Avantax (AVTA) 10-Q 27 Oct 16 2016 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Oct. 20, 2016
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	BLUCORA, INC.
Entity Central Index Key	1,068,875
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2016
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,016
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Amendment Flag	false
Trading Symbol	BCOR
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		41,719,656

Unaudited Condensed Consolidate

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 71,165	$ 55,473
Cash segregated under federal or other regulations	630	3,557
Available-for-sale investments	4,492	11,301
Accounts receivable, net of allowance	7,076	7,884
Commissions receivable	15,294	16,328
Other receivables	6,827	24,407
Prepaid expenses and other current assets, net	4,059	10,062
Current assets of discontinued operations	70,432	211,663
Total current assets	179,975	340,675
Long-term assets:
Property and equipment, net	10,711	11,308
Goodwill, net	549,582	548,959
Other intangible assets, net	370,640	396,295
Other long-term assets	3,380	2,311
Total long-term assets	934,313	958,873
Total assets	1,114,288	1,299,548
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	5,840	4,689
Commissions and advisory fees payable	15,382	16,982
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	11,446	13,006
Deferred revenue	9,139	11,521
Current portion of long-term debt, net	3,200	31,631
Current liabilities of discontinued operations	37,539	88,275
Total current liabilities	82,546	166,104
Long-term liabilities:
Long-term debt, net	283,801	353,850
Convertible senior notes, net	163,024	185,918
Deferred tax liability, net	104,236	103,520
Deferred revenue	2,479	1,902
Other long-term liabilities	11,233	10,932
Total long-term liabilities	564,773	656,122
Total liabilities	647,319	822,226
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	15,464	15,038
Commitments and contingencies (Note 9)
Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock, par $0.0001—authorized shares, 900,000; issued and outstanding shares, 41,711 and 40,954	4	4
Additional paid-in capital	1,525,267	1,490,405
Accumulated deficit	(1,073,495)	(1,027,598)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(271)	(527)
Total stockholders’ equity	451,505	462,284
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$ 1,114,288	$ 1,299,548

Unaudited Condensed Consolidat3

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Common stock, par value (in USD per share)	$ 0.0001	$ 0.0001
Common stock, shares authorized	900,000,000	900,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	41,711,000	40,954,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	41,711,000	40,954,000

Unaudited Condensed Consolidat4

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Revenue:
Wealth management services revenue	$ 80,088	$ 0	$ 233,496	$ 0
Tax preparation services revenue	3,149	2,875	135,614	114,843
Total revenue	83,237	2,875	369,110	114,843
Cost of revenue:
Wealth management services cost of revenue	54,921	0	158,213	0
Tax preparation services cost of revenue	1,319	1,170	6,549	4,680
Amortization of acquired technology	49	1,911	765	5,636
Total cost of revenue	56,289	3,081	165,527	10,316
Engineering and technology	4,588	1,251	12,842	3,471
Sales and marketing	11,965	2,113	75,715	42,824
General and administrative	11,638	8,895	35,899	23,694
Depreciation	968	394	2,906	1,101
Amortization of other acquired intangible assets	8,297	3,195	24,929	9,566
Total operating expenses	93,745	18,929	317,818	90,972
Operating income (loss)	(10,508)	(16,054)	51,292	23,871
Other loss, net	(11,453)	(3,080)	(29,883)	(9,109)
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	(21,961)	(19,134)	21,409	14,762
Income tax benefit (expense)	8,537	6,926	(8,899)	(5,144)
Income (loss) from continuing operations	(13,424)	(12,208)	12,510	9,618
Discontinued operations, net of income taxes	(40,528)	1,597	(57,981)	7,122
Net income (loss)	(53,952)	(10,611)	(45,471)	16,740
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(167)	0	(426)	0
Net income (loss) attributable to Blucora, Inc.	$ (54,119)	$ (10,611)	$ (45,897)	$ 16,740
Net income (loss) per share attributable to Blucora, Inc. - basic:
Continuing operations, basic (in USD per share)	$ (0.33)	$ (0.30)	$ 0.29	$ 0.23
Discontinued operations, basic (in USD per share)	(0.97)	0.04	(1.40)	0.18
Basic (in USD per share)	(1.30)	(0.26)	(1.11)	0.41
Net income (loss) per share attributable to Blucora, Inc. - diluted:
Continuing operations, diluted (in USD per share)	(0.33)	(0.30)	0.29	0.23
Discontinued operations, diluted (in USD per share)	(0.97)	0.04	(1.37)	0.17
Diluted (in USD per share)	$ (1.30)	$ (0.26)	$ (1.08)	$ 0.40
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic, Shares	41,635	40,950	41,404	40,952
Diluted, Shares	41,635	40,950	42,329	41,911
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale investments, net of tax	$ 0	$ 111	$ 10	$ (149)
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(77)	(122)	246	(122)
Reclassification adjustment for realized (gain) loss on available-for-sale investments, net of tax, included in net income as Other loss, net	0	(68)	0	349
Reclassification adjustment for other-than-temporary impairment loss on available-for-sale investments, included in net income as Other loss, net	0	0	0	964
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(77)	(79)	256	1,042
Comprehensive income (loss)	(54,029)	(10,690)	(45,215)	17,782
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(167)	0	(426)	0
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Blucora, Inc.	$ (54,196)	$ (10,690)	$ (45,641)	$ 17,782

Unaudited Condensed Consolidat5

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Operating Activities:
Net income (loss)	$ (45,471)	$ 16,740
Less: Discontinued operations, net of income taxes	(57,981)	7,122
Net income from continuing operations	12,510	9,618
Adjustments to reconcile net income from continuing operations to net cash from operating activities:
Stock-based compensation	10,616	5,974
Depreciation and amortization of acquired intangible assets	29,080	16,863
Excess tax benefits from stock-based award activity	(21,369)	(28,632)
Deferred income taxes	(12,484)	(25,194)
Amortization of premium on investments, net	164	1,250
Amortization of debt issuance costs	1,440	842
Accretion of debt discounts	3,599	2,873
Gain on debt extinguishment and modification expense	(641)	0
Revaluation of acquisition-related contingent consideration liability	391	0
Other	18	60
Cash provided (used) by changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Cash segregated under federal or other regulations	2,927	0
Accounts receivable	793	136
Commissions receivable	1,034	0
Other receivables	19,656	1,166
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	6,003	4,665
Other long-term assets	(1,174)	(63)
Accounts payable	1,151	4,930
Commissions and advisory fees payable	(1,600)	0
Deferred revenue	(1,805)	(1,691)
Accrued expenses and other current and long-term liabilities	19,786	28,149
Net cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations	70,095	20,946
Investing Activities:
Business acquisition, net of cash acquired	(1,788)	(1,740)
Purchases of property and equipment	(2,648)	(866)
Proceeds from sales of investments	0	16,507
Proceeds from maturities of investments	11,808	210,699
Purchases of investments	(5,147)	(209,112)
Net cash provided by investing activities from continuing operations	2,225	15,488
Financing Activities:
Repurchase of convertible notes	(20,667)	0
Repayment of credit facilities	(105,000)	(51,940)
Stock repurchases	0	(7,068)
Excess tax benefits from stock-based award activity	21,369	28,632
Proceeds from stock option exercises	1,141	2,374
Proceeds from issuance of stock through employee stock purchase plan	1,402	1,193
Tax payments from shares withheld for equity awards	(1,447)	(1,193)
Net cash used by financing activities from continuing operations	(103,202)	(28,002)
Net cash provided (used) by continuing operations	(30,882)	8,432
Net cash provided by operating activities from discontinued operations	10,836	6,138
Net cash provided (used) by investing activities from discontinued operations	43,230	(206)
Net cash used by financing activities from discontinued operations	(7,477)	(5,020)
Net cash provided by discontinued operations	46,589	912
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(15)	(6)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	15,692	9,338
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	55,473	41,968
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	71,165	51,306
Cash paid for income taxes from continuing operations	2,079	1,229
Cash paid for interest from continuing operations	$ 23,455	$ 4,667

The Company and Basis of Presen

The Company and Basis of Presentation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
The Company and Basis of Presentation	The Company and Basis of Presentation Description of the business: Blucora, Inc. (the “ Company ” or “ Blucora ”) operates two primary businesses: a Wealth Management business and an online Tax Preparation business. The Wealth Management business consists of the operations of HDV Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiaries ( “HD Vest” ), which the Company acquired on December 31, 2015. HD Vest is included in Blucora's results of operations beginning on January 1, 2016. HD Vest provides wealth management solutions for financial advisors. The Tax Preparation business consists of the operations of TaxAct, Inc. ( “TaxAct” ) and provides digital tax preparation solutions for consumers, small business owners, and tax professionals through its website www.TaxAct.com. The Company also operated an internet Search and Content business and continues to operate an E-Commerce business. The Search and Content business operated through the InfoSpace LLC subsidiary ( “InfoSpace” ) and provided search services to users of its owned and operated and distribution partners’ web properties, as well as online content through HowStuffWorks ( “HSW” ). The E-Commerce business consists of the operations of Monoprice, Inc. ( “Monoprice” ) and sells self-branded electronics and accessories to both consumers and businesses primarily through its website www.monoprice.com. On October 14, 2015, the Company announced its plans to focus on the technology-enabled financial solutions market (the “Strategic Transformation”). Strategic Transformation refers to the Company's transformation into a technology-enabled financial solutions company comprised of TaxAct and HD Vest (see "Note 3: Business Combinations"), and the intention to divest the Search and Content and E-Commerce businesses (see "Note 4: Discontinued Operations"). Accordingly, the financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, and the notes to financial statements reflect the Search and Content and E-Commerce businesses as discontinued operations for all periods presented. Unless otherwise specified, disclosures in these consolidated financial statements reflect continuing operations. On August 9, 2016 , the Company closed on an agreement with OpenMail LLC ( “ OpenMail ” ), under which OpenMail acquired substantially all of the assets and assumed certain specified liabilities of the Search and Content business for $45.2 million , which included a working capital adjustment. Segments: T he Company has two reportable segments: the Wealth Management segment, which is the HD Vest business, and the Tax Preparation segment, which is the TaxAct business. The former Search and Content and E-Commerce segments are included in discontinued operations. Unless the context indicates otherwise, the Company uses the term “Wealth Management” to represent services sold through the HD Vest business, the term “Tax Preparation” to represent services and software sold through the TaxAct business, the term “Search and Content” to represent search and content services, and the term “E-Commerce” to represent products sold through the Monoprice business (see "Note 11: Segment Information"). Principles of consolidation: The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. Correction of an immaterial error: During the third quarter of 2016, the Company identified an error in which the Company inappropriately recognized a tax benefit from the impairment of the net assets held-for-sale during the second quarter of 2016. As the impairment related to goodwill included in the disposal group (which is not deductible for income tax purposes), no tax benefit should have been recorded during the quarter. This resulted in the overstatement of net assets held-for-sale of $6.7 million as of June 30, 2016 and an understatement of the loss from discontinued operations of $6.7 million or $0.16 per share for the three months ended June 30, 2016. The Company has evaluated the quantitative and qualitative considerations of this error to both the second and third quarters of 2016 and concluded that the impacts were not material to its consolidated financial statements for either of these periods. There was no impact to the net loss attributable to Blucora, Inc. for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 since this was an interim period adjustment that was corrected in the same fiscal year. In addition, there was no impact to income (loss) from continuing operations, income (loss) per share from continuing operations, or net cash provided by continuing or discontinued operations for either period. Reclassification : The Company reclassified certain amounts related to discontinued operations. See "Note 4: Discontinued Operations" for additional information. Use of estimates: The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“ GAAP ”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses, and disclosure of contingencies. Estimates include those used for impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets, useful lives of other intangible assets, acquisition accounting, valuation of investments, revenue recognition, the estimated allowance for sales returns and doubtful accounts, internally developed software, accrued contingencies, stock option valuation, and valuation allowance for deferred tax assets. Actual amounts may differ from estimates. Net capital and regulatory requirements: The Company's subsidiary, HD Vest, operates in a highly regulated industry and is subject to various regulatory capital requirements. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory and possible additional discretionary actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have substantial monetary and non-monetary impacts to HD Vest's operations. As of September 30, 2016 , HD Vest met all capital adequacy requirements to which it was subject. Seasonality: Blucora’s Tax Preparation segment is highly seasonal, with a significant portion of its annual revenue earned in the first four months of the Company’s fiscal year. During the third and fourth quarters, the Tax Preparation segment typically reports losses because revenue from the segment is minimal while core operating expenses continue.

