COGNIZANT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS CORP, 10-Q filed on 5/6/2021
Quarterly Report
v3.21.1
Cover - shares
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2021
Apr. 30, 2021
Cover [Abstract]    
Document Type 10-Q  
Document Quarterly Report true  
Document Period End Date Mar. 31, 2021  
Document Transition Report false  
Entity File Number 0-24429  
Entity Registrant Name COGNIZANT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS CORPORATION  
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code DE  
Entity Tax Identification Number 13-3728359  
Entity Address, Address Line One 300 Frank W. Burr Blvd.  
Entity Address, City or Town Teaneck  
Entity Address, State or Province NJ  
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code 07666  
City Area Code 201  
Local Phone Number 801-0233  
Title of 12(b) Security Class A Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share  
Trading Symbol CTSH  
Security Exchange Name NASDAQ  
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes  
Entity Interactive Data Current Yes  
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer  
Entity Small Business false  
Entity Emerging Growth Company false  
Entity Shell Company false  
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   527,411,884
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2021  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q1  
Entity Central Index Key 0001058290  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31  
Amendment Flag false  
v3.21.1
Consolidated Statements Of Financial Position (Unaudited) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Mar. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Current assets:    
Cash and cash equivalents $ 1,973 $ 2,680
Short-term investments 185 44
Trade accounts receivable, net 3,232 3,087
Other current assets 1,205 1,040
Total current assets 6,595 6,851
Property and equipment, net 1,250 1,251
Operating lease assets, net 980 1,013
Goodwill 5,219 5,031
Intangible assets, net 1,110 1,046
Deferred income tax assets, net 307 445
Long-term investments 439 440
Other noncurrent assets 760 846
Total assets 16,660 16,923
Current liabilities:    
Accounts payable 349 389
Deferred revenue 403 383
Short-term debt 38 38
Operating lease liabilities 202 211
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities 2,158 2,519
Total current liabilities 3,150 3,540
Deferred revenue, noncurrent 32 36
Operating lease liabilities, noncurrent 821 846
Deferred income tax liabilities, net 204 206
Long-term debt 654 663
Long-term income taxes payable 428 428
Other noncurrent liabilities 334 368
Total liabilities 5,623 6,087
Commitments and contingencies (See Note 12)
Stockholders’ equity:    
Preferred stock, $0.10 par value, 15 shares authorized, none issued 0 0
Class A common stock, $0.01 par value, 1,000 shares authorized, 528 and 530 shares issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively 5 5
Additional paid-in capital 44 32
Retained earnings 10,907 10,689
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) 81 110
Total stockholders’ equity 11,037 10,836
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 16,660 $ 16,923
v3.21.1
Consolidated Statements Of Financial Position (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) - $ / shares
Mar. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]    
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share) $ 0.10 $ 0.10
Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized 15,000,000 15,000,000
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued 0 0
Class A common stock, par value (in dollars per share) $ 0.01 $ 0.01
Common Stock, Shares Authorized 1,000,000,000 1,000,000,000
Common Stock, Shares, Issued 528,000,000 530,000,000
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding 528,000,000 530,000,000
v3.21.1
Consolidated Statements Of Operations (Unaudited) - USD ($)
shares in Millions, $ in Millions
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2021
Mar. 31, 2020
Income Statement [Abstract]    
Revenues $ 4,401 $ 4,225
Operating expenses:    
Cost of revenues (exclusive of depreciation and amortization expense shown separately below) 2,764 2,747
Selling, general and administrative expenses 827 711
Depreciation and amortization expense 141 133
Income from operations 669 579
Other income (expense), net:    
Interest income 9 41
Interest expense (2) (6)
Foreign currency exchange gains (losses), net (9) (102)
Other, net (2) (2)
Total other income (expense), net (4) (69)
Income before provision for income taxes 665 510
Provision for income taxes (160) (142)
Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments 0 (1)
Net income $ 505 $ 367
Basic earnings per share (usd per share) $ 0.95 $ 0.67
Diluted earnings per share (usd per share) $ 0.95 $ 0.67
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - Basic (shares) 530 546
Dilutive effect of shares issuable under stock-based compensation plans (shares) 1 0
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - Diluted (shares) 531 546
Restructuring Charges $ 0 $ 55
v3.21.1
Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2021
Mar. 31, 2020
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]    
Net income $ 505 $ 367
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:    
Foreign currency translation adjustments   (135)
Change in unrealized gains and losses on cash flow hedges (4) (91)
Other comprehensive income (loss) (29) (226)
Comprehensive income $ 476 $ 141
v3.21.1
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Unaudited) - USD ($)
shares in Millions, $ in Millions
Total
Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjustment
Common Stock [Member]
Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]
Retained Earnings [Member]
Retained Earnings [Member]
Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjustment
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):
AOCI, beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2019 $ 11,022 $ 1 $ 5 $ 33 $ 11,022 $ 1 $ (38)
Beginning balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2019     548        
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]              
Net income 367       367    
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent (226)           (226)
Other comprehensive income (loss) (226)            
Common stock issued, stock-based compensation plans - value 40     40      
Common stock issued, stock-based compensation plans - shares     2        
Stock-based compensation expense 55     55      
Repurchases of common stock, Value (526)     (87) (439)    
Repurchases of common stock, Shares     (9)        
Dividends declared, $0.24 per share (120)       (120)    
AOCI, ending balance at Mar. 31, 2020 10,613   $ 5 41 10,831   (264)
Ending balance, shares at Mar. 31, 2020     541        
AOCI, beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2020 $ 10,836   $ 5 32 10,689   110
Beginning balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2020 530   530        
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]              
Net income $ 505       505    
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent (29)           (29)
Other comprehensive income (loss) (29)            
Common stock issued, stock-based compensation plans - value 43     43      
Common stock issued, stock-based compensation plans - shares     1        
Stock-based compensation expense 62     62      
Repurchases of common stock, Value (252)     (93) (159)    
Repurchases of common stock, Shares     (3)        
Dividends declared, $0.24 per share (128)       (128)    
AOCI, ending balance at Mar. 31, 2021 $ 11,037   $ 5 $ 44 $ 10,907   $ 81
Ending balance, shares at Mar. 31, 2021 528   528        
v3.21.1
Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (Unaudited) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2021
Mar. 31, 2020
Cash flows from operating activities:    
Net income $ 505 $ 367
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:    
Depreciation and amortization 141 136
Deferred income taxes 122 (19)
Stock-based compensation expense 62 55
Other 0 144
Changes in assets and liabilities:    
Trade accounts receivable (131) 13
Other current and noncurrent assets (36) 26
Accounts payable 61 44
Deferred revenues, current and noncurrent 15 59
Other current and noncurrent liabilities (558) (328)
Net cash provided by operating activities 181 497
Cash flows from investing activities:    
Purchases of property and equipment (88) (112)
Purchases of held-to-maturity investment securities (82) (202)
Proceeds from maturity of held-to-maturity investment securities 62 154
Purchases of other investments (150) (54)
Proceeds from maturity or sale of other investments 30 28
Payments for business combinations, net of cash acquired (310) (86)
Net cash (used in) investing activities (538) (272)
Cash flows from financing activities:    
Issuance of common stock under stock-based compensation plans 43 40
Repurchases of common stock (240) (511)
Repayment of Term Loan borrowings and finance lease and earnout obligations (15) (13)
Proceeds from borrowings under the revolving credit facility 0 1,740
Dividends paid (128) (121)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities (340) 1,135
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents (10) (119)
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents (707) 1,241
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year 2,680 2,645
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $ 1,973 $ 3,886
v3.21.1
Interim Consolidated Financial Statements
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2021
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]  
Interim Consolidated Financial Statements The terms “Cognizant,” “we,” “our,” “us” and “the Company” refer to Cognizant Technology Solutions Corporation and its subsidiaries unless the context indicates otherwise. We have prepared the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements included herein in accordance with GAAP and the Exchange Act. The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements (and notes thereto) included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020. In our opinion, all adjustments considered necessary for a fair statement of the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been included and all adjustments are of a normal and recurring nature. Operating results for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results that may be expected to occur for the entire year.
v3.21.1
Revenues
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2021
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]  
Revenues
Disaggregation of Revenues

