Maximus (MMS) 10-Q 4 May 17 2017 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	May 01, 2017
Document and Entity Information
Entity Registrant Name	MAXIMUS INC
Entity Central Index Key	1,032,220
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2017
Amendment Flag	false
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--09-30
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		64,822,131
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPER

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Income Statement [Abstract]
Revenue	$ 622,047	$ 606,453	$ 1,229,611	$ 1,163,175
Cost of revenue	469,730	458,786	932,476	905,293
Gross profit	152,317	147,667	297,135	257,882
Selling, general and administrative expenses	68,596	65,976	133,994	130,210
Amortization of intangible assets	3,386	3,262	6,788	6,411
Restructuring costs	0	0	2,242	0
Acquisition-related expenses	0	529	0	575
Operating income	80,335	77,900	154,111	120,686
Interest expense	744	1,273	1,593	2,262
Other income, net	417	2,209	680	3,340
Income before income taxes	80,008	78,836	153,198	121,764
Provision for income taxes	26,911	29,495	53,772	45,541
Net income	53,097	49,341	99,426	76,223
Income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(582)	(556)	(247)	(829)
Net income attributable to MAXIMUS	$ 52,515	$ 48,785	$ 99,179	$ 75,394
Basic earnings per share attributable to MAXIMUS (in dollars per share)	$ 0.80	$ 0.74	$ 1.51	$ 1.14
Diluted earnings per share attributable to MAXIMUS (in dollars per share)	0.80	0.74	1.50	1.14
Dividends paid per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.045	$ 0.045000	$ 0.09	$ 0.09000
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)	65,549	65,760	65,669	65,872
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)	65,947	66,079	65,989	66,196

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 53,097	$ 49,341	$ 99,426	$ 76,223
Foreign currency translation adjustments	5,623	(466)	(4,071)	(2,625)
Interest rate hedge, net of income taxes of $5, $21, $(3) and $(4)	(7)	(31)	5	6
Comprehensive income	58,713	48,844	95,360	73,604
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	582	556	247	829
Comprehensive income attributable to MAXIMUS	$ 58,131	$ 48,288	$ 95,113	$ 72,775

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COM4

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Interest rate hedge, tax	$ 5	$ 21	$ (3)	$ (4)

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 94,862	$ 66,199
Accounts receivable — billed and billable, net of reserves of $4,163 and $4,226	432,255	444,357
Accounts receivable — unbilled	39,878	36,433
Income taxes receivable	524	17,273
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	50,442	56,718
Total current assets	617,961	620,980
Property and equipment, net	112,882	131,569
Capitalized software, net	27,564	30,139
Goodwill	395,011	397,558
Intangible assets, net	101,645	109,027
Deferred contract costs, net	16,917	18,182
Deferred compensation plan assets	25,805	23,307
Deferred income taxes	8,791	8,644
Other assets	9,910	9,413
Total assets	1,316,486	1,348,819
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	130,537	150,711
Accrued compensation and benefits	80,636	96,480
Deferred revenue	63,533	73,692
Income taxes payable	11,870	7,979
Long-term debt, current portion	217	277
Other liabilities	11,582	11,617
Total current liabilities	298,375	340,756
Deferred revenue, less current portion	32,902	40,007
Deferred income taxes	10,550	16,813
Long-term debt	115,559	165,338
Deferred compensation plan liabilities, less current portion	26,950	24,012
Other liabilities	8,740	8,753
Total liabilities	493,076	595,679
Shareholders' equity:
Common stock, no par value; 100,000 shares authorized; 64,822 and 65,223 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2017 and September 30, 2016, at stated amount, respectively	472,075	461,679
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(40,235)	(36,169)
Retained earnings	387,881	323,571
Total MAXIMUS shareholders’ equity	819,721	749,081
Noncontrolling interests	3,689	4,059
Total equity	823,410	753,140
Total liabilities and equity	$ 1,316,486	$ 1,348,819

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Allowance for doubtful accounts,receivable current	$ 4,163	$ 4,226
Common stock, shares authorized	100,000,000	100,000,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	64,822,000	65,223,000
Common stock, shares issued	64,822,000	65,223,000

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Cash flows from operations:
Net income	$ 99,426	$ 76,223
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash flows from operations:
Depreciation and amortization of property, equipment and capitalized software	29,967	25,859
Amortization of intangible assets	6,788	6,411
Deferred income taxes	(5,721)	(327)
Stock compensation expense	10,234	9,151
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable — billed and billable	10,030	(35,051)
Accounts receivable — unbilled	(3,445)	(4,851)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	7,512	5,443
Deferred contract costs	998	810
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	(17,719)	(19,949)
Accrued compensation and benefits	(6,293)	(14,211)
Deferred revenue	(15,853)	(2,009)
Income taxes	20,715	(22,597)
Other assets and liabilities	209	(3,038)
Cash flows from operations	136,848	21,864
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment and capitalized software costs	(12,975)	(19,836)
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired	0	(41,812)
Proceeds from the sale of a business	385	0
Other	218	210
Cash used in investing activities	(12,372)	(61,438)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Cash dividends paid to MAXIMUS shareholders	(5,837)	(5,860)
Repurchases of common stock	(28,858)	(31,138)
Tax withholding related to RSU vesting	(9,267)	(11,597)
Borrowings under credit facility	135,000	130,563
Repayment of credit facility and other long-term debt	(184,828)	(55,219)
Other	(1,145)	0
Cash (used in)/provided by financing activities	(94,935)	26,749
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(878)	(1,064)
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	28,663	(13,889)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	66,199	74,672
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$ 94,862	$ 60,783

