Deluxe (DLX) 10-K 19 Feb 21 2020 FY Annual report Financial data

Document

Document - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Feb. 10, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020
Cover [Abstract]
Document Type	10-K
Document Annual Report	true
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2020
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	1-7945
Entity Registrant Name	DELUXE CORPORATION
Entity Central Index Key	0000027996
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2020
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
ICFR Auditor Attestation Flag	true
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Public Float			$ 978,925,599
Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		42,029,373
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, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents, including securities carried at fair value of $9,713 as of December 31, 2019		$ 123,122	$ 73,620
Trade accounts receivable, net of allowances for uncollectible accounts	[1]	161,959	163,421
Inventories and supplies, net of reserve		40,130	39,921
Funds held for customers, including securities carried at fair value of $28,462 and $34,450, respectively		119,749	117,641
Revenue in excess of billings		17,617	32,790
Other current assets		44,054	44,818
Total current assets		506,631	472,211
Deferred income taxes		5,444	3,907
Long-term investments		45,919	44,995
Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation		88,680	96,467
Operating lease assets		35,906	44,372
Intangibles, net of accumulated amortization		246,760	276,122
Goodwill		736,844	804,487
Other non-current assets		208,679	200,750
Total assets		1,874,863	1,943,311
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable		116,990	112,198
Funds held for customers		117,647	116,411
Accrued liabilities		177,183	179,338
Total current liabilities		411,820	407,947
Long-term debt		840,000	883,500
Operating lease liabilities		28,344	33,585
Deferred income taxes		10,643	14,898
Other non-current liabilities		43,218	32,520
Commitments and contingencies (Notes 11, 16, 17 and 20)
Shareholders' equity:
Common shares $1 par value (authorized: 500,000 shares; outstanding: December 31, 2020 - 41,973; December 31, 2019 - 42,126)		41,973	42,126
Additional paid-in capital		17,558	4,086
Retained earnings		522,599	572,596
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(41,433)	(47,947)
Non-controlling Interest		141	0
Total shareholders' equity		540,838	570,861
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity		$ 1,874,863	$ 1,943,311
Current operating lease liability, Consolidated Balance Sheets [Extensible List]		us-gaap:AccruedLiabilitiesCurrent	us-gaap:AccruedLiabilitiesCurrent
[1]	Includes unbilled receivables of $21,319 as of December 31, 2020 and $17,925 as of December 31, 2019.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parentheticals) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents, securities carried at fair value		$ 9,713
Funds held for customers, securities carried at fair value	$ 28,462	$ 34,450
Common stock, par value (per share)	$ 1	$ 1
Common stock, shares authorized	500,000	500,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	41,973	42,126

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCO

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (LOSS) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Total revenue	$ 1,790,781	$ 2,008,715	$ 1,998,025
Total cost of revenue	(730,771)	(812,935)	(791,748)
Gross profit	1,060,010	1,195,780	1,206,277
Selling, general and administrative expense	(841,658)	(891,693)	(854,000)
Restructuring and integration expense	(75,874)	(71,248)	(19,737)
Asset impairment charges	(97,973)	(390,980)	(101,319)
Operating income (loss)	44,505	(158,141)	231,221
Interest expense	(23,140)	(34,682)	(27,112)
Other income	9,214	7,193	8,522
Income (loss) before income taxes	30,579	(185,630)	212,631
Income tax provision	(21,680)	(14,267)	(63,001)
Net income (loss)	8,899	(199,897)	149,630
Net income attributable to non-controlling interest	(91)	0	0
Net income (loss) attributable to Deluxe	$ 8,808	$ (199,897)	$ 149,630
Basic earnings (loss) per share	$ 0.21	$ (4.65)	$ 3.18
Diluted earnings (loss) per share	$ 0.19	$ (4.65)	$ 3.16
Product [Member]
Total revenue	$ 1,230,638	$ 1,409,155	$ 1,451,833
Total cost of revenue	(458,637)	(531,307)	(547,640)
Service [Member]
Total revenue	560,143	599,560	546,192
Total cost of revenue	$ (272,134)	$ (281,628)	$ (244,108)

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ 8,899	$ (199,897)	$ 149,630
Postretirement benefit plans:
Net actuarial gain (loss) arising during the year	5,616	6,594	(3,805)
Amortization of prior service credit	(1,055)	(1,054)	(853)
Amortization of net actuarial loss	1,889	2,583	1,825
Postretirement benefit plans	6,450	8,123	(2,833)
Interest rate swap:
Unrealized loss arising during the year	(4,973)	(1,040)	0
Reclassification of realized loss (gain) from other comprehensive income (loss) to net income (loss)	719	(57)	0
Interest rate swap	(4,254)	(1,097)	0
Debt securities:
Unrealized holding gain (loss) arising during the year	338	48	(1)
Reclassification of realized gain from other comprehensive income (loss) to net income (loss)	(153)	0	0
Debt securities	185	48	(1)
Unrealized foreign currency translation adjustment	4,133	1,558	(9,281)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	6,514	8,632	(12,115)
Comprehensive income (loss)	15,413	(191,265)	137,515
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to non-controlling Interest	(91)	0	0
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Deluxe	15,322	(191,265)	137,515
Postretirement benefit plans:
Net actuarial gain (loss) arising during the year	(1,948)	(2,321)	1,339
Amortization of prior service credit	366	367	568
Amortization of net actuarial loss	(412)	(640)	(1,059)
Postretirement benefit plans	(1,994)	(2,594)	848
Interest rate swap:
Unrealized loss arising during the year	1,725	364	0
Reclassification of realized loss (gain) from other comprehensive income (loss) to net income (loss)	(249)	20	0
Interest rate swap	1,476	384	0
Debt securities:
Unrealized holding gain (loss) arising during the year	(117)	(17)	0
Reclassification of realized gain from other comprehensive income (loss) to net income (loss)	53	0	0
Debt securities	(64)	(17)	0
Total net tax (expense) benefit included in other comprehensive income (loss)	$ (582)	$ (2,227)	$ 848

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAR

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Total	Adoption of Accounting Standards Update [Member]	Common shares par value [Member]	Additional paid-in capital [Member]	Retained earnings [Member]	Retained earnings [Member]Adoption of Accounting Standards Update [Member]	Accumulated other comprehensive loss [Member]	Accumulated other comprehensive loss [Member]Adoption of Accounting Standards Update [Member]	Non-controlling interest [Member]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	$ (37,597)
Balance, beginning of year at Dec. 31, 2017	$ 1,015,013		$ 47,953	$ 0	$ 1,004,657		$ (37,597)		$ 0
Balance, beginning of year (ASU No. 2014-09 [Member]) at Dec. 31, 2017		$ 4,966				$ 4,966
Balance, beginning of year (ASU No. 2018-02 [Member]) at Dec. 31, 2017		0				6,867		$ (6,867)
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2017	47,953
Net income (loss) attributable to Deluxe	$ 149,630				149,630
Net income attributable to non-controlling Interest	0
Net income (loss)	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)
Accounting Standards Update [Extensible List]	us-gaap:AccountingStandardsUpdate201602Member
Balance, end of year at Dec. 31, 2018	$ 915,413	(267)	44,647	0	927,345	(267)	(56,579)		0
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2018	44,647
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	$ (56,579)
Net income (loss) attributable to Deluxe	(199,897)				(199,897)
Net income attributable to non-controlling Interest	0
Net income (loss)	(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
Accounting Standards Update [Extensible List]	us-gaap:AccountingStandardsUpdate201613Member
Balance, end of year at Dec. 31, 2019	$ 570,861	$ (3,640)	42,126	4,086	572,596	$ (3,640)	(47,947)		0
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2019	42,126
Retained earnings	$ 572,596
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(47,947)
Net income (loss) attributable to Deluxe	8,808				8,808
Net income attributable to non-controlling Interest	91								91
Net income (loss)	8,899
Cash dividends ($1.20 per share)	(51,431)				(51,431)
Common shares issued	$ 3,892		446	3,446
Common shares issued, shares	446
Common shares repurchased	$ (14,000)		(499)	(9,767)	(3,734)
Common shares repurchased, shares	(499)
Other common shares retired	$ (2,994)		(100)	(2,894)
Other common shares retired, shares	(100)
Employee share-based compensation	$ 22,687			22,687
Other comprehensive income (loss)	6,514						6,514
Investment in non-controlling interest	50								50
Balance, end of year at Dec. 31, 2020	$ 540,838		$ 41,973	$ 17,558	$ 522,599		$ (41,433)		$ 141
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2020	41,973
Retained earnings	$ 522,599
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	$ (41,433)

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SH_2

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Parentheticals) - $ / shares	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Sep. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
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, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)	$ 8,899	$ (199,897)	$ 149,630
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation	20,242	16,502	16,572
Amortization of intangibles	90,550	109,534	114,528
Operating lease expense	20,928	19,113	0
Asset impairment charges	97,973	390,980	101,319
Amortization of prepaid product discounts	29,235	24,055	22,941
Deferred income taxes	(5,244)	(34,950)	(11,356)
Employee share-based compensation expense	21,824	19,702	13,378
Loss (gain) on sales of businesses and customer lists	1,846	124	(15,641)
Other non-cash items, net	23,846	13,220	8,030
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effect of acquisitions:
Trade accounts receivable	(2,709)	5,609	(16,795)
Inventories and supplies	(11,281)	4,843	(3,641)
Other current assets	15,344	(10,568)	(12,032)
Non-current assets	(25,793)	(5,360)	(6,913)
Accounts payable	(9,518)	5,130	4,366
Prepaid product discount payments	(33,613)	(25,637)	(23,814)
Other accrued and non-current liabilities	(24,976)	(45,747)	(1,257)
Net cash provided by operating activities	217,553	286,653	339,315
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of capital assets	(62,638)	(66,595)	(62,238)
Payments for acquisitions, net of cash acquired	0	(8,251)	(191,903)	[1]
Purchases of customer lists	(11,082)	0	0
Proceeds from sale of facilities	9,713	0	0
Purchases of customer funds debt securities	(3,918)	(7,642)	(7,807)
Proceeds from customer funds debt securities	7,764	7,642	7,807
Other	4,068	2,449	1,082
Net cash used by investing activities	(56,093)	(72,397)	(253,059)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuing long-term debt	309,000	241,500	1,280,000
Payments on long-term debt	(352,500)	(268,000)	(1,078,853)
Holdback payments for acquisitions and asset purchases	1,994	3,354	22,355
Net change in customer funds obligations	(168)	12,598	20,279
Proceeds from issuing shares under employee plans	3,747	3,198	7,523
Employee taxes paid for shares withheld	(2,956)	(3,935)	(7,977)
Payments for common shares repurchased	(14,000)	(118,547)	(200,000)
Cash dividends paid to shareholders	(50,746)	(51,742)	(56,669)
Other	(938)	(1,866)	(4,128)
Net cash used by financing activities	(110,555)	(190,148)	(62,180)
Effect of exchange rate change on cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents	3,693	5,444	(7,636)
Net change in cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents	54,598	29,552	16,440
Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents, beginning of year	174,811	145,259	128,819
Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents, end of year (Note 3)	$ 229,409	$ 174,811	$ 145,259
[1]	Cash and cash equivalents acquired were $1,692 during 2018.

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
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. Effective April 1, 2020, we executed an agreement to form MedPayExchange LLC (MPX), doing business as Medical Payment Exchange, which delivers payments to healthcare providers from insurance companies and other payers. This entity is a variable interest entity (VIE), as defined in Accounting Standards Codification Topic 810, Consolidation . As we are the primary beneficiary of the VIE, we are required to consolidate MPX in our consolidated financial statements. Our partner's interest in MPX is reported as non-controlling interest in the consolidated balance sheet within equity, separate from our equity. Net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss) are attributed to us and the non-controlling interest. The amounts attributable to the non-controlling interest were not significant during 2020. Comparability – The consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2019 has been modified to conform to the current year presentation. Assets held for sale are included within other non-current assets. Previously, this amount was presented separately. During 2020, we identified the incorrect presentation of certain amounts reported in the consolidated statements of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018. We determined that holdback payments for acquisitions and asset purchases were incorrectly included in net cash used by investing activities and should be included in net cash used by financing activities. We determined that the amounts impacting payments for acquisitions were not material to the 2019 or 2018 consolidated financial statements, and the presentation of these amounts has been revised in the consolidated statements of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 appearing herein. The impact of the revision on the consolidated statements of cash flows was as follows: (in thousands) Previously reported Adjustment Revised Year ended December 31, 2019: Payments for acquisitions, net of cash acquired $ (11,605) $ 3,354 $ (8,251) Net cash used by investing activities (75,751) 3,354 (72,397) Holdback payments for acquisitions and asset purchases — (3,354) (3,354) Net cash used by financing activities (186,794) (3,354) (190,148) Net change in cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents $ 29,552 $ — $ 29,552 Year ended December 31, 2018: Payments for acquisitions, net of cash acquired $ (214,258) $ 22,355 $ (191,903) Net cash used by investing activities (275,414) 22,355 (253,059) Holdback payments for acquisitions and asset purchases — (22,355) (22,355) Net cash used by financing activities (39,825) (22,355) (62,180) Net change in cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents $ 16,440 $ — $ 16,440 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. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other factors and assumptions that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances, including the estimated impact of extraordinary events, such as the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of our assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and the related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Actual results may differ significantly from our estimates and assumptions, including our estimates of the severity and duration of the COVID-19 pandemic. Further information can be found in Note 20. 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 income (loss). 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, 2020 or December 31, 2019. Trade accounts receivable – Trade accounts receivable are initially recorded at the invoiced amount upon the sale of goods or services to customers, and also include amounts due for products shipped and services rendered, but for which invoices have not yet been issued due to timing. Our trade receivables are not interest-bearing. They are stated net of allowances for uncollectible accounts, a valuation account that is deducted from an asset's amortized cost basis to present the net amount expected to be collected. Amounts are charged off against the allowance when we believe the uncollectibility of an account is confirmed. 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. In calculating the allowances, we utilize a combination of aging schedules with reserve rates applied to both current and aged receivables and roll-rate reserves using historical loss rates and changes in current or projected conditions. Changes in the allowances for uncollectible accounts are included in selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expense on the consolidated statements of income (loss). Further information regarding our allowances for uncollectible accounts can be found in Note 3. Inventories and supplies – Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Cost is calculated using moving average and standard costs, which approximates the first-in, first-out basis. We periodically review our inventory quantities and record a provision for excess and/or obsolete inventory based on our historical usage and forecasts of future demand. It is possible that additional reserves above those already established may be required if there is a significant change in the timing or level of demand for our products compared to forecasted amounts. This would require a change in the reserve for excess or obsolete inventory, resulting in a charge to net income (loss) during the period of the change. Charges for inventory write-downs are included in cost of revenue on the consolidated statements of income (loss). Once written down, inventories are carried at this lower cost basis until sold or scrapped. 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 income (loss) 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, 2020. 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 income (loss). Leases – 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, 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 income (loss). Interest on finance leases is included in interest expense on the consolidated statements of income (loss). Operating leases are included in operating lease assets, accrued liabilities and operating lease liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. Finance leases are included in property, plant and equipment, accrued liabilities and other non-current liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. 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 10 years, with a weighted-average useful life of 6 years as of December 31, 2020. 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 income (loss). 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 income (loss) 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 in estimating the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, 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 income (loss). Transaction costs related to acquisitions are expensed as incurred and are included in SG&A expense on the consolidated statements of income (loss). 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 group exceeds its estimated fair value less costs to sell. During 2020, we recorded asset impairment charges related to certain real estate and internal-use software 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, (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, 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. 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. When the estimated fair value is less than the carrying value of the asset, an impairment loss is 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 a 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 utilize a discounted cash flow model 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. The discount rate used 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 revenue growth rates, terminal growth rates, direct costs, the discount rate 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 1 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. 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 the 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 of up to 14.5 years, with a weighted-average period of 5 years as of December 31, 2020. 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. Loans and notes receivable from distributors – We have, at times, provided loans to certain of our Promotional Solutions distributors to allow them to purchase the operations of other small business distributors. We have also sold distributors and small business 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 rates on these receivables generally range from 6% to 8% and reflect market interest rates at the time the transactions were executed. Interest is accrued as earned. Accrued interest included in loans and notes receivable was not significant as of December 31, 2020 or December 31, 2019. In determining the allowances for doubtful accounts related to loans and notes receivable, we utilize a loss-rate analysis based on historical loss information, current delinquency rates, the credit quality of the loan recipients and the portfolio mix to determine an appropriate credit risk measurement, adjusted to reflect current loan-specific risk characteristics and changes in environmental conditions affecting our small business distributors. Changes in conditions that may affect our distributors include, but are not limited to, general economic conditions, changes in the markets for their products and services and changes in governmental regulations. In completing our analysis, we utilize a reversion methodology for periods beyond the reasonable and supportable forecast period, as many of our loans and notes receivable have longer terms. Allowances for impaired loans are generally determined based on collateral values or the present value of estimated cash flows. Further information regarding current risks and uncertainties affecting our loans and notes receivable can be found in Note 20. Further information regarding our allowances for uncollectible accounts can be found in Note 3. 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. Our notes receivable also generally allow us to acquire a distributor's customer list in the case of default. As of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, past due amounts 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. Cloud computing arrangements – On January 1, 2020, we adopted ASU No. 2018-15, Customer's Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract . Under this standard, we are required to capitalize implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract. Implementation costs include activities such as integrating, configuring and customizing the related software. In evaluating whether our cloud computing arrangements include a software license, we consider whether we have the contractual right to take possession of the software at any time during the hosting period without significant penalty and whether it is feasible for us to either run the software on our own hardware or contract with another party unrelated to the vendor to host the software. If we determine that a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license, we account for the software license element of the arrangement consistent with the acquisition of other software licenses. If we determine that a cloud computing arrangement does not include a software license, we account for the implementation costs as non-current assets. In both cases, the remaining elements of the arrangement are accounted for as a service contract. The capitalized cloud computing implementation costs are amortized on the straight-line basis over the fixed, non-cancellable term of the associated hosting arrangement plus any reasonably certain renewal periods. We apply the same impairment model to these assets as we use to evaluate internally-developed software for impairment. Advertising costs – Deferred advertising costs include materials, printing, labor and postage costs related to our direct response advertising programs. 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 consumer checks business, approximately 90% of the costs of individual advertisements is expensed within 6 months of the advertisement. Other deferred advertising costs 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 advertising and the amortization of non-direct response advertising, was $50,308 in 2020, $70,798 in 2019 and $74,549 in 2018. 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 in

NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Accounting Standards Update and Change in Accounting Principle [Abstract]
NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS	Accounting Standards Recently Adopted ASU No. 2016-02 – In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2016-02, Leasing . This standard was 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, C odification 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 were not 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. ASU No. 2016-13 – In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments . Subsequently, the FASB issued several amendments to this standard. These standards replaced the incurred loss methodology previously utilized for valuing financial instruments with an expected loss methodology that is referred to as the current expected credit loss (CECL) methodology. The measurement of expected losses under the CECL methodology is applicable to financial instruments measured at amortized cost, including accounts and notes receivable. The standards also made targeted changes to the accounting for available-for-sale debt securities. We adopted the standards on January 1, 2020 using the modified retrospective method for financial instruments measured at amortized cost. Under this method, prior period amounts continue to be reported in accordance with previously applicable GAAP. We recorded a net decrease in retained earnings of $3,640 as of January 1, 2020 for the cumulative effect of adopting the standards, which consisted primarily of an increase in the allowance for credit losses on loans and notes receivable, net of the related deferred income tax impact. We recorded no allowance for credit losses related to our available-for-sale debt securities. Our policies regarding the determination of the allowances for uncollectible accounts related to trade accounts receivable and loans and notes receivable from distributors can be found in Note 1. Further information regarding our available-for-sale debt securities can be found in Note 3. ASU No. 2018-13 – In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-13, Disclosure Framework – Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement s. This standard removed, modified and added certain disclosures related to recurring and nonrecurring fair value measurements. During 2018, we adopted the provisions of the standard that removed and modified disclosure requirements. The additional disclosures were effective for us on January 1, 2020 and were required to be applied prospectively to fair value measurements completed on or after that date. Disclosures regarding our fair value measurements can be found in Note 8. 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. We adopted this standard on January 1, 2020, applying it prospectively to eligible costs incurred on or after this date. Adoption of this standard did impact our results of operations and financial position, as we previously expensed these implementation costs as incurred. As of December 31, 2020, $29,242 of cloud computing implementation costs were included within other non-current assets on the consolidated balance sheet. These costs primarily relate to our planned implementation of a new enterprise resource planning system. Our policy regarding the accounting for these implementation costs can be found in Note 1. Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted 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, 2020
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) 2020 2019 Trade accounts receivable – gross $ 168,387 $ 168,406 Allowances for uncollectible accounts (6,428) (4,985) Trade accounts receivable – net (1) $ 161,959 $ 163,421 (1) Includes unbilled receivables of $21,319 as of December 31, 2020 and $17,925 as of December 31, 2019. Changes in the allowances for uncollectible accounts for the years ended December 31 were as follows: (in thousands) 2020 2019 2018 Balance, beginning of year $ 4,985 $ 3,639 $ 2,884 Bad debt expense 5,003 5,213 3,622 Write-offs, net of recoveries (3,560) (3,867) (2,867) Balance, end of year $ 6,428 $ 4,985 $ 3,639 Inventories and supplies – Inventories and supplies were comprised of the following at December 31: (in thousands) 2020 2019 Raw materials $ 5,412 $ 7,797 Semi-finished goods 7,943 8,234 Finished goods 33,513 24,563 Supplies 5,010 5,927 Reserve for excess and obsolete items (11,748) (6,600) Inventories and supplies, net of reserve $ 40,130 $ 39,921 Changes in the reserve for excess and obsolete items for the years ended December 31 were as follows: (in thousands) 2020 2019 2018 Balance, beginning of year $ 6,600 $ 5,499 $ 5,470 Amounts charged to expense 6,713 1,831 1,002 Write-offs (1,565) (730) (973) Balance, end of year $ 11,748 $ 6,600 $ 5,499 Available-for-sale debt securities – Available-for-sale debt securities included within funds held for customers were comprised of the following: December 31, 2020 (in thousands) Cost Gross unrealized gains Gross unrealized losses Fair value Funds held for customers: (1) Domestic money market fund $ 15,000 $ — $ — $ 15,000 Canadian and provincial government securities 9,566 — (33) 9,533 Canadian guaranteed investment certificates 3,929 — — 3,929 Available-for-sale debt securities $ 28,495 $ — $ (33) $ 28,462 (1) Funds held for customers, as reported on the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2020, also included cash of $91,287. 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. Expected maturities of available-for-sale debt securities as of December 31, 2020 were as follows: (in thousands) Fair value Due in one year or less $ 20,807 Due in two to five years 4,156 Due in six to ten years 3,499 Available-for-sale debt securities $ 28,462 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) 2020 2019 Conditional right to receive consideration $ 13,950 $ 24,499 Unconditional right to receive consideration (1) 3,667 8,291 Revenue in excess of billings $ 17,617 $ 32,790 (1) Represents revenues that are earned but not currently billable under the related contract terms. Property, plant and equipment – Property, plant and equipment was comprised of the following at December 31: 2020 2019 (in thousands) Gross carrying amount Accumulated depreciation Net carrying amount Gross carrying amount Accumulated depreciation Net carrying amount Machinery and equipment $ 340,032 $ (287,384) $ 52,648 $ 327,151 $ (282,741) $ 44,410 Buildings and improvements 89,875 (68,510) 21,365 118,284 (86,162) 32,122 Land and improvements 19,680 (5,013) 14,667 28,212 (8,277) 19,935 Property, plant and equipment $ 449,587 $ (360,907) $ 88,680 $ 473,647 $ (377,180) $ 96,467 Assets held for sale – During 2018, we sold 2 providers of printed and promotional products and 2 small business distributors within our Promotional Solutions segment, as well as several small business customer lists. 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 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. Intangibles – Amortizable intangibles were comprised of the following at December 31: 2020 2019 (in thousands) Gross carrying amount Accumulated amortization Net carrying amount Gross carrying amount Accumulated amortization Net carrying amount Internal-use software $ 380,144 $ (303,422) $ 76,722 $ 380,905 $ (299,698) $ 81,207 Customer lists/relationships 352,895 (202,428) 150,467 348,055 (187,462) 160,593 Software to be sold 36,900 (23,884) 13,016 36,900 (19,657) 17,243 Technology-based intangibles 33,813 (27,613) 6,200 34,780 (22,122) 12,658 Trade names 30,281 (29,926) 355 32,505 (28,084) 4,421 Intangibles $ 834,033 $ (587,273) $ 246,760 $ 833,145 $ (557,023) $ 276,122 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) 2020 2019 2018 Customer lists/relationships $ 41,377 $ 51,243 $ 57,243 Internal-use software 36,771 41,258 38,307 Technology-based intangibles 6,291 7,415 7,607 Software to be sold 4,227 4,227 5,009 Trade names 1,884 5,391 6,362 Amortization of intangibles $ 90,550 $ 109,534 $ 114,528 Based on the intangibles in service as of December 31, 2020, estimated amortization expense for each of the next five years ending December 31 is as follows: (in thousands) Estimated 2021 $ 84,989 2022 58,322 2023 38,324 2024 21,131 2025 15,641 We acquire internal-use software in the normal course of business. We have also purchased customer lists and acquired intangible assets in conjunction with acquisitions (Note 6). The following intangible assets were acquired during the years ended December 31: 2020 2019 2018 (in thousands) Amount Weighted-average amortization period (in years) Amount Weighted-average amortization period (in years) Amount Weighted-average amortization period (in years) Customer lists/relationships (1) $ 45,470 7 $ 17,771 8 $ 60,775 8 Internal-use software 39,344 4 43,991 3 42,744 3 Trade names — — — — 14,700 7 Technology-based intangibles — — — — 7,500 5 Acquired intangibles $ 84,814 6 $ 61,762 5 $ 125,719 6 (1) We acquired customer lists that did not qualify as business combinations of $45,470 during 2020, $11,956 during 2019 and $1,188 during 2018. Information regarding acquired intangibles does not include measurement-period adjustments recorded in 2019 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) Payments Cloud Solutions Promotional Solutions Checks Total Balance, December 31, 2018: Goodwill, gross $ 165,417 $ 434,203 $ 252,761 $ 434,812 $ 1,287,193 Accumulated impairment charges — — (126,567) — (126,567) Goodwill, net of accumulated impairment charges 165,417 434,203 126,194 434,812 1,160,626 Impairment charges (Note 8) — (357,741) — — (357,741) Goodwill resulting from acquisitions (Note 6) 4,174 — — — 4,174 Measurement-period adjustments for prior year acquisitions (Note 6) (1,426) (340) — — (1,766) Currency translation adjustment — (879) 73 — (806) Balance, December 31, 2019 $ 168,165 $ 75,243 $ 126,267 $ 434,812 $ 804,487 Balance, December 31, 2019: Goodwill, gross $ 168,165 $ 432,984 $ 252,834 $ 434,812 $ 1,288,795 Accumulated impairment charges — (357,741) (126,567) — (484,308) Goodwill, net of accumulated impairment charges 168,165 75,243 126,267 434,812 804,487 Impairment charges (Note 8) — (4,317) (63,356) — (67,673) Currency translation adjustment — — 30 — 30 Balance, December 31, 2020 $ 168,165 $ 70,926 $ 62,941 $ 434,812 $ 736,844 Balance, December 31, 2020: Goodwill, gross $ 168,165 $ 432,984 $ 252,864 $ 434,812 $ 1,288,825 Accumulated impairment charges — (362,058) (189,923) — (551,981) Goodwill, net of accumulated impairment charges $ 168,165 $ 70,926 $ 62,941 $ 434,812 $ 736,844 Other non-current assets – Other non-current assets were comprised of the following at December 31: (in thousands) 2020 2019 Postretirement benefit plan asset (Note 14) $ 71,208 $ 56,743 Prepaid product discounts 50,602 51,145 Loans and notes receivable from distributors, net of allowances for uncollectible accounts (1) 35,068 66,872 Cloud computing arrangements 29,242 — Deferred sales commissions (2) 9,199 9,682 Other 13,360 16,308 Other non-current assets $ 208,679 $ 200,750 (1) Amount includes the non-current portion of loans and notes receivable. The current portion of these receivables is included in other current assets on the consolidated balance sheets and was $2,008 as of December 31, 2020 and $3,511 as of December 31, 2019. During 2020, we utilized $21,439 of these notes receivable, along with current and future cash payments, to acquire related customer list intangible assets. (2) Amortization of deferred sales commission was $3,739 for 2020 and $3,108 for 2019. Changes in prepaid product discounts were as follows for the years ended December 31: (in thousands) 2020 2019 2018 Balance, beginning of year $ 51,145 $ 54,642 $ 63,895 Additions (1) 30,346 21,068 14,023 Amortization (29,235) (24,055) (22,941) Other (1,654) (510) (335) Balance, end of year $ 50,602 $ 51,145 $ 54,642 (1) Prepaid product discounts are generally accrued upon contract execution. Cash payments made for prepaid product discounts were $33,613 for 2020, $25,637 for 2019 and $23,814 for 2018. Upon adoption of ASU No. 2016-13 and related amendments on January 1, 2020 (Note 2), we recorded an additional allowance for uncollectible accounts related to loans and notes receivable from distributors. Changes in the allowances for uncollectible accounts for the years ended December 31 were as follows: (in thousands) 2020 2019 2018 Balance, beginning of year $ 284 $ 284 $ 273 Adoption of ASU No. 2016-13 (Note 2) 4,749 — — Bad debt expense 5,412 — 11 Exchange for customer lists (6,402) — — Write-offs (48) — — Balance, end of year $ 3,995 $ 284 $ 284 Bad debt expense for 2020 included loan-specific allowances primarily related to Promotional Solutions distributors that were underperforming. In calculating these reserves, we utilized various valuation techniques to determine the value of the underlying collateral. During the quarter ended September 30, 2020, these notes receivable were exchanged for the underlying collateral, which consisted of customer list intangible assets. We categorize loans and notes receivable into risk categories based on information about the ability of the borrowers to service their debt, including current financial information, historical payment experience, current economic trends and other factors. The highest quality receivables are assigned a 1-2 internal grade. Those that have a potential weakness requiring management's attention are assigned a 3-4 internal grade. The following table presents loans and notes receivable from distributors, including the current portion, by credit quality indicator and by year of origination, as of December 31, 2020. Write-offs are for the year ended December 31, 2020. Loans and notes receivable from distributors amortized cost basis by origination year (in thousands) 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 Prior Total Risk rating: 1-2 internal grade $ 1,335 $ 606 $ 23,240 $ 11,721 $ 216 $ 1,351 $ 38,469 3-4 internal grade — 2,602 — — — — 2,602 Loans and notes receivable $ 1,335 $ 3,208 $ 23,240 $ 11,721 $ 216 $ 1,351 $ 41,071 Current period write-offs $ — $ — $ — $ 48 $ — $ — $ 48 Accrued liabilities – Accrued liabilities were comprised of the following at December 31: (in thousands) 2020 2019 Deferred revenue (1) $ 42,104 $ 46,098 Employee cash bonuses, including sales incentives 21,090 36,918 Prepaid product discounts due within one year 14,365 14,709 Operating lease liabilities 11,589 12,898 Customer rebates 8,179 8,944 Other 79,856 59,771 Accrued liabilities $ 177,183 $ 179,338 (1) $42,108 of the December 31, 2019 amount was recognized as revenue during 2020. Supplemental cash flow information – Supplemental cash flow information was as follows for the years ended December 31: (in thousands) 2020 2019 2018 Reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents to the consolidated balance sheets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 123,122 $ 73,620 $ 59,740 Restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents included in funds held for customers 106,287 101,191 85,519 Total cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents $ 229,409 $ 174,811 $ 145,259 Income taxes paid $ 24,701 $ 60,764 $ 88,253 Interest paid 22,853 33,227 25,910 Non-cash investing activities: Non-cash consideration for asset purchases and acquisitions (1) 21,439 10,680 1,060 Proceeds from sales of assets – notes receivable 1,612 1,685 35,616 Non-cash financing activities: Liabilities for holdback payments on asset purchases and acquisitions 12,949 3,405 2,786 (1) Consists of pre-acquisition amounts owed to us by the sellers.

EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE

EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE	The following table reflects the calculation of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share. During each period, certain stock options, as noted below, were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings (loss) per share because their effect would have been antidilutive. (in thousands, except per share amounts) 2020 2019 2018 Earnings (loss) per share – basic: Net income (loss) $ 8,899 $ (199,897) $ 149,630 Net income attributable to non-controlling interest (91) — — Net income (loss) attributable to Deluxe 8,808 (199,897) 149,630 Income allocated to participating securities (53) (101) (617) Income (loss) attributable to Deluxe available to common shareholders $ 8,755 $ (199,998) $ 149,013 Weighted-average shares outstanding 41,931 43,029 46,842 Earnings (loss) per share – basic $ 0.21 $ (4.65) $ 3.18 Earnings (loss) per share – diluted: Net income (loss) $ 8,899 $ (199,897) $ 149,630 Net income attributable to non-controlling interest (91) — — Net income (loss) attributable to Deluxe 8,808 (199,897) 149,630 Income allocated to participating securities (2) (101) (616) Re-measurement of share-based awards classified as liabilities (677) — (471) Income (loss) attributable to Deluxe available to common shareholders $ 8,129 $ (199,998) $ 148,543 Weighted-average shares outstanding 41,931 43,029 46,842 Dilutive impact of potential common shares 211 — 149 Weighted-average shares and potential common shares outstanding 42,142 43,029 46,991 Earnings (loss) per share – diluted $ 0.19 $ (4.65) $ 3.16 Antidilutive options excluded from calculation 2,060 1,347 1,209

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOS

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
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 income (loss) was as follows: Accumulated other comprehensive loss components Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss Affected line item in consolidated statements of income (loss) (in thousands) 2020 2019 2018 Amortization of postretirement benefit plan items: Prior service credit $ 1,421 $ 1,421 $ 1,421 Other income Net actuarial loss (2,301) (3,223) (2,884) Other income Total amortization (880) (1,802) (1,463) Other income Tax benefit 46 273 491 Income tax provision Amortization of postretirement benefit plan items, net of tax (834) (1,529) (972) Net income (loss) Interest rate swap: Realized (loss) gain on interest rate swap (968) 77 — Interest expense Tax benefit (expense) 249 (20) — Income tax provision Realized (loss) gain on interest rate swap, net of tax (719) 57 — Net income (loss) Debt securities: Realized gain on debt securities 206 — — Service revenue Tax expense (53) — — Income tax provision Realized gain on debt securities, net of tax 153 — — Net income (loss) Total reclassifications, net of tax $ (1,400) $ (1,472) $ (972) 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 available-for-sale debt securities Net unrealized loss on cash flow hedge Currency translation adjustment Accumulated other comprehensive loss 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) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 5,616 338 (4,973) 4,133 5,114 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss 834 (153) 719 — 1,400 Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) 6,450 185 (4,254) 4,133 6,514 Balance, December 31, 2020 $ (21,956) $ (90) $ (5,351) $ (14,036) $ (41,433)

ACQUISITIONS

ACQUISITIONS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Business Combinations [Abstract]
ACQUISITIONS	We periodically complete business combinations that align with our business strategy. Our acquisitions during 2019 and 2018 were all cash transactions, funded by use of our revolving credit facility. We completed these acquisitions primarily 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 and $1,719 in 2018. We did not complete any acquisitions during 2020. 2019 acquisitions – In December 2019, we completed 2 acquisitions in our Payments segment. We acquired selected assets comprising the remittance processing business of Fiserv, Inc., including its lockbox processing services, and selected assets comprising the remittance processing business of Synchrony Financial. The allocation of the purchase prices based upon the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed resulted in tax-deductible goodwill of $4,174 related to the Fiserv business. This acquisition resulted in goodwill as it allowed us to extend our expertise and reach with the addition of a reseller arrangement through the banking sales channel of Fiserv. 2018 acquisitions – During 2018, we completed the following acquisitions: • 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. The results of operations from this acquisition are included in the Cloud Solutions and Promotional Solutions segments. • 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. The results of operations from this acquisition are included in the Cloud Solutions segment. • In August 2018, we acquired the equity of REMITCO LLC (RemitCo), 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. The results of operations from this acquisition are included in the Payments segment. • 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. The results of operations from this acquisition are included in the Cloud Solutions segment. • During 2018, we acquired the operations of 3 small business distributors in our Promotional Solutions segment. The assets acquired consisted primarily of customer list intangible assets. As these small business distributors were previously part of our distributor network, our revenue was not impacted by these acquisitions, and the impact to our costs was not significant. 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) Net tangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed $ 2,735 $ 8,200 Identifiable intangible assets: Customer lists/relationships 5,815 60,587 Trade names — 14,700 Technology-based intangibles — 7,500 Internal-use software 276 — Total intangible assets 6,091 82,787 Goodwill 4,174 104,140 Total aggregate purchase price 13,000 195,127 Liabilities for holdback payments (3) (3,000) (2,133) Non-cash consideration (4) — (1,060) Net cash paid for current year acquisitions 10,000 191,934 Adjustments to purchase price for prior year acquisitions (1,749) (31) Payments for acquisitions, net of cash acquired (5) $ 8,251 $ 191,903 (1) Net tangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed in 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 in 2018 consisted primarily of accounts receivable of $11,564 and 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) Consists of holdback payments due at future dates. (4) Consists of pre-acquisition amounts owed to us by certain of the acquired businesses. (5) Cash and cash equivalents acquired were $1,692 during 2018.

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENT

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
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 sheets 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 $7,210 as of December 31, 2020 and $1,480 as of December 31, 2019 and was included in other non-current liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. 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, 2020 and December 31, 2019 and its impact on consolidated net income (loss) and the consolidated statements 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, 2020
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	Goodwill 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 could 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. First quarter 2020 impairment analysis – Effective January 1, 2020, we reorganized our reportable business segments to align with structural and management reporting changes in support of our growth strategy (Note 19). As a result, we reassessed our previously determined reporting units and concluded that a realignment of our reporting units was required. We analyzed goodwill for impairment immediately prior to this realignment by performing a qualitative analysis for the reporting units that changed, with the exception of our Direct-to-Consumer reporting unit, which is part of our new Checks reportable business segment. 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 analyses 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. The quantitative analysis of our Direct-to-Consumer reporting unit indicated that its fair value exceeded its carrying value by approximately $35,000, or 26%. In completing the realignment of our reporting units, we reallocated the carrying value of goodwill to our new reporting units based on their relative fair values. Immediately subsequent to the realignment, we completed a quantitative analysis for the reporting units that changed as a result of the realignment. This quantitative analysis, as of January 1, 2020, indicated that the estimated fair values of our reporting units exceeded their carrying values by approximate amounts between $37,000 and $954,000, or by amounts between 121% and 189% above the carrying values of their net assets. On January 30, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced a global health emergency due to an outbreak of COVID-19 originating in Wuhan, China and the risks to the international community as the virus spread globally beyond its point of origin. In March 2020, the WHO classified the COVID-19 outbreak as a pandemic, based on the rapid increase in exposure globally. Following the pandemic designation, we observed a decline in the market valuation of our common shares and we determined that the global response to the pandemic negatively impacted our estimates of expected future cash flows. After our consideration of economic, market and industry conditions, cost factors, the overall financial performance of our reporting units and the last quantitative analyses we completed, we concluded that a triggering event had occurred for 2 of our reporting units. As such, we completed quantitative goodwill impairment analyses for our Promotional Solutions and Cloud Solutions Web Hosting reporting units as of March 31, 2020. Our analyses indicated that the goodwill of our Promotional Solutions reporting unit was partially impaired and the goodwill of our Cloud Solutions Web Hosting reporting unit was fully impaired. As such, we recorded goodwill impairment charges of $63,356 and $4,317, respectively, during the quarter ended March 31, 2020. 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, $62,785 of goodwill remained in the Promotional Solutions reporting unit as of the measurement date. 2020 annual impairment analyses – In completing the 2020 annual impairment analysis of goodwill, we elected to perform qualitative analyses for 2 of our reporting units: Payments and Checks. These 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 most recent quantitative analyses we completed, which indicated that the estimated fair values of these reporting units exceeded their carrying values by approximately $490,000 and $954,000, or by 189% and 180% 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 either reporting unit was less than its carrying amount. We elected to perform quantitative analyses for our other 2 reporting units: Cloud Data Analytics and Promotional Solutions. These quantitative analyses indicated that the estimated fair values of these reporting units exceeded their carrying values by approximately $100,000 and $210,000, or by 63% and 132% above the carrying values of their net assets. As such, no goodwill impairment charges were recorded as a result of our annual impairment analysis. 2019 annual impairment analyses – In completing the 2019 annual impairment analysis of goodwill, we elected to perform a qualitative analysis for 4 of our former reporting units and a quantitative assessment for 2 of our former reporting units: Financial Services Data-Driven Marketing and Small Business Services Web Services. Financial Services Data-Driven Marketing included our businesses that provide outsourced marketing campaign targeting and execution and marketing analytics solutions. Small Business Services Web Services included 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 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 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 former reporting units and a quantitative assessment for 2 of our former reporting units: Small Business Services Web Services and Small Business Services Indirect. Small Business Services Web Services included 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 consisted primarily of our distributor channel, former distributors that we 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 our former 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. Fourth quarter 2018 impairment analysis – During the fourth quarter of 2018, we performed a quantitative analysis of our former 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. In addition, a large client elected 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. 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. 2020 impairment analyses – As a result of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, we assessed for impairment certain long-lived assets of our Cloud Solutions Web Hosting reporting unit as of March 31, 2020. As a result of these assessments, we recorded asset impairment charges of $17,678 related to certain customer list, software and trade name intangible assets. With the exception of certain internal-use software assets, we determined that the assets were fully impaired. We utilized the discounted value of estimated future cash flows to estimate the fair value of the asset group. In our analysis, we assumed a revenue decline of 31% and a gross margin decline of 5.2 points in 2020, as well as a discount rate of 9%. During the first quarter of 2020, we assessed for impairment the carrying value of an asset group related to a small business distributor that we previously purchased. Our assessment was the result of customer attrition during the quarter that impacted our projections of future cash flows. Based on our estimate of discounted future cash flows, we determined that the asset group was partially impaired as of February 29, 2020, and we recorded an asset impairment charge of $2,752, reducing the carrying value of the related customer list intangible asset. During the third quarter of 2020, as customer attrition continued, we again assessed this asset group for impairment and recorded an additional asset impairment charge of $2,356, bringing the total impairment charge to $5,108 in 2020. In calculating the estimated fair value of the asset group as of September 30, 2020, we assumed no revenue growth, a 1.0 point improvement in gross margin and a discount rate of 11%. Also during 2020, we recorded asset impairment charges of $7,514 related primarily to the rationalization of our real estate footprint, as well as internal-use software held for sale as of December 31, 2019. These assets were written down to their estimated fair values less costs to sell. The sale of the related real estate assets was completed during the quarter ended September 30, 2020 and the sale of the internal-use software was completed on December 31, 2020. 2019 impairment analyses – As of July 31, 2019, due to certain triggering events, we assessed for impairment the long-lived assets of our former 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 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 an asset impairment charge of $1,923 related to an additional 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 quarter ended September 30, 2018, we recorded pretax asset impairment charges of $1,882 for 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 quarter ended March 31, 2018, we recorded an asset impairment charge of $2,149 related to an additional 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). Information regarding the impairment analyses completed during each year was as follows: Fair value measurements using Fair value as of Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets Significant other observable inputs Significant unobservable inputs Impairment charge (in thousands) (Level 1) (Level 2) (Level 3) 2020 analyses: Intangible assets (Cloud Solutions Web Hosting reporting unit) (1) $ 2,172 $ — $ — $ 2,172 $ 17,678 Small business distributor 4,479 — — 4,479 5,108 Other assets 11,210 — — 11,210 7,514 Goodwill 67,673 Total $ 97,973 2019 analyses: Intangible assets (Small Business Services Web Services) (2) $ 8,379 $ — $ — $ 8,379 $ 31,316 Customer list — — — — 1,923 Goodwill 357,741 Total $ 390,980 2018 analyses: Indefinite-lived trade name $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 19,100 Customer lists 4,223 — — 4,223 4,031 Goodwill 78,188 Total $ 101,319 (1) The impairment charge consisted of $8,397 related to customer lists, $6,932 related to internal-use software and $2,349 related to other intangible 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. Business combinations 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 2019 and 2018 were comprised primarily of customer list intangible assets, trade names and technology-based intangible assets. 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 the 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 and technology-based intangibles 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. Recurring fair value measurements Cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2019, included an investment in an available-for-sale money market fund. The cost of the money market fund approximated its fair value because of the short-term nature of the investment. Funds held for customers included available-for-sale debt securities (Note 3). These securities included a money market fund that is traded in an active market, a mutual fund investment that invests in Canadian and provincial government securities, and investments in Canadian guaranteed investment certificates (GICs) with maturities of 1 to 2 years. The cost of the money market fund approximates its fair value because of the short-term nature of the investment. The cost of the GICs approximates their fair values, based on estimates using current market rates offered for deposits with similar remaining maturities. The mutual fund investment 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. 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 income (loss) and were not significant during the past 3 years. Information regarding the fair values of our financial instruments was as follows: Fair value measurements using Balance sheet location December 31, 2020 Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets Significant other observable inputs Significant unobservable inputs (in thousands) Carrying value Fair value Measured at fair value through comprehensive income (loss): Cash equivalents Funds held for customers $ 15,000 $ 15,000 $ 15,000 $ — $ — Available-for-sale debt securities Funds held for customers 13,462 13,462 — 13,462 — Derivative liability (Note 7) Other non-current liabilities (7,210) (7,210) — (7,210) — Amortized cost: Cash Cash and cash equivalents 123,122 123,122 123,122 — — Cash Funds held for customers 91,287 91,287 91,287 — — Loans and notes receivable from distributors Other current and non-current assets 37,076 36,950 — — 36,950 Long-term debt Long-term debt 840,000 840,000 — 840,000 — Fair value measurements using Balance sheet location December 31, 2019 Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets Significant other observable inputs Significant unobservable inputs (in thousands) Carrying value Fair value Measured at fair value through comprehensive income (loss): Cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents $ 9,713 $ 9,713 $ 9,713 $ — $ — 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 63,907 63,907 63,907 — — Cash Funds held for customers 83,191 83,191 83,191 — — Loans and notes receivable from 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 —

RESTRUCTURING AND INTEGRATION E

RESTRUCTURING AND INTEGRATION EXPENSE	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
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, project management services and internal labor, as well as other costs associated with our initiatives, such as training, travel and relocation and costs associated with facility closures. In addition, we recorded employee severance costs related to these initiatives, as well as our ongoing cost reduction initiatives across functional areas. We are currently pursuing several initiatives designed to focus on our growth strategy and to increase our efficiency. Restructuring and integration expense is not allocated to our reportable business segments. Restructuring and integration expense is reflected on the consolidated statements of income (loss) as follows for the years ended December 31: (in thousands) 2020 2019 2018 Total cost of revenue $ 3,465 $ 3,562 $ 1,466 Operating expenses 75,874 71,248 19,737 Restructuring and integration expense $ 79,339 $ 74,810 $ 21,203 Restructuring and integration expense was comprised of the following for the years ended December 31: (in thousands) 2020 2019 2018 External consulting fees $ 44,096 $ 45,638 $ 8,509 Employee severance benefits 17,628 10,865 5,774 Internal labor 7,568 12,115 4,654 Other 10,047 6,192 2,266 Restructuring and integration expense $ 79,339 $ 74,810 $ 21,203 Our restructuring and integration accruals are included in accrued liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets and 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. The majority of the employee reductions are expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2021, and we expect most of the related severance payments to be paid in the first half of 2021, 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, 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 Charges 19,025 — 19,025 Reversals (1,397) — (1,397) Payments (14,289) — (14,289) Balance, December 31, 2020 $ 6,798 $ — $ 6,798 (1) Upon adoption of ASU No. 2016-02, Leasing , and related amendments on January 1, 2019, 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, 2020
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 income (loss) 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. All of these amounts were paid during 2020.