The tables below present disaggregated revenues from contracts with clients by client location, service line and contract type for each of our business segments. We believe this disaggregation best depicts how the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of our revenues and cash flows are affected by industry, market and other economic factors. Revenues are attributed to geographic regions based upon client location. Substantially all revenues in our North America region relate to operations in the United States.
Three Months Ended
March 31, 2021
(in millions)Financial ServicesHealthcareProducts and ResourcesCommunications, Media and TechnologyTotal
Geography:
North America$1,013 $1,101 $718 $451 $3,283 
United Kingdom125 40 106 99 370 
Continental Europe192 118 103 43 456 
Europe - Total317 158 209 142 826 
Rest of World 128 29 71 64 292 
Total$1,458 $1,288 $998 $657 $4,401 
Service line:
Consulting and technology services$967 $745 $616 $396 $2,724 
Outsourcing services491 543 382 261 1,677 
Total$1,458 $1,288 $998 $657 $4,401 
Type of contract:
Time and materials$899 $519 $418 $397 $2,233 
Fixed-price471 499 481 230 1,681 
Transaction or volume-based88 270 99 30 487 
Total$1,458 $1,288 $998 $657 $4,401 
Three Months Ended
March 31, 2020
(in millions)Financial ServicesHealthcareProducts and ResourcesCommunications, Media and TechnologyTotal
Geography:
North America$1,012 $1,038 $689 $451 $3,190 
United Kingdom120 40 93 84 337 
Continental Europe191 99 109 38 437 
Europe - Total311 139 202 122 774 
Rest of World 128 17 63 53 261 
Total$1,451 $1,194 $954 $626 $4,225 
Service line:
Consulting and technology services$947 $662 $590 $348 $2,547 
Outsourcing services504 532 364 278 1,678 
Total$1,451 $1,194 $954 $626 $4,225 
Type of contract:
Time and materials$884 $475 $409 $383 $2,151 
Fixed-price483 409 443 219 1,554 
Transaction or volume-based84 310 102 24 520 
Total$1,451 $1,194 $954 $626 $4,225 
Costs to Fulfill
Costs to fulfill, such as setup or transition activities, are recorded in "Other noncurrent assets" in our unaudited consolidated statements of financial position and the amortization expense of costs to fulfill is included in "Cost of revenues" in our unaudited consolidated statements of operations. Costs to obtain contracts were immaterial for the periods disclosed. The following table presents information related to the capitalized costs to fulfill for the three months ended March 31:
(in millions)20212020
Beginning balance$467 $485 
Amortization expense(29)(22)
Costs capitalized14 35 
Impairment(9)— 
Ending balance$443 $498 
Contract Balances
A contract asset is a right to consideration that is conditional upon factors other than the passage of time. Contract assets are presented in "Other current assets" in our unaudited consolidated statements of financial position and primarily relate to unbilled amounts on fixed-price contracts utilizing the cost-to-cost method of revenue recognition. The table below shows significant movements in contract assets for the three months ended March 31:
(in millions)20212020
Beginning balance$315 $334 
Revenues recognized during the period but not billed183 219 
Amounts reclassified to trade accounts receivable(162)(194)
Ending balance$336 $359 
Our contract liabilities, or deferred revenue, consist of advance payments and billings in excess of revenues recognized. The table below shows significant movements in the deferred revenue balances (current and noncurrent) for the three months ended March 31:
(in millions)20212020
Beginning balance$419 $336 
Amounts billed but not recognized as revenues341 257 
Revenues recognized related to the opening balance of deferred revenue(325)(197)
Ending balance$435 $396 
Revenues recognized during the three months ended March 31, 2021 for performance obligations satisfied or partially satisfied in previous periods were immaterial.
Remaining Performance Obligations
As of March 31, 2021, the aggregate amount of transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations was $1,648 million, of which approximately 75% is expected to be recognized as revenue within 2 years. Disclosure is not required for performance obligations that meet any of the following criteria:
(1)contracts with a duration of one year or less as determined under ASC Topic 606: "Revenue from Contracts with Customers",
(2)contracts for which we recognize revenues based on the right to invoice for services performed,
(3)variable consideration allocated entirely to a wholly unsatisfied performance obligation or to a wholly unsatisfied promise to transfer a distinct good or service that forms part of a single performance obligation in accordance with ASC 606-10-25-14(b), for which the criteria in ASC 606-10-32-40 have been met, or
(4)variable consideration in the form of a sales-based or usage-based royalty promised in exchange for a license of intellectual property.
Many of our performance obligations meet one or more of these exemptions and therefore are not included in the remaining performance obligation amount disclosed above.
Trade Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
We calculate expected credit losses for our trade accounts receivable based on historical credit loss rates for each aging category as adjusted for the current market conditions and forecasts about future economic conditions. The following table presents the activity in the allowance for trade accounts receivable for the three months ended March 31:
(in millions)20212020
Beginning balance$57 $67 
Impact of adoption of the Credit Loss Standard — (1)
Credit loss (reversal) expense(5)10 
Write-offs charged against the allowance(6)(2)
Ending balance$46 $74 
v3.21.1
Business Combinations
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2021
Business Combinations [Abstract]  
Business Combinations
Acquisitions completed during the three months ended March 31, 2021 were not individually or in the aggregate material to our operations. Accordingly, pro forma results have not been presented. We have allocated the purchase price related to these transactions to tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed, including goodwill, based on their estimated fair values. Goodwill from these acquisitions is expected to benefit all of our reportable segments and has been allocated as such. The primary items that generated goodwill are the value of the acquired assembled workforces and synergies between the acquired companies and us, neither of which qualify as an identifiable intangible asset.
During the three months ended March 31, 2021, we acquired 100% ownership in each of the following:
•Linium, a cloud transformation consultancy group specializing in the ServiceNow platform and solutions for smart digital enterprise workflows, acquired to broaden our enterprise service management capabilities (acquired January 31, 2021); and
•Magenic, a provider of agile software and cloud development, DevOps, experience design and advisory services across a range of industries, acquired to enhance our global software engineering expertise (acquired February 1, 2021).
The allocations of preliminary purchase price to the fair value of the aggregate assets acquired and liabilities assumed were as follows:
(in millions)LiniumMagenicTotalWeighted Average Useful Life
Cash$— $13 $13 
Trade accounts receivable5 17 22 
Property and equipment and other assets1 4 5 
Operating lease assets, net— 8 8 
Non-deductible goodwill— 34 34 
Tax-deductible goodwill57 112 169 
Customer relationship assets24 90 114 8.4 years
Other intangible assets— 1 1 1.0 year
Current liabilities(2)(29)(31)
Noncurrent liabilities— (5)(5)
Purchase price, inclusive of contingent consideration$85 $245 $330 
The above allocations are preliminary and will be finalized as soon as practicable within the measurement period, but in no event later than one year following the date of acquisition.
v3.21.1
Restructuring Charges
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2021
Restructuring Charges [Abstract]  
Restructuring Charges During 2020, we incurred costs related to both our realignment program and our 2020 Fit for Growth Plan. Our realignment program, which began in 2017, improved our client focus, cost structure and the efficiency and effectiveness of our delivery while continuing to drive revenue growth. Our 2020 Fit for Growth Plan, which began in the fourth quarter of 2019, simplified our organizational model and optimized our cost structure in order to partially fund the investments required to execute on our strategy and advance our growth agenda and included our decision to exit certain content-related services that were not in line with our strategic vision for the Company. The total costs related to our realignment program and our 2020 Fit for Growth Plan are reported in "Restructuring charges" in our unaudited consolidated statement of operations. During the three months ended March 31, 2020, we incurred certain retention costs and professional fees of $20 million related to our realignment program and employee separation, employee retention, facility exit and other charges of $35 million related to our 2020 Fit for Growth Plan. We did not incur any costs related to these plans during the three months ended March 31, 2021.
v3.21.1
Investments
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2021
Investments [Abstract]  
Investments
Our investments were as follows:
(in millions)March 31, 2021December 31, 2020
Short-term investments:
Equity investment security$27 $27 
Held-to-maturity investment securities34 14 
Time deposits124 3 
Total short-term investments$185 $44 

Long-term investments:
Equity and cost method investments$35 $35 
Restricted time deposits(1)
404 405 
Total long-term investments$439 $440 

(1)See Note 8.
Equity Investment Security

Our equity investment security is a U.S. dollar denominated investment in a fixed income mutual fund. Realized and unrealized gains and losses were immaterial for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020.

Held-to-Maturity Investment Securities

Our held-to-maturity investment securities consist of Indian rupee denominated investments in commercial paper and international corporate bonds. Our investment guidelines are to purchase securities that are investment grade at the time of acquisition. The basis for the measurement of fair value of our held-to-maturity investments is Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.
The amortized cost and fair value of held-to-maturity investment securities were as follows:
(in millions)March 31, 2021December 31, 2020
 Amortized
Cost		Fair
Value		Amortized
Cost		Fair
Value
Short-term investments, maturing within one year:
Corporate and other debt securities$14 $14 $14 $14 
Commercial paper20 20 — — 
Total short-term held-to-maturity investments$34 $34 $14 $14 
As of March 31, 2021, commercial paper securities in the amount of $7 million were in an unrealized loss position. The total unrealized loss was less than $1 million and none of the securities had been in an unrealized loss position for longer than 12 months. As of December 31, 2020, there were no held-to-maturity investment securities in an unrealized loss position.

The securities in our portfolio are highly rated and short-term in nature. As of March 31, 2021, our corporate and other debt securities were rated AA+ or better and our commercial paper securities were rated A-1+ by CRISIL, an Indian subsidiary of S&P Global.
Equity and Cost Method Investments
As of both March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, we had equity method investments of $31 million and cost method investments of $4 million.
v3.21.1
Accrued Expenses And Other Current Liabilities
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2021
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]  
Accrued Expenses And Other Current Liabilities
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities were as follows:
(in millions)March 31, 2021December 31, 2020
Compensation and benefits$1,359 $1,607 
Customer volume and other incentives264 266 
Income taxes11 34 
Professional fees148 143 
Other376 469 
Total accrued expenses and other current liabilities$2,158 $2,519 
v3.21.1
Debt
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2021
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]  
Debt
In 2018, we entered into the Credit Agreement providing for the $750 million Term Loan and a $1,750 million unsecured revolving credit facility, which are due to mature in November 2023.

The Credit Agreement requires interest to be paid, at our option, at either the ABR or the Eurocurrency Rate (each as defined in the Credit Agreement), plus, in each case, an Applicable Margin (as defined in the Credit Agreement). Initially, the Applicable Margin is 0.875% with respect to Eurocurrency Rate loans and 0.00% with respect to ABR loans. Subsequently, the Applicable Margin with respect to Eurocurrency Rate loans may range from 0.75% to 1.125%, depending on our public debt ratings (or, if we have not received public debt ratings, from 0.875% to 1.125%, depending on our Leverage Ratio, which is the ratio of indebtedness for borrowed money to Consolidated EBITDA, as defined in the Credit Agreement). Our Credit
Agreement also provides a mechanism for determining an alternative rate of interest to the Eurocurrency rate after LIBOR is no longer available.
We are required under the Credit Agreement to make scheduled quarterly principal payments on the Term Loan. The Credit Agreement contains customary affirmative and negative covenants as well as a financial covenant. We were in compliance with all debt covenants and representations as of March 31, 2021.
In February 2021, our India subsidiary renewed its 13 billion Indian rupee ($178 million at the March 31, 2021 exchange rate) working capital facility, which requires us to repay any balances within 90 days from the date of disbursement. There is a 1.0% prepayment penalty applicable to payments made prior to 30 days after disbursement. This working capital facility contains affirmative and negative covenants and may be renewed annually in February.
Short-term Debt
As of both March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, we had $38 million of short-term debt related to current maturities of our Term Loan.
Long-term Debt
The following summarizes our long-term debt balances as of:
(in millions)March 31, 2021December 31, 2020
Term Loan$694 $703 
Less:
Current maturities - Term Loan(38)(38)
Deferred financing costs(2)(2)
Long-term debt, net of current maturities$654 $663 
The carrying value of our debt approximated its fair value as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020.
v3.21.1
Income Taxes
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2021
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]  
Income Taxes
In March 2021, we reached an agreement with the IRS, which effectively settled tax years 2012 through 2016. As a result of this effective settlement, in the first quarter of 2021, we recorded a reduction of $43 million to our uncertain tax position balance, which resulted in a $14 million discrete benefit to the provision for income taxes and a $29 million adjustment to our current income tax balance sheet accounts. Tax years that remain subject to examination by the IRS are 2017 onward.
Our effective income tax rates were as follows for the three months ended March 31:
 20212020
Effective income tax rate24.1 %27.8 %
The effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2021 decreased primarily as a result of significantly lower non-deductible foreign currency exchange losses in our unaudited consolidated statement of operations in the 2021 period and the discrete benefit of the effective settlement of the IRS examination for tax years 2012 through 2016.
We are involved in an ongoing dispute with the ITD in connection with a previously disclosed transaction undertaken by CTS India in 2016 to repurchase shares from its shareholders (non-Indian Cognizant entities) valued at $2.8 billion. As a result of that transaction, which was undertaken pursuant to a plan approved by the High Court in Chennai, India, we previously paid $135 million in Indian income taxes - an amount we believe includes all applicable taxes owed for this transaction under Indian law. In March 2018, we received a communication from the ITD asserting that the ITD is owed an additional 33 billion Indian rupees ($451 million at the March 31, 2021 exchange rate) on the 2016 transaction. Immediately thereafter, the ITD placed an attachment on certain of our India bank accounts. In addition to the dispute on the 2016 transaction, we are also involved in another ongoing dispute with the ITD relating to a 2013 transaction undertaken by CTS India to repurchase shares from its shareholders valued at $523 million (the two disputes are collectively referred to as the "ITD Dispute").

