifications from AOCI to income during the period (2), (3) 613 14 — 627 Other comprehensive income for the period 511 14 876 1,401 Balance – June 30, 2014 $ (2,922 ) $ (1,782 ) $ 14,657 $ 9,953 For the six months ended June 30, 2015 : Interest Rate Defined Foreign Total Balance – December 31, 2014 $ (1,740 ) $ (6,028 ) $ (13,402 ) $ (21,170 ) Changes during the period: Change in AOCL before reclassifications to income (2,453 ) — (13,883 ) (16,336 ) Reclassifications from AOCL to income during the period (2), (3) 1,783 106 — 1,889 Other comprehensive (loss) income for the period (670 ) 106 (13,883 ) (14,447 ) Balance – June 30, 2015 $ (2,410 ) $ (5,922 ) $ (27,285 ) $ (35,617 ) For the six months ended June 30, 2014 : Interest Rate Defined Foreign Total Balance – December 31, 2013 $ (3,903 ) $ (1,811 ) $ 14,059 $ 8,345 Changes during the period: Change in AOCI before reclassifications to income (234 ) — 598 364 Reclassifications from AOCI to income during the period (2), (3) 1,215 29 — 1,244 Other comprehensive income for the period 981 29 598 1,608 Balance – June 30, 2014 $ (2,922 ) $ (1,782 ) $ 14,657 $ 9,953 (1) Amounts in parentheses represent debits (deferred losses). (2) The reclassifications related to interest rate swaps (cash flow hedges) were recorded in Interest expense, net of tax effect. See Note 9 – Derivatives and Hedging for information regarding the hedges. (3) The reclassifications related to defined benefit pension plans were recorded in Selling, general and administrative expense, net of tax effect. See Note 11 – Employee Benefits for information regarding the Company’s defined benefit pension plans.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes The provision for income taxes was $28.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2015 compared to $26.2 million in the three months ended June 30, 2014 . The effective income tax rate was 35.7% for the three months ended June 30, 2015 and 33.1% for the same period in 2014 . The quarter-over-quarter increase in the effective income tax rate was primarily due to a change in the estimated mix of pretax income by jurisdiction as well as increases in unrecognized tax benefits. The provision for income taxes was $44.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2015 compared to $45.2 million in the six months ended June 30, 2014. The effective income tax rate was 35.8% for the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 33.2% for the same period in 2014. The increase in the effective income tax rate was primarily due to a change in the estimated mix of pre-tax income by jurisdiction as well as increases in unrecognized tax benefits compared to the same period in 2014. As of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , the Company had gross unrecognized tax benefits of $21.7 million and $20.6 million , respectively. It is reasonably possible that gross unrecognized tax benefits will decrease by approximately $3.8 million within the next 12 months due to the anticipated closure of audits and the expiration of certain statutes of limitation. These unrecognized tax benefits relate primarily to the utilization of tax attributes, as well as certain other unrecognized tax positions, each of which are individually insignificant.

Derivatives and Hedging

Derivatives and Hedging	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivatives and Hedging	Derivatives and Hedging The Company enters into a limited number of derivative contracts to offset the potentially negative economic effects of interest rate and foreign exchange movements. The Company accounts for its outstanding derivative contracts in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 815, which requires all derivatives, including derivatives designated as accounting hedges, to be recorded on the balance sheet at fair value. The following tables provide information regarding the Company’s outstanding derivatives contracts as of the dates indicated (in thousands, except for number of outstanding contracts): June 30, 2015 Derivative Contract Type Number of Outstanding Contracts Notional Amounts Fair Value Asset (Liability), Net (3) Balance Sheet Line Item Unrealized Loss Recorded in OCI Interest rate swaps (1) 3 $ 700,000 $ (4,018 ) Accrued and Other liabilities $ (2,410 ) Foreign currency forwards (2) 25 11,000 (9 ) Accrued liabilities — Total 28 $ 711,000 $ (4,027 ) $ (2,410 ) December 31, 2014 Derivative Contract Type Number of Outstanding Contracts Notional Amounts Fair Value Asset (Liability), Net (3) Balance Sheet Line Item Unrealized Loss Recorded in OCI Interest rate swaps (1) 1 $ 200,000 $ (2,900 ) Other liabilities $ (1,740 ) Foreign currency forwards (2) 77 45,650 238 Accrued liabilities — Total 78 $ 245,650 $ (2,662 ) $ (1,740 ) (1) The swaps have been designated and are accounted for as cash flow hedges of the forecasted interest payments on borrowings. As a result, changes in fair value of the swaps are deferred and are recorded in AOCL, net of tax effect (see Note 6 — Debt for additional information). (2) The Company has foreign exchange transaction risk since it typically enters into transactions in the normal course of business that are denominated in foreign currencies that differ from the local functional currency. The Company enters into short-term foreign currency forward exchange contracts to offset the economic effects of these foreign currency transaction risks. These contracts are accounted for at fair value with realized and unrealized gains and losses recognized in Other expense, net since the Company does not designate these contracts as hedges for accounting purposes. All of the contracts outstanding at June 30, 2015 matured by the end of July 2015. (3) See Note 10 — Fair Value Disclosures for the determination of the fair value of these instruments. At June 30, 2015 , all of the Company’s derivative counterparties were investment grade financial institutions. The Company did not have any collateral arrangements with its derivative counterparties, and none of the derivative contracts contained credit-risk related contingent features. The following table provides information regarding amounts recognized in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for derivative contracts for the periods indicated (in thousands): Three Months Ended Six Months Ended June 30, June 30, Amount recorded in: 2015 2014 2015 2014 Interest expense, net (1) $ 2,084 $ 1,022 $ 3,338 $ 2,026 Other expense (income), net (2) 185 17 442 (98 ) Total expense, net $ 2,269 $ 1,039 $ 3,780 $ 1,928 (1) Consists of interest expense from interest rate swap contracts. (2) Consists of realized and unrealized gains and losses on foreign currency forward contracts.

Fair Value Disclosures

Fair Value Disclosures	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Disclosures	Fair Value Disclosures The Company’s financial instruments include cash equivalents, fees receivable from customers, accounts payable, and accruals which are normally short-term in nature. The Company believes the carrying amounts of these financial instruments reasonably approximate their fair value due to their short-term nature. The Company’s financial instruments also include its outstanding borrowings. The Company believes the carrying amount of the outstanding borrowings reasonably approximates their fair value since the rate of interest on the borrowings reflect current market rates of interest for similar instruments with comparable maturities. The Company enters into a limited number of derivatives transactions but does not enter into repurchase agreements, securities lending transactions, or master netting arrangements. Receivables or payables that result from derivatives transactions are recorded gross in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. FASB ASC Topic 820 provides a framework for the measurement of fair value and a valuation hierarchy based upon the transparency of inputs used in the valuation of assets and liabilities. Classification within the hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the resulting fair value measurement. The valuation hierarchy contains three levels. Level 1 measurements consist of quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2 measurements include significant other observable inputs such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; identical assets or liabilities in inactive markets; observable inputs such as interest rates and yield curves; and other market-corroborated inputs. Level 3 measurements include significant unobservable inputs, such as internally-created valuation models. The Company does not currently utilize Level 3 valuation inputs to remeasure any of its assets or liabilities. However, level 3 inputs may be used by the Company in its required annual impairment review of goodwill. Information regarding the periodic assessment of the Company’s goodwill is included in Note 5 — Goodwill and Intangible Assets. The Company does not typically transfer assets or liabilities between different levels of the fair value hierarchy. The Company’s assets and liabilities that are remeasured to fair value are presented in the following table (in thousands): Fair Value Fair Value Description: June 30, December 31, Assets: Values based on Level 1 inputs: Deferred compensation plan assets (1) $ 7,447 $ 7,650 Total Level 1 inputs $ 7,447 $ 7,650 Values based on Level 2 inputs: Deferred compensation plan assets (1) $ 28,210 $ 27,000 Foreign currency forward contracts (2) 31 458 Total Level 2 inputs $ 28,241 $ 27,458 Total Assets $ 35,688 $ 35,108 Liabilities: Values based on level 2 inputs: Deferred compensation plan liabilities (1) $ 40,400 $ 39,100 Foreign currency forward contracts (2) 40 220 Interest rate swap contracts (3) 4,018 2,900 Total Level 2 inputs $ 44,458 $ 42,220 Total Liabilities $ 44,458 $ 42,220 (1) The Company has a deferred compensation plan for the benefit of certain highly compensated officers, managers and other key employees. The assets consist of investments in money market and mutual funds, and company-owned life insurance contracts, all of which are valued based on Level 1 or Level 2 valuation inputs. The related deferred compensation plan liabilities are recorded at fair value, or the estimated amount needed to settle the liability, which the Company considers to be a Level 2 input. (2) The Company enters into foreign currency forward exchange contracts to hedge the effects of adverse fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. Valuation of the foreign currency forward contracts is based on observable foreign currency exchange rates in active markets, which the Company considers a Level 2 input. (3) The Company has interest rate swap contracts which hedge the risk of variability from interest payments on its borrowings (see Note 6 — Debt). The fair value of the swaps is based on mark-to-market valuations prepared by a third-party broker. The valuations are based on observable interest rates from recently executed market transactions and other observable market data, which the Company considers Level 2 inputs. The Company independently corroborates the reasonableness of the valuations prepared by the third-party broker through the use of an electronic quotation service.