INCOME TAX PROVISION

INCOME TAX PROVISION	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
INCOME TAX PROVISION	Income (loss) before income taxes was comprised of the following for the years ended December 31: (in thousands) 2020 2019 2018 U.S. $ 10,906 $ (161,733) $ 198,727 Foreign 19,673 (23,897) 13,904 Income (loss) income before income taxes $ 30,579 $ (185,630) $ 212,631 The components of the income tax provision were as follows for the years ended December 31: (in thousands) 2020 2019 2018 Current tax provision: Federal $ 17,643 $ 36,967 $ 57,117 State 4,502 7,400 11,319 Foreign 4,779 4,850 5,921 Total current tax provision 26,924 49,217 74,357 Deferred tax provision: Federal (4,298) (30,095) (7,220) State (1,202) (7,070) (1,701) Foreign 256 2,215 (2,435) Total deferred tax provision (5,244) (34,950) (11,356) Income tax provision $ 21,680 $ 14,267 $ 63,001 The effective tax rate on pre-tax income (loss) reconciles to the U.S. federal statutory tax rate for the years ended December 31 as follows: 2020 2019 2018 Income tax at federal statutory rate 21.0 % 21.0 % 21.0 % Goodwill impairment charges (Note 8) 39.2 % (29.3 %) 7.1 % Tax impact of share-based compensation 7.4 % (1.1 %) (0.8 %) Foreign tax rate differences 3.7 % 1.3 % 0.4 % Payables and receivables for prior year tax returns 2.8 % 0.2 % — Non-deductible executive compensation 2.0 % (0.7 %) 0.6 % State income tax expense, net of federal income tax benefit 1.7 % 4.9 % 3.0 % Change in valuation allowances (1) 0.8 % (4.5 %) 0.1 % Research and development tax credit (3.3 %) 0.5 % (0.4 %) Change in unrecognized tax benefits, including interest and penalties (2.9 %) (0.2 %) (0.1 %) Return to provision adjustments (2.3 %) 0.3 % (0.3 %) Other 0.8 % (0.1 %) (1.0 %) Effective tax rate 70.9 % (7.7 %) 29.6 % (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. 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) 2020 2019 2018 Balance, beginning of year $ 4,169 $ 4,801 $ 3,795 Additions for tax positions of current year 237 364 315 Additions for tax positions of prior years 30 546 1,177 Reductions for tax positions of prior years (414) (887) (108) Settlements — (341) — Lapse of statutes of limitations (661) (314) (378) Balance, end of year $ 3,361 $ 4,169 $ 4,801 If the unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2020 were recognized in the consolidated financial statements, income tax expense would decrease $3,361. Accruals for interest and penalties, excluding the tax benefits of deductible interest, were $551 as of December 31, 2020 and $935 as of December 31, 2019. Our income tax provision included a reduction for interest and penalties of $384 in 2020 and included expense for interest and penalties of $605 in 2019 and $110 in 2018. Within the next 12 months, it is reasonably possible that our unrecognized tax benefits will change in the range of a decrease of $1,800 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 2016 and prior years has expired. Audits of our federal income tax returns through 2015 have been completed by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Our 2017 through 2019 returns and our 2020 return, when filed, are subject to IRS examination. In general, income tax returns for the years 2017 through 2020 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: 2020 2019 (in thousands) Deferred tax assets Deferred tax liabilities Deferred tax assets Deferred tax liabilities Goodwill $ — $ 20,134 $ — $ 16,424 Cloud computing arrangements — 7,532 — — Employee benefit plans — 7,140 — 2,747 Prepaid assets — 3,456 — 3,830 Property, plant and equipment — 3,366 — 3,200 Revenue recognition — 2,659 — 4,752 Intangible assets 26,686 — 14,900 — Operating leases 11,202 9,043 11,409 10,578 Net operating loss, tax credit and capital loss carryforwards 7,026 — 7,698 — Reserves and accruals 5,848 — 6,154 — Inventories 4,153 — 2,595 — Payroll tax deferral under the CARES Act 3,692 — — — All other 4,003 3,026 2,756 4,623 Total deferred taxes 62,610 56,356 45,512 46,154 Valuation allowances (11,453) — (10,349) — Net deferred taxes $ 51,157 $ 56,356 $ 35,163 $ 46,154 The valuation allowances as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 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) 2020 2019 2018 Balance, beginning of year $ (10,349) $ (1,689) $ (1,518) Expense from change in allowances (244) (8,336) (290) Foreign currency translation (860) (324) 119 Balance, end of year $ (11,453) $ (10,349) $ (1,689) As of December 31, 2020, 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, 2020, the amount of cash and cash equivalents held by our foreign subsidiaries was $98,735, primarily in Canada. As of December 31, 2020, we had the following net operating loss, capital loss and tax credit carryforwards: • state net operating loss carryforwards and tax credit carryforwards of $79,822 that expire at various dates up to 2050; • foreign capital loss carryforwards of $4,993 that do not expire; • foreign net operating loss carryforwards and research tax credit carryforwards of $546 that expire at various dates up to 2036; and • federal net operating loss carryforwards of $1,194 that expire at various dates between 2025 and 2029.

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
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 April 29, 2020, our shareholders approved the Deluxe Corporation 2020 Long-Term Incentive Plan, simultaneously terminating our previous plan. Under the current 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 4.7 million shares remaining available for issuance as of December 31, 2020. 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, 2020. 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 income (loss) for share-based compensation awards for the years ended December 31: (in thousands) 2020 2019 2018 Restricted shares and restricted stock units $ 15,066 $ 13,411 $ 5,232 Stock options 3,689 2,954 3,143 Performance share awards 2,590 2,907 4,502 Employee stock purchase plan 479 430 501 Total share-based compensation expense $ 21,824 $ 19,702 $ 13,378 Income tax benefit $ (5,779) $ (5,350) $ (3,946) As of December 31, 2020, the total compensation expense for unvested awards not yet recognized in our consolidated statements of income (loss) was $34,307, net of the effect of estimated forfeitures. This amount is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.3 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: 2020 2019 2018 Risk-free interest rate 1.3 % 2.3 % 2.7 % Dividend yield 3.2 % 2.7 % 2.0 % Expected volatility 25.8 % 24.5 % 23.0 % Weighted-average option life (in years) 5.4 5.3 3.9 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, 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 Granted 1,030 38.13 Exercised (12) 38.80 Forfeited or expired (231) 54.87 Outstanding, December 31, 2020 2,134 46.28 $ 667 7.2 Exercisable at December 31, 2018 472 $ 59.90 Exercisable at December 31, 2019 485 61.44 Exercisable at December 31, 2020 654 57.68 $ 118 4.2 The weighted-average grant-date fair value of options granted was $6.39 per option for 2020, $8.30 per option for 2019 and $10.98 per option for 2018. 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 $118 for 2020, $292 for 2019 and $10,007 for 2018. Restricted stock units – Beginning in 2019, we increased our use of restricted stock unit awards. We grant awards to all North American employees, we pay a portion of employee bonuses previously settled in cash in the form of restricted stock units and we grant 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, 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 Granted 628 37.25 Vested (282) 45.18 Forfeited (83) 40.44 Outstanding at December 31, 2020 927 39.68 1.9 Of the awards outstanding as of December 31, 2020, 41 thousand restricted stock units with a value of $1,190 were included in accrued liabilities and other non-current liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet. As of December 31, 2020, these units had a fair value of $29 per unit and a weighted-average remaining contractual term of 10 months. The total fair value of restricted stock units that vested was $7,839 for 2020, $4,374 for 2019 and $1,619 for 2018. We made cash payments of $58 during 2020 , $263 during 2019 and $78 during 2018 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, 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 Vested (16) 72.79 Forfeited (2) 61.43 Unvested at December 31, 2020 8 71.02 0.2 The total fair value of restricted shares that vested was $600 for 2020, $5,608 for 2019 and $5,375 for 2018. 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: 2020 2019 2018 Risk-free interest rate 1.4 % 2.3 % 2.4 % Dividend yield 2.4 % 3.1 % 1.6 % Expected volatility 28.6 % 26.8 % 21.6 % 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, 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 Granted (1) 127 36.06 Forfeited (23) 62.18 Vested (61) 71.03 Unvested at December 31, 2020 295 45.20 1.4 (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 –

EMPLOYEE COMPENSATION PLANS

EMPLOYEE COMPENSATION PLANS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
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 typically 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. Effective April 1, 2020, we suspended the company match in an effort to maintain liquidity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Contributions under the discontinued profit sharing plan 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 total company 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 income (loss) for these plans was as follows for the years ended December 31: (in thousands) 2020 2019 2018 Performance-based compensation plans (1) $ 11,032 $ 21,143 $ 20,297 401(k) expense 2,823 10,176 9,686 (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) 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 $4,816 as of December 31, 2020 and $5,036 as of December 31, 2019. 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 in support of 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 $11,591 as of December 31, 2020 and $11,204 as of December 31, 2019.

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Disclosures [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 2020 and 2019: (in thousands) Postretirement benefit plan Pension plan (1) Change in benefit obligation: 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 Interest cost 1,835 76 Net actuarial loss 218 340 Benefits paid from plan assets and company funds (7,064) (324) Benefit obligation, December 31, 2020 $ 68,164 $ 3,343 Change in plan assets: 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 — Return on plan assets 15,741 — Benefits paid (6,287) — Fair value of plan assets, December 31, 2020 $ 139,372 $ — Funded status, December 31, 2019 $ 56,743 $ (3,251) Funded status, December 31, 2020 $ 71,208 $ (3,343) (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) 2020 2019 2020 2019 Other non-current assets $ 71,208 $ 56,743 $ — $ — Accrued liabilities — — 324 324 Other non-current liabilities — — 3,019 2,927 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) 2020 2019 Unrecognized prior service credit $ 11,335 $ 12,756 Unrecognized net actuarial loss (35,454) (45,319) Tax effect 2,163 4,157 Amount recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax $ (21,956) $ (28,406) 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 amortized on the straight-line basis over the remaining life expectancy of plan participants at the time of each 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 2020 was primarily due to the decrease in the discount rate used to discount the benefit obligation, partially offset by our claims and other experience. The net actuarial loss generated during 2019 was primarily due to the decrease in the discount rate used to discount the benefit obligation. Unrecognized actuarial gains and losses for our postretirement benefit plan are 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 8.7 years. Postretirement benefit income – Postretirement benefit income for the years ended December 31 consisted of the following components: (in thousands) 2020 2019 2018 Interest cost $ 1,911 $ 2,727 $ 2,626 Expected return on plan assets (7,619) (6,957) (7,737) Amortization of prior service credit (1,421) (1,421) (1,421) Amortization of net actuarial losses 2,301 3,223 2,884 Net periodic benefit income $ (4,828) $ (2,428) $ (3,648) Actuarial assumptions – In measuring the benefit obligations as of December 31, the following discount rate assumptions were used: Postretirement benefit plan Pension plan 2020 2019 2020 2019 Discount rate 2.16 % 3.03 % 1.74 % 2.76 % In measuring net periodic benefit income for the years ended December 31, the following assumptions were used: Postretirement benefit plan Pension plan 2020 2019 2018 2020 2019 2018 Discount rate 3.03 % 4.13 % 3.46 % 2.76 % 4.01 % 3.35 % Expected return on plan assets 6.00 % 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 the benefit obligation as of December 31 for our postretirement benefit plan, the following assumptions for health care cost trend rates were used: 2020 2019 2018 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 7.2 % 8.0 % 7.4 % 8.4 % 7.7 % 8.7 % Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline (the ultimate trend rate) 4.5 % 4.5 % 4.5 % 4.5 % 4.5 % 4.5 % Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate 2030 2030 2029 2029 2029 2029 Plan assets – The allocation of plan assets by asset category as of December 31 was as follows: Postretirement benefit plan 2020 2019 Mortgage-backed securities 24 % 24 % U.S. corporate debt securities 21 % 15 % International equity securities 20 % 19 % U.S. large capitalization equity securities 17 % 24 % Government debt securities 15 % 14 % U.S. small and mid-capitalization equity securities 3 % 4 % 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 60% fixed income securities, 17% large capitalization equity securities, 20% 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, 2020: 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 (in thousands) (Level 1) (Level 2) (Level 3) Mortgage-backed securities $ — $ 10,546 $ — $ 22,507 $ 33,053 U.S. corporate debt securities — 27,439 — 1,474 28,913 International equity securities 24,512 3,632 — — 28,144 U.S. large capitalization equity securities — 24,536 — — 24,536 Government debt securities — 20,357 — — 20,357 U.S. small and mid-capitalization equity securities 3,406 356 — — 3,762 Other debt securities 387 220 — — 607 Plan assets $ 28,305 $ 87,086 $ — $ 23,981 $ 139,372 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 (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 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 $7,095 as of December 31, 2020 and $7,136 as of December 31, 2019. The following benefit payments are expected to be paid during the years indicated: (in thousands) Postretirement benefit plan Pension plan 2021 $ 6,283 $ 320 2022 6,129 310 2023 5,905 300 2024 5,568 290 2025 5,137 280 2026 - 2030 20,189 1,170

DEBT

DEBT	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
DEBT	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. Additionally, the agreement contains customary representations and warranties including, as a condition to borrowing, that all such representations and warranties are true and correct in all material respects on the date of the borrowing, including representations as to no material adverse change in our business, assets, operations or financial condition. 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. Daily average amounts outstanding under our credit facility were as follows for the years ended December 31: (in thousands) 2020 2019 2018 Revolving credit facility: Daily average amount outstanding $ 1,016,896 $ 925,715 $ 731,110 Weighted-average interest rate 2.12 % 3.54 % 3.24 % Term loan facility: (1) Daily average amount outstanding $ — $ — $ 63,638 Weighted-average interest rate — — 2.97 % (1) During 2018, we had borrowings outstanding under a variable rate term loan facility. These amounts were repaid in March 2018. As of December 31, 2020, 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 (840,000) Outstanding letters of credit (1) (7,658) Net available for borrowing as of December 31, 2020 $ 302,342 (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, 2020
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 9 years, with a weighted-average remaining term of 4.8 years as of December 31, 2020. 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 for certain information technology hardware. The net book value of the related lease assets and the related lease liabilities was not significant as of December 31, 2020 or December 31, 2019. Operating lease expense was $20,928 for 2020 and $19,113 for 2019. Rental expense related to operating leases was $23,928 for 2018. Additional information regarding our operating leases was as follows: (in thousands) 2020 2019 Operating cash outflows $ 19,026 $ 17,737 Lease assets obtained during the period in exchange for lease obligations 11,000 11,637 December 31, (in thousands) 2020 2019 Operating lease assets $ 35,906 $ 44,372 Accrued liabilities $ 11,589 $ 12,898 Operating lease liabilities 28,344 33,585 Total operating lease liabilities $ 39,933 $ 46,483 Weighted-average remaining lease term (in years) 4.7 5.1 Weighted-average discount rate 3.1 % 3.4 % Maturities of operating lease liabilities were as follows: (in thousands) Operating lease obligations 2021 $ 12,632 2022 10,616 2023 6,170 2024 4,688 2025 2,752 Thereafter 6,528 Total lease payments 43,386 Less imputed interest (3,453) Present value of lease payments $ 39,933 During the third quarter of 2020, we executed leases on new facilities in Minnesota and Georgia with terms of 16 years and 6 years, respectively. As a result, our total lease obligations increased approximately $65,441, with $599 due in 2021, $4,792 due in 2022, $6,443 due in 2023, $6,591 due in 2024, $6,742 due in 2025, and $40,274 due thereafter through 2037. The Minnesota lease includes an option allowing us to terminate the lease in 2032, subject to an early termination penalty estimated at $4,370. As these leases have not yet commenced, they are not reflected on our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2020.

OTHER COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGEN

OTHER COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
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, 2020 or December 31, 2019. 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 $9,046 as of December 31, 2020 and $7,576 as of December 31, 2019. 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, 2020 or December 31, 2019. 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, 2020
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 2020, we repurchased 0.5 million shares for $14,000 and during 2019, we repurchased 2.6 million shares for $118,547 under this authorization. As of December 31, 2020, $287,452 remained available for repurchase. Under the current and previous authorizations, we repurchased 3.6 million shares for $200,000 during 2018.

BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION

BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION	For many years, we operated 3 reportable business segments: Small Business Services, Financial Services and Direct Checks. These segments were generally organized by customer type and reflected the way we managed the company. Effective January 1, 2020, we reorganized our reportable business segments to align with structural and management reporting changes in support of our growth strategy. We now operate 4 reportable segments, generally organized by product type, as follows: • Payments – This segment includes our treasury management solutions, including remittance and lockbox processing, remote deposit capture, receivables management, payment processing and paperless treasury management, in addition to payroll and disbursement services, including Deluxe Payment Exchange, and fraud and security services. • Cloud Solutions – This segment includes web hosting and design services, data-driven marketing solutions and hosted solutions, including digital engagement, logo design, financial institution profitability reporting and business incorporation services. • Promotional Solutions – This segment includes business forms, accessories, advertising specialties, promotional apparel, retail packaging and strategic sourcing services. • Checks – This segment includes printed personal and business checks. 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 when the costs are directly attributable to a segment. This includes certain sales and marketing, human resources, supply chain, real estate, finance, information technology and legal costs. Costs that are not directly attributable to a business segment are reported as Corporate operations and consist primarily of marketing, accounting, information technology, facilities, executive management and legal, tax and treasury costs that support the corporate function. Corporate operations also includes other income. All of our segments operate primarily in the U.S., with some operations in Canada. In addition, Cloud Solutions has operations in Australia and portions of Europe, as well as partners in Central and South America. No single customer accounted for more than 10% of consolidated revenue during the past 3 years. Under the new segment structure, our chief operating decision maker (i.e., our Chief Executive Officer) reviews earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) on an adjusted basis for each segment when deciding how to allocate resources and to assess segment operating performance. Adjusted EBITDA for each segment excludes depreciation and amortization expense, interest expense, income tax expense and certain other amounts, which may include, from time to time: asset impairment charges; restructuring, integration and other costs; CEO transition costs; share-based compensation expense; acquisition transaction costs; certain legal-related expense; and gains or losses on sales of businesses and customer lists. Our Chief Executive Officer does not review segment asset information when making investment or operating decisions regarding our reportable business segments. The following is our segment information for the years ended December 31. The segment information for 2019 and 2018 has been revised to reflect our current segment structure. (in thousands) 2020 2019 2018 Payments: Revenue $301,901 $269,573 $224,546 Adjusted EBITDA 68,117 74,384 59,016 Cloud Solutions: Revenue 252,773 318,383 307,589 Adjusted EBITDA 61,580 77,199 69,976 Promotional Solutions: Revenue 529,649 640,892 658,357 Adjusted EBITDA 66,620 101,293 105,586 Checks: Revenue 706,458 779,867 807,533 Adjusted EBITDA 341,705 402,662 415,221 Total segments: Revenue $1,790,781 $2,008,715 $1,998,025 Adjusted EBITDA 538,022 655,538 649,799 The following table presents a reconciliation of total segment adjusted EBITDA to consolidated income (loss) before income taxes: (in thousands) 2020 2019 2018 Total segment adjusted EBITDA $ 538,022 $ 655,538 $ 649,799 Corporate operations (173,480) (174,672) (140,502) Depreciation and amortization (110,792) (126,036) (131,100) Interest expense (23,140) (34,682) (27,112) Net income attributable to non-controlling interest 91 — — Asset impairment charges (97,973) (390,980) (101,319) Restructuring, integration and other costs (80,665) (79,511) (21,203) CEO transition costs (1) 30 (9,390) (7,210) Share-based compensation expense (21,824) (19,138) (11,689) Acquisition transaction costs (8) (215) (1,719) Certain legal-related benefit (expense) 2,164 (6,420) (10,502) (Loss) gain on sales of businesses and customer lists (1,846) (124) 15,641 Loss on debt retirement — — (453) Income (loss) before income taxes $ 30,579 $ (185,630) $ 212,631 (1) In 2019 and 2018, includes share-based compensation expense related to the modification of certain awards in conjunction with our CEO transition (Note 10). The following tables present revenue disaggregated by our product and service offerings. In conjunction with the realignment of our reportable segments on January 1, 2020, we refined the disaggregation of our revenue by product and service offering. As such, certain amounts reported in the prior year have been revised from previously reported amounts. Year Ended December 31, 2020 (in thousands) Payments Cloud Solutions Promotional Solutions Checks Consolidated Checks $ — $ — $ — $ 706,458 $ 706,458 Forms and other products — — 316,245 — 316,245 Treasury management solutions 226,105 — — — 226,105 Marketing and promotional solutions — — 213,404 — 213,404 Web and hosted solutions — 133,618 — — 133,618 Data-driven marketing solutions — 119,155 — — 119,155 Other payments solutions 75,796 — — — 75,796 Total revenue $ 301,901 $ 252,773 $ 529,649 $ 706,458 $ 1,790,781 Year Ended December 31, 2019 (in thousands) Payments Cloud Solutions Promotional Solutions Checks Consolidated Checks $ — $ — $ — $ 779,867 $ 779,867 Forms and other products — — 348,757 — 348,757 Treasury management solutions 193,527 — — — 193,527 Marketing and promotional solutions — — 292,135 — 292,135 Web and hosted solutions — 156,097 — — 156,097 Data-driven marketing solutions — 162,286 — — 162,286 Other payments solutions 76,046 — — — 76,046 Total revenue $ 269,573 $ 318,383 $ 640,892 $ 779,867 $ 2,008,715 Year Ended December 31, 2018 (in thousands) Payments Cloud Solutions Promotional Solutions Checks Consolidated Checks $ — $ — $ — $ 807,533 $ 807,533 Forms and other products — — 357,700 — 357,700 Treasury management solutions 148,011 — — — 148,011 Marketing and promotional solutions — — 300,657 — 300,657 Web and hosted solutions — 156,164 — — 156,164 Data-driven marketing solutions — 151,425 — — 151,425 Other payments solutions 76,535 — — — 76,535 Total revenue $ 224,546 $ 307,589 $ 658,357 $ 807,533 $ 1,998,025 The following table presents revenue disaggregated by geography, based on where items are shipped or services are performed. 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 are not significant to our consolidated financial position. (in thousands) Payments Cloud Solutions Promotional Solutions Checks Consolidated Year ended December 31, 2020: U.S. $ 266,920 $ 220,699 $ 506,240 $ 684,328 $ 1,678,187 Foreign, primarily Canada and Australia 34,981 32,074 23,409 22,130 112,594 Total revenue $ 301,901 $ 252,773 $ 529,649 $ 706,458 $ 1,790,781 Year ended December 31, 2019: U.S. $ 233,152 $ 283,695 $ 613,830 $ 757,359 $ 1,888,036 Foreign, primarily Canada and Australia 36,421 34,688 27,062 22,508 120,679 Total revenue $ 269,573 $ 318,383 $ 640,892 $ 779,867 $ 2,008,715 Year ended December 31, 2018: U.S. $ 188,156 $ 269,919 $ 629,592 $ 783,708 $ 1,871,375 Foreign, primarily Canada and Australia 36,390 37,670 28,765 23,825 126,650 Total revenue $ 224,546 $ 307,589 $ 658,357 $ 807,533 $ 1,998,025

RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES

RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Risks and Uncertainties [Abstract]
RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES	The impact on our business of the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve. As such, we are uncertain of the impact on our future financial condition, liquidity and/or results of operations. This uncertainty affected several of the assumptions made and estimates used in the preparation of these consolidated financial statements. As discussed in Note 8, the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a goodwill impairment triggering event during the first quarter of 2020, as the adverse economic effects of the pandemic materially decreased demand for the products and services we provide to our customers. The extent to which the pandemic will continue to impact our business depends on future developments, including the severity and duration of the pandemic, the timing and effectiveness of vaccines, business and workforce disruptions and the ultimate number of businesses that fail. Our evaluation of asset impairment required us to make assumptions about these future events over the life of the assets being evaluated. This required significant judgment and actual results may differ significantly from our estimates. As a result of the continuing effects of COVID-19, we may be required to record additional goodwill or other asset impairment charges in the future. We held loans and notes receivable from our Promotional Solutions distributors of $37,076 as of December 31, 2020. These distributors sell their products and services primarily to small businesses, which have been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. As of December 31, 2020, our allowances for expected credit losses on these receivables were $3,995, although the majority of this amount was not driven by impacts of the pandemic. We utilized all information known to us in determining this allowance, as well as allowances related to our trade accounts receivable. If our assumptions prove to be incorrect, we may be required to record additional bad debt expense in the future. Additionally, uncertainty surrounding the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak could affect estimates we made regarding inventory obsolescence and workers' compensation liabilities and thus, could result in additional expense in the future.

SUMMARIZED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL

SUMMARIZED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]
SUMMARIZED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (Unaudited)	2020 Quarter Ended (in thousands, except per share amounts) March 31 June 30 September 30 December 31 Total revenue $ 486,423 $ 410,405 $ 439,461 $ 454,492 Gross profit 284,374 248,122 265,000 262,514 Net income (loss) attributable to Deluxe (60,131) 14,859 29,417 24,663 Earnings (loss) per share: Basic (1.43) 0.36 0.70 0.59 Diluted (1.45) 0.35 0.70 0.58 Cash dividends per share 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 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) attributable to Deluxe 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 Significant items affecting the comparability of our quarterly results were as follows: 2020 Quarter Ended (in thousands) March 31 June 30 September 30 December 31 Asset impairment charges $ 90,330 $ 4,883 $ 2,760 $ — Restructuring and integration expense 18,483 20,382 18,923 21,551 Discrete income tax expense (benefit) (1) 13,406 661 353 (837) 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 Other discrete income tax expense (benefit) (1) 926 1,194 62,854 (298) (1) Relates primarily to the tax effects of share-based compensation and the non-deductible portion of goodwill impairment charges.

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICI_2

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
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. Effective April 1, 2020, we executed an agreement to form MedPayExchange LLC (MPX), doing business as Medical Payment Exchange, which delivers payments to healthcare providers from insurance companies and other payers. This entity is a variable interest entity (VIE), as defined in Accounting Standards Codification Topic 810, Consolidation . As we are the primary beneficiary of the VIE, we are required to consolidate MPX in our consolidated financial statements. Our partner's interest in MPX is reported as non-controlling interest in the consolidated balance sheet within equity, separate from our equity. Net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss) are attributed to us and the non-controlling interest. The amounts attributable to the non-controlling interest were not significant during 2020.
Comparability	Comparability – The consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2019 has been modified to conform to the current year presentation. Assets held for sale are included within other non-current assets. Previously, this amount was presented separately. During 2020, we identified the incorrect presentation of certain amounts reported in the consolidated statements of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018. We determined that holdback payments for acquisitions and asset purchases were incorrectly included in net cash used by investing activities and should be included in net cash used by financing activities. We determined that the amounts impacting payments for acquisitions were not material to the 2019 or 2018 consolidated financial statements, and the presentation of these amounts has been revised in the consolidated statements of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 appearing herein. The impact of the revision on the consolidated statements of cash flows was as follows: (in thousands) Previously reported Adjustment Revised Year ended December 31, 2019: Payments for acquisitions, net of cash acquired $ (11,605) $ 3,354 $ (8,251) Net cash used by investing activities (75,751) 3,354 (72,397) Holdback payments for acquisitions and asset purchases — (3,354) (3,354) Net cash used by financing activities (186,794) (3,354) (190,148) Net change in cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents $ 29,552 $ — $ 29,552 Year ended December 31, 2018: Payments for acquisitions, net of cash acquired $ (214,258) $ 22,355 $ (191,903) Net cash used by investing activities (275,414) 22,355 (253,059) Holdback payments for acquisitions and asset purchases — (22,355) (22,355) Net cash used by financing activities (39,825) (22,355) (62,180) Net change in cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents $ 16,440 $ — $ 16,440
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. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other factors and assumptions that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances, including the estimated impact of extraordinary events, such as the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the results of which
Foreign currency translation	Foreign currency translation –
Cash and cash equivalents	Cash and cash equivalents –
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 also include amounts due for products shipped and services rendered, but for which invoices have not yet been issued due to timing. Our trade receivables are not interest-bearing. They are stated net of allowances for uncollectible accounts, a valuation account that is deducted from an asset's amortized cost basis to present the net amount expected to be collected. Amounts are charged off against the allowance when we believe the uncollectibility of an account is confirmed. 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. In calculating the allowances, we utilize a combination of aging schedules with reserve rates applied to both current and aged receivables and roll-rate reserves using historical loss rates and changes in current or projected conditions. Changes in the allowances for uncollectible accounts are included in selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expense on the consolidated statements of income (loss). Further information regarding our allowances for uncollectible accounts can be found in Note 3.
Inventories and supplies	Inventories and supplies – Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Cost is calculated using moving average and standard costs, which approximates the first-in, first-out basis. We periodically review our inventory quantities and record a provision for excess and/or obsolete inventory based on our historical usage and forecasts of future demand. It is possible that additional reserves above those already established may be required if there is a significant change in the timing or level of demand for our products compared to forecasted amounts. This would require a change in the reserve for excess or obsolete inventory, resulting in a charge to net income (loss) during the period of the change. Charges for inventory write-downs are included in cost of revenue on the consolidated statements of income (loss). Once written down, inventories are carried at this lower cost basis until sold or scrapped. 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 income (loss) 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, 2020. 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 – 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, 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 income (loss). Interest on finance leases is included in interest expense on the consolidated statements of income (loss). Operating leases are included in operating lease assets, accrued liabilities and operating lease liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. Finance leases are included in property, plant and equipment, accrued liabilities and other non-current liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. 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 10 years, with a weighted-average useful life of 6 years as of December 31, 2020. 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 income (loss). 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 income (loss) 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 in estimating the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, 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 income (loss). Transaction costs related to acquisitions are expensed as incurred and are included in SG&A expense on the consolidated statements of income (loss).
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 group exceeds its estimated fair value less costs to sell. During 2020, we recorded asset impairment charges related to certain real estate and internal-use software 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, (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, 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. 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. When the estimated fair value is less than the carrying value of the asset, an impairment loss is 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 a 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 utilize a discounted cash flow model 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. The discount rate used 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 revenue growth rates, terminal growth rates, direct costs, the discount rate 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
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 the 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 of up to 14.5 years, with a weighted-average period of 5 years as of December 31, 2020. 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.
Loans and notes receivable from distributors	Loans and notes receivable from distributors – We have, at times, provided loans to certain of our Promotional Solutions distributors to allow them to purchase the operations of other small business distributors. We have also sold distributors and small business 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 rates on these receivables generally range from 6% to 8% and reflect market interest rates at the time the transactions were executed. Interest is accrued as earned. Accrued interest included in loans and notes receivable was not significant as of December 31, 2020 or December 31, 2019. In determining the allowances for doubtful accounts related to loans and notes receivable, we utilize a loss-rate analysis based on historical loss information, current delinquency rates, the credit quality of the loan recipients and the portfolio mix to determine an appropriate credit risk measurement, adjusted to reflect current loan-specific risk characteristics and changes in environmental conditions affecting our small business distributors. Changes in conditions that may affect our distributors include, but are not limited to, general economic conditions, changes in the markets for their products and services and changes in governmental regulations. In completing our analysis, we utilize a reversion methodology for periods beyond the reasonable and supportable forecast period, as many of our loans and notes receivable have longer terms. Allowances for impaired loans are generally determined based on collateral values or the present value of estimated cash flows. Further information regarding current risks and uncertainties affecting our loans and notes receivable can be found in Note 20. Further information regarding our allowances for uncollectible accounts can be found in Note 3. 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. Our notes receivable also generally allow us to acquire a distributor's customer list in the case of default. As of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, past due amounts 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.
Cloud computing arrangements	Cloud computing arrangements – On January 1, 2020, we adopted ASU No. 2018-15, Customer's Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract . Under this standard, we are required to capitalize implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract. Implementation costs include activities such as integrating, configuring and customizing the related software. In evaluating whether our cloud computing arrangements include a software license, we consider whether we have the contractual right to take possession of the software at any time during the hosting period without significant penalty and whether it is feasible for us to either run the software on our own hardware or contract with another party unrelated to the vendor to host the software. If we determine that a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license, we account for the software license element of the arrangement consistent with the acquisition of other software licenses. If we determine that a cloud computing arrangement does not include a software license, we account for the implementation costs as non-current assets. In both cases, the remaining elements of the arrangement are accounted for as a service contract. The capitalized cloud computing implementation costs are amortized on the straight-line basis over the fixed, non-cancellable term of the associated hosting arrangement plus any reasonably certain renewal periods. We apply the same impairment model to these assets as we use to evaluate internally-developed software for impairment.
Advertising costs	Advertising costs – Deferred advertising costs include materials, printing, labor and postage costs related to our direct response advertising programs. 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 consumer checks business, approximately 90% of the costs of individual advertisements is expensed within 6 months of the advertisement. Other deferred advertising costs 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.
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 income (loss).
Derivative financial instruments	Derivative financial instruments – As of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, we had an outstanding interest rate swap related to amounts drawn under our revolving credit facility. Further Information regarding this derivative financial instrument 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 in 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 included in net income (loss).
Revenue recognition	Revenue recognition – Product revenue is recognized when control of the goods is transferred to our 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. We recognize the vast majority of our service 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. Revenue is presented on the consolidated statements of income (loss) 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. We sell certain products and services through a network of 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 have variable consideration that is contingent on the success of the marketing campaign ("pay-for-performance"). 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. 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 the 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 do not consider 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. We record sales commissions related to obtaining check supply and treasury management solution contracts as other non-current assets on the consolidated balance sheets. These contract acquisition costs 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, project management services, internal labor, training, travel and relocation, and costs associated with facility closures. In addition, we accrue the costs of 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 these 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 on the 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 the consolidated statements of income (loss), 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 each 3 month purchase period. • Our 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.
Earnings (loss) per share	Earnings (loss) per share – We calculate earnings (loss) 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 earnings (loss) per share for each class of common stock and participating security according to dividends declared and participation rights in undistributed earnings. Basic earnings (loss) per share is based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the year. Diluted earnings (loss) 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 income (loss)	Comprehensive income (loss) – Comprehensive income (loss) includes charges and credits to shareholders' equity that are not the result of transactions with shareholders. Our total comprehensive income (loss) consists of net income (loss), 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 income (loss) 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, 2020
Accounting Standards Update and Change in Accounting Principle [Abstract]
New accounting pronouncements	Accounting Standards Recently Adopted ASU No. 2016-02 – In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2016-02, Leasing . This standard was 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, C odification 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 were not 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. ASU No. 2016-13 – In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments . Subsequently, the FASB issued several amendments to this standard. These standards replaced the incurred loss methodology previously utilized for valuing financial instruments with an expected loss methodology that is referred to as the current expected credit loss (CECL) methodology. The measurement of expected losses under the CECL methodology is applicable to financial instruments measured at amortized cost, including accounts and notes receivable. The standards also made targeted changes to the accounting for available-for-sale debt securities. We adopted the standards on January 1, 2020 using the modified retrospective method for financial instruments measured at amortized cost. Under this method, prior period amounts continue to be reported in accordance with previously applicable GAAP. We recorded a net decrease in retained earnings of $3,640 as of January 1, 2020 for the cumulative effect of adopting the standards, which consisted primarily of an increase in the allowance for credit losses on loans and notes receivable, net of the related deferred income tax impact. We recorded no allowance for credit losses related to our available-for-sale debt securities. Our policies regarding the determination of the allowances for uncollectible accounts related to trade accounts receivable and loans and notes receivable from distributors can be found in Note 1. Further information regarding our available-for-sale debt securities can be found in Note 3. ASU No. 2018-13 – In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-13, Disclosure Framework – Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement s. This standard removed, modified and added certain disclosures related to recurring and nonrecurring fair value measurements. During 2018, we adopted the provisions of the standard that removed and modified disclosure requirements. The additional disclosures were effective for us on January 1, 2020 and were required to be applied prospectively to fair value measurements completed on or after that date. Disclosures regarding our fair value measurements can be found in Note 8. 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. We adopted this standard on January 1, 2020, applying it prospectively to eligible costs incurred on or after this date. Adoption of this standard did impact our results of operations and financial position, as we previously expensed these implementation costs as incurred. As of December 31, 2020, $29,242 of cloud computing implementation costs were included within other non-current assets on the consolidated balance sheet. These costs primarily relate to our planned implementation of a new enterprise resource planning system. Our policy regarding the accounting for these implementation costs can be found in Note 1. Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted 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.

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICI_3

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Impact of revision on consolidated statements of cash flows	The impact of the revision on the consolidated statements of cash flows was as follows: (in thousands) Previously reported Adjustment Revised Year ended December 31, 2019: Payments for acquisitions, net of cash acquired $ (11,605) $ 3,354 $ (8,251) Net cash used by investing activities (75,751) 3,354 (72,397) Holdback payments for acquisitions and asset purchases — (3,354) (3,354) Net cash used by financing activities (186,794) (3,354) (190,148) Net change in cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents $ 29,552 $ — $ 29,552 Year ended December 31, 2018: Payments for acquisitions, net of cash acquired $ (214,258) $ 22,355 $ (191,903) Net cash used by investing activities (275,414) 22,355 (253,059) Holdback payments for acquisitions and asset purchases — (22,355) (22,355) Net cash used by financing activities (39,825) (22,355) (62,180) Net change in cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents $ 16,440 $ — $ 16,440

SUPPLEMENTAL BALANCE SHEET AN_2

SUPPLEMENTAL BALANCE SHEET AND CASH FLOW INFORMATION (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Inventories and supplies	Inventories and supplies were comprised of the following at December 31: (in thousands) 2020 2019 Raw materials $ 5,412 $ 7,797 Semi-finished goods 7,943 8,234 Finished goods 33,513 24,563 Supplies 5,010 5,927 Reserve for excess and obsolete items (11,748) (6,600) Inventories and supplies, net of reserve $ 40,130 $ 39,921 Changes in the reserve for excess and obsolete items for the years ended December 31 were as follows: (in thousands) 2020 2019 2018 Balance, beginning of year $ 6,600 $ 5,499 $ 5,470 Amounts charged to expense 6,713 1,831 1,002 Write-offs (1,565) (730) (973) Balance, end of year $ 11,748 $ 6,600 $ 5,499
Available-for-sale debt securities	Available-for-sale debt securities included within funds held for customers were comprised of the following: December 31, 2020 (in thousands) Cost Gross unrealized gains Gross unrealized losses Fair value Funds held for customers: (1) Domestic money market fund $ 15,000 $ — $ — $ 15,000 Canadian and provincial government securities 9,566 — (33) 9,533 Canadian guaranteed investment certificates 3,929 — — 3,929 Available-for-sale debt securities $ 28,495 $ — $ (33) $ 28,462 (1) Funds held for customers, as reported on the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2020, also included cash of $91,287. 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.
Expected maturities of available-for-sale debt securities	xpected maturities of available-for-sale debt securities as of December 31, 2020 were as follows: (in thousands) Fair value Due in one year or less $ 20,807 Due in two to five years 4,156 Due in six to ten years 3,499 Available-for-sale debt securities $ 28,462
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) 2020 2019 Conditional right to receive consideration $ 13,950 $ 24,499 Unconditional right to receive consideration (1) 3,667 8,291 Revenue in excess of billings $ 17,617 $ 32,790 (1) Represents revenues that are earned but not currently billable under the related contract terms.
Property, plant and equipment	Property, plant and equipment was comprised of the following at December 31: 2020 2019 (in thousands) Gross carrying amount Accumulated depreciation Net carrying amount Gross carrying amount Accumulated depreciation Net carrying amount Machinery and equipment $ 340,032 $ (287,384) $ 52,648 $ 327,151 $ (282,741) $ 44,410 Buildings and improvements 89,875 (68,510) 21,365 118,284 (86,162) 32,122 Land and improvements 19,680 (5,013) 14,667 28,212 (8,277) 19,935 Property, plant and equipment $ 449,587 $ (360,907) $ 88,680 $ 473,647 $ (377,180) $ 96,467
Intangibles	Amortizable intangibles were comprised of the following at December 31: 2020 2019 (in thousands) Gross carrying amount Accumulated amortization Net carrying amount Gross carrying amount Accumulated amortization Net carrying amount Internal-use software $ 380,144 $ (303,422) $ 76,722 $ 380,905 $ (299,698) $ 81,207 Customer lists/relationships 352,895 (202,428) 150,467 348,055 (187,462) 160,593 Software to be sold 36,900 (23,884) 13,016 36,900 (19,657) 17,243 Technology-based intangibles 33,813 (27,613) 6,200 34,780 (22,122) 12,658 Trade names 30,281 (29,926) 355 32,505 (28,084) 4,421 Intangibles $ 834,033 $ (587,273) $ 246,760 $ 833,145 $ (557,023) $ 276,122
Amortization of intangibles	Amortization expense related to intangibles was as follows for the years ended December 31: (in thousands) 2020 2019 2018 Customer lists/relationships $ 41,377 $ 51,243 $ 57,243 Internal-use software 36,771 41,258 38,307 Technology-based intangibles 6,291 7,415 7,607 Software to be sold 4,227 4,227 5,009 Trade names 1,884 5,391 6,362 Amortization of intangibles $ 90,550 $ 109,534 $ 114,528
Estimated amortization expense	Based on the intangibles in service as of December 31, 2020, estimated amortization expense for each of the next five years ending December 31 is as follows: (in thousands) Estimated 2021 $ 84,989 2022 58,322 2023 38,324 2024 21,131 2025 15,641
Acquired intangibles	We acquire internal-use software in the normal course of business. We have also purchased customer lists and acquired intangible assets in conjunction with acquisitions (Note 6). The following intangible assets were acquired during the years ended December 31: 2020 2019 2018 (in thousands) Amount Weighted-average amortization period (in years) Amount Weighted-average amortization period (in years) Amount Weighted-average amortization period (in years) Customer lists/relationships (1) $ 45,470 7 $ 17,771 8 $ 60,775 8 Internal-use software 39,344 4 43,991 3 42,744 3 Trade names — — — — 14,700 7 Technology-based intangibles — — — — 7,500 5 Acquired intangibles $ 84,814 6 $ 61,762 5 $ 125,719 6 (1) We acquired customer lists that did not qualify as business combinations of $45,470 during 2020, $11,956 during 2019 and $1,188 during 2018.
Goodwill	Changes in goodwill by reportable segment and in total were as follows: (in thousands) Payments Cloud Solutions Promotional Solutions Checks Total Balance, December 31, 2018: Goodwill, gross $ 165,417 $ 434,203 $ 252,761 $ 434,812 $ 1,287,193 Accumulated impairment charges — — (126,567) — (126,567) Goodwill, net of accumulated impairment charges 165,417 434,203 126,194 434,812 1,160,626 Impairment charges (Note 8) — (357,741) — — (357,741) Goodwill resulting from acquisitions (Note 6) 4,174 — — — 4,174 Measurement-period adjustments for prior year acquisitions (Note 6) (1,426) (340) — — (1,766) Currency translation adjustment — (879) 73 — (806) Balance, December 31, 2019 $ 168,165 $ 75,243 $ 126,267 $ 434,812 $ 804,487 Balance, December 31, 2019: Goodwill, gross $ 168,165 $ 432,984 $ 252,834 $ 434,812 $ 1,288,795 Accumulated impairment charges — (357,741) (126,567) — (484,308) Goodwill, net of accumulated impairment charges 168,165 75,243 126,267 434,812 804,487 Impairment charges (Note 8) — (4,317) (63,356) — (67,673) Currency translation adjustment — — 30 — 30 Balance, December 31, 2020 $ 168,165 $ 70,926 $ 62,941 $ 434,812 $ 736,844 Balance, December 31, 2020: Goodwill, gross $ 168,165 $ 432,984 $ 252,864 $ 434,812 $ 1,288,825 Accumulated impairment charges — (362,058) (189,923) — (551,981) Goodwill, net of accumulated impairment charges $ 168,165 $ 70,926 $ 62,941 $ 434,812 $ 736,844
Other non-current assets	Other non-current assets were comprised of the following at December 31: (in thousands) 2020 2019 Postretirement benefit plan asset (Note 14) $ 71,208 $ 56,743 Prepaid product discounts 50,602 51,145 Loans and notes receivable from distributors, net of allowances for uncollectible accounts (1) 35,068 66,872 Cloud computing arrangements 29,242 — Deferred sales commissions (2) 9,199 9,682 Other 13,360 16,308 Other non-current assets $ 208,679 $ 200,750 (1) Amount includes the non-current portion of loans and notes receivable. The current portion of these receivables is included in other current assets on the consolidated balance sheets and was $2,008 as of December 31, 2020 and $3,511 as of December 31, 2019. During 2020, we utilized $21,439 of these notes receivable, along with current and future cash payments, to acquire related customer list intangible assets. (2) Amortization of deferred sales commission was $3,739 for 2020 and $3,108 for 2019.
Changes in prepaid product discounts	Changes in prepaid product discounts were as follows for the years ended December 31: (in thousands) 2020 2019 2018 Balance, beginning of year $ 51,145 $ 54,642 $ 63,895 Additions (1) 30,346 21,068 14,023 Amortization (29,235) (24,055) (22,941) Other (1,654) (510) (335) Balance, end of year $ 50,602 $ 51,145 $ 54,642 (1) Prepaid product discounts are generally accrued upon contract execution. Cash payments made for prepaid product discounts were $33,613 for 2020, $25,637 for 2019 and $23,814 for 2018.
Loans and notes receivable by credit quality indicator and year of origination	The following table presents loans and notes receivable from distributors, including the current portion, by credit quality indicator and by year of origination, as of December 31, 2020. Write-offs are for the year ended December 31, 2020. Loans and notes receivable from distributors amortized cost basis by origination year (in thousands) 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 Prior Total Risk rating: 1-2 internal grade $ 1,335 $ 606 $ 23,240 $ 11,721 $ 216 $ 1,351 $ 38,469 3-4 internal grade — 2,602 — — — — 2,602 Loans and notes receivable $ 1,335 $ 3,208 $ 23,240 $ 11,721 $ 216 $ 1,351 $ 41,071 Current period write-offs $ — $ — $ — $ 48 $ — $ — $ 48
Accrued liabilities	Accrued liabilities were comprised of the following at December 31: (in thousands) 2020 2019 Deferred revenue (1) $ 42,104 $ 46,098 Employee cash bonuses, including sales incentives 21,090 36,918 Prepaid product discounts due within one year 14,365 14,709 Operating lease liabilities 11,589 12,898 Customer rebates 8,179 8,944 Other 79,856 59,771 Accrued liabilities $ 177,183 $ 179,338 (1) $42,108 of the December 31, 2019 amount was recognized as revenue during 2020.
Supplemental cash flow information	Supplemental cash flow information was as follows for the years ended December 31: (in thousands) 2020 2019 2018 Reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents to the consolidated balance sheets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 123,122 $ 73,620 $ 59,740 Restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents included in funds held for customers 106,287 101,191 85,519 Total cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents $ 229,409 $ 174,811 $ 145,259 Income taxes paid $ 24,701 $ 60,764 $ 88,253 Interest paid 22,853 33,227 25,910 Non-cash investing activities: Non-cash consideration for asset purchases and acquisitions (1) 21,439 10,680 1,060 Proceeds from sales of assets – notes receivable 1,612 1,685 35,616 Non-cash financing activities: Liabilities for holdback payments on asset purchases and acquisitions 12,949 3,405 2,786 (1) Consists of pre-acquisition amounts owed to us by the sellers.
Trade accounts receivable [Member]
Allowance for credit losses	Net trade accounts receivable was comprised of the following at December 31: (in thousands) 2020 2019 Trade accounts receivable – gross $ 168,387 $ 168,406 Allowances for uncollectible accounts (6,428) (4,985) Trade accounts receivable – net (1) $ 161,959 $ 163,421 (1) Includes unbilled receivables of $21,319 as of December 31, 2020 and $17,925 as of December 31, 2019. Changes in the allowances for uncollectible accounts for the years ended December 31 were as follows: (in thousands) 2020 2019 2018 Balance, beginning of year $ 4,985 $ 3,639 $ 2,884 Bad debt expense 5,003 5,213 3,622 Write-offs, net of recoveries (3,560) (3,867) (2,867) Balance, end of year $ 6,428 $ 4,985 $ 3,639
Notes receivable [Member]
Allowance for credit losses	Upon adoption of ASU No. 2016-13 and related amendments on January 1, 2020 (Note 2), we recorded an additional allowance for uncollectible accounts related to loans and notes receivable from distributors. Changes in the allowances for uncollectible accounts for the years ended December 31 were as follows: (in thousands) 2020 2019 2018 Balance, beginning of year $ 284 $ 284 $ 273 Adoption of ASU No. 2016-13 (Note 2) 4,749 — — Bad debt expense 5,412 — 11 Exchange for customer lists (6,402) — — Write-offs (48) — — Balance, end of year $ 3,995 $ 284 $ 284

EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE (Tabl

EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings (loss) per share	The following table reflects the calculation of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share. During each period, certain stock options, as noted below, were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings (loss) per share because their effect would have been antidilutive. (in thousands, except per share amounts) 2020 2019 2018 Earnings (loss) per share – basic: Net income (loss) $ 8,899 $ (199,897) $ 149,630 Net income attributable to non-controlling interest (91) — — Net income (loss) attributable to Deluxe 8,808 (199,897) 149,630 Income allocated to participating securities (53) (101) (617) Income (loss) attributable to Deluxe available to common shareholders $ 8,755 $ (199,998) $ 149,013 Weighted-average shares outstanding 41,931 43,029 46,842 Earnings (loss) per share – basic $ 0.21 $ (4.65) $ 3.18 Earnings (loss) per share – diluted: Net income (loss) $ 8,899 $ (199,897) $ 149,630 Net income attributable to non-controlling interest (91) — — Net income (loss) attributable to Deluxe 8,808 (199,897) 149,630 Income allocated to participating securities (2) (101) (616) Re-measurement of share-based awards classified as liabilities (677) — (471) Income (loss) attributable to Deluxe available to common shareholders $ 8,129 $ (199,998) $ 148,543 Weighted-average shares outstanding 41,931 43,029 46,842 Dilutive impact of potential common shares 211 — 149 Weighted-average shares and potential common shares outstanding 42,142 43,029 46,991 Earnings (loss) per share – diluted $ 0.19 $ (4.65) $ 3.16 Antidilutive options excluded from calculation 2,060 1,347 1,209

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (L_2

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent [Abstract]
Reclassification adjustments	Information regarding amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net income (loss) was as follows: Accumulated other comprehensive loss components Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss Affected line item in consolidated statements of income (loss) (in thousands) 2020 2019 2018 Amortization of postretirement benefit plan items: Prior service credit $ 1,421 $ 1,421 $ 1,421 Other income Net actuarial loss (2,301) (3,223) (2,884) Other income Total amortization (880) (1,802) (1,463) Other income Tax benefit 46 273 491 Income tax provision Amortization of postretirement benefit plan items, net of tax (834) (1,529) (972) Net income (loss) Interest rate swap: Realized (loss) gain on interest rate swap (968) 77 — Interest expense Tax benefit (expense) 249 (20) — Income tax provision Realized (loss) gain on interest rate swap, net of tax (719) 57 — Net income (loss) Debt securities: Realized gain on debt securities 206 — — Service revenue Tax expense (53) — — Income tax provision Realized gain on debt securities, net of tax 153 — — Net income (loss) Total reclassifications, net of tax $ (1,400) $ (1,472) $ (972)
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 available-for-sale debt securities Net unrealized loss on cash flow hedge Currency translation adjustment Accumulated other comprehensive loss 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) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 5,616 338 (4,973) 4,133 5,114 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss 834 (153) 719 — 1,400 Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) 6,450 185 (4,254) 4,133 6,514 Balance, December 31, 2020 $ (21,956) $ (90) $ (5,351) $ (14,036) $ (41,433)

ACQUISITIONS (Tables)

ACQUISITIONS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
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) Net tangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed $ 2,735 $ 8,200 Identifiable intangible assets: Customer lists/relationships 5,815 60,587 Trade names — 14,700 Technology-based intangibles — 7,500 Internal-use software 276 — Total intangible assets 6,091 82,787 Goodwill 4,174 104,140 Total aggregate purchase price 13,000 195,127 Liabilities for holdback payments (3) (3,000) (2,133) Non-cash consideration (4) — (1,060) Net cash paid for current year acquisitions 10,000 191,934 Adjustments to purchase price for prior year acquisitions (1,749) (31) Payments for acquisitions, net of cash acquired (5) $ 8,251 $ 191,903 (1) Net tangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed in 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 in 2018 consisted primarily of accounts receivable of $11,564 and 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) Consists of holdback payments due at future dates. (4) Consists of pre-acquisition amounts owed to us by certain of the acquired businesses. (5) Cash and cash equivalents acquired were $1,692 during 2018.

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
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 Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets Significant other observable inputs Significant unobservable inputs Impairment charge (in thousands) (Level 1) (Level 2) (Level 3) 2020 analyses: Intangible assets (Cloud Solutions Web Hosting reporting unit) (1) $ 2,172 $ — $ — $ 2,172 $ 17,678 Small business distributor 4,479 — — 4,479 5,108 Other assets 11,210 — — 11,210 7,514 Goodwill 67,673 Total $ 97,973 2019 analyses: Intangible assets (Small Business Services Web Services) (2) $ 8,379 $ — $ — $ 8,379 $ 31,316 Customer list — — — — 1,923 Goodwill 357,741 Total $ 390,980 2018 analyses: Indefinite-lived trade name $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 19,100 Customer lists 4,223 — — 4,223 4,031 Goodwill 78,188 Total $ 101,319 (1) The impairment charge consisted of $8,397 related to customer lists, $6,932 related to internal-use software and $2,349 related to other intangible 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, 2020 Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets Significant other observable inputs Significant unobservable inputs (in thousands) Carrying value Fair value Measured at fair value through comprehensive income (loss): Cash equivalents Funds held for customers $ 15,000 $ 15,000 $ 15,000 $ — $ — Available-for-sale debt securities Funds held for customers 13,462 13,462 — 13,462 — Derivative liability (Note 7) Other non-current liabilities (7,210) (7,210) — (7,210) — Amortized cost: Cash Cash and cash equivalents 123,122 123,122 123,122 — — Cash Funds held for customers 91,287 91,287 91,287 — — Loans and notes receivable from distributors Other current and non-current assets 37,076 36,950 — — 36,950 Long-term debt Long-term debt 840,000 840,000 — 840,000 — Fair value measurements using Balance sheet location December 31, 2019 Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets Significant other observable inputs Significant unobservable inputs (in thousands) Carrying value Fair value Measured at fair value through comprehensive income (loss): Cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents $ 9,713 $ 9,713 $ 9,713 $ — $ — 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 63,907 63,907 63,907 — — Cash Funds held for customers 83,191 83,191 83,191 — — Loans and notes receivable from 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 —

RESTRUCTURING AND INTEGRATION_2

RESTRUCTURING AND INTEGRATION EXPENSE (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring and integration expense	Restructuring and integration expense is reflected on the consolidated statements of income (loss) as follows for the years ended December 31: (in thousands) 2020 2019 2018 Total cost of revenue $ 3,465 $ 3,562 $ 1,466 Operating expenses 75,874 71,248 19,737 Restructuring and integration expense $ 79,339 $ 74,810 $ 21,203 Restructuring and integration expense was comprised of the following for the years ended December 31: (in thousands) 2020 2019 2018 External consulting fees $ 44,096 $ 45,638 $ 8,509 Employee severance benefits 17,628 10,865 5,774 Internal labor 7,568 12,115 4,654 Other 10,047 6,192 2,266 Restructuring and integration expense $ 79,339 $ 74,810 $ 21,203
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, 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 Charges 19,025 — 19,025 Reversals (1,397) — (1,397) Payments (14,289) — (14,289) Balance, December 31, 2020 $ 6,798 $ — $ 6,798 (1) Upon adoption of ASU No. 2016-02, Leasing , and related amendments on January 1, 2019, 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, 2020
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income (loss) before income taxes	Income (loss) before income taxes was comprised of the following for the years ended December 31: (in thousands) 2020 2019 2018 U.S. $ 10,906 $ (161,733) $ 198,727 Foreign 19,673 (23,897) 13,904 Income (loss) income before income taxes $ 30,579 $ (185,630) $ 212,631
Components of income tax provision	The components of the income tax provision were as follows for the years ended December 31: (in thousands) 2020 2019 2018 Current tax provision: Federal $ 17,643 $ 36,967 $ 57,117 State 4,502 7,400 11,319 Foreign 4,779 4,850 5,921 Total current tax provision 26,924 49,217 74,357 Deferred tax provision: Federal (4,298) (30,095) (7,220) State (1,202) (7,070) (1,701) Foreign 256 2,215 (2,435) Total deferred tax provision (5,244) (34,950) (11,356) Income tax provision $ 21,680 $ 14,267 $ 63,001
Effective tax rate reconciliation	The effective tax rate on pre-tax income (loss) reconciles to the U.S. federal statutory tax rate for the years ended December 31 as follows: 2020 2019 2018 Income tax at federal statutory rate 21.0 % 21.0 % 21.0 % Goodwill impairment charges (Note 8) 39.2 % (29.3 %) 7.1 % Tax impact of share-based compensation 7.4 % (1.1 %) (0.8 %) Foreign tax rate differences 3.7 % 1.3 % 0.4 % Payables and receivables for prior year tax returns 2.8 % 0.2 % — Non-deductible executive compensation 2.0 % (0.7 %) 0.6 % State income tax expense, net of federal income tax benefit 1.7 % 4.9 % 3.0 % Change in valuation allowances (1) 0.8 % (4.5 %) 0.1 % Research and development tax credit (3.3 %) 0.5 % (0.4 %) Change in unrecognized tax benefits, including interest and penalties (2.9 %) (0.2 %) (0.1 %) Return to provision adjustments (2.3 %) 0.3 % (0.3 %) Other 0.8 % (0.1 %) (1.0 %) Effective tax rate 70.9 % (7.7 %) 29.6 % (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) 2020 2019 2018 Balance, beginning of year $ 4,169 $ 4,801 $ 3,795 Additions for tax positions of current year 237 364 315 Additions for tax positions of prior years 30 546 1,177 Reductions for tax positions of prior years (414) (887) (108) Settlements — (341) — Lapse of statutes of limitations (661) (314) (378) Balance, end of year $ 3,361 $ 4,169 $ 4,801
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: 2020 2019 (in thousands) Deferred tax assets Deferred tax liabilities Deferred tax assets Deferred tax liabilities Goodwill $ — $ 20,134 $ — $ 16,424 Cloud computing arrangements — 7,532 — — Employee benefit plans — 7,140 — 2,747 Prepaid assets — 3,456 — 3,830 Property, plant and equipment — 3,366 — 3,200 Revenue recognition — 2,659 — 4,752 Intangible assets 26,686 — 14,900 — Operating leases 11,202 9,043 11,409 10,578 Net operating loss, tax credit and capital loss carryforwards 7,026 — 7,698 — Reserves and accruals 5,848 — 6,154 — Inventories 4,153 — 2,595 — Payroll tax deferral under the CARES Act 3,692 — — — All other 4,003 3,026 2,756 4,623 Total deferred taxes 62,610 56,356 45,512 46,154 Valuation allowances (11,453) — (10,349) — Net deferred taxes $ 51,157 $ 56,356 $ 35,163 $ 46,154
Rollforward of deferred income tax valuation allowances	Changes in our valuation allowances for the years ended December 31 were as follows: (in thousands) 2020 2019 2018 Balance, beginning of year $ (10,349) $ (1,689) $ (1,518) Expense from change in allowances (244) (8,336) (290) Foreign currency translation (860) (324) 119 Balance, end of year $ (11,453) $ (10,349) $ (1,689)

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Noncash Expense [Abstract]
Share-based compensation expense	The following amounts were recognized in our consolidated statements of income (loss) for share-based compensation awards for the years ended December 31: (in thousands) 2020 2019 2018 Restricted shares and restricted stock units $ 15,066 $ 13,411 $ 5,232 Stock options 3,689 2,954 3,143 Performance share awards 2,590 2,907 4,502 Employee stock purchase plan 479 430 501 Total share-based compensation expense $ 21,824 $ 19,702 $ 13,378 Income tax benefit $ (5,779) $ (5,350) $ (3,946)
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: 2020 2019 2018 Risk-free interest rate 1.3 % 2.3 % 2.7 % Dividend yield 3.2 % 2.7 % 2.0 % Expected volatility 25.8 % 24.5 % 23.0 % Weighted-average option life (in years) 5.4 5.3 3.9
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, 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 Granted 1,030 38.13 Exercised (12) 38.80 Forfeited or expired (231) 54.87 Outstanding, December 31, 2020 2,134 46.28 $ 667 7.2 Exercisable at December 31, 2018 472 $ 59.90 Exercisable at December 31, 2019 485 61.44 Exercisable at December 31, 2020 654 57.68 $ 118 4.2
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, 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 Granted 628 37.25 Vested (282) 45.18 Forfeited (83) 40.44 Outstanding at December 31, 2020 927 39.68 1.9
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, 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 Vested (16) 72.79 Forfeited (2) 61.43 Unvested at December 31, 2020 8 71.02 0.2
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: 2020 2019 2018 Risk-free interest rate 1.4 % 2.3 % 2.4 % Dividend yield 2.4 % 3.1 % 1.6 % Expected volatility 28.6 % 26.8 % 21.6 %
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, 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 Granted (1) 127 36.06 Forfeited (23) 62.18 Vested (61) 71.03 Unvested at December 31, 2020 295 45.20 1.4 (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, 2020
Compensation Related Costs [Abstract]
Expense recognized for employee compensation plans	Expense recognized in the consolidated statements of income (loss) for these plans was as follows for the years ended December 31: (in thousands) 2020 2019 2018 Performance-based compensation plans (1) $ 11,032 $ 21,143 $ 20,297 401(k) expense 2,823 10,176 9,686 (1) Excludes expense for share-based compensation, which is discussed in Note 12.

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS (Tables

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Disclosures [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 2020 and 2019: (in thousands) Postretirement benefit plan Pension plan (1) Change in benefit obligation: 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 Interest cost 1,835 76 Net actuarial loss 218 340 Benefits paid from plan assets and company funds (7,064) (324) Benefit obligation, December 31, 2020 $ 68,164 $ 3,343 Change in plan assets: 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 — Return on plan assets 15,741 — Benefits paid (6,287) — Fair value of plan assets, December 31, 2020 $ 139,372 $ — Funded status, December 31, 2019 $ 56,743 $ (3,251) Funded status, December 31, 2020 $ 71,208 $ (3,343)
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) 2020 2019 2020 2019 Other non-current assets $ 71,208 $ 56,743 $ — $ — Accrued liabilities — — 324 324 Other non-current liabilities — — 3,019 2,927
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) 2020 2019 Unrecognized prior service credit $ 11,335 $ 12,756 Unrecognized net actuarial loss (35,454) (45,319) Tax effect 2,163 4,157 Amount recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax $ (21,956) $ (28,406)
Components of net periodic benefit income	Postretirement benefit income for the years ended December 31 consisted of the following components: (in thousands) 2020 2019 2018 Interest cost $ 1,911 $ 2,727 $ 2,626 Expected return on plan assets (7,619) (6,957) (7,737) Amortization of prior service credit (1,421) (1,421) (1,421) Amortization of net actuarial losses 2,301 3,223 2,884 Net periodic benefit income $ (4,828) $ (2,428) $ (3,648)
Actuarial assumptions used in measuring benefit obligation and net periodic benefit income	In measuring the benefit obligations as of December 31, the following discount rate assumptions were used: Postretirement benefit plan Pension plan 2020 2019 2020 2019 Discount rate 2.16 % 3.03 % 1.74 % 2.76 % In measuring net periodic benefit income for the years ended December 31, the following assumptions were used: Postretirement benefit plan Pension plan 2020 2019 2018 2020 2019 2018 Discount rate 3.03 % 4.13 % 3.46 % 2.76 % 4.01 % 3.35 % Expected return on plan assets 6.00 % 6.25 % 6.25 % — — —
Health care cost trend rate assumptions	In measuring the benefit obligation as of December 31 for our postretirement benefit plan, the following assumptions for health care cost trend rates were used: 2020 2019 2018 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 7.2 % 8.0 % 7.4 % 8.4 % 7.7 % 8.7 % Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline (the ultimate trend rate) 4.5 % 4.5 % 4.5 % 4.5 % 4.5 % 4.5 % Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate 2030 2030 2029 2029 2029 2029
Allocation of plan assets by asset category	Information regarding fair value measurements of plan assets was as follows as of December 31, 2020: 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 (in thousands) (Level 1) (Level 2) (Level 3) Mortgage-backed securities $ — $ 10,546 $ — $ 22,507 $ 33,053 U.S. corporate debt securities — 27,439 — 1,474 28,913 International equity securities 24,512 3,632 — — 28,144 U.S. large capitalization equity securities — 24,536 — — 24,536 Government debt securities — 20,357 — — 20,357 U.S. small and mid-capitalization equity securities 3,406 356 — — 3,762 Other debt securities 387 220 — — 607 Plan assets $ 28,305 $ 87,086 $ — $ 23,981 $ 139,372 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 (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
Expected benefit payments	The following benefit payments are expected to be paid during the years indicated: (in thousands) Postretirement benefit plan Pension plan 2021 $ 6,283 $ 320 2022 6,129 310 2023 5,905 300 2024 5,568 290 2025 5,137 280 2026 - 2030 20,189 1,170

DEBT (Tables)