In April 2018, the High Court admitted our writ petition for a stay of the actions of the ITD and lifted the ITD’s attachment on our bank accounts. As part of the interim stay order, we deposited 5 billion Indian rupees ($68 million at the March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 exchange rates) representing 15% of the disputed tax amount related to the 2016 transaction, with the ITD. In addition, the High Court placed a lien on certain time deposits of CTS India in the amount of 28 billion Indian rupees ($383 million at the March 31, 2021 exchange rate and $384 million at the December 31, 2020 exchange rate), which is the remainder of the disputed tax amount related to the 2016 transaction.
In June 2019, the High Court dismissed our previously admitted writ petitions on the ITD Dispute, holding that the Company must exhaust other remedies, such as pursuing the matter before other appellate bodies, for resolution of the ITD Dispute prior to intervention by the High Court. The High Court did not issue a ruling on the substantive issue of whether we owe additional tax as a result of either the 2016 or the 2013 transaction. In July 2019, we appealed the High Court’s orders before the Division Bench. In September 2019, the Division Bench partly allowed the Company’s appeal with respect to the 2016 transaction, but did not issue a ruling on the substantive issue of the tax implications of the transactions. In October 2019, we filed a SLP before the SCI with respect to the 2016 transaction. In March 2020, the SCI referred the case based on the 2016 transaction back to the ITD with directions to carry out the assessment following the due process of law. Further, until the conclusion of the assessment, the SCI maintained in place the lien on our 28 billion Indian rupees time deposit and did not order the release of the 5 billion Indian rupees deposit held by the ITD. In April 2020, we received an assessment from the ITD, which is consistent with its previous assertions regarding our 2016 transaction. In June 2020, we filed an appeal against this assessment.
As of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the balance of deposits under lien was $404 million and $405 million, respectively, presented in "Long-term investments", including a portion of the interest previously earned. As of both March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the deposit with the ITD was $68 million, presented in "Other noncurrent assets".
 
We believe we have paid all applicable taxes owed on both the 2016 and the 2013 transactions. Accordingly, we have not recorded any reserves for these matters as of March 31, 2021.
v3.21.1
Derivative Financial Instruments
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2021
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]  
Derivative Financial Instruments
In the normal course of business, we use foreign exchange forward and option contracts to manage foreign currency exchange rate risk. Derivatives may give rise to credit risk from the possible non-performance by counterparties. Credit risk is limited to the fair value of those contracts that are favorable to us. We have limited our credit risk by limiting the amount of credit exposure with any one financial institution and conducting ongoing evaluation of the creditworthiness of the financial institutions with which we do business. In addition, all the assets and liabilities related to our foreign exchange derivative contracts set forth in the below table are subject to master netting arrangements, such as the International Swaps and Derivatives Association Master Agreement, with each individual counterparty. These master netting arrangements generally provide for net settlement of all outstanding contracts with the counterparty in the case of an event of default or a termination event. We have presented all the assets and liabilities related to our foreign exchange derivative contracts, as applicable, on a gross basis, with no offsets, in our unaudited consolidated statements of financial position. There is no financial collateral (including cash collateral) posted or received by us related to our foreign exchange derivative contracts.
The following table provides information on the location and fair values of derivative financial instruments included in our unaudited consolidated statements of financial position as of:
 (in millions) March 31, 2021December 31, 2020
Designation of DerivativesLocation on Statement of
Financial Position		AssetsLiabilitiesAssets  Liabilities
Foreign exchange forward and option contracts – Designated as cash flow hedging instrumentsOther current assets$45 $— $45 $— 
Other noncurrent assets18 — 26 — 
Total63 — 71 — 
Foreign exchange forward contracts – Not designated as hedging instrumentsOther current assets2 — 1 — 
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities— — — 1 
Total2 — 1 1 
Total$65 $— $72 $1 
Cash Flow Hedges
We have entered into a series of foreign exchange derivative contracts that are designated as cash flow hedges of Indian rupee denominated payments in India. These contracts are intended to partially offset the impact of movement of the Indian rupee against the U.S. dollar on future operating costs and are scheduled to mature each month during the remainder of 2021, 2022 and the first three months of 2023. The changes in fair value of these contracts are initially reported in "Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)" in our unaudited consolidated statements of financial position and are subsequently reclassified to earnings within "Cost of revenues" and "Selling, general and administrative expenses" in our unaudited consolidated statements of operations in the same period that the forecasted Indian rupee denominated payments are recorded in earnings. As of March 31, 2021, we estimate that $36 million, net of tax, of net gains related to derivatives designated as cash flow hedges reported in "Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)" in our unaudited consolidated statements of financial position is expected to be reclassified into earnings within the next 12 months.
The notional value of our outstanding contracts by year of maturity and the net unrealized gains and losses included in "Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)" in our unaudited consolidated statements of financial position, for such contracts, were as follows:
(in millions)March 31,
2021		December 31, 2020
2021$1,125 $1,470 
2022920 803 
2023140 — 
Total notional value of contracts outstanding (1)
$2,185 $2,273 

(1)Includes $133 million notional value of option contracts as of both March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, with the remaining notional value related to forward contracts.
The following table provides information on the location and amounts of pre-tax gains and losses on our cash flow hedges for the three months ended March 31:
 (in millions)Change in
Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized
in Accumulated Other
Comprehensive Income (Loss)
(effective portion)		Location of Net Gains (Losses) Reclassified
from Accumulated Other
Comprehensive Income (Loss)
into Income
(effective portion)		Net Gains (Losses) Reclassified
from Accumulated Other
Comprehensive Income (Loss)
into Income
(effective portion)
 20212020 20212020
Foreign exchange forward and option contracts – Designated as cash flow hedging instruments$17 $(113)Cost of revenues$18 $(3)
SG&A expenses
3 — 
Total$21 $(3)

The activity related to the change in net unrealized gains and losses on our cash flow hedges included in "Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)" in our unaudited consolidated statements of stockholders' equity is presented in Note 11.

Other Derivatives
We use foreign exchange forward contracts to provide an economic hedge against balance sheet exposures to certain monetary assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than the functional currency of our foreign subsidiaries. We entered into foreign exchange forward contracts that are scheduled to mature in 2021. Realized gains or losses and changes in the estimated fair value of these derivative financial instruments are recorded in the caption "Foreign currency exchange gains (losses), net" in our unaudited consolidated statements of operations.

Additional information related to our outstanding foreign exchange forward contracts not designated as hedging instruments was as follows:
(in millions)March 31, 2021December 31, 2020
NotionalFair ValueNotionalFair Value
Contracts outstanding$574 $2 $637 $— 
The following table provides information on the location and amounts of realized and unrealized pre-tax gains and losses on our other derivative financial instruments for the three months ended March 31:
Location of Net Gains on
Derivative Instruments		Amount of Net Gains on Derivative Instruments
  (in millions)20212020
Foreign exchange forward contracts – Not designated as hedging instrumentsForeign currency exchange gains (losses), net$3 $6 
The related cash flow impacts of all of our derivative activities are reflected as cash flows from operating activities.
v3.21.1
Fair Value Measurements
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2021
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]  
Fair Value Measurements
We measure our cash equivalents, certain investments, contingent consideration liabilities and foreign exchange forward and option contracts at fair value. The authoritative guidance defines fair value as the exit price, or the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants as of the measurement date. The authoritative guidance also establishes a fair value hierarchy that is intended to increase consistency and comparability in fair value measurements and related disclosures. The fair value hierarchy is based on inputs to valuation techniques that are used to measure fair value that are either observable or unobservable. Observable inputs reflect assumptions market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability based on market data obtained from independent sources while unobservable inputs reflect a reporting entity’s pricing based upon their own market assumptions.
The fair value hierarchy consists of the following three levels:
•Level 1 – Inputs are quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
•Level 2 – Inputs are quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in an active market, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable and market-corroborated inputs which are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data.
•Level 3 – Inputs are derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs or value drivers are unobservable.
The following table summarizes our financial assets and (liabilities) measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2021:
(in millions)Level 1Level 2Level 3Total
Cash equivalents:
Money market funds$272 $— $— $272 
Time deposits— 53 — 53 
Commercial paper— 310 — 310 
Short-term investments:
Time deposits— 124 — 124 
Equity investment security27 — — 27 
Other current assets:
Foreign exchange forward and option contracts— 47 — 47 
Long-term investments:
Restricted time deposits(1)
— 404 — 404 
Other noncurrent assets
Foreign exchange forward and option contracts
— 18 — 18 
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities:
Contingent consideration liabilities
— — (11)(11)
Other noncurrent liabilities:
 Contingent consideration liabilities— — (46)(46)

(1)See Note 8.
The following table summarizes our financial assets and (liabilities) measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2020:
(in millions)Level 1Level 2Level 3Total
Cash equivalents:
Money market funds$209 $— $— $209 
Time deposits— 203 — 203 
Commercial paper— 200 — 200 
Short-term investments:
Time deposits— 3 — 3 
Equity investment security27 — — 27 
Other current assets:
Foreign exchange forward and option contracts— 46 — 46 
Long-term investments:
Restricted time deposits(1)
— 405 — 405 
Other noncurrent assets:
Foreign exchange forward and option contracts— 26 — 26 
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities:
Foreign exchange forward and option contracts— (1)— (1)
Contingent consideration liabilities— — (11)(11)
Other noncurrent liabilities:
Contingent consideration liabilities— — (43)(43)

(1)See Note 8.

The following table summarizes the changes in Level 3 contingent consideration liabilities for the three months ended March 31:

(in millions)20212020
Beginning balance$54 $38 
Initial measurement recognized at acquisition8 4 
Change in fair value recognized in SG&A expenses(3)(22)
Payments(2)— 
Ending balance $57 $20 

We measure the fair value of money market funds based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and measure the fair value of our equity security based on the published daily net asset value at which investors can freely subscribe to or redeem from the fund. The fair value of commercial paper is measured based on relevant trade data, dealer quotes, or model-driven valuations using significant inputs derived from or corroborated by observable market data, such as yield curves and credit spreads. The carrying value of our time deposits approximated fair value as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020.

