Gartner (IT) 10-Q 7 May 20 2020 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Cover Page

Cover Page - shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	May 01, 2020
Cover [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2020
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	1-14443
Entity Registrant Name	Gartner, Inc.
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	DE
Entity Tax Identification Number	04-3099750
Entity Address, Address Line One	P.O. Box 10212
Entity Address, Address Line Two	56 Top Gallant Road
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	06902-7700
Entity Address, City or Town	Stamford,
Entity Address, State or Province	CT
City Area Code	203
Local Phone Number	316-1111
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock, $.0005 par value per share
Trading Symbol	IT
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		89,175,114
Entity Central Index Key	0000749251
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2020
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Amendment Flag	false

Condensed Consolidated Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 227,850	$ 280,836
Fees receivable, net of allowances of $9,000 and $8,000, respectively	1,148,565	1,326,012
Deferred commissions	240,177	265,867
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	156,026	146,026
Total current assets	1,772,618	2,018,741
Property, equipment and leasehold improvements, net	346,579	344,579
Operating lease right-of-use assets	678,018	702,916
Goodwill	2,927,666	2,937,726
Intangible assets, net	864,150	925,087
Other assets	211,315	222,245
Total Assets	6,800,346	7,151,294
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	533,951	788,796
Deferred revenues	1,847,384	1,928,020
Current portion of long-term debt	149,003	139,718
Total current liabilities	2,530,338	2,856,534
Long-term debt, net of deferred financing fees	2,035,273	2,043,888
Operating lease liabilities	813,883	832,533
Other liabilities	530,577	479,746
Total Liabilities	5,910,071	6,212,701
Stockholders’ Equity
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 5,000,000 shares authorized; none issued or outstanding	0	0
Common stock, $0.0005 par value, 250,000,000 shares authorized; 163,602,067 shares issued for both periods	82	82
Additional paid-in capital	1,922,608	1,899,273
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net	(168,972)	(77,938)
Accumulated earnings	2,063,819	1,988,722
Treasury stock, at cost, 74,308,008 and 74,444,288 common shares, respectively	(2,927,262)	(2,871,546)
Total Stockholders’ Equity	890,275	938,593
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity	$ 6,800,346	$ 7,151,294

Condensed Consolidated Balanc_2

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parentheticals) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 9,000	$ 8,000
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)	163,602,067	163,602,067
Treasury stock, common shares (in shares)	74,308,008	74,444,288

Condensed Consolidated Statemen

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Revenues:
Total revenues	$ 1,018,891	$ 970,444
Costs and expenses:
Cost of services and product development	341,278	346,645
Selling, general and administrative	496,639	518,770
Depreciation	22,517	19,775
Amortization of intangibles	32,179	33,683
Acquisition and integration charges	1,560	2,772
Total costs and expenses	894,173	921,645
Operating income	124,718	48,799
Interest expense, net	(26,349)	(24,847)
Loss from divested operations	0	(2,075)
Other expense, net	(1,515)	(824)
Income before income taxes	96,854	21,053
Provision for income taxes	21,757	258
Net income	$ 75,097	$ 20,795
Net income per share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.84	$ 0.23
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.83	$ 0.23
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic (in shares)	89,219	89,882
Diluted (in shares)	90,066	91,004
Research
Revenues:
Total revenues	$ 909,291	$ 825,374
Conferences
Revenues:
Total revenues	13,870	51,932
Consulting
Revenues:
Total revenues	$ 95,730	$ 93,138

Condensed Consolidated Statem_2

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 75,097	$ 20,795
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(46,381)	(7,236)
Interest rate swaps – net change in deferred gain or loss	(44,732)	(14,505)
Pension plans – net change in deferred actuarial loss	79	42
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax	(91,034)	(21,699)
Comprehensive loss	$ (15,937)	$ (904)

Condensed Consolidated Statem_3

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-In Capital	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net	Accumulated Earnings	Treasury Stock
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2018	$ 850,757	$ 82	$ 1,823,710	$ (39,867)	$ 1,755,432	$ (2,688,600)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	20,795				20,795
Other comprehensive loss	(21,699)			(21,699)
Issuances under stock plans	5,062		(2,911)			7,973
Common share repurchases	(29,837)					(29,837)
Stock-based compensation expense	31,819		31,819
Ending balance at Mar. 31, 2019	856,897	82	1,852,618	(61,566)	1,776,227	(2,710,464)
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2019	938,593	82	1,899,273	(77,938)	1,988,722	(2,871,546)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	75,097				75,097
Other comprehensive loss	(91,034)			(91,034)
Issuances under stock plans	5,654		(1,794)			7,448
Common share repurchases	(63,164)					(63,164)
Stock-based compensation expense	25,129		25,129
Ending balance at Mar. 31, 2020	$ 890,275	$ 82	$ 1,922,608	$ (168,972)	$ 2,063,819	$ (2,927,262)

Condensed Consolidated Statem_4

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Operating activities:
Net income	$ 75,097	$ 20,795
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	54,696	53,458
Stock-based compensation expense	25,129	31,819
Deferred taxes	25,537	(25,530)
Loss from divested operations	0	2,075
Reduction in the carrying amount of operating lease right-of-use assets	22,862	20,939
Amortization and write-off of deferred financing fees	1,637	1,616
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Fees receivable, net	135,661	78,390
Deferred commissions	17,520	4,073
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	(12,656)	8,891
Other assets	5,961	(28,517)
Deferred revenues	(26,228)	85,740
Accounts payable and accrued and other liabilities	(269,467)	(218,153)
Cash provided by operating activities	55,749	35,596
Investing activities:
Additions to property, equipment and leasehold improvements	(24,536)	(20,060)
Acquisitions - cash paid (net of cash acquired)	0	(2,295)
Cash used in investing activities	(24,536)	(22,355)
Financing activities:
Proceeds from employee stock purchase plan	5,641	5,083
Proceeds from borrowings	0	35,000
Payments on borrowings	(967)	(18,682)
Purchases of treasury stock	(73,164)	(44,839)
Cash used in financing activities	(68,490)	(23,438)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(37,277)	(10,197)
Effects of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents	(15,709)	804
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	280,836	158,663
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$ 227,850	$ 149,270

Business and Basis of Presentat

Business and Basis of Presentation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Business and Basis of Presentation	Business and Basis of Presentation Business. Gartner, Inc. (NYSE: IT) is the world’s leading research and advisory company and a member of the S&P 500. We equip business leaders with indispensable insights, advice and tools to achieve their mission–critical priorities today and build the successful organizations of tomorrow. We believe our unmatched combination of expert-led, practitioner-sourced and data-driven research steers clients toward the right decisions on the issues that matter most. We are a trusted advisor and an objective resource for more than 15,000 enterprises in more than 100 countries — across all major functions, in every industry and enterprise size. Segments . Gartner delivers its products and services globally through three business segments: Research, Conferences and Consulting. Revenues and other financial information for our segments are discussed in Note 5 — Segment Information. 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 Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 270 for interim financial information and with the applicable instructions of U.S. Securities and 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 in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019. The fiscal year of Gartner is the twelve-month 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, 2020 may not be indicative of the results of operations for the remainder of 2020 or beyond. When used in these notes, the terms “Gartner,” the “Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our” refer to Gartner, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries. 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 or benefit, performance-based compensation charges, depreciation and amortization. Management believes its use of estimates in these interim condensed consolidated financial statements to be reasonable. Management continually evaluates and revises its estimates using historical experience and other factors, including the general economic environment and actions it may take in the future. Management adjusts these estimates when facts and circumstances dictate. However, these estimates may involve significant uncertainties and judgments and cannot be determined with precision. In addition, these estimates are based on management’s best judgment at a point in time. As a result, differences between our estimates and actual results could be material and would be reflected in the Company’s consolidated financial statements in future periods. In December 2019, a novel coronavirus disease (“COVID-19”) was reported in Wuhan, China and on March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization characterized COVID-19 as a pandemic. Any future asset impairment charges, increase in allowance for doubtful accounts, or restructuring charges could be more likely if the negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic continue and will be dependent on the severity and duration of this crisis. To date, the Company has not observed any material impairments of its assets or a significant change in the fair value of assets due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Revenue recognition. Revenue is recognized in accordance with the requirements of FASB ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASC Topic 606”). Revenue is only recognized when all of the required criteria for revenue recognition have been met. The accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations present revenue net of any sales or value-added taxes that we collect from customers and remit to government authorities. ASC Topic 270 requires certain disclosures in interim financial statements around the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. Note 2 — Revenue and Related Matters provides additional information regarding the Company's revenues. Acquisition and divestiture activities. The Company recognized $1.6 million and $2.8 million of Acquisition and integration charges during the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Acquisition and integration charges reflect additional costs and expenses resulting from our acquisitions and include, among other items, professional fees, severance and stock-based compensation charges. Although the Company did not complete any business acquisitions during the three months ended March 31, 2020 or 2019, it paid $2.3 million of restricted cash in 2019 for deferred consideration from a 2017 acquisition. During the three months ended March 31, 2019, the Company recorded a pretax Loss from divested operations of $2.1 million, primarily due to adjustments of certain working capital balances related to divestitures that were completed in 2018. There were no divestitures completed during the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2020. Adoption of new accounting standards. The Company adopted the accounting standards described below during the three months ended March 31, 2020. Implementation Costs in a Cloud Computing Arrangement — In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-15, Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract ("ASU No. 2018-15"). ASU No. 2018-15 aligns the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a cloud computing arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software. Costs that are capitalized under ASU No. 2018-15 will be expensed over the term of the cloud computing arrangement. Gartner adopted ASU No. 2018-15 on January 1, 2020 on a prospective basis. The adoption of ASU No. 2018-15 did not have a material impact on the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements. Fair Value Measurement Disclosures — In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-13, Disclosure Framework—Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement ("ASU No. 2018-13"). ASU No. 2018-13, which is part of the FASB's broader disclosure framework project, modifies and supplements the current U.S. GAAP disclosure requirements pertaining to fair value measurements, with an emphasis on Level 3 disclosures of the valuation hierarchy. Gartner adopted ASU No. 2018-13 on January 1, 2020. The adoption of ASU No. 2018-13 did not have a material impact on the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements. Goodwill Impairment — In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other - Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment ("ASU No. 2017-04"). ASU No. 2017-04 simplifies the determination of the amount of goodwill to be potentially charged off by eliminating Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test under current U.S. GAAP. Gartner adopted ASU No. 2017-04 on January 1, 2020. The adoption of ASU No. 2017-04 did not have a material impact on the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements. Financial Instrument Credit Losses — In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses ("ASU No. 2016-13"). ASU No. 2016-13 amends the current financial instrument impairment model by requiring entities to use a forward-looking approach based on expected losses to estimate credit losses on certain types of financial instruments, including trade receivables. Gartner adopted ASU No. 2016-13 on January 1, 2020 with no cumulative effect adjustment to the Company's opening retained earnings. The Company applied the expected credit loss model to its fees receivable balance on January 1, 2020 using a historical loss rate method. The Company’s trade receivables are collected fairly quickly and its credit losses have historically been low. The adoption of ASU No. 2016-13 did not have a material impact on the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements. Accounting standards issued but not yet adopted. The FASB has issued accounting standards that have not yet become effective and may impact the Company’s consolidated financial statements or related disclosures in future periods. Those standards and their potential impact are discussed below. Accounting standard effective immediately upon voluntary election by Gartner Reference Rate Reform — In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform—Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting ("ASU No. 2020-04"). ASU No. 2020-04 provides that an entity can elect not to apply certain required modification accounting in U.S. GAAP to contracts where all changes to the critical terms relate to reference rate reform (e.g., the expected discontinuance of LIBOR and the transition to an alternative reference interest rate, etc.). In addition, the rule provides optional expedients and exceptions that enable entities to continue to apply hedge accounting for hedging relationships where one or more of the critical terms change due to reference rate reform. The rule became effective for all entities as of March 12, 2020 and will generally no longer be available to apply after December 31, 2022. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact of ASU No. 2020-04 on its consolidated financial statements, including the rule’s potential impact on any debt modifications or other contractual changes in the future that may result from reference rate reform. Accounting standard effective in the fourth quarter of 2020 Defined Benefit Plan Disclosures — In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-14, Disclosure Framework—Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans ("ASU No. 2018-14"). ASU No. 2018-14, which is part of the FASB's broader disclosure framework project, modifies and supplements the current U.S. GAAP annual disclosure requirements for employers that sponsor defined benefit pension plans. ASU No. 2018-14 is effective for Gartner in the fourth quarter of 2020. ASU No. 2018-14 must be adopted on a retroactive basis and applied to each comparative period presented in an entity's financial statements. The adoption of ASU No. 2018-14 is currently not expected to have a material impact on the Company's financial statement disclosures. Accounting standard effective in 2021 Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes — In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-12, Income Taxes—Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes ("ASU No. 2019-12"). ASU No. 2019-12 provides new guidance to simplify the accounting for income taxes in certain areas, changes the accounting for select income tax transactions and makes minor ASC improvements. ASU No. 2019-12 is effective for Gartner on January 1, 2021, including interim periods in the year of adoption. Early adoption is permitted. The method of adoption varies depending on the component of the new rule that is being adopted. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact of ASU No. 2019-12 on our consolidated financial statements.

