Avantax (AVTA) 10-Q 31 Oct 18 2018 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Oct. 24, 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
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Small Business	false
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2018
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,018
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Amendment Flag	false
Trading Symbol	BCOR
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		47,970,272

Unaudited Condensed Consolidate

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 88,274	$ 59,965
Cash segregated under federal or other regulations	317	1,371
Accounts receivable, net of allowance	6,056	10,694
Commissions receivable	16,762	16,822
Other receivables	626	3,180
Prepaid expenses and other current assets, net	5,571	7,365
Total current assets	117,606	99,397
Long-term assets:
Property and equipment, net	11,111	9,831
Goodwill, net	548,915	549,037
Other intangible assets, net	302,715	328,205
Other long-term assets	15,363	15,201
Total long-term assets	878,104	902,274
Total assets	995,710	1,001,671
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	2,158	4,413
Commissions and advisory fees payable	15,186	17,813
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	16,473	19,577
Deferred revenue	5,997	9,953
Total current liabilities	39,814	51,756
Long-term liabilities:
Long-term debt, net	260,208	338,081
Deferred tax liability, net	42,356	43,433
Deferred revenue	500	804
Other long-term liabilities	6,923	8,177
Total long-term liabilities	309,987	390,495
Total liabilities	349,801	442,251
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	22,224	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	1,569,539	1,555,560
Accumulated deficit	(945,708)	(1,014,174)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(151)	(4)
Total stockholders’ equity	623,685	541,387
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$ 995,710	$ 1,001,671

Unaudited Condensed Consolida_2

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Sep. 30, 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 (in shares)	900,000,000	900,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	47,816,000	46,366,000
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	47,816,000	46,366,000

Unaudited Condensed Consolida_3

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Revenue:
Services revenue	$ 95,385	$ 90,171	$ 459,198	$ 411,708
Cost of revenue:
Amortization of acquired technology	0	50	99	145
Total cost of revenue	63,683	60,971	195,807	180,132
Engineering and technology	4,246	5,051	14,225	14,041
Sales and marketing	15,675	13,680	94,719	84,974
General and administrative	13,404	12,207	43,895	39,405
Depreciation	798	867	3,706	2,680
Amortization of other acquired intangible assets	8,271	8,615	25,384	25,192
Restructuring	0	106	291	2,726
Total operating expenses	106,077	101,497	378,027	349,150
Operating income (loss)	(10,692)	(11,326)	81,171	62,558
Other loss, net	(3,863)	(5,241)	(11,850)	(39,149)
Income (loss) before income taxes	(14,555)	(16,567)	69,321	23,409
Income tax benefit (expense)	818	(166)	(2,052)	(5,952)
Net income (loss)	(13,737)	(16,733)	67,269	17,457
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(227)	(164)	(654)	(466)
Net income (loss) attributable to Blucora, Inc.	$ (13,964)	$ (16,897)	$ 66,615	$ 16,991
Net income (loss) per share attributable to Blucora, Inc.:
Basic (in USD per share)	$ (0.37)	$ (0.37)	$ 1.34	$ 0.39
Diluted (in USD per share)	$ (0.37)	$ (0.37)	$ 1.28	$ 0.36
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic (in shares)	47,712	45,459	47,191	43,749
Diluted (in shares)	47,712	45,459	49,292	46,813
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Net income (loss)	$ (13,737)	$ (16,733)	$ 67,269	$ 17,457
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale investments, net of tax	0	0	0	1
Foreign currency translation adjustment	102	223	(147)	413
Other comprehensive income (loss)	102	223	(147)	414
Comprehensive income (loss)	(13,635)	(16,510)	67,122	17,871
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(227)	(164)	(654)	(466)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Blucora, Inc.	(13,862)	(16,674)	66,468	17,405
Wealth Management Services
Revenue:
Services revenue	91,887	86,809	275,984	254,772
Cost of revenue:
Cost of revenue	62,313	59,607	187,526	172,444
Tax Preparation Services
Revenue:
Services revenue	3,498	3,362	183,214	156,936
Cost of revenue:
Cost of revenue	$ 1,370	$ 1,314	$ 8,182	$ 7,543

Unaudited Condensed Consolida_4

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Operating Activities:
Net income (loss)	$ 67,269	$ 17,457
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from operating activities:
Stock-based compensation	9,559	8,434
Depreciation and amortization of acquired intangible assets	29,539	28,553
Restructuring (non-cash)	0	1,499
Deferred income taxes	(1,073)	(473)
Amortization of premium on investments, net, and debt issuance costs	659	901
Accretion of debt discounts	125	1,893
Loss on debt extinguishment	1,534	19,764
Cash provided (used) by changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	4,636	3,259
Commissions receivable	60	(288)
Other receivables	3,149	2,384
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	1,369	1,720
Other long-term assets	(902)	432
Accounts payable	(2,255)	(1,375)
Commissions and advisory fees payable	(2,627)	(23)
Deferred revenue	(2,411)	(5,856)
Accrued expenses and other current and long-term liabilities	(3,048)	949
Net cash provided by operating activities	105,583	79,230
Investing Activities:
Purchases of property and equipment	(5,340)	(3,809)
Proceeds from sales of investments	0	249
Proceeds from maturities of investments	0	7,252
Purchases of investments	0	(409)
Net cash provided (used) by investing activities	(5,340)	3,283
Financing Activities:
Proceeds from credit facilities	0	367,212
Payments on convertible notes	0	172,827
Payments on credit facilities	(80,000)	(285,000)
Proceeds from stock option exercises	11,738	38,228
Proceeds from issuance of stock through employee stock purchase plan	1,608	1,428
Tax payments from shares withheld for equity awards	(5,983)	(6,744)
Contingent consideration payments for business acquisition	(1,315)	(946)
Net cash used by financing activities	(73,952)	(58,649)
Net cash provided by continuing operations	26,291	23,864
Net cash provided by investing activities from discontinued operations	0	1,028
Net cash provided by discontinued operations	0	1,028
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	(11)	86
Net increase in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	26,280	24,978
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, beginning of period	62,311	54,868
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, end of period	88,591	79,846
Cash paid for income taxes	1,096	1,013
Cash paid for interest	$ 11,573	$ 14,205

