| Cover Page | Nov. 18, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Nov. 18, 2020 |
| Entity Registrant Name | NUANCE COMMUNICATIONS, INC. |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 000-27038 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 94-3156479 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 1 Wayside Road |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Burlington |
| Entity Address, State or Province | MA |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 01803 |
| City Area Code | 781 |
| Local Phone Number | 565-5000 |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common stock, $0.001 par value per share |
| Trading Symbol | NUAN |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001002517 |
| Amendment Flag | false |