Revenue and Related Matters

Revenue and Related Matters	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Revenue and Related Matters	Revenue and Related Matters Disaggregated Revenue — The Company's disaggregated revenue by reportable segment is presented in the tables below for the periods indicated (in thousands). By Primary Geographic Market (1) Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 Primary Geographic Market Research Conferences Consulting Total United States and Canada $ 590,156 $ 5,980 $ 54,163 $ 650,299 Europe, Middle East and Africa 205,939 2,147 30,082 238,168 Other International 113,196 5,743 11,485 130,424 Total revenues $ 909,291 $ 13,870 $ 95,730 $ 1,018,891 Three Months Ended March 31, 2019 Primary Geographic Market Research Conferences Consulting Total United States and Canada $ 527,233 $ 29,007 $ 55,093 $ 611,333 Europe, Middle East and Africa 193,955 17,197 29,934 241,086 Other International 104,186 5,728 8,111 118,025 Total revenues $ 825,374 $ 51,932 $ 93,138 $ 970,444 (1) Revenue is reported based on where the sale is fulfilled. The Company’s revenue is generated primarily through direct sales to clients by domestic and international sales forces and a network of independent international sales agents. Most of the Company’s products and services are provided on an integrated worldwide basis and, because of this integrated delivery approach, it is not practical to precisely separate our revenue by geographic location. Accordingly, revenue information presented in the above tables is based on internal allocations, which involve certain management estimates and judgments. By Timing of Revenue Recognition Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 Timing of Revenue Recognition Research Conferences Consulting Total Transferred over time (1) $ 829,212 $ — $ 81,408 $ 910,620 Transferred at a point in time (2) 80,079 13,870 14,322 108,271 Total revenues $ 909,291 $ 13,870 $ 95,730 $ 1,018,891 Three Months Ended March 31, 2019 Timing of Revenue Recognition Research Conferences Consulting Total Transferred over time (1) $ 752,798 $ — $ 78,957 $ 831,755 Transferred at a point in time (2) 72,576 51,932 14,181 138,689 Total revenues 825,374 $ 51,932 $ 93,138 $ 970,444 (1) Research revenues were recognized in connection with performance obligations that were satisfied over time using a time-elapsed output method to measure progress. Consulting revenues were recognized over time using labor hours as an input measurement basis. (2) The revenues in this category were recognized in connection with performance obligations that were satisfied at the point in time that the contractual deliverables were provided to the customer. Performance Obligations — For customer contracts that are greater than one year in duration, the aggregate amount of the transaction price allocated to performance obligations that are unsatisfied (or partially unsatisfied) as of March 31, 2020 was approximately $3.1 billion. The Company expects to recognize $1,526.7 million, $1,220.0 million and $311.6 million of this revenue (most of which pertains to Research) during the remainder of 2020, the year ending December 31, 2021 and thereafter, respectively. The Company applies a practical expedient that is permitted under ASC Topic 606 and, accordingly, it does not disclose such performance obligation information for customer contracts that have original durations of one year or less. Our performance obligations for contracts meeting this ASC Topic 606 disclosure exclusion primarily include: (i) stand-ready services under Research subscription contracts; (ii) holding conferences and meetings where attendees and exhibitors can participate; and (iii) providing customized Consulting solutions for clients under fixed fee and time and materials engagements. The remaining duration of these performance obligations is generally less than one year, which aligns with the period that the parties have enforceable rights and obligations under the affected contracts. Customer Contract Assets and Liabilities — The timing of the recognition of revenue and the amount and timing of our billings and cash collections, including upfront customer payments, result in the recognition of both assets and liabilities on our consolidated balance sheet. The table below provides information regarding certain of the Company’s balance sheet accounts that pertain to its contracts with customers (in thousands). March 31, December 31, 2020 2019 Assets: Fees receivable, gross (1) $ 1,157,565 $ 1,334,012 Contract assets recorded in Prepaid expenses and other current assets (2) $ 19,558 $ 21,350 Contract liabilities: Deferred revenues (current liability) (3) $ 1,847,384 $ 1,928,020 Non-current deferred revenues recorded in Other liabilities (3) 17,231 24,409 Total contract liabilities $ 1,864,615 $ 1,952,429 (1) Fees receivable represent an unconditional right of payment from our customers and include both billed and unbilled amounts. (2) Contract assets represent recognized revenue for which we do not have an unconditional right to payment as of the balance sheet date because the project may be subject to a progress billing milestone or some other billing restriction. (3) Deferred revenues represent amounts (i) for which the Company has received an upfront customer payment or (ii) that pertain to recognized fees receivable. Both situations occur before the completion of our performance obligation(s). The Company recognized revenue of $658.4 million and $650.1 million during the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, that was attributable to deferred revenues that were recorded at the beginning of each such period. Those amounts primarily consisted of (i) Research revenues that were recognized ratably as control of the goods or services passed to the customer and (ii) Conferences revenue pertaining to conferences and meetings that occurred during the reporting periods. During each of the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company did not record any material impairments related to its contract assets. The Company does not typically recognize revenue from performance obligations satisfied in prior periods.

Computation of Earnings Per Sha

Computation of Earnings Per Share	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Computation of Earnings Per Share	Computation of Earnings Per Share Basic earnings per share (“EPS”) is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares of Common Stock outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution of securities that could share in earnings. When the impact of common share equivalents is anti-dilutive, they are excluded from the calculation. The table below sets forth the calculation of basic and diluted income per share for the periods indicated (in thousands, except per share data). Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 2019 Numerator: Net income used for calculating basic and diluted income per common share $ 75,097 $ 20,795 Denominator: Weighted average common shares used in the calculation of basic income per share 89,219 89,882 Common stock equivalents associated with stock-based compensation plans (1) 847 1,122 Shares used in the calculation of diluted income per share 90,066 91,004 Basic income per share $ 0.84 $ 0.23 Diluted income per share $ 0.83 $ 0.23 (1) Certain common stock equivalents were not included in the computation of diluted income per share because the effect would have been anti-dilutive. These common share equivalents totaled 0.7 million and 0.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Share-based Payment Arrangement [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. As of March 31, 2020, the Company had 4.1 million shares of its common stock, par value $0.0005 per share, (the “Common Stock”) available for stock-based compensation awards under its 2014 Long-Term Incentive Plan. The tables below summarize the Company's stock-based compensation expense by award type and expense category line item during the periods indicated (in millions). Three Months Ended March 31, Award type 2020 2019 Stock appreciation rights $ 1.7 $ 3.9 Restricted stock units 23.2 27.7 Common stock equivalents 0.2 0.2 Total (1) $ 25.1 $ 31.8 Three Months Ended March 31, Expense category line item 2020 2019 Cost of services and product development $ 12.1 $ 11.3 Selling, general and administrative 13.0 20.4 Acquisition and integration charges (2) — 0.1 Total (1) $ 25.1 $ 31.8 (1) Includes charges of $11.6 million and $20.9 million during the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, for awards to retirement-eligible employees. Those awards vest on an accelerated basis. (2) Includes charges related to acquisitions and related integration efforts.