Description of the Business

Description of the Business	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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" ). Segments: T he Company has two

Summary of Significant Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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): September 30, December 31, 2018 2017 2017 Cash and cash equivalents $ 88,274 $ 78,558 $ 59,965 Cash segregated under federal or other regulations 317 313 1,371 Restricted cash included in "Prepaid expenses and other current assets, net" — 425 425 Restricted cash included in "Other long-term assets" — 550 550 Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash $ 88,591 $ 79,846 $ 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 and lease 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" ). The Company's contingent consideration liability 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. 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 for 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: Share-Based Payments (ASU 2018-07) - In June 2018, the FASB issued an ASU that requires companies to account for share-based payments granted to non-employees similarly to share-based payments granted to employees. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including the interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption of this ASU is permitted. In the third quarter of 2018, the Company decided to early adopt the requirements of the new standard effective January 1, 2018, utilizing the alternative adoption method. The adoption of this ASU had a $0.3 million cumulative effect on the Company's unaudited 2018 quarterly results, with a corresponding adjustment to additional paid-in capital: First Quarter Second Quarter Reported Recast Reported Recast Income statement data: Wealth management services cost of revenue $ 63,067 $ 63,064 $ 62,452 $ 62,149 Operating income (loss) 52,734 52,737 38,823 39,126 Net income (loss) 45,543 45,546 35,157 35,460 Net income (loss) attributable to Blucora, Inc. 45,338 45,341 34,935 35,238 Net income (loss) per share attributable to Blucora, Inc. Basic $ 0.97 $ 0.97 $ 0.74 $ 0.75 Weighted average shares outstanding Basic 46,641 46,641 47,221 47,221 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 as an adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings and deferred revenues on the consolidated balance sheets. As a result of 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 and $1.3 million , respectively, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 , on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. Had the Company not adopted ASC 606, total revenues for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 would have been $0.7 million and $2.6 million , respectively, higher than reported on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. Pursuant to the modified retrospective transition method, 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 more, 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. Based upon the Company's current lease obligations, the Company expects that the adoption of this ASU will result in between $8.0 million and $12.0 million of additional right of use assets and lease liabilities recognized on the consolidated balance sheets upon adoption on January 1, 2019. Measurement of Credit Losses (ASU 2016-13) - In June 2016, the FASB issued an ASU that requires companies to measure credit losses utilizing a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires 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 the interim periods within those fiscal years.

Segment Information and Revenue

Segment Information and Revenues	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Information and Revenues	Segment Information and Revenues 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 September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 Revenue: Wealth Management $ 91,887 $ 86,809 $ 275,984 $ 254,772 Tax Preparation 3,498 3,362 183,214 156,936 Total revenue 95,385 90,171 459,198 411,708 Operating income (loss): Wealth Management 12,891 12,425 38,920 36,684 Tax Preparation (6,936 ) (6,238 ) 95,991 83,410 Corporate-level activity (16,647 ) (17,513 ) (53,740 ) (57,536 ) Total operating income (10,692 ) (11,326 ) 81,171 62,558 Other loss, net (3,863 ) (5,241 ) (11,850 ) (39,149 ) Income tax benefit (expense) 818 (166 ) (2,052 ) (5,952 ) Net income $ (13,737 ) $ (16,733 ) $ 67,269 $ 17,457 Revenues by major category within each segment are presented below (in thousands): Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 Wealth Management: Commission $ 41,015 $ 39,432 $ 124,269 $ 117,181 Advisory 41,443 37,588 120,802 107,078 Asset-based 6,979 6,526 21,457 19,276 Transaction and fee 2,450 3,263 9,456 11,237 Total Wealth Management revenue $ 91,887 $ 86,809 $ 275,984 $ 254,772 Tax Preparation: Consumer $ 3,246 $ 3,149 $ 168,295 $ 143,239 Professional 252 213 14,919 13,697 Total Tax Preparation revenue $ 3,498 $ 3,362 $ 183,214 $ 156,936 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. Wealth Management revenue recognition: Wealth Management revenue consists primarily of commission revenue, advisory 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: Commission revenue - Commission revenue represents 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 commission revenues: transaction-based sales commissions that occur on the trade date, which is when the Company's performance obligations have been substantially completed, and 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. 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. 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 advisory 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. Details of Wealth Management revenues are: Wealth Management Segment Revenues Three Months Ended September 30, 2018 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 Recognized Upon Transaction Recognized Over Time Total Recognized Upon Transaction Recognized Over Time Total Commission revenue $ 16,929 $ 24,086 $ 41,015 $ 51,193 $ 73,076 $ 124,269 Advisory revenue — 41,443 41,443 — 120,802 120,802 Asset-based revenue — 6,979 6,979 — 21,457 21,457 Transaction and fee revenue 576 1,874 2,450 2,573 6,883 9,456 Total $ 17,505 $ 74,382 $ 91,887 $ 53,766 $ 222,218 $ 275,984 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. 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 are: Tax Preparation Segment Revenues Three Months Ended September 30, 2018 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 Recognized Upon Transaction Recognized Over Time Total Recognized Upon Transaction Recognized Over Time Total Consumer $ 3,246 $ — $ 3,246 $ 168,295 $ — $ 168,295 Professional 182 70 252 12,497 2,422 14,919 Total $ 3,428 $ 70 $ 3,498 $ 180,792 $ 2,422 $ 183,214