Employee Benefits

Employee Benefits	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Employee Benefits	Employee Benefits Defined Benefit Pension Plans The Company has defined-benefit pension plans in several of its international locations. Benefits paid under these plans are based on years of service and level of employee compensation. The Company’s defined benefit pension plans are accounted for in accordance with FASB ASC Topics 715 and 960. Net periodic pension expense was $0.6 million and $1.3 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 , respectively, and $0.8 million and $1.5 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, respectively.

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies Contingencies The Company is involved in legal proceedings and litigation arising in the ordinary course of business. We believe that the potential liability, if any, in excess of amounts already accrued from all proceedings, claims and litigation will not have a material effect on our financial position, cash flows, or results of operations when resolved in a future period. The Company has various agreements that may obligate us to indemnify the other party with respect to certain matters. Generally, these indemnification clauses are included in contracts arising in the normal course of business under which we customarily agree to hold the other party harmless against losses arising from a breach of representations related to such matters as title to assets sold and licensed or certain intellectual property rights. It is not possible to predict the maximum potential amount of future payments under these indemnification agreements due to the conditional nature of the Company’s obligations and the unique facts of each particular agreement. Historically, payments made by us under these agreements have not been material. As of June 30, 2015 , the Company did not have any material payment obligations under any such indemnification agreements.

Business and Basis of Present19

Business and Basis of Presentation Business and Basis of Presentation (Policies)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Basis of presentation	Basis of presentation . The accompanying interim condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”), as defined in the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 270 for interim financial information and with the applicable instructions of the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission (“SEC”) Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X on Form 10-Q and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes of the Company filed in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 . The fiscal year of Gartner is the twelve-month calendar period from January 1 through December 31. In the opinion of management, all normal recurring accruals and adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation of financial position, results of operations and cash flows at the dates and for the periods presented herein have been included. The results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 may not be indicative of the results of operations for the remainder of 2015 .
Principles of consolidation	Principles of consolidation . The accompanying interim condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated.
Use of estimates	Use of estimates . The preparation of the accompanying interim condensed consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions about future events. These estimates and the underlying assumptions affect the amounts of assets and liabilities reported, disclosures about contingent assets and liabilities, and reported amounts of revenues and expenses. Such estimates include the valuation of fees receivable, goodwill, intangible assets, and other long-lived assets, as well as tax accruals and other liabilities. In addition, estimates are used in revenue recognition, income tax expense, performance-based compensation charges, depreciation and amortization, and the allowance for losses on fees receivable. Management believes its use of estimates in these interim condensed consolidated financial statements to be reasonable. Management continually evaluates and revises its estimates using historical experience and other factors, including the general economic environment and actions it may take in the future. Management adjusts these estimates when facts and circumstances dictate. However, these estimates may involve significant uncertainties and judgments and cannot be determined with precision. In addition, these estimates are based on management’s best judgment at a point in time. As a result, differences between our estimates and actual results could be material and would be reflected in the Company’s financial statements in future periods.
Adoption of new accounting rules	Adoption of new accounting standard . On January 1, 2015, the Company adopted FASB Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-08, Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity ("ASU 2014-08"), which changes the criteria for determining which disposal transactions can be presented as discontinued operations and modifies related disclosure requirements. Under the new guidance, a discontinued operation is defined as a disposal of a component or group of components that is disposed of or is classified as held for sale and represents a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on an entity’s operations and financial results. The adoption of the rule did not have an impact on the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements contained in this report.

Earnings per Share (Tables)

Earnings per Share (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of earnings per share reconciliation	The following table sets forth the calculations of basic and diluted earnings per share (in thousands, except per share data): Three Months Ended Six Months Ended June 30, June 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Numerator: Net income used for calculating basic and diluted earnings per common share $ 51,155 $ 53,040 $ 79,506 $ 90,776 Denominator: Weighted average number of common shares used in the calculation of basic earnings per share 83,203 89,521 84,871 90,595 Common stock equivalents associated with stock-based compensation plans (1) 1,068 1,223 1,193 1,417 Shares used in the calculation of diluted earnings per share 84,271 90,744 86,064 92,012 Basic earnings per share $ 0.61 $ 0.59 $ 0.94 $ 1.00 Diluted earnings per share $ 0.61 $ 0.58 $ 0.92 $ 0.99 (1) Certain common stock equivalents were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the effect would have been anti-dilutive. These common share equivalents totaled less than 0.3 million in each of the periods presented.