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHAN

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss)	Retained Earnings	Noncontrolling Interest
Balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2015		65,437
Balance at Sep. 30, 2015	$ 615,699	$ 446,132	$ (22,365)	$ 188,611	$ 3,321
Increase (Decrease) in Shareholders' Equity
Net Income	75,394			75,394
Income attributable to noncontrolling interests	829				829
Net income including noncontrolling interest	76,223
Foreign currency translation	(2,625)		(2,625)
Interest rate hedge, net of income taxes	6		6
Cash dividends	(5,860)			(5,860)
Dividends on RSUs		172		(172)
Repurchases of common stock	(29,139)	$ (29,100)		(29,139)
Repurchases of common stock (in shares)		(543)
Stock compensation expense	9,151	$ 9,151
Tax withholding related to RSU vesting	(14)	$ (14)
RSUs vested		12
Balance (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2016		64,906
Balance at Mar. 31, 2016	$ 663,441	$ 455,441	(24,984)	228,834	4,150
Balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2016	65,223	65,223
Balance at Sep. 30, 2016	$ 753,140	$ 461,679	(36,169)	323,571	4,059
Increase (Decrease) in Shareholders' Equity
Net Income	99,179			99,179
Income attributable to noncontrolling interests	247				247
Net income including noncontrolling interest	99,426
Foreign currency translation	(4,071)		(4,071)
Interest rate hedge, net of income taxes	5		5
Cash dividends	(6,454)			(5,837)	(617)
Dividends on RSUs		174		(174)
Repurchases of common stock	(28,858)	$ (28,900)		(28,858)
Repurchases of common stock (in shares)		(558)
Stock compensation expense	10,234	$ 10,234
Tax withholding related to RSU vesting	$ (12)	$ (12)
RSUs vested		157
Balance (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2017	64,822	64,822
Balance at Mar. 31, 2017	$ 823,410	$ 472,075	$ (40,235)	$ 387,881	$ 3,689

Organization and Basis of Prese

Organization and Basis of Presentation	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Organization and Basis of Presentation	Organization and Basis of Presentation The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for interim financial information and the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. As permitted by these instructions, they do not include all of the information and notes required by generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. The results of operations for the three and six months ended March 31, 2017 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full fiscal year. The balance sheet at September 30, 2016 has been derived from the audited financial statements at that date, but does not include all of the information and notes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent liabilities and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates including those related to revenue recognition and cost estimation on certain contracts, the realizability of goodwill, and amounts related to income taxes, certain accrued liabilities and contingencies and litigation. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities. Actual results could differ from those estimates. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated audited financial statements and the notes thereto at September 30, 2016 and 2015 and for each of the three years ended September 30, 2016 , included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2016 which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 21, 2016 .

Segment Information

Segment Information	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Information	Segment Information The table below provides certain financial information for each of our business segments. Three Months Ended March 31, Six Months Ended March 31, (dollars in thousands) 2017 % (1) 2016 % (1) 2017 % (1) 2016 % (1) Revenue: Health Services $ 348,994 100 % $ 330,567 100 % $ 689,723 100 % $ 622,470 100 % U.S. Federal Services 145,370 100 % 150,191 100 % 286,668 100 % 295,476 100 % Human Services 127,683 100 % 125,695 100 % 253,220 100 % 245,229 100 % Total $ 622,047 100 % $ 606,453 100 % $ 1,229,611 100 % $ 1,163,175 100 % Gross profit: Health Services $ 86,454 24.8 % $ 82,717 25.0 % $ 164,688 23.9 % $ 134,689 21.6 % U.S. Federal Services 36,571 25.2 % 33,421 22.3 % 74,147 25.9 % 61,659 20.9 % Human Services 29,292 22.9 % 31,529 25.1 % 58,300 23.0 % 61,534 25.1 % Total $ 152,317 24.5 % $ 147,667 24.3 % $ 297,135 24.2 % $ 257,882 22.2 % Selling, general and administrative expense: Health Services $ 29,914 8.6 % $ 25,803 7.8 % $ 58,021 8.4 % $ 50,967 8.2 % U.S. Federal Services 18,927 13.0 % 18,438 12.3 % 38,622 13.5 % 35,960 12.2 % Human Services 19,663 15.4 % 21,735 17.3 % 36,902 14.6 % 42,633 17.4 % Other (4) 92 NM — NM 449 NM 650 NM Total $ 68,596 11.0 % $ 65,976 10.9 % $ 133,994 10.9 % $ 130,210 11.2 % Operating income: Health Services $ 56,540 16.2 % $ 56,914 17.2 % $ 106,667 15.5 % $ 83,722 13.4 % U.S. Federal Services 17,644 12.1 % 14,983 10.0 % 35,525 12.4 % 25,699 8.7 % Human Services 9,629 7.5 % 9,794 7.8 % 21,398 8.5 % 18,901 7.7 % Amortization of intangible assets (3,386 ) NM (3,262 ) NM (6,788 ) NM (6,411 ) NM Restructuring costs (2) — NM — NM (2,242 ) NM — NM Acquisition-related expenses (3) — NM (529 ) NM — NM (575 ) NM Other (4) (92 ) NM — NM (449 ) NM (650 ) NM Total $ 80,335 12.9 % $ 77,900 12.8 % $ 154,111 12.5 % $ 120,686 10.4 % (1) Percentage of respective segment revenue. Percentages not considered meaningful are marked “NM.” (2) During the current fiscal year, we incurred costs in restructuring our United Kingdom Human Services business. See "Note 6. Supplemental disclosures" for more information. (3) Acquisition-related expenses relate to the acquisitions of Assessments Australia and Ascend in December 2015 and February 2016, respectively. (4) During the six months ended March 31, 2017 , we incurred $0.4 million of legal-related costs pertaining to a legacy matter from a business line that the Company exited. During the six months ended March 31, 2016 , we incurred $0.7 million of legal costs related to a matter that occurred in fiscal year 2014. Both items are classified within other selling general and administrative expense.