Restructuring

Restructuring	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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: Employee-Related Termination Costs Contract Termination Costs Total Balance as of December 31, 2017 $ 1,202 $ 681 1,883 Restructuring charges 291 — 291 Payments (1,202 ) (212 ) (1,414 ) Balance as of September 30, 2018 $ 291 $ 469 $ 760 Employee-related termination costs primarily include severance benefits, under both ongoing and one-time benefit arrangements that were paid at termination dates throughout 2018. Contract termination costs were incurred in connection with the Company's previous headquarters' operating lease.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 September 30, 2018 Quoted prices in Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) Cash equivalents: money market and other funds $ 23,055 $ — $ 23,055 $ — Total assets at fair value $ 23,055 $ — $ 23,055 $ — Acquisition-related contingent consideration liability $ 1,346 $ — $ — $ 1,346 Total liabilities at fair value $ 1,346 $ — $ — $ 1,346 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 (28 ) Balance as of September 30, 2018 $ 1,346 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 September 30, 2018 , the Company could be required to pay up to an additional undiscounted aggregate 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 SimpleTax revenues, the probability of payment ( 100% ), and the discount rate ( 9% ). A decrease in estimated SimpleTax revenues or an increase in the discount rate would decrease the fair value of the contingent consideration liability. As of September 30, 2018

Debt

Debt	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt	Debt The Company’s debt consisted of the following as of the periods indicated in the table below (in thousands): September 30, 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 $ 265,000 $ (1,008 ) $ (3,784 ) $ 260,208 $ 345,000 $ (1,455 ) $ (5,464 ) $ 338,081 Senior secured credit facility: In May 2017 , the Company entered into a credit agreement with a syndicate of lenders in order to provide a term loan and revolving line of credit for working capital, capital expenditures and general business purposes (the "Blucora senior secured credit facilities" ). The Blucora senior secured credit facilities provide for up to $425.0 million of borrowings, consisting of a committed $50.0 million revolving credit facility (including a letter of credit sub-facility) and a $375.0 million term loan facility that 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 the Company and its 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 September 30, 2018 , the Company was in compliance with all of the financial and operating covenants under the credit facility agreement. Principal payments on the term loan are payable quarterly in an amount equal to 0.25% of the initial outstanding principal. 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. During the nine months ended September 30, 2018 , the Company made prepayments of $80.0 million towards the term loan. Depending on the Company’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 September 30, 2018 the Company had not borrowed any amounts under the revolving credit facility. The Company 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 on the term loan are subject to certain prepayment minimums. Beginning with the fiscal year ending December 31, 2018, the Company may be required to make annual prepayments on the term loan in an amount equal to a percentage of excess cash flow of the Company 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 September 30, 2018

Redeemable Noncontrolling Inter

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests	Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests In connection with the 2015 acquisition of HD Vest, the former management of HD Vest retained an ownership interest in that business. 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. These arrangements can be settled for cash within ninety days after the Company files its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018. The redemption value of the arrangements is based upon several factors, including, among others, the Company's implied enterprise value, implied equity value and certain financial performance measures of the Company. 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; this occurred in the third quarter of 2018 and the Company recorded an adjustment of approximately $3.5 million. A reconciliation of equity attributable to noncontrolling interests and Blucora, Inc. is as follows (in thousands): Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests Blucora, Inc. Balance as of December 31, 2017 $ 18,033 $ 541,387 Common stock issued for stock options and restricted stock units — 12,332 Common stock issued for employee stock purchase plan — 1,608 Other comprehensive income (loss) — (147 ) Stock-based compensation — 9,559 Tax payments from shares withheld for equity awards — (5,983 ) Impact of adoption of new accounting guidance related to revenue recognition — 1,851 Net income 654 66,615 Adjustment of redeemable noncontrolling interests to redemption value 3,537 (3,537 ) Balance as of September 30, 2018 $ 22,224 $ 623,685 The redemption amount of noncontrolling interests at September 30, 2018 was $22.2

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies Significant events since the year ended December 31, 2017 , 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 SimpleTax acquisition-related contingent consideration liability (as discussed further in "Note 5: Fair Value Measurements"), and estimated sublease income of $2.6 million primarily related to the sublease agreement for the Company's former headquarters in Bellevue, Washington. 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, the Company filed a motion to dismiss the Delaware complaint, and a hearing on the motion was held on July 11, 2018. The motion to dismiss was granted on October 26, 2018, and the case has been dismissed with prejudice and without leave to amend.

