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Document And Entity Information - shares	3 Months Ended
Document And Entity Information - shares	Mar. 31, 2012	Apr. 30, 2012
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2012
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2012
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Entity Registrant Name	MSCI Inc.
Entity Central Index Key	0001408198
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Common Class A [Member]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		121,546,233
Common Class B [Member]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		0

Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Financial Condition - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 266,022	$ 252,211
Short-term investments	194,157	140,490
Trade receivables (net of allowances of $767 and $857 as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively)	172,181	180,566
Deferred taxes	40,039	40,952
Prepaid taxes	16,741	38,022
Prepaid and other assets	23,992	25,702
Total current assets	713,132	677,943
Property, equipment and leasehold improvements (net of accumulated depreciation of $65,682 and $60,088 at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively)	39,710	37,623
Goodwill	1,708,585	1,708,585
Intangible assets (net of accumulated amortization of $268,758 and $255,579 at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively)	628,922	644,881
Other non-current assets	22,698	23,964
Total assets	3,113,047	3,092,996
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Accounts payable	166	239
Accrued compensation and related benefits	32,194	107,506
Other accrued liabilities	48,439	45,504
Current maturities of long term debt	10,342	10,339
Deferred revenue	330,050	289,217
Total current liabilities	421,191	452,805
Long term debt, net of current maturities	1,063,962	1,066,548
Deferred taxes	235,429	240,456
Other non-current liabilities	27,861	27,755
Total liabilities	1,748,443	1,787,564
Commitments and Contingencies (see Note 8)
Shareholders' equity:
Preferred stock (par value $0.01; 100,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued)
Common stock (par value $0.01; 500,000,000 class A shares and 250,000,000 class B shares authorized; 123,073,966 and 122,713,226 class A shares issued and 121,502,892 and 121,212,191 class A shares outstanding at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively; no class B shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively)	1,231	1,227
Treasury shares, at cost (1,571,074 and 1,501,035 shares at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively)	(52,136)	(49,827)
Additional paid in capital	1,011,036	995,665
Retained earnings	407,427	363,461
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(2,954)	(5,094)
Total shareholders' equity	1,364,604	1,305,432
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$ 3,113,047	$ 3,092,996

Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Financial Condition (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Trade receivables, allowances	$ 767	$ 857
Property, equipment and leasehold improvements, accumulated depreciation	65,682	60,088
Intangible assets, accumulated amortization	$ 268,758	$ 255,579
Preferred stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	100,000,000	100,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Treasury shares, at cost	1,571,074	1,501,035
Common Class A [Member]
Common stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	500,000,000	500,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	123,073,966	122,713,226
Common stock, shares outstanding	121,502,892	121,212,191
Common Class B [Member]
Common stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	250,000,000	250,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	0	0
Common stock, shares outstanding	0	0

Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Income - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Income [Abstract]
Operating revenues	$ 229,052	$ 223,298
Cost of services	72,291	70,218
Selling, general and administrative	55,436	51,418
Restructuring	(29)	4,431
Amortization of intangible assets	15,959	16,692
Depreciation and amortization of property, equipment and leasehold improvements	4,416	5,110
Total operating expenses	148,073	147,869
Operating income	80,979	75,429
Interest income	(223)	(143)
Interest expense	12,355	16,587
Other expense	608	5,641
Other expense (income), net	12,740	22,085
Income before provision for income taxes	68,239	53,344
Provision for income taxes	24,273	19,823
Net income	$ 43,966	$ 33,521
Earnings per basic common share	$ 0.36	$ 0.28
Earnings per diluted common share	$ 0.35	$ 0.27
Weighted average shares outstanding used in computing earnings per share
Basic	121,754	120,282
Diluted	123,113	122,013

Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 43,966	$ 33,521
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments	3,529	1,873
Income tax effect	(1,390)	(732)
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net	2,139	1,141
Unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges	28	(8)
Income tax effect	(33)	3
Unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges, net	(5)	(5)
Unrealized losses on available-for-sale securities	(9)
Income tax effect	3
Unrealized losses on available-for-sale securities, net	(6)
Pension and other post-retirement adjustments	17	(4)
Income tax effect	(5)
Pension and other post-retirement adjustments, net	12	(4)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	2,140	1,132
Comprehensive income	$ 46,106	$ 34,653

Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income	$ 43,966	$ 33,521
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Amortization of intangible assets	15,959	16,692
Share-based expense	5,843	8,454
Depreciation and amortization of property, equipment and leasehold improvements	4,416	5,110
Amortization of debt origination fees	1,268	1,847
Deferred taxes	(5,687)	12,063
Amortization of discount on long-term debt	229	340
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation	(1,262)	(2,577)
Other non-cash adjustments	(74)	1,131
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of assets and liabilities acquired:
Trade receivables	8,574	(46,949)
Prepaid income taxes	22,596	(6,857)
Prepaid and other assets	1,761	(1,475)
Accounts payable	(70)	271
Deferred revenue	40,951	14,344
Accrued compensation and related benefits	(71,230)	(61,747)
Other accrued liabilities	1,392	1,035
Other	875	(1,081)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	69,507	(25,878)
Cash flows from investing activities
Proceeds from redemption of short-term investments	22,695	49,908
Purchase of short-term investments	(76,331)	(27,198)
Capital expenditures	(4,292)	(3,835)
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities	(57,928)	18,875
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from borrowing		1,125,000
Repayment of long-term debt	(2,812)	(1,268,625)
Repurchase of treasury shares	(2,309)	(2,896)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	3,343	6,810
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation	1,262	2,577
Net cash used in financing activities	(516)	(137,134)
Effect of exchange rate changes	2,748	2,354
Net increase (decrease) in cash	13,811	(141,783)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	252,211	269,423
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	266,022	127,640
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Cash paid for interest	10,863	13,581
Cash paid for income taxes	7,123	14,581
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing activities:
Property, equipment and leasehold improvements in other accrued liabilities	$ 3,256	$ 721

Introduction And Basis Of Presentation	3 Months Ended
Introduction And Basis Of Presentation	Mar. 31, 2012
Introduction And Basis Of Presentation [Abstract]
Introduction And Basis Of Presentation	1. INTRODUCTION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION MSCI Inc. together with its wholly-owned subsidiaries (the "Company" or "MSCI") is a global provider of investment decision support tools worldwide, including indices, portfolio risk and performance analytics and corporate governance products and services. The Company's flagship products are its global equity indices and environmental, social and governance ("ESG") products marketed under the MSCI brand, its portfolio risk and performance analytics covering global equity and fixed income markets marketed under the Barra brand, its market and credit risk analytics marketed under the RiskMetrics and Barra brands, its governance research and outsourced proxy voting and reporting services marketed under the ISS brand and its valuation models and risk management software for the energy and commodities markets marketed under the FEA brand. MSCI operates as two segments, the Performance and Risk business and the Governance business. The Performance and Risk business is a global provider of investment decision support tools, including indices, portfolio risk and performance analytics, credit analytics and ESG products. The Governance business is a provider of corporate governance and specialized financial research and analysis services to institutional shareholders and corporations around the world. (See Note 13, "Segment Information," for further information about MSCI's operating segments). Basis of Presentation and Use of Estimates These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries and include all adjustments of a normal, recurring nature necessary to present fairly the financial condition as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the results of operations and comprehensive income for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 and cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011. The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes included in MSCI's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011. The condensed consolidated financial statement information as of December 31, 2011 has been derived from the 2011 audited consolidated financial statements. The results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results for the entire year. The Company's condensed consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP"). These accounting principles require the Company to make certain estimates and judgments that can affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the condensed consolidated financial statements, as well as the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the periods presented. Significant estimates and assumptions made by management include the deferral and recognition of revenue, research and development and software capitalization, the allowance for doubtful accounts, impairment of long-lived assets, accrued compensation, income taxes and other matters that affect the condensed consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. The Company believes that estimates used in the preparation of these condensed consolidated financial statements are reasonable; however, actual results could differ materially from these estimates. Inter-company balances and transactions are eliminated in consolidation. *Adjustment to Revenues* During the three months ended March 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 resulted in a one-time decrease to the energy and commodity analytics products revenues in the Company's Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income and an increase in deferred revenues in the Company's Condensed Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition. It was determined that under Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Subtopic 985-605, "Software Revenue Recognition," the Company incorrectly established vendor specific objective evidence 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 will recognize revenue ratably over the contract term for any new contracts entered into on January 1, 2012 and thereafter. 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. *Concentrations* The Company licenses its products and services primarily to investment managers principally in the United States, Europe and Asia. 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. Financial instruments that may potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash deposits and short-term investments. At March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, cash and cash equivalents held primarily on deposit were $266.0 million and $252.2 million, respectively. At March 31, 2012, and December 31, 2011, the Company had invested $194.2 million and $140.5 million, respectively, in debt securities with maturity dates ranging from 91 to 360 days from the date of purchase. For the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, no single customer accounted for 10.0% or more of the Company's operating revenues.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for organization, consolidation and basis of presentation of financial statements disclosure.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 2-6
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

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-Name Statement of Position (SOP)
-Publisher AICPA
-Number 94-6
-Paragraph 10
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

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+ Details

Recent Accounting Standards Updates	3 Months Ended
Recent Accounting Standards Updates	Mar. 31, 2012
Recent Accounting Standards Updates [Abstract]
Recent Accounting Standards Updates	2. RECENT ACCOUNTING STANDARDS UPDATES In May 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-04, "Fair Value Measurements (Topic 820): Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs," or ASU 2011-04. ASU 2011-04 changes the wording used to describe many of the requirements in U.S. GAAP for measuring fair value and for disclosing information about fair value measurements to ensure consistency between U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS"). ASU 2011-04 also expands the disclosures for fair value measurements that are estimated using significant unobservable (Level 3) inputs. This new guidance is to be applied prospectively for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. The adoption of ASU 2011-04 did not have a material impact on the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements.

