Avantax (AVTA) 10-Q 9 May 18 2018 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	May 02, 2018
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	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2018
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,018
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Amendment Flag	false
Trading Symbol	BCOR
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		46,980,636

Unaudited Condensed Consolidate

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 77,107	$ 59,965
Cash segregated under federal or other regulations	1,314	1,371
Accounts receivable, net of allowance	12,655	10,694
Commissions receivable	17,062	16,822
Other receivables	592	3,180
Prepaid expenses and other current assets, net	7,534	7,365
Total current assets	116,264	99,397
Long-term assets:
Property and equipment, net	8,769	9,831
Goodwill, net	548,916	549,037
Other intangible assets, net	319,841	328,205
Other long-term assets	16,282	15,201
Total long-term assets	893,808	902,274
Total assets	1,010,072	1,001,671
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	7,703	4,413
Commissions and advisory fees payable	17,535	17,813
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	20,168	19,577
Deferred revenue	4,195	9,953
Total current liabilities	49,601	51,756
Long-term liabilities:
Long-term debt, net	299,078	338,081
Deferred tax liability, net	42,684	43,433
Deferred revenue	500	804
Other long-term liabilities	6,830	8,177
Total long-term liabilities	349,092	390,495
Total liabilities	398,693	442,251
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	18,238	18,033
Commitments and contingencies (Note 8)
Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock, par $0.0001—authorized shares, 900,000; issued and outstanding shares, 46,828 and 46,366	5	5
Additional paid-in capital	1,560,262	1,555,560
Accumulated deficit	(966,985)	(1,014,174)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(141)	(4)
Total stockholders’ equity	593,141	541,387
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$ 1,010,072	$ 1,001,671

Unaudited Condensed Consolidat3

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
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	46,828,000	46,366,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	46,828,000	46,366,000

Unaudited Condensed Consolidat4

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Revenue:
Wealth management services revenue	$ 92,082	$ 82,667
Tax preparation services revenue	113,883	99,708
Total revenue	205,965	182,375
Cost of revenue:
Wealth management services cost of revenue	63,067	55,874
Tax preparation services cost of revenue	4,353	3,818
Amortization of acquired technology	50	48
Total cost of revenue	67,470	59,740
Engineering and technology	5,131	4,748
Sales and marketing	55,253	48,998
General and administrative	14,866	13,483
Depreciation	1,915	940
Amortization of other acquired intangible assets	8,307	8,288
Restructuring	289	2,289
Total operating expenses	153,231	138,486
Operating income	52,734	43,889
Other loss, net	(5,228)	(9,708)
Income before income taxes	47,506	34,181
Income tax expense	(1,963)	(3,471)
Net income	45,543	30,710
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(205)	(126)
Net income attributable to Blucora, Inc.	$ 45,338	$ 30,584
Net income per share attributable to Blucora, Inc.:
Basic (in USD per share)	$ 0.97	$ 0.73
Diluted (in USD per share)	$ 0.93	$ 0.67
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic, Shares	46,641	42,145
Diluted, Shares	48,665	45,428
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale investments, net of tax	$ 0	$ 1
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(137)	43
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(137)	44
Comprehensive income	45,406	30,754
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(205)	(126)
Comprehensive income attributable to Blucora, Inc.	$ 45,201	$ 30,628

Unaudited Condensed Consolidat5

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Operating Activities:
Net income	$ 45,543	$ 30,710
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from operating activities:
Stock-based compensation	2,958	2,565
Depreciation and amortization of acquired intangible assets	10,359	9,470
Restructuring (non-cash)	0	864
Deferred income taxes	(749)	(481)
Amortization of premium on investments, net, and debt issuance costs	202	397
Accretion of debt discounts	47	1,085
Loss on debt extinguishment	776	1,780
Cash provided (used) by changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	(1,961)	(1,239)
Commissions receivable	(240)	742
Other receivables	2,588	2,198
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	(319)	(479)
Other long-term assets	(1,109)	122
Accounts payable	3,290	2,687
Commissions and advisory fees payable	(278)	(198)
Deferred revenue	(4,213)	(5,425)
Accrued expenses and other current and long-term liabilities	556	8,102
Net cash provided by operating activities	57,450	52,900
Investing Activities:
Purchases of property and equipment	(940)	(1,165)
Proceeds from sales of investments	0	249
Proceeds from maturities of investments	0	7,092
Purchases of investments	0	(409)
Net cash provided (used) by investing activities	(940)	5,767
Financing Activities:
Payments on credit facilities	(40,000)	(38,000)
Proceeds from stock option exercises	2,534	4,234
Proceeds from issuance of stock through employee stock purchase plan	703	662
Tax payments from shares withheld for equity awards	(1,493)	(2,209)
Contingent consideration payments for business acquisition	(1,313)	(946)
Net cash used by financing activities	(39,569)	(36,259)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	(6)	5
Net increase in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	16,935	22,413
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, beginning of period	62,311	54,868
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, end of period	79,246	77,281
Cash paid for income taxes	457	284
Cash paid for interest	$ 4,188	$ 4,504

Description of the Business

Description of the Business	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Description of the Business	Description of the Business Description of the business: Blucora, Inc. (the "Company" or "Blucora" ) operates two 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" ). HDV Holdings, Inc. is the parent company of the Wealth Management business and owns all outstanding shares of HD Vest, Inc., which serves as a holding company for the various financial services subsidiaries. Those subsidiaries include HD Vest Investment Securities, Inc. (an introducing broker-dealer), H.D. Vest Advisory Services, Inc. (a registered investment adviser), and H.D. Vest Insurance Agency, LLC (an insurance broker) (collectively referred to as the "Wealth Management business" or the "Wealth Management segment" ). The Tax Preparation business consists of the operations of TaxAct, Inc. and its subsidiary ( "TaxAct" ) and provides digital tax preparation solutions for consumers, small business owners, and tax professionals through its website www.TaxAct.com (collectively referred to as the "Tax Preparation business" or the "Tax Preparation segment" ). 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 and the divestitures of the Company's previously operated Search and Content and E-Commerce businesses in 2016. As part of the Strategic Transformation and "One Company" operating model, the Company relocated its corporate headquarters from Bellevue, Washington to Irving, Texas during 2017. The actions to relocate the Company's corporate headquarters were intended to drive efficiencies and improve operational effectiveness. The restructuring is now substantially complete and is expected to be fully completed in the first half of 2018. Segments: T he Company has two reportable segments: the Wealth Management segment, which consists of the HD Vest business, and the Tax Preparation segment, which consists of the TaxAct business.

