Deluxe (DLX) 10-K 21 Feb 20 2019 FY Annual report Financial data

Document

Document - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Feb. 11, 2020	Jun. 28, 2019
Cover page.
Document Type	10-K
Document Annual Report	true
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2019
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	1-7945
Entity Registrant Name	DELUXE CORPORATION
Entity Central Index Key	0000027996
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2019
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	MN
Entity Tax Identification Number	41-0216800
Entity Address, Address Line One	3680 Victoria St. N.
Entity Address, City or Town	Shoreview
Entity Address, State or Province	MN
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	55126-2966
City Area Code	651
Local Phone Number	483-7111
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock, par value $1.00 per share
Trading Symbol	DLX
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Public Float			$ 1,736,275,030
Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		42,191,465
Documents Incorporated by Reference	Portions of our definitive proxy statement to be filed within 120 days after our fiscal year-end are incorporated by reference in Part III.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 73,620	$ 59,740
Trade accounts receivable, net of allowances for uncollectible accounts	163,421	173,862
Inventories and supplies	39,921	46,441
Funds held for customers	117,641	100,982
Revenue in excess of billings	32,790	30,458
Other current assets	44,818	38,563
Total current assets	472,211	450,046
Deferred income taxes	3,907	2,886
Long-term investments	44,995	43,773
Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation	96,467	90,342
Operating lease assets	44,372	0
Intangibles, net of accumulated amortization	276,122	359,965
Goodwill	804,487	1,160,626
Assets held for sale	2,880	1,350
Other non-current assets	197,870	196,108
Total assets	1,943,311	2,305,096
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	112,198	106,978
Funds held for customers	116,411	99,818
Accrued liabilities	179,338	184,463
Long-term debt due within one year	0	791
Total current liabilities	407,947	392,050
Long-term debt	883,500	911,073
Operating lease liabilities	33,585	0
Deferred income taxes	14,898	46,680
Other non-current liabilities	32,520	39,880
Commitments and contingencies (Notes 11, 16 and 17)
Shareholders' equity:
Common shares $1 par value (authorized: 500,000 shares; outstanding: December 31, 2019 - 42,126; December 31, 2018 - 44,647)	42,126	44,647
Additional paid-in capital	4,086	0
Retained earnings	572,596	927,345
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(47,947)	(56,579)
Total shareholders' equity	570,861	915,413
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$ 1,943,311	$ 2,305,096

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parentheticals) - $ / shares shares in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Shareholders' equity:
Common stock, par value (per share)	$ 1	$ 1
Common stock, shares authorized	500,000	500,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	42,126	44,647

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF (LOS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF (LOSS) INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Total revenue	$ 2,008,715	$ 1,998,025	$ 1,965,556
Total cost of revenue	(812,935)	(791,748)	(742,707)
Gross profit	1,195,780	1,206,277	1,222,849
Selling, general and administrative expense	(891,693)	(854,000)	(830,231)
Restructuring and integration expense	(74,810)	(21,203)	(9,130)
Asset impairment charges	(390,980)	(101,319)	(54,880)
Operating (loss) income	(158,141)	231,221	329,176
Interest expense	(34,682)	(27,112)	(21,359)
Other income	7,193	8,522	5,010
(Loss) income before income taxes	(185,630)	212,631	312,827
Income tax provision	(14,267)	(63,001)	(82,672)
Net (loss) income	$ (199,897)	$ 149,630	$ 230,155
Basic (loss) earnings per share	$ (4.65)	$ 3.18	$ 4.75
Diluted (loss) earnings per share	$ (4.65)	$ 3.16	$ 4.72
Operating expenses [Member]
Restructuring and integration expense	$ (71,248)	$ (19,737)	$ (8,562)
Product [Member]
Total revenue	1,409,155	1,451,833	1,469,854
Total cost of revenue	(531,307)	(547,640)	(529,638)
Service [Member]
Total revenue	599,560	546,192	495,702
Total cost of revenue	$ (281,628)	$ (244,108)	$ (213,069)

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net (loss) income	$ (199,897)	$ 149,630	$ 230,155
Postretirement benefit plans:
Net actuarial gain (loss) arising during the year	6,594	(3,805)	7,011
Less reclassification of amounts from other comprehensive income (loss) to net (loss) income:
Amortization of prior service credit	(1,054)	(853)	(1,049)
Amortization of net actuarial loss	2,583	1,825	2,893
Postretirement benefit plans	8,123	(2,833)	8,855
Interest rate swap:
Unrealized loss arising during the year	(1,040)	0	0
Reclassification of realized gains on interest rate swap from other comprehensive income (loss) to net (loss) income	(57)	0	0
Interest rate swap	(1,097)	0	0
Unrealized holding gain (loss) on debt securities arising during the year	48	(1)	(109)
Unrealized foreign currency translation adjustment	1,558	(9,281)	4,028
Other comprehensive income (loss)	8,632	(12,115)	12,774
Comprehensive (loss) income	(191,265)	137,515	242,929
Postretirement benefit plans:
Net actuarial gain (loss) arising during the year	(2,321)	1,339	(2,465)
Less reclassification of amounts from other comprehensive income (loss) to net (loss) income:
Amortization of prior service credit	367	568	372
Amortization of net actuarial loss	(640)	(1,059)	(744)
Postretirement benefit plans	(2,594)	848	(2,837)
Interest rate swap:
Unrealized loss arising during the year	364	0	0
Reclassification of realized gains on interest rate swap from other comprehensive income (loss) to net (loss) income	20	0	0
Interest rate swap	384	0	0
Unrealized holding gain (loss) on debt securities arising during the year	(17)	0	38
Total net tax (expense) benefit included in other comprehensive income (loss)	$ (2,227)	$ 848	$ (2,799)

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAR

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Total	Common shares par value [Member]	Additional paid-in capital [Member]	Retained earnings [Member]	Accumulated other comprehensive loss [Member]
Balance, beginning of year at Dec. 31, 2016	$ 880,970	$ 48,546	$ 0	$ 882,795	$ (50,371)
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2016	48,546
Net (loss) income	$ 230,155			230,155
Cash dividends ($1.20 per share)	(58,103)			(58,103)
Common shares issued	$ 16,892	558	16,334
Common shares issued, shares	558
Common shares repurchased	$ (65,000)	(924)	(13,886)	(50,190)
Common shares repurchased, shares	(924)
Other common shares retired	$ (16,596)	(227)	(16,369)
Other common shares retired, shares	(227)
Employee share-based compensation	$ 13,921		13,921
Other comprehensive income (loss)	12,774				12,774
Balance, end of year at Dec. 31, 2017	$ 1,015,013	47,953	0	1,004,657	(37,597)
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2017	47,953
Net (loss) income	$ 149,630			149,630
Cash dividends ($1.20 per share)	(56,743)			(56,743)
Common shares issued	$ 18,922	525	18,397
Common shares issued, shares	525
Common shares repurchased	$ (200,000)	(3,584)	(14,384)	(182,032)
Common shares repurchased, shares	(3,584)
Other common shares retired	$ (17,856)	(247)	(17,609)
Other common shares retired, shares	(247)
Employee share-based compensation	$ 13,596		13,596
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(12,115)				(12,115)
Balance, end of year at Dec. 31, 2018	$ 915,413	44,647	0	927,345	(56,579)
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2018	44,647
Adoption of new accounting pronouncement | Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09 [Member]	$ 4,966			4,966
Adoption of new accounting pronouncement | Accounting Standards Update No. 2018-02 [Member]	0			6,867	(6,867)
Net (loss) income	(199,897)			(199,897)
Cash dividends ($1.20 per share)	(52,285)			(52,285)
Common shares issued	$ 3,839	194	3,645
Common shares issued, shares	194
Common shares repurchased	$ (118,547)	(2,632)	(13,615)	(102,300)
Common shares repurchased, shares	(2,632)
Other common shares retired	$ (3,935)	(83)	(3,852)
Other common shares retired, shares	(83)
Employee share-based compensation	$ 17,908		17,908
Other comprehensive income (loss)	8,632				8,632
Balance, end of year at Dec. 31, 2019	$ 570,861	$ 42,126	$ 4,086	572,596	$ (47,947)
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2019	42,126
Adoption of new accounting pronouncement | Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-02 [Member]	$ (267)			$ (267)

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SH_2

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Parentheticals) - $ / shares	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Cash dividends per share	$ 0.30	$ 0.30	$ 0.30	$ 0.30	$ 0.30	$ 0.30	$ 0.30	$ 0.30	$ 1.20	$ 1.20	$ 1.20

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018		Dec. 31, 2017
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net (loss) income	$ (199,897)	$ 149,630		$ 230,155
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation	16,502	16,572		15,868
Amortization of intangibles	109,534	114,528		106,784
Operating lease expense	19,113	0		0
Asset impairment charges	390,980	101,319		54,880
Amortization of prepaid product discounts	24,055	22,941		19,969
Deferred income taxes	(34,950)	(11,356)		(39,177)
Employee share-based compensation expense	19,702	13,378		15,109
Loss (gain) on sales of businesses and customer lists	124	(15,641)		(8,703)
Other non-cash items, net	13,220	8,030		7,708
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effect of acquisitions:
Trade accounts receivable	5,609	(16,795)		5,279
Inventories and supplies	4,843	(3,641)		(644)
Other current assets	(10,568)	(12,032)		(7,976)
Non-current assets	(5,360)	(6,913)		(5,710)
Accounts payable	5,130	4,366		(7,796)
Prepaid product discount payments	(25,637)	(23,814)		(27,079)
Other accrued and non-current liabilities	(45,747)	(1,257)		(20,236)
Net cash provided by operating activities	286,653	339,315		338,431
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of capital assets	(66,595)	(62,238)		(47,450)
Payments for acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(11,605)	(214,258)	[1]	(139,223)	[1]
Purchases of customer funds marketable securities	(7,642)	(7,807)		(7,737)
Proceeds from customer funds and corporate marketable securities	7,642	7,807		11,237
Other	2,449	1,082		2,282
Net cash used by investing activities	(75,751)	(275,414)		(180,891)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuing long-term debt	241,500	1,280,000		403,000
Payments on long-term debt	(268,000)	(1,078,853)		(454,165)
Net change in customer funds obligations	12,598	20,279		(6,007)
Proceeds from issuing shares under employee plans	3,198	7,523		9,033
Employee taxes paid for shares withheld	(3,935)	(7,977)		(9,377)
Payments for common shares repurchased	(118,547)	(200,000)		(65,000)
Cash dividends paid to shareholders	(51,742)	(56,669)		(58,098)
Other	(1,866)	(4,128)		(2,342)
Net cash used by financing activities	(186,794)	(39,825)		(182,956)
Effect of exchange rate change on cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents	5,444	(7,636)		5,370
Net change in cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents	29,552	16,440		(20,046)
Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents, beginning of year	145,259	128,819		148,865
Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents, end of year (Note 3)	$ 174,811	$ 145,259		$ 128,819
[1]	Cash and cash equivalents acquired were $1,692 during 2018 and $27,299 during 2017 .

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	Nature of operations – We help enterprises, small businesses and financial institutions deepen customer relationships through trusted, technology-enabled solutions, including marketing services and data analytics, treasury management solutions, website development and hosting, promotional products and fraud solutions, as well as customized checks and forms. We are also a leading provider of checks and accessories sold directly to consumers. Consolidation – The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Deluxe Corporation and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts, transactions and profits have been eliminated. Comparability – The consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2018 has been modified to conform to the current year presentation. The liability for funds held for customers is now presented separately. Previously, this amount was included in accrued liabilities. The investing activities section of the 2017 consolidated statement of cash flows has been modified to include proceeds from company-owned life insurance policies within the other caption. Previously, this amount was presented separately. Use of estimates – We have prepared the accompanying consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). In this process, it is necessary for us to make certain estimates and assumptions affecting the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and related notes. Despite our intention to establish accurate estimates and to make reasonable assumptions, actual results may differ from our estimates and assumptions. Foreign currency translation – The financial statements of our foreign subsidiaries are measured in the respective subsidiaries' functional currencies, primarily Canadian and Australian dollars, and are translated into U.S. dollars. Assets and liabilities are translated using the exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date. Revenue and expenses are translated at the average exchange rates during the year. The resulting translation gains and losses are reflected in accumulated other comprehensive loss in the shareholders' equity section of the consolidated balance sheets. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are recorded in other income on the consolidated statements of (loss) income. Cash and cash equivalents – We consider all cash on hand and other highly liquid investments with original maturities of 3 months or less to be cash and cash equivalents. The carrying amounts reported in the consolidated balance sheets for cash and cash equivalents approximate fair value. Checks issued by us but not presented to the banks for payment may create negative book cash balances. These book overdrafts are included in accounts payable on the consolidated balance sheets and were not significant as of December 31, 2019 or December 31, 2018 . Trade accounts receivable – Trade accounts receivable are initially recorded at the invoiced amount upon the sale of goods or services to customers and are not interest-bearing. They are stated net of allowances for uncollectible accounts, which represent estimated losses resulting from the inability of customers to make the required payments. When determining the allowances for uncollectible accounts, we take several factors into consideration, including the overall composition of accounts receivable aging, our prior history of accounts receivable write-offs, the type of customer and our day-to-day knowledge of specific customers. Changes in the allowances for uncollectible accounts are included in selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expense on our consolidated statements of (loss) income. The point at which uncollected accounts are written off varies by type of customer, but generally does not exceed 1 year from the due date of the receivable. Inventories and supplies – Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Cost is calculated on the first-in, first-out basis. Supplies consist of items not used directly in the production of goods, such as maintenance and other supplies utilized in the production area. Funds held for customers – Our payroll services businesses collect funds from clients to pay their payroll and related taxes. We hold these funds temporarily until payments are remitted to the clients' employees and the appropriate taxing authorities. Certain of the customer contracts for our domestic payroll processing business include legal restrictions regarding the use of these funds. In addition, our treasury management cash receipt processing business remits a portion of cash receipts to our clients the business day following receipt. All of these funds, consisting of cash and available-for-sale debt securities, are reported as funds held for customers on the consolidated balance sheets. The corresponding liability for these obligations is also reported as funds held for customers on the consolidated balance sheets. The available-for-sale debt securities are carried at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses included in accumulated other comprehensive loss on the consolidated balance sheets. Realized gains and losses are included in revenue on the consolidated statements of (loss) income and were not significant during the past 3 years. Long-term investments – Long-term investments consist primarily of cash surrender values of company-owned life insurance policies. Certain of these policies fund amounts due under our deferred compensation plan and our inactive supplemental executive retirement plan. Further information regarding these plans can be found in Notes 13 and 14. Property, plant and equipment – Property, plant and equipment, including leasehold and other improvements that extend an asset's useful life or productive capabilities, are stated at historical cost less accumulated depreciation. Buildings have been assigned useful lives of 40 years and machinery and equipment are generally assigned useful lives ranging from 1 year to 11 years, with a weighted-average useful life of 7 years as of December 31, 2019 . Buildings are depreciated using the 150% declining balance method, and machinery and equipment is depreciated using the sum-of-the-years' digits method. Leasehold and building improvements are depreciated on the straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the property or the life of the lease, whichever is shorter. Amortization of assets that are recorded under finance leases is included in depreciation expense. Maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. Fully depreciated assets are retained in property, plant and equipment until disposal. Any gains or losses resulting from the disposition of property, plant and equipment are included in SG&A expense on the consolidated statements of (loss) income. Leases – On January 1, 2019, we adopted Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2016-02, Leasing , and related amendments. We adopted these standards using a modified retrospective approach and the optional transition method under which prior periods are not restated. Adoption of these standards did not have a significant impact on our consolidated statement of (loss) income or our consolidated statement of cash flows. Information regarding the impact on our consolidated balance sheet can be found in Note 2. We determine if an arrangement is a lease at inception by considering whether a contract explicitly or implicitly identifies assets deployed in the arrangement and whether we have obtained substantially all of the economic benefits from the use of the underlying assets and direct how and for what purpose the assets are used during the term of the contract. Lease expense, as well as rent expense in 2018 and 2017, is recognized on the straight-line basis over the lease term and is included in total cost of revenue and in SG&A expense on the consolidated statements of (loss) income. Interest on finance leases, formerly known as capital leases, is included in interest expense on the consolidated statements of (loss) income. Beginning in 2019, operating leases are included in operating lease assets, accrued liabilities and operating lease liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet. Finance leases are included in property, plant and equipment, accrued liabilities and other non-current liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet. Lease assets represent our right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent our obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Operating lease assets and liabilities are recognized at the commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. As our lease agreements typically do not provide an implicit rate, we use our incremental borrowing rate, based on information available at the lease commencement date, in determining the present value of lease payments. Certain of our lease agreements include options to extend or terminate the lease. The lease term takes into account these options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise the option. Intangibles – Intangible assets are stated at historical cost less accumulated amortization. Amortization expense is generally determined on the straight-line basis, with the exception of customer lists, which are generally amortized using accelerated methods that reflect the pattern in which we receive the economic benefit of the asset. Intangibles have been assigned useful lives ranging from 1 year to 12 years, with a weighted-average useful life of 6 years as of December 31, 2019 . Each reporting period, we evaluate the remaining useful lives of our amortizable intangibles to determine whether events or circumstances warrant a revision to the remaining period of amortization. If our estimate of an asset's remaining useful life is revised, the remaining carrying amount of the asset is amortized prospectively over the revised remaining useful life. Any gains or losses resulting from the disposition of intangibles are included in SG&A expense on the consolidated statements of (loss) income. We capitalize costs of software developed or obtained for internal use, including website development costs, once the preliminary project stage has been completed, management commits to funding the project and it is probable that the project will be completed and the software will be used to perform the function intended. Capitalized costs include only (1) external direct costs of materials and services consumed in developing or obtaining internal-use software, (2) payroll and payroll-related costs for employees who are directly associated with and who devote time to the internal-use software project, and (3) interest costs incurred, when significant, while developing internal-use software. Costs incurred in populating websites with information about the company or products are expensed as incurred. Capitalization of costs ceases when the project is substantially complete and ready for its intended use. The carrying value of internal-use software is reviewed in accordance with our policy on impairment of long-lived assets and amortizable intangibles. We incur costs in connection with the development of certain software products that we sell to our customers. Costs for the development of software products to be sold are expensed as incurred until technological feasibility is established, at which time, such costs are capitalized until the product is available for general release to customers. Business combinations – We periodically complete business combinations that align with our business strategy. The identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed are recorded at their estimated fair values, and the results of operations of each acquired business are included in our consolidated statements of (loss) income from their acquisition dates. The purchase price for each acquisition is equivalent to the fair value of the consideration transferred, including any contingent consideration. Goodwill is recognized for the excess of the purchase price over the net fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. While we use our best estimates and assumptions, our fair value estimates are inherently uncertain and subject to refinement. As a result, during the measurement period, which may be up to 1 year from the acquisition date, we may record adjustments to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, with the corresponding offset to goodwill. Any adjustments required after the measurement period are recorded in the consolidated statements of (loss) income. Transaction costs related to acquisitions are expensed as incurred and are included in SG&A expense on the consolidated statements of (loss) income. Impairment of long-lived assets and amortizable intangibles – We evaluate the recoverability of property, plant, equipment and amortizable intangibles not held for sale whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that an asset group's carrying amount may not be recoverable. Such circumstances could include, but are not limited to, (1) a significant decrease in the market value of an asset, (2) a significant adverse change in the extent or manner in which an asset is used or in its physical condition, or (3) an accumulation of costs significantly in excess of the amount originally expected for the acquisition or construction of an asset. We compare the carrying amount of the asset group to the estimated undiscounted future cash flows associated with it. If the sum of the expected future net cash flows is less than the carrying value of the asset group being evaluated, an impairment loss is recognized. The impairment loss is calculated as the amount by which the carrying value of the asset group exceeds its estimated fair value. As quoted market prices are not available for the majority of our assets, the estimate of fair value is based on various valuation techniques, including the discounted value of estimated future cash flows. In each of the past 3 years, we recorded asset impairment charges related to certain intangible assets. Further information regarding these impairment charges can be found in Note 8. We evaluate the recoverability of property, plant, equipment and intangibles held for sale by comparing the asset group's carrying amount with its estimated fair value less costs to sell. If the estimated fair value less costs to sell is less than the carrying value of the asset group, an impairment loss is recognized. The impairment loss is calculated as the amount by which the carrying value of the asset exceeds its estimated fair value less costs to sell. During 2017, we recorded asset impairment charges related to Small Business Services assets held for sale. Further information regarding these impairment charges can be found in Note 8. The evaluation of asset impairment requires us to make assumptions about future cash flows over the life of the asset group being evaluated. These assumptions require judgment and actual results may differ from assumed and estimated amounts. Impairment of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles – We evaluate the carrying value of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles as of July 31 st of each year and between annual evaluations if events occur or circumstances change that would indicate a possible impairment. Such circumstances could include, but are not limited to, (1) a significant adverse change in legal factors or in business climate, (2) unanticipated competition, (3) an adverse change in market conditions that is indicative of a decline in the fair value of the assets, including the loss of a significant customer, (4) a change in our business strategy, or (5) an adverse action or assessment by a regulator. Information regarding the results of our impairment analyses can be found in Note 8. During 2018 and 2017, we held a trade name asset that was assigned an indefinite useful life. In completing the annual impairment analysis of this asset, we elected to perform a quantitative assessment in each year. This assessment compared the carrying amount of the asset to its estimated fair value. The estimate of fair value was based on the relief from royalty method, which calculates the cost savings associated with owning rather than licensing the trade name. An assumed royalty rate was applied to forecasted revenue and the resulting cash flows were discounted. If the estimated fair value was less than the carrying value of the asset, an impairment loss was recognized for the difference. During 2018, our analysis indicated that this asset was fully impaired. Further information regarding this impairment can be found in Note 8. To analyze goodwill for impairment, we must assign our goodwill to individual reporting units. Identification of reporting units includes an analysis of the components that comprise each of our operating segments, which considers, among other things, the manner in which we operate our business and the availability of discrete financial information. Components of an operating segment are aggregated to form 1 reporting unit if the components have similar economic characteristics. We periodically review our reporting units to ensure that they continue to reflect the manner in which we operate our business. When completing our annual goodwill impairment analysis, we have the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If, after this qualitative assessment, we determine it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then performing the quantitative impairment test is unnecessary. When performing a quantitative analysis of goodwill, we calculate the estimated fair value of the reporting unit and compare this amount to the carrying amount of the reporting unit's net assets, including goodwill. We use the income approach to calculate the estimated fair value of a reporting unit. This approach is a valuation technique under which we estimate future cash flows using the reporting unit's financial forecast from the perspective of an unrelated market participant. Using historical trending and internal forecasting techniques, we project revenue and apply our fixed and variable cost experience rates to the projected revenue to arrive at the future cash flows. A terminal value is then applied to the projected cash flow stream. Future estimated cash flows are discounted to their present value to calculate the estimated fair value. Our discount rate is the market-value-weighted average of our estimated cost of capital derived using both known and estimated customary market metrics. In determining the estimated fair values of our reporting units, we are required to estimate a number of factors, including market factors specific to the business, revenue growth rates, economic conditions, anticipated future cash flows, terminal growth rates, the discount rate, direct costs and the allocation of shared and corporate items. When completing a quantitative analysis for all of our reporting units, the summation of our reporting units' fair values is compared to our consolidated fair value, as indicated by our market capitalization, to evaluate the reasonableness of our calculations. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit's net assets exceeds its estimated fair value, an impairment loss is recorded for the difference, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill. Assets held for sale – We record assets held for sale at the lower of their carrying value or estimated fair value less costs to sell. Assets are classified as held for sale on our consolidated balance sheets when all of the following conditions are met: (1) management has the authority and commits to a plan to sell the assets; (2) the assets are available for immediate sale in their present condition; (3) there is an active program to locate a buyer and the plan to sell the assets has been initiated; (4) the sale of the assets is probable within one year; (5) the assets are being actively marketed at a reasonable sales price relative to their current fair value; and (6) it is unlikely that the plan to sell will be withdrawn or that significant changes to the plan will be made. Information regarding assets held for sale can be found in Note 3. Loans and notes receivable from distributors – We have, at times, provided loans to certain of our Safeguard ® distributors to allow them to purchase the operations of other small business distributors. We have also sold distributors and customer lists that we own in exchange for notes receivable. These loans and notes receivable are included in other current assets and other non-current assets on the consolidated balance sheets. Interest is accrued at market interest rates as earned. We continually monitor the credit quality and associated risks of these receivables on an individual basis, based on criteria such as the financial stability of the distributor, historical commissions earned and their reported financial results. We generally withhold commissions payable to the distributors to settle the monthly payments due on the receivables, thus somewhat mitigating the risk that the receivables will not be collected. As of December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 , past due amounts, allowances for credit losses and receivables placed on non-accrual status were not significant. The determination to place receivables on non-accrual status or to resume the accrual of interest is completed on a case-by-case basis, evaluating the specifics of each situation. Prepaid product discounts – Certain of our financial institution contracts require prepaid product discounts in the form of upfront cash payments or accruals for amounts owed to financial institution clients. These prepaid product discounts are included in other non-current assets on our consolidated balance sheets and are generally amortized as reductions of revenue on the straight-line basis over the contract term. Currently, these amounts are being amortized over periods up to 14.5 years, with a weighted-average life of 6 years as of December 31, 2019 . Whenever events or changes occur that impact the related contract, including significant declines in the anticipated profitability, we evaluate the carrying value of prepaid product discounts to determine if they are impaired. Should a financial institution cancel a contract prior to the agreement's termination date, or should the volume of orders realized through a financial institution fall below contractually-specified minimums, we generally have a contractual right to a refund of the remaining unamortized prepaid product discount. Advertising costs – Deferred advertising costs include materials, printing, labor and postage costs related to direct response advertising programs of our Direct Checks and Small Business Services segments. These costs are amortized as SG&A expense over periods that correspond to the estimated revenue streams of the individual advertisements. The actual revenue streams are analyzed at least annually to monitor the propriety of the amortization periods. Judgment is required in estimating the future revenue streams, especially with regard to check re-orders, which can span an extended period of time. Significant changes in the actual revenue streams would require the amortization periods to be modified, thus impacting our results of operations during the period in which the change occurred and in subsequent periods. Within our Direct Checks segment, approximately 89% of the costs of individual advertisements is expensed within 6 months of the advertisement. The deferred advertising costs of our Small Business Services segment are fully amortized within 6 months of the advertisement. Deferred advertising costs are included in other current assets and other non-current assets on the consolidated balance sheets. Non-direct response advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Catalogs provided to financial institution clients are accounted for as prepaid assets until they are shipped to financial institutions. The total amount of advertising expense, including direct response and non-direct response advertising, was $70,798 in 2019 , $74,549 in 2018 and $78,722 in 2017 . Litigation – We are party to legal actions and claims arising in the ordinary course of business. We record accruals for legal matters when the expected outcome of these matters is either known or considered probable and can be reasonably estimated. Our accruals do not include related legal and other costs expected to be incurred in defense of legal actions. Further information regarding litigation can be found in Note 17. Income taxes – We estimate our income tax provision based on the various jurisdictions where we conduct business. Judgment is required in determining our worldwide income tax provision. We estimate our current tax liability and record deferred income taxes resulting from temporary differences between the financial reporting basis of assets and liabilities and their respective tax reporting bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences reverse. Net deferred tax assets are recognized to the extent that realization of such benefits is more likely than not. To the extent that we believe realization is not likely, we establish a valuation allowance against the net deferred tax assets. We are subject to tax audits in numerous domestic and foreign tax jurisdictions. Tax audits are often complex and can require several years to complete. In the normal course of business, we are subject to challenges from the Internal Revenue Service and other tax authorities regarding the amount of taxes due. These challenges may alter the timing or amount of taxable income or deductions, or the allocation of income among tax jurisdictions. We recognize the benefits of tax return positions in the financial statements when they are more-likely-than-not to be sustained by the taxing authorities based solely on the technical merits of the position. If the recognition threshold is met, the tax benefit is measured and recognized as the largest amount of tax benefit that, in our judgment, is greater than 50% likely to be realized. Accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax positions is included in our provision for income taxes on the consolidated statements of (loss) income. Derivative financial instruments – As of December 31, 2019, we had an outstanding interest rate swap related to amounts drawn under our revolving credit facility. We did not have any derivative instruments outstanding as of December 31, 2018. Further Information regarding our derivative financial instruments can be found in Note 7. We do not use derivative financial instruments for speculative or trading purposes. Our policy is that all derivative transactions must be linked to an existing balance sheet item or firm commitment, and the notional amount cannot exceed the value of the exposure being hedged. We recognize all derivative financial instruments on the consolidated financial statements at fair value regardless of the purpose or intent for holding the instrument. Changes in the fair value of derivative financial instruments are recognized periodically either in income or in shareholders' equity as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss, depending on whether the derivative financial instrument qualifies for hedge accounting, and if so, whether it qualifies as a fair value hedge or a cash flow hedge and whether the hedge is effective. Generally, changes in the fair value of derivatives accounted for as fair value hedges are recorded in income along with the portion of the change in the fair value of the hedged items that relate to the hedged risk. Changes in the fair value of derivatives accounted for as cash flow hedges, to the extent they are effective as hedges, are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax. We classify the cash flows from derivative instruments that have been designated as fair value or cash flow hedges in the same category as the cash flows from the items being hedged. Changes in the fair value of derivatives not qualifying as hedges and the ineffective portion of hedges are reported in income. Revenue recognition – On January 1, 2018, we adopted ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, and related amendments. We applied the new standards using the modified retrospective approach under which the cumulative effect of initially applying the standards was recorded as an adjustment to retained earnings as of the date of adoption. As such, our results for 2017 were not revised and continue to be reported under the accounting standards in effect at that time. The impact of these standards on our 2018 consolidated statement of income was not significant. Beginning in 2018, our product revenue is recognized when control of the goods is transferred to customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to be entitled to in exchange for those goods. In most cases, control is transferred when products are shipped. We have elected to account for shipping and handling activities that occur after the customer has obtained control of the product as fulfillment activities and not as separate performance obligations. For our service revenues, we recognize the vast majority of this revenue as services are provided. The majority of our contracts are for the shipment of tangible products or the delivery of services that have a single performance obligation or include multiple performance obligations where control is transferred at the same time. During 2017, revenue was recognized when (1) persuasive evidence of an arrangement existed, (2) delivery occurred or services were rendered, (3) the sales price was fixed or determinable, and (4) collectibility was reasonably assured. Our product revenue was recognized upon shipment or customer receipt, based upon the transfer of title, and we recognized the majority of our service revenue as the services were provided. In all periods, revenue is presented on the consolidated statements of (loss) income net of rebates, discounts, amortization of prepaid product discounts, and taxes collected concurrent with revenue-producing activities. Many of our check supply contracts with financial institutions provide for rebates on certain products. We record these rebates as reductions of revenue and as accrued liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets when the related revenue is recognized. Amounts billed to customers for shipping and handling are included in revenue, while the related shipping and handling costs are reflected in cost of products and are accrued when the related revenue is recognized. When another party is involved in providing goods or services to a customer, we must determine whether our obligation is to provide the specified good or service itself (i.e., we are the principal in the transaction) or to arrange for that good or service to be provided by the other party (i.e., we are an agent in the transaction). When we are responsible for satisfying a performance obligation, based on our ability to control the product or service provided, we are considered the principal and revenue is recognized for the gross amount of consideration. When the other party is primarily responsible for satisfying a performance obligation, we are considered the agent and revenue is recognized in the amount of any fee or commission to which we are entitled. Within our Small Business Services segment, we sell certain products and services through a network of Safeguard distributors. We have determined that we are the principal in these transactions and revenue is recorded for the gross amount of consideration. Certain of our contracts for data-driven marketing solutions and treasury management outsourcing services have variable consideration that is contingent on either the success of the marketing campaign ("pay-for-performance") or the volume of outsourcing services provided. We recognize revenue for estimated variable consideration as services are provided based on the most likely amount to be realized. Revenue is recognized to the extent that it is probable that a significant reversal of revenue will not occur when the contingency is resolved. Estimates regar

NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]
NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS	Accounting Standards Recently Adopted ASU No. 2016-02 – In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leasing . This standard is intended to increase transparency and comparability among organizations by requiring the recognition of lease right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for virtually all leases and by requiring the disclosure of key information about leasing arrangements. In July 2018, the FASB issued two amendments to this standard: ASU No. 2018-10, Codification Improvements to Topic 842, Leases , which amended narrow aspects of the guidance in ASU No. 2016-02, and ASU No. 2018-11, Targeted Improvements, which provided an optional transition method under which comparative periods presented in financial statements in the period of adoption would not be restated. In March 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-01, Codification Improvements . This standard addressed areas identified as companies prepared to implement ASU No. 2016-02. We adopted all of these standards on January 1, 2019, using a modified retrospective approach and the optional transition method under ASU No. 2018-11. As such, prior periods have not been restated to reflect the new guidance. We elected the practical expedient package outlined in ASU No. 2016-02 under which we did not have to reassess whether an arrangement contains a lease, we carried forward our previous classification of leases as either operating or capital leases, and we did not reassess previously recorded initial direct costs. Additionally, we made the following policy elections: • we excluded leases with original terms of 12 months or less from lease assets and lease liabilities; • we separated nonlease components, such as common area maintenance charges and utilities, from the associated lease component for real estate leases, based on their estimated fair values; and • we used the accounting lease term when determining the incremental borrowing rate for leases with renewal options. Adoption of the standards had a material impact on our consolidated balance sheet, but did not have a significant impact on our consolidated statement of loss or our consolidated statement of cash flows. The most significant impact was the recognition of operating lease assets of $50,803 , current operating lease liabilities of $13,611 and non-current operating lease liabilities of $37,440 as of January 1, 2019. Our accounting for finance leases remained substantially unchanged. Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted ASU No. 2016-13 – In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments . This standard introduces new guidance for the accounting for credit losses on instruments within its scope, including trade and loans receivable and available-for-sale debt securities. In addition, the FASB subsequently issued several amendments to this standard. All of these standards are effective for us on January 1, 2020 and require adoption using a modified retrospective approach. We do not expect the application of these standards to have a significant impact on accounts receivable, and we are currently completing our assessment of the impact on notes receivable. We also do not expect the application of these standards to have a significant impact on our results of operations. ASU No. 2018-13 – In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-13, Disclosure Framework – Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurements . This standard removes, modifies and adds certain disclosures related to recurring and nonrecurring fair value measurements. During 2018, we adopted the provisions of the standard that remove and modify disclosure requirements. The additional disclosures required under the guidance are effective for us on January 1, 2020 and are required to be applied prospectively to fair value measurements completed on or after the effective date. ASU No. 2018-15 – In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-15, Customer's Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract . This standard aligns the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software. The accounting for the service element of a hosting arrangement that is a service contract is not affected by the new standard. The guidance is effective for us on January 1, 2020 and may be adopted retrospectively or prospectively to eligible costs incurred on or after the date the guidance is first applied. This new guidance will impact our results of operations and financial position as we currently expense these implementation costs as incurred. We plan to adopt the standard prospectively. As such, the impact of the standard on our consolidated financial statements depends on the transactions that occur subsequent to adoption. ASU No. 2019-12 – In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-12, Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes . This standard addresses several specific areas of accounting for income taxes. The guidance is effective for us on January 1, 2021. Portions of the standard are required to be adopted prospectively and certain aspects will be adopted using the modified retrospective approach. We do not expect the application of this standard to have a significant impact on our results of operations or financial position.