DEBT (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Credit facility	Daily average amounts outstanding under our credit facility were as follows for the years ended December 31: (in thousands) 2020 2019 2018 Revolving credit facility: Daily average amount outstanding $ 1,016,896 $ 925,715 $ 731,110 Weighted-average interest rate 2.12 % 3.54 % 3.24 % Term loan facility: (1) Daily average amount outstanding $ — $ — $ 63,638 Weighted-average interest rate — — 2.97 % (1) During 2018, we had borrowings outstanding under a variable rate term loan facility. These amounts were repaid in March 2018. As of December 31, 2020, 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 (840,000) Outstanding letters of credit (1) (7,658) Net available for borrowing as of December 31, 2020 $ 302,342 (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, 2020
Leases [Abstract]
Operating lease information	Additional information regarding our operating leases was as follows: (in thousands) 2020 2019 Operating cash outflows $ 19,026 $ 17,737 Lease assets obtained during the period in exchange for lease obligations 11,000 11,637 December 31, (in thousands) 2020 2019 Operating lease assets $ 35,906 $ 44,372 Accrued liabilities $ 11,589 $ 12,898 Operating lease liabilities 28,344 33,585 Total operating lease liabilities $ 39,933 $ 46,483 Weighted-average remaining lease term (in years) 4.7 5.1 Weighted-average discount rate 3.1 % 3.4 %
Maturities of operating lease liabilities	Maturities of operating lease liabilities were as follows: (in thousands) Operating lease obligations 2021 $ 12,632 2022 10,616 2023 6,170 2024 4,688 2025 2,752 Thereafter 6,528 Total lease payments 43,386 Less imputed interest (3,453) Present value of lease payments $ 39,933

BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION (T

BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Business segment information	The following is our segment information for the years ended December 31. The segment information for 2019 and 2018 has been revised to reflect our current segment structure. (in thousands) 2020 2019 2018 Payments: Revenue $301,901 $269,573 $224,546 Adjusted EBITDA 68,117 74,384 59,016 Cloud Solutions: Revenue 252,773 318,383 307,589 Adjusted EBITDA 61,580 77,199 69,976 Promotional Solutions: Revenue 529,649 640,892 658,357 Adjusted EBITDA 66,620 101,293 105,586 Checks: Revenue 706,458 779,867 807,533 Adjusted EBITDA 341,705 402,662 415,221 Total segments: Revenue $1,790,781 $2,008,715 $1,998,025 Adjusted EBITDA 538,022 655,538 649,799
Reconciliation of total segment adjusted EBITDA to consolidated income (loss) before income taxes	The following table presents a reconciliation of total segment adjusted EBITDA to consolidated income (loss) before income taxes: (in thousands) 2020 2019 2018 Total segment adjusted EBITDA $ 538,022 $ 655,538 $ 649,799 Corporate operations (173,480) (174,672) (140,502) Depreciation and amortization (110,792) (126,036) (131,100) Interest expense (23,140) (34,682) (27,112) Net income attributable to non-controlling interest 91 — — Asset impairment charges (97,973) (390,980) (101,319) Restructuring, integration and other costs (80,665) (79,511) (21,203) CEO transition costs (1) 30 (9,390) (7,210) Share-based compensation expense (21,824) (19,138) (11,689) Acquisition transaction costs (8) (215) (1,719) Certain legal-related benefit (expense) 2,164 (6,420) (10,502) (Loss) gain on sales of businesses and customer lists (1,846) (124) 15,641 Loss on debt retirement — — (453) Income (loss) before income taxes $ 30,579 $ (185,630) $ 212,631
Revenue disaggregated by product and service offerings	The following tables present revenue disaggregated by our product and service offerings. In conjunction with the realignment of our reportable segments on January 1, 2020, we refined the disaggregation of our revenue by product and service offering. As such, certain amounts reported in the prior year have been revised from previously reported amounts. Year Ended December 31, 2020 (in thousands) Payments Cloud Solutions Promotional Solutions Checks Consolidated Checks $ — $ — $ — $ 706,458 $ 706,458 Forms and other products — — 316,245 — 316,245 Treasury management solutions 226,105 — — — 226,105 Marketing and promotional solutions — — 213,404 — 213,404 Web and hosted solutions — 133,618 — — 133,618 Data-driven marketing solutions — 119,155 — — 119,155 Other payments solutions 75,796 — — — 75,796 Total revenue $ 301,901 $ 252,773 $ 529,649 $ 706,458 $ 1,790,781 Year Ended December 31, 2019 (in thousands) Payments Cloud Solutions Promotional Solutions Checks Consolidated Checks $ — $ — $ — $ 779,867 $ 779,867 Forms and other products — — 348,757 — 348,757 Treasury management solutions 193,527 — — — 193,527 Marketing and promotional solutions — — 292,135 — 292,135 Web and hosted solutions — 156,097 — — 156,097 Data-driven marketing solutions — 162,286 — — 162,286 Other payments solutions 76,046 — — — 76,046 Total revenue $ 269,573 $ 318,383 $ 640,892 $ 779,867 $ 2,008,715 Year Ended December 31, 2018 (in thousands) Payments Cloud Solutions Promotional Solutions Checks Consolidated Checks $ — $ — $ — $ 807,533 $ 807,533 Forms and other products — — 357,700 — 357,700 Treasury management solutions 148,011 — — — 148,011 Marketing and promotional solutions — — 300,657 — 300,657 Web and hosted solutions — 156,164 — — 156,164 Data-driven marketing solutions — 151,425 — — 151,425 Other payments solutions 76,535 — — — 76,535 Total revenue $ 224,546 $ 307,589 $ 658,357 $ 807,533 $ 1,998,025
Revenue disaggregated by geographic area	The following table presents revenue disaggregated by geography, based on where items are shipped or services are performed. 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 are not significant to our consolidated financial position. (in thousands) Payments Cloud Solutions Promotional Solutions Checks Consolidated Year ended December 31, 2020: U.S. $ 266,920 $ 220,699 $ 506,240 $ 684,328 $ 1,678,187 Foreign, primarily Canada and Australia 34,981 32,074 23,409 22,130 112,594 Total revenue $ 301,901 $ 252,773 $ 529,649 $ 706,458 $ 1,790,781 Year ended December 31, 2019: U.S. $ 233,152 $ 283,695 $ 613,830 $ 757,359 $ 1,888,036 Foreign, primarily Canada and Australia 36,421 34,688 27,062 22,508 120,679 Total revenue $ 269,573 $ 318,383 $ 640,892 $ 779,867 $ 2,008,715 Year ended December 31, 2018: U.S. $ 188,156 $ 269,919 $ 629,592 $ 783,708 $ 1,871,375 Foreign, primarily Canada and Australia 36,390 37,670 28,765 23,825 126,650 Total revenue $ 224,546 $ 307,589 $ 658,357 $ 807,533 $ 1,998,025

SUMMARIZED QUARTERLY FINANCIA_2

SUMMARIZED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]
Summarized Quarterly Financial Data	2020 Quarter Ended (in thousands, except per share amounts) March 31 June 30 September 30 December 31 Total revenue $ 486,423 $ 410,405 $ 439,461 $ 454,492 Gross profit 284,374 248,122 265,000 262,514 Net income (loss) attributable to Deluxe (60,131) 14,859 29,417 24,663 Earnings (loss) per share: Basic (1.43) 0.36 0.70 0.59 Diluted (1.45) 0.35 0.70 0.58 Cash dividends per share 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 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) attributable to Deluxe 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 Significant items affecting the comparability of our quarterly results were as follows: 2020 Quarter Ended (in thousands) March 31 June 30 September 30 December 31 Asset impairment charges $ 90,330 $ 4,883 $ 2,760 $ — Restructuring and integration expense 18,483 20,382 18,923 21,551 Discrete income tax expense (benefit) (1) 13,406 661 353 (837) 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 Other discrete income tax expense (benefit) (1) 926 1,194 62,854 (298) (1) Relates primarily to the tax effects of share-based compensation and the non-deductible portion of goodwill impairment charges.

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICI_4

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (comparability) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Prior period revision [Line Items]
Payments for acquisitions, net of cash acquired	$ 0	$ (8,251)	$ (191,903)	[1]
Net cash used by investing activities	(56,093)	(72,397)	(253,059)
Holdback payments for acquisitions and asset purchases	1,994	3,354	22,355
Net cash used by financing activities	(110,555)	(190,148)	(62,180)
Net change in cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents	$ 54,598	29,552	16,440
Previously reported [Member]
Prior period revision [Line Items]
Payments for acquisitions, net of cash acquired		(11,605)	(214,258)
Net cash used by investing activities		(75,751)	(275,414)
Holdback payments for acquisitions and asset purchases		0	0
Net cash used by financing activities		(186,794)	(39,825)
Net change in cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents		29,552	16,440
Adjustment [Member]
Prior period revision [Line Items]
Payments for acquisitions, net of cash acquired		3,354	22,355
Net cash used by investing activities		3,354	22,355
Holdback payments for acquisitions and asset purchases		3,354	22,355
Net cash used by financing activities		(3,354)	(22,355)
Net change in cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents		$ 0	$ 0
[1]	Cash and cash equivalents acquired were $1,692 during 2018.

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICI_5

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (cash and cash equivalents and trade accounts receivable) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
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_6

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (property, plant and equipment) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
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_7

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (intangibles) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Minimum [Member]
Amortizable intangibles [Line Items]
Useful life	1 year
Maximum [Member]
Amortizable intangibles [Line Items]
Useful life	10 years
Weighted-average [Member]
Amortizable intangibles [Line Items]
Useful life	6 years

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICI_8

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (business combinations and prepaid product discounts) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
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	5 years

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICI_9

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (advertising costs) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Advertising costs
Percentage of consumer checks business deferred advertising costs expensed within six months	90.00%
Other deferred advertising costs amortization period	6 months
Advertising expense	$ 50,308	$ 70,798	$ 74,549

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLIC_10

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (income taxes, revenue recognition) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Income taxes
Measurement of tax benefit, minimum percentage tax benefit must be likely to be realized	50.00%
Variable consideration, period over which finalized	4 months
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
Data-driven marketing and treasury management solutions [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Remaining performance obligations, expected timing of satisfaction	3 months
Data-driven marketing and treasury management solutions [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Remaining performance obligations, expected timing of satisfaction	1 year

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLIC_11

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (employee share-based compensation) (Details) - Employee stock purchase plan [Member]	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Share-based compensation plans [Line Items]
Employee stock purchase plan discount	15.00%
Purchase period	3 months

NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS_2

NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
New accounting pronouncements [Line Items]
Operating lease assets	$ 35,906	$ 44,372
Operating lease liabilities	11,589	12,898
Operating lease liabilities	28,344	33,585
Retained earnings	522,599	572,596
Cloud computing arrangements	29,242
ASU No. 2018-15 [Member]
New accounting pronouncements [Line Items]
Cloud computing arrangements	$ 29,242
Adoption of Accounting Standards Update [Member] | ASU No. 2016-02 [Member]
New accounting pronouncements [Line Items]
Operating lease assets			$ 50,803
Operating lease liabilities			13,611
Operating lease liabilities			$ 37,440
Adoption of Accounting Standards Update [Member] | ASU No. 2016-13 [Member]
New accounting pronouncements [Line Items]
Retained earnings		$ (3,640)

SUPPLEMENTAL BALANCE SHEET AN_3

SUPPLEMENTAL BALANCE SHEET AND CASH FLOW INFORMATION (trade accounts receivable) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Trade accounts receivable
Trade accounts receivable - gross					$ 168,387	$ 168,406
Allowance for uncollectible accounts		$ (6,428)	$ (3,639)	$ (3,639)	(6,428)	(4,985)
Trade accounts receivable - net	[1]				161,959	163,421
Unbilled receivables					$ 21,319	$ 17,925
Allowance for uncollectible accounts
Balance, beginning of year		4,985	3,639	2,884
Bad debt expense		5,003	5,213	3,622
Write-offs, net of recoveries		(3,560)	(3,867)	(2,867)
Balance, end of year		$ 6,428	$ 4,985	$ 3,639
[1]	Includes unbilled receivables of $21,319 as of December 31, 2020 and $17,925 as of December 31, 2019.

SUPPLEMENTAL BALANCE SHEET AN_4

SUPPLEMENTAL BALANCE SHEET AND CASH FLOW INFORMATION (inventories and supplies) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Inventories and supplies
Raw materials				$ 5,412	$ 7,797
Semi-finished goods				7,943	8,234
Finished goods				33,513	24,563
Supplies				5,010	5,927
Inventory Valuation Reserves	$ (6,600)	$ (5,499)	$ (5,470)	(11,748)	(6,600)
Inventories and supplies, net of reserve				$ 40,130	$ 39,921
Changes in reserve for excess and obsolete items
Balance, beginning of year	6,600	5,499	5,470
Amounts charged to expense	6,713	1,831	1,002
Write-offs	(1,565)	(730)	(973)
Balance, end of year	$ 11,748	$ 6,600	$ 5,499

SUPPLEMENTAL BALANCE SHEET AN_5

SUPPLEMENTAL BALANCE SHEET AND CASH FLOW INFORMATION (available-for-sale debt securities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020		Dec. 31, 2019
Available-for-sale debt securities [Line Items]
Cost	$ 28,495		$ 34,754
Gross unrealized gains	0		0
Gross unrealized losses	(33)		(304)
Available-for-sale debt securities	28,462		34,450
Expected maturities of available-for-sale debt securities
Due in one year or less	20,807
Due in two to five years	4,156
Due in six to ten years	3,499
Available-for-sale debt securities	28,462		34,450
Funds held for customers [Member]
Available-for-sale debt securities [Line Items]
Cost	28,495	[1]	34,754	[2]
Gross unrealized gains	0	[1]	0	[2]
Gross unrealized losses	(33)	[1]	(304)	[2]
Available-for-sale debt securities	28,462	[1]	34,450	[2]
Cash	91,287		83,191
Expected maturities of available-for-sale debt securities
Available-for-sale debt securities	28,462	[1]	34,450	[2]
Funds held for customers [Member] | Money market securities [Member] | Domestic [Member]
Available-for-sale debt securities [Line Items]
Cost	15,000		18,000
Gross unrealized gains	0		0
Gross unrealized losses	0		0
Available-for-sale debt securities	15,000		18,000
Expected maturities of available-for-sale debt securities
Available-for-sale debt securities	15,000		18,000
Funds held for customers [Member] | Canadian and provincial government securities [Member]
Available-for-sale debt securities [Line Items]
Cost	9,566		9,056
Gross unrealized gains	0		0
Gross unrealized losses	(33)		(304)
Available-for-sale debt securities	9,533		8,752
Expected maturities of available-for-sale debt securities
Available-for-sale debt securities	9,533		8,752
Funds held for customers [Member] | Guaranteed investment certificates [Member]
Available-for-sale debt securities [Line Items]
Cost	3,929		7,698
Gross unrealized gains	0		0
Gross unrealized losses	0		0
Available-for-sale debt securities	3,929		7,698
Expected maturities of available-for-sale debt securities
Available-for-sale debt securities	$ 3,929		$ 7,698
[1]	) Funds held for customers, as reported on the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2020, also included cash of $91,287.
[2]	Funds held for customers, as reported on the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2019, also included cash of $83,191.

SUPPLEMENTAL BALANCE SHEET AN_6

SUPPLEMENTAL BALANCE SHEET AND CASH FLOW INFORMATION (revenue in excess of billings) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Supplemental balance sheet and cash flow information [Abstract]
Conditional right to receive consideration		$ 13,950	$ 24,499
Unconditional right to receive consideration	[1]	3,667	8,291
Revenue in excess of billings		$ 17,617	$ 32,790
[1]	Represents revenues that are earned but not currently billable under the related contract terms.

SUPPLEMENTAL BALANCE SHEET AN_7

SUPPLEMENTAL BALANCE SHEET AND CASH FLOW INFORMATION (property, plant and equipment) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Property, plant and equipment [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	$ 449,587	$ 473,647
Accumulated depreciation	(360,907)	(377,180)
Net carrying amount	88,680	96,467
Machinery and equipment [Member]
Property, plant and equipment [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	340,032	327,151
Accumulated depreciation	(287,384)	(282,741)
Net carrying amount	52,648	44,410
Buildings and improvements [Member]
Property, plant and equipment [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	89,875	118,284
Accumulated depreciation	(68,510)	(86,162)
Net carrying amount	21,365	32,122
Land and improvements [Member]
Property, plant and equipment [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	19,680	28,212
Accumulated depreciation	(5,013)	(8,277)
Net carrying amount	$ 14,667	$ 19,935

SUPPLEMENTAL BALANCE SHEET AN_8

SUPPLEMENTAL BALANCE SHEET AND CASH FLOW INFORMATION (assets held for sale) (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)disposal_groups
Assets held for sale [Line Items]
Proceeds from sales of businesses - notes receivable | $	$ 1,612	$ 1,685	$ 35,616
(Loss) gain on sales of businesses and customer lists | $	$ (1,846)	$ (124)	$ 15,641
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
Assets held for sale [Member] | Small business distributors [Member]
Assets held for sale [Line Items]
Number of businesses sold | disposal_groups			2

SUPPLEMENTAL BALANCE SHEET AN_9

SUPPLEMENTAL BALANCE SHEET AND CASH FLOW INFORMATION (intangibles) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020		Dec. 31, 2019		Dec. 31, 2018
Amortizable intangibles [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	$ 834,033		$ 833,145
Accumulated amortization	(587,273)		(557,023)
Net carrying amount	246,760		276,122
Amortization of intangibles	90,550		109,534		$ 114,528
Acquired intangibles	$ 84,814		$ 61,762		$ 125,719
Weighted-average amortization period (in years)	6 years		5 years		6 years
Estimated future amortization expense
2021	$ 84,989
2022	58,322
2023	38,324
2024	21,131
2025	15,641
Internal-use software [Member]
Amortizable intangibles [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	380,144		$ 380,905
Accumulated amortization	(303,422)		(299,698)
Net carrying amount	76,722		81,207
Amortization of intangibles	36,771		41,258		$ 38,307
Acquired intangibles	$ 39,344		$ 43,991		$ 42,744
Weighted-average amortization period (in years)	4 years		3 years		3 years
Customer lists/relationships [Member]
Amortizable intangibles [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	$ 352,895		$ 348,055
Accumulated amortization	(202,428)		(187,462)
Net carrying amount	150,467		160,593
Amortization of intangibles	41,377		51,243		$ 57,243
Acquired intangibles	$ 45,470	[1]	$ 17,771	[1]	$ 60,775
Weighted-average amortization period (in years)	7 years	[1]	8 years	[1]	8 years
Customer lists/relationships [Member] | Asset purchase [Member]
Amortizable intangibles [Line Items]
Acquired intangibles	$ 45,470		$ 11,956		$ 1,188
Software to be sold [Member]
Amortizable intangibles [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	36,900		36,900
Accumulated amortization	(23,884)		(19,657)
Net carrying amount	13,016		17,243
Amortization of intangibles	4,227		4,227		5,009
Technology-based intangibles [Member]
Amortizable intangibles [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	33,813		34,780
Accumulated amortization	(27,613)		(22,122)
Net carrying amount	6,200		12,658
Amortization of intangibles	6,291		7,415		7,607
Acquired intangibles	0		0		$ 7,500
Weighted-average amortization period (in years)					5 years
Trade names [Member]
Amortizable intangibles [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	30,281		32,505
Accumulated amortization	(29,926)		(28,084)
Net carrying amount	355		4,421
Amortization of intangibles	1,884		5,391		$ 6,362
Acquired intangibles	$ 0		$ 0		$ 14,700
Weighted-average amortization period (in years)					7 years
[1]	We acquired customer lists that did not qualify as business combinations of $45,470 during 2020, $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, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Changes in goodwill
Goodwill, gross, beginning of year			$ 1,288,795		$ 1,288,795	$ 1,287,193
Accumulated impairment charges, beginning of year			(484,308)		(484,308)	(126,567)
Goodwill, net of accumulated impairment charges, beginning of year			804,487		804,487	1,160,626
Impairment charge (Note 8)		$ 0	(67,673)	$ (357,741)	(67,673)	(357,741)
Goodwill resulting from acquisitions (Note 6)						4,174
Measurement-period adjustments for prior year acquisitions (Note 6)						(1,766)
Currency translation adjustment					30	(806)
Goodwill, gross, end of period					1,288,825	1,288,795
Accumulated impairment charges, end of period					(551,981)	(484,308)
Goodwill, net of accumulated impairment charges, end of period					736,844	804,487
2019 acquisitions [Member]
Changes in goodwill
Goodwill resulting from acquisitions (Note 6)	[1]					4,174
Reportable business segments [Member] | Payments [Member]
Changes in goodwill
Goodwill, gross, beginning of year			168,165		168,165	165,417
Accumulated impairment charges, beginning of year			0		0	0
Goodwill, net of accumulated impairment charges, beginning of year			168,165		168,165	165,417
Measurement-period adjustments for prior year acquisitions (Note 6)						(1,426)
Goodwill, gross, end of period					168,165	168,165
Accumulated impairment charges, end of period					0	0
Goodwill, net of accumulated impairment charges, end of period					168,165	168,165
Reportable business segments [Member] | Payments [Member] | 2019 acquisitions [Member]
Changes in goodwill
Goodwill resulting from acquisitions (Note 6)						4,174
Reportable business segments [Member] | Cloud Solutions [Member]
Changes in goodwill
Goodwill, gross, beginning of year			432,984		432,984	434,203
Accumulated impairment charges, beginning of year			(357,741)		(357,741)	0
Goodwill, net of accumulated impairment charges, beginning of year			75,243		75,243	434,203
Impairment charge (Note 8)					(4,317)	(357,741)
Measurement-period adjustments for prior year acquisitions (Note 6)						(340)
Currency translation adjustment						(879)
Goodwill, gross, end of period					432,984	432,984
Accumulated impairment charges, end of period					(362,058)	(357,741)
Goodwill, net of accumulated impairment charges, end of period					70,926	75,243
Reportable business segments [Member] | Promotional Solutions [Member]
Changes in goodwill
Goodwill, gross, beginning of year			252,834		252,834	252,761
Accumulated impairment charges, beginning of year			(126,567)		(126,567)	(126,567)
Goodwill, net of accumulated impairment charges, beginning of year			126,267		126,267	126,194
Impairment charge (Note 8)					(63,356)
Currency translation adjustment					30	73
Goodwill, gross, end of period					252,864	252,834
Accumulated impairment charges, end of period					(189,923)	(126,567)
Goodwill, net of accumulated impairment charges, end of period					62,941	126,267
Reportable business segments [Member] | Checks [Member]
Changes in goodwill
Goodwill, gross, beginning of year			434,812		434,812	434,812
Accumulated impairment charges, beginning of year			0		0	0
Goodwill, net of accumulated impairment charges, beginning of year			$ 434,812		434,812	434,812
Goodwill, gross, end of period					434,812	434,812
Accumulated impairment charges, end of period					0	0
Goodwill, net of accumulated impairment charges, end of period					$ 434,812	$ 434,812
[1]	Net tangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed in 2018 consisted primarily of accounts receivable of $11,564 and 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, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Other non-current assets
Postretirement benefit plan asset (Note 14)		$ 71,208	$ 56,743
Prepaid product discounts		50,602	51,145	$ 54,642	$ 63,895
Loans and notes receivable from distributors, net of allowance for uncollectible accounts	[1]	35,068	66,872
Cloud computing arrangements		29,242
Deferred sales commissions	[2]	9,199	9,682
Other		13,360	16,308
Other non-current assets		208,679	200,750
Loans and notes receivable from distributors, current		2,008	3,511
Amortization of deferred sales commissions		3,739	3,108
Loans and notes receivable from distributors [Member]
Loans and notes receivable allowance for credit losses [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of year		284	284	273
Bad debt expense		5,412	0	11
Exchange for customer lists		(6,402)	0	0
Write-offs		(48)	0	0
Balance, end of year		3,995	284	$ 284
Loans and notes receivable credit quality information [Abstract]
2020		1,335
2019		3,208
2018		23,240
2017		11,721
2016		216
Prior		1,351
Total		41,071
Current period write-offs, 2017		48
Loans and notes receivable from distributors [Member] | 1 to 2 internal grade [Member]
Loans and notes receivable credit quality information [Abstract]
2020		1,335
2019		606
2018		23,240
2017		11,721
2016		216
Prior		1,351
Total		38,469
Loans and notes receivable from distributors [Member] | 3 to 4 internal grade [Member]
Loans and notes receivable credit quality information [Abstract]
2020		0
2019		2,602
2018		0
2017		0
2016		0
Prior		0
Total		2,602
Loans and notes receivable from distributors [Member] | Adoption of Accounting Standards Update [Member] | ASU No. 2016-13 [Member]
Loans and notes receivable allowance for credit losses [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of year		$ 4,749
Balance, end of year			$ 4,749
[1]	Amount includes the non-current portion of loans and notes receivable. The current portion of these receivables is included in other current assets on the consolidated balance sheets and was $2,008 as of December 31, 2020 and $3,511 as of December 31, 2019. During 2020, we utilized $21,439 of these notes receivable, along with current and future cash payments, to acquire related customer list intangible assets.
[2]	Amortization of deferred sales commission was $3,739 for 2020 and $3,108 for 2019.