Summary of Significant Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
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 accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ( "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, 2017 . Interim results are not necessarily indicative of results for a full year. Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash: The following table presents cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash as reported on the consolidated balance sheets that equal the total amounts on the consolidated statements of cash flows (in thousands): March 31, December 31, 2018 2017 2017 Cash and cash equivalents $ 77,107 $ 74,609 $ 59,965 Cash segregated under federal or other regulations 1,314 1,872 1,371 Restricted cash included in "Prepaid expenses and other current assets, net" 275 250 425 Restricted cash included in "Other long-term assets" 550 550 550 Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash $ 79,246 $ 77,281 $ 62,311 Cash segregated under federal and other regulations is held in a separate bank account for the exclusive benefit of the Company’s wealth management customers. Restricted cash included in prepaid expenses and other current assets, net and other long-term assets represents amounts pledged as collateral for certain of the Company's banking arrangements. Fair value of financial instruments : The Company measures its cash equivalents 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. Cash equivalents are classified within Level 2 (see "Note 5: Fair Value Measurements") of the fair value hierarchy because the Company values them utilizing market observable inputs. Unrealized gains and losses are included in " Accumulated other comprehensive loss " on the consolidated balance sheets, and amounts reclassified out of comprehensive income into net income are determined on the basis of specific identification. The Company has a contingent consideration liability that is related to the Company's 2015 acquisition of SimpleTax Software Inc. ( "SimpleTax" ) and is classified within Level 3 (see "Note 5: Fair Value Measurements") of the fair value hierarchy because the Company values it 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 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. The Company accounts for contingent consideration in accordance with applicable accounting guidance pertaining to business combinations Concentration of credit risk: Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash equivalents, short-term investments, trade accounts receivable, and commissions receivable. These instruments are generally unsecured and uninsured. For cash equivalents, short-term investments, and commissions receivable, the Company attempts to manage exposure to counterparty credit risk by only entering into agreements with major financial institutions and investment sponsors that are expected to be able to fully perform under the terms of the agreement. Accounts receivable are typically unsecured and are derived from revenues earned from customers primarily located in the United States operating in a variety of geographic areas. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers and maintains allowances for potential credit losses. Property and equipment, net: In the first quarter of 2018, the Company determined that certain of its internally-developed software fixed assets would not be used as long as previously estimated and recognized $1.1 million of depreciation expense after shortening the estimated useful lives of those assets. 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. The Company currently is evaluating, or has adopted, ASUs that impact the following areas: Revenue recognition (ASC 606) - In May 2014, the FASB issued guidance codified in ASC 606, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers" ( "ASC 606" ), 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 by using a five-step process. 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. The Company adopted the requirements of the new standard on January 1, 2018, utilizing the modified retrospective transition method. Upon adoption, the Company recognized a $1.8 million cumulative effect of adopting this ASU as an adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings and deferred revenues. The Company now recognizes certain licensing fees on a net basis, which reduced both transaction and fee revenues and operating expenses by $0.4 million on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. Had the Company not adopted this ASU, total revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2018 would have been $1.1 million higher than reported on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. Prior periods were not retrospectively adjusted, and the Company does not disclose the value of unsatisfied performance obligations for contracts with original expected durations of one year or less. Leases (ASU 2016-02) - 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) and have a term of twelve months or less, 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. Early adoption is permitted. The Company expects that the adoption of this ASU will not have a material impact to its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures, and it will adopt this ASU on January 1, 2019. Measurement of Credit Losses - In June 2016, the FASB issued an ASU which requires companies to measure credit losses utilizing a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires a consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to inform credit loss estimates. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including those interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is currently assessing the impact of adopting this ASU, but based on a preliminary assessment, does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

Impact of Revenue Recognition A

Impact of Revenue Recognition Accounting Pronouncement	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Impact of Revenue Recognition Accounting Pronouncement	Impact of Revenue Recognition Accounting Pronouncement See "Note 2: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" for a discussion of the new revenue recognition standard, ASC 606, adopted by the Company on January 1, 2018. The Company adopted the requirements of the new standard on January 1, 2018, utilizing the modified retrospective transition method. Upon adoption, the Company recognized a $1.8 million cumulative effect of adopting this ASU as an adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings and deferred revenues. Additionally, the Company now recognizes certain licensing fees on a net basis, which reduced both transaction and fee revenues and operating expenses by $0.4 million on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. Had the Company not adopted this ASU, total revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2018 would have been $1.1 million higher than reported on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. Prior periods were not retrospectively adjusted, and the Company does not disclose the value of unsatisfied performance obligations for contracts with original expected durations of one year or less. Wealth management revenue recognition : Wealth management revenue consists primarily of advisory revenue, commission revenue, asset-based revenue, and transaction and fee revenue. The Company’s wealth management revenues are earned from customers primarily located in the United States. Wealth management revenue details are as follows: Advisory revenue - Advisory revenue includes fees charged to clients in advisory accounts where the Company is the Registered Investment Adviser. These fees are based on the value of assets within these advisory accounts. Advisory revenues are deferred and recognized ratably over the period (typically quarterly) in which the performance obligations, which are defined in ASC 606 as promises to transfer goods or services, have been completed. Commission revenue - Commissions represent amounts generated by the Company's clients' purchases and sales of securities and various investment products. The Company serves as the registered broker/dealer or insurance agent for those trades. The Company generates two types of commissions: transaction-based sales commissions that occur on the trade date, which is when the Company's performance obligations have been substantially completed, as well as trailing commissions which are paid to the Company (typically in arrears on a quarterly basis) based on the clients' account balance, rather than a per-transaction fee. Asset-based revenue - Asset-based revenue primarily includes fees from financial product manufacturer sponsorship programs, cash sweep programs and other asset-based revenues, primarily including margin revenues, and are recognized ratably over the period in which services are provided. Transaction and fee revenue - Transaction and fee revenue primarily includes support fees charged to advisers, which are recognized over time as those services are provided, fees charged for executing certain transactions in client accounts, which are recognized on a trade-date basis, and other fees related to services provided and other account charges as generally outlined in agreements with financial advisers, clients, and financial institutions, which are recognized as services are performed or as earned, as applicable. Due to the adoption of ASC 606, the Company now recognizes certain licensing fees on a net basis, which reduced both transaction and fee revenues and operating expenses by $0.4 million for the quarter ending March 31, 2018, on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. Details of wealth management revenues that are regularly reviewed by the Company’s chief operating decision maker are: Wealth Management Segment Revenues Three months ended March 31, 2018 Advisory revenue Commission revenue Asset-based revenue Transaction and Fee revenue Total Segment Revenue Revenues recognized upon transaction (point in time) $ — $ 18,345 $ — $ 961 $ 19,306 Revenues recognized over time 39,301 24,525 7,172 1,778 72,776 Total $ 39,301 $ 42,870 $ 7,172 $ 2,739 $ 92,082 Tax preparation revenue recognition : The Company derives revenue from the sale of tax preparation online services, ancillary services, packaged tax preparation software, and arrangements that may include a combination of these items. Ancillary services include tax preparation support services, e-filing services, bank or reloadable pre-paid debit card services, and other value-added services, including enhanced tax and wealth management services through HD Vest. The Company’s tax preparation revenues are earned from customers primarily located in the United States. Tax preparation revenue details are as follows: Consumer revenue - Consumer revenue includes revenue associated with the Company’s online software products, downloadable or shipped desktop software products, add-on services such as refund payment transfer services, bank or reloadable pre-paid debit card services and audit defense services. Online revenues include revenues associated with the Company’s online software products sold to customers and businesses primarily for the preparation of individual or business tax returns, and are generally recognized when customers and businesses complete and file returns. Desktop revenues primarily include revenues from all downloadable or shipped software products and are generally recognized when customers download the software or when the software ships. Add-on services are revenues related to services such as refund payment transfer services, bank or reloadable pre-paid debit card services and audit defense services, and are generally recognized as customers complete and file returns. The Company recognized a $1.8 million cumulative effect of adopting ASC 606 related to add-on services revenues, as those revenues do not have separate performance obligations under the new pronouncement, as an adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings and deferred revenues on the consolidated balance sheets. Professional revenue - Professional revenues include revenues associated with the Company’s desktop software products sold to tax return preparers who utilize the Company’s offerings to service end customers and are generally recognized when customers download the software or when the software ships. Professional customers have the option to elect an unlimited e-filing package or a pay-per-return package. As the unlimited e-filing package can be re-used, those revenues are recognized over an estimated filing timeline. Revenues from the pay-per-return package are recognized when customers complete and file returns. Details of tax preparation revenues that are regularly reviewed by the Company’s chief operating decision maker are: Tax Preparation Segment Revenues Three months ended March 31, 2018 Consumer Professional Total Segment Revenues Revenues recognized upon transaction (point in time) $ 101,912 $ 10,396 $ 112,308 Revenues recognized over time — 1,575 1,575 Total $ 101,912 $ 11,971 $ 113,883