SUPPLEMENTAL BALANCE SHEET AND

SUPPLEMENTAL BALANCE SHEET AND CASH FLOW INFORMATION	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Supplemental balance sheet and cash flow information [Abstract]
SUPPLEMENTAL BALANCE SHEET AND CASH FLOW INFORMATION	Trade accounts receivable – Net trade accounts receivable was comprised of the following at December 31: (in thousands) 2019 2018 Trade accounts receivable – gross $ 168,406 $ 177,501 Allowances for uncollectible accounts (4,985 ) (3,639 ) Trade accounts receivable – net $ 163,421 $ 173,862 Changes in the allowances for uncollectible accounts for the years ended December 31 were as follows: (in thousands) 2019 2018 2017 Balance, beginning of year $ 3,639 $ 2,884 $ 2,828 Bad debt expense 5,213 3,622 3,208 Write-offs, net of recoveries (3,867 ) (2,867 ) (3,152 ) Balance, end of year $ 4,985 $ 3,639 $ 2,884 Inventories and supplies – Inventories and supplies were comprised of the following at December 31: (in thousands) 2019 2018 Raw materials $ 6,977 $ 7,543 Semi-finished goods 7,368 7,273 Finished goods 21,982 27,608 Supplies 3,594 4,017 Inventories and supplies $ 39,921 $ 46,441 Available-for-sale debt securities – Available-for-sale debt securities included within funds held for customers were comprised of the following: December 31, 2019 (in thousands) Cost Gross unrealized gains Gross unrealized losses Fair value Funds held for customers: (1) Domestic money market fund $ 18,000 $ — $ — $ 18,000 Canadian and provincial government securities 9,056 — (304 ) 8,752 Canadian guaranteed investment certificates 7,698 — — 7,698 Available-for-sale debt securities $ 34,754 $ — $ (304 ) $ 34,450 (1) Funds held for customers, as reported on the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2019 , also included cash of $83,191 . December 31, 2018 (in thousands) Cost Gross unrealized gains Gross unrealized losses Fair value Funds held for customers: (1) Domestic money market fund $ 16,000 $ — $ — $ 16,000 Canadian and provincial government securities 8,485 — (355 ) 8,130 Canadian guaranteed investment certificates 7,333 — — 7,333 Available-for-sale debt securities $ 31,818 $ — $ (355 ) $ 31,463 (1) Funds held for customers, as reported on the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2018 , also included cash of $69,519 . Expected maturities of available-for-sale debt securities as of December 31, 2019 were as follows: (in thousands) Fair value Due in one year or less $ 28,700 Due in two to five years 3,282 Due in six to ten years 2,468 Available-for-sale debt securities $ 34,450 Further information regarding the fair value of available-for-sale debt securities can be found in Note 8. Revenue in excess of billings – Revenue in excess of billings was comprised of the following at December 31: (in thousands) 2019 2018 Conditional right to receive consideration $ 24,499 $ 19,705 Unconditional right to receive consideration 8,291 10,753 Revenue in excess of billings $ 32,790 $ 30,458 Property, plant and equipment – Property, plant and equipment was comprised of the following at December 31: 2019 2018 (in thousands) Gross carrying amount Accumulated depreciation Net carrying amount Gross carrying amount Accumulated depreciation Net carrying amount Machinery and equipment $ 327,151 $ (282,741 ) $ 44,410 $ 313,000 $ (275,721 ) $ 37,279 Buildings and improvements 118,284 (86,162 ) 32,122 116,348 (83,317 ) 33,031 Land and improvements 28,212 (8,277 ) 19,935 28,199 (8,167 ) 20,032 Property, plant and equipment $ 473,647 $ (377,180 ) $ 96,467 $ 457,547 $ (367,205 ) $ 90,342 Assets held for sale – Assets held for sale as of December 31, 2019 consisted of a Small Business Services customer list intangible asset and certain assets within Financial Services. The Small Business Services customer list was also held for sale as of December 31, 2018. We are actively marketing these assets and expect the selling prices will equal or exceed their current carrying values. During 2018, we sold 2 providers of printed and promotional products and 2 small business distributors, as well as several small business customer lists. During 2017, we sold a provider of printed and promotional products, assets associated with certain custom printing activities and 3 small business distributors. All of these assets were included in our Small Business Services segment and consisted primarily of intangible assets. We determined that these assets would be better positioned for long-term growth if they were managed by independent distributors. Subsequent to the sales, the assets were owned by independent distributors that are part of our Safeguard distributor network. As such, our revenue was not impacted by these sales and the impact to our costs was not significant. During 2018, we entered into aggregate notes receivable of $35,616 in conjunction with these sales and we recognized aggregate net gains of $15,641 within SG&A expense on the consolidated statement of income. During 2017, we entered into aggregate notes receivable of $24,497 in conjunction with these sales and we recognized aggregate net gains of $8,703 within SG&A expense on the consolidated statement of income. During 2017, we recorded aggregate pretax asset impairment charges of $8,250 related to a small business distributor sold during the second quarter of 2017. The impairment charges reduced the carrying value of the business to its fair value less costs to sell, as we finalized the sale of this business. Intangibles – Amortizable intangibles were comprised of the following at December 31: 2019 2018 (in thousands) Gross carrying amount Accumulated amortization Net carrying amount Gross carrying amount Accumulated amortization Net carrying amount Internal-use software $ 380,905 $ (299,698 ) $ 81,207 $ 388,477 $ (308,313 ) $ 80,164 Customer lists/relationships 348,055 (187,462 ) 160,593 379,570 (170,973 ) 208,597 Software to be sold 36,900 (19,657 ) 17,243 36,900 (15,430 ) 21,470 Technology-based intangibles 34,780 (22,122 ) 12,658 40,000 (14,707 ) 25,293 Trade names 32,505 (28,084 ) 4,421 50,645 (26,204 ) 24,441 Intangibles $ 833,145 $ (557,023 ) $ 276,122 $ 895,592 $ (535,627 ) $ 359,965 In each of the past 3 years, we recorded asset impairment charges related to our intangible assets. Further information can be found in Note 8. Amortization expense related to intangibles was as follows for the years ended December 31: (in thousands) 2019 2018 2017 Customer lists/relationships $ 51,243 $ 57,243 $ 54,450 Internal-use software 41,258 38,307 35,952 Technology-based intangibles 7,415 7,607 6,400 Trade names 5,391 6,362 5,789 Software to be sold 4,227 5,009 4,193 Amortization of intangibles $ 109,534 $ 114,528 $ 106,784 Based on the intangibles in service as of December 31, 2019 , estimated amortization expense for each of the next five years ending December 31 is as follows: (in thousands) Estimated amortization expense 2020 $ 90,381 2021 69,249 2022 42,415 2023 28,133 2024 17,296 We acquire internal-use software in the normal course of business. We also acquire intangible assets in conjunction with acquisitions (Note 6). The following intangible assets were acquired during the years ended December 31: 2019 2018 2017 (in thousands) Amount Weighted-average amortization period (in years) Amount Weighted-average amortization period (in years) Amount Weighted-average amortization period (in years) Internal-use software $ 43,991 3 $ 42,744 3 $ 38,422 3 Customer lists/relationships (1) 17,771 8 60,775 8 60,034 7 Trade names — — 14,700 7 10,000 6 Technology-based intangibles — — 7,500 5 800 3 Software to be sold — — — — 2,200 5 Acquired intangibles $ 61,762 5 $ 125,719 6 $ 111,456 6 (1) We acquired customer lists that did not qualify as business combinations of $11,956 during 2019 and $1,188 during 2018. Information regarding acquired intangibles does not include measurement-period adjustments for changes in the estimated fair values of intangibles acquired through acquisitions. Information regarding these adjustments can be found in Note 6. Goodwill – Changes in goodwill by reportable segment and in total were as follows: (in thousands) Small Business Services Financial Services Direct Checks Total Balance, December 31, 2017: Goodwill, gross $ 706,568 $ 324,239 $ 148,506 $ 1,179,313 Accumulated impairment charges (48,379 ) — — (48,379 ) Goodwill, net of accumulated impairment charges 658,189 324,239 148,506 1,130,934 Impairment charge (Note 8) (78,188 ) — — (78,188 ) Goodwill resulting from acquisitions (Note 6) 59,488 46,419 — 105,907 Measurement-period adjustments for prior year acquisitions (Note 6) 1,420 2,763 — 4,183 Adjustment of assets held for sale 635 — — 635 Currency translation adjustment (2,845 ) — — (2,845 ) Balance, December 31, 2018 $ 638,699 $ 373,421 $ 148,506 $ 1,160,626 Balance, December 31, 2018: Goodwill, gross $ 765,266 $ 373,421 $ 148,506 $ 1,287,193 Accumulated impairment charges (126,567 ) — — (126,567 ) Goodwill, net of accumulated impairment charges 638,699 373,421 148,506 1,160,626 Impairment charges (Note 8) (242,267 ) (115,474 ) — (357,741 ) Goodwill resulting from acquisitions (Note 6) — 4,174 — 4,174 Measurement-period adjustments for prior year acquisitions (Note 6) (340 ) (1,426 ) — (1,766 ) Currency translation adjustment (806 ) — — (806 ) Balance, December 31, 2019 $ 395,286 $ 260,695 $ 148,506 $ 804,487 Balance, December 31, 2019: Goodwill, gross $ 764,120 $ 376,169 $ 148,506 $ 1,288,795 Accumulated impairment charges (368,834 ) (115,474 ) — (484,308 ) Goodwill, net of accumulated impairment charges $ 395,286 $ 260,695 $ 148,506 $ 804,487 Other non-current assets – Other non-current assets were comprised of the following at December 31: (in thousands) 2019 2018 Loans and notes receivable from Safeguard distributors $ 66,872 $ 78,693 Postretirement benefit plan asset (Note 14) 56,743 41,259 Prepaid product discounts 51,145 54,642 Deferred sales commissions (1) 9,682 6,482 Other 13,428 15,032 Other non-current assets $ 197,870 $ 196,108 (1) Amortization of deferred sales commission was $3,108 for 2019 and $2,722 for 2018 . Changes in prepaid product discounts were as follows for the years ended December 31: (in thousands) 2019 2018 2017 Balance, beginning of year $ 54,642 $ 63,895 $ 65,792 Additions (1) 21,068 14,023 18,224 Amortization (24,055 ) (22,941 ) (19,969 ) Other (510 ) (335 ) (152 ) Balance, end of year $ 51,145 $ 54,642 $ 63,895 (1) Prepaid product discounts are generally accrued upon contract execution. Cash payments made for prepaid product discounts were $25,637 for 2019 , $23,814 for 2018 and $27,079 for 2017 . Accrued liabilities – Accrued liabilities were comprised of the following at December 31: (in thousands) 2019 2018 Deferred revenue (1) $ 46,098 $ 54,313 Employee cash bonuses 36,918 31,286 Prepaid product discounts due within one year 14,709 10,926 Operating lease liabilities 12,898 — Customer rebates 8,944 9,555 Other 59,771 78,383 Accrued liabilities $ 179,338 $ 184,463 (1) $51,386 of the December 31, 2018 amount was recognized as revenue during 2019 . Supplemental cash flow information – Supplemental cash flow information was as follows for the years ended December 31: (in thousands) 2019 2018 2017 Reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents to the consolidated balance sheets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 73,620 $ 59,740 $ 59,240 Restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents included in funds held for customers 101,191 85,519 69,579 Total cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents $ 174,811 $ 145,259 $ 128,819 Income taxes paid $ 60,764 $ 88,253 $ 124,878 Interest paid 33,227 25,910 19,465 Non-cash investing activities: Proceeds from sales of assets – notes receivable 1,685 35,616 24,497

(LOSS) EARNINGS PER SHARE

(LOSS) EARNINGS PER SHARE	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
(LOSS) EARNINGS PER SHARE	The following table reflects the calculation of basic and diluted (loss) earnings per share. During each period, certain stock options, as noted below, were excluded from the calculation of diluted (loss) earnings per share because their effect would have been antidilutive. (in thousands, except per share amounts) 2019 2018 2017 (Loss) earnings per share – basic: Net (loss) income $ (199,897 ) $ 149,630 $ 230,155 Income allocated to participating securities (101 ) (617 ) (1,457 ) (Loss) income available to common shareholders $ (199,998 ) $ 149,013 $ 228,698 Weighted-average shares outstanding 43,029 46,842 48,127 (Loss) earnings per share – basic $ (4.65 ) $ 3.18 $ 4.75 (Loss) earnings per share – diluted: Net (loss) income $ (199,897 ) $ 149,630 $ 230,155 Income allocated to participating securities (101 ) (616 ) (1,450 ) Re-measurement of share-based awards classified as liabilities — (471 ) 59 (Loss) income available to common shareholders $ (199,998 ) $ 148,543 $ 228,764 Weighted-average shares outstanding 43,029 46,842 48,127 Dilutive impact of potential common shares — 149 321 Weighted-average shares and potential common shares outstanding 43,029 46,991 48,448 (Loss) earnings per share – diluted $ (4.65 ) $ 3.16 $ 4.72 Antidilutive options excluded from calculation 1,347 1,209 262

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOS

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent [Abstract]
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)	Reclassification adjustments – Information regarding amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net (loss) income was as follows: Accumulated other comprehensive loss components Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss Affected line item in consolidated statements of (loss) income (in thousands) 2019 2018 2017 Realized gains on interest rate swap $ 77 $ — $ — Interest expense Tax expense (20 ) — — Income tax provision Realized gains on interest rate swap, net of tax 57 — — Net (loss) income Amortization of postretirement benefit plan items: Prior service credit 1,421 1,421 1,421 Other income Net actuarial loss (3,223 ) (2,884 ) (3,637 ) Other income Total amortization (1,802 ) (1,463 ) (2,216 ) Other income Tax benefit 273 491 372 Income tax provision Amortization of postretirement benefit plan items, net of tax (1,529 ) (972 ) (1,844 ) Net (loss) income Total reclassifications, net of tax $ (1,472 ) $ (972 ) $ (1,844 ) Accumulated other comprehensive loss – Changes in the components of accumulated other comprehensive loss were as follows for the years ended December 31: (in thousands) Postretirement benefit plans Net unrealized loss on marketable debt securities Net unrealized loss on cash flow hedge Currency translation adjustment Accumulated other comprehensive loss Balance, December 31, 2016 $ (35,684 ) $ (213 ) $ — $ (14,474 ) $ (50,371 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 7,011 (109 ) — 4,028 10,930 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss 1,844 — — — 1,844 Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) 8,855 (109 ) — 4,028 12,774 Balance, December 31, 2017 (26,829 ) (322 ) — (10,446 ) (37,597 ) Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications (3,805 ) (1 ) — (9,281 ) (13,087 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss 972 — — — 972 Net current-period other comprehensive loss (2,833 ) (1 ) — (9,281 ) (12,115 ) Adoption of ASU No. 2018-02 (6,867 ) — — — (6,867 ) Balance, December 31, 2018 (36,529 ) (323 ) — (19,727 ) (56,579 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 6,594 48 (1,040 ) 1,558 7,160 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss 1,529 — (57 ) — 1,472 Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) 8,123 48 (1,097 ) 1,558 8,632 Balance, December 31, 2019 $ (28,406 ) $ (275 ) $ (1,097 ) $ (18,169 ) $ (47,947 )

ACQUISITIONS

ACQUISITIONS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Business Combinations [Abstract]
ACQUISITIONS	We periodically complete business combinations that align with our business strategy. Our acquisitions during the past 3 years were all cash transactions, funded by use of our revolving credit facility. We completed these acquisitions primarily to increase our mix of marketing solutions and other services revenue, to add financial technology and web services capabilities, to improve our product and service offerings and to reach new customers. Transaction costs related to these acquisitions totaled $215 in 2019 , $1,719 in 2018 and $2,342 in 2017 . 2019 acquisitions – During 2019, we completed the following acquisitions in our Financial Services segment: • In December 2019, we acquired selected assets comprising the remittance processing business of Fiserv, Inc., including its lockbox processing services. The preliminary allocation of the purchase price based upon the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed resulted in tax-deductible goodwill of $4,174 . The acquisition resulted in goodwill as it allows us to extend out expertise and reach with the addition of a reseller arrangement through the banking sales channel of Fiserv. We expect to finalize the allocation of the purchase price by the second quarter of 2020, when our valuation of the acquired intangible assets and various other assets acquired is complete. • In December 2019, we acquired selected assets comprising the remittance processing business of Synchrony Financial. We expect to finalize the allocation of the purchase price by the second quarter of 2020, when our valuation of the acquired intangible assets, as well as various other assets acquired and liabilities assumed, is complete. 2018 acquisitions – During 2018, we completed the following acquisitions that were included within our Small Business Services segment: • In March 2018, we acquired all of the equity of Logomix Inc. (Logomix), a self-service marketing and branding platform that helps small businesses create logos and custom marketing products. The allocation of the purchase price based upon the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed resulted in nondeductible goodwill of $29,451 . The acquisition resulted in goodwill as we expected to accelerate revenue growth by combining our capabilities with Logomix's platform. • In June 2018, we acquired selected assets of Velocity Servers, Inc., doing business as ColoCrossing, a data center solutions, cloud hosting and infrastructure colocation provider of dedicated hosting services. The allocation of the purchase price based upon the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed resulted in tax-deductible goodwill of $9,082 . The acquisition resulted in goodwill as we expected to accelerate revenue growth by bringing colocation services into our portfolio of hosting services. • In December 2018, we acquired selected assets of My Corporation Business Services, Inc., a provider of business incorporation and organization services. The allocation of the purchase price based upon the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed resulted in tax-deductible goodwill of $20,615 . The acquisition resulted in goodwill as we expected to accelerate revenue growth by bringing these services into our portfolio of web services. • During 2018, we acquired the operations of 3 small business distributors. The assets acquired consisted primarily of customer list intangible assets. As these small business distributors were previously part of our Safeguard distributor network, our revenue was not impacted by these acquisitions, and the impact to our costs was not significant. Within our Financial Services segment, we acquired the equity of REMITCO LLC (RemitCo) in August 2018. RemitCo was the remittance processing business of First Data Corporation, which subsequently merged with Fiserv, Inc. The allocation of the purchase price based upon the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed resulted in tax-deductible goodwill of $44,992 and a customer list intangible asset of $36,000 . The acquisition resulted in goodwill as it expanded the scale of our receivables management solutions, which allows us to take advantage of the ongoing market trend toward outsourcing technology-enabled services to trusted financial technology partners of scale. 2017 acquisitions – During 2017, we completed the following acquisitions that were included within our Small Business Services segment: • In February 2017, we acquired selected assets of Panthur Pty Ltd (Panthur), an Australian web hosting and domain registration service provider. The allocation of the purchase price based upon the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed resulted in nondeductible goodwill of $1,198 . The acquisition resulted in goodwill as we used Panthur's platform to selectively expand into foreign markets. • In July 2017, we acquired all of the equity of Digital Pacific Group Pty Ltd (Digital Pacific), an Australian web hosting and domain registration service provider. The allocation of the purchase price based upon the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed resulted in nondeductible goodwill of $23,773 . The acquisition resulted in goodwill as we acquired enhanced web hosting capabilities that we used to selectively expand into foreign markets. • In September 2017, we acquired all of the equity of j2 Global Australia Pty Ltd, doing business as Web24, an Australian web hosting and domain registration service provider. The allocation of the purchase price based upon the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed resulted in nondeductible goodwill of $2,731 . The acquisition resulted in goodwill as we used Web24's platform to selectively expand into foreign markets. • In November 2017, we acquired selected assets of Impact Marketing Specialists, Inc., which provides marketing solutions to real estate agents. • In December 2017, we acquired selected assets of SY Holdings, LLC, doing business as managed.com, a web hosting services provider. The allocation of the purchase price based upon the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed resulted in tax-deductible goodwill of $266 . The acquisition resulted in goodwill as the expertise we acquired improved our customer mix and enhanced our portfolio of web services. • During 2017, we acquired the operations of several small business distributors. The assets acquired consisted primarily of customer list intangible assets. All but 1 of these distributors were previously part of our Safeguard distributor network. As such, our results of operations were not significantly impacted by these acquisitions. Within our Financial Services segment, we acquired all of the equity of RDM Corporation (RDM) of Canada in April 2017. RDM is a provider of remote deposit capture software, hardware and digital imaging solutions for financial institutions and corporate clients. The allocation of the purchase price based upon the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed resulted in nondeductible goodwill of $35,973 . The acquisition resulted in goodwill as it enhanced our selection of treasury management solutions, strengthening our value proposition and improving our market position. Aggregate information – Information regarding goodwill by reportable segment and the useful lives of acquired intangibles can be found in Note 3. Information regarding the calculation of the estimated fair values of the acquired intangibles can be found in Note 8. As our acquisitions were not significant to our reported operating results both individually and in the aggregate, pro forma results of operations are not provided. The following illustrates the allocation of the aggregate purchase price for the above acquisitions to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed: (in thousands) 2019 acquisitions (1) 2018 acquisitions (2) 2017 acquisitions (3) Net tangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed (4) $ 2,735 $ 8,200 $ (1,956 ) Identifiable intangible assets: Customer lists/relationships 5,815 60,587 58,620 Trade names — 14,700 10,000 Technology-based intangibles — 7,500 800 Software to be sold — — 2,200 Internal-use software 276 — 1,445 Total intangible assets 6,091 82,787 73,065 Goodwill 4,174 104,140 63,941 Total aggregate purchase price 13,000 195,127 135,050 Liabilities for holdback payments and contingent consideration (5) (3,000 ) (1,078 ) (5,980 ) Non-cash consideration (6) — (1,060 ) — Net cash paid for current year acquisitions 10,000 192,989 129,070 Holdback payments for prior year acquisitions 1,605 21,269 10,153 Payments for acquisitions, net of cash acquired (7) $ 11,605 $ 214,258 $ 139,223 (1) Net tangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed for 2019 consisted primarily of operating lease assets and property, plant and equipment, as well as operating lease liabilities. (2) Net tangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed for 2018 consisted primarily of REMITCO accounts receivable and Logomix deferred income tax liabilities. Amounts include measurement-period adjustments recorded in 2019 for the finalization of purchase accounting for certain of the 2018 acquisitions. These adjustments decreased goodwill $1,766 , with the offset to various assets and liabilities, including a $1,000 increase in customer list intangible assets. (3) Net tangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed for 2017 consisted primarily of accounts receivable, marketable securities, inventory and accrued liabilities of RDM and Digital Pacific. Amounts include measurement-period adjustments recorded in 2018 for the finalization of purchase accounting for several of the 2017 acquisitions. These adjustments increased goodwill $4,183 , with the offset to various assets and liabilities, including deferred revenue, deferred income taxes and other long-term liabilities, as well as a decrease of $1,654 in customer list intangibles and an increase in internal-use software of $1,000 . (4) Net tangible assets acquired included trade accounts receivable of $11,564 during 2018 and $4,544 during 2017 . (5) Consists of holdback payments due at future dates and liabilities for contingent consideration, which were not significant. (6) Consists of pre-acquisition amounts owed to us by certain of the acquired businesses. (7) Cash and cash equivalents acquired were $1,692 during 2018 and $27,299 during 2017 .

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENT

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS	As part of our interest rate risk management strategy, in July 2019, we entered into an interest rate swap, which we designated as a cash flow hedge, to mitigate variability in interest payments on a portion of the amount drawn under our revolving credit facility (Note 15). The interest rate swap, which terminates in March 2023 when our revolving credit facility matures, effectively converts $200,000 of variable rate debt to a fixed rate of 1.798% . Changes in the fair value of the interest rate swap are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss on the consolidated balance sheet and are subsequently reclassified into interest expense as interest payments are made on the variable-rate debt. The fair value of the interest rate swap was $1,480 as of December 31, 2019 and was included in other non-current liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet. The fair value of this derivative is calculated based on the prevailing LIBOR rate curve on the date of measurement. The cash flow hedge was fully effective as of December 31, 2019 and its impact on the 2019 consolidated statement of loss and consolidated statement of cash flows was not significant. We also do not expect the amount to be reclassified into interest expense over the next 12 months to be significant.

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	Annual asset impairment analyses We evaluate the carrying value of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles as of July 31 of each year and between annual evaluations if events occur or circumstances change that would indicate a possible impairment. Our policy on impairment of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles, which is included in Note 1, explains our methodology for assessing impairment of these assets. 2019 annual impairment analyses – In completing the 2019 annual impairment analysis of goodwill, we elected to perform a qualitative analysis for 4 of our reporting units and a quantitative assessment for 2 of our reporting units: Financial Services Data-Driven Marketing and Small Business Services Web Services. Financial Services Data-Driven Marketing includes our businesses that provide outsourced marketing campaign targeting and execution and marketing analytics solutions. Small Business Services Web Services includes our businesses that provide web hosting and domain name services, logo and web design, payroll services, email marketing, search engine marketing and optimization, and business incorporation and organization services. The qualitative analyses evaluated factors, including, but not limited to, economic, market and industry conditions, cost factors and the overall financial performance of the reporting units. We also considered the quantitative analyses completed as of July 31, 2017, which indicated that the estimated fair values of the 4 reporting units exceeded their carrying values by approximate amounts between $64,000 and $1,405,000 , or by amounts between 50% and 314% above the carrying values of their net assets. In completing these assessments, we noted no changes in events or circumstance that indicated that it was more likely than not that the fair value of any reporting unit was less than its carrying amount. The quantitative analyses as of July 31, 2019 indicated that the goodwill of our Financial Services Data-Driven Marketing reporting unit was partially impaired and the goodwill of our Small Business Services Web Services reporting unit was fully impaired. As such, we recorded pretax goodwill impairment charges of $115,474 and $242,267 , respectively, during the quarter ended September 30, 2019. Both impairment charges resulted from a combination of triggering events and circumstances, including underperformance against 2019 expectations and the original acquisition business case assumptions, driven substantially by our decision in the third quarter of 2019 to exit certain customer contracts, the loss of certain large customers in the third quarter of 2019 as they elected to in-source some of the services we provide, and the sustained decline in our stock price. The impairment charges were measured as the amount by which the reporting units' carrying values exceeded their estimated fair values, limited to the carrying amount of goodwill. After the impairment charges, $70,914 of goodwill remained in the Financial Services Data-Driven Marketing reporting unit. 2018 annual impairment analyses – In completing the 2018 annual impairment analysis of goodwill, we elected to perform a qualitative assessment for 5 of our reporting units and a quantitative assessment for 2 of our reporting units: Small Business Services Web Services and Small Business Services Indirect. Small Business Services Web Services includes our businesses that provide web hosting and domain name services, logo and web design, payroll services, email marketing, search engine marketing and optimization, and business incorporation and organization services. Small Business Services Indirect consists primarily of our Safeguard distributor channel, former Safeguard distributors that we have purchased and our independent dealer channel. The qualitative analyses evaluated factors, including, but not limited to, economic, market and industry conditions, cost factors and the overall financial performance of the reporting units. We also considered the quantitative analyses completed as of July 31, 2017, which indicated that the estimated fair values of the 5 reporting units exceeded their carrying values by approximate amounts between $64,000 and $1,405,000 , or by amounts between 50% and 314% above the carrying values of their net assets. In completing these assessments, we noted no changes in events or circumstances that indicated that it was more likely than not that the fair value of any reporting unit was less than its carrying amount. The quantitative analysis as of July 31, 2018 for the Small Business Services Web Services reporting unit indicated that the estimated fair value of the reporting unit exceeded its carrying value by approximately $63,000 , or 22% . The carrying value of this reporting unit's goodwill was $225,383 as of July 31, 2018. The quantitative analysis of the Small Business Services Indirect reporting unit indicated that the reporting unit's goodwill was fully impaired, resulting in a pretax goodwill impairment charge of $78,188 during the quarter ended September 30, 2018. The impairment charge was measured as the amount by which the reporting unit's carrying value exceeded its estimated fair value, limited to the carrying amount of goodwill. The analysis of this reporting unit, which incorporated the results of the annual strategic planning process completed during the third quarter of 2018, indicated lowered projected long-term revenue growth and profitability levels resulting from changes in strategy and focus and in the mix of products and services sold, including the continuing secular decline in check and forms usage. Additionally, our strategic plan reflected a shift in company resources to our growing businesses. This reporting unit included the Safeguard trade name intangible asset, which was assigned an indefinite useful life. As of July 31, 2018, we completed a quantitative analysis of this asset that indicated the asset was fully impaired (level 3 fair value measurement), resulting in a pretax asset impairment charge of $19,100 . This impairment charge was driven by the same factors that resulted in the goodwill impairment charge, which indicated that any royalties attributable to the asset under our relief from royalty calculation had no future value. 2017 annual impairment analyses – In conjunction with our annual strategic planning process during the third quarter of 2017, we made various changes to our internal reporting structure. As a result, we reassessed our operating segments and determined that no changes to reportable operating segments were required. We also reassessed our previously determined reporting units and concluded that a realignment of a portion of our reporting units was required. As such, we reallocated the carrying value of goodwill to our revised reporting units based on their relative fair values. We analyzed goodwill for impairment immediately prior to this realignment by performing qualitative analyses for our Small Business Services reporting units and quantitative analyses for our Financial Services and Direct Checks reporting units. The qualitative analyses evaluated factors including, but not limited to, economic, market and industry conditions, cost factors and the overall financial performance of the reporting units. We also considered the last quantitative analysis we completed. In completing these assessments, we noted no changes in events or circumstances that indicated that it was more likely than not that the fair value of any reporting unit was less than its carrying amount, with the exception of our Small Business Services Safeguard reporting unit. The analysis of this reporting unit, which incorporated the results of the annual strategic planning process, indicated lowered projected long-term revenue growth and profitability levels resulting from changes in market trends and the mix of products and services sold, including the continuing secular decline in check and forms usage. As a result, we completed impairment analyses of the long-term assets of this reporting unit, excluding goodwill, and concluded that these assets were not impaired. We then completed the quantitative analysis of the reporting unit, which indicated that the reporting unit's goodwill was fully impaired and resulted in a pre-tax goodwill impairment charge of $28,379 during the quarter ended September 30, 2017. The impairment charge was measured as the amount by which the reporting unit's carrying value exceeded its estimated fair value, limited to the carrying amount of goodwill. Immediately subsequent to the realignment of our reporting unit structure, we completed a quantitative analysis for all of our reporting units. This quantitative analysis as of July 31, 2017 indicated that the estimated fair values of our reporting units exceeded their carrying values by approximate amounts between $64,000 and $1,405,000 , or by amounts between 36% and 314% above the carrying values of their net assets. In completing the 2017 annual impairment analysis of our indefinite-lived trade name, we elected to perform a quantitative assessment, which indicated that the calculated fair value of the asset exceeded its carrying value of $19,100 by approximately $16,000 as of July 31, 2017. Other non-recurring asset impairment analyses We evaluate the recoverability of property, plant, equipment and amortizable intangibles not held for sale whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that an asset group's carrying amount may not be recoverable. Our policy on impairment of long-lived assets and amortizable intangibles, which is included in Note 1, explains our methodology for assessing impairment of these assets. Assets held for sale are recorded at the lower of their carrying value or estimated fair value less costs to sell. 2019 impairment analyses – As of July 31, 2019, due to certain triggering events, we assessed for impairment the long-lived assets of our Financial Services Data-Driven Marketing and Small Business Services Web Services reporting units. As a result of the same factors that resulted in the goodwill impairment charge, we recorded pretax asset impairment charges of $31,316 related to certain trade name, customer list and technology-based intangible assets in the Small Business Services Web Services reporting unit. We concluded that the long-lived assets of our Financial Services Data-Driven Marketing reporting unit were not impaired. During the quarter ended September 30, 2019, we also recorded a pretax asset impairment charge of $1,923 related to an additional Financial Services customer list intangible asset. Due to a change in the related forecasted cash flows associated with the asset, we determined that it was fully impaired as of July 31, 2019. We utilized the discounted value of estimated future cash flows to estimate the fair values of these asset groups (level 3 fair value measurements). 2018 impairment analyses – During the fourth quarter of 2018, we performed a quantitative analysis of our Financial Services Data-Driven Marketing reporting unit. Revenue for this reporting unit was below our projections driven by higher mortgage lending rates, which result in less lending activity for our financial institution clients and thus, may cause them to reduce their marketing spending, as well as a large client electing to do certain of its marketing in-house. The quantitative analysis as of December 31, 2018 indicated that the estimated fair value of the reporting unit exceeded its carrying value by approximately $105,000 , or 36% . As such, no goodwill impairment charge was recorded for this reporting unit. The carrying value of this reporting unit's goodwill was $186,388 as of December 31, 2018. During the third quarter of 2018, we recorded pretax asset impairment charges of $1,882 for Financial Services customer list intangible assets related to 2 distributors we acquired in 2015. Based on higher than anticipated customer attrition, we determined that the customer lists were partially impaired as of July 31, 2018. During the first quarter of 2018, we recorded a pre-tax asset impairment charge of $2,149 related to a Small Business Services customer list intangible asset. Based on changes in the customer base of one of our small business distributors, we determined that the customer list asset was fully impaired as of March 31, 2018. We utilized the discounted value of estimated future cash flows to estimate the fair values of these asset groups (level 3 fair value measurements). 2017 impairment analyses – During 2017, we recorded aggregate pretax asset impairment charges of $8,250 related to a small business distributor that was classified as held for sale in the consolidated balance sheets prior to its sale during the second quarter of 2017. The impairment charges were calculated based on ongoing negotiations for the sale of the business and reduced its carrying value to its fair value less costs to sell by reducing the carrying value of the related customer list intangible asset. Further information regarding assets held for sale can be found in Note 3. During the quarter ended September 30, 2017, we decided that we would no longer utilize our Small Business Services NEBS ® trade name in the marketplace, and we recorded a pretax asset impairment charge of $14,752 to write down the remaining book value of this trade name to a fair value of $0 . Also during the quarter ended September 30, 2017, we recorded pretax asset impairment charges of $3,499 related to other long-lived assets within Small Business Services, primarily internal-use software related to an order capture system. During the third quarter of 2017, we signed a contract for customer relationship management services that resulted in our decision to no longer utilize a portion of this software. As such, the remaining net book value of the assets was written down to a fair value of $0 . Information regarding the impairment analyses completed during each year was as follows: Fair value measurements using Fair value as of measurement date Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets Significant other observable inputs Significant unobservable inputs Asset impairment charge (in thousands) (Level 1) (Level 2) (Level 3) 2019 analyses: Intangible assets (Small Business Services) (1), (2) $ 8,379 $ — $ — $ 8,379 $ 31,316 Customer list (Financial Services) — — — — 1,923 Goodwill 357,741 Total $ 390,980 2018 analyses: Indefinite-lived trade name (Small Business Services) $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 19,100 Customer list (Small Business Services) — — — — 2,149 Customer lists (Financial Services) (1) 4,223 — — 4,223 1,882 Goodwill 78,188 Total $ 101,319 2017 analyses: Trade name (Small Business Services) $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 14,752 Assets held for sale (Small Business Services) 3,500 — — 3,500 8,250 Other (Small Business Services) — — — — 3,499 Goodwill 28,379 Total $ 54,880 (1) The fair value presented is for the entire asset group that includes the impaired assets. (2) The impairment charge consisted of $14,441 related to trade names, $11,655 related to customer lists and $5,220 related to technology-based intangible assets. Acquisitions For all acquisitions, we are required to measure the fair value of the net identifiable tangible and intangible assets and liabilities acquired. Information regarding our acquisitions can be found in Note 6 and information regarding the useful lives of acquired intangibles can be found in Note 3. The identifiable net assets acquired during the past 3 years were comprised primarily of customer list intangible assets, trade names, technology-based intangible assets and software. The fair value of the more significant acquired customer lists was estimated using the multi-period excess earnings method. This valuation model estimates revenues and cash flows derived from the asset and then deducts portions of the cash flow that can be attributed to supporting assets, such as a trade name or fixed assets, that contributed to the generation of the cash flows. The resulting cash flow, which is attributable solely to the customer list asset, is then discounted at a rate of return commensurate with the risk of the asset to calculate a present value. The estimated fair value of the remainder of our acquired customer lists was estimated by discounting the estimated cash flows expected to be generated by the assets. Key assumptions used in these calculations included same-customer revenue growth rates, estimated earnings, estimated customer retention rates based on the acquirees' historical information and the discount rate. The estimated fair value of the acquired trade names, technology-based intangibles and a portion of the acquired software was estimated using the relief from royalty method, which calculates the cost savings associated with owning rather than licensing the assets. Assumed royalty rates were applied to projected revenue for the estimated remaining useful lives of the assets to estimate the royalty savings. Royalty rates are selected based on the attributes of the asset, including its recognition and reputation in the industry, and in the case of trade names, with consideration of the specific profitability of the products sold under a trade name and supporting assets. The fair value of the remainder of the acquired software was estimated using the cost of reproduction method. The primary components of the software were identified and the estimated cost to reproduce the software was calculated based on historical data provided by the acquiree. Recurring fair value measurements Funds held for customers included cash equivalents and available-for-sale debt securities (Note 3). The cash equivalents consisted of a money market fund investment that is traded in an active market. Because of the short-term nature of the underlying investments, the cost of this investment approximates its fair value. Available-for-sale debt securities consisted of a mutual fund investment that invests in Canadian and provincial government securities, as well as investments in Canadian guaranteed investment certificates (GICs) with maturities of 1 year or less. The mutual fund is not traded in an active market and its fair value is determined by obtaining quoted prices in active markets for the underlying securities held by the fund. The fair value of the GICs approximated cost due to their relatively short duration. Unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, are included in accumulated other comprehensive loss on the consolidated balance sheets. The cost of securities sold is determined using the average cost method. Realized gains and losses are included in revenue on the consolidated statements of (loss) income and were not significant during the past 3 years. Fair values of financial instruments Information regarding the fair values of our financial instruments was as follows: Fair value measurements using Balance sheet location December 31, 2019 Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) (in thousands) Carrying value Fair value Measured at fair value through comprehensive (loss) income: Cash equivalents Funds held for customers $ 18,000 $ 18,000 $ 18,000 $ — $ — Available-for-sale debt securities Funds held for customers 16,450 16,450 — 16,450 — Derivative liability (Note 7) Other non-current liabilities (1,480 ) (1,480 ) — (1,480 ) — Amortized cost: Cash Cash and cash equivalents 73,620 73,620 73,620 — — Cash Funds held for customers 83,191 83,191 83,191 — — Loans and notes receivable from Safeguard distributors Other current and non-current assets 70,383 68,887 — — 68,887 Long-term debt Long-term debt 883,500 883,500 — 883,500 — Fair value measurements using Balance sheet location December 31, 2018 Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) (in thousands) Carrying value Fair value Measured at fair value through comprehensive (loss) income: Cash equivalents Funds held for customers $ 16,000 $ 16,000 $ 16,000 $ — $ — Available-for-sale debt securities Funds held for customers 15,463 15,463 — 15,463 — Amortized cost: Cash Cash and cash equivalents 59,740 59,740 59,740 — — Cash Funds held for customers 69,519 69,519 69,519 — — Loans and notes receivable from Safeguard distributors Other current and non-current assets 81,560 60,795 — — 60,795 Long-term debt (1) Long-term debt 910,000 910,000 — 910,000 — (1) Amounts exclude capital lease obligations.