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	Earnings Per Share The weighted average number of shares outstanding used to compute earnings per share was as follows: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended (shares in thousands) 2017 2016 2017 2016 Basic weighted average shares outstanding 65,549 65,760 65,669 65,872 Dilutive effect of employee stock options and unvested RSUs 398 319 320 324 Denominator for diluted earnings per share 65,947 66,079 65,989 66,196 All of our unvested restricted stock units (RSUs) are included in the calculations of dilution above. During the current fiscal year, we adopted a new accounting standard which changed the methodology by which we calculate our diluted weighted average shares outstanding. See "Note 8. Recent accounting pronouncements" for details of this change.

Business combinations

Business combinations	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Business combinations	Business combinations Ascend Management Innovations, LLC On February 29, 2016, MAXIMUS Health Services, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of MAXIMUS, Inc. acquired 100% of the share capital of Ascend Management Innovations, LLC ("Ascend") for cash consideration of $44.1 million . Ascend is a provider of independent, specialized health assessments and data management tools to government agencies in the United States. We acquired Ascend to broaden our ability to help our existing government clients deal with the rising demand for long-term care services. This business has been integrated into our Health Services Segment. Management estimated the fair value of intangible assets acquired as $22.3 million , with an average weighted life of 18 years , and the fair value of goodwill as $18.0 million , which is expected to be deductible for tax purposes. We believe that this goodwill represents the value of the assembled workforce of Ascend, as well as the enhanced knowledge and capabilities resulting from this business combination. We have completed our evaluation of the fair value of all of the assets and liabilities acquired. Our allocation of fair value for the Ascend acquisition, updated through March 31, 2017 , is shown below. (dollars in thousands) Updated through September 30, 2016 Adjustments Updated through March 31, 2017 Cash consideration, net of cash acquired $ 44,069 $ — $ 44,069 Billed and unbilled receivables $ 4,069 $ — $ 4,069 Other assets 407 — 407 Property and equipment and other assets 707 — 707 Deferred income taxes — 557 557 Intangible assets 22,300 — 22,300 Total identifiable assets acquired 27,483 557 28,040 Accounts payable and other liabilities 1,414 — 1,414 Deferred revenue 554 — 554 Total liabilities assumed 1,968 — 1,968 Net identifiable assets acquired 25,515 557 26,072 Goodwill 18,554 (557 ) 17,997 Net assets acquired $ 44,069 $ — $ 44,069 The valuation of the intangible assets acquired is summarized below: (dollars in thousands) Useful life Fair value Customer relationships 19 years $ 20,400 Trade name 8 years 1,700 Technology-based intangible assets 1 year 200 Total intangible assets $ 22,300 Assessments Australia On December 15, 2015, MAXIMUS acquired 100% of the share capital of three companies doing business as "Assessments Australia." We acquired Assessments Australia to expand our service offerings within Australia. The consideration is comprised of $2.6 million in cash and contingent consideration of $0.5 million to the sellers of Assessments Australia if sufficient contracts with a specific government agency are won by MAXIMUS prior to December 2022. We performed a probability weighted assessment of this payment. Changes in our assessment of this liability are recorded through the Statement of Operations. This business was integrated into our Human Services Segment. Management has estimated goodwill and intangible assets acquired as $3.0 million and $0.4 million , respectively, which is deductible for tax purposes. We have completed our evaluation of the fair value of asset and liabilities acquired. We believe that the goodwill represents the value of the assembled workforce of Assessments Australia, as well as the enhanced capabilities that the business will provide us. The intangible assets acquired represent customer relationships. These are being amortized on a straight-line basis over six years .

Goodwill

Goodwill	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill	Goodwill Changes in goodwill by segment for the six months ended March 31, 2017 are as follows: (dollars in thousands) Health Services U.S. Federal Services Human Services Total Balance as of September 30, 2016 $ 123,679 $ 228,148 $ 45,731 $ 397,558 Adjustment to goodwill acquired with Ascend (557 ) — — (557 ) Adjustment to goodwill acquired with Assessments Australia — — 71 71 Foreign currency translation (1,932 ) — (129 ) (2,061 ) Balance as of March 31, 2017 $ 121,190 $ 228,148 $ 45,673 $ 395,011