Restructuring

Restructuring	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring	Restructuring The following table summarizes the activity in the restructuring liability (in thousands), resulting from the relocation of the Company's corporate headquarters to Irving, Texas as part of the Strategic Transformation: Employee-Related Termination Costs Contract Termination Costs Fixed Asset Impairments Stock-Based Compensation Other Costs Total Balance as of December 31, 2017 $ 1,202 $ 681 $ — $ — $ — 1,883 Restructuring charges 289 — — — — 289 Payments (1,154 ) (69 ) — — — (1,223 ) Non-cash — — — — — — Balance as of March 31, 2018 $ 337 $ 612 $ — $ — $ — $ 949 Employee-related termination costs primarily include severance benefits, under both ongoing and one-time benefit arrangements that were paid at termination dates throughout 2017 and 2018, with the majority paid in the second half of 2017. Contract termination costs and fixed asset impairments were incurred in connection with the Bellevue facility's operating lease and related fixed assets, which are described further in the next two paragraphs, respectively. Stock-based compensation primarily includes the impact of equity award modifications associated with employment contracts for certain individuals impacted by the relocation, as well as forfeitures that were recorded for severed employees. Other costs include office relocation costs. The Company has a non-cancelable operating lease that runs through 2020 for its former corporate headquarters in Bellevue, Washington, which the Company occupied until May 2017. In March 2017, the Company agreed to a sublease for the entire Bellevue facility, which was effective June 1, 2017 and expires on September 30, 2020, consistent with the underlying operating lease. Under that sublease agreement, the Company will not recover all of its remaining lease rental obligations (including common area maintenance costs and real estate taxes) and, therefore, recognized a loss on sublease of $1.1 million . The Company also wrote-off its $1.5 million deferred rent liability (a non-cash item), related to various lease incentives that had been provided originally by the landlord, and incurred broker commissions related to the sublease agreement. All of these items were recorded as contract termination costs in the first quarter of 2017. The Company began receiving sublease offers in the first quarter of 2017, at which point it was indicated that the remaining lease rental obligations, and the related value for the leasehold improvements and the office furniture and equipment, would not be fully recovered. As a result and given the nature of these fixed assets, the Company fully impaired the $1.9 million carrying value of those assets in the first quarter of 2017.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	Fair Value Measurements In accordance with ASC 820, "Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures", certain of the Company's assets and liabilities, which are carried at fair value, are classified in one of the following three categories: Level 1: Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2: Observable market-based inputs, other than Level 1, or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data. Level 3: Unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data and reflect the Company’s own assumptions. 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 March 31, 2018 Quoted prices in Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) Cash equivalents: money market and other funds $ 10,894 $ — $ 10,894 $ — Total assets at fair value $ 10,894 $ — $ 10,894 $ — Acquisition-related contingent consideration liability $ 1,348 $ — $ — $ 1,348 Total liabilities at fair value $ 1,348 $ — $ — $ 1,348 Fair value measurements at the reporting date using December 31, 2017 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 $ 10,857 $ — $ 10,857 $ — Total assets at fair value $ 10,857 $ — $ 10,857 $ — Acquisition-related contingent consideration liability $ 2,689 $ — $ — $ 2,689 Total liabilities at fair value $ 2,689 $ — $ — $ 2,689 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 as of December 31, 2017 $ 2,689 Payment (1,315 ) Foreign currency transaction gain (26 ) Balance as of March 31, 2018 $ 1,348 The contingent consideration liability is related to the Company's 2015 acquisition of SimpleTax, and the related payments that began in 2017 and are expected to continue annually through 2019. As of March 31, 2018 , the Company could be required to pay up to an undiscounted amount of $1.3 million . This liability is included within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy because the Company values it utilizing 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 ( 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 March 31, 2018 , $1.3 million of the contingent consideration liability was included in "Accrued expenses and other current liabilities" on the consolidated balance sheets.