Stock-Based Compensation (Table

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Schedule of stock-based compensation expense by award type	The Company recognized the following amounts of stock-based compensation expense by award type and expense category in the periods indicated (in millions): Three Months Ended Six Months Ended June 30, June 30, Award type: 2015 2014 2015 2014 Stock appreciation rights $ 1.2 $ 1.0 $ 3.4 $ 2.9 Common stock equivalents 0.2 0.2 0.3 0.3 Restricted stock units 9.3 5.7 23.7 17.4 Total (1) $ 10.7 $ 6.9 $ 27.4 $ 20.6 (1) Includes charges of $3.9 million and $2.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively, and $14.4 million and $9.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, for awards to retirement-eligible employees since these awards vest on an accelerated basis.
Schedule of stock-based compensation expense by expense category	Three Months Ended Six Months Ended June 30, June 30, Amount recorded in: 2015 2014 2015 2014 Cost of services and product development $ 4.7 $ 3.7 $ 11.6 $ 9.5 Selling, general and administrative 6.0 3.2 15.8 11.1 Total (1) $ 10.7 $ 6.9 $ 27.4 $ 20.6 (1) Includes charges of $3.9 million and $2.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively, and $14.4 million and $9.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, for awards to retirement-eligible employees since these awards vest on an accelerated basis.
Schedule of fair value assumptions of SARs	The fair value of the SARs is determined on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes-Merton valuation model with the following weighted-average assumptions: Six Months Ended June 30, 2015 2014 Expected dividend yield (1) — % — % Expected stock price volatility (2) 24 % 25 % Risk-free interest rate (3) 1.5 % 1.3 % Expected life in years (4) 4.4 4.4 (1) The dividend yield assumption is based on the history and expectation of the Company’s dividend payouts. Historically the Company has not paid cash dividends on its Common Stock. (2) The determination of expected stock price volatility was based on both historical Common Stock prices and implied volatility from publicly traded options in the Common Stock. (3) The risk-free interest rate is based on the yield of a U.S. Treasury security with a maturity similar to the expected life of the award. (4) The expected life represents the Company’s weighted-average estimate of the period of time the SARs are expected to be outstanding (that is, period between the service inception date and the expected exercise date).
Stock appreciation rights (SARs)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Schedule of summary of the changes in SARS, RSUs, and CSEs outstanding	The following table summarizes changes in SARs outstanding during the six months ended June 30, 2015 : SARs (in millions) Per Share Weighted- Average Exercise Price Per Share Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Outstanding at December 31, 2014 1.4 $ 44.44 $ 13.26 4.34 years Granted 0.3 77.92 17.56 6.61 years Exercised (0.2 ) 36.41 12.60 n/a Outstanding at June 30, 2015 (1), (2) 1.5 $ 53.37 $ 14.34 4.66 years Vested and exercisable at June 30, 2015 (2) 0.7 $ 39.38 $ 12.48 3.44 years (1) As of June 30, 2015 , 0.8 million of the SARs outstanding were unvested. The Company expects that substantially all of these unvested awards will vest in future periods. (2) Total SARs outstanding had an intrinsic value of $48.2 million . SARs vested and exercisable had an intrinsic value of $30.2 million .
Restricted stock units (RSUs)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Schedule of summary of the changes in SARS, RSUs, and CSEs outstanding	The following table summarizes the changes in RSUs outstanding during the six months ended June 30, 2015 : Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) (in millions) Per Share Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Outstanding at December 31, 2014 1.4 $ 50.76 Granted (1) 0.6 78.23 Vested and released (0.6 ) 47.79 Outstanding at June 30, 2015 (2), (3) 1.4 $ 62.54 (1) The 0.6 million RSUs granted consisted of 0.3 million performance-based RSUs awarded to executives and 0.3 million service-based RSUs awarded to non-executive employees and non-management board members. The 0.3 million performance-based RSUs represents the target amount of the grant for the year, which is tied to an increase in the Company’s subscription-based research contract value (“CV”) for 2015 . The final number of performance-based RSUs that will ultimately be awarded for 2015 ranges from 0% to 200% of the target amount, with the final number dependent on the actual increase in CV for 2015 as measured on December 31, 2015 . If the specified minimum level of achievement is not met, the performance-based RSUs will be forfeited in their entirety, and any compensation expense previously recorded will be reversed. (2) The Company expects that substantially all of the outstanding awards will vest in future periods. (3) The weighted-average remaining contractual term of the outstanding RSUs is approximately 1.5 years.
Common stock equivalents (CSEs)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Schedule of summary of the changes in SARS, RSUs, and CSEs outstanding	The following table summarizes the changes in CSEs outstanding during the six months ended June 30, 2015 : Common Stock Equivalents (CSEs) Per Share Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Outstanding at December 31, 2014 104,203 $ 18.65 Granted 3,739 84.75 Converted to common shares (3,023 ) 84.75 Outstanding at June 30, 2015 104,919 $ 19.10

Segment Information (Tables)

Segment Information (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of segment reporting information, by segment	The following tables present operating information about the Company’s reportable segments for the periods indicated (in thousands): Three Months Ended June 30, 2015 Research Consulting Events Consolidated Revenues $ 385,718 $ 88,336 $ 73,882 $ 547,936 Gross contribution 269,846 33,255 39,442 342,543 Corporate and other expenses (257,323 ) Operating income $ 85,220 Three Months Ended June 30, 2014 Research Consulting Events Consolidated Revenues $ 358,495 $ 93,488 $ 67,837 $ 519,820 Gross contribution 248,263 36,235 34,232 318,730 Corporate and other expenses (236,969 ) Operating income $ 81,761 Six Months Ended June 30, 2015 Research Consulting Events Consolidated Revenues $ 766,808 $ 165,128 $ 87,186 $ 1,019,122 Gross contribution 536,911 59,582 41,884 638,377 Corporate and other expenses (504,475 ) Operating income $ 133,902 Six Months Ended June 30, 2014 Research Consulting Events Consolidated Revenues $ 706,609 $ 177,759 $ 82,154 $ 966,522 Gross contribution 494,365 66,573 37,195 598,133 Corporate and other expenses (457,202 ) Operating income $ 140,931
Schedule of reconciliation of segment gross contribution to net income	The following table provides a reconciliation of total segment gross contribution to net income for the periods indicated (in thousands): Three Months Ended Six Months Ended June 30, June 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Total segment gross contribution $ 342,543 $ 318,730 $ 638,377 $ 598,133 Costs and expenses: Cost of services and product development - unallocated (1) 5,102 2,088 7,512 5,610 Selling, general and administrative 237,991 218,537 467,513 423,154 Depreciation and amortization 10,547 9,700 20,675 18,438 Acquisition and integration charges 3,683 6,644 8,775 10,000 Operating income 85,220 81,761 133,902 140,931 Interest expense and other 5,708 2,505 10,150 4,984 Provision for income taxes 28,357 26,216 44,246 45,171 Net income $ 51,155 $ 53,040 $ 79,506 $ 90,776 (1) The unallocated amounts consist of certain bonus and related fringe costs recorded in Consolidated cost of services and product development expense that are not allocated to segment expense. The Company's policy is to only allocate bonus and related fringe charges to segments for up to 100% of the segment employee's target bonus. Amounts above 100% are absorbed by corporate.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of changes to the carrying amount of goodwill by reporting unit	The following table presents changes to the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment during the six months ended June 30, 2015 (in thousands): Research Consulting Events Total Balance, December 31, 2014 (1) $ 445,460 $ 99,417 $ 41,788 $ 586,665 Foreign currency translation adjustments (3,507 ) (89 ) (67 ) (3,663 ) Balance, June 30, 2015 $ 441,953 $ 99,328 $ 41,721 $ 583,002 (1) The Company does not have any accumulated goodwill impairment losses.
Schedule of amortizable intangible assets	The following tables present reconciliations of the carrying amounts of amortizable intangible assets as of the dates indicated (in thousands): June 30, 2015 Trade Name Customer Relationships Content Software Non-Compete Total Gross cost, December 31, 2014 $ 6,924 $ 27,933 $ 3,560 $ 6,569 $ 9,272 $ 54,258 Intangibles fully amortized (6,013 ) (7,210 ) — — — (13,223 ) Minor additions and foreign currency translation impact (3 ) (163 ) (77 ) 639 83 479 Gross cost 908 20,560 3,483 7,208 9,355 41,514 Accumulated amortization (1), (2) (306 ) (5,390 ) (2,663 ) (3,626 ) (2,419 ) (14,404 ) Balance, June 30, 2015 $ 602 $ 15,170 $ 820 $ 3,582 $ 6,936 $ 27,110 December 31, 2014 Trade Name Customer Relationships Content Software Non-Compete Total Gross cost $ 6,924 $ 27,933 $ 3,560 $ 6,569 $ 9,272 $ 54,258 Accumulated amortization (1), (2) (6,202 ) (11,072 ) (2,246 ) (2,603 ) (1,446 ) (23,569 ) Balance, December 31, 2014 $ 722 $ 16,861 $ 1,314 $ 3,966 $ 7,826 $ 30,689 (1) Intangible assets are being amortized against earnings over the following periods: Trade name— 2 to 5 years; Customer relationships— 4 to 7 years; Content— 1.5 to 4 years; Software— 3 years; Non-compete— 4 to 5 years. (2) Aggregate amortization expense related to intangible assets was $2.1 million and $2.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively
Schedule of estimated future amortization expense by year	The estimated future amortization expense by year from amortizable intangibles is as follows (in thousands): 2015 (remaining six months) $ 3,994 2016 7,190 2017 5,665 2018 4,438 2019 2,822 2020 2,532 2021 469 $ 27,110

Debt (Tables)

