Gartner (IT) 10-Q 5 May 16 2016 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Apr. 27, 2016
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	Mar. 31, 2016
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,016
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		82,501,772

Condensed Consolidated Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 403,943	$ 372,976
Fees receivable, net of allowances of $7,200 and $6,900, respectively	602,877	580,763
Deferred commissions	118,125	124,831
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	54,332	62,427
Total current assets	1,179,277	1,140,997
Property, equipment and leasehold improvements, net	108,628	108,733
Goodwill	718,034	715,359
Intangible assets, net	90,553	96,544
Other assets	115,017	113,053
Total Assets	2,211,509	2,174,686
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	247,423	387,691
Deferred revenues	986,301	900,801
Current portion of long-term debt	57,500	35,000
Total current liabilities	1,291,224	1,323,492
Long-term debt	832,500	790,000
Other liabilities	200,455	193,594
Total Liabilities	2,324,179	2,307,086
Stockholders’ Deficit
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	832,973	818,546
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net	(49,430)	(44,402)
Accumulated earnings	1,490,851	1,450,684
Treasury stock, at cost, 73,734,432 and 73,896,245 common shares, respectively	(2,387,142)	(2,357,306)
Total Stockholders’ Deficit	(112,670)	(132,400)
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Deficit	$ 2,211,509	$ 2,174,686

Condensed Consolidated Balance3

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (Parentheticals) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 7,200	$ 6,900
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)	73,734,432	73,896,245

Condensed Consolidated Statemen

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Revenues:
Research	$ 440,271	$ 381,090
Consulting	84,940	76,792
Events	32,055	13,304
Total revenues	557,266	471,186
Costs and expenses:
Cost of services and product development	212,041	177,762
Selling, general and administrative	257,411	229,522
Depreciation	8,834	7,989
Amortization of intangibles	6,183	2,139
Acquisition and integration charges	8,368	5,092
Total costs and expenses	492,837	422,504
Operating income	64,429	48,682
Interest expense, net	(6,006)	(3,480)
Other income (expense), net	1,884	(962)
Income before income taxes	60,307	44,240
Provision for income taxes	20,140	15,889
Net income	$ 40,167	$ 28,351
Net income per share:
Basic (in Dollars per share)	$ 0.49	$ 0.33
Diluted (in Dollars per share)	$ 0.48	$ 0.32
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic (in shares)	82,451	86,539
Diluted (in shares)	83,464	87,773

Condensed Consolidated Stateme5

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 40,167	$ 28,351
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	2,068	(20,107)
Interest rate hedges – net change in deferred loss	(7,133)	(1,104)
Pension – net change in deferred actuarial loss	37	53
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax	(5,028)	(21,158)
Comprehensive income	$ 35,139	$ 7,193

Condensed Consolidated Stateme6

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Operating activities:
Net income	$ 40,167	$ 28,351
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization of intangibles	15,017	10,128
Stock-based compensation plan expense	15,495	16,729
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation plans	(4,751)	(7,556)
Deferred taxes	(2,191)	(3,358)
Amortization of debt issue costs	411	837
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Fees receivable, net	(19,089)	9,631
Deferred commissions	7,047	8,352
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	8,205	(22,964)
Other assets	5,436	12,927
Deferred revenues	79,141	74,208
Accounts payable, accrued, and other liabilities	(136,308)	(121,622)
Cash provided by operating activities	8,580	5,663
Investing activities:
Additions to property, equipment and leasehold improvements	(6,560)	(11,632)
Acquisitions - cash paid (net of cash acquired)	(800)	0
Cash used in investing activities	(7,360)	(11,632)
Financing activities:
Proceeds from stock-based compensation plans and ESP Plan	2,580	2,076
Proceeds from borrowings	70,000	265,000
Payments on borrowings	(5,000)	(5,000)
Purchases of treasury stock	(45,487)	(324,042)
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation plans	4,751	7,556
Cash provided (used) in financing activities	26,844	(54,410)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	28,064	(60,379)
Effects of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents	2,903	(23,270)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	372,976	365,302
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$ 403,943	$ 281,653

Business and Basis of Presentat

Business and Basis of Presentation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
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 founded in 1979 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, 2015 . 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 months ended March 31, 2016 may not be indicative of the results of operations for the remainder of 2016 or beyond. 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. Management believes its use of estimates in these interim condensed consolidated financial statements to be reasonable. Management continuously 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 standards. The Company adopted the following new accounting standards during the three months ended March 31, 2016: Business Combinations — The Company adopted FASB Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2015-16, " Business Combinations - Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments " ("ASU No. 2015-16") on January 1, 2016. ASU No. 2015-16 requires the recognition of adjustments to business combination provisional amounts, that are identified during the measurement period, in the reporting period in which the adjustments are determined. The effects of the adjustments to provisional amounts on depreciation, amortization or other income effects are required to be recognized in current-period earnings as if the accounting had been completed at the acquisition date. Disclosure of the portion of the adjustment recorded in current-period earnings that would have been reported in prior reporting periods if the adjustment to the provisional amounts had been recognized at the acquisition date is also required. The adoption of ASU No. 2015-16 did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements at the date of adoption or for the three months ended March 31, 2016. However, ASU No. 2015-16 could have an impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements in the future if a transaction occurs within the scope of the rule. Debt Issuance Cost Presentation — The Company adopted FASB ASU No. 2015-03, “ Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs ” ("ASU No. 2015-03") on January 1, 2016. ASU No. 2015-03 requires that certain debt issuance costs related to our term loans be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the liability. Previously such costs were presented on the balance sheet as deferred assets. The adoption of ASU No. 2015-03 did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet at adoption since the Company did not have any of these specific debt issuance costs recorded in its accounts. However, ASU No. 2015-03 could impact the Company's balance sheet presentation in the future if the Company incurs debt issuance costs that are covered by the standard. Recently issued accounting Standards. The FASB has also issued several accounting standards that have not yet become effective and that may impact the Company’s consolidated financial statements or related disclosures in future periods. These standards and their potential impact are discussed below: Stock-Based Compensation — In March 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2016-09 , Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting ("ASU No. 2016-09") . ASU 2016-09 modifies several aspects of the accounting for employee share-based payment transactions, to include the accounting for income taxes, forfeitures, and statutory tax withholding requirements, as well as the classification of related amounts within the statement of cash flows. The provisions of the new rule will be effective for Gartner on January 1, 2017, with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the potential impact of ASU No. 2016-09 on the Company's consolidated financial statements upon adoption. Leases — In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, " Leases " ("ASU No. 2016-02") which will require significant changes in the accounting and disclosure of lease arrangements. Among the significant changes required by ASU No. 2016-02 is that almost all lease obligations will be recorded on the balance sheet as a liability, along with a corresponding right of use asset. Currently under U.S. GAAP, lease arrangements that meet certain criteria are considered operating leases and are not recorded on the balance sheet. ASU No. 2016-02 also requires certain key information about leasing arrangements be disclosed. ASU No. 2016-02 will be effective for Gartner on January 1, 2019. We are currently evaluating the impact of ASU No. 2016-02. Revenue — In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, " Revenue from Contracts with Customers " ("ASU No. 2014-09"). ASU No. 2014-09 and related amendments require changes in revenue recognition policies as well as require enhanced disclosures. ASU No. 2014-09 is intended to clarify the principles for recognizing revenue by removing inconsistencies and weaknesses in existing revenue recognition rules; provide a more robust framework for addressing revenue recognition issues; improve comparability of revenue recognition practices across entities, industries, jurisdictions and capital markets; and provide more useful information to users of financial statements through improved revenue disclosures. ASU No. 2014-09 will be effective for Gartner on January 1, 2018. We continue to evaluate the impact of ASU No. 2014-09 on the Company's consolidated financial statements upon adoption. The FASB also continues to work on a number of other significant accounting standards which if issued could materially impact the Company's accounting policies and disclosures in future periods. However, since these standards have not yet been issued, the effective dates and potential impact are unknown. Acquisitions . The Company accounts for business acquisitions in accordance with the acquisition method of accounting as prescribed by FASB ASC Topic 805, Business Combinations. The acquisition method of accounting requires the Company to record the net assets and liabilities acquired based on their estimated fair values as of the acquisition date, with any excess of the consideration transferred over the estimated fair value of the net assets acquired, including identifiable intangible assets, to be recorded to goodwill. Under the acquisition method, the operating results of acquired companies are included in the Company's consolidated financial statements beginning on the date of acquisition. The Company recognized $8.4 million and $5.1 million of acquisition and integration charges in the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, related to prior business acquisitions. These charges are classified in Acquisition and integration charges in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and include amounts accrued for payments contingent on the achievement of certain employment conditions, legal, consulting, and severance costs. The Company paid $22.7 million in the three months ended March 31, 2016 for the achievement of certain employment conditions related to an acquisition completed in 2014, of which $13.6 million was paid from escrow and $9.1 million was paid from existing Company cash. During the same period the Company also paid $0.8 million for an immaterial working capital adjustment related to one of its 2015 acquisitions.