Supplemental disclosures

Supplemental disclosures	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Supplemental disclosures	Supplemental disclosures During the six months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 , we made income tax payments of $38.8 million and $68.6 million , respectively. At March 31, 2017 , we held cash and cash equivalents of $94.9 million . Approximately $91.5 million of these funds are denominated in foreign currencies and held in jurisdictions outside the United States. We have no requirement or intent at this time to transfer the funds to the United States. Declines in the value of foreign currencies with respect to the United States Dollar, notably the British Pound, resulted in a decline in net assets of $4.1 million in the six months ended March 31, 2017 . These declines were recorded as losses in our Statement of Comprehensive Income. Under a resolution adopted in August 2015, the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase, at management's discretion, of up to an aggregate of $200 million of our common stock. The resolution also authorizes the use of option exercise proceeds for the repurchase of our common stock. During the six months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 , we repurchased 0.6 million and 0.5 million common shares at a cost of $28.9 million and $29.1 million , respectively. At March 31, 2017 , $109.0 million remained available for future stock repurchases. Our deferred compensation plan assets include $13.5 million invested in mutual funds that have quoted prices in active markets. These assets are recorded at fair value with changes in fair value being recorded in the Statement of Operations. In fiscal year 2017 , we granted 0.4 million RSUs to our employees. These awards will vest ratably over five years. The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and other amounts included within current assets and liabilities that meet the definition of a financial instrument are shown at values equivalent to fair value due to the short-term nature of these items. Our accounts receivable balance includes both amounts invoiced and amounts that are ready to be invoiced and the funds are collectible within standard invoice terms. During the six months ended March 31, 2017 , we undertook a restructuring of our United Kingdom Human Services operations as part of the ongoing integration of Remploy. We recorded restructuring costs of $2.2 million , including severance of $2.0 million and lease termination expenses of $0.2 million . At March 31, 2017 , we have accrued costs of $0.2 million related to future lease obligations.

Debt

Debt	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt	Debt We have a credit facility allowing borrowings of up to $400 million . The arrangement terminates on March 9, 2020, at which time all outstanding borrowings must be repaid. The credit facility permits us to make borrowings in currencies other than the United States Dollar. At March 31, 2017 , we have U.S. Dollar borrowings of $115.0 million and no borrowings in other currencies. At March 31, 2017 , we held two letters of credit under the credit facility totaling $0.7 million . These letters of credit may be called by vendors in the event that the Company defaults under the terms of a contract, the probability of which we believe is remote. In addition, two letters of credit totaling $3.0 million , secured with restricted cash balances, are held with another financial institution to cover similar obligations to customers. Our credit facility requires us to comply with certain financial covenants and other covenants including a maximum total leverage ratio and a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio. We were in compliance with all covenants as of March 31, 2017 . There are no restrictions on our dividend payments if our leverage ratio is less than 2.5 :1.0. At March 31, 2017 , our total leverage ratio was less than 1.0 :1.0. Accordingly, we do not believe that the provisions of the credit facility represent a significant restriction on our ability to pay dividends or to the successful operation of the business. During the six months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 , we made interest payments of $1.6 million and $1.7 million , respectively. We utilize interest swap agreements to manage our exposure against interest rate fluctuations. Approximately $34.0 million of our outstanding debt balance was covered by these instruments at March 31, 2017 ; all arrangements expire before the end of fiscal year 2017. Gains and losses in the fair value of these instruments are recorded in the statement of comprehensive income. In addition to borrowings under the credit facility, we have an outstanding loan of $0.7 million ( 0.9 million Canadian Dollars) with the Atlantic Innovation Fund of Canada. There is no interest charge on this loan. The Atlantic Innovation Fund loan is repayable over 21 remaining quarterly installments.

Recent accounting pronouncement

Recent accounting pronouncements	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]
Recent accounting pronouncements	Recent accounting pronouncements In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. In addition, the FASB has issued additional updates covering technical items and changing the date of adoption. This new standard will change the manner in which we evaluate revenue recognition for all contracts with customers, although the effect of the changes on revenue recognition will vary from contract to contract. We will adopt this standard during our 2019 fiscal year. We have established a cross-functional steering committee which includes representatives from across all our business and support segments. The steering committee is responsible for evaluating the impact of the standard on our operations including accounting, taxation, internal audit and financial systems. Our approach to analyzing these impacts includes reviewing our current accounting policies and practices to identify potential differences that will result from applying the requirements of the new standard to our existing contracts. In addition, we are in the process of evaluating the changes needed to our business processes, systems and controls in order to support revenue recognition and the related disclosures under the new standard. The standard permits a retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. We anticipate that we will adopt the new standard using the retrospective method. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases . The new standard will change the manner in which we will present our leasing arrangements. This standard would be effective during our 2020 fiscal year, although early adoption is permitted. We are evaluating the likely effects on our business. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, Stock Compensation, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting . We adopted this standard in the current year. The new standard requires us to record the tax benefit or expense related to the vesting of RSUs or the exercise of stock options within our provision for income taxes in the consolidated statement of operations; this benefit was previously reported in the statement of changes in shareholders’ equity. The cash flow effects of the tax benefit will be reported in cash flows from operations; they were previously in cash flows from financing activities. The new standard allows us more flexibility in net settling RSUs as they vest. The new standard also allows for changes in accounting for the forfeiture of stock awards; we will continue to estimate our stock award forfeitures as we expense each award. This new standard has had the following effects in fiscal year 2017: • During the second fiscal quarter of 2017, approximately 0.2 million RSUs vested. This resulted in a decrease in our provision for income taxes of $2.2 million and a benefit to our cash flows from operations of $2.2 million . • Our diluted weighted average shares outstanding was higher than it would have been if the former standard had been in place. • The combination of these factors resulted in a net increase of $0.03 to our basic and diluted earnings per share for both the fiscal quarter and full year compared to what would have been recorded under the former accounting guidance. The new standard does not require us to adjust previously reported results. Accordingly, we have made no changes to our consolidated statements of operations, cash flows or changes in shareholders' equity for any comparative periods. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment. This standard will not change the manner in which we would identify a goodwill impairment but would change the manner of the calculation of any resulting impairment. Under existing guidance, we would calculate goodwill for each of our reporting units by calculating the fair value of all existing assets and liabilities within that reporting unit and comparing this to the fair value of the reporting unit; to the extent that this difference is less than our existing goodwill balance related to that reporting unit, we would record an impairment. The new standard will require us to calculate goodwill based upon the difference between the fair value and reported value of a reporting unit. This standard would be effective for our 2021 fiscal year, although early adoption is permitted. Our annual goodwill impairment test takes place as of July 1 and we have not yet decided whether we will adopt this standard early.

