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Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014	Feb. 20, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-K/A
Amendment Flag	true
Amendment Description	The Registrant is filing this Amendment No. 1 to Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014 (“Amendment No. 1”) to correct an error on the cover page of the original Form 10-K as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 27, 2015 (the “Original Form 10-K”). The cover page of the Original Form 10-K mistakenly indicated that as of February 20, 2015, 127,233,209 shares of the Registrant’s $0.01 par value Common Stock were outstanding. The correct number of shares of the Registrant’s $0.01 par value Common Stock outstanding as of such date was 112,375,127, as indicated on the cover page of this Amendment No. 1. No changes are hereby made to the Registrant’s financial statements. Other than the change discussed above and the filing of the currently dated 302 certifications and updated XBRL data under Item 15 of Part IV of this Amendment No. 1, no changes have been made to the Original Form 10-K or the exhibits filed therewith. As such, this Amendment No.1 should be read in conjunction with the Original Form 10-K. The information contained in this Amendment No. 1 does not reflect events occurring subsequent to the filing of the Original Form 10-K.
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2014
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Trading Symbol	MSCI
Entity Registrant Name	MSCI INC.
Entity Central Index Key	0001408198
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		112,375,127
Entity Public Float			$ 5,241,587,917

Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 508,799,000	$ 358,434,000
Accounts receivable (net of allowances of $857 and $1,280 as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively)	178,717,000	169,490,000
Deferred taxes	22,209,000	52,888,000
Prepaid income taxes	29,180,000	14,568,000
Prepaid and other assets	31,727,000	28,890,000
Total current assets	770,632,000	624,270,000
Property, equipment and leasehold improvements (net of accumulated depreciation of $92,808 and $75,371 at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively)	94,074,000	85,588,000
Goodwill	1,564,904,000	1,813,164,000
Intangible assets (net of accumulated amortization of $372,209 and $374,377 at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively)	433,628,000	595,707,000
Other non-current assets	30,937,000	17,386,000
Total assets	2,894,175,000	3,136,115,000
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Accounts payable	2,835,000	1,198,000
Accrued compensation and related benefits	111,408,000	121,124,000
Other accrued liabilities	47,894,000	41,212,000
Current maturities of long term debt	0	19,772,000
Deferred revenue	310,775,000	319,735,000
Total current liabilities	472,912,000	503,041,000
Long term debt, net of current maturities	800,000,000	788,010,000
Deferred taxes	137,838,000	234,649,000
Other non-current liabilities	50,592,000	46,068,000
Total liabilities	1,461,342,000	1,571,768,000
Commitments and Contingencies (see Note 6)
Shareholders' equity:
Preferred stock (par value $0.01; 100,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued)
Common stock (par value $0.01; 750,000,000 common shares authorized at December 31, 2014 and 2013; 126,637,390 and 125,555,268 common shares issued at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively; and 112,072,469 and 118,083,111 common shares outstanding at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively)	1,266,000	1,256,000
Treasury shares, at cost (14,564,921 and 7,472,157 shares at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively)	(588,378,000)	(268,391,000)
Additional paid in capital	1,022,221,000	1,073,157,000
Retained earnings	1,022,695,000	758,975,000
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(24,971,000)	(650,000)
Total shareholders' equity	1,432,833,000	1,564,347,000
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$ 2,894,175,000	$ 3,136,115,000

Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Accounts receivable, allowances	$ 857	$ 1,280
Property, equipment and leasehold improvements, accumulated depreciation	92,808	75,371
Intangible assets, accumulated amortization	$ 372,209	$ 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	126,637,390	125,555,268
Common stock, shares outstanding	112,072,469	118,083,111
Treasury shares	14,564,921	7,472,157

Consolidated Statements of Income - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Statement [Abstract]
Operating revenues	$ 996,680	$ 913,364	$ 826,990
Operating expenses:
Cost of services	308,574	275,403	230,282
Selling, general and administrative	279,352	232,448	211,905
Restructuring			(33)
Amortization of intangible assets	45,877	44,798	50,017
Depreciation and amortization of property, equipment and leasehold improvements	25,711	20,384	16,584
Total operating expenses	659,514	573,033	508,755
Operating income	337,166	340,331	318,235
Interest income	(851)	(889)	(699)
Interest expense	31,820	26,256	56,401
Other expense (income)	(2,141)	2,136	1,732
Other expense (income), net	28,828	27,503	57,434
Income from continuing operations before provision for income taxes	308,338	312,828	260,801
Provision for income taxes	109,396	112,918	96,010
Income from continuing operations	198,942	199,910	164,791
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes	85,171	22,647	19,447
Net income	$ 284,113	$ 222,557	$ 184,238
Earnings per basic common share:
Earnings per basic common share from continuing operations	$ 1.72	$ 1.66	$ 1.34
Earnings per basic common share from discontinued operations	0.73	0.19	0.16
Earnings per basic common share	2.45	1.85	1.50
Earnings per diluted common share:
Earnings per diluted common share from continuing operations	1.70	1.64	1.32
Earnings per diluted common share from discontinued operations	0.73	0.19	0.16
Earnings per diluted common share	$ 2.43	$ 1.83	$ 1.48
Weighted average shares outstanding used in computing earnings per share:
Basic	115,737	120,100	122,023
Diluted	116,706	121,074	123,204
Dividend declared per common share	$ 0.18

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 284,113	$ 222,557	$ 184,238
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(18,053)	1,295	3,867
Income tax effect	(132)	(500)	(1,520)
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net	(18,185)	795	2,347
Unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges		1,364	1,742
Income tax effect		(524)	(691)
Unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges, net		840	1,051
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	(8,299)	624	(1,434)
Income tax effect	2,163	(110)	334
Pension and other post-retirement adjustments, net	(6,136)	514	(1,100)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(24,321)	2,146	2,298
Comprehensive income	$ 259,792	$ 224,703	$ 186,536

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-In Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]
Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	$ 1,294,151	$ 1,227	$ (49,827)	$ 995,665	$ 352,180	$ (5,094)
Net income	184,238				184,238
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	2,298					2,298
Common stock issued	4	4
Compensation payable in common stock and options	24,997			24,997
Common stock repurchased and held in treasury	(105,989)		(70,989)	(35,000)
Common stock issued to directors and held in treasury	(110)		(110)
Exercise of stock options	13,313	9		13,304
Excess tax benefits from employee stock incentive plans	1,048			1,048
Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	1,413,950	1,240	(120,926)	1,000,014	536,418	(2,796)
Net income	222,557				222,557
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	2,146					2,146
Common stock issued	8	8
Compensation payable in common stock and options	24,552			24,552
Common stock repurchased and held in treasury	(112,183)		(147,183)	35,000
Common stock issued to directors and held in treasury	(282)		(282)
Exercise of stock options	11,702	8		11,694
Excess tax benefits from employee stock incentive plans	1,897			1,897
Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	1,564,347	1,256	(268,391)	1,073,157	758,975	(650)
Net income	284,113				284,113
Dividends	(20,397)		(4)		(20,393)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(24,321)					(24,321)
Common stock issued	5	5
Compensation payable in common stock and options	26,553			26,553
Common stock repurchased and held in treasury	(409,651)		(319,651)	(90,000)
Common stock issued to directors and held in treasury	(332)		(332)
Exercise of stock options	9,681	5		9,676
Excess tax benefits from employee stock incentive plans	2,835			2,835
Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$ 1,432,833	$ 1,266	$ (588,378)	$ 1,022,221	$ 1,022,695	$ (24,971)

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income	$ 284,113	$ 222,557	$ 184,238
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Amortization of intangible assets	48,617	58,203	63,298
Stock-based compensation expense	26,585	25,004	25,323
Depreciation of property, equipment and leasehold improvements	25,930	22,302	18,700
Amortization of debt origination fees	7,748	3,348	18,065
Deferred taxes	(4,960)	(15,066)	(30,195)
Amortization of discount on long-term debt	2,218	1,066	5,305
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation	(2,835)	(1,897)	(1,048)
Gross gain on disposition of subsidiary	(84,620)
Other non-cash adjustments	1,847	(371)	(49)
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of assets acquired and liabilities assumed:
Accounts receivable	(26,821)	(16,412)	35,473
Prepaid income taxes	(14,998)	7,927	7,278
Prepaid and other assets	(9,857)	(4,459)	(1,395)
Accounts payable	2,128	(2,145)	1,979
Deferred revenue	42,263	11,399	18,345
Accrued compensation and related benefits	88	7,057	(834)
Other accrued liabilities	8,428	(260)	(8,233)
Other	(201)	2,930	10,825
Net cash provided by operating activities	305,673	321,183	347,075
Cash flows from investing activities
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(14,921)	(23,268)	(119,554)
Proceeds from redemption of short-term investments		70,900	207,032
Dispositions, net of cash provided	362,811
Purchase of investments			(137,306)
Capitalized software development costs	(8,216)	(3,285)
Capital expenditures	(42,659)	(40,255)	(44,884)
Proceeds from the sale of property, equipment and leasehold improvements	22	29	351
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	297,037	4,121	(94,361)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from borrowing, net of discount	800,000		876,087
Repayment of long-term debt	(810,000)	(48,000)	(1,103,563)
Payment of issuance costs in connection with long term debt	(14,800)		(3,870)
Repurchase of treasury shares	(409,651)	(112,183)	(105,989)
Dividends paid	(20,393)
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options	9,681	11,702	13,311
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	2,835	1,897	1,048
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(442,328)	(146,584)	(322,976)
Effect of exchange rates changes	(10,017)	(3,595)	1,360
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	150,365	175,125	(68,902)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	358,434	183,309	252,211
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	508,799	358,434	183,309
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Cash paid for interest	17,233	20,429	36,744
Cash paid for income taxes	120,419	128,167	134,439
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing activities:
Property, equipment and leasehold improvements in other accrued liabilities	$ 6,731	$ 3,396	$ 3,575

Introduction and Basis of Presentation

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Introduction and Basis of Presentation

1. INTRODUCTION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION

Organization

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 and multi-asset class market risk analytics products and services. 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 markets marketed under the Barra brand, its multi-asset class, market and credit risk analytics marketed under the RiskMetrics and Barra brands and its performance reporting products and services offered to the investment consultant community marketed under the InvestorForce brand.

On March 17, 2014, MSCI Inc. 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 Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012. As a result of this change, the Company now operates as one segment. Unless otherwise indicated, the disclosures accompanying these 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

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of MSCI Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. The Company’s policy is to consolidate all entities in which it owns more than 50% of the outstanding voting stock unless it does not control the entity. It is also the Company’s policy to consolidate any variable interest entity for which the Company is the primary beneficiary, of which the Company has none, as required by the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Subtopic 810-10, “Consolidations.” For investments in any entities in which the Company owns 20% or less of the outstanding voting stock and significant influence does not exist, such investments are carried at cost.

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 to its Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition 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 ASC Subtopic 250-10, “Accounting Changes and Error Corrections,” the Company has revised its Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition as of December 31, 2013 and the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the year ended December 31, 2013 to reflect these corrections.

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 Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition as of December 31, 2013 from amounts previously reported as follows:


	As Previously Reported		Adjustment			As Revised
	(in thousands)
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

The Company has revised the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the year ended December 31, 2013 from amounts previously reported as follows:


	As Previously Reported			Adjustment			As Revised
	(in thousands)
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation	$	(2,633	)	$	736		$	(1,897	)
Net cash provided by operating activities	$	320,447		$	736		$	321,183
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation	$	2,633		$	(736	)	$	1,897
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	$	(145,848	)	$	(736	)	$	(146,584	)

The Company has revised the Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 from amounts previously reported as follows:


	As Previously Reported		Adjustment			As Revised
	(in thousands)
As of December 31, 2011
Retained earnings	$	363,461	$	(11,281	)	$	352,180
Total shareholders’ equity	$	1,305,432	$	(11,281	)	$	1,294,151
For the year ended December 31, 2013
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation	$	2,633	$	(736	)	$	1,897
As of December 31, 2013
Additional paid in capital	$	1,073,893	$	(736	)	$	1,073,157
Total shareholders’ equity	$	1,576,364	$	(12,017	)	$	1,564,347

Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Financial Statements and Use of Estimates

The Company’s 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 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 consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. The Company believes that estimates used in the preparation of these consolidated financial statements are reasonable; however, actual results could differ materially from these estimates.

Inter-company balances and transactions are eliminated in consolidation.

Revenue Recognition

In general, the Company applies SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 104 (“SAB 104”), “Revenue Recognition,” in determining revenue recognition. Accordingly, the Company recognizes revenue when all the following criteria are met:

•

The Company has persuasive evidence of a legally binding arrangement,

•

Delivery has occurred,

•

Client fee is deemed fixed or determinable, and

•

Collection is probable.

When a sales arrangement requires the delivery of more than one product and service, revenue is recognized pursuant to the requirements of ASC Subtopic 605-25, “Revenue Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables.” Under the provisions of ASC Subtopic 605-25, elements within a multi-deliverable arrangement should be considered separate units of accounting if all of the following criteria are met:

•

The delivered items have value to the client on a standalone basis. The items have value on a standalone basis if they can be sold separately by any vendor or the client could resell the delivered items on a standalone basis; and

•

If the arrangement includes a general right of return relative to the delivered items, delivery or performance of the undelivered items is considered probable and substantially in the control of the vendor.

The Company provides products and services to its clients under various software and non-software related arrangements. The Company has signed contracts with substantially all clients that set forth the fees to be paid for its products and services. Further, the Company regularly assesses the receivable balances for each client for collectability. The Company’s application service license arrangements generally do not include acceptance provisions, which generally allow a client to test the solution for a defined period of time before committing to the license. If a license agreement includes an acceptance provision, the Company does not recognize subscription revenues until the earlier of the receipt of a written client acceptance or, if not notified by the client that it is cancelling the license agreement, the expiration of the acceptance period.

The Company’s subscription agreements for non-software-related application services include provisions that, among other things, allow clients, for no additional fee, to receive updates and modifications that may be made from time to time when and if available, for the term of the agreement, which is typically one year. These arrangements do not provide the client with the right to take possession of the application at any time. For sales arrangements with multiple deliverables, which may include application service subscription and professional services associated with implementation and other services, the Company evaluates each deliverable in these multiple-element arrangements to determine whether it represents a separate unit of accounting and allocates revenue accordingly.

In most cases, the Company recognizes revenues from subscription arrangements ratably over the term of the license agreement pursuant to contract terms. The contracts state the terms under which these fees are to be calculated. The fees are recognized as the Company supplies the product and service to the client over the license period and are generally billed in advance, prior to the license start date. When implementation services are included, the Company recognizes revenues allocated to the subscription ratably from the date the application is put into production to the end of the license period. Revenues associated with the implementation services are recognized ratably over the useful life of those services. For products and services whose fees are based on estimated assets under management linked to the Company’s indexes, or contract values related to futures and options, the Company recognizes revenues based on estimates from independent third-party sources or the most recently reported information from the client. Revenues from subscription agreements for the receipt of periodic benchmark reports, digests, and other publications, which are most often associated with the Company’s real estate benchmark business, are recognized upon delivery of such reports or data updates.

The Company’s software-related arrangements do not require significant modification or customization of any underlying software applications being licensed. Accordingly, the Company recognizes software revenues pursuant to the requirements of ASC Subtopic 985-605, “Software-Revenue Recognition.” The Company’s subscription agreements for software products include provisions that, among other things, would allow clients to receive unspecified, when and if available, software upgrades for no additional fee as well as the right to use the software products with maintenance and technical support for the term of the agreement, which is typically one year. Software agreements may include other consulting and professional services. In accordance with ASC Subtopic 985-605, “Software Revenue Recognition,” the Company does not have vendor specific objective evidence (“VSOE”) for these elements and therefore begins to recognize software related revenue ratably over the term of the license agreement once delivered.

Adjustment to Revenues

During the year ended December 31, 2012, as a result of a one-time adjustment, the Company recorded a $5.2 million cumulative revenue reduction to correct an error related to revenues previously reported through December 31, 2011. The effect of recording this adjustment in the first quarter of 2012 resulted in a one-time decrease to the energy and commodity analytics products revenues in the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Income and an increase in deferred revenues in the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition. It was determined that under ASC Subtopic 985-605, the Company incorrectly established VSOE for certain energy and commodity analytics products and as a result should not have been recognizing a substantial portion of the revenue immediately upon delivery or renewal of a time based subscription license, the terms of which are generally one year. Rather, the entire license fee should have been recognized ratably over the term of the license. As such, the Company made the cumulative adjustment effective January 1, 2012 and started recognizing revenue related to all contracts still in effect as of this date ratably over the remainder of the term. The Company began recognizing revenue ratably over the contract term for any new contracts entered into on or after January 1, 2012. Based upon an evaluation of all relevant factors, management believes the correcting adjustment did not have a material impact on the Company’s previously reported results and, accordingly, has determined that restatement of previously issued financial statements is not necessary.