- Definition

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

+ References

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-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 154
-Paragraph 2, 17, 18
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

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-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)
-Number 28
-Paragraph 23, 24
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

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-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 01
-Paragraph b
-Subparagraph 6
-Article 10

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+ Details

Restructuring

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Restructuring [Abstract]

Restructuring

3. RESTRUCTURING

During the year ended November 30, 2010, MSCI's management approved, committed to and initiated a plan to restructure the Company's operations due to its acquisition of RiskMetrics. Restructuring includes expenses associated with the elimination of overlapping positions and duplicative occupancy costs and the termination of overlapping vendor contracts. The portion of the restructuring plan associated with the elimination of overlapping positions was substantially completed in the first quarter of 2011 and the elimination of leases or vendor contracts was substantially completed in the year ended December 31, 2011.

The Company recorded less than $0.1 million of restructuring benefits during the three months ended March 31, 2012, relating to adjustments made for costs previously accrued for the elimination of overlapping positions. The Company recorded $4.4 million of restructuring expenses in connection with the Restructuring Plan during the three months ended March 31, 2011. Of this amount, less than $0.1 million was related to the accelerated vesting of share-based compensation awards triggered by the elimination of overlapping positions and $0.7 million was related to the write-off of assets associated with the exit of certain leases. The accelerated vesting of share-based compensation awards is not accounted for as a restructuring liability under the line item "Other accrued liabilities" but is instead recorded under the line item "Additional paid in capital" in the Company's Condensed Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition.

During the three months ended March 31, 2011, $2.3 million of the restructuring expenses were recorded under the Company's Performance and Risk operating segment and $2.1 million were recorded under the Company's Governance operating segment. From the initiation of the restructuring plan through March 31, 2012, $8.6 million of the cumulative restructuring expenses were recorded under the Company's Performance and Risk operating segment and $3.9 million of the cumulative restructuring expenses were recorded under the Company's Governance operating segment.

The table below summarizes the accrual and charges incurred with respect to the Company's Restructuring Plan that are included in the line items "Other accrued liabilities" in the Company's Condensed Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition as of December 31, 2011 and March 31, 2012:


(in thousands)	Severance			Lease termination			Total

Accrued Balance, December 31, 2011	$	72		$	667		$	739
Restructuring costs		(29	)		—			(29	)
Cash payments		(16	)		(153	)		(169	)


Accrued Balance, March 31, 2012	$	27		$	514		$	541

- Definition

The entire disclosure for restructuring and related activities. Description of restructuring activities such as exit and disposal activities, include facts and circumstances leading to the plan, the expected plan completion date, the major types of costs associated with the plan activities, total expected costs, the accrual balance at the end of the period, and the periods over which the remaining accrual will be settled.

+ References + Details

Earnings Per Common Share

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Earnings Per Common Share [Abstract]

Earnings Per Common Share

4. EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE

Basic earnings per common share 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 earnings per common share reflects the assumed conversion of all dilutive securities. There were no stock options excluded from the computation of diluted EPS for the three months ended March 31, 2012 or 2011 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:


	Three Months Ended
	March 31, 2012			March 31, 2011
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
Net income	$	43,966		$	33,521
Less: Allocations of earnings to unvested restricted stock units ⁽¹⁾		(271	)		(319	)


Earnings available to MSCI common shareholders	$	43,695		$	33,202


Basic weighted average common shares outstanding		121,754			120,282


Basic weighted average common shares outstanding		121,754			120,282
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock options		1,359			1,731


Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding		123,113			122,013


Earnings per basic common share	$	0.36		$	0.28


Earnings per diluted common share	$	0.35		$	0.27

(1)	The restricted stock units participate in all of the earnings of the Company in the computation of basic EPS and, therefore, the restricted stock units are not included as incremental shares in the diluted EPS computation.

Short-Term Investments

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Short-Term Investments [Abstract]

Short-Term Investments

5. SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS

The fair value and gross unrealized gains and losses of securities available-for-sale as of the dates indicated were as follows:


(in thousands)	Amortized Cost plus Accrued Interest		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses			Estimated Fair Value
March 31, 2012
Debt securities available-for-sale

U.S. Treasury securities	$	191,462	$	11	$	(16	)	$	191,457
Commercial paper		2,700		—		—			2,700

Total	$	194,162	$	11	$	(16	)	$	194,157


December 31, 2011
Debt securities available-for-sale

U.S. Treasury securities	$	135,485	$	9	$	(2	)	$	135,492
Tradable certificates of deposit		5,001		—		(3	)		4,998

Total	$	140,486	$	9	$	(5	)	$	140,490

Unrealized Losses on Investments

Investments with continuous unrealized losses for less than 12 months and their related fair values at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 were as follows:


	As of
	March 31, 2012					December 31, 2011
(in thousands)	Total Fair Value		Total Unrealized Losses			Total Fair Value		Total Unrealized Losses

U.S. Treasury securities	$	123,075	$	(16	)	$	50,056	$	(2	)
Commercial paper		—		—			—		—
Tradable certificates of deposit		—		—			2,695		(3	)


Total	$	123,075	$	(16	)	$	52,751	$	(5	)

Evaluating Investments for Other-than-Temporary Impairments

If the fair values of the Company's debt security investments are less than the amortized costs at the balance sheet date, the Company assesses whether the impairments are other than temporary. As the Company currently invests primarily in U.S. Treasury securities with a short duration (one year or less), it would take a significant decline in fair value and U.S. economic conditions for the Company to determine that these investments are other than temporarily impaired.

Additionally, management assesses whether it intends to sell or would more-likely-than-not not be required to sell the investment before the expected recovery of the cost basis. Management has asserted that it believes it is more-likely-than-not that it will not be required to sell the investment before recovery of the cost basis.

As of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, no other-than-temporary impairment had been recorded on any of the Company's investments.

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of investments in certain debt and equity securities (and certain other trading assets) which include all debt and equity securities (other than those equity securities accounted for under the equity or cost methods of accounting) with readily determinable fair values. Other trading assets include assets that are carried on the balance sheet at fair value and held for trading purposes. A debt security represents a creditor relationship with an enterprise that is in the form of a security. Debt securities include, among other items, US Treasury securities, US government securities, municipal securities, corporate bonds, convertible debt, commercial paper, and all securitized debt instruments. An equity security represents an ownership interest in an enterprise or the right to acquire or dispose of an ownership interest in an enterprise at fixed or determinable prices. Equity securities include, among other things, common stock, certain preferred stock, warrant rights, call options, and put options, but do not include convertible debt. An entity may opt to provide the reader with additional narrative text to better understand the nature of investments in debt and equity securities (and other trading assets).

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 115
-Paragraph 3, 19, 20, 21, 22, 137
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 310
-SubTopic 30
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6379141&loc=d3e15032-111544

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 320
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6872113&loc=d3e27161-111563

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 320
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6957658&loc=d3e62557-112803

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 320
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 9
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6872113&loc=d3e27357-111563

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 320
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 6
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6872113&loc=d3e27290-111563

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 320
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 10
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6872113&loc=d3e27405-111563

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 320
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 5
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6872113&loc=d3e27232-111563

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Debt Security
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6509901
-Topic 320

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Equity Security
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6511694
-Topic 320

+ Details

Property, Equipment And Leasehold Improvements

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Property, Equipment And Leasehold Improvements [Abstract]

Property, Equipment And Leasehold Improvements

6. PROPERTY, EQUIPMENT AND LEASEHOLD IMPROVEMENTS

Property, equipment and leasehold improvements at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 consisted of the following:


	As of
	March 31, 2012			December 31, 2011
	(in thousands)
Computer & related equipment	$	72,348		$	70,170
Furniture & fixtures		5,310			4,868
Leasehold improvements		24,688			22,219
Work-in-process		3,046			454

Subtotal		105,392			97,711
Accumulated depreciation and amortization		(65,682	)		(60,088	)

Property, equipment and leasehold improvements, net	$	39,710		$	37,623

Depreciation and amortization expense of property, equipment and leasehold improvements was $4.4 million and $5.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for long-lived, physical assets that are used in the normal conduct of business to produce goods and services and not intended for resale. Examples include land, buildings, machinery and equipment, and other types of furniture and equipment including, but not limited to, office equipment, furniture and fixtures, and computer equipment and software. This disclosure may include property plant and equipment accounting policies and methodology, a schedule of property, plant and equipment gross, additions, deletions, transfers and other changes, depreciation, depletion and amortization expense, net, accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization expense and useful lives, income statement disclosures, assets held for sale and public utility disclosures.

+ References + Details

Goodwill And Intangible Assets

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Goodwill And Intangible Assets [Abstract]

Goodwill And Intangible Assets

7. GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Goodwill.

The Company carries goodwill as a result of its acquisitions of Barra Inc. ("Barra"), RiskMetrics Group, Inc. ("RiskMetrics") and Measurisk, LLC ("Measurisk"). The Company's goodwill at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 was $1,708.6 million. Approximately $1,477.5 million of the goodwill was allocated to the Performance and Risk segment and $231.1 million of the goodwill was allocated to the Governance segment.

Intangible Assets.

Intangible assets consist of those definite-lived intangibles from the acquisitions of Barra in June 2004, RiskMetrics in June 2010 and Measurisk in July 2010. The Company amortizes definite-lived intangible assets over their estimated useful lives. Amortizable 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.

Amortization expense related to intangible assets was $16.0 million and $16.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

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


	Gross Carrying Value		Accumulated Amortization			Net Carrying Value
	(in thousands)
As of March 31, 2012
Customer relationships	$	459,010	$	(68,891	)	$	390,119
Trademarks/trade names		243,440		(52,556	)		190,884
Technology/software		191,430		(146,150	)		45,280
Proprietary process		3,800		(1,161	)		2,639

Total intangible assets	$	897,680	$	(268,758	)	$	628,922


	Gross Carrying Value		Accumulated Amortization			Net Carrying Value
	(in thousands)
As of December 31, 2011
Customer relationships	$	459,010	$	(61,003	)	$	398,007
Trademarks/trade names		243,440		(49,336	)		194,104
Technology/software		191,430		(141,457	)		49,973
Proprietary process		3,800		(1,003	)		2,797
Non-compete agreements		2,780		(2,780	)		—

Total intangible assets	$	900,460	$	(255,579	)	$	644,881

The estimated amortization expense for succeeding years is presented below:


Fiscal Year	Amortization Expense
	(in thousands)
Remainder of 2012	$	47,000
2013		53,087
2014		52,864
2015		52,787
2016		50,649
2017		44,566
Thereafter		327,969


Total	$	628,922

- Definition

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

+ References + Details

Commitments And Contingencies

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Commitments And Contingencies [Abstract]

Commitments And Contingencies

8. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

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

Leases. The Company leases facilities under non-cancelable operating lease agreements. The terms of certain lease agreements provide for rental payments on a graduated basis. The Company recognizes rent expense on the straight-line basis over the lease period and has accrued for rent expense incurred but not paid. Rent expense for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 was $6.1 million and $4.5 million, respectively.