Earnings per Share

Earnings per Share	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings per Share	Note 2 — 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 March 31, 2016 2015 Numerator: Net income used for calculating basic and diluted earnings per common share $ 40,167 $ 28,351 Denominator: Weighted average number of common shares used in the calculation of basic earnings per share 82,451 86,539 Common stock equivalents associated with stock-based compensation plans (1) 1,013 1,234 Shares used in the calculation of diluted earnings per share 83,464 87,773 Basic earnings per share $ 0.49 $ 0.33 Diluted earnings per share $ 0.48 $ 0.32 (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 0.4 million in each of the periods presented.

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
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 March 31, 2016 , the Company had a total of 6.2 million shares of its common stock, par value $.0005 per share (the “Common Stock”), available for stock-based compensation awards 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 March 31, Award type: 2016 2015 Stock appreciation rights $ 1.7 $ 2.1 Common stock equivalents 0.2 0.2 Restricted stock units 13.6 14.4 Total (1) $ 15.5 $ 16.7 Three Months Ended March 31, Amount recorded in: 2016 2015 Cost of services and product development $ 7.6 $ 6.9 Selling, general and administrative 7.9 9.8 Total (1) $ 15.5 $ 16.7 (1) Includes charges of $10.3 million and $10.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively, for awards to retirement-eligible employees since these awards vest on an accelerated basis. As of March 31, 2016 , the Company had $80.0 million of total unrecognized stock-based compensation cost, which is expected to be expensed over the remaining weighted-average service period of approximately 2.7 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 three months ended March 31, 2016 : 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, 2015 1.3 $ 56.47 $ 14.92 4.46 Granted 0.4 80.06 16.50 6.86 Exercised — — — n/a Outstanding at March 31, 2016 (1), (2) 1.7 $ 61.31 $ 15.24 4.63 Vested and exercisable at March 31, 2016 (2) 0.9 $ 49.80 $ 14.21 3.43 (1) As of March 31, 2016 , 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 $46.6 million . SARs vested and exercisable had an intrinsic value of $34.2 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: Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 2015 Expected dividend yield (1) — % — % Expected stock price volatility (2) 22 % 24 % Risk-free interest rate (3) 1.1 % 1.5 % 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 three months ended March 31, 2016 : Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) (in millions) Per Share Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Outstanding at December 31, 2015 1.4 $ 62.80 Granted (1) 0.6 80.07 Vested and released (0.6 ) 57.19 Forfeited (0.1 ) 30.67 Outstanding at March 31, 2016 (2), (3) 1.3 $ 72.55 (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 total contract value for 2016 . The final number of performance-based RSUs that will ultimately be awarded for 2016 ranges from 0% to 200% of the target amount, with the final number dependent on the actual increase in total contract value for 2016 as measured on December 31, 2016 . 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 1.8 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 three months ended March 31, 2016 : Common Stock Equivalents (CSEs) Per Share Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Outstanding at December 31, 2015 105,664 $ 19.57 Granted 1,749 90.58 Converted to common shares upon grant (1,400 ) 90.58 Outstanding at March 31, 2016 106,013 $ 19.81 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 March 31, 2016 , the Company had 1.0 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 $2.6 million and $2.1 million in cash from purchases under the ESP Plan during the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively.