Share-Based Compensation

Certain of the Company’s employees have received share-based compensation under certain compensation programs. The Company’s compensation expense reflects the fair value method of accounting for share-based payments under ASC Subtopic 718-10, “Compensation-Stock Compensation.” ASC Subtopic 718-10 requires measurement of compensation cost for equity-based awards at fair value and recognition of compensation cost over the service period, net of estimated forfeitures.

The fair value of MSCI restricted stock units (“RSUs”) is measured as the closing price of MSCI’s common stock on the date prior to grant. Restricted stock units subject to performance conditions (“PSUs”) are based on performance measures that impact the amount of shares that each recipient will receive upon vesting. PSUs are granted at fair market value, which is measured as the closing price of MSCI’s common stock on the date prior to grant.

The fair value of MSCI standard stock options is determined using the Black-Scholes valuation model and the single grant life method. Under the single grant life method, option awards with graded vesting are valued using a single weighted-average expected option life. The fair value of MSCI stock options that contain stock price contingencies is determined using a Monte Carlo simulation model, which creates a normal distribution of future stock prices, which is then used to value the awards based on their individual terms.

Based on interpretive guidance related to share-based compensation, the Company’s policy is to accrue the estimated cost of share-based awards that are granted to retirement-eligible employees over the course of the prior year in which they were earned rather than expensing the awards on the date of grant. A portion of the awards granted to employees consist of PSUs. The Company bases initial accruals of compensation cost on the estimated number of units for which the requisite service is expected to be rendered. If the estimated number of units changes from previous estimates, the cumulative effect on current and prior periods of a change is recognized in compensation cost in the period of the change.

Research and Development

The Company accounts for research and development costs in accordance with several accounting pronouncements, including ASC Subtopic 730-10, “Research and Development.” ASC Subtopic 730-10 requires that research and development costs generally be expensed as incurred. The majority of the Company’s research and development costs are incurred in developing, reviewing and enhancing the methodologies and data models offered within its product portfolio.

The Company applies the provisions of ASC Subtopic 350-40, “Internal Use Software,” and accounts for the cost of computer software developed for internal use by capitalizing qualifying costs, which are substantially incurred during the application development stage. The amounts capitalized include external direct costs of services used in developing internal-use software and for payroll and payroll-related costs of employees directly associated with the development activities. Additionally, costs incurred relating to upgrades and enhancements to the software are capitalized if it is determined that these upgrades or enhancements provide additional functionality to the software. The Company capitalized $8.3 million and $3.3 million of costs related to software developed for internal use in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Capitalized software development costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the related product, which is typically three to five years, beginning with the date the software is placed into service.

Costs incurred in the preliminary and post-implementation stages of our products are expensed as incurred.

Income Taxes

Income tax expense is provided for using the asset and liability method, under which deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are determined based on the temporary differences between the financial statement and income tax bases of assets and liabilities using currently enacted tax rates.

The Company regularly assesses the likelihood of additional assessments in each of the taxing jurisdictions in which it is required to file income tax returns. The Company recorded additional tax expense related to open tax years, which the Company’s management believes is adequate in relation to the potential for assessments. These amounts have been recorded in “Other non-current liabilities” on the Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition. The Company’s management believes the resolution of tax matters will not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial condition. However, to the extent the Company is required to pay amounts in excess of its reserves, a resolution could have a material impact on its Consolidated Statement of Income for a particular future period. In addition, an unfavorable tax settlement could require use of cash and result in an increase in the effective tax rate in the period in which such resolution occurs.

Deferred Revenue

Deferred revenues represent amounts billed to customers for products and services in advance of delivery. The Company’s clients generally pay subscription fees annually or quarterly in advance. Deferred revenue is generally amortized ratably over the service period as revenue recognition criteria are met. Where the service period has not begun and the client has not paid or the contract has not been renewed, deferred revenues and accounts receivable are not recognized.

Goodwill

Goodwill is recorded as part of the Company’s acquisitions of businesses when the purchase price exceeds the fair value of the net tangible and separately identifiable intangible assets acquired. The Company’s goodwill relates to the acquisitions of Barra, Inc. (“Barra”), RiskMetrics Group, Inc. (“RiskMetrics”), Measurisk, LLC (“Measurisk”), IPD Group Limited (“IPD”), Investor Force Holdings, Inc. (“InvestorForce”) and Governance Holdings Co. (“GMI Ratings”). The Company’s goodwill is not amortized, but rather is subject to an impairment test each year, or more often if conditions indicate impairment may have occurred, pursuant to ASC Topic 350, “Intangibles—Goodwill and Other.”

The Company tests goodwill for impairment on an annual basis on July 1 and on an interim basis when certain events and circumstances exist. The testing for impairment is performed at the reporting unit level, which is deemed to be at the level of the MSCI business segments. Goodwill impairment is determined by comparing the estimated fair value of a reporting unit with its respective book value. If the estimated fair value exceeds the book value, goodwill at the reporting unit level is not deemed to be impaired. If the estimated fair value is below book value, however, further analysis is required to determine the amount of impairment. Additionally, if the book value of a reporting unit is zero or a negative value and it is determined that it is more likely than not that the goodwill is impaired, further analysis is required. As the estimated fair value of its reporting units exceeded their respective book value on the testing dates, no impairment of goodwill was recorded during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012.

Intangible Assets

Intangible assets consist of those definite-lived intangibles from the acquisitions of Barra in June 2004, RiskMetrics in June 2010, Measurisk in July 2010, IPD in November 2012, InvestorForce in January 2013 and GMI Ratings in August 2014. The Company amortizes definite-lived intangible assets over their estimated useful lives. Definite-lived intangible assets are tested for impairment when impairment indicators are present, and, if impaired, written down to fair value based on either discounted cash flows or appraised values. No impairment of intangible assets has been identified during any of the periods presented. The Company has no indefinite-lived intangibles. The intangible assets have remaining useful lives ranging from one to 20 years.

Foreign Currency Translation

Assets and liabilities of operations having non-U.S. dollar functional currencies are translated at year-end exchange rates, and income statement accounts are translated at weighted average exchange rates for the year. Gains or losses resulting from translating foreign currency financial statements, net of related tax effects, are reflected in accumulated other comprehensive loss, a separate component of shareholders’ equity. Gains or losses resulting from foreign currency transactions incurred in currencies other than the local functional currency are included in non-operating “Other expense (income), net” on the Consolidated Statement of Income.

Derivative Instruments

The Company applies ASC Subtopic 815-10, “Derivatives and Hedging,” which establishes accounting and reporting standards for derivative instruments and hedging activities. The Company may use interest rate swaps and forward contracts on foreign currency to manage risks generally associated with interest rate and foreign exchange rate fluctuations, respectively. The Company’s derivative financial instruments are used as risk management tools and not for speculative or trading purposes.

For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as hedging instruments for accounting purposes, the Company documents and links the relationships between the hedging instruments and hedged items. The Company also assesses and documents at the hedge’s inception whether the derivatives used in hedging transactions were effective in offsetting changes in fair values associated with the hedged items. ASC Subtopic 815-10 provides that, for derivative instruments that qualify for hedge accounting being used to hedge cash flows, changes in the fair value are recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), a separate component of shareholders’ equity, until the hedged item is recognized in earnings. In addition, the ineffective portion of a derivative’s change in fair value is immediately recognized in earnings.

The Company manages foreign currency exchange rate risk through the use of derivative financial instruments comprised principally of forward contracts on foreign currency which are not designated as hedging instruments for accounting purposes. The objective of the derivative instruments is to minimize the income statement impact associated with assets and liabilities that are denominated in certain foreign currencies. Derivative instruments that do not qualify for hedge accounting are carried at fair value on the Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition with gains and losses recorded in the Consolidated Statement of Income.

Property, Equipment and Leasehold Improvements

Property, equipment and leasehold improvements are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation of furniture and fixtures and computer and communications equipment are amortized using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the asset. Estimates of useful lives are as follows: furniture & fixtures – seven years; computer and related equipment – three to five years. Leasehold improvements are amortized on a straight-line basis over one to 21 years, which represents the lesser of the estimated useful life of the asset or, where applicable, the remaining term of the lease.

Treasury Stock

The Company holds repurchased shares of common stock as treasury stock. The Company accounts for treasury stock under the cost method and includes treasury stock as a component of shareholders’ equity.

In accordance with ASC Subtopic 505-10, “Equity,” the Company accounts for the capped accelerated share repurchase (“ASR”) agreements into which it enters as two separate transactions: (a) as shares of common stock acquired in a treasury stock transaction recorded on the acquisition date of the shares and (b) as a forward contract indexed to the Company’s own common stock. As such, the Company accounts for the shares that it receives under capped ASR agreements during the period as a repurchase of its common stock for the purpose of calculating earnings per common share. The Company has determined that the forward contracts indexed to the Company’s common stock meet all the applicable criteria for equity classification in accordance with ASC Subtopic 815-10 and, therefore, the capped ASR agreements are not accounted for as derivative instruments.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

The Company licenses its products and services to investment managers mainly in the United States, Europe and Asia (primarily Hong Kong and Japan). The Company evaluates the credit of its customers and does not require collateral. The Company maintains an allowance on customer accounts where estimated losses may result from the inability of its customers to make required payments.

An allowance for doubtful accounts is recorded when it is probable and estimable that a receivable will not be collected. Changes in the allowance for doubtful accounts from December 31, 2011 to December 31, 2014 were as follows:


	Amount
	(in thousands)
Balance as of December 31, 2011	$	857
Addition to provision		403
Amounts written off, net of recoveries		(296	)

Balance as of December 31, 2012	$	964
Addition to provision		876
Amounts written off, net of recoveries		(560	)

Balance as of December 31, 2013	$	1,280
Addition to provision		452
Amounts written off, net of recoveries		(875	)

Balance as of December 31, 2014	$	857

Accrued Compensation

The Company makes significant estimates in determining its accrued non-stock based compensation and benefits expenses. A significant portion of the Company’s employee incentive compensation programs are discretionary. Each year end the Company determines the amount of discretionary cash bonus expense. The Company also reviews compensation and benefits expenses throughout the year to determine how overall performance compares to management’s expectations. These and other factors, including historical performance, are taken into account in accruing discretionary cash compensation estimates quarterly.

Concentrations

For the year ended December 31, 2014, BlackRock, Inc. accounted for 10.6% of the Company’s operating revenues. For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, no single customer accounted for 10.0% or more of the Company’s operating revenues.

Recent Accounting Standards Updates	12 Months Ended
Recent Accounting Standards Updates	Dec. 31, 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 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 but does not expect the adoption of ASU 2014-08 to have a material effect on its 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 consolidated financial statements. In November 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2014-17, “Business Combinations (Topic 805): Pushdown Accounting,” or ASU 2014-17. ASU 2014-17 provides a company with the option to apply pushdown accounting in its separate financial statements upon occurrence of an event in which an acquirer obtains control of the acquired entity. The election to apply pushdown accounting can be made either in the period in which the change of control occurred, or in a subsequent period. ASU 2014-17 became effective as of November 18, 2014. The Company will evaluate this standard in the event of a future business combination. In January 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2015-01, “Income Statement—Extraordinary and Unusual Items (Subtopic 225-20): Simplifying Income Statement Presentation by Eliminating the Concept of Extraordinary Items,” or ASU 2015-01. ASU 2015-01 eliminates the concept of an extraordinary item from GAAP. As a result, a company will no longer be required to segregate extraordinary items from the results of ordinary operations, to separately present an extraordinary item on its income statement, net of tax, after income from continuing operations or to disclose income taxes and earnings-per-share data applicable to an extraordinary item. A reporting entity may apply the amendments prospectively or retrospectively to all prior periods presented in the financial statements. However, ASU 2015-01 will still retain the presentation and disclosure guidance for items that are unusual in nature and occur infrequently. The new guidance is effective for annual reporting periods (including interim periods within those periods) beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted provided that the guidance is applied from the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. The adoption of ASU 2015-01 is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s 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
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 250
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=28359718&loc=d3e22580-107794

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Direct Effects of a Change in Accounting Principle
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6510796

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Indirect Effects of a Change in Accounting Principle
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6515603

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6507316

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6523989

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 01
-Paragraph b
-Subparagraph 6
-Article 10

+ Details

Dispositions and Discontinued Operations

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 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 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 year ended December 31, 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 income 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 Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 are as follows:


	Years Ended December 31,
	2014		2013		2012
	(in thousands)
Revenue from discontinued operations	$	43,122	$	122,303	$	123,151

Income from discontinued operations before provision for income taxes	$	86,230	$	32,793	$	28,608
Provision for income taxes		1,059		10,146		9,161

Income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes	$	85,171	$	22,647	$	19,447

- 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).

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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+ Details

Reclassifications out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 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 ASC Subtopic 220-10, “Comprehensive Income—Overall,” the following table presents the amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by the respective line item in the Consolidated Statement of Income:

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
	Year Ended			Year Ended
	December 31, 2014			December 31, 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	$	(104	)	$	(32	)⁽²⁾
		(15	)		6		Tax expense ⁽³⁾

	$	(119	)	$	(26	)	Net of tax ⁽⁴⁾

Foreign currency translation adjustment	$	4,184		$	—	⁽⁵⁾

Total reclassifications for the period, net of tax	$	4,065		$	(863	)

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

⁽²⁾	Includes $(186,000) for the year ended December 31, 2014 that was reclassified to “Income from discontinued operations, net of taxes” as part of the gain on the disposition of ISS.

⁽³⁾	Includes $6,000 for the year ended December 31, 2014 that was reclassified to “Income from discontinued operations, net of taxes” as part of the gain on the disposition of ISS.

⁽⁴⁾	Includes $(180,000) for the year ended December 31, 2014 that was reclassified to “Income from discontinued operations, net of taxes” as part of the gain on the disposition of ISS.

⁽⁵⁾	This accumulated other comprehensive income component for the year ended December 31, 2014 was reclassified to “Income from discontinued operations, net of taxes” as part of the gain on the disposition of ISS.

Earnings Per Common Share

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 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 78,260, 26,407 and 6,714, stock options and restricted stock units excluded from the calculation of diluted EPS for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, because of their anti-dilutive effect.

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:


	For the Years Ended
	December 31,			December 31,			December 31,
(in thousands, except per share data)	2014			2013			2012
Income from continuing operations, net of income taxes	$	198,942		$	199,910		$	164,791
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes		85,171			22,647			19,447

Net income	$	284,113		$	222,557		$	184,238
Less: Allocations of earnings to unvested restricted stock units ⁽¹⁾		(368	)		(633	)		(1,547	)


Earnings available to MSCI common shareholders	$	283,745		$	221,924		$	182,691


Basic weighted average common shares outstanding		115,737			120,100			122,023

Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock options and restricted stock units		969			974			1,181


Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding		116,706			121,074			123,204

Earnings per basic common share from continuing operations	$	1.72		$	1.66		$	1.34
Earnings per basic common share from discontinued operations		0.73			0.19			0.16


Earnings per basic common share	$	2.45		$	1.85		$	1.50

Earnings per diluted common share from continuing operations	$	1.70		$	1.64		$	1.32
Earnings per diluted common share from discontinued operations		0.73			0.19			0.16


Earnings per diluted common share	$	2.43		$	1.83		$	1.48

⁽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.

Commitments and Contingencies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Commitments and Contingencies

6. 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 years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $27.0 million, $24.2 million and $22.1 million, respectively.

Future minimum commitments for the Company’s operating leases in place as of December 31, 2014 are as follows:


Years Ending December 31,	Amount
	(in thousands)
2015	$	30,511
2016		29,890
2017		26,633
2018		25,142
2019		20,662
Thereafter		155,036


Total	$	287,874

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 an accelerated share repurchase (“ASR”) agreement with a financial institution to initiate share repurchases aggregating $100.0 million (the “December 2012 ASR Agreement”). As a result of the December 2012 ASR Agreement, 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 Agreement”). As a result of the August 2013 ASR Agreement, 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 Agreement”). As a result of the February 2014 ASR Agreement, 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 (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 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 Agreement”). On September 19, 2014, the Company paid $300.0 million in cash and received approximately 4.5 million shares of MSCI’s common stock under the September 2014 ASR Agreement. The total number of shares to be repurchased will be based primarily on an arithmetic average of the volume-weighted average prices of MSCI’s common stock on each trading day during the repurchase period. This average price will be capped such that only under limited circumstances will MSCI be required to deliver shares or pay cash at settlement. The Company may also receive additional shares at or prior to maturity of the September 2014 ASR Agreement in May 2015.

