10-K

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

þ	ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
	For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011
OR
o	TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Commission file number: 1-14443
GARTNER, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware	04-3099750
(State or other jurisdiction of	(I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)	Identification No.)
P.O. Box 10212
56 Top Gallant Road
Stamford, CT	06902-7700
(Address of principal executive offices)	(Zip Code)
(203) 316-1111
(Registrant’s telephone number,
including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class	Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, $.0005 par value per share	New York Stock Exchange

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes þ No o

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act. Yes o No þ

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes þ No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes þ No o

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer þ	Accelerated filer o	Non-accelerated filer o	Smaller reporting company o
		(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No þ

As of June 30, 2011, the aggregate market value of the registrant’s common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant was $3,584,707,867 based on the closing sale price as reported on the New York Stock Exchange.

The number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s common stock was 93,368,900 as of January 31, 2012.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Document	Parts Into Which Incorporated
Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held June 7, 2012 (Proxy Statement)	Part III

GARTNER, INC.

2011 ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I
ITEM 1.	BUSINESS	3
ITEM 1A.	RISK FACTORS	6
ITEM 1B.	UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS	12
ITEM 2.	PROPERTIES	12
ITEM 3.	LEGAL PROCEEDINGS	13
PART II
ITEM 5.	MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES	13
ITEM 6.	SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA	14
ITEM 7.	MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS	15
ITEM 7A.	QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK	29
ITEM 8.	FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA	30
ITEM 9.	CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE	31
ITEM 9A.	CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES	31
ITEM 9B.	OTHER INFORMATION	31
PART III
ITEM 10.	DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE	31
ITEM 11.	EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION	32
ITEM 12.	SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS	32
ITEM 13.	CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE	32
ITEM 14.	PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES	32
PART IV
ITEM 15.	EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES	32
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS		34
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM		35
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM		36
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS		37
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS		38
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT) AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME		39
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS		40
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS		41
SIGNATURES		62

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PART I

ITEM 1. BUSINESS.

GENERAL

Gartner, Inc. (“Gartner”) (NYSE: IT) is the world’s leading information technology research and advisory company. We deliver the technology-related insight necessary for our clients to make the right decisions, every day. From CIOs and senior IT leaders in corporations and government agencies, to business leaders in high-tech and telecom enterprises and professional services firms, to supply chain professionals and technology investors, we are the valuable partner to clients in over 12,400 distinct organizations. We work with every client to research, analyze and interpret the business of IT within the context of their individual role. Founded in 1979, Gartner is headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, U.S.A., and as of December 31, 2011, we had 4,975 associates, including 1,295 research analysts and consultants, and clients in 85 countries.

The foundation for all Gartner products and services is our independent research on IT and supply chain issues. The findings from this research are delivered through our three business segments — Research, Consulting and Events:

• Research provides objective insight on critical and timely technology and supply chain initiatives for CIOs, other IT professionals, supply chain leaders, technology companies and the investment community through reports, briefings, proprietary tools, access to our analysts, peer networking services, and membership programs that enable our clients to make better decisions about their IT and supply chain investments.

• Consulting provides customized solutions to unique client needs through on-site, day-to-day support, as well as proprietary tools for measuring and improving IT performance with a focus on cost, performance, efficiency, and quality.

• Events provide IT, supply chain, and business professionals the opportunity to attend various symposia, conferences and exhibitions to learn, contribute and network with their peers. From our flagship event Symposium/ITxpo, to Summits focused on specific technologies and industries, to experimental workshop-style Seminars, our events distill the latest Gartner research into applicable insight and advice.

For more information regarding Gartner and our products and services, visit www.gartner.com.

References to “the Company,” “we,” “our,” and “us” are to Gartner, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries.

MARKET OVERVIEW

Information technology is critical to supporting increased productivity, service improvement and revenue in every organization around the world, from business enterprises of every size, to governments and government agencies, as well as other organizations. IT and the supply chain are viewed today as strategic components of growth and operating performance. Given the strategic and critical nature of technology decision-making and spending, business enterprises, governments and their agencies, and other organizations turn to outside experts for guidance in procurement, implementation and operations advice in order to maximize the value of their IT investments.

As the costs of IT solutions continue to rise, IT executives and professionals have realized the importance of making well-informed decisions and increasingly seek to maximize their returns on IT capital investments. As a result, any IT investment decision in an enterprise is subject to increased financial scrutiny, especially in the current challenging economic climate. In addition, today’s IT marketplace is dynamic and complex. Technology providers continually introduce new products with a wide variety of standards and features that are prone to shorter life cycles. Users of technology — a group that encompasses nearly all organizations — must keep abreast of new developments in technology to ensure that their IT systems are reliable, efficient and meet both their current and future needs.

OUR SOLUTION

We provide high-quality, independent and objective research and fact-based analysis on the IT industry. Through our robust product portfolio, our global research team provides thought leadership and technology insights that enable CIOs, supply chain professionals, executives and other technology practitioners the information and advice they need to make the right decisions, every day.

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We employ a diversified business model that utilizes and leverages the breadth and depth of our intellectual capital. The foundation of our business model is our ability to create and distribute our proprietary research content as broadly as possible via published reports and briefings, consulting and advisory services, and our events, including Gartner Symposium/ITxpo.

With a base of 814 research analysts, we create timely and relevant technology-related research. In addition, we have 481 experienced consultants who combine our objective, independent research with a practical, business perspective focused on the IT industry. Our events are the largest of their kind, gathering highly qualified audiences of CIOs, other senior business executives and IT professionals, supply chain leaders, and purchasers and providers of technology and supply chain products and services.

PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

Our diversified business model provides multiple entry points and synergies that facilitate increased client spending on our research, consulting services and events. A critical part of our long-term strategy is to increase business volume with our most valuable clients, identifying relationships with the greatest sales potential and expanding those relationships by offering strategically relevant research and advice. We also seek to extend the Gartner brand name to develop new client relationships, augment our sales capacity, and expand into new markets around the world. In addition, we seek to increase our revenue and operating cash flow through more effective pricing of our products and services. These initiatives have created additional revenue streams through more effective packaging, campaigning and cross-selling of our products and services.

Our principal products and services are delivered via our Research, Consulting and Events segments:

•	RESEARCH. Gartner research is the fundamental building block for all Gartner services and covers all technology-related markets, topics and industries, as well as supply chain topics. We combine our proprietary research methodologies with extensive industry and academic relationships to create Gartner solutions. Our research agenda is defined by clients’ needs, focusing on the critical issues, opportunities and challenges they face every day. Our research analysts are in regular contact with both technology providers and technology users, enabling them to identify the most pertinent topics in the IT marketplace and develop relevant product enhancements to meet the evolving needs of users of our research. They provide in-depth analysis on all aspects of technology, including hardware; software and systems; services; IT management; market data and forecasts; and vertical-industry issues. Our proprietary research content, presented in the form of reports, briefings, updates and related tools, is delivered directly to the client’s desktop via our website and/or product-specific portals. Clients typically sign contracts that provide access to our research content for individual users over a defined period of time, which is typically one year.
	There are various products and services through which our clients can take advantage of the insight gained through our rigorous research processes and proprietary methodologies:
	Gartner Executive Programs provides role-based offerings for CIOs which combines the shared intelligence of the largest CIO and IT executive community in the world with customized access to Gartner insight and resources. An Executive Programs membership leverages the knowledge and expertise of Gartner in ways that are specific to the CIO’s needs. This service provides CIOs with the combined value of role-specific insights from Gartner analysts, practical advice from an exclusive community of peers, and expert coaching from a leadership partner. Our Gartner for Enterprise IT Leaders product, which is part of Executive Programs, provides a personalized service consisting of Gartner research, peer-interaction and networking to help CIO direct reports save time and money, mitigate risk and exploit new opportunities. Approximately 4,100 CIOs and senior IT executives are members of Gartner Executive Programs.
	Gartner for IT Leaders provides role-based research to assist functional IT leaders with effective decision making. These products align a client’s specific job-related challenges with appropriate Gartner analysts and insight, and connect IT leaders to IT peers who share common business and technology issues. Gartner for IT Leaders is an indispensable strategic resource, delivering timely, reliable insight to guide decisions and help these clients get the most from their highest-priority initiatives.
	Gartner for Business Leaders provides research offerings for business leaders in technology providers and telecommunications companies—including product and marketing management, competitive intelligence and analyst relations professionals—to achieve a higher level of success in growing their business.
	Gartner Industry Advisory Services address technology issues and topics with a focus on their impact on specific vertical industries. This service is for CIOs, CTOs, and other senior IT executives.
	Gartner for Supply Chain Leaders delivers objective, actionable insight and best practices around key supply chain initiatives to help supply chain operations professionals build, manage and transform their global supply chains — maximizing productivity,

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	minimizing risks and driving revenue and competitive advantage. We also offer sector-specific supply chain guidance for eight industries: aerospace, automotive, consumer products, chemical and process manufacturing, healthcare and life sciences, high-tech manufacturing, industrial manufacturing, and retail.
	Gartner for Enterprise Supply Chain Leaders provides senior supply chain executives (in large, complex enterprises) with the same in-depth insight and best practice research as Gartner for Supply Chain Leaders, plus ongoing expert coaching from a trusted advisor and the ability to confer, collaborate and compare notes with a vibrant community of experienced peers.
	Gartner for Technical Professionals provides technical architects and engineers with the in-depth technical research and guidance to deliver outstanding results on the projects and initiatives that support the successful execution of IT strategy.
	Gartner Invest portfolio delivers technology research and analysis to buy-side investment professionals, including those in public equity, venture capital, private equity and investment banking to support the activities of investors interested in technology. Content is built around a base of published qualitative and quantitative Gartner research that captures both the supply- and demand-side perspectives of IT, and contains unique insight.
•	CONSULTING. Gartner Consulting brings together our unique research insight: benchmarking data, problem-solving methodologies and hands-on experience to improve the return on a client’s IT investment. Our consultants provide fact-based consulting services to help clients use and manage IT to enable business performance.
	Consulting solutions capitalize on Gartner assets that are invaluable to IT decision making, including: (1) our extensive research, which ensures that our consulting analyses and advice are based on a deep understanding of the IT environment and the business of IT; (2) our market independence, which keeps our consultants focused on our client’s success; and (3) our market-leading benchmarking capabilities, which provide relevant comparisons and best practices to assess and improve performance.
	Gartner Consulting provides solutions to CIO’s and other IT executives, and to those professionals responsible for IT applications, enterprise architecture, go-to-market strategies, infrastructure and operations, programs and portfolio management and sourcing and vendor relationships. Consulting also provides targeted consulting services to professionals in the banking and investment services, education, energy and utilities, government, healthcare providers and high-tech and telecom providers that utilize our in-depth knowledge of the demands of each industry. Finally, we provide actionable solutions for IT cost optimization, technology modernization and IT sourcing optimization initiatives.
•	EVENTS. Gartner Symposium/ITxpo events and Gartner Summit events are gatherings of technology’s most senior IT professionals, business strategists and practitioners. Gartner Events gives both clients and non-clients live access to insights from our latest proprietary research in a concentrated way. Informative sessions led by Gartner analysts are augmented with technology showcases, peer exchange opportunities, analyst one-on-one meetings, workshops and keynotes by technology’s top leaders. They also provide attendees with an opportunity to interact with business executives from the world’s leading technology companies.
	Gartner Events attract high-level IT and business professionals who seek in-depth knowledge about technology products and services. Gartner Symposium/ITxpo events are large, strategic conferences held in various locations throughout the world for CIOs and other senior IT and business professionals. Gartner Summit events focus on specific topics, technologies and industries, providing IT professionals with the insight, solutions and networking opportunities to succeed in their job role. Finally, we offer targeted events for CIOs and IT executives, such as CIO Leadership Forum.

COMPETITION

We believe that the principal factors that differentiate us from our competitors are the following:

• Superior IT research content — We believe that we create the broadest, highest-quality and most relevant research coverage of the IT industry. Our research analysis generates unbiased insight that we believe is timely, thought-provoking and comprehensive, and that is known for its high quality, independence and objectivity.

• Our leading brand name — We have provided critical, trusted insight under the Gartner name for almost 35 years.

• Our global footprint and established customer base — We have a global presence with clients in 85 countries on six continents. For 2011 and 2010, 46% and 44% of our revenues, respectively, were derived from sales outside of the U.S.

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• Substantial operating leverage in our business model — We have the ability to distribute our intellectual property and expertise across multiple platforms, including research publications, consulting engagements, conferences and executive programs, to derive incremental revenues and profitability.

• Experienced management team — Our management team is composed of IT research veterans and experienced industry executives.

• Vast network of analysts and consultants — As of December 31, 2011, we had 1,295 research analysts and consultants located around the world. Our analysts collectively speak 47 languages and are located in 26 countries, enabling us to cover all aspects of IT on a global basis.

Notwithstanding these differentiating factors, we face competition from a significant number of independent providers of information products and services. We compete indirectly against consulting firms and other information providers, including electronic and print media companies. These indirect competitors could choose to compete directly with us in the future. In addition, we face competition from free sources of information that are available to our clients through the Internet. Limited barriers to entry exist in the markets in which we do business. As a result, new competitors may emerge and existing competitors may start to provide additional or complementary services. However, we believe the breadth and depth of our research assets position us well versus our competition. Increased competition may result in loss of market share, diminished value in our products and services, reduced pricing and increased sales and marketing expenditures.

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

Our success has resulted in part from proprietary methodologies, software, reusable knowledge capital and other intellectual property rights. We rely on a combination of copyright, trademark, trade secret, confidentiality, non-compete and other contractual provisions to protect our intellectual property rights. We have policies related to confidentiality, ownership and the use and protection of Gartner’s intellectual property, and we also enter into agreements with our employees as appropriate that protect our intellectual property, and we enforce these agreements if necessary.

We recognize the value of our intellectual property in the marketplace and vigorously identify, create and protect it. Additionally, we actively monitor and enforce contract compliance by our end users.

EMPLOYEES

As of December 31, 2011, we had 4,975 employees, an increase of 12% compared to December 31, 2010 as we continue to invest for future growth. We have 924 employees located at our headquarters in Stamford, Connecticut and a nearby office in Trumbull; 2,000 employees located elsewhere in the United States; and 2,051 employees located outside of the United States. Our employees may be subject to collective bargaining agreements at a company or industry level in those foreign countries where this is part of the local labor law or practice. We have experienced no work stoppages and consider our relations with our employees to be favorable.

AVAILABLE INFORMATION

Our Internet address is www.gartner.com and the investor relations section of our website is located at www.investor.gartner.com. We make available free of charge, on or through the investor relations section of our website, printable copies of our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).

Also available at www.investor.gartner.com, under the “Corporate Governance” link, are printable and current copies of our (i) CEO & CFO Code of Ethics which applies to our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, controller and other financial managers, (ii) Code of Conduct, which applies to all Gartner officers, directors and employees, (iii) Board Principles and Practices, the corporate governance principles that have been adopted by our Board and (iv) charters for each of the Board’s standing committees: Audit, Compensation and Governance/Nominating.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

We operate in a highly competitive and rapidly changing environment that involves numerous risks and uncertainties, some of which are beyond our control. In addition, we and our clients are affected by global economic conditions. The following sections discuss many, but not all, of the risks and uncertainties that may affect our future performance, but is not intended to be all-inclusive. Any of the risks described below could have a material adverse impact on our business, prospects, results of operations, financial condition,

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and cash flows, and could therefore have a negative effect on the trading price of our common stock. Additionally risks not currently known to us or that we now deem immaterial may also harm us and negatively affect your investment.

Risks related to our business

Our operating results could be negatively impacted by global economic conditions. Our business is impacted by general economic conditions, both domestic and abroad. The global credit crisis and economic recession that began in 2008 contributed to significant slowdowns and uncertainty in global trade and economic activity, which continue through today. In addition, difficulties related to the refinancing of sovereign debt, especially in Europe, could negatively and materially affect demand for our products and services. Such difficulties could include the ability to maintain client retention, wallet retention and consulting utilization rates, achieve contract value and consulting backlog growth, attract attendees and exhibitors to our events or obtain new clients. Such developments could negatively impact our financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.

We face significant competition and our failure to compete successfully could materially adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition. We face direct competition from a significant number of independent providers of information products and services, including information available on the Internet free of charge. We also compete indirectly against consulting firms and other information providers, including electronic and print media companies, some of which may have greater financial, information gathering and marketing resources than we do. These indirect competitors could also choose to compete directly with us in the future. In addition, limited barriers to entry exist in the markets in which we do business. As a result, additional new competitors may emerge and existing competitors may start to provide additional or complementary services. Additionally, technological advances may provide increased competition from a variety of sources.

There can be no assurance that we will be able to successfully compete against current and future competitors and our failure to do so could result in loss of market share, diminished value in our products and services, reduced pricing and increased marketing expenditures. Furthermore, we may not be successful if we cannot compete effectively on quality of research and analysis, timely delivery of information, customer service, and the ability to offer products to meet changing market needs for information and analysis, or price.

We may not be able to maintain our existing products and services. We operate in a rapidly evolving market, and our success depends upon our ability to deliver high quality and timely research and analysis to our clients. Any failure to continue to provide credible and reliable information that is useful to our clients could have a material adverse effect on future business and operating results. Further, if our predictions prove to be wrong or are not substantiated by appropriate research, our reputation may suffer and demand for our products and services may decline. In addition, we must continue to improve our methods for delivering our products and services in a cost-effective manner. Failure to increase and improve our electronic delivery capabilities could adversely affect our future business and operating results.

We may not be able to enhance and develop our existing products and services, or introduce the new products and services that are needed to remain competitive. The market for our products and services is characterized by rapidly changing needs for information and analysis on the IT industry as a whole. The development of new products is a complex and time-consuming process. Nonetheless, to maintain our competitive position, we must continue to enhance and improve our products and services, develop or acquire new products and services, deliver all products and services in a timely manner, and appropriately position and price new products and services relative to the marketplace and our costs of producing them. Any failure to achieve successful client acceptance of new products and services could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial position. Additionally, significant delays in new product or services releases or significant problems in creating new products or services could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial position.

We depend on renewals of subscription-based services and sales of new subscription-based services for a significant portion of our revenue, and our failure to renew at historical rates or generate new sales of such services could lead to a decrease in our revenues. A large portion of our success depends on our ability to generate renewals of our subscription-based research products and services and new sales of such products and services, both to new clients and existing clients. These products and services constituted 69% and 67% of our revenues for 2011 and 2010, respectively. Generating new sales of our subscription-based products and services, both to new and existing clients, is often a time consuming process. If we are unable to generate new sales, due to competition or other factors, our revenues will be adversely affected.

Our research subscription agreements are generally for twelve months. Our ability to maintain contract renewals is subject to numerous factors, including the following:

• delivering high-quality and timely analysis and advice to our clients;

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• understanding and anticipating market trends and the changing needs of our clients; and

• delivering products and services of the quality and timeliness necessary to withstand competition.

Additionally, as we continue to adjust our products and service offerings to meet our clients’ continuing needs, we may shift the type and pricing of our products which may impact client renewal rates. While our research client retention rate was 82% at December 31, 2011 and 83% at December 31, 2010, there can be no guarantee that we will continue to maintain this rate of client renewals.

We depend on non-recurring consulting engagements and our failure to secure new engagements could lead to a decrease in our revenues. Consulting segment revenues constituted 21% of our total revenues for 2011 and 23% for 2010. These consulting engagements typically are project-based and non-recurring. Our ability to replace consulting engagements is subject to numerous factors, including the following:

• delivering consistent, high-quality consulting services to our clients;

• tailoring our consulting services to the changing needs of our clients; and

• our ability to match the skills and competencies of our consulting staff to the skills required for the fulfillment of existing or potential consulting engagements.

Any material decline in our ability to replace consulting arrangements could have an adverse impact on our revenues and our financial condition.

The profitability and success of our conferences, symposia and events could be adversely affected by external factors beyond our control. The market for desirable dates and locations for conferences, symposia and events is highly competitive. If we cannot secure desirable dates and locations for our conferences, symposia and events their profitability could suffer, and our financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected. In addition, because our events are scheduled in advance and held at specific locations, the success of these events can be affected by circumstances outside of our control, such as labor strikes, transportation shutdowns and travel restrictions, economic slowdowns, terrorist attacks, weather, natural disasters and other world events impacting the global economy, the occurrence of any of which could negatively impact the success of the event and as the global economy recovers, our ability to procure space for our events and keep associated costs down could become more challenging.

Our sales to governments are subject to appropriations and may be terminated. We derive significant revenues from contracts with the U.S. government and its respective agencies, numerous state and local governments and their respective agencies, and foreign governments and their agencies. At December 31, 2011 and 2010, approximately $225.0 million and $210.0 million, respectively, of our Research contract value and Consulting backlog was attributable to governments. We believe substantially all of the amount attributable to governments at December 31, 2011 will be filled in 2012. Our U.S. government contracts are subject to the approval of appropriations by the U.S. Congress to fund the agencies contracting for our services, and our contracts at the state and local levels are subject to various government authorizations and funding approvals and mechanisms. In general, most if not all of these contracts may be terminated at any time without cause (“termination for convenience”). Additionally, many state governments, their agencies, and municipalities across the United States are under severe financial strain and are considering significant budget cuts. Should appropriations for the governments and agencies that contract with us be curtailed, or should government contracts be terminated for convenience, we may experience a significant loss of segment and consolidated revenues.

We may not be able to attract and retain qualified personnel which could jeopardize the quality of our products and services. Our success depends heavily upon the quality of our senior management, research analysts, consultants, sales and other key personnel. We face competition for the limited pool of these qualified professionals from, among others, technology companies, market research firms, consulting firms, financial services companies and electronic and print media companies, some of which have a greater ability to attract and compensate these professionals. Some of the personnel that we attempt to hire are subject to non-compete agreements that could impede our short-term recruitment efforts. Any failure to retain key personnel or hire and train additional qualified personnel as required to support the evolving needs of clients or growth in our business, could adversely affect the quality of our products and services, as well as future business and operating results.

We may not be able to maintain the equity in our brand name. We believe that our “Gartner” brand, including our independence, is critical to our efforts to attract and retain clients and that the importance of brand recognition will increase as competition increases. We may expand our marketing activities to promote and strengthen the Gartner brand and may need to increase our marketing budget, hire additional marketing and public relations personnel, expend additional sums to protect the brand and otherwise increase

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expenditures to create and maintain client brand loyalty. If we fail to effectively promote and maintain the Gartner brand, or incur excessive expenses in doing so, our future business and operating results could be adversely impacted.

Our international operations expose us to a variety of operational risks which could negatively impact our future revenue and growth. We have clients in 85 countries and a substantial amount of our revenues are earned outside of the U.S.

Our operating results are subject to the risks inherent in international business activities, including general political and economic conditions in each country, changes in market demand as a result of tariffs and other trade barriers, challenges in staffing and managing foreign operations, changes in regulatory requirements, compliance with numerous foreign laws and regulations, differences between U.S. and foreign tax rates and laws, and the difficulty of enforcing client agreements, collecting accounts receivable and protecting intellectual property rights in international jurisdictions. Furthermore, we rely on local distributors or sales agents in some international locations. If any of these arrangements are terminated by our agent or us, we may not be able to replace the arrangement on beneficial terms or on a timely basis, or clients of the local distributor or sales agent may not want to continue to do business with us or our new agent.

Our international operations expose us to volatility in foreign currency exchange rates. Revenues earned outside the U.S. are typically transacted in local currencies, which may fluctuate significantly against the dollar. While we may use forward exchange contracts to a limited extent to seek to mitigate foreign currency risk, our revenues and results of operations could be adversely affected by unfavorable foreign currency fluctuations.

Natural disasters or geo-political events may disrupt our business. A major weather event, terrorist attack, earthquake, flood, volcanic activity, or other catastrophic disaster could significantly disrupt our operations. Such events could cause delays in initiating or completing sales, impede delivery of our products and services to our clients, disrupt other critical client-facing and business processes, or dislocate our critical internal functions. Our corporate headquarters is located approximately 30 miles from New York City, which was the site of a major terrorist attack in 2001, and we have an operations center located in Ft. Myers, Florida, a hurricane-prone area. We also operate in numerous international locations, and we have offices in a number of major cities across the globe. Abrupt political change, terrorist activity, and armed conflict pose a risk of general economic disruption in affected countries and regions, which may negatively impact our sales and increase our operating costs. Additionally, these conditions also may add uncertainty to the timing and budget decisions of our clients. Such events could significantly harm our ability to conduct normal business operations and negatively impact our financial condition and/or operating results.

Internet and critical internal computer system failures, cyber-attacks, or compromises of our systems or security could damage our reputation and harm our business. A significant portion of our business is conducted over the Internet and we rely heavily on computer systems. A cyber-attack, widespread Internet failure, or disruption of our critical information technology systems through viruses or otherwise could cause delays in initiating or completing sales, impede delivery of our products and services to our clients, disrupt other critical client-facing or business processes, or dislocate our critical internal functions. Such events could significantly harm our ability to conduct normal business operations and negatively impact our financial condition and/or operating results.

We take steps generally acknowledged as standard for the industry to secure our management information systems, including our computer systems, intranet, proprietary websites, email and other telecommunications and data networks, and we carefully scrutinize the security of outsourced website and service providers prior to retaining their services. However, the security measures implemented by us or by our outside service providers may not be effective and our systems (and those of our outside service providers) may be vulnerable to theft, loss, damage and interruption from a number of potential sources and events, including unauthorized access or security breaches, cyber-attacks, computer viruses, power loss, or other disruptive events. Our reputation, brand, financial condition and/or operating results could be adversely affected if, as a result of a significant cyber event or other technology-related catastrophe, our operations are disrupted or shutdown; our confidential, proprietary information is stolen or disclosed; we incur costs or are required to pay fines in connection with stolen customer, employee, or other confidential information; we are required to dedicate significant resources to system repairs or increase cyber security protection; or we otherwise incur significant litigation or other costs as a result of these occurrences.

We may experience outages and disruptions of our online services if we fail to maintain an adequate operations infrastructure. Our increasing user traffic and complexity of our products and services demand more computing power. We have spent and expect to continue to spend substantial amounts to maintain data centers and equipment and to upgrade our technology and network infrastructure to handle increased traffic on our websites. However, any inefficiencies or operational failures could diminish the quality of our products, services, and user experience, resulting in damage to our reputation and loss of current and potential users, subscribers, and advertisers, harming our operating results and financial condition.

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Our outstanding debt obligation could impact our financial condition or future operating results. We have a credit agreement that provides for a five-year, $200.0 million term loan and a $400.0 million revolving credit facility. The credit arrangement contains an expansion feature by which the term loan and revolving facility may be increased, at our option and under certain conditions, by up to an additional $150.0 million in the aggregate which may or may not be available to us depending upon prevailing credit market conditions.

The affirmative, negative and financial covenants of the credit arrangement could limit our future financial flexibility. Additionally, a failure to comply with these covenants could result in acceleration of all amounts outstanding under the arrangement, which would materially impact our financial condition unless accommodations could be negotiated with our lenders. No assurance can be given that we would be successful in doing so in this current financial climate, or that any accommodations that we were able to negotiate would be on terms as favorable as those presently contained in the credit arrangement. The associated debt service costs of this credit arrangement could impair our future operating results. The outstanding debt may limit the amount of cash or additional credit available to us, which could restrain our ability to expand or enhance products and services, respond to competitive pressures or pursue future business opportunities requiring substantial investments of additional capital.

We may require additional cash resources which may not be available on favorable terms or at all. We believe that our existing cash balances, projected cash flow from operations, and the borrowing capacity we have under our revolving credit facility will be sufficient to fund our plans for the next 12 months and the foreseeable future.

However, we may require additional cash resources due to changed business conditions, implementation of our strategy and stock repurchase program, to repay indebtedness or to pursue future business opportunities requiring substantial investments of additional capital. If our existing financial resources are insufficient to satisfy our requirements, we may seek additional borrowings. Prevailing credit market conditions may negatively affect debt availability and cost, and, as a result, financing may not be available in amounts or on terms acceptable to us, if at all. In addition, the incurrence of additional indebtedness would result in increased debt service obligations and could require us to agree to operating and financial covenants that would further restrict our operations.

If we are unable to enforce and protect our intellectual property rights our competitive position may be harmed. We rely on a combination of copyright, trademark, trade secret, confidentiality, non-compete and other contractual provisions to protect our intellectual property rights. Despite our efforts to protect our intellectual property rights, unauthorized third parties may obtain and use technology or other information that we regard as proprietary. Our intellectual property rights may not survive a legal challenge to their validity or provide significant protection for us. The laws of certain countries, particularly in emerging markets, do not protect our proprietary rights to the same extent as the laws of the United States. Accordingly, we may not be able to protect our intellectual property against unauthorized third-party copying or use, which could adversely affect our competitive position. Our employees are subject to non-compete agreements. When the non-competition period expires, former employees may compete against us. If a former employee chooses to compete against us prior to the expiration of the non-competition period, we seek to enforce these non-compete provisions but there is no assurance that we will be successful in our efforts. Additionally, there can be no assurance that another party will not assert that we have infringed its intellectual property rights.

We have grown, and may continue to grow, through acquisitions and strategic investments, which could involve substantial risks. We have made and may continue to make acquisitions of, or significant investments in, businesses that offer complementary products and services. The risks involved in each acquisition or investment include the possibility of paying more than the value we derive from the acquisition, dilution of the interests of our current stockholders or decreased working capital, increased indebtedness, the assumption of undisclosed liabilities and unknown and unforeseen risks, the ability to retain key personnel of the acquired company, the inability to integrate the business of the acquired company, the time to train the sales force to market and sell the products of the acquired business, the potential disruption of our ongoing business and the distraction of management from our business. The realization of any of these risks could adversely affect our business. Additionally, we face competition in identifying acquisition targets and consummating acquisitions.

We face risks related to litigation. We are, and may in the future be, subject to a variety of legal actions, such as employment, breach of contract, intellectual property-related, and business torts, including claims of unfair trade practices and misappropriation of trade secrets. Given the nature of our business, we are also subject to defamation (including libel and slander), negligence, or other claims relating to the information we publish. Regardless of the merits, responding to any such claim could be time consuming, result in costly litigation and require us to enter into settlements, royalty and licensing agreements which may not be offered or available on reasonable terms. If a successful claim is made against us and we fail to settle the claim on reasonable terms, our business, results of operations or financial position could be materially adversely affected.

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We face risks related to taxation. We operate in numerous domestic and foreign taxing jurisdictions and our level of operations and profitability in each jurisdiction may have an impact upon the amount of income taxes that we recognize in any given year. In addition, our tax filings for various tax years are subject to audit by the tax authorities in jurisdictions where we conduct business, and in the ordinary course of business, we may be under audit by one or more tax authorities from time to time. These audits may result in assessments of additional taxes, and resolution of these matters involves uncertainties and there are no assurances that the ultimate resolution will not exceed the amounts we have recorded. Additionally, the results of an audit could have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations, or cash flows in the period or periods for which that determination is made.

The Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) has completed its examination of the federal income tax return of the Company for the tax year ended December 31, 2007. In December 2010, the Company received a report of the audit findings. The Company disagrees with certain of the proposed adjustments and is disputing this matter through applicable IRS and judicial procedures, as appropriate. In addition, in the second quarter of 2011 the IRS commenced an audit of the Company’s 2008 and 2009 tax years. The Company continues to comply with all information requests and no material adjustments of the Company’s tax positions have been proposed at this time for the 2008 and 2009 tax years. Although the final resolution of these audits is uncertain and there are no assurances that the ultimate resolution will not exceed the amounts recorded, the Company believes that the ultimate disposition of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial position, cash flows, or results of operations.

Our corporate compliance program cannot guarantee that we are in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. We operate in a number of countries, and as a result we are required to comply with numerous, and in many cases, changing international and U.S. federal, state and local laws and regulations. As a result, we have developed and instituted a corporate compliance program which includes the creation of appropriate policies defining employee behavior that mandate adherence to laws, employee training, annual affirmations, monitoring and enforcement. However, if any employee fails to comply with, or intentionally disregards, any of these laws or regulations, a range of liabilities could result for the employee and for the Company, including, but not limited to, significant penalties and fines, sanctions and/or litigation, and the expenses associated with defending and resolving any of the foregoing, any of which could have a material impact on our business.

Risks related to our Common Stock

Our operating results may fluctuate from period to period and may not meet the expectations of securities analysts or investors or guidance we have given, which may cause the price of our Common Stock to decline. Our quarterly and annual operating results may fluctuate in the future as a result of many factors, including the timing of the execution of research contracts, the extent of completion of consulting engagements, the timing of symposia and other events, the amount of new business generated, the mix of domestic and international business, currency fluctuations, changes in market demand for our products and services, the timing of the development, introduction and marketing of new products and services, and competition in the industry. An inability to generate sufficient earnings and cash flow, and achieve our forecasts, may impact our operating and other activities. The potential fluctuations in our operating results could cause period-to-period comparisons of operating results not to be meaningful and may provide an unreliable indication of future operating results. Furthermore, our operating results may not meet the expectations of securities analysts or investors in the future or guidance we have given. If this occurs, the price of our stock would likely decline.

Our stock price may be impacted by factors outside of our control and you may not be able to resell shares of our Common Stock at or above the price you paid. The trading prices of our Common Stock could be subject to significant fluctuations in response to, among other factors, developments in the industries in which we do business, general economic conditions, general market conditions, changes in the nature and composition of our stockholder base, changes in securities analysts’ recommendations regarding our securities and our performance relative to securities analysts’ expectations for any quarterly period. These factors may adversely affect the market price of our Common Stock.

Future sales of our Common Stock in the public market could lower our stock price. Sales of a substantial number of shares of Common Stock in the public market by our current stockholders, or the threat that substantial sales may occur, could cause the market price of our Common Stock to decrease significantly or make it difficult for us to raise additional capital by selling stock. Furthermore, we have various equity incentive plans that provide for awards in the form of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units and other stock-based awards which have the effect of adding shares of Common Stock into the public market.

As of December 31, 2011, the aggregate number of shares of our Common Stock issuable pursuant to outstanding grants and awards under these plans was approximately 6.8 million shares (approximately 2.3 million of which have vested). In addition, approximately 6.5 million shares may be issued in connection with future awards under our equity incentive plans. Shares of Common Stock issued

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under these plans are freely transferable without further registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), except for any shares held by affiliates (as that term is defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act). We cannot predict the size of future issuances of our Common Stock or the effect, if any, that future issuances and sales of shares of our Common Stock will have on the market price of our Common Stock.

Interests of certain of our significant stockholders may conflict with yours. To our knowledge, as of the date of this report and based upon SEC filings, six institutional investors each presently hold over 5% of our Common Stock. While no stockholder or institutional investor individually holds a majority of our outstanding shares, these significant stockholders may be able, either individually or acting together, to exercise significant influence over matters requiring stockholder approval, including the election of directors, amendment of our certificate of incorporation, adoption or amendment of equity plans and approval of significant transactions such as mergers, acquisitions, consolidations and sales or purchases of assets. In addition, in the event of a proposed acquisition of the Company by a third party, this concentration of ownership may delay or prevent a change of control in us. Accordingly, the interests of these stockholders may not always coincide with our interests or the interests of other stockholders, or otherwise be in the best interests of us or all stockholders.

Our anti-takeover protections may discourage or prevent a change of control, even if a change in control would be beneficial to our stockholders. Provisions of our restated certificate of incorporation and bylaws and Delaware law may make it difficult for any party to acquire control of us in a transaction not approved by our Board of Directors. These provisions include:

• the ability of our Board of Directors to issue and determine the terms of preferred stock;

• advance notice requirements for inclusion of stockholder proposals at stockholder meetings; and

• the anti-takeover provisions of Delaware law.

These provisions could discourage or prevent a change of control or change in management that might provide stockholders with a premium to the market price of their Common Stock.

ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS.

There are no unresolved written comments that were received from the SEC staff 180 days or more before the end of our fiscal year relating to our periodic or current reports under the Exchange Act.

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES.

We lease 23 domestic and 44 international offices and we have a significant presence in Stamford, Connecticut, Ft. Myers, Florida and Egham, the United Kingdom. The Company does not currently own any properties.

Our corporate headquarters is located in approximately 213,000 square feet of leased office space in three buildings located in Stamford. This facility also accommodates research and analysis, marketing, sales, client support, production, corporate services, and administration. In 2010, the Company entered into an amended and restated lease agreement for the Stamford headquarters facility that provides for a term of fifteen years. The amended lease also grants the Company three options to renew the lease at fair market value for five years each, an option to purchase the facility at fair market value, and $25.0 million to be provided by the landlord to renovate the three buildings and the parking areas comprising the facility. The renovation work commenced in 2011 and is expected to be completed in late 2012.

Our Ft. Myers operations were located in 62,400 square feet of leased office space until early 2012, at which time we completely moved our operations to a new, expanded facility nearby consisting of approximately 120,000 square feet of leased office space located in one building for which the lease will expire in 2026. Our Egham location has approximately 72,000 square feet of leased office space in two buildings for which the leases expire in 2020 and 2025, respectively. Our other domestic and international locations support our research, consulting, domestic and international sales efforts, and other functions.

We continue to constantly assess our space needs as our business changes. We believe that our existing facilities and the expanded space in Ft. Myers will be adequate for our current and foreseeable needs. Should additional space be necessary, we believe that it will be available.

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ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.

We are involved in various legal and administrative proceedings and litigation arising in the ordinary course of business. The outcome of these individual matters is not predictable at this time. However, we believe that the ultimate resolution of these matters, after considering amounts already accrued and insurance coverage, will not have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations, or cash flows in future periods.

PART II

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES.

Our Common Stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol IT. As of January 31, 2012, there were 2,281 holders of record of our Common Stock. Our 2012 Annual Meeting of Stockholders will be held on June 7, 2012 at the Company’s corporate headquarters in Stamford, Connecticut. We did not submit any matter to a vote of our stockholders during the fourth quarter of 2011.

The following table sets forth the high and low sale prices for our Common Stock as reported on the New York Stock Exchange for the periods indicated:

	2011				2010
	High		Low		High		Low
Quarter ended March 31	$	41.68	$	33.11	$	24.75	$	18.07
Quarter ended June 30		43.39		35.79		26.58		21.73
Quarter ended September 30		41.87		31.98		29.99		22.72
Quarter ended December 31		41.09		32.24		34.00		29.54

DIVIDEND POLICY

We currently do not pay cash dividends on our Common Stock. In addition, our 2010 Credit Agreement contains a negative covenant which may limit our ability to pay dividends.

SECURITIES AUTHORIZED FOR ISSUANCE UNDER EQUITY COMPENSATION PLANS

The equity compensation plan information set forth in Part III, Item 12 of this Form 10-K is hereby incorporated by reference into this Part II, Item 5.

SHARE REPURCHASES

The Company has a $500.0 million share repurchase program, of which $293.5 million remained available as of December 31, 2011. Repurchases may be made from time-to-time through open market purchases, private transactions, tender offers or other transactions. The amount and timing of repurchases will be subject to the availability of stock, prevailing market conditions, the trading price of the stock, the Company’s financial performance and other conditions. Repurchases may also be made from time-to-time in connection with the settlement of the Company’s shared-based compensation awards. Repurchases will be funded from cash flow from operations or borrowings.

The following table provides detail related to repurchases of our Common Stock in the three months ended December 31, 2011 pursuant to our share repurchase program and pursuant to the settlement of share-based compensation awards:

Period	Total Number of Shares Purchased (#)		Average Price Paid Per Share ($)		Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs (#)		Maximum Approximate Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs ($000’s)
October		250,836	$	35.77		250,836
November		38,075		38.30		38,075
December (1)		1,714,806		35.19		1,714,806
Total (2)		2,003,717	$	35.32		2,003,717	$	293,470

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(1)	Includes 1,648,434 shares the Company repurchased directly from ValueAct Capital Master Fund, L.P. pursuant to a stock purchase agreement entered into in December 2011 at a price of $35.20 per share. The total cost of the repurchase was $58.0 million.
(2)	For the year ended December 31, 2011, the Company repurchased 5,890,238 shares for a total cost of $212.0 million.

ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

The fiscal years presented below are for the respective twelve-month period from January 1 through December 31. Data for all years was derived or compiled from our audited consolidated financial statements included herein or from submissions of our Form 10-K in prior years. The selected consolidated financial data should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

(In thousands, except per share data)	2011		2010		2009		2008			2007
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
Revenues:
Research	$	1,012,062	$	865,000	$	752,505	$	781,581		$	683,380
Consulting		308,047		302,117		286,847		347,404			325,030
Events		148,479		121,337		100,448		150,080			160,065
Total revenues		1,468,588		1,288,454		1,139,800		1,279,065			1,168,475
Operating income		214,062		149,265		134,477		164,368			129,458
Income from continuing operations		136,902		96,285		82,964		97,148			70,666
Income from discontinued operations		—		—		—		6,723			2,887
Net income	$	136,902	$	96,285	$	82,964	$	103,871		$	73,553
PER SHARE DATA:
Basic:
Income from continuing operations	$	1.43	$	1.01	$	0.88	$	1.02		$	0.68
Income from discontinued operations		—		—		—		0.07			0.03
Income per share	$	1.43	$	1.01	$	0.88	$	1.09		$	0.71
Diluted:
Income from continuing operations	$	1.39	$	0.96	$	0.85	$	0.98		$	0.65
Income from discontinued operations		—		—		—		0.07			0.03
Income per share	$	1.39	$	0.96	$	0.85	$	1.05		$	0.68
Weighted average shares outstanding
Basic		96,019		95,747		94,658		95,246			103,613
Diluted		98,846		99,834		97,549		99,028			108,328
OTHER DATA:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	142,739	$	120,181	$	116,574	$	140,929		$	109,945
Total assets		1,379,872		1,285,658		1,215,279		1,093,065			1,133,210
Long-term debt		150,000		180,000		124,000		238,500			157,500
Stockholders’ equity (deficit)		181,784		187,056		112,535		(21,316	)		17,498

The following items impact the comparability and presentation of our consolidated data:

• In 2011 we repurchased 5.9 million of our common shares under our share repurchase program at a total cost of $212.0 million. We also repurchased 3.9 million, 0.3 million, 9.7 million, and 8.4 million of our common shares in 2010, 2009, 2008, and 2007, respectively (see Note 7 — Stockholders’ Equity in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements).

• In 2010 we refinanced our debt (see Note 5 — Debt in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements). In conjunction with the refinancing, we recorded $3.7 million in incremental pre-tax charges in that year related to the termination of the previous credit arrangement.

