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Document and Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information - shares	Sep. 30, 2014	Oct. 24, 2014
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2014
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Trading Symbol	MSCI
Entity Registrant Name	MSCI INC.
Entity Central Index Key	0001408198
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		112,030,366

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 448,193	$ 358,434
Accounts receivable (net of allowances of $789 and $1,280 at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively)	191,806	169,490
Deferred taxes	52,124	52,888
Prepaid taxes	35,027	14,568
Prepaid and other assets	31,439	28,890
Total current assets	758,589	624,270
Property, equipment and leasehold improvements (net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of $93,011 and $75,371 at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively)	93,787	85,588
Goodwill	1,567,443	1,813,164
Intangible assets (net of accumulated amortization of $360,927 and $374,377 at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively)	445,034	595,707
Other non-current assets	15,426	17,386
Total assets	2,880,279	3,136,115
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Accounts payable	1,695	1,198
Accrued compensation and related benefits	91,840	121,124
Other accrued liabilities	64,298	41,212
Current maturities of long-term debt	19,781	19,772
Deferred revenue	321,025	319,735
Total current liabilities	498,639	503,041
Long-term debt, net of current maturities	773,173	788,010
Deferred taxes	171,681	234,649
Other non-current liabilities	40,252	46,068
Total liabilities	1,483,745	1,571,768
Commitments and Contingencies (see Note 8)
Shareholders' equity:
Preferred stock (par value $0.01; 100,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued)	0	0
Common stock (par value $0.01; 750,000,000 common shares authorized; 126,586,553 and 125,555,268 common shares issued and 112,027,156 and 118,083,111 common shares outstanding at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively)	1,266	1,256
Treasury shares, at cost (14,559,397 and 7,472,157 common shares held at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively)	(588,119)	(268,391)
Additional paid in capital	1,017,305	1,073,157
Retained earnings	978,358	758,975
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(12,276)	(650)
Total shareholders' equity	1,396,534	1,564,347
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$ 2,880,279	$ 3,136,115

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Accounts receivable, allowances	$ 789	$ 1,280
Property, equipment and leasehold improvements, accumulated depreciation and amortization	93,011	75,371
Intangible assets, accumulated amortization	$ 360,927	$ 374,377
Preferred stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	100,000,000	100,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Common stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	750,000,000	750,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	126,586,553	125,555,268
Common stock, shares outstanding	112,027,156	118,083,111
Treasury shares	14,559,397	7,472,157

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Income Statement [Abstract]
Operating revenues	$ 251,661	$ 228,608	$ 745,575	$ 676,500
Operating expenses:
Cost of services	78,876	68,151	231,119	203,147
Selling, general and administrative	70,833	59,917	210,007	168,274
Amortization of intangible assets	11,574	11,193	34,286	33,581
Depreciation and amortization of property, equipment and leasehold improvements	6,342	5,443	18,091	14,814
Total operating expenses	167,625	144,704	493,503	419,816
Operating income	84,036	83,904	252,072	256,684
Interest income	(277)	(227)	(625)	(650)
Interest expense	5,604	5,828	16,029	19,343
Other expense (income)	(1,287)	563	(942)	2,157
Other expense (income), net	4,040	6,164	14,462	20,850
Income from continuing operations before provision for income taxes	79,996	77,740	237,610	235,834
Provision for income taxes	28,272	27,804	81,937	76,799
Income from continuing operations	51,724	49,936	155,673	159,035
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes	(10)	5,374	84,100	16,265
Net income	$ 51,714	$ 55,310	$ 239,773	$ 175,300
Earnings per basic common share:
Earnings per basic common share from continuing operations	$ 0.44	$ 0.42	$ 1.33	$ 1.32
Earnings per basic common share from discontinued operations		0.04	0.72	0.13
Earnings per basic common share	0.44	0.46	2.05	1.45
Earnings per diluted common share:
Earnings per diluted common share from continuing operations	0.44	0.42	1.32	1.31
Earnings per diluted common share from discontinued operations		0.04	0.71	0.13
Earnings per diluted common share	$ 0.44	$ 0.46	$ 2.03	$ 1.44
Weighted average shares outstanding used in computing earnings per share:
Basic	116,251	119,607	116,840	120,497
Diluted	117,163	120,578	117,803	121,446

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 51,714	$ 55,310	$ 239,773	$ 175,300
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(10,266)	6,522	(11,992)	(1,252)
Income tax effect	(502)	(2,519)	163	479
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net	(10,768)	4,003	(11,829)	(773)
Unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges		197		1,364
Income tax effect		(77)		(524)
Unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges, net		120		840
Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities				(5)
Income tax effect				2
Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities, net				(3)
Pension and other post-retirement adjustments	53	(68)	219	47
Income tax effect	(18)	17	(16)	(16)
Pension and other post-retirement adjustments, net	35	(51)	203	31
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(10,733)	4,072	(11,626)	95
Comprehensive income	$ 40,981	$ 59,382	$ 228,147	$ 175,395

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income	$ 239,773	$ 175,300
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Amortization of intangible assets	37,026	43,443
Stock-based compensation expense	20,116	19,150
Depreciation and amortization of property, equipment and leasehold improvements	18,310	16,260
Amortization of debt origination fees	1,328	2,179
Deferred taxes	996	(2,125)
Amortization of discount on long-term debt	359	699
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	(3,197)	(1,766)
Gain on disposition of subsidiary, net of costs	(84,620)
Other non-cash adjustments	1,764	(748)
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of assets and liabilities acquired:
Accounts receivable	(38,635)	(26,762)
Prepaid income taxes	(20,552)	(13,067)
Prepaid and other assets	(7,343)	(3,393)
Accounts payable	973	(2,017)
Deferred revenue	50,304	25,454
Accrued compensation and related benefits	(19,581)	(16,161)
Other accrued liabilities	6,552	3,147
Other	(1,954)	6,444
Net cash provided by operating activities	201,619	226,037
Cash flows from investing activities
Proceeds from redemption of short-term investments		70,900
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(14,880)	(23,268)
Dispositions, net of cash provided	362,811
Proceeds from the sale of capital equipment	8	29
Capitalized software development costs	(6,063)	(1,829)
Capital expenditures	(36,174)	(20,899)
Net cash provided by investing activities	305,702	24,933
Cash flows from financing activities
Repayment of long-term debt	(15,187)	(48,000)
Repurchase of treasury shares	(409,396)	(109,928)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	9,009	9,308
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	3,197	1,766
Net cash used in financing activities	(412,377)	(146,854)
Effect of exchange rate changes	(5,185)	(3,675)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	89,759	100,441
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	358,434	183,309
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	448,193	283,750
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Cash paid for interest	14,387	15,099
Cash paid for income taxes	101,421	99,642
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing activities:
Property, equipment and leasehold improvements in other accrued liabilities	$ 3,929	$ 5,219

Introduction and Basis of Presentation

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Introduction and Basis of Presentation

1. INTRODUCTION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION

MSCI Inc., together with its wholly-owned subsidiaries (the “Company” or “MSCI”), is a global provider of investment decision support tools, including indexes, portfolio risk and performance analytics. The Company’s flagship products are its global equity indexes and environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) products marketed under the MSCI and MSCI ESG Research brands, its private real estate benchmarks marketed under the IPD brand, its portfolio risk and performance analytics covering global equity and fixed income markets marketed under the Barra brand, its market and credit risk analytics marketed under the RiskMetrics and Barra brands, its performance reporting products and services offered to the investment consultant community marketed under the InvestorForce brand and its valuation models and risk management software for the energy and commodities markets marketed under the FEA brand.

On March 17, 2014, MSCI entered into a definitive agreement to sell Institutional Shareholder Services Inc. (“ISS”). As a result, the Company reported the operating results of ISS in “Income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes” in the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013. As a result of this change, the Company now operates as one segment. Unless otherwise indicated, the disclosures accompanying these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements reflect the Company’s continuing operations.

The Company completed the sale of ISS on April 30, 2014. See Note 3, “Dispositions and Discontinued Operations,” for further details.

Basis of Presentation and Use of Estimates

These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of MSCI Inc. and its subsidiaries and include all adjustments of a normal, recurring nature necessary to present fairly the financial condition as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the results of operations and comprehensive income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 and cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013. The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes included in MSCI’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013. The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statement information as of December 31, 2013 has been derived from the 2013 audited consolidated financial statements. The results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results for the entire year.

The Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). These accounting principles require the Company to make certain estimates and judgments that can affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements, as well as the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the periods presented. Significant estimates and assumptions made by management include the deferral and recognition of revenue, research and development and software capitalization, the allowance for doubtful accounts, impairment of long-lived assets, accrued compensation, income taxes and other matters that affect the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. The Company believes that estimates used in the preparation of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements are reasonable; however, actual results could differ materially from these estimates.

Intercompany balances and transactions are eliminated in consolidation. Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year financial statement presentation.

Revision

In connection with the preparation of the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for the three months ended June 30, 2014, the Company determined that it had understated its net tax liabilities in certain years prior to December 31, 2012. As a result of these errors, the Company has recorded the following corrections as of December 31, 2013: (i) an $11.3 million decrease to beginning retained earnings, (ii) a $0.7 million decrease to additional paid in capital, (iii) a $12.8 million decrease to prepaid taxes, (iv) a $13.6 million increase to long-term deferred tax liabilities and (v) a $14.3 million increase to goodwill. In accordance with the accounting guidance found in Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Subtopic 250-10, “Accounting Changes and Error Corrections,” the Company has revised its Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition as of December 31, 2013 to reflect these corrections. The Company will revise all other previously reported results as such financial information is included in future filings.