Segment Information

Segment Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
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 March 31, 2016 Research Consulting Events Consolidated Revenues $ 440,271 $ 84,940 $ 32,055 $ 557,266 Gross contribution 308,186 29,378 12,983 350,547 Corporate and other expenses (286,118 ) Operating income $ 64,429 Three Months Ended March 31, 2015 Research Consulting Events Consolidated Revenues $ 381,090 $ 76,792 $ 13,304 $ 471,186 Gross contribution 267,065 26,327 2,442 295,834 Corporate and other expenses (247,152 ) Operating income $ 48,682 The following table provides a reconciliation of total segment gross contribution to net income for the periods indicated (in thousands): Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 2015 Total segment gross contribution $ 350,547 $ 295,834 Costs and expenses: Cost of services and product development - unallocated (1) 5,322 2,410 Selling, general and administrative 257,411 229,522 Depreciation and amortization 15,017 10,128 Acquisition and integration charges 8,368 5,092 Operating income 64,429 48,682 Interest expense and other 4,122 4,442 Provision for income taxes 20,140 15,889 Net income $ 40,167 $ 28,351 (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	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
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. In connection with its most recent annual impairment test of goodwill performed as of September 30, 2015, the Company utilized the quantitative approach in assessing the fair value of its reporting units relative to their respective carrying value, which indicated no impairment of recorded goodwill. No triggering events or other circumstances have occurred since that annual testing date that would have necessitated an interim impairment test of goodwill. The following table presents changes to the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment during the three months ended March 31, 2016 (in thousands): Research Consulting Events Total Balance, December 31, 2015 (1) $ 575,292 $ 98,412 $ 41,655 $ 715,359 Additions due to acquisitions (2) 1,913 — — 1,913 Foreign currency translation adjustments 1,161 (427 ) 28 762 Balance, March 31, 2016 $ 578,366 $ 97,985 $ 41,683 $ 718,034 (1) The Company does not have any accumulated goodwill impairment losses. (2) The additions to goodwill reflect certain measurement period working capital and other adjustments related to the acquisition of Capterra, Inc. in September 2015. Amortizable Intangible Assets The following tables present reconciliations of the carrying amounts of amortizable intangible assets as of the dates indicated (in thousands): March 31, 2016 Trade Name Customer Relationships Content Software Non-Compete Total Gross cost, December 31, 2015 $ 4,144 $ 62,860 $ 5,450 $ 16,219 $ 29,330 $ 118,003 Foreign currency translation impact and other 18 204 (150 ) (85 ) 17 4 Gross cost 4,162 63,064 5,300 16,134 29,347 118,007 Accumulated amortization (1), (2) (946 ) (11,675 ) (3,868 ) (4,926 ) (6,039 ) (27,454 ) Balance, March 31, 2016 $ 3,216 $ 51,389 $ 1,432 $ 11,208 $ 23,308 $ 90,553 December 31, 2015 Trade Name Customer Relationships Content Software Non-Compete Total Gross cost $ 4,144 $ 62,860 $ 5,450 $ 16,219 $ 29,330 $ 118,003 Accumulated amortization (1), (2) (681 ) (9,028 ) (3,525 ) (3,699 ) (4,526 ) (21,459 ) Balance, December 31, 2015 $ 3,463 $ 53,832 $ 1,925 $ 12,520 $ 24,804 $ 96,544 (1) Intangible assets are being amortized against earnings over the following periods: Trade name— 2 to 4 years ; Customer relationships— 4 to 7 years ; Content— 1.5 to 4 years ; Software— 3 years ; Non-compete— 3 to 5 years . (2) Aggregate amortization expense related to intangible assets was $6.2 million and $2.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. The estimated future amortization expense by year from amortizable intangibles is as follows (in thousands): 2016 (remaining nine months) $ 17,938 2017 21,516 2018 18,855 2019 14,346 2020 12,472 Thereafter 5,426 $ 90,553

Debt

Debt	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
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 greater 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 March 31, 2016 , the Company was in full compliance with the loan covenants. The Company’s total outstanding borrowings were as follows (in thousands): Balance Balance March 31, December 31, Description: 2016 2015 Term loans (1) $ 375,000 $ 380,000 Revolver loans (1), (2) 510,000 440,000 Other (3) 5,000 5,000 Total (4) $ 890,000 $ 825,000 (1) The contractual annualized interest rates as of March 31, 2016 on the term loan and the revolver ranged from 1.80% to 1.90% , which consisted of a floating eurodollar base rate ranging from 0.42% to 0.52% plus a margin of 1.38% . However, the Company has outstanding interest rate swap contracts, accounted for as cash flow hedges, which effectively convert the floating eurodollar base rates to a fixed base rate on $700.0 million of borrowings (see below). (2) The Company had $586.0 million of available borrowing capacity on the revolver (not including the expansion feature) as of March 31, 2016 . (3) Consists of a $5.0 million State of Connecticut economic development loan with a 3.00% 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 for the three months ended March 31, 2016 , including the effect of the interest rate swaps discussed below, was approximately 2.75% . 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. The Company pays base fixed rates on these swaps ranging from 1.53% to 1.60% and in return receives a floating eurodollar base rate on $700.0 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 March 31, 2016 . The interest rate swaps had a total negative fair value (liability) to the Company of $17.0 million at March 31, 2016 , which is deferred and recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax effect. Letters of Credit The Company had $4.0 million of letters of credit outstanding at March 31, 2016 . The Company enters into these instruments in the ordinary course of business to facilitate transactions with customers and others.

Equity

Equity	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Equity	Equity Share Repurchase Program The Company has a $1.2 billion board approved authorization 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 March 31, 2016 2015 Number of shares repurchased (1) 466,823 4,084,590 Cash paid for repurchased shares (in thousands) (2) $ 45,487 $ 324,042 (1) The average purchase price for shares was $82.02 and $81.83 for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. (2) The cash paid for the three months ended March 31, 2016 includes $7.2 million for share repurchase orders that were placed in late December 2015 and were settled in early January 2016. 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 March 31, 2016 : Interest Rate Swaps Defined Benefit Pension Plans Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Total December 31, 2015 $ (3,079 ) $ (4,832 ) $ (36,491 ) $ (44,402 ) Changes during the period: Change in AOCL/I before reclassifications to income (8,357 ) — 2,068 (6,289 ) Reclassifications from AOCL/I to income during the period (2), (3) 1,224 37 — 1,261 Other comprehensive (loss) income for the period (7,133 ) 37 2,068 (5,028 ) Balance – March 31, 2016 $ (10,212 ) $ (4,795 ) $ (34,423 ) $ (49,430 ) For the three months ended March 31, 2015 : Interest Rate Swaps Defined Benefit Pension Plans Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Total Balance – December 31, 2014 $ (1,740 ) $ (6,028 ) $ (13,402 ) $ (21,170 ) Changes during the period: Change in AOCL/I before reclassifications to income (1,857 ) — (20,107 ) (21,964 ) Reclassifications from AOCL/I to income during the period (2), (3) 753 53 — 806 Other comprehensive (loss) income for the period (1,104 ) 53 (20,107 ) (21,158 ) Balance – March 31, 2015 $ (2,844 ) $ (5,975 ) $ (33,509 ) $ (42,328 ) (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	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes The provision for income taxes was $20.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to $15.9 million in the three months ended March 31, 2015 . The effective income tax rate was 33.4% for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 35.9% for the same period in 2015 . The quarter-over-quarter decrease in the effective income tax rate was largely due to an estimated greater percentage of 2016 pretax income being earned in lower tax countries and favorable tax law changes affecting the three months ended March 31, 2016, which was partially offset by an increase in non-deductible expenses relating to acquisitions. As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , the Company had gross unrecognized tax benefits of $27.0 million and $25.9 million , respectively. The unrecognized tax benefits as of March 31, 2016 relate primarily to the utilization of certain tax attributes, state income tax positions, the ability to realize certain refund claims, and intercompany transactions. It is reasonably possible that the gross unrecognized tax benefits will decrease by approximately $1.6 million within the next 12 months due to the anticipated closure of audits and the expiration of certain statutes of limitation. In July 2015, the United States Tax Court (the “Court”) issued an opinion relating to the treatment of stock-based compensation expense in an inter-company cost-sharing arrangement. In its opinion, the Court held that affiliated companies may exclude stock-based compensation expense from their cost-sharing arrangement. In February 2016, the Internal Revenue Service filed notice of its intent to appeal the decision. Because of uncertainty related to the final resolution of this litigation and the recognition of potential benefits to the Company, the Company has not recorded any financial benefit associated with this decision. The Company will monitor developments related to this case and the potential impact of those developments on the Company’s current and future financial statements.