Subsequent event

Subsequent event	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Event	Subsequent event On April 7, 2017 , our Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.045 for each share of our common stock outstanding. The dividend is payable on May 31, 2017 to shareholders of record on May 15, 2017 .

Organization and Basis of Pre18

Organization and Basis of Presentation (Policies)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Basis of Accounting	The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for interim financial information and the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. As permitted by these instructions, they do not include all of the information and notes required by generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. The results of operations for the three and six months ended March 31, 2017 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full fiscal year. The balance sheet at September 30, 2016 has been derived from the audited financial statements at that date, but does not include all of the information and notes required by GAAP for complete financial statements.
Use of Estimates	The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent liabilities and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates including those related to revenue recognition and cost estimation on certain contracts, the realizability of goodwill, and amounts related to income taxes, certain accrued liabilities and contingencies and litigation. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Recent accounting pronounceme19

Recent accounting pronouncements (Policies)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]
Recent accounting pronouncements	Recent accounting pronouncements In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. In addition, the FASB has issued additional updates covering technical items and changing the date of adoption. This new standard will change the manner in which we evaluate revenue recognition for all contracts with customers, although the effect of the changes on revenue recognition will vary from contract to contract. We will adopt this standard during our 2019 fiscal year. We have established a cross-functional steering committee which includes representatives from across all our business and support segments. The steering committee is responsible for evaluating the impact of the standard on our operations including accounting, taxation, internal audit and financial systems. Our approach to analyzing these impacts includes reviewing our current accounting policies and practices to identify potential differences that will result from applying the requirements of the new standard to our existing contracts. In addition, we are in the process of evaluating the changes needed to our business processes, systems and controls in order to support revenue recognition and the related disclosures under the new standard. The standard permits a retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. We anticipate that we will adopt the new standard using the retrospective method. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases . The new standard will change the manner in which we will present our leasing arrangements. This standard would be effective during our 2020 fiscal year, although early adoption is permitted. We are evaluating the likely effects on our business. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, Stock Compensation, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting . We adopted this standard in the current year. The new standard requires us to record the tax benefit or expense related to the vesting of RSUs or the exercise of stock options within our provision for income taxes in the consolidated statement of operations; this benefit was previously reported in the statement of changes in shareholders’ equity. The cash flow effects of the tax benefit will be reported in cash flows from operations; they were previously in cash flows from financing activities. The new standard allows us more flexibility in net settling RSUs as they vest. The new standard also allows for changes in accounting for the forfeiture of stock awards; we will continue to estimate our stock award forfeitures as we expense each award. This new standard has had the following effects in fiscal year 2017: • During the second fiscal quarter of 2017, approximately 0.2 million RSUs vested. This resulted in a decrease in our provision for income taxes of $2.2 million and a benefit to our cash flows from operations of $2.2 million . • Our diluted weighted average shares outstanding was higher than it would have been if the former standard had been in place. • The combination of these factors resulted in a net increase of $0.03 to our basic and diluted earnings per share for both the fiscal quarter and full year compared to what would have been recorded under the former accounting guidance. The new standard does not require us to adjust previously reported results. Accordingly, we have made no changes to our consolidated statements of operations, cash flows or changes in shareholders' equity for any comparative periods. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment. This standard will not change the manner in which we would identify a goodwill impairment but would change the manner of the calculation of any resulting impairment. Under existing guidance, we would calculate goodwill for each of our reporting units by calculating the fair value of all existing assets and liabilities within that reporting unit and comparing this to the fair value of the reporting unit; to the extent that this difference is less than our existing goodwill balance related to that reporting unit, we would record an impairment. The new standard will require us to calculate goodwill based upon the difference between the fair value and reported value of a reporting unit. This standard would be effective for our 2021 fiscal year, although early adoption is permitted. Our annual goodwill impairment test takes place as of July 1 and we have not yet decided whether we will adopt this standard early.