The $300.0 million payment for the September 2014 ASR Agreement 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 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 a quarterly dividend of $0.18 per share of common stock that was 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. The aggregate cash dividend paid on October 31, 2014 amounted to $20.4 million.

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 “2013 Amended and Restated Credit Facility”). The Company also amended the amortization schedule of required debt payments under the 2012 Term Loan. Pursuant to the 2013 Amended and Restated Credit Facility, the Company was 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 was to be $658.1 million.

On November 20, 2014, the Company completed its private offering of $800.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 5.25% senior unsecured notes due 2024 (the “Senior Notes”) and also entered into a new $200.0 million senior unsecured revolving credit agreement (the “2014 Revolving Credit Agreement”) by and among the Company, as borrower, certain of its subsidiaries, as guarantors (the “subsidiary guarantors”), the lenders party thereto, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent. The Company used the net proceeds from the offering of the Senior Notes, together with cash on hand, to prepay in full its $794.8 million of outstanding indebtedness under the 2013 Amended and Restated Credit Facility.

The Senior Notes are scheduled to mature and be paid in full on November 20, 2024. At any time prior to November 15, 2019, the Company may redeem all or part of the Senior Notes upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’ prior notice at a redemption price equal to the sum of (i) 100% of the principal amount thereof, plus (ii) a make-whole premium as of the date of redemption, plus (iii) accrued and unpaid interest and additional interest, if any, thereon, to the date of redemption. In addition, the Company may redeem all or part of the Senior Notes, together with accrued and unpaid interest, on or after November 15, 2019, at redemption prices set forth in the Indenture dated as of November 20, 2014, among the Company, the subsidiary guarantors, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee. At any time prior to November 15, 2017, the Company may use the proceeds of certain equity offerings to redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the Senior Notes, including any permitted additional notes, at a redemption price equal to 105.25% of the principal amount.

The 2014 Revolving Credit Agreement replaced the 2012 Revolving Credit Facility. The 2014 Revolving Credit Agreement has an initial term of five years that may be extended, at the Company’s request, for two additional one year terms.

Interest on the Senior Notes accrues at a fixed rate of 5.25% per annum and is payable semiannually in arrears on May 15 and November 15 of each year, commencing May 15, 2015; the Company will make interest payments to holders of record of the Senior Notes on the immediately preceding May 1 and November 1.

On the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition at December 31, 2014, there was no “Current maturities of long-term debt” and “Long-term debt, net of current maturities” of $800.0 million.

On the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition at December 31, 2013, there was “Current maturities of long-term debt” of $19.8 million, net of a $0.5 million discount and “Long-term debt, net of current maturities” of $788.0 million, net of a $1.7 million discount.

In connection with entering into the Senior Notes and the 2014 Revolving Credit Agreement, the Company paid certain fees which, together with the existing fees related to prior credit facilities, are being amortized over the life of the Senior Notes and 2014 Revolving Credit Agreement. At December 31, 2014, $14.7 million of the deferred financing fees remain unamortized, $1.8 million of which is included in “Prepaid and other assets” and $12.9 million of which is included in “Other non-current assets” on the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition.

The Company amortized $7.7 million and $3.3 million of deferred financing fees in interest expense during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Approximately $2.2 million and $1.1 million of debt discount was amortized in interest expense during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the fair market value of the Company’s debt obligations were $831.0 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, which are based on one or more quoted prices in markets that are not considered to be active or for which all significant inputs are observable, either directly or indirectly. 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.

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. Specifically, the Company had previously entered into derivative financial instruments to manage exposures that arose from business activities that result in the receipt or payment of future known and uncertain cash amounts, the value of which are determined by interest rates, and may do so again in the future. The Company’s derivative financial instruments were used to manage differences in the amount, timing and duration of the Company’s known or expected cash payments principally related to the Company’s borrowings.

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.

Cash Flow Hedges of Interest Rate Risk. As a result of the repayment of the Company’s then-outstanding term loans on May 4, 2012 and March 14, 2011, the Company discontinued prospective hedge accounting on its then-existing interest rate swaps as they no longer met hedge accounting requirements. The Company has not entered into new interest rate swaps to hedge its debt. The Company continued to report the net loss related to the discontinued cash flow hedges in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and reclassified this amount into earnings through the contractual term of the swap agreements which ended in August 2013.

Non-designated Hedges of Foreign Exchange Risk. Derivatives not designated as hedges are not speculative and are used to manage the Company’s economic 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 December 31, 2014, the Company had outstanding foreign currency forwards with a notional amount of $11.6 million that were not designated as hedges in qualifying hedging relationships.

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 Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition:


(in thousands)	Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition Location		As of December 31, 2014			As of December 31, 2013
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
Liability derivatives:
Foreign exchange contracts		Other accrued liabilities	$	(243	)	$	(156	)

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


Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships	Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) on Derivatives (Effective Portion) for the Years Ended December 31,							Location of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income into Income (Effective Portion)		Amount of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) into Income (Effective Portion) for the Years Ended December 31,							Location of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivatives (Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing)		Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivatives (Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing) for the Years Ended December 31,
(in thousands)	2014		2013		2012					2014		2013			2012				2014		2013		2012
Interest rate swaps	$	—	$	—	$	(695	)		Interest expense	$	—	$	(1,364	)	$	2,437		Interest expense	$	—	$	—	$	—


Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments	Location of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivatives	Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivatives for the Years Ended December 31,
(in thousands)		2014			2013			2012
Foreign exchange contracts	Other expense (income)	$	(834	)	$	(139	)	$	(200	)

Property, Equipment and Leasehold Improvements

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]

Property, Equipment and Leasehold Improvements

7. PROPERTY, EQUIPMENT AND LEASEHOLD IMPROVEMENTS

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


		As of
Type	Estimated Useful Lives	December 31, 2014⁽¹⁾			December 31, 2013
		(in thousands)
Computer & related equipment	3 to 5 years	$	118,537		$	86,384
Furniture & fixtures	7 years		9,569			9,108
Leasehold improvements	1 to 21 years		49,756			52,776
Work-in-process	—		9,020			12,691

Subtotal			186,882			160,959
Accumulated depreciation and amortization			(92,808	)		(75,371	)

Property, equipment and leasehold improvements, net		$	94,074		$	85,588

⁽¹⁾

Property, equipment and leasehold improvements as of December 31, 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 $25.7 million, $20.4 million and $16.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

8. GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Goodwill.

The Company carries goodwill as reflected in the table below:


	Goodwill
(in thousands)
Goodwill at December 31, 2012	$	1,797,753
Changes to goodwill ⁽¹⁾		13,902
Foreign exchange translation adjustment		1,509

Goodwill at December 31, 2013	$	1,813,164
Changes to goodwill ⁽²⁾		(244,299	)
Foreign exchange translation adjustment		(3,961	)

Goodwill at December 31, 2014	$	1,564,904

⁽¹⁾

Changes to goodwill reflect the acquisition of InvestorForce, which contributed $11.6 million, adjustments to the valuation of acquired IPD assets and liabilities, which contributed $2.7 million and the disposition of the CFRA product line, which removed $0.5 million. See Note 3, “Dispositions and Discontinued Operations,” and Note 12, “Acquisitions,” for additional information.

⁽²⁾

Changes to goodwill reflect the disposition and addition of goodwill associated with the sale of ISS, which removed $254.2 million, and the acquisition of GMI Ratings, which contributed $9.9 million. See Note 3, “Dispositions and Discontinued Operations,” and Note 12, “Acquisitions,” for additional information.

Intangible Assets.

Amortization expense related to intangible assets for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, was $45.9 million, $44.8 million and $50.0 million, respectively.

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


	As of
(in thousands)	December 31, 2014 ⁽¹⁾			December 31, 2013
Gross intangible assets:
Customer relationships	$	360,835		$	478,735
Trademarks/trade names		223,382			257,282
Technology/software		193,681			199,778
Proprietary process		—			3,800
Proprietary data		28,627			28,527
Covenant not to compete		900			—

Subtotal		807,425			968,122
Foreign exchange translation adjustment		(1,588	)		1,962

Total gross intangible assets	$	805,837		$	970,084

Accumulated amortization:
Customer relationships	$	(119,058	)	$	(125,359	)
Trademarks/trade names		(81,545	)		(75,696	)
Technology/software		(167,083	)		(168,481	)
Proprietary process		—			(2,269	)
Proprietary data		(4,589	)		(2,326	)
Covenant not to compete		(187	)		—

Subtotal		(372,462	)		(374,131	)
Foreign exchange translation adjustment		253			(246	)

Total accumulated amortization	$	(372,209	)	$	(374,377	)

Net intangible assets:
Customer relationships	$	241,777		$	353,376
Trademarks/trade names		141,837			181,586
Technology/software		26,598			31,297
Proprietary process		—			1,531
Proprietary data		24,038			26,201
Covenant not to compete		713			—

Subtotal		434,963			593,991
Foreign exchange translation adjustment		(1,335	)		1,716

Total net intangible assets	$	433,628		$	595,707

⁽¹⁾

Intangible assets and the associated accumulated amortization as of December 31, 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 12, “Acquisitions,” for additional information.

Estimated amortization expense for succeeding years is presented below:


For the Years Ending December 31,	Amortization Expense
	(in thousands)
2015	$	47,111
2016		46,684
2017		41,457
2018		38,721
2019		37,420
Thereafter		222,235


Total	$	433,628

- 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

Employee Benefits	12 Months Ended
Employee Benefits	Dec. 31, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Employee Benefits	9. EMPLOYEE BENEFITS The Company sponsors a 401(k) plan for eligible U.S. employees and defined contribution and defined benefit pension plans that cover substantially all of its non-U.S. employees. For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, costs relating to 401(k), pension and post-retirement benefit expenses were $22.2 million, $18.2 million and $16.2 million, respectively. Amounts included in cost of services were $13.1 million, $10.9 million and $9.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Amounts included in selling, general and administrative expense for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 were $9.1 million, $7.3 million and $6.6 million, respectively. 401(k) and Other Defined Contribution Plans. Eligible employees may participate in the MSCI 401(k) plan (or any other regional defined contribution plan sponsored by MSCI) immediately upon hire. Eligible employees receive 401(k) and other defined contribution plan matching contributions and, in the case of the MSCI 401(k) plan, an additional Company contribution of 3% of the employees’ cash compensation, which is subject to vesting and certain other limitations. The Company’s expenses associated with the 401(k) plan and other defined contribution plans for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 were $19.3 million, $15.7 million and $13.1 million, respectively. Net Periodic Benefit Expense. Net periodic benefit expense incurred by the Company related to defined benefit pension plans was $2.8 million, $2.5 million and $3.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The Company uses a measurement date of December 31 to calculate obligations under its pension and postretirement plans. As of December 31, 2014, the Company carried a $16.7 million net liability in other non-current liabilities on its Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition related to its future pension obligations. As of December 31, 2013, the Company carried a $7.7 million net liability in other non-current liabilities on its Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition related to its future pension obligations. The increase was primarily driven by changes in the discount rates used to determine the value of the Company’s future pension obligations. The fair value of the defined benefit plan assets were $14.3 million and $15.7 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Share-Based Compensation

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]

Share-Based Compensation

10. SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION

The following footnote reflects the share-based compensation activity recognized by the Company, including the amounts recognized in both continuing operations and discontinued operations for all periods referenced.

On November 6, 2007, the Company’s Board of Directors approved the award of founders grants to its employees in the form of RSUs and/or options (“Founders Grant Award”). The RSUs and options vested over a four-year period beginning from the November 14, 2007 grant date through November 14, 2011.

On June 1, 2010, the Company awarded certain of its employees with a grant in the form of PSUs (“Performance Award”). The Performance Award performance-vested based upon the Company achieving specific performance targets over a measurement period ended on December 31, 2012. The Performance Award vested and converted to shares in February 2013.

On December 10, 2010, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company approved the grant of a special one-time price and time vested stock option award to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer (“2010 CEO Award”). The award was valued at $3.6 million using a Monte Carlo simulation based on the closing price of the Company’s common stock at the close of business on December 13, 2010. The 2010 CEO Award time-vests over a five-year period, with approximately 25% of the award vesting on each of the second, third, fourth and fifth anniversaries of the grant and is subject to certain market performance.

On December 14, 2010, the Company, as a component of the 2010 annual bonus, awarded a portion of its employees with a grant in the form of restricted stock units (“2010 Bonus Award”). The aggregate value of the grants was $18.9 million. Approximately $6.2 million was awarded to retirement-eligible employees under the award terms. A portion of the 2010 Bonus Award consisted of RSUs vesting over a three-year period, with one-third vesting on each anniversary of the grant in 2011, 2012 and 2013, respectively. A smaller portion of the 2010 Bonus Award consisted of PSUs subject to achieving both specific performance targets over a measurement period ending on December 31, 2012 and a time-vesting period, with one-half time vesting on December 31, 2012 and 2013, respectively.

On February 2, 2012, the Company, as a component of the 2011 annual bonus, awarded a portion of its employees with a grant in the form of restricted stock units (“2011 Bonus Award”). The aggregate value of the grants was $21.2 million. Approximately $6.7 million of the aggregate value of the grants was awarded to retirement-eligible employees under the award terms which had been expensed in the year ended December 31, 2011. A portion of the 2011 Bonus Award consisted of RSUs vesting over a three-year period, with one-third vesting on each anniversary of the grant in 2013, 2014 and 2015, respectively. A smaller portion of the 2011 Bonus Award consisted of PSUs subject to achieving both specific performance targets over a measurement period ending on December 31, 2013 and a time-vesting period, with one-half time vesting on December 31, 2013 and 2014, respectively.

In January 2013, the Company, as a component of the 2012 annual bonus, awarded a portion of its employees with a grant in the form of restricted stock units (“2012 Bonus Award”). The aggregate value of the grants was $21.7 million. Approximately $6.2 million was awarded to retirement eligible employees under the award terms which had been expensed in the year ended December 31, 2012. A portion of the 2012 Bonus Award consisted of RSUs vesting over a three-year period, with one-third vesting on each anniversary of the grant in 2014, 2015 and 2016. A smaller portion of the 2012 Bonus Award consisted of PSUs subject to achieving both specific performance targets over a measurement period ending on December 31, 2014 and a time-vesting period, with one-half time vesting on December 31, 2014 and 2015, respectively.

In January 2014, the Company, as a component of the 2013 annual bonus, awarded a portion of its employees with a grant in the form of restricted stock units (“2013 Bonus Award”). The aggregate value of the grants was $24.3 million. Approximately $6.8 million was awarded to retirement eligible employees under the award terms which had been expensed in the year ended December 31, 2013. A portion of the 2013 Bonus Award consisted of RSUs vesting over a three-year period, with one-third vesting on each anniversary of the grant in 2015, 2016 and 2017. A smaller portion of the 2013 Bonus Award consisted of PSUs subject to achieving both specific performance targets over a measurement period ending on December 31, 2015 and a time-vesting period, with one-half time vesting on December 31, 2015 and 2016, respectively.

In January 2015, the Company, as a component of the 2014 annual bonus, awarded a portion of its employees with a grant in the form of RSUs and PSUs (“2014 Bonus Award”). The total number of units granted was 485,170. The aggregate value of the grants was $26.5 million. Approximately $7.2 million was awarded to retirement eligible employees under the award terms which had been expensed in the year ended December 31, 2014.

On January 27, 2015, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company approved the grant of a special one-time PSU award to certain of the Company’s employees (“2015 Special Incentive Award”), with an aggregate value of $5.0 million. The initial total number of units granted was 91,657, based on the closing price of the Company’s common stock on January 26, 2015. The 2015 Special Incentive Award vests over a five-year period, with one-third of the award both time and performance vesting on each of the third, fourth and fifth anniversaries of the grant.

During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company granted 5,371 shares in MSCI common stock and awarded 27,447 RSUs to directors who were not employees of the Company during the period. During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company granted 4,688 shares in MSCI common stock and awarded 20,514 RSUs to directors who were not employees of the Company during the period.

For the CEO Award and the 2015 Special Incentive Award, all or a portion of the award may be cancelled in certain limited situations, including termination for cause, if employment is terminated before the end of the relevant restriction period. For the remainder of the awards granted by the Company, all or a portion of the award may be cancelled if employment is terminated for certain reasons before the end of the relevant restriction period for non-retirement-eligible employees.

In connection with awards under its equity-based compensation and benefit plans, the Company is authorized to use newly issued shares or certain shares of common stock held in treasury.