RESTRUCTURING AND INTEGRATION E

RESTRUCTURING AND INTEGRATION EXPENSE	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
RESTRUCTURING AND INTEGRATION EXPENSE	Restructuring and integration expense consists of costs related to the consolidation and migration of certain applications and processes, including our financial, sales and human resources management systems. It also includes costs related to the integration of acquired businesses into our systems and processes. These costs primarily consist of information technology consulting and project management services and internal labor, as well as other miscellaneous costs associated with our initiatives, such as training, travel and relocation. In addition, we recorded employee severance costs related to these initiatives, as well as our ongoing cost reduction initiatives, across functional areas. Our restructuring and integration activities increased in 2019, as we are currently pursuing several initiatives designed to focus our business behind our growth strategy and to increase our efficiency. Restructuring and integration expense is reflected on the consolidated statements of (loss) income as follows for the years ended December 31: (in thousands) 2019 2018 2017 Total cost of revenue $ 3,562 $ 1,466 $ 568 Operating expenses 71,248 19,737 8,562 Restructuring and integration expense $ 74,810 $ 21,203 $ 9,130 The following presents restructuring and integration expense by segment. Corporate expenses are allocated to the segments based on the allocation methodology described in Note 19. (in thousands) Small Business Services Financial Services Direct Checks Consolidated 2019 $ 49,634 $ 20,879 $ 4,297 $ 74,810 2018 10,837 10,087 279 21,203 2017 4,775 3,950 405 9,130 Restructuring and integration expense was comprised of the following for the years ended December 31: (in thousands) 2019 2018 2017 External consulting fees $ 45,638 $ 8,509 $ 516 Internal labor 12,115 4,654 1,127 Employee severance benefits 10,865 5,774 7,176 Other 6,192 2,266 311 Restructuring and integration expense $ 74,810 $ 21,203 $ 9,130 Our restructuring and integration accruals represent expected cash payments required to satisfy the remaining severance obligations to those employees already terminated and those expected to be terminated under our various initiatives. Restructuring and integration accruals of $3,459 as of December 31, 2019 are included in accrued liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet. Restructuring and integration accruals of $3,461 as of December 31, 2018 are reflected on the consolidated balance sheet as accrued liabilities of $3,320 and other non-current liabilities of $141 . The majority of the employee reductions are expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2020, and we expect most of the related severance payments to be paid by the third quarter of 2020, utilizing cash from operations. Changes in our restructuring and integration accruals were as follows: (in thousands) Employee severance benefits Operating lease obligations Total Balance, December 31, 2016 $ 4,181 $ — $ 4,181 Charges 7,843 23 7,866 Reversals (667 ) — (667 ) Payments (6,981 ) (19 ) (7,000 ) Balance, December 31, 2017 4,376 4 4,380 Charges 7,672 597 8,269 Reversals (1,898 ) (71 ) (1,969 ) Payments (6,971 ) (248 ) (7,219 ) Balance, December 31, 2018 3,179 282 3,461 Charges 11,516 — 11,516 Reversals (651 ) — (651 ) Payments (10,585 ) — (10,585 ) Adoption of ASU No. 2016-02 (1) — (282 ) (282 ) Balance, December 31, 2019 $ 3,459 $ — $ 3,459 (1) Upon adoption of ASU No. 2016-02, Leasing , and related amendments on January 1, 2019 (Note 2), our operating lease obligation accrual was reversed and the related operating lease asset was analyzed for impairment in accordance with the new guidance. The charges and reversals presented in the rollforward of our restructuring and integration accruals do not include items charged directly to expense as incurred, as those items are not reflected in accrued liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets.

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER TRANSIT

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER TRANSITION COSTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
CEO transition costs [Abstract]
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER TRANSITION COSTS	In April 2018, we announced the retirement of Lee Schram, our former Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Mr. Schram remained employed under the terms of a transition agreement through March 1, 2019. Under the terms of this agreement, we provided certain benefits to Mr. Schram, including a transition bonus in the amount of $2,000 that was paid in March 2019, accelerated vesting of certain restricted stock unit awards, and continued vesting and settlement of a pro-rata portion of outstanding performance share awards to the extent such awards were earned based on the attainment of performance goals. The modifications to Mr. Schram's share-based payment awards resulted in expense of $2,088 , which was largely recognized in 2018. In conjunction with the CEO transition, we offered retention agreements to certain members of our management team under which each employee was entitled to receive a cash bonus equal to his or her annual base salary or up to 1.5 times his or her annual base salary if he or she remained employed during the retention period, generally from July 1, 2018 to December 31, 2019, and complied with certain covenants. The retention bonus was paid to an employee at the end of the retention period or earlier if his or her employment was terminated without cause before the end of the retention period. In addition to these expenses, we incurred certain other costs related to the CEO transition process, including executive search, legal, travel and board of directors fees in 2018. During 2019, we incurred consulting fees related to the evaluation of our strategic plan and we expensed the majority of our current CEO's signing bonus. CEO transition costs are included in SG&A expense on the consolidated statements of (loss) income and were $9,390 for 2019 and $7,210 for 2018. Accruals for CEO transition costs were $4,406 as of December 31, 2019 and were included in accrued liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet. Accruals for CEO transition costs as of December 31, 2018 were $1,972 within accrued liabilities and $1,808 within other non-current liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet.

INCOME TAX PROVISION

INCOME TAX PROVISION	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
INCOME TAX PROVISION	(Loss) income before income taxes was comprised of the following for the years ended December 31: (in thousands) 2019 2018 2017 U.S. $ (161,733 ) $ 198,727 $ 299,424 Foreign (23,897 ) 13,904 13,403 (Loss) income before income taxes $ (185,630 ) $ 212,631 $ 312,827 The components of the income tax provision were as follows for the years ended December 31: (in thousands) 2019 2018 2017 Current tax provision: Federal $ 36,967 $ 57,117 $ 104,079 State 7,400 11,319 12,996 Foreign 4,850 5,921 4,774 Total current tax provision 49,217 74,357 121,849 Deferred tax provision: Federal (30,095 ) (7,220 ) (37,471 ) State (7,070 ) (1,701 ) (491 ) Foreign 2,215 (2,435 ) (1,215 ) Total deferred tax provision (34,950 ) (11,356 ) (39,177 ) Income tax provision $ 14,267 $ 63,001 $ 82,672 The effective tax rate on pre-tax (loss) income reconciles to the U.S. federal statutory tax rate for the years ended December 31 as follows: 2019 2018 2017 Income tax at federal statutory rate 21.0 % 21.0 % 35.0 % Goodwill impairment charge (29.3 %) 7.1 % 1.5 % Change in valuation allowances (1) (4.5 %) 0.1 % (0.3 %) Net tax benefit of share-based compensation (1.1 %) (0.8 %) (1.6 %) State income tax expense, net of federal income tax benefit 4.9 % 3.0 % 2.7 % Foreign tax rate differences 1.3 % 0.4 % (0.3 %) Impact of Tax Cuts and Jobs Act — (0.8 %) (6.6 %) Qualified production activities deduction — — (3.2 %) Other — (0.4 %) (0.8 %) Effective tax rate (7.7 %) 29.6 % 26.4 % (1) During the quarter ended September 30, 2019, we recorded asset impairment charges related to certain intangible assets located in Australia (Note 8). As a result, we placed a full valuation allowance on the intangible-related deferred tax asset of $8,432 , as we do not expect that we will realize the benefit of this deferred tax asset. In December 2017, U.S. tax reform was signed into law as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the "2017 Tax Act"). This legislation included a broad range of tax reforms, including changes to corporate tax rates, business deductions and international tax provisions. This legislation resulted in a net benefit of approximately $20,500 to our 2017 income tax provision. This amount included the net tax benefit from the remeasurement of deferred income taxes to the new federal statutory tax rate of 21% , which was effective for us on January 1, 2018, and revised state income tax rates for those states we expected to follow the provisions of the 2017 Tax Act, partially offset by the establishment of a liability for repatriation toll charges related to undistributed foreign earnings and profits. During 2017, reasonable estimates were used to determine certain impacts of the 2017 Tax Act, including our 2017 deferred activity and the amount of post-1986 foreign deferred earnings subject to the repatriation toll charge. We finalized our accounting for the 2017 Tax Act during the fourth quarter of 2018. Our 2018 income tax provision was reduced $1,700 for adjustments to our accounting for the 2017 Tax Act, primarily a reduction in the amount accrued for the repatriation toll charge. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits, excluding accrued interest and penalties and the federal benefit of deductible state income tax, was as follows: (in thousands) 2019 2018 2017 Balance, beginning of year $ 4,801 $ 3,795 $ 7,373 Additions for tax positions of current year 364 315 378 Additions for tax positions of prior years 546 1,177 659 Reductions for tax positions of prior years (887 ) (108 ) (4,389 ) Settlements (341 ) — — Lapse of statutes of limitations (314 ) (378 ) (226 ) Balance, end of year $ 4,169 $ 4,801 $ 3,795 If the unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2019 were recognized in the consolidated financial statements, income tax expense would decrease $4,169 . Accruals for interest and penalties, excluding the tax benefits of deductible interest, were $935 as of December 31, 2019 and $1,156 as of December 31, 2018 . Our income tax provision included expense for interest and penalties of $605 in 2019 and $110 in 2018 and included a reduction for interest and penalties of $284 in 2017 . Within the next 12 months, it is reasonably possible that our unrecognized tax benefits will change in the range of a decrease of $2,300 to an increase of $1,900 as we attempt to resolve certain federal and state tax matters or as federal and state statutes of limitations expire. Due to the nature of the underlying liabilities and the extended time frame often needed to resolve income tax uncertainties, we cannot provide reliable estimates of the amount or timing of cash payments that may be required to settle these liabilities. The statute of limitations for federal tax assessments for 2015 and prior years has expired. Audits of our federal income tax returns through 2015 have been completed by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Our 2016 through 2018 returns and our 2019 return, when filed, are subject to IRS examination. In general, income tax returns for the years 2015 through 2019 remain subject to examination by foreign, state and city tax jurisdictions. In the event that we have determined not to file income tax returns with a particular state or city, all years remain subject to examination by the tax jurisdiction. The ultimate outcome of tax matters may differ from our estimates and assumptions. Unfavorable settlement of any particular issue would require the use of cash and could result in increased income tax expense. Favorable resolution would result in reduced income tax expense. Tax-effected temporary differences that gave rise to deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31 were as follows: 2019 2018 (in thousands) Deferred tax assets Deferred tax liabilities Deferred tax assets Deferred tax liabilities Goodwill (1) $ — $ 16,424 $ — $ 47,993 Revenue recognition — 4,752 — 3,185 Prepaid assets — 3,830 — 3,469 Property, plant and equipment — 3,200 — 1,739 Employee benefit plans — 2,747 1,420 — Installment sales treatment of notes receivable — 1,171 — 3,054 Intangible assets (1) 14,900 — — 3,780 Operating leases 11,409 10,578 — — Net operating loss, tax credit and capital loss carryforwards 7,698 — 9,380 — Reserves and accruals 6,154 — 8,893 — Inventories 2,595 — 2,043 — All other 2,756 3,452 3,237 3,858 Total deferred taxes 45,512 46,154 24,973 67,078 Valuation allowances (10,349 ) — (1,689 ) — Net deferred taxes $ 35,163 $ 46,154 $ 23,284 $ 67,078 (1) The change in these deferred income taxes in 2019, as compared to 2018, was primarily the result of asset impairment charges recorded during 2019. Further information can be found in Note 8. The valuation allowances as of December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 related primarily to intangible-related deferred tax assets of our Australian operations, capital loss carryforwards in Canada and net operating loss carryforwards in various state jurisdictions that we do not currently expect to fully realize. Changes in our valuation allowances for the years ended December 31 were as follows: (in thousands) 2019 2018 2017 Balance, beginning of year $ (1,689 ) $ (1,518 ) $ (2,545 ) (Expense) benefit from change in allowances (8,336 ) (290 ) 1,015 Foreign currency translation (324 ) 119 12 Balance, end of year $ (10,349 ) $ (1,689 ) $ (1,518 ) As of December 31, 2019 , deferred income taxes have not been recognized on unremitted earnings of our foreign subsidiaries, as these amounts are intended to be reinvested indefinitely in the operations of those subsidiaries. If we were to repatriate all of our foreign cash and cash equivalents into the U.S. at one time, the tax effects would generally be limited to foreign withholding taxes on any distributions. As of December 31, 2019 , the amount of cash and cash equivalents held by our foreign subsidiaries was $69,046 , primarily in Canada. As of December 31, 2019 , we had the following net operating loss, capital loss and tax credit carryforwards: • state net operating loss carryforwards and tax credit carryforwards of $63,169 that expire at various dates up to 2048; • foreign capital loss carryforwards of $4,891 that do not expire; • foreign research tax credit carryforwards of $2,035 that expire at various dates up to 2036; and • federal net operating loss carryforwards of $1,451 that expire at various dates between 2025 and 2029.

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Noncash Expense [Abstract]
SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS	Our employee share-based compensation plans consist of our employee stock purchase plan and our long-term incentive plan. Effective May 2, 2017, our shareholders approved the Deluxe Corporation 2017 Long-Term Incentive Plan, simultaneously terminating our previous plan. Under this plan, 5.0 million shares of common stock plus any shares released as a result of the forfeiture or termination of awards issued under our prior plan are reserved for issuance, with 4.1 million shares remaining available for issuance as of December 31, 2019 . Full value awards such as restricted stock, restricted stock units and performance share awards reduce the number of shares available for issuance by a factor of 2.23 , or if such an award were forfeited or terminated without delivery of the shares, the number of shares that again become eligible for issuance would be multiplied by a factor of 2.23 . Under our current and previous plans, we have granted non-qualified stock options, restricted stock units, restricted shares and performance share awards. Our current plan also allows for the issuance of stock appreciation rights, which we have not granted as of December 31, 2019 . Our policy regarding the recognition of compensation expense for employee share-based awards can be found in Note 1. The following amounts were recognized in our consolidated statements of (loss) income for share-based compensation awards for the years ended December 31: (in thousands) 2019 2018 2017 Restricted shares and restricted stock units $ 13,411 $ 5,232 $ 6,533 Performance share awards 2,907 4,502 4,782 Stock options 2,954 3,143 3,270 Employee stock purchase plan 430 501 524 Total share-based compensation expense $ 19,702 $ 13,378 $ 15,109 Income tax benefit $ (5,350 ) $ (3,946 ) $ (5,152 ) As of December 31, 2019 , the total compensation expense for unvested awards not yet recognized in our consolidated statements of (loss) income was $28,891 , net of the effect of estimated forfeitures. This amount is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.2 years. Non-qualified stock options – All options allow for the purchase of shares of common stock at prices equal to the stock's market value at the date of grant. Options become exercisable beginning 1 year after the grant date, and beginning in 2019, one-fourth vest each year over 4 years. Awards granted prior to 2019 vest one-third each year over 3 years. Beginning in 2019, options may be exercised up to 10 years following the grant date. Awards granted prior to 2019 have a 7 year life. Beginning 1 year after the grant date, in the case of qualified retirement, death or disability, options vest immediately and the period over which the options can be exercised is shortened. Beginning 1 year after the grant date, in the case of involuntary termination without cause, a pro-rata portion of the options vest immediately and the period over which the options can be exercised is shortened. Employees forfeit unvested options when they voluntarily terminate their employment with the company, and they have up to 3 months to exercise vested options before they are canceled. In the case of involuntary termination with cause, the entire unexercised portion of the award is canceled. All options may vest immediately upon a change of control, as defined in the award agreement. The following weighted-average assumptions were used in the Black-Scholes option pricing model to determine the fair value of stock options granted: 2019 2018 2017 Risk-free interest rate 2.3 % 2.7 % 1.6 % Dividend yield 2.7 % 2.0 % 1.6 % Expected volatility 24.5 % 23.0 % 23.7 % Weighted-average option life (in years) 5.3 3.9 3.7 The risk-free interest rate for periods within the expected option life is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the grant date. The dividend yield is estimated over the expected life of the option based on historical dividends paid. Expected volatility is based on the historical volatility of our stock over the most recent historical period equivalent to the expected life of the option. The expected option life is the average length of time over which we expect the employee groups will exercise their options, based on historical experience with similar grants. Each option is convertible into 1 share of common stock upon exercise. Information regarding options issued under the current and all previous plans was as follows: Number of options (in thousands) Weighted-average exercise price per option Aggregate intrinsic value (in thousands) Weighted-average remaining contractual term (in years) Outstanding, December 31, 2016 1,251 $ 47.68 Granted 270 75.30 Exercised (347 ) 38.72 Forfeited or expired (35 ) 62.19 Outstanding, December 31, 2017 1,139 56.51 Granted 519 62.12 Exercised (339 ) 42.55 Forfeited or expired (74 ) 66.85 Outstanding, December 31, 2018 1,245 62.04 Granted 644 44.72 Exercised (21 ) 32.42 Forfeited or expired (521 ) 62.75 Outstanding, December 31, 2019 1,347 53.92 $ 3,311 6.1 Exercisable at December 31, 2017 555 $ 47.42 Exercisable at December 31, 2018 472 59.90 Exercisable at December 31, 2019 485 61.44 $ 292 2.7 The weighted-average grant-date fair value of options granted was $8.30 per option for 2019 , $10.98 per option for 2018 and $12.81 per option for 2017 . The intrinsic value of a stock award is the amount by which the fair value of the underlying stock exceeds the exercise price of the award. The total intrinsic value of options exercised was $292 for 2019 , $10,007 for 2018 and $11,699 for 2017 . Restricted stock units – During 2019, we increased our use of restricted stock unit awards. We granted awards to all North American employees, we paid a portion of employee bonuses previously settled in cash in the form of restricted stock units and we granted certain other awards under our long-term incentive plan. These awards generally vest over 3 years. Additionally, certain management employees have the option to receive a portion of their bonus payment in the form of restricted stock units. When employees elect this payment method, we provide an additional matching amount of restricted stock units equal to 100% of the restricted stock units earned under the bonus plan. These awards vest 2 years from the date of grant. In the case of qualified retirement, death, disability or change of control, the awards vest immediately. In the case of involuntary termination without cause or voluntary termination, employees receive a cash payment for the units earned under the bonus plan, but forfeit the company-provided matching amount. In addition to awards granted to employees, non-employee members of our board of directors can elect to receive all or a portion of their fees in the form of restricted stock units. Directors are issued shares in exchange for the units upon the earlier of the tenth anniversary of February 1 st of the year following the year in which the non-employee director ceases to serve on the board or such other objectively determinable date pre-elected by the director. Each restricted stock unit is convertible into 1 share of common stock upon completion of the vesting period. Information regarding our restricted stock units was as follows: Number of units (in thousands) Weighted-average grant date fair value per unit Weighted-average remaining contractual term (in years) Outstanding at December 31, 2016 139 $ 37.99 Granted 16 73.27 Vested (43 ) 43.18 Forfeited (3 ) 57.18 Outstanding at December 31, 2017 109 38.31 Granted 110 52.32 Vested (22 ) 48.14 Forfeited (2 ) 74.96 Outstanding at December 31, 2018 195 45.41 Granted 611 44.73 Vested (93 ) 49.31 Forfeited (49 ) 45.40 Outstanding at December 31, 2019 664 44.35 2.3 Of the awards outstanding as of December 31, 2019 , 15 thousand restricted stock units with a value of $710 were included in accrued liabilities and other non-current liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet. As of December 31, 2019 , these units had a fair value of $47.00 per unit and a weighted-average remaining contractual term of 9 months. The total fair value of restricted stock units that vested was $4,374 for 2019 , $1,619 for 2018 and $3,161 for 2017 . We made cash payments of $263 during 2019 , $78 during 2018 and $421 during 2017 to settle share-based liabilities. Restricted shares – For restricted share awards granted to employees under our current long-term incentive plan, in most cases one-fourth of the shares vest each year over 4 years. Such awards granted under our previous plan vest in their entirety at the end of the 3 year vesting period. The restrictions lapse immediately in the case of qualified retirement, death or disability, or in the event of a change in control where replacement securities are not awarded. In the case of involuntary termination without cause, restrictions on a pro-rata portion of the shares lapse based on how much of the vesting period has passed. In the case of voluntary termination of employment or termination with cause, the unvested restricted shares are forfeited. Information regarding unvested restricted shares was as follows: Number of shares (in thousands) Weighted-average grant date fair value per share Weighted-average remaining contractual term (in years) Unvested at December 31, 2016 220 $ 56.43 Granted 68 74.84 Vested (99 ) 52.41 Forfeited (8 ) 61.37 Unvested at December 31, 2017 181 65.33 Granted 77 71.29 Vested (76 ) 69.73 Forfeited (14 ) 66.24 Unvested at December 31, 2018 168 66.02 Vested (117 ) 63.15 Forfeited (25 ) 73.62 Unvested at December 31, 2019 26 71.61 1.0 The total fair value of restricted shares that vested was $5,608 for 2019 , $5,375 for 2018 and $7,452 for 2017 . Performance share awards – Our performance share awards have a 3 -year vesting period. Shares will be issued at the end of the vesting period if performance targets relating to revenue and total shareholder return are achieved. If employment is terminated for any reason prior to the 1 -year anniversary of the commencement of the performance period, the award is forfeited. On or after the 1 -year anniversary of the commencement of the performance period, a pro-rata portion of the shares awarded at the end of the performance period is issued in the case of qualified retirement, death, disability, involuntary termination without cause or resignation for good reason, as defined in the agreement. The following weighted-average assumptions were used in the Monte Carlo simulation model in determining the fair value of market-based performance shares granted: 2019 2018 2017 Risk-free interest rate 2.3 % 2.4 % 1.4 % Dividend yield 3.1 % 1.6 % 1.7 % Expected volatility 26.8 % 21.6 % 21.9 % The risk-free interest rate for periods within the expected award life is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the grant date. The dividend yield is estimated over the expected life of the award based on historical dividends paid. Expected volatility is based on the historical volatility of our stock. Information regarding unvested performance shares was as follows: Performance shares (in thousands) Weighted-average grant date fair value per share Weighted-average remaining contractual term (in years) Unvested at December 31, 2016 236 $ 55.15 Granted (1) 83 75.31 Forfeited (9 ) 64.85 Vested (60 ) 50.17 Adjustment for performance results achieved (2) 5 50.34 Unvested at December 31, 2017 255 63.42 Granted (1) 91 74.49 Forfeited (48 ) 59.32 Vested (45 ) 67.10 Adjustment for performance results achieved (2) (3 ) 67.11 Unvested at December 31, 2018 250 67.54 Granted (1) 151 41.79 Forfeited (38 ) 54.42 Vested (118 ) 59.67 Adjustment for performance results achieved (2) 7 54.42 Unvested at December 31, 2019 252 57.64 1.5 (1) Reflects awards granted assuming achievement of performance goals at target. (2) Reflects the difference between the awards earned at the end of the performance period and the target number of shares. Employee stock purchase plan – During 2019 , 65 thousand shares were issued under this plan at prices of $39.92 and $37.93 . During 2018 , 53 thousand shares were issued under this plan at prices of $63.13 and $50.09 . During 2017 , 46 thousand shares were issued under this plan at prices of $61.92 and $61.37

EMPLOYEE COMPENSATION PLANS

EMPLOYEE COMPENSATION PLANS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Compensation Related Costs [Abstract]
EMPLOYEE COMPENSATION PLANS	Profit sharing/401(k) plan – Through December 31, 2019, we maintained a 401(k)/profit sharing plan to provide retirement benefits for certain employees. The plan covers a majority of full-time employees, as well as some part-time employees. Employees are eligible to participate in the plan after completing 30 days of service. Effective January 1, 2020, the profit sharing component of the plan was discontinued. 401(k) contributions are made by both employees and Deluxe. Employees may contribute up to 50% of eligible wages, subject to IRS limitations and the terms and conditions of the plan. For the majority of employees, we match 100% of the first 1% of wages contributed and 50% of the next 5% of wages contributed, beginning on the first day of the quarter following an employee's first full year of service. Profit sharing contributions were made solely by Deluxe and varied based on the company's performance. All employee and employer contributions are remitted to the plan's trustee. Benefits provided by the plan are paid from accumulated funds of the trust. Employees are provided a broad range of investment options to choose from when investing their 401(k)/profit sharing plan funds. Investing in our common stock is not one of these options, although funds selected by employees may at times hold our common stock. Cash bonus programs – We provide short-term cash bonus programs under which employees may receive cash bonus payments based on our performance for a given fiscal year. Payments earned are paid directly to employees shortly after the end of the year. Expense recognized in the consolidated statements of (loss) income for these plans was as follows for the years ended December 31: (in thousands) 2019 2018 2017 Performance-based compensation plans (1) $ 21,143 $ 20,297 $ 22,085 401(k) expense 10,176 9,686 9,023 (1) Excludes expense for share-based compensation, which is discussed in Note 12. Deferred compensation plan – We have a non-qualified deferred compensation plan that allows eligible employees to defer a portion of their compensation. Participants can elect to defer up to 100% of their base salary plus up to 50% of their bonus for the year. The compensation deferred under this plan is credited with earnings or losses measured by the mirrored rate of return on phantom investments elected by plan participants, which are similar to the investments available for funds invested under our 401(k)/profit sharing plan. Each participant is fully vested in all deferred compensation and earnings. A participant may elect to receive deferred amounts in a lump-sum payment or in monthly installments upon termination of employment or disability. Our total liability under this plan was $5,036 as of December 31, 2019 and $4,458 as of December 31, 2018 . These amounts are reflected in accrued liabilities and other non-current liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. We hold investments in an irrevocable rabbi trust for our deferred compensation plan. These assets consist of investments in company-owned life insurance policies, which are included in long-term investments on the consolidated balance sheets, and totaled $11,204 as of December 31, 2019 and $10,831 as of December 31, 2018 .

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Defined Benefit Plan [Abstract]
POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS	We have historically provided certain health care benefits for a large number of retired U.S. employees. Employees hired prior to January 1, 2002 become eligible for benefits if they attain the appropriate years of service and age prior to retirement. Employees hired on January 1, 2002 or later are not eligible to participate in the plan. In addition to our retiree health care plan, we also have a U.S. supplemental executive retirement plan (SERP). The SERP is no longer an active plan. It is not adding new participants and all of the current participants are retired. The SERP has no plan assets, but our obligation is fully funded by investments in company-owned life insurance policies. Obligations and funded status – The following tables summarize the change in benefit obligation, plan assets and funded status during 2019 and 2018 : (in thousands) Postretirement benefit plan Pension plan (1) Change in benefit obligation: Benefit obligation, December 31, 2017 $ 87,594 $ 3,398 Interest cost 2,529 97 Net actuarial gain (9,231 ) (23 ) Benefits paid from plan assets and company funds (7,175 ) (324 ) Benefit obligation, December 31, 2018 73,717 3,148 Interest cost 2,617 111 Net actuarial loss 5,012 316 Benefits paid from plan assets and company funds (8,171 ) (324 ) Benefit obligation, December 31, 2019 $ 73,175 $ 3,251 Change in plan assets: Fair value of plan assets, December 31, 2017 $ 127,443 $ — Return on plan assets (6,663 ) — Benefits paid (5,804 ) — Fair value of plan assets, December 31, 2018 114,976 — Return on plan assets 21,179 — Benefits paid (6,237 ) — Fair value of plan assets, December 31, 2019 $ 129,918 $ — Funded status, December 31, 2018 $ 41,259 $ (3,148 ) Funded status, December 31, 2019 $ 56,743 $ (3,251 ) (1) The accumulated benefit obligation equals the projected benefit obligation. The funded status of our plans was recognized in the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31 as follows: Postretirement benefit plan Pension plan (in thousands) 2019 2018 2019 2018 Other non-current assets $ 56,743 $ 41,259 $ — $ — Accrued liabilities — — 324 324 Other non-current liabilities — — 2,927 2,824 Amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive loss as of December 31 that have not been recognized as components of postretirement benefit income were as follows: (in thousands) 2019 2018 Unrecognized prior service credit $ 12,756 $ 14,178 Unrecognized net actuarial loss (45,319 ) (57,436 ) Tax effect 4,157 6,729 Amount recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax $ (28,406 ) $ (36,529 ) The unrecognized prior service credit relates to our postretirement benefit plan and is a result of previous plan amendments that reduced the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation. A reduction is first used to reduce any existing unrecognized prior service cost, then to reduce any remaining unrecognized transition obligation. The excess is the unrecognized prior service credit. The prior service credit is being amortized on the straight-line basis over a weighted-average period of 21 years based on the average remaining life expectancy of plan participants at the time of the plan amendment. Unrecognized net actuarial gains and losses result from experience different from that assumed and from changes in assumptions. The net actuarial loss generated during 2019 was primarily due to the decrease in the discount rate used to discount the benefit obligation. The net actuarial gain generated during 2018 was primarily due to favorable claims experience and an increase in the discount rate used to discount the benefit obligation. Unrecognized actuarial gains and losses for our postretirement benefit plan are being amortized over the average remaining life expectancy of inactive plan participants, as a large percentage of the plan participants are classified as inactive. This amortization period is currently 14.1 years . Postretirement benefit income – Postretirement benefit income for the years ended December 31 consisted of the following components: (in thousands) 2019 2018 2017 Interest cost $ 2,727 $ 2,626 $ 2,896 Expected return on plan assets (6,957 ) (7,737 ) (7,128 ) Amortization of prior service credit (1,421 ) (1,421 ) (1,421 ) Amortization of net actuarial losses 3,223 2,884 3,637 Net periodic benefit income $ (2,428 ) $ (3,648 ) $ (2,016 ) Actuarial assumptions – In measuring benefit obligations as of December 31, the following discount rate assumptions were used: Postretirement benefit plan Pension plan 2019 2018 2019 2018 Discount rate 3.03 % 4.13 % 2.76 % 4.01 % In measuring net periodic benefit income for the years ended December 31, the following assumptions were used: Postretirement benefit plan Pension plan 2019 2018 2017 2019 2018 2017 Discount rate 4.13 % 3.46 % 3.81 % 4.01 % 3.35 % 3.66 % Expected return on plan assets 6.25 % 6.25 % 6.25 % — — — The discount rate assumption is based on the rates of return on high-quality, fixed-income instruments currently available whose cash flows approximate the timing and amount of expected benefit payments. In determining the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets, we utilize our historical returns and then adjust these returns for estimated inflation and projected market returns. Our inflation assumption is primarily based on analysis of historical inflation data. In measuring benefit obligations as of December 31 for our postretirement benefit plan, the following assumptions for health care cost trend rates were used: 2019 2018 2017 Participants under age 65 Participants age 65 and older Participants under age 65 Participants age 65 and older Participants under age 65 Participants age 65 and older Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year 7.40 % 8.40 % 7.70 % 8.70 % 7.90 % 9.10 % Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline (the ultimate trend rate) 4.50 % 4.50 % 4.50 % 4.50 % 4.50 % 4.50 % Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate 2029 2029 2029 2029 2025 2025 Plan assets – The allocation of plan assets by asset category as of December 31 was as follows: Postretirement benefit plan 2019 2018 U.S. large capitalization equity securities 24 % 23 % Mortgage-backed securities 24 % 25 % International equity securities 19 % 18 % U.S. corporate debt securities 15 % 20 % Government debt securities 14 % 11 % U.S. small and mid-capitalization equity securities 4 % 3 % Total 100 % 100 % Our postretirement benefit plan has assets that are intended to meet long-term obligations. In order to meet these obligations, we employ a total return investment approach that considers cash flow needs and balances long-term projected returns against expected asset risk, as measured using projected standard deviations. Risk tolerance is established through consideration of projected plan liabilities, the plan's funded status, projected liquidity needs and our financial condition. The target asset allocation percentages for our postretirement benefit plan are based on our liability and asset projections. The targeted allocation of plan assets is 55% fixed income securities, 24% large capitalization equity securities, 18% international equity securities and 3% small and mid-capitalization equity securities. Information regarding fair value measurements of plan assets was as follows as of December 31, 2019 : Fair value measurements using Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets Significant other observable inputs Significant unobservable inputs Investments measured at net asset value Fair value as of December 31, 2019 (in thousands) (Level 1) (Level 2) (Level 3) U.S. large capitalization equity securities $ — $ 30,990 $ — $ — $ 30,990 Mortgage-backed securities — 13,060 — 17,768 30,828 International equity securities 20,859 3,173 — — 24,032 U.S. corporate debt securities — 14,771 — 5,184 19,955 Government debt securities — 18,776 — — 18,776 U.S. small and mid-capitalization equity securities 4,228 363 — — 4,591 Other debt securities 529 217 — — 746 Plan assets $ 25,616 $ 81,350 $ — $ 22,952 $ 129,918 Information regarding fair value measurements of plan assets was as follows as of December 31, 2018 : Fair value measurements using Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets Significant other observable inputs Significant unobservable inputs Investments measured at net asset value Fair value as of December 31, 2018 (in thousands) (Level 1) (Level 2) (Level 3) U.S. large capitalization equity securities $ — $ — $ — $ 26,240 $ 26,240 Mortgage-backed securities — 13,593 — 15,138 28,731 International equity securities 20,261 298 — — 20,559 U.S. corporate debt securities 6,489 12,468 — 3,594 22,551 Government debt securities — 12,738 — — 12,738 U.S. small and mid-capitalization equity securities 3,259 27 — 551 3,837 Other debt securities (6 ) 326 — — 320 Plan assets $ 30,003 $ 39,450 $ — $ 45,523 $ 114,976 The fair value of Level 2 mortgage-backed securities is estimated using pricing models with inputs derived principally from observable market data. The fair value of our other Level 2 debt securities is typically estimated using pricing models, quoted prices of securities with similar characteristics or discounted cash flow calculations that maximize observable inputs, such as current yields for similar instruments adjusted for trades and other pertinent market information. Our policy is to recognize transfers between fair value levels as of the end of the reporting period in which the transfer occurred. Cash flows – We made no contributions to plan assets during the past 3 years. We have fully funded the SERP obligation with investments in company-owned life insurance policies. The cash surrender value of these policies is included in long-term investments on the consolidated balance sheets and totaled $7,136 as of December 31, 2019 and $6,869 as of December 31, 2018 . The following benefit payments are expected to be paid during the years indicated: (in thousands) Postretirement benefit plan Pension plan 2020 $ 6,089 $ 320 2021 6,040 320 2022 5,934 310 2023 5,767 300 2024 5,562 290 2025 - 2029 24,427 1,280

DEBT

DEBT	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
DEBT	Debt outstanding was comprised of the following at December 31: (in thousands) 2019 2018 Amount drawn on revolving credit facility $ 883,500 $ 910,000 Capital lease obligations (1) — 1,864 Long-term debt, principal amount 883,500 911,864 Less current portion of long-term debt — (791 ) Long-term debt 883,500 911,073 Current portion of capital lease obligations (1) — 791 Long-term debt due within one year — 791 Total debt $ 883,500 $ 911,864 (1) Upon adoption of ASU No. 2016-02, Leasing , and related amendments on January 1, 2019 (Note 2), we reclassified our capital lease obligations, now known as finance lease obligations, to accrued liabilities and other non-current liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet. There are currently no limitations on the amount of dividends and share repurchases under the terms of our credit agreement. However, if our leverage ratio, defined as total debt less unrestricted cash to EBITDA, should exceed 2.75 to 1, there would be an annual limitation on the amount of dividends and share repurchases. As of December 31, 2018, we had a revolving credit facility in the amount of $950,000 . In January 2019, we increased the credit facility by $200,000 , bringing the total availability to $1,150,000 , subject to increase under the credit agreement to an aggregate amount not exceeding $1,425,000 . The credit facility matures in March 2023. Our quarterly commitment fee ranges from 0.175% to 0.35% based on our leverage ratio. Amounts drawn under the credit facility had a weighted-average interest rate of 3.03% as of December 31, 2019 and 3.79% as of December 31, 2018 . In July 2019, we executed an interest rate swap to convert $200,000 of the amount drawn under the credit facility to fixed rate debt. Further information can be found in Note 7. Borrowings under the credit agreement are collateralized by substantially all of our personal and intangible property. The credit agreement governing our credit facility contains customary covenants regarding limits on levels of subsidiary indebtedness and capital expenditures, liens, investments, acquisitions, certain mergers, certain asset sales outside the ordinary course of business and change in control as defined in the agreement. The agreement also requires us to maintain certain financial ratios, including a maximum leverage ratio of 3.5 and a minimum ratio of consolidated earnings before interest and taxes to consolidated interest expense, as defined in the credit agreement, of 3.0 . Daily average amounts outstanding under our credit facility were as follows for the years ended December 31: (in thousands) 2019 2018 2017 Revolving credit facility: Daily average amount outstanding $ 925,715 $ 731,110 $ 436,588 Weighted-average interest rate 3.54 % 3.24 % 2.55 % Term loan facility: (1) Daily average amount outstanding $ — $ 63,638 $ 315,862 Weighted-average interest rate — 2.97 % 2.57 % (1) During 2018 and 2017, we had borrowings outstanding under a variable rate term loan facility. These amounts were repaid in March 2018. As of December 31, 2019 , amounts were available for borrowing under our revolving credit facility as follows: (in thousands) Total available Revolving credit facility commitment $ 1,150,000 Amount drawn on revolving credit facility (883,500 ) Outstanding letters of credit (1) (5,408 ) Net available for borrowing as of December 31, 2019 $ 261,092 (1) We use standby letters of credit primarily to collateralize certain obligations related to our self-insured workers' compensation claims, as well as claims for environmental matters, as required by certain states. These letters of credit reduce the amount available for borrowing under our revolving credit facility.