Derivatives and Hedging

Derivatives and Hedging	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivatives and Hedging	Derivatives and Hedging The Company enters into a limited number of derivative contracts to mitigate the cash flow risk associated with changes in interest rates on variable rate debt and changes in foreign exchange rateson forecasted foreign currency transactions. 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): March 31, 2016 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 $ (17,021 ) Other liabilities $ (10,212 ) Foreign currency forwards (2) 21 16,500 (126 ) Accrued liabilities — Total 24 $ 716,500 $ (17,147 ) $ (10,212 ) December 31, 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 $ (5,132 ) Other liabilities $ (3,079 ) Foreign currency forwards (2) 102 193,610 235 Accrued liabilities — Total 105 $ 893,610 $ (4,897 ) $ (3,079 ) (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/I, 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 mitigate the cash flow risk associated with changes in foreign currency rates on forecasted foreign currency transactions. 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 March 31, 2016 matured by the end of April 2016. (3) See Note 10 — Fair Value Disclosures for the determination of the fair value of these instruments. At March 31, 2016 , 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 March 31, Amount recorded in: 2016 2015 Interest expense, net (1) $ 1,987 $ 1,254 Other expense (income), net (2) 335 258 Total expense, net $ 2,322 $ 1,512 (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	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
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 these variable rate 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: March 31, December 31, Assets: Values based on Level 1 inputs: Deferred compensation plan assets (1) $ 9,672 $ 8,671 Total Level 1 inputs $ 9,672 $ 8,671 Values based on Level 2 inputs: Deferred compensation plan assets (1) $ 25,467 $ 25,474 Foreign currency forward contracts (2) — 610 Total Level 2 inputs $ 25,467 $ 26,084 Total Assets $ 35,139 $ 34,755 Liabilities: Values based on Level 2 inputs: Deferred compensation plan liabilities (1) $ 39,975 $ 39,071 Foreign currency forward contracts (2) 126 375 Interest rate swap contracts (3) 17,021 5,132 Total Level 2 inputs $ 57,122 $ 44,578 Total Liabilities $ 57,122 $ 44,578 (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	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
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 $0.7 million for both the three months ended March 31, 2016 and March 31, 2015.

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
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 March 31, 2016 , the Company did not have any material payment obligations under any such indemnification agreements.

Business and Basis of Present19

Business and Basis of Presentation (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
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, 2015 . 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 months ended March 31, 2016 may not be indicative of the results of operations for the remainder of 2016 or beyond.
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. Management believes its use of estimates in these interim condensed consolidated financial statements to be reasonable. Management continuously 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	Adoption of new accounting standards. The Company adopted the following new accounting standards during the three months ended March 31, 2016: Business Combinations — The Company adopted FASB Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2015-16, " Business Combinations - Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments " ("ASU No. 2015-16") on January 1, 2016. ASU No. 2015-16 requires the recognition of adjustments to business combination provisional amounts, that are identified during the measurement period, in the reporting period in which the adjustments are determined. The effects of the adjustments to provisional amounts on depreciation, amortization or other income effects are required to be recognized in current-period earnings as if the accounting had been completed at the acquisition date. Disclosure of the portion of the adjustment recorded in current-period earnings that would have been reported in prior reporting periods if the adjustment to the provisional amounts had been recognized at the acquisition date is also required. The adoption of ASU No. 2015-16 did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements at the date of adoption or for the three months ended March 31, 2016. However, ASU No. 2015-16 could have an impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements in the future if a transaction occurs within the scope of the rule. Debt Issuance Cost Presentation — The Company adopted FASB ASU No. 2015-03, “ Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs ” ("ASU No. 2015-03") on January 1, 2016. ASU No. 2015-03 requires that certain debt issuance costs related to our term loans be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the liability. Previously such costs were presented on the balance sheet as deferred assets. The adoption of ASU No. 2015-03 did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet at adoption since the Company did not have any of these specific debt issuance costs recorded in its accounts. However, ASU No. 2015-03 could impact the Company's balance sheet presentation in the future if the Company incurs debt issuance costs that are covered by the standard. Recently issued accounting Standards. The FASB has also issued several accounting standards that have not yet become effective and that may impact the Company’s consolidated financial statements or related disclosures in future periods. These standards and their potential impact are discussed below: Stock-Based Compensation — In March 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2016-09 , Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting ("ASU No. 2016-09") . ASU 2016-09 modifies several aspects of the accounting for employee share-based payment transactions, to include the accounting for income taxes, forfeitures, and statutory tax withholding requirements, as well as the classification of related amounts within the statement of cash flows. The provisions of the new rule will be effective for Gartner on January 1, 2017, with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the potential impact of ASU No. 2016-09 on the Company's consolidated financial statements upon adoption. Leases — In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, " Leases " ("ASU No. 2016-02") which will require significant changes in the accounting and disclosure of lease arrangements. Among the significant changes required by ASU No. 2016-02 is that almost all lease obligations will be recorded on the balance sheet as a liability, along with a corresponding right of use asset. Currently under U.S. GAAP, lease arrangements that meet certain criteria are considered operating leases and are not recorded on the balance sheet. ASU No. 2016-02 also requires certain key information about leasing arrangements be disclosed. ASU No. 2016-02 will be effective for Gartner on January 1, 2019. We are currently evaluating the impact of ASU No. 2016-02. Revenue — In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, " Revenue from Contracts with Customers " ("ASU No. 2014-09"). ASU No. 2014-09 and related amendments require changes in revenue recognition policies as well as require enhanced disclosures. ASU No. 2014-09 is intended to clarify the principles for recognizing revenue by removing inconsistencies and weaknesses in existing revenue recognition rules; provide a more robust framework for addressing revenue recognition issues; improve comparability of revenue recognition practices across entities, industries, jurisdictions and capital markets; and provide more useful information to users of financial statements through improved revenue disclosures. ASU No. 2014-09 will be effective for Gartner on January 1, 2018. We continue to evaluate the impact of ASU No. 2014-09 on the Company's consolidated financial statements upon adoption. The FASB also continues to work on a number of other significant accounting standards which if issued could materially impact the Company's accounting policies and disclosures in future periods. However, since these standards have not yet been issued, the effective dates and potential impact are unknown. Acquisitions . The Company accounts for business acquisitions in accordance with the acquisition method of accounting as prescribed by FASB ASC Topic 805, Business Combinations. The acquisition method of accounting requires the Company to record the net assets and liabilities acquired based on their estimated fair values as of the acquisition date, with any excess of the consideration transferred over the estimated fair value of the net assets acquired, including identifiable intangible assets, to be recorded to goodwill. Under the acquisition method, the operating results of acquired companies are included in the Company's consolidated financial statements beginning on the date of acquisition.