Debt

Debt	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt	Debt The Company’s debt consisted of the following (in thousands): March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 Principal amount Discount Debt issuance costs Net carrying value Principal amount Discount Debt issuance costs Net carrying value Senior secured credit facility $ 305,000 $ (1,246 ) $ (4,676 ) $ 299,078 $ 345,000 $ (1,455 ) $ (5,464 ) $ 338,081 Total debt $ 305,000 $ (1,246 ) $ (4,676 ) $ 299,078 $ 345,000 $ (1,455 ) $ (5,464 ) $ 338,081 Senior secured credit facility: In May 2017 , Blucora entered into a credit agreement with a syndicate of lenders in order to (a) refinance the credit facilities previously entered into in 2015 to finance the HD Vest acquisition (the "TaxAct - HD Vest 2015 credit facility" ), (b) redeem its Convertible Senior Notes that were outstanding at the time, and (c) provide a term loan and revolving line of credit for future working capital, capital expenditure and general business purposes (the "Blucora senior secured credit facilities" ). Consequently, the TaxAct - HD Vest 2015 credit facility was repaid in full and the commitments thereunder were terminated. The Blucora senior secured credit facilities in the aggregate amount of $425.0 million consist of a committed $50.0 million revolving credit facility (including a letter of credit sub-facility) and a $375.0 million term loan facility, and mature in May 22, 2022 and May 22, 2024 , respectively. Obligations under the Blucora senior secured credit facilities are guaranteed by certain of Blucora's subsidiaries and secured by the assets of Blucora and those subsidiaries. The Blucora senior secured credit facilities include financial and operating covenants, including a consolidated total net leverage ratio, which are set forth in detail in the credit facility agreement. As of March 31, 2018 , Blucora was in compliance with all of the financial and operating covenants. Principal payments on the term loan are payable quarterly in an amount equal to 0.25% of the initial outstanding principal. Under the initial term loan, the applicable interest rate margin was 3.75% for Eurodollar Rate loans and 2.75% for ABR loans. In November 2017, the credit facility agreement was amended in order to refinance and reprice the initial term loan, such that the applicable interest rate margin is 3.00% for Eurodollar Rate loans and 2.00% for ABR loans. In the first quarter of 2018 , Blucora made prepayments of $40.0 million towards the term loan. Depending on Blucora’s Consolidated First Lien Net Leverage Ratio (as defined in the credit facility agreement), the applicable interest rate margin on the revolving credit facility is from 2.75% to 3.00% for Eurodollar Rate loans and 1.75% to 2.00% for ABR loans. Interest is payable at the end of each interest period. As of March 31, 2018 Blucora had not borrowed any amounts under the revolving credit facility. Blucora also has the right to prepay the term loan or outstanding amounts under the revolving credit facility without any premium or penalty (other than customary Eurodollar breakage costs). Prepayments of the term loan are subject to certain prepayment minimums. Beginning with the fiscal year ending December 31, 2018, Blucora may be required to make annual prepayments of the term loan in an amount equal to a percentage of excess cash flow of Blucora during the applicable fiscal year from 0% to 50% , depending on the Consolidated First Lien Net Leverage Ratio (as defined in the credit facility agreement) for such fiscal year. As of March 31, 2018 , 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.

Redeemable Noncontrolling Inter

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests	Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests In connection with the 2015 acquisition of HD Vest, management of that business has retained an ownership interest. The Company is party to put and call arrangements, exercisable beginning in the first quarter of 2019, with respect to these interests. These put and call arrangements allow certain members of 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. A reconciliation of redeemable noncontrolling interests is as follows (in thousands): Balance as of December 31, 2017 $ 18,033 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests 205 Balance as of March 31, 2018 $ 18,238 The redemption amount at March 31, 2018 was $13.5 million .

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies Significant events during the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, outside of the ordinary course of the Company’s business, include debt activity (as discussed further in "Note 6: Debt"), payment of a portion of the acquisition-related contingent consideration liability (as discussed further in "Note 5: Fair Value Measurements"), and estimated sublease income of $3.2 million primarily related to the sublease agreement for the Bellevue facility (as discussed further in "Note 4: Restructuring"). Additional information on the Company’s Commitments and Contingencies can be found in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 . 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 December 12, 2016, a shareholder derivative action was filed by Jeffrey Tilden against the Company, as a nominal defendant, Andrew Snyder, who was a director of the Company at that time, certain companies affiliated with Mr. Snyder, a former officer of the Company, GCA Savvian Advisors, LLC (" GCA Savvian "), and certain other current and former members of the Company's Board of Directors, in the Superior Court of the State of California in and for the County of San Francisco. The complaint asserted claims for breaches of fiduciary duty against certain current and former directors of the Company related to the Company’s share repurchases and the Company’s acquisitions of HD Vest and Monoprice. The complaint asserted a claim against GCA Savvian, the Company’s financial advisor in connection with the HD Vest acquisition, for aiding and abetting breaches of fiduciary duty. The complaint also asserted a claim for insider trading against Mr. Snyder, a former director of the Company, and certain companies affiliated with Mr. Snyder. The derivative action did not seek monetary damages from the Company. The complaint sought corporate governance reforms, declaratory relief, monetary damages from the other defendants, attorney’s fees and prejudgment interest. On March 10, 2017, the Company filed a motion to dismiss for improper venue as a result of a forum selection provision in the Company’s bylaws that required the plaintiff to file his derivative fiduciary duty claims in Delaware. Other defendants also filed motions to quash the summons due to a lack of personal jurisdiction over them. On July 25, 2017, the Court granted the Company's motion to dismiss. The case was stayed by the Court until November 22, 2017 so that Tilden could file a complaint in Delaware, after which the case was dismissed without further order of the Court. On November 21, 2017, Tilden filed a shareholder derivative action in the Delaware Court of Chancery asserting the same claims against the same defendants and seeking the same relief as the San Francisco Superior Court lawsuit. On January 31, 2018, Blucora filed a motion to dismiss the Delaware complaint. The motion has been fully-briefed and the Court of Chancery has scheduled a hearing on the motion for July 11, 2018. The Company has entered into indemnification agreements in the ordinary course of business with its officers and directors, and the agreement entered into with GCA Savvian in connection with the acquisition of HD Vest also contained indemnification provisions. Pursuant to these agreements, the Company 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	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
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 March 31, 2018 2017 Cost of revenue $ 259 $ 46 Engineering and technology 210 285 Sales and marketing 516 691 General and administrative 1,973 1,543 Restructuring — 443 Total $ 2,958 $ 3,008 In the second quarter of 2017, the Company granted 350,000 non-qualified stock options to certain HD Vest financial advisors, who are considered non-employees. These stock options vest fully three years from the date of grant. The Company used the Black-Scholes-Merton valuation method to calculate stock-based compensation, using assumptions for the risk-free interest rate, expected dividend yield, expected volatility, and expected life under the same methodology that is used for employee grants. Since these are non-employee grants, stock-based compensation expense will be remeasured at the end of each quarter. For the three months ended March 31, 2018 , stock-based compensation expense for these non-employees was $0.2 million , and was recorded in "Cost of revenue" on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. 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 March 31, 2018 2017 Stock options exercised 320 567 RSUs vested 106 147 Shares purchased pursuant to ESPP 36 76 Total 462 790