• In 2009 we acquired AMR Research, Inc. and Burton Group, Inc. (see Note 2 — Acquisitions in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements). The results of these businesses are included beginning on their respective dates of acquisition. For 2010 and 2009, we recognized $7.9 million and $2.9 million, respectively in pre-tax acquisition and integration charges related to these acquisitions.

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• In 2008 we sold our Vision Events business, which had been part of our Events segment. Accordingly, the results of operations of this business and the related gain on sale were reported as a discontinued operation. The statements of operations and per share data for 2007 in the table have been restated to present the results of this business as a discontinued operation to achieve comparability.

• In 2007 we recorded $9.1 million of pre-tax charges for the settlement of litigation and for severance.

ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.

The purpose of the following Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”) is to help facilitate the understanding of significant factors influencing the operating results, financial condition and cash flows of Gartner, Inc. Additionally, the MD&A also conveys our expectations of the potential impact of known trends, events or uncertainties that may impact future results. You should read this discussion in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes included in this report. Historical results and percentage relationships are not necessarily indicative of operating results for future periods. References to “the Company,” “we,” “our,” and “us” are to Gartner, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries.

The following item impacts the presentation and discussion of results in this MD&A section:

In December 2009 we acquired AMR Research, Inc. (“AMR Research”) and Burton Group, Inc. (“Burton Group”) (see Note 2 — Acquisitions in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements). The operating results of these businesses were included in our consolidated results beginning on their respective dates of acquisition. The results of these businesses were not material to our consolidated or segment results for 2009.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

In addition to historical information, this Annual Report on Form 10-K contains certain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are any statements other than statements of historical fact, including statements regarding our expectations, beliefs, hopes, intentions or strategies regarding the future. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “should,” “could,” “believe,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” “continue,” or other words of similar meaning.

Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in, or implied by, the forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause such a difference include, but are not limited to, those discussed in Part 1, Item 1A, Risk Factors. Readers should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which reflect management’s opinion only as of the date on which they were made. Except as required by law, we disclaim any obligation to review or update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances as they occur. Readers should review carefully any risk factors described in other reports we filed with the SEC.

BUSINESS OVERVIEW

Gartner, Inc. is the world’s leading information technology research and advisory company that helps executives use technology to build, guide and grow their enterprises. We offer independent and objective research and analysis on the information technology, computer hardware, software, communications and related technology industries. We provide comprehensive coverage of the IT industry to thousands of client organizations across the globe. Our client base consists primarily of CIOs and other senior IT and executives from a wide variety of business enterprises, government agencies and the investment community.

We have three business segments: Research, Consulting and Events.

• Research provides objective insight on critical and timely technology and supply chain initiatives for CIOs, other IT professionals, supply chain leaders, technology companies and the investment community through reports, briefings, proprietary tools, access to our analysts, peer networking services, and membership programs that enable our clients to make better decisions about their IT and supply chain investments.

• Consulting provides customized solutions to unique client needs through on-site, day-to-day support, as well as proprietary tools for measuring and improving IT performance with a focus on cost, performance, efficiency, and quality.

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• Events provide IT, supply chain, and business professionals the opportunity to attend various symposia, conferences and exhibitions to learn, contribute and network with their peers. From our flagship event Symposium/ITxpo, to Summits focused on specific technologies and industries, to experimental workshop-style Seminars, our events distill the latest Gartner research into applicable insight and advice.

BUSINESS MEASUREMENTS

We believe the following business measurements are important performance indicators for our business segments:

BUSINESS SEGMENT	BUSINESS MEASUREMENTS
Research	Contract value represents the value attributable to all of our subscription-related research products that recognize revenue on a ratable basis. Contract value is calculated as the annualized value of all subscription research contracts in effect at a specific point in time, without regard to the duration of the contract.
	Client retention rate represents a measure of client satisfaction and renewed business relationships at a specific point in time. Client retention is calculated on a percentage basis by dividing our current clients, who were also clients a year ago, by all clients from a year ago.
	Wallet retention rate represents a measure of the amount of contract value we have retained with clients over a twelve-month period. Wallet retention is calculated on a percentage basis by dividing the contract value of clients, who were clients one year earlier, by the total contract value from a year earlier, excluding the impact of foreign currency exchange. When wallet retention exceeds client retention, it is an indication of retention of higher-spending clients, or increased spending by retained clients, or both.
Consulting	Consulting backlog represents future revenue to be derived from in-process consulting, measurement and strategic advisory services engagements.
	Utilization rate represents a measure of productivity of our consultants. Utilization rates are calculated for billable headcount on a percentage basis by dividing total hours billed by total hours available to bill.
	Billing rate represents earned billable revenue divided by total billable hours.
	Average annualized revenue per billable headcount represents a measure of the revenue generating ability of an average billable consultant and is calculated periodically by multiplying the average billing rate per hour times the utilization percentage times the billable hours available for one year.
Events	Number of events represents the total number of hosted events completed during the period.
	Number of attendees represents the total number of people who attend events.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL POSITION

We have executed a consistent growth strategy since 2005 to drive double-digit annual revenue and earnings growth. The fundamentals of our strategy include a focus on creating extraordinary research content, deliver innovative and highly differentiated product offerings, build a strong sales capability, provide world class client service with a focus on client engagement and retention, and continuously improve our operational effectiveness.

We had total revenues of $1,468.6 million in 2011, an increase of 14% over 2010 while diluted earnings per share increased by $.43 per share, to $1.39. Revenues increased across all of our geographic regions and in all three of our business segments. Excluding the impact of foreign currency, 2011 total revenues increased 11% over 2010.

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Research revenues rose 17% year-over-year, to $1,012.1 million in 2011, which is the first time our Research segment revenues have exceeded one billion dollars. The contribution margin increased 2 points in 2011, to 67%. At December 31, 2011, Research contract value was $1,115.8 million, the highest in the Company’s history, and an increase of 14% over December 31, 2010. Client retention was 82% and wallet retention was 99% at December 31, 2011. Consulting revenues increased 2% over 2010, while the gross contribution margin was 37%. Consultant utilization was 65% for 2011, and we had 481 billable consultants at December 31, 2011 compared to 473 at year-end 2010. Events revenues increased 22% compared to 2010. We held 60 events in 2011, four more than the prior year, while attendance at our events increased 15%, to 42,748. The segment contribution margin was 45% for 2011. For a more detailed discussion of our segment results, see Segment Results below.

Gartner generated almost $256.0 million of cash from operating activities in 2011, an increase of 24% over 2010. Excluding the $9.0 million in landlord reimbursements we received in 2011 related to the renovation of our Stamford headquarters facility, which is recorded as an operating cash flow benefit, our operating cash flow increased 20% year-over-year. We continued to focus on maximizing shareholder value in 2011, and we repurchased 5.9 million of our common shares outstanding, which was approximately 6% of the total common shares outstanding at the beginning of 2011.

We believe that we have adequate liquidity to meet our currently anticipated needs. In addition to our strong operating cash flow, we refinanced our debt in late 2010 to take advantage of favorable financing conditions and to obtain greater financial flexibility and liquidity through a larger revolving credit facility. The credit arrangement provides for a five-year, $200.0 million term loan and a $400.0 million revolving credit facility. As of December 31, 2011, we had $142.7 million of cash and cash equivalents, and we had almost $377.0 million of available borrowing capacity under the revolving credit facility.

FLUCTUATIONS IN QUARTERLY RESULTS

Our quarterly and annual revenue, operating income, and cash flow fluctuate as a result of many factors, including: the timing of our SymposiumITxpo series, which are normally held during the fourth calendar quarter, as well as other events; the amount of new business generated; the mix between domestic and international business; changes in market demand for our products and services; changes in foreign currency rates; the timing of the development, introduction and marketing of our new products and services; competition in the industry; general economic conditions; and other factors. The potential fluctuations in our operating income could cause period-to-period comparisons of operating results not to be meaningful and could provide an unreliable indication of future operating results and cash flows.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

The preparation of financial statements requires the application of appropriate accounting policies and the use of estimates. Our significant accounting policies are described in Note 1 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. Management considers the policies discussed below to be critical to an understanding of our financial statements because their application requires complex and subjective management judgments and estimates. Specific risks for these critical accounting policies are described below.

The preparation of our financial statements also requires us to make estimates and assumptions about future events. We develop our estimates using both current and historical experience, as well as other factors, including the general economic environment and actions we may take in the future. We adjust such estimates when facts and circumstances dictate. However, our estimates may involve significant uncertainties and judgments and cannot be determined with precision. In addition, these estimates are based on our best judgment at a point in time and as such these estimates may ultimately differ from actual results. On-going changes in our estimates could be material and would be reflected in the Company’s financial statements in future periods.

Our critical accounting policies are as follows:

Revenue recognition — Revenue is recognized in accordance with SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 101, Revenue Recognition in Financial Statements (“SAB 101”), and SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 104, Revenue Recognition (“SAB 104”). Revenue is only recognized once all required criteria for revenue recognition have been met. Revenue by significant source is accounted for as follows:

• Research revenues are derived from subscription contracts for research products and are deferred and recognized ratably over the applicable contract term. Fees from research reprints are recognized when the reprint is shipped.

• Consulting revenues are principally generated from fixed fee and time and material engagements. Revenues from fixed fee contracts are recognized on a proportional performance basis. Revenues from time and materials engagements are recognized as work is delivered and/or services are provided. Revenues related to contract optimization contracts are contingent in nature and are only recognized upon satisfaction of all conditions related to their payment.

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• Events revenues are deferred and recognized upon the completion of the related symposium, conference or exhibition.

The majority of research contracts are billable upon signing, absent special terms granted on a limited basis from time to time. All research contracts are non-cancelable and non-refundable, except for government contracts that may have cancellation or fiscal funding clauses. It is our policy to record the entire amount of the contract that is billable as a fee receivable at the time the contract is signed with a corresponding amount as deferred revenue, since the contract represents a legally enforceable claim.

Uncollectible fees receivable — We maintain an allowance for losses which is composed of a bad debt allowance and a sales reserve. Provisions are charged against earnings, either as a reduction in revenues or an increase to expense. The measurement of likely and probable losses and the allowance for losses is based on historical loss experience, aging of outstanding receivables, an assessment of current economic conditions and the financial health of specific clients. This evaluation is inherently judgmental and requires estimates. These valuation reserves are periodically re-evaluated and adjusted as more information about the ultimate collectibility of fees receivable becomes available. Circumstances that could cause our valuation reserves to increase include changes in our clients’ liquidity and credit quality, other factors negatively impacting our clients’ ability to pay their obligations as they come due, and the effectiveness of our collection efforts.

The following table provides our total fees receivable and the related allowance for losses (in thousands):

	December 31,
	2011			2010
Total fees receivable	$	428,293		$	372,018
Allowance for losses		(7,260	)		(7,200	)
Fees receivable, net	$	421,033		$	364,818

Goodwill and other intangible assets — The Company evaluates recorded goodwill in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 350, which requires goodwill to be assessed for impairment at least annually and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. In addition, an impairment evaluation of our amortizable intangible assets may also be performed on a periodic basis should events or circumstances indicate potential impairment. If we determine that the fair value of a reporting unit or an intangible asset is less than its related carrying amount, we must recognize an impairment charge against earnings. Among the factors we consider important that could trigger an impairment review are the following:

• Significant under-performance relative to historical or projected future operating results;

• Significant changes in the manner of our use of acquired assets or the strategy for our overall business;

• Significant negative industry or general economic trends;

• Significant decline in our stock price for a sustained period; and

• Our market capitalization relative to net book value.

Since 2002, the U.S. GAAP goodwill impairment rules required a quantitative approach in which the fair values of our reporting units was determined based on estimates of future business results and market and economic conditions in developing long-term forecasts. In September 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2011-08, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other – Testing Goodwill for Impairment (“ASU No. 2011-08”). ASU No. 2011-08 optionally permits an evaluation of goodwill based on a qualitative assessment of whether it is more likely than not that a reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying amount. As a result of the issuance of ASU No. 2011-08, the required annual goodwill impairment test may now be either quantitative or qualitative in nature, or both. The annual determination of the estimated fair value of reporting unit goodwill, whether quantitative or qualitative, contains judgments and assumptions regarding future trends and events. As a result, both the precision and reliability of the resulting estimates are subject to uncertainty.

In 2010, we completed the required annual goodwill impairment test utilizing the quantitative approach and concluded that the fair values of each of the Company’s reporting units substantially exceeded their respective carrying values. In 2011, we early adopted ASU No. 2011-08 and evaluated reporting unit goodwill utilizing a qualitative assessment. Based on this assessment, the Company believes the fair value of goodwill for each of the Company’s reporting units continue to substantially exceed their respective carrying

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values and thus concluded that it was not necessary to conduct the two-step goodwill impairment test (see Note 1 — Business and Significant Accounting Policies in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional discussion).

Accounting for income taxes — As we prepare our consolidated financial statements, we estimate our income taxes in each of the jurisdictions where we operate. This process involves estimating our current tax expense together with assessing temporary differences resulting from differing treatment of items for tax and accounting purposes. These differences result in deferred tax assets and liabilities, which are included within our consolidated balance sheets. We record a valuation allowance to reduce our deferred tax assets when future realization is in question. We consider the availability of loss carryforwards, existing deferred tax liabilities, future taxable income and ongoing prudent and feasible tax planning strategies in assessing the need for the valuation allowance. In the event we determine that we are able to realize our deferred tax assets in the future in excess of the net recorded amount, an adjustment is made to reduce the valuation allowance and increase income in the period such determination is made. Likewise, if we determine that we will not be able to realize all or part of our net deferred tax asset in the future, an adjustment to the valuation allowance is charged against income in the period such determination is made.

Accounting for stock-based compensation — The Company accounts for stock-based compensation in accordance with FASB ASC Topics 505 and 718, as interpreted by SEC Staff Accounting Bulletins No. 107 (“SAB No. 107”) and No. 110 (“SAB No. 110”). The Company recognizes stock-based compensation expense, which is based on the fair value of the award on the date of grant, over the related service period, net of estimated forfeitures (see Note 8 — Stock-Based Compensation in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements).

Determining the appropriate fair value model and calculating the fair value of stock compensation awards requires the input of certain complex and subjective assumptions, including the expected life of the stock compensation award and the Company’s Common Stock price volatility. In addition, determining the appropriate amount of associated periodic expense requires management to estimate the rate of employee forfeitures and the likelihood of achievement of certain performance targets. The assumptions used in calculating the fair value of stock compensation awards and the associated periodic expense represent management’s best estimates, but these estimates involve inherent uncertainties and the application of judgment. As a result, if factors change and the Company deems it necessary in the future to modify the assumptions it made or to use different assumptions, or if the quantity and nature of the Company’s stock-based compensation awards changes, then the amount of expense may need to be adjusted and future stock compensation expense could be materially different from what has been recorded in the current period.

Restructuring and other accruals — We may record accruals for severance costs, costs associated with excess facilities that we have leased, contract terminations, asset impairments, and other costs as a result of on-going actions we undertake to streamline our organization, reposition certain businesses and reduce ongoing costs. Estimates of costs to be incurred to complete these actions, such as future lease payments, sublease income, the fair value of assets, and severance and related benefits, are based on assumptions at the time the actions are initiated. These accruals may need to be adjusted to the extent actual costs differ from such estimates. In addition, these actions may be revised due to changes in business conditions that we did not foresee at the time such plans were approved.

We also record accruals during the year for our various employee cash incentive programs. Amounts accrued at the end of each reporting period are based on our estimates and may require adjustment as the ultimate amount paid for these incentives are sometimes not known with certainty until after year end.

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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Consolidated Results

The following tables summarize the changes in selected line items in our Consolidated Statements of Operation for the three years ended December 31, 2011 (dollars in thousands):

For the twelve months ended December 31, 2011 and 2010:

	Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2011			Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2010			Income Increase (Decrease) $			Income Increase (Decrease) %
Total revenues	$	1,468,588		$	1,288,454		$	180,134			14	%
Costs and expenses:
Cost of services & product development		608,755			552,238			(56,517	)		(10	)%
Selling, general and administrative		613,707			543,174			(70,533	)		(13	)%
Depreciation		25,539			25,349			(190	)		(1	)%
Amortization of intangibles		6,525			10,525			4,000			38	%
Acquisition & integration charges		—			7,903			7,903			100	%
Operating income		214,062			149,265			64,797			43	%
Interest expense, net		(9,967	)		(15,616	)		5,649			36	%
Other (expense) income, net		(1,911	)		436			(2,347	)		>(100	)%
Provision for income taxes		(65,282	)		(37,800	)		(27,482	)		(73	)%
Net income	$	136,902		$	96,285		$	40,617			42	%

For the twelve months ended December 31, 2010 and 2009:

	Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2010			Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2009 (1)			Income Increase (Decrease) $			Income Increase (Decrease) %
Total revenues	$	1,288,454		$	1,139,800		$	148,654			13	%
Costs and expenses:
Cost of services & product development		552,238			498,363			(53,875	)		(11	)%
Selling, general and administrative		543,174			477,003			(66,171	)		(14	)%
Depreciation		25,349			25,387			38			—	%
Amortization of intangibles		10,525			1,636			(8,889	)		>(100	)%
Acquisition & integration charges		7,903			2,934			(4,969	)		>(100	)%
Operating income		149,265			134,477			14,788			11	%
Interest expense, net		(15,616	)		(16,032	)		416			3	%
Other income (expense), net		436			(2,919	)		3,355			>100	%
Provision for income taxes		(37,800	)		(32,562	)		(5,238	)		(16	)%
Net income	$	96,285		$	82,964		$	13,321			16	%

(1) In December 2009 we acquired AMR Research and Burton Group. The operating results of these businesses have been included in our consolidated results of operations beginning on their respective dates of acquisition. The results of these businesses were not material to the Company’s 2009 consolidated operating results.

2011 VERSUS 2010

TOTAL REVENUES for the twelve months ended December 31, 2011 increased $180.1 million, or 14%, compared to the twelve months ended December 31, 2010. Total revenues increased 11% excluding the impact of foreign currency. Revenues increased across all of our geographic regions and in all three of our business segments on a reported basis.

An overview of our results by geographic region follows:

• Revenues from sales to United States and Canadian clients increased 12%, to $861.5 million in 2011 from $765.8 million in 2010.

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• Revenues from sales to clients in Europe, the Middle East and Africa increased to $437.2 million in 2011 from $380.8 million in 2010, a 15% increase.

• Revenues from sales to clients in our Other International region increased 20%, to $169.9 million in 2011 from $141.9 million in 2010.

An overview of our results by segment follows:

• Research revenues increased 17% in 2011, to $1,012.1 million compared to $865.0 million in 2010, and comprised 69% and 67% of our total revenues in 2011 and 2010, respectively.

• Consulting revenues increased 2% in 2011, to $308.0 million compared to $302.1 million in 2010, and comprised approximately 21% and 23% of our total revenues in 2011 and 2010, respectively.

• Events revenues increased 22% in 2011, to $148.5 million compared to $121.3 million in 2010, and comprised approximately 10% of total revenues in both 2011 and 2010.

Please refer to the section of this MD&A below entitled “Segment Results” for a further discussion of revenues and results by segment.

COST OF SERVICES AND PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT (“COS”) expense increased 10% in 2011, or $56.5 million, to $608.8 million compared to $552.2 million in 2010. Approximately half of the increase was due to higher payroll and related benefits costs resulting from our investment in additional headcount and merit salary increases. The rest of the increase was primarily due to the negative impact of foreign currency translation, as well as incremental expenses and additional investment in the Events business. Cost of services and product development as a percentage of revenues improved by 2 points year-over-year, primarily driven by higher research revenues and the operating leverage inherent in our Research business.

SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE (“SG&A”) expense increased by $70.5 million in 2011, or 13%, to $613.7 million from $543.2 million in 2010. The increase was primarily due to higher payroll and to a lesser extent, the negative impact of foreign currency translation. Excluding the unfavorable impact of foreign exchange, SG&A expense increased 11% year-over-year. The higher payroll costs resulted from additional investment in headcount, as well as higher sales commissions and merit salary increases. The increased headcount was primarily due to our investment in additional quota-bearing sales associates, which increased 21% compared to December 31, 2010.

DEPRECIATION expense increased slightly year-over-year. Capital spending increased to $42.0 million in 2011 from $21.7 million in 2010. The $42.0 million of capital expenditures in 2011 included $9.5 million of expenditures related to the renovation of our Stamford headquarters facility, of which $9.0 million was reimbursed by our landlord in 2011 and $0.5 million will be reimbursed in 2012 (see Note 1 — Business and Significant Accounting Policies in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information).

AMORTIZATION OF INTANGIBLES decreased 38% year-over-year due to certain intangibles becoming fully amortized in 2010.

ACQUISITION AND INTEGRATION CHARGES was zero in 2011 and $7.9 million in 2010. These charges related to the acquisitions of AMR Research and Burton Group in December 2009 and included legal, consulting, severance, and other costs.

OPERATING INCOME increased $64.8 million year-over-year, or 43%, to $214.1 million in 2011 from $149.3 million in 2010. Operating income as a percentage of revenues improved by 3 points year-over-year, to 15% in 2011 compared to 12% in 2010, primarily due to a significantly higher segment contribution from the Research business and to a lesser extent, lower intangible amortization and acquisition and integration charges.

Please refer to the section of this MD&A entitled “Segment Results” below for a further discussion of revenues and results by segment.

INTEREST EXPENSE, NET was $10.0 million in 2011 compared to $15.6 million in 2010, a 36% decline. The $15.6 million of interest expense in 2010 included $3.7 million of incremental expense related to the refinancing of our debt (See Note 5 — Debt in the

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Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements). Excluding the $3.7 million incremental charge, Interest expense, net declined approximately 15% year-over-year, primarily due to a lower average amount of debt outstanding, which declined to $220.0 million in 2011 from $326.0 million in 2010.

OTHER (EXPENSE) INCOME, NET was $(1.9) million in 2011, which primarily consisted of net foreign currency exchange losses, and $0.4 million in 2010, which consisted of a $2.4 million gain from an insurance recovery related to a prior period loss, offset by net foreign currency exchange losses.

PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES was $65.3 million in 2011 compared to $37.8 million in 2010 and the effective tax rate was 32.3% for 2011 compared to 28.2% for 2010. The lower effective tax rate in 2010 was primarily attributable to the release of valuation allowances relating to certain net operating losses.

NET INCOME was $136.9 million in 2011 and $96.3 million in 2010, an increase of $40.6 million, or 42%, primarily due to a substantially higher operating income, which was partially offset by higher income tax charges. Basic earnings per share increased 42% year-over-year while diluted earnings per share increased 45% due to the higher net income.

2010 VERSUS 2009

TOTAL REVENUES for the twelve months ended December 31, 2010 increased $148.7 million, or 13%, compared to the twelve months ended December 31, 2009. Revenues increased across all of our geographic regions and in all three of our business segments. Total revenues were also up 13% excluding the impact of foreign currency, which had an immaterial impact year-over-year.

An overview of our results by geographic region follows:

• Revenues from sales to United States and Canadian clients increased 15%, to $765.8 million in 2010 from $663.8 million in 2009, with a substantial portion of the increase due to the AMR Research and Burton Group businesses, which the Company acquired in December 2009.

• Revenues from sales to clients in Europe, the Middle East and Africa increased to $380.8 million in 2010 from $360.8 million in 2009, a 6% increase.

• Revenues from sales to clients in our Other International region increased 23%, to $141.9 million in 2010 from $115.2 million in 2009.

An overview of our results by segment follows:

• Research revenues increased 15% in 2010, to $865.0 million compared to $752.5 million in 2009, and comprised 67% and 66% of our total revenues in 2010 and 2009, respectively.

• Consulting revenues increased 5% in 2010 to $302.1 million, compared to $286.8 million in 2009, and comprised approximately 23% and 25% of our total revenues in 2010 and 2009, respectively.

• Events revenues were $121.3 million in 2010, an increase of 21% from $100.4 million in 2009, and comprised approximately 10% and 9% of our total revenues in 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Please refer to the section of this MD&A below entitled “Segment Results” for a further discussion of revenues and results by segment.

COST OF SERVICES AND PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT increased 11% in 2010, or $53.9 million, to $552.2 million compared to $498.4 million in 2009. The impact of foreign currency on the year-over-year increase was not significant. We recognized $36.8 million in higher payroll, commissions, and related personnel costs in 2010, primarily due to the impact of the increased headcount from the AMR Research and Burton Group businesses. We had $12.0 million in higher conference and travel costs in 2010, due to the additional events we held and increased attendees, as well as a general increase in travel activity from the depressed 2009 levels, when the Company had strict travel restrictions in place due to the economic downturn. We also had $2.2 million in higher equity compensation expense due to a higher level of achievement on performance-based stock units.

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Cost of services and product development as a percentage of sales was 43% in 2010 and 44% in 2009, a 1 point improvement, primarily driven by the substantial increase in our fourth quarter 2010 revenues, which increased 16% over the fourth quarter of 2009, and was substantially greater than the increase in the quarterly cost of services.

SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE (“SG&A”) expense increased by $66.2 million in 2010, or 14%, to $543.2 million from $477.0 million in 2009. Excluding the unfavorable impact of foreign exchange, SG&A expense increased 13% year-over-year. We had $47.0 million of higher sales commissions, payroll and benefits, and other personnel charges in 2010, which included the additional headcount costs attributable to the AMR Research and Burton Group businesses. We also had $4.3 million of additional stock-based compensation expense due to the higher level of achievement on performance-based stock units and higher travel charges of $7.1 million, primarily due to additional sales headcount and the loosening of travel restrictions. The unfavorable impact of foreign currency added $3.1 million of additional expense.

DEPRECIATION expense decreased slightly year-over-year. Capital spending increased to $21.7 million in 2010 from $15.1 million in 2009, a 43% increase. The Company had reduced its capital expenditures in 2009 due to the economic downturn.

AMORTIZATION OF INTANGIBLES was $10.5 million in 2010 compared to $1.6 million in 2009. The increase was due to the amortization of the intangibles acquired from AMR Research and Burton Group.

ACQUISITION AND INTEGRATION CHARGES was $7.9 million in 2010 and $2.9 million in 2009. These charges related to the acquisitions of AMR Research and Burton Group and included legal, consulting, severance, and other costs.

OPERATING INCOME increased 11% year-over-year, to $149.3 million in 2010 from $134.5 million in 2009. The increase was due to the significantly higher gross contribution from our three business segments in 2010, which increased 15% year-over-year, to $742.3 million in 2010 from $642.9 million in 2009. The increased gross contribution was partially offset by higher charges in 2010 for SG&A as well as higher intangible amortization and acquisition and integration charges related to our acquisitions. Operating income as a percentage of revenues was 12% for both 2010 and 2009.

Please refer to the section of this MD&A entitled “Segment Results” below for a further discussion of revenues and results by segment.

INTEREST EXPENSE, NET was $15.6 million in 2010 and $16.0 million in 2009, a 3% decline. The 2010 period includes $3.7 million of incremental expense related to the refinancing of our debt in December 2010 (See Note 5 — Debt in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements). Excluding the $3.7 million incremental charge, Interest expense, net would have declined approximately 26% year-over-year, due to lower average debt outstanding and a lower weighted-average rate.

OTHER (EXPENSE) INCOME, NET was $0.4 million in 2010, which consisted of a $2.4 million gain for an insurance recovery related to a prior period loss offset by net foreign currency exchange losses. The $(2.9) expense in 2009 primarily consisted of net foreign currency exchange losses.

PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES was $37.8 million in 2010 compared to $32.6 million in 2009 and the effective tax rate was 28.2% for both periods. Year-over-year increases in the rate attributable to a higher financial statement cost of repatriation and higher net reserve increases were substantially offset by reductions in the rate year-over-year attributable to larger releases of valuation allowances.

NET INCOME was $96.3 million in 2010 and $83.0 million in 2009, an increase of $13.3 million, or 16%, primarily due to a $14.8 million year-over-year increase in operating income. We also had a $0.4 million gain from other income (expense) activity in 2010 compared to a loss of $(2.9) million in 2009, as well as slightly lower interest expense in 2010. These increases were partially offset by higher income tax charges in 2010. Basic earnings per share increased 15% year-over-year while diluted earnings per share increased 13% year-over-year. The increased earnings per share were due to the higher net income in 2010, which was slightly reduced by higher weighted-average shares outstanding in 2010.

SEGMENT RESULTS

We evaluate reportable segment performance and allocate resources based on gross contribution margin. Gross contribution is defined as operating income excluding certain Cost of services and product development charges, SG&A, Depreciation, Acquisition and

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integration charges, and Amortization of intangibles. Gross contribution margin is defined as gross contribution as a percentage of revenues.

The following sections present the results of our three segments:

Research

	2011 vs. 2010								2010 vs. 2009
	As Of AndFor TheTwelve MonthsEndedDecember 31,2011		As Of AndFor theTwelve MonthsEndedDecember 31,2010		Increase (Decrease)		PercentageIncrease (Decrease)		As Of AndFor TheTwelve MonthsEndedDecember 31,2010		As Of AndFor theTwelve MonthsEndedDecember 31,2009		Increase (Decrease)		PercentageIncrease (Decrease)
Financial Measurements: (1)
Revenues (2)	$	1,012,062	$	865,000	$	147,062		17%	$	865,000	$	752,505	$	112,495		15%
Gross contribution (2)	$	682,136	$	564,527	$	117,609		21%	$	564,527	$	489,862	$	74,665		15%
Gross contribution margin		67%		65%		2 points		—		65%		65%		—		—
Business Measurements: (1)
Contract value (2)	$	1,115,801	$	977,710	$	138,091		14%	$	977,710	$	784,443	$	193,267		25%
Client retention		82%		83%		(1) point		—		83%		78%		5 points		—
Wallet retention		99%		98%		1 point		—		98%		87%		11 points		—

(1)	The operating results of AMR Research and Burton Group are included beginning on their respective dates of acquisition in December 2009. The operating results of these businesses were not material to the Research segment in 2009. The 2009 business measurements exclude these acquisitions.
(2)	Dollars in thousands.

2011 VERSUS 2010

Research segment revenues increased 17% in 2011 compared to 2010 and reached the one billion dollar level for the first time. Research revenues increased across all of our regions, products, and client types. Excluding the favorable effect of foreign currency translation, Research segment revenues increased 14%. The segment gross contribution margin increased by 2 points, to 67%, as higher segment revenues and the operating leverage in this business resulted in a higher segment contribution. Contribution margin improved in spite of an 8% increase in headcount to deliver on revenue growth and new clients.

Research contract value increased 14% in 2011, to $1,115.8 million, which is the highest reported contract value in the Company’s history. Foreign currency translation had an immaterial impact year-over-year on contract value. We had double-digit contract value growth in most of our Research product lines, client sizes, and industry groups, with the number of research client organizations we serve up 20% since 2009. We attribute the increase in contract value to our extraordinary research content, our continuing focus on sales effectiveness, and the expansion in the number of our quota-bearing sales associates. Both client retention and wallet retention remained strong at 82% and 99%, respectively.

2010 VERSUS 2009

Research revenues increased 15% in 2010, but excluding the favorable effect of foreign currency translation, revenues increased 14%. Approximately 39% of the $112.5 million revenue increase was attributable to the AMR Research and Burton Group businesses. The segment gross contribution margin was flat at 65%, despite additional headcount expenses from the AMR Research and Burton Group businesses. Research contract value was $977.7 million at December 31, 2010, an increase of 25% compared to December 31, 2009. Excluding the favorable impact of foreign currency translation, research contract value increased 20% over 2009. The AMR Research and Burton Group businesses contributed approximately 30% of the increase in contract value. Client retention and wallet retention improved 5 points and 11 points, respectively.

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Consulting

	2011 vs. 2010									2010 vs. 2009
	As Of AndFor TheTwelve MonthsEndedDecember 31,2011		As Of AndFor theTwelve MonthsEndedDecember 31,2010		Increase (Decrease)			PercentageIncrease (Decrease)		As Of AndFor TheTwelve MonthsEndedDecember 31,2010		As Of AndFor theTwelve MonthsEndedDecember 31,2009		Increase (Decrease)		PercentageIncrease (Decrease)
Financial Measurements: (1)
Revenues (2)	$	308,047	$	302,117	$	5,930			2%	$	302,117	$	286,847	$	15,270		5%
Gross contribution (2)	$	114,838	$	121,885	$	(7,047	)		(6)%	$	121,885	$	112,099	$	9,786		9%
Gross contribution margin		37%		40%		(3) points			—		40%		39%		1 point		—
Business Measurements: (1)
Backlog (2)	$	100,564	$	100,839	$	(275	)		—	$	100,839	$	90,891	$	9,948		11%
Billable headcount		481		473		8			2%		473		442		31		7%
Consultant utilization		65%		68%		(3) points			—		68%		68%		—		—
Average annualized revenue per billable headcount (2)	$	424	$	424	$	—			—	$	424	$	409	$	15		4%

(1)	The operating results of AMR Research and Burton Group are included beginning on their respective dates of acquisition in December 2009. The operating results of these businesses were not material to the Consulting segment in 2009. The 2009 business measurements exclude these acquisitions.
(2)	Dollars in thousands.

2011 VERSUS 2010

Consulting revenues increased 2% year-over-year, primarily due to higher revenues in core consulting. Excluding the favorable impact of foreign currency translation, revenues were down slightly. The gross contribution margin declined by 3 points, due to lower utilization in core consulting and higher payroll and benefit costs resulting from merit salary increases and the full year impact in 2011 from the additional headcount we added in the fourth quarter of 2010. Backlog was down slightly year-over-year, to $100.6 million at December 31, 2011.

2010 VERSUS 2009

Consulting revenues increased 5% in 2010, but excluding the unfavorable impact of foreign currency translation, revenues increased 6%. The AMR Research and Burton Group businesses added approximately 35% of the revenue increase. The gross contribution margin improved by 1 point, primarily due to additional revenues in our contract optimization and SAS businesses, which have higher margins than core consulting. Consulting billable headcount was 473 at December 31, 2010, an increase of 7% from year-end 2009, with the majority of the additional headcount added in the fourth quarter of 2010. Backlog increased 11% year-over-year with increases across all of our geographic regions.

Events

	2011 vs. 2010								2010 vs. 2009
	As Of AndFor TheTwelve MonthsEndedDecember 31,2011		As Of AndFor theTwelve MonthsEndedDecember 31,2010		Increase (Decrease)		PercentageIncrease (Decrease)		As Of AndFor TheTwelve MonthsEndedDecember 31,2010		As Of AndFor theTwelve MonthsEndedDecember 31,2009		Increase (Decrease)		PercentageIncrease (Decrease)
Financial Measurements: (1)
Revenues (2)	$	148,479	$	121,337	$	27,142		22%	$	121,337	$	100,448	$	20,889		21%
Gross contribution (2)	$	66,265	$	55,884	$	10,381		19%	$	55,884	$	40,945	$	14,939		37%
Gross contribution margin		45%		46%		(1) point		—		46%		41%		5 points		—
Business Measurements: (1)
Number of events		60		56		4		7%		56		54		2		4%
Number of attendees		42,748		37,219		5,529		15%		37,219		30,610		6,609		22%

(1)	The operating results of AMR Research and Burton Group are included beginning on their respective dates of acquisition in December 2009. The operating results of these businesses were not material to the Events segment in 2009. The 2009 business measurements exclude these acquisitions.
(2)	Dollars in thousands.

2011 VERSUS 2010

Events revenues increased 22% year-over-year, or $27.1 million. Excluding the favorable impact of foreign currency translation, revenues increased 21% year-over-year. We held 60 events in 2011, which consisted of 53 ongoing events and 7 new event launches, compared to 56 events in 2010. We discontinued 3 events in 2011 that had been held in prior years.

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The additional revenue we earned in 2011 was attributable to significantly higher revenue at our ongoing events, with double-digit increases in the number of attendees and exhibitors. Average revenue per attendee rose 2% and average revenue per exhibitor increased 5%. Events revenue was strong in the fourth quarter of 2011, rising to $76.4 million, an increase of 22% over the fourth quarter of 2010 and the highest reported fourth quarter revenue in Gartner history. For full year 2011, gross contribution margin decreased 1 point, primarily due to incremental expenses and additional investment in the business to strengthen the portfolio and provide a foundation for future growth.

2010 VERSUS 2009

Events revenues increased $20.9 million in 2010, or 21%, compared to 2009, with little impact from foreign currency translation. We held 2 additional events in 2010, for a total of 56 events, which consisted of 48 ongoing events and 8 new event launches. We discontinued 6 events that had been held in prior years. We had a 22% increase in attendees and a 24% increase in exhibitors, while average revenue increased 12% for attendees but was down slightly for exhibitors. Revenues increased $21.1 million and $5.2 million from our ongoing and new events, respectively, which was partially offset by a $5.4 million revenue loss from discontinued events.

The gross contribution margin increased 5 points, primarily due to higher contribution from our ongoing events, reflecting the strength in attendee volume and average revenue per attendee as well as higher exhibitor volume.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

We finance our operations primarily through cash generated from our on-going operating activities. For 2011, we had operating cash flow of $255.6 million, which was the highest in the Company’s history and an increase of 24% over 2010. As of December 31, 2011, we had $142.7 million of cash and cash equivalents and $376.8 million of available borrowing capacity under our revolving credit facility. We believe that we have adequate liquidity to meet our currently anticipated needs.

Our cash and cash equivalents are held in numerous locations throughout the world. At December 31, 2011, $123.0 million of our cash was held outside the U.S., and approximately one-third of this amount represented unremitted earnings of non-U.S subsidiaries. Under U.S. GAAP accounting rules, no provision for U.S. federal and local taxes is required for these unremitted overseas earnings if the Company intends to reinvest such funds overseas. Our current plans do not demonstrate a need to repatriate these undistributed earnings to fund our U.S. operations or otherwise satisfy our U.S. liquidity needs, and we intend to reinvest these earnings in our non-U.S. operations, except in instances in which the repatriation of these earnings would result in minimal additional tax. As a result, no provision for U.S. federal and state income taxes has been recorded for these unremitted earnings. However, should we decide to repatriate some or all of these unremitted earnings, we may be required to accrue for U.S. taxes as a result, and these charges could be material and would be recorded in future periods.

Changes in cash and cash equivalents

The following tables summarize the changes in cash and cash equivalents for the three years ending December 31, 2011 (in thousands):

	2011 vs. 2010									2010 vs. 2009
	Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2011			Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2010			Increase (Decrease)			Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2010			Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2009			Increase (Decrease)
Cash provided by operating activities	$	255,566		$	205,499		$	50,067		$	205,499		$	161,937		$	43,562
Cash used by investing activities		(41,954	)		(33,845	)		(8,109	)		(33,845	)		(119,665	)		85,820
Cash used in financing activities		(186,559	)		(171,556	)		(15,003	)		(171,556	)		(73,780	)		(97,776	)
Net increase (decrease)		27,053			98			26,955			98			(31,508	)		31,606
Effects of exchange rates		(4,495	)		3,509			(8,004	)		3,509			7,153			(3,644	)
Beginning cash and cash equivalents		120,181			116,574			3,607			116,574			140,929			(24,355	)
Ending cash and cash equivalents	$	142,739		$	120,181		$	22,558		$	120,181		$	116,574		$	3,607

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2011 VERSUS 2010

Operating

Operating cash flow increased by 24%, or $50.1 million, in 2011 compared to 2010. The increase was primarily due to $40.6 million in higher net income and approximately $15.0 million in lower cash payments for acquisition costs, severance, and other costs. We also received $9.0 million in landlord cash reimbursements for capital expenditures on the renovation of our Stamford headquarters facility. These increased cash flows were partially offset by higher cash bonus and commission payments we paid in 2011 due to our stronger financial performance. Excluding the $9.0 million in landlord reimbursements we received in 2011 related to the renovation of our Stamford headquarters facility, our operating cash flow increased 20% year-over-year.

Investing

We used $8.1 million of additional cash in our investing activities in 2011 compared to 2010, due to higher capital expenditures. Capital expenditures were $42.0 million in 2011 compared to $21.7 million in 2010. We also made $12.2 million in payments related to the acquisition of Burton Group in early 2010, which we acquired in December 2009.

The $42.0 million of capital expenditures in the 2011 period included $9.5 million we paid for the renovation of our Stamford headquarters facility, which is fully reimbursable by the landlord. The Company received reimbursement of $9.0 million of this amount in 2011, which is recorded as an operating cash flow benefit. The Company will receive the remaining $0.5 million landlord reimbursement in 2012, which will also be recorded as an operating cash flow benefit when received.

Financing

We used an additional $15.0 million of cash in our financing activities in 2011 compared to 2010, primarily due to additional share repurchases. During 2011, we used $212.0 million for share repurchases, compared to $99.8 million in 2010. The increase in cash used for share repurchases in 2011 was substantially offset by lower debt repayments in 2011 compared to 2010. On a net basis, we repaid $99.8 million of our debt in 2010 and we paid $4.8 million in fees related to our refinancing, compared to $20.1 million of debt repayments in 2011.

2010 VERSUS 2009

Operating

Operating cash flow increased by $43.6 million, or 27%, when comparing 2010 to 2009, primarily due to the $13.3 million year-over-year increase in net income, a $9.0 million decrease in cash payments for income taxes, and a $12.1 million decrease in payments for severance, interest payments on our debt, and excess facilities. We also received $2.4 million in cash in 2010 from an insurance recovery, and approximately $19.8 million of improvements in our working capital accounts, which included improved cash collection on our receivables. Partially offsetting these increases were $8.0 million in acquisition and integration payments made in 2010 related to the acquisitions of AMR Research and Burton Group and $5.0 million more in 2010 bonus payments.

Investing

Cash used in our investing activities declined by $85.8 million in 2010 due to the acquisitions of AMR Research and Burton Group in 2009. We paid $104.5 million in cash for these acquisitions in December 2009 and an additional $12.2 million in January 2010. We used $21.7 million of cash in 2010 for capital expenditures compared to $15.1 million in the 2009 period, an increase of $6.6 million, or 43%.

Financing

Cash used in our financing activities was $97.8 million higher in 2010 compared to 2009, with a total of $171.6 million used in 2010 compared to $73.8 million used in 2009. The additional cash used was due to higher debt repayments and additional share repurchases in 2010.

On a net basis, we repaid $108.8 million of debt in 2010 compared to $87.3 million in the prior year, an increase in cash used of $21.6 million. We used $99.8 million of cash for share repurchases in 2010 compared to $3.7 million in 2009, an increase in cash used of $96.1 million. We also paid $4.8 million in cash in 2010 for fees related to our debt refinancing. Partially offsetting these higher uses of cash was an additional $24.7 million in cash realized from option exercises and excess tax benefits as a higher average stock price in 2010 resulted in a significantly increased number of option exercises.