In accordance with SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 99, “Materiality,” the Company assessed the materiality of the adjustments and concluded that these corrections were not material to any of its previously issued financial statements. The Company also concluded that its compliance with debt covenants would not have been affected by these adjustments.

Accordingly, the Company has revised the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition as of December 31, 2013 from amounts previously reported as follows:


	(in thousands)
	As Previously Reported		Adjustment			As Revised
Prepaid taxes	$	27,333	$	(12,765	)	$	14,568
Total current assets	$	637,035	$	(12,765	)	$	624,270
Goodwill	$	1,798,821	$	14,343		$	1,813,164
Total assets	$	3,134,537	$	1,578		$	3,136,115
Deferred taxes	$	221,054	$	13,595		$	234,649
Total liabilities	$	1,558,173	$	13,595		$	1,571,768
Additional paid in capital	$	1,073,893	$	(736	)	$	1,073,157
Retained earnings	$	770,256	$	(11,281	)	$	758,975
Total shareholders’ equity	$	1,576,364	$	(12,017	)	$	1,564,347
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	3,134,537	$	1,578		$	3,136,115

Concentrations

Financial instruments that may potentially subject the Company to concentration risk consist principally of cash deposits. At September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, cash and cash equivalent amounts were $448.2 million and $358.4 million, respectively. The Company receives interest at prevailing money market fund rates on its cash deposits.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2014, BlackRock, Inc. accounted for 10.6% of the Company’s operating revenues. For the nine months ended September 30, 2013, no single customer accounted for 10.0% or more of the Company’s operating revenues.

Recent Accounting Standards Updates	9 Months Ended
Recent Accounting Standards Updates	Sep. 30, 2014
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]
Recent Accounting Standards Updates	2. RECENT ACCOUNTING STANDARDS UPDATES In July 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2013-11, “Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists,” or ASU 2013-11. The amendments in this update require that an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, be presented in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward, except under a few limited circumstances. The amendments in this update do not require new recurring disclosures. This new guidance has been applied prospectively for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2013. The adoption of ASU 2013-11 did not have a material impact on the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements. In April 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-08, “Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant, and Equipment (Topic 360): Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity,” or ASU 2014-08. The amendments in this update change the requirements for reporting discontinued operations under ASC Subtopic 205-20, “Presentation of Financial Statements – Discontinued Operations,” such as limiting discontinued operations reporting to disposals of components of an entity that represent strategic shifts that have (or will have) a major effect on an entity’s operations and financial results. The amendments in this update also require expanded disclosures in order to provide users of financial statements with more information about the assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses of discontinued operations. Further, the amendments require an entity to disclose the pretax profit or loss of an individually significant component of an entity that does not qualify for discontinued operations reporting. This new guidance is to be applied prospectively for annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2014, and interim periods within those years, with early adoption permitted. The Company has elected not to early adopt ASU 2014-08 and is evaluating the potential impact that the update will have on its unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements. In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers,” or ASU 2014-09. The objective of ASU 2014-09 is to establish a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and will supersede most of the existing revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. The core principle of ASU 2014-09 is that an entity recognizes revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. In applying the new guidance, an entity will (1) identify the contract(s) with a customer; (2) identify the performance obligations in the contract; (3) determine the transaction price; (4) allocate the transaction price to the contract’s performance obligations; and (5) recognize revenue when, or as, the entity satisfies a performance obligation. The new guidance is effective for annual reporting periods (including interim periods within those periods) beginning after December 15, 2016 for public companies. Early adoption is not permitted. Entities have the option of using either a full retrospective or modified approach to adopt ASU 2014-09. The Company is evaluating the potential impact that the update will have on its unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of changes in accounting principles, including adoption of new accounting pronouncements, that describes the new methods, amount and effects on financial statement line items.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Number 210
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-Subparagraph 6
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+ Details

Dispositions and Discontinued Operations

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]

Dispositions and Discontinued Operations

3. DISPOSITIONS AND DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

Disposition of CFRA

On March 31, 2013, MSCI completed the sale of its CFRA product line. The value of the disposed assets and liabilities and the resulting gain on disposal were not material to the Company.

Disposition of ISS

On March 17, 2014, MSCI entered into a definitive agreement to sell ISS. The results of operations from ISS and the CFRA product line are reflected in “Income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes” in the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.

The sale of ISS was completed on April 30, 2014 for $367.4 million. The value of the assets and liabilities of ISS that were disposed, directly attributable transaction costs and the resulting gain on disposal that has been reported in “Income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes” for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 are as follows:


(in thousands)
Cash proceeds	$	367,355
Less: Working capital adjustments		(311	)

Total proceeds		367,044
Less assets sold and liabilities relieved resulting from disposal:
Cash and cash equivalents		(4,544	)
Accounts receivable		(15,765	)
Deferred taxes (current)		(3,174	)
Prepaid taxes		(617	)
Prepaid and other assets		(4,500	)
Property, equipment and leasehold improvements (net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of $4,213)		(8,544	)
Goodwill		(254,233	)
Intangible assets (net of accumulated amortization of $50,283)		(121,269	)
Other non-current assets		(1,645	)
Accounts payable		574
Accrued compensation and related benefits		6,783
Other accrued liabilities		4,034
Deferred revenue		51,767
Deferred taxes (non-current)		59,129
Other non-current liabilities		5,576
Other comprehensive income including currency translation adjustments and pension and other post-retirement adjustments		4,004

Net assets sold		(282,424	)
Less: Transaction costs		(5,946	)

Gain on sale of ISS	$	78,674

Income (loss) from discontinued operations. Amounts associated with discontinued operations reflected in the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:


	Three Months Ended September 30,
	2014			2013
	(in thousands)
Revenue from discontinued operations	$	—		$	29,630

Income (loss) from discontinued operations before provision (benefit) for income taxes	$	(110	)	$	8,507
Provision (benefit) for income taxes		(100	)		3,133

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes	$	(10	)	$	5,374

Amounts associated with discontinued operations reflected in the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:


	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2014		2013
	(in thousands)
Revenue from discontinued operations	$	43,122	$	91,545

Income from discontinued operations before provision for income taxes	$	86,254	$	25,223
Provision for income taxes		2,154		8,958

Income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes	$	84,100	$	16,265

The three months ended March 31, 2014 included a $30.6 million income tax benefit associated with establishing a net deferred tax asset on the difference between the ISS tax basis and book basis. This net deferred tax asset was realized in the three months ended June 30, 2014 upon the closing of the sale, which reflects the tax basis capital loss realized on this book gain.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the facts and circumstances leading to the completed or expected disposal, manner and timing of disposal, the gain (loss) recognized in the income statement and the income statement caption that includes that gain (loss), amounts of revenues and pretax profit or loss reported in discontinued operations, the segment in which the disposal group was reported, and the classification (whether sold or classified as held for sale) and carrying value of the assets and liabilities comprising the disposal group. Includes all disposal groups, including those classified as components of the entity (discontinued operations).

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-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6892542&loc=d3e1012-107759

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 360
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 5
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=8077374&loc=d3e2443-110228

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 360
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6391110&loc=d3e2941-110230

+ Details

Reclassifications out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]

Reclassifications out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

4. RECLASSIFICATIONS OUT OF ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

As required by FASB’s ASC Subtopic 220-10, “Comprehensive Income—Overall,” the following tables present the amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by the respective line item in the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013.

Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)⁽¹⁾

(in thousands)


Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Components	Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)					Affected Line Item in the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
	Three Months Ended		Three Months Ended
	September 30, 2014		September 30, 2013
Unrealized losses on cash flow hedges Interest rate contracts	$	—	$	(197	)	Interest expense
		—		77		Tax benefit

	$	—	$	(120	)	Net of tax

Unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities
Short-term investments	$	—	$	—		Interest income
		—		—		Tax expense

	$	—	$	—		Net of tax

Defined benefit pension plans
Amount recognized as a component of net periodic benefit expense for curtailments and settlements	$	—	$	—		⁽²⁾
		—		—		Tax expense

	$	—	$	—		Net of tax

Foreign currency translation adjustment	$	—	$	—		⁽²⁾

Total reclassifications for the period, net of tax	$	—	$	(120	)

⁽¹⁾	Amounts in parentheses indicate expenses or losses moved to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.

⁽²⁾	These accumulated other comprehensive income components were reclassified to “Income from discontinued operations, net of taxes” as part of the gain on the disposition of ISS.

Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)⁽¹⁾

(in thousands)


Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Components	Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)						Affected Line Item in the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
	Nine Months Ended			Nine Months Ended
	September 30, 2014			September 30, 2013
Unrealized losses on cash flow hedges Interest rate contracts	$	—		$	(1,364	)	Interest expense
		—			524		Tax benefit

	$	—		$	(840	)	Net of tax

Unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities
Short-term investments	$	—		$	5		Interest income
		—			(2	)	Tax expense

	$	—		$	3		Net of tax

Defined benefit pension plans
Amount recognized as a component of net periodic benefit expense for curtailments and settlements	$	(186	)	$	—		⁽²⁾
		6			—		Tax expense

	$	(180	)	$	—		Net of tax

Foreign currency translation adjustment	$	4,184		$	—		⁽²⁾

Total reclassifications for the period, net of tax	$	4,004		$	(837	)

⁽¹⁾	Amounts in parentheses indicate expenses or losses moved to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.