During the three months ended March 31, 2012, the Company leased office space in New York, New York at two locations, One Chase Manhattan Plaza and 88 Pine Street, with combined annual base rents of $3.0 million. The lease at One Chase Manhattan Plaza ends in August 2012 and the lease at 88 Pine Street ends in December 2014.

On September 16, 2011, the Company entered into a new lease agreement with 7 World Trade Center, LLC, pursuant to which the Company will rent approximately 126,000 square feet of office space for its new corporate headquarters at 7 World Trade Center, New York, New York (the "Lease"). The Lease commenced on February 1, 2012 (the "Commencement Date") and the Company expects to begin occupying its new corporate headquarters in the 7 World Trade Center offices beginning in the second half of the year ending December 31, 2012.

The Lease is initially scheduled to expire on February 28, 2033, subject to the Company's option to renew the Lease for an additional ten years after the initial expiration date. The Company also has the option to terminate the Lease early on February 1, 2028, subject to compliance with the terms and conditions of the Lease, including the payment of a termination fee. The aggregate rent over the life of the Lease is approximately $170.1 million plus certain customary expenses. From the Commencement Date through and including January 31, 2018, the day preceding the fifth anniversary of February 1, 2013 (the "Rent Commencement Date"), the annual rent paid will be approximately $7.3 million. Thereafter, the annual rent to be paid increases 10% on each of the fifth, tenth and fifteenth anniversaries of the Rent Commencement Date.

Long term debt. On June 1, 2010, the Company entered into a senior secured credit agreement with Morgan Stanley Senior Funding, Inc., as administrative agent, Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated, as collateral agent, and the other lenders party thereto, which was comprised of (i) a $1,275.0 million six-year term loan facility (the "2010 Term Loan") and (ii) a $100.0 million five-year revolving credit facility, which included a $25.0 million letter of credit subfacility and a $10.0 million swingline loan subfacility (the "Revolving Credit Facility" and together with the 2010 Term Loan, the "2010 Credit Facility"). The Company was required to repay 1.00% of the principal of the 2010 Term Loan per year in quarterly installments. The 2010 Credit Facility also contained a number of mandatory prepayment requirements, including a requirement to repay a specified amount of the 2010 Term Loan annually from a portion of the Company's excess cash flows (as defined in the 2010 Credit Facility, which varied based on the Company's leverage ratio). Any remaining principal of the 2010 Term Loan was to be payable on the final maturity date of the facility. In February 2011, the Company made a prepayment of $56.0 million on the 2010 Term Loan from its excess cash flows.

On March 14, 2011, MSCI completed the repricing of the 2010 Credit Facility pursuant to Amendment No. 2 to the 2010 Credit Facility ("Amendment No. 2"). Amendment No. 2 provided for the incurrence of a new senior secured loan (the "2011 Term Loan") in an aggregate principal amount of $1,125.0 million. The proceeds of the 2011 Term Loan, together with $87.6 million of cash on hand, were used to repay the remaining $1,212.6 million outstanding balance of the 2010 Term Loan in full. The 2011 Term Loan matures in March 2017. Amendment No. 2 decreased the interest rate applicable to the 2011 Term Loan from the London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") plus 3.25% (with a leverage-based stepdown) to LIBOR plus 2.75% (with a leverage-based stepdown) and reduced the LIBOR floor applicable to the 2011 Term Loan from 1.50% to 1.00%. Prepayments or amendments of the 2011 Term Loan that constitute a "repricing transaction" (as defined in Amendment No. 2) were subject to a premium of 1.00% of the 2011 Term Loan if prepaid or amended on or prior to March 14, 2012. Prepayments and repricings made after March 14, 2012 will not be subject to premium or penalty. For unused credit under the revolving credit facility, the Company pays an annual 0.75% non-usage fee. The Company incurred $6.1 million in fees associated with the repricing which are reflected in "Other expense (income)" on the Company's Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income for the three months ended March 31, 2011.

The obligations under the 2010 Credit Facility, as amended, are guaranteed by each of our direct and indirect wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries, subject to limited exceptions. The obligations under the 2010 Credit Facility, as amended, are secured by a lien on substantially all of the equity interests of MSCI's present and future domestic subsidiaries, up to 65% of the equity interests of MSCI's first-tier foreign subsidiaries, and substantially all of MSCI's and MSCI's domestic subsidiaries' present and future property and assets, subject to certain exceptions.

In connection with entering into the 2010 Credit Facility, the Company recorded deferred financing fees which have remaining amortizable lives of three to five years. The Company amortized $1.3 million and $1.8 million of deferred financing fees associated with the 2010 Credit Facility in interest expense during the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. At March 31, 2012, $23.5 million of the deferred financing fees remain unamortized, $5.0 million of which is included in "Prepaid and other assets" and $18.5 million of which is included in "Other non-current assets" on the Company's Condensed Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition.

Current maturities of long term debt at March 31, 2012 was $10.3 million, net of a $0.9 million discount. Long term debt, net of current maturities at March 31, 2012 was $1,064.0 million, net of a $3.5 million discount. Approximately $0.2 million of the debt discount associated with the 2010 Credit Facility was amortized in interest expense during the three months ended March 31, 2012.

Current maturities of long term debt at December 31, 2011 was $10.3 million, net of a $0.9 million discount. Long term debt, net of current maturities at December 31, 2011 was $1,066.6 million, net of a $3.8 million discount.

At March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the fair market value of the Company's debt obligations were $1,078.8 million and $1,089.7 million, respectively. The fair market value is determined in accordance with accounting standards related to the determination of fair value as discussed in Note 9, "Fair Value Measures," and represents Level 2 valuations. We utilize the market approach and obtain security pricing from a vendor who uses broker quotes and third-party pricing services to determine fair values.

Interest Rate Swaps and Derivative Instruments. 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 enters into derivative financial instruments to manage exposures that arise 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. The Company's derivative financial instruments are used to manage differences in the amount, timing, and duration of the Company's known or expected cash receipts and its known or expected cash payments principally related to the Company's investments and borrowings. During the three months ended March 31, 2012, the Company made the accounting policy election to apply the exception available in ASC paragraph 820-10-35-18D for measuring counterparty credit risk for all of its derivative transactions subject to master netting arrangements.

The Company's objectives in using interest rate derivatives are to add stability to interest expense and to manage its exposure to interest rate movements. To accomplish this objective, the Company primarily uses interest rate swaps as part of its interest rate risk management strategy. During the three months ended March 31, 2012, such derivatives were used to hedge the variable cash flows associated with existing variable-rate debt. As a result of the repayment of the 2010 Term Loan on 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 will continue to report the net loss related to the discontinued cash flow hedges in Other comprehensive income and is expected to reclassify this amount into earnings during the contractual term of the swap agreements. On March 22, 2011, the Company terminated its then-existing interest rate swaps and simultaneously entered into new interest rate swaps to hedge its newly issued variable-rate debt. As of March 31, 2012, the Company had two outstanding interest rate swaps with a combined notional principal amount of $418.7 million that were designated as cash flow hedges of interest rate risk.

The effective portion of changes in the fair value of derivatives designated and that qualify as cash flow hedges is recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive income and is subsequently reclassified into earnings in the period that the hedged forecasted transaction affects earnings. The ineffective portion of the change in fair value of the derivatives is recognized directly in earnings. Amounts reported in accumulated other comprehensive income related to derivatives will be reclassified to interest expense as interest payments are made on the Company's variable-rate debt. During the next twelve months, the Company estimates that an additional $2.4 million will be reclassified as an increase to interest expense.

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 Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition:


(In thousands)	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition Location		As of March 31, 2012			As of December 31, 2011
Liability derivatives:
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
Interest rate swaps		Other accrued liabilities	$	(2,483	)	$	(2,387	)

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

		$(617)			$(617)			$(617)		$(617)			$(617)			$(617)		$(617)		$(617)
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships	Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivative (Effective Portion) for the Three Months Ended March 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 into Income (Effective Portion) for the Three Months Ended March 31,						Location of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing)		Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing) for the Three Months Ended March 31
(In thousands)	2012			2011					2012			2011					2012		2011
Interest rate swaps	$	(617	)	$	(368	)		Interest expense	$	(588	)	$	(362	)		Interest expense	$	—	$	35

Credit-risk-related contingent features. The Company has agreements with each of its derivative counterparties that contain a provision where if the Company defaults on any of its indebtedness, including a default where repayment of the indebtedness has not been accelerated by the lender, then the Company could also be declared in default on its derivative obligations. As of March 31, 2012, the termination value of derivatives in a net liability position, which includes accrued interest but excludes any adjustment for nonperformance risk, related to these agreements was $2.8 million. As of March 31, 2012, the Company has not posted any collateral related to these agreements. If the Company breaches any of these provisions, it could be required to settle its obligations under the agreements at their termination value.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for commitments and contingencies.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name FASB Interpretation (FIN)
-Number 14
-Paragraph 3
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 5
-Paragraph 9, 10, 11, 12
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.25)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 450
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6952336&loc=d3e14435-108349

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 460
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 8
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6398077&loc=d3e12565-110249

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 440
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6394976&loc=d3e25287-109308

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 825
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6449706&loc=d3e16207-108621

+ Details

Fair Value Measures

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Fair Value Measures [Abstract]

Fair Value Measures

9. FAIR VALUE MEASURES

The following table summarizes the Company's financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2012:


Description	Balance as of March 31, 2012		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
	(in thousands)

*Assets:*
Cash equivalents	$	—	$	—	$	—

Short-term investments:
U.S. Treasury securities		191,457		—		191,457
Commercial paper		2,700		—		2,700

Total short-term investments		194,157		—		194,157

Total financial assets	$	194,157	$	—	$	194,157


*Liabilities:*
Interest rate swaps	$	2,483	$	—	$	2,483

The following table summarizes the Company's financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2011:


Description	Balance as of December 31, 2011		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
	(in thousands)

*Assets:*
Cash equivalents	$	27,000	$	—	$	27,000

Short-term investments:
U.S. Treasury securities		135,492		—		135,492
Tradable certificates of deposit		4,998		—		4,998

Total short-term investments		140,490		—		140,490

Total financial assets	$	167,490	$	—	$	167,490


*Liabilities:*
Interest rate swaps	$	2,387	$	—	$	2,387

The Company's financial assets and liabilities are valued using market prices on both active markets (Level 1) and less active markets (Level 2). The Company did not have any transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements during the periods presented. The Company does not hold any financial instruments that would be valued using Level 3 inputs as of the periods presented.