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OBLIGATIONS AND COMMITMENTS

At December 31, 2011, we had $200.0 million outstanding under our 2010 Credit Agreement which provides for a five-year, $200.0 million term loan and a $400.0 million revolving credit facility. The 2010 Credit Agreement contains an expansion feature by which the term loan and revolving credit facility may be increased, at the Company’s option and under certain conditions, by up to an additional $150.0 million in the aggregate. The term loan will be repaid in 19 consecutive quarterly installments which commenced in March 2011, with the final payment due in December 2015, and may be prepaid at any time without penalty or premium at the Company’s option. The revolving credit facility may be used for loans, and up to $40.0 million may be used for letters of credit. The revolving loans may be borrowed, repaid and re-borrowed until December 2015, at which time all amounts borrowed must be repaid. See Note 5 — Debt in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding the 2010 Credit Agreement.

Cash Commitments

The following table presents our contractual cash commitments due after December 31, 2011 (in thousands):

Commitment Type:	Less Than 1 Year		2-3 Years		4-5 Years		More Than 5 Years		Total
Debt and interest rate swap (1)	$	37,520	$	105,040	$	87,520	$	—	$	230,080
Operating leases (2)		35,810		57,765		29,545		82,530		205,650
Deferred compensation arrangement (3)		2,570		4,550		3,440		17,540		28,100
Stamford leasehold improvements (4)		15,500		—		—		—		15,500
Tax liabilities (5)		1,980		140		—		—		2,120
Other (6)		10,000		8,100		1,800		—		19,900
Totals	$	103,380	$	175,595	$	122,305	$	100,070	$	501,350

(1)	Represents amounts due under the Company’s 2010 Credit Agreement and interest rate swap contract (see Note 5 — Debt in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements). Amounts drawn under the revolving credit arrangement have been classified in the 4-5 Years category since the amounts are not contractually due until December 2015. The Company has a $200.0 million notional interest rate swap that converts the variable interest payments on the debt to a fixed rate, resulting in an effective interest rate on the debt of 3.76% as of December 31, 2011. This rate has been used to estimate the contractual interest due for all periods presented.
(2)	The Company leases various facilities, furniture, and computer equipment. These leases expire between 2012 and 2027.
(3)	Represents the Company’s liability to participants in the supplemental deferred compensation arrangement (see Note 13 — Employee Benefits in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements). Amounts payable to active employees whose payment date is unknown have been included in the More Than 5 Years category since the Company cannot determine when the amounts will be paid.
(4)	The Company has a remaining contractual commitment of $15.5 million for leasehold improvements on its Stamford headquarters facility (see Property, equipment and leasehold improvements in Note 1 — Business and Significant Accounting Policies). The $15.5 million commitment is contractually reimbursable from the Company’s landlord.
(5)	Includes interest and penalties. In addition to the $2.1 million liability, approximately $17.6 million of unrecognized tax benefits have been recorded as liabilities, and we are uncertain as to if or when such amounts may be settled. Related to the unrecognized tax benefits not included in the table, the Company has also recorded a liability for potential interest and penalties of $3.4 million.
(6)	Includes contractual commitments for software and other services.

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QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA

The following tables present our quarterly operating results for the two year period ended December 31, 2011:

2011 (In thousands, except per share data)	First		Second		Third		Fourth
Revenues	$	329,567	$	365,543	$	345,784	$	427,694
Operating income		45,781		51,568		47,250		69,463
Net income		29,191		32,223		30,464		45,024
Net income per share: (1)
Basic	$	0.30	$	0.33	$	0.32	$	0.48
Diluted	$	0.29	$	0.32	$	0.31	$	0.46

2010 (In thousands, except per share data)	First		Second		Third		Fourth
Revenues	$	295,833	$	314,195	$	296,122	$	382,304
Operating income		29,198		34,230		32,763		53,074
Net income		19,403		20,113		20,075		36,694
Net income per share: (1)
Basic	$	0.20	$	0.21	$	0.21	$	0.38
Diluted	$	0.19	$	0.20	$	0.20	$	0.37

(1) The aggregate of the four quarters’ basic and diluted earnings per common share may not equal the reported full calendar year amounts due to the effects of share repurchases, dilutive equity compensation, and rounding.

RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

Accounting guidance issued by the various standard setting and governmental authorities that have not yet become effective with respect to our Consolidated Financial Statements are described below, together with our assessment of the potential impact they may have on our Consolidated Financial Statements:

Comprehensive Income. In June 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2011-05, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220-10): Presentation of Comprehensive Income. The new guidance eliminates the current option to report other comprehensive income and its components in the statement of stockholders’ equity. Instead, the new rule will require an entity to present net income and other comprehensive income in one continuous statement, referred to as the statement of comprehensive income, or in two separate, but consecutive statements. While the new guidance changes the presentation of comprehensive income, there are no changes to the components that are recognized in net income or other comprehensive income under current accounting guidance. This new guidance is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2011. The Company will adopt this new rule in the quarter ending March 31, 2012. While the adoption of this new guidance will change the presentation of comprehensive income, it is not expected to have an impact on the Company’s results of operations, cash flows, or financial position.

Fair Value Measurements. In May 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-04, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs. ASU No. 2011-04 establishes a number of new requirements for fair value measurements. These include: (1) a prohibition on grouping financial instruments for purposes of determining fair value, except when an entity manages market and credit risks on the basis of the entity’s net exposure to the group; (2) an extension of the prohibition against the use of a blockage factor to all fair value measurements (that prohibition currently applies only to financial instruments with quoted prices in active markets); and (3) a requirement that for recurring Level 3 fair value measurements, entities disclose quantitative information about unobservable inputs, a description of the valuation process used and qualitative details about the sensitivity of the measurements. In addition, for items not carried at fair value but for which fair value is disclosed, entities will be required to disclose the level within the fair value hierarchy that applies to the fair value measurement disclosed. This ASU is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. The Company will adopt this new rule in the quarter ending March 31, 2012. The adoption of this ASU may result in additional fair value disclosures but is not expected to have an impact on the Company’s results of operations, cash flows, or financial position.

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.

INTEREST RATE RISK

We have exposure to changes in interest rates arising from borrowings under our 2010 Credit Agreement. At December 31, 2011, we had $180.0 million outstanding under the term loan and $20.0 million outstanding under the revolver. Borrowings under this facility are floating rate, which may be either prime-based or Eurodollar-based. The rate paid for these borrowings includes a base floating rate plus a margin between 0.50% and 1.25% on prime borrowings and between 1.50% and 2.25% on Eurodollar-based borrowings.

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We have an interest rate swap contract which effectively converts the floating base rate on the first $200.0 million of our borrowings to a 2.26% fixed rate. The Company only hedges the base interest rate risk on the first $200.0 million of its outstanding borrowings. Accordingly, we are exposed to interest rate risk on borrowings in excess of $200.0 million. A 25 basis point increase or decrease in interest rates would change pre-tax annual interest expense on the additional revolver borrowing capacity under the 2010 Credit Agreement (not including the expansion feature) by approximately $0.9 million.

FOREIGN CURRENCY RISK

We have customers in numerous countries, and 46% and 44% of our revenues for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, were derived from sales outside of the U.S. As a result, we conduct business in numerous currencies other than the U.S dollar. Among the major foreign currencies in which we conduct business are the Euro, the British Pound, the Japanese Yen, the Australian dollar, and the Canadian dollar. Our foreign currency exposure results in both translation risk and transaction risk:

TRANSLATION RISK

We are exposed to foreign currency translation risk since the functional currencies of our foreign operations are generally denominated in the local currency. Translation risk arises since the assets and liabilities that we report for our foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet dates, and these exchange rates fluctuate over time. These foreign currency translation adjustments are deferred and are recorded as a component of stockholders’ equity and do not impact our operating results.

A measure of the potential impact of foreign currency translation on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets can be determined through a sensitivity analysis of our cash and cash equivalents. At December 31, 2011, we had $142.7 million of cash and cash equivalents, a substantial portion of which was denominated in foreign currencies. If the foreign exchange rates of the major currencies in which we operate changed in comparison to the U.S. dollar by 10%, the amount of cash and cash equivalents we would have reported on December 31, 2011 would have increased or decreased by approximately $9.0 million.

Because our foreign subsidiaries generally operate in a local functional currency that differs from the U.S. dollar, revenues and expenses in these foreign currencies translate into higher or lower revenues and expenses in U.S. dollars as the U.S. dollar continuously weakens or strengthens against these other currencies. Therefore, changes in exchange rates may affect our consolidated revenues and expenses (as expressed in U.S. dollars) from foreign operations. Historically, this impact on our consolidated earnings has not been material since foreign currency movements in the major currencies in which we operate tend to impact our revenues and expenses fairly equally.

TRANSACTION RISK

We also have foreign exchange transaction risk since we typically enter into transactions in the normal course of business that are denominated in foreign currencies that differ from the local functional currency in which the foreign subsidiary operates.

We typically enter into foreign currency forward exchange contracts to offset the effects of foreign currency transaction risk. These contracts are normally short term in duration and unrealized and realized gains and losses are recognized in current period earnings. At December 31, 2011, we had 60 outstanding foreign currency forward contracts with a total notional amount of $99.6 million and an immaterial net unrealized gain. All of these contracts matured by the end of January 2012.

CREDIT RISK

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentration of credit risk consist primarily of short-term, highly liquid investments classified as cash equivalents, accounts receivable, and interest rate swap contracts. The majority of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents and its interest rate swap contracts are with large investment grade commercial banks that are participants in the Company’s 2010 Credit Agreement. Accounts receivable balances deemed to be collectible from customers have limited concentration of credit risk due to our diverse customer base and geographic dispersion.

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.

Our consolidated financial statements for 2011, 2010, and 2009, together with the reports of KPMG LLP, our independent registered public accounting firm, are included herein in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.

None.

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Management conducted an evaluation, as of December 31, 2011, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures, (as such term is defined in Rules 13a- 15(e) and 15d- 15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”)) under the supervision and with the participation of our chief executive officer and chief financial officer. Based upon that evaluation, our chief executive officer and chief financial officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective in alerting them in a timely manner to material Company information required to be disclosed by us in reports filed or submitted under the Act.

MANAGEMENT’S ANNUAL REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

Gartner management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f). Gartner’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. In addition, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions and that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. Management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011. In making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth in the Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Management’s assessment was reviewed with the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors.

Based on its assessment of internal control over financial reporting, management has concluded that, as of December 31, 2011, Gartner’s internal control over financial reporting was effective.

The effectiveness of management’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011 has been audited by KPMG LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which is included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K in Part IV, Item 15.

CHANGES IN INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

There were no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting during the quarter ended December 31, 2011 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.

ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION

Not applicable.

PART III

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

The information required to be furnished pursuant to this item will be set forth under the captions “Proposal One: Election of Directors,” “Executive Officers,” “Corporate Governance,” “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” and “Miscellaneous — Available Information” in the Company’s Proxy Statement to be filed with the SEC no later than April 30, 2012. If

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the Proxy Statement is not filed with the SEC by April 30, 2012, such information will be included in an amendment to this Annual Report filed by April 30, 2012. See also Item 1. Business — Available Information.

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.

The information required to be furnished pursuant to this item is incorporated by reference from the information set forth under the caption “Executive Compensation” in the Company’s Proxy Statement to be filed with the SEC no later than April 30, 2012. If the Proxy Statement is not filed with the SEC by April 30, 2012, such information will be included in an amendment to this Annual Report filed by April 30, 2012.

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS.

The information required to be furnished pursuant to this item will be set forth under the caption “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management” in the Company’s Proxy Statement to be filed with the SEC by April 30, 2012. If the Proxy Statement is not filed with the SEC by April 30, 2012, such information will be included in an amendment to this Annual Report filed by April 30, 2012.

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE.

The information required to be furnished pursuant to this item will be set forth under the captions “Transactions With Related Persons” and “Corporate Governance — Director Independence” in the Company’s Proxy Statement to be filed with the SEC by April 30, 2012. If the Proxy Statement is not filed with the SEC by April 30, 2012, such information will be included in an amendment to this Annual Report filed by April 30, 2012.

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES.

The information required to be furnished pursuant to this item will be set forth under the caption “Principal Accountant Fees and Services” in the Company’s Proxy Statement to be filed with the SEC no later than April 30, 2012. If the Proxy Statement is not filed with the SEC by April 30, 2012, such information will be included in an amendment to this Annual Report filed by April 30, 2012.

PART IV

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.

(a) 1. and 2. Consolidated Financial Statements and Schedules

The reports of our independent registered public accounting firm and consolidated financial statements listed in the Index to Consolidated Financial Statements herein are filed as part of this report.

All financial statement schedules not listed in the Index have been omitted because the information required is not applicable or is shown in the consolidated financial statements or notes thereto.

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3. Exhibits
EXHIBIT NUMBER	DESCRIPTION OF DOCUMENT
3.1(1)	Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company.
3.2(2)	Bylaws as amended through February 2, 2012.
4.1(1)	Form of Certificate for Common Stock as of June 2, 2005.
4.2(3)	Credit Agreement, dated as of December 22, 2010, among the Company, the several lenders from time to time parties thereto, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as administrative agent.
10.1(4)	Lease dated April 16, 2010 between Soundview Farms and the Company for premises at 56 Top Gallant Road, 70 Gatehouse Road, and 88 Gatehouse Road, Stamford, Connecticut.
10.2(4)	First Amendment to Lease dated April 16, 2010 between Soundview Farms and the Company for premises at 56 Top Gallant Road, 70 Gatehouse Road, and 88 Gatehouse Road, Stamford, Connecticut.
10.4(5)+	2011 Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
10.5(6)+	1999 Stock Option Plan.
10.6(7)+	2003 Long-Term Incentive Plan, as amended and restated on June 4, 2009.
10.7(8)+	Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between Eugene A. Hall and the Company dated as of April 13, 2011.
10.8(9)+	Company Deferred Compensation Plan, effective January 1, 2009.
10.9(10)+	Form of Stock Appreciation Right Agreement for executive officers.
10.10(10)+	Form of Performance Stock Unit Agreement for executive officers.
21.1*	Subsidiaries of Registrant.
23.1*	Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
24.1	Power of Attorney (see Signature Page).
31.1*	Certification of chief executive officer under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2*	Certification of chief financial officer under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32*	Certification under Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

*	Filed with this document.
+	Management compensation plan or arrangement.
(1)	Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 29, 2005 as filed on July 6, 2005.
(2)	Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 2, 2012 as filed on February 7, 2012.
(3)	Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed on February 15, 2011.
(4)	Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Quarterly Report on form 10-Q as filed on August 9, 2010.
(5)	Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Proxy Statement (Schedule 14A) as filed on April 18, 2011.
(6)	Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Form S-8 as filed on February 16, 2000.
(7)	Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Proxy Statement (Schedule 14A) as filed on April 21, 2009.
(8)	Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q as filed on August 2, 2011.
(9)	Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed on February 20, 2009.
(10)	Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 9, 2012 as filed on February 15, 2012.

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INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
GARTNER, INC.
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm	35
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm	36
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2011 and 2010	37
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009	38
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit) and Comprehensive Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009	39
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009	40
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements	41

All financial statement schedules have been omitted because the information required is not applicable or is shown in the consolidated financial statements or notes thereto.

34

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Board of Directors and Stockholders
Gartner, Inc.:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Gartner, Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity (deficit) and comprehensive income, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2011. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Gartner, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2011, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), and our report dated February 23, 2012 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

(KPMG LLP LOGO)

/s/ KPMG LLP

New York, New York
February 23, 2012

35

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Board of Directors and Stockholders
Gartner, Inc.:

We have audited Gartner, Inc. and subsidiaries’ (the Company) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of Gartner, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity (deficit) and comprehensive income, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2011, and our report dated February 23, 2012 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.

(KPMG LLP LOGO)

/s/ KPMG LLP

New York, New York
February 23, 2012

36

GARTNER, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)

	December 31,
	2011			2010
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	142,739		$	120,181
Fees receivable, net of allowances of $7,260 and $7,200 respectively		421,033			364,818
Deferred commissions		78,492			71,955
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		63,521			64,148
Total current assets		705,785			621,102
Property, equipment and leasehold improvements, net		68,132			47,614
Goodwill		508,550			510,265
Intangible assets, net		7,060			13,584
Other assets		90,345			93,093
Total Assets	$	1,379,872		$	1,285,658
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	259,490		$	247,733
Deferred revenues		611,647			523,263
Current portion of long-term debt		50,000			40,156
Total current liabilities		921,137			811,152
Long-term debt		150,000			180,000
Other liabilities		126,951			107,450
Total liabilities		1,198,088			1,098,602
Stockholders’ equity:
Preferred stock:
$.01 par value, authorized 5,000,000 shares; none issued or outstanding		—			—
Common stock:
$.0005 par value, authorized 250,000,000 shares for both periods; 156,234,415 shares issued for both periods		78			78
Additional paid-in capital		646,815			611,782
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net		5,793			14,638
Accumulated earnings		742,579			605,677
Treasury stock, at cost, 62,891,251 and 60,245,718 common shares, respectively		(1,213,481	)		(1,045,119	)
Total stockholders’ equity		181,784			187,056
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity	$	1,379,872		$	1,285,658

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

37

GARTNER, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)

	Year Ended December 31,
	2011			2010			2009
Revenues:
Research	$	1,012,062		$	865,000		$	752,505
Consulting		308,047			302,117			286,847
Events		148,479			121,337			100,448
Total revenues		1,468,588			1,288,454			1,139,800
Costs and expenses:
Cost of services and product development		608,755			552,238			498,363
Selling, general and administrative		613,707			543,174			477,003
Depreciation		25,539			25,349			25,387
Amortization of intangibles		6,525			10,525			1,636
Acquisition and integration charges		—			7,903			2,934
Total costs and expenses		1,254,526			1,139,189			1,005,323
Operating income		214,062			149,265			134,477
Interest income		1,249			1,156			830
Interest expense		(11,216	)		(16,772	)		(16,862	)
Other (expense) income, net		(1,911	)		436			(2,919	)
Income before income taxes		202,184			134,085			115,526
Provision for income taxes		65,282			37,800			32,562
Net income	$	136,902		$	96,285		$	82,964
Net income per share:
Basic	$	1.43		$	1.01		$	0.88
Diluted	$	1.39		$	0.96		$	0.85
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic		96,019			95,747			94,658
Diluted		98,846			99,834			97,549

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

38

GARTNER, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT) AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(IN THOUSANDS)

	Common Stock		Additional Paid-In Capital			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net			Accumulated Earnings		Treasury Stock			Total Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit)
Balance at December 31, 2008	$	78	$	570,667		$	(1,741	)	$	426,428	$	(1,016,748	)	$	(21,316	)
Comprehensive income:
Net income		—		—			—			82,964		—			82,964
Other comprehensive income:
Foreign currency translation adjustments		—		—			9,088			—		—			9,088
Interest rate swaps, net of tax		—		—			3,535			—		—			3,535
Pension unrecognized gain, net of tax		—		—			440			—		—			440
Other comprehensive income							13,063								13,063
Comprehensive income															96,027
Issuances under stock plans		—		(6,522	)		—			—		21,371			14,849
Excess tax benefits from stock compensation		—		653			—			—		—			653
Purchase of shares for treasury		—		—			—			—		(3,744	)		(3,744	)
Stock compensation expense		—		26,066			—			—		—			26,066
Balance at December 31, 2009	$	78	$	590,864		$	11,322		$	509,392	$	(999,121	)	$	112,535
Comprehensive income:
Net income		—		—			—			96,285		—			96,285
Other comprehensive income:
Foreign currency translation adjustments		—		—			582			—		—			582
Interest rate swaps, net of tax		—		—			3,746			—		—			3,746
Pension unrecognized loss, net of tax		—		—			(1,012	)		—		—			(1,012	)
Other comprehensive income							3,316								3,316
Comprehensive income															99,601
Issuances under stock plans		—		(30,254	)		—			—		53,822			23,568
Excess tax benefits from stock compensation		—		18,520			—			—		—			18,520
Purchase of shares for treasury		—		—			—			—		(99,820	)		(99,820	)
Stock compensation expense		—		32,652			—			—		—			32,652
Balance at December 31, 2010	$	78	$	611,782		$	14,638		$	605,677	$	(1,045,119	)	$	187,056
Comprehensive income:
Net income		—		—			—			136,902		—			136,902
Other comprehensive loss:
Foreign currency translation adjustments		—		—			(4,454	)		—		—			(4,454	)
Interest rate swaps, net of tax		—		—			(4,674	)		—		—			(4,674	)
Pension unrecognized gain, net of tax		—		—			283			—		—			283
Other comprehensive loss							(8,845	)							(8,845	)
Comprehensive income															128,057
Issuances under stock plans		—		(23,579	)		—			—		43,624			20,045
Excess tax benefits from stock compensation		—		25,778			—			—		—			25,778
Purchase of shares for treasury		—		—			—			—		(211,986	)		(211,986	)
Stock compensation expense		—		32,834			—			—		—			32,834
Balance at December 31, 2011	$	78	$	646,815		$	5,793		$	742,579	$	(1,213,481	)	$	181,784

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

39

GARTNER, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(IN THOUSANDS)

	Year Ended December 31,
	2011			2010			2009
Operating activities:
Net income	$	136,902		$	96,285		$	82,964
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization of intangibles		32,064			35,874			27,023
Stock-based compensation expense		32,865			32,634			26,066
Excess tax benefits from employee stock-based compensation exercises		(25,572	)		(18,364	)		(2,392	)
Deferred taxes		(965	)		(2,609	)		5,003
Amortization and write-off of debt issue costs		2,288			1,567			1,480
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Fees receivable, net		(58,887	)		(48,177	)		25,349
Deferred commissions		(6,928	)		(2,184	)		(16,750	)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		3,540			(376	)		13,059
Other assets		4,397			(34,130	)		532
Deferred revenues		91,765			85,336			5,101
Accounts payable, accrued, and other liabilities		44,097			59,643			(5,498	)
Cash provided by operating activities		255,566			205,499			161,937
Investing activities:
Additions to property, equipment and leasehold improvements		(41,954	)		(21,694	)		(15,142	)
Acquisitions (net of cash received)		—			(12,151	)		(104,523	)
Cash used in investing activities		(41,954	)		(33,845	)		(119,665	)
Financing activities:
Proceeds from employee stock-based compensation plans and ESP Plan		20,011			23,527			14,822
Proceeds from debt issuance		—			200,000			78,000
Payments on debt		(20,156	)		(313,627	)		(165,250	)
Purchases of treasury stock		(211,986	)		(99,820	)		(3,744	)
Excess tax benefits from employee stock-based compensation exercises		25,572			18,364			2,392
Cash used by financing activities		(186,559	)		(171,556	)		(73,780	)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		27,053			98			(31,508	)
Effects of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents		(4,495	)		3,509			7,153
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period		120,181			116,574			140,929
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	142,739		$	120,181		$	116,574
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest	$	13,312		$	11,484		$	13,942
Income taxes, net of refunds received	$	24,126		$	25,486		$	34,438

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

40

GARTNER, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1 — BUSINESS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Business. Gartner, Inc. (“Gartner” or the “Company”) is a global information technology research and advisory company founded in 1979 with its headquarters in Stamford, Connecticut. Gartner delivers its principal products and services through three business segments: Research, Consulting, and Events. When used in these notes, the terms “Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our” refer to Gartner, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries.

Basis of presentation. The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”), as defined in the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 270 for financial information and with the applicable instructions of U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission (“SEC”) Regulation S-X. The fiscal year of Gartner represents the twelve-month period from January 1 through December 31. All references to 2011, 2010, and 2009 refer to the fiscal year unless otherwise indicated.

Principles of consolidation. The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated.

Use of estimates. The preparation of the accompanying consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions about future events. These estimates and the underlying assumptions affect the amounts of assets and liabilities reported, disclosures about contingent assets and liabilities, and reported amounts of revenues and expenses. Such estimates include the valuation of accounts receivable, goodwill, intangible assets, and other long-lived assets, as well as tax accruals and other liabilities. In addition, estimates are used in revenue recognition, income tax expense, performance-based compensation charges, depreciation and amortization, and the allowance for losses. Management believes its use of estimates in the accompanying consolidated financial statements to be reasonable.

Management continuously evaluates and revises its estimates using historical experience and other factors, including the general economic environment and actions it may take in the future. Management adjusts these estimates when facts and circumstances dictate. However, these estimates may involve significant uncertainties and judgments and cannot be determined with precision. In addition, these estimates are based on our best judgment at a point in time. As a result, differences between our estimates and actual results could be material and would be reflected in the Company’s consolidated financial statements in future periods.

Revenues. Revenue is recognized in accordance with U.S. GAAP and SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 101, Revenue Recognition in Financial Statements (“SAB 101”), and SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 104, Revenue Recognition (“SAB 104”). Revenues are only recognized once all required criteria for recognition have been met. The Consolidated Statement of Operations presents revenues net of any sales or value-added taxes that we collect from customers and remit to government authorities.

The Company’s revenues by significant source are as follows:

Research revenues are derived from annual subscription contracts for research products. These revenues are deferred and recognized ratably over the applicable contract term. The Company typically enters into annually renewable subscription contracts for research products. Reprint fees are recognized when the reprint is shipped.

The majority of research contracts are billable upon signing, absent special terms granted on a limited basis from time to time. Research contracts are non-cancelable and non-refundable, except for government contracts that may have cancellation or fiscal funding clauses, which have not produced material cancellations to date. It is our policy to record the entire amount of the contract that is billable as a fee receivable at the time the contract is signed with a corresponding amount as deferred revenue, since the contract represents a legally enforceable claim.

Consulting revenues, primarily derived from consulting, measurement and strategic advisory services (paid one-day analyst engagements), are principally generated from fixed fee or time and materials engagements. Revenues from fixed fee engagements are recognized on a proportional performance basis, while revenues from time and material engagements are recognized as work is delivered and/or services are provided. Revenues related to contract optimization engagements are contingent in nature and are only recognized upon satisfaction of all conditions related to their payment. Unbilled fees receivable associated with consulting engagements were $29.2 million at December 31, 2011 and $29.4 million at December 31, 2010.

41

Events revenues are deferred and recognized upon the completion of the related symposium, conference or exhibition. In addition, the Company defers certain costs directly related to events and expenses these costs in the period during which the related symposium, conference or exhibition occurs. The Company policy is to defer only those costs, primarily prepaid site and production services costs, which are incremental and are directly attributable to a specific event. Other costs of organizing and producing our events, primarily Company personnel and non-event specific expenses, are expensed in the period incurred. At the end of each fiscal quarter, the Company assesses on an event-by-event basis whether expected direct costs of producing a scheduled event will exceed expected revenues. If such costs are expected to exceed revenues, the Company records the expected loss in the period determined.

Allowance for losses. The Company maintains an allowance for losses which is composed of a bad debt allowance and a sales reserve. Provisions are charged against earnings, either as a reduction in revenues or as an increase to expense. The amount of the allowance for losses is based on historical loss experience, aging of outstanding receivables, an assessment of current economic conditions and the financial health of specific clients.

Cost of services and product development (“COS”). COS expense includes the direct costs incurred in the creation and delivery of our products and services.

Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”). SG&A expense includes direct and indirect selling costs, general and administrative costs, and charges against earnings related to uncollectible accounts.

Commission expense. The Company records commission obligations upon the signing of customer contracts and amortizes the deferred obligation as commission expense over the estimated period in which the related revenues are earned. Commission expense is included in SG&A in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Stock-based compensation expense. The Company accounts for stock-based compensation in accordance with FASB ASC Topics 505 and 718, as interpreted by SEC Staff Accounting Bulletins No. 107 (“SAB No. 107”) and No. 110 (“SAB No. 110”). Stock-based compensation cost is based on the fair value of the award on the date of grant, which is expensed over the related service period, net of estimated forfeitures. The service period is the period over which the employee performs the related services, which is normally the same as the vesting period. During 2011, 2010, and 2009, the Company recognized $32.9 million, $32.6 million, and $26.1 million, respectively, of stock-based compensation expense (see Note 8 — Stock-Based Compensation), which is recorded in both COS and SG&A in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Income tax expense. The provision for income taxes is the sum of the amount of income tax paid or payable for the year as determined by applying the provisions of enacted tax laws to taxable income for that year and the net changes during the year in deferred tax assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized based on differences between the book and tax basis of assets and liabilities using presently enacted tax rates. We credit additional paid-in capital for realized tax benefits arising from stock transactions with employees. The tax benefit on a nonqualified stock option is equal to the tax effect of the difference between the market price of Common Stock on the date of exercise and the exercise price.

Cash and cash equivalents. Includes cash and all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, which are considered cash equivalents. The carrying value of cash equivalents approximates fair value due to their short-term maturity. Investments with maturities of more than three months are classified as marketable securities. Interest earned on investments is classified in Interest income in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Property, equipment and leasehold improvements. The Company leases all of its facilities and certain equipment. These leases are all classified as operating leases in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 840. The cost of these operating leases, including any contractual rent increases, rent concessions, and landlord incentives, are recognized ratably over the life of the related lease agreement. Lease expense was $26.2 million, $23.5 million, and $22.5 million in 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively.

Equipment, leasehold improvements, and other fixed assets owned by the Company are recorded at cost less accumulated depreciation. Except for leasehold improvements, these fixed assets are depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Leasehold improvements are amortized using the straight-line method over the shorter of the estimated useful lives of the improvements or the remaining term of the related leases. The Company had total depreciation expense of $25.5 million, $25.3 million, and $25.4 million in 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively.

42

Property, equipment and leasehold improvements, less accumulated depreciation and amortization, consist of the following (in thousands):

	Useful Life (Years)		December 31,
			2011			2010
Computer equipment and software		2 - 7	$	130,733		$	123,988
Furniture and equipment		3 - 8		34,828			32,093
Leasehold improvements		2 - 15		63,773			46,516
				229,334			202,597
Less — accumulated depreciation and amortization				(161,202	)		(154,983	)
			$	68,132		$	47,614

The Company capitalizes certain eligible costs incurred to develop internal use software in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 350. At December 31, 2011 and 2010, net capitalized development costs for internal use software were $13.6 million and $14.3 million, respectively. Amortization of capitalized internal software development costs, which is classified in Depreciation in the Consolidated Statements of Operations, totaled $7.8 million, $7.9 million, and $8.3 million during 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively.

The Company’s corporate headquarters is located in approximately 213,000 square feet of leased office space in three buildings in Stamford, Connecticut. The Stamford facility accommodates research and analysis, marketing, sales, client support, production, corporate services, executive offices, and administration. In 2010 the Company entered into a new 15 year lease agreement for this facility which provides for a reduced rental until completion of certain renovation work. In accordance with FASB ASC Topic 840, the Company accounted for the new Stamford lease as an operating lease arrangement. The total minimum payments the Company will be obligated to pay under this lease, including contractual escalation clauses and reduced rents during the renovation period, will be expensed on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

Under the terms of the new Stamford lease, the landlord has provided a $25.0 million tenant improvement allowance to be used to renovate the three buildings and the parking areas comprising the facility. The renovation work began in 2011 and is expected to be completed in late 2012. The $25.0 million contractual amount due from the landlord was recorded as a tenant improvement allowance in Other assets and as deferred rent in Other Liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. As the renovation work progresses and payments are received from the landlord, the tenant improvement receivable will be relieved and leasehold improvement assets will be recorded in Property, equipment, and leasehold improvements. The leasehold improvement assets will then be amortized to Depreciation expense over their useful lives, beginning when the assets are placed in service. The amount recorded as deferred rent will be amortized as a reduction to rent expense (SG&A) on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease.

As of December 31, 2011, the Company had $22.5 million of remaining unamortized deferred rent resulting from the tenant improvement allowance, of which $1.5 million is recorded in Accounts payable and accrued liabilities and $21.0 million is recorded in Other liabilities on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company paid $9.5 million in renovation costs for this project in 2011, of which $9.0 million was reimbursed in 2011 and $0.5 will be reimbursed in 2012. The Company expects to utilize the entire remaining $15.5 million improvement allowance in 2012.

Intangible assets. Intangible assets are amortized using the straight-line method over their expected useful lives. Intangible assets subject to amortization include the following (in thousands):

December 31, 2011	Content			Trade Name			Customer Relationships			Total
Gross cost	$	10,634		$	5,758		$	7,210		$	23,602
Accumulated amortization		(10,634	)		(2,303	)		(3,605	)		(16,542	)
Net	$	—		$	3,455		$	3,605		$	7,060

December 31, 2010	Content			Trade Name			Customer Relationships			Total
Gross cost	$	10,634		$	5,758		$	7,210		$	23,602
Accumulated amortization		(7,089	)		(1,152	)		(1,777	)		(10,018	)
Net	$	3,545		$	4,606		$	5,433		$	13,584

43

Intangible assets are being amortized against earnings over the following periods:

	Useful Life (Years)
Content		1.5
Trade Name		5
Customer Relationships		4

Aggregate amortization expense on intangible assets was $6.5 million, $10.5 million, and $1.6 million in 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively. The estimated future amortization expense by year from purchased intangibles is as follows (in thousands):

2012	$	2,955
2013		2,955
2014		1,150
	$	7,060

Goodwill. Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price of acquired businesses over the estimated fair value of the tangible and identifiable intangible net assets acquired. The evaluation of the recoverability of goodwill is performed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 350, which requires an annual assessment of potential goodwill impairment at the reporting unit level and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. The Company has three reporting units: Research, Consulting, and Events. Since 2002, when the current goodwill impairment rules were first adopted, goodwill must be tested annually for impairment under a two-step impairment test. Under the two-step test, if a reporting unit’s carrying amount exceeds its estimated fair value, goodwill impairment is recognized to the extent that the reporting unit’s carrying amount of goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of the goodwill. The Company uses discounted cash flows, market multiples, and other valuation techniques to measure the estimated fair value of a reporting unit. .

In September 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2011-08, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other – Testing Goodwill for Impairment (“ASU No. 2011-08”). ASU No. 2011-08 permits an entity to make a qualitative assessment of whether it is more likely than not that a reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying amount rather than automatically applying the two-step goodwill impairment test. If the entity’s qualitative assessment does not allow it to reach this conclusion, then it is necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test to determine the amount, if any, of impaired goodwill. Otherwise, the two-step goodwill impairment test is not required. The objective of ASU No. 2011-08 is to both simplify and reduce the on-going cost of goodwill impairment testing for both private and public companies.

The Company conducted the annually required two-step goodwill impairment test in 2010 in the quarter ended September 30 and concluded that the fair values of each of the Company’s reporting units substantially exceeded their respective carrying values. In 2011, the Company made the decision to early adopt ASU No. 2011-08 and conduct a qualitative assessment of reporting unit fair value as of September 30, based in part on the demonstrated historical trend of the fair values of the Company’s reporting units substantially exceeding their carrying values. Among the factors included in the Company’s qualitative assessment were general economic conditions and the competitive environment; actual and expected segment financial performance; forward-looking business measurements; and external market assessments. Based on the results of the qualitative assessment, the Company believes the fair value of goodwill of each of the Company’s reporting units continue to substantially exceed their respective carrying values and concluded that it was not necessary to conduct the two-step goodwill impairment test. As a result, the adoption of ASU No. 2011-08 did not impact the Company’s results of operations, financial position, or cash flows.

The following table presents changes to the carrying amount of goodwill by reporting unit during the two year period ended December 31, 2011 (in thousands):

	Research			Consulting			Events			Total
Balance, December 31, 2009 (1)	$	370,630		$	100,744		$	42,238		$	513,612
Foreign currency translation adjustments		(2,109	)		(927	)		(311	)		(3,347	)
Balance, December 31, 2010	$	368,521		$	99,817		$	41,927		$	510,265
Foreign currency translation adjustments		(1,541	)		(140	)		(34	)		(1,715	)
Balance, December 31, 2011	$	366,980		$	99,677		$	41,893		$	508,550

(1) The Company has not recorded goodwill impairment losses since its adoption of the two-step goodwill impairment rules in 2002. Accordingly, the Company considers the recorded amount of goodwill as of December 31, 2009 to be the gross amount of goodwill.

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Impairment of long-lived assets and intangible assets. The Company reviews long-lived assets and intangible assets other than goodwill for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the respective asset may not be recoverable. Such evaluation may be based on a number of factors including current and projected operating results and cash flows, changes in management’s strategic direction as well as external economic and market factors.

The Company’s policy regarding long-lived assets and intangible assets other than goodwill is to evaluate the recoverability of these assets by determining whether the balance can be recovered through undiscounted future operating cash flows. Should events or circumstances indicate that the carrying value might not be recoverable based on undiscounted future operating cash flows, an impairment loss would be recognized. The amount of impairment, if any, is measured based on the difference between projected discounted future operating cash flows using a discount rate reflecting the Company’s average cost of funds and the carrying value of the asset.

Pension obligations. The Company has defined-benefit pension plans in three of its international locations (see Note 13 — Employee Benefits). Benefits earned under these plans are generally based on years of service and level of employee compensation. The Company accounts for defined benefit plans in accordance with the requirements of FASB ASC Topic 715. The Company determines the periodic pension expense and related liabilities for these plans through actuarial assumptions and valuations. The Company recognized $2.7 million, $2.4 million, and $2.2 million of expense for these plans in 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively. The Company classifies pension expense in SG&A in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Foreign currency exposure. All assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars at exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date. Income and expense items are translated at average exchange rates for the year. The resulting translation adjustments are recorded as foreign currency translation adjustments, a component of Accumulated other comprehensive income, net within the Stockholders’ equity section of the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Currency transaction gains or losses arising from transactions denominated in currencies other than the functional currency of a subsidiary are included in results of operations in Other income (expense), net within the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Net currency transaction (losses) were $(1.3) million, $(4.8) million, and $(3.6) million in 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively. The Company enters into foreign currency forward exchange contracts to mitigate the effects of adverse fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates on these transactions. These contracts generally have a short duration and are recorded at fair value with unrealized and realized gains and losses also recorded in Other income (expense), net. The net (loss) gain from these contracts was $(1.2) million, $2.8 million, and $0.7 million in 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively.

Fair value disclosures. The Company’s fair value disclosures are included in Note 12 — Fair Value Disclosures.

Concentrations of credit risk. Assets that may subject the Company to concentration of credit risk consist primarily of short-term, highly liquid investments classified as cash equivalents, accounts receivable, interest rate swaps, and a pension reinsurance asset. The majority of the Company’s cash equivalent investments and its interest rate swap contract are with investment grade commercial banks that are participants in the Company’s 2010 Credit Agreement. Accounts receivable balances deemed to be collectible from customers have limited concentration of credit risk due to our diverse customer base and geographic dispersion. The Company’s pension reinsurance asset (see Note 13 — Employee Benefits) is maintained with a large international insurance company that was rated investment grade as of December 31, 2011.

Stock repurchase programs. The Company records the cost to repurchase its own shares to treasury stock. During 2011, 2010 and 2009, the Company recorded $212.0 million, $99.8 million, and $3.7 million, respectively, of stock repurchases (see Note 7 — Stockholders’ Equity). Shares repurchased by the Company are added to treasury shares and are not retired.

Recent accounting developments. The following disclosures highlight new and significant accounting rules that the Company has adopted or will adopt in future periods:

Accounting Standards Adopted

On September 30, 2011, the Company early adopted FASB ASU No. 2011-08, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other – Testing Goodwill for Impairment (“ASU No. 2011-08”) (see discussion in Goodwill above). The adoption of ASU No. 2011-08 did not impact the Company’s results of operations, financial position, or cash flows.

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Accounting Standards to be adopted in Future Accounting Periods

Final accounting rules issued by the FASB that have not yet become effective and may impact the Company’s consolidated financial statements or related disclosures in future periods are described below:

Comprehensive Income. In June 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2011-05, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220-10): Presentation of Comprehensive Income. The new guidance eliminates the current option to report other comprehensive income and its components in the statement of stockholders’ equity. Instead, the new rule will require an entity to present net income and other comprehensive income in one continuous statement, referred to as the statement of comprehensive income, or in two separate, but consecutive statements. While the new guidance changes the presentation of comprehensive income, there are no changes to the components that are recognized in net income or other comprehensive income under current accounting guidance. This new guidance is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2011. The Company will adopt this new rule in the quarter ending March 31, 2012.

Fair Value Measurements. In May 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-04, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs. ASU No. 2011-04 establishes a number of new requirements for fair value measurements. These include: (1) a prohibition on grouping financial instruments for purposes of determining fair value, except when an entity manages market and credit risks on the basis of the entity’s net exposure to the group; (2) an extension of the prohibition against the use of a blockage factor to all fair value measurements (that prohibition currently applies only to financial instruments with quoted prices in active markets); and (3) a requirement that for recurring Level 3 fair value measurements, entities disclose quantitative information about unobservable inputs, a description of the valuation process used and qualitative details about the sensitivity of the measurements. In addition, for items not carried at fair value but for which fair value is disclosed, entities will be required to disclose the level within the fair value hierarchy that applies to the fair value measurement disclosed. This ASU is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. The Company will adopt this new rule in the quarter ending March 31, 2012.

2 — ACQUISITIONS

In December 2009 the Company acquired all of the outstanding shares of AMR Research and Burton Group for total net cash of $116.7 million, of which $12.2 million was paid in 2010 and $104.5 million was paid in 2009. The Company’s consolidated results include the operating results of these businesses beginning on their respective acquisition dates. The Company recorded an aggregate of $7.9 million of acquisition and integration expenses related to these acquisitions during 2010 and $2.9 million in 2009. Included in these charges are legal fees and consultant fees in connection with the acquisition and integration, as well as severance costs related to redundant headcount.

3 — OTHER ASSETS

Other assets consist of the following (in thousands):

	December 31,
	2011		2010
Security deposits	$	6,581	$	3,959
Debt issuance costs		3,866		4,987
Benefit plan-related assets		38,403		36,089
Non-current deferred tax assets		22,795		21,166
Tenant improvement allowance (1)		16,062		24,570
Other		2,638		2,322
Total other assets	$	90,345	$	93,093

(1) Includes contractual amounts receivable related to the renovation of the Company’s Stamford headquarters facility (see Property, equipment and leasehold improvements in Note 1 — Business and Significant Accounting Policies for additional description).