LEASES

LEASES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Leases [Abstract]
LEASES	We have entered into operating leases for the majority of our facilities. These real estate leases have remaining terms of up to 10 years, with a weighted-average remaining term of 5.4 years as of December 31, 2019 . We utilize leases for these facilities to limit our exposure to risks related to ownership, such as fluctuations in real estate prices, and to maintain flexibility in our real estate utilization. We have also entered into operating leases for certain equipment, primarily production printers and data center equipment. Certain of our leases include options to extend the lease term. The impact of renewal periods was not significant to the amounts recorded for operating lease assets and liabilities. We have entered into finance leases, formerly known as capital leases, for certain information technology hardware. The net book value of the related lease assets and the related lease liabilities were not significant as of December 31, 2019 or December 31, 2018 . Operating lease expense was $19,113 for 2019 . Rental expense related to operating leases was $23,928 for 2018 and $19,839 for 2017 . Additional information regarding our operating leases for 2019 was as follows: (in thousands) 2019 Operating cash outflows $ 17,737 Lease assets obtained during the period in exchange for lease obligations 11,637 December 31, 2019 Operating lease assets $ 44,372 Accrued liabilities $ 12,898 Operating lease liabilities 33,585 Total operating lease liabilities $ 46,483 Weighted-average remaining lease term (in years) 5.1 Weighted-average discount rate 3.4 % Maturities of operating lease liabilities were as follows: (in thousands) Operating lease obligations 2020 $ 13,970 2021 11,334 2022 8,397 2023 4,527 2024 3,319 Thereafter 9,163 Total lease payments 50,710 Less imputed interest (4,227 ) Present value of lease payments $ 46,483

OTHER COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGEN

OTHER COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
OTHER COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	Indemnifications – In the normal course of business, we periodically enter into agreements that incorporate general indemnification language. These indemnification provisions generally encompass third-party claims arising from our products and services, including, without limitation, service failures, breach of security, intellectual property rights, governmental regulations and/or employment-related matters. Performance under these indemnities would generally be triggered by our breach of the terms of the contract. In disposing of assets or businesses, we often provide representations, warranties and/or indemnities to cover various risks including, for example, unknown damage to the assets, environmental risks involved in the sale of real estate, liability to investigate and remediate environmental contamination at waste disposal sites and manufacturing facilities, and unidentified tax liabilities and legal matters related to periods prior to disposition. We do not have the ability to estimate the potential liability from such indemnities because they relate to unknown conditions. However, we do not believe that any liability under these indemnities would have a material adverse effect on our financial position, annual results of operations or annual cash flows. We have recorded liabilities for known indemnifications related to environmental matters. These liabilities were not significant as of December 31, 2019 or December 31, 2018. Self-insurance – We are self-insured for certain costs, primarily workers' compensation claims and medical and dental benefits for active employees and those employees on long-term disability. The liabilities associated with these items represent our best estimate of the ultimate obligations for reported claims plus those incurred, but not reported, and totaled $7,576 as of December 31, 2019 and $6,627 as of December 31, 2018 . These accruals are included in accrued liabilities and other non-current liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. Our workers' compensation liability is recorded at present value. The difference between the discounted and undiscounted liability was not significant as of December 31, 2019 or December 31, 2018 . Our self-insurance liabilities are estimated, in part, by considering historical claims experience, demographic factors and other actuarial assumptions. The estimated accruals for these liabilities could be significantly affected if future events and claims differ from these assumptions and historical trends. Litigation – Recorded liabilities for legal matters, as well as related charges recorded in each of the past 3 years, were not material to our financial position, results of operations or liquidity during the periods presented, and we do not believe that any of the currently identified claims or litigation will materially affect our financial position, results of operations or liquidity upon resolution. However, litigation is subject to inherent uncertainties, and unfavorable rulings could occur. If an unfavorable ruling were to occur, it may cause a material adverse impact on our financial position, results of operations or liquidity for the period in which the ruling occurs or in future periods.

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	In October 2018, our board of directors authorized the repurchase of up to $500,000 of our common stock. This authorization has no expiration date. During 2019, we repurchased 2.6 million shares for $118,547 under this authorization and $301,452 remained available for repurchase as of December 31, 2019. Under the current and previous authorizations, we repurchased 3.6 million shares for $200,000 during 2018 and 924 thousand shares for $65,000 during 2017.

BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION

BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION	As of December 31, 2019, we operated 3 reportable business segments: Small Business Services, Financial Services and Direct Checks. Our business segments were generally organized by customer type and reflected the way we managed the company through that date. Small Business Services primarily serves small businesses and promotes and sells its products and services via internet advertising, direct response mail, partner referrals, networks of Safeguard distributors and independent dealers, a direct sales force and an outbound telemarketing group. Financial Services primarily serves financial institutions, including banks, credit unions and financial services companies, and promotes and sells its products and services primarily through a direct sales force. Direct Checks is a leading direct-to-consumer check supplier, selling its products and services directly to consumers via direct marketing, utilizing search engine marketing and optimization strategies and print advertising. All 3 segments operate primarily in the U.S. Small Business Services also has operations in Canada, Australia and portions of Europe, and Financial Services has operations in Canada. No single customer accounted for more than 10% of consolidated revenue during the past 3 years. During the second quarter of 2019, we announced that as part of our “One Deluxe” strategy, we would realign the company into 4 primary focus areas: Payments, Cloud Solutions, Promotional Solutions and Checks. This realignment was effective on January 1, 2020 and as a result, beginning in 2020, these 4 focus areas become our reportable business segments. We will report financial results for the 4 segments beginning in the first quarter of 2020, and we will retrospectively adjust prior periods to reflect the new reportable segment structure. Our product and service offerings are comprised of the following: Marketing solutions and other services (MOS) – We offer products and services designed to meet our customers' sales and marketing needs, as well as various other service offerings. Our MOS offerings generally consist of the following: • Small business marketing solutions – Our marketing products utilize digital printing and web-to-print solutions to provide printed marketing materials and promotional solutions, such as postcards, brochures, retail packaging supplies, apparel, greeting cards and business cards. • Treasury management solutions – These solutions include remittance and lockbox processing, remote deposit capture, receivables management, payment processing and paperless treasury management, as well as software, hardware and digital imaging solutions. • Web services – These service offerings include web hosting and domain name services, logo and web design, payroll services, email marketing, search engine marketing and optimization and business incorporation and organization services. • Data-driven marketing solutions – These offerings include outsourced marketing campaign targeting and execution and marketing analytics solutions that help our customers grow revenue through strategic targeting, lead optimization, retention and cross-selling services. • Fraud, security, risk management and operational services – These service offerings include fraud protection and security services, electronic checks and deposits ("ePayments") and digital engagement solutions, including loyalty and rewards programs and financial management tools. Checks – We are one of the largest providers of personal and business checks in the U.S. Forms, accessories and other products – We provide printed business forms, including deposit tickets, billing forms, work orders, job proposals, purchase orders, invoices and personnel forms, as well as computer forms compatible with accounting software packages commonly used by small businesses. We also offer other customized products, including envelopes, office supplies, ink stamps, labels, deposit tickets, check registers and checkbook covers. The following tables present revenue disaggregated by our product and service offerings: Year Ended December 31, 2019 (in thousands) Small Business Services Financial Services Direct Checks Consolidated Marketing solutions and other services: Small business marketing solutions $ 281,552 $ — $ — $ 281,552 Treasury management solutions — 193,527 — 193,527 Web services 166,025 — — 166,025 Data-driven marketing solutions — 157,706 — 157,706 Fraud, security, risk management and operational services 24,572 49,562 13,209 87,343 Total MOS 472,149 400,795 13,209 886,153 Checks 462,950 219,695 100,550 783,195 Forms, accessories and other products 320,680 13,008 5,679 339,367 Total revenue $ 1,255,779 $ 633,498 $ 119,438 $ 2,008,715 Year Ended December 31, 2018 (in thousands) Small Business Services Financial Services Direct Checks Consolidated Marketing solutions and other services: Small business marketing solutions $ 292,245 $ — $ — $ 292,245 Treasury management solutions — 148,011 — 148,011 Web services 161,646 — — 161,646 Data-driven marketing solutions — 147,893 — 147,893 Fraud, security, risk management and operational services 25,460 50,499 14,146 90,105 Total MOS 479,351 346,403 14,146 839,900 Checks 476,751 226,554 107,084 810,389 Forms, accessories and other products 327,518 14,010 6,208 347,736 Total revenue $ 1,283,620 $ 586,967 $ 127,438 $ 1,998,025 Year Ended December 31, 2017 (in thousands) Small Business Services Financial Services Direct Checks Consolidated Marketing solutions and other services: Small business marketing solutions $ 262,192 $ — $ — $ 262,192 Treasury management solutions — 109,240 — 109,240 Web services 131,644 — — 131,644 Data-driven marketing solutions — 150,572 — 150,572 Fraud, security, risk management and operational services 25,491 61,185 15,354 102,030 Total MOS 419,327 320,997 15,354 755,678 Checks 482,928 249,716 118,392 851,036 Forms, accessories and other products 337,484 14,562 6,796 358,842 Total revenue $ 1,239,739 $ 585,275 $ 140,542 $ 1,965,556 The following table presents revenue disaggregated by geography, based on where items are shipped or services are performed: (in thousands) Small Business Services Financial Services Direct Checks Total Year Ended December 31, 2019 U.S. $ 1,157,195 $ 611,403 $ 119,438 $ 1,888,036 Foreign, primarily Canada and Australia 98,584 22,095 — 120,679 Total revenue $ 1,255,779 $ 633,498 $ 119,438 $ 2,008,715 Year Ended December 31, 2018 U.S. $ 1,180,019 $ 563,918 $ 127,438 $ 1,871,375 Foreign, primarily Canada and Australia 103,601 23,049 — 126,650 Total revenue $ 1,283,620 $ 586,967 $ 127,438 $ 1,998,025 Year Ended December 31, 2017 U.S. $ 1,150,055 $ 568,801 $ 140,542 $ 1,859,398 Foreign, primarily Canada and Australia 89,684 16,474 — 106,158 Total revenue $ 1,239,739 $ 585,275 $ 140,542 $ 1,965,556 Substantially all of our long-lived assets reside in the U.S. Long-lived assets of our foreign subsidiaries are located primarily in Canada and Australia and are not significant to our consolidated financial position. The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in Note 1. We allocate corporate costs for our shared services functions to our business segments, including costs of our executive management, human resources, supply chain, real estate, finance, information technology and legal functions. Where costs incurred are directly attributable to a business segment, those costs are charged directly to that segment. Those costs not directly attributable to a business segment, primarily certain human resources costs, are allocated to the segments based on the number of employees in each segment. Corporate assets are not allocated to the segments and consisted primarily of long-term investments and assets related to our corporate shared services functions of manufacturing, information technology and real estate, including property, plant and equipment; internal-use software; operating lease assets; and inventories and supplies. Depreciation and amortization expense related to corporate assets, which was allocated to the segments, was $36,239 in 2019 , $33,812 in 2018 and $33,302 in 2017 . We are an integrated enterprise, characterized by substantial intersegment cooperation, cost allocations and the sharing of assets. Therefore, we do not represent that these segments, if operated independently, would report the operating (loss) income and other financial information shown. The following is our segment information as of and for the years ended December 31: Reportable Business Segments (in thousands) Small Business Services Financial Services Direct Checks Corporate Consolidated Total revenue from external 2019 $ 1,255,779 $ 633,498 $ 119,438 $ — $ 2,008,715 customers: 2018 1,283,620 586,967 127,438 — 1,998,025 2017 1,239,739 585,275 140,542 — 1,965,556 Operating (loss) income: 2019 (124,235 ) (67,524 ) 33,618 — (158,141 ) 2018 119,808 69,939 41,474 — 231,221 2017 181,528 101,047 46,601 — 329,176 Depreciation and amortization 2019 62,138 60,622 3,276 — 126,036 expense: 2018 66,031 61,843 3,226 — 131,100 2017 56,834 62,592 3,226 — 122,652 Asset impairment charges: 2019 273,583 117,397 — — 390,980 2018 99,437 1,882 — — 101,319 2017 54,880 — — — 54,880 Total assets: 2019 841,858 583,555 154,687 363,211 1,943,311 2018 1,094,262 751,242 157,802 301,790 2,305,096 2017 1,081,098 679,547 158,827 289,355 2,208,827 Capital asset purchases: 2019 — — — 66,595 66,595 2018 — — — 62,238 62,238 2017 — — — 47,450 47,450

SUMMARIZED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL

SUMMARIZED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]
SUMMARIZED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (Unaudited)	2019 Quarter Ended (in thousands, except per share amounts) March 31 June 30 September 30 December 31 Total revenue $ 499,065 $ 493,986 $ 493,593 $ 522,071 Gross profit 299,442 291,458 289,870 315,010 Net income (loss) 41,190 32,582 (318,493 ) 44,824 Earnings (loss) per share: Basic 0.93 0.75 (7.49 ) 1.06 Diluted 0.93 0.75 (7.49 ) 1.06 Cash dividends per share 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 2018 Quarter Ended (in thousands, except per share amounts) March 31 June 30 September 30 December 31 Total revenue $ 491,914 $ 488,244 $ 493,190 $ 524,677 Gross profit 303,156 298,043 295,556 309,522 Net income (loss) 63,336 60,207 (31,083 ) 57,170 Earnings (loss) per share: Basic 1.32 1.26 (0.67 ) 1.25 Diluted 1.31 1.25 (0.67 ) 1.25 Cash dividends per share 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 Significant items affecting the comparability of our quarterly results were as follows: 2019 Quarter Ended (in thousands) March 31 June 30 September 30 December 31 Asset impairment charges $ — $ — $ 390,980 $ — Restructuring and integration expense 6,283 17,497 27,674 23,356 Certain legal-related expense 412 6,005 — 3 CEO transition costs 5,488 1,906 1,145 851 Discrete income tax expense (benefit) (1) 926 1,194 62,854 (298 ) 2018 Quarter Ended (in thousands) March 31 June 30 September 30 December 31 Asset impairment charges $ 2,149 $ — $ 99,170 $ — Restructuring and integration expense 2,322 6,371 5,104 7,406 Gain on sales of businesses and customer lists 7,228 3,862 1,765 2,786 Certain legal-related expense 297 631 1,805 7,769 CEO transition costs — 1,530 2,622 3,058 Impact of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (310 ) 441 (1,249 ) (582 ) Other discrete income tax (benefit) expense (1) (579 ) (1,167 ) 15,634 (1,987 ) (1) Relates primarily to the tax effects of share-based compensation and the non-deductible portion of goodwill impairment charges in the third quarter of each year.

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICI_2

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Nature of operations	Nature of operations – We help enterprises, small businesses and financial institutions deepen customer relationships through trusted, technology-enabled solutions, including marketing services and data analytics, treasury management solutions, website development and hosting, promotional products and fraud solutions, as well as customized checks and forms. We are also a leading provider of checks and accessories sold directly to consumers.
Consolidation	Consolidation – The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Deluxe Corporation and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts, transactions and profits have been eliminated.
Comparability	Comparability – The consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2018 has been modified to conform to the current year presentation. The liability for funds held for customers is now presented separately. Previously, this amount was included in accrued liabilities. The investing activities section of the 2017 consolidated statement of cash flows has been modified to include proceeds from company-owned life insurance policies within the other caption. Previously, this amount was presented separately.
Use of estimates	Use of estimates – We have prepared the accompanying consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). In this process, it is necessary for us to make certain estimates and assumptions affecting the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and related notes. Despite our intention to establish accurate estimates and to make reasonable assumptions, actual results may differ from our estimates and assumptions.
Foreign currency translation	Foreign currency translation – The financial statements of our foreign subsidiaries are measured in the respective subsidiaries' functional currencies, primarily Canadian and Australian dollars, and are translated into U.S. dollars. Assets and liabilities are translated using the exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date. Revenue and expenses are translated at the average exchange rates during the year. The resulting translation gains and losses are reflected in accumulated other comprehensive loss in the shareholders' equity section of the consolidated balance sheets. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are recorded in other income on the consolidated statements of (loss) income.
Cash and cash equivalents	Cash and cash equivalents – We consider all cash on hand and other highly liquid investments with original maturities of 3 months or less to be cash and cash equivalents. The carrying amounts reported in the consolidated balance sheets for cash and cash equivalents approximate fair value. Checks issued by us but not presented to the banks for payment may create negative book cash balances. These book overdrafts are included in accounts payable on the consolidated balance sheets and were not significant as of December 31, 2019 or December 31, 2018 .
Trade accounts receivable	Trade accounts receivable – Trade accounts receivable are initially recorded at the invoiced amount upon the sale of goods or services to customers and are not interest-bearing. They are stated net of allowances for uncollectible accounts, which represent estimated losses resulting from the inability of customers to make the required payments. When determining the allowances for uncollectible accounts, we take several factors into consideration, including the overall composition of accounts receivable aging, our prior history of accounts receivable write-offs, the type of customer and our day-to-day knowledge of specific customers. Changes in the allowances for uncollectible accounts are included in selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expense on our consolidated statements of (loss) income. The point at which uncollected accounts are written off varies by type of customer, but generally does not exceed 1 year from the due date of the receivable.
Inventories and supplies	Inventories and supplies – Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Cost is calculated on the first-in, first-out basis. Supplies consist of items not used directly in the production of goods, such as maintenance and other supplies utilized in the production area.
Funds held for customers	Funds held for customers – Our payroll services businesses collect funds from clients to pay their payroll and related taxes. We hold these funds temporarily until payments are remitted to the clients' employees and the appropriate taxing authorities. Certain of the customer contracts for our domestic payroll processing business include legal restrictions regarding the use of these funds. In addition, our treasury management cash receipt processing business remits a portion of cash receipts to our clients the business day following receipt. All of these funds, consisting of cash and available-for-sale debt securities, are reported as funds held for customers on the consolidated balance sheets. The corresponding liability for these obligations is also reported as funds held for customers on the consolidated balance sheets. The available-for-sale debt securities are carried at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses included in accumulated other comprehensive loss on the consolidated balance sheets. Realized gains and losses are included in revenue on the consolidated statements of (loss) income and were not significant during the past 3 years.
Long-term investments	Long-term investments – Long-term investments consist primarily of cash surrender values of company-owned life insurance policies. Certain of these policies fund amounts due under our deferred compensation plan and our inactive supplemental executive retirement plan. Further information regarding these plans can be found in Notes 13 and 14.
Property, plant and equipment	Property, plant and equipment – Property, plant and equipment, including leasehold and other improvements that extend an asset's useful life or productive capabilities, are stated at historical cost less accumulated depreciation. Buildings have been assigned useful lives of 40 years and machinery and equipment are generally assigned useful lives ranging from 1 year to 11 years, with a weighted-average useful life of 7 years as of December 31, 2019 . Buildings are depreciated using the 150% declining balance method, and machinery and equipment is depreciated using the sum-of-the-years' digits method. Leasehold and building improvements are depreciated on the straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the property or the life of the lease, whichever is shorter. Amortization of assets that are recorded under finance leases is included in depreciation expense. Maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred.
Leases	Leases – On January 1, 2019, we adopted Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2016-02, Leasing , and related amendments. We adopted these standards using a modified retrospective approach and the optional transition method under which prior periods are not restated. Adoption of these standards did not have a significant impact on our consolidated statement of (loss) income or our consolidated statement of cash flows. Information regarding the impact on our consolidated balance sheet can be found in Note 2. We determine if an arrangement is a lease at inception by considering whether a contract explicitly or implicitly identifies assets deployed in the arrangement and whether we have obtained substantially all of the economic benefits from the use of the underlying assets and direct how and for what purpose the assets are used during the term of the contract. Lease expense, as well as rent expense in 2018 and 2017, is recognized on the straight-line basis over the lease term and is included in total cost of revenue and in SG&A expense on the consolidated statements of (loss) income. Interest on finance leases, formerly known as capital leases, is included in interest expense on the consolidated statements of (loss) income. Beginning in 2019, operating leases are included in operating lease assets, accrued liabilities and operating lease liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet. Finance leases are included in property, plant and equipment, accrued liabilities and other non-current liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet. Lease assets represent our right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent our obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Operating lease assets and liabilities are recognized at the commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. As our lease agreements typically do not provide an implicit rate, we use our incremental borrowing rate, based on information available at the lease commencement date, in determining the present value of lease payments. Certain of our lease agreements include options to extend or terminate the lease. The lease term takes into account these options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise the option.
Intangibles	Intangibles – Intangible assets are stated at historical cost less accumulated amortization. Amortization expense is generally determined on the straight-line basis, with the exception of customer lists, which are generally amortized using accelerated methods that reflect the pattern in which we receive the economic benefit of the asset. Intangibles have been assigned useful lives ranging from 1 year to 12 years, with a weighted-average useful life of 6 years as of December 31, 2019 . Each reporting period, we evaluate the remaining useful lives of our amortizable intangibles to determine whether events or circumstances warrant a revision to the remaining period of amortization. If our estimate of an asset's remaining useful life is revised, the remaining carrying amount of the asset is amortized prospectively over the revised remaining useful life. Any gains or losses resulting from the disposition of intangibles are included in SG&A expense on the consolidated statements of (loss) income. We capitalize costs of software developed or obtained for internal use, including website development costs, once the preliminary project stage has been completed, management commits to funding the project and it is probable that the project will be completed and the software will be used to perform the function intended. Capitalized costs include only (1) external direct costs of materials and services consumed in developing or obtaining internal-use software, (2) payroll and payroll-related costs for employees who are directly associated with and who devote time to the internal-use software project, and (3) interest costs incurred, when significant, while developing internal-use software. Costs incurred in populating websites with information about the company or products are expensed as incurred. Capitalization of costs ceases when the project is substantially complete and ready for its intended use. The carrying value of internal-use software is reviewed in accordance with our policy on impairment of long-lived assets and amortizable intangibles. We incur costs in connection with the development of certain software products that we sell to our customers. Costs for the development of software products to be sold are expensed as incurred until technological feasibility is established, at which time, such costs are capitalized until the product is available for general release to customers.
Business combinations	Business combinations – We periodically complete business combinations that align with our business strategy. The identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed are recorded at their estimated fair values, and the results of operations of each acquired business are included in our consolidated statements of (loss) income from their acquisition dates. The purchase price for each acquisition is equivalent to the fair value of the consideration transferred, including any contingent consideration. Goodwill is recognized for the excess of the purchase price over the net fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. While we use our best estimates and assumptions, our fair value estimates are inherently uncertain and subject to refinement. As a result, during the measurement period, which may be up to 1 year from the acquisition date, we may record adjustments to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, with the corresponding offset to goodwill. Any adjustments required after the measurement period are recorded in the consolidated statements of (loss) income. Transaction costs related to acquisitions are expensed as incurred and are included in SG&A expense on the consolidated statements of (loss) income.
Impairment of long-lived assets and amortizable intangibles	Impairment of long-lived assets and amortizable intangibles – We evaluate the recoverability of property, plant, equipment and amortizable intangibles not held for sale whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that an asset group's carrying amount may not be recoverable. Such circumstances could include, but are not limited to, (1) a significant decrease in the market value of an asset, (2) a significant adverse change in the extent or manner in which an asset is used or in its physical condition, or (3) an accumulation of costs significantly in excess of the amount originally expected for the acquisition or construction of an asset. We compare the carrying amount of the asset group to the estimated undiscounted future cash flows associated with it. If the sum of the expected future net cash flows is less than the carrying value of the asset group being evaluated, an impairment loss is recognized. The impairment loss is calculated as the amount by which the carrying value of the asset group exceeds its estimated fair value. As quoted market prices are not available for the majority of our assets, the estimate of fair value is based on various valuation techniques, including the discounted value of estimated future cash flows. In each of the past 3 years, we recorded asset impairment charges related to certain intangible assets. Further information regarding these impairment charges can be found in Note 8. We evaluate the recoverability of property, plant, equipment and intangibles held for sale by comparing the asset group's carrying amount with its estimated fair value less costs to sell. If the estimated fair value less costs to sell is less than the carrying value of the asset group, an impairment loss is recognized. The impairment loss is calculated as the amount by which the carrying value of the asset exceeds its estimated fair value less costs to sell. During 2017, we recorded asset impairment charges related to Small Business Services assets held for sale. Further information regarding these impairment charges can be found in Note 8. The evaluation of asset impairment requires us to make assumptions about future cash flows over the life of the asset group being evaluated. These assumptions require judgment and actual results may differ from assumed and estimated amounts.
Impairment of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles	Impairment of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles – We evaluate the carrying value of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles as of July 31 st of each year and between annual evaluations if events occur or circumstances change that would indicate a possible impairment. Such circumstances could include, but are not limited to, (1) a significant adverse change in legal factors or in business climate, (2) unanticipated competition, (3) an adverse change in market conditions that is indicative of a decline in the fair value of the assets, including the loss of a significant customer, (4) a change in our business strategy, or (5) an adverse action or assessment by a regulator. Information regarding the results of our impairment analyses can be found in Note 8. During 2018 and 2017, we held a trade name asset that was assigned an indefinite useful life. In completing the annual impairment analysis of this asset, we elected to perform a quantitative assessment in each year. This assessment compared the carrying amount of the asset to its estimated fair value. The estimate of fair value was based on the relief from royalty method, which calculates the cost savings associated with owning rather than licensing the trade name. An assumed royalty rate was applied to forecasted revenue and the resulting cash flows were discounted. If the estimated fair value was less than the carrying value of the asset, an impairment loss was recognized for the difference. During 2018, our analysis indicated that this asset was fully impaired. Further information regarding this impairment can be found in Note 8. To analyze goodwill for impairment, we must assign our goodwill to individual reporting units. Identification of reporting units includes an analysis of the components that comprise each of our operating segments, which considers, among other things, the manner in which we operate our business and the availability of discrete financial information. Components of an operating segment are aggregated to form 1 reporting unit if the components have similar economic characteristics. We periodically review our reporting units to ensure that they continue to reflect the manner in which we operate our business. When completing our annual goodwill impairment analysis, we have the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If, after this qualitative assessment, we determine it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then performing the quantitative impairment test is unnecessary. When performing a quantitative analysis of goodwill, we calculate the estimated fair value of the reporting unit and compare this amount to the carrying amount of the reporting unit's net assets, including goodwill. We use the income approach to calculate the estimated fair value of a reporting unit. This approach is a valuation technique under which we estimate future cash flows using the reporting unit's financial forecast from the perspective of an unrelated market participant. Using historical trending and internal forecasting techniques, we project revenue and apply our fixed and variable cost experience rates to the projected revenue to arrive at the future cash flows. A terminal value is then applied to the projected cash flow stream. Future estimated cash flows are discounted to their present value to calculate the estimated fair value. Our discount rate is the market-value-weighted average of our estimated cost of capital derived using both known and estimated customary market metrics. In determining the estimated fair values of our reporting units, we are required to estimate a number of factors, including market factors specific to the business, revenue growth rates, economic conditions, anticipated future cash flows, terminal growth rates, the discount rate, direct costs and the allocation of shared and corporate items. When completing a quantitative analysis for all of our reporting units, the summation of our reporting units' fair values is compared to our consolidated fair value, as indicated by our market capitalization, to evaluate the reasonableness of our calculations. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit's net assets exceeds its estimated fair value, an impairment loss is recorded for the difference, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill.
Assets held for sale	Assets held for sale – We record assets held for sale at the lower of their carrying value or estimated fair value less costs to sell. Assets are classified as held for sale on our consolidated balance sheets when all of the following conditions are met: (1) management has the authority and commits to a plan to sell the assets; (2) the assets are available for immediate sale in their present condition; (3) there is an active program to locate a buyer and the plan to sell the assets has been initiated; (4) the sale of the assets is probable within one year; (5) the assets are being actively marketed at a reasonable sales price relative to their current fair value; and (6) it is unlikely that the plan to sell will be withdrawn or that significant changes to the plan will be made. Information regarding assets held for sale can be found in Note 3.
Loans and notes receivable from distributors	Loans and notes receivable from distributors – We have, at times, provided loans to certain of our Safeguard ® distributors to allow them to purchase the operations of other small business distributors. We have also sold distributors and customer lists that we own in exchange for notes receivable. These loans and notes receivable are included in other current assets and other non-current assets on the consolidated balance sheets. Interest is accrued at market interest rates as earned. We continually monitor the credit quality and associated risks of these receivables on an individual basis, based on criteria such as the financial stability of the distributor, historical commissions earned and their reported financial results. We generally withhold commissions payable to the distributors to settle the monthly payments due on the receivables, thus somewhat mitigating the risk that the receivables will not be collected. As of December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 , past due amounts, allowances for credit losses and receivables placed on non-accrual status were not significant. The determination to place receivables on non-accrual status or to resume the accrual of interest is completed on a case-by-case basis, evaluating the specifics of each situation.
Prepaid product discounts	Prepaid product discounts – Certain of our financial institution contracts require prepaid product discounts in the form of upfront cash payments or accruals for amounts owed to financial institution clients. These prepaid product discounts are included in other non-current assets on our consolidated balance sheets and are generally amortized as reductions of revenue on the straight-line basis over the contract term. Currently, these amounts are being amortized over periods up to 14.5 years, with a weighted-average life of 6 years as of December 31, 2019 . Whenever events or changes occur that impact the related contract, including significant declines in the anticipated profitability, we evaluate the carrying value of prepaid product discounts to determine if they are impaired. Should a financial institution cancel a contract prior to the agreement's termination date, or should the volume of orders realized through a financial institution fall below contractually-specified minimums, we generally have a contractual right to a refund of the remaining unamortized prepaid product discount.
Advertising costs	Advertising costs – Deferred advertising costs include materials, printing, labor and postage costs related to direct response advertising programs of our Direct Checks and Small Business Services segments. These costs are amortized as SG&A expense over periods that correspond to the estimated revenue streams of the individual advertisements. The actual revenue streams are analyzed at least annually to monitor the propriety of the amortization periods. Judgment is required in estimating the future revenue streams, especially with regard to check re-orders, which can span an extended period of time. Significant changes in the actual revenue streams would require the amortization periods to be modified, thus impacting our results of operations during the period in which the change occurred and in subsequent periods. Within our Direct Checks segment, approximately 89% of the costs of individual advertisements is expensed within 6 months of the advertisement. The deferred advertising costs of our Small Business Services segment are fully amortized within 6 months of the advertisement. Deferred advertising costs are included in other current assets and other non-current assets on the consolidated balance sheets. Non-direct response advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Catalogs provided to financial institution clients are accounted for as prepaid assets until they are shipped to financial institutions. The total amount of advertising expense, including direct response and non-direct response advertising, was $70,798 in 2019 , $74,549 in 2018 and $78,722 in 2017 .
Litigation	Litigation – We are party to legal actions and claims arising in the ordinary course of business. We record accruals for legal matters when the expected outcome of these matters is either known or considered probable and can be reasonably estimated. Our accruals do not include related legal and other costs expected to be incurred in defense of legal actions. Further information regarding litigation can be found in Note 17.
Income taxes	Income taxes – We estimate our income tax provision based on the various jurisdictions where we conduct business. Judgment is required in determining our worldwide income tax provision. We estimate our current tax liability and record deferred income taxes resulting from temporary differences between the financial reporting basis of assets and liabilities and their respective tax reporting bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences reverse. Net deferred tax assets are recognized to the extent that realization of such benefits is more likely than not. To the extent that we believe realization is not likely, we establish a valuation allowance against the net deferred tax assets. We are subject to tax audits in numerous domestic and foreign tax jurisdictions. Tax audits are often complex and can require several years to complete. In the normal course of business, we are subject to challenges from the Internal Revenue Service and other tax authorities regarding the amount of taxes due. These challenges may alter the timing or amount of taxable income or deductions, or the allocation of income among tax jurisdictions. We recognize the benefits of tax return positions in the financial statements when they are more-likely-than-not to be sustained by the taxing authorities based solely on the technical merits of the position. If the recognition threshold is met, the tax benefit is measured and recognized as the largest amount of tax benefit that, in our judgment, is greater than 50% likely to be realized. Accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax positions is included in our provision for income taxes on the consolidated statements of (loss) income.
Derivative financial instruments	Derivative financial instruments – As of December 31, 2019, we had an outstanding interest rate swap related to amounts drawn under our revolving credit facility. We did not have any derivative instruments outstanding as of December 31, 2018. Further Information regarding our derivative financial instruments can be found in Note 7. We do not use derivative financial instruments for speculative or trading purposes. Our policy is that all derivative transactions must be linked to an existing balance sheet item or firm commitment, and the notional amount cannot exceed the value of the exposure being hedged. We recognize all derivative financial instruments on the consolidated financial statements at fair value regardless of the purpose or intent for holding the instrument. Changes in the fair value of derivative financial instruments are recognized periodically either in income or in shareholders' equity as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss, depending on whether the derivative financial instrument qualifies for hedge accounting, and if so, whether it qualifies as a fair value hedge or a cash flow hedge and whether the hedge is effective. Generally, changes in the fair value of derivatives accounted for as fair value hedges are recorded in income along with the portion of the change in the fair value of the hedged items that relate to the hedged risk. Changes in the fair value of derivatives accounted for as cash flow hedges, to the extent they are effective as hedges, are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax. We classify the cash flows from derivative instruments that have been designated as fair value or cash flow hedges in the same category as the cash flows from the items being hedged. Changes in the fair value of derivatives not qualifying as hedges and the ineffective portion of hedges are reported in income.
Revenue recognition	Revenue recognition – On January 1, 2018, we adopted ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, and related amendments. We applied the new standards using the modified retrospective approach under which the cumulative effect of initially applying the standards was recorded as an adjustment to retained earnings as of the date of adoption. As such, our results for 2017 were not revised and continue to be reported under the accounting standards in effect at that time. The impact of these standards on our 2018 consolidated statement of income was not significant. Beginning in 2018, our product revenue is recognized when control of the goods is transferred to customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to be entitled to in exchange for those goods. In most cases, control is transferred when products are shipped. We have elected to account for shipping and handling activities that occur after the customer has obtained control of the product as fulfillment activities and not as separate performance obligations. For our service revenues, we recognize the vast majority of this revenue as services are provided. The majority of our contracts are for the shipment of tangible products or the delivery of services that have a single performance obligation or include multiple performance obligations where control is transferred at the same time. During 2017, revenue was recognized when (1) persuasive evidence of an arrangement existed, (2) delivery occurred or services were rendered, (3) the sales price was fixed or determinable, and (4) collectibility was reasonably assured. Our product revenue was recognized upon shipment or customer receipt, based upon the transfer of title, and we recognized the majority of our service revenue as the services were provided. In all periods, revenue is presented on the consolidated statements of (loss) income net of rebates, discounts, amortization of prepaid product discounts, and taxes collected concurrent with revenue-producing activities. Many of our check supply contracts with financial institutions provide for rebates on certain products. We record these rebates as reductions of revenue and as accrued liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets when the related revenue is recognized. Amounts billed to customers for shipping and handling are included in revenue, while the related shipping and handling costs are reflected in cost of products and are accrued when the related revenue is recognized. When another party is involved in providing goods or services to a customer, we must determine whether our obligation is to provide the specified good or service itself (i.e., we are the principal in the transaction) or to arrange for that good or service to be provided by the other party (i.e., we are an agent in the transaction). When we are responsible for satisfying a performance obligation, based on our ability to control the product or service provided, we are considered the principal and revenue is recognized for the gross amount of consideration. When the other party is primarily responsible for satisfying a performance obligation, we are considered the agent and revenue is recognized in the amount of any fee or commission to which we are entitled. Within our Small Business Services segment, we sell certain products and services through a network of Safeguard distributors. We have determined that we are the principal in these transactions and revenue is recorded for the gross amount of consideration. Certain of our contracts for data-driven marketing solutions and treasury management outsourcing services have variable consideration that is contingent on either the success of the marketing campaign ("pay-for-performance") or the volume of outsourcing services provided. We recognize revenue for estimated variable consideration as services are provided based on the most likely amount to be realized. Revenue is recognized to the extent that it is probable that a significant reversal of revenue will not occur when the contingency is resolved. Estimates regarding the recognition of variable consideration are updated each quarter. Typically, the amount of consideration for these contracts is finalized within 4 months, although pricing under certain of our outsourcing contracts may be based on annual volume commitments. Revenue recognized from these contracts was approximately $200,000 in 2019. Our payment terms vary by type of customer and the products or services offered. The time period between invoicing and when payment is due is not significant. For certain products, services and customer types, we require payment before the products or services are delivered to the customer. When a customer pays in advance, primarily for treasury management solutions and web hosting services, we defer the revenue and recognize it as the services are performed, generally over a period of less than 1 year. Deferred revenue is included in accrued liabilities and other non-current liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets. In addition to the amounts included in deferred revenue, we will recognize revenue in future periods related to remaining performance obligations for certain of our data-driven marketing and treasury management solutions contracts. Generally, these contracts have terms of 1 year or less and many have terms of 3 months or less, and therefore, we disregard any potential financing component. The amount of revenue related to these unsatisfied performance obligations is not significant to our annual consolidated revenue. When the revenue recognized for uncompleted contracts exceeds the amount of customer billings and the right to receive the consideration is conditional, a contract asset is recorded. These amounts are included in revenue in excess of billings on the consolidated balance sheets. Additionally, we record an asset for unbilled receivables when the revenue recognized has not been billed to customers in accordance with contractually stated billing terms and the right to receive the consideration is unconditional. These amounts are also included in revenue in excess of billings on the consolidated balance sheets. Beginning in 2018, we began recording sales commissions related to obtaining check supply and treasury management solution contracts as other non-current assets on the consolidated balance sheets. These assets are amortized as SG&A expense on the straight-line basis, which approximates the timing of the transfer of goods or services to the customer. Generally, these amounts are being amortized over periods of 3 to 5 years. We expense these sales commissions as incurred when the amortization period would be 1 year or less.
Restructuring and integration expense	Restructuring and integration expense – We incur restructuring and integration expense as a result of fundamental changes in the manner in which certain business functions are conducted, including the integration of acquired businesses into our systems and processes and the consolidation and migration of certain applications and processes. We also incur expenses resulting from our various cost management efforts, including facility closings and the relocation of business activities. These expenses consist of costs that are expensed when incurred, such as information technology consulting and project management costs, internal labor, employee and equipment moves, training and travel, as well as costs that are accrued for employee termination benefits payable under our ongoing severance benefit plan. We record accruals for employee termination benefits when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the liability is reasonably estimable. We are required to make estimates and assumptions in calculating the restructuring accruals as, on some occasions, employees choose to voluntarily leave the company prior to their termination date or they secure another position within the company. In these situations, the employees do not receive termination benefits. To the extent our assumptions and estimates differ from our actual costs, subsequent adjustments to restructuring and integration accruals have been and will be required. Restructuring and integration accruals are included in accrued liabilities and other non-current liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets.
Employee share-based compensation	Employee share-based compensation – Our share-based compensation consists of non-qualified stock options, restricted stock units, restricted stock, performance share awards and an employee stock purchase plan. Employee share-based compensation expense is included in total cost of revenue and in SG&A expense on our consolidated statements of (loss) income, based on the functional areas of the employees receiving the awards, and is recognized as follows: • The fair value of stock options is measured on the grant date using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The related compensation expense is recognized on the straight-line basis, net of estimated forfeitures, over the options' vesting periods. • The fair value of restricted stock and a portion of our restricted stock unit awards is measured on the grant date based on the market value of our common stock. The related compensation expense, net of estimated forfeitures, is recognized over the applicable service period. • Certain of our restricted stock unit awards may be settled in cash if an employee voluntarily chooses to leave the company. These awards are included in accrued liabilities and other non-current liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets and are re-measured at fair value as of each balance sheet date. • Compensation expense resulting from the 15% discount provided under our employee stock purchase plan is recognized over the purchase period of 6 months. • The performance share awards specify certain performance and market-based conditions that must be achieved in order for the awards to vest. For the portion of the awards based on a performance condition, the performance target is not considered in determining the fair value of the awards and thus, fair value is measured on the grant date based on the market value of our common stock. The related compensation expense for this type of award is recognized, net of estimated forfeitures, over the related service period. The amount of compensation expense is dependent on our periodic assessment of the probability of the targets being achieved and our estimate, which may vary over time, of the number of shares that ultimately will be issued. For the portion of the awards based on a market condition, fair value is calculated on the grant date using the Monte Carlo simulation model. All compensation cost for these awards is recognized, net of estimated forfeitures, over the related service period, even if the market condition is never satisfied.
Postretirement benefit plan	Postretirement benefit plan – We have historically provided certain health care benefits for a large number of retired U.S. employees hired prior to January 1, 2002. Our postretirement benefit income and obligation are calculated utilizing various actuarial assumptions and methodologies. These assumptions include, but are not limited to, the discount rate, the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets, estimated medical claims, the expected health care cost trend rate and the average remaining life expectancy of plan participants. We analyze the assumptions used each year when we complete our actuarial valuation of the plan. When actual events differ from our assumptions or when we change the assumptions used, an unrecognized actuarial gain or loss results. The gain or loss is recognized immediately on the consolidated balance sheets within accumulated comprehensive loss and is amortized into postretirement benefit income over the average remaining life expectancy of inactive plan participants, as a large percentage of our plan participants are classified as inactive. The valuation of our postretirement plan requires judgment about circumstances that are inherently uncertain, including projected equity market performance, the number of plan participants, catastrophic health care events for our plan participants and a significant change in medical costs. Actual results may differ from assumed and estimated amounts.
(Loss) earnings per share	(Loss) earnings per share – We calculate (loss) earnings per share using the two-class method, as we have unvested share-based payment awards that contain nonforfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalent payments. The two-class method is an earnings allocation formula that determines (loss) earnings per share for each class of common stock and participating security according to dividends declared and participation rights in undistributed earnings. Basic (loss) earnings per share is based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the year. Diluted (loss) earnings per share is based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the year, adjusted to give effect to potential common shares such as stock options and other awards that are not participating securities, calculated using the treasury stock method.
Comprehensive (loss) income	Comprehensive (loss) income – Comprehensive (loss) income includes charges and credits to shareholders' equity that are not the result of transactions with shareholders. Our total comprehensive (loss) income consists of net (loss) income, changes in the funded status and amortization of amounts related to our postretirement benefit plans, unrealized gains and losses on our cash flow hedge, unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale debt securities and foreign currency translation adjustments. The items of other comprehensive (loss) income are included in accumulated other comprehensive loss on the consolidated balance sheets and statements of shareholders' equity, net of their related tax impacts. We release stranded income tax effects from accumulated other comprehensive loss when the circumstances upon which they are premised cease to exist.

NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS (

NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]
New accounting pronouncements	We elected the practical expedient package outlined in ASU No. 2016-02 under which we did not have to reassess whether an arrangement contains a lease, we carried forward our previous classification of leases as either operating or capital leases, and we did not reassess previously recorded initial direct costs. Additionally, we made the following policy elections: • we excluded leases with original terms of 12 months or less from lease assets and lease liabilities; • we separated nonlease components, such as common area maintenance charges and utilities, from the associated lease component for real estate leases, based on their estimated fair values; and • we used the accounting lease term when determining the incremental borrowing rate for leases with renewal options.

SUPPLEMENTAL BALANCE SHEET AN_2

SUPPLEMENTAL BALANCE SHEET AND CASH FLOR INFORMATION (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Supplemental balance sheet and cash flow information [Abstract]
Trade accounts receivable	Net trade accounts receivable was comprised of the following at December 31: (in thousands) 2019 2018 Trade accounts receivable – gross $ 168,406 $ 177,501 Allowances for uncollectible accounts (4,985 ) (3,639 ) Trade accounts receivable – net $ 163,421 $ 173,862 Changes in the allowances for uncollectible accounts for the years ended December 31 were as follows: (in thousands) 2019 2018 2017 Balance, beginning of year $ 3,639 $ 2,884 $ 2,828 Bad debt expense 5,213 3,622 3,208 Write-offs, net of recoveries (3,867 ) (2,867 ) (3,152 ) Balance, end of year $ 4,985 $ 3,639 $ 2,884
Inventories and supplies	Inventories and supplies were comprised of the following at December 31: (in thousands) 2019 2018 Raw materials $ 6,977 $ 7,543 Semi-finished goods 7,368 7,273 Finished goods 21,982 27,608 Supplies 3,594 4,017 Inventories and supplies $ 39,921 $ 46,441
Available-for-sale debt securities	Available-for-sale debt securities included within funds held for customers were comprised of the following: December 31, 2019 (in thousands) Cost Gross unrealized gains Gross unrealized losses Fair value Funds held for customers: (1) Domestic money market fund $ 18,000 $ — $ — $ 18,000 Canadian and provincial government securities 9,056 — (304 ) 8,752 Canadian guaranteed investment certificates 7,698 — — 7,698 Available-for-sale debt securities $ 34,754 $ — $ (304 ) $ 34,450 (1) Funds held for customers, as reported on the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2019 , also included cash of $83,191 . December 31, 2018 (in thousands) Cost Gross unrealized gains Gross unrealized losses Fair value Funds held for customers: (1) Domestic money market fund $ 16,000 $ — $ — $ 16,000 Canadian and provincial government securities 8,485 — (355 ) 8,130 Canadian guaranteed investment certificates 7,333 — — 7,333 Available-for-sale debt securities $ 31,818 $ — $ (355 ) $ 31,463 (1) Funds held for customers, as reported on the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2018 , also included cash of $69,519 .
Expected maturities of available-for-sale debt securities	Expected maturities of available-for-sale debt securities as of December 31, 2019 were as follows: (in thousands) Fair value Due in one year or less $ 28,700 Due in two to five years 3,282 Due in six to ten years 2,468 Available-for-sale debt securities $ 34,450
Revenue in excess of billings	Revenue in excess of billings – Revenue in excess of billings was comprised of the following at December 31: (in thousands) 2019 2018 Conditional right to receive consideration $ 24,499 $ 19,705 Unconditional right to receive consideration 8,291 10,753 Revenue in excess of billings $ 32,790 $ 30,458
Property, plant and equipment	Property, plant and equipment was comprised of the following at December 31: 2019 2018 (in thousands) Gross carrying amount Accumulated depreciation Net carrying amount Gross carrying amount Accumulated depreciation Net carrying amount Machinery and equipment $ 327,151 $ (282,741 ) $ 44,410 $ 313,000 $ (275,721 ) $ 37,279 Buildings and improvements 118,284 (86,162 ) 32,122 116,348 (83,317 ) 33,031 Land and improvements 28,212 (8,277 ) 19,935 28,199 (8,167 ) 20,032 Property, plant and equipment $ 473,647 $ (377,180 ) $ 96,467 $ 457,547 $ (367,205 ) $ 90,342
Intangibles	Amortizable intangibles were comprised of the following at December 31: 2019 2018 (in thousands) Gross carrying amount Accumulated amortization Net carrying amount Gross carrying amount Accumulated amortization Net carrying amount Internal-use software $ 380,905 $ (299,698 ) $ 81,207 $ 388,477 $ (308,313 ) $ 80,164 Customer lists/relationships 348,055 (187,462 ) 160,593 379,570 (170,973 ) 208,597 Software to be sold 36,900 (19,657 ) 17,243 36,900 (15,430 ) 21,470 Technology-based intangibles 34,780 (22,122 ) 12,658 40,000 (14,707 ) 25,293 Trade names 32,505 (28,084 ) 4,421 50,645 (26,204 ) 24,441 Intangibles $ 833,145 $ (557,023 ) $ 276,122 $ 895,592 $ (535,627 ) $ 359,965
Amortization of intangibles	Amortization expense related to intangibles was as follows for the years ended December 31: (in thousands) 2019 2018 2017 Customer lists/relationships $ 51,243 $ 57,243 $ 54,450 Internal-use software 41,258 38,307 35,952 Technology-based intangibles 7,415 7,607 6,400 Trade names 5,391 6,362 5,789 Software to be sold 4,227 5,009 4,193 Amortization of intangibles $ 109,534 $ 114,528 $ 106,784
Estimated amortization expense	Based on the intangibles in service as of December 31, 2019 , estimated amortization expense for each of the next five years ending December 31 is as follows: (in thousands) Estimated amortization expense 2020 $ 90,381 2021 69,249 2022 42,415 2023 28,133 2024 17,296
Acquired intangibles	We acquire internal-use software in the normal course of business. We also acquire intangible assets in conjunction with acquisitions (Note 6). The following intangible assets were acquired during the years ended December 31: 2019 2018 2017 (in thousands) Amount Weighted-average amortization period (in years) Amount Weighted-average amortization period (in years) Amount Weighted-average amortization period (in years) Internal-use software $ 43,991 3 $ 42,744 3 $ 38,422 3 Customer lists/relationships (1) 17,771 8 60,775 8 60,034 7 Trade names — — 14,700 7 10,000 6 Technology-based intangibles — — 7,500 5 800 3 Software to be sold — — — — 2,200 5 Acquired intangibles $ 61,762 5 $ 125,719 6 $ 111,456 6 (1) We acquired customer lists that did not qualify as business combinations of $11,956 during 2019 and $1,188 during 2018.
Goodwill	Changes in goodwill by reportable segment and in total were as follows: (in thousands) Small Business Services Financial Services Direct Checks Total Balance, December 31, 2017: Goodwill, gross $ 706,568 $ 324,239 $ 148,506 $ 1,179,313 Accumulated impairment charges (48,379 ) — — (48,379 ) Goodwill, net of accumulated impairment charges 658,189 324,239 148,506 1,130,934 Impairment charge (Note 8) (78,188 ) — — (78,188 ) Goodwill resulting from acquisitions (Note 6) 59,488 46,419 — 105,907 Measurement-period adjustments for prior year acquisitions (Note 6) 1,420 2,763 — 4,183 Adjustment of assets held for sale 635 — — 635 Currency translation adjustment (2,845 ) — — (2,845 ) Balance, December 31, 2018 $ 638,699 $ 373,421 $ 148,506 $ 1,160,626 Balance, December 31, 2018: Goodwill, gross $ 765,266 $ 373,421 $ 148,506 $ 1,287,193 Accumulated impairment charges (126,567 ) — — (126,567 ) Goodwill, net of accumulated impairment charges 638,699 373,421 148,506 1,160,626 Impairment charges (Note 8) (242,267 ) (115,474 ) — (357,741 ) Goodwill resulting from acquisitions (Note 6) — 4,174 — 4,174 Measurement-period adjustments for prior year acquisitions (Note 6) (340 ) (1,426 ) — (1,766 ) Currency translation adjustment (806 ) — — (806 ) Balance, December 31, 2019 $ 395,286 $ 260,695 $ 148,506 $ 804,487 Balance, December 31, 2019: Goodwill, gross $ 764,120 $ 376,169 $ 148,506 $ 1,288,795 Accumulated impairment charges (368,834 ) (115,474 ) — (484,308 ) Goodwill, net of accumulated impairment charges $ 395,286 $ 260,695 $ 148,506 $ 804,487
Other non-current assets	Other non-current assets were comprised of the following at December 31: (in thousands) 2019 2018 Loans and notes receivable from Safeguard distributors $ 66,872 $ 78,693 Postretirement benefit plan asset (Note 14) 56,743 41,259 Prepaid product discounts 51,145 54,642 Deferred sales commissions (1) 9,682 6,482 Other 13,428 15,032 Other non-current assets $ 197,870 $ 196,108 (1) Amortization of deferred sales commission was $3,108 for 2019 and $2,722 for 2018 .
Changes in prepaid product discounts	Changes in prepaid product discounts were as follows for the years ended December 31: (in thousands) 2019 2018 2017 Balance, beginning of year $ 54,642 $ 63,895 $ 65,792 Additions (1) 21,068 14,023 18,224 Amortization (24,055 ) (22,941 ) (19,969 ) Other (510 ) (335 ) (152 ) Balance, end of year $ 51,145 $ 54,642 $ 63,895 (1) Prepaid product discounts are generally accrued upon contract execution. Cash payments made for prepaid product discounts were $25,637 for 2019 , $23,814 for 2018 and $27,079 for 2017 .
Accrued liabilities	Accrued liabilities were comprised of the following at December 31: (in thousands) 2019 2018 Deferred revenue (1) $ 46,098 $ 54,313 Employee cash bonuses 36,918 31,286 Prepaid product discounts due within one year 14,709 10,926 Operating lease liabilities 12,898 — Customer rebates 8,944 9,555 Other 59,771 78,383 Accrued liabilities $ 179,338 $ 184,463 (1) $51,386 of the December 31, 2018 amount was recognized as revenue during 2019 .
Supplemental cash flow information	Supplemental cash flow information was as follows for the years ended December 31: (in thousands) 2019 2018 2017 Reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents to the consolidated balance sheets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 73,620 $ 59,740 $ 59,240 Restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents included in funds held for customers 101,191 85,519 69,579 Total cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents $ 174,811 $ 145,259 $ 128,819 Income taxes paid $ 60,764 $ 88,253 $ 124,878 Interest paid 33,227 25,910 19,465 Non-cash investing activities: Proceeds from sales of assets – notes receivable 1,685 35,616 24,497

(LOSS) EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tabl

(LOSS) EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
(Loss) earnings per share	The following table reflects the calculation of basic and diluted (loss) earnings per share. During each period, certain stock options, as noted below, were excluded from the calculation of diluted (loss) earnings per share because their effect would have been antidilutive. (in thousands, except per share amounts) 2019 2018 2017 (Loss) earnings per share – basic: Net (loss) income $ (199,897 ) $ 149,630 $ 230,155 Income allocated to participating securities (101 ) (617 ) (1,457 ) (Loss) income available to common shareholders $ (199,998 ) $ 149,013 $ 228,698 Weighted-average shares outstanding 43,029 46,842 48,127 (Loss) earnings per share – basic $ (4.65 ) $ 3.18 $ 4.75 (Loss) earnings per share – diluted: Net (loss) income $ (199,897 ) $ 149,630 $ 230,155 Income allocated to participating securities (101 ) (616 ) (1,450 ) Re-measurement of share-based awards classified as liabilities — (471 ) 59 (Loss) income available to common shareholders $ (199,998 ) $ 148,543 $ 228,764 Weighted-average shares outstanding 43,029 46,842 48,127 Dilutive impact of potential common shares — 149 321 Weighted-average shares and potential common shares outstanding 43,029 46,991 48,448 (Loss) earnings per share – diluted $ (4.65 ) $ 3.16 $ 4.72 Antidilutive options excluded from calculation 1,347 1,209 262

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (L_2

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent [Abstract]
Reclassification adjustments	Information regarding amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net (loss) income was as follows: Accumulated other comprehensive loss components Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss Affected line item in consolidated statements of (loss) income (in thousands) 2019 2018 2017 Realized gains on interest rate swap $ 77 $ — $ — Interest expense Tax expense (20 ) — — Income tax provision Realized gains on interest rate swap, net of tax 57 — — Net (loss) income Amortization of postretirement benefit plan items: Prior service credit 1,421 1,421 1,421 Other income Net actuarial loss (3,223 ) (2,884 ) (3,637 ) Other income Total amortization (1,802 ) (1,463 ) (2,216 ) Other income Tax benefit 273 491 372 Income tax provision Amortization of postretirement benefit plan items, net of tax (1,529 ) (972 ) (1,844 ) Net (loss) income Total reclassifications, net of tax $ (1,472 ) $ (972 ) $ (1,844 )
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	Changes in the components of accumulated other comprehensive loss were as follows for the years ended December 31: (in thousands) Postretirement benefit plans Net unrealized loss on marketable debt securities Net unrealized loss on cash flow hedge Currency translation adjustment Accumulated other comprehensive loss Balance, December 31, 2016 $ (35,684 ) $ (213 ) $ — $ (14,474 ) $ (50,371 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 7,011 (109 ) — 4,028 10,930 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss 1,844 — — — 1,844 Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) 8,855 (109 ) — 4,028 12,774 Balance, December 31, 2017 (26,829 ) (322 ) — (10,446 ) (37,597 ) Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications (3,805 ) (1 ) — (9,281 ) (13,087 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss 972 — — — 972 Net current-period other comprehensive loss (2,833 ) (1 ) — (9,281 ) (12,115 ) Adoption of ASU No. 2018-02 (6,867 ) — — — (6,867 ) Balance, December 31, 2018 (36,529 ) (323 ) — (19,727 ) (56,579 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 6,594 48 (1,040 ) 1,558 7,160 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss 1,529 — (57 ) — 1,472 Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) 8,123 48 (1,097 ) 1,558 8,632 Balance, December 31, 2019 $ (28,406 ) $ (275 ) $ (1,097 ) $ (18,169 ) $ (47,947 )

ACQUISITIONS (Tables)

ACQUISITIONS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Purchase price allocation	The following illustrates the allocation of the aggregate purchase price for the above acquisitions to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed: (in thousands) 2019 acquisitions (1) 2018 acquisitions (2) 2017 acquisitions (3) Net tangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed (4) $ 2,735 $ 8,200 $ (1,956 ) Identifiable intangible assets: Customer lists/relationships 5,815 60,587 58,620 Trade names — 14,700 10,000 Technology-based intangibles — 7,500 800 Software to be sold — — 2,200 Internal-use software 276 — 1,445 Total intangible assets 6,091 82,787 73,065 Goodwill 4,174 104,140 63,941 Total aggregate purchase price 13,000 195,127 135,050 Liabilities for holdback payments and contingent consideration (5) (3,000 ) (1,078 ) (5,980 ) Non-cash consideration (6) — (1,060 ) — Net cash paid for current year acquisitions 10,000 192,989 129,070 Holdback payments for prior year acquisitions 1,605 21,269 10,153 Payments for acquisitions, net of cash acquired (7) $ 11,605 $ 214,258 $ 139,223 (1) Net tangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed for 2019 consisted primarily of operating lease assets and property, plant and equipment, as well as operating lease liabilities. (2) Net tangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed for 2018 consisted primarily of REMITCO accounts receivable and Logomix deferred income tax liabilities. Amounts include measurement-period adjustments recorded in 2019 for the finalization of purchase accounting for certain of the 2018 acquisitions. These adjustments decreased goodwill $1,766 , with the offset to various assets and liabilities, including a $1,000 increase in customer list intangible assets. (3) Net tangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed for 2017 consisted primarily of accounts receivable, marketable securities, inventory and accrued liabilities of RDM and Digital Pacific. Amounts include measurement-period adjustments recorded in 2018 for the finalization of purchase accounting for several of the 2017 acquisitions. These adjustments increased goodwill $4,183 , with the offset to various assets and liabilities, including deferred revenue, deferred income taxes and other long-term liabilities, as well as a decrease of $1,654 in customer list intangibles and an increase in internal-use software of $1,000 . (4) Net tangible assets acquired included trade accounts receivable of $11,564 during 2018 and $4,544 during 2017 . (5) Consists of holdback payments due at future dates and liabilities for contingent consideration, which were not significant. (6) Consists of pre-acquisition amounts owed to us by certain of the acquired businesses. (7) Cash and cash equivalents acquired were $1,692 during 2018 and $27,299 during 2017 .

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Nonrecurring fair value measurements	Information regarding the impairment analyses completed during each year was as follows: Fair value measurements using Fair value as of measurement date Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets Significant other observable inputs Significant unobservable inputs Asset impairment charge (in thousands) (Level 1) (Level 2) (Level 3) 2019 analyses: Intangible assets (Small Business Services) (1), (2) $ 8,379 $ — $ — $ 8,379 $ 31,316 Customer list (Financial Services) — — — — 1,923 Goodwill 357,741 Total $ 390,980 2018 analyses: Indefinite-lived trade name (Small Business Services) $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 19,100 Customer list (Small Business Services) — — — — 2,149 Customer lists (Financial Services) (1) 4,223 — — 4,223 1,882 Goodwill 78,188 Total $ 101,319 2017 analyses: Trade name (Small Business Services) $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 14,752 Assets held for sale (Small Business Services) 3,500 — — 3,500 8,250 Other (Small Business Services) — — — — 3,499 Goodwill 28,379 Total $ 54,880 (1) The fair value presented is for the entire asset group that includes the impaired assets. (2) The impairment charge consisted of $14,441 related to trade names, $11,655 related to customer lists and $5,220 related to technology-based intangible assets.
Fair value of financial instruments	Information regarding the fair values of our financial instruments was as follows: Fair value measurements using Balance sheet location December 31, 2019 Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) (in thousands) Carrying value Fair value Measured at fair value through comprehensive (loss) income: Cash equivalents Funds held for customers $ 18,000 $ 18,000 $ 18,000 $ — $ — Available-for-sale debt securities Funds held for customers 16,450 16,450 — 16,450 — Derivative liability (Note 7) Other non-current liabilities (1,480 ) (1,480 ) — (1,480 ) — Amortized cost: Cash Cash and cash equivalents 73,620 73,620 73,620 — — Cash Funds held for customers 83,191 83,191 83,191 — — Loans and notes receivable from Safeguard distributors Other current and non-current assets 70,383 68,887 — — 68,887 Long-term debt Long-term debt 883,500 883,500 — 883,500 — Fair value measurements using Balance sheet location December 31, 2018 Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) (in thousands) Carrying value Fair value Measured at fair value through comprehensive (loss) income: Cash equivalents Funds held for customers $ 16,000 $ 16,000 $ 16,000 $ — $ — Available-for-sale debt securities Funds held for customers 15,463 15,463 — 15,463 — Amortized cost: Cash Cash and cash equivalents 59,740 59,740 59,740 — — Cash Funds held for customers 69,519 69,519 69,519 — — Loans and notes receivable from Safeguard distributors Other current and non-current assets 81,560 60,795 — — 60,795 Long-term debt (1) Long-term debt 910,000 910,000 — 910,000 — (1) Amounts exclude capital lease obligations.

RESTRUCTURING AND INTEGRATION_2

RESTRUCTURING AND INTEGRATION EXPENSE (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring and integration expense	Restructuring and integration expense is reflected on the consolidated statements of (loss) income as follows for the years ended December 31: (in thousands) 2019 2018 2017 Total cost of revenue $ 3,562 $ 1,466 $ 568 Operating expenses 71,248 19,737 8,562 Restructuring and integration expense $ 74,810 $ 21,203 $ 9,130 The following presents restructuring and integration expense by segment. Corporate expenses are allocated to the segments based on the allocation methodology described in Note 19. (in thousands) Small Business Services Financial Services Direct Checks Consolidated 2019 $ 49,634 $ 20,879 $ 4,297 $ 74,810 2018 10,837 10,087 279 21,203 2017 4,775 3,950 405 9,130 Restructuring and integration expense was comprised of the following for the years ended December 31: (in thousands) 2019 2018 2017 External consulting fees $ 45,638 $ 8,509 $ 516 Internal labor 12,115 4,654 1,127 Employee severance benefits 10,865 5,774 7,176 Other 6,192 2,266 311 Restructuring and integration expense $ 74,810 $ 21,203 $ 9,130
Changes in restructuring and integration accruals	Changes in our restructuring and integration accruals were as follows: (in thousands) Employee severance benefits Operating lease obligations Total Balance, December 31, 2016 $ 4,181 $ — $ 4,181 Charges 7,843 23 7,866 Reversals (667 ) — (667 ) Payments (6,981 ) (19 ) (7,000 ) Balance, December 31, 2017 4,376 4 4,380 Charges 7,672 597 8,269 Reversals (1,898 ) (71 ) (1,969 ) Payments (6,971 ) (248 ) (7,219 ) Balance, December 31, 2018 3,179 282 3,461 Charges 11,516 — 11,516 Reversals (651 ) — (651 ) Payments (10,585 ) — (10,585 ) Adoption of ASU No. 2016-02 (1) — (282 ) (282 ) Balance, December 31, 2019 $ 3,459 $ — $ 3,459 (1) Upon adoption of ASU No. 2016-02, Leasing , and related amendments on January 1, 2019 (Note 2), our operating lease obligation accrual was reversed and the related operating lease asset was analyzed for impairment in accordance with the new guidance.

