Avantax (AVTA) 10-Q 8 May 19 2019 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	May 01, 2019
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	BLUCORA, INC.
Entity Central Index Key	0001068875
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	Mar. 31, 2019
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2019
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Amendment Flag	false
Trading Symbol	BCOR
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		48,390,443

Unaudited Condensed Consolidate

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 149,762	$ 84,524
Cash segregated under federal or other regulations	1,527	842
Accounts receivable, net of allowance	24,113	15,721
Commissions receivable	14,382	15,562
Other receivables	7,450	7,408
Prepaid expenses and other current assets, net	10,840	7,755
Total current assets	208,074	131,812
Long-term assets:
Property and equipment, net	12,322	12,389
Right-of-use assets, net	5,942
Goodwill, net	548,770	548,685
Other intangible assets, net	286,562	294,603
Other long-term assets	11,047	10,236
Total long-term assets	864,643	865,913
Total assets	1,072,717	997,725
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	10,230	3,798
Commissions and advisory fees payable	13,655	15,199
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	48,675	18,980
Lease liabilities	6,493	46
Deferred revenue	6,424	10,257
Total current liabilities	85,477	48,280
Long-term liabilities:
Long-term debt, net	260,570	260,390
Deferred tax liability, net	39,422	40,394
Deferred revenue	7,890	8,581
Lease liabilities	2,118	100
Other long-term liabilities	6,186	7,440
Total long-term liabilities	316,186	316,905
Total liabilities	401,663	365,185
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	2,517	24,945
Commitments and contingencies (Note 7)
Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock, par $0.0001 - authorized shares, 900,000, issued and outstanding shares, 48,255 and 48,044, respectively	5	5
Additional paid-in capital	1,570,026	1,569,725
Accumulated deficit	(901,155)	(961,689)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(339)	(446)
Total stockholders’ equity	668,537	607,595
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$ 1,072,717	$ 997,725

Unaudited Condensed Consolida_2

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
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)	48,255,000	48,044,000
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	48,255,000	48,044,000

Unaudited Condensed Consolida_3

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Revenue:
Services revenue	$ 225,768	$ 205,965
Cost of revenue:
Amortization of acquired technology	0	50
Total cost of revenue	65,575	67,467
Engineering and technology	6,529	5,131
Sales and marketing	55,572	55,253
General and administrative	18,874	14,866
Depreciation	1,061	1,915
Amortization of other acquired intangible assets	8,044	8,307
Restructuring	0	289
Total operating expenses	155,655	153,228
Operating income	70,113	52,737
Other loss, net	(3,958)	(5,228)
Income before income taxes	66,155	47,509
Income tax expense	(3,985)	(1,963)
Net income	62,170	45,546
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	(205)
Net income attributable to Blucora, Inc.	$ 62,170	$ 45,341
Net income per share attributable to Blucora, Inc.:
Basic (in USD per share)	$ 1.29	$ 0.97
Diluted (in USD per share)	$ 1.25	$ 0.93
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic (in shares)	48,161	46,641
Diluted (in shares)	49,542	48,665
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Net income	$ 62,170	$ 45,546
Foreign currency translation adjustment	107	(137)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	107	(137)
Comprehensive income	62,277	45,409
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	(205)
Comprehensive income attributable to Blucora, Inc.	62,277	45,204
Wealth Management Services
Revenue:
Services revenue	89,532	92,082
Cost of revenue:
Cost of revenue	61,374	63,064
Tax Preparation Services
Revenue:
Services revenue	136,236	113,883
Cost of revenue:
Cost of revenue	$ 4,201	$ 4,353

Unaudited Condensed Consolida_4

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Total	Common stock	Additional- paid-in capital	Accumulated deficit	Accumulated other comprehensive loss
Balance as of Beginning of period at Dec. 31, 2017	$ 18,033
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Roll Forward]
Net income	205
Balance as of End of period at Mar. 31, 2018	18,238
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2017		46,367
Balance at Dec. 31, 2017	541,387	$ 5	$ 1,555,560	$ (1,014,174)	$ (4)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Common stock issued for stock options and restricted stock units (in shares)		462
Common stock issued for stock options and restricted stock units	2,534		2,534
Common stock issued for employee stock purchase plan	703		703
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(137)				(137)
Stock-based compensation	2,958		2,958
Tax payments from shares withheld for equity awards	(1,493)		(1,493)
Net income	45,341			45,341
Balance (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2018		46,829
Balance at Mar. 31, 2018	593,144	$ 5	1,560,262	(966,982)	(141)
Balance as of Beginning of period at Dec. 31, 2018	24,945
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Roll Forward]
Reclassification of mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests	(22,428)
Net income	0
Balance as of End of period at Mar. 31, 2019	$ 2,517
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2018	48,044	48,044
Balance at Dec. 31, 2018	$ 607,595	$ 5	1,569,725	(961,689)	(446)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Common stock issued for stock options and restricted stock units (in shares)		211
Common stock issued for stock options and restricted stock units	283		283
Other comprehensive income (loss)	107				107
Stock-based compensation	2,443		2,443
Tax payments from shares withheld for equity awards	(2,425)		(2,425)
Net income	$ 62,170			62,170
Balance (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2019	48,255	48,255
Balance at Mar. 31, 2019	$ 668,537	$ 5	$ 1,570,026	$ (901,155)	$ (339)