Segment Information

Segment Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Information	Segment Information The Company has two reportable segments: the Wealth Management segment and the Tax Preparation segment. 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. 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 March 31, 2018 2017 Revenue: Wealth Management $ 92,082 $ 82,667 Tax Preparation 113,883 99,708 Total revenue 205,965 182,375 Operating income: Wealth Management 13,075 11,853 Tax Preparation 58,806 53,133 Corporate-level activity (19,147 ) (21,097 ) Total operating income 52,734 43,889 Other loss, net (5,228 ) (9,708 ) Income tax expense (1,963 ) (3,471 ) Net income $ 45,543 $ 30,710 Revenues by major category within each segment are presented below (in thousands): Three months ended March 31, 2018 2017 Wealth Management: Commission $ 42,870 $ 39,595 Advisory 39,301 33,576 Asset-based 7,172 5,966 Transaction and fee 2,739 3,530 Total Wealth Management revenue $ 92,082 $ 82,667 Tax Preparation: Consumer $ 101,912 $ 88,242 Professional 11,971 11,466 Total Tax Preparation revenue $ 113,883 $ 99,708

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes The Company provides income taxes for the various jurisdictions in which it operates. The income tax expense or benefit reflects the income tax effects of financial reporting income, permanent differences between financial reporting income and taxable income, and the effects of the change in the valuation allowance applied to its deferred tax assets. At the end of each quarterly reporting period, the Company estimates the income, permanent differences, changes in the deferred tax assets and the related change to its valuation allowance, and the effective income tax rate that it expects for the full year. Each quarterly reporting period, the Company applies the expected effective income tax rate to financial reporting income recorded in its financial statements on a year-to-date basis and records the change in expected income taxes as income tax expense or benefit. The Company reflects the tax effect of any tax law changes and certain other discrete events in the period in which they occur. The expected annual effective tax rate may vary during each quarterly reporting period due to a number of factors, including the effects from any forecasted permanent differences between financial reporting and tax reporting, enactment of tax legislation in the various jurisdictions in which the Company operates, and certain other discrete events. The Company recorded income tax expense of $2.0 million in the three months ended March 31, 2018 . Income taxes differed from taxes at the statutory rates in 2018 primarily due to the release of the current portion of valuation allowances. The Company recorded income tax expense of $3.5 million in the three months ended March 31, 2017 . Income taxes differed from taxes at the statutory rates in 2017 primarily due to the January 1, 2017 implementation of Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2016-09 on stock-based compensation, which did not impact the three months ended March 31, 2018. Income tax expense for the three months ended March 31 2018 was lower than the prior period, primarily due to the impact of state income taxes. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Legislation”) was enacted on December 22, 2017, reducing the U.S. corporate federal income tax rate to 21% from 35%. The Company applied the guidance in Staff Accounting Bulletin 118, Income Tax Accounting Implications of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, when accounting for the enactment date effects of the Tax Legislation. In 2017, the Company remeasured certain deferred tax assets and liabilities based on the rates at which they are expected to reverse in the future, which is generally 21%. However, the Company is still analyzing certain aspects of the Tax Legislation and refining its calculations, which could potentially affect the measurement of these balances or potentially give rise to new deferred tax amounts. In 2017, the Company provisionally recorded approximately $21.4 million of net deferred tax liabilities remeasurement. Currently, the Company expects to complete the analysis of the Tax Legislation in the fourth quarter of 2018 when the Company’s 2017 federal income tax return is filed with the Internal Revenue Service.

Net Income Per Share

Net Income Per Share	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net Income Per Share	Net Income Per Share " Basic net income per share " is computed using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. " Diluted net income 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 and the vesting of unvested RSUs. 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 per share attributable to Blucora, Inc. is as follows (in thousands): Three months ended March 31, 2018 2017 Numerator: Income $ 45,543 $ 30,710 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests (205 ) (126 ) Net income attributable to Blucora, Inc. $ 45,338 $ 30,584 Denominator: Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic 46,641 42,145 Dilutive potential common shares 2,024 3,283 Weighted average common shares outstanding, diluted 48,665 45,428 Net income per share attributable to Blucora, Inc.: Basic $ 0.97 $ 0.73 Diluted $ 0.93 $ 0.67 Shares excluded 902 2,062 Shares were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per common share for these periods because their effect would have been anti-dilutive.

Description of the Business (Po

Description of the Business (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Segments	Segments: T he Company has two reportable segments: the Wealth Management segment, which consists of the HD Vest business, and the Tax Preparation segment, which consists of the TaxAct business.