INCOME TAX PROVISION (Tables)

INCOME TAX PROVISION (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
(Loss) income before income taxes	(Loss) income before income taxes was comprised of the following for the years ended December 31: (in thousands) 2019 2018 2017 U.S. $ (161,733 ) $ 198,727 $ 299,424 Foreign (23,897 ) 13,904 13,403 (Loss) income before income taxes $ (185,630 ) $ 212,631 $ 312,827
Components of income tax provision	The components of the income tax provision were as follows for the years ended December 31: (in thousands) 2019 2018 2017 Current tax provision: Federal $ 36,967 $ 57,117 $ 104,079 State 7,400 11,319 12,996 Foreign 4,850 5,921 4,774 Total current tax provision 49,217 74,357 121,849 Deferred tax provision: Federal (30,095 ) (7,220 ) (37,471 ) State (7,070 ) (1,701 ) (491 ) Foreign 2,215 (2,435 ) (1,215 ) Total deferred tax provision (34,950 ) (11,356 ) (39,177 ) Income tax provision $ 14,267 $ 63,001 $ 82,672
Effective tax rate reconciliation	The effective tax rate on pre-tax (loss) income reconciles to the U.S. federal statutory tax rate for the years ended December 31 as follows: 2019 2018 2017 Income tax at federal statutory rate 21.0 % 21.0 % 35.0 % Goodwill impairment charge (29.3 %) 7.1 % 1.5 % Change in valuation allowances (1) (4.5 %) 0.1 % (0.3 %) Net tax benefit of share-based compensation (1.1 %) (0.8 %) (1.6 %) State income tax expense, net of federal income tax benefit 4.9 % 3.0 % 2.7 % Foreign tax rate differences 1.3 % 0.4 % (0.3 %) Impact of Tax Cuts and Jobs Act — (0.8 %) (6.6 %) Qualified production activities deduction — — (3.2 %) Other — (0.4 %) (0.8 %) Effective tax rate (7.7 %) 29.6 % 26.4 % (1) During the quarter ended September 30, 2019, we recorded asset impairment charges related to certain intangible assets located in Australia (Note 8). As a result, we placed a full valuation allowance on the intangible-related deferred tax asset of $8,432 , as we do not expect that we will realize the benefit of this deferred tax asset.
Rollforward of unrecognized tax benefits	A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits, excluding accrued interest and penalties and the federal benefit of deductible state income tax, was as follows: (in thousands) 2019 2018 2017 Balance, beginning of year $ 4,801 $ 3,795 $ 7,373 Additions for tax positions of current year 364 315 378 Additions for tax positions of prior years 546 1,177 659 Reductions for tax positions of prior years (887 ) (108 ) (4,389 ) Settlements (341 ) — — Lapse of statutes of limitations (314 ) (378 ) (226 ) Balance, end of year $ 4,169 $ 4,801 $ 3,795
Deferred tax assets and liabilities	Tax-effected temporary differences that gave rise to deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31 were as follows: 2019 2018 (in thousands) Deferred tax assets Deferred tax liabilities Deferred tax assets Deferred tax liabilities Goodwill (1) $ — $ 16,424 $ — $ 47,993 Revenue recognition — 4,752 — 3,185 Prepaid assets — 3,830 — 3,469 Property, plant and equipment — 3,200 — 1,739 Employee benefit plans — 2,747 1,420 — Installment sales treatment of notes receivable — 1,171 — 3,054 Intangible assets (1) 14,900 — — 3,780 Operating leases 11,409 10,578 — — Net operating loss, tax credit and capital loss carryforwards 7,698 — 9,380 — Reserves and accruals 6,154 — 8,893 — Inventories 2,595 — 2,043 — All other 2,756 3,452 3,237 3,858 Total deferred taxes 45,512 46,154 24,973 67,078 Valuation allowances (10,349 ) — (1,689 ) — Net deferred taxes $ 35,163 $ 46,154 $ 23,284 $ 67,078 (1) The change in these deferred income taxes in 2019, as compared to 2018, was primarily the result of asset impairment charges recorded during 2019. Further information can be found in Note 8.
Rollforward of deferred income tax valuation allowances	Changes in our valuation allowances for the years ended December 31 were as follows: (in thousands) 2019 2018 2017 Balance, beginning of year $ (1,689 ) $ (1,518 ) $ (2,545 ) (Expense) benefit from change in allowances (8,336 ) (290 ) 1,015 Foreign currency translation (324 ) 119 12 Balance, end of year $ (10,349 ) $ (1,689 ) $ (1,518 )

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Noncash Expense [Abstract]
Share-based compensation expense	The following amounts were recognized in our consolidated statements of (loss) income for share-based compensation awards for the years ended December 31: (in thousands) 2019 2018 2017 Restricted shares and restricted stock units $ 13,411 $ 5,232 $ 6,533 Performance share awards 2,907 4,502 4,782 Stock options 2,954 3,143 3,270 Employee stock purchase plan 430 501 524 Total share-based compensation expense $ 19,702 $ 13,378 $ 15,109 Income tax benefit $ (5,350 ) $ (3,946 ) $ (5,152 )
Weighted-average assumptions used in Black-Scholes option pricing model	The following weighted-average assumptions were used in the Black-Scholes option pricing model to determine the fair value of stock options granted: 2019 2018 2017 Risk-free interest rate 2.3 % 2.7 % 1.6 % Dividend yield 2.7 % 2.0 % 1.6 % Expected volatility 24.5 % 23.0 % 23.7 % Weighted-average option life (in years) 5.3 3.9 3.7
Stock options rollforward	Information regarding options issued under the current and all previous plans was as follows: Number of options (in thousands) Weighted-average exercise price per option Aggregate intrinsic value (in thousands) Weighted-average remaining contractual term (in years) Outstanding, December 31, 2016 1,251 $ 47.68 Granted 270 75.30 Exercised (347 ) 38.72 Forfeited or expired (35 ) 62.19 Outstanding, December 31, 2017 1,139 56.51 Granted 519 62.12 Exercised (339 ) 42.55 Forfeited or expired (74 ) 66.85 Outstanding, December 31, 2018 1,245 62.04 Granted 644 44.72 Exercised (21 ) 32.42 Forfeited or expired (521 ) 62.75 Outstanding, December 31, 2019 1,347 53.92 $ 3,311 6.1 Exercisable at December 31, 2017 555 $ 47.42 Exercisable at December 31, 2018 472 59.90 Exercisable at December 31, 2019 485 61.44 $ 292 2.7
Restricted stock units rollforward	Information regarding our restricted stock units was as follows: Number of units (in thousands) Weighted-average grant date fair value per unit Weighted-average remaining contractual term (in years) Outstanding at December 31, 2016 139 $ 37.99 Granted 16 73.27 Vested (43 ) 43.18 Forfeited (3 ) 57.18 Outstanding at December 31, 2017 109 38.31 Granted 110 52.32 Vested (22 ) 48.14 Forfeited (2 ) 74.96 Outstanding at December 31, 2018 195 45.41 Granted 611 44.73 Vested (93 ) 49.31 Forfeited (49 ) 45.40 Outstanding at December 31, 2019 664 44.35 2.3
Restricted shares rollforward	Information regarding unvested restricted shares was as follows: Number of shares (in thousands) Weighted-average grant date fair value per share Weighted-average remaining contractual term (in years) Unvested at December 31, 2016 220 $ 56.43 Granted 68 74.84 Vested (99 ) 52.41 Forfeited (8 ) 61.37 Unvested at December 31, 2017 181 65.33 Granted 77 71.29 Vested (76 ) 69.73 Forfeited (14 ) 66.24 Unvested at December 31, 2018 168 66.02 Vested (117 ) 63.15 Forfeited (25 ) 73.62 Unvested at December 31, 2019 26 71.61 1.0
Weighted-average assumptions used in Monte Carlo simulation pricing model, performance share awards	The following weighted-average assumptions were used in the Monte Carlo simulation model in determining the fair value of market-based performance shares granted: 2019 2018 2017 Risk-free interest rate 2.3 % 2.4 % 1.4 % Dividend yield 3.1 % 1.6 % 1.7 % Expected volatility 26.8 % 21.6 % 21.9 %
Performance share awards rollforward	Information regarding unvested performance shares was as follows: Performance shares (in thousands) Weighted-average grant date fair value per share Weighted-average remaining contractual term (in years) Unvested at December 31, 2016 236 $ 55.15 Granted (1) 83 75.31 Forfeited (9 ) 64.85 Vested (60 ) 50.17 Adjustment for performance results achieved (2) 5 50.34 Unvested at December 31, 2017 255 63.42 Granted (1) 91 74.49 Forfeited (48 ) 59.32 Vested (45 ) 67.10 Adjustment for performance results achieved (2) (3 ) 67.11 Unvested at December 31, 2018 250 67.54 Granted (1) 151 41.79 Forfeited (38 ) 54.42 Vested (118 ) 59.67 Adjustment for performance results achieved (2) 7 54.42 Unvested at December 31, 2019 252 57.64 1.5 (1) Reflects awards granted assuming achievement of performance goals at target. (2) Reflects the difference between the awards earned at the end of the performance period and the target number of shares.

EMPLOYEE COMPENSATION PLANS (Ta

EMPLOYEE COMPENSATION PLANS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Compensation Related Costs [Abstract]
Expense recognized for employee compensation plans	Expense recognized in the consolidated statements of (loss) income for these plans was as follows for the years ended December 31: (in thousands) 2019 2018 2017 Performance-based compensation plans (1) $ 21,143 $ 20,297 $ 22,085 401(k) expense 10,176 9,686 9,023 (1) Excludes expense for share-based compensation, which is discussed in Note 12.

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS (Tables

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Defined Benefit Plan [Abstract]
Change in benefit obligation, plan assets and funded status	The following tables summarize the change in benefit obligation, plan assets and funded status during 2019 and 2018 : (in thousands) Postretirement benefit plan Pension plan (1) Change in benefit obligation: Benefit obligation, December 31, 2017 $ 87,594 $ 3,398 Interest cost 2,529 97 Net actuarial gain (9,231 ) (23 ) Benefits paid from plan assets and company funds (7,175 ) (324 ) Benefit obligation, December 31, 2018 73,717 3,148 Interest cost 2,617 111 Net actuarial loss 5,012 316 Benefits paid from plan assets and company funds (8,171 ) (324 ) Benefit obligation, December 31, 2019 $ 73,175 $ 3,251 Change in plan assets: Fair value of plan assets, December 31, 2017 $ 127,443 $ — Return on plan assets (6,663 ) — Benefits paid (5,804 ) — Fair value of plan assets, December 31, 2018 114,976 — Return on plan assets 21,179 — Benefits paid (6,237 ) — Fair value of plan assets, December 31, 2019 $ 129,918 $ — Funded status, December 31, 2018 $ 41,259 $ (3,148 ) Funded status, December 31, 2019 $ 56,743 $ (3,251 )
Amounts recognized in consolidated balance sheets	The funded status of our plans was recognized in the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31 as follows: Postretirement benefit plan Pension plan (in thousands) 2019 2018 2019 2018 Other non-current assets $ 56,743 $ 41,259 $ — $ — Accrued liabilities — — 324 324 Other non-current liabilities — — 2,927 2,824
Amounts included in other comprehensive loss that have not been recognized as components of postretirement benefit income	Amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive loss as of December 31 that have not been recognized as components of postretirement benefit income were as follows: (in thousands) 2019 2018 Unrecognized prior service credit $ 12,756 $ 14,178 Unrecognized net actuarial loss (45,319 ) (57,436 ) Tax effect 4,157 6,729 Amount recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax $ (28,406 ) $ (36,529 )
Components of net periodic benefit income	Postretirement benefit income for the years ended December 31 consisted of the following components: (in thousands) 2019 2018 2017 Interest cost $ 2,727 $ 2,626 $ 2,896 Expected return on plan assets (6,957 ) (7,737 ) (7,128 ) Amortization of prior service credit (1,421 ) (1,421 ) (1,421 ) Amortization of net actuarial losses 3,223 2,884 3,637 Net periodic benefit income $ (2,428 ) $ (3,648 ) $ (2,016 )
Actuarial assumptions used in measuring benefit obligation and net periodic benefit income	In measuring benefit obligations as of December 31, the following discount rate assumptions were used: Postretirement benefit plan Pension plan 2019 2018 2019 2018 Discount rate 3.03 % 4.13 % 2.76 % 4.01 % In measuring net periodic benefit income for the years ended December 31, the following assumptions were used: Postretirement benefit plan Pension plan 2019 2018 2017 2019 2018 2017 Discount rate 4.13 % 3.46 % 3.81 % 4.01 % 3.35 % 3.66 % Expected return on plan assets 6.25 % 6.25 % 6.25 % — — —
Health care cost trend rate assumptions	In measuring benefit obligations as of December 31 for our postretirement benefit plan, the following assumptions for health care cost trend rates were used: 2019 2018 2017 Participants under age 65 Participants age 65 and older Participants under age 65 Participants age 65 and older Participants under age 65 Participants age 65 and older Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year 7.40 % 8.40 % 7.70 % 8.70 % 7.90 % 9.10 % Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline (the ultimate trend rate) 4.50 % 4.50 % 4.50 % 4.50 % 4.50 % 4.50 % Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate 2029 2029 2029 2029 2025 2025
Allocation of plan assets by asset category	The allocation of plan assets by asset category as of December 31 was as follows: Postretirement benefit plan 2019 2018 U.S. large capitalization equity securities 24 % 23 % Mortgage-backed securities 24 % 25 % International equity securities 19 % 18 % U.S. corporate debt securities 15 % 20 % Government debt securities 14 % 11 % U.S. small and mid-capitalization equity securities 4 % 3 % Total 100 % 100 % Our postretirement benefit plan has assets that are intended to meet long-term obligations. In order to meet these obligations, we employ a total return investment approach that considers cash flow needs and balances long-term projected returns against expected asset risk, as measured using projected standard deviations. Risk tolerance is established through consideration of projected plan liabilities, the plan's funded status, projected liquidity needs and our financial condition. The target asset allocation percentages for our postretirement benefit plan are based on our liability and asset projections. The targeted allocation of plan assets is 55% fixed income securities, 24% large capitalization equity securities, 18% international equity securities and 3% small and mid-capitalization equity securities. Information regarding fair value measurements of plan assets was as follows as of December 31, 2019 : Fair value measurements using Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets Significant other observable inputs Significant unobservable inputs Investments measured at net asset value Fair value as of December 31, 2019 (in thousands) (Level 1) (Level 2) (Level 3) U.S. large capitalization equity securities $ — $ 30,990 $ — $ — $ 30,990 Mortgage-backed securities — 13,060 — 17,768 30,828 International equity securities 20,859 3,173 — — 24,032 U.S. corporate debt securities — 14,771 — 5,184 19,955 Government debt securities — 18,776 — — 18,776 U.S. small and mid-capitalization equity securities 4,228 363 — — 4,591 Other debt securities 529 217 — — 746 Plan assets $ 25,616 $ 81,350 $ — $ 22,952 $ 129,918 Information regarding fair value measurements of plan assets was as follows as of December 31, 2018 : Fair value measurements using Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets Significant other observable inputs Significant unobservable inputs Investments measured at net asset value Fair value as of December 31, 2018 (in thousands) (Level 1) (Level 2) (Level 3) U.S. large capitalization equity securities $ — $ — $ — $ 26,240 $ 26,240 Mortgage-backed securities — 13,593 — 15,138 28,731 International equity securities 20,261 298 — — 20,559 U.S. corporate debt securities 6,489 12,468 — 3,594 22,551 Government debt securities — 12,738 — — 12,738 U.S. small and mid-capitalization equity securities 3,259 27 — 551 3,837 Other debt securities (6 ) 326 — — 320 Plan assets $ 30,003 $ 39,450 $ — $ 45,523 $ 114,976
Expected benefit payments	The following benefit payments are expected to be paid during the years indicated: (in thousands) Postretirement benefit plan Pension plan 2020 $ 6,089 $ 320 2021 6,040 320 2022 5,934 310 2023 5,767 300 2024 5,562 290 2025 - 2029 24,427 1,280

DEBT (Tables)

DEBT (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt outstanding	Debt outstanding was comprised of the following at December 31: (in thousands) 2019 2018 Amount drawn on revolving credit facility $ 883,500 $ 910,000 Capital lease obligations (1) — 1,864 Long-term debt, principal amount 883,500 911,864 Less current portion of long-term debt — (791 ) Long-term debt 883,500 911,073 Current portion of capital lease obligations (1) — 791 Long-term debt due within one year — 791 Total debt $ 883,500 $ 911,864 (1) Upon adoption of ASU No. 2016-02, Leasing , and related amendments on January 1, 2019 (Note 2), we reclassified our capital lease obligations, now known as finance lease obligations, to accrued liabilities and other non-current liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet.
Credit facility	Daily average amounts outstanding under our credit facility were as follows for the years ended December 31: (in thousands) 2019 2018 2017 Revolving credit facility: Daily average amount outstanding $ 925,715 $ 731,110 $ 436,588 Weighted-average interest rate 3.54 % 3.24 % 2.55 % Term loan facility: (1) Daily average amount outstanding $ — $ 63,638 $ 315,862 Weighted-average interest rate — 2.97 % 2.57 % (1) During 2018 and 2017, we had borrowings outstanding under a variable rate term loan facility. These amounts were repaid in March 2018. As of December 31, 2019 , amounts were available for borrowing under our revolving credit facility as follows: (in thousands) Total available Revolving credit facility commitment $ 1,150,000 Amount drawn on revolving credit facility (883,500 ) Outstanding letters of credit (1) (5,408 ) Net available for borrowing as of December 31, 2019 $ 261,092 (1) We use standby letters of credit primarily to collateralize certain obligations related to our self-insured workers' compensation claims, as well as claims for environmental matters, as required by certain states. These letters of credit reduce the amount available for borrowing under our revolving credit facility.

LEASES (Tables)

LEASES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Leases [Abstract]
Operating lease information	Additional information regarding our operating leases for 2019 was as follows: (in thousands) 2019 Operating cash outflows $ 17,737 Lease assets obtained during the period in exchange for lease obligations 11,637 December 31, 2019 Operating lease assets $ 44,372 Accrued liabilities $ 12,898 Operating lease liabilities 33,585 Total operating lease liabilities $ 46,483 Weighted-average remaining lease term (in years) 5.1 Weighted-average discount rate 3.4 %
Maturities of operating lease liabilities	Maturities of operating lease liabilities were as follows: (in thousands) Operating lease obligations 2020 $ 13,970 2021 11,334 2022 8,397 2023 4,527 2024 3,319 Thereafter 9,163 Total lease payments 50,710 Less imputed interest (4,227 ) Present value of lease payments $ 46,483

BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION (T

BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Revenue disaggregated by product and service offerings	The following tables present revenue disaggregated by our product and service offerings: Year Ended December 31, 2019 (in thousands) Small Business Services Financial Services Direct Checks Consolidated Marketing solutions and other services: Small business marketing solutions $ 281,552 $ — $ — $ 281,552 Treasury management solutions — 193,527 — 193,527 Web services 166,025 — — 166,025 Data-driven marketing solutions — 157,706 — 157,706 Fraud, security, risk management and operational services 24,572 49,562 13,209 87,343 Total MOS 472,149 400,795 13,209 886,153 Checks 462,950 219,695 100,550 783,195 Forms, accessories and other products 320,680 13,008 5,679 339,367 Total revenue $ 1,255,779 $ 633,498 $ 119,438 $ 2,008,715 Year Ended December 31, 2018 (in thousands) Small Business Services Financial Services Direct Checks Consolidated Marketing solutions and other services: Small business marketing solutions $ 292,245 $ — $ — $ 292,245 Treasury management solutions — 148,011 — 148,011 Web services 161,646 — — 161,646 Data-driven marketing solutions — 147,893 — 147,893 Fraud, security, risk management and operational services 25,460 50,499 14,146 90,105 Total MOS 479,351 346,403 14,146 839,900 Checks 476,751 226,554 107,084 810,389 Forms, accessories and other products 327,518 14,010 6,208 347,736 Total revenue $ 1,283,620 $ 586,967 $ 127,438 $ 1,998,025 Year Ended December 31, 2017 (in thousands) Small Business Services Financial Services Direct Checks Consolidated Marketing solutions and other services: Small business marketing solutions $ 262,192 $ — $ — $ 262,192 Treasury management solutions — 109,240 — 109,240 Web services 131,644 — — 131,644 Data-driven marketing solutions — 150,572 — 150,572 Fraud, security, risk management and operational services 25,491 61,185 15,354 102,030 Total MOS 419,327 320,997 15,354 755,678 Checks 482,928 249,716 118,392 851,036 Forms, accessories and other products 337,484 14,562 6,796 358,842 Total revenue $ 1,239,739 $ 585,275 $ 140,542 $ 1,965,556
Revenue disaggregated by geographic area	The following table presents revenue disaggregated by geography, based on where items are shipped or services are performed: (in thousands) Small Business Services Financial Services Direct Checks Total Year Ended December 31, 2019 U.S. $ 1,157,195 $ 611,403 $ 119,438 $ 1,888,036 Foreign, primarily Canada and Australia 98,584 22,095 — 120,679 Total revenue $ 1,255,779 $ 633,498 $ 119,438 $ 2,008,715 Year Ended December 31, 2018 U.S. $ 1,180,019 $ 563,918 $ 127,438 $ 1,871,375 Foreign, primarily Canada and Australia 103,601 23,049 — 126,650 Total revenue $ 1,283,620 $ 586,967 $ 127,438 $ 1,998,025 Year Ended December 31, 2017 U.S. $ 1,150,055 $ 568,801 $ 140,542 $ 1,859,398 Foreign, primarily Canada and Australia 89,684 16,474 — 106,158 Total revenue $ 1,239,739 $ 585,275 $ 140,542 $ 1,965,556
Business segment information	The following is our segment information as of and for the years ended December 31: Reportable Business Segments (in thousands) Small Business Services Financial Services Direct Checks Corporate Consolidated Total revenue from external 2019 $ 1,255,779 $ 633,498 $ 119,438 $ — $ 2,008,715 customers: 2018 1,283,620 586,967 127,438 — 1,998,025 2017 1,239,739 585,275 140,542 — 1,965,556 Operating (loss) income: 2019 (124,235 ) (67,524 ) 33,618 — (158,141 ) 2018 119,808 69,939 41,474 — 231,221 2017 181,528 101,047 46,601 — 329,176 Depreciation and amortization 2019 62,138 60,622 3,276 — 126,036 expense: 2018 66,031 61,843 3,226 — 131,100 2017 56,834 62,592 3,226 — 122,652 Asset impairment charges: 2019 273,583 117,397 — — 390,980 2018 99,437 1,882 — — 101,319 2017 54,880 — — — 54,880 Total assets: 2019 841,858 583,555 154,687 363,211 1,943,311 2018 1,094,262 751,242 157,802 301,790 2,305,096 2017 1,081,098 679,547 158,827 289,355 2,208,827 Capital asset purchases: 2019 — — — 66,595 66,595 2018 — — — 62,238 62,238 2017 — — — 47,450 47,450

SUMMARIZED QUARTERLY FINANCIA_2

SUMMARIZED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]
Summarized Quarterly Financial Data	2019 Quarter Ended (in thousands, except per share amounts) March 31 June 30 September 30 December 31 Total revenue $ 499,065 $ 493,986 $ 493,593 $ 522,071 Gross profit 299,442 291,458 289,870 315,010 Net income (loss) 41,190 32,582 (318,493 ) 44,824 Earnings (loss) per share: Basic 0.93 0.75 (7.49 ) 1.06 Diluted 0.93 0.75 (7.49 ) 1.06 Cash dividends per share 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 2018 Quarter Ended (in thousands, except per share amounts) March 31 June 30 September 30 December 31 Total revenue $ 491,914 $ 488,244 $ 493,190 $ 524,677 Gross profit 303,156 298,043 295,556 309,522 Net income (loss) 63,336 60,207 (31,083 ) 57,170 Earnings (loss) per share: Basic 1.32 1.26 (0.67 ) 1.25 Diluted 1.31 1.25 (0.67 ) 1.25 Cash dividends per share 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 Significant items affecting the comparability of our quarterly results were as follows: 2019 Quarter Ended (in thousands) March 31 June 30 September 30 December 31 Asset impairment charges $ — $ — $ 390,980 $ — Restructuring and integration expense 6,283 17,497 27,674 23,356 Certain legal-related expense 412 6,005 — 3 CEO transition costs 5,488 1,906 1,145 851 Discrete income tax expense (benefit) (1) 926 1,194 62,854 (298 ) 2018 Quarter Ended (in thousands) March 31 June 30 September 30 December 31 Asset impairment charges $ 2,149 $ — $ 99,170 $ — Restructuring and integration expense 2,322 6,371 5,104 7,406 Gain on sales of businesses and customer lists 7,228 3,862 1,765 2,786 Certain legal-related expense 297 631 1,805 7,769 CEO transition costs — 1,530 2,622 3,058 Impact of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (310 ) 441 (1,249 ) (582 ) Other discrete income tax (benefit) expense (1) (579 ) (1,167 ) 15,634 (1,987 ) (1) Relates primarily to the tax effects of share-based compensation and the non-deductible portion of goodwill impairment charges in the third quarter of each year.

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICI_3

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (cash and cash equivalents and trade accounts receivable) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Cash and cash equivalents
Maximum maturity of cash equivalents	3 months
Trade accounts receivable
Period for write-off of trade accounts receivable	1 year

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICI_4

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (property, plant and equipment) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Building [Member]
Property, plant and equipment [Line Items]
Useful life	40 years
Machinery and equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, plant and equipment [Line Items]
Useful life	1 year
Machinery and equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, plant and equipment [Line Items]
Useful life	11 years
Machinery and equipment [Member] | Weighted-average [Member]
Property, plant and equipment [Line Items]
Useful life	7 years

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICI_5

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (intangibles) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Minimum [Member]
Amortizable intangibles [Line Items]
Useful life	1 year
Maximum [Member]
Amortizable intangibles [Line Items]
Useful life	12 years
Weighted-average [Member]
Amortizable intangibles [Line Items]
Useful life	6 years

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICI_6

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (business combinations and prepaid product discounts) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Business ccmbinations
Measurement period	1 year
Maximum [Member]
Prepaid product discounts [Line Items]
Amortization period	14 years 6 months
Weighted-average [Member]
Prepaid product discounts [Line Items]
Amortization period	6 years

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICI_7

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (advertising costs) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Advertising costs [Line Items]
Advertising expense	$ 70,798	$ 74,549	$ 78,722
Reportable business segments [Member] | Small Business Services [Member]
Advertising costs [Line Items]
Deferred advertising costs amortization period	6 months
Reportable business segments [Member] | Direct Checks [Member]
Advertising costs [Line Items]
Percentage of deferred advertising costs expensed within six months	89.00%

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICI_8

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (income taxes, derivative financial instruments and revenue recognition) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Income taxes
Measurement of tax benefit, minimum percentage tax benefit must be likely to be realized									50.00%
Derivative financial instruments
Net fair value of derivatives					$ 0					$ 0
Total revenue	$ 522,071	$ 493,593	$ 493,986	$ 499,065	$ 524,677	$ 493,190	$ 488,244	$ 491,914	$ 2,008,715	$ 1,998,025	$ 1,965,556
Deferred revenue, period over which recognized									1 year
Minimum [Member]
Capitalized contract costs amortization period									3 years
Maximum [Member]
Capitalized contract costs amortization period									5 years
Variable consideration [Member]
Variable consideration, period over which finalized									4 months
Total revenue									$ 200,000
Data-driven marketing and treasury management solutions [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Remaining performance obligations, expected timing of satisfaction	3 months								3 months
Data-driven marketing and treasury management solutions [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Remaining performance obligations, expected timing of satisfaction	1 year								1 year

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICI_9

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (employee share-based compensation) (Details) - Employee stock purchase plan [Member]	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Share-based compensation plans [Line Items]
Employee stock purchase plan discount	15.00%
Purchase period	6 months

NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS_2

NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Jan. 01, 2019
New accounting pronouncements [Line Items]
Lease, practical expedient, short-term leases	true
Operating lease right-of-use assets [Member] | Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-02 [Member]
New accounting pronouncements [Line Items]
Cumulative effect of adoption		$ 50,803
Operating lease liabilities, current [Member] | Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-02 [Member]
New accounting pronouncements [Line Items]
Cumulative effect of adoption		13,611
Operating lease liabilities, non-current [Member] | Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-02 [Member]
New accounting pronouncements [Line Items]
Cumulative effect of adoption		$ 37,440

SUPPLEMENTAL BALANCE SHEET AN_3

SUPPLEMENTAL BALANCE SHEET AND CASH FLOW INFORMATION (trade accounts receivable) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Trade accounts receivable
Trade accounts receivable - gross	$ 168,406	$ 177,501
Allowances for uncollectible accounts	(4,985)	(3,639)	$ (2,884)	$ (2,828)
Trade accounts receivable - net	$ 163,421	$ 173,862

SUPPLEMENTAL BALANCE SHEET AN_4

SUPPLEMENTAL BALANCE SHEET AND CASH FLOW INFORMATION (allowances for uncollectible accounts, inventories and supplies) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Allowances for uncollectible accounts
Balance, beginning of year	$ 3,639	$ 2,884	$ 2,828
Bad debt expense	5,213	3,622	3,208
Write-offs, net of recoveries	(3,867)	(2,867)	(3,152)
Balance, end of year	4,985	3,639	$ 2,884
Inventories and supplies
Raw materials	6,977	7,543
Semi-finished goods	7,368	7,273
Finished goods	21,982	27,608
Supplies	3,594	4,017
Inventories and supplies	$ 39,921	$ 46,441

SUPPLEMENTAL BALANCE SHEET AN_5

SUPPLEMENTAL BALANCE SHEET AND CASH FLOW INFORMATION (available-for-sale debt securities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019		Dec. 31, 2018
Available-for-sale debt securities [Line Items]
Cost	$ 34,754	[1]	$ 31,818	[2]
Gross unrealized gains	0	[1]	0	[2]
Gross unrealized losses	(304)	[1]	(355)	[2]
Available-for-sale debt securities	34,450	[1]	31,463	[2]
Expected maturities of available-for-sale debt securities
Due in one year or less	28,700
Due in two to five years	3,282
Due in six to ten years	2,468
Available-for-sale debt securities	34,450	[1]	31,463	[2]
Funds held for customers [Member]
Available-for-sale debt securities [Line Items]
Cash	83,191		69,519
Funds held for customers [Member] | Money market securities [Member] | Domestic [Member]
Available-for-sale debt securities [Line Items]
Cost	18,000		16,000
Gross unrealized gains	0		0
Gross unrealized losses	0		0
Available-for-sale debt securities	18,000		16,000
Expected maturities of available-for-sale debt securities
Available-for-sale debt securities	18,000		16,000
Funds held for customers [Member] | Canadian and provincial government securities [Member]
Available-for-sale debt securities [Line Items]
Cost	9,056		8,485
Gross unrealized gains	0		0
Gross unrealized losses	(304)		(355)
Available-for-sale debt securities	8,752		8,130
Expected maturities of available-for-sale debt securities
Available-for-sale debt securities	8,752		8,130
Funds held for customers [Member] | Guaranteed investment certificates [Member]
Available-for-sale debt securities [Line Items]
Cost	7,698		7,333
Gross unrealized gains	0		0
Gross unrealized losses	0		0
Available-for-sale debt securities	7,698		7,333
Expected maturities of available-for-sale debt securities
Available-for-sale debt securities	$ 7,698		$ 7,333
[1]	) Funds held for customers, as reported on the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2019 , also included cash of $83,191 .
[2]	Funds held for customers, as reported on the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2018 , also included cash of $69,519 .

SUPPLEMENTAL BALANCE SHEET AN_6

SUPPLEMENTAL BALANCE SHEET AND CASH FLOW INFORMATION (revenue in excess of billings) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Supplemental balance sheet and cash flow information [Abstract]
Conditional right to receive consideration	$ 24,499	$ 19,705
Unconditional right to receive consideration	8,291	10,753
Revenue in excess of billings	$ 32,790	$ 30,458

SUPPLEMENTAL BALANCE SHEET AN_7

SUPPLEMENTAL BALANCE SHEET AND CASH FLOW INFORMATION (property, plant and equipment) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Property, plant and equipment [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	$ 473,647	$ 457,547
Accumulated depreciation	(377,180)	(367,205)
Net carrying amount	96,467	90,342
Machinery and equipment [Member]
Property, plant and equipment [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	327,151	313,000
Accumulated depreciation	(282,741)	(275,721)
Net carrying amount	44,410	37,279
Buildings and improvements [Member]
Property, plant and equipment [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	118,284	116,348
Accumulated depreciation	(86,162)	(83,317)
Net carrying amount	32,122	33,031
Land and improvements [Member]
Property, plant and equipment [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	28,212	28,199
Accumulated depreciation	(8,277)	(8,167)
Net carrying amount	$ 19,935	$ 20,032

SUPPLEMENTAL BALANCE SHEET AN_8

SUPPLEMENTAL BALANCE SHEET AND CASH FLOW INFORMATION (assets held for sale) (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)disposal_groups	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2018USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2018USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)disposal_groups	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)disposal_groups	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)disposal_groups
Assets held for sale [Line Items]
Proceeds from sales of businesses - notes receivable | $						$ 1,685	$ 35,616	$ 24,497
Gain on sales of businesses and customer lists | $	$ 2,786	$ 1,765	$ 3,862	$ 7,228		$ (124)	$ 15,641	$ 8,703
Impairment charges, assets held for sale | $					$ 8,250
Assets held for sale [Member] | Customer lists/relationships [Member]
Assets held for sale [Line Items]
Number of assets held for sale | disposal_groups	1					1	1
Assets held for sale [Member] | Providers of printed and promotional products [Member]
Assets held for sale [Line Items]
Number of businesses sold | disposal_groups							2	1
Assets held for sale [Member] | Small business distributors [Member]
Assets held for sale [Line Items]
Number of businesses sold | disposal_groups							2	3

SUPPLEMENTAL BALANCE SHEET AN_9

SUPPLEMENTAL BALANCE SHEET AND CASH FLOW INFORMATION (intangibles) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019		Dec. 31, 2018		Dec. 31, 2017
Amortizable intangibles [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	$ 833,145		$ 895,592
Accumulated amortization	(557,023)		(535,627)
Net carrying amount	276,122		359,965
Amortization of intangibles	109,534		114,528		$ 106,784
Acquired intangibles	$ 61,762		$ 125,719		$ 111,456
Weighted-average amortization period (in years)	5 years		6 years		6 years
Estimated future amortization expense
2020	$ 90,381
2021	69,249
2022	42,415
2023	28,133
2024	17,296
Internal-use software [Member]
Amortizable intangibles [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	380,905		$ 388,477
Accumulated amortization	(299,698)		(308,313)
Net carrying amount	81,207		80,164
Amortization of intangibles	41,258		38,307		$ 35,952
Acquired intangibles	$ 43,991		$ 42,744		$ 38,422
Weighted-average amortization period (in years)	3 years		3 years		3 years
Customer lists/relationships [Member]
Amortizable intangibles [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	$ 348,055		$ 379,570
Accumulated amortization	(187,462)		(170,973)
Net carrying amount	160,593		208,597
Amortization of intangibles	51,243		57,243		$ 54,450
Acquired intangibles	$ 17,771	[1]	$ 60,775	[1]	$ 60,034
Weighted-average amortization period (in years)	8 years	[1]	8 years	[1]	7 years
Customer lists/relationships [Member] | Asset purchase [Member]
Amortizable intangibles [Line Items]
Acquired intangibles	$ 11,956		$ 1,188
Software to be sold [Member]
Amortizable intangibles [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	36,900		36,900
Accumulated amortization	(19,657)		(15,430)
Net carrying amount	17,243		21,470
Amortization of intangibles	4,227		5,009		$ 4,193
Acquired intangibles	0		0		$ 2,200
Weighted-average amortization period (in years)					5 years
Technology-based intangibles [Member]
Amortizable intangibles [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	34,780		40,000
Accumulated amortization	(22,122)		(14,707)
Net carrying amount	12,658		25,293
Amortization of intangibles	7,415		7,607		$ 6,400
Acquired intangibles	0		$ 7,500		$ 800
Weighted-average amortization period (in years)			5 years		3 years
Trade names [Member]
Amortizable intangibles [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	32,505		$ 50,645
Accumulated amortization	(28,084)		(26,204)
Net carrying amount	4,421		24,441
Amortization of intangibles	5,391		6,362		$ 5,789
Acquired intangibles	$ 0		$ 14,700		$ 10,000
Weighted-average amortization period (in years)			7 years		6 years
[1]	We acquired customer lists that did not qualify as business combinations of $11,956 during 2019 and $1,188 during 2018.