Stockholders' Equity

Stockholders' Equity	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 Cost of revenue $ 413 $ 412 $ 940 $ 546 Engineering and technology 178 225 590 734 Sales and marketing 617 529 1,835 1,801 General and administrative 1,666 1,966 6,194 5,353 Restructuring — 97 — 1,078 Total $ 2,874 $ 3,229 $ 9,559 $ 9,512 In the third quarter of 2018, the Company granted 86,000 restricted stock units to certain HD Vest financial advisors. In the second quarter of 2017, the Company granted 350,000 non-qualified stock options to certain HD Vest financial advisors. These advisors are considered non-employees. The restricted stock units and stock options fully vest three years from the date of grant. Following the Company's early adoption of ASU 2018-07, effective January 1, 2018, these grants are accounted for similarly to share-based payments granted to employees. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, stock-based compensation expense for these non-employees was $0.4 million and $0.9 million , respectively, and was recorded in "Wealth management services 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 September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 Stock options exercised 188 1,243 1,060 3,651 RSUs vested 90 91 310 442 Shares purchased pursuant to ESPP 45 62 80 138 Total 323 1,396 1,450 4,231

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes The Company recorded income tax (benefit) expense of $(0.8) million and $2.1 million in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 , respectively. The Company's effective income tax rate differed from the 21% statutory rate in 2018 primarily due to the recognition of previously reserved net operating losses to offset current income tax expense, and the effect of state income taxes. The Company recorded income tax expense of $0.2 million and $6.0 million in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 , respectively. Income taxes differed from the 35% statutory rate in 2017 primarily due to the recognition of previously reserved net operating losses to offset current income tax expense, and the effect 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 provisionally 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%.

Net Income (Loss) Per Share

Net Income (Loss) Per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
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 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 redemption value adjustment of the Company's redeemable noncontrolling interest is deducted from income (loss) (as discussed further in "Note 7: Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests"). 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, 2018 2017 2018 2017 Numerator: Income (loss) $ (13,737 ) $ (16,733 ) $ 67,269 $ 17,457 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests (227 ) (164 ) (654 ) (466 ) Adjustment of redeemable noncontrolling interest* (3,537 ) — (3,537 ) — Net income (loss) attributable to Blucora, Inc. shareholders after adjustment of redeemable noncontrolling interest (17,501 ) (16,897 ) 63,078 16,991 Denominator: Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic 47,712 45,459 47,191 43,749 Dilutive potential common shares — — 2,101 3,064 Weighted average common shares outstanding, diluted 47,712 45,459 49,292 46,813 Net income (loss) per share attributable to Blucora, Inc.: Basic $ (0.37 ) $ (0.37 ) $ 1.34 $ 0.39 Diluted $ (0.37 ) $ (0.37 ) $ 1.28 $ 0.36 Shares excluded 3,675 5,798 441 1,160 * See "Note 7: Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests" for further discussion.

Summary of Significant Accoun_2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Segments	Segments: T he Company has two
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
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): September 30, December 31, 2018 2017 2017 Cash and cash equivalents $ 88,274 $ 78,558 $ 59,965 Cash segregated under federal or other regulations 317 313 1,371 Restricted cash included in "Prepaid expenses and other current assets, net" — 425 425 Restricted cash included in "Other long-term assets" — 550 550 Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash $ 88,591 $ 79,846 $ 62,311
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"
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.
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: Share-Based Payments (ASU 2018-07) - In June 2018, the FASB issued an ASU that requires companies to account for share-based payments granted to non-employees similarly to share-based payments granted to employees. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including the interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption of this ASU is permitted. In the third quarter of 2018, the Company decided to early adopt the requirements of the new standard effective January 1, 2018, utilizing the alternative adoption method. The adoption of this ASU had a $0.3 million cumulative effect on the Company's unaudited 2018 quarterly results, with a corresponding adjustment to additional paid-in capital: First Quarter Second Quarter Reported Recast Reported Recast Income statement data: Wealth management services cost of revenue $ 63,067 $ 63,064 $ 62,452 $ 62,149 Operating income (loss) 52,734 52,737 38,823 39,126 Net income (loss) 45,543 45,546 35,157 35,460 Net income (loss) attributable to Blucora, Inc. 45,338 45,341 34,935 35,238 Net income (loss) per share attributable to Blucora, Inc. Basic $ 0.97 $ 0.97 $ 0.74 $ 0.75 Weighted average shares outstanding Basic 46,641 46,641 47,221 47,221 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 as an adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings and deferred revenues on the consolidated balance sheets. As a result of 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 and $1.3 million , respectively, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 , on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. Had the Company not adopted ASC 606, total revenues for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 would have been $0.7 million and $2.6 million , respectively, higher than reported on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. Pursuant to the modified retrospective transition method, 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 more, 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. Based upon the Company's current lease obligations, the Company expects that the adoption of this ASU will result in between $8.0 million and $12.0 million of additional right of use assets and lease liabilities recognized on the consolidated balance sheets upon adoption on January 1, 2019. Measurement of Credit Losses (ASU 2016-13) - In June 2016, the FASB issued an ASU that requires companies to measure credit losses utilizing a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires 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 the interim periods within those fiscal years.

