| Document and Entity Information Document | Oct. 29, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Oct. 29, 2020 |
| Entity Registrant Name | Blackbaud, Inc. |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 000-50600 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 11-2617163 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 65 Fairchild Street |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Charleston |
| Entity Address, State or Province | SC |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 29492 |
| City Area Code | 843 |
| Local Phone Number | 216-6200 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, $0.001 Par Value |
| Trading Symbol | BLKB |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001280058 |