SUPPLEMENTAL BALANCE SHEET A_10

SUPPLEMENTAL BALANCE SHEET AND CASH FLOW INFORMATION (goodwill) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Changes in goodwill
Goodwill, gross, beginning of year			$ 1,287,193	$ 1,179,313
Accumulated impairment charges, beginning of year			(126,567)	(48,379)
Goodwill, net of accumulated impairment charges, beginning of year			1,160,626	1,130,934
Impairment charge (Note 8)		$ (357,741)	(357,741)	(78,188)
Goodwill resulting from acquisitions (Note 6)			4,174	105,907
Adjustment of assets held for sale				635
Currency translation adjustment			(806)	(2,845)
Goodwill, gross, end of period			1,288,795	1,287,193	$ 1,179,313
Accumulated impairment charges, end of period			(484,308)	(126,567)	(48,379)
Goodwill, net of accumulated impairment charges, end of period			804,487	1,160,626	1,130,934
2017 acquisitions [Member]
Changes in goodwill
Goodwill resulting from acquisitions (Note 6)	[1]				63,941
Measurement-period adjustments for prior year acquisitions (Note 6)				4,183
2018 acquisitions [Member]
Changes in goodwill
Goodwill resulting from acquisitions (Note 6)	[2]			104,140
Measurement-period adjustments for prior year acquisitions (Note 6)			(1,766)
Reportable business segments [Member] | Small Business Services [Member]
Changes in goodwill
Goodwill, gross, beginning of year			765,266	706,568
Accumulated impairment charges, beginning of year			(126,567)	(48,379)
Goodwill, net of accumulated impairment charges, beginning of year			638,699	658,189
Impairment charge (Note 8)			(242,267)	(78,188)
Goodwill resulting from acquisitions (Note 6)				59,488
Adjustment of assets held for sale				635
Currency translation adjustment			(806)	(2,845)
Goodwill, gross, end of period			764,120	765,266	706,568
Accumulated impairment charges, end of period			(368,834)	(126,567)	(48,379)
Goodwill, net of accumulated impairment charges, end of period			395,286	638,699	658,189
Reportable business segments [Member] | Small Business Services [Member] | 2017 acquisitions [Member]
Changes in goodwill
Measurement-period adjustments for prior year acquisitions (Note 6)				1,420
Reportable business segments [Member] | Small Business Services [Member] | 2018 acquisitions [Member]
Changes in goodwill
Measurement-period adjustments for prior year acquisitions (Note 6)			(340)
Reportable business segments [Member] | Financial Services [Member]
Changes in goodwill
Goodwill, gross, beginning of year			373,421	324,239
Accumulated impairment charges, beginning of year			0	0
Goodwill, net of accumulated impairment charges, beginning of year			373,421	324,239
Impairment charge (Note 8)			(115,474)
Goodwill resulting from acquisitions (Note 6)			4,174	46,419
Goodwill, gross, end of period			376,169	373,421	324,239
Accumulated impairment charges, end of period			(115,474)	0	0
Goodwill, net of accumulated impairment charges, end of period			260,695	373,421	324,239
Reportable business segments [Member] | Financial Services [Member] | 2017 acquisitions [Member]
Changes in goodwill
Measurement-period adjustments for prior year acquisitions (Note 6)				2,763
Reportable business segments [Member] | Financial Services [Member] | 2018 acquisitions [Member]
Changes in goodwill
Measurement-period adjustments for prior year acquisitions (Note 6)			(1,426)
Reportable business segments [Member] | Direct Checks [Member]
Changes in goodwill
Goodwill, gross, beginning of year			148,506	148,506
Accumulated impairment charges, beginning of year			0	0
Goodwill, net of accumulated impairment charges, beginning of year			148,506	148,506
Goodwill, gross, end of period			148,506	148,506	148,506
Accumulated impairment charges, end of period			0	0	0
Goodwill, net of accumulated impairment charges, end of period			$ 148,506	$ 148,506	$ 148,506
[1]	Net tangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed for 2017 consisted primarily of accounts receivable, marketable securities, inventory and accrued liabilities of RDM and Digital Pacific. Amounts include measurement-period adjustments recorded in 2018 for the finalization of purchase accounting for several of the 2017 acquisitions. These adjustments increased goodwill $4,183 , with the offset to various assets and liabilities, including deferred revenue, deferred income taxes and other long-term liabilities, as well as a decrease of $1,654 in customer list intangibles and an increase in internal-use software of $1,000 .
[2]	Net tangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed for 2018 consisted primarily of REMITCO accounts receivable and Logomix deferred income tax liabilities. Amounts include measurement-period adjustments recorded in 2019 for the finalization of purchase accounting for certain of the 2018 acquisitions. These adjustments decreased goodwill $1,766 , with the offset to various assets and liabilities, including a $1,000 increase in customer list intangible assets.

SUPPLEMENTAL BALANCE SHEET A_11

SUPPLEMENTAL BALANCE SHEET AND CASH FLOW INFORMATION (other non-current assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Other non-current assets
Loans and notes receivable from Safeguard distributors		$ 66,872	$ 78,693
Postretirement benefit plan asset (Note 14)		56,743	41,259
Prepaid product discounts		51,145	54,642	$ 63,895	$ 65,792
Deferred sales commissions	[1]	9,682	6,482
Other		13,428	15,032
Other non-current assets		197,870	196,108
Amortization of deferred sales commissions		$ 3,108	$ 2,722
[1]	Amortization of deferred sales commission was $3,108 for 2019 and $2,722 for 2018 .

SUPPLEMENTAL BALANCE SHEET A_12

SUPPLEMENTAL BALANCE SHEET AND CASH FLOW INFORMATION (other) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Changes in prepaid product discounts
Balance, beginning of year		$ 54,642	$ 63,895	$ 65,792
Additions	[1]	21,068	14,023	18,224
Amortization		(24,055)	(22,941)	(19,969)
Other		(510)	(335)	(152)
Balance, end of year		51,145	54,642	63,895
Prepaid product discount payments		25,637	23,814	27,079
Accrued liabilities
Deferred revenue	[2]	46,098	54,313
Employee cash bonuses		36,918	31,286
Prepaid product discounts due within one year		14,709	10,926
Operating lease liabilities		12,898	0
Customer rebates		8,944	9,555
Other		59,771	78,383
Accrued liabilities		179,338	184,463
Recognition of deferred revenue		51,386
Cash and cash equivalents		73,620	59,740	59,240
Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents		174,811	145,259	128,819	$ 148,865
Income taxes paid		60,764	88,253	124,878
Interest paid		33,227	25,910	19,465
Non-cash investing activities [Line Items]
Proceeds from sales of businesses - notes receivable		1,685	35,616	24,497
Funds held for customers [Member]
Restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents included in funds held for customers		$ 101,191	$ 85,519	$ 69,579
[1]	Prepaid product discounts are generally accrued upon contract execution. Cash payments made for prepaid product discounts were $25,637 for 2019 , $23,814 for 2018 and $27,079 for 2017 .
[2]	$51,386 of the December 31, 2018 amount was recognized as revenue during 2019 .

(LOSS) EARNINGS PER SHARE (Deta

(LOSS) EARNINGS PER SHARE (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
(Loss) earnings per share - basic:
Net (loss) income	$ 44,824	$ (318,493)	$ 32,582	$ 41,190	$ 57,170	$ (31,083)	$ 60,207	$ 63,336	$ (199,897)	$ 149,630	$ 230,155
Income allocated to participating securities									(101)	(617)	(1,457)
(Loss) income available to common shareholders									$ (199,998)	$ 149,013	$ 228,698
Weighted-average shares outstanding									43,029	46,842	48,127
(Loss) earnings per share - basic	$ 1.06	$ (7.49)	$ 0.75	$ 0.93	$ 1.25	$ (0.67)	$ 1.26	$ 1.32	$ (4.65)	$ 3.18	$ 4.75
(Loss) earnings per share - diluted:
Net (loss) income	$ 44,824	$ (318,493)	$ 32,582	$ 41,190	$ 57,170	$ (31,083)	$ 60,207	$ 63,336	$ (199,897)	$ 149,630	$ 230,155
Income allocated to participating securities									(101)	(616)	(1,450)
Re-measurement of share-based awards classified as liabilities									0	(471)	59
(Loss) income available to common shareholders									$ (199,998)	$ 148,543	$ 228,764
Weighted-average shares outstanding									43,029	46,842	48,127
Dilutive impact of potential common shares									0	149	321
Weighted-average shares and potential common shares outstanding									43,029	46,991	48,448
(Loss) earnings per share - diluted	$ 1.06	$ (7.49)	$ 0.75	$ 0.93	$ 1.25	$ (0.67)	$ 1.25	$ 1.31	$ (4.65)	$ 3.16	$ 4.72
Antidilutive options excluded from calculation									1,347	1,209	262

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (L_3

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (reclassification adjustments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Reclassification adjustments [Line Items]
Interest expense									$ (34,682)	$ (27,112)	$ (21,359)
Income tax provision									(14,267)	(63,001)	(82,672)
Net (loss) income	$ 44,824	$ (318,493)	$ 32,582	$ 41,190	$ 57,170	$ (31,083)	$ 60,207	$ 63,336	(199,897)	149,630	230,155
Other income									7,193	8,522	5,010
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss [Member]
Reclassification adjustments [Line Items]
Net (loss) income									(1,472)	(972)	(1,844)
Prior service credit [Member] | Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss [Member]
Reclassification adjustments [Line Items]
Other income									1,421	1,421	1,421
Net actuarial loss [Member] | Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss [Member]
Reclassification adjustments [Line Items]
Other income									(3,223)	(2,884)	(3,637)
Total amortization [Member] | Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss [Member]
Reclassification adjustments [Line Items]
Income tax provision									273	491	372
Net (loss) income									(1,529)	(972)	(1,844)
Other income									(1,802)	(1,463)	(2,216)
Realized gains on interest rate swap [Member] | Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss [Member]
Reclassification adjustments [Line Items]
Interest expense									77	0	0
Income tax provision									(20)	0	0
Net (loss) income									$ 57	$ 0	$ 0

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (L_4

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (accumulated other comprehensive loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Jan. 01, 2018
Accumulated other comprehensive loss [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of year	$ (56,579)	$ (37,597)	$ (50,371)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	7,160	(13,087)	10,930
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	1,472	972	1,844
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	8,632	(12,115)	12,774
Balance, end of year	(47,947)	(56,579)	(37,597)
Net unrealized loss on cash flow hedge [Member]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of year	0	0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(1,040)	0	0
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	57	0	0
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	(1,097)	0	0
Balance, end of year	(1,097)	0	0
Currency translation adjustment [Member]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of year	(19,727)	(10,446)	(14,474)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	1,558	(9,281)	4,028
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	0	0	0
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	1,558	(9,281)	4,028
Balance, end of year	(18,169)	(19,727)	(10,446)
Net unrealized loss on marketable debt securities [Member]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of year	(323)	(322)	(213)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	48	(1)	(109)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	0	0	0
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	48	(1)	(109)
Balance, end of year	(275)	(323)	(322)
Postretirement benefit plans [Member]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of year	(36,529)	(26,829)	(35,684)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	6,594	(3,805)	7,011
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	1,529	972	1,844
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	8,123	(2,833)	8,855
Balance, end of year	$ (28,406)	$ (36,529)	$ (26,829)
Accounting Standards Update No. 2018-02 [Member] | Postretirement benefit plans [Member]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss [Line Items]
Cumulative effect of adoption				$ (6,867)
Accounting Standards Update No. 2018-02 [Member] | Accumulated other comprehensive loss [Member]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss [Line Items]
Cumulative effect of adoption				$ (6,867)

ACQUISITIONS (Details)

ACQUISITIONS (Details) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)		Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)business		Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)business		Dec. 31, 2015business
Acquisitions [Line Items]
Transaction costs		$ 215		$ 1,719		$ 2,342
Identifiable intangible assets		61,762		125,719		111,456
Goodwill		4,174		105,907
Holdback payments for prior year acquisitions		1,605		21,269		10,153
Payments for acquisitions, net of cash acquired		11,605		214,258	[1]	139,223	[1]
Customer lists/relationships [Member]
Acquisitions [Line Items]
Identifiable intangible assets		17,771	[2]	60,775	[2]	60,034
Trade names [Member]
Acquisitions [Line Items]
Identifiable intangible assets		0		14,700		10,000
Technology-based intangibles [Member]
Acquisitions [Line Items]
Identifiable intangible assets		0		7,500		800
Software to be sold [Member]
Acquisitions [Line Items]
Identifiable intangible assets		0		0		2,200
Internal-use software [Member]
Acquisitions [Line Items]
Identifiable intangible assets		43,991		42,744		38,422
Reportable business segments [Member] | Financial Services [Member]
Acquisitions [Line Items]
Goodwill		4,174		46,419
Reportable business segments [Member] | Small Business Services [Member]
Acquisitions [Line Items]
Goodwill				59,488
Remittance processing business of Fiserv, Inc. [Member] | Reportable business segments [Member] | Financial Services [Member]
Acquisitions [Line Items]
Goodwill		4,174
Logomix Inc. [Member] | Reportable business segments [Member] | Small Business Services [Member]
Acquisitions [Line Items]
Goodwill				29,451
ColoCrossing [Member] | Reportable business segments [Member] | Small Business Services [Member]
Acquisitions [Line Items]
Goodwill				9,082
My Corporation Business Services, Inc. [Member] | Reportable business segments [Member] | Small Business Services [Member]
Acquisitions [Line Items]
Goodwill				$ 20,615
Small business distributors [Member] | Reportable business segments [Member] | Financial Services [Member]
Acquisitions [Line Items]
Number of businesses acquired | business								2
Small business distributors [Member] | Reportable business segments [Member] | Small Business Services [Member]
Acquisitions [Line Items]
Number of businesses acquired | business				3
REMITCO [Member] | Reportable business segments [Member] | Financial Services [Member]
Acquisitions [Line Items]
Goodwill				$ 44,992
REMITCO [Member] | Reportable business segments [Member] | Financial Services [Member] | Customer lists/relationships [Member]
Acquisitions [Line Items]
Identifiable intangible assets				36,000
Panthur Pty Ltd [Member] | Reportable business segments [Member] | Small Business Services [Member]
Acquisitions [Line Items]
Goodwill						1,198
Digital Pacific Group Pty Limited [Member] | Reportable business segments [Member] | Small Business Services [Member]
Acquisitions [Line Items]
Goodwill						23,773
j2 Global Australia Pty Ltd [Member] | Reportable business segments [Member] | Small Business Services [Member]
Acquisitions [Line Items]
Goodwill						2,731
managed.com [Member] | Reportable business segments [Member] | Small Business Services [Member]
Acquisitions [Line Items]
Goodwill						266
RDM Corporation [Member] | Reportable business segments [Member] | Financial Services [Member]
Acquisitions [Line Items]
Goodwill						$ 35,973
Small business distributors not previously part of our distributor network [Member] | Reportable business segments [Member] | Small Business Services [Member]
Acquisitions [Line Items]
Number of businesses acquired | business						1
2019 acquisitions [Member]
Acquisitions [Line Items]
Net tangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed	[3]	2,735
Identifiable intangible assets		6,091
Goodwill		4,174
Total aggregate purchase price		13,000
Liabilities for holdback payments and contingent consideration	[4]	(3,000)
Non-cash consideration		0
Payments for acquisitions, net of cash acquired		10,000
2019 acquisitions [Member] | Customer lists/relationships [Member]
Acquisitions [Line Items]
Identifiable intangible assets		5,815
2019 acquisitions [Member] | Technology-based intangibles [Member]
Acquisitions [Line Items]
Identifiable intangible assets		0
2019 acquisitions [Member] | Software to be sold [Member]
Acquisitions [Line Items]
Identifiable intangible assets		0
2019 acquisitions [Member] | Internal-use software [Member]
Acquisitions [Line Items]
Identifiable intangible assets		276
2018 acquisitions [Member]
Acquisitions [Line Items]
Net tangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed	[5],[6]			8,200
Identifiable intangible assets	[5]			82,787
Goodwill	[5]			104,140
Total aggregate purchase price	[5]			195,127
Liabilities for holdback payments and contingent consideration	[4]			(1,078)
Non-cash consideration	[7]			(1,060)
Payments for acquisitions, net of cash acquired				192,989
Goodwill, purchase accounting adjustment		(1,766)
Trade accounts receivable acquired				11,564
Cash and cah equivalents acquired				1,692
2018 acquisitions [Member] | Customer lists/relationships [Member]
Acquisitions [Line Items]
Identifiable intangible assets	[5]			60,587
Intangibles, purchase accounting adjustments		1,000
2018 acquisitions [Member] | Trade names [Member]
Acquisitions [Line Items]
Identifiable intangible assets	[5]			14,700
2018 acquisitions [Member] | Technology-based intangibles [Member]
Acquisitions [Line Items]
Identifiable intangible assets	[5]			7,500
2018 acquisitions [Member] | Software to be sold [Member]
Acquisitions [Line Items]
Identifiable intangible assets	[5]			0
2018 acquisitions [Member] | Internal-use software [Member]
Acquisitions [Line Items]
Identifiable intangible assets	[5]			0
2018 acquisitions [Member] | Reportable business segments [Member] | Financial Services [Member]
Acquisitions [Line Items]
Goodwill, purchase accounting adjustment		(1,426)
2018 acquisitions [Member] | Reportable business segments [Member] | Small Business Services [Member]
Acquisitions [Line Items]
Goodwill, purchase accounting adjustment		$ (340)
2017 acquisitions [Member]
Acquisitions [Line Items]
Net tangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed	[6],[8]					$ (1,956)
Identifiable intangible assets	[8]					73,065
Goodwill	[8]					63,941
Total aggregate purchase price	[8]					135,050
Liabilities for holdback payments and contingent consideration	[4]					(5,980)
Non-cash consideration						0
Payments for acquisitions, net of cash acquired						129,070
Goodwill, purchase accounting adjustment				4,183
Trade accounts receivable acquired						4,544
Cash and cah equivalents acquired						27,299
2017 acquisitions [Member] | Customer lists/relationships [Member]
Acquisitions [Line Items]
Identifiable intangible assets	[8]					58,620
Intangibles, purchase accounting adjustments				(1,654)
2017 acquisitions [Member] | Trade names [Member]
Acquisitions [Line Items]
Identifiable intangible assets	[8]					10,000
2017 acquisitions [Member] | Technology-based intangibles [Member]
Acquisitions [Line Items]
Identifiable intangible assets	[8]					800
2017 acquisitions [Member] | Software to be sold [Member]
Acquisitions [Line Items]
Identifiable intangible assets	[8]					2,200
2017 acquisitions [Member] | Internal-use software [Member]
Acquisitions [Line Items]
Identifiable intangible assets	[8]					$ 1,445
Intangibles, purchase accounting adjustments				1,000
2017 acquisitions [Member] | Reportable business segments [Member] | Financial Services [Member]
Acquisitions [Line Items]
Goodwill, purchase accounting adjustment				2,763
2017 acquisitions [Member] | Reportable business segments [Member] | Small Business Services [Member]
Acquisitions [Line Items]
Goodwill, purchase accounting adjustment				$ 1,420
[1]	Cash and cash equivalents acquired were $1,692 during 2018 and $27,299 during 2017 .
[2]	We acquired customer lists that did not qualify as business combinations of $11,956 during 2019 and $1,188 during 2018.
[3]	Net tangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed for 2019 consisted primarily of operating lease assets and property, plant and equipment, as well as operating lease liabilities.
[4]	Consists of holdback payments due at future dates and liabilities for contingent consideration, which were not significant.
[5]	Net tangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed for 2018 consisted primarily of REMITCO accounts receivable and Logomix deferred income tax liabilities. Amounts include measurement-period adjustments recorded in 2019 for the finalization of purchase accounting for certain of the 2018 acquisitions. These adjustments decreased goodwill $1,766 , with the offset to various assets and liabilities, including a $1,000 increase in customer list intangible assets.
[6]	Net tangible assets acquired included trade accounts receivable of $11,564 during 2018 and $4,544 during 2017 .
[7]	Consists of pre-acquisition amounts owed to us by certain of the acquired businesses.
[8]	Net tangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed for 2017 consisted primarily of accounts receivable, marketable securities, inventory and accrued liabilities of RDM and Digital Pacific. Amounts include measurement-period adjustments recorded in 2018 for the finalization of purchase accounting for several of the 2017 acquisitions. These adjustments increased goodwill $4,183 , with the offset to various assets and liabilities, including deferred revenue, deferred income taxes and other long-term liabilities, as well as a decrease of $1,654 in customer list intangibles and an increase in internal-use software of $1,000 .

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUME_2

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Details) - Interest rate swap [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Jul. 19, 2019
Derivative financial instruments [Line Items]
Notional amount		$ 200,000
Derivative fixed interest rate		1.798%
Fair value of derivative liability	$ 1,480

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (asset

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (asset impairment analyses) (Details) $ in Thousands

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)

Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)reporting_units

Jun. 30, 2019USD ($)

Mar. 31, 2019USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)

Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)reporting_units

Jun. 30, 2018USD ($)

Mar. 31, 2018USD ($)

Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)

Jun. 30, 2017USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)business

Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2015business

Jul. 31, 2019USD ($)

Jul. 31, 2018USD ($)

Jul. 31, 2017USD ($)

Schedule of asset impairment analyses [Line Items]

Goodwill impairment charge

$ 357,741

$ 357,741

$ 78,188

Goodwill

$ 804,487

$ 1,160,626

804,487

1,160,626

$ 1,130,934

Carrying value of indefinite-lived trade name

$ 19,100

Excess of fair value over carrying value of indefinite-lived trade name

16,000

Impairment charges, assets held for sale

$ 8,250

Total asset impairment charges

0

390,980

$ 0

$ 0

0

$ 99,170

$ 0

$ 2,149

390,980

101,319

54,880

Reportable business segments [Member] | Small Business Services [Member]

Schedule of asset impairment analyses [Line Items]

Goodwill impairment charge

242,267

78,188

Goodwill

395,286

638,699

395,286

638,699

658,189

Total asset impairment charges

273,583

$ 99,437

54,880

Reportable business segments [Member] | Small Business Services [Member] | Small business distributors [Member]

Schedule of asset impairment analyses [Line Items]

Number of businesses acquired | business

3

Reportable business segments [Member] | Financial Services [Member]

Schedule of asset impairment analyses [Line Items]

Goodwill impairment charge

115,474

Goodwill

$ 260,695

373,421

260,695

$ 373,421

324,239

Total asset impairment charges

$ 117,397

1,882

$ 0

Reportable business segments [Member] | Financial Services [Member] | Small business distributors [Member]

Schedule of asset impairment analyses [Line Items]

Number of businesses acquired | business

2

Measurement input, royalty rate [Member]

Schedule of asset impairment analyses [Line Items]

Intangibles fair value inputs

0.00%

Nonrecurring [Member] | Intangible assets [Member] | Reportable business segments [Member] | Small Business Services [Member]

Schedule of asset impairment analyses [Line Items]

Asset impairment charges

[1]

31,316

Fair value as of measurement date

[2]

$ 8,379

Nonrecurring [Member] | Trade names [Member] | Reportable business segments [Member] | Small Business Services [Member]

Schedule of asset impairment analyses [Line Items]

Asset impairment charges

$ 14,752

Fair value as of measurement date

0

Nonrecurring [Member] | Customer lists/relationships [Member] | Reportable business segments [Member] | Small Business Services [Member]

Schedule of asset impairment analyses [Line Items]

Asset impairment charges

2,149

Fair value as of measurement date

0

Nonrecurring [Member] | Customer lists/relationships [Member] | Reportable business segments [Member] | Financial Services [Member]

Schedule of asset impairment analyses [Line Items]

Asset impairment charges

1,923

1,882

Fair value as of measurement date

0

4,223

[2]

Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Nonrecurring [Member] | Intangible assets [Member] | Reportable business segments [Member] | Small Business Services [Member]

Schedule of asset impairment analyses [Line Items]

Fair value as of measurement date

[2]

8,379

Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Nonrecurring [Member] | Trade names [Member] | Reportable business segments [Member] | Small Business Services [Member]

Schedule of asset impairment analyses [Line Items]

Fair value as of measurement date

0

Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Nonrecurring [Member] | Customer lists/relationships [Member] | Reportable business segments [Member] | Small Business Services [Member]

Schedule of asset impairment analyses [Line Items]

Fair value as of measurement date

$ 0

Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Nonrecurring [Member] | Customer lists/relationships [Member] | Reportable business segments [Member] | Financial Services [Member]

Schedule of asset impairment analyses [Line Items]

Fair value as of measurement date

$ 0

$ 4,223

[2]

Reporting units for which qualitative analysis completed [Member]

Schedule of asset impairment analyses [Line Items]

Number of reporting units | reporting_units

4

5

Reporting units for which qualitative analysis completed [Member] | Minimum [Member]

Schedule of asset impairment analyses [Line Items]

Excess of fair value over carrying value of reporting unit's net assets

$ 64,000

Excess of fair value over carrying value of reporting unit, percentage

50.00%

Reporting units for which qualitative analysis completed [Member] | Maximum [Member]

Schedule of asset impairment analyses [Line Items]

Excess of fair value over carrying value of reporting unit's net assets

$ 1,405,000

Excess of fair value over carrying value of reporting unit, percentage

314.00%

Reporting units for which quantitative analysis completed [Member]

Schedule of asset impairment analyses [Line Items]

Number of reporting units | reporting_units

2

2

Reporting units for which quantitative analysis completed [Member] | Minimum [Member]

Schedule of asset impairment analyses [Line Items]

Excess of fair value over carrying value of reporting unit's net assets

$ 64,000

Excess of fair value over carrying value of reporting unit, percentage

36.00%

Reporting units for which quantitative analysis completed [Member] | Maximum [Member]

Schedule of asset impairment analyses [Line Items]

Excess of fair value over carrying value of reporting unit's net assets

$ 1,405,000

Excess of fair value over carrying value of reporting unit, percentage

314.00%

Financial Servcices Data-Driven Marketing [Member]

Schedule of asset impairment analyses [Line Items]

Goodwill impairment charge

$ 115,474

Goodwill

186,388

186,388

$ 70,914

Financial Servcices Data-Driven Marketing [Member] | Nonrecurring [Member]

Schedule of asset impairment analyses [Line Items]

Excess of fair value over carrying value of reporting unit's net assets

$ 105,000

$ 105,000

Excess of fair value over carrying value of reporting unit, percentage

36.00%

36.00%

Goodwill impairment charge

$ 0

Small Business Services Web Services [Member]

Schedule of asset impairment analyses [Line Items]

Excess of fair value over carrying value of reporting unit's net assets

$ 63,000

Excess of fair value over carrying value of reporting unit, percentage

22.00%

Goodwill impairment charge

242,267

Goodwill

$ 225,383

Small Business Services Web Services [Member] | Nonrecurring [Member] | Trade names [Member] | Reportable business segments [Member] | Small Business Services [Member]

Schedule of asset impairment analyses [Line Items]

Asset impairment charges

14,441

Small Business Services Web Services [Member] | Nonrecurring [Member] | Customer lists/relationships [Member] | Reportable business segments [Member] | Small Business Services [Member]

Schedule of asset impairment analyses [Line Items]

Asset impairment charges

11,655

Small Business Services Web Services [Member] | Nonrecurring [Member] | Technology-based intangibles [Member] | Reportable business segments [Member] | Small Business Services [Member]

Schedule of asset impairment analyses [Line Items]

Asset impairment charges

5,220

Small Business Services Indirect [Member]

Schedule of asset impairment analyses [Line Items]

Goodwill impairment charge

$ 78,188

Small Business Services Indirect [Member] | Trade names [Member] | Nonrecurring [Member] | Reportable business segments [Member] | Small Business Services [Member]

Schedule of asset impairment analyses [Line Items]

Asset impairment charges

$ 19,100

Fair value as of measurement date

0

Small Business Services Indirect [Member] | Trade names [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Nonrecurring [Member] | Reportable business segments [Member] | Small Business Services [Member]

Schedule of asset impairment analyses [Line Items]

Fair value as of measurement date

$ 0

Small Business Services Safeguard [Member]

Schedule of asset impairment analyses [Line Items]

Goodwill impairment charge

28,379

Intangible assets [Member] | Nonrecurring [Member] | Reportable business segments [Member] | Small Business Services [Member]

Schedule of asset impairment analyses [Line Items]

Asset impairment charges

3,499

Fair value as of measurement date

0

Intangible assets [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Nonrecurring [Member] | Reportable business segments [Member] | Small Business Services [Member]

Schedule of asset impairment analyses [Line Items]

Fair value as of measurement date

$ 0

Intangible assets [Member] | Small Business Services Web Services [Member] | Nonrecurring [Member] | Reportable business segments [Member] | Small Business Services [Member]

Schedule of asset impairment analyses [Line Items]

Asset impairment charges

$ 31,316

Assets held for sale [Member] | Nonrecurring [Member] | Reportable business segments [Member] | Small Business Services [Member]

Schedule of asset impairment analyses [Line Items]

Impairment charges, assets held for sale

8,250

Fair value as of measurement date

3,500

Assets held for sale [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Nonrecurring [Member] | Reportable business segments [Member] | Small Business Services [Member]

Schedule of asset impairment analyses [Line Items]

Fair value as of measurement date

$ 3,500

[1]

The impairment charge consisted of $14,441 related to trade names, $11,655 related to customer lists and $5,220 related to technology-based intangible assets.

[2]

The fair value presented is for the entire asset group that includes the impaired assets.

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (financ

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (financial instruments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019		Dec. 31, 2018
Fair value measurements, financial instruments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale debt securities	$ 34,450	[1]	$ 31,463	[2]
Funds held for customers [Member]
Fair value measurements, financial instruments [Line Items]
Cash	83,191		69,519
Cash, fair value	$ 83,191		69,519
Funds held for customers [Member] | Guaranteed investment certificates [Member]
Fair value measurements, financial instruments [Line Items]
Maximum maturity period, debt securities	1 year
Available-for-sale debt securities	$ 7,698		7,333
Funds held for customers [Member] | Recurring fair value measurements [Member]
Fair value measurements, financial instruments [Line Items]
Cash equivalents	18,000		16,000
Available-for-sale debt securities	16,450		15,463
Funds held for customers [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member]
Fair value measurements, financial instruments [Line Items]
Cash, fair value	83,191		69,519
Funds held for customers [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member] | Recurring fair value measurements [Member]
Fair value measurements, financial instruments [Line Items]
Cash equivalents	18,000		16,000
Funds held for customers [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Recurring fair value measurements [Member]
Fair value measurements, financial instruments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale debt securities	16,450		15,463
Other non-current liabilities [Member] | Recurring fair value measurements [Member]
Fair value measurements, financial instruments [Line Items]
Derivative liability (Note 7)	(1,480)
Other non-current liabilities [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Recurring fair value measurements [Member]
Fair value measurements, financial instruments [Line Items]
Derivative liability (Note 7)	(1,480)
Cash and cash equivalents [Member]
Fair value measurements, financial instruments [Line Items]
Cash	73,620		59,740
Cash, fair value	73,620		59,740
Cash and cash equivalents [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member]
Fair value measurements, financial instruments [Line Items]
Cash, fair value	73,620		59,740
Other current and non-current assets [Member]
Fair value measurements, financial instruments [Line Items]
Loans and notes receivable from Safeguard distributors	70,383		81,560
Loans and notes receivable from Safeguard distributors, fair value	68,887		60,795
Other current and non-current assets [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair value measurements, financial instruments [Line Items]
Loans and notes receivable from Safeguard distributors, fair value	68,887		60,795
Long-term debt [Member]
Fair value measurements, financial instruments [Line Items]
Long-term debt	883,500		910,000	[3]
Long-term debt, fair value	883,500		910,000	[3]
Long-term debt [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair value measurements, financial instruments [Line Items]
Long-term debt, fair value	$ 883,500		$ 910,000	[3]
[1]	) Funds held for customers, as reported on the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2019 , also included cash of $83,191 .
[2]	Funds held for customers, as reported on the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2018 , also included cash of $69,519 .
[3]	Amounts exclude capital lease obligations.

RESTRUCTURING AND INTEGRATION_3

RESTRUCTURING AND INTEGRATION EXPENSE (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Restructuring and integration expense [Line Items]
Restructuring and integration expense	$ 23,356	$ 27,674	$ 17,497	$ 6,283	$ 7,406	$ 5,104	$ 6,371	$ 2,322	$ 74,810	$ 21,203	$ 9,130
Restructuring and integration accruals, total					3,461					3,461
Restructuring and integration accruals, current	3,459				3,320				3,459	3,320
Restructuring and integration accruals, non-current					141					141
Reportable business segments [Member] | Small Business Services [Member]
Restructuring and integration expense [Line Items]
Restructuring and integration expense									49,634	10,837	4,775
Reportable business segments [Member] | Financial Services [Member]
Restructuring and integration expense [Line Items]
Restructuring and integration expense									20,879	10,087	3,950
Reportable business segments [Member] | Direct Checks [Member]
Restructuring and integration expense [Line Items]
Restructuring and integration expense									4,297	279	405
Total cost of revenue [Member]
Restructuring and integration expense [Line Items]
Restructuring and integration expense									3,562	1,466	568
Operating expenses [Member]
Restructuring and integration expense [Line Items]
Restructuring and integration expense									71,248	19,737	8,562
External consulting fees [Member]
Restructuring and integration expense [Line Items]
Restructuring and integration expense									45,638	8,509	516
Internal labor [Member]
Restructuring and integration expense [Line Items]
Restructuring and integration expense									12,115	4,654	1,127
Employee severance [Member]
Restructuring and integration expense [Line Items]
Restructuring and integration expense									11,516	7,672	7,843
Restructuring and integration expense, net of reversals									10,865	5,774	7,176
Restructuring and integration accruals, total	$ 3,459				$ 3,179				3,459	3,179	4,376	$ 4,181
Other costs [Member]
Restructuring and integration expense [Line Items]
Restructuring and integration expense									$ 6,192	$ 2,266	$ 311

RESTRUCTURING AND INTEGRATION_4

RESTRUCTURING AND INTEGRATION EXPENSE (restructuring and integration accruals) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Jan. 01, 2019
Restructuring and integration accruals [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of year					$ 3,461					$ 3,461
Charges		$ 23,356	$ 27,674	$ 17,497	6,283	$ 7,406	$ 5,104	$ 6,371	$ 2,322	74,810	$ 21,203	$ 9,130
Balance, end of year						3,461					3,461
Employee severance [Member]
Restructuring and integration accruals [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of year					3,179				4,376	3,179	4,376	4,181
Charges										11,516	7,672	7,843
Reversals										(651)	(1,898)	(667)
Payments										(10,585)	(6,971)	(6,981)
Balance, end of year		3,459				3,179				3,459	3,179	4,376
Operating lease obligations [Member]
Restructuring and integration accruals [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of year					282				4	282	4	0
Charges										0	597	23
Reversals										0	(71)	0
Payments										0	(248)	(19)
Balance, end of year		0				282				0	282	4
Operating lease obligations [Member] | Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-02 [Member]
Restructuring and integration accruals [Line Items]
Adoption of ASU No. 2016-02	[1]												$ (282)
Employee severance and operating lease obligations [Member]
Restructuring and integration accruals [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of year					$ 3,461				$ 4,380	3,461	4,380	4,181
Charges										11,516	8,269	7,866
Reversals										(651)	(1,969)	(667)
Payments										(10,585)	(7,219)	(7,000)
Balance, end of year		$ 3,459				$ 3,461				$ 3,459	$ 3,461	$ 4,380
[1]	Upon adoption of ASU No. 2016-02, Leasing , and related amendments on January 1, 2019 (Note 2), our operating lease obligation accrual was reversed and the related operating lease asset was analyzed for impairment in accordance with the new guidance.

