Condensed Consolidated Statement of Shareholders' Equity - 6 months ended Jul. 04, 2015 - USD ($) $ in Thousands	CRA International, Inc. Shareholders' Equity	Common Stock	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Noncontrolling Interest	Total
BALANCE at Jan. 03, 2015	$ 214,085	$ 73,171	$ 147,618	$ (6,704)	$ 619	$ 214,704
BALANCE (in shares) at Jan. 03, 2015		9,228,272				9,228,272
Increase (Decrease) in Shareholders' Equity
Net income (loss)	6,104		6,104		(3)	$ 6,101
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(706)			(706)		(706)
Issuance of common stock in connection with business acquisition	42	$ 42				42
Issuance of common stock in connection with business acquisition (in shares)		1,359
Exercise of stock options	105	$ 105				105
Exercise of stock options (in shares)		4,892
Share-based compensation expense for employees	2,962	$ 2,962				2,962
Share-based compensation expense for non-employees	36	$ 36				36
Restricted share vesting (in shares)		25,171
Redemption of vested employee restricted shares for tax withholding	(111)	$ (111)				(111)
Redemption of vested employee restricted shares for tax withholding (in shares)		(3,673)
Tax deficit on stock options and restricted shares vesting	(111)	$ (111)				(111)
Shares repurchased	(7,968)	$ (7,968)				$ (7,968)
Shares repurchased (in shares)		(263,800)				(263,800)
Equity transactions of noncontrolling interest					12	$ 12
BALANCE at Jul. 04, 2015	$ 214,438	$ 68,126	$ 153,722	$ (7,410)	$ 628	$ 215,066
BALANCE (in shares) at Jul. 04, 2015		8,992,221				8,992,221