Unaudited Condensed Consolida_5

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Operating Activities:
Net income	$ 62,170	$ 45,546
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from operating activities:
Stock-based compensation	2,443	2,955
Depreciation and amortization of acquired intangible assets	9,354	10,359
Reduction of right-of-use lease assets	904
Deferred income taxes	(972)	(749)
Amortization of premium on investments, net, and debt issuance costs	172	202
Accretion of debt discounts	38	47
Loss on debt extinguishment	0	776
Cash provided (used) by changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	(8,395)	(1,961)
Commissions receivable	1,180	(240)
Other receivables	(42)	2,588
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	(3,085)	(319)
Other long-term assets	(841)	(1,109)
Accounts payable	6,432	3,290
Commissions and advisory fees payable	(1,544)	(278)
Deferred revenue	(4,524)	(4,213)
Accrued expenses and other current and long-term liabilities	6,946	556
Net cash provided by operating activities	70,236	57,450
Investing Activities:
Purchases of property and equipment	(1,243)	(940)
Net cash used by investing activities	(1,243)	(940)
Financing Activities:
Payments on credit facilities	0	(40,000)
Proceeds from stock option exercises	283	2,534
Proceeds from issuance of stock through employee stock purchase plan	0	703
Tax payments from shares withheld for equity awards	(2,425)	(1,493)
Contingent consideration payments for business acquisition	(943)	(1,313)
Net cash used by financing activities	(3,085)	(39,569)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	15	(6)
Net increase in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	65,923	16,935
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, beginning of period	85,366	62,311
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, end of period	151,289	79,246
Cash paid for income taxes	1,031	457
Cash paid for interest	$ 3,624	$ 4,188

Description of the Business

Description of the Business	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Description of the Business	Description of the Business Description of the business: Blucora, Inc. (the "Company," "Blucora," "we," "our," or "us" ) operates two businesses: a Wealth Management business and a digital 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 advisor), 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 reportable segments : the Wealth Management segment, which is the HD Vest business, and the Tax Preparation segment, which is the TaxAct business. Reclassification : The Company reclassified certain amounts on its consolidated balance sheets related to loans given to several HD Vest advisors and the Company's finance leases.

Summary of Significant Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
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, 2018. 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, 2019 2018 2018 Cash and cash equivalents $ 149,762 $ 77,107 $ 84,524 Cash segregated under federal or other regulations 1,527 1,314 842 Restricted cash included in "Prepaid expenses and other current assets, net" — 275 — Restricted cash included in "Other long-term assets" — 550 — Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash $ 151,289 $ 79,246 $ 85,366 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 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 . 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: 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 and ASCs not listed below were assessed and either were determined to not be 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 and ASCs 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 was effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including the interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption of this ASU wa s 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 an insignificant impact on the Company's unaudited 2018 quarterly results for the three months ended March 31, 2018. Leases (ASU 2016-02) - In February 2016, the FASB issued guidance codified in ASC 842, "Leases" ( "ASC 842" ), which supersedes the guidance in ASC 840 "Leases." Under ASC 842, lease assets and liabilities, whether arising from leases that are considered operating or finance (capital) will be recognized on the balance sheet. Lease liabilities are measured as the present value of unpaid lease payments for operating leases where the Company is the lessee, and a corresponding right-of-use ( "ROU" ) asset is recognized for the right to use the leased assets. This guidance became 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. Prior comparable periods are presented in accordance with accounting guidance under ASC 840 "Leases" and were not restated. The Company adopted ASC 842 on January 1, 2019 for all open leases with a term greater than one year as of the adoption date, using the modified retrospective method of adoption with a cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings. The Company elected the package of practical expedients, for which there is no requirement to reassess lease existence, classification and initial direct costs, the hindsight practical expedient, for which the Company used hindsight in determining certain lease terms, and the short-term lease expedient, for which the Company considered all open leases with a term greater than one year as of the adoption date. The adoption resulted in $6.6 million of additional operating lease assets, $9.1 million of additional operating lease liabilities, and a $1.6 million adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings as a result of reevaluating certain of the Company's lease terms as of the adoption date. The Company also reclassified, upon adoption, $0.9 million of other lease-related balances to reduce the measurement of lease assets. The Company's lease terms are comprised of contractual terms but may include extension or termination options reasonably assured to be exercised at lease inception, which are included in the recognition of ROU assets and lease liabilities. The Company’s leases do not contain residual value guarantees or material variable lease payments. The Company does not have any material restrictions or covenants imposed by leases that would impact the Company’s ability to pay dividends or cause the Company to incur additional financial obligations. The Company’s leases are not complex; therefore, there were no significant assumptions or judgments made in applying the requirements of ASC 842, including the determination of whether the contracts contained a lease, the allocation of consideration in the contracts between lease and non-lease components, and the determination of the discount rates for the leases. 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. 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.