Summary of Significant Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Interim financial information: The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared by the Company under the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “ SEC ”) for interim financial reporting. These consolidated financial statements are unaudited and, in management’s opinion, include all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments and accruals, necessary for a fair presentation of the consolidated financial position, results of operations, and cash flows for the periods presented. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been omitted in accordance with the rules and regulations of the SEC. These consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes in Part II Item 8 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 . Interim results are not necessarily indicative of results for a full year. Cash segregated under federal or other regulations: Cash segregated under federal and other regulations is held in a special bank account for the exclusive benefit of the Company’s wealth management customers. Short-term investments: The Company principally invests its available cash in fixed-rate debt securities. Fixed-rate debt securities generally include debt instruments issued by the U.S. federal government and its agencies, international governments, municipalities and publicly-held corporations, as well as commercial paper, insured time deposits with commercial banks, and money market funds invested in securities issued by agencies of the U.S., although specific holdings can vary from period to period depending upon the Company's cash requirements. Such investments are included in "Cash and cash equivalents" and "Available-for-sale investments" on the consolidated balance sheets and reported at fair value with unrealized gains and losses included in “ Accumulated other comprehensive loss ” on the consolidated balance sheets. Amounts reclassified out of comprehensive income into net income are determined on the basis of specific identification. The Company reviews its available-for-sale investments for impairment and classifies the impairment of any individual available-for-sale investment as either temporary or other-than-temporary. The differentiating factors between temporary and other-than-temporary impairments are primarily the length of the time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than cost, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, and the intent and ability of the Company to retain its investment in the issuer for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value. An impairment classified as temporary is recognized in “ Accumulated other comprehensive loss ” on the consolidated balance sheets. An impairment classified as other-than-temporary is recognized in “ Other loss, net ” on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. Business combinations and intangible assets including goodwill: The Company accounts for business combinations using the acquisition method. The acquisition-date fair value of total consideration includes cash and contingent consideration. Since the Company is contractually obligated to pay contingent consideration upon the achievement of specified objectives, a contingent consideration liability is recorded at the acquisition date. The Company reviews its assumptions related to the fair value of the contingent consideration liability each reporting period and, if there are material changes, revalues the contingent consideration liability based on the revised assumptions, until such contingency is satisfied through payment upon the achievement of the specified objectives. The change in the fair value of the contingent consideration liability is recognized in "General and administrative" expense on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income for the period in which the fair value changes. Goodwill is calculated as the excess of the acquisition-date fair value of total consideration over the acquisition-date fair value of net assets, including the amount assigned to identifiable intangible assets, and is assigned to reporting units that are expected to benefit from the synergies of the business combination as of the acquisition date. Reporting units are consistent with reportable segments and include the former Search and Content and E-Commerce segments. Identifiable intangible assets with finite lives are amortized over their useful lives on a straight-line basis, except for advisor relationships which are amortized proportional to expected revenue. Acquisition-related costs, including advisory, legal, accounting, valuation, and other similar costs, are expensed in the periods in which the costs are incurred. The results of operations of acquired businesses are included in the consolidated financial statements from the acquisition date. Fair value of financial instruments : The Company measures its cash equivalents, available-for-sale investments, and contingent consideration liability at fair value. The Company considers the carrying values of accounts receivable, commissions receivable, other receivables, prepaid expenses, other current assets, accounts payable, commissions and advisory fees payable, accrued expenses, and other current liabilities to approximate fair values primarily due to their short-term natures. Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Cash equivalents and debt securities are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy because the Company values its cash equivalents and debt securities utilizing market observable inputs. The contingent consideration liability is related to the Company's acquisition of SimpleTax Software Inc. ( “SimpleTax” ) and is classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy because the Company values the liability utilizing significant inputs not observable in the market. Specifically, the Company has determined the fair value of the contingent consideration liability based on a probability-weighted discounted cash flow analysis, which includes assumptions related to estimating revenues, the probability of payment, and the discount rate. The Company accounts for contingent consideration in accordance with applicable accounting guidance pertaining to business combinations, as disclosed in the accounting policy "Business combinations and intangible assets including goodwill." Redeemable noncontrolling interests : Noncontrolling interests that are redeemable at the option of the holder and not solely within the control of the issuer are classified outside of stockholders' equity. In connection with the acquisition of HD Vest, management of that business has retained an ownership interest. The Company is party to put and call arrangements with respect to these interests. These put and call arrangements allow HD Vest management to require the Company to purchase their interests or allow the Company to acquire such interests, respectively. The put arrangements do not meet the definition of a derivative instrument as the put agreements do not provide for net settlement. To the extent that the redemption value of these interests exceeds the value determined by adjusting the carrying value for the subsidiary's attribution of net income (loss), the value of such interests is adjusted to the redemption value with a corresponding adjustment to additional paid-in capital. Wealth management revenue recognition : Wealth management revenue consists primarily of commission revenue, advisory revenue, asset-based revenue, and transaction and fee revenue. Revenue is recognized in the periods in which the related services are performed, provided that persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, the fee is fixed or determinable, and collectibilty is reasonably assured. Payments received by the Company in advance of the performance of service are deferred and recognized as revenue when earned. The Company considers the nature of its contractual arrangements in determining whether to recognize certain types of wealth management revenue, primarily commission revenue and advisory revenue, on the basis of the gross amount billed or net amount retained after payments are made to providers of certain services related to the product or service offering. The main factors that the Company uses to determine whether to record revenue on a gross or net basis are whether: • the Company is primarily responsible for the service to the financial advisor and their client; • the Company has discretion in establishing fees paid by the client and fees due to the third-party service provider; and • the Company is involved in the determination of product or service specifications. When client fees include a portion of charges that are paid to another party and the Company is primarily responsible for providing the service to the client, revenue is recognized on a gross basis in an amount equal to the fee paid by the client. The cost of revenue recognized is the amount due to the other party. In instances in which another party is primarily responsible for providing the service to the client, revenue is recognized in the net amount retained by the Company. The portion of the fees that are collected from the client by the Company and remitted to the other party are considered pass-through amounts and are not a component of revenue or cost of revenue. Further details of wealth management revenue are as follows: • Commission revenue - Commissions represent amounts generated by HD Vest's financial advisors for their clients' purchases and sales of securities and various investment products. The Company generates two types of commissions: transaction-based sales commissions that occur at the point of sale, as well as trailing commissions for which the Company provides ongoing account support to clients of its financial advisors. The Company records transaction-based sales commission revenue on a trade-date basis, which is when the Company's performance obligations in generating the commissions have been substantially completed. Trailing commission revenue is based on a percentage of the current market value of clients' investment holdings in trail-eligible assets and recognized over the period during which services are performed. Since trailing commission revenue is generally paid in arrears, the Company estimates it based on a number of factors, including stock market index levels and the amount of trailing commission revenues received in prior periods. A substantial portion of commission revenue is ultimately paid to financial advisors. The Company records an estimate for transaction-based commissions payable based upon the payout rate of the financial advisor generating the accrued commission revenue. The Company records an estimate for trailing commissions payable based upon historical payout ratios. Such amounts are recorded as "Commissions and advisory fees payable" on the consolidated balance sheets and "Wealth management services cost of revenue" on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. • Advisory revenue - Advisory revenue includes fees charged to clients in advisory accounts where HD Vest is the Registered Investment Advisor ( “RIA” ). These fees are based on the value of assets within these advisory accounts. A substantial portion of these advisory fees are paid to the related financial advisor and these payments are classified as "Wealth management services cost of revenue" in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. • Asset-based revenue - Asset-based revenue primarily includes fees from financial product manufacturer sponsorship programs and cash sweep programs and are recognized ratably over the period in which services are provided. • Transaction and fee revenue - The Company charges fees for executing certain transactions in client accounts. Transaction-related charges are recognized on a trade-date basis. Other fees relate to services provided and other account charges as generally outlined in agreements with financial advisors, clients, and financial institutions. Such fees are recognized as services are performed or as earned, as applicable. Foreign currency: The financial position and operating results of the Company's foreign operations are consolidated using the local currency as the functional currency. Assets and liabilities recorded in local currencies are translated at the exchange rate on the balance sheet date, while revenues and expenses are translated at the average exchange rate for the applicable period. Translation adjustments resulting from this process are recorded in " Accumulated other comprehensive loss " on the consolidated balance sheets. The gain or loss on foreign currency transactions, calculated as the difference between the historical exchange rate and the exchange rate at the applicable measurement date, are recorded in " Other loss, net " on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. Recent accounting pronouncements: Changes to GAAP are established by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“ FASB ”) in the form of accounting standards updates (“ ASUs ”) to the FASB’s Accounting Standards Codification (“ ASC ”). The Company considers the applicability and impact of all recent ASUs. ASUs not listed below were assessed and determined to be either not applicable or are expected to have minimal impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position and results of operations. In May 2014, the FASB issued guidance codified in ASC 606, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers,” which amends the guidance in former ASC 605 “Revenue Recognition.” The core principle of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. This will be achieved in a five-step process. Enhanced disclosures also will be required. This guidance is effective on a retrospective basis--either to each reporting period presented or with the cumulative effect of initially applying this guidance recognized at the date of initial application--for annual reporting periods, including interim reporting periods within those annual reporting periods, beginning after December 15, 2017. Earlier adoption is permitted only as of annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim reporting periods within that reporting period. The Company currently is evaluating the impact of this guidance on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. In February 2016, the FASB issued an ASU on lease accounting, whereby lease assets and liabilities, whether arising from leases that are considered operating or finance (capital), will be recognized on the balance sheet. Enhanced qualitative disclosures also will be required. This guidance is effective on a modified retrospective basis--with various practical expedients related to leases that commenced before the effective date--for annual reporting periods, including interim reporting periods within those annual reporting periods, beginning after December 15, 2018. Earlier adoption is permitted. The Company currently is evaluating the impact of this guidance on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. In March 2016, the FASB issued an ASU on employee share-based payment accounting. The ASU requires that excess tax benefits and deficiencies be recognized as income tax benefit or expense, rather than as additional paid-in capital. In addition, the ASU requires that excess tax benefits be recorded in the period that shares vest or settle, regardless of whether the benefit reduces taxes payable in the same period. Cash flows related to excess tax benefits will be included as an operating activity, and no longer separately classified as a financing activity, in the statement of cash flows. This guidance is effective for annual reporting periods, including interim reporting periods within those annual reporting periods, beginning after December 15, 2016. Earlier adoption is permitted. The guidance related to the recognition of excess tax benefits and deficiencies as income tax benefit or expense is effective on a prospective basis, and the guidance related to the timing of excess tax benefit recognition is effective using a modified retrospective transition method with a cumulative-effect adjustment to equity as of the beginning of the period in which the guidance is adopted. The cash flow presentation guidance is effective on a retrospective or prospective basis. The Company expects to implement this ASU on January 1, 2017. The primary impact of adoption is expected to be the utilization of equity-based deferred tax assets (with no offset to additional paid-in capital) and the recognition of current period excess tax benefits and deficiencies in the income tax provision (rather than in additional paid-in capital). In addition, the Company expects changes related to the presentation of excess tax benefits as an operating activity (rather than a financing activity) in the statement of cash flows and expects to record a cumulative-effect adjustment to equity. The actual impact beginning on January 1, 2017 and going forward will depend upon certain variables, including the Company's stock price. Although the Company is still evaluating the impact of this ASU, we expect that it will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. The ASU also clarifies that payments made to tax authorities on an employee's behalf for withheld shares should be presented as a financing activity in the statement of cash flows, allows the repurchase of more of an employee's shares for tax withholding purposes without triggering liability accounting, and provides an accounting policy election to account for forfeitures as they occur. The cash flow presentation requirements for payments made to tax authorities on an employee's behalf will have no impact to any periods presented, since such cash flows historically have been presented as a financing activity. The Company is not planning to change tax withholdings and expects to continue to estimate forfeitures in determining the amount of compensation cost to be recognized in each period.

Business Combinations

Business Combinations	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Business Combinations	Business Combinations HD Vest: On December 31, 2015 and pursuant to the Purchase Agreement dated October 14, 2015, the Company acquired HD Vest for $613.7 million , including cash acquired of $38.9 million and after a $1.8 million final working capital adjustment in the first quarter of 2016. HD Vest provides wealth management solutions for financial advisors and is expected to be synergistic with TaxAct as a result of cross-serving opportunities and an expanded addressable market for both HD Vest and TaxAct. In connection with the acquisition, certain members of HD Vest management rolled over a portion of the proceeds they would have otherwise received at the closing into shares of the acquisition subsidiary through which the Company consummated the purchase of HD Vest. A portion of those shares were sold to the Company in exchange for a promissory note. After giving effect to the rollover shares and related purchase of the rollover shares for the promissory note, the Company indirectly owns 95.52% of HDV Holdings, Inc., with the remaining 4.48% noncontrolling interest held collectively by the rollover management members and subject to put and call arrangements exercisable beginning in 2019. The acquisition was funded by a combination of cash on hand and the new TaxAct - HD Vest 2015 credit facility, under which the Company borrowed $400.0 million (see "Note 7: Debt"). Valuations were as follows (in thousands): Fair value Tangible assets acquired, including cash acquired of $38,874 $ 78,700 Liabilities assumed (21,976 ) Identifiable net assets acquired $ 56,724 Fair value adjustments for intangible assets: Advisor relationships $ 240,300 Sponsor relationships 16,500 Curriculum 800 Proprietary technology 13,600 Trade name 52,500 Fair value of intangible assets acquired $ 323,700 Purchase price allocation: Cash paid $ 612,288 Plus: promissory note 6,400 Plus: noncontrolling interest 15,038 Less: escrow receivable (20,000 ) Purchase price 613,726 Less: identifiable net assets acquired (56,724 ) Less: fair value of intangible assets acquired (323,700 ) Plus: deferred tax liability related to intangible assets 123,484 Excess of purchase price over net assets acquired, allocated to goodwill $ 356,786 The Company's estimates of the economic lives of the acquired intangible assets are 20 years for the advisor relationships, 18 years for the sponsor relationships, 4 years for the curriculum, 6 years for the proprietary technology, and the trade name is estimated to have an indefinite life. Goodwill consists largely of the increased cross-serving opportunities and expanded addressable markets for both HD Vest and TaxAct, neither of which apply for separate recognition, and is not expected to be deductible for income tax purposes. The primary areas of the acquisition accounting that are not yet finalized relate to income and non-income based taxes, certain contingent liability matters, indemnification assets, and residual goodwill. In the third quarter of 2016, the Company recorded a $1.4 million increase to net assets acquired and a corresponding decrease to goodwill, predominantly related to the finalization of federal tax returns for pre-acquisition tax periods. The promissory note is with the President of HD Vest and will be paid over a three -year period. The current portion was recorded in "Current portion of long-term debt, net," and the long-term portion was recorded in "Long-term debt, net." The note bears interest at a rate of 5% per year, with a principal amount that approximates its fair value. See "Note 7: Debt" for additional information on the "Note payable, related party." The Purchase Agreement dictated that the Company placed into escrow $20.0 million of additional consideration that was contingent upon HD Vest's 2015 earnings performance. The contingent consideration threshold was not achieved; therefore, the amount was excluded from the purchase price and recorded as a receivable in "Other receivables" as of December 31, 2015 for the amount that was returned to the Company from the escrow agent in the first quarter of 2016. The gross contractual amount of accounts receivable, including commissions receivable, acquired was $21.6 million and has been substantially collected as of September 30, 2016 . During the last half of 2015, the Company incurred transaction costs of $11.0 million , which were recognized in "General and administrative expense," and $21.8 million in debt discount and issuance-related costs on the new credit facility. Pro Forma Financial Information of the HD Vest Acquisition (unaudited): The financial information in the table below summarizes the combined results of operations of Blucora and HD Vest on a pro forma basis, for the period in which the acquisition occurred as though the companies had been combined as of the beginning of that period. Pro forma adjustments have been made to include (a) amortization expense on the definite-lived intangible assets identified in this acquisition, debt-related expenses associated with the credit facility that was used to finance the acquisition, and estimated stock-based compensation related to Blucora share-based award grants to HD Vest employees; and to remove (b) acquisition-related transaction costs and debt-related expenses associated with HD Vest's previous debt facility, the latter of which was paid off and closed at the acquisition date. Income taxes also have been adjusted for the effect of these items. The following pro forma financial information is presented for informational purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of the results of operations that would have been achieved had the acquisition occurred at the beginning of the period presented (in thousands): Three months ended September 30, 2015 Nine months ended September 30, 2015 Revenue $ 82,852 $ 352,449 Income (loss) from continuing operations $ (12,648 ) $ 2,459 SimpleTax: On July 2, 2015 , TaxAct acquired all of the equity of SimpleTax, a provider of online tax preparation services for individuals in Canada, for C$2.4 million (with C$ indicating Canadian dollars and amounting to approximately $1.9 million based on the acquisition-date exchange rate) in cash and additional consideration of up to C$4.6 million ( $3.7 million ) that is contingent upon product availability and revenue performance over a three -year period. The estimated fair value of the contingent consideration as of the acquisition date was C$4.1 million ( $3.3 million ). See "Note 6: Fair Value Measurements" for additional information related to the fair value measurement of the contingent consideration. The acquisition of SimpleTax is strategic to TaxAct and intended to expand its operations. SimpleTax is included in the Tax Preparation segment. Intangible assets acquired amounted to approximately C$1.2 million ( $0.9 million ), consisting of customer relationships and proprietary technology both of which have finite lives. Identifiable net liabilities assumed were not material. Goodwill amounted to C$5.6 million ( $4.5 million ). Pro forma results of operations have not been presented because the effects of this acquisition were not material to the Company’s consolidated results of operations.