⁽²⁾	These accumulated other comprehensive income components were reclassified to “Income from discontinued operations, net of taxes” as part of the gain on the disposition of ISS.

Earnings Per Common Share

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Earnings Per Common Share

5. EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE

Basic earnings per share (“EPS”) is computed by dividing income available to MSCI common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Common shares outstanding include common stock and vested restricted stock unit awards where recipients have satisfied either the explicit vesting terms or retirement-eligible requirements. Diluted EPS reflects the assumed conversion of all dilutive securities. There were 104,494 and 104,346 stock options excluded from the calculation of diluted EPS for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively, because of their anti-dilutive effect. There were 1,133 and 453 anti-dilutive securities excluded from the calculation of diluted EPS for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively.

The Company computes EPS using the two-class method and determines whether instruments granted in share-based payment transactions are participating securities. The following table presents the computation of basic and diluted EPS:


	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2014			2013			2014			2013
(in thousands, except per share data)
Income from continuing operations, net of income taxes	$	51,724		$	49,936		$	155,673		$	159,035
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes		(10	)		5,374			84,100			16,265

Net income	$	51,714		$	55,310		$	239,773		$	175,300
Less: Allocations of earnings to unvested restricted stock units ⁽¹⁾		(69	)		(211	)		(320	)		(668	)

Earnings available to MSCI common shareholders	$	51,645		$	55,099		$	239,453		$	174,632

Basic weighted average common shares outstanding		116,251			119,607			116,840			120,497

Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock options and restricted stock units		912			971			963			949

Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding		117,163			120,578			117,803			121,446

Earnings per basic common share from continuing operations	$	0.44		$	0.42		$	1.33		$	1.32
Earnings per basic common share from discontinued operations		—			0.04			0.72			0.13

Earnings per basic common share	$	0.44		$	0.46		$	2.05		$	1.45

Earnings per diluted common share from continuing operations	$	0.44		$	0.42		$	1.32		$	1.31
Earnings per diluted common share from discontinued operations		—			0.04			0.71			0.13

Earnings per diluted common share	$	0.44		$	0.46		$	2.03		$	1.44

⁽¹⁾

Restricted stock units granted to employees prior to 2013 and all restricted stock units granted to independent directors of the Company have a right to participate in all of the earnings of the Company in the computation of basic EPS and, therefore, these restricted stock units are not included as incremental shares in the diluted EPS computation.

Property, Equipment and Leasehold Improvements

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]

Property, Equipment and Leasehold Improvements

6. PROPERTY, EQUIPMENT AND LEASEHOLD IMPROVEMENTS

Property, equipment and leasehold improvements at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 consisted of the following:


	As of
Type	September 30, 2014⁽¹⁾			December 31, 2013
	(in thousands)
Computer & related equipment	$	112,185		$	86,384
Furniture & fixtures		9,734			9,108
Leasehold improvements		54,277			52,776
Work-in-process		10,602			12,691

Subtotal		186,798			160,959
Accumulated depreciation and amortization		(93,011	)		(75,371	)

Property, equipment and leasehold improvements, net	$	93,787		$	85,588

⁽¹⁾

Property, equipment and leasehold improvements as of September 30, 2014 reflects the disposition and addition of property, equipment and leasehold improvements associated with the sale of ISS and acquisition of Governance Holdings Co. (“GMI Ratings”), respectively. See Note 3, “Dispositions and Discontinued Operations,” and Note 11, “Acquisitions,” for additional information.

Depreciation and amortization expense of property, equipment and leasehold improvements was $6.3 million and $5.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Depreciation and amortization expense of property, equipment and leasehold improvements was $18.1 million and $14.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

7. GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Goodwill

The Company carries goodwill reflected in the table below:


	Goodwill
(in thousands)
Goodwill at December 31, 2013	$	1,813,164
Changes to goodwill⁽¹⁾		(244,288	)
Foreign exchange translation adjustment		(1,433	)

Goodwill at September 30, 2014	$	1,567,443

⁽¹⁾	Changes to goodwill reflect the disposition and addition of goodwill associated with the sale of ISS and acquisition of GMI Ratings, respectively. See Note 3, “Dispositions and Discontinued Operations,” and Note 11, “Acquisitions,” for additional information.

Intangible Assets

Amortization expense related to intangible assets for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 was $11.6 million and $11.2 million, respectively. Amortization expense related to intangible assets for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 was $34.3 million and $33.6 million, respectively.

The gross carrying amounts and accumulated amortization totals related to the Company’s identifiable intangible assets are as follows:


	As of
(in thousands)	September 30, 2014⁽¹⁾			December 31, 2013
Gross intangible assets:
Customer relationships	$	360,835		$	478,735
Trademarks/trade names		223,382			257,282
Technology/software		191,540			199,778
Proprietary process		—			3,800
Proprietary data		28,627			28,527
Covenants not to compete		900			—

Subtotal		805,284			968,122
Foreign exchange translation adjustment		677			1,962

Total gross intangible assets	$	805,961		$	970,084

Accumulated amortization:
Customer relationships	$	(112,986	)	$	(125,359	)
Trademarks/trade names		(78,548	)		(75,696	)
Technology/software		(165,220	)		(168,481	)
Proprietary process		—			(2,269	)
Proprietary data		(4,043	)		(2,326	)
Covenants not to compete		(75	)		—


Subtotal		(360,872	)		(374,131	)
Foreign exchange translation adjustment		(55	)		(246	)

Total accumulated amortization	$	(360,927	)	$	(374,377	)

Net intangible assets:
Customer relationships	$	247,849		$	353,376
Trademarks/trade names		144,834			181,586
Technology/software		26,320			31,297
Proprietary process		—			1,531
Proprietary data		24,584			26,201
Covenants not to compete		825			—

Subtotal		444,412			593,991
Foreign exchange translation adjustment		622			1,716

Total net intangible assets	$	445,034		$	595,707

⁽¹⁾

Intangible assets and the associated accumulated amortization as of September 30, 2014 reflect the disposition and addition of intangible assets associated with the sale of ISS and acquisition of GMI Ratings, respectively. See Note 3, “Dispositions and Discontinued Operations,” and Note 11, “Acquisitions,” for additional information.

The estimated amortization expense for the remainder of 2014 and succeeding years is presented below:


Fiscal Year	Amortization Expense
	(in thousands)
Remainder 2014	$	11,647
2015		46,929
2016		46,413
2017		41,186
2018		38,436
Thereafter		260,423

Total	$	445,034

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the aggregate amount of goodwill and a description of intangible assets, which may include (a) for amortizable intangible assets (also referred to as finite-lived intangible assets), the carrying amount, the amount of any significant residual value, and the weighted-average amortization period, (b) for intangible assets not subject to amortization (also referred to as indefinite-lived intangible assets), the carrying amount, and (c) the amount of research and development assets acquired and written off in the period, including the line item in the income statement in which the amounts written off are aggregated, if not readily apparent from the income statement. Also discloses (a) for amortizable intangibles assets in total and by major class, the gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization, the total amortization expense for the period, and the estimated aggregate amortization expense for each of the five succeeding fiscal years, (b) for intangible assets not subject to amortization the carrying amount in total and by major class, and (c) for goodwill, in total and for each reportable segment, the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill during the period (including the aggregate amount of goodwill acquired, the aggregate amount of impairment losses recognized, and the amount of goodwill included in the gain (loss) on disposal of a reporting unit). If any part of goodwill has not been allocated to a reportable segment, discloses the unallocated amount and the reasons for not allocating. For each impairment loss recognized related to an intangible asset (excluding goodwill), discloses: (a) a description of the impaired intangible asset and the facts and circumstances leading to the impairment, (b) the amount of the impairment loss and the method for determining fair value, (c) the caption in the income statement or the statement of activities in which the impairment loss is aggregated, and (d) the segment in which the impaired intangible asset is reported. For each goodwill impairment loss recognized, discloses: (a) a description of the facts and circumstances leading to the impairment, (b) the amount of the impairment loss and the method of determining the fair value of the associated reporting unit, and (c) if a recognized impairment loss is an estimate not finalized and the reasons why the estimate is not final. May also disclose the nature and amount of any significant adjustments made to a previous estimate of an impairment loss.

+ References + Details

Commitments and Contingencies

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Commitments and Contingencies

8. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Legal matters. From time to time, the Company is party to various litigation matters incidental to the conduct of its business. The Company is not presently party to any legal proceedings the resolution of which the Company believes would have a material effect on its business, operating results, financial condition or cash flows.

Leases. The Company leases facilities under non-cancelable operating lease agreements. The terms of certain lease agreements provide for rental payments on a graduated basis. The Company recognizes rent expense on the straight-line basis over the lease period and has accrued for rent expense incurred but not paid. Rent expense for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 was $6.3 million and $6.1 million, respectively. Rent expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 was $19.7 million and $17.6 million, respectively.

Return of capital. On December 13, 2012, the Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program authorizing the purchase of up to $300.0 million worth of shares of MSCI’s common stock beginning immediately and continuing through December 31, 2014 (the “2012 Repurchase Program”).

On December 13, 2012, as part of the 2012 Repurchase Program, the Company entered into its first accelerated share repurchase (“ASR”) agreement to initiate a repurchase aggregating $100.0 million (the “December 2012 ASR Program”). As a result of the December 2012 ASR Program, the Company received 2.2 million shares on December 14, 2012 and 0.8 million shares on July 31, 2013 for a combined average purchase price of $33.47 per share.