Segment Information and Revenue

Segment Information and Revenues	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
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 March 31, 2019 2018 Revenue: Wealth Management $ 89,532 $ 92,082 Tax Preparation 136,236 113,883 Total revenue 225,768 205,965 Operating income (loss): Wealth Management 11,540 13,075 Tax Preparation 79,272 58,806 Corporate-level activity (20,699) (19,144) Total operating income 70,113 52,737 Other loss, net (3,958) (5,228) Income tax expense (3,985) (1,963) Net income $ 62,170 $ 45,546 Revenues by major category within each segment are presented below (in thousands): Three Months Ended March 31, 2019 2018 Wealth Management: Commission $ 37,160 $ 42,870 Advisory 39,757 39,301 Asset-based 9,693 7,172 Transaction and fee 2,922 2,739 Total Wealth Management revenue $ 89,532 $ 92,082 Tax Preparation: Consumer $ 123,942 $ 101,912 Professional 12,294 11,971 Total Tax Preparation revenue $ 136,236 $ 113,883 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 purchases and sales of securities and various investment products by the Company's clients. 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 Advisor. 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 is recognized ratably over the period in which services are provided. Transaction and fee revenue - Transaction and fee revenue primarily includes support fees charged to advisors, 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 advisors, clients, and financial institutions, which are recognized as services are performed or as earned, as applicable. Details of Wealth Management revenues are (in thousands) : Three Months Ended March 31, 2019 Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 Recognized Upon Transaction Recognized Over Time Total Recognized Upon Transaction Recognized Over Time Total Commission revenue $ 15,684 $ 21,476 $ 37,160 $ 18,345 $ 24,525 $ 42,870 Advisory revenue — 39,757 39,757 — 39,301 39,301 Asset-based revenue — 9,693 9,693 — 7,172 7,172 Transaction and fee revenue 770 2,152 2,922 961 1,778 2,739 Total $ 16,454 $ 73,078 $ 89,532 $ 19,306 $ 72,776 $ 92,082 Tax Preparation revenue recognition : The Company derives revenue from the sale of Tax Preparation digital services, ancillary services, packaged tax preparation software, and arrangements that may include a combination of these items. Ancillary services primarily include refund payment transfer and audit defense. 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 digital 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, gift cards and audit defense services. Digital revenues include revenues associated with the Company’s digital 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, gift cards 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-user 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 (in thousands) : Three Months Ended March 31, 2019 Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 Recognized Upon Transaction Recognized Over Time Total Recognized Upon Transaction Recognized Over Time Total Consumer $ 123,015 $ 927 $ 123,942 $ 101,912 $ — $ 101,912 Professional 10,842 1,452 12,294 10,396 1,575 11,971 Total $ 133,857 $ 2,379 $ 136,236 $ 112,308 $ 1,575 $ 113,883

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
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, 2019 Quoted prices in Significant other Significant Cash equivalents: money market and other funds $ 23,317 $ 23,317 $ — $ — Total assets at fair value $ 23,317 $ 23,317 $ — $ — Fair value measurements at the reporting date using December 31, 2018 Quoted prices in Significant other Significant Cash equivalents: money market and other funds $ 23,181 $ 23,181 $ — $ — Total assets at fair value $ 23,181 $ 23,181 $ — $ — Acquisition-related contingent consideration liability $ 1,275 $ — $ — $ 1,275 Total liabilities at fair value $ 1,275 $ — $ — $ 1,275 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, 2018 $ 1,275 Payment (1,331) Foreign currency transaction loss 56 Balance as of March 31, 2019 $ — Cash equivalents are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy because the Company values them utilizing quoted prices in active markets. 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.

Debt

Debt	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt	Debt The Company’s debt consisted of the following as of the periods indicated in the table below (in thousands): March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 Principal Discount Debt issuance costs Net Principal Discount Debt issuance costs Net Senior secured credit facilities $ 265,000 $ (932) $ (3,498) $ 260,570 $ 265,000 $ (970) $ (3,640) $ 260,390 Senior secured credit facilit ies : 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 o n 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 March 31, 2019, 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. 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 March 31, 2019 , 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. T he 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 March 31, 2019, the term loan facility's principal amount approximated its fair value as it is a variable rate instrument and the current applicable margin approximates current market conditions. See "Note 12: Subsequent Events" for a discussion of the Company's recent amendment to the Blucora senior secured credit facilities.

Redeemable Noncontrolling Inter

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
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 that became exercisable beginning in the first quarter of 2019 with respect to th o se 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 , which occurred on March 1, 2019 . 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 and call arrangements do not meet the definition of a derivative instrument as the put and call agreements do not provide for net settlement. As of March 31, 2019, $22.4 million of put arrangements had been exercised, and those arrangements became mandatorily redeemable. The $22.4 million of exercised arrangements were included in "Accrued expenses and other current liabilities" on the consolidated balance sheets. As of March 31, 2019, put and call arrangements of $2.5 million had not been exercised. See "Note 12: Subsequent Events" for additional information.