Discontinued Operations

Discontinued Operations	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Discontinued Operations	Discontinued Operations On October 14, 2015, the Company announced its plans to focus on the technology-enabled financial solutions market, as more fully described in "Note 1: The Company and Basis of Presentation." The Strategic Transformation includes plans to divest the Search and Content and E-Commerce businesses. Financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, and the notes to financial statements reflect the Search and Content and E-Commerce businesses as discontinued operations for all periods presented. Amounts in discontinued operations include previously unallocated depreciation, amortization, stock-based compensation, income taxes, and other corporate expenses that were attributable to the Search and Content and E-Commerce businesses. On August 9, 2016 , the Company closed on an agreement with OpenMail , under which OpenMail acquired substantially all of the assets and assumed certain specified liabilities of the Search and Content business for $45.2 million , which included a working capital adjustment. Of this amount, $44.7 million was received in the third quarter of 2016 and included in " Net cash provided (used) by investing activities from discontinued operations " in the consolidated statements of cash flows, and the remaining $0.5 million should be received in the fourth quarter of 2016. The Company used all of the proceeds to pay down debt. Under a separate agreement, the Company is subleasing to InfoSpace the office space that InfoSpace is using currently. The rent payments and September 2020 termination date are consistent with the underlying non-cancelable operating lease. See "Note 9: Commitments and Contingencies" for additional information. Summarized financial information for discontinued operations is as follows (in thousands): Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Major classes of items in net income (loss): Revenues $ 53,721 $ 81,906 $ 209,108 $ 263,740 Operating expenses (50,952 ) (79,514 ) (192,874 ) (250,390 ) Other loss, net (415 ) (195 ) (844 ) (2,469 ) Income from discontinued operations before income taxes 2,354 2,197 15,390 10,881 Loss on classification as held-for-sale before income taxes (29,463 ) — (46,463 ) — Loss on sale of discontinued operations before income taxes (46 ) — (21,571 ) — Discontinued operations, before income taxes (27,155 ) 2,197 (52,644 ) 10,881 Income tax expense (13,373 ) (600 ) (5,337 ) (3,759 ) Discontinued operations, net of income taxes $ (40,528 ) $ 1,597 $ (57,981 ) $ 7,122 September 30, December 31, Major classes of assets and liabilities: Cash $ 2,282 $ 2,158 Accounts receivable, net of allowance 5,423 26,352 Inventories 33,856 43,480 Other current assets 3,289 3,182 Property and equipment, net 7,479 9,824 Goodwill, net — 67,201 Other intangible assets, net 17,790 59,006 Other long-term assets 313 460 Total assets of discontinued operations $ 70,432 $ 211,663 Accounts payable $ 11,502 $ 33,295 Other current liabilities 5,665 15,622 Debt (net of discount and including short-term and long-term portions) 16,000 25,000 Deferred tax liability, net 4,363 13,816 Other long-term liabilities 9 542 Total liabilities of discontinued operations $ 37,539 $ 88,275 Assets and liabilities of discontinued operations are reported at the lower of carrying value or fair value less cost to sell, the latter of which results in a “loss on classification as held-for-sale.” Fair value is determined by estimating the most likely sale price with a third-party buyer, which is a significant input not observable in the market and, therefore, classified in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. Debt is discussed further below in the related subsection of this note. Business exit costs: In conjunction with the Strategic Transformation, the Company expects to incur business exit costs of approximately $4.5 million . Of this amount, $3.6 million has been recorded through September 30, 2016 , with the vast majority of these costs recorded in discontinued operations. The remaining costs are contingent upon the sale of the E-Commerce business and will be recorded at the time of sale. The following table summarizes the activity in the business exit cost liability (in thousands): Employee-Related Costs Balance at December 31, 2015 $ 994 Charges 2,609 Payments (3,136 ) Balance at September 30, 2016 $ 467 Debt: The debt in discontinued operations consisted of the following (in thousands): September 30, December 31, Monoprice 2013 credit facility $ 16,000 $ 25,000 On November 22, 2013, Monoprice entered into an agreement with a syndicate of lenders for the purposes of post-transaction financing of the Monoprice acquisition and providing future working capital flexibility for Monoprice. The credit facility consists of a $30.0 million revolving credit loan—which includes up to $5.0 million under a letter of credit and up to $5.0 million in swingline loans—and, until repaid in full in 2015 as discussed below, also consisted of a $40.0 million term loan. The final maturity date of the credit facility is November 22, 2018 but will become immediately due and payable upon the sale of Monoprice. Monoprice’s obligations under the credit facility are guaranteed by Monoprice Holdings, Inc. and are secured by the assets of the Monoprice business. Monoprice initially borrowed $50.0 million under the credit facility, from both the revolving credit loan and the term loan, and had net repayment activity of $9.0 million and $12.0 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. Monoprice has the right to permanently reduce, without premium or penalty, the entire credit facility at any time or portions of the credit facility in an aggregate principal amount not less than $1.0 million or any whole multiple of $1.0 million in excess thereof (for swingline loans, the aggregate principal amount is not less than $0.1 million and any whole multiple of $0.1 million in excess thereof). In accordance with this provision, Monoprice repaid the outstanding amount under the term loan in full in 2015, which was included in the repayment activity for 2015 and resulted in the write-down of the remaining unamortized discount and debt issuance costs related to the term loan. Amounts remain outstanding under the revolving credit loan, which continues to be available to Monoprice through its final maturity date. The interest rate is variable, based upon, at the election of Monoprice, either LIBOR plus a margin of between 2.75% and 3.25% , payable each interest period, or a variable rate plus a margin of between 1.75% and 2.25% , payable quarterly. In each case, the applicable margin within the range depends upon Monoprice’s ratio of leverage to EBITDA. The credit facility includes financial and operating covenants with respect to certain ratios, including leverage ratio and fixed charge coverage ratio, which are defined further in the agreement. As of September 30, 2016 , Monoprice was in compliance with all of the financial and operating covenants. As of September 30, 2016 , the credit facility’s principal amount approximated its fair value as it is a variable rate instrument and the current applicable margin approximates current market conditions.

Goodwill and Other Intangible A

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets The following table presents goodwill by reportable segment (in thousands): Wealth Management Tax Preparation Total Balance at December 31, 2015 $ 356,386 $ 192,573 $ 548,959 Purchase accounting adjustment 400 — 400 Foreign currency translation adjustment — 223 223 Balance at September 30, 2016 $ 356,786 $ 192,796 $ 549,582 The purchase accounting adjustment primarily related to the final working capital adjustment and the finalization of federal tax returns associated with the acquisition of HD Vest as described in "Note 3: Business Combinations." Intangible assets other than goodwill consisted of the following (in thousands): September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 Gross carrying amount Accumulated amortization Net Gross carrying amount Accumulated amortization Net Definite-lived intangible assets: Customer relationships $ 101,697 $ (59,203 ) $ 42,494 $ 101,681 $ (49,664 ) $ 52,017 Advisor relationships 240,300 (12,854 ) 227,446 240,300 — 240,300 Sponsor relationships 16,500 (687 ) 15,813 16,500 — 16,500 Curriculum 800 (150 ) 650 800 — 800 Technology 43,978 (31,741 ) 12,237 43,948 (29,270 ) 14,678 Total definite-lived intangible assets 403,275 (104,635 ) 298,640 403,229 (78,934 ) 324,295 Indefinite-lived intangible assets: Trade names 72,000 — 72,000 72,000 — 72,000 Total $ 475,275 $ (104,635 ) $ 370,640 $ 475,229 $ (78,934 ) $ 396,295 Amortization expense was as follows (in thousands): Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Statement of comprehensive income line items: Cost of revenue $ 49 $ 1,911 $ 765 $ 5,636 Amortization of other acquired intangible assets 8,297 3,195 24,929 9,566 Total $ 8,346 $ 5,106 $ 25,694 $ 15,202 Expected amortization of definite-lived intangible assets held as of September 30, 2016 is as follows (in thousands): 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Thereafter Total Statement of comprehensive income line items: Cost of revenue $ 48 $ 193 $ 96 $ — $ — $ — $ 337 Amortization of other acquired intangible assets 8,309 33,173 32,863 32,627 20,274 171,057 298,303 Total $ 8,357 $ 33,366 $ 32,959 $ 32,627 $ 20,274 $ 171,057 $ 298,640 The weighted average amortization periods for definite-lived intangible assets are as follows: 40 months for customer relationships, 231 months for advisor relationships, 207 months for sponsor relationships, 39 months for curriculum, 62 months for technology, and 195 months for total definite-lived intangible assets.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	Fair Value Measurements The fair value hierarchy of the Company’s assets and liabilities carried at fair value and measured on a recurring basis was as follows (in thousands): Fair value measurements at the reporting date using September 30, 2016 Quoted prices in active markets using identical assets (Level 1) Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) Cash equivalents: U.S. government securities $ 4,306 $ — $ 4,306 $ — Money market and other funds 5,432 — 5,432 — Commercial paper 2,500 — 2,500 — Time deposits 659 — 659 — Total cash equivalents 12,897 — 12,897 — Available-for-sale investments: Debt securities: U.S. government securities 1,998 — 1,998 — Commercial paper 1,995 — 1,995 — Time deposits 499 — 499 — Total debt securities 4,492 — 4,492 — Total assets at fair value $ 17,389 $ — $ 17,389 $ — Acquisition-related contingent consideration liability $ 3,500 $ — $ — $ 3,500 Total liabilities at fair value $ 3,500 $ — $ — $ 3,500 Fair value measurements at the reporting date using December 31, 2015 Quoted prices in active markets using identical assets (Level 1) Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) Cash equivalents: Money market and other funds $ 5,410 $ — $ 5,410 $ — Available-for-sale investments: Debt securities: U.S. government securities 11,301 — 11,301 — Total assets at fair value $ 16,711 $ — $ 16,711 $ — Acquisition-related contingent consideration liability $ 2,951 $ — $ — $ 2,951 Total liabilities at fair value $ 2,951 $ — $ — $ 2,951 The Company also had financial instruments that were not measured at fair value. See "Note 7: Debt" for details. A reconciliation of Level 3 items measured at fair value on a recurring basis is as follows (in thousands): Acquisition-related contingent consideration liability: Balance at December 31, 2015 $ 2,951 Revaluation 391 Foreign currency transaction loss 158 Balance at September 30, 2016 $ 3,500 The contingent consideration liability is related to the Company's acquisition of SimpleTax (see "Note 3: Business Combinations"), and the related payments are expected to occur annually beginning in 2017 and continuing through 2019. As of September 30, 2016 , the Company could be required to pay up to an undiscounted amount of $3.5 million . The Company has determined the fair value of the contingent consideration liability based on a probability-weighted discounted cash flow analysis, which includes assumptions related to estimating revenues, the probability of payment ( 100% ), and the discount rate ( 9% ). A decrease in estimated revenues or an increase in the discount rate would decrease the fair value of the contingent consideration liability. As of September 30, 2016 , the Company recorded approximately $0.9 million in "Accrued expenses and other current liabilities" and $2.6 million in “Other long-term liabilities” on the consolidated balance sheets. The contractual maturities of the debt securities classified as available-for-sale at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 were less than one year. The cost and fair value of available-for-sale investments were as follows (in thousands): Amortized cost Gross unrealized gains Gross unrealized losses Fair value Balance at September 30, 2016 $ 4,491 $ 2 $ (1 ) $ 4,492 Balance at December 31, 2015 $ 11,316 $ — $ (15 ) $ 11,301 The Company had non-recurring Level 3 fair value measurements in 2016 related to the repurchase of its Convertible Senior Notes. See "Note 7: Debt" for details.