SUPPLEMENTAL BALANCE SHEET A_12

SUPPLEMENTAL BALANCE SHEET AND CASH FLOW INFORMATION (other) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Changes in prepaid product discounts
Balance, beginning of year		$ 51,145	$ 54,642	$ 63,895
Additions	[1]	30,346	21,068	14,023
Amortization		(29,235)	(24,055)	(22,941)
Other		(1,654)	(510)	(335)
Balance, end of year		50,602	51,145	54,642
Prepaid product discount payments		33,613	25,637	23,814
Accrued liabilities
Deferred revenue	[2]	42,104	46,098
Employee cash bonuses, including sales incentives		21,090	36,918
Prepaid product discounts due within one year		14,365	14,709
Operating lease liabilities		11,589	12,898
Customer rebates		8,179	8,944
Other		79,856	59,771
Accrued liabilities		177,183	179,338
Recognition of deferred revenue		42,108
Cash and cash equivalents		123,122	73,620	59,740
Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents		229,409	174,811	145,259	$ 128,819
Income taxes paid		24,701	60,764	88,253
Interest paid		22,853	33,227	25,910
Non-cash investing and financing activities
Notes receivable utilized to acquire intangible assets	[3]	21,439	10,680	1,060
Proceeds from sales of businesses - notes receivable		1,612	1,685	35,616
Consideration transferred liabilities incurred business combinations and asset purchases		12,949	3,405	2,786
Funds held for customers [Member]
Restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents included in funds held for customers		$ 106,287	$ 101,191	$ 85,519
[1]	Prepaid product discounts are generally accrued upon contract execution. Cash payments made for prepaid product discounts were $33,613 for 2020, $25,637 for 2019 and $23,814 for 2018.
[2]	$42,108 of the December 31, 2019 amount was recognized as revenue during 2020.
[3]	Consists of pre-acquisition amounts owed to us by the sellers.

EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE (Deta

EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Sep. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Earnings (loss) per share - basic:
Net income (loss)									$ 8,899	$ (199,897)	$ 149,630
Net income attributable to non-controlling interest									(91)	0	0
Net income (loss) attributable to Deluxe	$ 24,663	$ 29,417	$ 14,859	$ (60,131)	$ 44,824	$ (318,493)	$ 32,582	$ 41,190	8,808	(199,897)	149,630
Income allocated to participating securities									(53)	(101)	(617)
Income (loss) attributable to Deluxe available to common shareholders									$ 8,755	$ (199,998)	$ 149,013
Weighted-average shares outstanding									41,931	43,029	46,842
Earnings (loss) per share - basic	$ 0.59	$ 0.70	$ 0.36	$ (1.43)	$ 1.06	$ (7.49)	$ 0.75	$ 0.93	$ 0.21	$ (4.65)	$ 3.18
Earnings (loss) per share - diluted:
Net income (loss)									$ 8,899	$ (199,897)	$ 149,630
Net income attributable to non-controlling interest									(91)	0	0
Net income (loss) attributable to Deluxe	$ 24,663	$ 29,417	$ 14,859	$ (60,131)	$ 44,824	$ (318,493)	$ 32,582	$ 41,190	8,808	(199,897)	149,630
Income allocated to participating securities									(2)	(101)	(616)
Re-measurement of share-based awards classified as liabilities									(677)	0	(471)
Income (loss) attributable to Deluxe available to common shareholders									$ 8,129	$ (199,998)	$ 148,543
Weighted-average shares outstanding									41,931	43,029	46,842
Dilutive impact of potential common shares									211	0	149
Weighted-average shares and potential common shares outstanding									42,142	43,029	46,991
Earnings (loss) per share - diluted	$ 0.58	$ 0.70	$ 0.35	$ (1.45)	$ 1.06	$ (7.49)	$ 0.75	$ 0.93	$ 0.19	$ (4.65)	$ 3.16
Antidilutive options excluded from calculation									2,060	1,347	1,209

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (L_3

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (reclassification adjustments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Sep. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Reclassification adjustments [Line Items]
Other income									$ 9,214	$ 7,193	$ 8,522
Interest expense									(23,140)	(34,682)	(27,112)
Income tax provision									(21,680)	(14,267)	(63,001)
Total revenue	$ 454,492	$ 439,461	$ 410,405	$ 486,423	$ 522,071	$ 493,593	$ 493,986	$ 499,065	1,790,781	2,008,715	1,998,025
Net income (loss)									8,899	(199,897)	149,630
Service [Member]
Reclassification adjustments [Line Items]
Total revenue									560,143	599,560	546,192
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss [Member]
Reclassification adjustments [Line Items]
Net income (loss)									(1,400)	(1,472)	(972)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss [Member] | Service [Member]
Reclassification adjustments [Line Items]
Total revenue									206	0	0
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									(2,301)	(3,223)	(2,884)
Total amortization [Member] | Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss [Member]
Reclassification adjustments [Line Items]
Other income									(880)	(1,802)	(1,463)
Income tax provision									46	273	491
Net income (loss)									(834)	(1,529)	(972)
Realized gains on interest rate swap [Member] | Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss [Member]
Reclassification adjustments [Line Items]
Interest expense									(968)	77	0
Income tax provision									249	(20)	0
Net income (loss)									(719)	57	0
Realized gain on debt securities [Member] | Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss [Member]
Reclassification adjustments [Line Items]
Income tax provision									(53)	0	0
Net income (loss)									$ 153	$ 0	$ 0

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (L_4

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (accumulated other comprehensive loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Accumulated other comprehensive loss [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of year	$ (47,947)	$ (56,579)	$ (37,597)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	5,114	7,160	(13,087)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	1,400	1,472	972
Other comprehensive income (loss)	6,514	8,632	(12,115)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(47,947)	(47,947)	(56,579)
Balance, end of year	(41,433)	(47,947)	(56,579)
Postretirement benefit plans [Member]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of year	(28,406)	(36,529)	(26,829)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	5,616	6,594	(3,805)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	834	1,529	972
Other comprehensive income (loss)	6,450	8,123	(2,833)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(21,956)	(28,406)	(36,529)
Balance, end of year	(21,956)	(28,406)	(36,529)
Net unrealized loss on available-for-sale debt securities [Member]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of year	(275)	(323)	(322)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	338	48	(1)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	(153)	0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss)	185	48	(1)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(90)	(275)	(323)
Balance, end of year	(90)	(275)	(323)
Net unrealized loss on cash flow hedge [Member]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of year	(1,097)	0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(4,973)	(1,040)	0
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	719	(57)	0
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(4,254)	(1,097)	0
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(5,351)	(1,097)	0
Balance, end of year	(5,351)	(1,097)	0
Currency translation adjustment [Member]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of year	(18,169)	(19,727)	(10,446)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	4,133	1,558	(9,281)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	0	0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss)	4,133	1,558	(9,281)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(14,036)	(18,169)	(19,727)
Balance, end of year	$ (14,036)	$ (18,169)	(19,727)
Accounting Standards Update No. 2018-02 [Member] | Adoption of Accounting Standards Update [Member]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of year			(6,867)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss			(6,867)
Accounting Standards Update No. 2018-02 [Member] | Postretirement benefit plans [Member] | Adoption of Accounting Standards Update [Member]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of year			(6,867)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss			$ (6,867)

ACQUISITIONS (Details)

ACQUISITIONS (Details) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)		Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)		Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)business		Dec. 31, 2015business
Acquisitions [Line Items]
Transaction costs		$ 8		$ 215		$ 1,719
Identifiable intangible assets		84,814		61,762		125,719
Goodwill				4,174
Adjustments to purchase price for prior year acquisitions				(1,749)		(31)
Payments for acquisitions, net of cash acquired		0		8,251		191,903	[1]
Goodwill, purchase accounting adjustment				(1,766)
Customer lists/relationships [Member]
Acquisitions [Line Items]
Identifiable intangible assets		45,470	[2]	17,771	[2]	60,775
Trade names [Member]
Acquisitions [Line Items]
Identifiable intangible assets		0		0		14,700
Technology-based intangibles [Member]
Acquisitions [Line Items]
Identifiable intangible assets		0		0		7,500
Internal-use software [Member]
Acquisitions [Line Items]
Identifiable intangible assets		$ 39,344		43,991		42,744
Reportable business segments [Member] | Payments [Member]
Acquisitions [Line Items]
Goodwill, purchase accounting adjustment				(1,426)
Remittance processing business of Fiserv, Inc. [Member] | Reportable business segments [Member] | Payments [Member]
Acquisitions [Line Items]
Goodwill				4,174
Logomix Inc. [Member] | Reportable business segments [Member] | Promotional Solutions [Member]
Acquisitions [Line Items]
Goodwill						29,451
ColoCrossing [Member] | Reportable business segments [Member] | Promotional Solutions [Member]
Acquisitions [Line Items]
Goodwill						9,082
REMITCO [Member] | Reportable business segments [Member] | Payments [Member]
Acquisitions [Line Items]
Goodwill						44,992
REMITCO [Member] | Reportable business segments [Member] | Payments [Member] | Customer lists/relationships [Member]
Acquisitions [Line Items]
Identifiable intangible assets						36,000
My Corporation Business Services, Inc. [Member] | Reportable business segments [Member] | Promotional Solutions [Member]
Acquisitions [Line Items]
Goodwill						$ 20,615
Small business distributors [Member]
Acquisitions [Line Items]
Number of businesses acquired | business								2
Small business distributors [Member] | Reportable business segments [Member] | Promotional Solutions [Member]
Acquisitions [Line Items]
Number of businesses acquired | business						3
2019 acquisitions [Member]
Acquisitions [Line Items]
Net tangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed	[3]			2,735
Identifiable intangible assets				6,091
Goodwill	[3]			4,174
Total aggregate purchase price				13,000
Liabilities for holdback payments and contingent consideration	[4]			(3,000)
Non-cash consideration	[5]			0
Payments for acquisitions, net of cash acquired				10,000
2019 acquisitions [Member] | Customer lists/relationships [Member]
Acquisitions [Line Items]
Identifiable intangible assets	[3]			5,815
2019 acquisitions [Member] | Trade names [Member]
Acquisitions [Line Items]
Identifiable intangible assets	[3]			0
2019 acquisitions [Member] | Technology-based intangibles [Member]
Acquisitions [Line Items]
Identifiable intangible assets	[3]			0
2019 acquisitions [Member] | Internal-use software [Member]
Acquisitions [Line Items]
Identifiable intangible assets	[3]			276
2019 acquisitions [Member] | Reportable business segments [Member] | Payments [Member]
Acquisitions [Line Items]
Goodwill				4,174
2018 acquisitions [Member]
Acquisitions [Line Items]
Net tangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed						$ 8,200
Identifiable intangible assets	[3]					82,787
Goodwill						104,140
Total aggregate purchase price	[3]					195,127
Liabilities for holdback payments and contingent consideration	[4]					(2,133)
Non-cash consideration						(1,060)
Payments for acquisitions, net of cash acquired						191,934
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						60,587
Intangibles, purchase accounting adjustments				$ 1,000
2018 acquisitions [Member] | Trade names [Member]
Acquisitions [Line Items]
Identifiable intangible assets						14,700
2018 acquisitions [Member] | Technology-based intangibles [Member]
Acquisitions [Line Items]
Identifiable intangible assets						7,500
2018 acquisitions [Member] | Internal-use software [Member]
Acquisitions [Line Items]
Identifiable intangible assets						$ 0
[1]	Cash and cash equivalents acquired were $1,692 during 2018.
[2]	We acquired customer lists that did not qualify as business combinations of $45,470 during 2020, $11,956 during 2019 and $1,188 during 2018.
[3]	Net tangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed in 2018 consisted primarily of accounts receivable of $11,564 and 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.
[4]	Consists of holdback payments due at future dates.
[5]	Consists of pre-acquisition amounts owed to us by certain of the acquired businesses.

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUME_2

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Details) - Interest rate swap [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	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	$ 7,210	$ 1,480

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (goodwi

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (goodwill and non-recurring asset impairment analyses) (Details) $ in Thousands

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)

Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)reporting_units

Jun. 30, 2020USD ($)

Mar. 31, 2020USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)

Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)reporting_units

Jun. 30, 2019USD ($)

Mar. 31, 2019USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)

Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)reporting_units

Mar. 31, 2018USD ($)

Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)

Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2015business

Jul. 31, 2020USD ($)

Jan. 01, 2020USD ($)

Jul. 31, 2019USD ($)

Jul. 31, 2018USD ($)

Jul. 31, 2017USD ($)

Schedule of asset impairment analyses [Line Items]

Goodwill impairment charge

$ 0

$ 67,673

$ 357,741

$ 67,673

$ 357,741

Goodwill

$ 736,844

$ 804,487

$ 1,160,626

736,844

804,487

$ 1,160,626

Total asset impairment charges

$ 0

2,760

$ 4,883

90,330

$ 0

390,980

$ 0

$ 0

97,973

$ 390,980

101,319

Small business distributors [Member]

Schedule of asset impairment analyses [Line Items]

Number of businesses acquired | business

2

Nonrecurring [Member] | Assets held for sale [Member]

Schedule of asset impairment analyses [Line Items]

Asset impairment charges

7,514

Nonrecurring [Member] | Customer lists/relationships [Member]

Schedule of asset impairment analyses [Line Items]

Asset impairment charges

1,923

$ 1,882

$ 2,149

$ 5,108

$ 4,031

Fair value as of measurement date

4,479

0

4,223

$ 4,479

4,223

Nonrecurring [Member] | Customer lists/relationships [Member] | Small business distributors [Member]

Schedule of asset impairment analyses [Line Items]

Asset impairment charges

$ 2,356

2,752

$ 5,108

Nonrecurring [Member] | Measurement input, revenue growth rate [Member] | Customer lists/relationships [Member] | Small business distributors [Member]

Schedule of asset impairment analyses [Line Items]

Intangibles fair value inputs

0.00%

0.00%

Nonrecurring [Member] | Measurement input, gross margin growth rate [Member] | Customer lists/relationships [Member] | Small business distributors [Member]

Schedule of asset impairment analyses [Line Items]

Intangibles fair value inputs

1.00%

1.00%

Nonrecurring [Member] | Measurement input, discount rate [Member] | Customer lists/relationships [Member] | Small business distributors [Member]

Schedule of asset impairment analyses [Line Items]

Intangibles fair value inputs

11.00%

11.00%

Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Nonrecurring [Member] | Customer lists/relationships [Member]

Schedule of asset impairment analyses [Line Items]

Fair value as of measurement date

$ 4,479

$ 0

$ 4,223

$ 4,479

$ 4,223

Trade names [Member] | Measurement input, royalty rate [Member]

Schedule of asset impairment analyses [Line Items]

Intangibles fair value inputs

0.00%

Direct-to-Consumer reporting unit [Member]

Schedule of asset impairment analyses [Line Items]

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

$ 35,000

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

26.00%

Reporting units for which quantitative analysis completed [Member]

Schedule of asset impairment analyses [Line Items]

Number of reporting units | reporting_units

2

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

$ 37,000

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

121.00%

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

$ 954,000

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

189.00%

Promotional Solutions reporting unit [Member]

Schedule of asset impairment analyses [Line Items]

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

$ 210,000

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

132.00%

Goodwill impairment charge

63,356

Goodwill

62,785

Cloud Solution Web Hosting reporting unit [Member]

Schedule of asset impairment analyses [Line Items]

Goodwill impairment charge

4,317

Cloud Solution Web Hosting reporting unit [Member] | Nonrecurring [Member] | Intangible assets [Member]

Schedule of asset impairment analyses [Line Items]

Asset impairment charges

17,678

Fair value as of measurement date

2,172

Cloud Solution Web Hosting reporting unit [Member] | Nonrecurring [Member] | Customer lists/relationships [Member]

Schedule of asset impairment analyses [Line Items]

Asset impairment charges

8,397

Cloud Solution Web Hosting reporting unit [Member] | Nonrecurring [Member] | Internal-use software [Member]

Schedule of asset impairment analyses [Line Items]

Asset impairment charges

6,932

Cloud Solution Web Hosting reporting unit [Member] | Nonrecurring [Member] | Other intangible assets [Member]

Schedule of asset impairment analyses [Line Items]

Asset impairment charges

$ 2,349

Cloud Solution Web Hosting reporting unit [Member] | Nonrecurring [Member] | Measurement input, revenue growth rate [Member] | Intangible assets [Member]

Schedule of asset impairment analyses [Line Items]

Intangibles fair value inputs

(31.00%)

Cloud Solution Web Hosting reporting unit [Member] | Nonrecurring [Member] | Measurement input, gross margin growth rate [Member] | Intangible assets [Member]

Schedule of asset impairment analyses [Line Items]

Intangibles fair value inputs

(5.20%)

Cloud Solution Web Hosting reporting unit [Member] | Nonrecurring [Member] | Measurement input, discount rate [Member] | Intangible assets [Member]

Schedule of asset impairment analyses [Line Items]

Intangibles fair value inputs

9.00%

Cloud Solution Web Hosting reporting unit [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Nonrecurring [Member] | Intangible assets [Member]

Schedule of asset impairment analyses [Line Items]

Fair value as of measurement date

$ 2,172

Reporting units for which qualitative analysis completed [Member]

Schedule of asset impairment analyses [Line Items]

Number of reporting units | reporting_units

2

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%

Payments reporting unit [Member]

Schedule of asset impairment analyses [Line Items]

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

$ 490,000

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

189.00%

Checks reporting unit [Member]

Schedule of asset impairment analyses [Line Items]

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

$ 954,000

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

180.00%

Cloud Data Analytics reporting unit [Member]

Schedule of asset impairment analyses [Line Items]

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

$ 100,000

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

63.00%

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] | Intangible assets [Member]

Schedule of asset impairment analyses [Line Items]

Asset impairment charges

[1]

31,316

Fair value as of measurement date

8,379

Small Business Services Web Services [Member] | Nonrecurring [Member] | Trade names [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]

Schedule of asset impairment analyses [Line Items]

Asset impairment charges

11,655

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

Schedule of asset impairment analyses [Line Items]

Asset impairment charges

$ 5,220

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

Schedule of asset impairment analyses [Line Items]

Fair value as of measurement date

$ 8,379

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]

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]

Schedule of asset impairment analyses [Line Items]

Fair value as of measurement date

$ 0

Assets held for sale [Member] | Nonrecurring [Member]

Schedule of asset impairment analyses [Line Items]

Asset impairment charges

7,514

Fair value as of measurement date

$ 11,210

11,210

Assets held for sale [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member]

Schedule of asset impairment analyses [Line Items]

Fair value as of measurement date

$ 11,210

$ 11,210

[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.

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (financ

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (financial instruments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020		Dec. 31, 2019
Fair value measurements, financial instruments [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents, securities carried at fair value			$ 9,713
Available-for-sale debt securities	$ 28,462		34,450
Long-term debt	840,000		883,500
Cash and cash equivalents [Member]
Fair value measurements, financial instruments [Line Items]
Cash equivalents			9,713
Cash and cash equivalents, securities carried at fair value	123,122		63,907
Cash	123,122		63,907
Cash and cash equivalents [Member] | Recurring fair value measurements [Member]
Fair value measurements, financial instruments [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents, securities carried at fair value			9,713
Cash and cash equivalents [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member]
Fair value measurements, financial instruments [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents, securities carried at fair value	123,122		63,907
Cash and cash equivalents [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 and cash equivalents, securities carried at fair value			9,713
Funds held for customers [Member]
Fair value measurements, financial instruments [Line Items]
Cash equivalents	15,000		18,000
Cash and cash equivalents, securities carried at fair value	91,287		83,191
Available-for-sale debt securities	28,462	[1]	34,450	[2]
Cash	91,287		83,191
Funds held for customers [Member] | Guaranteed investment certificates [Member]
Fair value measurements, financial instruments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale debt securities	$ 3,929		7,698
Funds held for customers [Member] | Guaranteed investment certificates [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Fair value measurements, financial instruments [Line Items]
Maturity period, debt securities	1 year
Funds held for customers [Member] | Guaranteed investment certificates [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Fair value measurements, financial instruments [Line Items]
Maturity period, debt securities	2 years
Funds held for customers [Member] | Foreign [Member]
Fair value measurements, financial instruments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale debt securities	$ 13,462		16,450
Funds held for customers [Member] | Recurring fair value measurements [Member]
Fair value measurements, financial instruments [Line Items]
Cash equivalents	15,000		18,000
Funds held for customers [Member] | Recurring fair value measurements [Member] | Foreign [Member]
Fair value measurements, financial instruments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale debt securities	13,462		16,450
Funds held for customers [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member]
Fair value measurements, financial instruments [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents, securities carried at fair value	91,287		83,191
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	15,000		18,000
Funds held for customers [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Recurring fair value measurements [Member] | Foreign [Member]
Fair value measurements, financial instruments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale debt securities	13,462		16,450
Other non-current liabilities [Member]
Fair value measurements, financial instruments [Line Items]
Derivative liability (Note 7)	(7,210)		(1,480)
Other non-current liabilities [Member] | Recurring fair value measurements [Member]
Fair value measurements, financial instruments [Line Items]
Derivative liability (Note 7)	(7,210)		(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)	(7,210)		(1,480)
Other current and non-current assets [Member]
Fair value measurements, financial instruments [Line Items]
Loans and notes receivable from distributors	37,076		70,383
Loans and notes receivable from distributors, fair value	36,950		68,887
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 distributors, fair value	36,950		68,887
Long-term debt [Member]
Fair value measurements, financial instruments [Line Items]
Long-term debt	840,000		883,500
Long-term debt, fair value	840,000		883,500
Long-term debt [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair value measurements, financial instruments [Line Items]
Long-term debt, fair value	$ 840,000		$ 883,500
[1]	) Funds held for customers, as reported on the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2020, also included cash of $91,287.
[2]	Funds held for customers, as reported on the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2019, also included cash of $83,191.