The components of share-based compensation expense related to the awards to Company employees and directors who are not employees of the Company of restricted stock units and restricted stock awards (representing shares of common stock) and options to purchase shares of common stock, as applicable, are presented below:


	For the Years Ended
(in thousands)	December 31, 2014		December 31, 2013		December 31, 2012

Deferred stock	$	25,830	$	23,910	$	23,198
Stock options		1,201		1,643		2,398


Total share-based compensation expense	$	27,031	$	25,553	$	25,596

The amount of this expense included in cost of services for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $10.8 million, $9.8 million and $8.8 million, respectively. The amount of this expense included in selling, general and administrative expense for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $14.8 million, $12.9 million and $14.1 million, respectively. The amount of this expense included in income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $1.4 million, $2.8 million and $2.7 million, respectively.

The tax benefits for share-based compensation expense related to deferred stock and stock options granted to Company employees and to directors who are not employees of the Company were $2.8 million, $2.6 million and $1.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

As of December 31, 2014, $11.6 million of compensation cost related to MSCI unvested share-based awards granted to the Company’s employees and to directors who are not employees of the Company had not yet been recognized. The unrecognized compensation cost relating to unvested stock-based awards expected to vest will be recognized primarily over the next one to three years.

In connection with awards under its equity-based compensation and benefit plans, the Company is authorized to issue shares of common stock. As of December 31, 2014, 6.3 million shares of common stock were available for future grants under these plans.

Deferred Stock Awards. Certain Company employees have been granted deferred stock awards pursuant to a share-based compensation plan. The plan provides for the deferral of a portion of certain employees’ discretionary compensation with awards made in the form of RSUs, PSUs and restricted stock awards (together, the “Deferred Stock Awards”). Recipients of RSUs, restricted stock awards and PSUs granted prior to January 2014 generally have rights to receive dividend equivalents that are not subject to vesting. Recipients of RSUs and PSUs granted in January 2014, and RSUs granted thereafter, generally have rights to receive dividend equivalents that are subject to vesting. Recipients of PSUs granted in January 2015 do not have rights to receive dividend equivalents until actual achievement of performance measures has been confirmed. The Company reports the target number of PSUs granted unless it has determined, based on the actual achievement of performance measures, that an employee will receive a different amount of shares underlying the PSUs, in which case the Company reports the amount of shares employees are likely to receive.

The following table sets forth activity concerning the Company’s vested and unvested deferred stock awards applicable to its employees (share data in thousands):


For the Year Ended December 31, 2014	Number of Shares			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Vested and unvested deferred stock awards at December 31, 2013 ⁽¹⁾		1,237		$	33.84
Granted		639		$	42.32
Conversion to common stock		(567	)	$	34.54
Canceled		(96	)	$	35.82


Vested and unvested deferred stock awards at December 31, 2014		1,213		$	37.82

⁽¹⁾	As of December 31, 2014, 1,195 restricted stock units and restricted stock awards, with a weighted average price of $37.80, were vested or expected to vest.

The total fair value of Deferred Stock Awards held by the Company’s employees converted to MSCI common stock during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $24.5 million, $28.2 million and $15.3 million, respectively.

The following table sets forth activity concerning the Company’s unvested deferred stock awards related to its employees (share data in thousands):


For the Year Ended December 31, 2014	Number of Shares			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Unvested deferred stock awards at December 31, 2013		894		$	33.85
Granted		479		$	42.35
Vested		(412	)	$	34.39
Canceled		(78	)	$	36.35


Unvested deferred stock awards at December 31, 2014		883		$	37.99


Unvested deferred stock awards expected to vest		866		$	37.96

Stock Option Awards. No MSCI stock options were issued during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2012. During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company awarded stock options. The award was valued using a Black-Scholes valuation model. The weighted average fair value of MSCI stock options issued by the Company in the year ended December 31, 2013 was $19.18 utilizing the following assumptions:


	Assumptions
Risk free interest rate		1.87	%
Expected option life in years		6.50
Expected stock price volatility		46.07	%
Expected dividend yield		—

The expected stock price volatility assumption was determined using the historical volatility of the Company.

The following table sets forth activity concerning MSCI stock options granted to the Company’s employees for the years ended December 31, 2014 (option data and dollar values in thousands, except exercise price):


For the Year Ended December 31, 2014	Number of Options			Weighted Average Exercise Price		Weighted Average Remaining Life (Years)		Aggregated Intrinsic Value
Options outstanding at December 31, 2013		1,986		$	21.85		4.55		N/A
Granted or assumed		—		$	—		N/A		N/A
Forfeited		(1	)	$	24.49		N/A		N/A
Conversion to common stock		(498	)	$	19.32		N/A		N/A


Options outstanding at December 31, 2014		1,487		$	22.69		3.76	$	36,802


Options exercisable at December 31, 2014		1,303		$	20.49		3.28	$	35,120


Options vested or expected to vest		1,487		$	22.69		3.76	$	36,802

The following table presents information relating to the Company’s outstanding stock options as of December 31, 2014 (number of options outstanding and aggregate intrinsic value data in thousands):


At December 31, 2014	Options Outstanding
Range of Exercise Prices	Number Outstanding		Weighted Average Exercise Price		Average Remaining Life (Years)		Aggregate Intrinsic Value
$2.76 to $16.48		130	$	12.69		2.42	$	4,512
$18.00		763	$	18.00		2.87	$	22,469
$20.45 to $25.64		282	$	23.16		3.34	$	6,833
$36.70 to $40.23		312	$	37.88		6.88	$	2,988


Total		1,487					$	36,802

The following table presents information relating to the Company’s exercisable stock options as of December 31, 2014 (number of options outstanding and aggregate intrinsic value data in thousands):


At December 31, 2014	Options Exercisable
Range of Exercise Prices	Number Outstanding		Weighted Average Exercise Price		Average Remaining Life (Years)		Aggregate Intrinsic Value
$2.76 to $16.48		130	$	12.69		2.42	$	4,512
$18.00		763	$	18.00		2.87	$	22,469
$20.45 to $25.64		282	$	23.16		3.34	$	6,833
$36.70 to $40.23		128	$	37.27		6.40	$	1,306


Total		1,303					$	35,120

The intrinsic value of the stock options exercised by the Company’s employees during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $12.8 million, $13.9 million and $14.5 million, respectively.

Income Taxes

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Income Taxes

11. INCOME TAXES

The provision for income taxes (benefits) consisted of (in thousands):


	For the Years Ended
	December 31, 2014			December 31, 2013			December 31, 2012
Current
U.S. federal	$	84,959		$	97,739		$	72,786
U.S. state and local		13,929			16,820			25,049
Non U.S.		18,505			18,270			19,996


		117,393			132,829			117,831

Deferred
U.S. federal		(2,606	)		(14,362	)		(18,234	)
U.S. state and local		(3,356	)		(3,802	)		(3,821	)
Non U.S.		(2,035	)		(1,747	)		234


		(7,997	)		(19,911	)		(21,821	)


Provision for income taxes from continuing operations	$	109,396		$	112,918		$	96,010


Provision for income taxes from discontinued operations	$	1,059		$	10,146		$	9,161

The following table reconciles the provision to the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate:


	For the Years Ended
	December 31, 2014			December 31, 2013			December 31, 2012
U.S. federal statutory income tax rate		35.00	%		35.00	%		35.00	%
U.S. state and local income taxes, net of U.S. federal income tax benefits		2.72	%		3.05	%		2.14	%

Change in tax rates applicable to non-U.S. earnings		(1.88	%)		(0.93	%)		(1.57	%)
Domestic tax credits		(0.86	%)		(0.95	%)		—	%
Other		0.50	%		(0.07	%)		1.24	%


Effective income tax rate		35.48	%		36.10	%		36.81	%

Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when such differences are expected to reverse. Significant components of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, were as follows (in thousands):


	As of
	December 31, 2014			December 31, 2013
Deferred tax assets:
Employee compensation and benefit plans	$	24,765		$	26,165
Deferred rent		7,229			9,526
Property, equipment and leasehold improvements, net		—			1,520
State taxes		2,322			2,323
Pension		2,494			395
Unearned revenue		1,117			1,238
NOL carryforward – current		1,667			3,813
NOL carryforward – non-current		34,249			7,506
Other		1,979			112

Subtotal		75,822			52,598
Less: valuation allowance ⁽¹⁾		(21,232	)		(7	)

Total deferred tax assets	$	54,590		$	52,591

Deferred tax liabilities:
Intangible assets	$	(154,965	)	$	(233,980	)
Foreign currency translation		(629	)		(372	)
Property, equipment and leasehold improvements, net		(10,435	)		—
Other		(246	)		—

Total deferred tax liabilities	$	(166,275	)	$	(234,352	)

Net deferred tax liabilities	$	(111,685	)	$	(181,761	)

⁽¹⁾	The Company’s valuation allowance was not significant on December 31, 2013 or in prior periods but increased in the year ended December 31, 2014 as a result of a capital loss carryforward recognized on the sale of ISS that is not currently expected to be utilized.

In the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company reported a non-current net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforward of $34.7 million with a valuation allowance against it of $23.4 million. The Company subsequently determined that the maximum NOL available for use was $11.3 million, of which $3.8 million was current and $7.3 million was non-current. The Company has changed its disclosure for the year ended December 31, 2013 to show an NOL carryforward of $11.3 million and a valuation allowance of less than $0.1 million. The United States portion of the NOL’s are subject to an annual limitation on utilization and will begin to expire in 2026. In addition, the December 31, 2013 deferred tax liability was understated by $13.6 million. The amounts in the table above reflect the revised balances. See Note 1, “Introduction And Basis Of Presentation—Revision,” for further details.

The following table presents the components of income before provision for income taxes generated by domestic or foreign operations for the periods indicated (in thousands):


	For the Years Ended
	December 31, 2014		December 31, 2013		December 31, 2012
Domestic	$	269,944	$	276,549	$	220,072

Foreign ⁽¹⁾		38,394		36,279		40,729

Total income before provision for income taxes	$	308,338	$	312,828	$	260,801

⁽¹⁾	Foreign income before provision for income taxes is defined as income generated from operations located outside the U.S.

Cumulative earnings attributable to foreign subsidiaries were $149.1 million, $188.6 million and $164.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. No provisions for income tax that could occur upon repatriation have been recorded on these earnings which are permanently invested abroad. It is not practicable to determine the amount of income taxes payable in the event all such foreign earnings are repatriated.

The Company intends to permanently reinvest the undistributed earnings of all foreign operations indefinitely except for any entities that are branches of U.S. companies or check-the-box entities that have elected to be treated as disregarded entities for U.S. tax purposes and are held directly by a U.S. company or MSCI Ltd. As a result, the Company does not accrue for the U.S. taxes that would be recognized upon repatriation of these earnings.

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.

The Company believes the resolution of tax matters will not have a material effect on the Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition of the Company, although a resolution could have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Income for a particular future period and on the Company’s effective tax rate for any period in which such resolution occurs.

The following table presents a reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of the gross unrecognized tax benefits, excluding interest and penalties, for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012:


Gross unrecognized tax benefits	Year Ended December 31, 2014			Year Ended December 31, 2013			Year Ended December 31, 2012
(amounts in thousands)
Beginning balance	$	7,089		$	6,827		$	13,168
Increases based on tax positions related to the current period		292			194			—
Increases based on tax positions related to prior periods		1,969			2,690			349
Decreases based on tax positions related to prior periods		(346	)		(2,474	)		(427	)
Increases/ (Decreases) related to settlements with taxing authorities		(1,652	)		—			(6,263	)
Increases/(Decreases) related to a lapse of applicable statute of limitations		(827	)		(148	)		—


Ending balance	$	6,525		$	7,089		$	6,827

The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits was $5.5 million, net of federal benefit of state issues, competent authority and foreign tax credit offsets, as of December 31, 2014, which, if recognized, would favorably affect the effective tax rate in future periods. The Company recognizes the accrual of interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in the Provision for Income Taxes in the Consolidated Statement of Income. For the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company recognized less than $0.1 million of interest in the Consolidated Statement of Income. No significant penalties were recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Income for the year ended December 31, 2014.

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.

Acquisitions	12 Months Ended
Acquisitions	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisitions	12. 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 in cash through its subsidiary MSCI ESG Research Inc. GMI Ratings is a provider of corporate governance research and ratings on companies worldwide. Clients of GMI Ratings include institutional investors, banks, insurers, auditors, regulators and corporations seeking to incorporate ESG factors into risk assessment and decision-making. As of December 31, 2014, the preliminary purchase price allocations for the GMI Ratings acquisition were $9.9 million for goodwill, $3.6 million for identifiable intangible assets, $6.7 million for assets other than identifiable intangible assets and $4.7 million for other liabilities. *Acquisition of InvestorForce* On January 29, 2013, MSCI completed the acquisition of InvestorForce by paying $23.6 million in cash. The acquisition of InvestorForce enhances MSCI’s position as a leader in performance analysis and risk transparency and furthers its goal of providing investment decision support tools to institutional investors across all client segments and asset classes. InvestorForce is a provider of performance reporting solutions to the institutional investment community in the United States, providing investment consultants with an integrated solution for daily monitoring, analysis of and reporting on institutional assets. The purchase price allocations for the InvestorForce acquisition were $11.6 million for goodwill, $9.1 million for identifiable intangible assets, $6.4 million for assets other than identifiable intangible assets and $3.5 million for other liabilities. *Acquisition of IPD* On November 30, 2012, MSCI Limited, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, paid cash of $124.8 million to acquire real estate performance measurement group IPD. The acquisition of IPD expands the Company’s multi-asset class offering by facilitating the integration of private real estate assets into its models, as well as adding a family of real estate indexes to the Company’s family of equity indexes. IPD is dedicated to the objective measurement of the commercial real estate market. IPD is a provider of real estate performance analysis for funds, investors, managers, lenders and occupiers and offers a wide range of services that include research, reporting, benchmarking and indexes. The purchase price allocations for the IPD acquisition were $76.5 million for goodwill, $58.7 million for identifiable intangible assets, $18.6 million for assets other than identifiable intangible assets and $29.0 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

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+ Details

Segment Information

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Segment Information

13. 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 Inc. entered into a definitive agreement to sell ISS, which, together with the CFRA product line disposed of on March 31, 2013, made up the Company’s Governance segment, the results for which are now reflected in “Income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes” in the 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.


	For the Years Ended
(in thousands)	December 31, 2014		December 31, 2013		December 31, 2012

Revenues
Americas:
United States	$	471,145	$	416,999	$	394,401
Other		37,189		34,547		27,783


Total Americas		508,334		451,546		422,184


Europe, the Middle East and Africa (“EMEA”):
United Kingdom		154,308		141,938		107,189
Other		209,893		202,664		179,535


Total EMEA		364,201		344,602		286,724


Asia & Australia:
Japan		46,642		46,752		53,649
Other		77,503		70,464		64,433


Total Asia & Australia		124,145		117,216		118,082

Total	$	996,680	$	913,364	$	826,990

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
(in thousands)	December 31, 2014		December 31, 2013

Long-lived assets
Americas:
United States	$	1,944,433	$	2,338,124
Other		3,293		4,082


Total Americas		1,947,726		2,342,206


EMEA:
United Kingdom		120,781		133,411
Other		13,345		11,871


Total EMEA		134,126		145,282


Asia & Australia:
Japan		837		1,543
Other		9,917		5,428


Total Asia & Australia		10,754		6,971


Total	$	2,092,606	$	2,494,459

- 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.