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4 — ACCOUNTS PAYABLE, ACCRUED, AND OTHER LIABILITIES

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities consist of the following (in thousands):

	December 31,
	2011		2010
Accounts payable	$	27,573	$	17,791
Payroll, employee benefits, severance		66,110		62,882
Bonus payable		62,191		64,620
Commissions payable		42,328		41,503
Taxes payable		15,917		15,030
Rent and other facilities costs		5,046		7,108
Professional, consulting, audit fees		6,907		11,987
Events fulfillment liabilities		2,255		4,367
Other accrued liabilities		31,163		22,445
Total accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	259,490	$	247,733

Other liabilities consist of the following (in thousands):

	December 31,
	2011		2010
Non-current deferred revenue	$	4,572	$	4,659
Interest rate swap liabilities		9,891		2,101
Long-term taxes payable		20,141		18,193
Deferred rent (1)		21,046		23,813
Benefit plan-related liabilities		47,326		44,939
Other		23,975		13,745
Total other liabilities	$	126,951	$	107,450

(1) Represents unamortized deferred rent resulting from the $25.0 million tenant improvement allowance on the Company’s Stamford headquarters facility (see Property, equipment and leasehold improvements in Note 1 — Business and Significant Accounting Policies for additional description).

5 — DEBT

Credit Agreement

In December 2010 the Company entered into a new credit arrangement that provides for a five-year, $200.0 million term loan and a $400.0 million revolving credit facility (the “2010 Credit Agreement”). The Company terminated its prior credit arrangement when it entered into the 2010 Credit Agreement and paid down the remaining amounts outstanding. The 2010 Credit Agreement contains an expansion feature by which the term loan and revolving credit facility may be increased, at the Company’s option and under certain conditions, by up to an additional $150.0 million in the aggregate. The term loan will be repaid in 19 consecutive quarterly installments which commenced on March 31, 2011, plus a final payment due on December 22, 2015, and may be prepaid at any time without penalty or premium at the Company’s option. The revolving credit facility may be used for loans, and up to $40.0 million may be used for letters of credit. The revolving loans may be borrowed, repaid and re-borrowed until December 22, 2015, at which time all amounts borrowed must be repaid.

Amounts borrowed under the 2010 Credit Agreement bear interest at a rate equal to, at the Company’s option, either (i) the greatest of: the administrative agent’s prime rate; the average rate on overnight federal funds plus 1/2 of 1%; and the eurodollar rate (adjusted for statutory reserves) plus 1%, in each case plus a margin equal to between 0.50% and 1.25% depending on the Company’s leverage ratio as of the end of the four consecutive fiscal quarters most recently ended, or (ii) the eurodollar rate (adjusted for statutory reserves) plus a margin equal to between 1.50% and 2.25%, depending on the Company’s leverage ratio as of the end of the four consecutive fiscal quarters most recently ended.

The 2010 Credit Agreement contains certain customary restrictive loan covenants, including, among others, financial covenants requiring a maximum leverage ratio, a minimum interest expense coverage ratio, and covenants limiting the Company’s ability to incur indebtedness, grant liens, make acquisitions, be acquired, dispose of assets, pay dividends, repurchase stock, make capital expenditures, make investments and enter into certain transactions with affiliates. The Company was in full compliance with these covenants as of December 31, 2011.

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The following table provides information regarding the Company’s borrowings:

Description:	Amount Outstanding December 31, 2011 (In thousands)		Contractual Annualized Interest Rate December 31, 2011 (2)		Amount Outstanding December 31, 2010 (In thousands)
Term loans	$	180,000		2.08%	$	200,000
Revolver (1)		20,000		2.08%		20,156
Total	$	200,000			$	220,156

(1)	The Company had $376.8 million of available borrowing capacity on the revolver (not including the expansion feature) as of December 31, 2011.
(2)	Both the term and revolver loan rate consisted of a floating Eurodollar base rate 0.58% plus a margin of 1.5%. However, the Company has an interest rate swap contract which converts the floating Eurodollar base rate to a fixed base rate on $200.0 million of borrowings (see below). As a result, the Company’s effective annual interest rate on its debt as of December 31, 2011 was 3.76%.

In December 2010, the Company recorded certain incremental pre-tax charges due to the termination of the prior credit arrangement. The majority of these charges would have been recognized as expenses in 2011, but accounting rules required their accelerated recognition in 2010. These accelerated pre-tax charges included $3.3 million for deferred losses on interest rate swap contracts that had been recorded in Other Comprehensive Income (OCI) since the swaps had previously been designated as accounting hedges, and $0.4 million for the write-off of a portion of capitalized debt issuance costs related to the previous debt. In accordance with FASB ASC Topic 815, the deferral of the unrealized losses on the swaps recorded in OCI was no longer permitted since the forecasted interest payments related to the previous debt would not occur. Both the capitalized debt issuance write-off and the interest rate swap charge were classified in Interest expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2010.

Interest Rate Swap Hedge

The Company entered into a $200.0 million notional fixed-for-floating interest rate swap contract in December 2010 which it designated as a hedge of the forecasted interest payments on the Company’s variable rate borrowings. Under the swap terms, the Company pays a base fixed rate of 2.26% and in return receives a Eurodollar base rate.

The Company accounts for the interest rate swap as a cash flow hedge in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 815. Since the swap is hedging forecasted interest payments, changes in the fair value of the swap are recorded in OCI as long as the swap continues to be a highly effective hedge of the designated interest rate risk. Any ineffective portion of change in the fair value of the hedge is recorded in earnings. At December 31, 2011, there was no ineffective portion of the hedge. The interest rate swap had a negative fair value to the Company of $9.9 million at December 31, 2011, which is classified in OCI, net of tax effect.

Letters of Credit

The Company had $4.7 million of letters of credit and related guarantees outstanding at year-end 2011. The Company issues these instruments in the ordinary course of business to facilitate transactions with customers and others.

6 — COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Contractual Lease Commitments. The Company leases various facilities, furniture, and computer equipment under operating lease arrangements expiring between 2012 and 2027. The future minimum annual cash payments under non-cancelable operating lease agreements at December 31, 2011, are as follows (in thousands):

Year ended December 31,
2012	$	35,810
2013		31,690
2014		26,075
2015		18,100
2016		11,445
Thereafter		82,530
Total minimum lease payments (1), (2)	$	205,650

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(1)	Excludes $16.1 million of future contractual reimbursements related to leasehold improvements on the Company’s Stamford headquarters lease (see Property, equipment and leasehold improvements in Note 1 — Business and Significant Accounting Policies for additional discussion).
(2)	Excludes $3.1 million of future contractual sublease rental income.

Legal Matters. We are involved in various legal and administrative proceedings and litigation arising in the ordinary course of business. The outcome of these individual matters is not predictable at this time. However, we believe that the ultimate resolution of these matters, after considering amounts already accrued and insurance coverage, will not have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations, or cash flows in future periods.

Indemnifications. The Company has various agreements that may obligate us to indemnify the other party with respect to certain matters. Generally, these indemnification clauses are included in contracts arising in the normal course of business under which we customarily agree to hold the other party harmless against losses arising from a breach of representations related to such matters as title to assets sold and licensed or certain intellectual property rights. It is not possible to predict the maximum potential amount of future payments under these indemnification agreements due to the conditional nature of the Company’s obligations and the unique facts of each particular agreement. Historically, payments made by us under these agreements have not been material. As of December 31, 2011, we did not have any indemnification agreements that would require material payments.

7 — STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Common stock. Holders of Gartner’s Common Stock, par value $.0005 per share (“Common Stock”) are entitled to one vote per share on all matters to be voted by stockholders. The Company does not currently pay cash dividends on its Common Stock. Also, our credit arrangement contains a negative covenant which may limit our ability to pay dividends.

The following table summarizes transactions relating to Common Stock for the three years’ ending December 31, 2011:

	Issued Shares		Treasury Stock Shares
Balance at December 31, 2008		156,234,415		62,353,575
Issuances under stock plans		—		(2,302,935	)
Purchases for treasury		—		306,032
Balance at December 31, 2009		156,234,415		60,356,672
Issuances under stock plans		—		(4,029,673	)
Purchases for treasury		—		3,918,719
Balance at December 31, 2010		156,234,415		60,245,718
Issuances under stock plans		—		(3,244,705	)
Purchases for treasury (1)		—		5,890,238
Balance at December 31, 2011		156,234,415		62,891,251

(1) Includes 2,148,434 shares the Company repurchased directly from ValueAct Capital Master Fund, L.P. (“ValueAct”) in two separate transactions during 2011. The total cost of the shares repurchased directly from ValueAct was $75.2 million.

Share repurchase program. The Company has a $500.0 million share repurchase program, of which $293.5 million remained available for share repurchases as of December 31, 2011. Repurchases may be made from time-to-time through open market purchases, private transactions, tender offers or other transactions. The amount and timing of repurchases will be subject to the availability of stock, prevailing market conditions, the trading price of the stock, the Company’s financial performance and other conditions. Repurchases may also be made from time-to-time in connection with the settlement of the Company’s shared-based compensation awards. Repurchases may be funded from cash flow from operations or borrowings.

The Company paid cash of $212.0 million, $99.8 million, and $3.7 million, in 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively, for common stock repurchases. The $212.0 million paid for share repurchases in 2011 includes the cost of the shares repurchased directly from ValueAct.

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8 — STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

The Company grants stock-based compensation awards as an incentive for employees and directors to contribute to the Company’s long-term success. The Company currently awards stock-settled stock appreciation rights, service- and performance-based restricted stock units, and common stock equivalents. At December 31, 2011, the Company had approximately 6.5 million shares of Common Stock available for awards of stock-based compensation under its 2003 Long-Term Incentive Plan.

The Company accounts for stock-based compensation awards in accordance with FASB ASC Topics 505 and 718, as interpreted by SEC Staff Accounting Bulletins No. 107 (“SAB No. 107”) and No. 110 (“SAB No. 110”). Stock-based compensation expense is based on the fair value of the award on the date of grant, which is then recognized over the related service period, net of estimated forfeitures. The service period is the period over which the related service is performed, which is generally the same as the vesting period. Currently the Company issues treasury shares upon the exercise, release or settlement of stock-based compensation awards.

Determining the appropriate fair value model and calculating the fair value of stock-based compensation awards requires the input of certain complex and subjective assumptions, including the expected life of the stock-based compensation awards and the Common Stock price volatility. In addition, determining the appropriate amount of associated periodic expense requires management to estimate the amount of employee forfeitures and the likelihood of the achievement of certain performance targets. The assumptions used in calculating the fair value of stock-based compensation awards and the associated periodic expense represent management’s best estimates, but these estimates involve inherent uncertainties and the application of judgment. As a result, if factors change and the Company deems it necessary in the future to modify the assumptions it made or to use different assumptions, or if the quantity and nature of the Company’s stock-based compensation awards changes, then the amount of expense may need to be adjusted and future stock-based compensation expense could be materially different from what has been recorded in the current period.

The Company recognized the following amounts of stock-based compensation expense (in millions) for the years ended December 31:

Award type:	2011		2010		2009
Stock appreciation rights (SARs)	$	4.4	$	4.6	$	4.4
Common stock equivalents (CSEs)		0.5		0.5		0.4
Restricted stock units (RSUs)		28.0		27.5		21.3
Total (1)	$	32.9	$	32.6	$	26.1

(1) Includes charges of $3.1 million in both 2011 and 2010 and $1.9 million in 2009 for awards to retirement-eligible employees.

Stock-based compensation (in millions) was recognized as follows in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31:

Amount recorded in:	2011		2010		2009
Costs of services and product development	$	14.8	$	14.8	$	12.6
Selling, general, and administrative		18.1		17.8		13.5
Total stock-based compensation expense recognized	$	32.9	$	32.6	$	26.1

As of December 31, 2011, the Company had $42.3 million of total unrecognized stock-based compensation cost, which is expected to be recognized as stock-based compensation expense over the remaining weighted-average service period of approximately 2.1 years.

Stock-Based Compensation Awards

The following disclosures provide information regarding the Company’s stock-based compensation awards, all of which are classified as equity awards in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 505:

Stock Appreciation Rights

Stock-settled stock appreciation rights (SARs) are settled in common shares and permit the holder to participate in the appreciation of the Common Stock. SARs are settled in shares of Common Stock by the employee once the applicable vesting criteria have been met. SARs vest ratably over a four-year service period and expire seven years from the grant date. The fair value of SARs awards is recognized as compensation expense on a straight-line basis over four years. At the present time, SARs are awarded only to the Company’s executive officers.

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When SARs are exercised, the number of shares of Common Stock issued is calculated as follows: (1) the total proceeds from the SARs exercise (calculated as the closing price of the Common Stock on the date of exercise less the exercise price of the SARs, multiplied by the number of SARs exercised) is divided by (2) the closing price of the Common Stock on the exercise date. The Company withholds a portion of the shares of Common Stock issued upon exercise to satisfy minimum statutory tax withholding requirements. SARs recipients do not have any stockholder rights until after actual shares of Common Stock are issued in respect of the award, which is subject to the prior satisfaction of the vesting and other criteria relating to such grants.

The following table summarizes changes in SARs outstanding for the year ended December 31, 2011:

	SARs in millions			Per Share Weighted- Average Exercise Price		Per Share Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value		Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Term
Outstanding at December 31, 2010		2.5		$	17.22	$	6.62		4.55 years
Granted		0.4			38.05		13.58		6.15 years
Forfeited		—			—		—		—
Exercised		(0.4	)		38.26		6.38		na
Outstanding at December 31, 2011 (1), (2)		2.5		$	20.39	$	7.66		4.00 years
Vested and exercisable at December 31, 2011 (2)		1.1		$	18.07	$	6.77		2.96 years

na=not applicable

(1)	At December 31, 2011, 1.4 million of the SARs were unvested. The Company expects that substantially all of these unvested awards will vest in future periods.
(2)	At December 31, 2011, SARs outstanding had an intrinsic value of $36.8 million. SARs vested and exercisable had an intrinsic value of $18.3 million.

The fair value of the SARs was determined on the grant date using the Black-Scholes-Merton valuation model with the following weighted-average assumptions for the years ended December 31:

	2011			2010			2009
Expected dividend yield (1)		0	%		0	%		0	%
Expected stock price volatility (2)		38	%		40	%		50	%
Risk-free interest rate (3)		2.2	%		2.4	%		2.3	%
Expected life in years (4)		4.75			4.75			4.80

(1)	The dividend yield assumption is based on both the history and expectation of the Company’s dividend payouts. Historically the Company has not paid cash dividends on its Common Stock.
(2)	The determination of expected stock price volatility was based on both historical Common Stock prices and implied volatility from publicly traded options in Common Stock.
(3)	The risk-free interest rate is based on the yield of a U.S. Treasury security with a maturity similar to the expected life of the award.
(4)	The expected life in years represents a weighted-average estimate of the period of time the SARs are expected to be outstanding (that is, the period of time between the service inception date and the expected exercise date). The expected life is based on the “simplified” calculation permitted by SAB No. 107. Under the simplified method, the expected life in years is determined by taking the average of the vesting period plus the original contractual term and dividing by two. The Company continues to use the simplified method for SARs since it does not have the necessary actual historical exercise and forfeiture data, as permitted by SAB No. 110.

Restricted Stock Units

Restricted stock units (RSUs) give the awardee the right to receive shares of Common Stock when the vesting conditions are met and the restrictions lapse, and each RSU that vests entitles the awardee to one common share. RSU awardees do not have any stockholder

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rights until after the common shares are released. The fair value of RSUs is determined on the date of grant based on the closing price of the Common Stock as reported by the New York Stock Exchange on that date. Service-based RSUs vest ratably over four years and are expensed on a straight-line basis over four years. Performance-based RSUs are subject to both performance and service conditions, vest ratably over four years, and are expensed on an accelerated basis. Presently performance-based RSUs are awarded only to executive officers.

The following table summarizes the changes in RSUs outstanding during the year ended December 31, 2011:

	Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) (in millions)			Per Share Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Outstanding at December 31, 2010		3.9		$	16.52
Granted (1)		0.8			38.02
Vested and released		(1.5	)		17.23
Forfeited		(0.1	)		21.48
Outstanding at December 31, 2011(2), (3)		3.1		$	21.53

(1)	The 0.8 million RSUs granted in 2011 consisted of 0.4 million performance-based RSUs awarded to executives and 0.4 million service-based RSUs awarded to non-executive employees and certain board members. The target number of performance-based RSUs granted was 0.3 million, which was tied to a targeted increase in the Company’s subscription-based contract value (“CV”) for 2011. The actual number of performance-based RSUs granted to executives could range from 0% to 200%, depending on the actual increase in CV for the year as measured on December 31, 2011. At year-end 2011, the actual CV increase achieved was 133% of the targeted amount, which resulted in the grant of 0.4 million performance-based RSUs to executives.
(2)	The Company expects that substantially all of the outstanding awards at December 31, 2011 will vest in future periods.
(3)	The weighted-average remaining contractual term of the outstanding RSUs is approximately 1.0 year.

Common Stock Equivalents

Common stock equivalents (CSEs) are convertible into Common Stock and each CSE entitles the holder to one common share. Members of our Board of Directors receive directors’ fees payable in CSEs unless they opt to receive up to 50% of the fees in cash. Generally, the CSEs have no defined term and are converted into common shares when service as a director terminates unless the director has elected an accelerated release. The fair value of the CSEs is determined on the date of grant based on the closing price of the Common Stock as reported by the New York Stock Exchange on that date. CSEs vest immediately and as a result are recorded as expense on the date of grant.

The following table summarizes the changes in CSEs outstanding for the year ended December 31, 2011:

	Common Stock Equivalents (CSEs)			Per Share Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Outstanding at December 31, 2010		117,208		$	16.82
Granted		13,294			37.24
Converted to common shares		(33,234	)		36.15
Outstanding at December 31, 2011		97,268		$	17.79

Stock Options

Historically, the Company granted stock options to employees that allowed them to purchase shares of Common Stock at a certain price. The Company has not made any stock option grants since 2006. All outstanding options are fully vested and there is no

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remaining unamortized cost. The Company received $16.6 million, $20.7 million, and $12.2 million in cash from stock option exercises in 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively.

The following table summarizes the changes in stock options outstanding during the year ended December 31, 2011:

	Options in millions			Per Share Weighted- Average Exercise Price		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term		Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in millions)
Vested and outstanding at December 31, 2010		2.6		$	11.13		2.59 years	$	58.2
Expired		—			—		na		na
Exercised		(1.4	)		11.29		na		39.6
Vested and outstanding at December 31, 2011		1.2		$	10.93		1.47 years	$	27.7

na=not applicable

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

The Company has an employee stock purchase plan (the “ESP Plan”) under which eligible employees are permitted to purchase Common Stock through payroll deductions, which may not exceed 10% of an employee’s compensation (or $23,750 in any calendar year), at a price equal to 95% of the closing price of the Common Stock as reported by the New York Stock Exchange at the end of each offering period. At December 31, 2011, the Company had approximately 1.4 million shares available for purchase under the ESP Plan. The ESP Plan is considered non-compensatory under FASB ASC Topic 718, and as a result the Company does not record stock-based compensation expense for employee share purchases. The Company received $3.4 million, $2.8 million, and $2.7 million in cash from share purchases under the ESP Plan during 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively.

9 — COMPUTATION OF EARNINGS PER SHARE

Basic earnings per share (“EPS”) is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares of Common Stock outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution of securities that could share in earnings. When the impact of common share equivalents is antidilutive, they are excluded from the calculation.

The following table sets forth the reconciliation of the basic and diluted earnings per share computations (in thousands, except per share amounts) for the years ended December 31:

	2011		2010		2009
Numerator:
Net income used for calculating basic and diluted earnings per common share	$	136,902	$	96,285	$	82,964
Denominator: (1)
Weighted average number of common shares used in the calculation of basic earnings per share		96,019		95,747		94,658
Common share equivalents associated with stock-based compensation plans		2,827		4,087		2,891
Shares used in the calculation of diluted earnings per share		98,846		99,834		97,549
Earnings per share:
Basic	$	1.43	$	1.01	$	0.88
Diluted	$	1.39	$	0.96	$	0.85

(1) During 2011, 2010 and 2009, the Company repurchased 5.9 million, 3.9 million, and 0.3 million shares of its Common Stock, respectively.

The following table presents the number of common share equivalents that were not included in the computation of diluted EPS in the table above because the effect would have been antidilutive. During periods with net income, these common share equivalents were antidilutive because their exercise price was greater than the average market value of a share of Common Stock during the period.

	2011		2010		2009
Antidilutive common share equivalents as of December 31 (in millions):		0.5		0.5		1.7
Average market price per share of Common Stock during the year	$	37.53	$	26.35	$	15.52

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10 — INCOME TAXES

Following is a summary of the components of income before income taxes for the years ended December 31 (in thousands):

	2011		2010		2009
U.S.	$	124,915	$	78,933	$	54,793
Non-U.S.		77,269		55,152		60,733
Income before income taxes	$	202,184	$	134,085	$	115,526

The expense for income taxes on the above income consists of the following components (in thousands):

	2011			2010			2009
Current tax expense:
U.S. federal	$	23,327		$	9,078		$	8,749
State and local		4,236			2,645			3,107
Foreign		13,845			10,341			14,340
Total current		41,408			22,064			26,196
Deferred tax (benefit) expense:
U.S. federal		(5,192	)		4,263			7,477
State and local		1,269			72			3,168
Foreign		(1,434	)		(6,013	)		1,281
Total deferred		(5,357	)		(1,678	)		11,926
Total current and deferred		36,051			20,386			38,122
Benefit (expense) relating to interest rate swap used to increase (decrease) equity		3,134			(2,523	)		(2,530	)
Benefit from stock transactions with employees used to increase equity		25,812			18,559			621
Benefit (expense) relating to defined-benefit pension adjustments used to increase (decrease) equity		285			375			(296	)
Benefit (expense) of acquired tax assets (liabilities) used to decrease (increase) goodwill		—			1,003			(3,355	)
Total tax expense	$	65,282		$	37,800		$	32,562

Current and long-term deferred tax assets and liabilities are comprised of the following (in thousands):

	December 31,
	2011			2010
Expense accruals	$	40,438		$	39,892
Loss and credit carryforwards		24,282			19,999
Assets relating to equity compensation		18,226			16,599
Other assets		8,949			5,244
Gross deferred tax asset		91,895			81,734
Depreciation		(9,199	)		(5,595	)
Intangible assets		(17,024	)		(14,816	)
Prepaid expenses		(10,183	)		(9,342	)
Other liabilities		—			(110	)
Gross deferred tax liability		(36,406	)		(29,863	)
Valuation allowance		(1,869	)		(2,634	)
Net deferred tax asset	$	53,620		$	49,237

Current net deferred tax assets and current net deferred tax liabilities were $31.4 million and $0.6 million as of December 31, 2011 and $28.4 million and $0.4 million as of December 31, 2010, respectively, and are included in Prepaid expenses and other current assets and Accounts payable and accrued liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Long-term net deferred tax assets and long-term net deferred tax liabilities were $22.8 million and zero as of December 31, 2011 and $21.2 million and zero as of December 31, 2010, respectively, and are included in Other assets and Other liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. It is more likely than not that the results of future operations will generate sufficient taxable income to realize the deferred tax assets.

The valuation allowances of $1.9 million as of December 31, 2011 and $2.6 million as of December 31, 2010 relate primarily to non-U.S. net operating losses and domestic capital loss carryforwards that more likely than not will expire unutilized. The net decrease in

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the valuation allowance of $0.7 million in 2011 relates primarily to the release of valuation allowances on federal and state capital loss carryovers.

The Company has established a full valuation allowance against domestic realized and unrealized capital losses, as the future utilization of these losses is uncertain. As of December 31, 2011, the Company had U.S. federal capital loss carryforwards of $0.8 million, all of which will expire in 2012. The Company also had $0.8 million in state and local capital loss carryforwards that expire over a similar period of time.

As of December 31, 2011, the Company had state and local tax net operating loss carryforwards of $139.9 million, of which $5.0 million expire within one to five years, $114.2 million expire within six to fifteen years, and $20.7 million expire within sixteen to twenty years. In addition, the Company had non-U.S. net operating loss carryforwards of $27.3 million, of which $2.6 million expire over the next 20 years and $24.7 million that can be carried forward indefinitely. As of December 31, 2011 the Company also had foreign tax credit carryforwards of $10.0 million, the majority of which expire in 2018.

The differences between the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate and the Company’s effective tax rate on income before income taxes for the years ended December 31 follow:

	2011			2010			2009
Statutory tax rate		35.0	%		35.0	%		35.0	%
State income taxes, net of federal benefit		3.8			3.3			3.0
Foreign income taxed at different rates		(5.9	)		(6.2	)		(5.0	)
Repatriation of foreign earnings		(0.4	)		8.5			4.1
Record (release) valuation allowance		(0.4	)		(12.7	)		(4.5	)
Foreign tax credits		(2.3	)		(0.8	)		(1.9	)
Record (release) reserve for tax contingencies		3.1			2.0			(3.5	)
Other items, net		(0.6	)		(0.9	)		1.0
Effective tax rate		32.3	%		28.2	%		28.2	%

As of December 31, 2011 and December 31 2010, the Company had gross unrecognized tax benefits of $18.3 million and $15.8 million, respectively. The increase is primarily attributable to uncertainties surrounding the utilization of certain tax attributes. It is reasonably possible that the gross unrecognized tax benefits will be decreased by $2.9 million within the next 12 months due primarily to anticipated settlements of audits and the expiration of certain statutes of limitation. The benefits in question relate primarily to the utilization of certain tax attributes.

The Company classifies uncertain tax positions not expected to be settled within one year as long term liabilities. As of December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the Company had Other Liabilities of $15.4 million and $15.7 million, respectively, related to long term uncertain tax positions.

The Company records accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in its income tax provision. As of December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the Company had $4.8 million and $3.8 million of accrued interest and penalties, respectively, related to unrecognized tax benefits. These amounts are in addition to the gross unrecognized tax benefits noted above. The total amount of interest and penalties recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for years ending December 31, 2011 and 2010 was $1.5 million and $1.0 million, respectively.

The following is a reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits, excluding interest and penalties, for the years ending December 31 (in thousands):

	2011			2010
Beginning balance	$	15,824		$	13,804
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year		2,269			3,999
Additions for tax positions of prior years		4,375			592
Reductions for tax positions of prior years		(746	)		(137	)
Reductions for expiration of statutes		(269	)		(610	)
Settlements		(2,661	)		(1,668	)
Change in foreign currency exchange rates		(447	)		(156	)
Ending balance	$	18,345		$	15,824

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In 2011, the Company repatriated approximately $32.6 million from its foreign subsidiaries. The cash cost of the repatriation was offset with the utilization of foreign tax credits and capital loss carryovers.

The number of years with open statutes of limitation varies depending on the tax jurisdiction. Generally, the Company’s statutes are open for tax years ended December 31, 2007 and forward. Major taxing jurisdictions include the U.S. (federal and state), the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Australia, Italy, Canada, Japan, the Netherlands, and Ireland.

The Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) completed its examination of the federal income tax return of the Company for the tax year ended December 31, 2007. In December 2010, the Company received a report of the audit findings. The Company disagrees with certain of the proposed adjustments and is disputing this matter through applicable IRS and judicial procedures, as appropriate. In addition, in the second quarter of 2011 the IRS commenced an audit of the Company’s 2008 and 2009 tax years. The Company continues to comply with all information requests and no material adjustments of the Company’s tax positions have been proposed at this time for the 2008 and 2009 tax years. Although the final resolution of these audits is uncertain and there are no assurances that the ultimate resolution will not exceed the amounts recorded, the Company believes that the ultimate disposition of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial position, cash flows, or results of operations.

Earnings of a non-U.S. subsidiary or affiliate are subject to U.S. taxation when repatriated. The Company intends to reinvest earnings outside the U.S. except in instances where repatriating such earnings would result in minimal additional tax. The Company currently has no plan to remit earnings which will result in a material additional tax cost. Accordingly, the Company has not recognized U.S. tax expense on non-U.S. earnings. At December 31, 2011, the accumulated undistributed earnings of non-U.S. subsidiaries approximated $41.3 million and were indefinitely invested. An estimate of the U.S. income tax liability that would be payable if such earnings were not indefinitely reinvested is $9.7 million.

11 — DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING

The Company enters into a limited number of derivative contracts to offset the potentially negative economic effects of interest rate and foreign exchange movements. The Company accounts for its outstanding derivative contracts in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 815, which requires all derivatives, to include derivatives designated as accounting hedges, to be recorded on the balance sheet at fair value.

The following tables provide information regarding the Company’s outstanding derivatives contracts as of, and for, the years ended (in thousands, except for number of outstanding contracts):

December 31, 2011

Derivative Contract Type	Number of Outstanding Contracts		Contract Notional Amount		Fair Value Asset (Liability) (4)			Balance Sheet Line Item		OCI Unrealized (Loss), Net Of Tax
Interest rate swap (1)		1	$	200,000	$	(9,891	)		Other liabilities	$	(5,934	)
Interest rate swaps (2)		2		30,750		(98	)		Accrued liabilities		—
Foreign currency forwards (3)		60		99,585		272			Other current assets		—
Total		63	$	330,335	$	(9,717	)			$	(5,934	)
December 31, 2010
Derivative Contract Type	Number of Outstanding Contracts		Contract Notional Amount		Fair Value Asset (Liability) (4)			Balance Sheet Line Item		OCI Unrealized (Loss), Net Of Tax
Interest rate swap (1)		1	$	200,000	$	(2,101	)		Other liabilities	$	(1,261	)
Interest rate swaps (2)		2		147,750		(3,966	)		Other liabilities		—
Foreign currency forwards (3)		63		250,220		618			Other current assets		—
Total		66	$	597,970	$	(5,449	)			$	(1,261	)

(1) The Company designates and accounts for this swap as a cash flow hedge of the forecasted interest payments on borrowings. As a result, changes in fair value of this swap are deferred and are recorded in OCI, net of tax effect. The Company entered into this swap in December 2010 (see Note 5 — Debt).

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(2)	Changes in the fair value of these swaps are recognized in earnings. Both swaps matured in January 2012.
(3)	The Company has foreign exchange transaction risk since it typically enters into transactions in the normal course of business that are denominated in foreign currencies that differ from the local functional currency. The Company enters into short-term foreign currency forward exchange contracts to offset the economic effects of these foreign currency transaction risks. These contracts are accounted for at fair value with realized and unrealized gains and losses recognized in Other income (expense), net since the Company does not designate these contracts as hedges for accounting purposes. All of the outstanding contracts at December 31, 2011 matured by the end of January 2012.
(4)	See Note 12 — Fair Value Disclosures for the determination of the fair value of these instruments.

At December 31, 2011 the Company’s derivative counterparties were all large investment grade financial institutions. The Company did not have any collateral arrangements with its derivative counterparties, and none of the derivative contracts contained credit-risk related contingent features.

The following table provides information regarding derivative gains and losses that have been recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31 (in thousands):

Amount recorded in:	2011		2010			2009
Interest expense, net (1)	$	4.1	$	10.7		$	9.6
Other expense (income), net (2)		1.2		(2.8	)		(0.7	)
Total expense, net	$	5.3	$	7.9		$	8.9

(1)	Consists of interest expense from interest rate swap contracts.
(2)	Consists of realized and unrealized gains and losses on foreign currency forward contracts.

12 — FAIR VALUE DISCLOSURES

The Company’s financial instruments include cash equivalents, fees receivable from customers, accounts payable, and accruals which are normally short-term in nature. The Company believes the carrying amounts of these financial instruments reasonably approximates their fair value due to their short-term nature. The Company’s financial instruments also includes borrowings outstanding under its 2010 Credit Agreement, and at December 31, 2011, the Company had $200.0 million of floating rate debt outstanding under this arrangement, which is carried at amortized cost. The Company believes the carrying amount of the outstanding borrowings reasonably approximates fair value since the rate of interest on the borrowings reflect current market rates of interest for similar instruments with comparable maturities.

FASB ASC Topic 820 provides a framework for the measurement of fair value and a valuation hierarchy based upon the transparency of inputs used in the valuation of assets and liabilities. Classification within the hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the resulting fair value measurement. The valuation hierarchy contains three levels. Level 1 measurements consist of quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2 measurements include significant other observable inputs such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; identical assets or liabilities in inactive markets; observable inputs such as interest rates and yield curves; and other market-corroborated inputs. Level 3 measurements include significant unobservable inputs, such as internally-created valuation models. The Company does not currently utilize Level 3 valuation inputs to remeasure any of its assets or liabilities. However, level 3 inputs may be used by the Company in its required annual impairment review of goodwill. Information regarding the periodic assessment of the Company’s goodwill is included in Note 1 — Business and Significant Accounting Policies.

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The Company has a limited number of assets and liabilities recorded in its Consolidated Balance Sheets that are remeasured to fair value on a recurring basis, which are presented in the following table (in thousands):

Description:	Fair Value December 31, 2011		Fair Value December 31, 2010
Assets:
Deferred compensation plan assets (1)	$	25,050	$	24,113
Pension reinsurance asset (2)		12,980		11,680
Foreign currency forward contracts (3)		272		618
	$	38,302	$	36,411
Liabilities:
Deferred compensation plan liabilities (1)	$	28,100	$	26,900
Interest rate swap contracts (4)		9,989		6,067
	$	38,089	$	32,967

(1)	The Company has a deferred compensation plan for the benefit of certain highly compensated officers, managers and other key employees (see Note 13 — Employee Benefits). The plan’s assets consist of investments in money market and mutual funds, and company-owned life insurance contracts.
	The money market funds consist of cash equivalents while the mutual fund investments consist of publicly-traded and quoted equity shares. The Company considers the fair value of these assets to be based on Level 1 inputs, and these assets had a fair value of $8.0 million and $7.5 million as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The carrying amount of the life insurance contracts equals their cash surrender value, as required by U.S. GAAP, which approximates fair value. Cash surrender value represents the estimated amount that the Company would receive upon termination of the contract. The Company considers the life insurance contracts to be valued based on a Level 2 input, and these assets had a fair value of $17.0 million and $16.6 million at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The related deferred compensation plan liabilities are recorded at fair value, or the amount needed to settle the liability, which the Company also considers to be based on a Level 2 input.
(2)	The Company maintains a pension reinsurance asset to fund payments for one of its defined benefit pension plans (see Note 13—Employee Benefits). The reinsurance asset is carried at its cash surrender value, which approximates its fair value. The Company considers the reinsurance contract to be valued based on a Level 2 input
(3)	The Company enters into foreign currency forward exchange contracts to hedge the effects of adverse fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates (see Note 11 — Derivatives and Hedging). Valuation of the foreign currency forward contracts is based on foreign currency exchange rates in active markets, which the Company considers a Level 2 input.
(4)	On December 31, 2011, the Company had three outstanding interest rate swap contracts (see Note 11 — Derivatives and Hedging). To determine the fair value of these over-the-counter financial instruments, the Company relies on mark-to-market valuations prepared by third-party brokers. These valuations are based on observable interest rates from recently executed market transactions or broker quotes corroborated by other observable market data. Accordingly, the fair value of the swaps is determined under a Level 2 input. The Company independently corroborates the reasonableness of the swap valuations prepared by third-party brokers through the use of an electronic quotation service.

13 — EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

Savings and investment plan. The Company has a savings and investment plan covering substantially all domestic employees. Company contributions are based upon the level of employee contributions, up to a maximum of 4% of the employee’s eligible salary, subject to an annual maximum. For 2011, the maximum match was $6,600. In addition, the Company may also contribute at least 1% of an employee’s base compensation, subject to an IRS annual limitation of $2,450 for 2011. Amounts expensed in connection with the plan totaled $15.9 million, $14.6 million, and $13.0 million, in 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively.

Deferred compensation plan. The Company has a supplemental deferred compensation plan for the benefit of certain highly compensated officers, managers and other key employees, which is structured as a rabbi trust. The plan’s investment assets are classified in Other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value. The value of these assets was $25.1 million and $24.1 million at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively (see Note 12 — Fair Value Disclosures for a description regarding the determination of fair value for these assets). The corresponding deferred compensation liability of $28.1 million and $26.9 million at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, is carried at fair value, and is adjusted with a corresponding charge or credit to compensation cost to reflect the fair value of the amount owed to the employees which is classified in Other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Total compensation expense recognized for the plan was $0.3 million in 2011, zero in 2010, and $0.1 million in 2009.

Defined benefit pension plans. The Company has defined-benefit pension plans in several of its non-U.S. locations. Benefits earned under these plans are based on years of service and level of employee compensation. The Company accounts for defined benefit plans in accordance with the requirements of FASB ASC Topics 715 and 960.

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The following are the components of net periodic pension expense for the years ended December 31 (in thousands):

	2011			2010			2009
Service cost	$	1,890		$	1,875		$	1,465
Interest cost		1,010			840			742
Expected return on plan assets		(125	)		—			—
Recognition of actuarial gain		(135	)		(350	)		(200	)
Recognition of termination benefits		65			65			192
Net periodic pension expense (1)	$	2,705		$	2,430		$	2,199

(1) Pension expense is classified in SG&A in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

The following are the assumptions used in the computation of net periodic pension expense for the years ended December 31:

	2011			2010			2009
Weighted-average discount rate		4.40	%		3.95	%		4.85	%
Average compensation increase		2.65	%		2.80	%		3.27	%

Discount rates are typically determined by utilizing the yields on long-term corporate or government bonds in the relevant country with a duration consistent with the expected term of the underlying pension obligations.

The following table provides information related to changes in the projected benefit obligation for the years ended December 31 (in thousands):

	2011			2010			2009
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	19,730		$	14,358		$	13,286
Service cost		1,890			1,875			1,465
Interest cost		1,010			840			742
Actuarial (gain) loss		(948	)		1,100			(1,034	)
Addition of foreign pension plan (1)		—			1,961			—
Benefits paid (2)		(390	)		(220	)		(562	)
Foreign currency impact		(132	)		(184	)		461
Projected benefit obligation at end of year (3)	$	21,160		$	19,730		$	14,358

(1)	The Company adopted the defined benefit pension plan accounting provisions of FASB ASC Topics 715 and 960 for a non-U.S. plan on December 31, 2010. Previously the Company had accounted for this plan in accordance with local statutory accounting requirements. The adoption of FASB ASC Topics 715 and 960 for this plan did not result in the recognition of additional expense.
(2)	The Company projects the following amounts will be paid in future years to plan participants: $0.4 million in 2012; $1.2 million in 2013; $1.3 million in 2014; $0.8 million in 2015; $0.9 million in 2016; and $6.5 million in the five years thereafter.
(3)	Measured as of December 31.

The following table provides information regarding the plan projected benefit obligation and other amounts recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31 (in thousands):

	2011			2010			2009
Projected benefit obligation	$	21,160		$	19,730		$	14,358
Plan assets at fair value (1)		(2,480	)		(2,130	)		—
Funded status – shortfall (2)	$	18,680		$	17,600		$	14,358
Amounts recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets:
Other assets — reinsurance asset (3)	$	12,980		$	11,680		$	10,451
Other liabilities — accrued pension obligation (2)	$	18,680		$	17,600		$	14,358
Stockholders’ equity — unrealized actuarial gain (4)	$	2,488		$	2,205		$	3,217

(1) Consists of the assets of a non-U.S. plan for which the Company adopted the accounting provisions of FASB ASC Topics 715 and 960 on December 31, 2010. These assets are considered assets of the plan for accounting purposes and are thus not recorded on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. The assets are maintained with a third-party insurance company and are invested in a diversified portfolio of equities, bonds, and other investments. The assets are primarily valued based on Level 1 and Level 2 inputs under the fair value hierarchy in FASB ASC Topic 820, and the Company considers the overall portfolio of these assets to be of medium investment risk. The projected long-term rate of return on these plan assets was 4.1% as of December 31, 2011. For the year-ended December 31, 2011, the Company contributed $0.6 million to this plan, the actual return on plan assets was $(0.1) million, and benefits paid to participants was $0.1 million.

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(2)

The funded status — shortfall represents the amount of the projected benefit obligation that the Company has not funded. This amount is recorded as a liability in Other Liabilities on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company expects to contribute approximately $0.6 million to these plans in 2012.

(3)

Consists of a reinsurance asset arrangement with a large international insurance company that was rated investment grade as of December 31, 2011. The purpose of the reinsurance asset arrangement is to fund the benefit payments under one of the Company’s foreign defined benefit pension plans. However, the reinsurance asset is not legally segregated or restricted for purposes of meeting the pension obligation and as a result is not acknowledged as a pension plan asset under U.S. GAAP. As a result, the reinsurance asset is carried on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets at its cash surrender value, which the Company believes reasonably approximates its fair value.

(4) The balance recorded in Stockholders’ Equity, net of tax represents the plan’s net unrealized actuarial gain which will be amortized against net periodic pension cost, thereby reducing the amount of the charge, over approximately 15 years. Amortization of the unrealized gain at December 31, 2011 is projected to reduce the Company’s net periodic pension cost in 2012 by approximately $0.2 million.

14 — SEGMENT INFORMATION

The Company manages its business through three reportable segments: Research, Consulting and Events. Research consists primarily of subscription-based research products, access to research inquiry, peer networking services, and membership programs. Consulting consists primarily of consulting, measurement engagements, and strategic advisory services. Events consists of various symposia, conferences and exhibitions.

The Company evaluates reportable segment performance and allocates resources based on gross contribution margin. Gross contribution, as presented in the table below, is defined as operating income excluding certain COS and SG&A expenses, depreciation, acquisition and integration charges, and amortization of intangibles. Certain bonus and fringe benefit costs included in consolidated COS are not allocated to segment expense. The accounting policies used by the reportable segments are the same as those used by the Company. There are no intersegment revenues.

The Company earns revenue from clients in many countries. Other than the United States, there is no individual country in which revenues from external clients represent 10% or more of the Company’s consolidated revenues. Additionally, no single client accounted for 10% or more of total revenue and the loss of a single client, in management’s opinion, would not have a material adverse effect on revenues. The Company does not identify or allocate assets, including capital expenditures, by reportable segment. Accordingly, assets are not being reported by segment because the information is not available by segment and is not reviewed in the evaluation of performance or making decisions in the allocation of resources.

The following tables present operating information about the Company’s reportable segments for the years ended December 31 (in thousands):

	Research		Consulting		Events		Consolidated
2011
Revenues	$	1,012,062	$	308,047	$	148,479	$	1,468,588
Gross contribution		682,136		114,838		66,265		863,239
Corporate and other expenses								(649,177	)
Operating income							$	214,062
	Research		Consulting		Events		Consolidated
2010
Revenues	$	865,000	$	302,117	$	121,337	$	1,288,454
Gross contribution		564,527		121,885		55,884		742,296
Corporate and other expenses								(593,031	)
Operating income							$	149,265
	Research		Consulting		Events		Consolidated
2009
Revenues	$	752,505	$	286,847	$	100,448	$	1,139,800
Gross contribution		489,862		112,099		40,945		642,906
Corporate and other expenses								(508,429	)
Operating income							$	134,477

60

The Company’s revenues are generated primarily through direct sales to clients by domestic and international sales forces and a network of independent international sales agents. Most of the Company’s products and services are provided on an integrated worldwide basis, and because of this integrated delivery, it is not practical to precisely separate our revenues by geographic location. Accordingly, the separation set forth in the table below is based upon internal allocations, which involve certain management estimates and judgments. Revenues in the table are reported based on where the sale is fulfilled; “Other International” revenues are those attributable to all areas located outside of the United States, Canada, and Europe, Middle East, Africa.