Debt

Debt	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt	Debt The Company’s debt consisted of the following (in thousands): September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 Principal amount Discount Debt issuance costs Net carrying value Principal amount Discount Debt issuance costs Net carrying value TaxAct - HD Vest 2015 credit facility $ 295,000 $ (8,260 ) $ (6,139 ) $ 280,601 $ 400,000 $ (12,000 ) $ (8,919 ) $ 379,081 Convertible Senior Notes 172,859 (7,830 ) (2,005 ) 163,024 201,250 (12,207 ) (3,125 ) 185,918 Note payable, related party 6,400 — — 6,400 6,400 — — 6,400 Total debt $ 474,259 $ (16,090 ) $ (8,144 ) $ 450,025 $ 607,650 $ (24,207 ) $ (12,044 ) $ 571,399 TaxAct - HD Vest 2015 credit facility: On December 31, 2015 , TaxAct and HD Vest entered into an agreement with a syndicate of lenders for the purposes of financing the HD Vest acquisition and providing future working capital flexibility for TaxAct and HD Vest. The credit facility consists of a $25.0 million revolving credit loan--which includes a letter of credit and swingline loans--and a $400.0 million term loan for an aggregate $425.0 million credit facility. The final maturity dates of the revolving credit loan and term loan are December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2022 , respectively. Obligations under the credit facility are guaranteed by TaxAct Holdings, Inc. and HD Vest Holdings, Inc. and are secured by the equity of the TaxAct and HD Vest businesses. While Blucora is not a party to the agreement, it has guaranteed the obligations of TaxAct and HD Vest under the credit facility, secured by its equity in TaxAct Holdings, Inc. TaxAct and HD Vest initially borrowed $400.0 million under the term loan and had repayment activity of $105.0 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 . Principal payments on the term loan are payable quarterly and will be between 0.625% and 1.875% of outstanding principal, depending upon TaxAct and HD Vest's combined net leverage of EBITDA ratio. The interest rate on the term loan is variable at the London Interbank Offered Rate ( “LIBOR” ), subject to a floor of 1.00% , plus a margin of 6.00% , payable at the end of each interest period. TaxAct and HD Vest may borrow under the revolving credit loan in an aggregate principal amount not less than $2.0 million or any whole multiple of $1.0 million in excess thereof (for swingline loans, the aggregate principal amount is not less than $0.5 million or any whole multiple of $0.1 million in excess thereof). Principal payments on the revolving credit loan are payable at maturity. The interest rate on the revolving credit loan is variable, with initial draws at LIBOR plus a margin of 5.00% . Subsequent draws on the revolving credit loan also have variable interest rates, based upon LIBOR plus a margin of between 2.75% and 5.00% . In each case, the applicable margin within the range depends upon TaxAct and HD Vest's combined net leverage to EBITDA ratio over the previous four quarters. Interest is payable at the end of each interest period. TaxAct and HD Vest have the right to permanently reduce, without premium or penalty, the entire credit facility at any time or portions of the credit facility in an aggregate principal amount not less than $5.0 million or any whole multiple of $1.0 million in excess thereof, except for prepayments through December 31, 2016 which carry a premium of 1.00% of the total principal amount outstanding just prior to prepayment. In accordance with this provision, TaxAct and HD Vest prepaid a portion of the credit facility during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 , which was included in the repayment activity for 2016 and resulted in the write-down of a portion of the unamortized discount and debt issuance costs. The write-down of the unamortized discount and debt issuance costs were recorded in " Other loss, net " on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. The credit facility includes financial and operating covenants, including a net leverage to EBITDA ratio, which are defined further in the agreement. As of September 30, 2016 , TaxAct and HD Vest were in compliance with all of the financial and operating covenants. As of September 30, 2016 , the credit facility's principal amount approximated its fair value as it is a variable rate instrument and the current applicable margin approximates current market conditions. Convertible Senior Notes: On March 15, 2013, the Company issued $201.25 million aggregate principal amount of its Convertible Senior Notes (the “ Notes ”), inclusive of the underwriters’ exercise in full of their over-allotment option of $26.25 million . The Notes mature on April 1, 2019, unless earlier purchased, redeemed, or converted in accordance with the terms, and bear interest at a rate of 4.25% per year, payable semi-annually in arrears beginning on October 1, 2013. The Company received net proceeds from the offering of approximately $194.8 million after adjusting for debt issuance costs, including the underwriting discount. The Notes were issued under an indenture dated March 15, 2013 (the “ Indenture ”) by and between the Company and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee. There are no financial or operating covenants relating to the Notes. Beginning July 1, 2013 and prior to the close of business on September 28, 2018, holders may convert all or a portion of the Notes at their option, in multiples of $1,000 principal amount, under the following circumstances: • During any fiscal quarter commencing July 1, 2013, if the last reported sale price of the Company’s common stock for at least 20 trading days during a period of 30 consecutive trading days ending on the last trading day of the immediately preceding calendar quarter is greater than or equal to 130% of the conversion price on each applicable trading day. As of September 30, 2016 , the Notes were not convertible . • During the five business day period after any five consecutive trading day period (the “ measurement period ”) in which the trading price per $1,000 principal amount of the Notes for each trading day of the measurement period was less than 98% of the product of the last reported sales price of the Company’s common stock and the conversion rate on each trading day. • If the Company calls any or all of the Notes for redemption. • Upon the occurrence of specified corporate events, including a merger or a sale of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets. The convertibility of the Notes is determined at the end of each reporting period. If the Notes are determined to be convertible, they remain convertible until the end of the subsequent quarter and are classified in "Current liabilities" on the balance sheet; otherwise, they are classified in "Long-term liabilities." Depending upon the price of the Company’s common stock or the trading price of the Notes within the reporting period, pursuant to the first two criteria listed above, the Notes could be convertible during one reporting period but not convertible during a comparable reporting period. On or after October 1, 2018 and until the close of business on March 28, 2019, holders may convert their Notes, in multiples of $1,000 principal amount, at the option of the holder. The conversion ratio for the Notes is initially 0.0461723 , equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately $21.66 per share of the Company’s common stock. The conversion ratio is subject to customary adjustment for certain events as described in the Indenture. At the time the Company issued the Notes, the Company was only permitted to settle conversions with shares of its common stock. The Company received shareholder approval at its annual meeting in May 2013 to allow for “flexible settlement,” which provided the Company with the option to settle conversions in cash, shares of common stock, or any combination thereof. The Company’s intention is to satisfy conversion of the Notes with cash for the principal amount of the debt and shares of common stock for any related conversion premium. The Company expects to have the liquidity to satisfy conversion of the Notes' principal for cash based upon cash on hand, net cash flows from operations, and cash available through the credit facility. Beginning April 6, 2016, the Company may, at its option, redeem for cash all or part of the Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest. If the Company undergoes a fundamental change (as described in the Indenture), holders may require the Company to repurchase for cash all or part of their Notes in principal amounts of $1,000 or an integral multiple thereof. The fundamental change repurchase price will be equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes to be repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest. However, if a fundamental change occurs and a holder elects to convert the Notes, the Company will, under certain circumstances, increase the applicable conversion rate for the Notes surrendered for conversion by a number of additional shares of common stock based on the date on which the fundamental change occurs or becomes effective and the price paid per share of the Company’s common stock in the fundamental change as specified in the Indenture. The Strategic Transformation does not qualify as a fundamental change under the Indenture. The Notes are unsecured and unsubordinated obligations of the Company and rank senior in right of payment to any of the Company’s indebtedness that is expressly subordinated in right of payment to the Notes, and equal in right of payment to any of the Company’s existing and future unsecured indebtedness that is not subordinated. The Notes are effectively junior in right of payment to any of the Company’s secured indebtedness (to the extent of the value of assets securing such indebtedness) and structurally junior to all existing and future indebtedness and other liabilities, including trade payables, of the Company’s subsidiaries. The Indenture does not limit the amount of debt that the Company or its subsidiaries may incur. The Notes may be settled in a combination of cash or shares of common stock given the flexible settlement option. As a result, the Notes contain liability and equity components, which were bifurcated and accounted for separately. The liability component of the Notes, as of the issuance date, was calculated by estimating the fair value of a similar liability issued at a 6.5% effective interest rate, which was determined by considering the rate of return investors would require in the Company’s debt structure. The amount of the equity component was calculated by deducting the fair value of the liability component from the principal amount of the Notes, resulting in the initial recognition of $22.3 million as the debt discount recorded in additional paid-in capital for the Notes. The carrying amount of the Notes is being accreted to the principal amount over the remaining term to maturity, and the Company is recording corresponding interest expense. The Company incurred debt issuance costs of $6.4 million related to the Notes and allocated $5.7 million to the liability component of the Notes. These costs are being amortized to interest expense over the six -year term of the Notes or the date of conversion, if any. During the nine months ended September 30, 2016 , the Company repurchased $28.4 million of the Notes' principal for cash of $20.7 million . The Company allocated the cash paid first to the liability component of the Notes based on the fair value of the repurchased Notes. The fair value was based on a discounted cash flow analysis of the Notes' principal and related interest payments, using a discount rate that approximated the current market rate for similar debt without conversion rights. The difference between the fair value and net carrying value of the repurchased Notes was recognized as a gain, since the Notes were repurchased below par value, and recorded in " Other loss, net " on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. No amount was allocated to the equity component of the Notes, since the fair value of the liability component exceeded the cash paid. The following table sets forth total interest expense related to the Notes (in thousands): Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Contractual interest expense (Cash) $ 1,836 $ 2,138 $ 5,782 $ 6,415 Amortization of debt issuance costs (Non-cash) 231 249 704 735 Accretion of debt discount (Non-cash) 901 975 2,749 2,873 Total interest expense $ 2,968 $ 3,362 $ 9,235 $ 10,023 Effective interest rate of the liability component 7.32 % 7.32 % 7.32 % 7.32 % The fair value of the principal amount of the Notes as of September 30, 2016 was $164.2 million , based on the last quoted active trading price, a Level 1 fair value measurement, as of that date. Note payable, related party: The note payable is with the President of HD Vest and arose in connection with the acquisition of HD Vest. Certain members of HD Vest management rolled over a portion of the proceeds they would have otherwise received at the acquisition's closing into shares of the acquisition subsidiary through which the Company consummated the purchase of HD Vest. The President of HD Vest sold a portion of his shares to the Company in exchange for the note. See "Note 3: Business Combinations" for additional information on the acquisition of HD Vest. The note will be paid over a three -year period, with 50% paid in year one, 40% paid in year two, and 10% paid in year three. The note bears interest at a rate of 5% per year, with a principal amount that approximates its fair value.

Redeemable Noncontrolling Inter

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests	Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests A reconciliation of redeemable noncontrolling interests is as follows (in thousands): Balance at December 31, 2015 $ 15,038 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests 426 Balance at September 30, 2016 $ 15,464 The redemption amount at September 30, 2016 was $10.9 million .

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies Except for the debt repayments and repurchases (as discussed further in "Note 7: Debt") and estimated total sublease income of $3.2 million (related to the sublease agreement with InfoSpace as discussed further in "Note 4: Discontinued Operations"), there have been no material changes during the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, outside of the ordinary course of the Company’s business, to the contractual obligations and commitments specified in "Note 9: Commitments and Contingencies" in Part II Item 8 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 . Litigation: From time to time, the Company is subject to various legal proceedings or claims that arise in the ordinary course of business. The Company accrues a liability when management believes that it is both probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. Following is a brief description of the more significant legal proceedings. Although the Company believes that resolving such claims, individually or in aggregate, will not have a material adverse impact on its financial statements, these matters are subject to inherent uncertainties. On March 5, 2015, Remigius Shatas filed a shareholder derivative action against Andrew Snyder, a director of the Company, certain companies affiliated with Mr. Snyder, as well as nominal defendant Blucora, in the Superior Court of the State of Washington in and for King County. Although the Company is a nominal defendant, the plaintiff purports to bring the action on behalf of the Company and thus does not seek monetary damages from the Company. Instead, the plaintiff alleges improper use of inside information in certain sales of the Company's common stock and seeks to recover from Andrew Snyder and those companies affiliated with Mr. Snyder profits resulting from those allegedly improper sales. On May 15, 2015, the court granted the Company's motion to dismiss the Complaint based on the plaintiffs’ failure to file this matter in the proper court. Subsequently, the plaintiff moved for reconsideration of the Superior Court's decision to grant the motion to dismiss, and on June 5, 2015, that motion for reconsideration was denied. On June 30, 2015, the plaintiff filed a Notice of Appeal with the Superior Court, indicating plaintiff's intention to appeal to the Washington Court of Appeals, Division I. On September 14, 2015, the plaintiff filed a motion with the Washington Court of Appeals to add an additional plaintiff, which the court subsequently denied on October 19, 2015. In connection with the appeal, the Company filed a motion to dismiss the appeal on the grounds that plaintiff lacked standing at all points relevant the lawsuit. The appeal and the Company’s motion have been fully-briefed and were argued before the Washington Court of Appeals on April 11, 2016. On October 17, 2016, the Court of Appeals, in an unpublished opinion reversed the dismissal of this action and remanded it back to the trial court for further proceedings. In its order, the Court of Appeals declined to rule on a number of issues relating to the issue of proper venue and further denied the motion to dismiss relating to the plaintiff’s standing, finding that the record was not fully developed enough for the Court of Appeals to rule on these issues and noted that these issues may be litigated before the trial court on remand. The Company has entered into indemnification agreements in the ordinary course of business with its officers and directors and may be obligated to advance payment of legal fees and costs incurred by the defendants pursuant to the Company’s obligations under these indemnification agreements and applicable Delaware law.

Stockholders' Equity

Stockholders' Equity	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Equity [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity	Stockholders’ Equity Stock-based compensation: The Company included the following amounts for stock-based compensation expense, which related to stock options, restricted stock units (“ RSUs ”), and the Company’s employee stock purchase plan (“ ESPP ”), in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (in thousands): Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Cost of revenue $ 52 $ 23 $ 117 $ 71 Engineering and technology 434 112 1,167 336 Sales and marketing 661 230 1,688 610 General and administrative 2,217 1,709 7,644 4,957 Total in continuing operations $ 3,364 $ 2,074 $ 10,616 $ 5,974 Total net shares issued for stock options exercised, RSUs vested, and shares purchased pursuant to the ESPP were as follows (in thousands): Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Stock options exercised — 25 140 245 RSUs vested 102 40 426 209 Shares purchased pursuant to ESPP 114 51 191 103 Total 216 116 757 557 Stock repurchase program: In February 2013, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program whereby the Company could purchase its common stock in open-market transactions. The repurchase period concluded in May 2016 . Repurchased shares were retired and resumed the status of authorized but unissued shares of common stock. During the nine months ended September 30, 2016 , the Company purchased no shares. During the nine months ended September 30, 2015 , the Company purchased 0.5 million shares at a total cost of approximately $7.0 million and an average price of $14.46 per share, exclusive of purchase and administrative costs.

Segment Information

Segment Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Information	Segment Information The Company has two reportable segments: the Wealth Management segment and the Tax Preparation segment. The Wealth Management segment consists of the HD Vest business, which was acquired on December 31, 2015. HD Vest is included in Blucora's results of operations beginning on January 1, 2016. As a result of the Strategic Transformation and planned divestitures of the Search and Content and E-Commerce segments, those former segments are included in discontinued operations. The Company’s chief executive officer is its chief operating decision maker and reviews financial information presented on a disaggregated basis. This information is used for purposes of allocating resources and evaluating financial performance. The Company does not allocate certain general and administrative costs (including personnel and overhead costs), stock-based compensation, acquisition-related costs, depreciation, and amortization of acquired intangible assets to the reportable segments. Such amounts are reflected in the table under the heading "Corporate-level activity." In addition, the Company does not allocate other loss, net and income taxes to the reportable segments. The Company does not account for, and does not report to management, its assets or capital expenditures by segment other than goodwill and intangible assets used for impairment analysis purposes. Information on reportable segments currently presented to the Company’s chief operating decision maker and a reconciliation to consolidated net income are presented below (in thousands): Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Revenue: Wealth Management $ 80,088 $ — $ 233,496 $ — Tax Preparation 3,149 2,875 135,614 114,843 Total revenue 83,237 2,875 369,110 114,843 Operating income (loss): Wealth Management 11,628 — 32,458 — Tax Preparation (4,382 ) (2,542 ) 72,987 61,493 Corporate-level activity (17,754 ) (13,512 ) (54,153 ) (37,622 ) Total operating income (loss) (10,508 ) (16,054 ) 51,292 23,871 Other loss, net (11,453 ) (3,080 ) (29,883 ) (9,109 ) Income tax benefit (expense) 8,537 6,926 (8,899 ) (5,144 ) Discontinued operations, net of income taxes (40,528 ) 1,597 (57,981 ) 7,122 Net income (loss) $ (53,952 ) $ (10,611 ) $ (45,471 ) $ 16,740

Net Income (Loss) Per Share

Net Income (Loss) Per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net Income (Loss) Per Share	Net Income (Loss) Per Share “ Basic net income (loss) per share ” is computed using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. “ Diluted net income (loss) per share ” is computed using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding plus the number of dilutive potential common shares outstanding during the period. Dilutive potential common shares consist of the incremental common shares issuable upon the exercise of outstanding stock options, vesting of unvested RSUs, and conversion or maturity of the Notes. Dilutive potential common shares are excluded from the computation of earnings per share if their effect is antidilutive. The computation of basic and diluted net income (loss) per share attributable to Blucora, Inc. is as follows (in thousands): Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Numerator: Income (loss) from continuing operations $ (13,424 ) $ (12,208 ) $ 12,510 $ 9,618 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests (167 ) — (426 ) — Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Blucora, Inc. (13,591 ) (12,208 ) 12,084 9,618 Income (loss) from discontinued operations attributable to Blucora, Inc. (40,528 ) 1,597 (57,981 ) 7,122 Net income (loss) attributable to Blucora, Inc. $ (54,119 ) $ (10,611 ) $ (45,897 ) $ 16,740 Denominator: Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic 41,635 40,950 41,404 40,952 Dilutive potential common shares — — 925 959 Weighted average common shares outstanding, diluted 41,635 40,950 42,329 41,911 Net income (loss) per share attributable to Blucora, Inc. - basic: Continuing operations $ (0.33 ) $ (0.30 ) $ 0.29 $ 0.23 Discontinued operations (0.97 ) 0.04 (1.40 ) 0.18 Basic net income (loss) per share $ (1.30 ) $ (0.26 ) $ (1.11 ) $ 0.41 Net income (loss) per share attributable to Blucora, Inc. - diluted: Continuing operations $ (0.33 ) $ (0.30 ) $ 0.29 $ 0.23 Discontinued operations (0.97 ) 0.04 (1.37 ) 0.17 Diluted net income (loss) per share $ (1.30 ) $ (0.26 ) $ (1.08 ) $ 0.40 Shares excluded 10,246 6,195 6,317 2,950 Shares excluded primarily related to the antidilutive effect of a net loss (for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015) and stock options with an exercise price greater than the average price during the applicable periods. As more fully discussed in "Note 7: Debt," in March 2013, the Company issued the Notes, which are convertible and mature in April 2019 . In May 2013, the Company received shareholder approval for “flexible settlement,” which provided the Company with the option to settle conversions in cash, shares of common stock, or any combination thereof. The Company intends, upon conversion or maturity of the Notes, to settle the principal in cash and satisfy any conversion premium by issuing shares of its common stock. The Company expects to have the liquidity to satisfy conversion of the Notes' principal for cash based upon cash on hand, net cash flows from operations, and cash available through the credit facility. As a result, the Company only includes the impact of the premium feature in its dilutive potential common shares when the average stock price during the quarter exceeds the conversion price of the Notes, which did not occur during the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 .