Earnings per Share (Tables)

Earnings per Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
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 March 31, 2016 2015 Numerator: Net income used for calculating basic and diluted earnings per common share $ 40,167 $ 28,351 Denominator: Weighted average number of common shares used in the calculation of basic earnings per share 82,451 86,539 Common stock equivalents associated with stock-based compensation plans (1) 1,013 1,234 Shares used in the calculation of diluted earnings per share 83,464 87,773 Basic earnings per share $ 0.49 $ 0.33 Diluted earnings per share $ 0.48 $ 0.32 (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 0.4 million in each of the periods presented.

Stock-Based Compensation (Table

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
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 March 31, Award type: 2016 2015 Stock appreciation rights $ 1.7 $ 2.1 Common stock equivalents 0.2 0.2 Restricted stock units 13.6 14.4 Total (1) $ 15.5 $ 16.7 (1) Includes charges of $10.3 million and $10.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 , 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 March 31, Amount recorded in: 2016 2015 Cost of services and product development $ 7.6 $ 6.9 Selling, general and administrative 7.9 9.8 Total (1) $ 15.5 $ 16.7 (1) Includes charges of $10.3 million and $10.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 , 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: Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 2015 Expected dividend yield (1) — % — % Expected stock price volatility (2) 22 % 24 % Risk-free interest rate (3) 1.1 % 1.5 % 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 three months ended March 31, 2016 : 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, 2015 1.3 $ 56.47 $ 14.92 4.46 Granted 0.4 80.06 16.50 6.86 Exercised — — — n/a Outstanding at March 31, 2016 (1), (2) 1.7 $ 61.31 $ 15.24 4.63 Vested and exercisable at March 31, 2016 (2) 0.9 $ 49.80 $ 14.21 3.43 (1) As of March 31, 2016 , 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 $46.6 million . SARs vested and exercisable had an intrinsic value of $34.2 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 three months ended March 31, 2016 : Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) (in millions) Per Share Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Outstanding at December 31, 2015 1.4 $ 62.80 Granted (1) 0.6 80.07 Vested and released (0.6 ) 57.19 Forfeited (0.1 ) 30.67 Outstanding at March 31, 2016 (2), (3) 1.3 $ 72.55 (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 total contract value for 2016 . The final number of performance-based RSUs that will ultimately be awarded for 2016 ranges from 0% to 200% of the target amount, with the final number dependent on the actual increase in total contract value for 2016 as measured on December 31, 2016 . 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 1.8 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 three months ended March 31, 2016 : Common Stock Equivalents (CSEs) Per Share Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Outstanding at December 31, 2015 105,664 $ 19.57 Granted 1,749 90.58 Converted to common shares upon grant (1,400 ) 90.58 Outstanding at March 31, 2016 106,013 $ 19.81

Segment Information (Tables)

Segment Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
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 March 31, 2016 Research Consulting Events Consolidated Revenues $ 440,271 $ 84,940 $ 32,055 $ 557,266 Gross contribution 308,186 29,378 12,983 350,547 Corporate and other expenses (286,118 ) Operating income $ 64,429 Three Months Ended March 31, 2015 Research Consulting Events Consolidated Revenues $ 381,090 $ 76,792 $ 13,304 $ 471,186 Gross contribution 267,065 26,327 2,442 295,834 Corporate and other expenses (247,152 ) Operating income $ 48,682
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 March 31, 2016 2015 Total segment gross contribution $ 350,547 $ 295,834 Costs and expenses: Cost of services and product development - unallocated (1) 5,322 2,410 Selling, general and administrative 257,411 229,522 Depreciation and amortization 15,017 10,128 Acquisition and integration charges 8,368 5,092 Operating income 64,429 48,682 Interest expense and other 4,122 4,442 Provision for income taxes 20,140 15,889 Net income $ 40,167 $ 28,351 (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)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
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 three months ended March 31, 2016 (in thousands): Research Consulting Events Total Balance, December 31, 2015 (1) $ 575,292 $ 98,412 $ 41,655 $ 715,359 Additions due to acquisitions (2) 1,913 — — 1,913 Foreign currency translation adjustments 1,161 (427 ) 28 762 Balance, March 31, 2016 $ 578,366 $ 97,985 $ 41,683 $ 718,034 (1) The Company does not have any accumulated goodwill impairment losses. (2) The additions to goodwill reflect certain measurement period working capital and other adjustments related to the acquisition of Capterra, Inc. in September 2015.
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): March 31, 2016 Trade Name Customer Relationships Content Software Non-Compete Total Gross cost, December 31, 2015 $ 4,144 $ 62,860 $ 5,450 $ 16,219 $ 29,330 $ 118,003 Foreign currency translation impact and other 18 204 (150 ) (85 ) 17 4 Gross cost 4,162 63,064 5,300 16,134 29,347 118,007 Accumulated amortization (1), (2) (946 ) (11,675 ) (3,868 ) (4,926 ) (6,039 ) (27,454 ) Balance, March 31, 2016 $ 3,216 $ 51,389 $ 1,432 $ 11,208 $ 23,308 $ 90,553 December 31, 2015 Trade Name Customer Relationships Content Software Non-Compete Total Gross cost $ 4,144 $ 62,860 $ 5,450 $ 16,219 $ 29,330 $ 118,003 Accumulated amortization (1), (2) (681 ) (9,028 ) (3,525 ) (3,699 ) (4,526 ) (21,459 ) Balance, December 31, 2015 $ 3,463 $ 53,832 $ 1,925 $ 12,520 $ 24,804 $ 96,544 (1) Intangible assets are being amortized against earnings over the following periods: Trade name— 2 to 4 years ; Customer relationships— 4 to 7 years ; Content— 1.5 to 4 years ; Software— 3 years ; Non-compete— 3 to 5 years . (2) Aggregate amortization expense related to intangible assets was $6.2 million and $2.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively.
Schedule of estimated future amortization expense by year	The estimated future amortization expense by year from amortizable intangibles is as follows (in thousands): 2016 (remaining nine months) $ 17,938 2017 21,516 2018 18,855 2019 14,346 2020 12,472 Thereafter 5,426 $ 90,553

Debt (Tables)

Debt (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of debt	he Company’s total outstanding borrowings were as follows (in thousands): Balance Balance March 31, December 31, Description: 2016 2015 Term loans (1) $ 375,000 $ 380,000 Revolver loans (1), (2) 510,000 440,000 Other (3) 5,000 5,000 Total (4) $ 890,000 $ 825,000 (1) The contractual annualized interest rates as of March 31, 2016 on the term loan and the revolver ranged from 1.80% to 1.90% , which consisted of a floating eurodollar base rate ranging from 0.42% to 0.52% plus a margin of 1.38% . However, the Company has outstanding interest rate swap contracts, accounted for as cash flow hedges, which effectively convert the floating eurodollar base rates to a fixed base rate on $700.0 million of borrowings (see below). (2) The Company had $586.0 million of available borrowing capacity on the revolver (not including the expansion feature) as of March 31, 2016 . (3) Consists of a $5.0 million State of Connecticut economic development loan with a 3.00% 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 for the three months ended March 31, 2016 , including the effect of the interest rate swaps discussed below, was approximately 2.75% .