On August 1, 2013, MSCI entered into a second ASR agreement to initiate share repurchases aggregating $100.0 million (the “August 2013 ASR Program”). As a result of the August 2013 ASR Program, the Company received 1.9 million shares on August 2, 2013 and 0.5 million shares on December 30, 2013 for a combined average purchase price of $41.06 per share.

On February 6, 2014, MSCI utilized the remaining repurchase authorization provided by the 2012 Repurchase Program by entering into a third ASR agreement to initiate share repurchases aggregating $100.0 million (the “February 2014 ASR Program”). As a result of the February 2014 ASR Program, the Company received 1.7 million shares on February 7, 2014 and 0.6 million shares on May 5, 2014 for a combined average purchase price of $43.10 per share.

On February 4, 2014, the Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program authorizing the purchase of up to $300.0 million worth of shares of MSCI’s common stock which will be available from time to time at management’s discretion (the “2014 Repurchase Program”). On September 17, 2014, the Board of Directors increased the approval under the 2014 Repurchase Program from $300.0 million to $850.0 million. Share repurchases made pursuant to the authority remaining under the 2014 Repurchase Program may take place through December 31, 2016 in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions from time to time based on market and other conditions. This authorization may be modified, suspended, terminated or extended by the Board of Directors at any time without prior notice.

On September 18, 2014, as part of the 2014 Repurchase Program, the Company entered into a fourth ASR agreement to initiate share repurchases aggregating $300.0 million (the “September 2014 ASR Program”). As a result of the September 2014 ASR Program, on September 19, 2014, the Company paid $300.0 million in cash and received approximately 4.5 million shares of MSCI’s common stock. The Company may also receive additional shares at or prior to maturity of the ASR Agreement in May 2015.

The $300.0 million payment for the September 2014 ASR Program was initially split and recorded as a $210.0 million increase to “Treasury stock” and a $90.0 million decrease to “Additional paid in capital” on the Company’s Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition to reflect the initial estimate of the value of shares received.

On September 17, 2014, the Board of Directors approved a plan to initiate a regular quarterly cash dividend. Accordingly, the Board of Directors declared the Company’s first regular quarterly dividend of $0.18 per share of common stock that will be paid on October 31, 2014 to shareholders of record as of the close of trading on October 15, 2014. The Company expects the initial annual dividend rate to be $0.72 per share. As of September 30, 2014, the Company accrued for the declared cash dividend of $20.4 million in “Other accrued liabilities” on the Company’s Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition which will be paid on October 31, 2014.

Long-term debt. On June 1, 2010, the Company entered into a senior secured credit facility (the “2010 Credit Facility”). On March 14, 2011, the Company completed the repricing of the 2010 Credit Facility pursuant to Amendment No. 2 to the 2010 Credit Facility. On May 4, 2012, the Company amended and restated its 2010 Credit Facility (the credit agreement as so amended and restated, the “Amended and Restated Credit Facility”). The Amended and Restated Credit Facility provided for the incurrence of a new senior secured five-year Term Loan A Facility in an aggregate amount of $880.0 million (the “2012 Term Loan”) and a $100.0 million senior secured revolving facility (the “2012 Revolving Credit Facility”). The Amended and Restated Credit Facility also amended certain negative covenants, including financial covenants.

In March 2013, the Company made a $15.0 million prepayment on the 2012 Term Loan.

On December 12, 2013, the Company entered into an agreement that extended the maturity of the Amended and Restated Credit Facility from May 2017 to December 2018 (the “New Amended and Restated Credit Facility”). The Company also amended the amortization schedule of required debt payments under the 2012 Term Loan. Pursuant to the New Amended and Restated Credit Facility, the Company is required to repay $5.1 million in quarterly payments over the first two years and $10.1 million in quarterly payments over the following three years, with the exception of the final payment in December 2018, which will be $658.1 million (assuming no further prepayments). As of September 30, 2014, no such prepayments have been made.

The 2012 Term Loan bears interest equal to LIBOR plus a margin. As of September 30, 2014, the 2012 Term Loan bore interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 2.25%, or 2.40%.

Current maturities of long-term debt at September 30, 2014 were $19.8 million, net of a $0.5 million discount. Long-term debt, net of current maturities at September 30, 2014 was $773.2 million, net of a $1.4 million discount.

Current maturities of long-term debt at December 31, 2013 were $19.8 million, net of a $0.5 million discount. Long-term debt, net of current maturities at December 31, 2013 was $788.0 million, net of a $1.7 million discount.

In connection with entering into the New Amended and Restated Credit Facility, certain fees were paid and are being amortized over the life of the New Amended and Restated Credit Facility. At September 30, 2014, $7.0 million of the deferred financing fees remain unamortized, $1.7 million of which is included in “Prepaid and other assets” and $5.3 million of which is included in “Other non-current assets” on the Company’s Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition.

The Company amortized $0.4 million and $0.7 million of deferred financing fees in interest expense during the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The Company amortized $1.3 million and $2.2 million of deferred financing fees in interest expense during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Approximately $0.1 million and $0.2 million of debt discount was amortized in interest expense during the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Approximately $0.4 million and $0.7 million of debt discount were amortized in interest expense during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

At September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the fair market value of the Company’s debt obligations was $782.9 million and $812.0 million, respectively. The fair market value is determined in accordance with accounting standards related to the determination of fair value and represents Level 2 valuations. The Company utilizes the market approach and obtains security pricing from a vendor who uses broker quotes and third-party pricing services to determine fair values.

As of September 30, 2014, the Company’s retained earnings of $978.4 million were restricted as to the payments of dividends. As outlined in the New Amended and Restated Credit Facility, the Company cannot pay or declare any dividends except out of amounts available for restricted payments. As of September 30, 2014, the amount available for restricted payments was $161.6 million, after taking into account dividends declared, reflecting the Company’s cumulative retained excess cash flows (“CRECF”), as defined in the New Amended and Restated Credit Facility, through December 31, 2013 and adjusted for, among other things, any restricted payments made during the nine months ended September 30, 2014. To the extent the CRECF is utilized for other actions restricted under the New Amended and Restated Credit Facility, including stock repurchases, the amount available for restricted payments will be reduced.

Derivatives and Hedging Activities. The Company is exposed to certain risks arising from both its business operations and economic conditions. The Company principally manages its exposures to a wide variety of business and operational risks through management of its core business activities. The Company manages economic risks, including interest rate, liquidity, and credit risk, primarily by managing the amount, sources, and duration of its debt funding and the use of derivative financial instruments.

Certain of the Company’s foreign operations expose the Company to fluctuations of foreign exchange rates. These fluctuations may impact the value of the Company’s cash receipts and payments in terms of the Company’s functional currency, the U.S. dollar. The Company enters into derivative financial instruments to protect the value or fix the amount of certain obligations in terms of its functional currency.

Non-designated Hedges of Foreign Exchange Risk. Derivatives not designated as hedges are not speculative and are used to manage the Company’s exposure to foreign exchange rate movements, but do not meet the strict hedge accounting requirements. Changes in the fair value of derivatives not designated in hedging relationships are recorded directly in earnings. As of September 30, 2014, the Company had one outstanding foreign currency forward with a notional amount of $12.0 million that was not designated as a hedge in a qualifying hedging relationship.

The following table presents the fair values of the Company’s derivative instruments and the location in which they are presented on the Company’s Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition:


(in thousands)	Location in the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition	As of September 30, 2014		As of December 31, 2013
Non-designated hedging instruments:
Liability derivatives:
Foreign exchange contracts	Other accrued liabilities	$	(236)	$	(156)

The Company’s foreign exchange forward contracts were classified within Level 2, as they were valued using pricing models that took into account the contract terms as well as multiple observable inputs where applicable, such as prevailing spot rates and forward points.

The following tables present the effect of the Company’s financial derivatives and the location in which they are presented on the Company’s Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition and Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income:


Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments (in thousands)	Location of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivatives	Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivatives for the Three Months Ended September 30,
		2014			2013
Foreign exchange contracts	Other expense	$	(258	)	$	(1,472	)


Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments (in thousands)	Location of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivatives	Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivatives for the Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014			2013
Foreign exchange contracts	Other expense	$	(825	)	$	(185	)

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
Income Taxes	Sep. 30, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	9. INCOME TAXES The Company’s provision for income taxes was $81.9 million and $76.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. These amounts reflect effective tax rates of 34.5% and 32.6% for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The effective tax rate of 34.5% for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 reflects the Company’s estimate of the effective tax rate for the period and is impacted by certain discrete items totaling $3.4 million related to state taxes, the release of reserves associated with certain IRS examinations and certain federal and foreign discrete items related to the filing of related tax returns, the effect of which was to decrease the Company’s effective tax rate by 1.4 percentage points. The effective tax rate of 32.6% for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 reflects the Company’s estimate of the effective tax rate for the period and is impacted by certain discrete items totaling $3.5 million, the effect of which was to decrease the Company’s effective tax rate by 1.5 percentage points. The Company is under examination by the Internal Revenue Service and other tax authorities in certain jurisdictions, including foreign jurisdictions, such as the United Kingdom, and states in which the Company has significant business operations, such as New York. The tax years currently under examination vary by jurisdiction but include years ranging from 2005 through 2013. As a result of having previously been a member of the Morgan Stanley consolidated group, the Company may have future settlements with Morgan Stanley related to the ultimate disposition of their New York State and New York City examination relating to the tax years 2007 through 2008 and their IRS examination relating to the tax years 2006 through 2008. The Company does not believe it has any material exposure to the New York State and New York City examination. Additionally, the Company believes it has adequate reserves for any tax issues that may arise out of the IRS examination relating to the tax years 2006 through 2008 and therefore does not believe any related settlement with Morgan Stanley will have a material impact. The Company regularly assesses the likelihood of additional assessments in each of the taxing jurisdictions in which it files income tax returns. The Company has established unrecognized tax benefits that the Company believes are adequate in relation to the potential for additional assessments. Once established, the Company adjusts unrecognized tax benefits only when more information is available or when an event occurs necessitating a change. As part of the Company’s periodic review of unrecognized tax benefits and based on new information regarding the status of federal and state examinations, the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits were remeasured. It is reasonably possible that significant changes in the balance of unrecognized tax benefits may occur within the next 12 months. At this time, however, it is not possible to reasonably estimate the expected change to the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits and the impact on the effective tax rate over the next 12 months.