Subsequent Event

Subsequent Event	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Event	Subsequent Event On October 27, 2016, Blucora announced plans to relocate its corporate headquarters by June 2017 from Bellevue, Washington to Irving, Texas as part of the Strategic Transformation and “One Company” operating model. The actions to relocate corporate headquarters are intended to drive efficiencies, improve operational effectiveness, and deliver cost savings over time. The Company expects to incur restructuring charges between $7.5 million and $11.3 million , of which we estimate $1.9 million to $2.6 million are non-cash expenses. Such range primarily includes severance and costs to exit the leased facility in Bellevue, as well as loss on disposal of property and equipment, primarily driven by leasehold improvements, and other move-related expenses. In addition, the Company expects to incur costs between $3.0 million and $4.0 million associated with expenses that do not qualify for restructuring classification, such as recruiting and overlap in personnel expenses as we transition positions to Irving, Texas. We expect that the majority of these costs will be incurred over the next three quarters .

The Company and Basis of Pres19

The Company and Basis of Presentation (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Segments	Segments: T he Company has two reportable segments: the Wealth Management segment, which is the HD Vest business, and the Tax Preparation segment, which is the TaxAct business. The former Search and Content and E-Commerce segments are included in discontinued operations. Unless the context indicates otherwise, the Company uses the term “Wealth Management” to represent services sold through the HD Vest business, the term “Tax Preparation” to represent services and software sold through the TaxAct business, the term “Search and Content” to represent search and content services, and the term “E-Commerce” to represent products sold through the Monoprice business
Principles of consolidation	Principles of consolidation: The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. Redeemable noncontrolling interests : Noncontrolling interests that are redeemable at the option of the holder and not solely within the control of the issuer are classified outside of stockholders' equity. In connection with the acquisition of HD Vest, management of that business has retained an ownership interest. The Company is party to put and call arrangements with respect to these interests. These put and call arrangements allow HD Vest management to require the Company to purchase their interests or allow the Company to acquire such interests, respectively. The put arrangements do not meet the definition of a derivative instrument as the put agreements do not provide for net settlement. To the extent that the redemption value of these interests exceeds the value determined by adjusting the carrying value for the subsidiary's attribution of net income (loss), the value of such interests is adjusted to the redemption value with a corresponding adjustment to additional paid-in capital.
Use of estimates	Use of estimates: The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“ GAAP ”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses, and disclosure of contingencies. Estimates include those used for impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets, useful lives of other intangible assets, acquisition accounting, valuation of investments, revenue recognition, the estimated allowance for sales returns and doubtful accounts, internally developed software, accrued contingencies, stock option valuation, and valuation allowance for deferred tax assets. Actual amounts may differ from estimates.
Net capital and regulatory requirements	Net capital and regulatory requirements: The Company's subsidiary, HD Vest, operates in a highly regulated industry and is subject to various regulatory capital requirements. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory and possible additional discretionary actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have substantial monetary and non-monetary impacts to HD Vest's operations.
Seasonality	Seasonality: Blucora’s Tax Preparation segment is highly seasonal, with a significant portion of its annual revenue earned in the first four months of the Company’s fiscal year. During the third and fourth quarters, the Tax Preparation segment typically reports losses because revenue from the segment is minimal while core operating expenses continue.

Summary of Significant Accoun20

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Interim financial information	Interim financial information: The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared by the Company under the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “ SEC ”) for interim financial reporting. These consolidated financial statements are unaudited and, in management’s opinion, include all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments and accruals, necessary for a fair presentation of the consolidated financial position, results of operations, and cash flows for the periods presented. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been omitted in accordance with the rules and regulations of the SEC. These consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes in Part II Item 8 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 . Interim results are not necessarily indicative of results for a full year.
Cash segregated under federal or other regulations	Cash segregated under federal or other regulations: Cash segregated under federal and other regulations is held in a special bank account for the exclusive benefit of the Company’s wealth management customers.
Short-term investments	Short-term investments: The Company principally invests its available cash in fixed-rate debt securities. Fixed-rate debt securities generally include debt instruments issued by the U.S. federal government and its agencies, international governments, municipalities and publicly-held corporations, as well as commercial paper, insured time deposits with commercial banks, and money market funds invested in securities issued by agencies of the U.S., although specific holdings can vary from period to period depending upon the Company's cash requirements. Such investments are included in "Cash and cash equivalents" and "Available-for-sale investments" on the consolidated balance sheets and reported at fair value with unrealized gains and losses included in “ Accumulated other comprehensive loss ” on the consolidated balance sheets. Amounts reclassified out of comprehensive income into net income are determined on the basis of specific identification. The Company reviews its available-for-sale investments for impairment and classifies the impairment of any individual available-for-sale investment as either temporary or other-than-temporary. The differentiating factors between temporary and other-than-temporary impairments are primarily the length of the time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than cost, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, and the intent and ability of the Company to retain its investment in the issuer for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value. An impairment classified as temporary is recognized in “ Accumulated other comprehensive loss ” on the consolidated balance sheets. An impairment classified as other-than-temporary is recognized in “ Other loss, net ” on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.
Business combinations and intangible assets including goodwill	Business combinations and intangible assets including goodwill: The Company accounts for business combinations using the acquisition method. The acquisition-date fair value of total consideration includes cash and contingent consideration. Since the Company is contractually obligated to pay contingent consideration upon the achievement of specified objectives, a contingent consideration liability is recorded at the acquisition date. The Company reviews its assumptions related to the fair value of the contingent consideration liability each reporting period and, if there are material changes, revalues the contingent consideration liability based on the revised assumptions, until such contingency is satisfied through payment upon the achievement of the specified objectives. The change in the fair value of the contingent consideration liability is recognized in "General and administrative" expense on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income for the period in which the fair value changes. Goodwill is calculated as the excess of the acquisition-date fair value of total consideration over the acquisition-date fair value of net assets, including the amount assigned to identifiable intangible assets, and is assigned to reporting units that are expected to benefit from the synergies of the business combination as of the acquisition date. Reporting units are consistent with reportable segments and include the former Search and Content and E-Commerce segments. Identifiable intangible assets with finite lives are amortized over their useful lives on a straight-line basis, except for advisor relationships which are amortized proportional to expected revenue. Acquisition-related costs, including advisory, legal, accounting, valuation, and other similar costs, are expensed in the periods in which the costs are incurred. The results of operations of acquired businesses are included in the consolidated financial statements from the acquisition date.
Fair value of financial instruments	Fair value of financial instruments : The Company measures its cash equivalents, available-for-sale investments, and contingent consideration liability at fair value. The Company considers the carrying values of accounts receivable, commissions receivable, other receivables, prepaid expenses, other current assets, accounts payable, commissions and advisory fees payable, accrued expenses, and other current liabilities to approximate fair values primarily due to their short-term natures. Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Cash equivalents and debt securities are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy because the Company values its cash equivalents and debt securities utilizing market observable inputs. The contingent consideration liability is related to the Company's acquisition of SimpleTax Software Inc. ( “SimpleTax” ) and is classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy because the Company values the liability utilizing significant inputs not observable in the market. Specifically, the Company has determined the fair value of the contingent consideration liability based on a probability-weighted discounted cash flow analysis, which includes assumptions related to estimating revenues, the probability of payment, and the discount rate. The Company accounts for contingent consideration in accordance with applicable accounting guidance pertaining to business combinations, as disclosed in the accounting policy "Business combinations and intangible assets including goodwill."
Reedemable noncontrolling interests	Principles of consolidation: The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. Redeemable noncontrolling interests : Noncontrolling interests that are redeemable at the option of the holder and not solely within the control of the issuer are classified outside of stockholders' equity. In connection with the acquisition of HD Vest, management of that business has retained an ownership interest. The Company is party to put and call arrangements with respect to these interests. These put and call arrangements allow HD Vest management to require the Company to purchase their interests or allow the Company to acquire such interests, respectively. The put arrangements do not meet the definition of a derivative instrument as the put agreements do not provide for net settlement. To the extent that the redemption value of these interests exceeds the value determined by adjusting the carrying value for the subsidiary's attribution of net income (loss), the value of such interests is adjusted to the redemption value with a corresponding adjustment to additional paid-in capital.
Wealth management revenue recognition	Wealth management revenue recognition : Wealth management revenue consists primarily of commission revenue, advisory revenue, asset-based revenue, and transaction and fee revenue. Revenue is recognized in the periods in which the related services are performed, provided that persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, the fee is fixed or determinable, and collectibilty is reasonably assured. Payments received by the Company in advance of the performance of service are deferred and recognized as revenue when earned. The Company considers the nature of its contractual arrangements in determining whether to recognize certain types of wealth management revenue, primarily commission revenue and advisory revenue, on the basis of the gross amount billed or net amount retained after payments are made to providers of certain services related to the product or service offering. The main factors that the Company uses to determine whether to record revenue on a gross or net basis are whether: • the Company is primarily responsible for the service to the financial advisor and their client; • the Company has discretion in establishing fees paid by the client and fees due to the third-party service provider; and • the Company is involved in the determination of product or service specifications. When client fees include a portion of charges that are paid to another party and the Company is primarily responsible for providing the service to the client, revenue is recognized on a gross basis in an amount equal to the fee paid by the client. The cost of revenue recognized is the amount due to the other party. In instances in which another party is primarily responsible for providing the service to the client, revenue is recognized in the net amount retained by the Company. The portion of the fees that are collected from the client by the Company and remitted to the other party are considered pass-through amounts and are not a component of revenue or cost of revenue. Further details of wealth management revenue are as follows: • Commission revenue - Commissions represent amounts generated by HD Vest's financial advisors for their clients' purchases and sales of securities and various investment products. The Company generates two types of commissions: transaction-based sales commissions that occur at the point of sale, as well as trailing commissions for which the Company provides ongoing account support to clients of its financial advisors. The Company records transaction-based sales commission revenue on a trade-date basis, which is when the Company's performance obligations in generating the commissions have been substantially completed. Trailing commission revenue is based on a percentage of the current market value of clients' investment holdings in trail-eligible assets and recognized over the period during which services are performed. Since trailing commission revenue is generally paid in arrears, the Company estimates it based on a number of factors, including stock market index levels and the amount of trailing commission revenues received in prior periods. A substantial portion of commission revenue is ultimately paid to financial advisors. The Company records an estimate for transaction-based commissions payable based upon the payout rate of the financial advisor generating the accrued commission revenue. The Company records an estimate for trailing commissions payable based upon historical payout ratios. Such amounts are recorded as "Commissions and advisory fees payable" on the consolidated balance sheets and "Wealth management services cost of revenue" on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. • Advisory revenue - Advisory revenue includes fees charged to clients in advisory accounts where HD Vest is the Registered Investment Advisor ( “RIA” ). These fees are based on the value of assets within these advisory accounts. A substantial portion of these advisory fees are paid to the related financial advisor and these payments are classified as "Wealth management services cost of revenue" in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. • Asset-based revenue - Asset-based revenue primarily includes fees from financial product manufacturer sponsorship programs and cash sweep programs and are recognized ratably over the period in which services are provided. • Transaction and fee revenue - The Company charges fees for executing certain transactions in client accounts. Transaction-related charges are recognized on a trade-date basis. Other fees relate to services provided and other account charges as generally outlined in agreements with financial advisors, clients, and financial institutions. Such fees are recognized as services are performed or as earned, as applicable.
Foreign currency	Foreign currency: The financial position and operating results of the Company's foreign operations are consolidated using the local currency as the functional currency. Assets and liabilities recorded in local currencies are translated at the exchange rate on the balance sheet date, while revenues and expenses are translated at the average exchange rate for the applicable period. Translation adjustments resulting from this process are recorded in " Accumulated other comprehensive loss " on the consolidated balance sheets. The gain or loss on foreign currency transactions, calculated as the difference between the historical exchange rate and the exchange rate at the applicable measurement date, are recorded in " Other loss, net " on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.
Recent accounting pronouncements	Recent accounting pronouncements: Changes to GAAP are established by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“ FASB ”) in the form of accounting standards updates (“ ASUs ”) to the FASB’s Accounting Standards Codification (“ ASC ”). The Company considers the applicability and impact of all recent ASUs. ASUs not listed below were assessed and determined to be either not applicable or are expected to have minimal impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position and results of operations. In May 2014, the FASB issued guidance codified in ASC 606, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers,” which amends the guidance in former ASC 605 “Revenue Recognition.” The core principle of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. This will be achieved in a five-step process. Enhanced disclosures also will be required. This guidance is effective on a retrospective basis--either to each reporting period presented or with the cumulative effect of initially applying this guidance recognized at the date of initial application--for annual reporting periods, including interim reporting periods within those annual reporting periods, beginning after December 15, 2017. Earlier adoption is permitted only as of annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim reporting periods within that reporting period. The Company currently is evaluating the impact of this guidance on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. In February 2016, the FASB issued an ASU on lease accounting, whereby lease assets and liabilities, whether arising from leases that are considered operating or finance (capital), will be recognized on the balance sheet. Enhanced qualitative disclosures also will be required. This guidance is effective on a modified retrospective basis--with various practical expedients related to leases that commenced before the effective date--for annual reporting periods, including interim reporting periods within those annual reporting periods, beginning after December 15, 2018. Earlier adoption is permitted. The Company currently is evaluating the impact of this guidance on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. In March 2016, the FASB issued an ASU on employee share-based payment accounting. The ASU requires that excess tax benefits and deficiencies be recognized as income tax benefit or expense, rather than as additional paid-in capital. In addition, the ASU requires that excess tax benefits be recorded in the period that shares vest or settle, regardless of whether the benefit reduces taxes payable in the same period. Cash flows related to excess tax benefits will be included as an operating activity, and no longer separately classified as a financing activity, in the statement of cash flows. This guidance is effective for annual reporting periods, including interim reporting periods within those annual reporting periods, beginning after December 15, 2016. Earlier adoption is permitted. The guidance related to the recognition of excess tax benefits and deficiencies as income tax benefit or expense is effective on a prospective basis, and the guidance related to the timing of excess tax benefit recognition is effective using a modified retrospective transition method with a cumulative-effect adjustment to equity as of the beginning of the period in which the guidance is adopted. The cash flow presentation guidance is effective on a retrospective or prospective basis. The Company expects to implement this ASU on January 1, 2017. The primary impact of adoption is expected to be the utilization of equity-based deferred tax assets (with no offset to additional paid-in capital) and the recognition of current period excess tax benefits and deficiencies in the income tax provision (rather than in additional paid-in capital). In addition, the Company expects changes related to the presentation of excess tax benefits as an operating activity (rather than a financing activity) in the statement of cash flows and expects to record a cumulative-effect adjustment to equity. The actual impact beginning on January 1, 2017 and going forward will depend upon certain variables, including the Company's stock price. Although the Company is still evaluating the impact of this ASU, we expect that it will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. The ASU also clarifies that payments made to tax authorities on an employee's behalf for withheld shares should be presented as a financing activity in the statement of cash flows, allows the repurchase of more of an employee's shares for tax withholding purposes without triggering liability accounting, and provides an accounting policy election to account for forfeitures as they occur. The cash flow presentation requirements for payments made to tax authorities on an employee's behalf will have no impact to any periods presented, since such cash flows historically have been presented as a financing activity. The Company is not planning to change tax withholdings and expects to continue to estimate forfeitures in determining the amount of compensation cost to be recognized in each period.