Equity (Tables)

Equity (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
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 March 31, 2016 2015 Number of shares repurchased (1) 466,823 4,084,590 Cash paid for repurchased shares (in thousands) (2) $ 45,487 $ 324,042 (1) The average purchase price for shares was $82.02 and $81.83 for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. (2) The cash paid for the three months ended March 31, 2016 includes $7.2 million for share repurchase orders that were placed in late December 2015 and were settled in early January 2016.
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 March 31, 2016 : Interest Rate Swaps Defined Benefit Pension Plans Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Total December 31, 2015 $ (3,079 ) $ (4,832 ) $ (36,491 ) $ (44,402 ) Changes during the period: Change in AOCL/I before reclassifications to income (8,357 ) — 2,068 (6,289 ) Reclassifications from AOCL/I to income during the period (2), (3) 1,224 37 — 1,261 Other comprehensive (loss) income for the period (7,133 ) 37 2,068 (5,028 ) Balance – March 31, 2016 $ (10,212 ) $ (4,795 ) $ (34,423 ) $ (49,430 ) For the three months ended March 31, 2015 : Interest Rate Swaps Defined Benefit Pension Plans Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Total Balance – December 31, 2014 $ (1,740 ) $ (6,028 ) $ (13,402 ) $ (21,170 ) Changes during the period: Change in AOCL/I before reclassifications to income (1,857 ) — (20,107 ) (21,964 ) Reclassifications from AOCL/I to income during the period (2), (3) 753 53 — 806 Other comprehensive (loss) income for the period (1,104 ) 53 (20,107 ) (21,158 ) Balance – March 31, 2015 $ (2,844 ) $ (5,975 ) $ (33,509 ) $ (42,328 ) (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)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
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): March 31, 2016 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 $ (17,021 ) Other liabilities $ (10,212 ) Foreign currency forwards (2) 21 16,500 (126 ) Accrued liabilities — Total 24 $ 716,500 $ (17,147 ) $ (10,212 ) December 31, 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 $ (5,132 ) Other liabilities $ (3,079 ) Foreign currency forwards (2) 102 193,610 235 Accrued liabilities — Total 105 $ 893,610 $ (4,897 ) $ (3,079 ) (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/I, 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 mitigate the cash flow risk associated with changes in foreign currency rates on forecasted foreign currency transactions. 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 March 31, 2016 matured by the end of April 2016. (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 March 31, Amount recorded in: 2016 2015 Interest expense, net (1) $ 1,987 $ 1,254 Other expense (income), net (2) 335 258 Total expense, net $ 2,322 $ 1,512 (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)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
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: March 31, December 31, Assets: Values based on Level 1 inputs: Deferred compensation plan assets (1) $ 9,672 $ 8,671 Total Level 1 inputs $ 9,672 $ 8,671 Values based on Level 2 inputs: Deferred compensation plan assets (1) $ 25,467 $ 25,474 Foreign currency forward contracts (2) — 610 Total Level 2 inputs $ 25,467 $ 26,084 Total Assets $ 35,139 $ 34,755 Liabilities: Values based on Level 2 inputs: Deferred compensation plan liabilities (1) $ 39,975 $ 39,071 Foreign currency forward contracts (2) 126 375 Interest rate swap contracts (3) 17,021 5,132 Total Level 2 inputs $ 57,122 $ 44,578 Total Liabilities $ 57,122 $ 44,578 (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 (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)segment	Mar. 31, 2015USD ($)
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Number of reportable segments | segment	3
Acquisition and integration charges	$ 8,368	$ 5,092
Increase (decrease) in contingent consideration	(22,700)
Contingent consideration restricted cash payments	13,600
Contingent consideration cash payment	9,100
Business combination, working capital adjustment, adjustment	$ 800

Earnings per Share (Detail)

Earnings per Share (Detail) - shares shares in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share (less than .3 million in all periods)	0.4	0.4

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
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Numerator:
Net income used for calculating basic and diluted earnings per common share	$ 40,167	$ 28,351
Denominator:
Weighted average number of common shares used in the calculation of basic earnings per share	82,451	86,539
Common stock equivalents associated with stock-based compensation plans	1,013	1,234
Shares used in the calculation of diluted earnings per share	83,464	87,773
Basic earnings per share (in Dollars per share)	$ 0.49	$ 0.33
Diluted earnings per share (in Dollars per share)	$ 0.48	$ 0.32

Stock-Based Compensation (Detai

Stock-Based Compensation (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares available for grant	6.2
Common stock par value (in Dollars per share)	$ 0.0005		$ 0.0005
Total share-based compensation cost not yet recognized	$ 80,000,000
Total compensation cost not yet recognized, period for recognition	2 years 8 months 12 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 (up to)	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
Proceeds from stock plans	$ 2,600,000	$ 2,100,000

Stock-Based Compensation (Det32

Stock-Based Compensation (Detail) - Stock-Based Compensation Expense By Award Type - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total stock-based compensation expense	$ 15.5	$ 16.7
Retirement eligible employees equity award
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total stock-based compensation expense	10.3	10.5
Stock appreciation rights (SARs)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total stock-based compensation expense	1.7	2.1
Common stock equivalents (CSEs)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total stock-based compensation expense	0.2	0.2
Restricted stock units (RSUs)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total stock-based compensation expense	$ 13.6	$ 14.4

Stock-Based Compensation (Det33

Stock-Based Compensation (Detail) - Stock-Based Compensation Expense Recognized In Consolidated Statements Of Operations - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total stock-based compensation expense	$ 15.5	$ 16.7
Cost of services and product development
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total stock-based compensation expense	7.6	6.9
Selling, general and administrative
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total stock-based compensation expense	$ 7.9	$ 9.8