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-Section 50
-Paragraph 31
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8924-108599

Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 30
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8906-108599

+ Details

Quarterly Results of Operations

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]

Quarterly Results of Operations

14. QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (unaudited):


	2014												2013
	First Quarter			Second Quarter			Third Quarter			Fourth Quarter			First Quarter			Second Quarter			Third Quarter			Fourth Quarter
	(in thousands, except per share data)
Operating revenues	$	239,688		$	254,226		$	251,661		$	251,105		$	219,469		$	228,423		$	228,608		$	236,864

Cost of services		75,427			76,816			78,876			77,455			65,300			69,696			68,151			72,256
Selling, general and administrative		67,658			71,516			70,833			69,345			55,515			52,842			59,917			64,174
Amortization of intangible assets		11,270			11,442			11,574			11,591			11,166			11,222			11,193			11,217
Depreciation and amortization of property, equipment and leasehold improvements		5,828			5,921			6,342			7,620			4,597			4,774			5,443			5,570

Total operating expenses		160,183			165,695			167,625			166,011			136,578			138,534			144,704			153,217

Operating income		79,505			88,531			84,036			85,094			82,891			89,889			83,904			83,647
Interest income		(156	)		(192	)		(277	)		(226	)		(237	)		(186	)		(227	)		(239	)
Interest expense ⁽¹⁾		5,059			5,366			5,604			15,791			7,016			6,499			5,828			6,913
Other expense (income)		1,071			(726	)		(1,287	)		(1,199	)		1,922			(328	)		563			(21	)

Other expense (income), net		5,974			4,448			4,040			14,366			8,701			5,985			6,164			6,653

Income from continuing operations before provision for income taxes		73,531			84,083			79,996			70,728			74,190			83,904			77,740			76,994
Provision for income taxes		26,385			27,280			28,272			27,459			21,232			27,763			27,804			36,119

Income from continuing operations		47,146			56,803			51,724			43,269			52,958			56,141			49,936			40,875
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes		33,253			50,857			(10	)		1,071			5,979			4,912			5,374			6,382

Net income	$	80,399		$	107,660		$	51,714		$	44,340		$	58,937		$	61,053		$	55,310		$	47,257

Earnings per basic common share
From continuing operations	$	0.40		$	0.48		$	0.44		$	0.38		$	0.44		$	0.46		$	0.42		$	0.34
From discontinued operations		0.28			0.44			—			0.01			0.05			0.04			0.04			0.06

Earnings per basic common share	$	0.68		$	0.92		$	0.44		$	0.39		$	0.49		$	0.50		$	0.46		$	0.40

Earnings per diluted common share
From continuing operations	$	0.40		$	0.48		$	0.44		$	0.38		$	0.43		$	0.46		$	0.42		$	0.34
From discontinued operations		0.28			0.43			—			0.01			0.05			0.04			0.04			0.05

Earnings per diluted common share	$	0.68		$	0.91		$	0.44		$	0.39		$	0.48		$	0.50		$	0.46		$	0.39

Weighted average shares outstanding used in computing per share data
Basic		117,582			116,702			116,251			112,299			120,746			121,149			119,607			118,828


Diluted		118,597			117,664			117,163			113,289			121,702			122,069			120,578			119,877

⁽¹⁾	Increased interest expense during the fourth quarter of 2014 was primarily the result of the debt discount and deferred financing fees written off in association with the offering of the Senior Notes and the 2014 Revolving Facility.

Subsequent Events	12 Months Ended
Subsequent Events	Dec. 31, 2014
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	15. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS On February 3, 2015, the Board of Directors of the Company declared a quarterly dividend of $0.18 per share of common stock to be paid on March 13, 2015 to shareholders of record as of the close of trading on February 20, 2015.

Introduction and Basis of Presentation (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation

Revision

Revision

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


	As Previously Reported		Adjustment			As Revised
	(in thousands)
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

The Company has revised the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the year ended December 31, 2013 from amounts previously reported as follows:


	As Previously Reported			Adjustment			As Revised
	(in thousands)
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation	$	(2,633	)	$	736		$	(1,897	)
Net cash provided by operating activities	$	320,447		$	736		$	321,183
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation	$	2,633		$	(736	)	$	1,897
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	$	(145,848	)	$	(736	)	$	(146,584	)

The Company has revised the Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 from amounts previously reported as follows:


	As Previously Reported		Adjustment			As Revised
	(in thousands)
As of December 31, 2011
Retained earnings	$	363,461	$	(11,281	)	$	352,180
Total shareholders’ equity	$	1,305,432	$	(11,281	)	$	1,294,151
For the year ended December 31, 2013
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation	$	2,633	$	(736	)	$	1,897
As of December 31, 2013
Additional paid in capital	$	1,073,893	$	(736	)	$	1,073,157
Total shareholders’ equity	$	1,576,364	$	(12,017	)	$	1,564,347

Basis of Financial Statements and Use of Estimates

Basis of Financial Statements and Use of Estimates

Inter-company balances and transactions are eliminated in consolidation.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition

•

The Company has persuasive evidence of a legally binding arrangement,

•

Delivery has occurred,

•

Client fee is deemed fixed or determinable, and

•

Collection is probable.

•

Adjustment to Revenues

Share-Based Compensation

Share-Based Compensation

Research and Development

Research and Development

Costs incurred in the preliminary and post-implementation stages of our products are expensed as incurred.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes

Deferred Revenue

Deferred Revenue

Goodwill

Goodwill

Intangible Assets

Intangible Assets

Foreign Currency Translation

Foreign Currency Translation

Derivative Instruments

Derivative Instruments

Property, Equipment and Leasehold Improvements

Property, Equipment and Leasehold Improvements

Treasury Stock

Treasury Stock

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts


	Amount
	(in thousands)
Balance as of December 31, 2011	$	857
Addition to provision		403
Amounts written off, net of recoveries		(296	)

Balance as of December 31, 2012	$	964
Addition to provision		876
Amounts written off, net of recoveries		(560	)

Balance as of December 31, 2013	$	1,280
Addition to provision		452
Amounts written off, net of recoveries		(875	)

Balance as of December 31, 2014	$	857

Accrued Compensation

Accrued Compensation

Concentrations

Concentrations

Introduction and Basis of Presentation (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Changes in Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Changes in the allowance for doubtful accounts from December 31, 2011 to December 31, 2014 were as follows:


	Amount
	(in thousands)
Balance as of December 31, 2011	$	857
Addition to provision		403
Amounts written off, net of recoveries		(296	)

Balance as of December 31, 2012	$	964
Addition to provision		876
Amounts written off, net of recoveries		(560	)

Balance as of December 31, 2013	$	1,280
Addition to provision		452
Amounts written off, net of recoveries		(875	)

Balance as of December 31, 2014	$	857

Balance Sheet [Member]

Schedule of Revised Consolidated Financial Statements Amounts Previously Reported

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


	As Previously Reported		Adjustment			As Revised
	(in thousands)
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

Statements of Cash Flows [Member]

Schedule of Revised Consolidated Financial Statements Amounts Previously Reported

The Company has revised the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the year ended December 31, 2013 from amounts previously reported as follows:


	As Previously Reported			Adjustment			As Revised
	(in thousands)
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation	$	(2,633	)	$	736		$	(1,897	)
Net cash provided by operating activities	$	320,447		$	736		$	321,183
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation	$	2,633		$	(736	)	$	1,897
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	$	(145,848	)	$	(736	)	$	(146,584	)

Statements of Stockholders' Equity [Member]

Schedule of Revised Consolidated Financial Statements Amounts Previously Reported

The Company has revised the Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 from amounts previously reported as follows:


	As Previously Reported		Adjustment			As Revised
	(in thousands)
As of December 31, 2011
Retained earnings	$	363,461	$	(11,281	)	$	352,180
Total shareholders’ equity	$	1,305,432	$	(11,281	)	$	1,294,151
For the year ended December 31, 2013
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation	$	2,633	$	(736	)	$	1,897
As of December 31, 2013
Additional paid in capital	$	1,073,893	$	(736	)	$	1,073,157
Total shareholders’ equity	$	1,576,364	$	(12,017	)	$	1,564,347

Dispositions and Discontinued Operations (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]

Schedule of Value of Assets and Liabilities Disposed


(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 income 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


	Years Ended December 31,
	2014		2013		2012
	(in thousands)
Revenue from discontinued operations	$	43,122	$	122,303	$	123,151

Income from discontinued operations before provision for income taxes	$	86,230	$	32,793	$	28,608
Provision for income taxes		1,059		10,146		9,161

Income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes	$	85,171	$	22,647	$	19,447

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

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 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
	Year Ended			Year Ended
	December 31, 2014			December 31, 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	$	(104	)	$	(32	)⁽²⁾
		(15	)		6		Tax expense ⁽³⁾

	$	(119	)	$	(26	)	Net of tax ⁽⁴⁾

Foreign currency translation adjustment	$	4,184		$	—	⁽⁵⁾

Total reclassifications for the period, net of tax	$	4,065		$	(863	)

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

⁽²⁾	Includes $(186,000) for the year ended December 31, 2014 that was reclassified to “Income from discontinued operations, net of taxes” as part of the gain on the disposition of ISS.

⁽³⁾	Includes $6,000 for the year ended December 31, 2014 that was reclassified to “Income from discontinued operations, net of taxes” as part of the gain on the disposition of ISS.

⁽⁴⁾	Includes $(180,000) for the year ended December 31, 2014 that was reclassified to “Income from discontinued operations, net of taxes” as part of the gain on the disposition of ISS.

⁽⁵⁾	This accumulated other comprehensive income component for the year ended December 31, 2014 was reclassified to “Income from discontinued operations, net of taxes” as part of the gain on the disposition of ISS.

Earnings Per Common Share (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Computation of Basic and Diluted EPS

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


	For the Years Ended
	December 31,			December 31,			December 31,
(in thousands, except per share data)	2014			2013			2012
Income from continuing operations, net of income taxes	$	198,942		$	199,910		$	164,791
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes		85,171			22,647			19,447

Net income	$	284,113		$	222,557		$	184,238
Less: Allocations of earnings to unvested restricted stock units ⁽¹⁾		(368	)		(633	)		(1,547	)


Earnings available to MSCI common shareholders	$	283,745		$	221,924		$	182,691


Basic weighted average common shares outstanding		115,737			120,100			122,023

Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock options and restricted stock units		969			974			1,181


Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding		116,706			121,074			123,204

Earnings per basic common share from continuing operations	$	1.72		$	1.66		$	1.34
Earnings per basic common share from discontinued operations		0.73			0.19			0.16


Earnings per basic common share	$	2.45		$	1.85		$	1.50

Earnings per diluted common share from continuing operations	$	1.70		$	1.64		$	1.32
Earnings per diluted common share from discontinued operations		0.73			0.19			0.16


Earnings per diluted common share	$	2.43		$	1.83		$	1.48

⁽¹⁾

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Summary of Future Minimum Commitments Under Operating Leases

Future minimum commitments for the Company’s operating leases in place as of December 31, 2014 are as follows:


Years Ending December 31,	Amount
	(in thousands)
2015	$	30,511
2016		29,890
2017		26,633
2018		25,142
2019		20,662
Thereafter		155,036


Total	$	287,874

Summary of Fair Values of Derivative Instruments

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 Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition:


(in thousands)	Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition Location		As of December 31, 2014			As of December 31, 2013
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
Liability derivatives:
Foreign exchange contracts		Other accrued liabilities	$	(243	)	$	(156	)

Interest Rate Swaps and Derivative Instruments


Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships	Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) on Derivatives (Effective Portion) for the Years Ended December 31,							Location of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income into Income (Effective Portion)		Amount of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) into Income (Effective Portion) for the Years Ended December 31,							Location of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivatives (Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing)		Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivatives (Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing) for the Years Ended December 31,
(in thousands)	2014		2013		2012					2014		2013			2012				2014		2013		2012
Interest rate swaps	$	—	$	—	$	(695	)		Interest expense	$	—	$	(1,364	)	$	2,437		Interest expense	$	—	$	—	$	—


Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments	Location of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivatives	Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivatives for the Years Ended December 31,
(in thousands)		2014			2013			2012
Foreign exchange contracts	Other expense (income)	$	(834	)	$	(139	)	$	(200	)

Property, Equipment and Leasehold Improvements (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]

Schedule of Property, Equipment and Leasehold Improvements

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


		As of
Type	Estimated Useful Lives	December 31, 2014⁽¹⁾			December 31, 2013
		(in thousands)
Computer & related equipment	3 to 5 years	$	118,537		$	86,384
Furniture & fixtures	7 years		9,569			9,108
Leasehold improvements	1 to 21 years		49,756			52,776
Work-in-process	—		9,020			12,691

Subtotal			186,882			160,959
Accumulated depreciation and amortization			(92,808	)		(75,371	)

Property, equipment and leasehold improvements, net		$	94,074		$	85,588

⁽¹⁾

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Goodwill

The Company carries goodwill as reflected in the table below:


	Goodwill
(in thousands)
Goodwill at December 31, 2012	$	1,797,753
Changes to goodwill ⁽¹⁾		13,902
Foreign exchange translation adjustment		1,509

Goodwill at December 31, 2013	$	1,813,164
Changes to goodwill ⁽²⁾		(244,299	)
Foreign exchange translation adjustment		(3,961	)

Goodwill at December 31, 2014	$	1,564,904

⁽¹⁾

⁽²⁾

Components of Intangible Assets by Major Class

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


	As of
(in thousands)	December 31, 2014 ⁽¹⁾			December 31, 2013
Gross intangible assets:
Customer relationships	$	360,835		$	478,735
Trademarks/trade names		223,382			257,282
Technology/software		193,681			199,778
Proprietary process		—			3,800
Proprietary data		28,627			28,527
Covenant not to compete		900			—

Subtotal		807,425			968,122
Foreign exchange translation adjustment		(1,588	)		1,962

Total gross intangible assets	$	805,837		$	970,084

Accumulated amortization:
Customer relationships	$	(119,058	)	$	(125,359	)
Trademarks/trade names		(81,545	)		(75,696	)
Technology/software		(167,083	)		(168,481	)
Proprietary process		—			(2,269	)
Proprietary data		(4,589	)		(2,326	)
Covenant not to compete		(187	)		—

Subtotal		(372,462	)		(374,131	)
Foreign exchange translation adjustment		253			(246	)

Total accumulated amortization	$	(372,209	)	$	(374,377	)

Net intangible assets:
Customer relationships	$	241,777		$	353,376
Trademarks/trade names		141,837			181,586
Technology/software		26,598			31,297
Proprietary process		—			1,531
Proprietary data		24,038			26,201
Covenant not to compete		713			—

Subtotal		434,963			593,991
Foreign exchange translation adjustment		(1,335	)		1,716

Total net intangible assets	$	433,628		$	595,707

⁽¹⁾

Estimated Amortization Expense for Succeeding Years

Estimated amortization expense for succeeding years is presented below:


For the Years Ending December 31,	Amortization Expense
	(in thousands)
2015	$	47,111
2016		46,684
2017		41,457
2018		38,721
2019		37,420
Thereafter		222,235


Total	$	433,628

Share-Based Compensation (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]

Components of Share-Based Compensation Expense


	For the Years Ended
(in thousands)	December 31, 2014		December 31, 2013		December 31, 2012

Deferred stock	$	25,830	$	23,910	$	23,198
Stock options		1,201		1,643		2,398


Total share-based compensation expense	$	27,031	$	25,553	$	25,596

Summary of Vested and Unvested Deferred Stock Awards Activity

The following table sets forth activity concerning the Company’s vested and unvested deferred stock awards applicable to its employees (share data in thousands):


For the Year Ended December 31, 2014	Number of Shares			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Vested and unvested deferred stock awards at December 31, 2013 ⁽¹⁾		1,237		$	33.84
Granted		639		$	42.32
Conversion to common stock		(567	)	$	34.54
Canceled		(96	)	$	35.82


Vested and unvested deferred stock awards at December 31, 2014		1,213		$	37.82

⁽¹⁾	As of December 31, 2014, 1,195 restricted stock units and restricted stock awards, with a weighted average price of $37.80, were vested or expected to vest.