Business Combinations (Tables)

Business Combinations (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired as Part of Business Combination	Valuations were as follows (in thousands): Fair value Tangible assets acquired, including cash acquired of $38,874 $ 78,700 Liabilities assumed (21,976 ) Identifiable net assets acquired $ 56,724 Fair value adjustments for intangible assets: Advisor relationships $ 240,300 Sponsor relationships 16,500 Curriculum 800 Proprietary technology 13,600 Trade name 52,500 Fair value of intangible assets acquired $ 323,700 Purchase price allocation: Cash paid $ 612,288 Plus: promissory note 6,400 Plus: noncontrolling interest 15,038 Less: escrow receivable (20,000 ) Purchase price 613,726 Less: identifiable net assets acquired (56,724 ) Less: fair value of intangible assets acquired (323,700 ) Plus: deferred tax liability related to intangible assets 123,484 Excess of purchase price over net assets acquired, allocated to goodwill $ 356,786
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information	The following pro forma financial information is presented for informational purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of the results of operations that would have been achieved had the acquisition occurred at the beginning of the period presented (in thousands): Three months ended September 30, 2015 Nine months ended September 30, 2015 Revenue $ 82,852 $ 352,449 Income (loss) from continuing operations $ (12,648 ) $ 2,459

Discontinued Operations (Tables

Discontinued Operations (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations	Summarized financial information for discontinued operations is as follows (in thousands): Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Major classes of items in net income (loss): Revenues $ 53,721 $ 81,906 $ 209,108 $ 263,740 Operating expenses (50,952 ) (79,514 ) (192,874 ) (250,390 ) Other loss, net (415 ) (195 ) (844 ) (2,469 ) Income from discontinued operations before income taxes 2,354 2,197 15,390 10,881 Loss on classification as held-for-sale before income taxes (29,463 ) — (46,463 ) — Loss on sale of discontinued operations before income taxes (46 ) — (21,571 ) — Discontinued operations, before income taxes (27,155 ) 2,197 (52,644 ) 10,881 Income tax expense (13,373 ) (600 ) (5,337 ) (3,759 ) Discontinued operations, net of income taxes $ (40,528 ) $ 1,597 $ (57,981 ) $ 7,122 September 30, December 31, Major classes of assets and liabilities: Cash $ 2,282 $ 2,158 Accounts receivable, net of allowance 5,423 26,352 Inventories 33,856 43,480 Other current assets 3,289 3,182 Property and equipment, net 7,479 9,824 Goodwill, net — 67,201 Other intangible assets, net 17,790 59,006 Other long-term assets 313 460 Total assets of discontinued operations $ 70,432 $ 211,663 Accounts payable $ 11,502 $ 33,295 Other current liabilities 5,665 15,622 Debt (net of discount and including short-term and long-term portions) 16,000 25,000 Deferred tax liability, net 4,363 13,816 Other long-term liabilities 9 542 Total liabilities of discontinued operations $ 37,539 $ 88,275
Business Exit Cost Liability	The following table summarizes the activity in the business exit cost liability (in thousands): Employee-Related Costs Balance at December 31, 2015 $ 994 Charges 2,609 Payments (3,136 ) Balance at September 30, 2016 $ 467
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments	The debt in discontinued operations consisted of the following (in thousands): September 30, December 31, Monoprice 2013 credit facility $ 16,000 $ 25,000

Goodwill and Other Intangible23

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of Goodwill Activity	The following table presents goodwill by reportable segment (in thousands): Wealth Management Tax Preparation Total Balance at December 31, 2015 $ 356,386 $ 192,573 $ 548,959 Purchase accounting adjustment 400 — 400 Foreign currency translation adjustment — 223 223 Balance at September 30, 2016 $ 356,786 $ 192,796 $ 549,582
Intangible Assets Other than Goodwill	Intangible assets other than goodwill consisted of the following (in thousands): September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 Gross carrying amount Accumulated amortization Net Gross carrying amount Accumulated amortization Net Definite-lived intangible assets: Customer relationships $ 101,697 $ (59,203 ) $ 42,494 $ 101,681 $ (49,664 ) $ 52,017 Advisor relationships 240,300 (12,854 ) 227,446 240,300 — 240,300 Sponsor relationships 16,500 (687 ) 15,813 16,500 — 16,500 Curriculum 800 (150 ) 650 800 — 800 Technology 43,978 (31,741 ) 12,237 43,948 (29,270 ) 14,678 Total definite-lived intangible assets 403,275 (104,635 ) 298,640 403,229 (78,934 ) 324,295 Indefinite-lived intangible assets: Trade names 72,000 — 72,000 72,000 — 72,000 Total $ 475,275 $ (104,635 ) $ 370,640 $ 475,229 $ (78,934 ) $ 396,295
Summary of Amortization Expense	Amortization expense was as follows (in thousands): Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Statement of comprehensive income line items: Cost of revenue $ 49 $ 1,911 $ 765 $ 5,636 Amortization of other acquired intangible assets 8,297 3,195 24,929 9,566 Total $ 8,346 $ 5,106 $ 25,694 $ 15,202
Information about Expected Amortization of Definite-Lived Intangible Assets	Expected amortization of definite-lived intangible assets held as of September 30, 2016 is as follows (in thousands): 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Thereafter Total Statement of comprehensive income line items: Cost of revenue $ 48 $ 193 $ 96 $ — $ — $ — $ 337 Amortization of other acquired intangible assets 8,309 33,173 32,863 32,627 20,274 171,057 298,303 Total $ 8,357 $ 33,366 $ 32,959 $ 32,627 $ 20,274 $ 171,057 $ 298,640

Fair Value Measurements (Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of Fair Value Hierarchy of Financial Assets Carried at Fair Value and Measured on Recurring Basis	The fair value hierarchy of the Company’s assets and liabilities carried at fair value and measured on a recurring basis was as follows (in thousands): Fair value measurements at the reporting date using September 30, 2016 Quoted prices in active markets using identical assets (Level 1) Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) Cash equivalents: U.S. government securities $ 4,306 $ — $ 4,306 $ — Money market and other funds 5,432 — 5,432 — Commercial paper 2,500 — 2,500 — Time deposits 659 — 659 — Total cash equivalents 12,897 — 12,897 — Available-for-sale investments: Debt securities: U.S. government securities 1,998 — 1,998 — Commercial paper 1,995 — 1,995 — Time deposits 499 — 499 — Total debt securities 4,492 — 4,492 — Total assets at fair value $ 17,389 $ — $ 17,389 $ — Acquisition-related contingent consideration liability $ 3,500 $ — $ — $ 3,500 Total liabilities at fair value $ 3,500 $ — $ — $ 3,500 Fair value measurements at the reporting date using December 31, 2015 Quoted prices in active markets using identical assets (Level 1) Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) Cash equivalents: Money market and other funds $ 5,410 $ — $ 5,410 $ — Available-for-sale investments: Debt securities: U.S. government securities 11,301 — 11,301 — Total assets at fair value $ 16,711 $ — $ 16,711 $ — Acquisition-related contingent consideration liability $ 2,951 $ — $ — $ 2,951 Total liabilities at fair value $ 2,951 $ — $ — $ 2,951
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation	A reconciliation of Level 3 items measured at fair value on a recurring basis is as follows (in thousands): Acquisition-related contingent consideration liability: Balance at December 31, 2015 $ 2,951 Revaluation 391 Foreign currency transaction loss 158 Balance at September 30, 2016 $ 3,500
Investments Classified as Available-for-Sale	The cost and fair value of available-for-sale investments were as follows (in thousands): Amortized cost Gross unrealized gains Gross unrealized losses Fair value Balance at September 30, 2016 $ 4,491 $ 2 $ (1 ) $ 4,492 Balance at December 31, 2015 $ 11,316 $ — $ (15 ) $ 11,301

Debt (Tables)

Debt (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Company's Debt	The Company’s debt consisted of the following (in thousands): September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 Principal amount Discount Debt issuance costs Net carrying value Principal amount Discount Debt issuance costs Net carrying value TaxAct - HD Vest 2015 credit facility $ 295,000 $ (8,260 ) $ (6,139 ) $ 280,601 $ 400,000 $ (12,000 ) $ (8,919 ) $ 379,081 Convertible Senior Notes 172,859 (7,830 ) (2,005 ) 163,024 201,250 (12,207 ) (3,125 ) 185,918 Note payable, related party 6,400 — — 6,400 6,400 — — 6,400 Total debt $ 474,259 $ (16,090 ) $ (8,144 ) $ 450,025 $ 607,650 $ (24,207 ) $ (12,044 ) $ 571,399
Schedule of Total Interest Expense on Convertible Senior Notes	The following table sets forth total interest expense related to the Notes (in thousands): Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Contractual interest expense (Cash) $ 1,836 $ 2,138 $ 5,782 $ 6,415 Amortization of debt issuance costs (Non-cash) 231 249 704 735 Accretion of debt discount (Non-cash) 901 975 2,749 2,873 Total interest expense $ 2,968 $ 3,362 $ 9,235 $ 10,023 Effective interest rate of the liability component 7.32 % 7.32 % 7.32 % 7.32 %

Redeemable Noncontrolling Int26

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest	A reconciliation of redeemable noncontrolling interests is as follows (in thousands): Balance at December 31, 2015 $ 15,038 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests 426 Balance at September 30, 2016 $ 15,464

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Equity [Abstract]
Stock-Based Compensation Expense	The Company included the following amounts for stock-based compensation expense, which related to stock options, restricted stock units (“ RSUs ”), and the Company’s employee stock purchase plan (“ ESPP ”), in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (in thousands): Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Cost of revenue $ 52 $ 23 $ 117 $ 71 Engineering and technology 434 112 1,167 336 Sales and marketing 661 230 1,688 610 General and administrative 2,217 1,709 7,644 4,957 Total in continuing operations $ 3,364 $ 2,074 $ 10,616 $ 5,974
Shares Issued under Share Based Compensation	Total net shares issued for stock options exercised, RSUs vested, and shares purchased pursuant to the ESPP were as follows (in thousands): Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Stock options exercised — 25 140 245 RSUs vested 102 40 426 209 Shares purchased pursuant to ESPP 114 51 191 103 Total 216 116 757 557

Segment Information (Tables)

Segment Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Information on Reportable Segments for Reconciliation to Consolidated Net Income	Information on reportable segments currently presented to the Company’s chief operating decision maker and a reconciliation to consolidated net income are presented below (in thousands): Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Revenue: Wealth Management $ 80,088 $ — $ 233,496 $ — Tax Preparation 3,149 2,875 135,614 114,843 Total revenue 83,237 2,875 369,110 114,843 Operating income (loss): Wealth Management 11,628 — 32,458 — Tax Preparation (4,382 ) (2,542 ) 72,987 61,493 Corporate-level activity (17,754 ) (13,512 ) (54,153 ) (37,622 ) Total operating income (loss) (10,508 ) (16,054 ) 51,292 23,871 Other loss, net (11,453 ) (3,080 ) (29,883 ) (9,109 ) Income tax benefit (expense) 8,537 6,926 (8,899 ) (5,144 ) Discontinued operations, net of income taxes (40,528 ) 1,597 (57,981 ) 7,122 Net income (loss) $ (53,952 ) $ (10,611 ) $ (45,471 ) $ 16,740

Net Income (Loss) Per Share (Ta

Net Income (Loss) Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Summary of Dilutive Effect for Awards with Exercise Price Less Than Average Stock Price	The computation of basic and diluted net income (loss) per share attributable to Blucora, Inc. is as follows (in thousands): Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Numerator: Income (loss) from continuing operations $ (13,424 ) $ (12,208 ) $ 12,510 $ 9,618 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests (167 ) — (426 ) — Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Blucora, Inc. (13,591 ) (12,208 ) 12,084 9,618 Income (loss) from discontinued operations attributable to Blucora, Inc. (40,528 ) 1,597 (57,981 ) 7,122 Net income (loss) attributable to Blucora, Inc. $ (54,119 ) $ (10,611 ) $ (45,897 ) $ 16,740 Denominator: Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic 41,635 40,950 41,404 40,952 Dilutive potential common shares — — 925 959 Weighted average common shares outstanding, diluted 41,635 40,950 42,329 41,911 Net income (loss) per share attributable to Blucora, Inc. - basic: Continuing operations $ (0.33 ) $ (0.30 ) $ 0.29 $ 0.23 Discontinued operations (0.97 ) 0.04 (1.40 ) 0.18 Basic net income (loss) per share $ (1.30 ) $ (0.26 ) $ (1.11 ) $ 0.41 Net income (loss) per share attributable to Blucora, Inc. - diluted: Continuing operations $ (0.33 ) $ (0.30 ) $ 0.29 $ 0.23 Discontinued operations (0.97 ) 0.04 (1.37 ) 0.17 Diluted net income (loss) per share $ (1.30 ) $ (0.26 ) $ (1.08 ) $ 0.40 Shares excluded 10,246 6,195 6,317 2,950