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	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2014
SARs [Roll Forward]
Outstanding at December 31, 2014 (in shares)	1.3
Granted (in shares)	0.4
Exercised (in shares)	0
Outstanding at September 30, 2015 (in shares)	1.7
Vested and exercisable at September 30, 2015 (in shares)	0.9
Per Share Weighted- Average Exercise Price [Roll Forward]
Outstanding at December 31, 2014 (in Dollars per share)	$ 56.47
Granted (in Dollars per share)	80.06
Exercised (in Dollars per share)	0
Outstanding at September 30, 2015 (in Dollars per share)	61.31
Vested and exercisable at September 30, 2015 (in Dollars per share)	49.80
Per Share Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Roll Forward]
Outstanding at December 31, 2014 (in Dollars per share)	14.92
Granted (in Dollars per share)	16.50
Exercised (in Dollars per share)	0
Outstanding at September 30, 2015 (in Dollars per share)	15.24
Vested and exercisable at September 30, 2015 (in Dollars per share)	$ 14.21
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term [Roll Forward]
Granted	6 years 10 months 10 days
Outstanding at September 30, 2015	4 years 7 months 17 days	4 years 5 months 16 days
Vested and exercisable at September 30, 2015	3 years 5 months 5 days
Aggregate Intrinsic value of outstanding shares	$ 46.6
Aggregate intrinsic value of shares vested and exercisable	$ 34.2
Unvested
SARs [Roll Forward]
Outstanding at September 30, 2015 (in shares)	0.8

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)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions and Methodology [Abstract]
Expected dividend yield	0.00%	0.00%
Expected stock price volatility	22.00%	24.00%
Risk-free interest rate	1.10%	1.50%
Expected life in years	4 years 4 months 24 days	4 years 4 months 24 days

Stock-Based Compensation (Det36

Stock-Based Compensation (Detail) - Summary Of Changes In RSUs Outstanding - Restricted stock units (RSUs) shares in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016$ / sharesshares
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Roll Forward]
Outstanding at December 31, 2014 (in shares)	1.4
Granted (in shares)	0.6
Vested and released (in shares)	(0.6)
Forfeited (in shares)	(0.1)
Outstanding at September 30, 2015 (in shares)	1.3
Per Share Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Roll Forward]
Outstanding at December 31, 2014 (in Dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 62.80
Granted (in Dollars per share) | $ / shares	80.07
Vested and released (in Dollars per share) | $ / shares	57.19
Forfeited (in Dollars per share) | $ / shares	30.67
Outstanding at September 30, 2015 (in Dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 72.55
Weighted average remaining contractual terms	1 year 9 months 18 days
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

Stock-Based Compensation (Det37

Stock-Based Compensation (Detail) - Summary Of Changes In CSEs Outstanding - Common stock equivalents (CSEs)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016$ / sharesshares
Common Stock Equivalents (CSEs) [Roll Forward]
Outstanding at December 31, 2014 (in shares) | shares	105,664
Granted (in shares) | shares	1,749
Converted to common shares upon grant (in shares) | shares	(1,400)
Outstanding at September 30, 2015 (in shares) | shares	106,013
Per Share Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Roll Forward]
Outstanding at December 31, 2014 (in Dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 19.57
Granted (in Dollars per share) | $ / shares	90.58
Converted to common shares upon grant (in Dollars per share) | $ / shares	90.58
Outstanding at September 30, 2015 (in Dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 19.81

Segment Information (Details) -

Segment Information (Details) - Information About Reportable Segments $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)segment	Mar. 31, 2015USD ($)
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of reportable segments | segment	3
Revenues	$ 557,266	$ 471,186
Operating income	64,429	48,682
Reportable segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	557,266	471,186
Gross contribution	350,547	295,834
Corporate and other expenses
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Corporate and other expenses	(286,118)	(247,152)
Research | Reportable segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	440,271	381,090
Gross contribution	308,186	267,065
Consulting | Reportable segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	84,940	76,792
Gross contribution	29,378	26,327
Events | Reportable segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	32,055	13,304
Gross contribution	$ 12,983	$ 2,442

Segment Information (Details)39

Segment Information (Details) - Reconciliation of Segment Gross Contribution to Net Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Costs and expenses:
Cost of services and product development - unallocated	$ 212,041	$ 177,762
Selling, general and administrative	257,411	229,522
Acquisition and integration charges	8,368	5,092
Operating income	64,429	48,682
Interest expense and other	4,122	4,442
Provision for income taxes	20,140	15,889
Net income	40,167	28,351
Reportable segments
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Total segment gross contribution	$ 350,547	295,834
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	$ 5,322	2,410
Selling, general and administrative	257,411	229,522
Depreciation and amortization	15,017	10,128
Acquisition and integration charges	$ 8,368	$ 5,092

Goodwill and Intangible Asset40

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Detail) - Changes to Carrying Amount of Goodwill by Reporting Unit - USD ($)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill impairment		$ 0
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance, December 31, 2015	$ 715,359,000
Additions due to acquisitions	1,913,000
Foreign currency translation adjustments and other	762,000
Balance, March 31, 2016	718,034,000
Research
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance, December 31, 2015	575,292,000
Additions due to acquisitions	1,913,000
Foreign currency translation adjustments and other	1,161,000
Balance, March 31, 2016	578,366,000
Consulting
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance, December 31, 2015	98,412,000
Additions due to acquisitions	0
Foreign currency translation adjustments and other	(427,000)
Balance, March 31, 2016	97,985,000
Events
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance, December 31, 2015	41,655,000
Additions due to acquisitions	0
Foreign currency translation adjustments and other	28,000
Balance, March 31, 2016	$ 41,683,000

Goodwill and Intangible Asset41

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Detail) - Carrying Amounts of Amortizable Intangible Assets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Finite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Gross carrying amount	$ 118,003
Foreign currency translation impact and other	4
Gross carrying amount	118,007
Accumulated amortization	(27,454)		$ (21,459)
Finite-lived intangible assets, net	90,553		96,544
Amortization of intangibles	6,183	$ 2,139
Trade Name
Finite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Gross carrying amount	4,144
Foreign currency translation impact and other	18
Gross carrying amount	4,162
Accumulated amortization	(946)		(681)
Finite-lived intangible assets, net	$ 3,216		3,463
Trade Name | Minimum
Finite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Finite-lived intangible assets useful life	4 years
Trade Name | Maximum
Finite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Finite-lived intangible assets useful life	2 years
Customer Relationships
Finite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Gross carrying amount	$ 62,860
Foreign currency translation impact and other	204
Gross carrying amount	63,064
Accumulated amortization	(11,675)		(9,028)
Finite-lived intangible assets, net	$ 51,389		53,832
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	$ 5,450
Foreign currency translation impact and other	(150)
Gross carrying amount	5,300
Accumulated amortization	(3,868)		(3,525)
Finite-lived intangible assets, net	$ 1,432		1,925
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	$ 16,219
Foreign currency translation impact and other	(85)
Gross carrying amount	16,134
Accumulated amortization	(4,926)		(3,699)
Finite-lived intangible assets, net	$ 11,208		12,520
Finite-lived intangible assets useful life	3 years
Non-Compete
Finite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Gross carrying amount	$ 29,330
Foreign currency translation impact and other	17
Gross carrying amount	29,347
Accumulated amortization	(6,039)		(4,526)
Finite-lived intangible assets, net	$ 23,308		$ 24,804
Non-Compete | Minimum
Finite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Finite-lived intangible assets useful life	3 years
Non-Compete | Maximum
Finite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Finite-lived intangible assets useful life	5 years