Summary of Significant Accoun19

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
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 accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ( "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, 2017 . Interim results are not necessarily indicative of results for a full year.
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash: The following table presents cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash as reported on the consolidated balance sheets that equal the total amounts on the consolidated statements of cash flows (in thousands): March 31, December 31, 2018 2017 2017 Cash and cash equivalents $ 77,107 $ 74,609 $ 59,965 Cash segregated under federal or other regulations 1,314 1,872 1,371 Restricted cash included in "Prepaid expenses and other current assets, net" 275 250 425 Restricted cash included in "Other long-term assets" 550 550 550 Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash $ 79,246 $ 77,281 $ 62,311 Cash segregated under federal and other regulations is held in a separate bank account for the exclusive benefit of the Company’s wealth management customers. Restricted cash included in prepaid expenses and other current assets, net and other long-term assets represents amounts pledged as collateral for certain of the Company's banking arrangements.
Fair value of financial instruments	Fair value of financial instruments : The Company measures its cash equivalents 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. Cash equivalents are classified within Level 2 (see "Note 5: Fair Value Measurements") of the fair value hierarchy because the Company values them utilizing market observable inputs. Unrealized gains and losses are included in " Accumulated other comprehensive loss " on the consolidated balance sheets, and amounts reclassified out of comprehensive income into net income are determined on the basis of specific identification. The Company has a contingent consideration liability that is related to the Company's 2015 acquisition of SimpleTax Software Inc. ( "SimpleTax" ) and is classified within Level 3 (see "Note 5: Fair Value Measurements") of the fair value hierarchy because the Company values it 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 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.
Concentration of credit risk	Concentration of credit risk: Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash equivalents, short-term investments, trade accounts receivable, and commissions receivable. These instruments are generally unsecured and uninsured. For cash equivalents, short-term investments, and commissions receivable, the Company attempts to manage exposure to counterparty credit risk by only entering into agreements with major financial institutions and investment sponsors that are expected to be able to fully perform under the terms of the agreement. Accounts receivable are typically unsecured and are derived from revenues earned from customers primarily located in the United States operating in a variety of geographic areas. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers and maintains allowances for potential credit losses.
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. The Company currently is evaluating, or has adopted, ASUs that impact the following areas: Revenue recognition (ASC 606) - In May 2014, the FASB issued guidance codified in ASC 606, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers" ( "ASC 606" ), 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 by using a five-step process. 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. The Company adopted the requirements of the new standard on January 1, 2018, utilizing the modified retrospective transition method. Upon adoption, the Company recognized a $1.8 million cumulative effect of adopting this ASU as an adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings and deferred revenues. The Company now recognizes certain licensing fees on a net basis, which reduced both transaction and fee revenues and operating expenses by $0.4 million on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. Had the Company not adopted this ASU, total revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2018 would have been $1.1 million higher than reported on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. Prior periods were not retrospectively adjusted, and the Company does not disclose the value of unsatisfied performance obligations for contracts with original expected durations of one year or less. Leases (ASU 2016-02) - 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) and have a term of twelve months or less, 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. Early adoption is permitted. The Company expects that the adoption of this ASU will not have a material impact to its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures, and it will adopt this ASU on January 1, 2019. Measurement of Credit Losses - In June 2016, the FASB issued an ASU which requires companies to measure credit losses utilizing a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires a consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to inform credit loss estimates. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including those interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is currently assessing the impact of adopting this ASU, but based on a preliminary assessment, does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

Summary of Significant Accoun20

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Schedule of Cash and Cash Equivalents	The following table presents cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash as reported on the consolidated balance sheets that equal the total amounts on the consolidated statements of cash flows (in thousands): March 31, December 31, 2018 2017 2017 Cash and cash equivalents $ 77,107 $ 74,609 $ 59,965 Cash segregated under federal or other regulations 1,314 1,872 1,371 Restricted cash included in "Prepaid expenses and other current assets, net" 275 250 425 Restricted cash included in "Other long-term assets" 550 550 550 Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash $ 79,246 $ 77,281 $ 62,311

Impact of Revenue Recognition21

Impact of Revenue Recognition Accounting Pronouncement (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Disaggregation of Revenue	Details of tax preparation revenues that are regularly reviewed by the Company’s chief operating decision maker are: Tax Preparation Segment Revenues Three months ended March 31, 2018 Consumer Professional Total Segment Revenues Revenues recognized upon transaction (point in time) $ 101,912 $ 10,396 $ 112,308 Revenues recognized over time — 1,575 1,575 Total $ 101,912 $ 11,971 $ 113,883 Details of wealth management revenues that are regularly reviewed by the Company’s chief operating decision maker are: Wealth Management Segment Revenues Three months ended March 31, 2018 Advisory revenue Commission revenue Asset-based revenue Transaction and Fee revenue Total Segment Revenue Revenues recognized upon transaction (point in time) $ — $ 18,345 $ — $ 961 $ 19,306 Revenues recognized over time 39,301 24,525 7,172 1,778 72,776 Total $ 39,301 $ 42,870 $ 7,172 $ 2,739 $ 92,082

Restructuring (Tables)

Restructuring (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring and Related Costs	The following table summarizes the activity in the restructuring liability (in thousands), resulting from the relocation of the Company's corporate headquarters to Irving, Texas as part of the Strategic Transformation: Employee-Related Termination Costs Contract Termination Costs Fixed Asset Impairments Stock-Based Compensation Other Costs Total Balance as of December 31, 2017 $ 1,202 $ 681 $ — $ — $ — 1,883 Restructuring charges 289 — — — — 289 Payments (1,154 ) (69 ) — — — (1,223 ) Non-cash — — — — — — Balance as of March 31, 2018 $ 337 $ 612 $ — $ — $ — $ 949

Fair Value Measurements (Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
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 March 31, 2018 Quoted prices in Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) Cash equivalents: money market and other funds $ 10,894 $ — $ 10,894 $ — Total assets at fair value $ 10,894 $ — $ 10,894 $ — Acquisition-related contingent consideration liability $ 1,348 $ — $ — $ 1,348 Total liabilities at fair value $ 1,348 $ — $ — $ 1,348 Fair value measurements at the reporting date using December 31, 2017 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 $ 10,857 $ — $ 10,857 $ — Total assets at fair value $ 10,857 $ — $ 10,857 $ — Acquisition-related contingent consideration liability $ 2,689 $ — $ — $ 2,689 Total liabilities at fair value $ 2,689 $ — $ — $ 2,689
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 as of December 31, 2017 $ 2,689 Payment (1,315 ) Foreign currency transaction gain (26 ) Balance as of March 31, 2018 $ 1,348

Debt (Tables)

Debt (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Company's Debt	The Company’s debt consisted of the following (in thousands): March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 Principal amount Discount Debt issuance costs Net carrying value Principal amount Discount Debt issuance costs Net carrying value Senior secured credit facility $ 305,000 $ (1,246 ) $ (4,676 ) $ 299,078 $ 345,000 $ (1,455 ) $ (5,464 ) $ 338,081 Total debt $ 305,000 $ (1,246 ) $ (4,676 ) $ 299,078 $ 345,000 $ (1,455 ) $ (5,464 ) $ 338,081

Redeemable Noncontrolling Int25

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest	A reconciliation of redeemable noncontrolling interests is as follows (in thousands): Balance as of December 31, 2017 $ 18,033 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests 205 Balance as of March 31, 2018 $ 18,238

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
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 March 31, 2018 2017 Cost of revenue $ 259 $ 46 Engineering and technology 210 285 Sales and marketing 516 691 General and administrative 1,973 1,543 Restructuring — 443 Total $ 2,958 $ 3,008
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 March 31, 2018 2017 Stock options exercised 320 567 RSUs vested 106 147 Shares purchased pursuant to ESPP 36 76 Total 462 790

Segment Information (Tables)