We estimate the fair value of each foreign exchange forward contract by using a present value of expected cash flows model. This model calculates the difference between the current market forward price and the contracted forward price for each foreign exchange forward contract and applies the difference in the rates to each outstanding contract. The market forward rates include a discount and credit risk factor. We estimate the fair value of each foreign exchange option contract by using a variant of the Black-Scholes model. This model uses present value techniques and reflects the time value and intrinsic value based on observable market rates.
We estimate the fair value of contingent consideration liabilities associated with our acquisitions using a variation of the income approach, which utilizes one or more significant inputs that are unobservable. This approach calculates the fair value of such liabilities based on the probability-weighted expected performance of the acquired entity against the target performance metric, discounted to present value when appropriate.
v3.21.1
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2021
Equity [Abstract]  
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Changes in "Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)" by component were as follows for the three months ended March 31, 2021:
 (in millions)Before Tax
Amount		Tax
Effect		Net of Tax
Amount
Foreign currency translation adjustments:
Beginning balance$56 $(1)$55 
Change in foreign currency translation adjustments(27)2 (25)
Ending balance$29 $1 $30 
Unrealized gains on cash flow hedges:
Beginning balance$67 $(12)$55 
Unrealized gains arising during the period17 (3)14 
Reclassifications of net (gains) to:
Cost of revenues(18)3 (15)
SG&A expenses(3)— (3)
Net change(4)— (4)
Ending balance$63 $(12)$51 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):
Beginning balance$123 $(13)$110 
Other comprehensive income (loss)(31)2 (29)
Ending balance$92 $(11)$81 

Changes in "Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)" by component were as follows for the three months ended March 31, 2020:
 (in millions)Before Tax
Amount		Tax
Effect		Net of Tax
Amount
Foreign currency translation adjustments:
Beginning balance$(63)$(1)$(64)
Change in foreign currency translation adjustments(139)4 (135)
Ending balance$(202)$3 $(199)
Unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges:
Beginning balance$31 $(5)$26 
Unrealized (losses) arising during the period(113)19 (94)
Reclassifications of net losses to:
Cost of revenues3 — 3 
SG&A expenses— — — 
Net change(110)19 (91)
Ending balance$(79)$14 $(65)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):
Beginning balance$(32)$(6)$(38)
Other comprehensive income (loss)(249)23 (226)
Ending balance$(281)$17 $(264)
v3.21.1
Commitments and Contingencies
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2021
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]  
Commitments and Contingencies
We are involved in various claims and legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. We accrue a liability when a loss is considered probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated. When a material loss contingency is reasonably possible but not probable, we do not record a liability, but instead disclose the nature and the amount of the claim, and an estimate of the loss or range of loss, if such an estimate can be made. Legal fees are expensed as incurred. While we do not expect that the ultimate resolution of any existing claims and proceedings (other than the specific matters described below, if decided adversely), individually or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on our financial position, an unfavorable outcome in some or all of these proceedings could have a material adverse impact on results of operations or cash flows for a particular period. This assessment is based on our current understanding of relevant facts and circumstances. As such, our view of these matters is subject to inherent uncertainties and may change in the future.

On January 15, 2015, Syntel sued TriZetto and Cognizant in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. Syntel’s complaint alleged breach of contract against TriZetto, and tortious interference and misappropriation of trade secrets against Cognizant and TriZetto, stemming from Cognizant’s hiring of certain former Syntel employees. Cognizant and TriZetto countersued on March 23, 2015, for breach of contract, misappropriation of trade secrets and tortious interference, based on Syntel’s misuse of TriZetto confidential information and abandonment of contractual obligations. Cognizant and TriZetto subsequently added federal Defend Trade Secrets Act and copyright infringement claims for Syntel’s misuse of TriZetto’s proprietary technology. The parties’ claims were narrowed by the court and the case was tried before a jury, which on October 27, 2020 returned a verdict in favor of Cognizant in the amount of $855 million, including $570 million in punitive damages. On April 20, 2021, the USDC-SDNY issued a post-trial order that, among other things, affirmed the jury’s award of $285 million in actual damages, but reduced the award of punitive damages from $570 million to $285 million, thereby reducing the overall damages award from $855 million to $570 million. We expect the USDC-SDNY will issue a final judgment consistent with this order in the near future, after which we expect Syntel to appeal the decision. Thus, we will not record the gain in our financial statements until it becomes realizable.
On February 28, 2019, a ruling of the SCI interpreting the India Defined Contribution Obligation altered historical understandings of the obligation, extending it to cover additional portions of the employee’s income. As a result, the ongoing contributions of our affected employees and the Company were required to be increased. In the first quarter of 2019, we accrued $117 million with respect to prior periods, assuming retroactive application of the Supreme Court’s ruling, in "Selling, general and administrative expenses" in our unaudited consolidated statement of operations. There is significant uncertainty as to how the liability should be calculated as it is impacted by multiple variables, including the period of assessment, the application with respect to certain current and former employees and whether interest and penalties may be assessed. Since the ruling, a variety of trade associations and industry groups have advocated to the Indian government, highlighting the harm to the information technology sector, other industries and job growth in India that would result from a retroactive application of the ruling. It is possible the Indian government will review the matter and there is a substantial question as to whether the Indian government will apply the SCI’s ruling on a retroactive basis. As such, the ultimate amount of our obligation may be materially different from the amount accrued.

On October 5, 2016, October 27, 2016 and November 18, 2016, three putative securities class action complaints were filed in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey naming us and certain of our current and former officers as defendants. These complaints were consolidated into a single action and on April 7, 2017, the lead plaintiffs filed a consolidated amended complaint on behalf of a putative class of persons and entities who purchased our common stock during the period between February 27, 2015 and September 29, 2016, naming us and certain of our current and former officers as defendants and alleging violations of the Exchange Act, based on allegedly false or misleading statements related to potential violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, our business, prospects and operations, and the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting and our disclosure controls and procedures. The lead plaintiffs seek an award of compensatory damages, among other relief, and their reasonable costs and expenses, including attorneys’ fees. Defendants filed a motion to dismiss the consolidated amended complaint on June 6, 2017. On August 8, 2018, the USDC-NJ issued an order which granted the motion to dismiss in part, including dismissal of all claims against current officers of the Company, and denied them in part. On September 7, 2018, we filed a motion in the USDC-NJ to certify the August 8, 2018 order for immediate appeal to the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1292(b). On October 18, 2018, the USDC-NJ issued an order granting our motion, and staying the action pending the outcome of our appeal petition to the Third Circuit. On October 29, 2018, we filed a petition for permission to appeal with the Third Circuit. On March 6, 2019, the Third Circuit denied our petition without prejudice. In an order dated March 19, 2019, the USDC-NJ directed the lead plaintiffs to provide the defendants with a proposed amended complaint. On April 26, 2019, lead plaintiffs filed their second amended complaint. We filed a motion to dismiss the second amended complaint on June 10, 2019. On June 7, 2020, the USDC-NJ issued an order denying our motion to dismiss the second amended complaint. On July 10, 2020, we filed our answer to the second amended
complaint. On July 23, 2020, the DOJ filed a motion on consent for leave to intervene and to stay all discovery through the conclusion of the criminal proceedings in United States v. Gordon J. Coburn and Steven Schwartz, Crim. No. 19-120 (KM), except for documents produced by us to the DOJ in connection with those criminal proceedings. On July 24, 2020, the USDC-NJ granted the DOJ’s motion; and on that same day, we filed a motion in the USDC-NJ to certify the June 7, 2020 order for immediate appeal to the Third Circuit pursuant to 28 U.S.C. 1292(b). On March 17, 2021, the USDC-NJ issued an order denying our motion.

On October 31, 2016, November 15, 2016 and November 18, 2016, three putative shareholder derivative complaints were filed in New Jersey Superior Court, Bergen County, naming us, all of our then current directors and certain of our current and former officers as defendants. These actions were consolidated in an order dated January 24, 2017. The complaints assert claims for breach of fiduciary duty, corporate waste, unjust enrichment, abuse of control, mismanagement, and/or insider selling by defendants. On March 16, 2017, the parties filed a stipulation deferring all further proceedings pending a final, non-appealable ruling on the then anticipated motion to dismiss the consolidated putative securities class action. On April 26, 2017, in lieu of ordering the stipulation filed by the parties, the New Jersey Superior Court deferred further proceedings by dismissing the consolidated putative shareholder derivative litigation without prejudice but permitting the parties to file a motion to vacate the dismissal in the future.

On February 22, 2017, April 7, 2017 and May 10, 2017, three additional putative shareholder derivative complaints alleging similar claims were filed in the USDC-NJ, naming us and certain of our current and former directors and officers as defendants. These complaints asserted claims similar to those in the previously-filed putative shareholder derivative actions. In an order dated June 20, 2017, the USDC-NJ consolidated these actions into a single action, appointed lead plaintiff and lead counsel, and stayed all further proceedings pending a final, non-appealable ruling on the motions to dismiss the consolidated putative securities class action. On October 30, 2018, lead plaintiff filed a consolidated verified derivative complaint.

On March 11, 2019, a seventh putative shareholder derivative complaint was filed in the USDC-NJ, naming us, certain of our current and former directors, and certain of our current and former officers as defendants. The complaint in that action asserts claims similar to those in the previously-filed putative shareholder derivative actions. On May 14, 2019, the USDC-NJ approved a stipulation that (i) consolidated this action with the putative shareholder derivative suits that were previously filed in the USDC-NJ; and (ii) stayed all of these suits pending an order on the motion to dismiss the second amended complaint in the securities class action. On August 3, 2020, lead plaintiffs filed an amended complaint. On October 19, 2020, the USDC-NJ approved a stipulation that stayed all of these suits through the earlier of the conclusion of the criminal proceedings in United States v. Gordon J. Coburn and Steven Schwartz, Crim. No. 19-120 (KM), or November 1, 2021.

We are presently unable to predict the duration, scope or result of the consolidated putative securities class action, the putative shareholder derivative actions or any other related lawsuits. As such, we are presently unable to develop a reasonable estimate of a possible loss or range of losses, if any, and thus have not recorded any accruals related to these matters. While the Company intends to defend the lawsuits vigorously, these lawsuits and any other related lawsuits are subject to inherent uncertainties, the actual cost of such litigation will depend upon many unknown factors and the outcome of the litigation is necessarily uncertain.

We have indemnification and expense advancement obligations pursuant to our bylaws and indemnification agreements with respect to certain current and former members of senior management and the Company’s directors. In connection with the matters that were the subject of our previously disclosed internal investigation, the DOJ and SEC investigations and the related litigation, we have received and expect to continue to receive requests under such indemnification agreements and our bylaws to provide funds for legal fees and other expenses. We have expensed such costs incurred through March 31, 2021.

We have maintained directors and officers insurance and have recorded an insurance receivable of $3 million and $7 million as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively, in "Other current assets," on our unaudited consolidated statement of financial position related to the recovery of a portion of the indemnification expenses and costs related to the putative securities class action complaints. We are unable to make a reliable estimate of the eventual cash flows by period related to the indemnification and expense advancement obligations described here.