The Company's cash equivalents consist of U.S. Treasury securities, tradable certificates of deposit, commercial paper and state and municipal securities with maturities of 90 days or less from the date of purchase. The Company's short-term investments consist of U.S. Treasury securities, tradable certificates of deposit, commercial paper and state and municipal securities and are classified within Level 2, as there is not an active market for these securities, but the market pricing data used to calculate the value of the instruments are derived from similar securities traded in active markets.

The Company's interest rate swaps are classified within Level 2, as they are valued using pricing models that take into account the contract terms as well as multiple observable inputs where applicable, such as equity prices, interest rate yield curves, option volatility and currency rates.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the fair value of financial instruments (as defined), including financial assets and financial liabilities (collectively, as defined), and the measurements of those instruments as well as disclosures related to the fair value of non-financial assets and liabilities. Such disclosures about the financial instruments, assets, and liabilities would include: (1) the fair value of the required items together with their carrying amounts (as appropriate); (2) for items for which it is not practicable to estimate fair value, disclosure would include: (a) information pertinent to estimating fair value (including, carrying amount, effective interest rate, and maturity, and (b) the reasons why it is not practicable to estimate fair value; (3) significant concentrations of credit risk including: (a) information about the activity, region, or economic characteristics identifying a concentration, (b) the maximum amount of loss the entity is exposed to based on the gross fair value of the related item, (c) policy for requiring collateral or other security and information as to accessing such collateral or security, and (d) the nature and brief description of such collateral or security; (4) quantitative information about market risks and how such risks are managed; (5) for items measured on both a recurring and nonrecurring basis information regarding the inputs used to develop the fair value measurement; and (6) for items presented in the financial statement for which fair value measurement is elected: (a) information necessary to understand the reasons for the election, (b) discussion of the effect of fair value changes on earnings, (c) a description of [similar groups] items for which the election is made and the relation thereof to the balance sheet, the aggregate carrying value of items included in the balance sheet that are not eligible for the election; (7) all other required (as defined) and desired information.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 133
-Paragraph 44A, 44B
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 107
-Paragraph 15C, 15D
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 107
-Paragraph 15A
-Subparagraph a-d
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 107
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Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 107
-Paragraph 3, 10, 14, 15
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 157
-Paragraph 32, 33, 34
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 159
-Paragraph 17-22, 27, 28
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 820
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6925170&loc=d3e19207-110258

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-Publisher FASB
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-Topic 820
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-Paragraph 5
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6925170&loc=d3e19296-110258

+ Details

Employee Benefits	3 Months Ended
Employee Benefits	Mar. 31, 2012
Employee Benefits [Abstract]
Employee Benefits	10. 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 three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, costs relating to 401(k) and pension and post-retirement benefit expenses were $6.5 million and $5.1 million, respectively. Amounts included in cost of services were $4.0 million and $3.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Amounts included in selling, general and administrative expense related to these pension and post-retirement expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 were $2.5 million and $1.8 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 were $6.0 million and $4.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Net Periodic Benefit Expense. Net periodic benefit expense related to defined benefit pension plans was $0.5 million for both the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for pension and other postretirement benefits.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph a
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
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Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
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Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)
-Number 30
-Paragraph 26
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Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
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Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 5, 6, 7, 8
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Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Implementation Guide (Q and A)
-Number FAS88
-Paragraph 63
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Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/topic&trid=2235017

+ Details

Share-Based Compensation	3 Months Ended
Share-Based Compensation	Mar. 31, 2012
Share-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Share-Based Compensation	11. SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION On November 6, 2007, the Company's Board of Directors approved the award of founders grants to its employees in the form of restricted stock units and/or options ("Founders Grant Award"). The restricted stock units and options vested over a four-year period beginning from the November 14, 2007 grant date, with 50% becoming vested on November 14, 2009, 25% becoming vested on November 14, 2010 and 25% becoming vested on November 14, 2011. On December 16, 2008, the Company, as a component of the 2008 annual bonus, awarded certain of its employees with a grant in the form of restricted stock units ("2008 Bonus Award"). The aggregate value of the grants was approximately $9.5 million of restricted stock units. The restricted stock units vest one-third per year over a three-year period. Approximately $4.2 million of this grant was awarded to retirement-eligible employees under the award terms. Based on interpretive guidance related to ASC Subtopic 718-10, the Company accrues the estimated cost of these awards over the course of the fiscal year in which the award is earned. As such, the Company accrued the estimated cost of the 2008 Bonus Award related to retirement-eligible employees over the 2008 fiscal year. The final tranche of the 2008 Bonus Award vested on January 9, 2012. On December 16, 2009, the Company, as a component of the 2009 annual bonus, awarded certain of its employees with a grant in the form of restricted stock units ("2009 Bonus Award"). The aggregate value of the grants was approximately $13.2 million of restricted stock units. The restricted stock units vest over a three year period, with one-third vesting on December 20, 2010, December 19, 2011 and December 17, 2012, respectively. Approximately $5.1 million of this grant was awarded to retirement-eligible employees under the award terms. The Company accrued the estimated cost of the 2009 Bonus Award granted to retirement-eligible employees over the 2009 fiscal year. The final tranche of the 2009 Bonus Award will vest on December 17, 2012. On June 1, 2010, the Company reserved approximately 4.2 million shares of Common Stock for outstanding vested and unvested stock options and 0.1 million shares of Common Stock for outstanding unvested restricted stock awards assumed as part of the acquisition of RiskMetrics. Over an approximate three-and-a-half year period from the date assumed, $16.7 million is expected to be expensed for unvested stock options and $1.3 million for unvested restricted stock awards. On June 1, 2010, the Company awarded certain of its employees with a grant in the form of restricted stock units ("Performance Award"). The Performance Award will performance-vest based upon the Company achieving specific performance targets over a measurement period ending on December 31, 2012 and time-vest over a 31-month period, with one-half time-vested on December 1, 2011 and one-half time-vesting on December 31, 2012. The aggregate value of the grants was approximately $15.9 million. 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 approximately $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 conditions. 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 approximately $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 restricted stock units 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 restricted stock units 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 December 31, 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 approximately $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 restricted stock units 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 restricted stock units 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 December 31, 2014, respectively. For the Performance Award and the 2010 CEO 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. Share-based expense was $5.8 million and $8.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, of which $0.6 million and $1.8 million was related to the Performance Award, respectively. There was no expense related to the Founders Grant Award for the three months ended March 31, 2012 as this award became fully vested on November 14, 2011. For the three months ended March 31, 2011, $1.0 million of the share-based compensation expense was related to the Founders Grant Award.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for compensation-related costs for equity-based compensation, which may include disclosure of policies, compensation plan details, allocation of equity compensation, incentive distributions, equity-based arrangements to obtain goods and services, deferred compensation arrangements, employee stock ownership plan details and employee stock purchase plan details.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 123R
-Paragraph 64, 65, A240
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Statement of Position (SOP)
-Number 93-6
-Paragraph 53
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)
-Number Topic 14

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 50
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6406099&loc=d3e25284-112666

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 718
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
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-Topic 718
-SubTopic 40
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6418621&loc=d3e17540-113929

+ Details

Income Taxes

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Income Taxes [Abstract]

Income Taxes

12. INCOME TAXES

The Company's provision for income taxes was $24.3 million and $19.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. These amounts reflect effective tax rates of 35.6% and 37.2% for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The effective rate of 35.6% for the three months ended March 31, 2012 reflects our estimate of the effective tax rate for the period and is lower than the prior year because of certain discrete items, the effect of which was to decrease our effective tax rate by 0.8 percentage points, as well as an increase in non-U.S. earnings and decreases in certain of the tax rates applicable to those earnings.

The Company is under examination by the Internal Revenue Service and other tax authorities in certain countries, such as Japan and 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. During 2010, Morgan Stanley reached a settlement with New York State and New York City tax authorities on issues relating to years 2002-2006. The Company will indemnify Morgan Stanley for any additional assessments deemed to be due in accordance with the Tax Sharing Agreement once MSCI's share of the settlement is finalized. The Company has a reserve of $8.4 million to indemnify Morgan Stanley, which has been previously recognized in the Company's financial statements, but has no further information with regards to the settlement amount at this time.

The Company regularly assesses the likelihood of additional assessments in each of the taxing jurisdictions resulting from these open examinations and subsequent years' examinations. The Company has established a liability for unrecognized tax benefits that the Company believes is 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. At this time 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 following table summarizes the major taxing jurisdictions in which the Company and its affiliates operate and the earliest tax years subject to examination for each major jurisdiction:


Tax Jurisdiction	Tax Year
United States		2005
California		2008
New York State		2007
New York City		2005
Hong Kong		2004
United Kingdom		2010
Canada		2005
Japan		2009
India		2008

- Definition

The entire disclosure for income taxes. Disclosures may include net deferred tax liability or asset recognized in an enterprise's statement of financial position, net change during the year in the total valuation allowance, approximate tax effect of each type of temporary difference and carryforward that gives rise to a significant portion of deferred tax liabilities and deferred tax assets, utilization of a tax carryback, and tax uncertainties information.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 08
-Paragraph h
-Article 4

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 109
-Paragraph 136, 172
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Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(h))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6881521&loc=d3e23780-122690

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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32559-109319

+ Details

Segment Information

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Segment Information [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 in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. MSCI's Chief Executive Officer, who is considered to be its chief operating decision maker, or CODM, reviews financial information presented on an operating segment basis for purposes of making operating decisions and assessing financial performance. MSCI is operating under two segments, the Performance and Risk business and the Governance business. These designations have been made as the discrete operating results of these segments are reviewed by the Company's CODM for purposes of making operating decisions and assessing financial performance.