Segment Information

Segment Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Information	Segment Information The Company's products and services are delivered through three segments – Research, Conferences and Consulting, as described below. • Research provides trusted, objective insights and advice on the mission-critical priorities of leaders across all functional areas of an enterprise through reports, briefings, proprietary tools, access to our research experts, peer networking services and membership programs that enable our clients to drive organizational performance. • Conferences provides business professionals across an organization the opportunity to learn, share and network. From our Gartner Symposium/Xpo series, to industry-leading conferences focused on specific business roles and topics, to peer-driven sessions, our offerings enable attendees to experience the best of Gartner insight and advice live. • Consulting combines the power of Gartner market-leading research with custom analysis and on-the-ground support to help chief information officers and other senior executives driving technology-related strategic initiatives move confidently from insight to action. The Company evaluates segment performance and allocates resources based on gross contribution margin. Gross contribution, as presented in the tables below, is defined as operating income or loss excluding certain Cost of services and product development expenses, Selling, general and administrative expenses, 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 regarding the allocation of resources. The tables below present information about the Company’s reportable segments for the periods indicated (in thousands). Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 Research Conferences Consulting Consolidated Revenues $ 909,291 $ 13,870 $ 95,730 $ 1,018,891 Gross contribution 653,469 (6,060) 29,382 676,791 Corporate and other expenses (552,073) Operating income $ 124,718 Three Months Ended March 31, 2019 Research Conferences Consulting Consolidated Revenues $ 825,374 $ 51,932 $ 93,138 $ 970,444 Gross contribution 575,168 18,876 28,718 622,762 Corporate and other expenses (573,963) Operating income $ 48,799 The table below provides a reconciliation of total segment gross contribution to net income for the periods indicated (in thousands). Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 2019 Total segment gross contribution $ 676,791 $ 622,762 Costs and expenses: Cost of services and product development - unallocated (1) (822) (1,037) Selling, general and administrative 496,639 518,770 Depreciation and amortization 54,696 53,458 Acquisition and integration charges 1,560 2,772 Operating income 124,718 48,799 Interest expense and other, net (27,864) (25,671) Loss from divested operations — (2,075) Less: Provision for income taxes 21,757 258 Net income $ 75,097 $ 20,795 (1) The unallocated amounts consist of certain bonus and fringe costs recorded in consolidated Cost of services and product development that are not allocated to segment expense. The Company's policy is to allocate bonuses to segments at 100% of a segment employee's target bonus. Amounts above or below 100% are absorbed by corporate.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	Goodwill and Intangible AssetsGoodwill Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price of acquired businesses over the estimated fair values of the tangible and identifiable intangible net assets acquired. Evaluations of the recoverability of goodwill are 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. When performing our annual assessment of the recoverability of goodwill, we initially perform a qualitative analysis evaluating whether any events or circumstances occurred or exist that provide evidence that it is more likely than not that the fair value of any of our reporting units is less than the related carrying amount. If we do not believe that it is more likely than not that the fair value of any of our reporting units is less than the related carrying amount, then no quantitative impairment test is performed. However, if the results of our qualitative assessment indicate that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its respective carrying amount, then we perform a quantitative impairment test. Evaluating the recoverability of goodwill requires judgments and assumptions regarding future trends and events. As a result, both the precision and reliability of our estimates are subject to uncertainty. Our most recent annual impairment test of goodwill was a qualitative analysis conducted during the quarter ended September 30, 2019 that indicated no impairment. There were no events or changes in circumstances which indicate that the carrying value of goodwill may not be recoverable during the three months ended March 31, 2020. The table below presents changes to the carrying amount of goodwill by segment during the three months ended March 31, 2020 (in thousands). Research Conferences Consulting Total Balance at December 31, 2019 (1) $ 2,651,060 $ 189,641 $ 97,025 $ 2,937,726 Foreign currency translation impact (8,718) (1,278) (64) (10,060) Balance at March 31, 2020 $ 2,642,342 $ 188,363 $ 96,961 $ 2,927,666 (1) The Company does not have any accumulated goodwill impairment losses. Finite-Lived Intangible Assets The tables below present reconciliations of the carrying amounts of the Company's finite-lived intangible assets as of the dates indicated (in thousands). March 31, 2020 Customer Software Content Other Total Gross cost at December 31, 2019 $ 1,145,109 $ 111,033 $ 14,140 $ 30,838 $ 1,301,120 Foreign currency translation impact (36,507) (1,171) (175) (72) (37,925) Gross cost 1,108,602 109,862 13,965 30,766 1,263,195 Accumulated amortization (1) (299,121) (66,478) (12,302) (21,144) (399,045) Balance at March 31, 2020 $ 809,481 $ 43,384 $ 1,663 $ 9,622 $ 864,150 December 31, 2019 Customer Software Content Other Total Gross cost $ 1,145,109 $ 111,033 $ 14,140 $ 30,838 $ 1,301,120 Accumulated amortization (1) (283,369) (61,564) (11,225) (19,875) (376,033) Balance at December 31, 2019 $ 861,740 $ 49,469 $ 2,915 $ 10,963 $ 925,087 (1) Finite-lived intangible assets are amortized using the straight-line method over the following periods: Customer relationships—4 to 13 years; Software—3 to 7 years; Content—1.5 to 4 years; and Other—2 to 11 years. Amortization expense related to finite-lived intangible assets was $32.2 million and $33.7 million during the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The estimated future amortization expense by year for finite-lived intangible assets is presented in the table below (in thousands). 2020 (remaining nine months) $ 91,192 2021 102,091 2022 92,339 2023 92,323 2024 87,064 Thereafter 399,141 $ 864,150

Debt

Debt	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt	Debt 2016 Credit Agreement The Company has a credit facility that currently provides for a $1.5 billion Term loan A facility and a $1.2 billion revolving credit facility (the "2016 Credit Agreement"). The 2016 Credit Agreement contains certain customary restrictive loan covenants, including, among others, financial covenants that apply a maximum consolidated leverage ratio and a minimum consolidated interest expense coverage ratio. The Company was in full compliance with all covenants as of March 31, 2020. The Term loan A facility is being repaid in 16 consecutive quarterly installments that commenced on June 30, 2017, plus a final payment to be made on March 20, 2022. The revolving credit facility may be borrowed, repaid and re-borrowed through March 20, 2022, at which time all then-outstanding amounts must be repaid. Refer to Note 15 for additional information regarding the Company’s 2016 Credit Agreement. Senior Notes The Company has $800.0 million aggregate principal amount of 5.125% Senior Notes due 2025 (the “Senior Notes”). The Senior Notes were issued at an issue price of 100.0% and bear interest at a fixed rate of 5.125% per annum. Interest on the Senior Notes is payable on April 1 and October 1 of each year. The Senior Notes mature on April 1, 2025. The Company may redeem some or all of the Senior Notes at any time on or after April 1, 2020 for cash at the redemption prices set forth in the Note Indenture, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but not including, the redemption date. Outstanding Borrowings The table below summarizes the Company’s total outstanding borrowings as of the dates indicated (in thousands). March 31, December 31, Description: 2020 2019 2016 Credit Agreement - Term loan A facility (1) $ 1,225,125 $ 1,252,969 2016 Credit Agreement - Revolving credit facility (1), (2) 175,000 148,000 Senior Notes (3) 800,000 800,000 Other (4) 6,422 6,545 Principal amount outstanding (5) 2,206,547 2,207,514 Less: deferred financing fees (6) (22,271) (23,908) Net balance sheet carrying amount $ 2,184,276 $ 2,183,606 (1) The contractual annualized interest rate as of March 31, 2020 on the Term loan A facility and the revolving credit facility was 2.49%, which consisted of a floating Eurodollar base rate of 0.99% plus a margin of 1.50%. However, the Company has interest rate swap contracts that effectively convert the floating Eurodollar base rates on outstanding amounts to a fixed base rate. (2) The Company had approximately $1.0 billion of available borrowing capacity on the revolver (not including the expansion feature) as of March 31, 2020. (3) Consists of $800.0 million principal amount of Senior Notes outstanding. The Senior Notes bear interest at a fixed rate of 5.125% and mature on April 1, 2025. (4) Consists of two State of Connecticut economic development loans. One of the loans originated in 2012, has a 10-year maturity and the outstanding balance of $1.4 million as of March 31, 2020 bears interest at a fixed rate of 3.00%. The second loan has a 10-year maturity and bears interest at a fixed rate of 1.75%. Both of these loans may be repaid at any time by the Company without penalty. (5) The weighted average annual effective rate on the Company's outstanding debt for the three months ended March 31, 2020, including the effects of its interest rate swaps discussed below, was 4.43%. (6) Deferred financing fees are being amortized to Interest expense, net over the term of the related debt obligation. Interest Rate Swaps As of March 31, 2020, the Company had four fixed-for-floating interest rate swap contracts with a total notional value of $1.4 billion that mature through 2025. The Company designates the swaps as accounting hedges of the forecasted interest payments on $1.4 billion of its variable-rate borrowings. The Company pays base fixed rates on these swaps ranging from 2.13% to 3.04% and in return receives a floating Eurodollar base rate on 30-day notional borrowings. The Company accounts for its interest rate swap contracts as cash flow hedges in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 815. Because the swaps hedge forecasted interest payments, changes in the fair values of the swaps are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), a component of stockholders' equity, as long as the swaps continue to be highly effective hedges of the designated interest rate risk. Any ineffective portion of a change in the fair value of a hedge is recorded in earnings. All of the Company's interest rate swaps were considered highly effective hedges of the forecasted interest payments as of both March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019. The interest rate swaps had negative unrealized fair values (liabilities) of $126.3 million and $64.8 million as of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively. Such amounts were deferred and recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax effect. See Note 11 — Fair Value Disclosures for the determination of the fair values of Company's interest rate swaps.

Equity

Equity	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Equity	Equity Share Repurchase Authorization The Company has a $1.2 billion board authorization to repurchase its common stock, of which $0.7 billion remained available as of March 31, 2020. The Company may repurchase its common stock from time-to-time in amounts, at prices and in the manner that 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 (which may include repurchase plans designed to comply with Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended), accelerated share repurchases, private transactions or other transactions and will be funded by cash on hand and borrowings. The Company’s share repurchase activity is presented in the table below for the periods indicated. Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 2019 Number of shares repurchased (1) 417,707 212,424 Cash paid for repurchased shares (in thousands) (2) $ 73,164 $ 44,839 (1) The average purchase price for repurchased shares was $151.22 and $140.46 for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The repurchased shares during the three months ended March 31, 2020 included purchases for both stock-based compensation awards and open market purchases. All of the shares repurchased during the three months ended March 31, 2019 related to the settlement of the Company's stock-based compensation awards. (2) The cash paid for repurchased shares during the three months ended March 31, 2020 included open market purchases with trade dates in December 2019 that settled in January 2020. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), net ("AOCI/L") The tables below provide information about the changes in AOCI/L by component and the related amounts reclassified out of AOCI/L to income during the periods indicated (net of tax, in thousands) (1). Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 Interest Rate Defined Foreign Total Balance – December 31, 2019 $ (47,164) $ (8,584) $ (22,190) $ (77,938) Other comprehensive income (loss) activity during the period: Change in AOCI/L before reclassifications to income (47,054) — (46,381) (93,435) Reclassifications from AOCI/L to income (2), (3) 2,322 79 — 2,401 Other comprehensive income (loss) for the period (44,732) 79 (46,381) (91,034) Balance – March 31, 2020 $ (91,896) $ (8,505) $ (68,571) $ (168,972) Three Months Ended March 31, 2019 Interest Rate Defined Foreign Total Balance – December 31, 2018 $ (7,770) $ (5,738) $ (26,359) $ (39,867) Other comprehensive income (loss) activity during the period: Change in AOCI/L before reclassifications to income (12,853) — (7,236) (20,089) Reclassifications from AOCI/L to income (2), (3) (1,652) 42 — (1,610) Other comprehensive income (loss) for the period (14,505) 42 (7,236) (21,699) Balance – March 31, 2019 $ (22,275) $ (5,696) $ (33,595) $ (61,566) (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. See Note 7 — Debt and Note 10 — Derivatives and Hedging for information regarding the cash flow hedges. (3) The reclassifications related to defined benefit pension plans were recorded in Other expense, net. See Note 12 – Employee Benefits for information regarding the Company’s defined benefit pension plans.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes The provision for income taxes for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 was an expense of $21.8 million and $0.3 million, respectively. The effective income tax rate was 22.5% and 1.2% for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The quarter-over-quarter increase in the effective income tax rate was primarily due to the relative impact of tax benefits from stock-based compensation. These benefits, approximately $5.9 million and $7.2 million for the first three months of 2020 and 2019 respectively, had less of an impact in reducing the effective tax rate for the period in 2020 on pretax income of $96.9 million as compared to the same period in 2019 on pretax income of $21.1 million. On March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act was signed into law in the United States. The CARES Act provides a substantial stimulus and assistance package intended to address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. It includes provisions for the deferral of certain taxes and the acceleration of income tax deductions for certain expenses. The Company continues to monitor and record any effects that may result from the CARES Act as well as ongoing government guidance related to COVID-19 that may be issued. In April 2020, the Company completed an intercompany sale of certain intellectual property that it expects will have a material favorable tax impact on the Company’s second quarter 2020 financial results. The Company's intellectual property footprint continues to evolve and this may result in tax rate volatility in the future.