CHIEF EEXECUTIVE OFFICER TRANSI

CHIEF EEXECUTIVE OFFICER TRANSITION COSTS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Apr. 25, 2018
Retention bonus, amount											$ 2,000
Impact of modification of share-based payment award											$ 2,088
CEO transition costs	$ 851	$ 1,145	$ 1,906	$ 5,488	$ 3,058	$ 2,622	$ 1,530	$ 0	$ 9,390	$ 7,210
Accrued liabilities [Member]
CEO transition costs accruals	$ 4,406				1,972				$ 4,406	1,972
Other non-current liabilities [Member]
CEO transition costs accruals					$ 1,808					$ 1,808
Maximum [Member]
Retention bonus, percentage											150.00%

INCOME TAX PROVISION (Details)

INCOME TAX PROVISION (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended					12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019		Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
(Loss) income before income taxes
U.S.						$ (161,733)		$ 198,727	$ 299,424
Foreign						(23,897)		13,904	13,403
(Loss) income before income taxes						(185,630)		212,631	312,827
Current tax provision:
Federal						36,967		57,117	104,079
State						7,400		11,319	12,996
Foreign						4,850		5,921	4,774
Total current tax provision						49,217		74,357	121,849
Deferred tax provision:
Federal						(30,095)		(7,220)	(37,471)
State						(7,070)		(1,701)	(491)
Foreign						2,215		(2,435)	(1,215)
Total deferred tax provision						(34,950)		(11,356)	(39,177)
Income tax provision						$ 14,267		$ 63,001	$ 82,672
Reconciliation of effective tax rate
Income tax at federal statutory rate						21.00%		21.00%	35.00%
Goodwill impairment charge						(29.30%)		7.10%	1.50%
Change in valuation allowances						(4.50%)	[1]	0.10%	(0.30%)
Net tax benefit of share-based compensation						(1.10%)		(0.80%)	(1.60%)
State income tax expense, net of federal income tax benefit						4.90%		3.00%	2.70%
Foreign tax rate differences						1.30%		0.40%	(0.30%)
Impact of Tax Cuts and Jobs Act						0		(0.008)	(0.066)
Qualified production activities deduction						0.00%		0.00%	(3.20%)
Other						0.00%		(0.40%)	(0.80%)
Effective tax rate						(7.70%)		29.60%	26.40%
Expense from change in valuation allowance	$ 8,432					$ 8,336		$ 290	$ (1,015)
Impact of Tax Cuts and Jobs Act		$ (582)	$ (1,249)	$ 441	$ (310)			(1,700)	(20,500)
Changes in unrecognized tax benefits
Balance, beginning of year					$ 3,795	4,801		3,795	7,373
Additions for tax positions of current year						364		315	378
Additions for tax positions of prior years						546		1,177	659
Reductions for tax positions of prior years						(887)		(108)	(4,389)
Settlements						(341)		0	0
Lapse of statutes of limitations						(314)		(378)	(226)
Balance, end of year		4,801				4,169		4,801	3,795
Unrecognized tax benefits
Unrecognized tax benefits that would impact income tax expense						(4,169)
Accruals for interest and penalties		$ 1,156				935		1,156
Net increase (decrease) in income tax provision for interest and penalties						605		$ 110	$ (284)
Amount by which it is reasonably possible that unrecognized tax benefits will decrease in next 12 months						2,300
Amount by which it is reasonably possible that unrecognized tax benefits will increase in next 12 months						$ 1,900
[1]	During the quarter ended September 30, 2019, we recorded asset impairment charges related to certain intangible assets located in Australia (Note 8). As a result, we placed a full valuation allowance on the intangible-related deferred tax asset of $8,432 , as we do not expect that we will realize the benefit of this deferred tax asset.

INCOME TAX PROVISION (deferred

INCOME TAX PROVISION (deferred income taxes) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Deferred tax assets
Employee benefit plans							$ 1,420
Intangible assets	[1]					$ 14,900
Operating leases						11,409
Net operating loss, tax credit and capital loss carryforwards						7,698	9,380
Reserves and accruals						6,154	8,893
Inventories						2,595	2,043
All other						2,756	3,237
Total deferred taxes						45,512	24,973
Valuation allowances			$ (1,689)	$ (1,518)	$ (2,545)	(10,349)	(1,689)	$ (1,518)
Net deferred taxes						35,163	23,284
Deferred tax liabilities
Goodwill	[1]					16,424	47,993
Revenue recognition						4,752	3,185
Prepaid assets						3,830	3,469
Property, plant and equipment						3,200	1,739
Employee benefit plans						2,747
Installment sales treatment of notes receivable						1,171	3,054
Intangible assets	[1]						3,780
Operating leases						10,578
All other						3,452	3,858
Total deferred taxes						46,154	67,078
Net deferred taxes						46,154	67,078
Changes in deferred tax asset valuation allowances
Balance, beginning of year			(1,689)	(1,518)	(2,545)
(Expense) benefit from change in allowances		$ (8,432)	(8,336)	(290)	1,015
Foreign currency translation			(324)	119	12
Balance, end of year			$ (10,349)	$ (1,689)	$ (1,518)
Cash and cash equivalents						73,620	$ 59,740	$ 59,240
Foreign, primarily Canada [Member]
Changes in deferred tax asset valuation allowances
Cash and cash equivalents						$ 69,046
[1]	The change in these deferred income taxes in 2019, as compared to 2018, was primarily the result of asset impairment charges recorded during 2019. Further information can be found in Note 8.

INCOME TAX PROVISION (net opera

INCOME TAX PROVISION (net operating loss, tax credit and capital loss carryforwards) (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
State [Member]
Tax carryforwards [Line Items]
Net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards	$ 63,169
Foreign [Member]
Tax carryforwards [Line Items]
Capital loss carryforwards that do not expire	4,891
Net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards	2,035
Federal [Member]
Tax carryforwards [Line Items]
Net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards	$ 1,451

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION PLAN_2

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS (long-term incentive plan and share-based compensation expense) (Details) $ in Thousands, shares in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)shares	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	May 02, 2017shares
Share-based compensation plans [Line Items]
Common stock reserved for issuance | shares				5
Common stock available for issuance | shares	4.1
Full value awards factor (in ones)	2.23
Share-based compensation expense	$ 19,702	$ 13,378	$ 15,109
Income tax benefit	(5,350)	(3,946)	(5,152)
Compensation expense not yet recognized for unvested awards	$ 28,891
Weighted-average period over which expense for unvested awards will be recognized	2 years 2 months 12 days
Restricted shares and restricted stock units [Member]
Share-based compensation plans [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	$ 13,411	5,232	6,533
Performance share awards [Member]
Share-based compensation plans [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	2,907	4,502	4,782
Stock options [Member]
Share-based compensation plans [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	2,954	3,143	3,270
Employee stock purchase plan [Member]
Share-based compensation plans [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	$ 430	$ 501	$ 524

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION PLAN_3

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS (award terms) (Details) - shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Stock options [Member]
Share-based compensation plans [Line Items]
Options vesting each year during vesting period	25.00%	33.30%
Term of award	10 years	7 years
Period after grant when vesting of stock options may be modified in certain circumstances outlined in award agreement	1 year
Exercise period of award following voluntary termination of employment	3 months
Number of shares of common stock into which each award is convertible	1
Stock options [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Share-based compensation plans [Line Items]
Award vesting period	1 year
Stock options [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Share-based compensation plans [Line Items]
Award vesting period	4 years	3 years
Restricted stock units [Member]
Share-based compensation plans [Line Items]
Award vesting period	3 years
Number of shares of common stock into which each award is convertible	1
Restricted stock units [Member] | Management [Member]
Share-based compensation plans [Line Items]
Award vesting period	2 years
Company matching amount, restricted stock units	100.00%
Restricted shares [Member]
Share-based compensation plans [Line Items]
Options vesting each year during vesting period	25.00%
Restricted shares [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Share-based compensation plans [Line Items]
Award vesting period	4 years		3 years
Performance share awards [Member]
Share-based compensation plans [Line Items]
Award vesting period	3 years
Period after grant when vesting of stock options may be modified in certain circumstances outlined in award agreement	1 year

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION PLAN_4

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS (stock options) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Weighted-average exercise price per option
Outstanding, beginning of year	$ 62.04	$ 56.51	$ 47.68
Granted	44.72	62.12	75.30
Exercised	32.42	42.55	38.72
Forfeited or expired	62.75	66.85	62.19
Outstanding, end of year	53.92	62.04	56.51
Exercisable, end of year	$ 61.44	$ 59.90	$ 47.42
Change in number of stock options
Outstanding, beginning of year	1,245	1,139	1,251
Granted	644	519	270
Exercised	(21)	(339)	(347)
Forfeited or expired	(521)	(74)	(35)
Outstanding, end of year	1,347	1,245	1,139
Exercisable, end of year	485	472	555
Additional disclosures
Aggregate intrinsic value, options outstanding, end of year	$ 3,311
Aggregate intrinsic value, options exercisable, end of year	$ 292
Weighted average remaining contractual term, options outstanding, end of year	6 years 1 month 6 days
Weighted-average remaining contractual term, options exercisable, end of year	2 years 8 months 12 days
Weighted-average grant date fair value, options granted	$ 8.30	$ 10.98	$ 12.81
Total intrinsic value, options exercised	$ 292	$ 10,007	$ 11,699
Stock options [Member]
Assumptions, Black-Scholes option pricing model
Risk-free interest rate	2.30%	2.70%	1.60%
Dividend yield	2.70%	2.00%	1.60%
Expected volatility	24.50%	23.00%	23.70%
Weighted-average option life (in years)	5 years 3 months 18 days	3 years 10 months 24 days	3 years 8 months 12 days

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION PLAN_5

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS (restricted stock units, restricted shares and performance share awards) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Restricted stock units [Member]
Changes in share-based compensation awards (in thousands)
Outstanding, beginning of year		195	109	139
Granted		611	110	16
Vested		(93)	(22)	(43)
Forfeited		(49)	(2)	(3)
Outstanding, end of year		664	195	109
Weighted-average grant date fair value
Outstanding, beginning of year		$ 45.41	$ 38.31	$ 37.99
Granted		44.73	52.32	73.27
Vested		49.31	48.14	43.18
Forfeited		45.40	74.96	57.18
Outstanding, end of year		$ 44.35	$ 45.41	$ 38.31
Additional disclosures
Weighted-average remaining contractual term, outstanding, end of year		2 years 3 months 18 days
Fair value, awards vested		$ 4,374	$ 1,619	$ 3,161
Restricted stock units classified as liabilities [Member]
Changes in share-based compensation awards (in thousands)
Outstanding, end of year		15
Additional disclosures
Aggregate intrinsic value, outstanding, end of year		$ 710
Weighted-average remaining contractual term, outstanding, end of year		9 months
Fair value per unit, end of year		$ 47
Cash payments to settle restricted stock units		$ 263	$ 78	$ 421
Restricted shares [Member]
Changes in share-based compensation awards (in thousands)
Outstanding, beginning of year		168	181	220
Granted			77	68
Vested		(117)	(76)	(99)
Forfeited		(25)	(14)	(8)
Outstanding, end of year		26	168	181
Weighted-average grant date fair value
Outstanding, beginning of year		$ 66.02	$ 65.33	$ 56.43
Granted			71.29	74.84
Vested		63.15	69.73	52.41
Forfeited		73.62	66.24	61.37
Outstanding, end of year		$ 71.61	$ 66.02	$ 65.33
Additional disclosures
Weighted-average remaining contractual term, outstanding, end of year		1 year
Fair value, awards vested		$ 5,608	$ 5,375	$ 7,452
Performance share awards [Member]
Assumptions, Monte Carlo simulation model
Risk-free interest rate		2.30%	2.40%	1.40%
Dividend yield		3.10%	1.60%	1.70%
Expected volatility		26.80%	21.60%	21.90%
Changes in share-based compensation awards (in thousands)
Outstanding, beginning of year		250	255	236
Granted	[1]	151	91	83
Vested		(118)	(45)	(60)
Forfeited		(38)	(48)	(9)
Adjustment for performance results achieved	[2]	7	(3)	5
Outstanding, end of year		252	250	255
Weighted-average grant date fair value
Outstanding, beginning of year		$ 67.54	$ 63.42	$ 55.15
Granted		41.79	74.49	75.31
Vested		59.67	67.10	50.17
Forfeited		54.42	59.32	64.85
Adjustment for performance results achieved		54.42	67.11	50.34
Outstanding, end of year		$ 57.64	$ 67.54	$ 63.42
Additional disclosures
Weighted-average remaining contractual term, outstanding, end of year		1 year 6 months
[1]	Reflects awards granted assuming achievement of performance goals at target.
[2]	Reflects the difference between the awards earned at the end of the performance period and the target number of shares.

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION PLAN_6

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS (employee stock purchase plan) (Details) - $ / shares shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Jul. 31, 2019	Jan. 31, 2019	Jul. 31, 2018	Jan. 31, 2018	Jul. 31, 2017	Jan. 31, 2017
Employee stock purchase plan
Number of shares issued, employee stock purchase plan	65	53	46
Purchase price per share, employee stock purchase plan				$ 37.93	$ 39.92	$ 50.09	$ 63.13	$ 61.37	$ 61.92

EMPLOYEE COMPENSATION PLANS (De

EMPLOYEE COMPENSATION PLANS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Employee compensation plans [Line Items]
401(k) contributions, maximum annual employee contribution, percent of wages		50.00%
401(k) expense		$ 10,176	$ 9,686	$ 9,023
Performance-based compensation plans	[1]	21,143	20,297	$ 22,085
Deferred compensation plan
Deferred compensation plan liability		5,036	4,458
Deferred compensation plan assets		$ 11,204	$ 10,831
Maximum [Member]
Deferred compensation plan
Maximum percentage of base salary employees can defer		100.00%
Maximum percentage of bonus employees can defer		50.00%
401(k) plan, first 1% of wages contributed by employee [Member]
Employee compensation plans [Line Items]
Employer matching 401(k) contribution, percentage		100.00%
401(k) plan, next 5% of wages contributed by employee [Member]
Employee compensation plans [Line Items]
Employer matching 401(k) contribution, percentage		50.00%
401(k) plan, 100% employer match [Member]
Employee compensation plans [Line Items]
Employee 401(k) contribution receiving employer match, percent of wages		1.00%
401(k) plan, 50% employer match [Member]
Employee compensation plans [Line Items]
Employee 401(k) contribution receiving employer match, percent of wages		5.00%
[1]	Excludes expense for share-based compensation, which is discussed in Note 12.

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS (obliga

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS (obligations and funded status) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Change in benefit obligation
Interest cost	$ 2,727	$ 2,626	$ 2,896
Amounts recognized in balance sheets
Other non-current assets	56,743	41,259
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss
Unrecognized prior service credit	12,756	14,178
Unrecognized net actuarial loss	(45,319)	(57,436)
Tax effect	4,157	6,729
Amount recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax	(28,406)	(36,529)
Postretirement benefit plan [Member]
Change in benefit obligation
Benefit obligation, beginning of year	73,717	87,594
Interest cost	2,617	2,529
Net actuarial (gain) loss	5,012	(9,231)
Benefits paid from plan assets and company funds	(8,171)	(7,175)
Benefit obligation, end of year	73,175	73,717	87,594
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year	114,976	127,443
Return on plan assets	21,179	(6,663)
Benefits paid	(6,237)	(5,804)
Fair value of plan assets, end of year	129,918	114,976	127,443
Funded status	56,743	41,259
Amounts recognized in balance sheets
Other non-current assets	56,743	41,259
Accrued liabilities	0	0
Other non-current liabilities	$ 0	0
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss
Weighted-average amortization period, prior service credit	21 years
Amortization period net actuarial loss	14 years 1 month 6 days
Pension plan [Member]
Change in benefit obligation
Benefit obligation, beginning of year	$ 3,148	3,398
Interest cost	111	97
Net actuarial (gain) loss	316	(23)
Benefits paid from plan assets and company funds	(324)	(324)
Benefit obligation, end of year	3,251	3,148	$ 3,398
Change in plan assets
Funded status	(3,251)	(3,148)
Amounts recognized in balance sheets
Other non-current assets	0	0
Accrued liabilities	324	324
Other non-current liabilities	$ 2,927	$ 2,824

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS (net pe

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS (net periodic benefit income and actuarial assumptions) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Net periodic benefit income
Interest cost	$ 2,727	$ 2,626	$ 2,896
Expected return on plan assets	(6,957)	(7,737)	(7,128)
Amortization of prior service credit	(1,421)	(1,421)	(1,421)
Amortization of net actuarial losses	3,223	2,884	3,637
Net periodic benefit income	$ (2,428)	$ (3,648)	$ (2,016)
Participants under age 65 [Member]
Health care cost trend rates
Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year	7.40%	7.70%	7.90%
Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline (the ultimate trend rate)	4.50%	4.50%	4.50%
Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate	2029	2029	2025
Participants age 65 and older [Member]
Health care cost trend rates
Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year	8.40%	8.70%	9.10%
Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline (the ultimate trend rate)	4.50%	4.50%	4.50%
Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate	2029	2029	2025
Postretirement benefit plan [Member]
Net periodic benefit income
Interest cost	$ 2,617	$ 2,529
Actuarial assumptions
Discount rate, benefit obligation	3.03%	4.13%
Discount rate, net periodic benefit income	4.13%	3.46%	3.81%
Expected return on plan assets	6.25%	6.25%	6.25%
Pension plan [Member]
Net periodic benefit income
Interest cost	$ 111	$ 97
Actuarial assumptions
Discount rate, benefit obligation	2.76%	4.01%
Discount rate, net periodic benefit income	4.01%	3.35%	3.66%

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS (plan a

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS (plan assets) (Details) - Postretirement benefit plan [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Postretirement benefits [Line Items]
Allocation of plan assets	100.00%	100.00%
Fair value of plan assets	$ 129,918	$ 114,976	$ 127,443
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member]
Postretirement benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	25,616	30,003
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Postretirement benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	81,350	39,450
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Postretirement benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Investments measured at net asset value [Member]
Postretirement benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 22,952	$ 45,523
Equity securities [Member] | U.S. [Member]
Postretirement benefits [Line Items]
Allocation of plan assets	24.00%	23.00%
Target allocation of plan assets	24.00%
Fair value of plan assets	$ 30,990	$ 26,240
Equity securities [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member] | U.S. [Member]
Postretirement benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Equity securities [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | U.S. [Member]
Postretirement benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	30,990	0
Equity securities [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | U.S. [Member]
Postretirement benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Equity securities [Member] | Investments measured at net asset value [Member] | U.S. [Member]
Postretirement benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 0	$ 26,240
Mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Postretirement benefits [Line Items]
Allocation of plan assets	24.00%	25.00%
Fair value of plan assets	$ 30,828	$ 28,731
Mortgage-backed securities [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member]
Postretirement benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Mortgage-backed securities [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Postretirement benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	13,060	13,593
Mortgage-backed securities [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Postretirement benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Mortgage-backed securities [Member] | Investments measured at net asset value [Member]
Postretirement benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 17,768	$ 15,138
International equity securities [Member]
Postretirement benefits [Line Items]
Allocation of plan assets	19.00%	18.00%
Target allocation of plan assets	18.00%
Fair value of plan assets	$ 24,032	$ 20,559
International equity securities [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member]
Postretirement benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	20,859	20,261
International equity securities [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Postretirement benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	3,173	298
International equity securities [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Postretirement benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
International equity securities [Member] | Investments measured at net asset value [Member]
Postretirement benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 0	$ 0
U.S. corporate debt securities [Member]
Postretirement benefits [Line Items]
Allocation of plan assets	15.00%	20.00%
Fair value of plan assets	$ 19,955	$ 22,551
U.S. corporate debt securities [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member]
Postretirement benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	6,489
U.S. corporate debt securities [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Postretirement benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	14,771	12,468
U.S. corporate debt securities [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Postretirement benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
U.S. corporate debt securities [Member] | Investments measured at net asset value [Member]
Postretirement benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 5,184	$ 3,594
Government debt securities [Member]
Postretirement benefits [Line Items]
Allocation of plan assets	14.00%	11.00%
Fair value of plan assets	$ 18,776	$ 12,738
Government debt securities [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member]
Postretirement benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Government debt securities [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Postretirement benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	18,776	12,738
Government debt securities [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Postretirement benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Government debt securities [Member] | Investments measured at net asset value [Member]
Postretirement benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 0	$ 0
Equity securities small and midcap [Member] | U.S. [Member]
Postretirement benefits [Line Items]
Allocation of plan assets	4.00%	3.00%
Target allocation of plan assets	3.00%
Fair value of plan assets	$ 4,591	$ 3,837
Equity securities small and midcap [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member] | U.S. [Member]
Postretirement benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	4,228	3,259
Equity securities small and midcap [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | U.S. [Member]
Postretirement benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	363	27
Equity securities small and midcap [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | U.S. [Member]
Postretirement benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Equity securities small and midcap [Member] | Investments measured at net asset value [Member] | U.S. [Member]
Postretirement benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	551
Other debt securities [Member]
Postretirement benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	746	320
Other debt securities [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member]
Postretirement benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	529	(6)
Other debt securities [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Postretirement benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	217	326
Other debt securities [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Postretirement benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Other debt securities [Member] | Investments measured at net asset value [Member]
Postretirement benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 0	$ 0
Fixed income securities [Member]
Postretirement benefits [Line Items]
Target allocation of plan assets	55.00%

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS (cash f

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS (cash flows) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Postretirement benefits [Line Items]
Company contributions	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Postretirement benefit plan [Member]
Expected benefit payments
2020	6,089
2021	6,040
2022	5,934
2023	5,767
2024	5,562
2025 - 2029	24,427
Pension plan [Member]
Postretirement benefits [Line Items]
Cash surrender value of insurance polices that fund pension plan	7,136	$ 6,869
Expected benefit payments
2020	320
2021	320
2022	310
2023	300
2024	290
2025 - 2029	$ 1,280

DEBT (Details)

DEBT (Details) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)		Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)		Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)		Jul. 19, 2019USD ($)	Jan. 22, 2019USD ($)
Debt instruments [Line Items]
Capital lease obligations		$ 0	[1]	$ 1,864
Long-term debt, principal amount		883,500		911,864
Less current portion of long-term debt		0		(791)
Long-term debt		883,500		911,073
Long-term debt due within one year		0		791
Total debt		$ 883,500		911,864
Total debt less unrestricted cash to EBITDA ratio		2.75
Revolving credit facility, current capacity		$ 1,150,000		950,000					$ 1,150,000
Line of credit facility increase in current capacity									$ 200,000
Revolving credit facility, maximum capacity		$ 1,425,000
Leverage ratio		3.5
Ratio of EBIT to interest expense		3
Outstanding letters of credit	[2]	$ (5,408)
Net available for borrowing as of December 31, 2019		$ 261,092
Interest rate swap [Member]
Debt instruments [Line Items]
Interest rate swap notional amount								$ 200,000
Minimum [Member]
Debt instruments [Line Items]
Revolving credit facility, commitment fee		0.175%
Maximum [Member]
Debt instruments [Line Items]
Revolving credit facility, commitment fee		0.35%
Revolving credit facility [Member]
Debt instruments [Line Items]
Principal amount		$ 883,500		$ 910,000
Interest rate at period end		3.03%		3.79%
Daily average amount outstanding		$ 925,715		$ 731,110		$ 436,588
Weighted-average interest rate		3.54%		3.24%		2.55%
Capital lease obligations [Member]
Debt instruments [Line Items]
Less current portion of long-term debt		$ 0	[1]	$ (791)
Term loan facility [Member]
Debt instruments [Line Items]
Daily average amount outstanding		$ 0		$ 63,638	[3]	$ 315,862	[3]
Weighted-average interest rate		0.00%		2.97%	[3]	2.57%	[3]
[1]	Upon adoption of ASU No. 2016-02, Leasing , and related amendments on January 1, 2019 (Note 2), we reclassified our capital lease obligations, now known as finance lease obligations, to accrued liabilities and other non-current liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet.
[2]	We use standby letters of credit primarily to collateralize certain obligations related to our self-insured workers' compensation claims, as well as claims for environmental matters, as required by certain states. These letters of credit reduce the amount available for borrowing under our revolving credit facility.
[3]	During 2018 and 2017, we had borrowings outstanding under a variable rate term loan facility. These amounts were repaid in March 2018.

LEASES (Details)

LEASES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Leases [Line Items]
Operating lease expense	$ 19,113	$ 0	$ 0
Rental expense		23,928	$ 19,839
Operating cash outflows	17,737
Lease assets obtained during the period in exchange for lease obligations	11,637
Operating lease assets	44,372	0
Accrued liabilities	12,898	0
Operating lease liabilities	33,585	$ 0
Total operating lease liabilities	$ 46,483
Weighted-average remaining lease term (in years)	5 years 1 month 6 days
Weighted-average discount rate	3.40%
Maturities of operating lease liabilities
2020	$ 13,970
2021	11,334
2022	8,397
2023	4,527
2024	3,319
Thereafter	9,163
Total lease payments	50,710
Less imputed interest	(4,227)
Total operating lease liabilities	$ 46,483
Real estate [Member]
Leases [Line Items]
Weighted-average remaining lease term (in years)	5 years 4 months 24 days
Real estate [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Leases [Line Items]
Remaining lease term	10 years

OTHER COMMITMENTS AND CONTING_2

OTHER COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Self-insurance liabilities	$ 7,576	$ 6,627

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Details)

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Details) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Oct. 24, 2018
Common shares repurchased
Share repurchase authorization				$ 500,000
Common shares repurchased	2,632	3,584	924
Payments for common shares repurchased	$ 118,547	$ 200,000	$ 65,000
Remaining authorized repurchase amount	$ 301,452

BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION (d

BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION (disaggregated revenue information) (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)customers	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2019USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)customers	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2018USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2020segment	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)segmentcustomers	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)customers	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)customers
Product and service information [Line Items]
Number of reportable segments | segment										3
Total revenue	$ 522,071	$ 493,593	$ 493,986	$ 499,065	$ 524,677	$ 493,190	$ 488,244	$ 491,914		$ 2,008,715	$ 1,998,025	$ 1,965,556
Forecast [Member]
Product and service information [Line Items]
Number of reportable segments | segment									4
U. S. [Member]
Product and service information [Line Items]
Total revenue										1,888,036	1,871,375	1,859,398
Foreign, primarily Canada and Australia [Member]
Product and service information [Line Items]
Total revenue										120,679	126,650	106,158
Reportable business segments [Member] | Small Business Services [Member]
Product and service information [Line Items]
Total revenue										1,255,779	1,283,620	1,239,739
Reportable business segments [Member] | Small Business Services [Member] | U. S. [Member]
Product and service information [Line Items]
Total revenue										1,157,195	1,180,019	1,150,055
Reportable business segments [Member] | Small Business Services [Member] | Foreign, primarily Canada and Australia [Member]
Product and service information [Line Items]
Total revenue										98,584	103,601	89,684
Reportable business segments [Member] | Financial Services [Member]
Product and service information [Line Items]
Total revenue										633,498	586,967	585,275
Reportable business segments [Member] | Financial Services [Member] | U. S. [Member]
Product and service information [Line Items]
Total revenue										611,403	563,918	568,801
Reportable business segments [Member] | Financial Services [Member] | Foreign, primarily Canada and Australia [Member]
Product and service information [Line Items]
Total revenue										22,095	23,049	16,474
Reportable business segments [Member] | Direct Checks [Member]
Product and service information [Line Items]
Total revenue										119,438	127,438	140,542
Reportable business segments [Member] | Direct Checks [Member] | U. S. [Member]
Product and service information [Line Items]
Total revenue										119,438	127,438	140,542
Reportable business segments [Member] | Direct Checks [Member] | Foreign, primarily Canada and Australia [Member]
Product and service information [Line Items]
Total revenue										0	0	0
Small business marketing solutions [Member]
Product and service information [Line Items]
Total revenue										281,552	292,245	262,192
Small business marketing solutions [Member] | Reportable business segments [Member] | Small Business Services [Member]
Product and service information [Line Items]
Total revenue										281,552	292,245	262,192
Small business marketing solutions [Member] | Reportable business segments [Member] | Financial Services [Member]
Product and service information [Line Items]
Total revenue										0	0	0
Small business marketing solutions [Member] | Reportable business segments [Member] | Direct Checks [Member]
Product and service information [Line Items]
Total revenue										0	0	0
Treasury management solutions [Member]
Product and service information [Line Items]
Total revenue										193,527	148,011	109,240
Treasury management solutions [Member] | Reportable business segments [Member] | Small Business Services [Member]
Product and service information [Line Items]
Total revenue										0	0	0
Treasury management solutions [Member] | Reportable business segments [Member] | Financial Services [Member]
Product and service information [Line Items]
Total revenue										193,527	148,011	109,240
Treasury management solutions [Member] | Reportable business segments [Member] | Direct Checks [Member]
Product and service information [Line Items]
Total revenue										0	0	0
Web services [Member]
Product and service information [Line Items]
Total revenue										166,025	161,646	131,644
Web services [Member] | Reportable business segments [Member] | Small Business Services [Member]
Product and service information [Line Items]
Total revenue										166,025	161,646	131,644
Web services [Member] | Reportable business segments [Member] | Financial Services [Member]
Product and service information [Line Items]
Total revenue										0	0	0
Web services [Member] | Reportable business segments [Member] | Direct Checks [Member]
Product and service information [Line Items]
Total revenue										0	0	0
Data-driven marketing solutions [Member]
Product and service information [Line Items]
Total revenue										157,706	147,893	150,572
Data-driven marketing solutions [Member] | Reportable business segments [Member] | Small Business Services [Member]
Product and service information [Line Items]
Total revenue										0	0	0
Data-driven marketing solutions [Member] | Reportable business segments [Member] | Financial Services [Member]
Product and service information [Line Items]
Total revenue										157,706	147,893	150,572
Data-driven marketing solutions [Member] | Reportable business segments [Member] | Direct Checks [Member]
Product and service information [Line Items]
Total revenue										0	0	0
Fraud, security, risk management and operational services [Member]
Product and service information [Line Items]
Total revenue										87,343	90,105	102,030
Fraud, security, risk management and operational services [Member] | Reportable business segments [Member] | Small Business Services [Member]
Product and service information [Line Items]
Total revenue										24,572	25,460	25,491
Fraud, security, risk management and operational services [Member] | Reportable business segments [Member] | Financial Services [Member]
Product and service information [Line Items]
Total revenue										49,562	50,499	61,185
Fraud, security, risk management and operational services [Member] | Reportable business segments [Member] | Direct Checks [Member]
Product and service information [Line Items]
Total revenue										13,209	14,146	15,354
Marketing solutions and other services [Member]
Product and service information [Line Items]
Total revenue										886,153	839,900	755,678
Marketing solutions and other services [Member] | Reportable business segments [Member] | Small Business Services [Member]
Product and service information [Line Items]
Total revenue										472,149	479,351	419,327
Marketing solutions and other services [Member] | Reportable business segments [Member] | Financial Services [Member]
Product and service information [Line Items]
Total revenue										400,795	346,403	320,997
Marketing solutions and other services [Member] | Reportable business segments [Member] | Direct Checks [Member]
Product and service information [Line Items]
Total revenue										13,209	14,146	15,354
Checks [Member]
Product and service information [Line Items]
Total revenue										783,195	810,389	851,036
Checks [Member] | Reportable business segments [Member] | Small Business Services [Member]
Product and service information [Line Items]
Total revenue										462,950	476,751	482,928
Checks [Member] | Reportable business segments [Member] | Financial Services [Member]
Product and service information [Line Items]
Total revenue										219,695	226,554	249,716
Checks [Member] | Reportable business segments [Member] | Direct Checks [Member]
Product and service information [Line Items]
Total revenue										100,550	107,084	118,392
Forms, accessories and other products [Member]
Product and service information [Line Items]
Total revenue										339,367	347,736	358,842
Forms, accessories and other products [Member] | Reportable business segments [Member] | Small Business Services [Member]
Product and service information [Line Items]
Total revenue										320,680	327,518	337,484
Forms, accessories and other products [Member] | Reportable business segments [Member] | Financial Services [Member]
Product and service information [Line Items]
Total revenue										13,008	14,010	14,562
Forms, accessories and other products [Member] | Reportable business segments [Member] | Direct Checks [Member]
Product and service information [Line Items]
Total revenue										$ 5,679	$ 6,208	$ 6,796
Customer concentration risk [Member]
Product and service information [Line Items]
Number of customers | customers	0				0					0	0	0
Customer concentration risk [Member] | Total revenue benchmark [Member]
Product and service information [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage										10.00%	10.00%	10.00%

BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION (s

BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION (segment results) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Business segment information [Line Items]
Total revenue from external customers	$ 522,071	$ 493,593	$ 493,986	$ 499,065	$ 524,677	$ 493,190	$ 488,244	$ 491,914	$ 2,008,715	$ 1,998,025	$ 1,965,556
Operating (loss) income									(158,141)	231,221	329,176
Depreciation and amortization expense									126,036	131,100	122,652
Asset impairment charges	0	$ 390,980	$ 0	$ 0	0	$ 99,170	$ 0	$ 2,149	390,980	101,319	54,880
Total assets	1,943,311				2,305,096				1,943,311	2,305,096	2,208,827
Capital asset purchases									66,595	62,238	47,450
Reportable business segments [Member] | Small Business Services [Member]
Business segment information [Line Items]
Total revenue from external customers									1,255,779	1,283,620	1,239,739
Operating (loss) income									(124,235)	119,808	181,528
Depreciation and amortization expense									62,138	66,031	56,834
Asset impairment charges									273,583	99,437	54,880
Total assets	841,858				1,094,262				841,858	1,094,262	1,081,098
Capital asset purchases									0	0	0
Reportable business segments [Member] | Financial Services [Member]
Business segment information [Line Items]
Total revenue from external customers									633,498	586,967	585,275
Operating (loss) income									(67,524)	69,939	101,047
Depreciation and amortization expense									60,622	61,843	62,592
Asset impairment charges									117,397	1,882	0
Total assets	583,555				751,242				583,555	751,242	679,547
Capital asset purchases									0	0	0
Reportable business segments [Member] | Direct Checks [Member]
Business segment information [Line Items]
Total revenue from external customers									119,438	127,438	140,542
Operating (loss) income									33,618	41,474	46,601
Depreciation and amortization expense									3,276	3,226	3,226
Asset impairment charges									0	0	0
Total assets	154,687				157,802				154,687	157,802	158,827
Capital asset purchases									0	0	0
Corporate [Member]
Business segment information [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization expense related to corporate assets which was allocated to segments									36,239	33,812	33,302
Total revenue from external customers									0	0	0
Operating (loss) income									0	0	0
Depreciation and amortization expense									0	0	0
Asset impairment charges									0	0	0
Total assets	$ 363,211				$ 301,790				363,211	301,790	289,355
Capital asset purchases									$ 66,595	$ 62,238	$ 47,450

SUMMARIZED QUARTERLY FINANCIA_3

SUMMARIZED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]
Total revenue		$ 522,071	$ 493,593	$ 493,986	$ 499,065	$ 524,677	$ 493,190	$ 488,244	$ 491,914	$ 2,008,715	$ 1,998,025	$ 1,965,556
Gross profit		315,010	289,870	291,458	299,442	309,522	295,556	298,043	303,156	1,195,780	1,206,277	1,222,849
Net income (loss)		$ 44,824	$ (318,493)	$ 32,582	$ 41,190	$ 57,170	$ (31,083)	$ 60,207	$ 63,336	$ (199,897)	$ 149,630	$ 230,155
Earnings (loss) per share:
(Loss) earnings per share - basic		$ 1.06	$ (7.49)	$ 0.75	$ 0.93	$ 1.25	$ (0.67)	$ 1.26	$ 1.32	$ (4.65)	$ 3.18	$ 4.75
(Loss) earnings per share - diluted		1.06	(7.49)	0.75	0.93	1.25	(0.67)	1.25	1.31	(4.65)	3.16	4.72
Cash dividends per share		$ 0.30	$ 0.30	$ 0.30	$ 0.30	$ 0.30	$ 0.30	$ 0.30	$ 0.30	$ 1.20	$ 1.20	$ 1.20
Items affecting comparability of quarterly results
Asset impairment charges		$ 0	$ 390,980	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 99,170	$ 0	$ 2,149	$ 390,980	$ 101,319	$ 54,880
Restructuring and integration expense		23,356	27,674	17,497	6,283	7,406	5,104	6,371	2,322	74,810	21,203	9,130
Gain on sales of businesses and customer lists						2,786	1,765	3,862	7,228	(124)	15,641	8,703
Certain legal-related expense		3	0	6,005	412	7,769	1,805	631	297
CEO transition costs		851	1,145	1,906	5,488	3,058	2,622	1,530	0	$ 9,390	7,210
Impact of Tax Cuts and Jobs Act						(582)	(1,249)	441	(310)		$ (1,700)	$ (20,500)
Other discrete income tax (benefit) expense	[1]	$ (298)	$ 62,854	$ 1,194	$ 926	$ (1,987)	$ 15,634	$ (1,167)	$ (579)
[1]	Relates primarily to the tax effects of share-based compensation and the non-deductible portion of goodwill impairment charges in the third quarter of each year.