Summary of Significant Accoun_3

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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): September 30, December 31, 2018 2017 2017 Cash and cash equivalents $ 88,274 $ 78,558 $ 59,965 Cash segregated under federal or other regulations 317 313 1,371 Restricted cash included in "Prepaid expenses and other current assets, net" — 425 425 Restricted cash included in "Other long-term assets" — 550 550 Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash $ 88,591 $ 79,846 $ 62,311
Schedule of Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements	The adoption of this ASU had a $0.3 million cumulative effect on the Company's unaudited 2018 quarterly results, with a corresponding adjustment to additional paid-in capital: First Quarter Second Quarter Reported Recast Reported Recast Income statement data: Wealth management services cost of revenue $ 63,067 $ 63,064 $ 62,452 $ 62,149 Operating income (loss) 52,734 52,737 38,823 39,126 Net income (loss) 45,543 45,546 35,157 35,460 Net income (loss) attributable to Blucora, Inc. 45,338 45,341 34,935 35,238 Net income (loss) per share attributable to Blucora, Inc. Basic $ 0.97 $ 0.97 $ 0.74 $ 0.75 Weighted average shares outstanding Basic 46,641 46,641 47,221 47,221

Segment Information and Reven_2

Segment Information and Revenues (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 Revenue: Wealth Management $ 91,887 $ 86,809 $ 275,984 $ 254,772 Tax Preparation 3,498 3,362 183,214 156,936 Total revenue 95,385 90,171 459,198 411,708 Operating income (loss): Wealth Management 12,891 12,425 38,920 36,684 Tax Preparation (6,936 ) (6,238 ) 95,991 83,410 Corporate-level activity (16,647 ) (17,513 ) (53,740 ) (57,536 ) Total operating income (10,692 ) (11,326 ) 81,171 62,558 Other loss, net (3,863 ) (5,241 ) (11,850 ) (39,149 ) Income tax benefit (expense) 818 (166 ) (2,052 ) (5,952 ) Net income $ (13,737 ) $ (16,733 ) $ 67,269 $ 17,457
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment	Revenues by major category within each segment are presented below (in thousands): Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 Wealth Management: Commission $ 41,015 $ 39,432 $ 124,269 $ 117,181 Advisory 41,443 37,588 120,802 107,078 Asset-based 6,979 6,526 21,457 19,276 Transaction and fee 2,450 3,263 9,456 11,237 Total Wealth Management revenue $ 91,887 $ 86,809 $ 275,984 $ 254,772 Tax Preparation: Consumer $ 3,246 $ 3,149 $ 168,295 $ 143,239 Professional 252 213 14,919 13,697 Total Tax Preparation revenue $ 3,498 $ 3,362 $ 183,214 $ 156,936
Wealth Management
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Disaggregation of Revenue	Details of Wealth Management revenues are: Wealth Management Segment Revenues Three Months Ended September 30, 2018 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 Recognized Upon Transaction Recognized Over Time Total Recognized Upon Transaction Recognized Over Time Total Commission revenue $ 16,929 $ 24,086 $ 41,015 $ 51,193 $ 73,076 $ 124,269 Advisory revenue — 41,443 41,443 — 120,802 120,802 Asset-based revenue — 6,979 6,979 — 21,457 21,457 Transaction and fee revenue 576 1,874 2,450 2,573 6,883 9,456 Total $ 17,505 $ 74,382 $ 91,887 $ 53,766 $ 222,218 $ 275,984
Tax Preparation
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Disaggregation of Revenue	Details of Tax Preparation revenues are: Tax Preparation Segment Revenues Three Months Ended September 30, 2018 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 Recognized Upon Transaction Recognized Over Time Total Recognized Upon Transaction Recognized Over Time Total Consumer $ 3,246 $ — $ 3,246 $ 168,295 $ — $ 168,295 Professional 182 70 252 12,497 2,422 14,919 Total $ 3,428 $ 70 $ 3,498 $ 180,792 $ 2,422 $ 183,214

Restructuring (Tables)

Restructuring (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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: Employee-Related Termination Costs Contract Termination Costs Total Balance as of December 31, 2017 $ 1,202 $ 681 1,883 Restructuring charges 291 — 291 Payments (1,202 ) (212 ) (1,414 ) Balance as of September 30, 2018 $ 291 $ 469 $ 760

Fair Value Measurements (Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 September 30, 2018 Quoted prices in Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) Cash equivalents: money market and other funds $ 23,055 $ — $ 23,055 $ — Total assets at fair value $ 23,055 $ — $ 23,055 $ — Acquisition-related contingent consideration liability $ 1,346 $ — $ — $ 1,346 Total liabilities at fair value $ 1,346 $ — $ — $ 1,346 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 (28 ) Balance as of September 30, 2018 $ 1,346

Debt (Tables)

Debt (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Company's Debt	The Company’s debt consisted of the following as of the periods indicated in the table below (in thousands): September 30, 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 $ 265,000 $ (1,008 ) $ (3,784 ) $ 260,208 $ 345,000 $ (1,455 ) $ (5,464 ) $ 338,081

Redeemable Noncontrolling Int_2

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest	A reconciliation of equity attributable to noncontrolling interests and Blucora, Inc. is as follows (in thousands): Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests Blucora, Inc. Balance as of December 31, 2017 $ 18,033 $ 541,387 Common stock issued for stock options and restricted stock units — 12,332 Common stock issued for employee stock purchase plan — 1,608 Other comprehensive income (loss) — (147 ) Stock-based compensation — 9,559 Tax payments from shares withheld for equity awards — (5,983 ) Impact of adoption of new accounting guidance related to revenue recognition — 1,851 Net income 654 66,615 Adjustment of redeemable noncontrolling interests to redemption value 3,537 (3,537 ) Balance as of September 30, 2018 $ 22,224 $ 623,685
Schedule of Stockholders Equity	A reconciliation of equity attributable to noncontrolling interests and Blucora, Inc. is as follows (in thousands): Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests Blucora, Inc. Balance as of December 31, 2017 $ 18,033 $ 541,387 Common stock issued for stock options and restricted stock units — 12,332 Common stock issued for employee stock purchase plan — 1,608 Other comprehensive income (loss) — (147 ) Stock-based compensation — 9,559 Tax payments from shares withheld for equity awards — (5,983 ) Impact of adoption of new accounting guidance related to revenue recognition — 1,851 Net income 654 66,615 Adjustment of redeemable noncontrolling interests to redemption value 3,537 (3,537 ) Balance as of September 30, 2018 $ 22,224 $ 623,685