Derivatives and Hedging

Derivatives and Hedging	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
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 rates on 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 tables below provide information regarding the Company’s outstanding derivative contracts as of the dates indicated (in thousands, except for number of contracts). March 31, 2020 Derivative Contract Type Number of Notional Fair Value Balance Unrealized Interest rate swaps (1) 4 $ 1,400,000 $ (126,317) Other liabilities $ (91,896) Foreign currency forwards (2) 43 227,817 (559) Accrued liabilities — Total 47 $ 1,627,817 $ (126,876) $ (91,896) December 31, 2019 Derivative Contract Type Number of Contracts Notional Fair Value Balance Unrealized Interest rate swaps (1) 4 $ 1,400,000 $ (64,831) Other liabilities $ (47,164) Foreign currency forwards (2) 176 604,858 59 Other current assets — Total 180 $ 2,004,858 $ (64,772) $ (47,164) (1) The interest rate swaps have been designated and are accounted for as cash flow hedges of the forecasted interest payments on borrowings. As a result, changes in the fair values of the swaps are deferred and recorded in AOCI/L, net of tax effect. Note 7 — Debt provides additional information regarding the Company's interest rate swap contracts. (2) The Company has foreign exchange transaction risk because 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 income (expense), net because the Company does not designate these contracts as hedges for accounting purposes. All of the outstanding foreign currency forward exchange contracts at March 31, 2020 matured before April 30, 2020. (3) See Note 11 — Fair Value Disclosures for the determination of the fair values of these instruments. At March 31, 2020, 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 table below provides information regarding amounts recognized in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for derivative contracts for the periods indicated (in thousands). Three Months Ended March 31, Amount recorded in: 2020 2019 Interest (income) expense, net (1) $ 3,192 $ (2,271) Other expense, net (2) 12,599 (1,838) Total expense (income), net $ 15,791 $ (4,109) (1) Consists of interest (income) expense from interest rate swap contracts. (2) Consists of net realized and unrealized gains and losses on foreign currency forward contracts.

Fair Value Disclosures

Fair Value Disclosures	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
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 accrued liabilities, all of which are normally short-term in nature. The Company believes that the carrying amounts of these financial instruments reasonably approximate their fair values due to their short-term nature. The Company’s financial instruments also include its outstanding variable-rate borrowings under the 2016 Credit Agreement. The Company believes that the carrying amounts of its variable-rate borrowings reasonably approximate their fair values because the rates of interest on those 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 on the transparency of inputs used in the valuation of assets and liabilities. Classification within the valuation hierarchy is based on 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 6 — Goodwill and Intangible Assets. The Company does not typically transfer assets or liabilities between different levels of the valuation hierarchy. The table below presents the fair values of certain financial assets and liabilities (in thousands). Description March 31, December 31, Assets: Values based on Level 1 inputs: Deferred compensation plan assets (1) $ 5,612 $ 2,277 Total Level 1 inputs 5,612 2,277 Values based on Level 2 inputs: Deferred compensation plan assets (1) 59,948 73,419 Foreign currency forward contracts (2) 140 1,558 Total Level 2 inputs 60,088 74,977 Total Assets $ 65,700 $ 77,254 Liabilities: Values based on Level 2 inputs: Deferred compensation plan liabilities (1) $ 67,802 $ 79,556 Foreign currency forward contracts (2) 699 1,499 Interest rate swap contracts (3) 126,317 64,831 Senior Notes due 2025 (4) 788,432 835,384 Total Level 2 inputs 983,250 981,270 Total Liabilities $ 983,250 $ 981,270 (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 funds, mutual funds and company-owned life insurance contracts, which are valued based on Level 1 or Level 2 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 (see Note 10 — Derivatives and Hedging). Valuation of these contracts is based on observable foreign currency exchange rates in active markets, which the Company considers to be a Level 2 input. (3) The Company has interest rate swap contracts that hedge the risk of variability from interest payments on its borrowings (see Note 7 — Debt). The fair values of interest rate swaps are based on mark-to-market valuations prepared by a third-party broker. Those valuations are based on observable interest rates from recently executed market transactions and other observable market data, which the Company considers to be Level 2 inputs. The Company independently corroborates the reasonableness of the valuations prepared by the third-party broker by using an electronic quotation service. (4) As discussed in Note 7 — Debt, the Company has $800.0 million of principal amount fixed-rate Senior Notes due in 2025. The estimated fair values of the notes was derived from quoted market prices provided by an independent dealer, which the Company considers to be a Level 2 input. The carrying amounts of the Senior Notes were $785.6 million and $785.0 million as of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively.

Employee Benefits

Employee Benefits	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Employee Benefits	Employee BenefitsThe Company has defined benefit pension plans at several of its international locations. Benefits earned and paid under those plans are generally 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 $1.1 million and $0.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

Contingencies

Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Contingencies	Contingencies Legal Matters. The Company is involved in legal proceedings and litigation arising in the ordinary course of business. We record a provision for pending litigation in our consolidated financial statements when we determine that an unfavorable outcome is probable and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. 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. Indemnifications. 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 matters such 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, 2020, the Company did not have any material payment obligations under any such indemnification agreements.

Leases

Leases	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Leases [Abstract]
Leases	Leases The Company’s leasing activities are primarily for facilities under cancelable and non-cancelable lease agreements expiring during 2020 and through 2038. These facilities support our executive and administrative activities sales, systems support, operations, and other functions. The Company also has leases for office equipment and other assets, which are not significant. Certain of these lease agreements include (i) renewal options to extend the lease term for up to five years and/or (ii) options to terminate the agreement within one year. Additionally, certain of the Company’s lease agreements provide standard recurring escalations of lease payments for, among other things, increases in a lessor’s maintenance costs and taxes. Under some lease agreements, the Company may be entitled to allowances, free rent, lessor-financed tenant improvements and other incentives. The Company’s lease agreements do not contain any material residual value guarantees or material restrictive covenants. The Company subleases certain office space that it does not intend to occupy. Such sublease arrangements expire during 2020 and through 2032 and primarily relate to facilities in Arlington, Virginia. Certain of the Company’s sublease agreements: (i) include renewal and termination options; (ii) provide for customary escalations of lease payments in the normal course of business; and (iii) grant the subtenant certain allowances, free rent, Gartner-financed tenant improvements and other incentives. All of the Company’s leasing and subleasing activity is recognized in Selling, general and administrative expense in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. The table below presents the Company’s net lease cost and certain other information related to the Company’s leasing activities as of and for the periods indicated (dollars in thousands). Description: Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 Operating lease cost (1) $ 37,961 Variable lease cost (2) 4,403 Sublease income (11,090) Total lease cost, net (3) $ 31,274 Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of operating lease liabilities $ 34,936 Cash receipts from sublease arrangements $ 9,417 Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities $ 14,919 (1) Included in operating lease cost was $10.6 million of costs for subleasing activities during the three months ended March 31, 2020. (2) These amounts are primarily variable lease and nonlease costs that were not fixed at the lease commencement date or are dependent on something other than an index or a rate. (3) The Company did not capitalize any operating lease costs during the three months ended March 31, 2020. The table below indicates where the discounted operating lease payments from the above table are classified in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of March 31, 2020 (in thousands). Description: Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 76,724 Operating leases - liabilities 813,883 Total operating lease liabilities per the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet $ 890,607
Leases	Leases The Company’s leasing activities are primarily for facilities under cancelable and non-cancelable lease agreements expiring during 2020 and through 2038. These facilities support our executive and administrative activities sales, systems support, operations, and other functions. The Company also has leases for office equipment and other assets, which are not significant. Certain of these lease agreements include (i) renewal options to extend the lease term for up to five years and/or (ii) options to terminate the agreement within one year. Additionally, certain of the Company’s lease agreements provide standard recurring escalations of lease payments for, among other things, increases in a lessor’s maintenance costs and taxes. Under some lease agreements, the Company may be entitled to allowances, free rent, lessor-financed tenant improvements and other incentives. The Company’s lease agreements do not contain any material residual value guarantees or material restrictive covenants. The Company subleases certain office space that it does not intend to occupy. Such sublease arrangements expire during 2020 and through 2032 and primarily relate to facilities in Arlington, Virginia. Certain of the Company’s sublease agreements: (i) include renewal and termination options; (ii) provide for customary escalations of lease payments in the normal course of business; and (iii) grant the subtenant certain allowances, free rent, Gartner-financed tenant improvements and other incentives. All of the Company’s leasing and subleasing activity is recognized in Selling, general and administrative expense in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. The table below presents the Company’s net lease cost and certain other information related to the Company’s leasing activities as of and for the periods indicated (dollars in thousands). Description: Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 Operating lease cost (1) $ 37,961 Variable lease cost (2) 4,403 Sublease income (11,090) Total lease cost, net (3) $ 31,274 Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of operating lease liabilities $ 34,936 Cash receipts from sublease arrangements $ 9,417 Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities $ 14,919 (1) Included in operating lease cost was $10.6 million of costs for subleasing activities during the three months ended March 31, 2020. (2) These amounts are primarily variable lease and nonlease costs that were not fixed at the lease commencement date or are dependent on something other than an index or a rate. (3) The Company did not capitalize any operating lease costs during the three months ended March 31, 2020. The table below indicates where the discounted operating lease payments from the above table are classified in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of March 31, 2020 (in thousands). Description: Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 76,724 Operating leases - liabilities 813,883 Total operating lease liabilities per the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet $ 890,607

Subsequent Event

Subsequent Event	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Event	Subsequent Events On April 1, 2020, the Company drew down an additional $300 million under the revolving credit facility to increase its cash position and preserve financial flexibility in light of current uncertainty in the global market. In April 2020, the Company committed to workforce reductions and implemented an employee furlough program within the Conferences segment, affecting approximately 45% of total Conference employees (approximately 3% of total Company employees). The majority of terminations and furloughs were effective April 30, 2020. The Company expects to incur an aggregate of approximately $5 million to $6 million in costs relating to these workforce reductions. The Company expects the majority of these charges to be incurred and paid in the second quarter of 2020.