The Performance and Risk business is a leading global provider of investment decision support tools, including indices, portfolio risk and performance analytics, credit analytics and ESG products. The business provides clients with a broad suite of products and services to assist them with managing equity, fixed income and multi-asset class portfolios. The products are used in many areas of the investment process, including portfolio construction and rebalancing, performance benchmarking and attribution, risk management and analysis, index-linked investment product creation, asset allocation, assessment of social responsibility, environmental stewardship and the effects of climate change on investments, investment manager selection and investment research.

The Governance business is a leading provider of corporate governance products and specialized financial research and analysis services to institutional shareholders and corporations around the world. Among other things, the Governance business facilitates the voting of proxies by institutional investors and provides in-depth research and analysis to help inform their voting decisions and identify issuer-specific risk. It offers both global security coverage and fully integrated products and services, including proxy voting, policy creation, research, vote recommendations, vote execution, post-vote disclosure and reporting and analytical tools. Within a firewall, a separate unit of the Governance business also provides products and services to corporate clients who may use those products and services to learn about and improve their governance and executive compensation practices.

Revenues and expenses directly associated with each respective segment are included in determining its operating results. Other expenses that are not directly attributable to a particular segment are allocated based upon allocation methodologies, including time studies, headcount, net revenues and other relevant usage measures.

The CODM does not review any information regarding total assets on an operating segment basis. Operating segments do not record intersegment revenue, and, accordingly, there is none to be reported. The accounting policies for segment reporting are the same as for MSCI as a whole.

The following table presents MSCI's operating segments' results for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011:


	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2012		2011
	(in thousands)
Operating revenues
Performance and Risk	$	198,089	$	192,048
Governance		30,963		31,250

Consolidated	$	229,052	$	223,298


Amortization of intangible assets and depreciation and amortization of property, equipment and leasehold improvements
Performance and Risk	$	16,204	$	17,321
Governance		4,171		4,481

Consolidated	$	20,375	$	21,802


Operating income
Performance and Risk	$	77,475	$	72,646
Governance		3,504		2,783


Consolidated	$	80,979	$	75,429

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


	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2012		2011
	(in thousands)
Revenues
Americas:
United States	$	117,003	$	106,715
Other		7,521		8,027


Total Americas		124,524		114,742


Europe, the Middle East and Africa ("EMEA"):
United Kingdom		27,830		27,051
Other		46,267		53,317


Total EMEA		74,097		80,368


Asia & Australia:
Japan		14,383		13,751
Other		16,048		14,437


Total Asia & Australia		30,431		28,188


Total	$	229,052	$	223,298

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
	March 31, 2012		December 31, 2011
	(in thousands)
Long-lived assets

Americas:
United States	$	2,356,902	$	2,369,997
Other		5,376		5,145


Total Americas		2,362,278		2,375,142


EMEA:
United Kingdom		4,759		5,107
Other		5,137		5,617


Total EMEA		9,896		10,724


Asia & Australia:
Japan		319		364
Other		4,724		4,859


Total Asia & Australia		5,043		5,223


Total	$	2,377,217	$	2,391,089

- Definition

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

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 131
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 34
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8981-108599

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8984-108599

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
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-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e9031-108599

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-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
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-Paragraph 10
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
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-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8380-108599

Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
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Reference 15: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8933-108599

+ Details

Subsequent Events	3 Months Ended
Subsequent Events	Mar. 31, 2012
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	14. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS Management of the Company evaluated subsequent events from April 1, 2012 through the issuance date of this Form 10-Q. Credit Facility On May 4, 2012, MSCI amended and restated its existing senior credit facilities consisting of a senior secured Term Loan B Facility and Senior Secured Revolving Facility, which were originally entered into on June 1, 2010 as amended by Amendment No. 1 dated as of February 4, 2011 and Amendment No. 2 dated as of March 14, 2011 (the credit agreement as so amended and restated, the "Amended and Restated Credit Facility"). The Amended and Restated Credit Facility provides for the incurrence of a new senior secured 5-year Term Loan A Facility in an aggregate amount of $880.0 million and $100.0 million Senior Secured Revolving Facility. The proceeds of the Amended and Restated Credit Facility, together with cash on hand, were used to repay the remaining outstanding principal of the existing Term Loan B Facility. The Term Loan A Facility and Senior Secured Revolving Facility mature on May 4, 2017. In connection with the repayment of the Term Loan B Facility, the Company terminated its then-existing interest rate swaps and is not required to enter into new interest rate swaps to hedge its debt under the Amended and Restated Credit Facility. (See Note 7, "Commitments and Contingencies," for a discussion of the original credit facility, which is referred to as the 2010 Credit Facility in this Form 10-Q, and the related interest rate swap agreements.) The Term Loan B Facility had borne interest equal to the greater of LIBOR or 1.00% plus 2.50%. The new Term Loan A Facility will initially bear interest of LIBOR plus 2.25%. The Amended and Restated Credit Facility also amended certain negative covenants, including financial covenants. MSCI expects to recognize an additional expense of approximately $18.0 million to $20.0 million related to the accelerated amortization of existing fees or the immediate recognition of new fees associated with this transaction in the three months ending June 30, 2012. Common Stock At MSCI's annual shareholders meeting held on May 2, 2012, the shareholders approved amendments to the Company's Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation to (i) eliminate the 250 million authorized shares of class B common stock, (ii) increase the total number of authorized shares of class A common stock by 250 million (the aggregate number of shares of class B common stock being eliminated) to 750 million, (iii) rename the Company's class A common stock as "common stock" and (iv) make certain other conforming changes. The amendments became effective upon the filing of the Third Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on May 2, 2012.

Restructuring (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Restructuring [Abstract]

Summary Of Changes In Accrued Restructuring Charges


(in thousands)	Severance			Lease termination			Total

Accrued Balance, December 31, 2011	$	72		$	667		$	739
Restructuring costs		(29	)		—			(29	)
Cash payments		(16	)		(153	)		(169	)


Accrued Balance, March 31, 2012	$	27		$	514		$	541

Earnings Per Common Share (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Earnings Per Common Share [Abstract]

Computation Of Basic And Diluted EPS


	Three Months Ended
	March 31, 2012			March 31, 2011
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
Net income	$	43,966		$	33,521
Less: Allocations of earnings to unvested restricted stock units ⁽¹⁾		(271	)		(319	)


Earnings available to MSCI common shareholders	$	43,695		$	33,202


Basic weighted average common shares outstanding		121,754			120,282


Basic weighted average common shares outstanding		121,754			120,282
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock options		1,359			1,731


Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding		123,113			122,013


Earnings per basic common share	$	0.36		$	0.28


Earnings per diluted common share	$	0.35		$	0.27

(1)	The restricted stock units participate in all of the earnings of the Company in the computation of basic EPS and, therefore, the restricted stock units are not included as incremental shares in the diluted EPS computation.

Short-Term Investments (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Short-Term Investments [Abstract]

Summary Of Fair Value And Gross Unrealized Gains And Losses Of Debt Securities Available-For-Sale


(in thousands)	Amortized Cost plus Accrued Interest		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses			Estimated Fair Value
March 31, 2012
Debt securities available-for-sale

U.S. Treasury securities	$	191,462	$	11	$	(16	)	$	191,457
Commercial paper		2,700		—		—			2,700

Total	$	194,162	$	11	$	(16	)	$	194,157


December 31, 2011
Debt securities available-for-sale

U.S. Treasury securities	$	135,485	$	9	$	(2	)	$	135,492
Tradable certificates of deposit		5,001		—		(3	)		4,998

Total	$	140,486	$	9	$	(5	)	$	140,490

Unrealized Losses On Investments


	As of
	March 31, 2012					December 31, 2011
(in thousands)	Total Fair Value		Total Unrealized Losses			Total Fair Value		Total Unrealized Losses

U.S. Treasury securities	$	123,075	$	(16	)	$	50,056	$	(2	)
Commercial paper		—		—			—		—
Tradable certificates of deposit		—		—			2,695		(3	)


Total	$	123,075	$	(16	)	$	52,751	$	(5	)

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of available-for-sale securities which consist of all investments in certain debt and equity securities neither classified as trading or held-to-maturity securities. A debt security represents a creditor relationship with an enterprise. Debt securities include, among other items, US Treasury securities, US government securities, municipal securities, corporate bonds, convertible debt, commercial paper, and all securitized debt instruments. An equity security represents an ownership interest in an enterprise or the right to acquire or dispose of an ownership interest in an enterprise at fixed or determinable prices. Equity securities include, among other things, common stock, certain preferred stock, warrant rights, call options, and put options, but do not include convertible debt.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)
-Number 03-1
-Paragraph 21
-Subparagraph a, b
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name FASB Staff Position (FSP)
-Number FAS115-1/124-1
-Paragraph 17
-Subparagraph a, b
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 115
-Paragraph 19, 20, 21
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 320
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 7
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Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-Paragraph 3
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Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Paragraph 2
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Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 320
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Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 320
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6957658&loc=d3e62586-112803

+ Details

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of the realized and unrealized gains and losses reported in the statement of income which have resulted from the sale and holding of marketable securities, respectively, as well as the sale or disposal of cost method investments. Such amounts would include realized gains and losses on the sale or disposal of trading, available-for-sale, and held-to-maturity securities, unrealized gains and losses on trading securities, unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale and held-to-maturity securities transferred to the trading securities category, realized gains and losses on the sale or disposal of cost method investments, and losses recognized for other than temporary impairments (OTTI) of such investments.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 115
-Paragraph 21
-Subparagraph d
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)
-Number 18
-Paragraph 5
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 115
-Paragraph 12
-Subparagraph a, b
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 115
-Paragraph 7, 13, 16, 22
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)
-Number Topic 5
-Section M

Reference 6: 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=6784337&loc=d3e87990-122713

+ Details

Property, Equipment And Leasehold Improvements (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Property, Equipment And Leasehold Improvements [Abstract]

Components Of Property, Equipment And Leasehold Improvements


	As of
	March 31, 2012			December 31, 2011
	(in thousands)
Computer & related equipment	$	72,348		$	70,170
Furniture & fixtures		5,310			4,868
Leasehold improvements		24,688			22,219
Work-in-process		3,046			454