Summary of Unvested Deferred Stock Awards Activity

The following table sets forth activity concerning the Company’s unvested deferred stock awards related to its employees (share data in thousands):


For the Year Ended December 31, 2014	Number of Shares			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Unvested deferred stock awards at December 31, 2013		894		$	33.85
Granted		479		$	42.35
Vested		(412	)	$	34.39
Canceled		(78	)	$	36.35


Unvested deferred stock awards at December 31, 2014		883		$	37.99


Unvested deferred stock awards expected to vest		866		$	37.96

Weighted Average Fair Value of Stock Options Assumed

The weighted average fair value of MSCI stock options issued by the Company in the year ended December 31, 2013 was $19.18 utilizing the following assumptions:


	Assumptions
Risk free interest rate		1.87	%
Expected option life in years		6.50
Expected stock price volatility		46.07	%
Expected dividend yield		—

Summary of Stock Options Activity


For the Year Ended December 31, 2014	Number of Options			Weighted Average Exercise Price		Weighted Average Remaining Life (Years)		Aggregated Intrinsic Value
Options outstanding at December 31, 2013		1,986		$	21.85		4.55		N/A
Granted or assumed		—		$	—		N/A		N/A
Forfeited		(1	)	$	24.49		N/A		N/A
Conversion to common stock		(498	)	$	19.32		N/A		N/A


Options outstanding at December 31, 2014		1,487		$	22.69		3.76	$	36,802


Options exercisable at December 31, 2014		1,303		$	20.49		3.28	$	35,120


Options vested or expected to vest		1,487		$	22.69		3.76	$	36,802

Summary of Stock Options Outstanding by Exercise Price Range

The following table presents information relating to the Company’s outstanding stock options as of December 31, 2014 (number of options outstanding and aggregate intrinsic value data in thousands):


At December 31, 2014	Options Outstanding
Range of Exercise Prices	Number Outstanding		Weighted Average Exercise Price		Average Remaining Life (Years)		Aggregate Intrinsic Value
$2.76 to $16.48		130	$	12.69		2.42	$	4,512
$18.00		763	$	18.00		2.87	$	22,469
$20.45 to $25.64		282	$	23.16		3.34	$	6,833
$36.70 to $40.23		312	$	37.88		6.88	$	2,988


Total		1,487					$	36,802

Summary of Stock Options Exercisable by Exercise Price Range

The following table presents information relating to the Company’s exercisable stock options as of December 31, 2014 (number of options outstanding and aggregate intrinsic value data in thousands):


At December 31, 2014	Options Exercisable
Range of Exercise Prices	Number Outstanding		Weighted Average Exercise Price		Average Remaining Life (Years)		Aggregate Intrinsic Value
$2.76 to $16.48		130	$	12.69		2.42	$	4,512
$18.00		763	$	18.00		2.87	$	22,469
$20.45 to $25.64		282	$	23.16		3.34	$	6,833
$36.70 to $40.23		128	$	37.27		6.40	$	1,306


Total		1,303					$	35,120

Income Taxes (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Summary of Provision for Income Taxes (Benefits)

The provision for income taxes (benefits) consisted of (in thousands):


	For the Years Ended
	December 31, 2014			December 31, 2013			December 31, 2012
Current
U.S. federal	$	84,959		$	97,739		$	72,786
U.S. state and local		13,929			16,820			25,049
Non U.S.		18,505			18,270			19,996


		117,393			132,829			117,831

Deferred
U.S. federal		(2,606	)		(14,362	)		(18,234	)
U.S. state and local		(3,356	)		(3,802	)		(3,821	)
Non U.S.		(2,035	)		(1,747	)		234


		(7,997	)		(19,911	)		(21,821	)


Provision for income taxes from continuing operations	$	109,396		$	112,918		$	96,010


Provision for income taxes from discontinued operations	$	1,059		$	10,146		$	9,161

Reconciliation of Provision to U.S. Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate

The following table reconciles the provision to the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate:


	For the Years Ended
	December 31, 2014			December 31, 2013			December 31, 2012
U.S. federal statutory income tax rate		35.00	%		35.00	%		35.00	%
U.S. state and local income taxes, net of U.S. federal income tax benefits		2.72	%		3.05	%		2.14	%

Change in tax rates applicable to non-U.S. earnings		(1.88	%)		(0.93	%)		(1.57	%)
Domestic tax credits		(0.86	%)		(0.95	%)		—	%
Other		0.50	%		(0.07	%)		1.24	%


Effective income tax rate		35.48	%		36.10	%		36.81	%

Significant Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities

Significant components of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, were as follows (in thousands):


	As of
	December 31, 2014			December 31, 2013
Deferred tax assets:
Employee compensation and benefit plans	$	24,765		$	26,165
Deferred rent		7,229			9,526
Property, equipment and leasehold improvements, net		—			1,520
State taxes		2,322			2,323
Pension		2,494			395
Unearned revenue		1,117			1,238
NOL carryforward – current		1,667			3,813
NOL carryforward – non-current		34,249			7,506
Other		1,979			112

Subtotal		75,822			52,598
Less: valuation allowance ⁽¹⁾		(21,232	)		(7	)

Total deferred tax assets	$	54,590		$	52,591

Deferred tax liabilities:
Intangible assets	$	(154,965	)	$	(233,980	)
Foreign currency translation		(629	)		(372	)
Property, equipment and leasehold improvements, net		(10,435	)		—
Other		(246	)		—

Total deferred tax liabilities	$	(166,275	)	$	(234,352	)

Net deferred tax liabilities	$	(111,685	)	$	(181,761	)

⁽¹⁾	The Company’s valuation allowance was not significant on December 31, 2013 or in prior periods but increased in the year ended December 31, 2014 as a result of a capital loss carryforward recognized on the sale of ISS that is not currently expected to be utilized.

Summary of Components of Income Before Provision for Income Taxes

The following table presents the components of income before provision for income taxes generated by domestic or foreign operations for the periods indicated (in thousands):


	For the Years Ended
	December 31, 2014		December 31, 2013		December 31, 2012
Domestic	$	269,944	$	276,549	$	220,072

Foreign ⁽¹⁾		38,394		36,279		40,729

Total income before provision for income taxes	$	308,338	$	312,828	$	260,801

⁽¹⁾	Foreign income before provision for income taxes is defined as income generated from operations located outside the U.S.

Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits


Gross unrecognized tax benefits	Year Ended December 31, 2014			Year Ended December 31, 2013			Year Ended December 31, 2012
(amounts in thousands)
Beginning balance	$	7,089		$	6,827		$	13,168
Increases based on tax positions related to the current period		292			194			—
Increases based on tax positions related to prior periods		1,969			2,690			349
Decreases based on tax positions related to prior periods		(346	)		(2,474	)		(427	)
Increases/ (Decreases) related to settlements with taxing authorities		(1,652	)		—			(6,263	)
Increases/(Decreases) related to a lapse of applicable statute of limitations		(827	)		(148	)		—


Ending balance	$	6,525		$	7,089		$	6,827

Segment Information (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 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.


	For the Years Ended
(in thousands)	December 31, 2014		December 31, 2013		December 31, 2012

Revenues
Americas:
United States	$	471,145	$	416,999	$	394,401
Other		37,189		34,547		27,783


Total Americas		508,334		451,546		422,184


Europe, the Middle East and Africa (“EMEA”):
United Kingdom		154,308		141,938		107,189
Other		209,893		202,664		179,535


Total EMEA		364,201		344,602		286,724


Asia & Australia:
Japan		46,642		46,752		53,649
Other		77,503		70,464		64,433


Total Asia & Australia		124,145		117,216		118,082

Total	$	996,680	$	913,364	$	826,990

Long-Lived Assets by Geographic Area

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


	As of
(in thousands)	December 31, 2014		December 31, 2013

Long-lived assets
Americas:
United States	$	1,944,433	$	2,338,124
Other		3,293		4,082


Total Americas		1,947,726		2,342,206


EMEA:
United Kingdom		120,781		133,411
Other		13,345		11,871


Total EMEA		134,126		145,282


Asia & Australia:
Japan		837		1,543
Other		9,917		5,428


Total Asia & Australia		10,754		6,971


Total	$	2,092,606	$	2,494,459

Quarterly Results of Operations (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]

Summary of Quarterly Results of Operations


	2014												2013
	First Quarter			Second Quarter			Third Quarter			Fourth Quarter			First Quarter			Second Quarter			Third Quarter			Fourth Quarter
	(in thousands, except per share data)
Operating revenues	$	239,688		$	254,226		$	251,661		$	251,105		$	219,469		$	228,423		$	228,608		$	236,864

Cost of services		75,427			76,816			78,876			77,455			65,300			69,696			68,151			72,256
Selling, general and administrative		67,658			71,516			70,833			69,345			55,515			52,842			59,917			64,174
Amortization of intangible assets		11,270			11,442			11,574			11,591			11,166			11,222			11,193			11,217
Depreciation and amortization of property, equipment and leasehold improvements		5,828			5,921			6,342			7,620			4,597			4,774			5,443			5,570

Total operating expenses		160,183			165,695			167,625			166,011			136,578			138,534			144,704			153,217

Operating income		79,505			88,531			84,036			85,094			82,891			89,889			83,904			83,647
Interest income		(156	)		(192	)		(277	)		(226	)		(237	)		(186	)		(227	)		(239	)
Interest expense ⁽¹⁾		5,059			5,366			5,604			15,791			7,016			6,499			5,828			6,913
Other expense (income)		1,071			(726	)		(1,287	)		(1,199	)		1,922			(328	)		563			(21	)

Other expense (income), net		5,974			4,448			4,040			14,366			8,701			5,985			6,164			6,653

Income from continuing operations before provision for income taxes		73,531			84,083			79,996			70,728			74,190			83,904			77,740			76,994
Provision for income taxes		26,385			27,280			28,272			27,459			21,232			27,763			27,804			36,119

Income from continuing operations		47,146			56,803			51,724			43,269			52,958			56,141			49,936			40,875
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes		33,253			50,857			(10	)		1,071			5,979			4,912			5,374			6,382

Net income	$	80,399		$	107,660		$	51,714		$	44,340		$	58,937		$	61,053		$	55,310		$	47,257

Earnings per basic common share
From continuing operations	$	0.40		$	0.48		$	0.44		$	0.38		$	0.44		$	0.46		$	0.42		$	0.34
From discontinued operations		0.28			0.44			—			0.01			0.05			0.04			0.04			0.06

Earnings per basic common share	$	0.68		$	0.92		$	0.44		$	0.39		$	0.49		$	0.50		$	0.46		$	0.40

Earnings per diluted common share
From continuing operations	$	0.40		$	0.48		$	0.44		$	0.38		$	0.43		$	0.46		$	0.42		$	0.34
From discontinued operations		0.28			0.43			—			0.01			0.05			0.04			0.04			0.05

Earnings per diluted common share	$	0.68		$	0.91		$	0.44		$	0.39		$	0.48		$	0.50		$	0.46		$	0.39

Weighted average shares outstanding used in computing per share data
Basic		117,582			116,702			116,251			112,299			120,746			121,149			119,607			118,828


Diluted		118,597			117,664			117,163			113,289			121,702			122,069			120,578			119,877

⁽¹⁾	Increased interest expense during the fourth quarter of 2014 was primarily the result of the debt discount and deferred financing fees written off in association with the offering of the Senior Notes and the 2014 Revolving Facility.

Introduction and Basis of Presentation - Additional Information (Detail)		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 17, 2014 Segment	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013 USD ($) Segment	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($)
Introduction And Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]
Number of operating segments \| Segment	1		2
Minimum percentage of voting stock for consolidation		50.00%
Maximum percentage of voting stock in variable interest entity for consolidation		20.00%
Decrease to beginning retained earnings		$ 1,022,695,000	$ 758,975,000		$ 352,180,000
Decrease to additional paid in capital			1,073,157,000
Decrease to prepaid taxes		29,180,000	14,568,000
Increase to long-term deferred tax liabilities		137,838,000	234,649,000
Increase to goodwill		1,564,904,000	1,813,164,000	$ 1,797,753,000
Cumulative revenue reduction of one-time adjustment				5,200,000
Capitalized software development costs		8,216,000	3,285,000
Impairment of goodwill		$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Percentage of operating revenues accounted for by major customer		10.60%	10.00%	10.00%
Minimum [Member]
Introduction And Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]
Remaining useful life		1 year
Maximum [Member]
Introduction And Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]
Remaining useful life		20 years
Adjustment [Member]
Introduction And Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]
Decrease to beginning retained earnings			$ (11,281,000)		$ (11,281,000)
Decrease to additional paid in capital			(736,000)
Decrease to prepaid taxes			(12,765,000)
Increase to long-term deferred tax liabilities			13,595,000
Increase to goodwill			$ 14,343,000
Software and Software Development Costs [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Introduction And Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]
Estimates of useful lives		3 years
Software and Software Development Costs [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Introduction And Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]
Estimates of useful lives		5 years
Furniture & Fixtures [Member]
Introduction And Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]
Estimates of useful lives		7 years
Computer & Related Equipment [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Introduction And Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]
Estimates of useful lives		3 years
Computer & Related Equipment [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Introduction And Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]
Estimates of useful lives		5 years
Leasehold improvements [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Introduction And Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]
Estimates of useful lives		1 year
Leasehold improvements [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Introduction And Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]
Estimates of useful lives		21 years
Institutional Shareholder Services Inc. [Member]
Introduction And Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]
Sale completion date		Apr. 30, 2014

Introduction and Basis of Presentation - Schedule of Revised Consolidated Financial Statements Amounts Previously Reported (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments Restatement [Line Items]
Prepaid taxes	$ 29,180	$ 14,568
Total current assets	770,632	624,270
Goodwill	1,564,904	1,813,164	$ 1,797,753
Total assets	2,894,175	3,136,115
Deferred taxes	137,838	234,649
Total liabilities	1,461,342	1,571,768
Additional paid in capital		1,073,157
Retained earnings	1,022,695	758,975		$ 352,180
Total shareholders' equity	1,432,833	1,564,347	$ 1,413,950	1,294,151
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$ 2,894,175	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		363,461
Total shareholders' equity		1,576,364		1,305,432
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)		(11,281)
Total shareholders' equity		(12,017)		$ (11,281)
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity		$ 1,578

Introduction and Basis of Presentation - Schedule of Revised Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows Amounts Previously Reported (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments Restatement [Line Items]
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation	$ (2,835)	$ (1,897)	$ (1,048)
Net cash provided by operating activities	305,673	321,183	347,075
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation	2,835	1,897	1,048
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	$ (442,328)	(146,584)	$ (322,976)
As Previously Reported [Member]
Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments Restatement [Line Items]
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation		(2,633)
Net cash provided by operating activities		320,447
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation		2,633
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities		(145,848)
Adjustment [Member]
Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments Restatement [Line Items]
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation		736
Net cash provided by operating activities		736
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation		(736)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities		$ (736)

Introduction and Basis of Presentation - Schedule of Revised Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity Amounts Previously Reported (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments Restatement [Line Items]
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation	$ 2,835	$ 1,897	$ 1,048
Retained earnings	1,022,695	758,975		$ 352,180
Additional paid in capital		1,073,157
Total shareholders' equity	1,432,833	1,564,347	1,413,950	1,294,151
Additional Paid-In Capital [Member]
Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments Restatement [Line Items]
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation	2,835	1,897	1,048
Total shareholders' equity	$ 1,022,221	1,073,157	$ 1,000,014	995,665
As Previously Reported [Member]
Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments Restatement [Line Items]
Retained earnings		770,256		363,461
Additional paid in capital		1,073,893
Total shareholders' equity		1,576,364		1,305,432
As Previously Reported [Member] \| Additional Paid-In Capital [Member]
Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments Restatement [Line Items]
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation		2,633
Adjustment [Member]
Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments Restatement [Line Items]
Retained earnings		(11,281)		(11,281)
Additional paid in capital		(736)
Total shareholders' equity		(12,017)		$ (11,281)
Adjustment [Member] \| Additional Paid-In Capital [Member]
Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments Restatement [Line Items]
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation		$ (736)

Introduction and Basis of Presentation - Changes in Allowance for Doubtful Accounts (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Receivables [Abstract]
Balance at beginning of year	$ 1,280	$ 964	$ 857
Addition to provision	452	876	403
Amounts written off, net of recoveries	(875)	(560)	(296)
Balance at ending of year	$ 857	$ 1,280	$ 964

Dispositions and Discontinued Operations - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Definitive sale agreement date		Mar. 17, 2014
Sale proceeds from divestiture	$ 367,400	$ 367,355

Dispositions and Discontinued Operations - Schedule of Value of Assets and Liabilities Disposed (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 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 income 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	Dec. 31, 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								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Revenue from discontinued operations									$ 43,122	$ 122,303	$ 123,151
Income from discontinued operations before provision for income taxes									86,230	32,793	28,608
Provision for income taxes									1,059	10,146	9,161
Income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes	$ 1,071	$ (10)	$ 50,857	$ 33,253	$ 6,382	$ 5,374	$ 4,912	$ 5,979	$ 85,171	$ 22,647	$ 19,447

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								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Interest expense	$ (15,791)	$ (5,604)	$ (5,366)	$ (5,059)	$ (6,913)	$ (5,828)	$ (6,499)	$ (7,016)	$ (31,820)	$ (26,256)	$ (56,401)
Interest income	226	277	192	156	239	227	186	237	851	889	699
Net periodic benefit expense									(2,800)	(2,500)	(3,100)
Tax benefit (expense)	(27,459)	(28,272)	(27,280)	(26,385)	(36,119)	(27,804)	(27,763)	(21,232)	(109,396)	(112,918)	(96,010)
Net income	$ 44,340	$ 51,714	$ 107,660	$ 80,399	$ 47,257	$ 55,310	$ 61,053	$ 58,937	284,113	222,557	$ 184,238
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									4,065	(863)
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										(1,364)
Tax benefit (expense)										524
Net income										(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									(104)	(32)
Tax benefit (expense)									(15)	6
Net income									$ (119)	$ (26)

Reclassifications out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Schedule of Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Parenthetical) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Income from discontinued operation, before taxes									$ 86,230	$ 32,793	$ 28,608
Income from discontinued operation, taxes									1,059	10,146	9,161
Income from discontinued operation, net of taxes	$ 1,071	$ (10)	$ 50,857	$ 33,253	$ 6,382	$ 5,374	$ 4,912	$ 5,979	85,171	$ 22,647	$ 19,447
Curtailments and Settlements [Member] \| Defined Benefit Pension Plans Amount Recognized as a Component of Net Periodic Benefit Expense [Member] \| Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Income from discontinued operation, before taxes									(186)
Income from discontinued operation, taxes									6
Income from discontinued operation, net of taxes									$ (180)