Debt (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of debt	The Company’s total outstanding borrowings were as follows (in thousands): Balance Balance June 30, December 31, Description: 2015 2014 Term loans (1) $ 390,000 $ 400,000 Revolver loans (1), (2) 320,000 — Other (3) 5,000 5,000 Total (4) $ 715,000 $ 405,000 (1) The contractual annualized interest rates as of June 30, 2015 on the term loan and the revolver ranged from 1.56% to 1.66% , which consisted of a floating eurodollar base rate ranging from 0.18% to 0.28% plus a margin of 1.38% . However, the Company has interest rate swap contracts which convert the floating eurodollar base rates to a fixed base rate on $700.0 million of Company borrowings (see below). (2) The Company had $776.0 million of available borrowing capacity on the revolver (not including the expansion feature) as of June 30, 2015 . (3) Consists of a $5.0 million State of Connecticut economic development loan with a 3.0% fixed rate of interest. The loan was originated in 2012 and has a 10 years maturity. Principal payments are deferred for the first five years and the loan may be repaid at any point by the Company without penalty. The loan has a principal forgiveness provision in which up to $2.5 million of the loan may be forgiven if the Company meets certain employment targets during the first five years of the loan. (4) The average annual effective rate on the Company's total debt outstanding as of June 30, 2015 , including the effect of the swaps, was approximately 3.11% .

Equity (Tables)

Equity (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Schedule of share repurchase activity	The Company’s recent share repurchase activity is presented in the following table: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended June 30, June 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Number of shares repurchased (1), (2) 1,244,010 1,527,084 5,328,600 4,226,798 Cash paid for repurchased shares (in thousands) (3) $ 117,400 $ 111,598 $ 441,442 $ 307,448 (1) The average cost of the repurchased shares was $84.03 and $82.34 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 , respectively, and $69.59 and $70.07 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 , respectively. (2) These share repurchases were completed under the Company's prior share repurchase authorization, which was fully utilized. (3) The cash paid for the six months ended June 30, 2015 includes $2.7 million for share repurchase transactions that occurred in late December 2014 and were paid in early January 2015.
Schedule of the changes in AOCI by component (net of tax)	The following tables disclose information about changes in AOCL/I by component and the related amounts reclassified out of AOCL/I to income during the periods indicated (net of tax, in thousands) (1): For the three months ended June 30, 2015 : Interest Rate Swaps Defined Benefit Pension Plans Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Total Balance – March 31, 2015 $ (2,844 ) $ (5,975 ) $ (33,509 ) $ (42,328 ) Changes during the period: Change in AOCL before reclassifications to income (596 ) — 6,224 5,628 Reclassifications from AOCL to income during the period (2), (3) 1,030 53 — 1,083 Other comprehensive income for the period 434 53 6,224 6,711 Balance – June 30, 2015 $ (2,410 ) $ (5,922 ) $ (27,285 ) $ (35,617 ) For the three months ended June 30, 2014 : Interest Rate Swap Defined Benefit Pension Plans Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Total Balance – March 31, 2014 $ (3,433 ) $ (1,796 ) $ 13,781 $ 8,552 Changes during the period: Change in AOCI before reclassifications to income (102 ) — 876 774 Reclassifications from AOCI to income during the period (2), (3) 613 14 — 627 Other comprehensive income for the period 511 14 876 1,401 Balance – June 30, 2014 $ (2,922 ) $ (1,782 ) $ 14,657 $ 9,953 For the six months ended June 30, 2015 : Interest Rate Defined Foreign Total Balance – December 31, 2014 $ (1,740 ) $ (6,028 ) $ (13,402 ) $ (21,170 ) Changes during the period: Change in AOCL before reclassifications to income (2,453 ) — (13,883 ) (16,336 ) Reclassifications from AOCL to income during the period (2), (3) 1,783 106 — 1,889 Other comprehensive (loss) income for the period (670 ) 106 (13,883 ) (14,447 ) Balance – June 30, 2015 $ (2,410 ) $ (5,922 ) $ (27,285 ) $ (35,617 ) For the six months ended June 30, 2014 : Interest Rate Defined Foreign Total Balance – December 31, 2013 $ (3,903 ) $ (1,811 ) $ 14,059 $ 8,345 Changes during the period: Change in AOCI before reclassifications to income (234 ) — 598 364 Reclassifications from AOCI to income during the period (2), (3) 1,215 29 — 1,244 Other comprehensive income for the period 981 29 598 1,608 Balance – June 30, 2014 $ (2,922 ) $ (1,782 ) $ 14,657 $ 9,953 (1) Amounts in parentheses represent debits (deferred losses). (2) The reclassifications related to interest rate swaps (cash flow hedges) were recorded in Interest expense, net of tax effect. See Note 9 – Derivatives and Hedging for information regarding the hedges. (3) The reclassifications related to defined benefit pension plans were recorded in Selling, general and administrative expense, net of tax effect. See Note 11 – Employee Benefits for information regarding the Company’s defined benefit pension plans.

Derivatives and Hedging (Tables

Derivatives and Hedging (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of notional amounts of outstanding derivative positions	The following tables provide information regarding the Company’s outstanding derivatives contracts as of the dates indicated (in thousands, except for number of outstanding contracts): June 30, 2015 Derivative Contract Type Number of Outstanding Contracts Notional Amounts Fair Value Asset (Liability), Net (3) Balance Sheet Line Item Unrealized Loss Recorded in OCI Interest rate swaps (1) 3 $ 700,000 $ (4,018 ) Accrued and Other liabilities $ (2,410 ) Foreign currency forwards (2) 25 11,000 (9 ) Accrued liabilities — Total 28 $ 711,000 $ (4,027 ) $ (2,410 ) December 31, 2014 Derivative Contract Type Number of Outstanding Contracts Notional Amounts Fair Value Asset (Liability), Net (3) Balance Sheet Line Item Unrealized Loss Recorded in OCI Interest rate swaps (1) 1 $ 200,000 $ (2,900 ) Other liabilities $ (1,740 ) Foreign currency forwards (2) 77 45,650 238 Accrued liabilities — Total 78 $ 245,650 $ (2,662 ) $ (1,740 ) (1) The swaps have been designated and are accounted for as cash flow hedges of the forecasted interest payments on borrowings. As a result, changes in fair value of the swaps are deferred and are recorded in AOCL, net of tax effect (see Note 6 — Debt for additional information). (2) The Company has foreign exchange transaction risk since it typically enters into transactions in the normal course of business that are denominated in foreign currencies that differ from the local functional currency. The Company enters into short-term foreign currency forward exchange contracts to offset the economic effects of these foreign currency transaction risks. These contracts are accounted for at fair value with realized and unrealized gains and losses recognized in Other expense, net since the Company does not designate these contracts as hedges for accounting purposes. All of the contracts outstanding at June 30, 2015 matured by the end of July 2015. (3) See Note 10 — Fair Value Disclosures for the determination of the fair value of these instruments.
Schedule of derivative instruments, gain (loss) in statement of financial performance	The following table provides information regarding amounts recognized in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for derivative contracts for the periods indicated (in thousands): Three Months Ended Six Months Ended June 30, June 30, Amount recorded in: 2015 2014 2015 2014 Interest expense, net (1) $ 2,084 $ 1,022 $ 3,338 $ 2,026 Other expense (income), net (2) 185 17 442 (98 ) Total expense, net $ 2,269 $ 1,039 $ 3,780 $ 1,928 (1) Consists of interest expense from interest rate swap contracts. (2) Consists of realized and unrealized gains and losses on foreign currency forward contracts.