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 Cost of revenue $ 413 $ 412 $ 940 $ 546 Engineering and technology 178 225 590 734 Sales and marketing 617 529 1,835 1,801 General and administrative 1,666 1,966 6,194 5,353 Restructuring — 97 — 1,078 Total $ 2,874 $ 3,229 $ 9,559 $ 9,512
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, 2018 2017 2018 2017 Stock options exercised 188 1,243 1,060 3,651 RSUs vested 90 91 310 442 Shares purchased pursuant to ESPP 45 62 80 138 Total 323 1,396 1,450 4,231

Net Income (Loss) Per Share (Ta

Net Income (Loss) Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 (loss) per share attributable to Blucora, Inc. is as follows (in thousands): Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 Numerator: Income (loss) $ (13,737 ) $ (16,733 ) $ 67,269 $ 17,457 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests (227 ) (164 ) (654 ) (466 ) Adjustment of redeemable noncontrolling interest* (3,537 ) — (3,537 ) — Net income (loss) attributable to Blucora, Inc. shareholders after adjustment of redeemable noncontrolling interest (17,501 ) (16,897 ) 63,078 16,991 Denominator: Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic 47,712 45,459 47,191 43,749 Dilutive potential common shares — — 2,101 3,064 Weighted average common shares outstanding, diluted 47,712 45,459 49,292 46,813 Net income (loss) per share attributable to Blucora, Inc.: Basic $ (0.37 ) $ (0.37 ) $ 1.34 $ 0.39 Diluted $ (0.37 ) $ (0.37 ) $ 1.28 $ 0.36 Shares excluded 3,675 5,798 441 1,160 * See "Note 7: Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests" for further discussion.

Description of the Business -

Description of the Business - Additional Information (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018Segment
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Number of reportable segments	2

Summary of Significant Accoun_4

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Cash and Cash Equivalents (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 88,274	$ 59,965	$ 78,558
Cash segregated under federal or other regulations	317	1,371	313
Restricted cash included in Prepaid expenses and other current assets, net	0	425	425
Restricted cash included in Other long-term assets	0	550	550
Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	$ 88,591	$ 62,311	$ 79,846	$ 54,868

Summary of Significant Accoun_5

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Recent Accounting Pronouncements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Jan. 01, 2019	Jan. 01, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Net income (loss)	$ (13,737)	$ 35,460	$ 45,546	$ (16,733)		$ 67,269	$ 17,457
Depreciation	798			867		3,706	2,680
Revenues	95,385			90,171		459,198	411,708
Reduction to operating expenses	106,077			$ 101,497		378,027	$ 349,150
Accounting Standards Update 2014-09
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Cumulative effect on company's unaudited quarterly results										$ 1,851
Revenues	(400)					(1,300)
Reduction to operating expenses	(400)					(1,300)
Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 | Calculated under Revenue Guidance in Effect before Topic 606
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 700					2,600
Accounting Standards Update 2016-02 | Minimum | Forecast
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Right of use lease asset								$ 8,000
Lease liability								8,000
Accounting Standards Update 2016-02 | Maximum | Forecast
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Right of use lease asset								12,000
Lease liability								$ 12,000
Retained Earnings | Accounting Standards Update 2014-09
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Cumulative effect on company's unaudited quarterly results									$ 1,800
Computer Software
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Depreciation						1,100
Recast | Accounting Standards Update 2018-07
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition						$ 300
Recast | Restatement Adjustment | Accounting Standards Update 2018-07
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Net income (loss)					$ 300

Summary of Significant Accoun_6

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Effects of ASU 2018-07 on Unaudited Quarterly Results (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Operating income (loss)	$ (10,692)	$ 39,126	$ 52,737	$ (11,326)	$ 81,171	$ 62,558
Net income (loss)	(13,737)	35,460	45,546	(16,733)	67,269	17,457
Net income (loss) attributable to Blucora, Inc.	$ (13,964)	$ 35,238	$ 45,341	$ (16,897)	$ 66,615	$ 16,991
Basic (in USD per share)	$ (0.37)	$ 0.75	$ 0.97	$ (0.37)	$ 1.34	$ 0.39
Basic (in shares)	47,712	47,221	46,641	45,459	47,191	43,749
Wealth Management Services
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Cost of revenue	$ 62,313	$ 62,149	$ 63,064	$ 59,607	$ 187,526	$ 172,444
Reported
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Operating income (loss)		38,823	52,734
Net income (loss)		35,157	45,543
Net income (loss) attributable to Blucora, Inc.		$ 34,935	$ 45,338
Basic (in USD per share)		$ 0.74	$ 0.97
Basic (in shares)		47,221	46,641
Reported | Wealth Management Services
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Cost of revenue		$ 62,452	$ 63,067