Segment Information

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Segment Information

10. SEGMENT INFORMATION

ASC Subtopic 280-10, “Segment Reporting,” establishes standards for reporting information about operating segments. Operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise about which separate financial information is available that is evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker, or CODM, in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. MSCI’s Chief Executive Officer, who is considered to be its CODM, reviews financial information presented on an operating segment basis for purposes of making operating decisions and assessing financial performance.

MSCI operated as two segments in the year ended December 31, 2013, the Performance and Risk business and the Governance business. These designations were made as the discrete operating results of these segments were reviewed by the Company’s CODM for purposes of making operating decisions and assessing financial performance.

On March 17, 2014, MSCI entered into a definitive agreement to sell ISS, which, together with the previously disposed of CFRA product line, made up the Company’s Governance segment and are now reflected in “Income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes” in the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. The Company completed the sale of ISS on April 30, 2014. As a result, the Company now operates and reports as a single business segment (see Note 3, “Dispositions and Discontinued Operations,” for further details).

Revenue by geography is based on the shipping address of the customer. The following table sets forth revenue for the periods indicated by geographic area:


	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2014		2013		2014		2013
	(in thousands)
Revenues
Americas:
United States	$	118,721	$	104,917	$	347,779	$	308,341
Other		9,171		8,993		27,961		24,529

Total Americas		127,892		113,910		375,740		332,870

EMEA:
United Kingdom		40,104		35,758		115,961		103,485
Other		52,067		49,418		160,695		152,826

Total EMEA		92,171		85,176		276,656		256,311

Asia & Australia:
Japan		11,573		11,919		35,385		35,156
Other		20,025		17,603		57,794		52,163

Total Asia & Australia		31,598		29,522		93,179		87,319

Total	$	251,661	$	228,608	$	745,575	$	676,500

Long-lived assets consist of property, equipment, leasehold improvements, goodwill and intangible assets, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization.

The following table sets forth long-lived assets on the dates indicated by geographic area:


	As of
	September 30, 2014⁽¹⁾		December 31, 2013
	(in thousands)
Long-lived assets
Americas:
United States	$	1,953,113	$	2,338,124
Other		3,719		4,082

Total Americas		1,956,832		2,342,206

EMEA:
United Kingdom		126,749		133,411
Other		11,933		11,871

Total EMEA		138,682		145,282

Asia & Australia:
Japan		987		1,543
Other		9,763		5,428

Total Asia & Australia		10,750		6,971

Total	$	2,106,264	$	2,494,459

⁽¹⁾	Long-lived assets as of September 30, 2014 reflect the disposition and addition of long-lived assets with the sale of ISS and acquisition of GMI Ratings, respectively. See Note 3, “Dispositions and Discontinued Operations,” and Note 11, “Acquisitions,” for additional information.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for reporting segments including data and tables. Reportable segments include those that meet any of the following quantitative thresholds a) it's reported revenue, including sales to external customers and intersegment sales or transfers is 10 percent or more of the combined revenue, internal and external, of all operating segments b) the absolute amount of its reported profit or loss is 10 percent or more of the greater, in absolute amount of 1) the combined reported profit of all operating segments that did not report a loss or 2) the combined reported loss of all operating segments that did report a loss c) its assets are 10 percent or more of the combined assets of all operating segments.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 34
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8981-108599

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
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Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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+ Details

Acquisitions	9 Months Ended
Acquisitions	Sep. 30, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisitions	11. ACQUISITIONS The acquisition method of accounting is based on ASC Subtopic 805-10, “Business Combinations,” and uses the fair value concepts defined in ASC Subtopic 820-10, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures,” which the Company has adopted as required. The total purchase price is allocated to the net tangible and intangible assets based upon their fair values as of the acquisition dates. The excess of the purchase price over the fair values of the net tangible assets and intangible assets was recorded as goodwill. The allocation of the purchase price was based upon a valuation and is subject to change within the one-year measurement period following the acquisition. MSCI expects to continue to obtain information to assist it in determining the fair value of the net assets acquired at the acquisition date during the measurement period. *Acquisition of GMI Ratings* On August 11, 2014, the Company completed the acquisition of GMI Ratings for $15.5 million through its subsidiary MSCI ESG Research Inc., subject to final working capital adjustments. GMI Ratings is a provider of corporate governance research and ratings on over 6,000 companies worldwide. Clients of GMI Ratings include leading institutional investors, banks, insurers, auditors, regulators and corporations seeking to incorporate ESG factors into risk assessment and decision-making. As of September 30, 2014, the preliminary purchase price allocations for the GMI Ratings acquisition were $9.9 million for goodwill, $3.6 million for identifiable intangible assets, $8.1 million for assets other than identifiable intangible assets and $6.1 million for other liabilities.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for a business combination (or series of individually immaterial business combinations) completed during the period, including background, timing, and recognized assets and liabilities. The disclosure may include leverage buyout transactions (as applicable).

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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+ Details

Introduction and Basis of Presentation (Policies)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Basis of Presentation and Use of Estimates

Basis of Presentation and Use of Estimates

Intercompany balances and transactions are eliminated in consolidation. Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year financial statement presentation.

Revision

Revision

Accordingly, the Company has revised the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition as of December 31, 2013 from amounts previously reported as follows:


	(in thousands)
	As Previously Reported		Adjustment			As Revised
Prepaid taxes	$	27,333	$	(12,765	)	$	14,568
Total current assets	$	637,035	$	(12,765	)	$	624,270
Goodwill	$	1,798,821	$	14,343		$	1,813,164
Total assets	$	3,134,537	$	1,578		$	3,136,115
Deferred taxes	$	221,054	$	13,595		$	234,649
Total liabilities	$	1,558,173	$	13,595		$	1,571,768
Additional paid in capital	$	1,073,893	$	(736	)	$	1,073,157
Retained earnings	$	770,256	$	(11,281	)	$	758,975
Total shareholders’ equity	$	1,576,364	$	(12,017	)	$	1,564,347
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	3,134,537	$	1,578		$	3,136,115

Concentrations

Concentrations

Introduction and Basis of Presentation (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Schedule of Revised Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements Amounts Previously Reported

Accordingly, the Company has revised the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition as of December 31, 2013 from amounts previously reported as follows:


	(in thousands)
	As Previously Reported		Adjustment			As Revised
Prepaid taxes	$	27,333	$	(12,765	)	$	14,568
Total current assets	$	637,035	$	(12,765	)	$	624,270
Goodwill	$	1,798,821	$	14,343		$	1,813,164
Total assets	$	3,134,537	$	1,578		$	3,136,115
Deferred taxes	$	221,054	$	13,595		$	234,649
Total liabilities	$	1,558,173	$	13,595		$	1,571,768
Additional paid in capital	$	1,073,893	$	(736	)	$	1,073,157
Retained earnings	$	770,256	$	(11,281	)	$	758,975
Total shareholders’ equity	$	1,576,364	$	(12,017	)	$	1,564,347
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	3,134,537	$	1,578		$	3,136,115

Dispositions and Discontinued Operations (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]

Schedule of Value of Assets and Liabilities Disposed

The value of the assets and liabilities of ISS that were disposed, directly attributable transaction costs and the resulting gain on disposal that has been reported in “Income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes” for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 are as follows:


(in thousands)
Cash proceeds	$	367,355
Less: Working capital adjustments		(311	)

Total proceeds		367,044
Less assets sold and liabilities relieved resulting from disposal:
Cash and cash equivalents		(4,544	)
Accounts receivable		(15,765	)
Deferred taxes (current)		(3,174	)
Prepaid taxes		(617	)
Prepaid and other assets		(4,500	)
Property, equipment and leasehold improvements (net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of $4,213)		(8,544	)
Goodwill		(254,233	)
Intangible assets (net of accumulated amortization of $50,283)		(121,269	)
Other non-current assets		(1,645	)
Accounts payable		574
Accrued compensation and related benefits		6,783
Other accrued liabilities		4,034
Deferred revenue		51,767
Deferred taxes (non-current)		59,129
Other non-current liabilities		5,576
Other comprehensive income including currency translation adjustments and pension and other post-retirement adjustments		4,004

Net assets sold		(282,424	)
Less: Transaction costs		(5,946	)