Fair Value Disclosures (Tables)

Fair Value Disclosures (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of fair value, assets and liabilities measured on recurring basis	The Company’s assets and liabilities that are remeasured to fair value are presented in the following table (in thousands): Fair Value Fair Value Description: June 30, December 31, Assets: Values based on Level 1 inputs: Deferred compensation plan assets (1) $ 7,447 $ 7,650 Total Level 1 inputs $ 7,447 $ 7,650 Values based on Level 2 inputs: Deferred compensation plan assets (1) $ 28,210 $ 27,000 Foreign currency forward contracts (2) 31 458 Total Level 2 inputs $ 28,241 $ 27,458 Total Assets $ 35,688 $ 35,108 Liabilities: Values based on level 2 inputs: Deferred compensation plan liabilities (1) $ 40,400 $ 39,100 Foreign currency forward contracts (2) 40 220 Interest rate swap contracts (3) 4,018 2,900 Total Level 2 inputs $ 44,458 $ 42,220 Total Liabilities $ 44,458 $ 42,220 (1) The Company has a deferred compensation plan for the benefit of certain highly compensated officers, managers and other key employees. The assets consist of investments in money market and mutual funds, and company-owned life insurance contracts, all of which are valued based on Level 1 or Level 2 valuation inputs. The related deferred compensation plan liabilities are recorded at fair value, or the estimated amount needed to settle the liability, which the Company considers to be a Level 2 input. (2) The Company enters into foreign currency forward exchange contracts to hedge the effects of adverse fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. Valuation of the foreign currency forward contracts is based on observable foreign currency exchange rates in active markets, which the Company considers a Level 2 input. (3) The Company has interest rate swap contracts which hedge the risk of variability from interest payments on its borrowings (see Note 6 — Debt). The fair value of the swaps is based on mark-to-market valuations prepared by a third-party broker. The valuations are based on observable interest rates from recently executed market transactions and other observable market data, which the Company considers Level 2 inputs. The Company independently corroborates the reasonableness of the valuations prepared by the third-party broker through the use of an electronic quotation service.

Business and Basis of Present28

Business and Basis of Presentation (Detail) - Jun. 30, 2015 $ in Millions	USD ($)	segment
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Number of reportable segments | segment		3
Increase (decrease) in contingent consideration	$ (9.2)

Earnings per Share (Detail)

Earnings per Share (Detail) - shares shares in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share (less than .3 million in all periods)	0.3	0.3	0.3	0.3

Earnings per Share (Detail) - C

Earnings per Share (Detail) - Calculations Of Basic And Diluted Earnings Per Share - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
		Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Numerator:
Net income used for calculating basic and diluted earnings per common share		$ 51,155	$ 53,040	$ 79,506	$ 90,776
Denominator:
Weighted average number of common shares used in the calculation of basic earnings per share		83,203	89,521	84,871	90,595
Common stock equivalents associated with stock-based compensation plans	[1]	1,068	1,223	1,193	1,417
Shares used in the calculation of diluted earnings per share		84,271	90,744	86,064	92,012
Basic earnings per share (in Dollars per share)		$ 0.61	$ 0.59	$ 0.94	$ 1
Diluted earnings per share (in Dollars per share)		$ 0.61	$ 0.58	$ 0.92	$ 0.99
[1]	Certain common stock equivalents were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the effect would have been anti-dilutive. These common share equivalents totaled less than 0.3 million in each of the periods presented.

Stock-Based Compensation (Detai

Stock-Based Compensation (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares available for grant	7,050
Common stock par value (in Dollars per share)	$ 0.0005		$ 0.0005
Total share-based compensation cost not yet recognized	$ 66,500,000
Total compensation cost not yet recognized, period for recognition	2 years 4 months 24 days
Stock appreciation rights (SARs)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total compensation cost not yet recognized, period for recognition	4 years
Award vesting period	4 years
Award expiration period from date of grant	7 years
Restricted stock units (RSUs)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting period	4 years
Performance-based RSUs
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting period	4 years
Common stock equivalents (CSEs)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Base fee percentage	50.00%
Employee stock purchase plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Employee stock purchase plan, stock purchases as percentage of employee compensation maximum	10.00%
Maximum share value authorized for purchase under employee stock purchase plan	$ 23,750
Exercisable price percentage of closing price of another class of stock	95.00%
Maximum number of shares that may be purchased by eligible participants	1,100
Proceeds from stock plans	$ 3,800,000	$ 2,700,000

Stock-Based Compensation (Det32

Stock-Based Compensation (Detail) - Stock-Based Compensation Expense By Award Type - USD ($) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
		Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total stock-based compensation expense	[1]	$ 10.7	$ 6.9	$ 27.4	$ 20.6
Retirement eligible employees equity award
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total stock-based compensation expense		3.9	2.1	14.4	9.8
Stock appreciation rights (SARs)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total stock-based compensation expense		1.2	1	3.4	2.9
Common stock equivalents (CSEs)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total stock-based compensation expense		0.2	0.2	0.3	0.3
Restricted stock units (RSUs)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total stock-based compensation expense		$ 9.3	$ 5.7	$ 23.7	$ 17.4
[1]	Includes charges of $3.9 million and $2.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and $14.4 million and $9.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, for awards to retirement-eligible employees since these awards vest on an accelerated basis.

Stock-Based Compensation (Det33

Stock-Based Compensation (Detail) - Stock-Based Compensation Expense Recognized In Consolidated Statements Of Operations - USD ($) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
		Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total stock-based compensation expense	[1]	$ 10.7	$ 6.9	$ 27.4	$ 20.6
Cost of services and product development
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total stock-based compensation expense		4.7	3.7	11.6	9.5
Selling, general and administrative
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total stock-based compensation expense		$ 6	$ 3.2	$ 15.8	$ 11.1
[1]	Includes charges of $3.9 million and $2.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and $14.4 million and $9.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, for awards to retirement-eligible employees since these awards vest on an accelerated basis.

Stock-Based Compensation (Det34

Stock-Based Compensation (Detail) - Summary Of Changes In SARs Outstanding - Stock appreciation rights (SARs) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Millions, $ in Millions		6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
		Jun. 30, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014
SARs [Roll Forward]
Outstanding at December 31, 2014 (in shares)		1.4
Granted (in shares)		0.3
Exercised (in shares)		0.2
Outstanding at June 30, 2015 (in shares)		1.5	[1],[2]	1.4
Vested and exercisable at March 31, 2015 (in shares)	[2]	0.7
Per Share Weighted- Average Exercise Price [Roll Forward]
Outstanding at December 31, 2014 (in Dollars per share)		$ 44.44
Granted (in Dollars per share)		77.92
Exercised (in Dollars per share)		36.41
Outstanding at June 30, 2015 (in Dollars per share)		53.37	[1],[2]	$ 44.44
Vested and exercisable at March 31, 2015 (in Dollars per share)	[2]	39.38
Per Share Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Roll Forward]
Outstanding at December 31, 2014 (in Dollars per share)		13.26
Granted (in Dollars per share)		17.56
Exercised (in Dollars per share)		12.60
Outstanding at June 30, 2015 (in Dollars per share)		14.34	[1],[2]	$ 13.26
Vested and exercisable at March 31, 2015 (in Dollars per share)	[2]	$ 12.48
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term [Roll Forward]
ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerms		4 years 7 months 28 days	[1],[2]	4 years 4 months 2 days
Granted		6 years 7 months 10 days
ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerms		4 years 7 months 28 days	[1],[2]	4 years 4 months 2 days
Vested and exercisable at March 31, 2015	[2]	3 years 5 months 9 days
Aggregate Intrinsic value of outstanding shares		$ 48.2
Aggregate intrinsic value of shares vested and exercisable		$ 30.2
Unvested
SARs [Roll Forward]
Outstanding at June 30, 2015 (in shares)		0.8
[1]	As of June 30, 2015, 0.8 million of the SARs outstanding were unvested. The Company expects that substantially all of these unvested awards will vest in future periods
[2]	Total SARs outstanding had an intrinsic value of $48.2 million. SARs vested and exercisable had an intrinsic value of $30.2 million

Stock-Based Compensation (Det35

Stock-Based Compensation (Detail) - Weighted-Average Assumptions Used To Determine Fair Value Of SARs Grants On Date Of Grant Using Black-Scholes-Merton Valuation Model - Stock appreciation rights (SARs)		6 Months Ended
		Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions and Methodology [Abstract]
Expected dividend yield	[1]	0.00%	0.00%
Expected stock price volatility	[2]	24.00%	25.00%
Risk-free interest rate	[3]	1.50%	1.30%
Expected life in years	[4]	4 years 4 months 24 days	4 years 4 months 24 days
[1]	The dividend yield assumption is based on the history and expectation of the Company’s dividend payouts. Historically the Company has not paid cash dividends on its Common Stock.
[2]	The determination of expected stock price volatility was based on both historical Common Stock prices and implied volatility from publicly traded options in the Common Stock.
[3]	The risk-free interest rate is based on the yield of a U.S. Treasury security with a maturity similar to the expected life of the award.
[4]	The expected life represents the Company’s weighted-average estimate of the period of time the SARs are expected to be outstanding (that is, period between the service inception date and the expected exercise date).