Summarized information by geographic location as of and for the years ended December 31 follows (in thousands):

	2011		2010		2009
Revenues:
United States and Canada	$	861,481	$	765,793	$	663,832
Europe, Middle East and Africa		437,194		380,771		360,791
Other International		169,913		141,890		115,177
Total revenues	$	1,468,588	$	1,288,454	$	1,139,800
Long-lived assets: (1)
United States and Canada	$	85,194	$	69,163	$	65,896
Europe, Middle East and Africa		23,673		21,856		21,924
Other International		10,754		6,175		2,404
Total long-lived assets	$	119,621	$	97,194	$	90,224

(1) Excludes goodwill and other intangible assets.

15 — VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

The Company maintains an allowance for losses which is composed of a bad debt allowance and a revenue reserve. Provisions are charged against earnings either as an increase to expense or a reduction in revenues. The following table summarizes activity in the Company’s allowance for the years ended December 31(in thousands):

	Balance at Beginning of Year		Additions Charged to Expense		Additions Charged Against Revenues		Deductions from Reserve			Balance at End of Year
2009:
Allowance for doubtful accounts and returns and allowances	$	7,800	$	2,100	$	6,000	$	(7,800	)	$	8,100
2010:
Allowance for doubtful accounts and returns and allowances	$	8,100	$	800	$	2,000	$	(3,700	)	$	7,200
2011:
Allowance for doubtful accounts and returns and allowances	$	7,200	$	930	$	4,390	$	(5,260	)	$	7,260

61

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has caused this Report on Form 10-K to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, duly authorized, in Stamford, Connecticut, on February 23, 2012.

	Gartner, Inc.
Date: February 23, 2012	By:	/s/ Eugene A. Hall
	Eugene A. Hall
	Chief Executive Officer

POWER OF ATTORNEY

Each person whose signature appears below appoints Eugene A. Hall and Christopher J. Lafond and each of them, acting individually, as his or her attorney-in-fact, each with full power of substitution, for him or her in all capacities, to sign all amendments to this Report on Form 10-K, and to file the same, with appropriate exhibits and other related documents, with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Each of the undersigned, ratifies and confirms his or her signatures as they may be signed by his or her attorney-in-fact to any amendments to this Report. Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this Report has been signed by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated:

Name	Title	Date
/s/ Eugene A. Hall	Director and Chief Executive Officer	February 23, 2012
	(Principal Executive Officer)
Eugene A. Hall
/s/ Christopher J. Lafond	Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer	February 23, 2012
	(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
Christopher J. Lafond
/s/ Michael J. Bingle	Director	February 23, 2012
Michael J. Bingle
/s/ Richard J. Bressler	Director	February 23, 2012
Richard J. Bressler
/s/ Raul E. Cesan	Director	February 23, 2012
Raul E. Cesan
/s/ Karen E. Dykstra	Director	February 23, 2012
Karen E. Dykstra
/s/ Anne Sutherland Fuchs	Director	February 23, 2012
Anne Sutherland Fuchs
/s/ William O. Grabe	Director	February 23, 2012
William O. Grabe
/s/ Stephen G. Pagliuca	Director	February 23, 2012
Stephen G. Pagliuca
/s/ James C. Smith	Director	February 23, 2012
James C. Smith

62

EX-21.1

EXHIBIT 21.1

SUBSIDIARIES OF THE REGISTRANT

Subsidiaries		State/Country
•	AMR Research, Inc.	Delaware, USA
•	AMR Research International, Ltd.	Delaware, USA
•	Burton Group, Inc.	Utah, USA
•	Computer Financial Consultants, Inc.	Delaware, USA
•	Computer Financial Consultants, Limited	United Kingdom
•	Computer Financial Consultants (Management) Limited	United Kingdom
•	Dataquest Australia Pty. Ltd.	Australia
•	Dataquest, Inc.	California, USA
•	Decision Drivers, Inc.	Delaware, USA
•	G.G. Properties, Ltd.	Bermuda
•	Gartner Advisory (Singapore) PTE LTD.	Singapore
•	Gartner Australasia PTY Limited	Australia
•	Gartner Austria GmbH	Austria
•	Gartner Belgium BVBA	Belgium
•	Gartner Canada Co.	Nova Scotia, Canada
•	Gartner Consulting (Beijing) Co., LTD.	China
•	Gartner Denmark ApS	Denmark
•	Gartner Deutschland, GmbH	Germany
•	Gartner do Brasil Servicos de Pesquisas LTDA.	Brazil
•	Gartner Enterprises, Ltd.	Delaware, USA
•	Gartner Espana, S.L.	Spain
•	Gartner Europe Holdings, B.V.	The Netherlands
•	Gartner France S.A.R.L.	France
•	Gartner Gulf FZ, LLC	United Arab Emirates
•	Gartner Group Argentina S.A.	Argentina
•	Gartner Group Taiwan Ltd.	Taiwan
•	Gartner (Thailand) Ltd.	Thailand
•	Gartner Holdings Ireland	Bermuda
•	Gartner Holdings, LLC	Delaware, USA
•	Gartner Hong Kong, Limited	Hong Kong
•	Gartner India Research & Advisory Services Private Ltd.	India
•	Gartner Investments I, LLC	Delaware, USA
•	Gartner Investments II, LLC	Delaware, USA
•	Gartner Ireland Limited	Ireland
•	Gartner Italia, S.r.l.	Italy
•	Gartner Israel Advisory Ltd.	Israel
•	Gartner Japan Ltd.	Japan
•	Gartner Mexico S. de R. L. de C.V.	Mexico
•	Gartner Nederland B.V.	The Netherlands
•	Gartner Norge A.S.	Norway
•	Gartner Research & Advisory (Malaysia) SND.BHD	Malaysia
•	Gartner Research & Advisory Korea Co., Ltd.	Korea
•	Gartner Sverige AB	Sweden
•	Gartner Switzerland GmbH	Switzerland
•	Gartner U.K. Limited	United Kingdom
•	The Research Board, Inc.	Delaware, USA
•	Wentworth Research Limited	United Kingdom
•	1422722 Ontario, Inc.	Canada
•	META Group GmbH	Germany
•	META Group CESE GmbH	Germany
•	META Group Deutschland GmbH	Germany
•	META Group UK Holdings Ltd.	United Kingdom
•	META Group UK Ltd.	United Kingdom
•	META Saudi Arabia	Saudi Arabia

EX-23.1

Exhibit 23.1

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Board of Directors and Stockholders

Gartner, Inc.:

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration statements (No. 333-30546, No. 333-91256, No. 333-97557, No. 333-104753, No. 333-120767, No. 333-127349, No. 333-160924, 333-176058), on Form S-8 of Gartner, Inc. of our reports dated February 22, 2012, with respect to the consolidated balance sheets of Gartner, Inc. as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity (deficit) and comprehensive income (loss), and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2011, and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011, which reports appear in the December 31, 2011 annual report on Form 10-K of Gartner, Inc.

(KPMG LLP LOGO)

/s/ KPMG LLP

New York, New York
February 23, 2012

EX-31.1

Exhibit 31.1

CERTIFICATION

I, Eugene A. Hall, certify that:
(1)	I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Gartner, Inc.;
(2)	Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
(3)	Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
(4)	The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) for the registrant and we have:
	a)	Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
	b)	Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
	c)	Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
	d)	Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
(5)	The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
	a)	All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
	b)	Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

/s/ Eugene A. Hall

Eugene A. Hall

Chief Executive Officer

Date: February 23, 2012

EX-31.2

Exhibit 31.2

CERTIFICATION

I, Christopher J. Lafond, certify that:
(1)	I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Gartner, Inc.;
(2)	Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
(3)	Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
(4)	The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) for the registrant and we have:
	a)	Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
	b)	Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
	c)	Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
	d)	Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
(5)	The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
	a)	All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
	b)	Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

/s/ Christopher J. Lafond

Christopher J. Lafond

Chief Financial Officer

Date: February 23, 2012

EX-32

Exhibit 32

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Annual Report of Gartner, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), Eugene A. Hall Chief Executive Officer of the Company, and Christopher J. Lafond, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, each hereby certifies, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to my knowledge:

(1)	The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
(2)	The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

/s/ Eugene A. Hall
Name:	Eugene A. Hall
Title:	Chief Executive Officer
	Date: February 23, 2012
/s/ Christopher J. Lafond
Name:	Christopher J. Lafond
Title:	Chief Financial Officer
	Date: February 23, 2012

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to Gartner, Inc. and will be retained by Gartner, Inc. and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

XML

Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross cost	$ 23,602	$ 23,602
Accumulated amortization	(16,542)	(10,018)
Net	7,060	13,584
Content
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross cost	10,634	10,634
Accumulated amortization	(10,634)	(7,089)
Net		3,545
Trade Name
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross cost	5,758	5,758
Accumulated amortization	(2,303)	(1,152)
Net	3,455	4,606
Customer Relationships
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross cost	7,210	7,210
Accumulated amortization	(3,605)	(1,777)
Net	$ 3,605	$ 5,433

XML

Summary of Transactions Relating to Common Stock (Detail)	12 Months Ended							12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009	Dec. 31, 2011 Common Stock	Dec. 31, 2010 Common Stock	Dec. 31, 2009 Common Stock	Dec. 31, 2008 Common Stock	Dec. 31, 2011 Treasury Stock		Dec. 31, 2010 Treasury Stock	Dec. 31, 2009 Treasury Stock
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]
Beginning Balance				156,234,415	156,234,415	156,234,415	156,234,415	60,245,718		60,356,672	62,353,575
Issuances under stock plans								(3,244,705)		(4,029,673)	(2,302,935)
Purchases for treasury	5,890,238	3,918,719	306,032					5,890,238	[1]	3,918,719	306,032
Ending Balance				156,234,415	156,234,415	156,234,415	156,234,415	62,891,251		60,245,718	60,356,672

[1] Includes 2,148,434 shares the Company repurchased directly from ValueAct Capital Master Fund, L.P. ("ValueAct") in two separate transactions during 2011. The total cost of the shares repurchased directly from ValueAct was $75.2 million.

XML

Debt - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2011
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
2010 Credit Agreement, term loan and revolving credit facility maturity	5 years
2010 Credit Agreement, expansion feature by which the term loan and revolving credit facility may be increased	$ 150.0	$ 150.0
2010 Credit Agreement, interest rate description	either (i) the greatest of: the administrative agent’s prime rate; the average rate on overnight federal funds plus 1/2 of 1%; and the eurodollar rate (adjusted for statutory reserves) plus 1%, in each case plus a margin equal to between 0.50% and 1.25% depending on the Company’s leverage ratio as of the end of the four consecutive fiscal quarters most recently ended, or (ii) the eurodollar rate (adjusted for statutory reserves) plus a margin equal to between 1.50% and 2.25%
Average rate on overnight federal funds plus 1/2 of	1.00%
Eurodollar rate plus	1.00%
Write off of Deferred Debt Issuance Cost		0.4
Interest rate swap fair value			9.9
Outstanding letters of credit and guarantees			4.7
Notional fixed-for-floating interest rate swap contract			200
Base fixed rate			2.26%
Interest rate swap contracts
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Deferred Gain Losses In Other Comprehensive Income		(3.3)
Euro Dollar Rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Plus minimum margin	1.50%	1.50%
Plus maximum margin	2.25%	2.25%
Federal Funds Rate | Euro Dollar Rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Plus minimum margin	0.50%	0.50%
Plus maximum margin	1.25%	1.25%
Term Loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
2010 Credit Agreement, maximum borrowing capacity	200.0	200.0
Term loan repayment	19 consecutive quarterly installments
Debt instrument, final payment due	Dec. 22, 2015
Revolver
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
2010 Credit Agreement, maximum borrowing capacity	400.0	400.0
Debt instrument, final payment due	Dec. 22, 2015
Revolver | Letter of Credit
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
2010 Credit Agreement, maximum borrowing capacity	$ 40.0	$ 40.0

XML

Summary of Components of Income Before Income Taxes (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Schedule of Components of Income Before Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Line Items]
Income before income taxes	$ 202,184	$ 134,085	$ 115,526
U.S.
Schedule of Components of Income Before Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Line Items]
Income before income taxes	124,915	78,933	54,793
Non-U.S.
Schedule of Components of Income Before Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Line Items]
Income before income taxes	$ 77,269	$ 55,152	$ 60,733

XML

Summary of Transactions Relating to Common Stock (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]
Repurchase of common stock	5,890,238	3,918,719	306,032
Repurchase of common stock, value	$ 211,986	$ 99,820	$ 3,744
ValueAct Capital Master Fund Limited Partnership
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]
Repurchase of common stock	2,148,434
Repurchase of common stock, value	$ 75,200

XML

Fair Value Disclosures - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Outstanding floating rate borrowings under 2010 Credit Facility	$ 200.0

XML

Other Liabilities (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010
Other Liabilities [Line Items]
Non-current deferred revenue	$ 4,572		$ 4,659
Interest rate swap liabilities	9,891		2,101
Long-term taxes payable	20,141		18,193
Deferred rent	21,046	[1]	23,813	[1]
Benefit plan-related liabilities	47,326		44,939
Other	23,975		13,745
Total other liabilities	$ 126,951		$ 107,450

[1] Represents unamortized deferred rent resulting from the $25.0 million tenant improvement allowance on the Company's Stamford headquarters facility (see Property, equipment and leasehold improvements in Note 1 - Business and Significant Accounting Policies for additional description).

XML

FAIR VALUE DISCLOSURES (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

The Company has a limited number of assets and liabilities recorded in its Consolidated Balance Sheets that are remeasured to fair value on a recurring basis, which are presented in the following table (in thousands):

Description:	Fair Value December 31, 2011		Fair Value December 31, 2010
Assets:
Deferred compensation plan assets (1)	$	25,050	$	24,113
Pension reinsurance asset (2)		12,980		11,680
Foreign currency forward contracts (3)		272		618
	$	38,302	$	36,411
Liabilities:
Deferred compensation plan liabilities (1)	$	28,100	$	26,900
Interest rate swap contracts (4)		9,989		6,067
	$	38,089	$	32,967

(1)	The Company has a deferred compensation plan for the benefit of certain highly compensated officers, managers and other key employees (see Note 13 — Employee Benefits). The plan’s assets consist of investments in money market and mutual funds, and company-owned life insurance contracts.
	The money market funds consist of cash equivalents while the mutual fund investments consist of publicly-traded and quoted equity shares. The Company considers the fair value of these assets to be based on Level 1 inputs, and these assets had a fair value of $8.0 million and $7.5 million as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The carrying amount of the life insurance contracts equals their cash surrender value, as required by U.S. GAAP, which approximates fair value. Cash surrender value represents the estimated amount that the Company would receive upon termination of the contract. The Company considers the life insurance contracts to be valued based on a Level 2 input, and these assets had a fair value of $17.0 million and $16.6 million at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The related deferred compensation plan liabilities are recorded at fair value, or the amount needed to settle the liability, which the Company also considers to be based on a Level 2 input.
(2)	The Company maintains a pension reinsurance asset to fund payments for one of its defined benefit pension plans (see Note 13—Employee Benefits). The reinsurance asset is carried at its cash surrender value, which approximates its fair value. The Company considers the reinsurance contract to be valued based on a Level 2 input
(3)	The Company enters into foreign currency forward exchange contracts to hedge the effects of adverse fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates (see Note 11 — Derivatives and Hedging). Valuation of the foreign currency forward contracts is based on foreign currency exchange rates in active markets, which the Company considers a Level 2 input.
(4)	On December 31, 2011, the Company had three outstanding interest rate swap contracts (see Note 11 — Derivatives and Hedging). To determine the fair value of these over-the-counter financial instruments, the Company relies on mark-to-market valuations prepared by third-party brokers. These valuations are based on observable interest rates from recently executed market transactions or broker quotes corroborated by other observable market data. Accordingly, the fair value of the swaps is determined under a Level 2 input. The Company independently corroborates the reasonableness of the swap valuations prepared by third-party brokers through the use of an electronic quotation service.

XML

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis (Detail) (Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring, USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis	$ 38,302		$ 36,411
Liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis	38,089		32,967
Plan Assets
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis	25,050	[1]	24,113	[1]
Pension Reinsurance Asset
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis	12,980	[2]	11,680	[2]
Plan Liabilities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis	28,100	[1]	26,900	[1]
Foreign currency forward contracts, net
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis	272	[3]	618	[3]
Interest rate swap contracts
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis	$ 9,989	[4]	$ 6,067	[4]

[1] The Company has a deferred compensation plan for the benefit of certain highly compensated officers, managers and other key employees (see Note 13 - Employee Benefits). The plan's assets consist of investments in money market and mutual funds, and company-owned life insurance contracts. The money market funds consist of cash equivalents while the mutual fund investments consist of publicly-traded and quoted equity shares. The Company considers the fair value of these assets to be based on Level 1 inputs, and these assets had a fair value of $8.0 million and $7.5 million as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The carrying amount of the life insurance contracts equals their cash surrender value, as required by U.S. GAAP, which approximates fair value. Cash surrender value represents the estimated amount that the Company would receive upon termination of the contract. The Company considers the life insurance contracts to be valued based on a Level 2 input, and these assets had a fair value of $17.0 million and $16.6 million at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The related deferred compensation plan liabilities are recorded at fair value, or the amount needed to settle the liability, which the Company also considers to be based on a Level 2 input.

[2] The Company maintains a pension reinsurance asset to fund payments for one of its defined benefit pension plans (see Note 13-Employee Benefits). The reinsurance asset is carried at its cash surrender value, which approximates its fair value. The Company considers the reinsurance contract to be valued based on a Level 2 input

[3] The Company enters into foreign currency forward exchange contracts to hedge the effects of adverse fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates (see Note 11 - Derivatives and Hedging). Valuation of the foreign currency forward contracts is based on foreign currency exchange rates in active markets, which the Company considers a Level 2 input.

[4] On December 31, 2011, the Company had three outstanding interest rate swap contracts (see Note 11 - Derivatives and Hedging). To determine the fair value of these over-the-counter financial instruments, the Company relies on mark-to-market valuations prepared by third-party brokers. These valuations are based on observable interest rates from recently executed market transactions or broker quotes corroborated by other observable market data. Accordingly, the fair value of the swaps is determined under a Level 2 input. The Company independently corroborates the reasonableness of the swap valuations prepared by third-party brokers through the use of an electronic quotation service.

XML

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Deferred Tax Assets, current net	$ 31,400,000	$ 28,400,000
Deferred Tax Liabilities, current net	600,000	400,000
Deferred Tax Assets, long-term net	22,795,000	21,166,000
Deferred Tax Liabilities, long-term net	0	0
Gross unrecognized tax benefits	18,345,000	15,824,000	13,804,000
Decrease in gross unrecognized tax benefits due to settlements of outstanding audits and the expiration of the statutes of limitation	2,900,000
Long term uncertain tax positions	15,400,000	15,700,000
Unrecognized tax benefits, accrued interest and penalties	4,800,000	3,800,000
Total amount of interest and penalties recognized	1,500,000	1,000,000
Repatriated amount from foreign subsidiaries	32,600,000
Accumulated undistributed earnings of non-U.S. subsidiaries that were indefinitely invested	41,300,000
Estimated U.S. income tax liability that would be payable if accumulated undistributed earnings of non-U.S. subsidiaries were not indefinitely reinvested	9,700,000
State and Local Jurisdiction
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Operating loss carryforwards	139,900,000
State and Local Jurisdiction | Expire within one to five years
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Operating loss carryforwards	5,000,000
State and Local Jurisdiction | Expire within one to five years | Minimum
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Operating loss carryforwards expiration period	1 year
State and Local Jurisdiction | Expire within one to five years | Maximum
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Operating loss carryforwards expiration period	5 years
State and Local Jurisdiction | Expire within six to fifteen years
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Operating loss carryforwards	114,200,000
State and Local Jurisdiction | Expire within six to fifteen years | Minimum
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Operating loss carryforwards expiration period	6 years
State and Local Jurisdiction | Expire within six to fifteen years | Maximum
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Operating loss carryforwards expiration period	15 years
State and Local Jurisdiction | Expire within sixteen to twenty year
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Operating loss carryforwards	20,700,000
State and Local Jurisdiction | Expire within sixteen to twenty year | Minimum
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Operating loss carryforwards expiration period	16 years
State and Local Jurisdiction | Expire within sixteen to twenty year | Maximum
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Operating loss carryforwards expiration period	20 years
Non-U.S.
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Operating loss carryforwards	27,300,000
Non-U.S. | Expire over the next 20 years
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Operating loss carryforwards	2,600,000
Operating loss carryforwards expiration period	20 years
Non-U.S. | Carried forward indefinitely
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Operating loss carryforwards	24,700,000
Non-U.S. | Expire in 2018
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Tax credit carryforwards	10,000,000
Tax credit carryforwards expiration date	2018
U.S. | Federal
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Capital loss carryforwards	800,000
Capital loss carryforwards expiration date	2012
U.S. | State and Local Jurisdiction
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Capital loss carryforwards	800,000
Valuation allowance non-U.S. net operating losses and domestic capital loss carryforwards
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Valuation allowances	1,900,000	2,600,000
Valuation Allowance, Capital Loss Carryforwards
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Net (decrease) increase in valuation allowance	$ (700,000)

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Information about the Reportable Segments (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 1,468,588	$ 1,288,454	$ 1,139,800
Gross contribution	863,239	742,296	642,906
Corporate and other expenses	(649,177)	(593,031)	(508,429)
Operating income	214,062	149,265	134,477
Research
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	1,012,062	865,000	752,505
Gross contribution	682,136	564,527	489,862
Consulting
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	308,047	302,117	286,847
Gross contribution	114,838	121,885	112,099
Events
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	148,479	121,337	100,448
Gross contribution	$ 66,265	$ 55,884	$ 40,945

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Stock-Based Compensation Expense by Award Type (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010		Dec. 31, 2009
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	$ 32,865,000	[1]	$ 32,634,000	[1]	$ 26,066,000	[1]
Stock Appreciation Rights
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	4,400,000		4,600,000		4,400,000
Common Stock Equivalents
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	500,000		500,000		400,000
Restricted Stock Units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	$ 28,000,000		$ 27,500,000		$ 21,300,000

[1] Includes charges of $3.1 million in both 2011 and 2010 and $1.9 million in 2009 for awards to retirement-eligible employees.

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Outstanding Derivatives Contracts (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011 Investment		Dec. 31, 2010 Investment
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Number of Outstanding Contracts	63		66
Contract Notional Amount	$ 330,335		$ 597,970
Fair Value Asset (Liability)	(9,717)	[1]	(5,449)	[1]
OCI Unrealized (Loss), Net Of Tax	(5,934)		(1,261)
Interest rate swap contracts | Other liabilities - accrued pension obligation
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Number of Outstanding Contracts			2	[2]
Contract Notional Amount			147,750	[2]
Fair Value Asset (Liability)			(3,966)	[1],[2]
Interest rate swap contracts | Accrued Liabilities Current
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Number of Outstanding Contracts	2	[2]
Contract Notional Amount	30,750	[2]
Fair Value Asset (Liability)	(98)	[1],[2]
Foreign currency forward contracts, net | Accrued Liabilities Current
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Number of Outstanding Contracts	60	[3]
Contract Notional Amount	99,585	[3]
Fair Value Asset (Liability)	272	[1],[3]
Foreign currency forward contracts, net | Other Current Assets
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Number of Outstanding Contracts			63	[3]
Contract Notional Amount			250,220	[3]
Fair Value Asset (Liability)			618	[1],[3]
Designated as Hedging Instrument | Interest rate swap contracts | Other liabilities - accrued pension obligation
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Number of Outstanding Contracts	1	[4]	1	[4]
Contract Notional Amount	200,000	[4]	200,000	[4]
Fair Value Asset (Liability)	(9,891)	[1],[4]	(2,101)	[1],[4]
OCI Unrealized (Loss), Net Of Tax	$ (5,934)	[4]	$ (1,261)	[4]

[1] See Note 12 - Fair Value Disclosures for the determination of the fair value of these instruments.

[2] Changes in the fair value of these swaps are recognized in earnings. Both swaps matured in January 2012.

[3] The Company has foreign exchange transaction risk since it typically enters into transactions in the normal course of business that are denominated in foreign currencies that differ from the local functional currency. The Company enters into short-term foreign currency forward exchange contracts to offset the economic effects of these foreign currency transaction risks. These contracts are accounted for at fair value with realized and unrealized gains and losses recognized in Other income (expense), net since the Company does not designate these contracts as hedges for accounting purposes. All of the outstanding contracts at December 31, 2011 matured by the end of January 2012.

[4] The Company designates and accounts for this swap as a cash flow hedge of the forecasted interest payments on borrowings. As a result, changes in fair value of this swap are deferred and are recorded in OCI, net of tax effect. The Company entered into this swap in December 2010 (see Note 5 - Debt).

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Benefit Plans and Related Amounts Recorded in Consolidated Balance Sheets (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010		Dec. 31, 2009		Dec. 31, 2008
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Projected benefit obligation	$ 21,160	[1]	$ 19,730	[1]	$ 14,358	[1]	$ 13,286
Plan assets at fair value	(2,480)	[2]	(2,130)	[2]
Funded status - shortfall	18,680	[3]	17,600	[3]	14,358	[3]
Amounts recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets:
Stockholders' equity - unrealized actuarial gain	2,488	[4]	2,205	[4]	3,217	[4]
Other assets- reinsurance asset
Amounts recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets:
Amounts recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets:	12,980	[5]	11,680	[5]	10,451	[5]
Other liabilities - accrued pension obligation
Amounts recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets:
Amounts recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets:	$ 18,680	[3]	$ 17,600	[3]	$ 14,358	[3]

[1] Measured as of December 31.

[2] Consists of the assets of a non-U.S. plan for which the Company adopted the accounting provisions of FASB ASC Topics 715 and 960 on December 31, 2010. These assets are considered assets of the plan for accounting purposes and are thus not recorded on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets. The assets are maintained with a third-party insurance company and are invested in a diversified portfolio of equities, bonds, and other investments. The assets are primarily valued based on Level 1 and Level 2 inputs under the fair value hierarchy in FASB ASC Topic 820, and the Company considers the overall portfolio of these assets to be of medium investment risk. The projected long-term rate of return on these plan assets was 4.1% as of December 31, 2011. For the year-ended December 31, 2011, the Company contributed $0.6 million to this plan, the actual return on plan assets was $(0.1) million, and benefits paid to participants was $0.1 million.

[3] The funded status - shortfall represents the amount of the projected benefit obligation that the Company has not funded. This amount is recorded as a liability in Other Liabilities on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company expects to contribute approximately $0.6 million to these plans in 2012.

[4] The balance recorded in Stockholders' Equity, net of tax represents the plan's net unrealized actuarial gain which will be amortized against net periodic pension cost, thereby reducing the amount of the charge, over approximately 15 years. Amortization of the unrealized gain at December 31, 2011 is projected to reduce the Company's net periodic pension cost in 2012 by approximately $0.2 million.

[5] Consists of a reinsurance asset arrangement with a large international insurance company that was rated investment grade as of December 31, 2011. The purpose of the reinsurance asset arrangement is to fund the benefit payments under one of the Company's foreign defined benefit pension plans. However, the reinsurance asset is not legally segregated or restricted for purposes of meeting the pension obligation and as a result is not acknowledged as a pension plan asset under U.S. GAAP. As a result, the reinsurance asset is carried on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets at its cash surrender value, which the Company believes reasonably approximates its fair value.

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Employee Benefits - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Deferred compensation, fair value of investment assets	$ 25,100,000	$ 24,100,000
Deferred compensation, fair value of liability	28,100,000	26,900,000
Total compensation expense (benefit) recognized	300,000	0	100,000
Savings and investment plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total amounts expensed in connection with the plan	15,900,000	14,600,000	13,000,000
Savings and investment plan | Maximum
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Percentage of contribution as percentage of earnings	4.00%
Employers matching contribution	6,600
Savings and investment plan | Maximum | Employees Base Compensation
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Employers matching contribution	$ 2,450
Savings and investment plan | Minimum | Employees Base Compensation
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Percentage of contribution as percentage of earnings	1.00%

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Benefit Plans and Related Amounts Recorded in Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011 Year
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Projected long-term rate of return	4.10%
Defined benefit plan, company contribution	$ 0.6
Defined benefit plan, actual return on plan assets	(0.1)
Defined benefit plan, benefits paid	0.1
Net unrealized actuarial gain which will be amortized to net periodic pension cost, amortization period (in years)	15
Amortization of unrealized gain	0.2
Expected contribution to the plans	$ 0.6

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Derivative Gains and Losses that have been Recognized in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010		Dec. 31, 2009
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative gains (losses) recognized in income	$ 5,300		$ 7,900		$ 8,900
Interest expense, net
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative gains (losses) recognized in income	4,100	[1]	10,700	[1]	9,600	[1]
Other expense (income), net
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative gains (losses) recognized in income	$ 1,200	[2]	$ (2,800)	[2]	$ (700)	[2]

[1] Consists of interest expense from interest rate swap contracts.

[2] Consists of realized and unrealized gains and losses on foreign currency forward contracts.

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Components of Income Tax Expenses (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Current tax expense:
U.S. federal	$ 23,327	$ 9,078	$ 8,749
State and local	4,236	2,645	3,107
Foreign	13,845	10,341	14,340
Total current	41,408	22,064	26,196
Deferred tax (benefit) expense:
U.S. federal	(5,192)	4,263	7,477
State and local	1,269	72	3,168
Foreign	(1,434)	(6,013)	1,281
Total deferred	(5,357)	(1,678)	11,926
Total current and deferred	36,051	20,386	38,122
Total tax expense	65,282	37,800	32,562
Benefit (expense) relating to interest rate swap used to increase (decrease) equity
Deferred tax (benefit) expense:
Other income tax expense benefit	3,134	(2,523)	(2,530)
Benefit from stock transactions with employees used to increase equity
Deferred tax (benefit) expense:
Other income tax expense benefit	25,812	18,559	621
Benefit (expense) relating to defined-benefit pension adjustments used to increase (decrease) equity
Deferred tax (benefit) expense:
Other income tax expense benefit	285	375	(296)
Benefit (expense) of acquired tax assets (liabilities) used to decrease (increase) goodwill
Deferred tax (benefit) expense:
Other income tax expense benefit		$ 1,003	$ (3,355)

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ACCOUNTS PAYABLE, ACCRUED, AND OTHER LIABILITIES (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities consist of the following (in thousands):

	December 31,
	2011		2010
Accounts payable	$	27,573	$	17,791
Payroll, employee benefits, severance		66,110		62,882
Bonus payable		62,191		64,620
Commissions payable		42,328		41,503
Taxes payable		15,917		15,030
Rent and other facilities costs		5,046		7,108
Professional, consulting, audit fees		6,907		11,987
Events fulfillment liabilities		2,255		4,367
Other accrued liabilities		31,163		22,445
Total accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	259,490	$	247,733

Other Liabilities

Other liabilities consist of the following (in thousands):

	December 31,
	2011		2010
Non-current deferred revenue	$	4,572	$	4,659
Interest rate swap liabilities		9,891		2,101
Long-term taxes payable		20,141		18,193
Deferred rent (1)		21,046		23,813
Benefit plan-related liabilities		47,326		44,939
Other		23,975		13,745
Total other liabilities	$	126,951	$	107,450

(1) Represents unamortized deferred rent resulting from the $25.0 million tenant improvement allowance on the Company’s Stamford headquarters facility (see Property, equipment and leasehold improvements in Note 1 — Business and Significant Accounting Policies for additional description).

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Borrowings (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Revolver, available borrowing capacity	376.8
Notional fixed-for-floating interest rate swap contract	200
Debt, effective annual interest rate	3.76%
Term Loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Eurodollar base rate	0.58%
Margin	1.50%
Revolver
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Eurodollar base rate	0.58%
Margin	1.50%

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Changes to the Carrying Amount of Goodwill by Reporting Unit (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	$ 510,265	$ 513,612	[1]
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(1,715)	(3,347)
Ending Balance	508,550	510,265
Research
Goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	368,521	370,630	[1]
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(1,541)	(2,109)
Ending Balance	366,980	368,521
Consulting
Goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	99,817	100,744	[1]
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(140)	(927)
Ending Balance	99,677	99,817
Events
Goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	41,927	42,238	[1]
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(34)	(311)
Ending Balance	$ 41,893	$ 41,927

[1] The Company has not recorded goodwill impairment losses since its adoption of the two-step goodwill impairment rules in 2002. Accordingly, the Company considers the recorded amount of goodwill as of December 31, 2009 to be the gross amount of goodwill.

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Reconciliation of Beginning and Ending Amount of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Interest and Penalties (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits [Line Items]
Beginning balance	$ 15,824	$ 13,804
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year	2,269	3,999
Additions for tax positions of prior years	4,375	592
Reductions for tax positions of prior years	(746)	(137)
Reductions for expiration of statutes	(269)	(610)
Settlements	(2,661)	(1,668)
Change in foreign currency exchange rates	(447)	(156)
Ending balance	$ 18,345	$ 15,824

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BUSINESS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011 Location Property Segment sqft		Dec. 31, 2010		Dec. 31, 2009
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of business segments	3
Unbilled fees receivable associated with consulting engagements	$ 29,200,000		$ 29,400,000
Capitalized computer software, net	13,600,000		14,300,000
Capitalized computer software, amortization	7,800,000		7,900,000		8,300,000
Goodwill impairment test, number of reporting units	3
Stock-based compensation expense	32,865,000	[1]	32,634,000	[1]	26,066,000	[1]
Operating lease expenses	26,200,000		23,500,000		22,500,000
Depreciation	25,539,000		25,349,000		25,387,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, amortization expense	6,525,000		10,525,000		1,636,000
Number of international locations with defined-benefit pension plans	3
Pension Expense	2,700,000		2,400,000		2,200,000
Net currency transaction (losses) gains	(1,300,000)		(4,800,000)		(3,600,000)
Payments for common stock repurchases	211,986,000		99,820,000		3,744,000
Company's corporate headquarters, leased office space (in square feet)	213,000
Company's corporate headquarters, number of buildings	3
Lease agreement, expiration period			15 years
Payments for renovation cost	41,954,000		21,694,000		15,142,000
Renovation cost, reimbursed	63,773,000		46,516,000
Renovation cost, incentive receivable	16,062,000	[2]	24,570,000	[2]
Unamortized deferred rent resulting from the tenant improvement allowance	22,500,000
Unamortized deferred rent resulting from the tenant improvement allowance	1,500,000
Unamortized deferred rent resulting from the tenant improvement allowance	21,046,000	[3]	23,813,000	[3]
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts, net (loss) gain	5,300		7,900		8,900
Foreign Currency Gain (Loss)
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts, net (loss) gain	(1,200,000)		2,800,000		700,000
Renovation of Leased Facility
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Payments for renovation cost	9,500,000
Renovation cost, reimbursed	9,000,000
Renovation cost, incentive receivable	500,000
Maximum
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Renovation cost, incentive receivable	$ 15,500,000		$ 25,000,000

[1] Includes charges of $3.1 million in both 2011 and 2010 and $1.9 million in 2009 for awards to retirement-eligible employees.

[2] Includes contractual amounts receivable related to the renovation of the Company's Stamford headquarters facility (see Property, equipment and leasehold improvements in Note 1 - Business and Significant Accounting Policies for additional description).

[3] Represents unamortized deferred rent resulting from the $25.0 million tenant improvement allowance on the Company's Stamford headquarters facility (see Property, equipment and leasehold improvements in Note 1 - Business and Significant Accounting Policies for additional description).

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Future Minimum Annual Cash Payments Under Non-Cancelable Operating Lease Agreements (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Future contractual reimbursements for leasehold improvements on the Company's Stamford headquarters lease	$ 16.1
Future contractual sublease rental income	$ 3.1

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Reconciliation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010		Dec. 31, 2009
Numerator:
Net income used for calculating basic and diluted earnings per common share	$ 136,902		$ 96,285		$ 82,964
Denominator:
Weighted average number of common shares used in the calculation of basic earnings per share	96,019		95,747		94,658
Common share equivalents associated with stock-based compensation plans	2,827		4,087		2,891
Shares used in the calculation of diluted earnings per share	98,846	[1]	99,834	[1]	97,549	[1]
Earnings per share:
Basic	$ 1.43		$ 1.01		$ 0.88
Diluted	$ 1.39		$ 0.96		$ 0.85

[1] During 2011, 2010 and 2009, the Company repurchased 5.9 million, 3.9 million, and 0.3 million shares of its Common Stock, respectively.

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Summary of Changes in SARs Outstanding (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Intrinsic value, SARs outstanding	36.8
Intrinsic value, SARs vested and exercisable	18.3
Stock Appreciation Rights
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unvested SARs	2,500,000	[1],[2]	2,500,000
Stock Appreciation Rights | Unvested
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unvested SARs	1,400,000

[1] At December 31, 2011, 1.4 million of the SARs were unvested. The Company expects that substantially all of these unvested awards will vest in future periods.

[2] At December 31, 2011, SARs outstanding had an intrinsic value of $36.8 million. SARs vested and exercisable had an intrinsic value of $18.3 million.

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Other Liabilities (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010
Other Liabilities [Line Items]
Renovation cost, incentive receivable	$ 16,062	[1]	$ 24,570	[1]

[1] Includes contractual amounts receivable related to the renovation of the Company's Stamford headquarters facility (see Property, equipment and leasehold improvements in Note 1 - Business and Significant Accounting Policies for additional description).

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OTHER ASSETS

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

OTHER ASSETS

3 — OTHER ASSETS

Other assets consist of the following (in thousands):

	December 31,
	2011		2010
Security deposits	$	6,581	$	3,959
Debt issuance costs		3,866		4,987
Benefit plan-related assets		38,403		36,089
Non-current deferred tax assets		22,795		21,166
Tenant improvement allowance (1)		16,062		24,570
Other		2,638		2,322
Total other assets	$	90,345	$	93,093

(1) Includes contractual amounts receivable related to the renovation of the Company’s Stamford headquarters facility (see Property, equipment and leasehold improvements in Note 1 — Business and Significant Accounting Policies for additional description).

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Weighted-Average Assumptions Used to Determine the Fair Value of the SARs Grants on the Date of the Grant Using the Black-Scholes-Merton Valuation Model (Detail) (Stock Appreciation Rights)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011 Year		Dec. 31, 2010 Year		Dec. 31, 2009 Year
Stock Appreciation Rights
Share based Compensation Arrangement by Share based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Method Used [Line Items]
Expected dividend yield	0.00%	[1]	0.00%	[1]	0.00%	[1]
Expected stock price volatility	38.00%	[2]	40.00%	[2]	50.00%	[2]
Risk-free interest rate	2.20%	[3]	2.40%	[3]	2.30%	[3]
Expected life in years	4.75	[4]	4.75	[4]	4.80	[4]

[1] The dividend yield assumption is based on both the history and expectation of the Company's dividend payouts. Historically the Company has not paid cash dividends on its Common Stock.

[2] The determination of expected stock price volatility was based on both historical Common Stock prices and implied volatility from publicly traded options in Common Stock.

[3] The risk-free interest rate is based on the yield of a U.S. Treasury security with a maturity similar to the expected life of the award.

[4] The expected life in years represents a weighted-average estimate of the period of time the SARs are expected to be outstanding (that is, the period of time between the service inception date and the expected exercise date). The expected life is based on the "simplified" calculation permitted by SAB No. 107. Under the simplified method, the expected life in years is determined by taking the average of the vesting period plus the original contractual term and dividing by two. The Company continues to use the simplified method for SARs since it does not have the necessary actual historical exercise and forfeiture data, as permitted by SAB No. 110.

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ACQUISITIONS - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Payments to acquire AMR Research and Burton Group	$ 12,151,000	$ 104,523,000
Total cash paid to acquire shares of AMR Research and Burton Group		116,700,000
Business combination, acquisition and integration charges	$ 7,903,000	$ 2,934,000

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STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Stock-Based Compensation Expense by Award Type

The Company recognized the following amounts of stock-based compensation expense (in millions) for the years ended December 31:

Award type:	2011		2010		2009
Stock appreciation rights (SARs)	$	4.4	$	4.6	$	4.4
Common stock equivalents (CSEs)		0.5		0.5		0.4
Restricted stock units (RSUs)		28.0		27.5		21.3
Total (1)	$	32.9	$	32.6	$	26.1

(1) Includes charges of $3.1 million in both 2011 and 2010 and $1.9 million in 2009 for awards to retirement-eligible employees.

Stock-Based Compensation Expense Recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations

Stock-based compensation (in millions) was recognized as follows in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31:

Amount recorded in:	2011		2010		2009
Costs of services and product development	$	14.8	$	14.8	$	12.6
Selling, general, and administrative		18.1		17.8		13.5
Total stock-based compensation expense recognized	$	32.9	$	32.6	$	26.1

Weighted-Average Assumptions Used to Determine the Fair Value of the SARs Grants on the Date of the Grant Using the Black-Scholes-Merton Valuation Model

The fair value of the SARs was determined on the grant date using the Black-Scholes-Merton valuation model with the following weighted-average assumptions for the years ended December 31:

	2011			2010			2009
Expected dividend yield (1)		0	%		0	%		0	%
Expected stock price volatility (2)		38	%		40	%		50	%
Risk-free interest rate (3)		2.2	%		2.4	%		2.3	%
Expected life in years (4)		4.75			4.75			4.80

(1)	The dividend yield assumption is based on both the history and expectation of the Company’s dividend payouts. Historically the Company has not paid cash dividends on its Common Stock.
(2)	The determination of expected stock price volatility was based on both historical Common Stock prices and implied volatility from publicly traded options in Common Stock.
(3)	The risk-free interest rate is based on the yield of a U.S. Treasury security with a maturity similar to the expected life of the award.
(4)	The expected life in years represents a weighted-average estimate of the period of time the SARs are expected to be outstanding (that is, the period of time between the service inception date and the expected exercise date). The expected life is based on the “simplified” calculation permitted by SAB No. 107. Under the simplified method, the expected life in years is determined by taking the average of the vesting period plus the original contractual term and dividing by two. The Company continues to use the simplified method for SARs since it does not have the necessary actual historical exercise and forfeiture data, as permitted by SAB No. 110.