Gain on sale of ISS	$	78,674

Schedule of Income (Loss) Amounts Associated with Discontinued Operations


	Three Months Ended September 30,
	2014			2013
	(in thousands)
Revenue from discontinued operations	$	—		$	29,630

Income (loss) from discontinued operations before provision (benefit) for income taxes	$	(110	)	$	8,507
Provision (benefit) for income taxes		(100	)		3,133

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes	$	(10	)	$	5,374

Amounts associated with discontinued operations reflected in the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:


	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2014		2013
	(in thousands)
Revenue from discontinued operations	$	43,122	$	91,545

Income from discontinued operations before provision for income taxes	$	86,254	$	25,223
Provision for income taxes		2,154		8,958

Income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes	$	84,100	$	16,265

Reclassifications out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]

Schedule of Reclassifications out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)⁽¹⁾

(in thousands)


Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Components	Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)					Affected Line Item in the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
	Three Months Ended		Three Months Ended
	September 30, 2014		September 30, 2013
Unrealized losses on cash flow hedges Interest rate contracts	$	—	$	(197	)	Interest expense
		—		77		Tax benefit

	$	—	$	(120	)	Net of tax

Unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities
Short-term investments	$	—	$	—		Interest income
		—		—		Tax expense

	$	—	$	—		Net of tax

Defined benefit pension plans
Amount recognized as a component of net periodic benefit expense for curtailments and settlements	$	—	$	—		⁽²⁾
		—		—		Tax expense

	$	—	$	—		Net of tax

Foreign currency translation adjustment	$	—	$	—		⁽²⁾

Total reclassifications for the period, net of tax	$	—	$	(120	)

⁽¹⁾	Amounts in parentheses indicate expenses or losses moved to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.

⁽²⁾	These accumulated other comprehensive income components were reclassified to “Income from discontinued operations, net of taxes” as part of the gain on the disposition of ISS.

Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)⁽¹⁾

(in thousands)


Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Components	Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)						Affected Line Item in the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
	Nine Months Ended			Nine Months Ended
	September 30, 2014			September 30, 2013
Unrealized losses on cash flow hedges Interest rate contracts	$	—		$	(1,364	)	Interest expense
		—			524		Tax benefit

	$	—		$	(840	)	Net of tax

Unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities
Short-term investments	$	—		$	5		Interest income
		—			(2	)	Tax expense

	$	—		$	3		Net of tax

Defined benefit pension plans
Amount recognized as a component of net periodic benefit expense for curtailments and settlements	$	(186	)	$	—		⁽²⁾
		6			—		Tax expense

	$	(180	)	$	—		Net of tax

Foreign currency translation adjustment	$	4,184		$	—		⁽²⁾

Total reclassifications for the period, net of tax	$	4,004		$	(837	)

⁽¹⁾	Amounts in parentheses indicate expenses or losses moved to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.

⁽²⁾	These accumulated other comprehensive income components were reclassified to “Income from discontinued operations, net of taxes” as part of the gain on the disposition of ISS.

Earnings Per Common Share (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Computation of Basic and Diluted EPS

The following table presents the computation of basic and diluted EPS:


	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2014			2013			2014			2013
(in thousands, except per share data)
Income from continuing operations, net of income taxes	$	51,724		$	49,936		$	155,673		$	159,035
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes		(10	)		5,374			84,100			16,265

Net income	$	51,714		$	55,310		$	239,773		$	175,300
Less: Allocations of earnings to unvested restricted stock units ⁽¹⁾		(69	)		(211	)		(320	)		(668	)

Earnings available to MSCI common shareholders	$	51,645		$	55,099		$	239,453		$	174,632

Basic weighted average common shares outstanding		116,251			119,607			116,840			120,497

Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock options and restricted stock units		912			971			963			949

Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding		117,163			120,578			117,803			121,446

Earnings per basic common share from continuing operations	$	0.44		$	0.42		$	1.33		$	1.32
Earnings per basic common share from discontinued operations		—			0.04			0.72			0.13

Earnings per basic common share	$	0.44		$	0.46		$	2.05		$	1.45

Earnings per diluted common share from continuing operations	$	0.44		$	0.42		$	1.32		$	1.31
Earnings per diluted common share from discontinued operations		—			0.04			0.71			0.13

Earnings per diluted common share	$	0.44		$	0.46		$	2.03		$	1.44

⁽¹⁾

Property, Equipment and Leasehold Improvements (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]

Schedule of Property, Equipment and Leasehold Improvements

Property, equipment and leasehold improvements at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 consisted of the following:


	As of
Type	September 30, 2014⁽¹⁾			December 31, 2013
	(in thousands)
Computer & related equipment	$	112,185		$	86,384
Furniture & fixtures		9,734			9,108
Leasehold improvements		54,277			52,776
Work-in-process		10,602			12,691

Subtotal		186,798			160,959
Accumulated depreciation and amortization		(93,011	)		(75,371	)

Property, equipment and leasehold improvements, net	$	93,787		$	85,588

⁽¹⁾

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Goodwill

The Company carries goodwill reflected in the table below:


	Goodwill
(in thousands)
Goodwill at December 31, 2013	$	1,813,164
Changes to goodwill⁽¹⁾		(244,288	)
Foreign exchange translation adjustment		(1,433	)

Goodwill at September 30, 2014	$	1,567,443

⁽¹⁾	Changes to goodwill reflect the disposition and addition of goodwill associated with the sale of ISS and acquisition of GMI Ratings, respectively. See Note 3, “Dispositions and Discontinued Operations,” and Note 11, “Acquisitions,” for additional information.

Components of Intangible Assets by Major Class

The gross carrying amounts and accumulated amortization totals related to the Company’s identifiable intangible assets are as follows:


	As of
(in thousands)	September 30, 2014⁽¹⁾			December 31, 2013
Gross intangible assets:
Customer relationships	$	360,835		$	478,735
Trademarks/trade names		223,382			257,282
Technology/software		191,540			199,778
Proprietary process		—			3,800
Proprietary data		28,627			28,527
Covenants not to compete		900			—

Subtotal		805,284			968,122
Foreign exchange translation adjustment		677			1,962

Total gross intangible assets	$	805,961		$	970,084

Accumulated amortization:
Customer relationships	$	(112,986	)	$	(125,359	)
Trademarks/trade names		(78,548	)		(75,696	)
Technology/software		(165,220	)		(168,481	)
Proprietary process		—			(2,269	)
Proprietary data		(4,043	)		(2,326	)
Covenants not to compete		(75	)		—


Subtotal		(360,872	)		(374,131	)
Foreign exchange translation adjustment		(55	)		(246	)

Total accumulated amortization	$	(360,927	)	$	(374,377	)

Net intangible assets:
Customer relationships	$	247,849		$	353,376
Trademarks/trade names		144,834			181,586
Technology/software		26,320			31,297
Proprietary process		—			1,531
Proprietary data		24,584			26,201
Covenants not to compete		825			—

Subtotal		444,412			593,991
Foreign exchange translation adjustment		622			1,716

Total net intangible assets	$	445,034		$	595,707

⁽¹⁾

Estimated Amortization Expense for Remainder of 2014 and Succeeding Years

The estimated amortization expense for the remainder of 2014 and succeeding years is presented below:


Fiscal Year	Amortization Expense
	(in thousands)
Remainder 2014	$	11,647
2015		46,929
2016		46,413
2017		41,186
2018		38,436
Thereafter		260,423

Total	$	445,034

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Summary of Fair Values of Derivative Instruments


(in thousands)	Location in the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition	As of September 30, 2014		As of December 31, 2013
Non-designated hedging instruments:
Liability derivatives:
Foreign exchange contracts	Other accrued liabilities	$	(236)	$	(156)

Interest Rate Swaps and Derivative Instruments


Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments (in thousands)	Location of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivatives	Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivatives for the Three Months Ended September 30,
		2014			2013
Foreign exchange contracts	Other expense	$	(258	)	$	(1,472	)


Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments (in thousands)	Location of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivatives	Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivatives for the Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014			2013
Foreign exchange contracts	Other expense	$	(825	)	$	(185	)

Segment Information (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Revenue by Geographic Area

Revenue by geography is based on the shipping address of the customer. The following table sets forth revenue for the periods indicated by geographic area:


	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2014		2013		2014		2013
	(in thousands)
Revenues
Americas:
United States	$	118,721	$	104,917	$	347,779	$	308,341
Other		9,171		8,993		27,961		24,529

Total Americas		127,892		113,910		375,740		332,870

EMEA:
United Kingdom		40,104		35,758		115,961		103,485
Other		52,067		49,418		160,695		152,826

Total EMEA		92,171		85,176		276,656		256,311

Asia & Australia:
Japan		11,573		11,919		35,385		35,156
Other		20,025		17,603		57,794		52,163

Total Asia & Australia		31,598		29,522		93,179		87,319

Total	$	251,661	$	228,608	$	745,575	$	676,500

Long-Lived Assets by Geographic Area

The following table sets forth long-lived assets on the dates indicated by geographic area:


	As of
	September 30, 2014⁽¹⁾		December 31, 2013
	(in thousands)
Long-lived assets
Americas:
United States	$	1,953,113	$	2,338,124
Other		3,719		4,082

Total Americas		1,956,832		2,342,206

EMEA:
United Kingdom		126,749		133,411
Other		11,933		11,871

Total EMEA		138,682		145,282

Asia & Australia:
Japan		987		1,543
Other		9,763		5,428

Total Asia & Australia		10,750		6,971

Total	$	2,106,264	$	2,494,459

⁽¹⁾	Long-lived assets as of September 30, 2014 reflect the disposition and addition of long-lived assets with the sale of ISS and acquisition of GMI Ratings, respectively. See Note 3, “Dispositions and Discontinued Operations,” and Note 11, “Acquisitions,” for additional information.