Segment Information and Reven_3

Segment Information and Revenues - Information on Reportable Segments (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2018USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2018USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)Segment	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of reportable segments | Segment					2
Revenue:
Revenues	$ 95,385			$ 90,171	$ 459,198	$ 411,708
Operating income:
Total operating income (loss)	(10,692)	$ 39,126	$ 52,737	(11,326)	81,171	62,558
Other loss, net	(3,863)			(5,241)	(11,850)	(39,149)
Income tax benefit (expense)	818			(166)	(2,052)	(5,952)
Net income (loss)	(13,737)	$ 35,460	$ 45,546	(16,733)	67,269	17,457
Corporate-level activity
Operating income:
Total operating income (loss)	(16,647)			(17,513)	(53,740)	(57,536)
Segment Reconciling Items
Operating income:
Other loss, net	(3,863)			(5,241)	(11,850)	(39,149)
Income tax benefit (expense)	818			(166)	(2,052)	(5,952)
Wealth Management
Revenue:
Revenues	91,887			86,809	275,984	254,772
Wealth Management | Commission revenue
Revenue:
Revenues	41,015			39,432	124,269	117,181
Wealth Management | Advisory revenue
Revenue:
Revenues	41,443			37,588	120,802	107,078
Wealth Management | Asset-based revenue
Revenue:
Revenues	6,979			6,526	21,457	19,276
Wealth Management | Transaction and fee revenue
Revenue:
Revenues	2,450			3,263	9,456	11,237
Wealth Management | Operating Segments
Revenue:
Revenues	91,887			86,809	275,984	254,772
Operating income:
Total operating income (loss)	12,891			12,425	38,920	36,684
Tax Preparation
Revenue:
Revenues	3,498			3,362	183,214	156,936
Tax Preparation | Consumer
Revenue:
Revenues	3,246			3,149	168,295	143,239
Tax Preparation | Professional
Revenue:
Revenues	252			213	14,919	13,697
Tax Preparation | Operating Segments
Revenue:
Revenues	3,498			3,362	183,214	156,936
Operating income:
Total operating income (loss)	$ (6,936)			$ (6,238)	$ 95,991	$ 83,410

Segment Information and Reven_4

Segment Information and Revenues - Details of Wealth Management Revenues (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)commission_revenue	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Number of types of commission revenues generated | commission_revenue			2
Revenues	$ 95,385	$ 90,171	$ 459,198	$ 411,708
Wealth Management
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	91,887	$ 86,809	275,984	$ 254,772
Wealth Management | Recognized Upon Transaction
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	17,505		53,766
Wealth Management | Recognized Over Time
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	74,382		222,218
Wealth Management | Commission revenue
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	41,015		124,269
Wealth Management | Commission revenue | Recognized Upon Transaction
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	16,929		51,193
Wealth Management | Commission revenue | Recognized Over Time
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	24,086		73,076
Wealth Management | Advisory revenue
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	41,443		120,802
Wealth Management | Advisory revenue | Recognized Upon Transaction
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	0		0
Wealth Management | Advisory revenue | Recognized Over Time
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	41,443		120,802
Wealth Management | Asset-based revenue
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	6,979		21,457
Wealth Management | Asset-based revenue | Recognized Upon Transaction
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	0		0
Wealth Management | Asset-based revenue | Recognized Over Time
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	6,979		21,457
Wealth Management | Transaction and fee revenue
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	2,450		9,456
Wealth Management | Transaction and fee revenue | Recognized Upon Transaction
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	576		2,573
Wealth Management | Transaction and fee revenue | Recognized Over Time
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 1,874		$ 6,883

Segment Information and Reven_5

Segment Information and Revenues - Details of Tax Preparation Revenues (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 95,385	$ 90,171	$ 459,198	$ 411,708
Tax Preparation
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	3,498	$ 3,362	183,214	$ 156,936
Tax Preparation | Consumer
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	3,246		168,295
Tax Preparation | Professional
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	252		14,919
Tax Preparation | Recognized Upon Transaction
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	3,428		180,792
Tax Preparation | Recognized Upon Transaction | Consumer
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	3,246		168,295
Tax Preparation | Recognized Upon Transaction | Professional
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	182		12,497
Tax Preparation | Recognized Over Time
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	70		2,422
Tax Preparation | Recognized Over Time | Consumer
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	0		0
Tax Preparation | Recognized Over Time | Professional
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 70		$ 2,422

Restructuring (Details)

Restructuring (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring	$ 0	$ 106	$ 291	$ 2,726
Strategic Transformation
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance			1,883
Restructuring			291
Payments			(1,414)
Ending Balance	760		760
Employee-Related Termination Costs | Strategic Transformation
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance			1,202
Restructuring			291
Payments			(1,202)
Ending Balance	291		291
Contract Termination Costs | Strategic Transformation
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance			681
Restructuring			0
Payments			(212)
Ending Balance	$ 469		$ 469

Fair Value Measurements - Sche

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 - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Cash equivalents:
Total assets at fair value	$ 23,055	$ 10,857
LIABILITIES
Acquisition-related contingent consideration liability	1,346	2,689
Total liabilities at fair value	1,346	2,689
Money market and other funds
Cash equivalents:
Cash equivalents: money market and other funds	23,055	10,857
Quoted prices in active markets using identical assets (Level 1)
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) | Money market and other funds
Cash equivalents:
Cash equivalents: money market and other funds	0	0
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)
Cash equivalents:
Total assets at fair value	23,055	10,857
LIABILITIES
Acquisition-related contingent consideration liability	0	0
Total liabilities at fair value	0	0
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Money market and other funds
Cash equivalents:
Cash equivalents: money market and other funds	23,055	10,857
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Cash equivalents:
Total assets at fair value	0
LIABILITIES
Acquisition-related contingent consideration liability	1,346	2,689
Total liabilities at fair value	1,346	2,689
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Money market and other funds
Cash equivalents:
Cash equivalents: money market and other funds	$ 0	$ 0