Segment Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
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 March 31, 2018 2017 Revenue: Wealth Management $ 92,082 $ 82,667 Tax Preparation 113,883 99,708 Total revenue 205,965 182,375 Operating income: Wealth Management 13,075 11,853 Tax Preparation 58,806 53,133 Corporate-level activity (19,147 ) (21,097 ) Total operating income 52,734 43,889 Other loss, net (5,228 ) (9,708 ) Income tax expense (1,963 ) (3,471 ) Net income $ 45,543 $ 30,710
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment	Revenues by major category within each segment are presented below (in thousands): Three months ended March 31, 2018 2017 Wealth Management: Commission $ 42,870 $ 39,595 Advisory 39,301 33,576 Asset-based 7,172 5,966 Transaction and fee 2,739 3,530 Total Wealth Management revenue $ 92,082 $ 82,667 Tax Preparation: Consumer $ 101,912 $ 88,242 Professional 11,971 11,466 Total Tax Preparation revenue $ 113,883 $ 99,708

Net Income Per Share (Tables)

Net Income Per Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
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 per share attributable to Blucora, Inc. is as follows (in thousands): Three months ended March 31, 2018 2017 Numerator: Income $ 45,543 $ 30,710 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests (205 ) (126 ) Net income attributable to Blucora, Inc. $ 45,338 $ 30,584 Denominator: Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic 46,641 42,145 Dilutive potential common shares 2,024 3,283 Weighted average common shares outstanding, diluted 48,665 45,428 Net income per share attributable to Blucora, Inc.: Basic $ 0.97 $ 0.73 Diluted $ 0.93 $ 0.67 Shares excluded 902 2,062

Description of the Business- Ad

Description of the Business- Additional Information (Detail)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018Segment
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Number of reportable segments	2

Summary of Significant Accoun30

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Cash and Cash Equivalents (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 77,107	$ 59,965	$ 74,609
Cash segregated under federal or other regulations	1,314	1,371	1,872
Restricted cash included in Prepaid expenses and other current assets, net	275	425	250
Restricted cash included in Other long-term assets	550	550	550
Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	$ 79,246	$ 62,311	$ 77,281	$ 54,868

Summary of Significant Accoun31

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Depreciation	$ 1,915	$ 940
Reduction to operating expenses	153,231	138,486
Revenues	$ 205,965	$ 182,375
Increase to basic earnings (in USD per share)	$ 0.97	$ 0.73
Decrease to diluted earnings (in USD per share)	$ 0.93	$ 0.67
Accounting Standards Update 2016-09
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Reduction to operating expenses			$ (400)
Revenues			(400)
Accounting Standards Update 2016-09 | Retained Earnings
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Effect of new accounting principle			$ 1,800
Computer Software
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Depreciation	$ 1,100
ASU Not Adopted | Accounting Standards Update 2016-09
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 1,100

Impact of Revenue Recognition32

Impact of Revenue Recognition Accounting Pronouncement (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Reduction to operating expenses	$ 153,231	$ 138,486
Revenues	205,965	182,375
Tax Preparation
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	113,883	99,708
Revenue from contracts with customer	113,883
Tax Preparation | Revenues recognized upon transaction (point in time)
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customer	112,308
Tax Preparation | Revenues recognized over time
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customer	1,575
Wealth Management
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	92,082	82,667
Revenue from contracts with customer	92,082
Wealth Management | Revenues recognized upon transaction (point in time)
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customer	19,306
Wealth Management | Revenues recognized over time
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customer	72,776
Consumer | Tax Preparation
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customer	101,912
Consumer | Tax Preparation | Revenues recognized upon transaction (point in time)
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customer	101,912
Consumer | Tax Preparation | Revenues recognized over time
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customer	0
Professional | Tax Preparation
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customer	11,971
Professional | Tax Preparation | Revenues recognized upon transaction (point in time)
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customer	10,396
Professional | Tax Preparation | Revenues recognized over time
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customer	1,575
Accounting Standards Update 2016-09
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Reduction to operating expenses			$ (400)
Revenues			(400)
Retained Earnings | Accounting Standards Update 2016-09
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Effect of new accounting principle			$ 1,800
Asset-based revenue | Wealth Management
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	7,172	5,966
Revenue from contracts with customer	7,172
Asset-based revenue | Wealth Management | Revenues recognized upon transaction (point in time)
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customer	0
Asset-based revenue | Wealth Management | Revenues recognized over time
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customer	7,172
Advisory revenue | Wealth Management
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	39,301	33,576
Revenue from contracts with customer	39,301
Advisory revenue | Wealth Management | Revenues recognized upon transaction (point in time)
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customer	0
Advisory revenue | Wealth Management | Revenues recognized over time
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customer	39,301
Commission revenue | Wealth Management
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	42,870	39,595
Revenue from contracts with customer	42,870
Commission revenue | Wealth Management | Revenues recognized upon transaction (point in time)
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customer	18,345
Commission revenue | Wealth Management | Revenues recognized over time
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customer	24,525
Transaction and Fee revenue | Wealth Management
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	2,739	$ 3,530
Revenue from contracts with customer	2,739
Transaction and Fee revenue | Wealth Management | Revenues recognized upon transaction (point in time)
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customer	961
Transaction and Fee revenue | Wealth Management | Revenues recognized over time
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contracts with customer	1,778
ASU Not Adopted | Accounting Standards Update 2016-09
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 1,100

Restructuring (Details)

Restructuring (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring	$ 289	$ 2,289
Strategic Transformation [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring Reserve	1,883
Restructuring	289
Payments for Restructuring	(1,223)
Non-cash	0
Restructuring Reserve	949
Employee Related Termination Costs [Member] | Strategic Transformation [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring Reserve	1,202
Restructuring	289
Payments for Restructuring	(1,154)
Non-cash	0
Restructuring Reserve	337
Contract Termination Costs [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Loss on sublease income		1,100
Deferred rent liability		(1,500)
Contract Termination Costs [Member] | Strategic Transformation [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring Reserve	681
Payments for Restructuring	(69)
Non-cash	0
Restructuring Reserve	612
Impairment of long-lived assets held-for-use		$ 1,900
Fixed Asset Impairments [Member] | Strategic Transformation [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring Reserve	0
Payments for Restructuring	0
Non-cash	0
Restructuring Reserve	0
Stock-based Compensation [Member] | Strategic Transformation [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring Reserve	0
Restructuring	0
Payments for Restructuring	0
Non-cash	0
Restructuring Reserve	0
Other Costs [Member] | Strategic Transformation [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring Reserve	0
Restructuring	0
Payments for Restructuring	0
Non-cash	0
Restructuring Reserve	$ 0