Segment Information (Tables)

Segment Information (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of financial information for each of the Company's business segments	The table below provides certain financial information for each of our business segments. Three Months Ended March 31, Six Months Ended March 31, (dollars in thousands) 2017 % (1) 2016 % (1) 2017 % (1) 2016 % (1) Revenue: Health Services $ 348,994 100 % $ 330,567 100 % $ 689,723 100 % $ 622,470 100 % U.S. Federal Services 145,370 100 % 150,191 100 % 286,668 100 % 295,476 100 % Human Services 127,683 100 % 125,695 100 % 253,220 100 % 245,229 100 % Total $ 622,047 100 % $ 606,453 100 % $ 1,229,611 100 % $ 1,163,175 100 % Gross profit: Health Services $ 86,454 24.8 % $ 82,717 25.0 % $ 164,688 23.9 % $ 134,689 21.6 % U.S. Federal Services 36,571 25.2 % 33,421 22.3 % 74,147 25.9 % 61,659 20.9 % Human Services 29,292 22.9 % 31,529 25.1 % 58,300 23.0 % 61,534 25.1 % Total $ 152,317 24.5 % $ 147,667 24.3 % $ 297,135 24.2 % $ 257,882 22.2 % Selling, general and administrative expense: Health Services $ 29,914 8.6 % $ 25,803 7.8 % $ 58,021 8.4 % $ 50,967 8.2 % U.S. Federal Services 18,927 13.0 % 18,438 12.3 % 38,622 13.5 % 35,960 12.2 % Human Services 19,663 15.4 % 21,735 17.3 % 36,902 14.6 % 42,633 17.4 % Other (4) 92 NM — NM 449 NM 650 NM Total $ 68,596 11.0 % $ 65,976 10.9 % $ 133,994 10.9 % $ 130,210 11.2 % Operating income: Health Services $ 56,540 16.2 % $ 56,914 17.2 % $ 106,667 15.5 % $ 83,722 13.4 % U.S. Federal Services 17,644 12.1 % 14,983 10.0 % 35,525 12.4 % 25,699 8.7 % Human Services 9,629 7.5 % 9,794 7.8 % 21,398 8.5 % 18,901 7.7 % Amortization of intangible assets (3,386 ) NM (3,262 ) NM (6,788 ) NM (6,411 ) NM Restructuring costs (2) — NM — NM (2,242 ) NM — NM Acquisition-related expenses (3) — NM (529 ) NM — NM (575 ) NM Other (4) (92 ) NM — NM (449 ) NM (650 ) NM Total $ 80,335 12.9 % $ 77,900 12.8 % $ 154,111 12.5 % $ 120,686 10.4 % (1) Percentage of respective segment revenue. Percentages not considered meaningful are marked “NM.” (2) During the current fiscal year, we incurred costs in restructuring our United Kingdom Human Services business. See "Note 6. Supplemental disclosures" for more information. (3) Acquisition-related expenses relate to the acquisitions of Assessments Australia and Ascend in December 2015 and February 2016, respectively. (4) During the six months ended March 31, 2017 , we incurred $0.4 million of legal-related costs pertaining to a legacy matter from a business line that the Company exited. During the six months ended March 31, 2016 , we incurred $0.7 million of legal costs related to a matter that occurred in fiscal year 2014. Both items are classified within other selling general and administrative expense.

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of the components of basic and diluted earnings per share	The weighted average number of shares outstanding used to compute earnings per share was as follows: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended (shares in thousands) 2017 2016 2017 2016 Basic weighted average shares outstanding 65,549 65,760 65,669 65,872 Dilutive effect of employee stock options and unvested RSUs 398 319 320 324 Denominator for diluted earnings per share 65,947 66,079 65,989 66,196

Business combinations (Tables)

Business combinations (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Schedule of assets and liabilities recorded in the Company's financial statements at their fair values at the acquisition date	Our allocation of fair value for the Ascend acquisition, updated through March 31, 2017 , is shown below. (dollars in thousands) Updated through September 30, 2016 Adjustments Updated through March 31, 2017 Cash consideration, net of cash acquired $ 44,069 $ — $ 44,069 Billed and unbilled receivables $ 4,069 $ — $ 4,069 Other assets 407 — 407 Property and equipment and other assets 707 — 707 Deferred income taxes — 557 557 Intangible assets 22,300 — 22,300 Total identifiable assets acquired 27,483 557 28,040 Accounts payable and other liabilities 1,414 — 1,414 Deferred revenue 554 — 554 Total liabilities assumed 1,968 — 1,968 Net identifiable assets acquired 25,515 557 26,072 Goodwill 18,554 (557 ) 17,997 Net assets acquired $ 44,069 $ — $ 44,069
Schedule of valuation of the intangible assets acquired	The valuation of the intangible assets acquired is summarized below: (dollars in thousands) Useful life Fair value Customer relationships 19 years $ 20,400 Trade name 8 years 1,700 Technology-based intangible assets 1 year 200 Total intangible assets $ 22,300

Goodwill (Tables)

Goodwill (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of changes in the carrying amount of goodwill	Changes in goodwill by segment for the six months ended March 31, 2017 are as follows: (dollars in thousands) Health Services U.S. Federal Services Human Services Total Balance as of September 30, 2016 $ 123,679 $ 228,148 $ 45,731 $ 397,558 Adjustment to goodwill acquired with Ascend (557 ) — — (557 ) Adjustment to goodwill acquired with Assessments Australia — — 71 71 Foreign currency translation (1,932 ) — (129 ) (2,061 ) Balance as of March 31, 2017 $ 121,190 $ 228,148 $ 45,673 $ 395,011

Segment Information (Details)