Summary of Changes in Stock Options Outstanding

The following table summarizes the changes in stock options outstanding during the year ended December 31, 2011:

	Options in millions			Per Share Weighted- Average Exercise Price		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term		Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in millions)
Vested and outstanding at December 31, 2010		2.6		$	11.13		2.59 years	$	58.2
Expired		—			—		na		na
Exercised		(1.4	)		11.29		na		39.6
Vested and outstanding at December 31, 2011		1.2		$	10.93		1.47 years	$	27.7

na=not applicable

Stock Appreciation Rights

Summary of Changes in Stock-Based Compensation Awards Outstanding

The following table summarizes changes in SARs outstanding for the year ended December 31, 2011:

	SARs in millions			Per Share Weighted- Average Exercise Price		Per Share Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value		Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Term
Outstanding at December 31, 2010		2.5		$	17.22	$	6.62		4.55 years
Granted		0.4			38.05		13.58		6.15 years
Forfeited		—			—		—		—
Exercised		(0.4	)		38.26		6.38		na
Outstanding at December 31, 2011 (1), (2)		2.5		$	20.39	$	7.66		4.00 years
Vested and exercisable at December 31, 2011 (2)		1.1		$	18.07	$	6.77		2.96 years

na=not applicable

(1)	At December 31, 2011, 1.4 million of the SARs were unvested. The Company expects that substantially all of these unvested awards will vest in future periods.
(2)	At December 31, 2011, SARs outstanding had an intrinsic value of $36.8 million. SARs vested and exercisable had an intrinsic value of $18.3 million.

Restricted Stock Units

Summary of Changes in Stock-Based Compensation Awards Outstanding

The following table summarizes the changes in RSUs outstanding during the year ended December 31, 2011:

	Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) (in millions)			Per Share Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Outstanding at December 31, 2010		3.9		$	16.52
Granted (1)		0.8			38.02
Vested and released		(1.5	)		17.23
Forfeited		(0.1	)		21.48
Outstanding at December 31, 2011(2), (3)		3.1		$	21.53

(1)	The 0.8 million RSUs granted in 2011 consisted of 0.4 million performance-based RSUs awarded to executives and 0.4 million service-based RSUs awarded to non-executive employees and certain board members. The target number of performance-based RSUs granted was 0.3 million, which was tied to a targeted increase in the Company’s subscription-based contract value (“CV”) for 2011. The actual number of performance-based RSUs granted to executives could range from 0% to 200%, depending on the actual increase in CV for the year as measured on December 31, 2011. At year-end 2011, the actual CV increase achieved was 133% of the targeted amount, which resulted in the grant of 0.4 million performance-based RSUs to executives.
(2)	The Company expects that substantially all of the outstanding awards at December 31, 2011 will vest in future periods.
(3)	The weighted-average remaining contractual term of the outstanding RSUs is approximately 1.0 year.

Common Stock Equivalents

Summary of Changes in Stock-Based Compensation Awards Outstanding

The following table summarizes the changes in CSEs outstanding for the year ended December 31, 2011:

	Common Stock Equivalents (CSEs)			Per Share Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Outstanding at December 31, 2010		117,208		$	16.82
Granted		13,294			37.24
Converted to common shares		(33,234	)		36.15
Outstanding at December 31, 2011		97,268		$	17.79

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STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Summary of Transactions Relating to Common Stock

The following table summarizes transactions relating to Common Stock for the three years’ ending December 31, 2011:

	Issued Shares		Treasury Stock Shares
Balance at December 31, 2008		156,234,415		62,353,575
Issuances under stock plans		—		(2,302,935	)
Purchases for treasury		—		306,032
Balance at December 31, 2009		156,234,415		60,356,672
Issuances under stock plans		—		(4,029,673	)
Purchases for treasury		—		3,918,719
Balance at December 31, 2010		156,234,415		60,245,718
Issuances under stock plans		—		(3,244,705	)
Purchases for treasury (1)		—		5,890,238
Balance at December 31, 2011		156,234,415		62,891,251

(1) Includes 2,148,434 shares the Company repurchased directly from ValueAct Capital Master Fund, L.P. (“ValueAct”) in two separate transactions during 2011. The total cost of the shares repurchased directly from ValueAct was $75.2 million.

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Stock-Based Compensation - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended		12 Months Ended	9 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011 Year	Dec. 31, 2011 2003 Long-Term Incentive Plan	Dec. 31, 2011 Stock Appreciation Rights Year	Sep. 30, 2011 Restricted Stock Units	Sep. 30, 2011 Restricted Stock Units Service Based Awards	Sep. 30, 2011 Restricted Stock Units Performance Based Awards	Dec. 31, 2011 Common Stock Equivalents	Dec. 31, 2011 Employee Stock Option	Dec. 31, 2010 Employee Stock Option	Dec. 31, 2009 Employee Stock Option	Dec. 31, 2011 Employee Stock Purchase Plan	Dec. 31, 2010 Employee Stock Purchase Plan	Dec. 31, 2009 Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Share-based Payments [Line Items]
Common stock available for stock-based compensation awards		6,500,000
Vest ratably over			4 years		4 years	4 years
Total unrecognized stock-based compensation cost	$ 42.3
Expiration date			7 years
Total unrecognized stock-based compensation cost, period to be recognized	2.1		4
Share entitlement description				each RSU that vests entitles the awardee to one common share			each CSE entitles the holder to one common share
Directors' fees payable, percentage Board of Directors members can opt to receive in cash							50.00%
Cash received from option exercises								16.6	20.7	12.2
Percentage of employee's compensation, eligible employees may not exceed, when purchasing Common Stock through payroll deductions											10.00%
Amount of employee's compensation, eligible employees may not exceed, when purchasing Common Stock through payroll deductions											23,750
Price equals to closing price of Common Stock, percentage											95.00%
Shares available for purchase											1.4
Cash received from share purchases											$ 3.4	$ 2.8	$ 2.7

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Other Assets (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010
Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Line Items]
Security deposits	$ 6,581		$ 3,959
Debt issuance costs	3,866		4,987
Benefit plan-related assets	38,403		36,089
Non-current deferred tax assets	22,795		21,166
Tenant improvement allowance	16,062	[1]	24,570	[1]
Other	2,638		2,322
Total other assets	$ 90,345		$ 93,093

[1] Includes contractual amounts receivable related to the renovation of the Company's Stamford headquarters facility (see Property, equipment and leasehold improvements in Note 1 - Business and Significant Accounting Policies for additional description).

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COMPUTATION OF EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Reconciliation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share

The following table sets forth the reconciliation of the basic and diluted earnings per share computations (in thousands, except per share amounts) for the years ended December 31:

	2011		2010		2009
Numerator:
Net income used for calculating basic and diluted earnings per common share	$	136,902	$	96,285	$	82,964
Denominator: (1)
Weighted average number of common shares used in the calculation of basic earnings per share		96,019		95,747		94,658
Common share equivalents associated with stock-based compensation plans		2,827		4,087		2,891
Shares used in the calculation of diluted earnings per share		98,846		99,834		97,549
Earnings per share:
Basic	$	1.43	$	1.01	$	0.88
Diluted	$	1.39	$	0.96	$	0.85

(1) During 2011, 2010 and 2009, the Company repurchased 5.9 million, 3.9 million, and 0.3 million shares of its Common Stock, respectively.

Number of Common Share Equivalents Not Included in the Computation of Diluted EPS

The following table presents the number of common share equivalents that were not included in the computation of diluted EPS in the table above because the effect would have been antidilutive. During periods with net income, these common share equivalents were antidilutive because their exercise price was greater than the average market value of a share of Common Stock during the period.

	2011		2010		2009
Antidilutive common share equivalents as of December 31 (in millions):		0.5		0.5		1.7
Average market price per share of Common Stock during the year	$	37.53	$	26.35	$	15.52

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INCOME TAXES (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Summary of Components of Income Before Income Taxes

Following is a summary of the components of income before income taxes for the years ended December 31 (in thousands):

	2011		2010		2009
U.S.	$	124,915	$	78,933	$	54,793
Non-U.S.		77,269		55,152		60,733
Income before income taxes	$	202,184	$	134,085	$	115,526

Components of Income Tax Expenses

The expense for income taxes on the above income consists of the following components (in thousands):

	2011			2010			2009
Current tax expense:
U.S. federal	$	23,327		$	9,078		$	8,749
State and local		4,236			2,645			3,107
Foreign		13,845			10,341			14,340
Total current		41,408			22,064			26,196
Deferred tax (benefit) expense:
U.S. federal		(5,192	)		4,263			7,477
State and local		1,269			72			3,168
Foreign		(1,434	)		(6,013	)		1,281
Total deferred		(5,357	)		(1,678	)		11,926
Total current and deferred		36,051			20,386			38,122
Benefit (expense) relating to interest rate swap used to increase (decrease) equity		3,134			(2,523	)		(2,530	)
Benefit from stock transactions with employees used to increase equity		25,812			18,559			621
Benefit (expense) relating to defined-benefit pension adjustments used to increase (decrease) equity		285			375			(296	)
Benefit (expense) of acquired tax assets (liabilities) used to decrease (increase) goodwill		—			1,003			(3,355	)
Total tax expense	$	65,282		$	37,800		$	32,562

Current and Long-Term Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities

Current and long-term deferred tax assets and liabilities are comprised of the following (in thousands):

	December 31,
	2011			2010
Expense accruals	$	40,438		$	39,892
Loss and credit carryforwards		24,282			19,999
Assets relating to equity compensation		18,226			16,599
Other assets		8,949			5,244
Gross deferred tax asset		91,895			81,734
Depreciation		(9,199	)		(5,595	)
Intangible assets		(17,024	)		(14,816	)
Prepaid expenses		(10,183	)		(9,342	)
Other liabilities		—			(110	)
Gross deferred tax liability		(36,406	)		(29,863	)
Valuation allowance		(1,869	)		(2,634	)
Net deferred tax asset	$	53,620		$	49,237

Differences Between U.S. Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate and Effective Tax Rate on Income Before Income Taxes

The differences between the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate and the Company’s effective tax rate on income before income taxes for the years ended December 31 follow:

	2011			2010			2009
Statutory tax rate		35.0	%		35.0	%		35.0	%
State income taxes, net of federal benefit		3.8			3.3			3.0
Foreign income taxed at different rates		(5.9	)		(6.2	)		(5.0	)
Repatriation of foreign earnings		(0.4	)		8.5			4.1
Record (release) valuation allowance		(0.4	)		(12.7	)		(4.5	)
Foreign tax credits		(2.3	)		(0.8	)		(1.9	)
Record (release) reserve for tax contingencies		3.1			2.0			(3.5	)
Other items, net		(0.6	)		(0.9	)		1.0
Effective tax rate		32.3	%		28.2	%		28.2	%

Reconciliation of Beginning and Ending Amount of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Interest and Penalties

The following is a reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits, excluding interest and penalties, for the years ending December 31 (in thousands):

	2011			2010
Beginning balance	$	15,824		$	13,804
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year		2,269			3,999
Additions for tax positions of prior years		4,375			592
Reductions for tax positions of prior years		(746	)		(137	)
Reductions for expiration of statutes		(269	)		(610	)
Settlements		(2,661	)		(1,668	)
Change in foreign currency exchange rates		(447	)		(156	)
Ending balance	$	18,345		$	15,824

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ACQUISITIONS

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

ACQUISITIONS

2 — ACQUISITIONS

In December 2009 the Company acquired all of the outstanding shares of AMR Research and Burton Group for total net cash of $116.7 million, of which $12.2 million was paid in 2010 and $104.5 million was paid in 2009. The Company’s consolidated results include the operating results of these businesses beginning on their respective acquisition dates. The Company recorded an aggregate of $7.9 million of acquisition and integration expenses related to these acquisitions during 2010 and $2.9 million in 2009. Included in these charges are legal fees and consultant fees in connection with the acquisition and integration, as well as severance costs related to redundant headcount.

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DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Outstanding Derivatives Contracts

The following tables provide information regarding the Company’s outstanding derivatives contracts as of, and for, the years ended (in thousands, except for number of outstanding contracts):

December 31, 2011

Derivative Contract Type	Number of Outstanding Contracts		Contract Notional Amount		Fair Value Asset (Liability) (4)			Balance Sheet Line Item		OCI Unrealized (Loss), Net Of Tax
Interest rate swap (1)		1	$	200,000	$	(9,891	)		Other liabilities	$	(5,934	)
Interest rate swaps (2)		2		30,750		(98	)		Accrued liabilities		—
Foreign currency forwards (3)		60		99,585		272			Other current assets		—
Total		63	$	330,335	$	(9,717	)			$	(5,934	)
December 31, 2010
Derivative Contract Type	Number of Outstanding Contracts		Contract Notional Amount		Fair Value Asset (Liability) (4)			Balance Sheet Line Item		OCI Unrealized (Loss), Net Of Tax
Interest rate swap (1)		1	$	200,000	$	(2,101	)		Other liabilities	$	(1,261	)
Interest rate swaps (2)		2		147,750		(3,966	)		Other liabilities		—
Foreign currency forwards (3)		63		250,220		618			Other current assets		—
Total		66	$	597,970	$	(5,449	)			$	(1,261	)

(1)	The Company designates and accounts for this swap as a cash flow hedge of the forecasted interest payments on borrowings. As a result, changes in fair value of this swap are deferred and are recorded in OCI, net of tax effect. The Company entered into this swap in December 2010 (see Note 5 — Debt).
(2)	Changes in the fair value of these swaps are recognized in earnings. Both swaps matured in January 2012.
(3)	The Company has foreign exchange transaction risk since it typically enters into transactions in the normal course of business that are denominated in foreign currencies that differ from the local functional currency. The Company enters into short-term foreign currency forward exchange contracts to offset the economic effects of these foreign currency transaction risks. These contracts are accounted for at fair value with realized and unrealized gains and losses recognized in Other income (expense), net since the Company does not designate these contracts as hedges for accounting purposes. All of the outstanding contracts at December 31, 2011 matured by the end of January 2012.
(4)	See Note 12 — Fair Value Disclosures for the determination of the fair value of these instruments.

Derivative Gains and Losses that have been Recognized in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

The following table provides information regarding derivative gains and losses that have been recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31 (in thousands):

Amount recorded in:	2011		2010			2009
Interest expense, net (1)	$	4.1	$	10.7		$	9.6
Other expense (income), net (2)		1.2		(2.8	)		(0.7	)
Total expense, net	$	5.3	$	7.9		$	8.9

(1)	Consists of interest expense from interest rate swap contracts.
(2)	Consists of realized and unrealized gains and losses on foreign currency forward contracts.

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Assumptions Used in Computation of Net Periodic Pension Expense (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Weighted-average discount rate	4.40%	3.95%	4.85%
Average compensation increase	2.65%	2.80%	3.27%

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Periods Used to Amortize Intangible Assets Against Earnings (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011 Year
Content
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Useful Life (Years)	1.5
Trade Name
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Useful Life (Years)	5.0
Customer Relationships
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Useful Life (Years)	4.0

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STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]
Common Stock, par value	$ 0.0005	$ 0.0005
Common Stock, votes per share	1
Share repurchase program, approved amount	$ 500,000,000
Share repurchase program, amount remaining for share repurchases	293,500,000
Payments for common stock repurchases	211,986,000	99,820,000	3,744,000
ValueAct Capital Master Fund Limited Partnership
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]
Payments for common stock repurchases	$ 211,986,000

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Current and Long-Term Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Schedule of Deferred Income Tax Assets and Liabilities [Line Items]
Expense accruals	$ 40,438	$ 39,892
Loss and credit carryforwards	24,282	19,999
Assets relating to equity compensation	18,226	16,599
Other assets	8,949	5,244
Gross deferred tax asset	91,895	81,734
Depreciation	(9,199)	(5,595)
Intangible assets	(17,024)	(14,816)
Prepaid expenses	(10,183)	(9,342)
Other liabilities		(110)
Gross deferred tax liability	(36,406)	(29,863)
Valuation allowance	(1,869)	(2,634)
Net deferred tax asset	$ 53,620	$ 49,237

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CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 142,739	$ 120,181
Fees receivable, net of allowances of $7,260 and $7,200 respectively	421,033	364,818
Deferred commissions	78,492	71,955
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	63,521	64,148
Total current assets	705,785	621,102
Property, equipment and leasehold improvements, net	68,132	47,614
Goodwill	508,550	510,265
Intangible assets, net	7,060	13,584
Other assets	90,345	93,093
Total Assets	1,379,872	1,285,658
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	259,490	247,733
Deferred revenues	611,647	523,263
Current portion of long-term debt	50,000	40,156
Total current liabilities	921,137	811,152
Long-term debt	150,000	180,000
Other liabilities	126,951	107,450
Total liabilities	1,198,088	1,098,602
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock: $.01 par value, authorized 5,000,000 shares; none issued or outstanding
Common stock: $.0005 par value, authorized 250,000,000 shares for both periods; 156,234,415 shares issued for both periods	78	78
Additional paid-in capital	646,815	611,782
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net	5,793	14,638
Accumulated earnings	742,579	605,677
Treasury stock, at cost, 62,891,251 and 60,245,718 common shares, respectively	(1,213,481)	(1,045,119)
Total stockholders' equity	181,784	187,056
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity	$ 1,379,872	$ 1,285,658

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Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities [Line Items]
Accounts payable	$ 27,573	$ 17,791
Payroll, employee benefits, severance	66,110	62,882
Bonus payable	62,191	64,620
Commissions payable	42,328	41,503
Taxes payable	15,917	15,030
Rent and other facilities costs	5,046	7,108
Professional, consulting, audit fees	6,907	11,987
Events fulfillment liabilities	2,255	4,367
Other accrued liabilities	31,163	22,445
Total accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$ 259,490	$ 247,733

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010		Dec. 31, 2009
Operating activities:
Net income	$ 136,902		$ 96,285		$ 82,964
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization of intangibles	32,064		35,874		27,023
Stock-based compensation expense	32,865	[1]	32,634	[1]	26,066	[1]
Excess tax benefits from employee stock-based compensation exercises	(25,572)		(18,364)		(2,392)
Deferred taxes	(965)		(2,609)		5,003
Amortization and write-off of debt issue costs	2,288		1,567		1,480
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Fees receivable, net	(58,887)		(48,177)		25,349
Deferred commissions	(6,928)		(2,184)		(16,750)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	3,540		(376)		13,059
Other assets	4,397		(34,130)		532
Deferred revenues	91,765		85,336		5,101
Accounts payable, accrued, and other liabilities	44,097		59,643		(5,498)
Cash provided by operating activities	255,566		205,499		161,937
Investing activities:
Additions to property, equipment and leasehold improvements	(41,954)		(21,694)		(15,142)
Acquisitions (net of cash received)			(12,151)		(104,523)
Cash used in investing activities	(41,954)		(33,845)		(119,665)
Financing activities:
Proceeds from employee stock-based compensation plans and ESP Plan	20,011		23,527		14,822
Proceeds from debt issuance			200,000		78,000
Payments on debt	(20,156)		(313,627)		(165,250)
Purchases of treasury stock	(211,986)		(99,820)		(3,744)
Excess tax benefits from employee stock-based compensation exercises	25,572		18,364		2,392
Cash used by financing activities	(186,559)		(171,556)		(73,780)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	27,053		98		(31,508)
Effects of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents	(4,495)		3,509		7,153
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	120,181		116,574		140,929
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	142,739		120,181		116,574
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest	13,312		11,484		13,942
Income taxes, net of refunds received	$ 24,126		$ 25,486		$ 34,438

[1] Includes charges of $3.1 million in both 2011 and 2010 and $1.9 million in 2009 for awards to retirement-eligible employees.

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Stock-Based Compensation Expense Recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010		Dec. 31, 2009
Component of Operating Other Cost and Expense [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	$ 32,865,000	[1]	$ 32,634,000	[1]	$ 26,066,000	[1]
Cost of services and product development
Component of Operating Other Cost and Expense [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	14,800,000		14,800,000		12,600,000
Selling, general and administrative
Component of Operating Other Cost and Expense [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	$ 18,100,000		$ 17,800,000		$ 13,500,000

[1] Includes charges of $3.1 million in both 2011 and 2010 and $1.9 million in 2009 for awards to retirement-eligible employees.

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SEGMENT INFORMATION (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Information about the Reportable Segments

The following tables present operating information about the Company’s reportable segments for the years ended December 31 (in thousands):

	Research		Consulting		Events		Consolidated
2011
Revenues	$	1,012,062	$	308,047	$	148,479	$	1,468,588
Gross contribution		682,136		114,838		66,265		863,239
Corporate and other expenses								(649,177	)
Operating income							$	214,062
	Research		Consulting		Events		Consolidated
2010
Revenues	$	865,000	$	302,117	$	121,337	$	1,288,454
Gross contribution		564,527		121,885		55,884		742,296
Corporate and other expenses								(593,031	)
Operating income							$	149,265
	Research		Consulting		Events		Consolidated
2009
Revenues	$	752,505	$	286,847	$	100,448	$	1,139,800
Gross contribution		489,862		112,099		40,945		642,906
Corporate and other expenses								(508,429	)
Operating income							$	134,477

Summarized Information by Geographic Location

Summarized information by geographic location as of and for the years ended December 31 follows (in thousands):

	2011		2010		2009
Revenues:
United States and Canada	$	861,481	$	765,793	$	663,832
Europe, Middle East and Africa		437,194		380,771		360,791
Other International		169,913		141,890		115,177
Total revenues	$	1,468,588	$	1,288,454	$	1,139,800
Long-lived assets: (1)
United States and Canada	$	85,194	$	69,163	$	65,896
Europe, Middle East and Africa		23,673		21,856		21,924
Other International		10,754		6,175		2,404
Total long-lived assets	$	119,621	$	97,194	$	90,224

(1) Excludes goodwill and other intangible assets.

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Summary of Changes in CSEs Outstanding (Detail) (Common Stock Equivalents, USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011
Common Stock Equivalents
Common Stock Equivalents (CSEs)
Beginning Balance	117,208
Granted	13,294
Converted to common shares	(33,234)
Ending Balance	97,268
Per Share Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Beginning Balance	$ 16.82
Granted	$ 37.24
Converted to common shares	$ 36.15
Ending Balance	$ 17.79

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BUSINESS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Basis of presentation

Basis of presentation. The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”), as defined in the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 270 for financial information and with the applicable instructions of U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission (“SEC”) Regulation S-X. The fiscal year of Gartner represents the twelve-month period from January 1 through December 31. All references to 2011, 2010, and 2009 refer to the fiscal year unless otherwise indicated.

Principles of consolidation

Principles of consolidation. The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated.

Use of estimates

Use of estimates. The preparation of the accompanying consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions about future events. These estimates and the underlying assumptions affect the amounts of assets and liabilities reported, disclosures about contingent assets and liabilities, and reported amounts of revenues and expenses. Such estimates include the valuation of accounts receivable, goodwill, intangible assets, and other long-lived assets, as well as tax accruals and other liabilities. In addition, estimates are used in revenue recognition, income tax expense, performance-based compensation charges, depreciation and amortization, and the allowance for losses. Management believes its use of estimates in the accompanying consolidated financial statements to be reasonable.

Management continuously evaluates and revises its estimates using historical experience and other factors, including the general economic environment and actions it may take in the future. Management adjusts these estimates when facts and circumstances dictate. However, these estimates may involve significant uncertainties and judgments and cannot be determined with precision. In addition, these estimates are based on our best judgment at a point in time. As a result, differences between our estimates and actual results could be material and would be reflected in the Company’s consolidated financial statements in future periods.

Revenues

Revenues. Revenue is recognized in accordance with U.S. GAAP and SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 101, Revenue Recognition in Financial Statements (“SAB 101”), and SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 104, Revenue Recognition (“SAB 104”). Revenues are only recognized once all required criteria for recognition have been met. The Consolidated Statement of Operations presents revenues net of any sales or value-added taxes that we collect from customers and remit to government authorities.

The Company’s revenues by significant source are as follows:

Research revenues are derived from annual subscription contracts for research products. These revenues are deferred and recognized ratably over the applicable contract term. The Company typically enters into annually renewable subscription contracts for research products. Reprint fees are recognized when the reprint is shipped.

The majority of research contracts are billable upon signing, absent special terms granted on a limited basis from time to time. Research contracts are non-cancelable and non-refundable, except for government contracts that may have cancellation or fiscal funding clauses, which have not produced material cancellations to date. It is our policy to record the entire amount of the contract that is billable as a fee receivable at the time the contract is signed with a corresponding amount as deferred revenue, since the contract represents a legally enforceable claim.

Consulting revenues, primarily derived from consulting, measurement and strategic advisory services (paid one-day analyst engagements), are principally generated from fixed fee or time and materials engagements. Revenues from fixed fee engagements are recognized on a proportional performance basis, while revenues from time and material engagements are recognized as work is delivered and/or services are provided. Revenues related to contract optimization engagements are contingent in nature and are only recognized upon satisfaction of all conditions related to their payment. Unbilled fees receivable associated with consulting engagements were $29.2 million at December 31, 2011 and $29.4 million at December 31, 2010.

Events revenues are deferred and recognized upon the completion of the related symposium, conference or exhibition. In addition, the Company defers certain costs directly related to events and expenses these costs in the period during which the related symposium, conference or exhibition occurs. The Company policy is to defer only those costs, primarily prepaid site and production services costs, which are incremental and are directly attributable to a specific event. Other costs of organizing and producing our events, primarily Company personnel and non-event specific expenses, are expensed in the period incurred. At the end of each fiscal quarter, the Company assesses on an event-by-event basis whether expected direct costs of producing a scheduled event will exceed expected revenues. If such costs are expected to exceed revenues, the Company records the expected loss in the period determined.

Allowance for losses

Allowance for losses. The Company maintains an allowance for losses which is composed of a bad debt allowance and a sales reserve. Provisions are charged against earnings, either as a reduction in revenues or as an increase to expense. The amount of the allowance for losses is based on historical loss experience, aging of outstanding receivables, an assessment of current economic conditions and the financial health of specific clients.

Cost of services and product development ("COS")

Cost of services and product development (“COS”). COS expense includes the direct costs incurred in the creation and delivery of our products and services.

Selling, general and administrative ("SG&A")

Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”). SG&A expense includes direct and indirect selling costs, general and administrative costs, and charges against earnings related to uncollectible accounts.

Commission expense

Commission expense. The Company records commission obligations upon the signing of customer contracts and amortizes the deferred obligation as commission expense over the estimated period in which the related revenues are earned. Commission expense is included in SG&A in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Stock-based compensation expense

Stock-based compensation expense. The Company accounts for stock-based compensation in accordance with FASB ASC Topics 505 and 718, as interpreted by SEC Staff Accounting Bulletins No. 107 (“SAB No. 107”) and No. 110 (“SAB No. 110”). Stock-based compensation cost is based on the fair value of the award on the date of grant, which is expensed over the related service period, net of estimated forfeitures. The service period is the period over which the employee performs the related services, which is normally the same as the vesting period. During 2011, 2010, and 2009, the Company recognized $32.9 million, $32.6 million, and $26.1 million, respectively, of stock-based compensation expense (see Note 8 — Stock-Based Compensation), which is recorded in both COS and SG&A in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Income tax expense

Income tax expense. The provision for income taxes is the sum of the amount of income tax paid or payable for the year as determined by applying the provisions of enacted tax laws to taxable income for that year and the net changes during the year in deferred tax assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized based on differences between the book and tax basis of assets and liabilities using presently enacted tax rates. We credit additional paid-in capital for realized tax benefits arising from stock transactions with employees. The tax benefit on a nonqualified stock option is equal to the tax effect of the difference between the market price of Common Stock on the date of exercise and the exercise price.

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents. Includes cash and all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, which are considered cash equivalents. The carrying value of cash equivalents approximates fair value due to their short-term maturity. Investments with maturities of more than three months are classified as marketable securities. Interest earned on investments is classified in Interest income in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Property, equipment and leasehold improvements

Property, equipment and leasehold improvements. The Company leases all of its facilities and certain equipment. These leases are all classified as operating leases in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 840. The cost of these operating leases, including any contractual rent increases, rent concessions, and landlord incentives, are recognized ratably over the life of the related lease agreement. Lease expense was $26.2 million, $23.5 million, and $22.5 million in 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively.

Equipment, leasehold improvements, and other fixed assets owned by the Company are recorded at cost less accumulated depreciation. Except for leasehold improvements, these fixed assets are depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Leasehold improvements are amortized using the straight-line method over the shorter of the estimated useful lives of the improvements or the remaining term of the related leases. The Company had total depreciation expense of $25.5 million, $25.3 million, and $25.4 million in 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively.

Property, equipment and leasehold improvements, less accumulated depreciation and amortization, consist of the following (in thousands):

	Useful Life (Years)		December 31,
			2011			2010
Computer equipment and software		2 - 7	$	130,733		$	123,988
Furniture and equipment		3 - 8		34,828			32,093
Leasehold improvements		2 - 15		63,773			46,516
				229,334			202,597
Less — accumulated depreciation and amortization				(161,202	)		(154,983	)
			$	68,132		$	47,614

The Company capitalizes certain eligible costs incurred to develop internal use software in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 350. At December 31, 2011 and 2010, net capitalized development costs for internal use software were $13.6 million and $14.3 million, respectively. Amortization of capitalized internal software development costs, which is classified in Depreciation in the Consolidated Statements of Operations, totaled $7.8 million, $7.9 million, and $8.3 million during 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively.

The Company’s corporate headquarters is located in approximately 213,000 square feet of leased office space in three buildings in Stamford, Connecticut. The Stamford facility accommodates research and analysis, marketing, sales, client support, production, corporate services, executive offices, and administration. In 2010 the Company entered into a new 15 year lease agreement for this facility which provides for a reduced rental until completion of certain renovation work. In accordance with FASB ASC Topic 840, the Company accounted for the new Stamford lease as an operating lease arrangement. The total minimum payments the Company will be obligated to pay under this lease, including contractual escalation clauses and reduced rents during the renovation period, will be expensed on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

Under the terms of the new Stamford lease, the landlord has provided a $25.0 million tenant improvement allowance to be used to renovate the three buildings and the parking areas comprising the facility. The renovation work began in 2011 and is expected to be completed in late 2012. The $25.0 million contractual amount due from the landlord was recorded as a tenant improvement allowance in Other assets and as deferred rent in Other Liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. As the renovation work progresses and payments are received from the landlord, the tenant improvement receivable will be relieved and leasehold improvement assets will be recorded in Property, equipment, and leasehold improvements. The leasehold improvement assets will then be amortized to Depreciation expense over their useful lives, beginning when the assets are placed in service. The amount recorded as deferred rent will be amortized as a reduction to rent expense (SG&A) on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease.

As of December 31, 2011, the Company had $22.5 million of remaining unamortized deferred rent resulting from the tenant improvement allowance, of which $1.5 million is recorded in Accounts payable and accrued liabilities and $21.0 million is recorded in Other liabilities on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company paid $9.5 million in renovation costs for this project in 2011, of which $9.0 million was reimbursed in 2011 and $0.5 will be reimbursed in 2012. The Company expects to utilize the entire remaining $15.5 million improvement allowance in 2012.

Intangible assets

Intangible assets. Intangible assets are amortized using the straight-line method over their expected useful lives. Intangible assets subject to amortization include the following (in thousands):

December 31, 2011	Content			Trade Name			Customer Relationships			Total
Gross cost	$	10,634		$	5,758		$	7,210		$	23,602
Accumulated amortization		(10,634	)		(2,303	)		(3,605	)		(16,542	)
Net	$	—		$	3,455		$	3,605		$	7,060

December 31, 2010	Content			Trade Name			Customer Relationships			Total
Gross cost	$	10,634		$	5,758		$	7,210		$	23,602
Accumulated amortization		(7,089	)		(1,152	)		(1,777	)		(10,018	)
Net	$	3,545		$	4,606		$	5,433		$	13,584

Intangible assets are being amortized against earnings over the following periods:

	Useful Life (Years)
Content		1.5
Trade Name		5
Customer Relationships		4

Aggregate amortization expense on intangible assets was $6.5 million, $10.5 million, and $1.6 million in 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively. The estimated future amortization expense by year from purchased intangibles is as follows (in thousands):

2012	$	2,955
2013		2,955
2014		1,150
	$	7,060

Goodwill

Goodwill. Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price of acquired businesses over the estimated fair value of the tangible and identifiable intangible net assets acquired. The evaluation of the recoverability of goodwill is performed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 350, which requires an annual assessment of potential goodwill impairment at the reporting unit level and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. The Company has three reporting units: Research, Consulting, and Events. Since 2002, when the current goodwill impairment rules were first adopted, goodwill must be tested annually for impairment under a two-step impairment test. Under the two-step test, if a reporting unit’s carrying amount exceeds its estimated fair value, goodwill impairment is recognized to the extent that the reporting unit’s carrying amount of goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of the goodwill. The Company uses discounted cash flows, market multiples, and other valuation techniques to measure the estimated fair value of a reporting unit. .

In September 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2011-08, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other – Testing Goodwill for Impairment (“ASU No. 2011-08”). ASU No. 2011-08 permits an entity to make a qualitative assessment of whether it is more likely than not that a reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying amount rather than automatically applying the two-step goodwill impairment test. If the entity’s qualitative assessment does not allow it to reach this conclusion, then it is necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test to determine the amount, if any, of impaired goodwill. Otherwise, the two-step goodwill impairment test is not required. The objective of ASU No. 2011-08 is to both simplify and reduce the on-going cost of goodwill impairment testing for both private and public companies.

The Company conducted the annually required two-step goodwill impairment test in 2010 in the quarter ended September 30 and concluded that the fair values of each of the Company’s reporting units substantially exceeded their respective carrying values. In 2011, the Company made the decision to early adopt ASU No. 2011-08 and conduct a qualitative assessment of reporting unit fair value as of September 30, based in part on the demonstrated historical trend of the fair values of the Company’s reporting units substantially exceeding their carrying values. Among the factors included in the Company’s qualitative assessment were general economic conditions and the competitive environment; actual and expected segment financial performance; forward-looking business measurements; and external market assessments. Based on the results of the qualitative assessment, the Company believes the fair value of goodwill of each of the Company’s reporting units continue to substantially exceed their respective carrying values and concluded that it was not necessary to conduct the two-step goodwill impairment test. As a result, the adoption of ASU No. 2011-08 did not impact the Company’s results of operations, financial position, or cash flows.

The following table presents changes to the carrying amount of goodwill by reporting unit during the two year period ended December 31, 2011 (in thousands):

	Research			Consulting			Events			Total
Balance, December 31, 2009 (1)	$	370,630		$	100,744		$	42,238		$	513,612
Foreign currency translation adjustments		(2,109	)		(927	)		(311	)		(3,347	)
Balance, December 31, 2010	$	368,521		$	99,817		$	41,927		$	510,265
Foreign currency translation adjustments		(1,541	)		(140	)		(34	)		(1,715	)
Balance, December 31, 2011	$	366,980		$	99,677		$	41,893		$	508,550

(1) The Company has not recorded goodwill impairment losses since its adoption of the two-step goodwill impairment rules in 2002. Accordingly, the Company considers the recorded amount of goodwill as of December 31, 2009 to be the gross amount of goodwill.

Impairment of long-lived assets and intangible assets

Impairment of long-lived assets and intangible assets. The Company reviews long-lived assets and intangible assets other than goodwill for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the respective asset may not be recoverable. Such evaluation may be based on a number of factors including current and projected operating results and cash flows, changes in management’s strategic direction as well as external economic and market factors.

The Company’s policy regarding long-lived assets and intangible assets other than goodwill is to evaluate the recoverability of these assets by determining whether the balance can be recovered through undiscounted future operating cash flows. Should events or circumstances indicate that the carrying value might not be recoverable based on undiscounted future operating cash flows, an impairment loss would be recognized. The amount of impairment, if any, is measured based on the difference between projected discounted future operating cash flows using a discount rate reflecting the Company’s average cost of funds and the carrying value of the asset.

Pension obligations

Pension obligations. The Company has defined-benefit pension plans in three of its international locations (see Note 13 — Employee Benefits). Benefits earned under these plans are generally based on years of service and level of employee compensation. The Company accounts for defined benefit plans in accordance with the requirements of FASB ASC Topic 715. The Company determines the periodic pension expense and related liabilities for these plans through actuarial assumptions and valuations. The Company recognized $2.7 million, $2.4 million, and $2.2 million of expense for these plans in 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively. The Company classifies pension expense in SG&A in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Foreign currency exposure

Foreign currency exposure. All assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars at exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date. Income and expense items are translated at average exchange rates for the year. The resulting translation adjustments are recorded as foreign currency translation adjustments, a component of Accumulated other comprehensive income, net within the Stockholders’ equity section of the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Currency transaction gains or losses arising from transactions denominated in currencies other than the functional currency of a subsidiary are included in results of operations in Other income (expense), net within the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Net currency transaction (losses) were $(1.3) million, $(4.8) million, and $(3.6) million in 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively. The Company enters into foreign currency forward exchange contracts to mitigate the effects of adverse fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates on these transactions. These contracts generally have a short duration and are recorded at fair value with unrealized and realized gains and losses also recorded in Other income (expense), net. The net (loss) gain from these contracts was $(1.2) million, $2.8 million, and $0.7 million in 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively.

Fair value disclosures

Fair value disclosures. The Company’s fair value disclosures are included in Note 12 — Fair Value Disclosures.

Concentrations Of Credit Risk

Concentrations of credit risk. Assets that may subject the Company to concentration of credit risk consist primarily of short-term, highly liquid investments classified as cash equivalents, accounts receivable, interest rate swaps, and a pension reinsurance asset. The majority of the Company’s cash equivalent investments and its interest rate swap contract are with investment grade commercial banks that are participants in the Company’s 2010 Credit Agreement. Accounts receivable balances deemed to be collectible from customers have limited concentration of credit risk due to our diverse customer base and geographic dispersion. The Company’s pension reinsurance asset (see Note 13 — Employee Benefits) is maintained with a large international insurance company that was rated investment grade as of December 31, 2011.

Stock repurchase programs

Stock repurchase programs. The Company records the cost to repurchase its own shares to treasury stock. During 2011, 2010 and 2009, the Company recorded $212.0 million, $99.8 million, and $3.7 million, respectively, of stock repurchases (see Note 7 — Stockholders’ Equity). Shares repurchased by the Company are added to treasury shares and are not retired.

Recent Accounting Developments

Recent accounting developments. The following disclosures highlight new and significant accounting rules that the Company has adopted or will adopt in future periods:

Accounting Standards Adopted

On September 30, 2011, the Company early adopted FASB ASU No. 2011-08, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other – Testing Goodwill for Impairment (“ASU No. 2011-08”) (see discussion in Goodwill above). The adoption of ASU No. 2011-08 did not impact the Company’s results of operations, financial position, or cash flows.

Accounting Standards to be adopted in Future Accounting Periods

Final accounting rules issued by the FASB that have not yet become effective and may impact the Company’s consolidated financial statements or related disclosures in future periods are described below:

Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive Income. In June 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2011-05, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220-10): Presentation of Comprehensive Income. The new guidance eliminates the current option to report other comprehensive income and its components in the statement of stockholders’ equity. Instead, the new rule will require an entity to present net income and other comprehensive income in one continuous statement, referred to as the statement of comprehensive income, or in two separate, but consecutive statements. While the new guidance changes the presentation of comprehensive income, there are no changes to the components that are recognized in net income or other comprehensive income under current accounting guidance. This new guidance is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2011. The Company will adopt this new rule in the quarter ending March 31, 2012.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements. In May 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-04, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs. ASU No. 2011-04 establishes a number of new requirements for fair value measurements. These include: (1) a prohibition on grouping financial instruments for purposes of determining fair value, except when an entity manages market and credit risks on the basis of the entity’s net exposure to the group; (2) an extension of the prohibition against the use of a blockage factor to all fair value measurements (that prohibition currently applies only to financial instruments with quoted prices in active markets); and (3) a requirement that for recurring Level 3 fair value measurements, entities disclose quantitative information about unobservable inputs, a description of the valuation process used and qualitative details about the sensitivity of the measurements. In addition, for items not carried at fair value but for which fair value is disclosed, entities will be required to disclose the level within the fair value hierarchy that applies to the fair value measurement disclosed. This ASU is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. The Company will adopt this new rule in the quarter ending March 31, 2012.

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VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Summarized Activity in Allowance

The following table summarizes activity in the Company’s allowance for the years ended December 31(in thousands):

	Balance at Beginning of Year		Additions Charged to Expense		Additions Charged Against Revenues		Deductions from Reserve			Balance at End of Year
2009:
Allowance for doubtful accounts and returns and allowances	$	7,800	$	2,100	$	6,000	$	(7,800	)	$	8,100
2010:
Allowance for doubtful accounts and returns and allowances	$	8,100	$	800	$	2,000	$	(3,700	)	$	7,200
2011:
Allowance for doubtful accounts and returns and allowances	$	7,200	$	930	$	4,390	$	(5,260	)	$	7,260

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OTHER ASSETS (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Other Assets

Other assets consist of the following (in thousands):

	December 31,
	2011		2010
Security deposits	$	6,581	$	3,959
Debt issuance costs		3,866		4,987
Benefit plan-related assets		38,403		36,089
Non-current deferred tax assets		22,795		21,166
Tenant improvement allowance (1)		16,062		24,570
Other		2,638		2,322
Total other assets	$	90,345	$	93,093

(1) Includes contractual amounts receivable related to the renovation of the Company’s Stamford headquarters facility (see Property, equipment and leasehold improvements in Note 1 — Business and Significant Accounting Policies for additional description).

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Reconciliation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share (Parenthetical) (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Earnings Per Share Disclosure [Line Items]
Common stock repurchased, shares	5,890,238	3,918,719	306,032

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BUSINESS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

BUSINESS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

1 — BUSINESS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Business. Gartner, Inc. (“Gartner” or the “Company”) is a global information technology research and advisory company founded in 1979 with its headquarters in Stamford, Connecticut. Gartner delivers its principal products and services through three business segments: Research, Consulting, and Events. When used in these notes, the terms “Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our” refer to Gartner, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries.

Basis of presentation. The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”), as defined in the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 270 for financial information and with the applicable instructions of U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission (“SEC”) Regulation S-X. The fiscal year of Gartner represents the twelve-month period from January 1 through December 31. All references to 2011, 2010, and 2009 refer to the fiscal year unless otherwise indicated.

Principles of consolidation. The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated.

Use of estimates. The preparation of the accompanying consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions about future events. These estimates and the underlying assumptions affect the amounts of assets and liabilities reported, disclosures about contingent assets and liabilities, and reported amounts of revenues and expenses. Such estimates include the valuation of accounts receivable, goodwill, intangible assets, and other long-lived assets, as well as tax accruals and other liabilities. In addition, estimates are used in revenue recognition, income tax expense, performance-based compensation charges, depreciation and amortization, and the allowance for losses. Management believes its use of estimates in the accompanying consolidated financial statements to be reasonable.