Subtotal		105,392			97,711
Accumulated depreciation and amortization		(65,682	)		(60,088	)

Property, equipment and leasehold improvements, net	$	39,710		$	37,623

Goodwill And Intangible Assets (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Goodwill And Intangible Assets [Abstract]

Components Of Intangible Assets By Major Class


	Gross Carrying Value		Accumulated Amortization			Net Carrying Value
	(in thousands)
As of March 31, 2012
Customer relationships	$	459,010	$	(68,891	)	$	390,119
Trademarks/trade names		243,440		(52,556	)		190,884
Technology/software		191,430		(146,150	)		45,280
Proprietary process		3,800		(1,161	)		2,639

Total intangible assets	$	897,680	$	(268,758	)	$	628,922


	Gross Carrying Value		Accumulated Amortization			Net Carrying Value
	(in thousands)
As of December 31, 2011
Customer relationships	$	459,010	$	(61,003	)	$	398,007
Trademarks/trade names		243,440		(49,336	)		194,104
Technology/software		191,430		(141,457	)		49,973
Proprietary process		3,800		(1,003	)		2,797
Non-compete agreements		2,780		(2,780	)		—

Total intangible assets	$	900,460	$	(255,579	)	$	644,881

Estimated Amortization Expense For Succeeding Years


Fiscal Year	Amortization Expense
	(in thousands)
Remainder of 2012	$	47,000
2013		53,087
2014		52,864
2015		52,787
2016		50,649
2017		44,566
Thereafter		327,969


Total	$	628,922

Commitments And Contingencies (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Commitments And Contingencies [Abstract]

Summary Of Fair Values Of Derivative Instruments


(In thousands)	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition Location		As of March 31, 2012			As of December 31, 2011
Liability derivatives:
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
Interest rate swaps		Other accrued liabilities	$	(2,483	)	$	(2,387	)

Interest Rate Swaps And Derivative Instruments

		$(617)			$(617)			$(617)		$(617)			$(617)			$(617)		$(617)		$(617)
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships	Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivative (Effective Portion) for the Three Months Ended March 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 into Income (Effective Portion) for the Three Months Ended March 31,						Location of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing)		Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing) for the Three Months Ended March 31
(In thousands)	2012			2011					2012			2011					2012		2011
Interest rate swaps	$	(617	)	$	(368	)		Interest expense	$	(588	)	$	(362	)		Interest expense	$	—	$	35

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of the location and amount of gains and losses reported in the statement of financial performance, or when applicable, the statement of financial position. For example, (a) gains and losses recognized in the income statement on derivative instruments designated and qualifying as hedging instruments in fair value hedges and related hedged items designated and qualifying in fair value hedges and (b) gains and losses initially recognized in other comprehensive income on derivative instruments designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges.

+ References + Details

Fair Value Measures (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Fair Value Measures [Abstract]

Summary Of Financial Assets And Liabilities Measured At Fair Value On A Recurring Basis

The following table summarizes the Company's financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2012:


Description	Balance as of March 31, 2012		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
	(in thousands)

*Assets:*
Cash equivalents	$	—	$	—	$	—

Short-term investments:
U.S. Treasury securities		191,457		—		191,457
Commercial paper		2,700		—		2,700

Total short-term investments		194,157		—		194,157

Total financial assets	$	194,157	$	—	$	194,157


*Liabilities:*
Interest rate swaps	$	2,483	$	—	$	2,483

The following table summarizes the Company's financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2011:


Description	Balance as of December 31, 2011		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
	(in thousands)

*Assets:*
Cash equivalents	$	27,000	$	—	$	27,000

Short-term investments:
U.S. Treasury securities		135,492		—		135,492
Tradable certificates of deposit		4,998		—		4,998

Total short-term investments		140,490		—		140,490

Total financial assets	$	167,490	$	—	$	167,490


*Liabilities:*
Interest rate swaps	$	2,387	$	—	$	2,387

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of the total amount of gains or losses for the period which are included in earnings or resulted in a change to net assets which gains or losses have arisen from the use of significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) to measure the fair value of assets and liabilities. Such gains or losses are attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to those assets and liabilities so valued which are still held at the reporting date and which change are also considered for disclosure; it may be expected that a description of where those unrealized gains or losses are reported in the statement of income or the statement of financial position would also be disclosed.

+ References + Details

Income Taxes (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Income Taxes [Abstract]

Summary Of Major Tax Jurisdictions And Open Tax Years


Tax Jurisdiction	Tax Year
United States		2005
California		2008
New York State		2007
New York City		2005
Hong Kong		2004
United Kingdom		2010
Canada		2005
Japan		2009
India		2008

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of income tax examinations that an enterprise is currently subject to or that have been completed in the current period typically including a description of the examination, the jurisdiction conducting the examination, the tax year(s) under examination, the likelihood of an unfavorable settlement, the range of possible losses, the liability recorded, the increase or decrease in the liability from the prior period, and any penalties and interest that have been recorded.

+ References + Details

Segment Information (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Segment Information [Abstract]

Key Financial Information By Operating Segments


	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2012		2011
	(in thousands)
Operating revenues
Performance and Risk	$	198,089	$	192,048
Governance		30,963		31,250

Consolidated	$	229,052	$	223,298


Amortization of intangible assets and depreciation and amortization of property, equipment and leasehold improvements
Performance and Risk	$	16,204	$	17,321
Governance		4,171		4,481

Consolidated	$	20,375	$	21,802


Operating income
Performance and Risk	$	77,475	$	72,646
Governance		3,504		2,783


Consolidated	$	80,979	$	75,429

Revenues By Geographic Area


	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2012		2011
	(in thousands)
Revenues
Americas:
United States	$	117,003	$	106,715
Other		7,521		8,027


Total Americas		124,524		114,742


Europe, the Middle East and Africa ("EMEA"):
United Kingdom		27,830		27,051
Other		46,267		53,317


Total EMEA		74,097		80,368


Asia & Australia:
Japan		14,383		13,751
Other		16,048		14,437


Total Asia & Australia		30,431		28,188


Total	$	229,052	$	223,298

Long-Lived Assets By Geographic Area


	As of
	March 31, 2012		December 31, 2011
	(in thousands)
Long-lived assets

Americas:
United States	$	2,356,902	$	2,369,997
Other		5,376		5,145


Total Americas		2,362,278		2,375,142


EMEA:
United Kingdom		4,759		5,107
Other		5,137		5,617


Total EMEA		9,896		10,724


Asia & Australia:
Japan		319		364
Other		4,724		4,859


Total Asia & Australia		5,043		5,223


Total	$	2,377,217	$	2,391,089

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of the profit or loss and total assets for each reportable segment. An entity discloses certain information on each reportable segment if the amounts (a) are included in the measure of segment profit or loss reviewed by the chief operating decision maker or (b) are otherwise regularly provided to the chief operating decision maker, even if not included in that measure of segment profit or loss.

+ References + Details

Introduction And Basis Of Presentation (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012 USD ($) d	Mar. 31, 2011 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2010 USD ($)
Introduction And Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]
Cumulative revenue reduction of one-time adjustment	$ 5,200
Number of operating segments	2
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 266,022	$ 127,640	$ 252,211	$ 269,423
Short-term investments	$ 194,157		$ 140,490
Percentage of operating revenues accounted for by major customer	10.00%	10.00%
Minimum [Member]
Introduction And Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]
Debt security maturity date range (in days) \| d	91
Maximum [Member]
Introduction And Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]
Debt security maturity date range (in days) \| d	360

- Definition

Includes currency on hand as well as demand deposits with banks or financial institutions. It also includes other kinds of accounts that have the general characteristics of demand deposits in that the Entity may deposit additional funds at any time and also effectively may withdraw funds at any time without prior notice or penalty. Cash equivalents, excluding items classified as marketable securities, include short-term, highly liquid investments that are both readily convertible to known amounts of cash, and so near their maturity that they present minimal risk of changes in value because of changes in interest rates. Generally, only investments with original maturities of three months or less qualify under that definition. Original maturity means original maturity to the entity holding the investment. For example, both a three-month US Treasury bill and a three-year Treasury note purchased three months from maturity qualify as cash equivalents. However, a Treasury note purchased three years ago does not become a cash equivalent when its remaining maturity is three months. Compensating balance arrangements that do not legally restrict the withdrawal or usage of cash amounts may be reported as Cash and Cash Equivalents, while legally restricted deposits held as compensating balances against borrowing arrangements, contracts entered into with others, or company statements of intention with regard to particular deposits are not generally reported as cash and cash equivalents. Includes cash and cash equivalents associated with the entity's continuing operations. Excludes cash and cash equivalents associated with the disposal group (and discontinued operation).

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 95
-Paragraph 8, 9
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph 1
-Article 5

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 95
-Paragraph 7
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-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Cash
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6506951

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Cash Equivalents
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6507016

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.1)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (a)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6361293&loc=d3e6676-107765

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6943989&loc=d3e3044-108585

+ Details

Restructuring (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		22 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2012
Restructuring [Line Items]
Restructuring expenses	$ (29)	$ 4,431
Write-off of assets associated with the exit of certain leases		700
Performance And Risk [Member]
Restructuring [Line Items]
Restructuring expenses		2,300
Cumulative restructuring expenses			$ 8,600
Governance [Member]
Restructuring [Line Items]
Restructuring expenses		2,100
Cumulative restructuring expenses			$ 3,900
Maximum [Member]
Restructuring [Line Items]
Accelerated vesting of share-based compensation awards		$ 100

- Definition

This element represents the amount of recognized equity-based compensation during the period, that is, the amount recognized as expense in the income statement (or as asset if compensation is capitalized). Alternate captions include the words "stock-based compensation".

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 123R
-Paragraph 64
-Subparagraph b
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

- Definition

The charge against earnings in the period, comprised of costs associated with restructuring activities not otherwise specified in the taxonomy pursuant to a duly authorized plan, excluding a discontinued operation as defined by generally accepted accounting principles. Costs of such activities include those for one-time termination benefits, termination of an operating lease or other contract, consolidating or closing facilities, and relocating employees, but excludes costs associated with the retirement of a long-lived asset and severance costs associated with established compensation plans.