See Note 8 for information relating to the ITD Dispute.
Many of our engagements involve projects that are critical to the operations of our clients’ business and provide benefits that are difficult to quantify. Any failure in a client’s systems or our failure to meet our contractual obligations to our clients, including any breach involving a client’s confidential information or sensitive data, or our obligations under applicable laws or regulations could result in a claim for substantial damages against us, regardless of our responsibility for such failure. Although we attempt to contractually limit our liability for damages arising from negligent acts, errors, mistakes, or omissions in
rendering our services, there can be no assurance that the limitations of liability set forth in our contracts will be enforceable in all instances or will otherwise protect us from liability for damages. Although we have general liability insurance coverage, including coverage for errors or omissions, there can be no assurance that such coverage will cover all types of claims, continue to be available on reasonable terms or will be available in sufficient amounts to cover one or more large claims, or that the insurer will not disclaim coverage as to any future claim. The successful assertion of one or more large claims against us that exceed or are not covered by our insurance coverage or changes in our insurance policies, including premium increases or the imposition of large deductible or co-insurance requirements, could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial position and cash flows for a particular period. In the normal course of business and in conjunction with certain client engagements, we have entered into contractual arrangements through which we may be obligated to indemnify clients or other parties with whom we conduct business with respect to certain matters. These arrangements can include provisions whereby we agree to hold the indemnified party and certain of their affiliated entities harmless with respect to third-party claims related to such matters as our breach of certain representations or covenants, our intellectual property infringement, our gross negligence or willful misconduct or certain other claims made against certain parties. Payments by us under any of these arrangements are generally conditioned on the client making a claim and providing us with full control over the defense and settlement of such claim. It is not possible to determine the maximum potential liability under these indemnification agreements due to the unique facts and circumstances involved in each particular agreement. Historically, we have not made material payments under these indemnification agreements and therefore they have not had a material impact on our operating results, financial position, or cash flows. However, if events arise requiring us to make payment for indemnification claims under our indemnification obligations in contracts we have entered, such payments could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial position and cash flows for a particular period.
v3.21.1
Segment Information
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2021
Segment Reporting [Abstract]  
Segment Information
Our reportable segments are:
•Financial Services, which consists of our banking and insurance operating segments;
•Healthcare, which consists of our healthcare and life sciences operating segments;
•Products and Resources, which consists of our retail and consumer goods; manufacturing, logistics, energy, and utilities; and travel and hospitality operating segments; and
•Communications, Media and Technology, which includes our communications and media operating segment and our technology operating segment.
Our client partners, account executives and client relationship managers are aligned in accordance with the specific industries they serve. Our chief operating decision maker evaluates the Company's performance and allocates resources based on segment revenues and operating profit. Segment operating profit is defined as income from operations before unallocated costs. Generally, operating expenses for each operating segment have similar characteristics and are subject to the same factors, pressures and challenges. However, the economic environment and its effects on industries served by our operating segments may affect revenues and operating expenses to differing degrees.
Expenses included in segment operating profit consist principally of direct selling and delivery costs (including stock-based compensation expense) as well as a per employee charge for use of our global delivery centers and infrastructure. Certain SG&A expenses, the excess or shortfall of incentive-based compensation for commercial and delivery personnel as compared to target, restructuring and COVID-19 Charges, a portion of depreciation and amortization and the impact of the settlements of our cash flow hedges are not allocated to individual segments in internal management reports used by the chief operating decision maker. Accordingly, such expenses are excluded from segment operating profit and are included below as “unallocated costs” and adjusted against our total income from operations. Additionally, management has determined that it is not practical to allocate identifiable assets by segment, since such assets are used interchangeably among the segments.
For revenues by reportable segment and geographic area, see Note 2.
Segment operating profits by reportable segment were as follows for the three months ended March 31:
 (in millions)20212020
Financial Services$406 381 
Healthcare411 321 
Products and Resources308 261 
Communications, Media and Technology215 190 
Total segment operating profit1,340 1,153 
Less: unallocated costs671 574 
Income from operations$669 $579 
Geographic Area Information
Long-lived assets by geographic area are as follows:
As of
 (in millions)March 31, 2021December 31, 2020
Long-lived Assets: (1)
North America(2)
$407 $399 
Europe80 88 
Rest of World (3)
763 764 
Total$1,250 $1,251 

(1)Long-lived assets include property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization.
(2)Substantially all relates to the United States.
(3)Substantially all relates to India.
v3.21.1
Subsequent Events (Notes)
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2021
Subsequent Events [Abstract]  
Subsequent Events
Dividend
On May 5, 2021, our Board of Directors approved the Company's declaration of a $0.24 per share dividend with a record date of May 20, 2021 and a payment date of May 28, 2021.
Acquisitions
In March 2021, we entered into an agreement to acquire ESG Mobility, a digital automotive engineering research and development provider for connected, autonomous and electric vehicles for a preliminary purchase price of approximately $117 million. This acquisition is expected to expand our automotive engineering expertise, particularly in connected vehicles. The transaction is expected to close during the second quarter of 2021.
In April 2021, we completed the acquisition of Servian for a preliminary purchase price of $248 million. Servian is an Australia-based enterprise transformation consultancy specializing in data analytics, AI, digital services, experience design and cloud, which was acquired to enhance our digital portfolio and market presence in Australia and New Zealand.
v3.21.1
Revenues (Tables)
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2021
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]  
Capitalized Costs to Fulfill Contract with Customer Costs to obtain contracts were immaterial for the periods disclosed. The following table presents information related to the capitalized costs to fulfill for the three months ended March 31:
(in millions)20212020
Beginning balance$467 $485 
Amortization expense(29)(22)
Costs capitalized14 35 
Impairment(9)— 
Ending balance$443 $498 
Contract with Customer, Asset and Liability The table below shows significant movements in contract assets for the three months ended March 31:
(in millions)20212020
Beginning balance$315 $334 
Revenues recognized during the period but not billed183 219 
Amounts reclassified to trade accounts receivable(162)(194)
Ending balance$336 $359 
The table below shows significant movements in the deferred revenue balances (current and noncurrent) for the three months ended March 31:
(in millions)20212020
Beginning balance$419 $336 
Amounts billed but not recognized as revenues341 257 
Revenues recognized related to the opening balance of deferred revenue(325)(197)
Ending balance$435 $396 
Disaggregation of Revenue
Three Months Ended
March 31, 2021
(in millions)Financial ServicesHealthcareProducts and ResourcesCommunications, Media and TechnologyTotal
Geography:
North America$1,013 $1,101 $718 $451 $3,283 
United Kingdom125 40 106 99 370 
Continental Europe192 118 103 43 456 
Europe - Total317 158 209 142 826 
Rest of World 128 29 71 64 292 
Total$1,458 $1,288 $998 $657 $4,401 
Service line:
Consulting and technology services$967 $745 $616 $396 $2,724 
Outsourcing services491 543 382 261 1,677 
Total$1,458 $1,288 $998 $657 $4,401 
Type of contract:
Time and materials$899 $519 $418 $397 $2,233 
Fixed-price471 499 481 230 1,681 
Transaction or volume-based88 270 99 30 487 
Total$1,458 $1,288 $998 $657 $4,401 
Three Months Ended
March 31, 2020
(in millions)Financial ServicesHealthcareProducts and ResourcesCommunications, Media and TechnologyTotal
Geography:
North America$1,012 $1,038 $689 $451 $3,190 
United Kingdom120 40 93 84 337 
Continental Europe191 99 109 38 437 
Europe - Total311 139 202 122 774 
Rest of World 128 17 63 53 261 
Total$1,451 $1,194 $954 $626 $4,225 
Service line:
Consulting and technology services$947 $662 $590 $348 $2,547 
Outsourcing services504 532 364 278 1,678 
Total$1,451 $1,194 $954 $626 $4,225 
Type of contract:
Time and materials$884 $475 $409 $383 $2,151 
Fixed-price483 409 443 219 1,554 
Transaction or volume-based84 310 102 24 520 
Total$1,451 $1,194 $954 $626 $4,225 
Reinsurance Recoverable, Allowance for Credit Loss The following table presents the activity in the allowance for trade accounts receivable for the three months ended March 31:
(in millions)20212020
Beginning balance$57 $67 
Impact of adoption of the Credit Loss Standard — (1)
Credit loss (reversal) expense(5)10 
Write-offs charged against the allowance(6)(2)
Ending balance$46 $74 
v3.21.1
Business Combinations (Tables)
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2021
Business Combinations [Abstract]  
Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block]
The allocations of preliminary purchase price to the fair value of the aggregate assets acquired and liabilities assumed were as follows:
(in millions)LiniumMagenicTotalWeighted Average Useful Life
Cash$— $13 $13 
Trade accounts receivable5 17 22 
Property and equipment and other assets1 4 5 
Operating lease assets, net— 8 8 
Non-deductible goodwill— 34 34 
Tax-deductible goodwill57 112 169 
Customer relationship assets24 90 114 8.4 years
Other intangible assets— 1 1 1.0 year
Current liabilities(2)(29)(31)
Noncurrent liabilities— (5)(5)
Purchase price, inclusive of contingent consideration$85 $245 $330 
v3.21.1
Investments (Tables)
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2021
Investments [Abstract]  
Marketable Securities
Our investments were as follows:
(in millions)March 31, 2021December 31, 2020
Short-term investments:
Equity investment security$27 $27 
Held-to-maturity investment securities34 14 
Time deposits124 3 
Total short-term investments$185 $44 

Long-term investments:
Equity and cost method investments$35 $35 
Restricted time deposits(1)
404 405 
Total long-term investments$439 $440 

(1)See Note 8.
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments
The amortized cost and fair value of held-to-maturity investment securities were as follows:
(in millions)March 31, 2021December 31, 2020
 Amortized
Cost		Fair
Value		Amortized
Cost		Fair
Value
Short-term investments, maturing within one year:
Corporate and other debt securities$14 $14 $14 $14 
Commercial paper20 20 — — 
Total short-term held-to-maturity investments$34 $34 $14 $14 
v3.21.1
Accrued Expenses And Other Current Liabilities (Tables)
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2021
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]  
Accrued Expenses And Other Current Liabilities
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities were as follows:
(in millions)March 31, 2021December 31, 2020
Compensation and benefits$1,359 $1,607 
Customer volume and other incentives264 266 
Income taxes11 34 
Professional fees148 143 
Other376 469 
Total accrued expenses and other current liabilities$2,158 $2,519 
v3.21.1
Debt (Tables)
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2021
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]  
Summary of Long-term Debt
The following summarizes our long-term debt balances as of:
(in millions)March 31, 2021December 31, 2020
Term Loan$694 $703 
Less:
Current maturities - Term Loan(38)(38)
Deferred financing costs(2)(2)
Long-term debt, net of current maturities$654 $663 
v3.21.1
Income Taxes Income Taxes (Tables)
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2021
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]  
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rates
Our effective income tax rates were as follows for the three months ended March 31:
 20212020
Effective income tax rate24.1 %27.8 %
v3.21.1
Derivative Financial Instruments (Tables)
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2021
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]  
Location And Fair Values Of Derivative Financial Instruments In Our Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Financial Position
The following table provides information on the location and fair values of derivative financial instruments included in our unaudited consolidated statements of financial position as of:
 (in millions) March 31, 2021December 31, 2020
Designation of DerivativesLocation on Statement of
Financial Position		AssetsLiabilitiesAssets  Liabilities
Foreign exchange forward and option contracts – Designated as cash flow hedging instrumentsOther current assets$45 $— $45 $— 
Other noncurrent assets18 — 26 — 
Total63 — 71 — 
Foreign exchange forward contracts – Not designated as hedging instrumentsOther current assets2 — 1 — 
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities— — — 1 
Total2 — 1 1 
Total$65 $— $72 $1 
Notional value of outstanding contracts by year of maturity
The notional value of our outstanding contracts by year of maturity and the net unrealized gains and losses included in "Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)" in our unaudited consolidated statements of financial position, for such contracts, were as follows:
(in millions)March 31,
2021		December 31, 2020
2021$1,125 $1,470 
2022920 803 
2023140 — 
Total notional value of contracts outstanding (1)
$2,185 $2,273 
Location And Amounts Of Pre-Tax Gains (Losses) on Cash Flow Hedges
The following table provides information on the location and amounts of pre-tax gains and losses on our cash flow hedges for the three months ended March 31:
 (in millions)Change in
Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized
in Accumulated Other
Comprehensive Income (Loss)
(effective portion)		Location of Net Gains (Losses) Reclassified
from Accumulated Other
Comprehensive Income (Loss)
into Income
(effective portion)		Net Gains (Losses) Reclassified
from Accumulated Other
Comprehensive Income (Loss)
into Income
(effective portion)
 20212020 20212020
Foreign exchange forward and option contracts – Designated as cash flow hedging instruments$17 $(113)Cost of revenues$18 $(3)
SG&A expenses
3 — 
Total$21 $(3)
Additional Information Related To Outstanding Contracts Not Designated As Hedging Instruments
Additional information related to our outstanding foreign exchange forward contracts not designated as hedging instruments was as follows:
(in millions)March 31, 2021December 31, 2020
NotionalFair ValueNotionalFair Value
Contracts outstanding$574 $2 $637 $— 
Location And Amounts Of Pre-Tax Gains (Losses) On Derivative Financial Instruments Not Designated As Hedges
The following table provides information on the location and amounts of realized and unrealized pre-tax gains and losses on our other derivative financial instruments for the three months ended March 31:
Location of Net Gains on
Derivative Instruments		Amount of Net Gains on Derivative Instruments
  (in millions)20212020
Foreign exchange forward contracts – Not designated as hedging instrumentsForeign currency exchange gains (losses), net$3 $6 
v3.21.1
Fair Value Measurements (Tables)
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2021
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]  
Financial Assets And (Liabilities) Measured At Fair Value On A Recurring Basis
The following table summarizes our financial assets and (liabilities) measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2021:
(in millions)Level 1Level 2Level 3Total
Cash equivalents:
Money market funds$272 $— $— $272 
Time deposits— 53 — 53 
Commercial paper— 310 — 310 
Short-term investments:
Time deposits— 124 — 124 
Equity investment security27 — — 27 
Other current assets:
Foreign exchange forward and option contracts— 47 — 47 
Long-term investments:
Restricted time deposits(1)
— 404 — 404 
Other noncurrent assets
Foreign exchange forward and option contracts
— 18 — 18 
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities:
Contingent consideration liabilities
— — (11)(11)
Other noncurrent liabilities:
 Contingent consideration liabilities— — (46)(46)