Stock-Based Compensation (Det36

Stock-Based Compensation (Detail) - Summary Of Changes In RSUs Outstanding - Restricted stock units (RSUs) - $ / shares shares in Millions		6 Months Ended
		Jun. 30, 2015
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Roll Forward]
Outstanding at December 31, 2014 (in shares)		1.4
Granted (in shares)	[1]	0.6
Vested and released (in shares)		(0.6)
Outstanding at June 30, 2015 (in shares)	[2],[3]	1.4
Per Share Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Roll Forward]
Outstanding at December 31, 2014 (in Dollars per share)		$ 50.76
Granted (in Dollars per share)	[1]	78.23
Vested and released (in Dollars per share)		47.79
Outstanding at June 30, 2015 (in Dollars per share)	[2],[3]	$ 62.54
Weighted average remaining contractual terms		1 year 6 months
Executive officer
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Roll Forward]
Granted (in shares)		0.3
Executive officer | Minimum | Target amount
Per Share Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Roll Forward]
Percentage of shares authorized for grant		0.00%
Executive officer | Maximum | Target amount
Per Share Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Roll Forward]
Percentage of shares authorized for grant		200.00%
Non executive
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Roll Forward]
Granted (in shares)		0.3
[1]	The 0.6 million RSUs granted consisted of 0.3 million performance-based RSUs awarded to executives and 0.3 million service-based RSUs awarded to non-executive employees and non-management board members. The 0.3 million performance-based RSUs represents the target amount of the grant for the year, which is tied to an increase in the Company’s subscription-based research contract value (“CV”) for 2015. The final number of performance-based RSUs that will ultimately be awarded for 2015 ranges from 0% to 200% of the target amount, with the final number dependent on the actual increase in CV for 2015 as measured on December 31, 2015. If the specified minimum level of achievement is not met, the performance-based RSUs will be forfeited in their entirety, and any compensation expense previously recorded will be reversed.
[2]	The Company expects that substantially all of the outstanding awards will vest in future periods.
[3]	The weighted-average remaining contractual term of the outstanding RSUs is approximately 1.5 years.

Stock-Based Compensation (Det37

Stock-Based Compensation (Detail) - Summary Of Changes In CSEs Outstanding - 6 months ended Jun. 30, 2015 - Common stock equivalents (CSEs) - $ / shares	Total
Common Stock Equivalents (CSEs) [Roll Forward]
Outstanding at December 31, 2014 (in shares)	104,203
Granted (in shares)	3,739
Converted to common shares (in shares)	(3,023)
Outstanding at June 30, 2015 (in shares)	104,919
Per Share Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Roll Forward]
Outstanding at December 31, 2014 (in Dollars per share)	$ 18.65
Granted (in Dollars per share)	84.75
Converted to common shares (in Dollars per share)	84.75
Outstanding at June 30, 2015 (in Dollars per share)	$ 19.10

Segment Information (Details) -

Segment Information (Details) - Information About Reportable Segments $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2014USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)segment	Jun. 30, 2014USD ($)
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of reportable segments | segment			3
Operating income	$ 85,220	$ 81,761	$ 133,902	$ 140,931
Reportable segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	547,936	519,820	1,019,122	966,522
Gross contribution	342,543	318,730	638,377	598,133
Corporate and other expenses
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Corporate and other expenses	(257,323)	(236,969)	(504,475)	(457,202)
Research | Reportable segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	385,718	358,495	766,808	706,609
Gross contribution	269,846	248,263	536,911	494,365
Consulting | Reportable segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	88,336	93,488	165,128	177,759
Gross contribution	33,255	36,235	59,582	66,573
Events | Reportable segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	73,882	67,837	87,186	82,154
Gross contribution	$ 39,442	$ 34,232	$ 41,884	$ 37,195

Segment Information (Details)39

Segment Information (Details) - Reconciliation of Segment Gross Contribution to Net Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
		Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Costs and expenses:
Cost of services and product development - unallocated		$ 210,495	$ 203,178	$ 388,257	$ 373,999
Selling, general and administrative		237,991	218,537	467,513	423,154
Acquisition and integration charges		3,683	6,644	8,775	10,000
Operating income		85,220	81,761	133,902	140,931
Interest expense and other		5,708	2,505	10,150	4,984
Provision for income taxes		28,357	26,216	44,246	45,171
Net income		51,155	53,040	79,506	90,776
Reportable segments
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Total segment gross contribution		342,543	318,730	$ 638,377	598,133
Reportable segments | Maximum
Costs and expenses:
Percent of target bonus allocated to segments				100.00%
Corporate and other expenses
Costs and expenses:
Cost of services and product development - unallocated	[1]	5,102	2,088	$ 7,512	5,610
Selling, general and administrative		237,991	218,537	467,513	423,154
Depreciation and amortization		10,547	9,700	20,675	18,438
Acquisition and integration charges		$ 3,683	$ 6,644	$ 8,775	$ 10,000
[1]	The unallocated amounts consist of certain bonus and related fringe costs recorded in Consolidated cost of services and product development expense that are not allocated to segment expense. The Company's policy is to only allocate bonus and related fringe charges to segments for up to 100% of the segment employee's target bonus. Amounts above 100% are absorbed by corporate.

Goodwill and Intangible Asset40

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Detail) - Changes to Carrying Amount of Goodwill by Reporting Unit $ in Thousands		6 Months Ended
		Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance, December 31, 2014	[1]	$ 586,665
Foreign currency translation adjustments and other		(3,663)
Balance, June 30, 2015		583,002
Research
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance, December 31, 2014	[1]	445,460
Foreign currency translation adjustments and other		(3,507)
Balance, June 30, 2015		441,953
Consulting
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance, December 31, 2014	[1]	99,417
Foreign currency translation adjustments and other		(89)
Balance, June 30, 2015		99,328
Events
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance, December 31, 2014	[1]	41,788
Foreign currency translation adjustments and other		(67)
Balance, June 30, 2015		$ 41,721
[1]	The Company does not have any accumulated goodwill impairment losses.