Earnings Per Common Share - Additional Information (Detail) - shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Anti-dilutive securities excluded from the calculation of diluted EPS	78,260	26,407	6,714

Earnings Per Common Share - Computation of Basic and Diluted EPS (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Income from continuing operations, net of income taxes	$ 43,269	$ 51,724	$ 56,803	$ 47,146	$ 40,875	$ 49,936	$ 56,141	$ 52,958	$ 198,942	$ 199,910	$ 164,791
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes	1,071	(10)	50,857	33,253	6,382	5,374	4,912	5,979	85,171	22,647	19,447
Net income	$ 44,340	$ 51,714	$ 107,660	$ 80,399	$ 47,257	$ 55,310	$ 61,053	$ 58,937	284,113	222,557	184,238
Less: Allocations of earnings to unvested restricted stock units									(368)	(633)	(1,547)
Earnings available to MSCI common shareholders									$ 283,745	$ 221,924	$ 182,691
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding	112,299	116,251	116,702	117,582	118,828	119,607	121,149	120,746	115,737	120,100	122,023
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock options and restricted stock units									969	974	1,181
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding	113,289	117,163	117,664	118,597	119,877	120,578	122,069	121,702	116,706	121,074	123,204
Earnings per basic common share from continuing operations	$ 0.38	$ 0.44	$ 0.48	$ 0.40	$ 0.34	$ 0.42	$ 0.46	$ 0.44	$ 1.72	$ 1.66	$ 1.34
Earnings per basic common share from discontinued operations									0.73	0.19	0.16
Earnings per basic common share	0.39	0.44	0.92	0.68	0.40	0.46	0.50	0.49	2.45	1.85	1.50
Earnings per diluted common share from continuing operations	0.38	0.44	0.48	0.40	0.34	0.42	0.46	0.43	1.70	1.64	1.32
Earnings per diluted common share from discontinued operations									0.73	0.19	0.16
Earnings per diluted common share	$ 0.39	$ 0.44	$ 0.91	$ 0.68	$ 0.39	$ 0.46	$ 0.50	$ 0.48	$ 2.43	$ 1.83	$ 1.48

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Millions													12 Months Ended
	Nov. 20, 2014	Oct. 31, 2014	Sep. 19, 2014	Sep. 17, 2014	May 05, 2014	Feb. 07, 2014	Dec. 30, 2013	Dec. 12, 2013	Aug. 02, 2013	Jul. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 14, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Feb. 04, 2014	Aug. 01, 2013	Dec. 13, 2012	May 04, 2012
Schedule Of Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Annual rent expense													$ 27,000,000	$ 24,200,000	$ 22,100,000
Repurchase program authorizing the purchase of shares																		$ 300,000,000
Quarterly cash dividend, approved date													Sep. 17, 2014
Quarterly cash dividend, payment rate on common stock				$ 0.18									$ 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				$ 0.72
Aggregate Cash dividend paid		$ 20,400,000
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).
Long-term debt, net of current maturities													$ 800,000,000	788,010,000
Current maturities of long-term debt													0	19,772,000
Discount on long-term debt current														500,000
Discount on long-term debt non current														1,700,000
Deferred financing fees unamortized													14,700,000
Amortized deferred financing fees													7,748,000	3,348,000	18,065,000
Amortization of discount on long-term debt													2,218,000	1,066,000	$ 5,305,000
Fair market value of debt obligations													831,000,000	$ 812,000,000
Foreign Currency Forwards [Member] \| Derivatives not Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member]
Schedule Of Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Foreign currency forwards, notional amount													11,600,000
Prepaid and Other Assets [Member]
Schedule Of Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Deferred financing fees unamortized													1,800,000
Other Non-Current Assets [Member]
Schedule Of Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Deferred financing fees unamortized													$ 12,900,000
2014 Revolving Credit Agreement [Member]
Schedule Of Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Revolving credit facility, maximum borrowing	$ 200,000,000
Revolving credit agreement, term													5 years
Revolving credit agreement, conditional description													The 2014 Revolving Credit Agreement has an initial term of five years that may be extended, at the Company's request, for two additional one year terms.
Senior Notes [Member]
Schedule Of Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Debt instrument interest rate													5.25%
Maturity date	Nov. 20, 2024
Redemption description	At any time prior to November 15, 2019, the Company may redeem all or part of the Senior Notes upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days' prior notice at a redemption price equal to the sum of (i) 100% of the principal amount thereof, plus (ii) a make-whole premium as of the date of redemption, plus (iii) accrued and unpaid interest and additional interest, if any, thereon, to the date of redemption.
Percentage of aggregate principal amount redeemed													35.00%
Redemption price													105.25%
Debt instrument description													Interest on the Senior Notes accrues at a fixed rate of 5.25% per annum and is payable semiannually in arrears on May 15 and November 15 of each year, commencing May 15, 2015. The Company will make each interest payment to holders of record of the Senior Notes on the immediately preceding May 1 and November 1.
New Amended and Restated Credit Facility [Member]
Schedule Of Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Outstanding indebtedness, amount													$ 794,800,000
Term Loan A [Member]
Schedule Of Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Prepayment of Term Loan											$ 15,000,000
Term Loan A [Member] \| New Amended and Restated Credit Facility [Member]
Schedule Of Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Aggregate amount of debt																			$ 880,000,000
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] \| New 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
5.250% Senior Unsecured Notes Due 2024 [Member] \| Private Placement [Member]
Schedule Of Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Aggregate amount of debt	$ 800,000,000
Debt instrument interest rate	5.25%
December 2012 ASR Agreement [Member] \| Accelerated Share Repurchase Program [Member]
Schedule Of Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Shares repurchases, value																		$ 100,000,000
Repurchased common shares										0.8		2.2
Repurchased common shares, average purchase price paid per share										$ 33.47
August 2013 ASR Agreement [Member] \| Accelerated Share Repurchase Program [Member]
Schedule Of Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Shares repurchases, value																	$ 100,000,000
Repurchased common shares							0.5		1.9
Repurchased common shares, average purchase price paid per share							$ 41.06
February 2014 ASR Agreement [Member] \| Accelerated Share Repurchase Program [Member]
Schedule Of Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Shares repurchases, value						$ 100,000,000
Repurchased common shares					0.6	1.7
Repurchased common shares, average purchase price paid per share					$ 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
September 2014 ASR Agreement [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 Agreement [Member] \| Accelerated Share Repurchase Program [Member]
Schedule Of Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Repurchased common shares			4.5
Stockholders equity period increase (decrease)													$ 300,000,000
September 2014 ASR Agreement [Member] \| Accelerated Share Repurchase Program [Member] \| Treasury Stock [Member]
Schedule Of Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Stockholders equity period increase (decrease)													210,000,000
September 2014 ASR Agreement [Member] \| Accelerated Share Repurchase Program [Member] \| Additional Paid-In Capital [Member]
Schedule Of Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Stockholders equity period increase (decrease)													$ (90,000,000)

Commitments and Contingencies - Summary of Future Minimum Commitments Under Operating Leases (Detail) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($)
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
2015	$ 30,511
2016	29,890
2017	26,633
2018	25,142
2019	20,662
Thereafter	155,036
Total	$ 287,874

Commitments and Contingencies - Summary of Fair Values of Derivative Instruments (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member] \| Other Accrued Liabilities [Member] \| Foreign Exchange Contracts [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Liability derivatives	$ (243)	$ (156)

Commitments and Contingencies - Interest Rate Swaps and Derivative Instruments (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Other Expense (Income) [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)	$ (834)	$ (139)	$ (200)
Interest Expense [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) into Income (Effective Portion)		(1,364)	2,437
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivatives (Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing)	$ 0	$ 0	0
Interest Rate Swaps [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) on Derivatives (Effective Portion)			$ (695)

Property, Equipment and Leasehold Improvements - Schedule of Property, Equipment and Leasehold Improvements (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Computer & related equipment	$ 118,537	$ 86,384
Furniture & fixtures	9,569	9,108
Leasehold improvements	49,756	52,776
Work-in-process	9,020	12,691
Subtotal	186,882	160,959
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(92,808)	(75,371)
Property, equipment and leasehold improvements, net	$ 94,074	$ 85,588
Computer & Related Equipment [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated Useful Lives	3 years
Computer & Related Equipment [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated Useful Lives	5 years
Furniture & Fixtures [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated Useful Lives	7 years
Leasehold improvements [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated Useful Lives	1 year
Leasehold improvements [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated Useful Lives	21 years
Work-in-process [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated Useful Lives	0 years

Property, Equipment and Leasehold Improvements - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Depreciation and amortization of property, equipment and leasehold improvements	$ 25,711	$ 20,384	$ 16,584

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Schedule of Goodwill (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill, Beginning balance	$ 1,813,164	$ 1,797,753
Changes to goodwill	(244,299)	13,902
Foreign exchange translation adjustment	(3,961)	1,509
Goodwill, Ending balance	$ 1,564,904	$ 1,813,164

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Schedule of Goodwill (Parenthetical) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
CFRA Product Line [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Adjustments to goodwill from sale of business unit		$ 0.5
Institutional Shareholder Services Inc. [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Adjustments to goodwill from sale of business unit	$ 254.2
Investor Force Holdings, Inc. [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Adjustments to goodwill from acquisitions		11.6
IPD [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Adjustments to goodwill from acquisitions		$ 2.7
GMI Ratings [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Adjustments to goodwill from acquisitions	$ 9.9

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Amortization of intangible assets	$ 11,591	$ 11,574	$ 11,442	$ 11,270	$ 11,217	$ 11,193	$ 11,222	$ 11,166	$ 45,877	$ 44,798	$ 50,017

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Components of Intangible Assets by Major Class (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying value	$ 805,837	$ 970,084
Accumulated amortization	(372,209)	(374,377)
Net carrying value	433,628	595,707
Customer Relationships [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying value	360,835	478,735
Accumulated amortization	(119,058)	(125,359)
Net carrying value	241,777	353,376
Trademarks/Trade Names [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying value	223,382	257,282
Accumulated amortization	(81,545)	(75,696)
Net carrying value	141,837	181,586
Technology/Software [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying value	193,681	199,778
Accumulated amortization	(167,083)	(168,481)
Net carrying value	26,598	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	(4,589)	(2,326)
Net carrying value	24,038	26,201
Covenant Not to Compete [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying value	900
Accumulated amortization	(187)
Net carrying value	713
Subtotal [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying value	807,425	968,122
Accumulated amortization	(372,462)	(374,131)
Net carrying value	434,963	593,991
Foreign Exchange Translation Adjustment [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying value	(1,588)	1,962
Accumulated amortization	253	(246)
Net carrying value	$ (1,335)	$ 1,716

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Estimated Amortization Expense for Succeeding Years (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
2015	$ 47,111
2016	46,684
2017	41,457
2018	38,721
2019	37,420
Thereafter	222,235
Total	$ 433,628	$ 595,707

Employee Benefits - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Employee Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Pension and post-retirement benefit expenses	$ 22.2	$ 18.2	$ 16.2
Percentage of additional contribution from the Company to employees' cash compensation	3.00%
Defined contribution plan expenses	$ 19.3	15.7	13.1
Net periodic benefit expense	2.8	2.5	3.1
Fair value of the defined benefit plan assets	14.3	15.7
Other Non-current Liabilities [Member]
Employee Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan, liability	16.7	7.7
Cost of Services [Member]
Employee Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Pension and post-retirement benefit expenses	13.1	10.9	9.6
Selling, General and Administrative [Member]
Employee Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Pension and post-retirement benefit expenses	$ 9.1	$ 7.3	$ 6.6

Share-Based Compensation - Additional Information (Detail) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions						1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 27, 2015 USD ($) shares	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($) shares	Dec. 14, 2010 USD ($)	Dec. 10, 2010 USD ($)	Nov. 14, 2007	Jan. 31, 2015 USD ($) shares	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($) shares	Dec. 31, 2013 USD ($) $ / shares shares	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($) shares	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares grants in period \| shares							0		0
Tax benefits for share-based compensation expense related to deferred stock and stock options							$ 2.8	$ 2.6	$ 1.0
Compensation cost related to unvested share-based awards not yet recognized		$ 11.6					$ 11.6
Number of shares available for future grants \| shares		6,300,000					6,300,000
Total fair value of restricted stock units and restricted stock awards converted or vested to common stock							$ 24.5	$ 28.2	15.3
Weighted average fair value of stock options assumed \| $ / shares								$ 19.18
Intrinsic value of the stock options exercised							12.8	$ 13.9	14.5
Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Compensation cost related to unvested share-based awards not yet recognized, period for recognition		1 year
Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Compensation cost related to unvested share-based awards not yet recognized, period for recognition		3 years
Cost of Services [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Allocated share based compensation expense							10.8	9.8	8.8
Selling, General and Administrative [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Allocated share based compensation expense							14.8	12.9	14.1
Income from Discontinued Operations, Net of Income Taxes [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Allocated share based compensation expense							$ 1.4	$ 2.8	2.7
Founders Grant Award [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period of awards					4 years
Director RSU Award [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares granted/awarded \| shares							27,447	20,514
Director Common Stock Award [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares granted/awarded \| shares							5,371	4,688
2010 CEO Award [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period of awards				5 years
Stock option award value				$ 3.6
Award vesting rights, percentage vested				25.00%
2014 Bonus Award [Member] \| Subsequent Events [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Amount of the award granted to retirement-eligible employees						$ 7.2
Aggregate fair value						$ 26.5
Number of shares grants in period \| shares						485,170
2010 Bonus Award [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Amount of the award granted to retirement-eligible employees			$ 6.2
Aggregate fair value			$ 18.9
2010 Bonus Award [Member] \| RSUs [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period of awards			3 years
Fraction of bonus award vested per year			0.33
2010 Bonus Award [Member] \| PSUs [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Fraction of bonus award vested per year			0.50
2011 Bonus Award [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Amount of the award granted to retirement-eligible employees										$ 6.7
Aggregate fair value										$ 21.2
2011 Bonus Award [Member] \| RSUs [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period of awards										3 years
Fraction of bonus award vested per year										0.33
2011 Bonus Award [Member] \| PSUs [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Fraction of bonus award vested per year										0.50
2012 Bonus Award [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Amount of the award granted to retirement-eligible employees									6.2
Aggregate fair value									$ 21.7
2012 Bonus Award [Member] \| RSUs [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period of awards									3 years
Fraction of bonus award vested per year									0.33
2012 Bonus Award [Member] \| PSUs [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Fraction of bonus award vested per year									0.50
2013 Bonus Award [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Amount of the award granted to retirement-eligible employees								$ 6.8
Aggregate fair value								$ 24.3
2013 Bonus Award [Member] \| RSUs [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period of awards								3 years
Fraction of bonus award vested per year								0.33
2013 Bonus Award [Member] \| PSUs [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Fraction of bonus award vested per year								0.50
2015 Special Incentive Award [Member] \| Subsequent Events [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period of awards	5 years
Aggregate fair value	$ 5.0
Fraction of bonus award vested per year	0.33
Number of shares grants in period \| shares	91,657

Share-Based Compensation - Components of Share-Based Compensation Expense (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total share-based compensation expense	$ 27,031	$ 25,553	$ 25,596
Deferred Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total share-based compensation expense	25,830	23,910	23,198
Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total share-based compensation expense	$ 1,201	$ 1,643	$ 2,398

Share-Based Compensation - Summary of Vested and Unvested Deferred Stock Awards Activity (Detail) shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014 $ / shares shares
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Vested and unvested deferred stock awards at the beginning of period, Number of Shares \| shares	1,237
Granted, Number of Shares \| shares	639
Conversion to common stock, Number of Shares \| shares	(567)
Canceled, Number of Shares \| shares	(96)
Vested and unvested deferred stock awards at the end of period, Number of Shares \| shares	1,213
Vested and unvested deferred stock awards at the beginning of period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value \| $ / shares	$ 33.84
Granted, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value \| $ / shares	42.32
Conversion to common stock, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value \| $ / shares	34.54
Canceled, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value \| $ / shares	35.82
Vested and unvested deferred stock awards at the end of period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value \| $ / shares	$ 37.82

Share-Based Compensation - Summary of Vested and Unvested Deferred Stock Awards Activity (Parenthetical) (Detail) shares in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2014 $ / shares shares
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Restricted stock units and restricted stock awards, vested or expected to vest \| shares	1,195
Restricted stock units and restricted stock awards vested or expected to vest, weighted average price \| $ / shares	$ 37.80