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies Significant events since the year ended December 31, 2018, outside of the ordinary course of the Company’s business, include payment of the remaining SimpleTax acquisition-related contingent consideration liability and sublease income of $2.0 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, 2018. 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. The Company is not currently party to any legal proceedings or claims for which it has incurred a liability on its consolidated balance sheets.

Stockholders' Equity

Stockholders' Equity	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
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 following on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (in thousands): Three months ended March 31, 2019 2018 Cost of revenue $ 520 $ 256 Engineering and technology 176 210 Sales and marketing (193) 516 General and administrative 1,940 1,973 Total $ 2,443 $ 2,955 As of March 31, 2019, the Company had granted 436,000 RSUs and non-qualified stock options to c ertain HD Vest financial advis o rs. These advis o rs are considered non-employees. The RSUs and stock options fully vest three 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, 2019 2018 Stock options exercised 79 320 RSUs vested 132 106 Shares purchased pursuant to ESPP — 36 Total 211 462

Leases

Leases	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Leases [Abstract]
Leases	Leases The Company's leases are primarily related to office space. For the three months ended March 31, 2019, the Company recognized operating lease costs of approximately $1.0 million in "General and administrative" expense on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. As of March 31, 2019, the Company's weighted-average remaining operating lease term was approximately 1.5 years, and its weighted-average operating lease discount rate was 5.3%. The maturities of the Company's operating lease liabilities as of March 31, 2019 are below. The Company's finance lease liabilities as of March 31, 2019 were $0.1 million. (in thousands, except percentages) Undiscounted cash flows: 2019 (for the nine months remaining in 2019) $ 5,747 2020 2,766 2021 306 Total undiscounted cash flows 8,819 Imputed interest (343) Present value of cash flows $ 8,476 Short-term operating lease liabilities $ 6,446 Long-term operating lease liabilities 2,030 Total operating lease liabilities $ 8,476 Cash paid on operating lease liabilities was $0.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019. Lease liabilities from new ROU assets obtained during the three months ended March 31, 2019 were $0.2 million.
Leases	Leases The Company's leases are primarily related to office space. For the three months ended March 31, 2019, the Company recognized operating lease costs of approximately $1.0 million in "General and administrative" expense on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. As of March 31, 2019, the Company's weighted-average remaining operating lease term was approximately 1.5 years, and its weighted-average operating lease discount rate was 5.3%. The maturities of the Company's operating lease liabilities as of March 31, 2019 are below. The Company's finance lease liabilities as of March 31, 2019 were $0.1 million. (in thousands, except percentages) Undiscounted cash flows: 2019 (for the nine months remaining in 2019) $ 5,747 2020 2,766 2021 306 Total undiscounted cash flows 8,819 Imputed interest (343) Present value of cash flows $ 8,476 Short-term operating lease liabilities $ 6,446 Long-term operating lease liabilities 2,030 Total operating lease liabilities $ 8,476 Cash paid on operating lease liabilities was $0.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019. Lease liabilities from new ROU assets obtained during the three months ended March 31, 2019 were $0.2 million.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes The Company recorded income tax expense of $4.0 million in the three months ended March 31, 2019. The Company's effective income tax rate differed from the 21% statutory rate in the three months ended March 31, 2019 primarily due to the release of valuation allowances and the effect of state income taxes. The Company recorded income tax expense of $2.0 million in the three months ended March 31, 2018. Income taxes differed from the 21 % statutory rate in three months ended March 31, 2018 , primarily due to the release of valuation allowances.

Net Income Per Share

Net Income Per Share	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net Income Per Share	Note 11: 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, 2019 2018 Numerator: Income $ 62,170 $ 45,546 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests — (205) Net income attributable to Blucora, Inc. $ 62,170 $ 45,341 Denominator: Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic 48,161 46,641 Dilutive potential common shares 1,381 2,024 Weighted average common shares outstanding, diluted 49,542 48,665 Net income per share attributable to Blucora, Inc.: Basic $ 1.29 $ 0.97 Diluted $ 1.25 $ 0.93 Shares excluded 256 902 Shares were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per common share for these periods because their effect would have been anti-dilutive.