Fair Value Measurements - Reco

Fair Value Measurements - Reconciliation of Fair Value Measured on Recurring Basis (Details) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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	(28)
Balance as of September 30, 2018	$ 1,346

Fair Value Measurements - Narr

Fair Value Measurements - Narrative (Details) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Undiscounted amount of liability	$ 1,346	$ 2,689
SimpleTax
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Probability of payment	100.00%
SimpleTax | Measurement Input, Discount Rate
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Discount rate	0.09

Debt - Schedule of Company's D

Debt - Schedule of Company's Debt (Detail) - Senior Secured Credit Facility - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal amount	$ 265,000	$ 345,000
Discount	(1,008)	(1,455)
Debt issuance costs	(3,784)	(5,464)
Net carrying value	$ 260,208	$ 338,081

Debt - Narrative (Details)

Debt - Narrative (Details) - Senior Secured Credit Facility - USD ($)	1 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	May 22, 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit facility				$ 425,000,000
Principal amount		$ 265,000,000	$ 345,000,000
Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Required prepayment percentage		0.00%
Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Required prepayment percentage		50.00%
Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit facility				50,000,000
Revolving Credit Facility | Eurodollar
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable interest rate	3.00%
Revolving Credit Facility | Minimum | Eurodollar
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable interest rate		2.75%
Revolving Credit Facility | Minimum | ABR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable interest rate		1.75%
Revolving Credit Facility | Maximum | Eurodollar
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable interest rate		3.00%
Revolving Credit Facility | Maximum | ABR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable interest rate		2.00%
Term Loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal amount				$ 375,000,000
Repayments of notes payable		$ 80,000,000
Term Loan | ABR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable interest rate	2.00%
Term Loan | Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, periodic payment, principal, percent		0.25%

Redeemable Noncontrolling Int_3

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Roll Forward]
Balance as of December 31, 2017			$ 18,033		$ 18,033
Net income					654
Adjustment of redeemable noncontrolling interests to redemption value					3,537
Balance as of September 30, 2018	$ 22,224				22,224
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Balance as of December 31, 2017			541,387		541,387
Common stock issued for stock options and restricted stock units					12,332
Common stock issued for employee stock purchase plan					1,608
Other comprehensive income (loss)	102			$ 223	(147)	$ 414
Stock-based compensation					9,559
Tax payments from shares withheld for equity awards					(5,983)
Net income	(13,964)	$ 35,238	$ 45,341	$ (16,897)	66,615	$ 16,991
Adjustment of redeemable noncontrolling interests to redemption value	(3,500)				(3,537)
Balance as of September 30, 2018	623,685				623,685
Adjustment of redeemable noncontrolling interests to redemption value	$ 22,200				$ 22,200
Accounting Standards Update 2014-09
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Impact of adoption of new accounting guidance related to revenue recognition							$ 1,851

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Details) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Operating lease, sublease revenue	$ 2.6

Stockholders' Equity - Stock-B

Stockholders' Equity - Stock-Based Compensation Expense (Detail) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	$ 2,874	$ 3,229		$ 9,559	$ 9,512
Cost of revenue
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	413	412		940	546
Engineering and technology
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	178	225		590	734
Sales and marketing
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	617	529		1,835	1,801
General and administrative
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	1,666	1,966		6,194	5,353
Restructuring
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	$ 0	$ 97		0	$ 1,078
HD Vest | RSUs vested
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Nonemployee services transaction, shares approved for issuance (in shares)	86
Expected term	3 years
HD Vest | Non-qualified stock options
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Nonemployee services transaction, shares approved for issuance (in shares)			350
Expected term			3 years
HD Vest | Cost of revenue
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	$ 400			$ 900

Stockholders' Equity - Shares

Stockholders' Equity - Shares Issued under Share Based Compensation (Detail) - shares shares in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock options exercised (in shares)	188	1,243	1,060	3,651
Total (in shares)	323	1,396	1,450	4,231
RSUs vested
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
RSUs vested (in shares)	90	91	310	442
Shares purchased pursuant to ESPP
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares purchased pursuant to ESPP (in shares)	45	62	80	138

Income Taxes - Additional Info

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income tax (benefit) expense	$ (818)	$ 166	$ 2,052	$ 5,952

Net Income (Loss) Per Share -

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, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Numerator:
Income (loss)	$ (13,737)	$ 35,460	$ 45,546	$ (16,733)	$ 67,269	$ 17,457
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(227)			(164)	(654)	(466)
Adjustment of redeemable noncontrolling interest	(3,537)			0	(3,537)	0
Net income (loss) attributable to Blucora, Inc. shareholders after adjustment of redeemable noncontrolling interest	$ (17,501)			$ (16,897)	$ 63,078	$ 16,991
Denominator:
Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic (in shares)	47,712	47,221	46,641	45,459	47,191	43,749
Dilutive potential common shares (in shares)	0			0	2,101	3,064
Weighted average common shares outstanding, diluted (in shares)	47,712			45,459	49,292	46,813
Net income (loss) per share attributable to Blucora, Inc.:
Basic (in USD per share)	$ (0.37)	$ 0.75	$ 0.97	$ (0.37)	$ 1.34	$ 0.39
Diluted (in USD per share)	$ (0.37)			$ (0.37)	$ 1.28	$ 0.36
Shares excluded (in shares)	3,675			5,798	441	1,160