Goodwill and Intangible Asset41

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Detail) - Carrying Amounts of Amortizable Intangible Assets - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
		Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Finite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Gross carrying amount				$ 54,258
Intangibles fully amortized				(13,223)
Minor additions and foreign currency translation impact				479
Gross carrying amount		$ 41,514		41,514
Accumulated amortization	[1],[2]	(14,404)		(14,404)		$ (23,569)
Finite-lived intangible assets, net		27,110		27,110		30,689
Amortization of intangibles		2,107	$ 1,979	4,246	$ 3,258
Trade Name
Finite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Gross carrying amount				6,924
Intangibles fully amortized				(6,013)
Minor additions and foreign currency translation impact				(3)
Gross carrying amount		908		908
Accumulated amortization	[1],[2]	(306)		(306)		(6,202)
Finite-lived intangible assets, net		602		$ 602		722
Trade Name | Minimum
Finite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Finite-lived intangible assets useful life				2 years
Trade Name | Maximum
Finite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Finite-lived intangible assets useful life				5 years
Customer Relationships
Finite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Gross carrying amount				$ 27,933
Intangibles fully amortized				(7,210)
Minor additions and foreign currency translation impact				(163)
Gross carrying amount		20,560		20,560
Accumulated amortization	[1],[2]	(5,390)		(5,390)		(11,072)
Finite-lived intangible assets, net		15,170		$ 15,170		16,861
Customer Relationships | Minimum
Finite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Finite-lived intangible assets useful life				4 years
Customer Relationships | Maximum
Finite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Finite-lived intangible assets useful life				7 years
Content
Finite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Gross carrying amount				$ 3,560
Intangibles fully amortized				0
Minor additions and foreign currency translation impact				(77)
Gross carrying amount		3,483		3,483
Accumulated amortization	[1],[2]	(2,663)		(2,663)		(2,246)
Finite-lived intangible assets, net		820		$ 820		1,314
Content | Minimum
Finite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Finite-lived intangible assets useful life				1 year 6 months
Content | Maximum
Finite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Finite-lived intangible assets useful life				4 years
Software
Finite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Gross carrying amount				$ 6,569
Intangibles fully amortized				0
Minor additions and foreign currency translation impact				639
Gross carrying amount		7,208		7,208
Accumulated amortization	[1],[2]	(3,626)		(3,626)		(2,603)
Finite-lived intangible assets, net		3,582		$ 3,582		3,966
Finite-lived intangible assets useful life				3 years
Non-Compete
Finite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Gross carrying amount				$ 9,272
Intangibles fully amortized				0
Minor additions and foreign currency translation impact				83
Gross carrying amount		9,355		9,355
Accumulated amortization	[1],[2]	(2,419)		(2,419)		(1,446)
Finite-lived intangible assets, net		$ 6,936		$ 6,936		$ 7,826
Non-Compete | Minimum
Finite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Finite-lived intangible assets useful life				4 years
Non-Compete | Maximum
Finite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Finite-lived intangible assets useful life				5 years
[1]	Aggregate amortization expense related to intangible assets was $2.1 million and $2.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively
[2]	Intangible assets are being amortized against earnings over the following periods: Trade name—2 to 5 years; Customer relationships—4 to 7 years; Content—1.5 to 4 years; Software—3 years; Non-compete—4 to 5 years.

Goodwill and Intangible Asset42

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Detail) - Estimated Future Amortization Expense By Year From Amortizable Intangibles - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2015 (remaining six months)	$ 3,994
2,016	7,190
2,017	5,665
2,018	4,438
2,019	2,822
2,020	2,532
2,021	469
Finite-lived intangible assets, net	$ 27,110	$ 30,689

Debt (Detail)

Debt (Detail)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)outstanding_contractcontractpayment	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)outstanding_contract
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity	$ 1,500,000,000
Line of credit facility, additional borrowing capacity	$ 500,000,000
Debt Instrument, interest, additional interest above eurodollar rate	1.00%
Number of derivative contracts | outstanding_contract	28	78
Notional amount of interest rate derivatives	$ 711,000,000	$ 245,650,000
Letters of credit outstanding, amount	$ 9,000,000
Interest rate swap
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Number of derivative contracts | contract	3
Notional amount of interest rate derivatives	$ 700,000,000
Interest rate, fair value hedge derivative at fair value, net (negative fair value)	$ 4,000,000
Interest rate swap one
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Derivative, fixed interest rate	2.26%
Notional amount of interest rate derivatives	$ 200,000,000
Derivative, term of contract	90 days
Interest rate swap two and three
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notional amount of interest rate derivatives	$ 500,000,000
Derivative, term of contract	30 days
Interest rate swap two
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Derivative, fixed interest rate	1.54%
Interest rate swap three
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Derivative, fixed interest rate	1.60%
Euro Dollar rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Minimum applicable margin rate	1.125%
Maximum applicable margin rate	1.50%
Federal Funds rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, interest, additional interest above federal fund rate	0.50%
Federal Funds rate | Euro Dollar rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Minimum applicable margin rate	0.125%
Maximum applicable margin rate	0.50%
Term loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity	$ 400,000,000
Debt instruments, maturity duration	5 years
Line of credit facility, frequency of payments | payment	16
Revolver loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity	$ 1,100,000,000
Revolver loans | Letter of credit
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity	$ 40,000,000

Debt (Detail) - Borrowings

Debt (Detail) - Borrowings - USD ($)		6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
		Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term line of credit	[1]	$ 715,000,000		$ 405,000,000
Debt instrument, interest, additional interest above base rate		1.38%
Notional amount of interest rate derivatives		$ 711,000,000		245,650,000
Line of credit facility, remaining borrowing capacity		776,000,000
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity		$ 1,500,000,000
Debt instrument, effective percentage		3.11%
Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Floating eurodollar based rate		0.18%
Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Floating eurodollar based rate		0.28%
Term loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term line of credit	[2]	$ 390,000,000		400,000,000
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity		$ 400,000,000
Term loans | Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Contractual annualized interest rate	[2]	1.56%
Term loans | Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Contractual annualized interest rate	[2]	1.66%
Revolver loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term line of credit	[2],[3]	$ 320,000,000		0
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity		$ 1,100,000,000
Revolver loans | Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Contractual annualized interest rate		1.56%
Revolver loans | Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Contractual annualized interest rate		1.66%
Other
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term line of credit	[4]	$ 5,000,000		$ 5,000,000
Connecticut Economic Development Program
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity			$ 5,000,000
Debt instrument, fixed interest rate			3.00%
Debt instrument, maturity period			10 years
Debt instrument, period principal payments are deferred			5 years
Line of credit facility, decrease, forgiveness			$ 2,500,000
Debt instrument, forgiveness period under the terms of the loan			5 years
Interest rate swap
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notional amount of interest rate derivatives		$ 700,000,000
[1]	The average annual effective rate on the Company's total debt outstanding as of June 30, 2015, including the effect of the swaps, was approximately 3.11%
[2]	The contractual annualized interest rates as of June 30, 2015 on the term loan and the revolver ranged from 1.56% to 1.66%, which consisted of a floating eurodollar base rate ranging from 0.18% to 0.28% plus a margin of 1.38%. However, the Company has interest rate swap contracts which convert the floating eurodollar base rates to a fixed base rate on $700.0 million of Company borrowings (see below).
[3]	The Company had $776.0 million of available borrowing capacity on the revolver (not including the expansion feature) as of June 30, 2015.
[4]	Consists of a $5.0 million State of Connecticut economic development loan with a 3.0% fixed rate of interest. The loan was originated in 2012 and has a 10 years maturity. Principal payments are deferred for the first five years and the loan may be repaid at any point by the Company without penalty. The loan has a principal forgiveness provision in which up to $2.5 million of the loan may be forgiven if the Company meets certain employment targets during the first five years of the loan.

Equity (Detail)

Equity (Detail) - USD ($)	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015		Jun. 30, 2014		May. 05, 2015
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Stock repurchase program, authorized amount								$ 1,200,000,000
Treasury stock, average price paid per share (in Dollars per share)		$ 84.03	$ 69.59	$ 82.34		$ 70.07
Purchases of treasury stock	$ 2,700,000	$ 117,400,000	$ 111,598,000	$ 441,442,000	[1]	$ 307,448,000	[1]
[1]	The cash paid for the six months ended June 30, 2015 includes $2.7 million for share repurchase transactions that occurred in late December 2014 and were paid in early January 2015.