Subsequent Events

Subsequent Events	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	Subsequent Events Amendment to Credit Facilities: Incurrence of Additional Term Loan: On May 6, 2019, the Company amended the Blucora senior secured credit facilities, in order to, among other things: (i) provide for a term loan increase in the aggregate principal amount of $125.0 million in the form of a fungible increase to, and on substantially the same terms as, the Company's existing senior secured term loan under the Blucora senior secured credit facilities, (ii) increase the total amount of the revolving credit facility under the Blucora senior secured credit facilities by $15.0 million to an aggregate of $65.0 million and (iii) appoint JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as successor administrative agent and successor collateral agent under the Blucora senior secured credit facilities and related loan documents, as discussed above. While the terms of the $125.0 million increase in the size of the Company's term loan are substantially the same as those under the existing term loan, including terms with respect to the interest rate, guarantees, prepayments, collateral and maturity date, the Company is required to make principal amortization payments on such $125.0 million portion of the term loan on a quarterly basis on the last business day of each March, June, September and December, beginning on December 31, 2019, in an amount equal to $312,500 (subject to reduction for prepayments), with the remaining principal amount of such portion due on the maturity date of May 22, 2024. As described below, the proceeds of the increase in the term loan were used to fund a portion of the purchase price of the Company's acquisition of 1st Global, Inc. and 1st Global Insurance Services, Inc. (together, “ 1st Global ”), as well as to pay the fees and expenses associated with entering into the amendment to the Blucora senior secured credit facilities. Acquisition of 1st Global: On May 6, 2019, the Company closed its previously announced acquisition of all of the issued and outstanding common stock of 1st Global for a cash purchase price of $180.0 million. The purchase price is subject to customary adjustment as well as certain indemnity escrows, in each case as described more fully in the stock purchase agreement governing the acquisition. The purchase price was paid with a combination of (i) cash on hand and (ii) the proceeds from the $125.0 million increase in the term loan under the Blucora senior secured credit facilities. 1st Global is a tax-focused wealth management company that, as of March 31, 2019, served about 820 independent advisors with approximately $20.2 billion in total client assets and $9.8 billion in for-fee advisory assets. Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests: In the second quarter of 2019, the put and call arrangements (see "Note 6: Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests") that were not exercised as of March 31, 2019 were exercised, and all of the arrangements were settled in cash for the total amount of $24.9 million.

Summary of Significant Accoun_2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Segments	Segments: T he Company has two reportable segments : the Wealth Management segment, which is the HD Vest business, and the Tax Preparation segment, which is the TaxAct business. Reclassification : The Company reclassified certain amounts on its consolidated balance sheets related to loans given to several HD Vest advisors and the Company's finance leases.
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, 2018. 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, 2019 2018 2018 Cash and cash equivalents $ 149,762 $ 77,107 $ 84,524 Cash segregated under federal or other regulations 1,527 1,314 842 Restricted cash included in "Prepaid expenses and other current assets, net" — 275 — Restricted cash included in "Other long-term assets" — 550 — Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash $ 151,289 $ 79,246 $ 85,366 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	Fair value of financial instruments : The Company measures its cash equivalents 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
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 and ASCs not listed below were assessed and either were determined to not be 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 and ASCs 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 was effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including the interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption of this ASU wa s 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 an insignificant impact on the Company's unaudited 2018 quarterly results for the three months ended March 31, 2018. Leases (ASU 2016-02) - In February 2016, the FASB issued guidance codified in ASC 842, "Leases" ( "ASC 842" ), which supersedes the guidance in ASC 840 "Leases." Under ASC 842, lease assets and liabilities, whether arising from leases that are considered operating or finance (capital) will be recognized on the balance sheet. Lease liabilities are measured as the present value of unpaid lease payments for operating leases where the Company is the lessee, and a corresponding right-of-use ( "ROU" ) asset is recognized for the right to use the leased assets. This guidance became 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. Prior comparable periods are presented in accordance with accounting guidance under ASC 840 "Leases" and were not restated. The Company adopted ASC 842 on January 1, 2019 for all open leases with a term greater than one year as of the adoption date, using the modified retrospective method of adoption with a cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings. The Company elected the package of practical expedients, for which there is no requirement to reassess lease existence, classification and initial direct costs, the hindsight practical expedient, for which the Company used hindsight in determining certain lease terms, and the short-term lease expedient, for which the Company considered all open leases with a term greater than one year as of the adoption date. The adoption resulted in $6.6 million of additional operating lease assets, $9.1 million of additional operating lease liabilities, and a $1.6 million adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings as a result of reevaluating certain of the Company's lease terms as of the adoption date. The Company also reclassified, upon adoption, $0.9 million of other lease-related balances to reduce the measurement of lease assets. The Company's lease terms are comprised of contractual terms but may include extension or termination options reasonably assured to be exercised at lease inception, which are included in the recognition of ROU assets and lease liabilities. The Company’s leases do not contain residual value guarantees or material variable lease payments. The Company does not have any material restrictions or covenants imposed by leases that would impact the Company’s ability to pay dividends or cause the Company to incur additional financial obligations. The Company’s leases are not complex; therefore, there were no significant assumptions or judgments made in applying the requirements of ASC 842, including the determination of whether the contracts contained a lease, the allocation of consideration in the contracts between lease and non-lease components, and the determination of the discount rates for the leases. 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. 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 Accoun_3

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
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, 2019 2018 2018 Cash and cash equivalents $ 149,762 $ 77,107 $ 84,524 Cash segregated under federal or other regulations 1,527 1,314 842 Restricted cash included in "Prepaid expenses and other current assets, net" — 275 — Restricted cash included in "Other long-term assets" — 550 — Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash $ 151,289 $ 79,246 $ 85,366