Goodwill and Intangible Asset42

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Detail) - Estimated Future Amortization Expense By Year From Amortizable Intangibles - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2016 (remaining nine months)	$ 17,938
2,017	21,516
2,018	18,855
2,019	14,346
2,020	12,472
Thereafter	5,426
Finite-lived intangible assets, net	$ 90,553	$ 96,544

Debt (Detail)

Debt (Detail)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)outstanding_contractcontractpayment	Dec. 31, 2012USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)outstanding_contract
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity	$ 1,500,000,000
Line of credit facility, additional borrowing capacity (up to)	$ 500,000,000
Debt Instrument, interest, additional interest above eurodollar rate	1.00%
Number of derivative contracts | outstanding_contract	24		105
Notional amount of interest rate derivatives	$ 716,500,000		$ 893,610,000
Letters of credit outstanding, amount	$ 4,000,000
Interest rate swap
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Number of derivative contracts | contract	3
Notional amount of interest rate derivatives	$ 700,000,000
Derivative, term of contract	30 days
Interest rate, fair value hedge derivative at fair value, net (negative fair value)	$ 17,000,000
Minimum | Interest rate swap
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Derivative, fixed interest rate	1.53%
Maximum | Interest rate swap
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
Connecticut Economic Development Program
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity		$ 5,000,000
Debt instrument, period principal payments are deferred		5 years

Debt (Detail) - Borrowings

Debt (Detail) - Borrowings - USD ($)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term line of credit	$ 890,000,000		$ 825,000,000
Debt instrument, interest, additional interest above base rate	1.375%
Notional amount of interest rate derivatives	$ 716,500,000		893,610,000
Line of credit facility, remaining borrowing capacity	586,000,000
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity	$ 1,500,000,000
Debt instrument, effective percentage	2.75%
Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Floating eurodollar based rate	0.42%
Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Floating eurodollar based rate	0.52%
Term loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term line of credit	$ 375,000,000		380,000,000
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity	$ 400,000,000
Term loans | Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Contractual annualized interest rate	1.90%
Term loans | Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Contractual annualized interest rate	1.80%
Revolver loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term line of credit	$ 510,000,000		440,000,000
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity	$ 1,100,000,000
Revolver loans | Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Contractual annualized interest rate	1.80%
Revolver loans | Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Contractual annualized interest rate	1.90%
Other
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term line of credit	$ 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 term		10 years
Debt instrument, period principal payments are deferred		5 years
Line of credit facility, decrease, forgiveness (up to)		$ 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

Equity (Detail)

Equity (Detail) - USD ($)	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 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)		$ 82.02	$ 81.83
Purchases of treasury stock	$ 7,200,000	$ 45,487,000	$ 324,042,000

Equity (Detail) - Share Repurch

Equity (Detail) - Share Repurchase Activity - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Number of shares repurchased (in shares)		466,823	4,084,590
Cash paid for repurchased shares during the quarter	$ 7,200	$ 45,487	$ 324,042

Equity (Details) - Changes in A

Equity (Details) - Changes in AOCI by Component (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ (132,400)
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax	(5,028)	$ (21,158)
Ending balance	(112,670)
Interest Rate Swaps
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(3,079)	(1,740)
Change in AOCL/I before reclassifications to income	(8,357)	(1,857)
Reclassifications from AOCI to income during the period	1,224	753
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax	(7,133)	(1,104)
Ending balance	(10,212)	(2,844)
Defined Benefit Pension Plans
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(4,832)	(6,028)
Change in AOCL/I before reclassifications to income	0	0
Reclassifications from AOCI to income during the period	37	53
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax	37	53
Ending balance	(4,795)	(5,975)
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(36,491)	(13,402)
Change in AOCL/I before reclassifications to income	2,068	(20,107)
Reclassifications from AOCI to income during the period	0	0
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax	2,068	(20,107)
Ending balance	(34,423)	(33,509)
AOCI Attributable to Parent
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(44,402)	(21,170)
Change in AOCL/I before reclassifications to income	(6,289)	(21,964)
Reclassifications from AOCI to income during the period	1,261	806
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax	(5,028)	(21,158)
Ending balance	$ (49,430)	$ (42,328)

Income Taxes (Detail)

Income Taxes (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Provision for income taxes	$ 20,140	$ 15,889
Effective income tax rate	33.40%	35.90%
Unrecognized tax benefits	$ 27,000		$ 25,900
Decrease in unrecognized tax benefits is reasonably possible	$ 1,600

Derivatives and Hedging (Detail

Derivatives and Hedging (Detail) - Outstanding Derivatives Contracts	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)outstanding_contractcontract	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)outstanding_contract
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Number of Outstanding Contracts | outstanding_contract	24	105
Notional Amounts	$ 716,500,000	$ 893,610,000
Fair Value Asset (Liability), Net	(17,147,000)	(4,897,000)
Unrealized Loss Recorded in OCI	$ (10,212,000)	(3,079,000)
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	$ (10,212,000)	$ (3,079,000)
Designated as hedging instrument | Other liabilities | Interest rate swap
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Number of Outstanding Contracts | outstanding_contract	3	3
Notional Amounts	$ 700,000,000	$ 700,000,000
Fair Value Asset (Liability), Net	$ (17,021,000)	$ (5,132,000)
Not designated as hedging instrument | Accrued liabilities | Foreign currency forwards
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Number of Outstanding Contracts | outstanding_contract	21	102
Notional Amounts	$ 16,500,000	$ 193,610,000
Fair Value Asset (Liability), Net	$ (126,000)	$ 235,000

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
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Total expense, net	$ 2,322	$ 1,512
Interest expense, net
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Total expense, net	1,987	1,254
Other expense (income), net
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Total expense, net	$ 335	$ 258

Fair Value Disclosures (Detail)

Fair Value Disclosures (Detail) - Assets And Liabilities Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Assets:
Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis	$ 35,139	$ 34,755
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 | Deferred compensation plan assets
Assets:
Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis	9,672	8,671
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Assets:
Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis	25,467	26,084
Liabilities:
Liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis	57,122	44,578
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | Foreign currency forward contracts
Assets:
Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis	0	610
Liabilities:
Liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis	126	375
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | Interest rate swap contract
Liabilities:
Liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis	17,021	5,132
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | Deferred compensation plan assets
Assets:
Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis	25,467	25,474
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | Deferred compensation plan liabilities
Liabilities:
Liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis	$ 39,975	$ 39,071

Employee Benefits (Detail)

Employee Benefits (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Net periodic pension expense	$ 0.7	$ 0.7