Equity (Detail) - Share Repurch

Equity (Detail) - Share Repurchase Activity - USD ($) $ in Thousands		1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
		Jan. 31, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015		Jun. 30, 2014
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Number of shares repurchased (in shares)	[1],[2]		1,244,010	1,527,084	5,328,600		4,226,798
Cash paid for repurchased shares during the quarter		$ 2,700	$ 117,400	$ 111,598	$ 441,442	[3]	$ 307,448	[3]
[1]	The average cost of the repurchased shares was $84.03 and $82.34 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, respectively
[2]	These share repurchases were completed under the Company's prior share repurchase authorization, which was fully utilized.
[3]	The cash paid for the six months ended June 30, 2015 includes $2.7 million for share repurchase transactions that occurred in late December 2014 and were paid in early January 2015.

Equity (Details) - Changes in A

Equity (Details) - Changes in AOCI by Component (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
		Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	[1]	$ (42,328)	$ 8,552	$ (21,170)	$ 8,345
Change in AOCI before reclassifications to income	[1]	5,628	774	(16,336)	364
Reclassifications from AOCI to income during the period	[1],[2],[3]	1,083	627	1,889	1,244
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	[1]	6,711	1,401	(14,447)	1,608
Ending balance	[1]	(35,617)	9,953	(35,617)	9,953
Interest Rate Swaps
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	[1]	(2,844)	(3,433)	(1,740)	(3,903)
Change in AOCI before reclassifications to income	[1]	(596)	(102)	(2,453)	(234)
Reclassifications from AOCI to income during the period	[1],[2],[3]	1,030	613	1,783	1,215
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	[1]	434	511	(670)	981
Ending balance	[1]	(2,410)	(2,922)	(2,410)	(2,922)
Defined Benefit Pension Plans
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	[1]	(5,975)	(1,796)	(6,028)	(1,811)
Change in AOCI before reclassifications to income	[1]	0	0	0	0
Reclassifications from AOCI to income during the period	[1],[2],[3]	53	14	106	29
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	[1]	53	14	106	29
Ending balance	[1]	(5,922)	(1,782)	(5,922)	(1,782)
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	[1]	(33,509)	13,781	(13,402)	14,059
Change in AOCI before reclassifications to income	[1]	6,224	876	(13,883)	598
Reclassifications from AOCI to income during the period	[1],[2],[3]	0	0	0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	[1]	6,224	876	(13,883)	598
Ending balance	[1]	$ (27,285)	$ 14,657	$ (27,285)	$ 14,657
[1]	Amounts in parentheses represent debits (deferred losses).
[2]	The reclassifications related to defined benefit pension plans were recorded in Selling, general and administrative expense, net of tax effect. See Note 11 – Employee Benefits for information regarding the Company’s defined benefit pension plans.
[3]	The reclassifications related to interest rate swaps (cash flow hedges) were recorded in Interest expense, net of tax effect. See Note 9 – Derivatives and Hedging for information regarding the hedges.

Income Taxes (Detail)

Income Taxes (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Provision for income taxes	$ 28,357	$ 26,216	$ 44,246	$ 45,171
Effective income tax rate	35.70%	33.10%	35.80%	33.20%
Unrecognized tax benefits	$ 21,700		$ 21,700		$ 20,600
Unrecognized tax benefits reductions resulting from settlements with taxing authorities and lapse of applicable statute of limitations	$ 3,800		$ 3,800

Derivatives and Hedging (Detail

Derivatives and Hedging (Detail) - Outstanding Derivatives Contracts		6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
		Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)outstanding_contractcontract	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)outstanding_contract
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Number of Outstanding Contracts | outstanding_contract		28	78
Notional Amounts		$ 711,000,000	$ 245,650,000
Fair Value Asset (Liability), Net	[1]	(4,027,000)	(2,662,000)
Unrealized Loss Recorded in OCI		$ (2,410,000)	(1,740,000)
Interest rate swap
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Number of Outstanding Contracts | contract		3
Notional Amounts		$ 700,000,000
Designated as hedging instrument | Interest rate swap
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Unrealized Loss Recorded in OCI	[2]	$ (2,410,000)	$ (1,740,000)
Designated as hedging instrument | Accrued and Other liabilities | Interest rate swap
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Number of Outstanding Contracts | outstanding_contract	[2]	3	1
Notional Amounts	[2]	$ 700,000,000	$ 200,000,000
Fair Value Asset (Liability), Net	[1],[2]	$ (4,018,000)	$ (2,900,000)
Not designated as hedging instrument | Accrued liabilities | Foreign currency forwards
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Number of Outstanding Contracts | outstanding_contract	[3]	25	77
Notional Amounts	[3]	$ 11,000,000	$ 45,650,000
Fair Value Asset (Liability), Net	[1],[3]	$ (9,000)	$ 238,000
[1]	See Note 10 — Fair Value Disclosures for the determination of the fair value of these instruments.
[2]	The swaps have been designated and are accounted for as cash flow hedges of the forecasted interest payments on borrowings. As a result, changes in fair value of the swaps are deferred and are recorded in AOCL, net of tax effect (see Note 6 — Debt for additional information).
[3]	The Company has foreign exchange transaction risk since it typically enters into transactions in the normal course of business that are denominated in foreign currencies that differ from the local functional currency. The Company enters into short-term foreign currency forward exchange contracts to offset the economic effects of these foreign currency transaction risks. These contracts are accounted for at fair value with realized and unrealized gains and losses recognized in Other expense, net since the Company does not designate these contracts as hedges for accounting purposes. All of the contracts outstanding at June 30, 2015 matured by the end of July 2015.

Derivatives and Hedging (Deta50

Derivatives and Hedging (Detail) - Derivative Gains And Losses That Have Been Recognized In Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Operations - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
		Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Total expense, net		$ 2,269	$ 1,039	$ 3,780	$ 1,928
Interest expense, net
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Total expense, net	[1]	2,084	1,022	3,338	2,026
Other expense (income), net
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Total expense, net	[2]	$ 185	$ 17	$ 442	$ (98)
[1]	Consists of interest expense from interest rate swap contracts.
[2]	Consists of realized and unrealized gains and losses on foreign currency forward contracts.

Fair Value Disclosures (Detail)

Fair Value Disclosures (Detail) - Assets And Liabilities Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Assets:
Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis		$ 35,688	$ 35,108
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 | Deferred compensation plan assets
Assets:
Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis	[1]	7,447	7,650
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Assets:
Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis		28,241	27,458
Liabilities:
Liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis		44,458	42,220
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | Foreign currency forward contracts
Assets:
Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis	[2]	31	458
Liabilities:
Liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis	[2]	40	220
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | Interest rate swap contract
Liabilities:
Liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis	[3]	4,018	2,900
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | Deferred compensation plan assets
Assets:
Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis	[1]	28,210	27,000
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | Deferred compensation plan liabilities
Liabilities:
Liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis	[1]	$ 40,400	$ 39,100
[1]	The Company has a deferred compensation plan for the benefit of certain highly compensated officers, managers and other key employees. The assets consist of investments in money market and mutual funds, and company-owned life insurance contracts, all of which are valued based on Level 1 or Level 2 valuation inputs. The related deferred compensation plan liabilities are recorded at fair value, or the estimated amount needed to settle the liability, which the Company considers to be a Level 2 input.
[2]	The Company enters into foreign currency forward exchange contracts to hedge the effects of adverse fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. Valuation of the foreign currency forward contracts is based on observable foreign currency exchange rates in active markets, which the Company considers a Level 2 input.
[3]	The Company has interest rate swap contracts which hedge the risk of variability from interest payments on its borrowings (see Note 6 — Debt). The fair value of the swaps is based on mark-to-market valuations prepared by a third-party broker. The valuations are based on observable interest rates from recently executed market transactions and other observable market data, which the Company considers Level 2 inputs. The Company independently corroborates the reasonableness of the valuations prepared by the third-party broker through the use of an electronic quotation service.

Employee Benefits (Detail)

Employee Benefits (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Net periodic pension expense	$ 0.6	$ 0.8	$ 1.3	$ 1.5