Introduction and Basis of Presentation - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Thousands		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 17, 2014 Segment	Sep. 30, 2014 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2013 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013 USD ($) Segment	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($)
Introduction And Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]
Number of operating segments \| Segment	1			2
Decrease to beginning retained earnings		$ 978,358		$ 758,975
Decrease to additional paid in capital		1,017,305		1,073,157
Decrease to prepaid taxes		35,027		14,568
Increase to long-term deferred tax liabilities		171,681		234,649
Increase to goodwill		1,567,443		1,813,164
Cash and cash equivalents		$ 448,193	$ 283,750	358,434	$ 183,309
Percentage of operating revenues accounted for by major customer		10.60%	10.00%
Institutional Shareholder Services Inc. [Member]
Introduction And Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]
Sale completion date		Apr. 30, 2014
Adjustment [Member]
Introduction And Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]
Decrease to beginning retained earnings				(11,281)
Decrease to additional paid in capital				(736)
Decrease to prepaid taxes				(12,765)
Increase to long-term deferred tax liabilities				13,595
Increase to goodwill				$ 14,343

Introduction and Basis of Presentation - Schedule of Revised Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements Amounts Previously Reported (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments Restatement [Line Items]
Prepaid taxes	$ 35,027	$ 14,568
Total current assets	758,589	624,270
Goodwill	1,567,443	1,813,164
Total assets	2,880,279	3,136,115
Deferred taxes	171,681	234,649
Total liabilities	1,483,745	1,571,768
Additional paid in capital	1,017,305	1,073,157
Retained earnings	978,358	758,975
Total shareholders' equity	1,396,534	1,564,347
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$ 2,880,279	3,136,115
As Previously Reported [Member]
Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments Restatement [Line Items]
Prepaid taxes		27,333
Total current assets		637,035
Goodwill		1,798,821
Total assets		3,134,537
Deferred taxes		221,054
Total liabilities		1,558,173
Additional paid in capital		1,073,893
Retained earnings		770,256
Total shareholders' equity		1,576,364
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity		3,134,537
Adjustment [Member]
Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments Restatement [Line Items]
Prepaid taxes		(12,765)
Total current assets		(12,765)
Goodwill		14,343
Total assets		1,578
Deferred taxes		13,595
Total liabilities		13,595
Additional paid in capital		(736)
Retained earnings		(11,281)
Total shareholders' equity		(12,017)
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity		$ 1,578

Dispositions and Discontinued Operations - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Definitive sale agreement date			Mar. 17, 2014
Sale proceeds from divestiture	$ 367,400		$ 367,355
Income tax benefit		$ 30,600

Dispositions and Discontinued Operations - Schedule of Value of Assets and Liabilities Disposed (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		9 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Cash proceeds	$ 367,400	$ 367,355
Less: Working capital adjustments		(311)
Total proceeds		367,044
Less assets sold and liabilities relieved resulting from disposal:
Cash and cash equivalents		(4,544)
Accounts receivable		(15,765)
Deferred taxes (current)		(3,174)
Prepaid taxes		(617)
Prepaid and other assets		(4,500)
Property, equipment and leasehold improvements (net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of $4,213)		(8,544)
Goodwill		(254,233)
Intangible assets (net of accumulated amortization of $50,283)		(121,269)
Other non-current assets		(1,645)
Accounts payable		574
Accrued compensation and related benefits		6,783
Other accrued liabilities		4,034
Deferred revenue		51,767
Deferred taxes (non-current)		59,129
Other non-current liabilities		5,576
Other comprehensive income including currency translation adjustments and pension and other post-retirement adjustments		4,004
Net assets sold		(282,424)
Less: Transaction costs		(5,946)
Gain on sale of ISS		$ 78,674

Dispositions and Discontinued Operations - Schedule of Value of Assets and Liabilities Disposed (Parenthetical) (Detail) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2014 USD ($)
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Property, equipment and leasehold improvements, accumulated depreciation and amortization	$ 4,213
Intangible assets, accumulated amortization	$ 50,283

Dispositions and Discontinued Operations - Schedule of Income (Loss) Amounts Associated with Discontinued Operations (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Revenue from discontinued operations		$ 29,630	$ 43,122	$ 91,545
Income (loss) from discontinued operations before provision (benefit) for income taxes	$ (110)	8,507	86,254	25,223
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	(100)	3,133	2,154	8,958
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes	$ (10)	$ 5,374	$ 84,100	$ 16,265

Reclassifications out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Schedule of Reclassifications out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Interest expense	$ (5,604)	$ (5,828)	$ (16,029)	$ (19,343)
Interest income	277	227	625	650
Tax benefit (expense)	(28,272)	(27,804)	(81,937)	(76,799)
Net income	51,714	55,310	239,773	175,300
Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Foreign currency translation adjustment			4,184
Net income		(120)	4,004	(837)
Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member] \| Unrealized Losses on Cash Flow Hedges [Member] \| Interest Rate Contracts [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Interest expense		(197)		(1,364)
Tax benefit (expense)		77		524
Net income		(120)		(840)
Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member] \| Unrealized Gains on Available-for-Sale Securities [Member] \| Short-Term Investments [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Interest income				5
Tax benefit (expense)				(2)
Net income				3
Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member] \| Defined Benefit Pension Plans Amount Recognized as a Component of Net Periodic Benefit Expense [Member] \| Curtailments and Settlements [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Net periodic benefit expense			(186)
Tax benefit (expense)			6
Net income			$ (180)

Earnings Per Common Share - Additional Information (Detail) - shares	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Anti-dilutive securities excluded from the calculation of diluted EPS	104,494	1,133	104,346	453

Earnings Per Common Share - Computation of Basic and Diluted EPS (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Income from continuing operations, net of income taxes	$ 51,724	$ 49,936	$ 155,673	$ 159,035
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes	(10)	5,374	84,100	16,265
Net income	51,714	55,310	239,773	175,300
Less: Allocations of earnings to unvested restricted stock units	(69)	(211)	(320)	(668)
Earnings available to MSCI common shareholders	$ 51,645	$ 55,099	$ 239,453	$ 174,632
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding	116,251	119,607	116,840	120,497
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock options and restricted stock units	912	971	963	949
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding	117,163	120,578	117,803	121,446
Earnings per basic common share from continuing operations	$ 0.44	$ 0.42	$ 1.33	$ 1.32
Earnings per basic common share from discontinued operations		0.04	0.72	0.13
Earnings per basic common share	0.44	0.46	2.05	1.45
Earnings per diluted common share from continuing operations	0.44	0.42	1.32	1.31
Earnings per diluted common share from discontinued operations		0.04	0.71	0.13
Earnings per diluted common share	$ 0.44	$ 0.46	$ 2.03	$ 1.44

Property, Equipment and Leasehold Improvements - Schedule of Property, Equipment and Leasehold Improvements (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Computer & related equipment	$ 112,185	$ 86,384
Furniture & fixtures	9,734	9,108
Leasehold improvements	54,277	52,776
Work-in-process	10,602	12,691
Subtotal	186,798	160,959
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(93,011)	(75,371)
Property, equipment and leasehold improvements, net	$ 93,787	$ 85,588

Property, Equipment and Leasehold Improvements - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Depreciation and amortization of property, equipment and leasehold improvements	$ 6,342	$ 5,443	$ 18,091	$ 14,814

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Schedule of Goodwill (Detail) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014 USD ($)
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill, Beginning balance	$ 1,813,164
Changes to goodwill	(244,288)
Foreign exchange translation adjustment	(1,433)
Goodwill, Ending balance	$ 1,567,443

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Amortization of intangible assets	$ 11,574	$ 11,193	$ 34,286	$ 33,581

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Components of Intangible Assets by Major Class (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying value	$ 805,961	$ 970,084
Accumulated amortization	(360,927)	(374,377)
Net carrying value	445,034	595,707
Customer relationships [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying value	360,835	478,735
Accumulated amortization	(112,986)	(125,359)
Net carrying value	247,849	353,376
Trademarks/trade names [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying value	223,382	257,282
Accumulated amortization	(78,548)	(75,696)
Net carrying value	144,834	181,586
Technology/software [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying value	191,540	199,778
Accumulated amortization	(165,220)	(168,481)
Net carrying value	26,320	31,297
Proprietary process [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying value		3,800
Accumulated amortization		(2,269)
Net carrying value		1,531
Proprietary data [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying value	28,627	28,527
Accumulated amortization	(4,043)	(2,326)
Net carrying value	24,584	26,201
Covenants not to compete [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying value	900
Accumulated amortization	(75)
Net carrying value	825
Subtotal [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying value	805,284	968,122
Accumulated amortization	(360,872)	(374,131)
Net carrying value	444,412	593,991
Foreign exchange translation adjustment [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying value	677	1,962
Accumulated amortization	(55)	(246)
Net carrying value	$ 622	$ 1,716

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Estimated Amortization Expense for Remainder of 2014 and Succeeding Years (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Remainder 2014	$ 11,647
2015	46,929
2016	46,413
2017	41,186
2018	38,436
Thereafter	260,423
Total	$ 445,034	$ 595,707