(1)See Note 8.
The following table summarizes our financial assets and (liabilities) measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2020:
(in millions)Level 1Level 2Level 3Total
Cash equivalents:
Money market funds$209 $— $— $209 
Time deposits— 203 — 203 
Commercial paper— 200 — 200 
Short-term investments:
Time deposits— 3 — 3 
Equity investment security27 — — 27 
Other current assets:
Foreign exchange forward and option contracts— 46 — 46 
Long-term investments:
Restricted time deposits(1)
— 405 — 405 
Other noncurrent assets:
Foreign exchange forward and option contracts— 26 — 26 
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities:
Foreign exchange forward and option contracts— (1)— (1)
Contingent consideration liabilities— — (11)(11)
Other noncurrent liabilities:
Contingent consideration liabilities— — (43)(43)

(1)See Note 8.
v3.21.1
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2021
Equity [Abstract]  
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Changes in "Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)" by component were as follows for the three months ended March 31, 2021:
 (in millions)Before Tax
Amount		Tax
Effect		Net of Tax
Amount
Foreign currency translation adjustments:
Beginning balance$56 $(1)$55 
Change in foreign currency translation adjustments(27)2 (25)
Ending balance$29 $1 $30 
Unrealized gains on cash flow hedges:
Beginning balance$67 $(12)$55 
Unrealized gains arising during the period17 (3)14 
Reclassifications of net (gains) to:
Cost of revenues(18)3 (15)
SG&A expenses(3)— (3)
Net change(4)— (4)
Ending balance$63 $(12)$51 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):
Beginning balance$123 $(13)$110 
Other comprehensive income (loss)(31)2 (29)
Ending balance$92 $(11)$81 

Changes in "Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)" by component were as follows for the three months ended March 31, 2020:
 (in millions)Before Tax
Amount		Tax
Effect		Net of Tax
Amount
Foreign currency translation adjustments:
Beginning balance$(63)$(1)$(64)
Change in foreign currency translation adjustments(139)4 (135)
Ending balance$(202)$3 $(199)
Unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges:
Beginning balance$31 $(5)$26 
Unrealized (losses) arising during the period(113)19 (94)
Reclassifications of net losses to:
Cost of revenues3 — 3 
SG&A expenses— — — 
Net change(110)19 (91)
Ending balance$(79)$14 $(65)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):
Beginning balance$(32)$(6)$(38)
Other comprehensive income (loss)(249)23 (226)
Ending balance$(281)$17 $(264)
v3.21.1
Segment Information (Tables)
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2021
Segment Reporting [Abstract]  
Segment Operating Profit
Segment operating profits by reportable segment were as follows for the three months ended March 31:
 (in millions)20212020
Financial Services$406 381 
Healthcare411 321 
Products and Resources308 261 
Communications, Media and Technology215 190 
Total segment operating profit1,340 1,153 
Less: unallocated costs671 574 
Income from operations$669 $579 
Revenues And Long-Lived Assets By Geographic Area
Long-lived assets by geographic area are as follows:
As of
 (in millions)March 31, 2021December 31, 2020
Long-lived Assets: (1)
North America(2)
$407 $399 
Europe80 88 
Rest of World (3)
763 764 
Total$1,250 $1,251 