Segment Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Revenue:
Revenue	$ 622,047	$ 606,453	$ 1,229,611	$ 1,163,175
Revenue (as a percent)	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Gross profit:
Gross profit	$ 152,317	$ 147,667	$ 297,135	$ 257,882
Gross profit (as a percent)	24.50%	24.30%	24.20%	22.20%
Selling, general and administrative expense:
Selling, general and administrative expenses	$ 68,596	$ 65,976	$ 133,994	$ 130,210
Selling, general, and administrative expense (as a percent)	11.00%	10.90%	10.90%	11.20%
Operating income:
Operating income (as a percent)	12.90%	12.80%	12.50%	10.40%
Operating income	$ 80,335	$ 77,900	$ 154,111	$ 120,686
Amortization of intangible assets	(3,386)	(3,262)	(6,788)	(6,411)
Restructuring cost	0	0	(2,242)	0
Acquisition-related expenses	0	(529)	0	(575)
Segment Reconciling Items
Operating income:
Amortization of intangible assets	(3,386)	(3,262)	(6,788)	(6,411)
Restructuring cost	0	0	(2,242)	0
Acquisition-related expenses	0	(529)	0	(575)
Legal-related costs			400
Other
Selling, general and administrative expense:
Selling, general and administrative expenses	92	0	449	650
Operating income:
Operating income	92	0	449
Legal-related costs				650
Health Services | Operating Segments
Revenue:
Revenue	$ 348,994	$ 330,567	$ 689,723	$ 622,470
Revenue (as a percent)	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Gross profit:
Gross profit	$ 86,454	$ 82,717	$ 164,688	$ 134,689
Gross profit (as a percent)	24.80%	25.00%	23.90%	21.60%
Selling, general and administrative expense:
Selling, general and administrative expenses	$ 29,914	$ 25,803	$ 58,021	$ 50,967
Selling, general, and administrative expense (as a percent)	8.60%	7.80%	8.40%	8.20%
Operating income:
Operating income (as a percent)	16.20%	17.20%	15.50%	13.40%
Operating income	$ 56,540	$ 56,914	$ 106,667	$ 83,722
U.S. Federal Services | Operating Segments
Revenue:
Revenue	$ 145,370	$ 150,191	$ 286,668	$ 295,476
Revenue (as a percent)	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Gross profit:
Gross profit	$ 36,571	$ 33,421	$ 74,147	$ 61,659
Gross profit (as a percent)	25.20%	22.30%	25.90%	20.90%
Selling, general and administrative expense:
Selling, general and administrative expenses	$ 18,927	$ 18,438	$ 38,622	$ 35,960
Selling, general, and administrative expense (as a percent)	13.00%	12.30%	13.50%	12.20%
Operating income:
Operating income (as a percent)	12.10%	10.00%	12.40%	8.70%
Operating income	$ 17,644	$ 14,983	$ 35,525	$ 25,699
Human Services | Operating Segments
Revenue:
Revenue	$ 127,683	$ 125,695	$ 253,220	$ 245,229
Revenue (as a percent)	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Gross profit:
Gross profit	$ 29,292	$ 31,529	$ 58,300	$ 61,534
Gross profit (as a percent)	22.90%	25.10%	23.00%	25.10%
Selling, general and administrative expense:
Selling, general and administrative expenses	$ 19,663	$ 21,735	$ 36,902	$ 42,633
Selling, general, and administrative expense (as a percent)	15.40%	17.30%	14.60%	17.40%
Operating income:
Operating income (as a percent)	7.50%	7.80%	8.50%	7.70%
Operating income	$ 9,629	$ 9,794	$ 21,398	$ 18,901

Earnings Per Share (Details)

Earnings Per Share (Details) - shares shares in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Basic weighted average shares outstanding	65,549	65,760	65,669	65,872
Dilutive effect of employee stock options and unvested RSUs	398	319	320	324
Denominator for diluted earnings per share	65,947	66,079	65,989	66,196

Business combinations (Details)

Business combinations (Details) $ in Thousands	Feb. 29, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 15, 2015USD ($)company	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill			$ 395,011	$ 397,558
Ascend Management Innovations LLC
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Percentage of business acquired	100.00%
Fair value of consideration	$ 44,100		44,069
Recognized identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed	$ 22,300		22,300
Weighted average useful life (in years)	18 years
Goodwill	$ 18,000		17,997
Assessments Australia
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Percentage of business acquired		100.00%
Recognized identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed		$ 400
Number of businesses acquired | company		3
Cash payments to acquire businesses		$ 2,600
Contingent consideration arrangements, range of outcomes, value, high		500
Human Services
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill			$ 45,673	$ 45,731
Human Services | Assessments Australia
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Adjustment to goodwill acquired with Ascend		$ 3,000
Customer relationships | Ascend Management Innovations LLC
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life			19 years
Customer relationships | Assessments Australia
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life		6 years

Business combinations (Schedule

Business combinations (Schedule of Assets and Liabilities Recorded in the Company's Financial Statements) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Feb. 29, 2016	Mar. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill		$ 395,011	$ 397,558
Ascend Management Innovations LLC
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Fair value of consideration	$ 44,100	44,069
Billed and unbilled receivables		4,069
Other assets		407
Property and equipment		707
Deferred income taxes		557
Intangible assets — customer relationships	22,300	22,300
Total identifiable assets acquired		28,040
Accounts payable and other liabilities		1,414
Deferred revenue		554
Total liabilities assumed		1,968
Net identifiable assets acquired		26,072
Goodwill	$ 18,000	17,997
Net assets acquired		44,069
Previously Reported | Ascend Management Innovations LLC
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Fair value of consideration		44,069
Billed and unbilled receivables		4,069
Other assets		407
Property and equipment		707
Deferred income taxes		0
Intangible assets — customer relationships		22,300
Total identifiable assets acquired		27,483
Accounts payable and other liabilities		1,414
Deferred revenue		554
Total liabilities assumed		1,968
Net identifiable assets acquired		25,515
Goodwill		18,554
Net assets acquired		44,069
Purchase Accounting Adjustment | Ascend Management Innovations LLC
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Fair value of consideration		0
Billed and unbilled receivables		0
Other assets		0
Property and equipment		0
Deferred income taxes		557
Intangible assets — customer relationships		0
Total identifiable assets acquired		557
Accounts payable and other liabilities		0
Deferred revenue		0
Total liabilities assumed		0
Net identifiable assets acquired		557
Goodwill		(557)
Net assets acquired		$ 0