+ References + Details

Restructuring (Summary Of Changes In Accrued Restructuring Charges) (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012 USD ($)
Restructuring [Line Items]
Accrued Beginning Balance	$ 739
Restructuring costs	(29)
Cash payments	(169)
Accrued Ending Balance	541
Severance [Member]
Restructuring [Line Items]
Accrued Beginning Balance	72
Restructuring costs	(29)
Cash payments	(16)
Accrued Ending Balance	27
Lease Termination [Member]
Restructuring [Line Items]
Accrued Beginning Balance	667
Cash payments	(153)
Accrued Ending Balance	$ 514

Earnings Per Common Share (Details) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Mar. 31, 2011

Earnings Per Common Share [Abstract]

Net income

$ 43,966

$ 33,521

Less: Allocations of earnings to unvested restricted stock units

^[1]

(271)

(319)

Earnings available to MSCI common shareholders

$ 43,695

$ 33,202

Basic weighted average common shares outstanding

121,754

120,282

Stock options

$ 1,359

$ 1,731

Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding

123,113

122,013

Earnings per basic common share

$ 0.36

$ 0.28

Earnings per diluted common share

$ 0.35

$ 0.27

[1]	The restricted stock units participate in all of the earnings of the Company in the computation of basic EPS and, therefore, the restricted stock units are not included as incremental shares in the diluted EPS computation.

- Definition

The amount of net income (loss) for the period per each share of common stock or unit outstanding during the reporting period.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 128
-Paragraph 36, 37, 38
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Article 5
-Section 03
-Paragraph 20

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 04
-Article 7
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Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879574&loc=d3e536633-122882

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-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

- Definition

The amount of net income (loss) for the period available to each share of common stock or common unit outstanding during the reporting period and to each share or unit that would have been outstanding assuming the issuance of common shares or units for all dilutive potential common shares or units outstanding during the reporting period.

+ References + Details

- Definition

The portion of profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, which is attributable to the parent.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)
-Number 87-21
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 38
-Subparagraph a
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Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Net Income
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6518256

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Other Comprehensive Income
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6519514

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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Reference 16: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph A7
-Appendix A

+ Details

- Definition

The average number of shares or units issued and outstanding that are used in calculating diluted EPS or earnings per unit (EPU), determined based on the timing of issuance of shares or units in the period.

+ References + Details

- Definition

Number of [basic] shares or units, after adjustment for contingently issuable shares or units and other shares or units not deemed outstanding, determined by relating the portion of time within a reporting period that common shares or units have been outstanding to the total time in that period.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 128
-Paragraph 171
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Paragraph 40
-Subparagraph a
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Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
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Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Weighted-Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6528421

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)
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-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Short-Term Investments (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Short-Term Investments [Abstract]
Other-than-temporary impairment on investments	$ 0	$ 0

Short-Term Investments (Summary Of Fair Value And Gross Unrealized Gains And Losses Of Debt Securities Available-For-Sale) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost plus Accrued Interest	$ 194,162	$ 140,486
Gross Unrealized Gains	11	9
Gross Unrealized Losses	(16)	(5)
Estimated Fair Value	194,157	140,490
U.S. Treasury Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost plus Accrued Interest	191,462	135,485
Gross Unrealized Gains	11	9
Gross Unrealized Losses	(16)	(2)
Estimated Fair Value	191,457	135,492
Tradable Certificates Of Deposit [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost plus Accrued Interest		5,001
Gross Unrealized Losses		(3)
Estimated Fair Value		$ 4,998
Commercial Paper [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost plus Accrued Interest	2,700
Estimated Fair Value	$ 2,700

- Definition

For an unclassified balance sheet, total of debt securities categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 115
-Paragraph 13
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-Number 115
-Paragraph 16
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 115
-Paragraph 137
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 320
-SubTopic 10
-Section 25
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (b)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6379932&loc=d3e22054-111558

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 320
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6871852&loc=d3e26610-111562

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 320
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (b)-(g)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6957658&loc=d3e62557-112803

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name FASB Staff Position (FSP)
-Number FAS115-1/124-1
-Paragraph 15C
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name FASB Staff Position (FSP)
-Number FAS115-1/124-1
-Paragraph 15D
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Short-Term Investments (Unrealized Losses On Investments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Total Fair Value	$ 123,075	$ 52,751
Total Unrealized Losses	(16)	(5)
U.S. Treasury Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Total Fair Value	123,075	50,056
Total Unrealized Losses	(16)	(2)
Tradable Certificates Of Deposit [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Total Fair Value		2,695
Total Unrealized Losses		(3)
Commercial Paper [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Total Fair Value
Total Unrealized Losses

Property, Equipment And Leasehold Improvements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011
Property, Equipment And Leasehold Improvements [Abstract]
Computer & related equipment	$ 72,348		$ 70,170
Furniture & fixtures	5,310		4,868
Leasehold improvements	24,688		22,219
Work-in-process	3,046		454
Subtotal	105,392		97,711
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(65,682)		(60,088)
Property, equipment and leasehold improvements, net	39,710		$ 37,623
Depreciation and amortization expense of property, equipment and leasehold improvements	$ 4,416	$ 5,110

- Definition

The cumulative amount of depreciation, depletion and amortization (related to property, plant and equipment, but not including land) that has been recognized in the income statement.

+ References + Details

Goodwill And Intangible Assets (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011
Goodwill And Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 1,708,585		$ 1,708,585
Amortization expense	15,959	$ 16,692
Performance And Risk Segment [Member]
Goodwill And Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill	1,477,500
Governance Segment [Member]
Goodwill And Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 231,100

- Definition

Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date, which is the cumulative amount paid and (if applicable) the fair value of any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree, adjusted for any amortization recognized prior to the adoption of any changes in generally accepted accounting principles (as applicable) and for any impairment charges, in excess of the fair value of net assets acquired in one or more business combination transactions.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 142
-Paragraph 45
-Subparagraph e
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 142
-Paragraph 43
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 141R
-Paragraph 68
-Subparagraph l
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 350
-SubTopic 20
-Section 45
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6388280&loc=d3e13770-109266

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 350
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6905597&loc=d3e13816-109267

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 141R
-Paragraph 72
-Subparagraph d
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 142
-Paragraph 45
-Subparagraph e
-Clause 1
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 141R
-Paragraph 34
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Goodwill And Intangible Assets (Components Of Intangible Assets By Major Class) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Value	$ 897,680	$ 900,460
Accumulated Amortization	(268,758)	(255,579)
Net Carrying Value	628,922	644,881
Customer Relationships [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Value	459,010	459,010
Accumulated Amortization	(68,891)	(61,003)
Net Carrying Value	390,119	398,007
Trademarks/Trade Names [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Value	243,440	243,440
Accumulated Amortization	(52,556)	(49,336)
Net Carrying Value	190,884	194,104
Technology/Software [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Value	191,430	191,430
Accumulated Amortization	(146,150)	(141,457)
Net Carrying Value	45,280	49,973
Proprietary Process [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Value	3,800	3,800
Accumulated Amortization	(1,161)	(1,003)
Net Carrying Value	$ 2,639	2,797
Non-Compete Agreements [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Value		2,780
Accumulated Amortization		(2,780)
Net Carrying Value

Goodwill And Intangible Assets (Estimated Amortization Expense For Succeeding Years) (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012 USD ($)
Goodwill And Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Remainder of 2012	$ 47,000
2013	53,087
2014	52,864
2015	52,787
2016	50,649
2017	44,566
Thereafter	327,969
Total	$ 628,922

Commitments And Contingencies (Narrative) (Details)		1 Months Ended		3 Months Ended
Commitments And Contingencies (Narrative) (Details)	Mar. 14, 2011 USD ($)	Sep. 16, 2011 USD ($) yr	May 31, 2010	Mar. 31, 2012 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2011 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($)	Feb. 28, 2011 USD ($)	Jun. 13, 2010 USD ($)
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Operating leases rent expense				$ 6,100,000	$ 4,500,000
Combined annual base rents				$ 3,000,000
Lease renew period in years \| yr		10
Square footage of office space rented		126,000
Lease Commencement Date				February 1, 2012
Schedule lease expiry date		February 28, 2033
Early lease termination date		February 1, 2028
Aggregate future lease expense		$ 170,100,000
Approximate annual rent payable		$ 7,300,000
Percentage of annual rent increase		10.00%
Current maturities of long term debt				$ 10,342,000		$ 10,339,000
Net discount of long term debt current maturities				900,000		900,000
Long term debt, net of current maturities				1,063,962,000		1,066,548,000
Net discount of long term debt, net of current maturities				3,500,000		3,800,000
Amortization of debt discount				229,000	340,000
Repayment of outstanding amount of credit facility				2,812,000	1,268,625,000
Amortization of deferred financing fees				$ 1,268,000	1,847,000
Debt instrument amended interest rate description				2.75%
Fair market value of debt obligations				$ 1,078,800,000		$ 1,089,700,000
Number of interest rate swaps				2
Notional amount of interest rate derivatives				$ 418,700,000
Amount to be reclassified to interest expense within twelve months				2,400,000
Termination of derivatives liability, net				2,800,000
New Credit Facility [Member]
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Amortization of deferred financing fees				$ 1,300,000	$ 1,800,000
Repayment of principal (in percentage)				1.00%
Frequency of payments			quarterly installments
Secured lien of equity interests (in percentage)				65.00%
Minimum amortization period (in years)				3
Maximum amortization period (in years)				5
Unamortized deferred finance fees				$ 23,500,000
Term Loan Facility [Member]
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Principal balance outstanding on debt instrument	$ 1,212,600,000
Prepayment of principal balances							$ 56,000,000
Cash on hand used to repay term loan credit facility	87,600,000
2011 Term Loan [Member]
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Face amount of debt	$ 1,125,000,000
Maturity period of the facility	Mar. 01, 2017
Debt instrument interest rate description				3.25%
LIBOR floor applicable to term loan before amendment	1.50%
LIBOR floor applicable to term loan after amendment	1.00%
Prepayment or repricing amendment premium or penalty on term loan facility				1.00%
Non-usage fee on unused credit				0.75%
Fees incurred associated with repricing of term loan facility				$ 6,100,000
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Long term debt, net of current maturities								$ 5
Six-Year Term Loan Facility [Member]
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Long term debt, net of current maturities								$ 6
Six-Year Term Loan Facility [Member] \| New Credit Facility [Member]
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Face amount of debt				1,275,000,000
Five-Year Revolving Credit Facility [Member] \| New Credit Facility [Member]
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Secured credit facility				100,000,000
Letter Of Credit Subfacility [Member] \| New Credit Facility [Member]
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Value of letter of credit subfacility				25,000,000
Swingline Loan Subfacility [Member] \| New Credit Facility [Member]
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Value of swingline loan subfacility				10,000,000
Prepaid And Other Assets [Member] \| New Credit Facility [Member]
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Unamortized deferred finance fees				5,000,000
Other Non-Current Assets [Member] \| New Credit Facility [Member]
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Unamortized deferred finance fees				$ 18,500,000
One Chase Manhattan Plaza [Member]
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Lease expiration date				August 2012
88 Pine Street [Member]
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Lease expiration date				December 2014