Segment Information and Reven_2

Segment Information and Revenues (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
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, 2019 2018 Revenue: Wealth Management $ 89,532 $ 92,082 Tax Preparation 136,236 113,883 Total revenue 225,768 205,965 Operating income (loss): Wealth Management 11,540 13,075 Tax Preparation 79,272 58,806 Corporate-level activity (20,699) (19,144) Total operating income 70,113 52,737 Other loss, net (3,958) (5,228) Income tax expense (3,985) (1,963) Net income $ 62,170 $ 45,546
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment	Revenues by major category within each segment are presented below (in thousands): Three Months Ended March 31, 2019 2018 Wealth Management: Commission $ 37,160 $ 42,870 Advisory 39,757 39,301 Asset-based 9,693 7,172 Transaction and fee 2,922 2,739 Total Wealth Management revenue $ 89,532 $ 92,082 Tax Preparation: Consumer $ 123,942 $ 101,912 Professional 12,294 11,971 Total Tax Preparation revenue $ 136,236 $ 113,883
Wealth Management
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Disaggregation of Revenue	Details of Wealth Management revenues are (in thousands) : Three Months Ended March 31, 2019 Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 Recognized Upon Transaction Recognized Over Time Total Recognized Upon Transaction Recognized Over Time Total Commission revenue $ 15,684 $ 21,476 $ 37,160 $ 18,345 $ 24,525 $ 42,870 Advisory revenue — 39,757 39,757 — 39,301 39,301 Asset-based revenue — 9,693 9,693 — 7,172 7,172 Transaction and fee revenue 770 2,152 2,922 961 1,778 2,739 Total $ 16,454 $ 73,078 $ 89,532 $ 19,306 $ 72,776 $ 92,082
Tax Preparation
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Disaggregation of Revenue	Details of Tax Preparation revenues are (in thousands) : Three Months Ended March 31, 2019 Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 Recognized Upon Transaction Recognized Over Time Total Recognized Upon Transaction Recognized Over Time Total Consumer $ 123,015 $ 927 $ 123,942 $ 101,912 $ — $ 101,912 Professional 10,842 1,452 12,294 10,396 1,575 11,971 Total $ 133,857 $ 2,379 $ 136,236 $ 112,308 $ 1,575 $ 113,883

Fair Value Measurements (Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
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, 2019 Quoted prices in Significant other Significant Cash equivalents: money market and other funds $ 23,317 $ 23,317 $ — $ — Total assets at fair value $ 23,317 $ 23,317 $ — $ — Fair value measurements at the reporting date using December 31, 2018 Quoted prices in Significant other Significant Cash equivalents: money market and other funds $ 23,181 $ 23,181 $ — $ — Total assets at fair value $ 23,181 $ 23,181 $ — $ — Acquisition-related contingent consideration liability $ 1,275 $ — $ — $ 1,275 Total liabilities at fair value $ 1,275 $ — $ — $ 1,275
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, 2018 $ 1,275 Payment (1,331) Foreign currency transaction loss 56 Balance as of March 31, 2019 $ —

Debt (Tables)

Debt (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
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): March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 Principal Discount Debt issuance costs Net Principal Discount Debt issuance costs Net Senior secured credit facilities $ 265,000 $ (932) $ (3,498) $ 260,570 $ 265,000 $ (970) $ (3,640) $ 260,390

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
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 following on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (in thousands): Three months ended March 31, 2019 2018 Cost of revenue $ 520 $ 256 Engineering and technology 176 210 Sales and marketing (193) 516 General and administrative 1,940 1,973 Total $ 2,443 $ 2,955
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, 2019 2018 Stock options exercised 79 320 RSUs vested 132 106 Shares purchased pursuant to ESPP — 36 Total 211 462

Leases (Tables)

Leases (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Leases [Abstract]
Maturities of Operating Lease Liabilities	The maturities of the Company's operating lease liabilities as of March 31, 2019 are below. The Company's finance lease liabilities as of March 31, 2019 were $0.1 million. (in thousands, except percentages) Undiscounted cash flows: 2019 (for the nine months remaining in 2019) $ 5,747 2020 2,766 2021 306 Total undiscounted cash flows 8,819 Imputed interest (343) Present value of cash flows $ 8,476 Short-term operating lease liabilities $ 6,446 Long-term operating lease liabilities 2,030 Total operating lease liabilities $ 8,476
Supplemental Balance Sheet Information Related to Leases	The maturities of the Company's operating lease liabilities as of March 31, 2019 are below. The Company's finance lease liabilities as of March 31, 2019 were $0.1 million. (in thousands, except percentages) Undiscounted cash flows: 2019 (for the nine months remaining in 2019) $ 5,747 2020 2,766 2021 306 Total undiscounted cash flows 8,819 Imputed interest (343) Present value of cash flows $ 8,476 Short-term operating lease liabilities $ 6,446 Long-term operating lease liabilities 2,030 Total operating lease liabilities $ 8,476

Net Income Per Share (Tables)