(1)Long-lived assets include property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization.
(2)Substantially all relates to the United States.
(3)Substantially all relates to India.
v3.21.1
Interim Consolidated Financial Statements (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Mar. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]    
Retained earnings $ 10,907 $ 10,689
Trade accounts receivable, net $ 3,232 $ 3,087
v3.21.1
Revenues - Capitalized Costs to Fulfill Contract with Customer (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2021
Mar. 31, 2020
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]    
Beginning balance $ 467 $ 485
Amortization expense 29 22
Costs capitalized 14 35
Impairment (9) 0
Ending balance $ 443 $ 498
v3.21.1
Revenues - Significant Movements in Contract Assets (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2021
Mar. 31, 2020
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]    
Beginning balance $ 315 $ 334
Revenues recognized during the period but not billed 183 219
Amounts reclassified to trade accounts receivable 162 194
Ending balance $ 336 $ 359
v3.21.1
Revenues - Significant Movements in Deferred Revenue Balances (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2021
Mar. 31, 2020
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]    
Beginning balance $ 419 $ 336
Amounts billed but not recognized as revenues 341 257
Revenues recognized related to the opening balance of deferred revenue 325 197
Ending balance $ 435 $ 396
v3.21.1
Revenues - Remaining Performance Obligations Narrative (Details)
$ in Millions
Mar. 31, 2021
USD ($)
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]  
Revenue, remaining performance obligation $ 1,648
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2021-04-01  
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]  
Revenue, remaining performance obligation, percentage 75.00%
Revenue, remaining performance obligation, period 2 years
v3.21.1
Revenues - Disaggregation of Revenue (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2021
Mar. 31, 2020
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Revenue $ 4,401 $ 4,225
Time-and-materials [Member]    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Revenue 2,233 2,151
Fixed-price [Member]    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Revenue 1,681 1,554
Transaction or volume-based [Member]    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Revenue 487 520
North America [Member]    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Revenue 3,283 3,190
United Kingdom [Member]    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Revenue 370 337
Europe, excluding United Kingdom [Member]    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Revenue 456 437
Europe [Member]    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Revenue 826 774
Rest of World [Member]    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Revenue 292 261
Consulting And Technology Services [Member]    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Revenue 2,724 2,547
Outsourcing Services [Member]    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Revenue 1,677 1,678
Financial Services [Member]    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Revenue 1,458 1,451
Financial Services [Member] | Time-and-materials [Member]    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Revenue 899 884
Financial Services [Member] | Fixed-price [Member]    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Revenue 471 483
Financial Services [Member] | Transaction or volume-based [Member]    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Revenue 88 84
Financial Services [Member] | North America [Member]    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Revenue 1,013 1,012
Financial Services [Member] | United Kingdom [Member]    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Revenue 125 120
Financial Services [Member] | Europe, excluding United Kingdom [Member]    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Revenue 192 191
Financial Services [Member] | Europe [Member]    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Revenue 317 311
Financial Services [Member] | Rest of World [Member]    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Revenue 128 128
Financial Services [Member] | Consulting And Technology Services [Member]    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Revenue 967 947
Financial Services [Member] | Outsourcing Services [Member]    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Revenue 491 504
Products and Resources [Member]    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Revenue 998 954
Products and Resources [Member] | Time-and-materials [Member]    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Revenue 418 409
Products and Resources [Member] | Fixed-price [Member]    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Revenue 481 443
Products and Resources [Member] | Transaction or volume-based [Member]    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Revenue 99 102
Products and Resources [Member] | North America [Member]    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Revenue 718 689
Products and Resources [Member] | United Kingdom [Member]    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Revenue 106 93
Products and Resources [Member] | Europe, excluding United Kingdom [Member]    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Revenue 103 109
Products and Resources [Member] | Europe [Member]    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Revenue 209 202
Products and Resources [Member] | Rest of World [Member]    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Revenue 71 63
Products and Resources [Member] | Consulting And Technology Services [Member]    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Revenue 616 590
Products and Resources [Member] | Outsourcing Services [Member]    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Revenue 382 364
Communication, Media and Technology [Member]    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Revenue 657 626
Communication, Media and Technology [Member] | Time-and-materials [Member]    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Revenue 397 383
Communication, Media and Technology [Member] | Fixed-price [Member]    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Revenue 230 219
Communication, Media and Technology [Member] | Transaction or volume-based [Member]    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Revenue 30 24
Communication, Media and Technology [Member] | North America [Member]    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Revenue 451 451
Communication, Media and Technology [Member] | United Kingdom [Member]    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Revenue 99 84
Communication, Media and Technology [Member] | Europe, excluding United Kingdom [Member]    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Revenue 43 38
Communication, Media and Technology [Member] | Europe [Member]    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Revenue 142 122
Communication, Media and Technology [Member] | Rest of World [Member]    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Revenue 64 53
Communication, Media and Technology [Member] | Consulting And Technology Services [Member]    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Revenue 396 348
Communication, Media and Technology [Member] | Outsourcing Services [Member]    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Revenue 261 278
Healthcare Segment [Member]    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Revenue 1,288 1,194
Healthcare Segment [Member] | Time-and-materials [Member]    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Revenue 519 475
Healthcare Segment [Member] | Fixed-price [Member]    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Revenue 499 409
Healthcare Segment [Member] | Transaction or volume-based [Member]    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Revenue 270 310
Healthcare Segment [Member] | North America [Member]    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Revenue 1,101 1,038
Healthcare Segment [Member] | United Kingdom [Member]    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Revenue 40 40
Healthcare Segment [Member] | Europe, excluding United Kingdom [Member]    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Revenue 118 99
Healthcare Segment [Member] | Europe [Member]    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Revenue 158 139
Healthcare Segment [Member] | Rest of World [Member]    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Revenue 29 17
Healthcare Segment [Member] | Consulting And Technology Services [Member]    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Revenue 745 662
Healthcare Segment [Member] | Outsourcing Services [Member]    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Revenue $ 543 $ 532
v3.21.1
Revenues - Trade Accounts And Allowance for Doubtful Accounts (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2021
Mar. 31, 2020
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Roll Forward]    
Beginning Balance $ 57 $ 67
Credit loss (reversal) expense (5) 10
Write-offs charged against the allowance (6) (2)
Ending Balance $ 46 74
Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjustment    
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Roll Forward]    
Beginning Balance   $ (1)
v3.21.1
Business Combinations Narrative (Details)
Mar. 31, 2021
Linium  
Business Acquisition [Line Items]  
Ownership percentage of recently acquired businesses 100.00%
Magenic  
Business Acquisition [Line Items]  
Ownership percentage of recently acquired businesses 100.00%
v3.21.1
Business Combinations Allocation of Purchase Price (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Business Acquisition [Line Items]    
Cash $ 13  
Trade accounts receivable 22  
Property and equipment and other assets 5  
Operating lease assets, net 8  
Non-deductible goodwill 34  
Goodwill 5,219 $ 5,031
Current liabilities 31  
Noncurrent liabilities 5  
Purchase price, inclusive of contingent consideration 330  
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Tax-Deductible Goodwill 169  
Linium    
Business Acquisition [Line Items]    
Cash 0  
Trade accounts receivable 5  
Property and equipment and other assets 1  
Operating lease assets, net 0  
Non-deductible goodwill 0  
Current liabilities 2  
Noncurrent liabilities 0  
Purchase price, inclusive of contingent consideration 85  
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Tax-Deductible Goodwill 57  
Magenic    
Business Acquisition [Line Items]    
Cash 13  
Trade accounts receivable 17  
Property and equipment and other assets 4  
Operating lease assets, net 8  
Non-deductible goodwill 34  
Current liabilities 29  
Noncurrent liabilities 5  
Purchase price, inclusive of contingent consideration 245  
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Tax-Deductible Goodwill 112  
Customer Relationships [Member]    
Business Acquisition [Line Items]    
Intangible assets acquired $ 114  
Weighted Average Useful Life 8 years 4 months 24 days  
Customer Relationships [Member] | Linium    
Business Acquisition [Line Items]    
Intangible assets acquired $ 24  
Customer Relationships [Member] | Magenic    
Business Acquisition [Line Items]    
Intangible assets acquired 90  
Other Intangible Assets [Member]    
Business Acquisition [Line Items]    
Intangible assets acquired $ 1  
Weighted Average Useful Life 1 year  
Other Intangible Assets [Member] | Linium    
Business Acquisition [Line Items]    
Intangible assets acquired $ 0  
Other Intangible Assets [Member] | Magenic    
Business Acquisition [Line Items]    
Intangible assets acquired $ 1  
v3.21.1
Restructuring Charges (Details)
$ in Millions
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2020
USD ($)
Realignment Program [Member]  
Accrued Restructuring Costs  
Restructuring costs incurred $ 20
2020 Fit for Growth [Member]  
Accrued Restructuring Costs  
Restructuring costs incurred $ 35
v3.21.1
Investments (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Mar. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Short-term investments:    
Total short-term investments $ 185 $ 44
Long-term investments:    
Long-term Investments, Total 439 440
Long-term investments [Member]    
Long-term investments:    
Equity and Cost Method Investments 35 35
Restricted investments 404 405
Short-term Investments [Member]    
Short-term investments:    
Equity investment security 27 27
Held-to-maturity investment securities 34 14
Time Deposits $ 124 3
Long-term investments:    
Restricted investments   $ 405
v3.21.1
Investments (Schedule of Held-to-Maturity Securities) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Mar. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]    
Debt Securities, Held-to-maturity, Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value   $ 0
Commercial Paper [Member]    
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]    
Debt Securities, Held-to-maturity, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Fair Value $ 7  
Debt Securities, Held-to-maturity, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Fair Value 0  
Commercial Paper [Member] | Maximum    
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]    
Debt Securities, Held-to-maturity, Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss 1  
Short-term Investments [Member]    
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]    
Held-to-maturity investment securities 34 14
Fair Value 34 14
Short-term Investments [Member] | Corporate And Other Debt Securities [Member]    
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]    
Held-to-maturity investment securities 14 14
Fair Value 14 14
Short-term Investments [Member] | Commercial Paper [Member]    
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]    
Held-to-maturity investment securities 20 0
Fair Value $ 20 $ 0
v3.21.1
Investments - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Mar. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]    
Equity Method Investments $ 31 $ 31
Cost Method Investments 4 $ 4
Commercial Paper [Member]    
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]    
Debt Securities, Held-to-maturity, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Fair Value 7  
Debt Securities, Held-to-maturity, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Fair Value 0  
Commercial Paper [Member] | Maximum    
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]    
Debt Securities, Held-to-maturity, Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss $ 1  
v3.21.1
Accrued Expenses And Other Current Liabilities (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Mar. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]    
Compensation and benefits $ 1,359 $ 1,607
Customer volume and other incentives 264 266
Income taxes 11 34
Professional fees 148 143
Other 376 469
Total accrued expenses and other current liabilities $ 2,158 $ 2,519
v3.21.1
Debt (Additional Disclosures) (Details)
$ in Millions, ₨ in Billions
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2021
USD ($)
Mar. 31, 2021
INR (₨)
Nov. 30, 2018
USD ($)
Credit Agreement [Member] | Term Loan [Member]      
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]      
Principal amount of debt     $ 750
Eurodollar [Member] | Credit Agreement [Member]      
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]      
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate 0.875%    
Eurodollar [Member] | Minimum | Credit Agreement [Member]      
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]      
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate 0.75%    
Eurodollar [Member] | Maximum | Credit Agreement [Member]      
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]      
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate 1.125%    
Base Rate [Member] | Credit Agreement [Member]      
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]      
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate 0.00%    
Eurocurrency Without Debt Ratings [Member] | Minimum | Credit Agreement [Member]      
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]      
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate 0.875%    
Eurocurrency Without Debt Ratings [Member] | Maximum | Credit Agreement [Member]      
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]      
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate 1.125%    
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Credit Agreement [Member] | Unsecured Debt [Member]      
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]      
Maximum borrowing capacity     $ 1,750
Working Capital Facility [Member]      
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]      
Maximum borrowing capacity $ 178 ₨ 13  
v3.21.1
Debt (Short-term Debt) (Details)
$ in Millions, ₨ in Billions
Mar. 31, 2021
USD ($)
Mar. 31, 2021
INR (₨)
Dec. 31, 2020
USD ($)
Credit Agreement [Member] | Term Loan [Member]      
Short-term Debt [Line Items]      
Long-term Debt, Current Maturities $ 38   $ 38
Working Capital Facility [Member]      
Short-term Debt [Line Items]      
Maximum borrowing capacity $ 178 ₨ 13  
v3.21.1
Debt (Long-term Debt) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Mar. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-term debt, net of current maturities $ 654 $ 663
Credit Agreement [Member]    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Deferred financing costs (2) (2)
Term Loan [Member] | Credit Agreement [Member]    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Term Loan 694 703
Current maturities $ (38) $ (38)
v3.21.1
Income Taxes - Tax Rates (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2021
Mar. 31, 2020
Effective Income Tax Rates [Abstract]    
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Settlements with Taxing Authorities $ 43  
Discrete tax benefit $ 14  
Effective Income Tax Rate 24.10% 27.80%
Adjustment to current income tax balance as a result of settlement $ 29  
v3.21.1
Income Taxes (Narrative) (One-time Transaction) (Details)
$ in Millions
 3 Months Ended 6 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2021
USD ($)
Mar. 31, 2020
USD ($)
Jun. 30, 2017
USD ($)
Jun. 30, 2014
USD ($)
Mar. 31, 2021
INR (₨)
Dec. 31, 2020
USD ($)
Apr. 30, 2018
INR (₨)
One-time Transaction [Table] [Line Items]              
Income tax expense $ 160 $ 142          
Short-term Investments [Member]              
One-time Transaction [Table] [Line Items]              
Restricted investments           $ 405  
Long-term investments [Member]              
One-time Transaction [Table] [Line Items]              
Restricted investments 404         405  
Indian Income Tax Department (ITD) [Member] | Foreign tax authority [Member]              
One-time Transaction [Table] [Line Items]              
Deposits assets $ 68       ₨ 5,000,000,000 68  
Desposits assets, percent disputed tax amount 15.00%       15.00%    
Restricted investments initially deposited $ 383         384 ₨ 28,000,000,000
Indian Income Tax Department (ITD) [Member] | Foreign tax authority [Member] | Other Noncurrent Assets [Member]              
One-time Transaction [Table] [Line Items]              
Deposits assets 68         $ 68  
Indian Income Tax Department (ITD) [Member] | Foreign tax authority [Member] | 2016 India Cash Remittance [Member]              
One-time Transaction [Table] [Line Items]              