Share-Based Compensation - Summary of Unvested Deferred Stock Awards Activity (Detail) shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014 $ / shares shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, balance at the beginning of the period \| $ / shares	$ 33.85
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Granted \| $ / shares	42.35
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Vested \| $ / shares	34.39
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Canceled \| $ / shares	36.35
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, balance at the end of the period \| $ / shares	37.99
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Expected to vest \| $ / shares	$ 37.96
Unvested Shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unvested deferred stock awards, balance at the beginning of period \| shares	894
Number of Shares, Granted \| shares	479
Number of Shares, Vested \| shares	(412)
Number of Shares, Canceled \| shares	(78)
Unvested deferred stock awards, balance at the end of period \| shares	883
Number of shares, Expected to vest \| shares	866

Share-Based Compensation - Weighted Average Fair Value of Stock Options Assumed (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Risk free interest rate	1.87%
Expected option life in years	6 years 6 months
Expected stock price volatility	46.07%
Expected dividend yield	0.00%

Share-Based Compensation - Summary of Stock Options Activity (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Number of Options, Options outstanding, Beginning balance	1,986,000
Number of Options, Granted or assumed	0		0
Number of Options, Forfeited	(1,000)
Number of Options, Conversion to common stock	(498,000)
Number of Options, Options outstanding, Ending balance	1,487,000	1,986,000
Number of Options, Options exercisable	1,303,000
Number of Options, Options vested or expected to vest	1,487,000
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options outstanding, Beginning balance	$ 21.85
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Granted or assumed	0
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Forfeited	24.49
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Conversion to common stock	19.32
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options outstanding, Ending balance	22.69	$ 21.85
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Exercisable	20.49
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options vested or expected to vest	$ 22.69
Weighted Average Remaining Life (Years), Options outstanding	3 years 9 months 4 days	4 years 6 months 18 days
Weighted Average Remaining Life (Years), Options exercisable	3 years 3 months 11 days
Weighted Average Remaining Life (Years), Options vested or expected to vest	3 years 9 months 4 days
Aggregated Intrinsic Value, Options outstanding	$ 36,802
Aggregated Intrinsic Value, Options exercisable	35,120
Aggregated Intrinsic Value, Options vested or expected to vest	$ 36,802

Share-Based Compensation - Summary of Stock Options Outstanding by Exercise Price Range (Detail) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($) $ / shares shares
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Number Outstanding, Options Outstanding \| shares	1,487
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Options Outstanding \| $	$ 36,802
First Exercise Price Range [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Range of Exercise Price, Minimum	$ 2.76
Range of Exercise Price, Maximum	$ 16.48
Number Outstanding, Options Outstanding \| shares	130
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Outstanding	$ 12.69
Average Remaining Life (Years), Options Outstanding	2 years 5 months 1 day
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Options Outstanding \| $	$ 4,512
Second Exercise Price Range [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Range of Exercise Prices	$ 18.00
Number Outstanding, Options Outstanding \| shares	763
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Outstanding	$ 18.00
Average Remaining Life (Years), Options Outstanding	2 years 10 months 13 days
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Options Outstanding \| $	$ 22,469
Third Exercise Price Range [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Range of Exercise Price, Minimum	$ 20.45
Range of Exercise Price, Maximum	$ 25.64
Number Outstanding, Options Outstanding \| shares	282
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Outstanding	$ 23.16
Average Remaining Life (Years), Options Outstanding	3 years 4 months 2 days
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Options Outstanding \| $	$ 6,833
Fourth Exercise Price Range [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Range of Exercise Price, Minimum	$ 36.70
Range of Exercise Price, Maximum	$ 40.23
Number Outstanding, Options Outstanding \| shares	312
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Outstanding	$ 37.88
Average Remaining Life (Years), Options Outstanding	6 years 10 months 17 days
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Options Outstanding \| $	$ 2,988

Share-Based Compensation - Summary of Stock Options Exercisable by Exercise Price Range (Detail) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($) $ / shares shares
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Number Outstanding, Options Exercisable \| shares	1,303
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Exercisable	$ 20.49
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Options Exercisable \| $	$ 35,120
First Exercise Price Range [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Range of Exercise Price, Minimum	$ 2.76
Range of Exercise Price, Maximum	$ 16.48
Number Outstanding, Options Exercisable \| shares	130
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Exercisable	$ 12.69
Average Remaining Life (Years), Options Exercisable	2 years 5 months 1 day
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Options Exercisable \| $	$ 4,512
Second Exercise Price Range [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Range of Exercise Prices	$ 18.00
Number Outstanding, Options Exercisable \| shares	763
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Exercisable	$ 18.00
Average Remaining Life (Years), Options Exercisable	2 years 10 months 13 days
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Options Exercisable \| $	$ 22,469
Third Exercise Price Range [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Range of Exercise Price, Minimum	$ 20.45
Range of Exercise Price, Maximum	$ 25.64
Number Outstanding, Options Exercisable \| shares	282
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Exercisable	$ 23.16
Average Remaining Life (Years), Options Exercisable	3 years 4 months 2 days
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Options Exercisable \| $	$ 6,833
Fourth Exercise Price Range [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Range of Exercise Price, Minimum	$ 36.70
Range of Exercise Price, Maximum	$ 40.23
Number Outstanding, Options Exercisable \| shares	128
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Exercisable	$ 37.27
Average Remaining Life (Years), Options Exercisable	6 years 4 months 24 days
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Options Exercisable \| $	$ 1,306

Income Taxes - Summary of Provision for Income Taxes (Benefits) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Current, U.S. federal									$ 84,959	$ 97,739	$ 72,786
Current, U.S. state and local									13,929	16,820	25,049
Current, Non U.S.									18,505	18,270	19,996
Current provision for income taxes (benefits)									117,393	132,829	117,831
Deferred, U.S. federal									(2,606)	(14,362)	(18,234)
Deferred, U.S. state and local									(3,356)	(3,802)	(3,821)
Deferred, Non U.S.									(2,035)	(1,747)	234
Deferred provision for income taxes (benefits)									(7,997)	(19,911)	(21,821)
Provision for income taxes from continuing operations	$ 27,459	$ 28,272	$ 27,280	$ 26,385	$ 36,119	$ 27,804	$ 27,763	$ 21,232	109,396	112,918	96,010
Provision for income taxes from discontinued operations									$ 1,059	$ 10,146	$ 9,161

Income Taxes - Reconciliation of Provision to U.S. Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
U.S. federal statutory income tax rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
U.S. state and local income taxes, net of U.S. federal income tax benefits	2.72%	3.05%	2.14%
Change in tax rates applicable to non-U.S. earnings	(1.88%)	(0.93%)	(1.57%)
Domestic tax credits	(0.86%)	(0.95%)
Other	0.50%	(0.07%)	1.24%
Effective income tax rate	35.48%	36.10%	36.81%

Income Taxes - Significant Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Deferred tax assets:
Employee compensation and benefit plans	$ 24,765	$ 26,165
Deferred rent	7,229	9,526
Property, equipment and leasehold improvements, net		1,520
State taxes	2,322	2,323
Pension	2,494	395
Unearned revenue	1,117	1,238
NOL carryforward - current	1,667	3,813
NOL carryforward - non-current	34,249	7,506
Other	1,979	112
Subtotal	75,822	52,598
Less: valuation allowance	(21,232)	(7)
Total deferred tax assets	54,590	52,591
Deferred tax liabilities:
Intangible assets	(154,965)	(233,980)
Foreign currency translation	(629)	(372)
Property, equipment and leasehold improvements, net	(10,435)
Other	(246)
Total deferred tax liabilities	(166,275)	(234,352)
Net deferred tax liabilities	$ (111,685)	$ (181,761)

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Non-current net operating loss ("NOL") carryforward	$ 34,249,000	$ 7,506,000
Valuation allowance	21,232,000	7,000
NOL carryforward - current	1,667,000	3,813,000
Deferred tax liability	137,838,000	234,649,000
Earnings attributable to foreign subsidiaries	$ 149,100,000	188,600,000	$ 164,900,000
Significant change in unrecognized tax benefits, reasonably possible (in months)	12
Significant change in unrecognized tax benefits, not possible (in months)	12
Total amount of unrecognized tax benefits	$ 5,500,000
Penalties recognized during the year	$ 0
As Previously Reported [Member]
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Non-current net operating loss ("NOL") carryforward		34,700,000
Valuation allowance		23,400,000
Deferred tax liability		221,054,000
Adjustment [Member]
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Non-current net operating loss ("NOL") carryforward		7,300,000
NOL carryforward - current		3,800,000
Deferred tax liability		13,595,000
Adjustment [Member] \| United States [Member]
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Net operating loss ("NOL") expiration, beginning year	2026
Minimum [Member]
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Tax years under examination	2005
Maximum [Member]
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Unrecognized tax benefits, interest on income tax expenses	$ 100,000
Tax years under examination	2013
Maximum [Member] \| Adjustment [Member]
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Valuation allowance		100,000
NOL carryforward		$ 11,300,000
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member] \| Minimum [Member] \| Morgan Stanley [Member]
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Tax years under examination	2006
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member] \| Maximum [Member] \| Morgan Stanley [Member]
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Tax years under examination	2008
New York State and City [Member] \| Minimum [Member] \| Morgan Stanley [Member]
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Tax years under examination	2007
New York State and City [Member] \| Maximum [Member] \| Morgan Stanley [Member]
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Tax years under examination	2008

Income Taxes - Summary of Components of Income Before Provision for Income Taxes (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Domestic									$ 269,944	$ 276,549	$ 220,072
Foreign									38,394	36,279	40,729
Income from continuing operations before provision for income taxes	$ 70,728	$ 79,996	$ 84,083	$ 73,531	$ 76,994	$ 77,740	$ 83,904	$ 74,190	$ 308,338	$ 312,828	$ 260,801

Income Taxes - Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Beginning balance	$ 7,089	$ 6,827	$ 13,168
Increases based on tax positions related to the current period	292	194
Increases based on tax positions related to prior periods	1,969	2,690	349
Decreases based on tax positions related to prior periods	(346)	(2,474)	(427)
Increases/ (Decreases) related to settlements with taxing authorities	(1,652)		(6,263)
Increases/(Decreases) related to a lapse of applicable statute of limitations	(827)	(148)
Ending balance	$ 6,525	$ 7,089	$ 6,827

Acquisitions - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands				12 Months Ended
	Aug. 11, 2014	Jan. 29, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Purchase price allocated to goodwill				$ 1,564,904	$ 1,813,164	$ 1,797,753
GMI Ratings [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Company paid cash to acquire property	$ 15,500
Date of acquisition				Aug. 11, 2014
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				6,700
Purchase price allocated to other liabilities				$ 4,700
Investor Force Holdings, Inc. [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Company paid cash to acquire property		$ 23,600
Date of acquisition				Jan. 29, 2013
Purchase price allocated to goodwill		11,600
Purchase price allocated to identifiable intangible assets		9,100
Purchase price allocated for assets other than identifiable intangible assets		6,400
Purchase price allocated to other liabilities		$ 3,500
IPD [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Company paid cash to acquire property			$ 124,800
Date of acquisition				Nov. 30, 2012
Purchase price allocated to goodwill			76,500
Purchase price allocated to identifiable intangible assets			58,700
Purchase price allocated for assets other than identifiable intangible assets			18,600
Purchase price allocated to other liabilities			$ 29,000

Segment Information - Additional Information (Detail) - Segment		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 17, 2014	Dec. 31, 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
CFRA Product Line [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sale completion date		Mar. 31, 2013

Segment Information - Revenue by Geographic Area (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 251,105	$ 251,661	$ 254,226	$ 239,688	$ 236,864	$ 228,608	$ 228,423	$ 219,469	$ 996,680	$ 913,364	$ 826,990
United States [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues									471,145	416,999	394,401
Other [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues									37,189	34,547	27,783
Total Americas [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues									508,334	451,546	422,184
United Kingdom [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues									154,308	141,938	107,189
Other [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues									209,893	202,664	179,535
Total EMEA [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues									364,201	344,602	286,724
Japan [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues									46,642	46,752	53,649
Other [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues									77,503	70,464	64,433
Total Asia & Australia [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues									$ 124,145	$ 117,216	$ 118,082

Segment Information - Long-Lived Assets by Geographic Area (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Long-lived assets	$ 2,092,606	$ 2,494,459
United States [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Long-lived assets	1,944,433	2,338,124
Other [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Long-lived assets	3,293	4,082
Total Americas [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Long-lived assets	1,947,726	2,342,206
United Kingdom [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Long-lived assets	120,781	133,411
Other [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Long-lived assets	13,345	11,871
Total EMEA [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Long-lived assets	134,126	145,282
Japan [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Long-lived assets	837	1,543
Other [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Long-lived assets	9,917	5,428
Total Asia & Australia [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Long-lived assets	$ 10,754	$ 6,971

Quarterly Results of Operations - Summary of Quarterly Results of Operations (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Operating revenues	$ 251,105	$ 251,661	$ 254,226	$ 239,688	$ 236,864	$ 228,608	$ 228,423	$ 219,469	$ 996,680	$ 913,364	$ 826,990
Cost of services	77,455	78,876	76,816	75,427	72,256	68,151	69,696	65,300	308,574	275,403	230,282
Selling, general and administrative	69,345	70,833	71,516	67,658	64,174	59,917	52,842	55,515	279,352	232,448	211,905
Amortization of intangible assets	11,591	11,574	11,442	11,270	11,217	11,193	11,222	11,166	45,877	44,798	50,017
Depreciation and amortization of property, equipment and leasehold improvements	7,620	6,342	5,921	5,828	5,570	5,443	4,774	4,597	25,930	22,302	18,700
Total operating expenses	166,011	167,625	165,695	160,183	153,217	144,704	138,534	136,578	659,514	573,033	508,755
Operating income	85,094	84,036	88,531	79,505	83,647	83,904	89,889	82,891	337,166	340,331	318,235
Interest income	(226)	(277)	(192)	(156)	(239)	(227)	(186)	(237)	(851)	(889)	(699)
Interest expense	15,791	5,604	5,366	5,059	6,913	5,828	6,499	7,016	31,820	26,256	56,401
Other expense (income)	(1,199)	(1,287)	(726)	1,071	(21)	563	(328)	1,922	(2,141)	2,136	1,732
Other expense (income), net	14,366	4,040	4,448	5,974	6,653	6,164	5,985	8,701	28,828	27,503	57,434
Income from continuing operations before provision for income taxes	70,728	79,996	84,083	73,531	76,994	77,740	83,904	74,190	308,338	312,828	260,801
Provision for income taxes	27,459	28,272	27,280	26,385	36,119	27,804	27,763	21,232	109,396	112,918	96,010
Income from continuing operations	43,269	51,724	56,803	47,146	40,875	49,936	56,141	52,958	198,942	199,910	164,791
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes	1,071	(10)	50,857	33,253	6,382	5,374	4,912	5,979	85,171	22,647	19,447
Net income	$ 44,340	$ 51,714	$ 107,660	$ 80,399	$ 47,257	$ 55,310	$ 61,053	$ 58,937	$ 284,113	$ 222,557	$ 184,238
Earnings per basic common share
From continuing operations	$ 0.38	$ 0.44	$ 0.48	$ 0.40	$ 0.34	$ 0.42	$ 0.46	$ 0.44	$ 1.72	$ 1.66	$ 1.34
From discontinued operations	0.01		0.44	0.28	0.06	0.04	0.04	0.05
Earnings per basic common share	0.39	0.44	0.92	0.68	0.40	0.46	0.50	0.49	2.45	1.85	1.50
Earnings per diluted common share
From continuing operations	0.38	0.44	0.48	0.40	0.34	0.42	0.46	0.43	1.70	1.64	1.32
From discontinued operations	0.01		0.43	0.28	0.05	0.04	0.04	0.05
Earnings per diluted common share	$ 0.39	$ 0.44	$ 0.91	$ 0.68	$ 0.39	$ 0.46	$ 0.50	$ 0.48	$ 2.43	$ 1.83	$ 1.48
Weighted average shares outstanding used in computing per share data
Basic	112,299	116,251	116,702	117,582	118,828	119,607	121,149	120,746	115,737	120,100	122,023
Diluted	113,289	117,163	117,664	118,597	119,877	120,578	122,069	121,702	116,706	121,074	123,204

Subsequent Events - Additional Information (Detail) - $ / shares			12 Months Ended
	Feb. 03, 2015	Sep. 17, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Quarterly dividend declared		$ 0.18	$ 0.18
Quarterly dividend declared date			Sep. 17, 2014
Quarterly dividend payable date			Oct. 31, 2014
Quarterly dividend record date			Oct. 15, 2014
Subsequent Events [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Quarterly dividend declared	$ 0.18
Quarterly dividend declared date	Feb. 03, 2015
Quarterly dividend payable date	Mar. 13, 2015
Quarterly dividend record date	Feb. 20, 2015