Commitments And Contingencies (Summary Of Fair Values Of Derivative Instruments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Other Accrued Liabilities [Member] \| Interest Rate Swaps [Member]
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Fair value of derivative liabilities	$ (2,483)	$ (2,387)

Commitments And Contingencies (Interest Rate Swaps And Derivative Instruments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Interest Rate Swaps [Member]
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivative (Effective Portion)	$ (617)	$ (368)
Interest Expense [Member]
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income into Income (Effective Portion)	$ (588)	(362)
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing)		$ 35

Fair Value Measures (Summary Of Financial Assets And Liabilities Measured At Fair Value On A Recurring Basis) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash equivalents		$ 27,000
Total short-term investments	194,157	140,490
Total financial assets	194,157	167,490
Interest rate swaps	$ 2,483	2,387
Period of cash and cash equivalents	90 days or less
Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash equivalents
Total short-term investments
Total financial assets
Interest rate swaps
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash equivalents		27,000
Total short-term investments	194,157	140,490
Total financial assets	194,157	167,490
Interest rate swaps	2,483	2,387
U.S. Treasury Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total short-term investments	191,457	135,492
U.S. Treasury Securities [Member] \| Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total short-term investments
U.S. Treasury Securities [Member] \| Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total short-term investments	191,457	135,492
Tradable Certificates Of Deposit [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total short-term investments		4,998
Tradable Certificates Of Deposit [Member] \| Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total short-term investments
Tradable Certificates Of Deposit [Member] \| Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total short-term investments		$ 4,998
Commercial Paper [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total short-term investments	2,700
Commercial Paper [Member] \| Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total short-term investments
Commercial Paper [Member] \| Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total short-term investments	$ 2,700

Employee Benefits (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
Employee Benefits (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Pension and post-retirement benefit expenses	$ 6.5	$ 5.1
Percentage of additional contribution from the company to employees' cash compensation	3.00%
Defined contribution plans expenses	$ 6.0	4.6
Net periodic benefit expense	0.5	0.5
Cost Of Services [Member]
Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Pension and post-retirement benefit expenses	4.0	3.3
Selling, General And Administrative [Member]
Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Pension and post-retirement benefit expenses	$ 2.5	$ 1.8

- Definition

The amount of pension and other (such as medical, dental and life insurance) postretirement benefit costs recognized during the period for (1) defined benefit plans (periodic benefit costs include the following components: service cost, interest cost, expected return on plan assets, gain (loss) on assets, prior service cost or credit, transition asset or obligation, and gain (loss) due to settlements or curtailments) and for (2) defined contribution plans (to the extent that a plan's defined contributions to an individual's account are to be made for periods in which that individual renders services, the net cost for a period is the contribution called for in that period; if a plan calls for contributions for periods after an individual retires or terminates, the estimated cost is accrued during the employee's service period).

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 95
-Paragraph 28
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph h
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 5, 11
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 28
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6943989&loc=d3e3602-108585

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 225
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.4)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6880815&loc=d3e20235-122688

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 70
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6414718&loc=d3e28014-114942

+ Details

Share-Based Compensation (Details) $ in Thousands, shares in Millions			1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 11, 2010 USD ($)	Dec. 10, 2010	May 31, 2010 USD ($) shares	Mar. 31, 2012 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2011 USD ($)	Feb. 29, 2012 USD ($)	Feb. 02, 2012	Nov. 15, 2011	Dec. 14, 2010 USD ($)	Nov. 15, 2010	Jun. 02, 2010	Dec. 17, 2009	Dec. 16, 2009 USD ($)	Nov. 15, 2009	Dec. 16, 2008 USD ($)	Nov. 15, 2007	Nov. 14, 2007
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected period unvested stock options will be expensed (approximate years)			<font class="_mt">three-</font>and-a-half
Vesting period of awards (in years)						<font class="_mt">three-</font>
Number of common shares reserved \| shares			4.2
Share-based compensation expense				$ 5,843	$ 8,454
Founders Grant Award [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period of awards (in years)																	four
Date of tranche of awards vested																November 14, 2011
Share-based compensation expense					1,000
2008 Bonus Award [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Aggregate fair value															$ 9,500
Fraction of bonus award vested per year															<font class="_mt">one</font>-third
Vesting period of awards (in years)															three-
Amount of the award granted to retirement - eligible employees															$ 4,200
Date of tranche of awards vested															January 9, 2012
2009 Bonus Award [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Aggregate fair value													$ 13,200
Vesting period of awards (in years)													three
Amount of the award granted to retirement - eligible employees													$ 5,100
Date of tranche of awards vested												December 17, 2012
2010 Bonus Award [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period of awards (in years)									three-
Amount of the award granted to retirement - eligible employees									$ 6,200
Award annual fraction of time-vesting									<font class="_mt">one</font>-half
2010 Bonus Award [Member] \| Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Aggregate fair value									$ 18,900
2011 Bonus Award [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Aggregate fair value						$ 21,200
Fraction of bonus award vested per year							<font class="_mt">one</font>-third
Amount of the award granted to retirement - eligible employees						$ 6,700
2010 CEO Award [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting rights, percentage vested		25.00%
CEO Award vesting period (in years)		five-
Stock option award value	$ 3,600
Performance Award [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Aggregate fair value			$ 15,900
Length of performance award time-vest (in months)			31
Award annual fraction of time-vesting			one-half
Date of tranche of awards vested											one
Share-based compensation expense				$ 600	$ 1,800
Unvested Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected amount from the reserved stock			$ 16,700
Unvested Restricted Stock Awards [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of common shares reserved \| shares			0.1
Expected amount from the reserved stock			$ 1,300
Second Anniversary [Member] \| Founders Grant Award [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting rights, percentage vested														50.00%
Third Anniversary [Member] \| Founders Grant Award [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting rights, percentage vested								25.00%		25.00%

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Provision for income taxes	$ 24,273	$ 19,823
Effective tax rates	35.60%	37.20%
Decrease to effective tax rate	0.80%
Income tax reserve	$ 8,400
New York State And City [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Tax years under examination	2002-2006

Income Taxes (Summary Of Major Tax Jurisdictions And Open Tax Years) (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012
United States [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Tax Year	2005
California [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Tax Year	2008
New York State [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Tax Year	2007
New York City [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Tax Year	2005
Hong Kong [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Tax Year	2004
United Kingdom [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Tax Year	2010
Canada [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Tax Year	2005
Japan [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Tax Year	2009
India [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Tax Year	2008

Segment Information (Key Financial Information By Operating Segments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating revenues	$ 229,052	$ 223,298
Amortization of intangible assets and depreciation and amortization of property, equipment and leasehold improvements	20,375	21,802
Operating income	80,979	75,429
Performance And Risk [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating revenues	198,089	192,048
Amortization of intangible assets and depreciation and amortization of property, equipment and leasehold improvements	16,204	17,321
Operating income	77,475	72,646
Governance [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating revenues	30,963	31,250
Amortization of intangible assets and depreciation and amortization of property, equipment and leasehold improvements	4,171	4,481
Operating income	$ 3,504	$ 2,783

- Definition

The current period expense charged against earnings on long-lived, physical assets not used in production, and which are not intended for resale, to allocate or recognize the cost of such assets over their useful lives; or to record the reduction in book value of an intangible asset over the benefit period of such asset; or to reflect consumption during the period of an asset that is not used in production.

+ References + Details

Segment Information (Revenues By Geographic Area) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 229,052	$ 223,298
United States [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	117,003	106,715
Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	7,521	8,027
Total Americas [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	124,524	114,742
United Kingdom [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	27,830	27,051
Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	46,267	53,317
Total EMEA [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	74,097	80,368
Japan [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	14,383	13,751
Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	16,048	14,437
Total Asia & Australia [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 30,431	$ 28,188

Segment Information (Long-Lived Assets By Geographic Area) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Long-lived assets	$ 2,377,217	$ 2,391,089
United States [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Long-lived assets	2,356,902	2,369,997
Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Long-lived assets	5,376	5,145
Total Americas [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Long-lived assets	2,362,278	2,375,142
United Kingdom [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Long-lived assets	4,759	5,107
Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Long-lived assets	5,137	5,617
Total EMEA [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Long-lived assets	9,896	10,724
Japan [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Long-lived assets	319	364
Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Long-lived assets	4,724	4,859
Total Asia & Australia [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Long-lived assets	$ 5,043	$ 5,223

Subsequent Events (Details) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012 USD ($) yr shares
Common Class A [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Increase (decrease) in common stock shares authorized \| shares	250
Adjusted common stock shares authorized \| shares	750
Common Class B [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Increase (decrease) in common stock shares authorized \| shares	(250)
Term Loan A [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Term of senior secured Term Loan (in years) \| yr	5
Line of credit facility aggregate amount	$ 880.0
Credit facility maturity date	May 4, 2017
Margin percentage rate	2.25%
Minimum [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Line of credit facility transaction cost	$ 18.0
Minimum [Member] \| Term Loan B [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
LIBOR floor percentage rate	1.00%
Maximum [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Line of credit facility transaction cost	$ 20.0
Maximum [Member] \| Term Loan B [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
LIBOR percentage rate	2.50%
New Credit Facility [Member] \| Five-Year Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Secured credit facility	$ 100.0