Business and Basis of Present_2

Business and Basis of Presentation (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Segments	Segments . Gartner delivers its products and services globally through three business segments: Research, Conferences and Consulting. Revenues and other financial information for our segments are discussed in Note 5 — Segment Information.
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 Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 270 for interim financial information and with the applicable instructions of U.S. Securities and 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 in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019.
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 or benefit, performance-based compensation charges, depreciation and amortization. Management believes its use of estimates in these interim condensed consolidated financial statements to be reasonable. Management continually evaluates and revises its estimates using historical experience and other factors, including the general economic environment and actions it may take in the future. Management adjusts these estimates when facts and circumstances dictate. However, these estimates may involve significant uncertainties and judgments and cannot be determined with precision. In addition, these estimates are based on management’s best judgment at a point in time. As a result, differences between our estimates and actual results could be material and would be reflected in the Company’s consolidated financial statements in future periods. In December 2019, a novel coronavirus disease (“COVID-19”) was reported in Wuhan, China and on March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization characterized COVID-19 as a pandemic. Any future asset impairment charges, increase in allowance for doubtful accounts, or restructuring charges could be more likely if the negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic continue and will be dependent on the severity and duration of this crisis. To date, the Company has not observed any material impairments of its assets or a significant change in the fair value of assets due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Revenue recognition	Revenue recognition. Revenue is recognized in accordance with the requirements of FASB ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers
Acquisitions	Acquisition and divestiture activities. The Company recognized $1.6 million and $2.8 million of Acquisition and integration charges during the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Acquisition and integration charges reflect additional costs and expenses resulting from our acquisitions and include, among other items, professional fees, severance and stock-based compensation charges. Although the Company did not complete any business acquisitions during the three months ended March 31, 2020 or 2019, it paid $2.3 million of restricted cash in 2019 for deferred consideration from a 2017 acquisition. During the three months ended March 31, 2019, the Company recorded a pretax Loss from divested operations of $2.1 million, primarily due to adjustments of certain working capital balances related to divestitures that were completed in 2018. There were no divestitures completed during the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2020.
Divestitures	Acquisition and divestiture activities. The Company recognized $1.6 million and $2.8 million of Acquisition and integration charges during the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Acquisition and integration charges reflect additional costs and expenses resulting from our acquisitions and include, among other items, professional fees, severance and stock-based compensation charges. Although the Company did not complete any business acquisitions during the three months ended March 31, 2020 or 2019, it paid $2.3 million of restricted cash in 2019 for deferred consideration from a 2017 acquisition. During the three months ended March 31, 2019, the Company recorded a pretax Loss from divested operations of $2.1 million, primarily due to adjustments of certain working capital balances related to divestitures that were completed in 2018. There were no divestitures completed during the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2020.
Adoption of new accounting standards	Adoption of new accounting standards. The Company adopted the accounting standards described below during the three months ended March 31, 2020. Implementation Costs in a Cloud Computing Arrangement — In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-15, Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract ("ASU No. 2018-15"). ASU No. 2018-15 aligns the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a cloud computing arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software. Costs that are capitalized under ASU No. 2018-15 will be expensed over the term of the cloud computing arrangement. Gartner adopted ASU No. 2018-15 on January 1, 2020 on a prospective basis. The adoption of ASU No. 2018-15 did not have a material impact on the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements. Fair Value Measurement Disclosures — In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-13, Disclosure Framework—Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement ("ASU No. 2018-13"). ASU No. 2018-13, which is part of the FASB's broader disclosure framework project, modifies and supplements the current U.S. GAAP disclosure requirements pertaining to fair value measurements, with an emphasis on Level 3 disclosures of the valuation hierarchy. Gartner adopted ASU No. 2018-13 on January 1, 2020. The adoption of ASU No. 2018-13 did not have a material impact on the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements. Goodwill Impairment — In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other - Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment ("ASU No. 2017-04"). ASU No. 2017-04 simplifies the determination of the amount of goodwill to be potentially charged off by eliminating Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test under current U.S. GAAP. Gartner adopted ASU No. 2017-04 on January 1, 2020. The adoption of ASU No. 2017-04 did not have a material impact on the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements. Financial Instrument Credit Losses — In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses ("ASU No. 2016-13"). ASU No. 2016-13 amends the current financial instrument impairment model by requiring entities to use a forward-looking approach based on expected losses to estimate credit losses on certain types of financial instruments, including trade receivables. Gartner adopted ASU No. 2016-13 on January 1, 2020 with no cumulative effect adjustment to the Company's opening retained earnings. The Company applied the expected credit loss model to its fees receivable balance on January 1, 2020 using a historical loss rate method. The Company’s trade receivables are collected fairly quickly and its credit losses have historically been low. The adoption of ASU No. 2016-13 did not have a material impact on the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements. Accounting standards issued but not yet adopted. The FASB has issued accounting standards that have not yet become effective and may impact the Company’s consolidated financial statements or related disclosures in future periods. Those standards and their potential impact are discussed below. Accounting standard effective immediately upon voluntary election by Gartner Reference Rate Reform — In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform—Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting ("ASU No. 2020-04"). ASU No. 2020-04 provides that an entity can elect not to apply certain required modification accounting in U.S. GAAP to contracts where all changes to the critical terms relate to reference rate reform (e.g., the expected discontinuance of LIBOR and the transition to an alternative reference interest rate, etc.). In addition, the rule provides optional expedients and exceptions that enable entities to continue to apply hedge accounting for hedging relationships where one or more of the critical terms change due to reference rate reform. The rule became effective for all entities as of March 12, 2020 and will generally no longer be available to apply after December 31, 2022. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact of ASU No. 2020-04 on its consolidated financial statements, including the rule’s potential impact on any debt modifications or other contractual changes in the future that may result from reference rate reform. Accounting standard effective in the fourth quarter of 2020 Defined Benefit Plan Disclosures — In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-14, Disclosure Framework—Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans ("ASU No. 2018-14"). ASU No. 2018-14, which is part of the FASB's broader disclosure framework project, modifies and supplements the current U.S. GAAP annual disclosure requirements for employers that sponsor defined benefit pension plans. ASU No. 2018-14 is effective for Gartner in the fourth quarter of 2020. ASU No. 2018-14 must be adopted on a retroactive basis and applied to each comparative period presented in an entity's financial statements. The adoption of ASU No. 2018-14 is currently not expected to have a material impact on the Company's financial statement disclosures. Accounting standard effective in 2021 Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes — In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-12, Income Taxes—Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes ("ASU No. 2019-12"). ASU No. 2019-12 provides new guidance to simplify the accounting for income taxes in certain areas, changes the accounting for select income tax transactions and makes minor ASC improvements. ASU No. 2019-12 is effective for Gartner on January 1, 2021, including interim periods in the year of adoption. Early adoption is permitted. The method of adoption varies depending on the component of the new rule that is being adopted. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact of ASU No. 2019-12 on our consolidated financial statements.

Revenue and Related Matters (Ta

Revenue and Related Matters (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Schedule of Disaggregation of Revenue by Reportable Segment	Disaggregated Revenue — The Company's disaggregated revenue by reportable segment is presented in the tables below for the periods indicated (in thousands). By Primary Geographic Market (1) Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 Primary Geographic Market Research Conferences Consulting Total United States and Canada $ 590,156 $ 5,980 $ 54,163 $ 650,299 Europe, Middle East and Africa 205,939 2,147 30,082 238,168 Other International 113,196 5,743 11,485 130,424 Total revenues $ 909,291 $ 13,870 $ 95,730 $ 1,018,891 Three Months Ended March 31, 2019 Primary Geographic Market Research Conferences Consulting Total United States and Canada $ 527,233 $ 29,007 $ 55,093 $ 611,333 Europe, Middle East and Africa 193,955 17,197 29,934 241,086 Other International 104,186 5,728 8,111 118,025 Total revenues $ 825,374 $ 51,932 $ 93,138 $ 970,444 (1) Revenue is reported based on where the sale is fulfilled.
Schedule of Disaggregation of Revenue	By Timing of Revenue Recognition Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 Timing of Revenue Recognition Research Conferences Consulting Total Transferred over time (1) $ 829,212 $ — $ 81,408 $ 910,620 Transferred at a point in time (2) 80,079 13,870 14,322 108,271 Total revenues $ 909,291 $ 13,870 $ 95,730 $ 1,018,891 Three Months Ended March 31, 2019 Timing of Revenue Recognition Research Conferences Consulting Total Transferred over time (1) $ 752,798 $ — $ 78,957 $ 831,755 Transferred at a point in time (2) 72,576 51,932 14,181 138,689 Total revenues 825,374 $ 51,932 $ 93,138 $ 970,444 (1) Research revenues were recognized in connection with performance obligations that were satisfied over time using a time-elapsed output method to measure progress. Consulting revenues were recognized over time using labor hours as an input measurement basis. (2) The revenues in this category were recognized in connection with performance obligations that were satisfied at the point in time that the contractual deliverables were provided to the customer.
Schedule for Contract with Customer, Asset and Liability	The table below provides information regarding certain of the Company’s balance sheet accounts that pertain to its contracts with customers (in thousands). March 31, December 31, 2020 2019 Assets: Fees receivable, gross (1) $ 1,157,565 $ 1,334,012 Contract assets recorded in Prepaid expenses and other current assets (2) $ 19,558 $ 21,350 Contract liabilities: Deferred revenues (current liability) (3) $ 1,847,384 $ 1,928,020 Non-current deferred revenues recorded in Other liabilities (3) 17,231 24,409 Total contract liabilities $ 1,864,615 $ 1,952,429 (1) Fees receivable represent an unconditional right of payment from our customers and include both billed and unbilled amounts. (2) Contract assets represent recognized revenue for which we do not have an unconditional right to payment as of the balance sheet date because the project may be subject to a progress billing milestone or some other billing restriction. (3) Deferred revenues represent amounts (i) for which the Company has received an upfront customer payment or (ii) that pertain to recognized fees receivable. Both situations occur before the completion of our performance obligation(s).