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	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Cash equivalents:
Total assets at fair value	$ 10,894	$ 10,857
LIABILITIES
Acquisition-related contingent consideration liability	1,348	2,689
Total liabilities at fair value	1,348	2,689
Money market and other funds [Member]
Cash equivalents:
Total cash equivalents	10,894	10,857
Quoted prices in active markets using identical assets (Level 1) [Member]
Cash equivalents:
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] | Money market and other funds [Member]
Cash equivalents:
Total cash equivalents	0	0
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Cash equivalents:
Total assets at fair value	10,894	10,857
LIABILITIES
Acquisition-related contingent consideration liability	0	0
Total liabilities at fair value	0	0
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Money market and other funds [Member]
Cash equivalents:
Total cash equivalents	10,894	10,857
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Cash equivalents:
Total assets at fair value	0
LIABILITIES
Acquisition-related contingent consideration liability	1,348	2,689
Total liabilities at fair value	1,348	2,689
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Money market and other funds [Member]
Cash equivalents:
Total cash equivalents	$ 0	$ 0

Fair Value Measurements - Recon

Fair Value Measurements - Reconciliation of Fair Value Measured on Recurring Basis (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018USD ($)
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance as of December 31, 2017	$ 2,689
Payment	(1,315)
Foreign currency transaction gain	(26)
Other Current Liabilities [Member]
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Estimated fair value of contingent consideration	1,300
Simple Tax [Member]
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Estimated fair value of contingent consideration	$ 1,348
Probability of payment (as a percent)	100.00%
Discount rate (as a percent)	9.00%

Debt - Schedule of Company's De

Debt - Schedule of Company's Debt (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal amount	$ 305,000	$ 345,000
Unamortized discount	(1,246)	(1,455)
Debt issuance costs	(4,676)	(5,464)
Net carrying value	299,078	338,081
Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal amount	305,000	345,000
Unamortized discount	(1,246)	(1,455)
Debt issuance costs	(4,676)	(5,464)
Net carrying value	$ 299,078	$ 338,081

Debt - Narrative (Details)

Debt - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	May 22, 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal amount	$ 305,000,000	$ 345,000,000
Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit facility			$ 425,000,000
Principal amount	$ 305,000,000	$ 345,000,000
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit facility			50,000,000
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable interest rate	3.00%
Term Loan [Member] | Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal amount			$ 375,000,000
Repayments of notes payable	$ 40,000,000
Term Loan [Member] | Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable interest rate	3.75%
Term Loan [Member] | Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member] | Base Rate [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable interest rate	2.00%
Minimum [Member] | Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Required prepayment percentage	0.00%
Minimum [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable interest rate	2.75%
Minimum [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member] | Base Rate [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable interest rate	1.75%
Maximum [Member] | Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Required prepayment percentage	50.00%
Maximum [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable interest rate	3.00%
Maximum [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member] | Base Rate [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable interest rate	2.00%
Maximum [Member] | Term Loan [Member] | Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, periodic payment, principal, percent	0.25%

Redeemable Noncontrolling Int38

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018USD ($)
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Roll Forward]
Redeemable noncontrolling interest, beginning balance	$ 18,033
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	205
Redeemable noncontrolling interest, ending balance	18,238
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	$ 13,500

Commitments and Contingencies -

Commitments and Contingencies - (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018USD ($)
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Operating lease, sublease revenue	$ 3.2

Stockholders' Equity - Stock-Ba

Stockholders' Equity - Stock-Based Compensation Expense (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	$ 2,958		$ 3,008
Services cost of revenues [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	259		46
Engineering and technology [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	210		285
Sales and marketing [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	516		691
General and administrative [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	1,973		1,543
Restructuring charges [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	0		$ 443
HD Vest [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Nonemployee services transaction, shares approved for issuance		350,000
Expected term (in years)		3 years
HD Vest [Member] | Services cost of revenues [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	$ 200

Stockholders' Equity - Shares I

Stockholders' Equity - Shares Issued under Share Based Compensation (Detail) - shares shares in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock options exercised	320	567
Total shares	462	790
RSUs vested [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
RSUs vested (in shares)	106	147
Shares purchased pursuant to ESPP [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares purchased pursuant to ESPP	36	76

Segment Information - Informati

Segment Information - Information on Reportable Segments for Reconciliation to Consolidated Net Income (Detail) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018USD ($)Segment	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of reportable segments | Segment	2
Revenue:
Revenues	$ 205,965	$ 182,375
Operating income:
Total operating income	52,734	43,889
Other loss, net	(5,228)	(9,708)
Income tax expense	(1,963)	(3,471)
Net income	45,543	30,710
Corporate-level activity [Member]
Operating income:
Total operating income	(19,147)	(21,097)
Segment Reconciling Items [Member]
Operating income:
Other loss, net	(5,228)	(9,708)
Income tax expense	(1,963)	(3,471)
Wealth Management
Revenue:
Revenues	92,082	82,667
Wealth Management | Operating Segments [Member]
Revenue:
Revenues	92,082	82,667
Operating income:
Total operating income	13,075	11,853
Tax Preparation
Revenue:
Revenues	113,883	99,708
Tax Preparation | Operating Segments [Member]
Revenue:
Revenues	113,883	99,708
Operating income:
Total operating income	$ 58,806	$ 53,133

Segment Information -Revenue by

Segment Information -Revenue by Segment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 205,965	$ 182,375
Wealth Management
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	92,082	82,667
Wealth Management | Commission revenue
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	42,870	39,595
Wealth Management | Advisory revenue
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	39,301	33,576
Wealth Management | Asset-based revenue
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	7,172	5,966
Wealth Management | Transaction and Fee revenue
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	2,739	3,530
Tax Preparation
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	113,883	99,708
Tax Preparation | Consumer
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	101,912	88,242
Tax Preparation | Professional
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 11,971	$ 11,466

Income Taxes (Details)

Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income tax expense	$ 1,963	$ 3,471
Provisional amount recorded for remeasurement			$ 21,400

Net Income Per Share - Summary

Net Income 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
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net income	$ 45,543	$ 30,710
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(205)	(126)
Net income attributable to Blucora, Inc.	$ 45,338	$ 30,584
Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic	46,641	42,145
Dilutive potential common shares	2,024	3,283
Weighted average common shares outstanding, diluted	48,665	45,428
Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Abstract]
Basic (in USD per share)	$ 0.97	$ 0.73
Diluted (in USD per share)	$ 0.93	$ 0.67
Shares excluded	902	2,062