Net Income Per Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
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, 2019 2018 Numerator: Income $ 62,170 $ 45,546 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests — (205) Net income attributable to Blucora, Inc. $ 62,170 $ 45,341 Denominator: Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic 48,161 46,641 Dilutive potential common shares 1,381 2,024 Weighted average common shares outstanding, diluted 49,542 48,665 Net income per share attributable to Blucora, Inc.: Basic $ 1.29 $ 0.97 Diluted $ 1.25 $ 0.93 Shares excluded 256 902

Description of the Business (De

Description of the Business (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019Segment
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	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 149,762	$ 84,524	$ 77,107
Cash segregated under federal or other regulations	1,527	842	1,314
Restricted cash included in "Prepaid expenses and other current assets, net"	0	0	275
Restricted cash included in "Other long-term assets"	0	0	550
Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	$ 151,289	$ 85,366	$ 79,246	$ 62,311

Summary of Significant Accoun_5

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Recent Accounting Pronouncements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2019	Jan. 01, 2019	Jan. 01, 2018
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Right of use lease asset	$ 5,942
Lease liability	$ 8,476
Cumulative effect on company's unaudited quarterly results		$ (1,636)	$ 1,851
Accounting Standards Update 2016-02
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Right of use lease asset		6,600
Lease liability		9,100
Cumulative effect on company's unaudited quarterly results		1,600
Other lease related balances		$ 900

Segment Information and Reven_3

Segment Information and Revenues - Information on Reportable Segments (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019USD ($)Segment	Mar. 31, 2018USD ($)
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of reportable segments | Segment	2
Revenue:
Revenues	$ 225,768	$ 205,965
Operating income:
Total operating income (loss)	70,113	52,737
Other loss, net	(3,958)	(5,228)
Income tax expense	(3,985)	(1,963)
Net income	62,170	45,546
Corporate-level activity
Operating income:
Total operating income (loss)	(20,699)	(19,144)
Segment Reconciling Items
Operating income:
Other loss, net	(3,958)	(5,228)
Income tax expense	(3,985)	(1,963)
Wealth Management
Revenue:
Revenues	89,532	92,082
Wealth Management | Commission revenue
Revenue:
Revenues	37,160	42,870
Wealth Management | Advisory revenue
Revenue:
Revenues	39,757	39,301
Wealth Management | Asset-based revenue
Revenue:
Revenues	9,693	7,172
Wealth Management | Transaction and fee revenue
Revenue:
Revenues	2,922	2,739
Wealth Management | Operating Segments
Revenue:
Revenues	89,532	92,082
Operating income:
Total operating income (loss)	11,540	13,075
Tax Preparation
Revenue:
Revenues	136,236	113,883
Tax Preparation | Consumer
Revenue:
Revenues	123,942	101,912
Tax Preparation | Professional
Revenue:
Revenues	12,294	11,971
Tax Preparation | Operating Segments
Revenue:
Revenues	136,236	113,883
Operating income:
Total operating income (loss)	$ 79,272	$ 58,806

Segment Information and Reven_4

Segment Information and Revenues - Details of Wealth Management Revenues (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019USD ($)revenue	Mar. 31, 2018USD ($)
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Number of types of commission revenues generated | revenue	2
Revenues	$ 225,768	$ 205,965
Recognized Over Time
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	73,078	72,776
Wealth Management
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	89,532	92,082
Wealth Management | Recognized Upon Transaction
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	16,454	19,306
Wealth Management | Commission revenue
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	37,160	42,870
Wealth Management | Commission revenue | Recognized Upon Transaction
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	15,684	18,345
Wealth Management | Commission revenue | Recognized Over Time
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	21,476	24,525
Wealth Management | Advisory revenue
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	39,757	39,301
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	39,757	39,301
Wealth Management | Asset-based revenue
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	9,693	7,172
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	9,693	7,172
Wealth Management | Transaction and fee revenue
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	2,922	2,739
Wealth Management | Transaction and fee revenue | Recognized Upon Transaction
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	770	961
Wealth Management | Transaction and fee revenue | Recognized Over Time
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 2,152	$ 1,778

Segment Information and Reven_5

Segment Information and Revenues - Details of Tax Preparation Revenues (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 225,768	$ 205,965
Recognized Over Time
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	73,078	72,776
Tax Preparation
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	136,236	113,883
Tax Preparation | Consumer
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	123,942	101,912
Tax Preparation | Professional
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	12,294	11,971
Tax Preparation | Recognized Upon Transaction
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	133,857	112,308
Tax Preparation | Recognized Upon Transaction | Consumer
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	123,015	101,912
Tax Preparation | Recognized Upon Transaction | Professional
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	10,842	10,396
Tax Preparation | Recognized Over Time
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	2,379	1,575
Tax Preparation | Recognized Over Time | Consumer
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	927	0
Tax Preparation | Recognized Over Time | Professional
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 1,452	$ 1,575