Computation of Earnings Per S_2

Computation of Earnings Per Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of basic and diluted (loss) earnings per share calculations	The table below sets forth the calculation of basic and diluted income per share for the periods indicated (in thousands, except per share data). Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 2019 Numerator: Net income used for calculating basic and diluted income per common share $ 75,097 $ 20,795 Denominator: Weighted average common shares used in the calculation of basic income per share 89,219 89,882 Common stock equivalents associated with stock-based compensation plans (1) 847 1,122 Shares used in the calculation of diluted income per share 90,066 91,004 Basic income per share $ 0.84 $ 0.23 Diluted income per share $ 0.83 $ 0.23 (1) Certain common stock equivalents were not included in the computation of diluted income per share because the effect would have been anti-dilutive. These common share equivalents totaled 0.7 million and 0.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

Stock-Based Compensation (Table

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]
Schedule of stock-based compensation expense by award type	The tables below summarize the Company's stock-based compensation expense by award type and expense category line item during the periods indicated (in millions). Three Months Ended March 31, Award type 2020 2019 Stock appreciation rights $ 1.7 $ 3.9 Restricted stock units 23.2 27.7 Common stock equivalents 0.2 0.2 Total (1) $ 25.1 $ 31.8
Schedule of stock-based compensation expense by expense category	Three Months Ended March 31, Expense category line item 2020 2019 Cost of services and product development $ 12.1 $ 11.3 Selling, general and administrative 13.0 20.4 Acquisition and integration charges (2) — 0.1 Total (1) $ 25.1 $ 31.8 (1) Includes charges of $11.6 million and $20.9 million during the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, for awards to retirement-eligible employees. Those awards vest on an accelerated basis. (2) Includes charges related to acquisitions and related integration efforts.

Segment Information (Tables)

Segment Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of segment reporting information, by segment	The tables below present information about the Company’s reportable segments for the periods indicated (in thousands). Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 Research Conferences Consulting Consolidated Revenues $ 909,291 $ 13,870 $ 95,730 $ 1,018,891 Gross contribution 653,469 (6,060) 29,382 676,791 Corporate and other expenses (552,073) Operating income $ 124,718 Three Months Ended March 31, 2019 Research Conferences Consulting Consolidated Revenues $ 825,374 $ 51,932 $ 93,138 $ 970,444 Gross contribution 575,168 18,876 28,718 622,762 Corporate and other expenses (573,963) Operating income $ 48,799
Schedule of reconciliation of segment gross contribution to net income (loss)	The table below provides a reconciliation of total segment gross contribution to net income for the periods indicated (in thousands). Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 2019 Total segment gross contribution $ 676,791 $ 622,762 Costs and expenses: Cost of services and product development - unallocated (1) (822) (1,037) Selling, general and administrative 496,639 518,770 Depreciation and amortization 54,696 53,458 Acquisition and integration charges 1,560 2,772 Operating income 124,718 48,799 Interest expense and other, net (27,864) (25,671) Loss from divested operations — (2,075) Less: Provision for income taxes 21,757 258 Net income $ 75,097 $ 20,795 (1) The unallocated amounts consist of certain bonus and fringe costs recorded in consolidated Cost of services and product development that are not allocated to segment expense. The Company's policy is to allocate bonuses to segments at 100% of a segment employee's target bonus. Amounts above or below 100% are absorbed by corporate.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of changes to the carrying amount of goodwill by reporting unit	The table below presents changes to the carrying amount of goodwill by segment during the three months ended March 31, 2020 (in thousands). Research Conferences Consulting Total Balance at December 31, 2019 (1) $ 2,651,060 $ 189,641 $ 97,025 $ 2,937,726 Foreign currency translation impact (8,718) (1,278) (64) (10,060) Balance at March 31, 2020 $ 2,642,342 $ 188,363 $ 96,961 $ 2,927,666 (1) The Company does not have any accumulated goodwill impairment losses.
Schedule of amortizable intangible assets	The tables below present reconciliations of the carrying amounts of the Company's finite-lived intangible assets as of the dates indicated (in thousands). March 31, 2020 Customer Software Content Other Total Gross cost at December 31, 2019 $ 1,145,109 $ 111,033 $ 14,140 $ 30,838 $ 1,301,120 Foreign currency translation impact (36,507) (1,171) (175) (72) (37,925) Gross cost 1,108,602 109,862 13,965 30,766 1,263,195 Accumulated amortization (1) (299,121) (66,478) (12,302) (21,144) (399,045) Balance at March 31, 2020 $ 809,481 $ 43,384 $ 1,663 $ 9,622 $ 864,150 December 31, 2019 Customer Software Content Other Total Gross cost $ 1,145,109 $ 111,033 $ 14,140 $ 30,838 $ 1,301,120 Accumulated amortization (1) (283,369) (61,564) (11,225) (19,875) (376,033) Balance at December 31, 2019 $ 861,740 $ 49,469 $ 2,915 $ 10,963 $ 925,087 (1) Finite-lived intangible assets are amortized using the straight-line method over the following periods: Customer relationships—4 to 13 years; Software—3 to 7 years; Content—1.5 to 4 years; and Other—2 to 11 years.
Schedule of estimated future amortization expense by year	The estimated future amortization expense by year for finite-lived intangible assets is presented in the table below (in thousands). 2020 (remaining nine months) $ 91,192 2021 102,091 2022 92,339 2023 92,323 2024 87,064 Thereafter 399,141 $ 864,150

Debt (Tables)

Debt (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of debt	The table below summarizes the Company’s total outstanding borrowings as of the dates indicated (in thousands). March 31, December 31, Description: 2020 2019 2016 Credit Agreement - Term loan A facility (1) $ 1,225,125 $ 1,252,969 2016 Credit Agreement - Revolving credit facility (1), (2) 175,000 148,000 Senior Notes (3) 800,000 800,000 Other (4) 6,422 6,545 Principal amount outstanding (5) 2,206,547 2,207,514 Less: deferred financing fees (6) (22,271) (23,908) Net balance sheet carrying amount $ 2,184,276 $ 2,183,606 (1) The contractual annualized interest rate as of March 31, 2020 on the Term loan A facility and the revolving credit facility was 2.49%, which consisted of a floating Eurodollar base rate of 0.99% plus a margin of 1.50%. However, the Company has interest rate swap contracts that effectively convert the floating Eurodollar base rates on outstanding amounts to a fixed base rate. (2) The Company had approximately $1.0 billion of available borrowing capacity on the revolver (not including the expansion feature) as of March 31, 2020. (3) Consists of $800.0 million principal amount of Senior Notes outstanding. The Senior Notes bear interest at a fixed rate of 5.125% and mature on April 1, 2025. (4) Consists of two State of Connecticut economic development loans. One of the loans originated in 2012, has a 10-year maturity and the outstanding balance of $1.4 million as of March 31, 2020 bears interest at a fixed rate of 3.00%. The second loan has a 10-year maturity and bears interest at a fixed rate of 1.75%. Both of these loans may be repaid at any time by the Company without penalty. (5) The weighted average annual effective rate on the Company's outstanding debt for the three months ended March 31, 2020, including the effects of its interest rate swaps discussed below, was 4.43%. (6) Deferred financing fees are being amortized to Interest expense, net over the term of the related debt obligation.

Equity (Tables)

Equity (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Schedule of share repurchase activity	The Company’s share repurchase activity is presented in the table below for the periods indicated. Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 2019 Number of shares repurchased (1) 417,707 212,424 Cash paid for repurchased shares (in thousands) (2) $ 73,164 $ 44,839 (1) The average purchase price for repurchased shares was $151.22 and $140.46 for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The repurchased shares during the three months ended March 31, 2020 included purchases for both stock-based compensation awards and open market purchases. All of the shares repurchased during the three months ended March 31, 2019 related to the settlement of the Company's stock-based compensation awards. (2) The cash paid for repurchased shares during the three months ended March 31, 2020 included open market purchases with trade dates in December 2019 that settled in January 2020.
Schedule of the changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income by component (net of tax)	The tables below provide information about the changes in AOCI/L by component and the related amounts reclassified out of AOCI/L to income during the periods indicated (net of tax, in thousands) (1). Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 Interest Rate Defined Foreign Total Balance – December 31, 2019 $ (47,164) $ (8,584) $ (22,190) $ (77,938) Other comprehensive income (loss) activity during the period: Change in AOCI/L before reclassifications to income (47,054) — (46,381) (93,435) Reclassifications from AOCI/L to income (2), (3) 2,322 79 — 2,401 Other comprehensive income (loss) for the period (44,732) 79 (46,381) (91,034) Balance – March 31, 2020 $ (91,896) $ (8,505) $ (68,571) $ (168,972) Three Months Ended March 31, 2019 Interest Rate Defined Foreign Total Balance – December 31, 2018 $ (7,770) $ (5,738) $ (26,359) $ (39,867) Other comprehensive income (loss) activity during the period: Change in AOCI/L before reclassifications to income (12,853) — (7,236) (20,089) Reclassifications from AOCI/L to income (2), (3) (1,652) 42 — (1,610) Other comprehensive income (loss) for the period (14,505) 42 (7,236) (21,699) Balance – March 31, 2019 $ (22,275) $ (5,696) $ (33,595) $ (61,566) (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. See Note 7 — Debt and Note 10 — Derivatives and Hedging for information regarding the cash flow hedges. (3) The reclassifications related to defined benefit pension plans were recorded in Other expense, net. See Note 12 – 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, 2020
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of information regarding outstanding derivative contracts	The tables below provide information regarding the Company’s outstanding derivative contracts as of the dates indicated (in thousands, except for number of contracts). March 31, 2020 Derivative Contract Type Number of Notional Fair Value Balance Unrealized Interest rate swaps (1) 4 $ 1,400,000 $ (126,317) Other liabilities $ (91,896) Foreign currency forwards (2) 43 227,817 (559) Accrued liabilities — Total 47 $ 1,627,817 $ (126,876) $ (91,896) December 31, 2019 Derivative Contract Type Number of Contracts Notional Fair Value Balance Unrealized Interest rate swaps (1) 4 $ 1,400,000 $ (64,831) Other liabilities $ (47,164) Foreign currency forwards (2) 176 604,858 59 Other current assets — Total 180 $ 2,004,858 $ (64,772) $ (47,164) (1) The interest rate swaps have been designated and are accounted for as cash flow hedges of the forecasted interest payments on borrowings. As a result, changes in the fair values of the swaps are deferred and recorded in AOCI/L, net of tax effect. Note 7 — Debt provides additional information regarding the Company's interest rate swap contracts. (2) The Company has foreign exchange transaction risk because 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 income (expense), net because the Company does not designate these contracts as hedges for accounting purposes. All of the outstanding foreign currency forward exchange contracts at March 31, 2020 matured before April 30, 2020. (3) See Note 11 — Fair Value Disclosures for the determination of the fair values of these instruments.
Schedule of amounts recognized in statement of operations	The table below provides information regarding amounts recognized in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for derivative contracts for the periods indicated (in thousands). Three Months Ended March 31, Amount recorded in: 2020 2019 Interest (income) expense, net (1) $ 3,192 $ (2,271) Other expense, net (2) 12,599 (1,838) Total expense (income), net $ 15,791 $ (4,109) (1) Consists of interest (income) expense from interest rate swap contracts. (2) Consists of net realized and unrealized gains and losses on foreign currency forward contracts.