Management continuously evaluates and revises its estimates using historical experience and other factors, including the general economic environment and actions it may take in the future. Management adjusts these estimates when facts and circumstances dictate. However, these estimates may involve significant uncertainties and judgments and cannot be determined with precision. In addition, these estimates are based on our best judgment at a point in time. As a result, differences between our estimates and actual results could be material and would be reflected in the Company’s consolidated financial statements in future periods.

Revenues. Revenue is recognized in accordance with U.S. GAAP and SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 101, Revenue Recognition in Financial Statements (“SAB 101”), and SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 104, Revenue Recognition (“SAB 104”). Revenues are only recognized once all required criteria for recognition have been met. The Consolidated Statement of Operations presents revenues net of any sales or value-added taxes that we collect from customers and remit to government authorities.

The Company’s revenues by significant source are as follows:

Research revenues are derived from annual subscription contracts for research products. These revenues are deferred and recognized ratably over the applicable contract term. The Company typically enters into annually renewable subscription contracts for research products. Reprint fees are recognized when the reprint is shipped.

The majority of research contracts are billable upon signing, absent special terms granted on a limited basis from time to time. Research contracts are non-cancelable and non-refundable, except for government contracts that may have cancellation or fiscal funding clauses, which have not produced material cancellations to date. It is our policy to record the entire amount of the contract that is billable as a fee receivable at the time the contract is signed with a corresponding amount as deferred revenue, since the contract represents a legally enforceable claim.

Consulting revenues, primarily derived from consulting, measurement and strategic advisory services (paid one-day analyst engagements), are principally generated from fixed fee or time and materials engagements. Revenues from fixed fee engagements are recognized on a proportional performance basis, while revenues from time and material engagements are recognized as work is delivered and/or services are provided. Revenues related to contract optimization engagements are contingent in nature and are only recognized upon satisfaction of all conditions related to their payment. Unbilled fees receivable associated with consulting engagements were $29.2 million at December 31, 2011 and $29.4 million at December 31, 2010.

Events revenues are deferred and recognized upon the completion of the related symposium, conference or exhibition. In addition, the Company defers certain costs directly related to events and expenses these costs in the period during which the related symposium, conference or exhibition occurs. The Company policy is to defer only those costs, primarily prepaid site and production services costs, which are incremental and are directly attributable to a specific event. Other costs of organizing and producing our events, primarily Company personnel and non-event specific expenses, are expensed in the period incurred. At the end of each fiscal quarter, the Company assesses on an event-by-event basis whether expected direct costs of producing a scheduled event will exceed expected revenues. If such costs are expected to exceed revenues, the Company records the expected loss in the period determined.

Allowance for losses. The Company maintains an allowance for losses which is composed of a bad debt allowance and a sales reserve. Provisions are charged against earnings, either as a reduction in revenues or as an increase to expense. The amount of the allowance for losses is based on historical loss experience, aging of outstanding receivables, an assessment of current economic conditions and the financial health of specific clients.

Cost of services and product development (“COS”). COS expense includes the direct costs incurred in the creation and delivery of our products and services.

Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”). SG&A expense includes direct and indirect selling costs, general and administrative costs, and charges against earnings related to uncollectible accounts.

Commission expense. The Company records commission obligations upon the signing of customer contracts and amortizes the deferred obligation as commission expense over the estimated period in which the related revenues are earned. Commission expense is included in SG&A in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Stock-based compensation expense. The Company accounts for stock-based compensation in accordance with FASB ASC Topics 505 and 718, as interpreted by SEC Staff Accounting Bulletins No. 107 (“SAB No. 107”) and No. 110 (“SAB No. 110”). Stock-based compensation cost is based on the fair value of the award on the date of grant, which is expensed over the related service period, net of estimated forfeitures. The service period is the period over which the employee performs the related services, which is normally the same as the vesting period. During 2011, 2010, and 2009, the Company recognized $32.9 million, $32.6 million, and $26.1 million, respectively, of stock-based compensation expense (see Note 8 — Stock-Based Compensation), which is recorded in both COS and SG&A in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Income tax expense. The provision for income taxes is the sum of the amount of income tax paid or payable for the year as determined by applying the provisions of enacted tax laws to taxable income for that year and the net changes during the year in deferred tax assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized based on differences between the book and tax basis of assets and liabilities using presently enacted tax rates. We credit additional paid-in capital for realized tax benefits arising from stock transactions with employees. The tax benefit on a nonqualified stock option is equal to the tax effect of the difference between the market price of Common Stock on the date of exercise and the exercise price.

Cash and cash equivalents. Includes cash and all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, which are considered cash equivalents. The carrying value of cash equivalents approximates fair value due to their short-term maturity. Investments with maturities of more than three months are classified as marketable securities. Interest earned on investments is classified in Interest income in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Property, equipment and leasehold improvements. The Company leases all of its facilities and certain equipment. These leases are all classified as operating leases in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 840. The cost of these operating leases, including any contractual rent increases, rent concessions, and landlord incentives, are recognized ratably over the life of the related lease agreement. Lease expense was $26.2 million, $23.5 million, and $22.5 million in 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively.

Equipment, leasehold improvements, and other fixed assets owned by the Company are recorded at cost less accumulated depreciation. Except for leasehold improvements, these fixed assets are depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Leasehold improvements are amortized using the straight-line method over the shorter of the estimated useful lives of the improvements or the remaining term of the related leases. The Company had total depreciation expense of $25.5 million, $25.3 million, and $25.4 million in 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively.

Property, equipment and leasehold improvements, less accumulated depreciation and amortization, consist of the following (in thousands):

	Useful Life (Years)		December 31,
			2011			2010
Computer equipment and software		2 - 7	$	130,733		$	123,988
Furniture and equipment		3 - 8		34,828			32,093
Leasehold improvements		2 - 15		63,773			46,516
				229,334			202,597
Less — accumulated depreciation and amortization				(161,202	)		(154,983	)
			$	68,132		$	47,614

The Company capitalizes certain eligible costs incurred to develop internal use software in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 350. At December 31, 2011 and 2010, net capitalized development costs for internal use software were $13.6 million and $14.3 million, respectively. Amortization of capitalized internal software development costs, which is classified in Depreciation in the Consolidated Statements of Operations, totaled $7.8 million, $7.9 million, and $8.3 million during 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively.

The Company’s corporate headquarters is located in approximately 213,000 square feet of leased office space in three buildings in Stamford, Connecticut. The Stamford facility accommodates research and analysis, marketing, sales, client support, production, corporate services, executive offices, and administration. In 2010 the Company entered into a new 15 year lease agreement for this facility which provides for a reduced rental until completion of certain renovation work. In accordance with FASB ASC Topic 840, the Company accounted for the new Stamford lease as an operating lease arrangement. The total minimum payments the Company will be obligated to pay under this lease, including contractual escalation clauses and reduced rents during the renovation period, will be expensed on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

Under the terms of the new Stamford lease, the landlord has provided a $25.0 million tenant improvement allowance to be used to renovate the three buildings and the parking areas comprising the facility. The renovation work began in 2011 and is expected to be completed in late 2012. The $25.0 million contractual amount due from the landlord was recorded as a tenant improvement allowance in Other assets and as deferred rent in Other Liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. As the renovation work progresses and payments are received from the landlord, the tenant improvement receivable will be relieved and leasehold improvement assets will be recorded in Property, equipment, and leasehold improvements. The leasehold improvement assets will then be amortized to Depreciation expense over their useful lives, beginning when the assets are placed in service. The amount recorded as deferred rent will be amortized as a reduction to rent expense (SG&A) on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease.

As of December 31, 2011, the Company had $22.5 million of remaining unamortized deferred rent resulting from the tenant improvement allowance, of which $1.5 million is recorded in Accounts payable and accrued liabilities and $21.0 million is recorded in Other liabilities on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company paid $9.5 million in renovation costs for this project in 2011, of which $9.0 million was reimbursed in 2011 and $0.5 will be reimbursed in 2012. The Company expects to utilize the entire remaining $15.5 million improvement allowance in 2012.

Intangible assets. Intangible assets are amortized using the straight-line method over their expected useful lives. Intangible assets subject to amortization include the following (in thousands):

December 31, 2011	Content			Trade Name			Customer Relationships			Total
Gross cost	$	10,634		$	5,758		$	7,210		$	23,602
Accumulated amortization		(10,634	)		(2,303	)		(3,605	)		(16,542	)
Net	$	—		$	3,455		$	3,605		$	7,060

December 31, 2010	Content			Trade Name			Customer Relationships			Total
Gross cost	$	10,634		$	5,758		$	7,210		$	23,602
Accumulated amortization		(7,089	)		(1,152	)		(1,777	)		(10,018	)
Net	$	3,545		$	4,606		$	5,433		$	13,584

Intangible assets are being amortized against earnings over the following periods:

	Useful Life (Years)
Content		1.5
Trade Name		5
Customer Relationships		4

Aggregate amortization expense on intangible assets was $6.5 million, $10.5 million, and $1.6 million in 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively. The estimated future amortization expense by year from purchased intangibles is as follows (in thousands):

2012	$	2,955
2013		2,955
2014		1,150
	$	7,060

Goodwill. Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price of acquired businesses over the estimated fair value of the tangible and identifiable intangible net assets acquired. The evaluation of the recoverability of goodwill is performed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 350, which requires an annual assessment of potential goodwill impairment at the reporting unit level and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. The Company has three reporting units: Research, Consulting, and Events. Since 2002, when the current goodwill impairment rules were first adopted, goodwill must be tested annually for impairment under a two-step impairment test. Under the two-step test, if a reporting unit’s carrying amount exceeds its estimated fair value, goodwill impairment is recognized to the extent that the reporting unit’s carrying amount of goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of the goodwill. The Company uses discounted cash flows, market multiples, and other valuation techniques to measure the estimated fair value of a reporting unit. .

In September 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2011-08, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other – Testing Goodwill for Impairment (“ASU No. 2011-08”). ASU No. 2011-08 permits an entity to make a qualitative assessment of whether it is more likely than not that a reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying amount rather than automatically applying the two-step goodwill impairment test. If the entity’s qualitative assessment does not allow it to reach this conclusion, then it is necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test to determine the amount, if any, of impaired goodwill. Otherwise, the two-step goodwill impairment test is not required. The objective of ASU No. 2011-08 is to both simplify and reduce the on-going cost of goodwill impairment testing for both private and public companies.

The Company conducted the annually required two-step goodwill impairment test in 2010 in the quarter ended September 30 and concluded that the fair values of each of the Company’s reporting units substantially exceeded their respective carrying values. In 2011, the Company made the decision to early adopt ASU No. 2011-08 and conduct a qualitative assessment of reporting unit fair value as of September 30, based in part on the demonstrated historical trend of the fair values of the Company’s reporting units substantially exceeding their carrying values. Among the factors included in the Company’s qualitative assessment were general economic conditions and the competitive environment; actual and expected segment financial performance; forward-looking business measurements; and external market assessments. Based on the results of the qualitative assessment, the Company believes the fair value of goodwill of each of the Company’s reporting units continue to substantially exceed their respective carrying values and concluded that it was not necessary to conduct the two-step goodwill impairment test. As a result, the adoption of ASU No. 2011-08 did not impact the Company’s results of operations, financial position, or cash flows.

The following table presents changes to the carrying amount of goodwill by reporting unit during the two year period ended December 31, 2011 (in thousands):

	Research			Consulting			Events			Total
Balance, December 31, 2009 (1)	$	370,630		$	100,744		$	42,238		$	513,612
Foreign currency translation adjustments		(2,109	)		(927	)		(311	)		(3,347	)
Balance, December 31, 2010	$	368,521		$	99,817		$	41,927		$	510,265
Foreign currency translation adjustments		(1,541	)		(140	)		(34	)		(1,715	)
Balance, December 31, 2011	$	366,980		$	99,677		$	41,893		$	508,550

(1) The Company has not recorded goodwill impairment losses since its adoption of the two-step goodwill impairment rules in 2002. Accordingly, the Company considers the recorded amount of goodwill as of December 31, 2009 to be the gross amount of goodwill.

Impairment of long-lived assets and intangible assets. The Company reviews long-lived assets and intangible assets other than goodwill for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the respective asset may not be recoverable. Such evaluation may be based on a number of factors including current and projected operating results and cash flows, changes in management’s strategic direction as well as external economic and market factors.

The Company’s policy regarding long-lived assets and intangible assets other than goodwill is to evaluate the recoverability of these assets by determining whether the balance can be recovered through undiscounted future operating cash flows. Should events or circumstances indicate that the carrying value might not be recoverable based on undiscounted future operating cash flows, an impairment loss would be recognized. The amount of impairment, if any, is measured based on the difference between projected discounted future operating cash flows using a discount rate reflecting the Company’s average cost of funds and the carrying value of the asset.

Pension obligations. The Company has defined-benefit pension plans in three of its international locations (see Note 13 — Employee Benefits). Benefits earned under these plans are generally based on years of service and level of employee compensation. The Company accounts for defined benefit plans in accordance with the requirements of FASB ASC Topic 715. The Company determines the periodic pension expense and related liabilities for these plans through actuarial assumptions and valuations. The Company recognized $2.7 million, $2.4 million, and $2.2 million of expense for these plans in 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively. The Company classifies pension expense in SG&A in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Foreign currency exposure. All assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars at exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date. Income and expense items are translated at average exchange rates for the year. The resulting translation adjustments are recorded as foreign currency translation adjustments, a component of Accumulated other comprehensive income, net within the Stockholders’ equity section of the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Currency transaction gains or losses arising from transactions denominated in currencies other than the functional currency of a subsidiary are included in results of operations in Other income (expense), net within the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Net currency transaction (losses) were $(1.3) million, $(4.8) million, and $(3.6) million in 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively. The Company enters into foreign currency forward exchange contracts to mitigate the effects of adverse fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates on these transactions. These contracts generally have a short duration and are recorded at fair value with unrealized and realized gains and losses also recorded in Other income (expense), net. The net (loss) gain from these contracts was $(1.2) million, $2.8 million, and $0.7 million in 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively.

Fair value disclosures. The Company’s fair value disclosures are included in Note 12 — Fair Value Disclosures.

Concentrations of credit risk. Assets that may subject the Company to concentration of credit risk consist primarily of short-term, highly liquid investments classified as cash equivalents, accounts receivable, interest rate swaps, and a pension reinsurance asset. The majority of the Company’s cash equivalent investments and its interest rate swap contract are with investment grade commercial banks that are participants in the Company’s 2010 Credit Agreement. Accounts receivable balances deemed to be collectible from customers have limited concentration of credit risk due to our diverse customer base and geographic dispersion. The Company’s pension reinsurance asset (see Note 13 — Employee Benefits) is maintained with a large international insurance company that was rated investment grade as of December 31, 2011.

Stock repurchase programs. The Company records the cost to repurchase its own shares to treasury stock. During 2011, 2010 and 2009, the Company recorded $212.0 million, $99.8 million, and $3.7 million, respectively, of stock repurchases (see Note 7 — Stockholders’ Equity). Shares repurchased by the Company are added to treasury shares and are not retired.

Recent accounting developments. The following disclosures highlight new and significant accounting rules that the Company has adopted or will adopt in future periods:

Accounting Standards Adopted

On September 30, 2011, the Company early adopted FASB ASU No. 2011-08, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other – Testing Goodwill for Impairment (“ASU No. 2011-08”) (see discussion in Goodwill above). The adoption of ASU No. 2011-08 did not impact the Company’s results of operations, financial position, or cash flows.

Accounting Standards to be adopted in Future Accounting Periods

Final accounting rules issued by the FASB that have not yet become effective and may impact the Company’s consolidated financial statements or related disclosures in future periods are described below:

Comprehensive Income. In June 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2011-05, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220-10): Presentation of Comprehensive Income. The new guidance eliminates the current option to report other comprehensive income and its components in the statement of stockholders’ equity. Instead, the new rule will require an entity to present net income and other comprehensive income in one continuous statement, referred to as the statement of comprehensive income, or in two separate, but consecutive statements. While the new guidance changes the presentation of comprehensive income, there are no changes to the components that are recognized in net income or other comprehensive income under current accounting guidance. This new guidance is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2011. The Company will adopt this new rule in the quarter ending March 31, 2012.

Fair Value Measurements. In May 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-04, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs. ASU No. 2011-04 establishes a number of new requirements for fair value measurements. These include: (1) a prohibition on grouping financial instruments for purposes of determining fair value, except when an entity manages market and credit risks on the basis of the entity’s net exposure to the group; (2) an extension of the prohibition against the use of a blockage factor to all fair value measurements (that prohibition currently applies only to financial instruments with quoted prices in active markets); and (3) a requirement that for recurring Level 3 fair value measurements, entities disclose quantitative information about unobservable inputs, a description of the valuation process used and qualitative details about the sensitivity of the measurements. In addition, for items not carried at fair value but for which fair value is disclosed, entities will be required to disclose the level within the fair value hierarchy that applies to the fair value measurement disclosed. This ASU is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. The Company will adopt this new rule in the quarter ending March 31, 2012.

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CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Fees receivable, allowances	$ 7,260	$ 7,200
Preferred stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, authorized	5,000,000	5,000,000
Preferred stock, issued
Preferred stock, outstanding
Common Stock, par value	$ 0.0005	$ 0.0005
Common stock, authorized	250,000,000	250,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	156,234,415	156,234,415
Treasury stock, shares	62,891,251	60,245,718

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DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING

11 — DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING

The Company enters into a limited number of derivative contracts to offset the potentially negative economic effects of interest rate and foreign exchange movements. The Company accounts for its outstanding derivative contracts in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 815, which requires all derivatives, to include derivatives designated as accounting hedges, to be recorded on the balance sheet at fair value.

The following tables provide information regarding the Company’s outstanding derivatives contracts as of, and for, the years ended (in thousands, except for number of outstanding contracts):

December 31, 2011

Derivative Contract Type	Number of Outstanding Contracts		Contract Notional Amount		Fair Value Asset (Liability) (4)			Balance Sheet Line Item		OCI Unrealized (Loss), Net Of Tax
Interest rate swap (1)		1	$	200,000	$	(9,891	)		Other liabilities	$	(5,934	)
Interest rate swaps (2)		2		30,750		(98	)		Accrued liabilities		—
Foreign currency forwards (3)		60		99,585		272			Other current assets		—
Total		63	$	330,335	$	(9,717	)			$	(5,934	)
December 31, 2010
Derivative Contract Type	Number of Outstanding Contracts		Contract Notional Amount		Fair Value Asset (Liability) (4)			Balance Sheet Line Item		OCI Unrealized (Loss), Net Of Tax
Interest rate swap (1)		1	$	200,000	$	(2,101	)		Other liabilities	$	(1,261	)
Interest rate swaps (2)		2		147,750		(3,966	)		Other liabilities		—
Foreign currency forwards (3)		63		250,220		618			Other current assets		—
Total		66	$	597,970	$	(5,449	)			$	(1,261	)

(1)	The Company designates and accounts for this swap as a cash flow hedge of the forecasted interest payments on borrowings. As a result, changes in fair value of this swap are deferred and are recorded in OCI, net of tax effect. The Company entered into this swap in December 2010 (see Note 5 — Debt).
(2)	Changes in the fair value of these swaps are recognized in earnings. Both swaps matured in January 2012.
(3)	The Company has foreign exchange transaction risk since it typically enters into transactions in the normal course of business that are denominated in foreign currencies that differ from the local functional currency. The Company enters into short-term foreign currency forward exchange contracts to offset the economic effects of these foreign currency transaction risks. These contracts are accounted for at fair value with realized and unrealized gains and losses recognized in Other income (expense), net since the Company does not designate these contracts as hedges for accounting purposes. All of the outstanding contracts at December 31, 2011 matured by the end of January 2012.
(4)	See Note 12 — Fair Value Disclosures for the determination of the fair value of these instruments.

At December 31, 2011 the Company’s derivative counterparties were all large investment grade financial institutions. The Company did not have any collateral arrangements with its derivative counterparties, and none of the derivative contracts contained credit-risk related contingent features.

The following table provides information regarding derivative gains and losses that have been recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31 (in thousands):

Amount recorded in:	2011		2010			2009
Interest expense, net (1)	$	4.1	$	10.7		$	9.6
Other expense (income), net (2)		1.2		(2.8	)		(0.7	)
Total expense, net	$	5.3	$	7.9		$	8.9

(1)	Consists of interest expense from interest rate swap contracts.
(2)	Consists of realized and unrealized gains and losses on foreign currency forward contracts.

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Summarized Activity in Allowance (Detail) (Allowance for doubtful accounts and returns and allowances, USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Allowance for doubtful accounts and returns and allowances
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance at Beginning of Year	$ 7,200	$ 8,100	$ 7,800
Additions Charged to Expense	930	800	2,100
Additions Charged Against Revenues	4,390	2,000	6,000
Deductions from Reserve	(5,260)	(3,700)	(7,800)
Balance at End of Year	$ 7,260	$ 7,200	$ 8,100

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Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Jan. 31, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2011
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2011
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Trading Symbol	IT
Entity Registrant Name	GARTNER INC
Entity Central Index Key	0000749251
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		93,368,900
Entity Public Float			$ 3,584,707,867

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FAIR VALUE DISCLOSURES

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

FAIR VALUE DISCLOSURES

12 — FAIR VALUE DISCLOSURES

The Company’s financial instruments include cash equivalents, fees receivable from customers, accounts payable, and accruals which are normally short-term in nature. The Company believes the carrying amounts of these financial instruments reasonably approximates their fair value due to their short-term nature. The Company’s financial instruments also includes borrowings outstanding under its 2010 Credit Agreement, and at December 31, 2011, the Company had $200.0 million of floating rate debt outstanding under this arrangement, which is carried at amortized cost. The Company believes the carrying amount of the outstanding borrowings reasonably approximates fair value since the rate of interest on the borrowings reflect current market rates of interest for similar instruments with comparable maturities.

FASB ASC Topic 820 provides a framework for the measurement of fair value and a valuation hierarchy based upon the transparency of inputs used in the valuation of assets and liabilities. Classification within the hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the resulting fair value measurement. The valuation hierarchy contains three levels. Level 1 measurements consist of quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2 measurements include significant other observable inputs such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; identical assets or liabilities in inactive markets; observable inputs such as interest rates and yield curves; and other market-corroborated inputs. Level 3 measurements include significant unobservable inputs, such as internally-created valuation models. The Company does not currently utilize Level 3 valuation inputs to remeasure any of its assets or liabilities. However, level 3 inputs may be used by the Company in its required annual impairment review of goodwill. Information regarding the periodic assessment of the Company’s goodwill is included in Note 1 — Business and Significant Accounting Policies.

The Company has a limited number of assets and liabilities recorded in its Consolidated Balance Sheets that are remeasured to fair value on a recurring basis, which are presented in the following table (in thousands):

Description:	Fair Value December 31, 2011		Fair Value December 31, 2010
Assets:
Deferred compensation plan assets (1)	$	25,050	$	24,113
Pension reinsurance asset (2)		12,980		11,680
Foreign currency forward contracts (3)		272		618
	$	38,302	$	36,411
Liabilities:
Deferred compensation plan liabilities (1)	$	28,100	$	26,900
Interest rate swap contracts (4)		9,989		6,067
	$	38,089	$	32,967

(1)	The Company has a deferred compensation plan for the benefit of certain highly compensated officers, managers and other key employees (see Note 13 — Employee Benefits). The plan’s assets consist of investments in money market and mutual funds, and company-owned life insurance contracts.
	The money market funds consist of cash equivalents while the mutual fund investments consist of publicly-traded and quoted equity shares. The Company considers the fair value of these assets to be based on Level 1 inputs, and these assets had a fair value of $8.0 million and $7.5 million as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The carrying amount of the life insurance contracts equals their cash surrender value, as required by U.S. GAAP, which approximates fair value. Cash surrender value represents the estimated amount that the Company would receive upon termination of the contract. The Company considers the life insurance contracts to be valued based on a Level 2 input, and these assets had a fair value of $17.0 million and $16.6 million at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The related deferred compensation plan liabilities are recorded at fair value, or the amount needed to settle the liability, which the Company also considers to be based on a Level 2 input.
(2)	The Company maintains a pension reinsurance asset to fund payments for one of its defined benefit pension plans (see Note 13—Employee Benefits). The reinsurance asset is carried at its cash surrender value, which approximates its fair value. The Company considers the reinsurance contract to be valued based on a Level 2 input
(3)	The Company enters into foreign currency forward exchange contracts to hedge the effects of adverse fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates (see Note 11 — Derivatives and Hedging). Valuation of the foreign currency forward contracts is based on foreign currency exchange rates in active markets, which the Company considers a Level 2 input.
(4)	On December 31, 2011, the Company had three outstanding interest rate swap contracts (see Note 11 — Derivatives and Hedging). To determine the fair value of these over-the-counter financial instruments, the Company relies on mark-to-market valuations prepared by third-party brokers. These valuations are based on observable interest rates from recently executed market transactions or broker quotes corroborated by other observable market data. Accordingly, the fair value of the swaps is determined under a Level 2 input. The Company independently corroborates the reasonableness of the swap valuations prepared by third-party brokers through the use of an electronic quotation service.

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Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash equivalents and securities at fair value	$ 8,000,000	$ 7,500,000
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | Insurance
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of the Company-owned life insurance	$ 17,000,000	$ 16,600,000

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Summarized Information by Geographic Location (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010		Dec. 31, 2009
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 1,468,588		$ 1,288,454		$ 1,139,800
Long Lived Assets	119,621	[1]	97,194	[1]	90,224	[1]
United States and Canada
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues	861,481		765,793		663,832
Long Lived Assets	85,194		69,163		65,896
Europe, Middle East and Africa
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues	437,194		380,771		360,791
Long Lived Assets	23,673		21,856		21,924
Other International
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues	169,913		141,890		115,177
Long Lived Assets	$ 10,754		$ 6,175		$ 2,404

[1] Excludes goodwill and other intangible assets.

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010		Dec. 31, 2009
Revenues:
Research	$ 1,012,062		$ 865,000		$ 752,505
Consulting	308,047		302,117		286,847
Events	148,479		121,337		100,448
Total revenues	1,468,588		1,288,454		1,139,800
Costs and expenses:
Cost of services and product development	608,755		552,238		498,363
Selling, general and administrative	613,707		543,174		477,003
Depreciation	25,539		25,349		25,387
Amortization of intangibles	6,525		10,525		1,636
Acquisition and integration charges			7,903		2,934
Total costs and expenses	1,254,526		1,139,189		1,005,323
Operating income	214,062		149,265		134,477
Interest income	1,249		1,156		830
Interest expense	(11,216)		(16,772)		(16,862)
Other (expense) income, net	(1,911)		436		(2,919)
Income before income taxes	202,184		134,085		115,526
Provision for income taxes	65,282		37,800		32,562
Net income	$ 136,902		$ 96,285		$ 82,964
Net income per share:
Basic	$ 1.43		$ 1.01		$ 0.88
Diluted	$ 1.39		$ 0.96		$ 0.85
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic	96,019		95,747		94,658
Diluted	98,846	[1]	99,834	[1]	97,549	[1]

[1] During 2011, 2010 and 2009, the Company repurchased 5.9 million, 3.9 million, and 0.3 million shares of its Common Stock, respectively.

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COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

6 — COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Contractual Lease Commitments. The Company leases various facilities, furniture, and computer equipment under operating lease arrangements expiring between 2012 and 2027. The future minimum annual cash payments under non-cancelable operating lease agreements at December 31, 2011, are as follows (in thousands):

Year ended December 31,
2012	$	35,810
2013		31,690
2014		26,075
2015		18,100
2016		11,445
Thereafter		82,530
Total minimum lease payments (1), (2)	$	205,650

(1)	Excludes $16.1 million of future contractual reimbursements related to leasehold improvements on the Company’s Stamford headquarters lease (see Property, equipment and leasehold improvements in Note 1 — Business and Significant Accounting Policies for additional discussion).
(2)	Excludes $3.1 million of future contractual sublease rental income.

Legal Matters. We are involved in various legal and administrative proceedings and litigation arising in the ordinary course of business. The outcome of these individual matters is not predictable at this time. However, we believe that the ultimate resolution of these matters, after considering amounts already accrued and insurance coverage, will not have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations, or cash flows in future periods.

Indemnifications. The Company has various agreements that may obligate us to indemnify the other party with respect to certain matters. Generally, these indemnification clauses are included in contracts arising in the normal course of business under which we customarily agree to hold the other party harmless against losses arising from a breach of representations related to such matters as title to assets sold and licensed or certain intellectual property rights. It is not possible to predict the maximum potential amount of future payments under these indemnification agreements due to the conditional nature of the Company’s obligations and the unique facts of each particular agreement. Historically, payments made by us under these agreements have not been material. As of December 31, 2011, we did not have any indemnification agreements that would require material payments.

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DEBT

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

DEBT

5 — DEBT

Credit Agreement

In December 2010 the Company entered into a new credit arrangement that provides for a five-year, $200.0 million term loan and a $400.0 million revolving credit facility (the “2010 Credit Agreement”). The Company terminated its prior credit arrangement when it entered into the 2010 Credit Agreement and paid down the remaining amounts outstanding. The 2010 Credit Agreement contains an expansion feature by which the term loan and revolving credit facility may be increased, at the Company’s option and under certain conditions, by up to an additional $150.0 million in the aggregate. The term loan will be repaid in 19 consecutive quarterly installments which commenced on March 31, 2011, plus a final payment due on December 22, 2015, and may be prepaid at any time without penalty or premium at the Company’s option. The revolving credit facility may be used for loans, and up to $40.0 million may be used for letters of credit. The revolving loans may be borrowed, repaid and re-borrowed until December 22, 2015, at which time all amounts borrowed must be repaid.

Amounts borrowed under the 2010 Credit Agreement bear interest at a rate equal to, at the Company’s option, either (i) the greatest of: the administrative agent’s prime rate; the average rate on overnight federal funds plus 1/2 of 1%; and the eurodollar rate (adjusted for statutory reserves) plus 1%, in each case plus a margin equal to between 0.50% and 1.25% depending on the Company’s leverage ratio as of the end of the four consecutive fiscal quarters most recently ended, or (ii) the eurodollar rate (adjusted for statutory reserves) plus a margin equal to between 1.50% and 2.25%, depending on the Company’s leverage ratio as of the end of the four consecutive fiscal quarters most recently ended.

The 2010 Credit Agreement contains certain customary restrictive loan covenants, including, among others, financial covenants requiring a maximum leverage ratio, a minimum interest expense coverage ratio, and covenants limiting the Company’s ability to incur indebtedness, grant liens, make acquisitions, be acquired, dispose of assets, pay dividends, repurchase stock, make capital expenditures, make investments and enter into certain transactions with affiliates. The Company was in full compliance with these covenants as of December 31, 2011.

The following table provides information regarding the Company’s borrowings:

Description:	Amount Outstanding December 31, 2011 (In thousands)		Contractual Annualized Interest Rate December 31, 2011 (2)		Amount Outstanding December 31, 2010 (In thousands)
Term loans	$	180,000		2.08%	$	200,000
Revolver (1)		20,000		2.08%		20,156
Total	$	200,000			$	220,156

(1)	The Company had $376.8 million of available borrowing capacity on the revolver (not including the expansion feature) as of December 31, 2011.
(2)	Both the term and revolver loan rate consisted of a floating Eurodollar base rate 0.58% plus a margin of 1.5%. However, the Company has an interest rate swap contract which converts the floating Eurodollar base rate to a fixed base rate on $200.0 million of borrowings (see below). As a result, the Company’s effective annual interest rate on its debt as of December 31, 2011 was 3.76%.

In December 2010, the Company recorded certain incremental pre-tax charges due to the termination of the prior credit arrangement. The majority of these charges would have been recognized as expenses in 2011, but accounting rules required their accelerated recognition in 2010. These accelerated pre-tax charges included $3.3 million for deferred losses on interest rate swap contracts that had been recorded in Other Comprehensive Income (OCI) since the swaps had previously been designated as accounting hedges, and $0.4 million for the write-off of a portion of capitalized debt issuance costs related to the previous debt. In accordance with FASB ASC Topic 815, the deferral of the unrealized losses on the swaps recorded in OCI was no longer permitted since the forecasted interest payments related to the previous debt would not occur. Both the capitalized debt issuance write-off and the interest rate swap charge were classified in Interest expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2010.

Interest Rate Swap Hedge

The Company entered into a $200.0 million notional fixed-for-floating interest rate swap contract in December 2010 which it designated as a hedge of the forecasted interest payments on the Company’s variable rate borrowings. Under the swap terms, the Company pays a base fixed rate of 2.26% and in return receives a Eurodollar base rate.

The Company accounts for the interest rate swap as a cash flow hedge in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 815. Since the swap is hedging forecasted interest payments, changes in the fair value of the swap are recorded in OCI as long as the swap continues to be a highly effective hedge of the designated interest rate risk. Any ineffective portion of change in the fair value of the hedge is recorded in earnings. At December 31, 2011, there was no ineffective portion of the hedge. The interest rate swap had a negative fair value to the Company of $9.9 million at December 31, 2011, which is classified in OCI, net of tax effect.

Letters of Credit

The Company had $4.7 million of letters of credit and related guarantees outstanding at year-end 2011. The Company issues these instruments in the ordinary course of business to facilitate transactions with customers and others.

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BUSINESS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Property, Equipment and Leasehold Improvements, Less Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization

Property, equipment and leasehold improvements, less accumulated depreciation and amortization, consist of the following (in thousands):

	Useful Life (Years)		December 31,
			2011			2010
Computer equipment and software		2 - 7	$	130,733		$	123,988
Furniture and equipment		3 - 8		34,828			32,093
Leasehold improvements		2 - 15		63,773			46,516
				229,334			202,597
Less — accumulated depreciation and amortization				(161,202	)		(154,983	)
			$	68,132		$	47,614

Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization

Intangible assets subject to amortization include the following (in thousands):

December 31, 2011	Content			Trade Name			Customer Relationships			Total
Gross cost	$	10,634		$	5,758		$	7,210		$	23,602
Accumulated amortization		(10,634	)		(2,303	)		(3,605	)		(16,542	)
Net	$	—		$	3,455		$	3,605		$	7,060

December 31, 2010	Content			Trade Name			Customer Relationships			Total
Gross cost	$	10,634		$	5,758		$	7,210		$	23,602
Accumulated amortization		(7,089	)		(1,152	)		(1,777	)		(10,018	)
Net	$	3,545		$	4,606		$	5,433		$	13,584

Periods Used to Amortize Intangible Assets Against Earnings

Intangible assets are being amortized against earnings over the following periods:

	Useful Life (Years)
Content		1.5
Trade Name		5
Customer Relationships		4

Estimated Future Amortization Expense by Year from Purchased Intangibles

 The estimated future amortization expense by year from purchased intangibles is as follows (in thousands):

2012	$	2,955
2013		2,955
2014		1,150
	$	7,060

Changes to the Carrying Amount of Goodwill by Reporting Unit

The following table presents changes to the carrying amount of goodwill by reporting unit during the two year period ended December 31, 2011 (in thousands):

	Research			Consulting			Events			Total
Balance, December 31, 2009 (1)	$	370,630		$	100,744		$	42,238		$	513,612
Foreign currency translation adjustments		(2,109	)		(927	)		(311	)		(3,347	)
Balance, December 31, 2010	$	368,521		$	99,817		$	41,927		$	510,265
Foreign currency translation adjustments		(1,541	)		(140	)		(34	)		(1,715	)
Balance, December 31, 2011	$	366,980		$	99,677		$	41,893		$	508,550

(1) The Company has not recorded goodwill impairment losses since its adoption of the two-step goodwill impairment rules in 2002. Accordingly, the Company considers the recorded amount of goodwill as of December 31, 2009 to be the gross amount of goodwill.

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EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

13 — EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

Savings and investment plan. The Company has a savings and investment plan covering substantially all domestic employees. Company contributions are based upon the level of employee contributions, up to a maximum of 4% of the employee’s eligible salary, subject to an annual maximum. For 2011, the maximum match was $6,600. In addition, the Company may also contribute at least 1% of an employee’s base compensation, subject to an IRS annual limitation of $2,450 for 2011. Amounts expensed in connection with the plan totaled $15.9 million, $14.6 million, and $13.0 million, in 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively.

Deferred compensation plan. The Company has a supplemental deferred compensation plan for the benefit of certain highly compensated officers, managers and other key employees, which is structured as a rabbi trust. The plan’s investment assets are classified in Other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value. The value of these assets was $25.1 million and $24.1 million at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively (see Note 12 — Fair Value Disclosures for a description regarding the determination of fair value for these assets). The corresponding deferred compensation liability of $28.1 million and $26.9 million at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, is carried at fair value, and is adjusted with a corresponding charge or credit to compensation cost to reflect the fair value of the amount owed to the employees which is classified in Other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Total compensation expense recognized for the plan was $0.3 million in 2011, zero in 2010, and $0.1 million in 2009.

Defined benefit pension plans. The Company has defined-benefit pension plans in several of its non-U.S. locations. Benefits earned under these plans are based on years of service and level of employee compensation. The Company accounts for defined benefit plans in accordance with the requirements of FASB ASC Topics 715 and 960.

The following are the components of net periodic pension expense for the years ended December 31 (in thousands):

	2011			2010			2009
Service cost	$	1,890		$	1,875		$	1,465
Interest cost		1,010			840			742
Expected return on plan assets		(125	)		—			—
Recognition of actuarial gain		(135	)		(350	)		(200	)
Recognition of termination benefits		65			65			192
Net periodic pension expense (1)	$	2,705		$	2,430		$	2,199

(1) Pension expense is classified in SG&A in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

The following are the assumptions used in the computation of net periodic pension expense for the years ended December 31:

	2011			2010			2009
Weighted-average discount rate		4.40	%		3.95	%		4.85	%
Average compensation increase		2.65	%		2.80	%		3.27	%

Discount rates are typically determined by utilizing the yields on long-term corporate or government bonds in the relevant country with a duration consistent with the expected term of the underlying pension obligations.

The following table provides information related to changes in the projected benefit obligation for the years ended December 31 (in thousands):

	2011			2010			2009
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	19,730		$	14,358		$	13,286
Service cost		1,890			1,875			1,465
Interest cost		1,010			840			742
Actuarial (gain) loss		(948	)		1,100			(1,034	)
Addition of foreign pension plan (1)		—			1,961			—
Benefits paid (2)		(390	)		(220	)		(562	)
Foreign currency impact		(132	)		(184	)		461
Projected benefit obligation at end of year (3)	$	21,160		$	19,730		$	14,358

(1)	The Company adopted the defined benefit pension plan accounting provisions of FASB ASC Topics 715 and 960 for a non-U.S. plan on December 31, 2010. Previously the Company had accounted for this plan in accordance with local statutory accounting requirements. The adoption of FASB ASC Topics 715 and 960 for this plan did not result in the recognition of additional expense.
(2)	The Company projects the following amounts will be paid in future years to plan participants: $0.4 million in 2012; $1.2 million in 2013; $1.3 million in 2014; $0.8 million in 2015; $0.9 million in 2016; and $6.5 million in the five years thereafter.
(3)	Measured as of December 31.

The following table provides information regarding the plan projected benefit obligation and other amounts recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31 (in thousands):

	2011			2010			2009
Projected benefit obligation	$	21,160		$	19,730		$	14,358
Plan assets at fair value (1)		(2,480	)		(2,130	)		—
Funded status – shortfall (2)	$	18,680		$	17,600		$	14,358
Amounts recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets:
Other assets — reinsurance asset (3)	$	12,980		$	11,680		$	10,451
Other liabilities — accrued pension obligation (2)	$	18,680		$	17,600		$	14,358
Stockholders’ equity — unrealized actuarial gain (4)	$	2,488		$	2,205		$	3,217

(1)	Consists of the assets of a non-U.S. plan for which the Company adopted the accounting provisions of FASB ASC Topics 715 and 960 on December 31, 2010. These assets are considered assets of the plan for accounting purposes and are thus not recorded on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. The assets are maintained with a third-party insurance company and are invested in a diversified portfolio of equities, bonds, and other investments. The assets are primarily valued based on Level 1 and Level 2 inputs under the fair value hierarchy in FASB ASC Topic 820, and the Company considers the overall portfolio of these assets to be of medium investment risk. The projected long-term rate of return on these plan assets was 4.1% as of December 31, 2011. For the year-ended December 31, 2011, the Company contributed $0.6 million to this plan, the actual return on plan assets was $(0.1) million, and benefits paid to participants was $0.1 million.
(2)	The funded status — shortfall represents the amount of the projected benefit obligation that the Company has not funded. This amount is recorded as a liability in Other Liabilities on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company expects to contribute approximately $0.6 million to these plans in 2012.
(3)	Consists of a reinsurance asset arrangement with a large international insurance company that was rated investment grade as of December 31, 2011. The purpose of the reinsurance asset arrangement is to fund the benefit payments under one of the Company’s foreign defined benefit pension plans. However, the reinsurance asset is not legally segregated or restricted for purposes of meeting the pension obligation and as a result is not acknowledged as a pension plan asset under U.S. GAAP. As a result, the reinsurance asset is carried on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets at its cash surrender value, which the Company believes reasonably approximates its fair value.

(4) The balance recorded in Stockholders’ Equity, net of tax represents the plan’s net unrealized actuarial gain which will be amortized against net periodic pension cost, thereby reducing the amount of the charge, over approximately 15 years. Amortization of the unrealized gain at December 31, 2011 is projected to reduce the Company’s net periodic pension cost in 2012 by approximately $0.2 million.

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Information Related to Changes in Projected Benefit Obligation (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010		Dec. 31, 2009
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year	$ 19,730	[1]	$ 14,358	[1]	$ 13,286
Service cost	1,890		1,875		1,465
Interest cost	1,010		840		742
Actuarial (gain) loss	(948)		1,100		(1,034)
Addition of foreign pension plan			1,961	[2]
Benefits paid	(390)	[3]	(220)	[3]	(562)	[3]
Foreign currency impact	(132)		(184)		461
Projected benefit obligation at end of year	$ 21,160	[1]	$ 19,730	[1]	$ 14,358	[1]

[1] Measured as of December 31.

[2] The Company adopted the defined benefit pension plan accounting provisions of FASB ASC Topics 715 and 960 for a non-U.S. plan on December 31, 2010. Previously the Company had accounted for this plan in accordance with local statutory accounting requirements. The adoption of FASB ASC Topics 715 and 960 for this plan did not result in the recognition of additional expense.