The Company and Basis of Pres30

The Company and Basis of Presentation - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016Segment	Aug. 09, 2016USD ($)
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Number of reportable segments | Segment	2
Discontinued Operations, Disposed of by Sale [Member] | Search and Content [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Consideration for Search and Content sale | $		$ 45.2

The Company and Basis of Pres31

The Company and Basis of Presentation - Correction (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments Restatement [Line Items]
Net assets held-for-sale	$ 70,432			$ 70,432		$ 211,663
Income (loss) from discontinued operations attributable to Blucora, Inc.	$ (40,528)		$ 1,597	$ (57,981)	$ 7,122
Correction of an Immaterial Error [Member] | Scenario, Previously Reported [Member]
Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments Restatement [Line Items]
Net assets held-for-sale		$ 6,700
Income (loss) from discontinued operations attributable to Blucora, Inc.		$ (6,700)
Earnings per share, basic and diluted (in USD per share)		$ (0.16)

Business Combinations - Narrati

Business Combinations - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Credit facility borrowed	$ 607,650,000		$ 607,650,000	$ 607,650,000	$ 474,259,000
TaxACT - HD Vest 2015 Credit Facility [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Credit facility borrowed	400,000,000		400,000,000	400,000,000	$ 295,000,000
HD Vest [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Purchase price				613,726,000
Cash acquired	$ 38,874,000		$ 38,874,000	$ 38,874,000
Working capital adjustment		$ 1,800,000
Ownership percentage	95.52%
Noncontrolling interest ownership percentage	4.48%		4.48%	4.48%
Undiscounted contingent consideration	$ 20,000,000		$ 20,000,000	$ 20,000,000
Business combination, acquired receivables, gross contractual amount	21,600,000		21,600,000	21,600,000
Transaction costs			11,000,000
Debt issuance cost	$ 21,800,000		$ 21,800,000	$ 21,800,000
HD Vest [Member] | President [Member] | Notes Payable, Other Payables [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Term	3 years
Interest rate	5.00%		5.00%	5.00%
HD Vest [Member] | TaxACT - HD Vest 2015 Credit Facility [Member] | Term Loan [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Credit facility borrowed	$ 400,000,000		$ 400,000,000	$ 400,000,000

Business Combinations Assets an

Business Combinations Assets and Liabilities Acquired (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill, net	$ 549,582	$ 548,959
Useful life	195 months
HD Vest [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Tangible assets acquired, including cash acquired of $38,874		78,700
Cash acquired		38,874
Liabilities assumed		(21,976)
Identifiable net assets acquired	$ 1,400	56,724
Business combination, intangible assets other than goodwill		323,700
Cash paid		612,288
Plus: noncontrolling interest		15,038
Less: escrow receivable		(20,000)
Purchase price		613,726
Less: identifiable net assets acquired	(1,400)	(56,724)
Less: fair value of intangible assets acquired		(323,700)
Plus: deferred tax liability related to intangible assets		123,484
Goodwill, net		356,786
Increase to net assets acquired	1,400	56,724
Goodwill, period decrease	$ (1,388)
Advisor relationships [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Useful life	231 months
Advisor relationships [Member] | HD Vest [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business combination, intangible assets other than goodwill		240,300
Less: fair value of intangible assets acquired		(240,300)
Useful life	20 years
Sponsor relationships [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Useful life	207 months
Sponsor relationships [Member] | HD Vest [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business combination, intangible assets other than goodwill		16,500
Less: fair value of intangible assets acquired		(16,500)
Useful life	18 years
Curriculum [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Useful life	39 months
Curriculum [Member] | HD Vest [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business combination, intangible assets other than goodwill		800
Less: fair value of intangible assets acquired		(800)
Useful life	4 years
Proprietary technology [Member] | HD Vest [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business combination, intangible assets other than goodwill		13,600
Less: fair value of intangible assets acquired		(13,600)
Useful life	6 years
Trade name [Member] | HD Vest [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business combination, intangible assets other than goodwill		52,500
Less: fair value of intangible assets acquired		(52,500)
Notes Payable, Other Payables [Member] | President [Member] | HD Vest [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Plus: promissory note		$ 6,400

Business Combinations Pro Forma

Business Combinations Pro Forma Information (Details) - HD Vest [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 82,852	$ 352,449
Income (loss) from continuing operations	$ (12,648)	$ 2,459

Business Combinations - SimpleT

Business Combinations - SimpleTax (Detail) $ in Thousands, CAD in Millions	Jul. 02, 2015USD ($)	Jul. 02, 2015CAD	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Jul. 02, 2015CAD
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill acquired			$ 549,582	$ 548,959
Simple Tax [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash paid for acquisition	$ 1,900	CAD 2.4
Undiscounted contingent consideration	$ 3,700		$ 3,500		CAD 4.6
Contingent consideration period	3 years	3 years
Estimated fair value of contingent consideration	$ 3,300				4.1
Intangible assets acquired	900				1.2
Goodwill acquired	$ 4,500				CAD 5.6

Discontinued Operations - Agree

Discontinued Operations - Agreement (Details) - Discontinued Operations, Disposed of by Sale [Member] - Search and Content [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Aug. 09, 2016
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Consideration for Search and Content sale			$ 45.2
Proceeds from divestiture of business		$ 44.7
Scenario, Forecast [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Proceeds from divestiture of business	$ 0.5

Discontinued Operations - Incom

Discontinued Operations - Income Statement and Balance Sheet (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Income Statement Disclosures [Abstract]
Revenues	$ 53,721	$ 81,906	$ 209,108	$ 263,740
Operating expenses	(50,952)	(79,514)	(192,874)	(250,390)
Other loss, net	(415)	(195)	(844)	(2,469)
Income from discontinued operations before income taxes	2,354	2,197	15,390	10,881
Loss on classification as held-for-sale before income taxes	(29,463)	0	(46,463)	0
Loss on sale of discontinued operations before income taxes	(46)	0	(21,571)	0
Discontinued operations, before income taxes	(27,155)	2,197	(52,644)	10,881
Income tax expense	(13,373)	(600)	(5,337)	(3,759)
Discontinued operations, net of income taxes	(40,528)	$ 1,597	(57,981)	$ 7,122
Major classes of assets and liabilities:
Cash	2,282		2,282		$ 2,158
Accounts receivable, net of allowance	5,423		5,423		26,352
Inventories	33,856		33,856		43,480
Other current assets	3,289		3,289		3,182
Property and equipment, net	7,479		7,479		9,824
Goodwill, net	0		0		67,201
Other intangible assets, net	17,790		17,790		59,006
Other long-term assets	313		313		460
Total assets of discontinued operations	70,432		70,432		211,663
Accounts payable	11,502		11,502		33,295
Other current liabilities	5,665		5,665		15,622
Debt (net of discount and including short-term and long-term portions)	16,000		16,000		25,000
Deferred tax liability, net	4,363		4,363		13,816
Other long-term liabilities	9		9		542
Total liabilities of discontinued operations	$ 37,539		$ 37,539		$ 88,275

Discontinued Operations - Busin

Discontinued Operations - Business Exit Costs (Details) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Business exit costs	$ 4,500
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Charges	3,600
Employee-Related Costs [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring reserve, beginning balance	994
Charges	2,609
Payments	(3,136)
Restructuring reserve, ending balance	$ 467

Discontinued Operations - Debt

Discontinued Operations - Debt (Details) - USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Principal amount	$ 474,259,000	$ 607,650,000
Monoprice Credit Facility [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Principal amount	$ 16,000,000	$ 25,000,000

Discontinued Operations - Mono

Discontinued Operations - Monoprice (Details) - USD ($)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015	Nov. 22, 2013
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Principal amount	$ 474,259,000		$ 607,650,000
Monoprice Credit Facility [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Frequency of payment and payment terms	Monoprice has the right to permanently reduce, without premium or penalty, the entire credit facility at any time or portions of the credit facility in an aggregate principal amount not less than $1.0 million or any whole multiple of $1.0 million in excess thereof (for swingline loans, the aggregate principal amount is not less than $0.1 million and any whole multiple of $0.1 million in excess thereof).
Principal amount	$ 16,000,000		$ 25,000,000
Interest rate description	The interest rate is variable, based upon, at the election of Monoprice, either LIBOR plus a margin of between 2.75% and 3.25%, payable each interest period, or a variable rate plus a margin of between 1.75% and 2.25%, payable quarterly. In each case, the applicable margin within the range depends upon Monoprice’s ratio of leverage to EBITDA over the previous four quarters.
Monoprice Inc [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Principal amount				$ 50,000,000
Repayment activities	$ (9,000,000)	$ (12,000,000)
Minimum credit facility aggregate principal amount due	1,000,000
Periodic payment, principal multiple	1,000,000
Revolver Under Credit Facility [Member] | Monoprice Inc [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Credit facility				30,000,000
Letter of Credit [Member] | Monoprice Inc [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Credit facility				5,000,000
Swing Line Loans [Member] | Monoprice Inc [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Credit facility				5,000,000
Minimum credit facility aggregate principal amount due	100,000
Periodic payment, principal multiple	$ 100,000
Term Loan [Member] | Monoprice Inc [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Credit facility				$ 40,000,000
Minimum [Member] | Monoprice Inc [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Variable interest rate	1.75%
Minimum [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | Monoprice Inc [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Variable interest rate	2.75%
Maximum [Member] | Monoprice Inc [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Variable interest rate	2.25%
Maximum [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | Monoprice Inc [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Variable interest rate	3.25%

Goodwill and Other Intangible41

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Summary of Goodwill Activity (Detail) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning balance	$ 548,959
Purchase accounting adjustment	400
Foreign currency translation adjustment	223
Goodwill, ending balance	549,582
Wealth Management [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning balance	356,386
Purchase accounting adjustment	400
Foreign currency translation adjustment	0
Goodwill, ending balance	356,786
Tax Preparation [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning balance	192,573
Purchase accounting adjustment	0
Foreign currency translation adjustment	223
Goodwill, ending balance	$ 192,796

Goodwill and Other Intangible42

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Intangible Assets Other than Goodwill (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Schedule Of Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Definite-lived intangible assets, Gross carrying amount	$ 403,275	$ 403,229
Definite-lived intangible assets, Accumulated amortization	(104,635)	(78,934)
Definite-lived intangible assets, net	298,640	324,295
Gross carrying amount, Total	475,275	475,229
Accumulated amortization, Total	(104,635)	(78,934)
Other intangible assets, net, Total	370,640	396,295
Trade name [Member]
Schedule Of Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived intangible assets, Gross carrying amount	72,000	72,000
Indefinite-lived intangible assets, net	72,000	72,000
Customer relationships [Member]
Schedule Of Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Definite-lived intangible assets, Gross carrying amount	101,697	101,681
Definite-lived intangible assets, Accumulated amortization	(59,203)	(49,664)
Definite-lived intangible assets, net	42,494	52,017
Advisor relationships [Member]
Schedule Of Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Definite-lived intangible assets, Gross carrying amount	240,300	240,300
Definite-lived intangible assets, Accumulated amortization	(12,854)
Definite-lived intangible assets, net	227,446	240,300
Sponsor relationships [Member]
Schedule Of Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Definite-lived intangible assets, Gross carrying amount	16,500	16,500
Definite-lived intangible assets, Accumulated amortization	(687)
Definite-lived intangible assets, net	15,813	16,500
Curriculum [Member]
Schedule Of Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Definite-lived intangible assets, Gross carrying amount	800	800
Definite-lived intangible assets, Accumulated amortization	(150)
Definite-lived intangible assets, net	650	800
Technology-Based Intangible Assets [Member]
Schedule Of Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Definite-lived intangible assets, Gross carrying amount	43,978	43,948
Definite-lived intangible assets, Accumulated amortization	(31,741)	(29,270)
Definite-lived intangible assets, net	$ 12,237	$ 14,678

Goodwill and Other Intangible43

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Summary of Amortized Expense (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization expense	$ 8,346	$ 5,106	$ 25,694	$ 15,202
Services cost of revenues [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization expense	49	1,911	765	5,636
Amortization of intangible assets [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization expense	$ 8,297	$ 3,195	$ 24,929	$ 9,566

Goodwill and Other Intangible44

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Information about Expected Amortization of Definite-Lived Intangible Assets (Detail) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
2,016	$ 8,357
2,017	33,366
2,018	32,959
2,019	32,627
2,020	20,274
Thereafter	171,057
Total	298,640
Services cost of revenues [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
2,016	48
2,017	193
2,018	96
2,019	0
2,020	0
Thereafter	0
Total	337
Amortization of intangible assets [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
2,016	8,309
2,017	33,173
2,018	32,863
2,019	32,627
2,020	20,274
Thereafter	171,057
Total	$ 298,303

Goodwill and Other Intangible45

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Detail)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted average amortization period for definite-lived intangible assets	195 months
Customer relationships [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted average amortization period for definite-lived intangible assets	40 months
Advisor relationships [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted average amortization period for definite-lived intangible assets	231 months
Sponsor relationships [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted average amortization period for definite-lived intangible assets	207 months
Curriculum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted average amortization period for definite-lived intangible assets	39 months
Technology-Based Intangible Assets [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted average amortization period for definite-lived intangible assets	62 months

