Condensed Consolidated Statement of Shareholders' Equity (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data	Total	CRA International, Inc. Shareholders' Equity	Common Stock	Receivables from Shareholders	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Noncontrolling Interest	Comprehensive Income (Loss)
BALANCE at Jan. 01, 2011	$ 255,424	$ 254,754	$ 103,067	$ (1,400)	$ 158,749	$ (5,662)	$ 670
BALANCE (in shares) at Jan. 01, 2011			10,567,052
Increase (Decrease) in Shareholders' Equity
Net income (loss)	8,497	8,742			8,742		(245)	8,497
Foreign currency translation adjustment	2,165	2,165				2,165		2,165
Comprehensive income (loss)	10,662	10,907			8,742	2,165	(245)	10,662
Exercise of stock options	620	620	620
Exercise of stock options (in shares)			47,009
Share-based compensation expense for employees	3,146	3,146	3,146
Restricted share vesting (in shares)			102,723
Redemption of vested employee restricted shares for tax withholding	(705)	(705)	(705)
Redemption of vested employee restricted shares for tax withholding (in shares)			(29,340)
Tax benefit on stock options and restricted share vesting	6	6	6
Payments received on notes receivable from shareholders	100	100		100
Shares repurchased	(1,368)	(1,368)	(1,368)
Shares repurchased (in shares)			(51,834)
Share-based compensation expense for non-employees	35	35	35
Equity transactions of noncontrolling interest	16						16
BALANCE at Jul. 02, 2011	$ 267,936	$ 267,495	$ 104,801	$ (1,300)	$ 167,491	$ (3,497)	$ 441
BALANCE (in shares) at Jul. 02, 2011			10,635,610