[3] The Company projects the following amounts will be paid in future years to plan participants: $0.4 million in 2012; $1.2 million in 2013; $1.3 million in 2014; $0.8 million in 2015; $0.9 million in 2016; and $6.5 million in the five years thereafter.

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COMPUTATION OF EARNINGS PER SHARE

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

COMPUTATION OF EARNINGS PER SHARE

9 — COMPUTATION OF EARNINGS PER SHARE

Basic earnings per share (“EPS”) is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares of Common Stock outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution of securities that could share in earnings. When the impact of common share equivalents is antidilutive, they are excluded from the calculation.

The following table sets forth the reconciliation of the basic and diluted earnings per share computations (in thousands, except per share amounts) for the years ended December 31:

	2011		2010		2009
Numerator:
Net income used for calculating basic and diluted earnings per common share	$	136,902	$	96,285	$	82,964
Denominator: (1)
Weighted average number of common shares used in the calculation of basic earnings per share		96,019		95,747		94,658
Common share equivalents associated with stock-based compensation plans		2,827		4,087		2,891
Shares used in the calculation of diluted earnings per share		98,846		99,834		97,549
Earnings per share:
Basic	$	1.43	$	1.01	$	0.88
Diluted	$	1.39	$	0.96	$	0.85

(1) During 2011, 2010 and 2009, the Company repurchased 5.9 million, 3.9 million, and 0.3 million shares of its Common Stock, respectively.

The following table presents the number of common share equivalents that were not included in the computation of diluted EPS in the table above because the effect would have been antidilutive. During periods with net income, these common share equivalents were antidilutive because their exercise price was greater than the average market value of a share of Common Stock during the period.

	2011		2010		2009
Antidilutive common share equivalents as of December 31 (in millions):		0.5		0.5		1.7
Average market price per share of Common Stock during the year	$	37.53	$	26.35	$	15.52

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Summary of Changes in SARs Outstanding (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011 Year
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term
Granted	1.0
Stock Appreciation Rights
SARs
Beginning Balance	2,500,000
Granted	400,000
Forfeited
Exercised	(400,000)
Ending Balance	2,500,000	[1],[2]
Vested and exercisable at December 31, 2011	1,100,000	[2]
Per Share Weighted Average Exercise Price
Beginning Balance	17.22
Granted	38.05
Forfeited
Exercised	38.26
Ending Balance	20.39	[1],[2]
Vested and exercisable at December 31, 2011	18.07	[2]
Per Share Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Beginning Balance	6.62
Granted	13.58
Forfeited
Exercised	6.38
Ending Balance	7.66	[1],[2]
Vested and exercisable at December 31, 2011	6.77	[2]
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term
Beginning Balance	4.55
Granted	6.15
Forfeited
Exercised
Ending Balance	4.00	[1],[2]
Vested and exercisable at December 31, 2011	2.96	[2]

[1] At December 31, 2011, 1.4 million of the SARs were unvested. The Company expects that substantially all of these unvested awards will vest in future periods.

[2] At December 31, 2011, SARs outstanding had an intrinsic value of $36.8 million. SARs vested and exercisable had an intrinsic value of $18.3 million.

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STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

7 — STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Common stock. Holders of Gartner’s Common Stock, par value $.0005 per share (“Common Stock”) are entitled to one vote per share on all matters to be voted by stockholders. The Company does not currently pay cash dividends on its Common Stock. Also, our credit arrangement contains a negative covenant which may limit our ability to pay dividends.

The following table summarizes transactions relating to Common Stock for the three years’ ending December 31, 2011:

	Issued Shares		Treasury Stock Shares
Balance at December 31, 2008		156,234,415		62,353,575
Issuances under stock plans		—		(2,302,935	)
Purchases for treasury		—		306,032
Balance at December 31, 2009		156,234,415		60,356,672
Issuances under stock plans		—		(4,029,673	)
Purchases for treasury		—		3,918,719
Balance at December 31, 2010		156,234,415		60,245,718
Issuances under stock plans		—		(3,244,705	)
Purchases for treasury (1)		—		5,890,238
Balance at December 31, 2011		156,234,415		62,891,251

(1) Includes 2,148,434 shares the Company repurchased directly from ValueAct Capital Master Fund, L.P. (“ValueAct”) in two separate transactions during 2011. The total cost of the shares repurchased directly from ValueAct was $75.2 million.

Share repurchase program. The Company has a $500.0 million share repurchase program, of which $293.5 million remained available for share repurchases as of December 31, 2011. Repurchases may be made from time-to-time through open market purchases, private transactions, tender offers or other transactions. The amount and timing of repurchases will be subject to the availability of stock, prevailing market conditions, the trading price of the stock, the Company’s financial performance and other conditions. Repurchases may also be made from time-to-time in connection with the settlement of the Company’s shared-based compensation awards. Repurchases may be funded from cash flow from operations or borrowings.

The Company paid cash of $212.0 million, $99.8 million, and $3.7 million, in 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively, for common stock repurchases. The $212.0 million paid for share repurchases in 2011 includes the cost of the shares repurchased directly from ValueAct.

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STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

8 — STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

The Company grants stock-based compensation awards as an incentive for employees and directors to contribute to the Company’s long-term success. The Company currently awards stock-settled stock appreciation rights, service- and performance-based restricted stock units, and common stock equivalents. At December 31, 2011, the Company had approximately 6.5 million shares of Common Stock available for awards of stock-based compensation under its 2003 Long-Term Incentive Plan.

The Company accounts for stock-based compensation awards in accordance with FASB ASC Topics 505 and 718, as interpreted by SEC Staff Accounting Bulletins No. 107 (“SAB No. 107”) and No. 110 (“SAB No. 110”). Stock-based compensation expense is based on the fair value of the award on the date of grant, which is then recognized over the related service period, net of estimated forfeitures. The service period is the period over which the related service is performed, which is generally the same as the vesting period. Currently the Company issues treasury shares upon the exercise, release or settlement of stock-based compensation awards.

Determining the appropriate fair value model and calculating the fair value of stock-based compensation awards requires the input of certain complex and subjective assumptions, including the expected life of the stock-based compensation awards and the Common Stock price volatility. In addition, determining the appropriate amount of associated periodic expense requires management to estimate the amount of employee forfeitures and the likelihood of the achievement of certain performance targets. The assumptions used in calculating the fair value of stock-based compensation awards and the associated periodic expense represent management’s best estimates, but these estimates involve inherent uncertainties and the application of judgment. As a result, if factors change and the Company deems it necessary in the future to modify the assumptions it made or to use different assumptions, or if the quantity and nature of the Company’s stock-based compensation awards changes, then the amount of expense may need to be adjusted and future stock-based compensation expense could be materially different from what has been recorded in the current period.

The Company recognized the following amounts of stock-based compensation expense (in millions) for the years ended December 31:

Award type:	2011		2010		2009
Stock appreciation rights (SARs)	$	4.4	$	4.6	$	4.4
Common stock equivalents (CSEs)		0.5		0.5		0.4
Restricted stock units (RSUs)		28.0		27.5		21.3
Total (1)	$	32.9	$	32.6	$	26.1

(1) Includes charges of $3.1 million in both 2011 and 2010 and $1.9 million in 2009 for awards to retirement-eligible employees.

Stock-based compensation (in millions) was recognized as follows in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31:

Amount recorded in:	2011		2010		2009
Costs of services and product development	$	14.8	$	14.8	$	12.6
Selling, general, and administrative		18.1		17.8		13.5
Total stock-based compensation expense recognized	$	32.9	$	32.6	$	26.1

As of December 31, 2011, the Company had $42.3 million of total unrecognized stock-based compensation cost, which is expected to be recognized as stock-based compensation expense over the remaining weighted-average service period of approximately 2.1 years.

Stock-Based Compensation Awards

The following disclosures provide information regarding the Company’s stock-based compensation awards, all of which are classified as equity awards in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 505:

Stock Appreciation Rights

Stock-settled stock appreciation rights (SARs) are settled in common shares and permit the holder to participate in the appreciation of the Common Stock. SARs are settled in shares of Common Stock by the employee once the applicable vesting criteria have been met. SARs vest ratably over a four-year service period and expire seven years from the grant date. The fair value of SARs awards is recognized as compensation expense on a straight-line basis over four years. At the present time, SARs are awarded only to the Company’s executive officers.

When SARs are exercised, the number of shares of Common Stock issued is calculated as follows: (1) the total proceeds from the SARs exercise (calculated as the closing price of the Common Stock on the date of exercise less the exercise price of the SARs, multiplied by the number of SARs exercised) is divided by (2) the closing price of the Common Stock on the exercise date. The Company withholds a portion of the shares of Common Stock issued upon exercise to satisfy minimum statutory tax withholding requirements. SARs recipients do not have any stockholder rights until after actual shares of Common Stock are issued in respect of the award, which is subject to the prior satisfaction of the vesting and other criteria relating to such grants.

The following table summarizes changes in SARs outstanding for the year ended December 31, 2011:

	SARs in millions			Per Share Weighted- Average Exercise Price		Per Share Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value		Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Term
Outstanding at December 31, 2010		2.5		$	17.22	$	6.62		4.55 years
Granted		0.4			38.05		13.58		6.15 years
Forfeited		—			—		—		—
Exercised		(0.4	)		38.26		6.38		na
Outstanding at December 31, 2011 (1), (2)		2.5		$	20.39	$	7.66		4.00 years
Vested and exercisable at December 31, 2011 (2)		1.1		$	18.07	$	6.77		2.96 years

na=not applicable

(1)	At December 31, 2011, 1.4 million of the SARs were unvested. The Company expects that substantially all of these unvested awards will vest in future periods.
(2)	At December 31, 2011, SARs outstanding had an intrinsic value of $36.8 million. SARs vested and exercisable had an intrinsic value of $18.3 million.

The fair value of the SARs was determined on the grant date using the Black-Scholes-Merton valuation model with the following weighted-average assumptions for the years ended December 31:

	2011			2010			2009
Expected dividend yield (1)		0	%		0	%		0	%
Expected stock price volatility (2)		38	%		40	%		50	%
Risk-free interest rate (3)		2.2	%		2.4	%		2.3	%
Expected life in years (4)		4.75			4.75			4.80

(1)	The dividend yield assumption is based on both the history and expectation of the Company’s dividend payouts. Historically the Company has not paid cash dividends on its Common Stock.
(2)	The determination of expected stock price volatility was based on both historical Common Stock prices and implied volatility from publicly traded options in Common Stock.
(3)	The risk-free interest rate is based on the yield of a U.S. Treasury security with a maturity similar to the expected life of the award.
(4)	The expected life in years represents a weighted-average estimate of the period of time the SARs are expected to be outstanding (that is, the period of time between the service inception date and the expected exercise date). The expected life is based on the “simplified” calculation permitted by SAB No. 107. Under the simplified method, the expected life in years is determined by taking the average of the vesting period plus the original contractual term and dividing by two. The Company continues to use the simplified method for SARs since it does not have the necessary actual historical exercise and forfeiture data, as permitted by SAB No. 110.

Restricted Stock Units

Restricted stock units (RSUs) give the awardee the right to receive shares of Common Stock when the vesting conditions are met and the restrictions lapse, and each RSU that vests entitles the awardee to one common share. RSU awardees do not have any stockholder rights until after the common shares are released. The fair value of RSUs is determined on the date of grant based on the closing price of the Common Stock as reported by the New York Stock Exchange on that date. Service-based RSUs vest ratably over four years and are expensed on a straight-line basis over four years. Performance-based RSUs are subject to both performance and service conditions, vest ratably over four years, and are expensed on an accelerated basis. Presently performance-based RSUs are awarded only to executive officers.

The following table summarizes the changes in RSUs outstanding during the year ended December 31, 2011:

	Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) (in millions)			Per Share Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Outstanding at December 31, 2010		3.9		$	16.52
Granted (1)		0.8			38.02
Vested and released		(1.5	)		17.23
Forfeited		(0.1	)		21.48
Outstanding at December 31, 2011(2), (3)		3.1		$	21.53

(1)	The 0.8 million RSUs granted in 2011 consisted of 0.4 million performance-based RSUs awarded to executives and 0.4 million service-based RSUs awarded to non-executive employees and certain board members. The target number of performance-based RSUs granted was 0.3 million, which was tied to a targeted increase in the Company’s subscription-based contract value (“CV”) for 2011. The actual number of performance-based RSUs granted to executives could range from 0% to 200%, depending on the actual increase in CV for the year as measured on December 31, 2011. At year-end 2011, the actual CV increase achieved was 133% of the targeted amount, which resulted in the grant of 0.4 million performance-based RSUs to executives.
(2)	The Company expects that substantially all of the outstanding awards at December 31, 2011 will vest in future periods.
(3)	The weighted-average remaining contractual term of the outstanding RSUs is approximately 1.0 year.

Common Stock Equivalents

Common stock equivalents (CSEs) are convertible into Common Stock and each CSE entitles the holder to one common share. Members of our Board of Directors receive directors’ fees payable in CSEs unless they opt to receive up to 50% of the fees in cash. Generally, the CSEs have no defined term and are converted into common shares when service as a director terminates unless the director has elected an accelerated release. The fair value of the CSEs is determined on the date of grant based on the closing price of the Common Stock as reported by the New York Stock Exchange on that date. CSEs vest immediately and as a result are recorded as expense on the date of grant.

The following table summarizes the changes in CSEs outstanding for the year ended December 31, 2011:

	Common Stock Equivalents (CSEs)			Per Share Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Outstanding at December 31, 2010		117,208		$	16.82
Granted		13,294			37.24
Converted to common shares		(33,234	)		36.15
Outstanding at December 31, 2011		97,268		$	17.79

Stock Options

Historically, the Company granted stock options to employees that allowed them to purchase shares of Common Stock at a certain price. The Company has not made any stock option grants since 2006. All outstanding options are fully vested and there is no remaining unamortized cost. The Company received $16.6 million, $20.7 million, and $12.2 million in cash from stock option exercises in 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively.

The following table summarizes the changes in stock options outstanding during the year ended December 31, 2011:

	Options in millions			Per Share Weighted- Average Exercise Price		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term		Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in millions)
Vested and outstanding at December 31, 2010		2.6		$	11.13		2.59 years	$	58.2
Expired		—			—		na		na
Exercised		(1.4	)		11.29		na		39.6
Vested and outstanding at December 31, 2011		1.2		$	10.93		1.47 years	$	27.7

na=not applicable

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

The Company has an employee stock purchase plan (the “ESP Plan”) under which eligible employees are permitted to purchase Common Stock through payroll deductions, which may not exceed 10% of an employee’s compensation (or $23,750 in any calendar year), at a price equal to 95% of the closing price of the Common Stock as reported by the New York Stock Exchange at the end of each offering period. At December 31, 2011, the Company had approximately 1.4 million shares available for purchase under the ESP Plan. The ESP Plan is considered non-compensatory under FASB ASC Topic 718, and as a result the Company does not record stock-based compensation expense for employee share purchases. The Company received $3.4 million, $2.8 million, and $2.7 million in cash from share purchases under the ESP Plan during 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively.

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INCOME TAXES

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

INCOME TAXES

10 — INCOME TAXES

Following is a summary of the components of income before income taxes for the years ended December 31 (in thousands):

	2011		2010		2009
U.S.	$	124,915	$	78,933	$	54,793
Non-U.S.		77,269		55,152		60,733
Income before income taxes	$	202,184	$	134,085	$	115,526

The expense for income taxes on the above income consists of the following components (in thousands):

	2011			2010			2009
Current tax expense:
U.S. federal	$	23,327		$	9,078		$	8,749
State and local		4,236			2,645			3,107
Foreign		13,845			10,341			14,340
Total current		41,408			22,064			26,196
Deferred tax (benefit) expense:
U.S. federal		(5,192	)		4,263			7,477
State and local		1,269			72			3,168
Foreign		(1,434	)		(6,013	)		1,281
Total deferred		(5,357	)		(1,678	)		11,926
Total current and deferred		36,051			20,386			38,122
Benefit (expense) relating to interest rate swap used to increase (decrease) equity		3,134			(2,523	)		(2,530	)
Benefit from stock transactions with employees used to increase equity		25,812			18,559			621
Benefit (expense) relating to defined-benefit pension adjustments used to increase (decrease) equity		285			375			(296	)
Benefit (expense) of acquired tax assets (liabilities) used to decrease (increase) goodwill		—			1,003			(3,355	)
Total tax expense	$	65,282		$	37,800		$	32,562

Current and long-term deferred tax assets and liabilities are comprised of the following (in thousands):

	December 31,
	2011			2010
Expense accruals	$	40,438		$	39,892
Loss and credit carryforwards		24,282			19,999
Assets relating to equity compensation		18,226			16,599
Other assets		8,949			5,244
Gross deferred tax asset		91,895			81,734
Depreciation		(9,199	)		(5,595	)
Intangible assets		(17,024	)		(14,816	)
Prepaid expenses		(10,183	)		(9,342	)
Other liabilities		—			(110	)
Gross deferred tax liability		(36,406	)		(29,863	)
Valuation allowance		(1,869	)		(2,634	)
Net deferred tax asset	$	53,620		$	49,237

Current net deferred tax assets and current net deferred tax liabilities were $31.4 million and $0.6 million as of December 31, 2011 and $28.4 million and $0.4 million as of December 31, 2010, respectively, and are included in Prepaid expenses and other current assets and Accounts payable and accrued liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Long-term net deferred tax assets and long-term net deferred tax liabilities were $22.8 million and zero as of December 31, 2011 and $21.2 million and zero as of December 31, 2010, respectively, and are included in Other assets and Other liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. It is more likely than not that the results of future operations will generate sufficient taxable income to realize the deferred tax assets.

The valuation allowances of $1.9 million as of December 31, 2011 and $2.6 million as of December 31, 2010 relate primarily to non-U.S. net operating losses and domestic capital loss carryforwards that more likely than not will expire unutilized. The net decrease in the valuation allowance of $0.7 million in 2011 relates primarily to the release of valuation allowances on federal and state capital loss carryovers.

The Company has established a full valuation allowance against domestic realized and unrealized capital losses, as the future utilization of these losses is uncertain. As of December 31, 2011, the Company had U.S. federal capital loss carryforwards of $0.8 million, all of which will expire in 2012. The Company also had $0.8 million in state and local capital loss carryforwards that expire over a similar period of time.

As of December 31, 2011, the Company had state and local tax net operating loss carryforwards of $139.9 million, of which $5.0 million expire within one to five years, $114.2 million expire within six to fifteen years, and $20.7 million expire within sixteen to twenty years. In addition, the Company had non-U.S. net operating loss carryforwards of $27.3 million, of which $2.6 million expire over the next 20 years and $24.7 million that can be carried forward indefinitely. As of December 31, 2011 the Company also had foreign tax credit carryforwards of $10.0 million, the majority of which expire in 2018.

The differences between the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate and the Company’s effective tax rate on income before income taxes for the years ended December 31 follow:

	2011			2010			2009
Statutory tax rate		35.0	%		35.0	%		35.0	%
State income taxes, net of federal benefit		3.8			3.3			3.0
Foreign income taxed at different rates		(5.9	)		(6.2	)		(5.0	)
Repatriation of foreign earnings		(0.4	)		8.5			4.1
Record (release) valuation allowance		(0.4	)		(12.7	)		(4.5	)
Foreign tax credits		(2.3	)		(0.8	)		(1.9	)
Record (release) reserve for tax contingencies		3.1			2.0			(3.5	)
Other items, net		(0.6	)		(0.9	)		1.0
Effective tax rate		32.3	%		28.2	%		28.2	%

As of December 31, 2011 and December 31 2010, the Company had gross unrecognized tax benefits of $18.3 million and $15.8 million, respectively. The increase is primarily attributable to uncertainties surrounding the utilization of certain tax attributes. It is reasonably possible that the gross unrecognized tax benefits will be decreased by $2.9 million within the next 12 months due primarily to anticipated settlements of audits and the expiration of certain statutes of limitation. The benefits in question relate primarily to the utilization of certain tax attributes.

The Company classifies uncertain tax positions not expected to be settled within one year as long term liabilities. As of December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the Company had Other Liabilities of $15.4 million and $15.7 million, respectively, related to long term uncertain tax positions.

The Company records accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in its income tax provision. As of December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the Company had $4.8 million and $3.8 million of accrued interest and penalties, respectively, related to unrecognized tax benefits. These amounts are in addition to the gross unrecognized tax benefits noted above. The total amount of interest and penalties recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for years ending December 31, 2011 and 2010 was $1.5 million and $1.0 million, respectively.

The following is a reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits, excluding interest and penalties, for the years ending December 31 (in thousands):

	2011			2010
Beginning balance	$	15,824		$	13,804
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year		2,269			3,999
Additions for tax positions of prior years		4,375			592
Reductions for tax positions of prior years		(746	)		(137	)
Reductions for expiration of statutes		(269	)		(610	)
Settlements		(2,661	)		(1,668	)
Change in foreign currency exchange rates		(447	)		(156	)
Ending balance	$	18,345		$	15,824

In 2011, the Company repatriated approximately $32.6 million from its foreign subsidiaries. The cash cost of the repatriation was offset with the utilization of foreign tax credits and capital loss carryovers.

The number of years with open statutes of limitation varies depending on the tax jurisdiction. Generally, the Company’s statutes are open for tax years ended December 31, 2007 and forward. Major taxing jurisdictions include the U.S. (federal and state), the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Australia, Italy, Canada, Japan, the Netherlands, and Ireland.

The Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) completed its examination of the federal income tax return of the Company for the tax year ended December 31, 2007. In December 2010, the Company received a report of the audit findings. The Company disagrees with certain of the proposed adjustments and is disputing this matter through applicable IRS and judicial procedures, as appropriate. In addition, in the second quarter of 2011 the IRS commenced an audit of the Company’s 2008 and 2009 tax years. The Company continues to comply with all information requests and no material adjustments of the Company’s tax positions have been proposed at this time for the 2008 and 2009 tax years. Although the final resolution of these audits is uncertain and there are no assurances that the ultimate resolution will not exceed the amounts recorded, the Company believes that the ultimate disposition of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial position, cash flows, or results of operations.

Earnings of a non-U.S. subsidiary or affiliate are subject to U.S. taxation when repatriated. The Company intends to reinvest earnings outside the U.S. except in instances where repatriating such earnings would result in minimal additional tax. The Company currently has no plan to remit earnings which will result in a material additional tax cost. Accordingly, the Company has not recognized U.S. tax expense on non-U.S. earnings. At December 31, 2011, the accumulated undistributed earnings of non-U.S. subsidiaries approximated $41.3 million and were indefinitely invested. An estimate of the U.S. income tax liability that would be payable if such earnings were not indefinitely reinvested is $9.7 million.

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Summary of Changes in RSUs Outstanding (Parenthetical) (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011 Year
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
RSUs granted, weighted-average remaining contractual term	1.0
Target Amount | Performance Based Awards
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted	300,000
Minimum | Target Amount
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Actual number of RSUs that will ultimately be granted	0.00%
Maximum | Target Amount
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Actual number of RSUs that will ultimately be granted	200.00%
Executive Officer | Performance Based Awards
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted	400,000
Non-Executive | Service Based Awards
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted	400,000

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Information Related to Changes in Projected Benefit Obligation (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
2012	$ 0.4
2013	1.2
2014	1.3
2015	0.8
2016	0.9
Thereafter	$ 6.5

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Summary of Changes in Stock Options Outstanding (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011 Year
Options
Beginning Balance	2.6
Expired
Exercised	(1.4)
Ending Balance	1.2
Per Share Weighted Average Exercise Price
Beginning Balance	$ 11.13
Expired
Exercised	$ 11.29
Ending Balance	$ 10.93
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term
Beginning Balance	2.59
Ending Balance	1.47
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Beginning Balance	$ 58.2
Exercised	39.6
Ending Balance	$ 27.7

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Summary of Changes in RSUs Outstanding (Detail) (Restricted Stock Units, USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011
Restricted Stock Units
Restricted Stock Units
Beginning Balance	3,900,000
Granted	800,000	[1]
Vested and released	(1,500,000)
Forfeited	(100,000)
Ending Balance	3,100,000	[2],[3]
Per Share Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Beginning Balance	$ 16.52
Granted	$ 38.02	[1]
Vested and released	$ 17.23
Forfeited	$ 21.48
Ending Balance	$ 21.53	[2],[3]

[1] The 0.8 million RSUs granted in 2011 consisted of 0.4 million performance-based RSUs awarded to executives and 0.4 million service-based RSUs awarded to non-executive employees and certain board members. The target number of performance-based RSUs granted was 0.3 million, which was tied to a targeted increase in the Company's subscription-based contract value ("CV") for 2011. The actual number of performance-based RSUs granted to executives could range from 0% to 200%, depending on the actual increase in CV for the year as measured on December 31, 2011. At year-end 2011, the actual CV increase achieved was 133% of the targeted amount, which resulted in the grant of 0.4 million performance-based RSUs to executives.

[2] The Company expects that substantially all of the outstanding awards at December 31, 2011 will vest in future periods.

[3] The weighted-average remaining contractual term of the outstanding RSUs is approximately 1.0 year.

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EMPLOYEE BENEFITS (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Components of Net Periodic Pension Expense

The following are the components of net periodic pension expense for the years ended December 31 (in thousands):

	2011			2010			2009
Service cost	$	1,890		$	1,875		$	1,465
Interest cost		1,010			840			742
Expected return on plan assets		(125	)		—			—
Recognition of actuarial gain		(135	)		(350	)		(200	)
Recognition of termination benefits		65			65			192
Net periodic pension expense (1)	$	2,705		$	2,430		$	2,199

(1) Pension expense is classified in SG&A in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Assumptions Used in Computation of Net Periodic Pension Expense

The following are the assumptions used in the computation of net periodic pension expense for the years ended December 31:

	2011			2010			2009
Weighted-average discount rate		4.40	%		3.95	%		4.85	%
Average compensation increase		2.65	%		2.80	%		3.27	%

Information Related to Changes in Projected Benefit Obligation

The following table provides information related to changes in the projected benefit obligation for the years ended December 31 (in thousands):

	2011			2010			2009
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	19,730		$	14,358		$	13,286
Service cost		1,890			1,875			1,465
Interest cost		1,010			840			742
Actuarial (gain) loss		(948	)		1,100			(1,034	)
Addition of foreign pension plan (1)		—			1,961			—
Benefits paid (2)		(390	)		(220	)		(562	)
Foreign currency impact		(132	)		(184	)		461
Projected benefit obligation at end of year (3)	$	21,160		$	19,730		$	14,358

(1)	The Company adopted the defined benefit pension plan accounting provisions of FASB ASC Topics 715 and 960 for a non-U.S. plan on December 31, 2010. Previously the Company had accounted for this plan in accordance with local statutory accounting requirements. The adoption of FASB ASC Topics 715 and 960 for this plan did not result in the recognition of additional expense.
(2)	The Company projects the following amounts will be paid in future years to plan participants: $0.4 million in 2012; $1.2 million in 2013; $1.3 million in 2014; $0.8 million in 2015; $0.9 million in 2016; and $6.5 million in the five years thereafter.
(3)	Measured as of December 31.

Benefit Plans and Related Amounts Recorded in Consolidated Balance Sheets

The following table provides information regarding the plan projected benefit obligation and other amounts recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31 (in thousands):

	2011			2010			2009
Projected benefit obligation	$	21,160		$	19,730		$	14,358
Plan assets at fair value (1)		(2,480	)		(2,130	)		—
Funded status – shortfall (2)	$	18,680		$	17,600		$	14,358
Amounts recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets:
Other assets — reinsurance asset (3)	$	12,980		$	11,680		$	10,451
Other liabilities — accrued pension obligation (2)	$	18,680		$	17,600		$	14,358
Stockholders’ equity — unrealized actuarial gain (4)	$	2,488		$	2,205		$	3,217

(1)	Consists of the assets of a non-U.S. plan for which the Company adopted the accounting provisions of FASB ASC Topics 715 and 960 on December 31, 2010. These assets are considered assets of the plan for accounting purposes and are thus not recorded on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. The assets are maintained with a third-party insurance company and are invested in a diversified portfolio of equities, bonds, and other investments. The assets are primarily valued based on Level 1 and Level 2 inputs under the fair value hierarchy in FASB ASC Topic 820, and the Company considers the overall portfolio of these assets to be of medium investment risk. The projected long-term rate of return on these plan assets was 4.1% as of December 31, 2011. For the year-ended December 31, 2011, the Company contributed $0.6 million to this plan, the actual return on plan assets was $(0.1) million, and benefits paid to participants was $0.1 million.
(2)	The funded status — shortfall represents the amount of the projected benefit obligation that the Company has not funded. This amount is recorded as a liability in Other Liabilities on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company expects to contribute approximately $0.6 million to these plans in 2012.
(3)	Consists of a reinsurance asset arrangement with a large international insurance company that was rated investment grade as of December 31, 2011. The purpose of the reinsurance asset arrangement is to fund the benefit payments under one of the Company’s foreign defined benefit pension plans. However, the reinsurance asset is not legally segregated or restricted for purposes of meeting the pension obligation and as a result is not acknowledged as a pension plan asset under U.S. GAAP. As a result, the reinsurance asset is carried on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets at its cash surrender value, which the Company believes reasonably approximates its fair value.

(4) The balance recorded in Stockholders’ Equity, net of tax represents the plan’s net unrealized actuarial gain which will be amortized against net periodic pension cost, thereby reducing the amount of the charge, over approximately 15 years. Amortization of the unrealized gain at December 31, 2011 is projected to reduce the Company’s net periodic pension cost in 2012 by approximately $0.2 million.

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Future Minimum Annual Cash Payments Under Non-Cancelable Operating Lease Agreements (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
2012	$ 35,810
2013	31,690
2014	26,075
2015	18,100
2016	11,445
Thereafter	82,530
Total minimum lease payments	$ 205,650	[1],[2]

[1] Excludes $3.1 million of future contractual sublease rental income.

[2] Excludes $16.1 million of future contractual reimbursements related to leasehold improvements on the Company's Stamford headquarters lease (see Property, equipment and leasehold improvements in Note 1 - Business and Significant Accounting Policies for additional discussion).

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VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

15 — VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

The Company maintains an allowance for losses which is composed of a bad debt allowance and a revenue reserve. Provisions are charged against earnings either as an increase to expense or a reduction in revenues. The following table summarizes activity in the Company’s allowance for the years ended December 31(in thousands):

	Balance at Beginning of Year		Additions Charged to Expense		Additions Charged Against Revenues		Deductions from Reserve			Balance at End of Year
2009:
Allowance for doubtful accounts and returns and allowances	$	7,800	$	2,100	$	6,000	$	(7,800	)	$	8,100
2010:
Allowance for doubtful accounts and returns and allowances	$	8,100	$	800	$	2,000	$	(3,700	)	$	7,200
2011:
Allowance for doubtful accounts and returns and allowances	$	7,200	$	930	$	4,390	$	(5,260	)	$	7,260

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DEBT (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Borrowings

The following table provides information regarding the Company’s borrowings:

Description:	Amount Outstanding December 31, 2011 (In thousands)		Contractual Annualized Interest Rate December 31, 2011 (2)		Amount Outstanding December 31, 2010 (In thousands)
Term loans	$	180,000		2.08%	$	200,000
Revolver (1)		20,000		2.08%		20,156
Total	$	200,000			$	220,156

(1)	The Company had $376.8 million of available borrowing capacity on the revolver (not including the expansion feature) as of December 31, 2011.
(2)	Both the term and revolver loan rate consisted of a floating Eurodollar base rate 0.58% plus a margin of 1.5%. However, the Company has an interest rate swap contract which converts the floating Eurodollar base rate to a fixed base rate on $200.0 million of borrowings (see below). As a result, the Company’s effective annual interest rate on its debt as of December 31, 2011 was 3.76%.

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Borrowings (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Amount oustanding	$ 200,000		$ 220,156
Term Loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Amount oustanding	180,000		200,000
Contractual annualized interest rate	2.08%	[1]
Revolver
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Amount oustanding	$ 20,000	[2]	$ 20,156	[2]
Contractual annualized interest rate	2.08%	[1],[2]

[1] Both the term and revolver loan rate consisted of a floating Eurodollar base rate 0.58% plus a margin of 1.5%. However, the Company has an interest rate swap contract which converts the floating Eurodollar base rate to a fixed base rate on $200.0 million of borrowings (see below). As a result, the Company's effective annual interest rate on its debt as of December 31, 2011 was 3.76%.

[2] The Company had $376.8 million of available borrowing capacity on the revolver (not including the expansion feature) as of December 31, 2011.

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Estimated Future Amortization Expense by Year from Purchased Intangibles (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011
Estimated future amortization expense
2012	$ 2,955
2013	2,955
2014	1,150
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense, Total	$ 7,060

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT) AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-In Capital	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net	Accumulated Earnings	Treasury Stock
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2008	$ (21,316)	$ 78	$ 570,667	$ (1,741)	$ 426,428	$ (1,016,748)
Comprehensive income:
Net income	82,964				82,964
Other comprehensive (loss) income:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	9,088			9,088
Interest rate swaps, net of tax	3,535			3,535
Pension unrecognized (loss) gain, net of tax	440			440
Other comprehensive (loss) income	13,063			13,063
Comprehensive income	96,027
Issuances under stock plans	14,849		(6,522)			21,371
Excess tax benefits from stock compensation	653		653
Purchase of shares for treasury	(3,744)					(3,744)
Stock compensation expense	26,066		26,066
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2009	112,535	78	590,864	11,322	509,392	(999,121)
Comprehensive income:
Net income	96,285				96,285
Other comprehensive (loss) income:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	582			582
Interest rate swaps, net of tax	3,746			3,746
Pension unrecognized (loss) gain, net of tax	(1,012)			(1,012)
Other comprehensive (loss) income	3,316			3,316
Comprehensive income	99,601
Issuances under stock plans	23,568		(30,254)			53,822
Excess tax benefits from stock compensation	18,520		18,520
Purchase of shares for treasury	(99,820)					(99,820)
Stock compensation expense	32,652		32,652
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2010	187,056	78	611,782	14,638	605,677	(1,045,119)
Comprehensive income:
Net income	136,902				136,902
Other comprehensive (loss) income:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(4,454)			(4,454)
Interest rate swaps, net of tax	(4,674)			(4,674)
Pension unrecognized (loss) gain, net of tax	283			283
Other comprehensive (loss) income	(8,845)			(8,845)
Comprehensive income	128,057
Issuances under stock plans	20,045		(23,579)			43,624
Excess tax benefits from stock compensation	25,778		25,778
Purchase of shares for treasury	(211,986)					(211,986)
Stock compensation expense	32,834		32,834
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	$ 181,784	$ 78	$ 646,815	$ 5,793	$ 742,579	$ (1,213,481)

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SEGMENT INFORMATION - Additional Information (Detail) (Maximum)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011
Maximum
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Percentage of revenues generated from a customer used as a threshold for disclosure	10.00%

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ACCOUNTS PAYABLE, ACCRUED, AND OTHER LIABILITIES

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE, ACCRUED, AND OTHER LIABILITIES

4 — ACCOUNTS PAYABLE, ACCRUED, AND OTHER LIABILITIES

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities consist of the following (in thousands):

	December 31,
	2011		2010
Accounts payable	$	27,573	$	17,791
Payroll, employee benefits, severance		66,110		62,882
Bonus payable		62,191		64,620
Commissions payable		42,328		41,503
Taxes payable		15,917		15,030
Rent and other facilities costs		5,046		7,108
Professional, consulting, audit fees		6,907		11,987
Events fulfillment liabilities		2,255		4,367
Other accrued liabilities		31,163		22,445
Total accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	259,490	$	247,733

Other liabilities consist of the following (in thousands):

	December 31,
	2011		2010
Non-current deferred revenue	$	4,572	$	4,659
Interest rate swap liabilities		9,891		2,101
Long-term taxes payable		20,141		18,193
Deferred rent (1)		21,046		23,813
Benefit plan-related liabilities		47,326		44,939
Other		23,975		13,745
Total other liabilities	$	126,951	$	107,450

(1) Represents unamortized deferred rent resulting from the $25.0 million tenant improvement allowance on the Company’s Stamford headquarters facility (see Property, equipment and leasehold improvements in Note 1 — Business and Significant Accounting Policies for additional description).

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Stock-Based Compensation Expense by Award Type (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010		Dec. 31, 2009
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share Based Compensation	$ 32,865	[1]	$ 32,634	[1]	$ 26,066	[1]
Retirement Eligible Employees, Equity Award
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share Based Compensation	$ 3,100		$ 3,100		$ 1,900

[1] Includes charges of $3.1 million in both 2011 and 2010 and $1.9 million in 2009 for awards to retirement-eligible employees.

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Components of Net Periodic Pension Expense (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010		Dec. 31, 2009
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	$ 1,890		$ 1,875		$ 1,465
Interest cost	1,010		840		742
Expected return on plan assets	(125)
Recognition of actuarial gain	(135)		(350)		(200)
Recognition of termination benefits	65		65		192
Net periodic pension expense	$ 2,705	[1]	$ 2,430	[1]	$ 2,199	[1]

[1] Pension expense is classified in SG&A in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

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Number of Common Share Equivalents Not Included in the Computation of Diluted EPS (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive common share equivalents as of December 31 (in millions):	0.5	0.5	1.7
Average market price per share of Common Stock during the year	$ 37.53	$ 26.35	$ 15.52

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COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Future Minimum Annual Cash Payments Under Non-Cancelable Operating Lease Agreements

The future minimum annual cash payments under non-cancelable operating lease agreements at December 31, 2011, are as follows (in thousands):

Year ended December 31,
2012	$	35,810
2013		31,690
2014		26,075
2015		18,100
2016		11,445
Thereafter		82,530
Total minimum lease payments (1), (2)	$	205,650

(1)	Excludes $16.1 million of future contractual reimbursements related to leasehold improvements on the Company’s Stamford headquarters lease (see Property, equipment and leasehold improvements in Note 1 — Business and Significant Accounting Policies for additional discussion).
(2)	Excludes $3.1 million of future contractual sublease rental income.

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Differences Between U.S. Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate and Effective Tax Rate on Income Before Income Taxes (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Reconciliation of Statutory Federal Tax Rate [Line Items]
Statutory tax rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
State income taxes, net of federal benefit	3.80%	3.30%	3.00%
Foreign income taxed at different rates	(5.90%)	(6.20%)	(5.00%)
Repatriation of foreign earnings	(0.40%)	8.50%	4.10%
Record (release) valuation allowance	(0.40%)	(12.70%)	(4.50%)
Foreign tax credits	(2.30%)	(0.80%)	(1.90%)
Record (release) reserve for tax contingencies	3.10%	2.00%	(3.50%)
Other items, net	(0.60%)	(0.90%)	1.00%
Effective tax rate	32.30%	28.20%	28.20%

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Property, Equipment and Leasehold Improvements, Less Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified			12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2011 Computer equipment and software Year	Dec. 31, 2011 Furniture and equipment Year	Dec. 31, 2011 Leasehold improvements Year
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful Life, minimum (in years)			2	3	2
Useful Life, maximum (in years)			7	8	15
Computer equipment and software	$ 130,733	$ 123,988
Furniture and equipment	34,828	32,093
Leasehold improvements	63,773	46,516
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross, Total	229,334	202,597
Less - accumulated depreciation and amortization	(161,202)	(154,983)
Property, equipment and leasehold improvements, net	$ 68,132	$ 47,614

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SEGMENT INFORMATION

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

SEGMENT INFORMATION

14 — SEGMENT INFORMATION

The Company manages its business through three reportable segments: Research, Consulting and Events. Research consists primarily of subscription-based research products, access to research inquiry, peer networking services, and membership programs. Consulting consists primarily of consulting, measurement engagements, and strategic advisory services. Events consists of various symposia, conferences and exhibitions.

The Company evaluates reportable segment performance and allocates resources based on gross contribution margin. Gross contribution, as presented in the table below, is defined as operating income excluding certain COS and SG&A expenses, depreciation, acquisition and integration charges, and amortization of intangibles. Certain bonus and fringe benefit costs included in consolidated COS are not allocated to segment expense. The accounting policies used by the reportable segments are the same as those used by the Company. There are no intersegment revenues.

The Company earns revenue from clients in many countries. Other than the United States, there is no individual country in which revenues from external clients represent 10% or more of the Company’s consolidated revenues. Additionally, no single client accounted for 10% or more of total revenue and the loss of a single client, in management’s opinion, would not have a material adverse effect on revenues. The Company does not identify or allocate assets, including capital expenditures, by reportable segment. Accordingly, assets are not being reported by segment because the information is not available by segment and is not reviewed in the evaluation of performance or making decisions in the allocation of resources.

The following tables present operating information about the Company’s reportable segments for the years ended December 31 (in thousands):

	Research		Consulting		Events		Consolidated
2011
Revenues	$	1,012,062	$	308,047	$	148,479	$	1,468,588
Gross contribution		682,136		114,838		66,265		863,239
Corporate and other expenses								(649,177	)
Operating income							$	214,062
	Research		Consulting		Events		Consolidated
2010
Revenues	$	865,000	$	302,117	$	121,337	$	1,288,454
Gross contribution		564,527		121,885		55,884		742,296
Corporate and other expenses								(593,031	)
Operating income							$	149,265
	Research		Consulting		Events		Consolidated
2009
Revenues	$	752,505	$	286,847	$	100,448	$	1,139,800
Gross contribution		489,862		112,099		40,945		642,906
Corporate and other expenses								(508,429	)
Operating income							$	134,477

The Company’s revenues are generated primarily through direct sales to clients by domestic and international sales forces and a network of independent international sales agents. Most of the Company’s products and services are provided on an integrated worldwide basis, and because of this integrated delivery, it is not practical to precisely separate our revenues by geographic location. Accordingly, the separation set forth in the table below is based upon internal allocations, which involve certain management estimates and judgments. Revenues in the table are reported based on where the sale is fulfilled; “Other International” revenues are those attributable to all areas located outside of the United States, Canada, and Europe, Middle East, Africa.

Summarized information by geographic location as of and for the years ended December 31 follows (in thousands):

	2011		2010		2009
Revenues:
United States and Canada	$	861,481	$	765,793	$	663,832
Europe, Middle East and Africa		437,194		380,771		360,791
Other International		169,913		141,890		115,177
Total revenues	$	1,468,588	$	1,288,454	$	1,139,800
Long-lived assets: (1)
United States and Canada	$	85,194	$	69,163	$	65,896
Europe, Middle East and Africa		23,673		21,856		21,924
Other International		10,754		6,175		2,404
Total long-lived assets	$	119,621	$	97,194	$	90,224

(1) Excludes goodwill and other intangible assets.