Business combinations (Schedu28

Business combinations (Schedule of the Valuation of the Intangible Assets Acquired) (Details) - Ascend Management Innovations LLC $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets acquired	$ 22,300
Customer relationships
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life	19 years
Finite-lived intangible assets acquired	$ 20,400
Trade Names
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life	8 years
Finite-lived intangible assets acquired	$ 1,700
Technology-Based Intangible Assets
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life	1 year
Finite-lived intangible assets acquired	$ 200

Goodwill (Details)

Goodwill (Details) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	$ 397,558
Foreign currency translation	(2,061)
Balance at the end of the period	395,011
Ascend Management Innovations LLC
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Adjustment to goodwill	(557)
Balance at the end of the period	17,997
Assessments Australia
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Adjustment to goodwill	71
Health Services
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	123,679
Foreign currency translation	(1,932)
Balance at the end of the period	121,190
Health Services | Ascend Management Innovations LLC
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Adjustment to goodwill	(557)
Health Services | Assessments Australia
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Adjustment to goodwill	0
U.S. Federal Services
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	228,148
Foreign currency translation	0
Balance at the end of the period	228,148
U.S. Federal Services | Ascend Management Innovations LLC
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Adjustment to goodwill	0
U.S. Federal Services | Assessments Australia
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Adjustment to goodwill	0
Human Services
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	45,731
Foreign currency translation	(129)
Balance at the end of the period	45,673
Human Services | Ascend Management Innovations LLC
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Adjustment to goodwill	0
Human Services | Assessments Australia
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Adjustment to goodwill	$ 71

Supplemental disclosures (Detai

Supplemental disclosures (Details) - USD ($) shares in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Aug. 31, 2015
Income Taxes Paid, Net [Abstract]
Income taxes paid			$ 38,800,000	$ 68,600,000
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 94,862,000	$ 60,783,000	94,862,000	60,783,000	$ 66,199,000	$ 74,672,000
Foreign currency translation adjustments	5,623,000	$ (466,000)	(4,071,000)	(2,625,000)
Payments for Repurchase of Equity [Abstract]
Stock repurchase programs, authorized amount							$ 200,000,000
Repurchases of common stock			(28,858,000)	$ (29,139,000)
Amount remaining available for future stock repurchases	109,000,000		109,000,000
Restructuring Charges [Abstract]
Restructuring reserve	200,000		$ 200,000
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Employee Benefits and Share-based Compensation [Abstract]
Granted (in shares)			400
Vesting period			5 years
Common Stock
Payments for Repurchase of Equity [Abstract]
Common shares repurchased			558	543
Repurchases of common stock			$ (28,900,000)	$ (29,100,000)
Non-U.S.
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	91,500,000		91,500,000
United Kingdom
Restructuring Charges [Abstract]
Restructuring charges			(2,200,000)
Mutual Fund
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Investments in mutual funds	13,500,000		$ 13,500,000
Employee Severance | United Kingdom
Restructuring Charges [Abstract]
Restructuring charges	(2,000,000)
Lease termination | United Kingdom
Restructuring Charges [Abstract]
Restructuring charges	$ (200,000)

Debt (Details)

Debt (Details) CAD in Millions	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)periodletter_of_credit	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2017CADperiodletter_of_credit
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt outstanding	$ 34,000,000
Credit Agreement Expiring January 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity	$ 400,000,000
Dividend payment restriction ratio (less than)	2.5
Total leverage ratio (less than)	1
Interest paid	$ 1,600,000	$ 1,700,000
Credit Agreement Expiring January 2020 | U.S Dollar Borrowings
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Amount borrowed	$ 115,000,000
Letters of Credit
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Number of letters of credit issued | letter_of_credit	2		2
Outstanding borrowings	$ 700,000
Letters of Credit (Other than Revolving Credit Agreement)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Number of letters of credit issued | letter_of_credit	2		2
Outstanding borrowings	$ 3,000,000
Atlantic Innovation Fund of Canada
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Number of remaining quarterly installments | period	21		21
Atlantic Innovation Fund of Canada | Canadian Dollar Borrowings
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Amount borrowed	$ 700,000		CAD 0.9

Recent accounting pronounceme32

Recent accounting pronouncements - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Tax benefit	$ 26,911	$ 29,495	$ 53,772	$ 45,541
Cash flows from operations			$ 136,848	$ 21,864
Accounting Standards Update 2016-09
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Tax benefit	(2,200)
Cash flows from operations	$ 2,200
Earnings per share, basic and diluted (in usd per share)	$ 0.03
Common Stock
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
RSUs vested	200		157	12

Subsequent event (Details)

Subsequent event (Details) - Subsequent Event	Apr. 07, 2017$ / shares
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Dividend declared date	Apr. 7, 2017
Cash dividend declared (in dollars per share)	$ 0.045
Dividends payable date	May 31, 2017
Dividends payable date of record	May 15, 2017