Fair Value Disclosures (Tables)

Fair Value Disclosures (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of assets and liabilities that are remeasured to fair value	The table below presents the fair values of certain financial assets and liabilities (in thousands). Description March 31, December 31, Assets: Values based on Level 1 inputs: Deferred compensation plan assets (1) $ 5,612 $ 2,277 Total Level 1 inputs 5,612 2,277 Values based on Level 2 inputs: Deferred compensation plan assets (1) 59,948 73,419 Foreign currency forward contracts (2) 140 1,558 Total Level 2 inputs 60,088 74,977 Total Assets $ 65,700 $ 77,254 Liabilities: Values based on Level 2 inputs: Deferred compensation plan liabilities (1) $ 67,802 $ 79,556 Foreign currency forward contracts (2) 699 1,499 Interest rate swap contracts (3) 126,317 64,831 Senior Notes due 2025 (4) 788,432 835,384 Total Level 2 inputs 983,250 981,270 Total Liabilities $ 983,250 $ 981,270 (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 funds, mutual funds and company-owned life insurance contracts, which are valued based on Level 1 or Level 2 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 (see Note 10 — Derivatives and Hedging). Valuation of these contracts is based on observable foreign currency exchange rates in active markets, which the Company considers to be a Level 2 input. (3) The Company has interest rate swap contracts that hedge the risk of variability from interest payments on its borrowings (see Note 7 — Debt). The fair values of interest rate swaps are based on mark-to-market valuations prepared by a third-party broker. Those valuations are based on observable interest rates from recently executed market transactions and other observable market data, which the Company considers to be Level 2 inputs. The Company independently corroborates the reasonableness of the valuations prepared by the third-party broker by using an electronic quotation service. (4) As discussed in Note 7 — Debt, the Company has $800.0 million of principal amount fixed-rate Senior Notes due in 2025. The estimated fair values of the notes was derived from quoted market prices provided by an independent dealer, which the Company considers to be a Level 2 input. The carrying amounts of the Senior Notes were $785.6 million and $785.0 million as of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively.

Leases (Tables)

Leases (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Leases [Abstract]
Lease costs	The table below presents the Company’s net lease cost and certain other information related to the Company’s leasing activities as of and for the periods indicated (dollars in thousands). Description: Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 Operating lease cost (1) $ 37,961 Variable lease cost (2) 4,403 Sublease income (11,090) Total lease cost, net (3) $ 31,274 Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of operating lease liabilities $ 34,936 Cash receipts from sublease arrangements $ 9,417 Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities $ 14,919 (1) Included in operating lease cost was $10.6 million of costs for subleasing activities during the three months ended March 31, 2020. (2) These amounts are primarily variable lease and nonlease costs that were not fixed at the lease commencement date or are dependent on something other than an index or a rate. (3) The Company did not capitalize any operating lease costs during the three months ended March 31, 2020.
Supplemental balance sheet information	The table below indicates where the discounted operating lease payments from the above table are classified in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of March 31, 2020 (in thousands). Description: Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 76,724 Operating leases - liabilities 813,883 Total operating lease liabilities per the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet $ 890,607

Business and Basis of Present_3

Business and Basis of Presentation - Narrative (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020USD ($)enterprisesegmentcountry	Mar. 31, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Number of organizations Company serves | enterprise	15,000
Number of countries in which entity operates | country	100
Number of reportable segments | segment	3
Acquisition and integration charges	$ 1,560	$ 2,772
Deferred consideration			$ 2,300
Loss from divested operations	$ 0	$ 2,075

Revenue and Related Matters - D

Revenue and Related Matters - Disaggregation of Revenue by Geographic Area (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	$ 1,018,891	$ 970,444
Research
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	909,291	825,374
Conferences
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	13,870	51,932
Consulting
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	95,730	93,138
United States and Canada
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	650,299	611,333
United States and Canada | Research
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	590,156	527,233
United States and Canada | Conferences
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	5,980	29,007
United States and Canada | Consulting
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	54,163	55,093
Europe, Middle East and Africa
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	238,168	241,086
Europe, Middle East and Africa | Research
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	205,939	193,955
Europe, Middle East and Africa | Conferences
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	2,147	17,197
Europe, Middle East and Africa | Consulting
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	30,082	29,934
Other International
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	130,424	118,025
Other International | Research
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	113,196	104,186
Other International | Conferences
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	5,743	5,728
Other International | Consulting
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	$ 11,485	$ 8,111

Revenue and Related Matters - T

Revenue and Related Matters - Timing Of Revenue Recognition Liabilities per Segment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	$ 1,018,891	$ 970,444
Transferred over time
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	910,620	831,755
Transferred at a point in time
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	108,271	138,689
Research
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	909,291	825,374
Research | Transferred over time
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	829,212	752,798
Research | Transferred at a point in time
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	80,079	72,576
Conferences
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	13,870	51,932
Conferences | Transferred over time
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	0	0
Conferences | Transferred at a point in time
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	13,870	51,932
Consulting
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	95,730	93,138
Consulting | Transferred over time
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	81,408	78,957
Consulting | Transferred at a point in time
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	$ 14,322	$ 14,181

Revenue and Related Matters - R

Revenue and Related Matters - Revenue Remaining Performance Obligation (Details) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2020USD ($)
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Remaining performance obligation, amount	$ 3,100
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2020-04-01
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Remaining performance obligation, amount	$ 1,526.7
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Remaining performance obligation, expected timing of satisfaction	9 months
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2021-01-01
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Remaining performance obligation, amount	$ 1,220
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Remaining performance obligation, expected timing of satisfaction	1 year
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2022-01-01
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Remaining performance obligation, amount	$ 311.6
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Remaining performance obligation, expected timing of satisfaction

Revenue and Related Matters - S

Revenue and Related Matters - Schedule of Contract with Customer, Asset and Liability (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019
Assets:
Fees receivable, gross	$ 1,157,565		$ 1,334,012
Contract assets recorded in Prepaid expenses and other current assets	19,558		21,350
Contract liabilities:
Deferred revenues (current liability)	1,847,384		1,928,020
Non-current deferred revenues recorded in Other liabilities	17,231		24,409
Total contract liabilities	1,864,615		$ 1,952,429
Revenue recognized previously attributable to deferred revenues	$ 658,400	$ 650,100

Computation of Earnings Per S_3

Computation of Earnings Per Share - Calculations Of Basic And Diluted (Loss) Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Numerator:
Net income used for calculating basic and diluted income per common share	$ 75,097	$ 20,795
Denominator:
Weighted average number of common shares used in the calculation of basic (loss) income per share (in shares)	89,219	89,882
Common stock equivalents associated with stock-based compensation plans (in shares)	847	1,122
Shares used in the calculation of diluted income per share (in shares)	90,066	91,004
Basic income per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.84	$ 0.23
Diluted income per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.83	$ 0.23

Computation of Earnings Per S_4

Computation of Earnings Per Share - Additional information (Details) - shares shares in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of (loss) income per share (in shares)	0.7	0.2

Stock-Based Compensation - Addi

Stock-Based Compensation - Additional Information (Details) - $ / shares shares in Millions	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]
Number of shares available for grant (in shares)	4.1
Common stock par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.0005	$ 0.0005

Stock-Based Compensation - Stoc

Stock-Based Compensation - Stock-based Compensation Expense by Award Type and Expense Category (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total stock-based compensation expense (credit)	$ 25.1	$ 31.8
Cost of services and product development
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total stock-based compensation expense (credit)	12.1	11.3
Selling, general and administrative
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total stock-based compensation expense (credit)	13	20.4
Acquisition and integration charges
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total stock-based compensation expense (credit)	0	0.1
Stock appreciation rights
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total stock-based compensation expense (credit)	1.7	3.9
Restricted stock units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total stock-based compensation expense (credit)	23.2	27.7
Common stock equivalents
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total stock-based compensation expense (credit)	0.2	0.2
Retirement eligible employees equity award
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total stock-based compensation expense (credit)	$ 11.6	$ 20.9

Segment Information - Informati

Segment Information - Information About Reportable Segments (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020USD ($)segment	Mar. 31, 2019USD ($)
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of operating segments | segment	3
Operating income	$ 124,718,000	$ 48,799,000
Intersegment revenues
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	0
Reportable segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	1,018,891,000	970,444,000
Operating income	676,791,000	622,762,000
Corporate and other expenses
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income	(552,073,000)	(573,963,000)
Research | Reportable segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	909,291,000	825,374,000
Operating income	653,469,000	575,168,000
Conferences | Reportable segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	13,870,000	51,932,000
Operating income	(6,060,000)	18,876,000
Consulting | Reportable segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	95,730,000	93,138,000
Operating income	$ 29,382,000	$ 28,718,000

Segment Information - Reconcili

Segment Information - Reconciliation of Segment Gross Contribution to Net Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Costs and expenses:
Cost of services and product development	$ 341,278	$ 346,645
Selling, general and administrative	496,639	518,770
Acquisition and integration charges	1,560	2,772
Operating income	124,718	48,799
Interest expense and other, net	(27,864)	(25,671)
Loss from divested operations	0	(2,075)
Less: Provision for income taxes	21,757	258
Net income	75,097	20,795
Reportable segments
Costs and expenses:
Operating income	$ 676,791	622,762
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	$ (822)	(1,037)
Selling, general and administrative	496,639	518,770
Depreciation and amortization	54,696	53,458
Acquisition and integration charges	1,560	2,772
Operating income	$ (552,073)	$ (573,963)

Goodwill and Intangible Asset_2

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Changes to Carrying Amount of Goodwill by Reporting Unit (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill impairment		$ 0
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 2,937,726,000
Foreign currency translation impact	(10,060,000)
Ending balance	2,927,666,000
Goodwill, accumulated impairment losses			$ 0
Research
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	2,651,060,000
Foreign currency translation impact	(8,718,000)
Ending balance	2,642,342,000
Conferences
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	189,641,000
Foreign currency translation impact	(1,278,000)
Ending balance	188,363,000
Consulting
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	97,025,000
Foreign currency translation impact	(64,000)
Ending balance	$ 96,961,000