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 - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Cash equivalents:
Total assets at fair value	$ 23,317	$ 23,181
LIABILITIES
Acquisition-related contingent consideration liability		1,275
Total liabilities at fair value		1,275
Money market and other funds
Cash equivalents:
Cash equivalents: money market and other funds	23,317	23,181
Quoted prices in active markets using identical assets (Level 1)
Cash equivalents:
Total assets at fair value	23,317	23,181
LIABILITIES
Acquisition-related contingent consideration liability		0
Total liabilities at fair value		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	23,317	23,181
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)
Cash equivalents:
Total assets at fair value	0	0
LIABILITIES
Acquisition-related contingent consideration liability		0
Total liabilities at fair value		0
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Money market and other funds
Cash equivalents:
Cash equivalents: money market and other funds	0	0
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Cash equivalents:
Total assets at fair value	0
LIABILITIES
Acquisition-related contingent consideration liability		1,275
Total liabilities at fair value		1,275
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Money market and other funds
Cash equivalents:
Cash equivalents: money market and other funds	$ 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, 2019USD ($)
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance as of December 31, 2018	$ 1,275
Payment	(1,331)
Foreign currency transaction loss	56
Balance as of March 31, 2019	$ 0

Debt - Schedule of Company's De

Debt - Schedule of Company's Debt (Detail) - Senior Secured Credit Facility - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal amount	$ 265,000	$ 265,000
Discount	(932)	(970)
Debt issuance costs	(3,498)	(3,640)
Net carrying value	$ 260,570	$ 260,390

Debt - Narrative (Details)

Debt - Narrative (Details) - Senior Secured Credit Facility - USD ($)	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	May 22, 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit facility				$ 425,000,000
Principal amount		$ 265,000,000	$ 265,000,000
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
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_2

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Reclassification of mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests	$ 22,428
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	$ 2,517	$ 24,945	$ 18,238	$ 18,033

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019USD ($)
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Sublease income	$ 2

Stockholders' Equity - Stock-Ba

Stockholders' Equity - Stock-Based Compensation Expense (Detail) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended			24 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2019
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	$ 2,443	$ 2,955
Cost of revenue
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	520	256
Engineering and technology
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	176	210
Sales and marketing
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	(193)	516
General and administrative
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	$ 1,940	$ 1,973
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)				436
Expected term	3 years			3 years
HD Vest | Non-qualified stock options
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Expected term			3 years

Stockholders' Equity - Shares I

Stockholders' Equity - Shares Issued under Share Based Compensation (Detail) - shares shares in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock options exercised (in shares)	79	320
Total (in shares)	211	462
RSUs vested
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
RSUs vested (in shares)	132	106
Shares purchased pursuant to ESPP
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares purchased pursuant to ESPP (in shares)	0	36

Leases (Details)

Leases (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019USD ($)
Leases [Abstract]
Operating lease costs	$ 1,000
Weighted-average remaining operating lease term	1 year 6 months
Weighted-average operating lease discount rate	5.30%
Finance lease liabilities	$ 100
Operating Lease Liabilities, Payments Due [Abstract]
2019 (for the nine months remaining in 2019)	5,747
2020	2,766
2021	306
Total undiscounted cash flows	8,819
Imputed interest	(343)
Present value of cash flows	8,476
Short-term operating lease liabilities	6,446
Long-term operating lease liabilities	2,030
Total operating lease liabilities	8,476
Cash paid on operating lease liabilities	900
Lease liabilities from new ROU assets obtained	$ 200

Income Taxes (Details)

Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income tax expense	$ 3,985	$ 1,963

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, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Numerator:
Net income	$ 62,170	$ 45,546
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	(205)
Net income (loss) attributable to Blucora, Inc. shareholders after adjustment of redeemable noncontrolling interest	$ 62,170	$ 45,341
Denominator:
Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic (in shares)	48,161	46,641
Dilutive potential common shares (in shares)	1,381	2,024
Weighted average common shares outstanding, diluted (in shares)	49,542	48,665
Net income per share attributable to Blucora, Inc.:
Basic (in USD per share)	$ 1.29	$ 0.97
Diluted (in USD per share)	$ 1.25	$ 0.93
Shares excluded (in shares)	256	902

Subsequent Events (Details)

Subsequent Events (Details)	May 06, 2019USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2019USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2019USD ($)commission_revenue	May 22, 2017USD ($)
Forecast
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Arrangement settlement amount		$ 24,900,000
1st Global
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Number of independent advisors served | commission_revenue			820
Client assets			$ 20,200,000,000
For-fee advisory assets			$ 9,800,000,000
Senior Secured Credit Facility
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Credit facility				$ 425,000,000
Revolving Credit Facility | Senior Secured Credit Facility
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Credit facility				$ 50,000,000
Subsequent Event | 1st Global
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Purchase price	$ 180,000,000
Subsequent Event | Revolving Credit Facility | Senior Secured Credit Facility
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Credit facility total amount	15,000,000
Credit facility	65,000,000
Subsequent Event | Term Loan | Senior Secured Credit Facility
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount	125,000,000
Periodic payment	$ 312,500

Uncategorized Items - bcor-2019

Label	Element	Value
Retained Earnings [Member]
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption	us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption	$ 1,851,000
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption	us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption	$ (1,636,000)