Income tax expense     $ 135        
Foreign earnings repatriated     $ 2,800        
Income tax, disputed amount $ 451       ₨ 33,000,000,000    
Indian Income Tax Department (ITD) [Member] | Foreign tax authority [Member] | 2013 India Share Repurchase [Member]              
One-time Transaction [Table] [Line Items]              
Foreign earnings repatriated       $ 523      
v3.21.1
Derivative Financial Instruments (Location And Fair Values Of Derivative Financial Instruments In Our Consolidated Statement Of Financial Position) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Mar. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]    
Derivative assets fair value $ 65 $ 72
Derivative liabilities fair value 0 1
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Foreign Exchange Forward [Member]    
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]    
Derivative assets fair value 2 1
Derivative liabilities fair value 0 1
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] | Other Current Assets [Member]    
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]    
Derivative assets fair value 2 1
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] | Accrued Expenses And Other Current Liabilities [Member]    
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]    
Derivative liabilities fair value 0 1
Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contract    
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]    
Derivative assets fair value 63 71
Derivative liabilities fair value 0 0
Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contract | Other Current Assets [Member]    
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]    
Derivative assets fair value 45 45
Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contract | Other Noncurrent Assets [Member]    
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]    
Derivative assets fair value $ 18 $ 26
v3.21.1
Derivative Financial Instruments (Narrative) (Details)
$ in Millions
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2021
USD ($)
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]  
Cash flow hedge gains (losses) expected to be reclassified to earnings within the next 12 months $ 36
v3.21.1
Derivative Financial Instruments (Notional Value Of Outstanding Cash Flow Hedge Contracts By Year Of Maturity And Net Unrealized (Loss) Gain Included In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income) (Details) - Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] - Cash Flow Hedging [Member] - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Mar. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Foreign Exchange Contract    
Derivative [Line Items]    
Derivative, Notional Amount $ 2,185 $ 2,273
Foreign Exchange Contract, Maturity 2021 [Member]    
Derivative [Line Items]    
Derivative, Notional Amount 1,125 1,470
Foreign Exchange Contract, Maturity 2022    
Derivative [Line Items]    
Derivative, Notional Amount 920 803
Foreign Exchange Contract, Maturity 2023    
Derivative [Line Items]    
Derivative, Notional Amount 140 0
Foreign Exchange Option [Member]    
Derivative [Line Items]    
Derivative, Notional Amount $ 133 $ 133
v3.21.1
Derivative Financial Instruments (Location And Amounts Of Pre-Tax Gains (Losses) On Cash Flow Hedge Derivatives Financial Instruments) (Details) - Cash Flow Hedging [Member] - Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2021
Mar. 31, 2020
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]    
Net Gains (Losses) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) into Income (effective portion) $ 21 $ (3)
Cost Of Revenues [Member]    
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]    
Net Gains (Losses) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) into Income (effective portion) 18 (3)
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member]    
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]    
Net Gains (Losses) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) into Income (effective portion) 3 0
Foreign Exchange Contract    
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]    
Change in Derivative Gains (Losses) Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (effective portion) $ 17 $ (113)
v3.21.1
Derivative Financial Instruments (Other Derivatives) (Details) - Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] - Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Mar. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Derivative [Line Items]    
Market Value $ 2 $ 0
Derivative, Notional Amount $ 574 $ 637
v3.21.1
Derivative Financial Instruments (Location And Amounts Of Pre-Tax Gains (Losses) On Derivative Financial Instruments Not Designated As Hedges) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2021
Mar. 31, 2020
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] | Foreign Currency Exchange Gains (Losses), net [Member]    
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]    
Amount of net gains (losses) on derivative instruments $ 3 $ 6
v3.21.1
Fair Value Measurements (Financial Assets And (Liabilities) Measured At Fair Value On A Recurring Basis) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2021
Mar. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Short-term Investments [Member]        
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]        
Restricted investments     $ 405  
Trading Securities, Equity $ 27   27  
Long-term investments [Member]        
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]        
Restricted investments 404   405  
Level 3 [Member]        
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]        
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability Value 57 $ 20 54 $ 38
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Issuances 8 4    
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings (3) (22)    
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Settlements (2) $ 0    
Recurring [Member]        
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]        
Trading Securities, Equity 27   27  
Recurring [Member] | Other Current Assets [Member]        
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]        
Derivative financial instruments, assets 47   46  
Recurring [Member] | Accrued Expenses And Other Current Liabilities [Member]        
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]        
Contingent consideration liabilities (11)      
Recurring [Member] | Other Noncurrent Assets [Member]        
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]        
Derivative financial instruments, assets 18   26  
Recurring [Member] | Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member]        
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]        
Contingent consideration liabilities (46)   (43)  
Recurring [Member] | Long-term investments [Member]        
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]        
Restricted investments 404   405  
Recurring [Member] | Other Current Liabilities [Member]        
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]        
Contingent consideration liabilities     (11)  
Derivative financial instruments, liabilities     (1)  
Recurring [Member] | Money Market Funds [Member]        
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]        
Money market funds 272   209  
Recurring [Member] | Commercial Paper [Member]        
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]        
Money market funds 310   200  
Recurring [Member] | Time Deposits        
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]        
Money market funds 53   203  
Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Short-term Investments [Member]        
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]        
Trading Securities, Equity 27   27  
Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Other Current Assets [Member]        
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]        
Derivative financial instruments, assets 0   0  
Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Accrued Expenses And Other Current Liabilities [Member]        
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]        
Contingent consideration liabilities 0      
Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Other Noncurrent Assets [Member]        
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]        
Derivative financial instruments, assets 0   0  
Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member]        
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]        
Contingent consideration liabilities 0   0  
Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Other Current Liabilities [Member]        
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]        
Contingent consideration liabilities     0  
Derivative financial instruments, liabilities     0  
Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Money Market Funds [Member] | Cash Equivalents [Member]        
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]        
Money market funds 272   209  
Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Short-term Investments [Member]        
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]        
Trading Securities, Equity 0   0  
Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Other Current Assets [Member]        
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]        
Derivative financial instruments, assets 47   46  
Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Accrued Expenses And Other Current Liabilities [Member]        
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]        
Contingent consideration liabilities 0      
Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Other Noncurrent Assets [Member]        
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]        
Derivative financial instruments, assets 18   26  
Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member]        
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]        
Contingent consideration liabilities 0   0  
Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Long-term investments [Member]        
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]        
Restricted investments 404   405  
Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Other Current Liabilities [Member]        
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]        
Contingent consideration liabilities     0  
Derivative financial instruments, liabilities     (1)  
Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Commercial Paper [Member] | Cash Equivalents [Member]        
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]        
Money market funds 310   200  
Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Time Deposits | Cash Equivalents [Member]        
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]        
Money market funds 53   203  
Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Short-term Investments [Member]        
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]        
Trading Securities, Equity 0   0  
Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Other Current Assets [Member]        
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]        
Derivative financial instruments, assets 0   0  
Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Accrued Expenses And Other Current Liabilities [Member]        
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]        
Contingent consideration liabilities (11)      
Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Other Noncurrent Assets [Member]        
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]        
Derivative financial instruments, assets 0   0  
Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member]        
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]        
Contingent consideration liabilities (46)   (43)  
Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Other Current Liabilities [Member]        
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]        
Contingent consideration liabilities     (11)  
Derivative financial instruments, liabilities     0  
Time Deposits | Recurring [Member] | Short-term Investments [Member]        
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]        
Short term investments 124   3  
Time Deposits | Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Short-term Investments [Member]        
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]        
Short term investments 0   0  
Time Deposits | Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Short-term Investments [Member]        
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]        
Short term investments 124   3  
Time Deposits | Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Short-term Investments [Member]        
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]        
Short term investments $ 0   $ 0  
v3.21.1
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2021
Mar. 31, 2020
Mar. 31, 2021
Mar. 31, 2020
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]        
AOCI, beginning balance $ 10,836 $ 11,022    
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax [Abstract]        
Net change, Net of Tax Amount   (135)    
Other comprehensive income (loss) (29) (226)    
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent [Abstract]        
Total stockholders’ equity 10,836 11,022 $ 11,037 $ 10,613
Foreign currency translation adjustments: [Member]        
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]        
AOCI before tax, beginning balance 56 (63)    
AOCI tax, beginning balance (1) (1)    
AOCI, beginning balance 55 (64)    
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax [Abstract]        
Net change, Before Tax Amount (27) (139)    
Net change, Tax Effect 2 4    
Other comprehensive income (loss) (25) (135)    
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent [Abstract]        
AOCI before tax, ending balance 29 (202)    
AOCI tax, ending balance 1 3    
Total stockholders’ equity 55 (64) 30 (199)
Unrealized gains on cash flow hedges: [Member]        
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]        
AOCI before tax, beginning balance 67 31    
AOCI tax, beginning balance (12) (5)    
AOCI, beginning balance 55 26    
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax [Abstract]        
Net change, Before Tax Amount (4) (110)    
Net change, Tax Effect 0 19    
Other comprehensive income (loss) (4) (91)    
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent [Abstract]        
OCI, before reclassifications, before tax 17 (113)    
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, tax (3) 19    
OCI, before reclassifications, net of tax 14 (94)    
AOCI before tax, ending balance 63 (79)    
AOCI tax, ending balance (12) 14    
Total stockholders’ equity 55 26 51 (65)
Unrealized gains on cash flow hedges: [Member] | Cost of revenues [Member]        
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent [Abstract]        
Reclassification from AOCI, current period, before tax (18) 3    
Reclassification from AOCI, current period, tax 3 0    
Reclassification from AOCI, current period, net of tax (15) 3    
Unrealized gains on cash flow hedges: [Member] | Selling, general and administrative expenses [Member]        
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent [Abstract]        
Reclassification from AOCI, current period, before tax (3) 0    
Reclassification from AOCI, current period, tax 0 0    
Reclassification from AOCI, current period, net of tax (3) 0    
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):        
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]        
AOCI before tax, beginning balance 123 (32)    
AOCI tax, beginning balance (13) (6)    
AOCI, beginning balance 110 (38)    
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax [Abstract]        
Net change, Before Tax Amount (31) (249)    
Net change, Tax Effect 2 23    
Other comprehensive income (loss) (29) (226)    
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent [Abstract]        
AOCI before tax, ending balance 92 (281)    
AOCI tax, ending balance (11) 17    
Total stockholders’ equity $ 110 $ (38) $ 81 $ (264)
v3.21.1
Commitments and Contingencies (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Apr. 20, 2021
Oct. 27, 2020
Mar. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Mar. 31, 2019
Other Commitments [Line Items]          
Accrued Liabilities and Other Liabilities     $ 2,158 $ 2,519  
Insurance receivable for malpractice     $ 3 $ 7  
Syntel Sterling Best Shores Mauritius Ltd. [Member]          
Other Commitments [Line Items]          
Litigation settlement, amount awarded from other party   $ 855      
Litigation Settlement Amount Awarded From Other Party, Punitive Damages   $ 570      
Subsequent Event [Member] | Syntel Sterling Best Shores Mauritius Ltd. [Member]          
Other Commitments [Line Items]          
Litigation settlement, amount awarded from other party $ 570        
Litigation Settlement Amount Awarded From Other Party, Punitive Damages 285        
Litigation Settlement Amount Awarded From Other Party, Actual Damages $ 285        
India Defined Contribution Obligation [Member]          
Other Commitments [Line Items]          
Accrued Liabilities and Other Liabilities         $ 117
v3.21.1
Segment Information (Revenues From External Customers And Segment Operating Profit) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2021
Mar. 31, 2020
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]    
Income from operations $ 669 $ 579
Operating Segments [Member]    
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]    
Income from operations 1,340 1,153
Operating Segments [Member] | Financial Services [Member]    
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]    
Income from operations 406 381
Operating Segments [Member] | Healthcare Segment [Member]    
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]    
Income from operations 411 321
Operating Segments [Member] | Products and Resources [Member]    
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]    
Income from operations 308 261
Operating Segments [Member] | Communications, Media and Technology [Member]    
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]    
Income from operations 215 190
Corporate, Non-Segment [Member]    
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]    
Unallocated costs $ 671 $ 574
v3.21.1
Segment Information (Long-Lived Assets By Geographic Area) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Mar. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]    
Long-lived Assets $ 1,250 $ 1,251
North America [Member]    
Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]    
Long-lived Assets 407 399
Europe [Member]    
Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]    
Long-lived Assets 80 88
Rest of World [Member]    
Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]    
Long-lived Assets $ 763 $ 764
v3.21.1
Subsequent Events (Details) - Subsequent Event [Member] - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, $ in Millions
 1 Months Ended 3 Months Ended
May 05, 2021
Apr. 30, 2021
Jun. 30, 2021
Subsequent Event [Line Items]      
Dividends declared per common share $ 0.24    
Servian      
Subsequent Event [Line Items]      
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross   $ 248  
ESG Mobility      
Subsequent Event [Line Items]      
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross     $ 117