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) $ / shares in Units, shares in Millions											3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014 USD ($) Derivative	Sep. 19, 2014 USD ($) shares	Sep. 17, 2014 USD ($) $ / shares	May 05, 2014 $ / shares shares	Feb. 07, 2014 USD ($) shares	Dec. 30, 2013 $ / shares shares	Dec. 12, 2013 USD ($)	Jul. 31, 2013 $ / shares shares	Mar. 31, 2013 USD ($)	Dec. 14, 2012 shares	Sep. 30, 2014 USD ($) Derivative	Sep. 30, 2013 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2014 USD ($) Derivative	Sep. 30, 2013 USD ($)	Feb. 04, 2014 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013 USD ($)	Aug. 01, 2013 USD ($)	Dec. 13, 2012 USD ($)	May 04, 2012 USD ($)
Schedule Of Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Annual rent expense											$ 6,300,000	$ 6,100,000	$ 19,700,000	$ 17,600,000
Repurchase program authorizing the purchase of shares																		$ 300,000,000
Quarterly cash dividend, approved date													Sep. 18, 2014
Quarterly cash dividend, payment rate on common stock \| $ / shares			$ 0.18
Quarterly cash dividend, to be paid date													Oct. 31, 2014
Quarterly cash dividend, record date													Oct. 15, 2014
Expected annual dividend, payment rate on common stock \| $ / shares			$ 0.72
Debt principal repayment	$ 0
Term loan description													The Company is required to repay $5.1 million in quarterly payments over the first two years and $10.1 million in quarterly payments over the following three years, with the exception of the final payment in December 2018, which will be $658.1 million (assuming no further prepayments).
Current maturities of long-term debt	19,781,000										19,781,000		$ 19,781,000			$ 19,772,000
Discount on long-term debt current	500,000										500,000		500,000			500,000
Long-term debt, net of current maturities	773,173,000										773,173,000		773,173,000			788,010,000
Discount on long-term debt non current	1,400,000										1,400,000		1,400,000			1,700,000
Deferred financing fees unamortized	7,000,000										7,000,000		7,000,000
Amortized deferred financing fees											400,000	700,000	1,328,000	2,179,000
Amortization of discount on long-term debt											100,000	$ 200,000	359,000	$ 699,000
Fair market value of debt obligations	782,900,000										782,900,000		782,900,000			812,000,000
Retained earnings restricted as to the payments of dividends	978,358,000										978,358,000		978,358,000			$ 758,975,000
Amount available for restricted payments, after taking into account dividends declared													161,600,000
Foreign Currency Forwards [Member] \| Derivatives not Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member]
Schedule Of Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Foreign currency forwards, notional amount	$ 12,000,000										$ 12,000,000		$ 12,000,000
Number of foreign currency forward \| Derivative	1										1		1
Prepaid and Other Assets [Member]
Schedule Of Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Deferred financing fees unamortized	$ 1,700,000										$ 1,700,000		$ 1,700,000
Other Non-Current Assets [Member]
Schedule Of Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Deferred financing fees unamortized	5,300,000										5,300,000		5,300,000
Other Accrued Liabilities [Member]
Schedule Of Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Cash dividend declared	$ 20,400,000										$ 20,400,000		$ 20,400,000
2012 Term Loan [Member]
Schedule Of Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Prepayment of Term Loan									$ 15,000,000
2012 Term Loan [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Schedule Of Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Initial bearing interest rate, percentage	2.25%										2.25%		2.25%
2012 Term Loan [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Schedule Of Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Initial bearing interest rate, percentage	2.40%										2.40%		2.40%
Senior Secured Revolving Facility [Member]
Schedule Of Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Maturity period of the facility													Dec. 31, 2018
Senior Secured Revolving Facility [Member] \| Amended and Restated Credit Facility [Member]
Schedule Of Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Aggregate amount of debt																			$ 100,000,000
Quarterly Periods from December 12, 2013 through December 31, 2015 [Member]
Schedule Of Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Debt principal repayment							$ 5,100,000
Quarterly Periods from January 1, 2016 through September 30, 2018 [Member]
Schedule Of Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Debt principal repayment							10,100,000
Quarter Ending December 31, 2018 [Member]
Schedule Of Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Debt principal repayment							$ 658,100,000
Term Loan A [Member] \| Amended and Restated Credit Facility [Member]
Schedule Of Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Aggregate amount of debt																			$ 880,000,000
August 2013 ASR Program [Member] \| Accelerated Share Repurchase Program [Member]
Schedule Of Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Shares repurchases, value																	$ 100,000,000
Repurchased common shares \| shares						0.5		1.9
Repurchased common shares, average purchase price paid per share \| $ / shares						$ 41.06
September 2014 ASR Program [Member]
Schedule Of Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Shares repurchases, value		$ 300,000,000
Accelerated share repurchase agreement, description													On September 18, 2014, the Company entered into a $300.0 million accelerated share repurchase agreement (the "September 2014 ASR Program") with Goldman Sachs & Co. ("GS&Co."), under which, on September 19, 2014, the Company paid GS&Co. $300.0 million in cash and received approximately 4.5 million shares of the Company's common stock and may also receive from GS&Co. additional shares at or prior to maturity of the ASR Agreement.
September 2014 ASR Program [Member] \| Accelerated Share Repurchase Program [Member]
Schedule Of Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Repurchased common shares \| shares		4.5
Stockholders equity period increase (decrease)													$ 300,000,000
September 2014 ASR Program [Member] \| Treasury Stock [Member] \| Accelerated Share Repurchase Program [Member]
Schedule Of Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Stockholders equity period increase (decrease)													210,000,000
September 2014 ASR Program [Member] \| Additional Paid in Capital [Member] \| Accelerated Share Repurchase Program [Member]
Schedule Of Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Stockholders equity period increase (decrease)													$ (90,000,000)
December 2012 ASR Program [Member] \| Accelerated Share Repurchase Program [Member]
Schedule Of Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Shares repurchases, value																		$ 100,000,000
Repurchased common shares \| shares								0.8		2.2
Repurchased common shares, average purchase price paid per share \| $ / shares								$ 33.47
February 2014 ASR Program [Member] \| Accelerated Share Repurchase Program [Member]
Schedule Of Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Shares repurchases, value					$ 100,000,000
Repurchased common shares \| shares				0.6	1.7
Repurchased common shares, average purchase price paid per share \| $ / shares				$ 43.10
2014 Repurchase Program [Member]
Schedule Of Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Repurchase program authorizing the purchase of shares			$ 850,000,000												$ 300,000,000

Commitments and Contingencies - Summary of Fair Values of Derivative Instruments (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Derivatives not Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member] \| Other Accrued Liabilities [Member] \| Foreign Exchange Contracts [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Liability derivatives	$ (236)	$ (156)

Commitments and Contingencies - Interest Rate Swaps and Derivative Instruments (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Other Expense [Member] \| Derivatives not Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives (Effective Portion)	$ (258)	$ (1,472)	$ (825)	$ (185)

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Provision for income taxes	$ 28,272	$ 27,804	$ 81,937	$ 76,799
Effective tax rate			34.50%	32.60%
Amounts effect on effective tax rate	$ 3,400	$ 3,500	$ 3,400	$ 3,500
Decrease in effective tax rate			1.40%	1.50%
Significant change in unrecognized tax benefits, reasonably possible (in months)			12
Significant change in unrecognized tax benefits, not possible (in months)			12

Segment Information - Additional Information (Detail) - Segment		9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 17, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of operating segments	1		2
Institutional Shareholder Services Inc. [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sale completion date		Apr. 30, 2014

Segment Information - Revenue by Geographic Area (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 251,661	$ 228,608	$ 745,575	$ 676,500
United States [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues	118,721	104,917	347,779	308,341
Other [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues	9,171	8,993	27,961	24,529
Total Americas [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues	127,892	113,910	375,740	332,870
United Kingdom [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues	40,104	35,758	115,961	103,485
Other [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues	52,067	49,418	160,695	152,826
Total EMEA [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues	92,171	85,176	276,656	256,311
Japan [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues	11,573	11,919	35,385	35,156
Other [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues	20,025	17,603	57,794	52,163
Total Asia & Australia [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 31,598	$ 29,522	$ 93,179	$ 87,319

Segment Information - Long-Lived Assets by Geographic Area (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Long-lived assets	$ 2,106,264	$ 2,494,459
United States [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Long-lived assets	1,953,113	2,338,124
Other [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Long-lived assets	3,719	4,082
Total Americas [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Long-lived assets	1,956,832	2,342,206
United Kingdom [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Long-lived assets	126,749	133,411
Other [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Long-lived assets	11,933	11,871
Total EMEA [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Long-lived assets	138,682	145,282
Japan [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Long-lived assets	987	1,543
Other [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Long-lived assets	9,763	5,428
Total Asia & Australia [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Long-lived assets	$ 10,750	$ 6,971

Acquisitions - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Thousands		9 Months Ended
	Aug. 11, 2014 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2014 USD ($) Companies	Dec. 31, 2013 USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Purchase price allocated to goodwill		$ 1,567,443	$ 1,813,164
GMI Ratings [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Company paid cash to acquire property	$ 15,500
Date of acquisition		Aug. 11, 2014
Number of companies for which corporate governance research and ratings provided \| Companies		6,000
Purchase price allocated to goodwill		$ 9,900
Purchase price allocated to identifiable intangible assets		3,600
Purchase price allocated for assets other than identifiable intangible assets		8,100
Purchase price allocated to other liabilities		$ 6,100