Fair Value Measurements - Sched

Fair Value Measurements - Schedule of Fair Value Hierarchy of Financial Assets Carried at Fair Value and Measured on Recurring Basis (Detail) - Fair value measurements, Recurring [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Cash equivalents:
Total cash equivalents	$ 12,897
Debt Securities [Abstract]
Debt securities	4,492
Total assets at fair value	17,389	$ 16,711
LIABILITIES
Acquisition-related contingent consideration liability	3,500	2,951
Total liabilities at fair value	3,500	2,951
U.S. government securities [Member]
Debt Securities [Abstract]
Debt securities	1,998	11,301
Commercial paper [Member]
Debt Securities [Abstract]
Debt securities	1,995
Time deposits [Member]
Debt Securities [Abstract]
Debt securities	499
U.S. government securities [Member]
Cash equivalents:
Total cash equivalents	4,306
Money market and other funds [Member]
Cash equivalents:
Total cash equivalents	5,432	5,410
Commercial paper [Member]
Cash equivalents:
Total cash equivalents	2,500
Time deposits [Member]
Cash equivalents:
Total cash equivalents	659
Quoted prices in active markets using identical assets (Level 1) [Member]
Cash equivalents:
Total cash equivalents	0
Debt Securities [Abstract]
Debt securities	0
Total assets at fair value	0
LIABILITIES
Acquisition-related contingent consideration liability	0	0
Total liabilities at fair value	0	0
Quoted prices in active markets using identical assets (Level 1) [Member] | U.S. government securities [Member]
Debt Securities [Abstract]
Debt securities	0
Quoted prices in active markets using identical assets (Level 1) [Member] | Commercial paper [Member]
Debt Securities [Abstract]
Debt securities	0
Quoted prices in active markets using identical assets (Level 1) [Member] | Time deposits [Member]
Debt Securities [Abstract]
Debt securities	0
Quoted prices in active markets using identical assets (Level 1) [Member] | U.S. government securities [Member]
Cash equivalents:
Total cash equivalents	0
Quoted prices in active markets using identical assets (Level 1) [Member] | Money market and other funds [Member]
Cash equivalents:
Total cash equivalents	0	0
Quoted prices in active markets using identical assets (Level 1) [Member] | Commercial paper [Member]
Cash equivalents:
Total cash equivalents	0
Quoted prices in active markets using identical assets (Level 1) [Member] | Time deposits [Member]
Cash equivalents:
Total cash equivalents	0
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Cash equivalents:
Total cash equivalents	12,897
Debt Securities [Abstract]
Debt securities	4,492
Total assets at fair value	17,389	16,711
LIABILITIES
Acquisition-related contingent consideration liability	0	0
Total liabilities at fair value	0	0
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | U.S. government securities [Member]
Debt Securities [Abstract]
Debt securities	1,998	11,301
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Commercial paper [Member]
Debt Securities [Abstract]
Debt securities	1,995
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Time deposits [Member]
Debt Securities [Abstract]
Debt securities	499
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | U.S. government securities [Member]
Cash equivalents:
Total cash equivalents	4,306
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Money market and other funds [Member]
Cash equivalents:
Total cash equivalents	5,432	5,410
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Commercial paper [Member]
Cash equivalents:
Total cash equivalents	2,500
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Time deposits [Member]
Cash equivalents:
Total cash equivalents	659
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Cash equivalents:
Total cash equivalents	0
Debt Securities [Abstract]
Debt securities	0
Total assets at fair value	0
LIABILITIES
Acquisition-related contingent consideration liability	3,500	2,951
Total liabilities at fair value	3,500	2,951
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | U.S. government securities [Member]
Debt Securities [Abstract]
Debt securities	0
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Commercial paper [Member]
Debt Securities [Abstract]
Debt securities	0
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Time deposits [Member]
Debt Securities [Abstract]
Debt securities	0
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | U.S. government securities [Member]
Cash equivalents:
Total cash equivalents	0
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Money market and other funds [Member]
Cash equivalents:
Total cash equivalents	0	$ 0
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Commercial paper [Member]
Cash equivalents:
Total cash equivalents	0
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Time deposits [Member]
Cash equivalents:
Total cash equivalents	$ 0

Fair Value Measurements - Recon

Fair Value Measurements - Reconciliation of Fair Value Measured on Recurring Basis (Details) $ in Thousands, CAD in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)	Jul. 02, 2015USD ($)	Jul. 02, 2015CAD
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance at December 31, 2015	$ 2,951
Revaluation	391
Foreign currency transaction loss	158
Balance at September 30, 2016	3,500
Simple Tax [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Undiscounted contingent consideration	$ 3,500	$ 3,700	CAD 4.6
Probability of payment	100.00%
Discount rate	9.00%
Estimated fair value of contingent consideration		$ 3,300	CAD 4.1
Other Current Liabilities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Estimated fair value of contingent consideration	$ 900
Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Estimated fair value of contingent consideration	$ 2,600

Fair Value Measurements - Inves

Fair Value Measurements - Investments Classified as Available-for-Sale (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Investments, Amortized Cost	$ 4,491	$ 11,316
Available for sale Investments, Debt Securities, Gross Unrealized Gain	2	0
Available for sale Investments, Debt Securities, Gross Unrealized Loss	(1)	(15)
Available-for-sale investments	$ 4,492	$ 11,301

Debt - Schedule of Company's De

Debt - Schedule of Company's Debt (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal amount	$ 474,259	$ 607,650
Unamortized discount	(16,090)	(24,207)
Debt issuance costs	(8,144)	(12,044)
Net carrying value	450,025	571,399
TaxACT - HD Vest 2015 Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal amount	295,000	400,000
Unamortized discount	(8,260)	(12,000)
Debt issuance costs	(6,139)	(8,919)
Net carrying value	280,601	379,081
Convertible Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal amount	172,859	201,250
Unamortized discount	(7,830)	(12,207)
Debt issuance costs	(2,005)	(3,125)
Net carrying value	163,024	185,918
President [Member] | Notes Payable, Other Payables [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal amount	6,400	6,400
Unamortized discount	0	0
Debt issuance costs	0	0
Net carrying value	$ 6,400	$ 6,400

Debt TaxAct- HD Vest 2015 credi

Debt TaxAct- HD Vest 2015 credit facility (Details) - USD ($)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal amount	$ 474,259,000	$ 607,650,000
TaxACT - HD Vest 2015 Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal amount	295,000,000	400,000,000
Term Loan [Member] | TaxACT - HD Vest 2015 Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayment activities	(105,000,000)
HD Vest [Member] | TaxACT - HD Vest 2015 Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit facility		425,000,000
Minimum credit facility aggregate principal amount due	5,000,000
Periodic payment, principal multiple	$ 1,000,000
Long-term debt, prepayment penalty, percent	1.00%
HD Vest [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | TaxACT - HD Vest 2015 Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit facility		25,000,000
HD Vest [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | TaxACT - HD Vest 2015 Credit Facility [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable interest rate	5.00%
HD Vest [Member] | Swing Line Loans [Member] | TaxACT - HD Vest 2015 Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, current borrowing capacity	$ 500,000
Line of credit facility, borrowing capacity, multiple	$ 100,000
HD Vest [Member] | Term Loan [Member] | TaxACT - HD Vest 2015 Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal amount		$ 400,000,000
HD Vest [Member] | Term Loan [Member] | TaxACT - HD Vest 2015 Credit Facility [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, interest rate, floor	1.00%
Variable interest rate	6.00%
Minimum [Member] | HD Vest [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | TaxACT - HD Vest 2015 Credit Facility [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable interest rate	2.75%
Minimum [Member] | HD Vest [Member] | Term Loan [Member] | TaxACT - HD Vest 2015 Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, periodic payment, principal, percent	0.625%
Maximum [Member] | HD Vest [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | TaxACT - HD Vest 2015 Credit Facility [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable interest rate	5.00%
Maximum [Member] | HD Vest [Member] | Term Loan [Member] | TaxACT - HD Vest 2015 Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, periodic payment, principal, percent	1.875%
Line of Credit [Member] | HD Vest [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | TaxACT - HD Vest 2015 Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, current borrowing capacity	$ 2,000,000
Line of credit facility, borrowing capacity, multiple	$ 1,000,000

Debt - Convertible Senior Notes

Debt - Convertible Senior Notes - Additional Information (Detail)	Mar. 15, 2013USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)d$ / shares	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal amount		$ 474,259,000	$ 607,650,000
Scenario 1 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Convertible trading days | d		20
Convertible threshold consecutive trading days		30 days
Threshold percentage of stock price trigger		130.00%
Scenario 2 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Convertible threshold consecutive trading days		5 days
Threshold percentage of stock price trigger		98.00%
Debt instrument convertible threshold business period		5 days
Senior Convertible Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal amount	$ 201,250,000
Debt instrument additional issued principal amount	26,250,000
Interest rate		4.25%
Frequency of periodic payment		semi-annually
Proceeds from debt, net of issuance costs	194,800,000
Convertible notes amount in multiples		$ 1,000
Conversion ratio		0.0461723
Conversion price (in usd per share) | $ / shares		$ 21.66
Redemption price, percentage of principal amount redeemed		100.00%
Convertible effective interest rate		6.50%
Carrying amount of equity component	22,300,000
Net carrying value	6,400,000
Debt issuance costs liability component	$ 5,700,000
Remaining discount amortization period	6 years
Repurchased face amount		$ (28,400,000)
Repurchase amount, cash		$ 20,700,000

Debt - Schedule of Total Intere

Debt - Schedule of Total Interest Expense on Convertible Senior Notes (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Amortization of debt issuance costs (Non-cash)			$ 1,440	$ 842
Accretion of debt discount (Non-cash)			3,599	2,873
Senior Convertible Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Contractual interest expense (Cash)	$ 1,836	$ 2,138	5,782	6,415
Amortization of debt issuance costs (Non-cash)	231	249	704	735
Accretion of debt discount (Non-cash)	901	975	2,749	2,873
Total interest expense	$ 2,968	$ 3,362	$ 9,235	$ 10,023
Effective interest rate of the liability component	7.32%	7.32%	7.32%	7.32%
Senior Convertible Notes [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Fair Value of principal amount of notes	$ 164,200		$ 164,200

Debt - Related Party (Details)

Debt - Related Party (Details) - HD Vest [Member] - Notes Payable, Other Payables [Member]	Dec. 31, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Note repayment in year one, percentage	0.50
Note repayment in year two, percentage	0.40
Note repayment in year three, percentage	0.10
President [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument term	3 years
Interest rate	5.00%

Debt - Phantom (Details)

Debt - Phantom (Details) - Senior Convertible Notes [Member]	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Terms of conversion feature	Beginning July 1, 2013 and prior to the close of business on September 28, 2018, holders may convert all or a portion of the Notes at their option, in multiples of $1,000 principal amount, under the following circumstances:During any fiscal quarter commencing July 1, 2013, if the last reported sale price of the Company’s common stock for at least 20 trading days during a period of 30 consecutive trading days ending on the last trading day of the immediately preceding calendar quarter is greater than or equal to 130% of the conversion price on each applicable trading day. As of June 30, 2015, the Notes were not convertible. During the five business day period after any five consecutive trading day period (the “measurement period”) in which the trading price per $1,000 principal amount of the Notes for each trading day of the measurement period was less than 98% of the product of the last reported sales price of the Company’s common stock and the conversion rate on each trading day.If the Company calls any or all of the Notes for redemption.Upon the occurrence of specified corporate events, including a merger or a sale of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets.
Redemption description	Beginning April 6, 2016, the Company may, at its option, redeem for cash all or part of the Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest. As of June 30, 2015, the Company does not intend to redeem the Notes for cash. If the Company undergoes a fundamental change (as described in the Indenture), holders may require the Company to repurchase for cash all or part of their Notes in principal amounts of $1,000 or an integral multiple thereof. The fundamental change repurchase price will be equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes to be repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest.

Redeemable Noncontrolling Int55

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests (Details) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Roll Forward]
Redeemable noncontrolling interest, beginning balance	$ 15,038
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	426
Redeemable noncontrolling interest, ending balance	15,464
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	$ 10,900

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Sublease income	$ 3.2

Stockholders' Equity - Stock-Ba

Stockholders' Equity - Stock-Based Compensation Expense (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Continuing Operations [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	$ 3,364	$ 2,074	$ 10,616	$ 5,974
Services cost of revenues [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	52	23	117	71
Engineering and technology [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	434	112	1,167	336
Sales and marketing [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	661	230	1,688	610
General and administrative [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	$ 2,217	$ 1,709	$ 7,644	$ 4,957

Stockholders' Equity - Shares I

Stockholders' Equity - Shares Issued under Share Based Compensation (Detail) - shares shares in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock options exercised	0	25	140	245
Total shares	216	116	757	557
RSUs vested [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
RSUs vested (in shares)	102	40	426	209
Shares purchased pursuant to ESPP [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares purchased pursuant to ESPP	114	51	191	103

Stockholders' Equity - Addition

Stockholders' Equity - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
Shares repurchased	0	500,000
Value of stock repurchased		$ 7
Average price per share, stock repurchased (in USD per share)		$ 14.46

Segment Information - Informati

Segment Information - Information on Reportable Segments for Reconciliation to Consolidated Net Income (Detail) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)Segment	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of reportable segments | Segment			2
Revenue:
Wealth management services revenue	$ 80,088	$ 0	$ 233,496	$ 0
Tax preparation services revenue	3,149	2,875	135,614	114,843
Total revenue	83,237	2,875	369,110	114,843
Operating income (loss):
Wealth management services cost of revenue	54,921	0	158,213	0
Tax preparation services cost of revenue	1,319	1,170	6,549	4,680
Total operating income (loss)	(10,508)	(16,054)	51,292	23,871
Other loss, net	(11,453)	(3,080)	(29,883)	(9,109)
Income tax benefit (expense)	8,537	6,926	(8,899)	(5,144)
Discontinued operations, net of income taxes	(40,528)	1,597	(57,981)	7,122
Net income	(53,952)	(10,611)	(45,471)	16,740
Operating Segments [Member]
Revenue:
Wealth management services revenue	80,088	0	233,496	0
Tax preparation services revenue	3,149	2,875	135,614	114,843
Operating income (loss):
Wealth management services cost of revenue	11,628	0	32,458	0
Tax preparation services cost of revenue	(4,382)	(2,542)	72,987	61,493
Corporate-level activity [Member]
Operating income (loss):
Total operating income (loss)	$ (17,754)	$ (13,512)	$ (54,153)	$ (37,622)

Net Income (Loss) Per Share - S

Net Income (Loss) Per Share - Summary of Dilutive Effect for Awards with Exercise Price Less than Average Stock Price (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net income from continuing operations	$ (13,424)	$ (12,208)	$ 12,510	$ 9,618
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(167)	0	(426)	0
Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Blucora, Inc.	(13,591)	(12,208)	12,084	9,618
Income (loss) from discontinued operations attributable to Blucora, Inc.	(40,528)	1,597	(57,981)	7,122
Net income (loss) attributable to Blucora, Inc.	$ (54,119)	$ (10,611)	$ (45,897)	$ 16,740
Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic	41,635	40,950	41,404	40,952
Dilutive potential common shares	0	0	925	959
Weighted average common shares outstanding, diluted	41,635	40,950	42,329	41,911
Earnings Per Share, Basic [Abstract]
Continuing operations, basic (in USD per share)	$ (0.33)	$ (0.30)	$ 0.29	$ 0.23
Discontinued operations, basic (in USD per share)	(0.97)	0.04	(1.40)	0.18
Basic (in USD per share)	(1.30)	(0.26)	(1.11)	0.41
Earnings Per Share, Diluted [Abstract]
Continuing operations, diluted (in USD per share)	(0.33)	(0.30)	0.29	0.23
Discontinued operations, diluted (in USD per share)	(0.97)	0.04	(1.37)	0.17
Diluted (in USD per share)	$ (1.30)	$ (0.26)	$ (1.08)	$ 0.40
Shares excluded	10,246	6,195	6,317	2,950

Subsequent Event (Details)

Subsequent Event (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Oct. 27, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Restructuring charges		$ 3.6
Minimum [Member] | Scenario, Forecast [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Transition costs	$ 3
Maximum [Member] | Scenario, Forecast [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Transition costs	4
Strategic Transformation [Member] | Facility Closing [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Scenario, Forecast [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	7.5
Restructuring reserve, settled without cash	1.9
Strategic Transformation [Member] | Facility Closing [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Scenario, Forecast [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	11.3
Restructuring reserve, settled without cash	$ 2.6