Goodwill and Intangible Asset_3

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Carrying Amounts of Amortizable Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019
Finite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Gross cost, beginning balance	$ 1,301,120
Foreign currency translation impact	(37,925)
Gross cost, ending balance	1,263,195
Accumulated amortization	(399,045)		$ (376,033)
Finite-lived intangible assets, net	864,150		925,087
Amortization of intangibles	32,179	$ 33,683
Customer Relationships
Finite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Gross cost, beginning balance	1,145,109
Foreign currency translation impact	(36,507)
Gross cost, ending balance	1,108,602
Accumulated amortization	(299,121)		(283,369)
Finite-lived intangible assets, net	$ 809,481		861,740
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	13 years
Software
Finite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Gross cost, beginning balance	$ 111,033
Foreign currency translation impact	(1,171)
Gross cost, ending balance	109,862
Accumulated amortization	(66,478)		(61,564)
Finite-lived intangible assets, net	$ 43,384		49,469
Software | Minimum
Finite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Finite-lived intangible assets useful life	3 years
Software | Maximum
Finite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Finite-lived intangible assets useful life	7 years
Content
Finite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Gross cost, beginning balance	$ 14,140
Foreign currency translation impact	(175)
Gross cost, ending balance	13,965
Accumulated amortization	(12,302)		(11,225)
Finite-lived intangible assets, net	$ 1,663		2,915
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
Other
Finite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Gross cost, beginning balance	$ 30,838
Foreign currency translation impact	(72)
Gross cost, ending balance	30,766
Accumulated amortization	(21,144)		(19,875)
Finite-lived intangible assets, net	$ 9,622		$ 10,963
Other | Minimum
Finite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Finite-lived intangible assets useful life	2 years
Other | Maximum
Finite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Finite-lived intangible assets useful life	11 years

Goodwill and Intangible Asset_4

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Estimated Future Amortization Expense By Year From Amortizable Intangibles (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2020 (remaining nine months)	$ 91,192
2021	102,091
2022	92,339
2023	92,323
2024	87,064
Thereafter	399,141
Finite-lived intangible assets, net	$ 864,150	$ 925,087

Debt - Narrative (Details)

Debt - Narrative (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020USD ($)installment
Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount	$ 800,000,000
Debt instrument, fixed interest rate	5.125%
Debt instrument, issue price, percent	100.00%
2016 Agreement | Term loans | Bank Term Loan - A Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity	$ 1,500,000,000
Number of quarterly repayment installments | installment	16
2016 Agreement | Revolving credit facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity	$ 1,200,000,000

Debt - Borrowings (Details)

Debt - Borrowings (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal amount outstanding	$ 2,206,547	$ 2,207,514
Less: deferred financing fees	(22,271)	(23,908)
Net balance sheet carrying amount	2,184,276	2,183,606
Revolving credit facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross	175,000	148,000
Bank Term Loan - A Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross	1,225,125	1,252,969
Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross	800,000	800,000
Other
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross	$ 6,422	$ 6,545

Debt - Footnote to Borrowings (

Debt - Footnote to Borrowings (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted average annual effect rate	4.43%
Bank Term Loan - A Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Floating eurodollar base rate	0.99%
Long term debt	$ 1,225,125	$ 1,252,969
Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long term debt	$ 800,000	800,000
Debt instrument, fixed interest rate	5.125%
Connecticut Economic Development Program
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Number of loans | loan			2
Revolving credit facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Contractual annualized interest rate	2.49%
Additional interest above base rate	1.50%
Remaining borrowing capacity	$ 1,000,000
Long term debt	175,000	$ 148,000
Economic Development Loan 1 | Connecticut Economic Development Program
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long term debt	$ 1,400
Debt instrument, fixed interest rate	3.00%
Debt term	10 years
Economic Development Loan 2 | Connecticut Economic Development Program
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, fixed interest rate	1.75%
Debt term	10 years

Debt - Interest Rate Swaps (Det

Debt - Interest Rate Swaps (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020USD ($)derivative_instrumentoutstanding_contract	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)outstanding_contract
Derivative [Line Items]
Number of contracts | outstanding_contract	47	180
Interest rate swap contracts total notional value	$ 1,627,817	$ 2,004,858
Interest rate swaps
Derivative [Line Items]
Number of contracts | derivative_instrument	4
Interest rate swap contracts total notional value	$ 1,400,000
Term of contract	30 days
Net negative fair value (liability)	$ 126,300	$ 64,800
Minimum | Interest rate swaps
Derivative [Line Items]
Fixed interest rate	2.13%
Maximum | Interest rate swaps
Derivative [Line Items]
Fixed interest rate	3.04%

Equity - Share Repurchase Progr

Equity - Share Repurchase Program and Share Repurchase Activity (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Stock repurchase program, authorized amount	$ 1,200,000,000
Stock repurchase program, remaining authorized repurchase amount	$ 700,000,000
Number of shares repurchased (in shares)	417,707	212,424
Cash paid for repurchased shares	$ 73,164,000	$ 44,839,000
Treasury stock, average price paid per share (in dollars per share)	$ 151.22	$ 140.46

Equity - Changes in AOCI_L by C

Equity - Changes in AOCI/L by Component (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 938,593	$ 850,757
Change in AOCI/L before reclassifications to income	(93,435)	(20,089)
Reclassifications from AOCL/I to income	2,401	(1,610)
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax	(91,034)	(21,699)
Ending balance	890,275	856,897
Interest Rate Swaps
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(47,164)	(7,770)
Change in AOCI/L before reclassifications to income	(47,054)	(12,853)
Reclassifications from AOCL/I to income	2,322	(1,652)
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax	(44,732)	(14,505)
Ending balance	(91,896)	(22,275)
Defined Benefit Pension Plans
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(8,584)	(5,738)
Change in AOCI/L before reclassifications to income	0	0
Reclassifications from AOCL/I to income	79	42
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax	79	42
Ending balance	(8,505)	(5,696)
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(22,190)	(26,359)
Change in AOCI/L before reclassifications to income	(46,381)	(7,236)
Reclassifications from AOCL/I to income	0	0
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax	(46,381)	(7,236)
Ending balance	(68,571)	(33,595)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(77,938)	(39,867)
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax	(91,034)	(21,699)
Ending balance	$ (168,972)	$ (61,566)

Income Taxes (Details)

Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Provision for income taxes	$ 21,757	$ 258
Effective income tax rate	22.50%	1.20%
Tax benefits from stock based compensation	$ 5,900	$ 7,200
Pretax income	96,854	$ 21,053
Unrecognized tax benefits	103,700		$ 102,800
Decrease in unrecognized tax benefits is reasonably possible	$ 9,900

Derivatives and Hedging - Outst

Derivatives and Hedging - Outstanding Derivatives Contracts (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020USD ($)outstanding_contractderivative_instrument	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)outstanding_contract
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Number of Contracts | outstanding_contract	47	180
Notional Amounts	$ 1,627,817	$ 2,004,858
Fair Value Asset (Liability), Net	(126,876)	(64,772)
Unrealized Loss Recorded in AOCI/L	$ (91,896)	$ (47,164)
Interest rate swaps
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Number of Contracts | derivative_instrument	4
Notional Amounts	$ 1,400,000
Designated as hedging instrument | Other liabilities | Interest rate swaps
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Number of Contracts | outstanding_contract	4	4
Notional Amounts	$ 1,400,000	$ 1,400,000
Fair Value Asset (Liability), Net	(126,317)	(64,831)
Unrealized Loss Recorded in AOCI/L	$ (91,896)	$ (47,164)
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Accrued liabilities | Foreign currency forwards
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Number of Contracts | outstanding_contract	43
Notional Amounts	$ 227,817
Fair Value Asset (Liability), Net	(559)
Unrealized Loss Recorded in AOCI/L	$ 0
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Other current assets | Foreign currency forwards
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Number of Contracts | outstanding_contract		176
Notional Amounts		$ 604,858
Fair Value Asset (Liability), Net		59
Unrealized Loss Recorded in AOCI/L		$ 0

Derivatives and Hedging - Amoun

Derivatives and Hedging - Amounts Recognized in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for Derivative Contracts (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Total expense (income), net	$ 15,791	$ (4,109)
Interest (income) expense, net
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Total expense (income), net	3,192	(2,271)
Other expense (income), net
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Total expense (income), net	$ 12,599	$ (1,838)

Fair Value Disclosures - Assets

Fair Value Disclosures - Assets And Liabilities Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis (Details) - USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Assets:
Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis	$ 65,700,000	$ 77,254,000
Liabilities:
Liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis	983,250,000	981,270,000
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1
Assets:
Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis	5,612,000	2,277,000
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Assets:
Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis	60,088,000	74,977,000
Liabilities:
Liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis	983,250,000	981,270,000
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | Foreign currency forward contracts
Assets:
Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis	140,000	1,558,000
Liabilities:
Liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis	699,000	1,499,000
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | Interest rate swap contracts
Liabilities:
Liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis	126,317,000	64,831,000
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | Deferred compensation plan assets
Assets:
Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis	59,948,000	73,419,000
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | Deferred compensation plan liabilities
Liabilities:
Liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis	67,802,000	79,556,000
Senior Notes
Liabilities:
Aggregate principal amount	800,000,000
Long-term debt carrying amount	785,600,000	785,000,000
Senior Notes | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | Debt
Liabilities:
Liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis	$ 788,432,000	$ 835,384,000

Employee Benefits (Details)

Employee Benefits (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Net periodic pension expense	$ 1.1	$ 0.8

Leases - Narrative (Details)

Leases - Narrative (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Leases [Abstract]
Renewal term	5 years
Option to terminate, term	1 year

Leases - Net Lease Costs (Detai

Leases - Net Lease Costs (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020USD ($)
Leases [Abstract]
Operating lease cost	$ 37,961
Variable lease cost	4,403
Sublease income	(11,090)
Total lease cost, net	31,274
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of operating lease liabilities	34,936
Cash receipts from sublease arrangements	9,417
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities	14,919
Cost for subleasing activities	$ 10,600

Leases - Supplemental Balance S

Leases - Supplemental Balance Sheet Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Leases [Abstract]
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$ 76,724
Operating leases - liabilities	813,883	$ 832,533
Total operating lease liabilities per the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet	$ 890,607

Subsequent Events - (Details)

Subsequent Events - (Details) - Subsequent Event $ in Millions	May 06, 2020	Apr. 01, 2020USD ($)	Apr. 30, 2020USD ($)
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Percent of employees affected by furlough			3.00%
Minimum
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Expected costs related to workforce reduction			$ 5
Maximum
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Expected costs related to workforce reduction			$ 6
Conferences
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Percent of employees affected by furlough			45.00%
2016 Credit Agreement
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Maximum consolidated leverage ratio	5
Maximum consolidated secured leverage ratio	3.75
Minimum consolidated leverage ratio to increase margin for outstanding loans	4.50
Revolving credit facility | Line of Credit
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Draw down on revolving credit facility		$ 300