RESTRUCTURING AND INTEGRATION_3

RESTRUCTURING AND INTEGRATION EXPENSE (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Sep. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Restructuring and integration expense [Line Items]
Restructuring and integration expense	$ 21,551	$ 18,923	$ 20,382	$ 18,483	$ 23,356	$ 27,674	$ 17,497	$ 6,283	$ 79,339	$ 74,810	$ 21,203
Total cost of revenue [Member]
Restructuring and integration expense [Line Items]
Restructuring and integration expense									3,465	3,562	1,466
Operating expenses [Member]
Restructuring and integration expense [Line Items]
Restructuring and integration expense									75,874	71,248	19,737
External consulting fees [Member]
Restructuring and integration expense [Line Items]
Restructuring and integration expense									44,096	45,638	8,509
Employee severance [Member]
Restructuring and integration expense [Line Items]
Restructuring and integration expense									19,025	11,516	7,672
Restructuring and integration expense, net of reversals									17,628	10,865	5,774
Internal labor [Member]
Restructuring and integration expense [Line Items]
Restructuring and integration expense									7,568	12,115	4,654
Other costs [Member]
Restructuring and integration expense [Line Items]
Restructuring and integration expense									$ 10,047	$ 6,192	$ 2,266

RESTRUCTURING AND INTEGRATION_4

RESTRUCTURING AND INTEGRATION EXPENSE (restructuring and integration accruals) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2020	Sep. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Restructuring and integration accruals [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of year					$ 3,459					$ 3,459
Charges		$ 21,551	$ 18,923	$ 20,382	18,483	$ 23,356	$ 27,674	$ 17,497	$ 6,283	79,339	$ 74,810	$ 21,203
Balance, end of year		6,798				3,459				6,798	3,459
Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-02 [Member]
Restructuring and integration accruals [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of year	[1]								(282)		(282)
Balance, end of year	[1]											(282)
Employee severance [Member]
Restructuring and integration accruals [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of year					3,459				3,179	3,459	3,179	4,376
Charges										19,025	11,516	7,672
Reversals										(1,397)	(651)	(1,898)
Payments										(14,289)	(10,585)	(6,971)
Balance, end of year		6,798				3,459				6,798	3,459	3,179
Operating lease obligations [Member]
Restructuring and integration accruals [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of year					$ 0				282	0	282	4
Charges												597
Reversals												(71)
Payments												(248)
Balance, end of year		$ 0				$ 0				$ 0	0	282
Operating lease obligations [Member] | Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-02 [Member]
Restructuring and integration accruals [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of year	[1]								(282)		(282)
Balance, end of year	[1]											(282)
Employee severance and operating lease obligations [Member]
Restructuring and integration accruals [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of year									$ 3,461		$ 3,461	4,380
Charges												8,269
Reversals												(1,969)
Payments												(7,219)
Balance, end of year												$ 3,461
[1]	Upon adoption of ASU No. 2016-02, Leasing , and related amendments on January 1, 2019, 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, 2020	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	$ (30)	$ 9,390	$ 7,210
Accrued liabilities [Member]
CEO transition costs accruals	$ 4,406					$ 4,406
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, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019		Dec. 31, 2018
Income (loss) before income taxes
U.S.		$ 10,906	$ (161,733)		$ 198,727
Foreign		19,673	(23,897)		13,904
Income (loss) before income taxes		30,579	(185,630)		212,631
Current tax provision:
Federal		17,643	36,967		57,117
State		4,502	7,400		11,319
Foreign		4,779	4,850		5,921
Total current tax provision		26,924	49,217		74,357
Deferred tax provision:
Federal		(4,298)	(30,095)		(7,220)
State		(1,202)	(7,070)		(1,701)
Foreign		256	2,215		(2,435)
Total deferred tax provision		(5,244)	(34,950)		(11,356)
Income tax provision		$ 21,680	$ 14,267		$ 63,001
Reconciliation of effective tax rate
Income tax at federal statutory rate		21.00%	21.00%		21.00%
Goodwill impairment charge (Note 8)		39.20%	(29.30%)		7.10%
Tax impact of share-based compensation		7.40%	(1.10%)		(0.80%)
Foreign tax rate differences		3.70%	1.30%		0.40%
Payables and receivables for prior year tax returns		2.80%	0.20%		0.00%
Non-deductible executive compensation		2.00%	(0.70%)		0.60%
State income tax expense, net of federal income tax benefit		1.70%	4.90%		3.00%
Change in valuation allowances		0.80%	(4.50%)	[1]	0.10%
Research and development tax credit		(3.30%)	0.50%		(0.40%)
Change in unrecognized tax benefits, including interest and penalties		(2.90%)	(0.20%)		(0.10%)
Return to provision adjustments		(2.30%)	0.30%		(0.30%)
Other		0.80%	(0.10%)		(1.00%)
Effective tax rate		70.90%	(7.70%)		29.60%
Expense from change in valuation allowance	$ 8,432	$ 244	$ 8,336		$ 290
Changes in unrecognized tax benefits
Balance, beginning of year		4,169	4,801		3,795
Additions for tax positions of current year		237	364		315
Additions for tax positions of prior years		30	546		1,177
Reductions for tax positions of prior years		(414)	(887)		(108)
Settlements		0	(341)		0
Lapse of statutes of limitations		(661)	(314)		(378)
Balance, end of year		3,361	4,169		4,801
Unrecognized tax benefits
Unrecognized tax benefits that would impact income tax expense		(3,361)
Accruals for interest and penalties		551	935
Net (decrease) increase in income tax provision for interest and penalties		(384)	$ 605		$ 110
Amount by which it is reasonably possible that unrecognized tax benefits will decrease in next 12 months		1,800
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, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Deferred tax assets
Intangible assets					$ 26,686	$ 14,900
Operating leases					11,202	11,409
Net operating loss, tax credit and capital loss carryforwards					7,026	7,698
Reserves and accruals					5,848	6,154
Inventories					4,153	2,595
Payroll tax deferral under the CARES Act					3,692	0
All other					4,003	2,756
Total deferred taxes					62,610	45,512
Valuation allowances		$ (10,349)	$ (1,689)	$ (1,689)	(11,453)	(10,349)	$ (1,689)
Net deferred taxes					51,157	35,163
Deferred tax liabilities
Goodwill					20,134	16,424
Cloud computing arrangements					7,532	0
Employee benefit plans					7,140	2,747
Prepaid assets					3,456	3,830
Property, plant and equipment					3,366	3,200
Revenue recognition					2,659	4,752
Operating leases					9,043	10,578
All other					3,026	4,623
Total deferred taxes					56,356	46,154
Net deferred taxes					56,356	46,154
Changes in deferred tax asset valuation allowances
Balance, beginning of year		(10,349)	(1,689)	(1,518)
Expense from change in allowances	$ (8,432)	(244)	(8,336)	(290)
Foreign currency translation		(860)	(324)	119
Balance, end of year		$ (11,453)	$ (10,349)	$ (1,689)
Cash and cash equivalents					123,122	$ 73,620	$ 59,740
Foreign, primarily Canada [Member]
Changes in deferred tax asset valuation allowances
Cash and cash equivalents					$ 98,735

INCOME TAX PROVISION (net opera

INCOME TAX PROVISION (net operating loss, tax credit and capital loss carryforwards) (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)
State [Member]
Tax carryforwards [Line Items]
Net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards	$ 79,822
Foreign [Member]
Tax carryforwards [Line Items]
Capital loss carryforwards that do not expire	4,993
Net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards	546
Federal [Member]
Tax carryforwards [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards	$ 1,194

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, 2020USD ($)shares	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)	Apr. 29, 2020shares
Share-based compensation plans [Line Items]
Common stock reserved for issuance | shares				5
Common stock available for issuance | shares	4.7
Full value awards factor (in ones)	2.23
Share-based compensation expense	$ 21,824	$ 19,702	$ 13,378
Income tax benefit	(5,779)	(5,350)	(3,946)
Compensation expense not yet recognized for unvested awards	$ 34,307
Weighted-average period over which expense for unvested awards will be recognized	2 years 3 months 18 days
Restricted shares and restricted stock units [Member]
Share-based compensation plans [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	$ 15,066	13,411	5,232
Stock options [Member]
Share-based compensation plans [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	3,689	2,954	3,143
Performance share awards [Member]
Share-based compensation plans [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	2,590	2,907	4,502
Employee stock purchase plan [Member]
Share-based compensation plans [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	$ 479	$ 430	$ 501

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION PLAN_3

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS (award terms) (Details) - shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Stock options [Member]
Share-based compensation plans [Line Items]
Options vesting each year during vesting period	25.00%	25.00%	33.30%
Term of award	10 years	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	1 year	1 year
Stock options [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Share-based compensation plans [Line Items]
Award vesting period	4 years	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	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, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Weighted-average exercise price per option
Outstanding, beginning of year	$ 53.92	$ 62.04	$ 56.51
Granted	38.13	44.72	62.12
Exercised	38.80	32.42	42.55
Forfeited or expired	54.87	62.75	66.85
Outstanding, end of year	46.28	53.92	62.04
Exercisable, end of year	$ 57.68	$ 61.44	$ 59.90
Change in number of stock options
Outstanding, beginning of year	1,347	1,245	1,139
Granted	1,030	644	519
Exercised	(12)	(21)	(339)
Forfeited or expired	(231)	(521)	(74)
Outstanding, end of year	2,134	1,347	1,245
Exercisable, end of year	654	485	472
Additional disclosures
Aggregate intrinsic value, options outstanding, end of year	$ 667
Aggregate intrinsic value, options exercisable, end of year	$ 118
Weighted average remaining contractual term, options outstanding, end of year	7 years 2 months 12 days
Weighted-average remaining contractual term, options exercisable, end of year	4 years 2 months 12 days
Weighted-average grant date fair value, options granted	$ 6.39	$ 8.30	$ 10.98
Total intrinsic value, options exercised	$ 118	$ 292	$ 10,007
Stock options [Member]
Assumptions, Black-Scholes option pricing model
Risk-free interest rate	1.30%	2.30%	2.70%
Dividend yield	3.20%	2.70%	2.00%
Expected volatility	25.80%	24.50%	23.00%
Weighted-average option life (in years)	5 years 4 months 24 days	5 years 3 months 18 days	3 years 10 months 24 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, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Restricted stock units [Member]
Changes in share-based compensation awards (in thousands)
Outstanding, beginning of year		664	195	109
Granted		628	611	110
Vested		(282)	(93)	(22)
Forfeited		(83)	(49)	(2)
Outstanding, end of year		927	664	195
Weighted-average grant date fair value
Outstanding, beginning of year		$ 44.35	$ 45.41	$ 38.31
Granted		37.25	44.73	52.32
Vested		45.18	49.31	48.14
Forfeited		40.44	45.40	74.96
Outstanding, end of year		$ 39.68	$ 44.35	$ 45.41
Additional disclosures
Weighted-average remaining contractual term, outstanding, end of year		1 year 10 months 24 days
Fair value, awards vested		$ 7,839	$ 4,374	$ 1,619
Restricted stock units classified as liabilities [Member]
Changes in share-based compensation awards (in thousands)
Outstanding, end of year		41
Additional disclosures
Aggregate intrinsic value, outstanding, end of year		$ 1,190
Weighted-average remaining contractual term, outstanding, end of year		10 months
Fair value per unit, end of year		$ 29
Cash payments to settle restricted stock units		$ 58	$ 263	$ 78
Restricted shares [Member]
Changes in share-based compensation awards (in thousands)
Outstanding, beginning of year		26	168	181
Granted				77
Vested		(16)	(117)	(76)
Forfeited		(2)	(25)	(14)
Outstanding, end of year		8	26	168
Weighted-average grant date fair value
Outstanding, beginning of year		$ 71.61	$ 66.02	$ 65.33
Granted				71.29
Vested		72.79	63.15	69.73
Forfeited		61.43	73.62	66.24
Outstanding, end of year		$ 71.02	$ 71.61	$ 66.02
Additional disclosures
Weighted-average remaining contractual term, outstanding, end of year		2 months 12 days
Fair value, awards vested		$ 600	$ 5,608	$ 5,375
Performance share awards [Member]
Assumptions, Monte Carlo simulation model
Risk-free interest rate		1.40%	2.30%	2.40%
Dividend yield		2.40%	3.10%	1.60%
Expected volatility		28.60%	26.80%	21.60%
Changes in share-based compensation awards (in thousands)
Outstanding, beginning of year		252	250	255
Granted	[1]	127	151	91
Vested		(61)	(118)	(45)
Forfeited		(23)	(38)	(48)
Adjustment for performance results achieved	[2]		7	(3)
Outstanding, end of year		295	252	250
Weighted-average grant date fair value
Outstanding, beginning of year		$ 57.64	$ 67.54	$ 63.42
Granted		36.06	41.79	74.49
Vested		71.03	59.67	67.10
Forfeited		62.18	54.42	59.32
Adjustment for performance results achieved			54.42	67.11
Outstanding, end of year		$ 45.20	$ 57.64	$ 67.54
Additional disclosures
Weighted-average remaining contractual term, outstanding, end of year		1 year 4 months 24 days
[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, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Employee stock purchase plan [Line Items]
Number of shares issued, employee stock purchase plan	125	65	53
Minimum [Member]
Employee stock purchase plan [Line Items]
Purchase price per share, employee stock purchase plan	$ 18.22	$ 37.93	$ 50.09
Maximum [Member]
Employee stock purchase plan [Line Items]
Purchase price per share, employee stock purchase plan	$ 40.97	$ 39.92	$ 63.13

EMPLOYEE COMPENSATION PLANS (De

EMPLOYEE COMPENSATION PLANS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Employee compensation plans [Line Items]
401(k) contributions, maximum annual employee contribution, percent of wages		50.00%
401(k) expense		$ 2,823	$ 10,176	$ 9,686
Performance-based compensation plans	[1]	11,032	21,143	$ 20,297
Deferred compensation plan
Deferred compensation plan liability		4,816	5,036
Deferred compensation plan assets		$ 11,591	$ 11,204
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, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Change in benefit obligation
Interest cost	$ 1,911	$ 2,727	$ 2,626
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets, end of year	139,372
Amounts recognized in balance sheets
Other non-current assets	71,208	56,743
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss
Unrecognized prior service credit	11,335	12,756
Unrecognized net actuarial loss	(35,454)	(45,319)
Tax effect	2,163	4,157
Amount recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax	(21,956)	(28,406)
Postretirement benefit plan [Member]
Change in benefit obligation
Benefit obligation, beginning of year	73,175	73,717
Interest cost	1,835	2,617
Net actuarial loss	218	5,012
Benefits paid from plan assets and company funds	(7,064)	(8,171)
Benefit obligation, end of year	68,164	73,175	73,717
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year	129,918	114,976
Return on plan assets	15,741	21,179
Benefits paid	(6,287)	(6,237)
Fair value of plan assets, end of year	139,372	129,918	114,976
Funded status	71,208	56,743
Amounts recognized in balance sheets
Other non-current assets	$ 71,208	56,743
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss
Amortization period net actuarial loss	8.7 years
Pension plan [Member]
Change in benefit obligation
Benefit obligation, beginning of year	$ 3,251	3,148
Interest cost	76	111
Net actuarial loss	340	316
Benefits paid from plan assets and company funds	(324)	(324)
Benefit obligation, end of year	3,343	3,251	3,148
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year	0	0
Fair value of plan assets, end of year	0	0	$ 0
Funded status	(3,343)	(3,251)
Amounts recognized in balance sheets
Accrued liabilities	324	324
Other non-current liabilities	$ 3,019	$ 2,927

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS (net pe

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS (net periodic benefit income and actuarial assumptions) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Net periodic benefit income
Interest cost	$ 1,911	$ 2,727	$ 2,626
Expected return on plan assets	(7,619)	(6,957)	(7,737)
Amortization of prior service credit	(1,421)	(1,421)	(1,421)
Amortization of net actuarial losses	2,301	3,223	2,884
Net periodic benefit income	$ (4,828)	$ (2,428)	$ (3,648)
Participants under age 65 [Member]
Health care cost trend rates
Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year	7.20%	7.40%	7.70%
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	2030	2029	2029
Participants age 65 and older [Member]
Health care cost trend rates
Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year	8.00%	8.40%	8.70%
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	2030	2029	2029
Postretirement benefit plan [Member]
Net periodic benefit income
Interest cost	$ 1,835	$ 2,617
Actuarial assumptions
Discount rate, benefit obligation	2.16%	3.03%
Discount rate, net periodic benefit income	3.03%	4.13%	3.46%
Expected return on plan assets	6.00%	6.25%	6.25%
Pension plan [Member]
Net periodic benefit income
Interest cost	$ 76	$ 111
Actuarial assumptions
Discount rate, benefit obligation	1.74%	2.76%
Discount rate, net periodic benefit income	2.76%	4.01%	3.35%

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS (plan a

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS (plan assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Postretirement benefits [Line Items]
Postretirement benefit plan, plan assets [Extensible List]	us-gaap:DefinedBenefitPostretirementHealthCoverageMember	us-gaap:DefinedBenefitPostretirementHealthCoverageMember
Allocation of plan assets	100.00%	100.00%
Fair value of plan assets	$ 139,372
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member]
Postretirement benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	28,305	$ 25,616
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Postretirement benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	87,086	81,350
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	$ 23,981	$ 22,952
Mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Postretirement benefits [Line Items]
Allocation of plan assets	24.00%	24.00%
Fair value of plan assets	$ 33,053	$ 30,828
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	10,546	13,060
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	$ 22,507	$ 17,768
U.S. corporate debt securities [Member]
Postretirement benefits [Line Items]
Allocation of plan assets	21.00%	15.00%
Fair value of plan assets	$ 28,913	$ 19,955
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	0
U.S. corporate debt securities [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Postretirement benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	27,439	14,771
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	$ 1,474	$ 5,184
International equity securities [Member]
Postretirement benefits [Line Items]
Allocation of plan assets	20.00%	19.00%
Target allocation of plan assets	20.00%
Fair value of plan assets	$ 28,144	$ 24,032
International equity securities [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member]
Postretirement benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	24,512	20,859
International equity securities [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Postretirement benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	3,632	3,173
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, large capitalization equity securities [Member]
Postretirement benefits [Line Items]
Allocation of plan assets	17.00%	24.00%
Target allocation of plan assets	17.00%
Fair value of plan assets	$ 24,536	$ 30,990
U,S, large capitalization equity securities [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member]
Postretirement benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
U,S, large capitalization equity securities [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Postretirement benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	24,536	30,990
U,S, large capitalization equity securities [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Postretirement benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
U,S, large capitalization equity securities [Member] | Investments measured at net asset value [Member]
Postretirement benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 0	$ 0
Government debt securities [Member]
Postretirement benefits [Line Items]
Allocation of plan assets	15.00%	14.00%
Fair value of plan assets	$ 20,357	$ 18,776
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	20,357	18,776
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
U.S. small and mid-capitalization equity securities [Member]
Postretirement benefits [Line Items]
Allocation of plan assets	3.00%	4.00%
Target allocation of plan assets	3.00%
Fair value of plan assets	$ 3,762	$ 4,591
U.S. small and mid-capitalization equity securities [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member]
Postretirement benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	3,406	4,228
U.S. small and mid-capitalization equity securities [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Postretirement benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	356	363
U.S. small and mid-capitalization equity securities [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Postretirement benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
U.S. small and mid-capitalization equity securities [Member] | Investments measured at net asset value [Member]
Postretirement benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Other debt securities [Member]
Postretirement benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	607	746
Other debt securities [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member]
Postretirement benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	387	529
Other debt securities [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Postretirement benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	220	217
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	60.00%
Postretirement benefit plan [Member]
Postretirement benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 139,372	$ 129,918	$ 114,976

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS (cash f

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS (cash flows) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Postretirement benefits [Line Items]
Postretirement benefit plan, contributions [Extensible List]	us-gaap:DefinedBenefitPostretirementHealthCoverageMember	us-gaap:DefinedBenefitPostretirementHealthCoverageMember
Company contributions	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Postretirement benefit plan [Member]
Expected benefit payments
2021	6,283
2022	6,129
2023	5,905
2024	5,568
2025	5,137
2026 - 2030	20,189
Pension plan [Member]
Postretirement benefits [Line Items]
Cash surrender value of insurance polices that fund pension plan	7,095	$ 7,136
Expected benefit payments
2021	320
2022	310
2023	300
2024	290
2025	280
2026 - 2030	$ 1,170

DEBT (Details)

DEBT (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019		Dec. 31, 2018		Jul. 19, 2019
Debt instruments [Line Items]
Total debt less unrestricted cash to EBITDA ratio		2.75
Revolving credit facility, current capacity		$ 1,150,000
Revolving credit facility, maximum capacity		$ 1,425,000
Leverage ratio		3.5
Ratio of EBIT to interest expense		3
Outstanding letters of credit	[1]	$ (7,658)
Net available for borrowing as of December 31, 2020		$ 302,342
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]
Amount outstanding		$ 840,000	$ 883,500
Interest rate at period end		2.01%	3.03%
Daily average amount outstanding		$ 1,016,896	$ 925,715		$ 731,110
Weighted-average interest rate		2.12%	3.54%		3.24%
Term loan facility [Member]
Debt instruments [Line Items]
Daily average amount outstanding		$ 0	$ 0	[2]	$ 63,638	[2]
Weighted-average interest rate		0.00%	0.00%	[2]	2.97%	[2]
[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.
[2]	During 2018, 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, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Leases [Line Items]
Operating lease expense	$ 20,928	$ 19,113	$ 0
Rental expense			$ 23,928
Operating cash outflows	19,026	17,737
Lease assets obtained during the period in exchange for lease obligations	11,000	11,637
Operating lease assets	35,906	44,372
Accrued liabilities	11,589	12,898
Operating lease liabilities	28,344	33,585
Total operating lease liabilities	$ 39,933	$ 46,483
Weighted-average remaining lease term (in years)	4 years 8 months 12 days	5 years 1 month 6 days
Weighted-average discount rate	3.10%	3.40%
Maturities of operating lease liabilities
2021	$ 12,632
2022	10,616
2023	6,170
2024	4,688
2025	2,752
Thereafter	6,528
Total lease payments	43,386
Less imputed interest	(3,453)
Total operating lease liabilities	39,933	$ 46,483
Operating leases not yet commenced
Lease obligations, operating leases not yet commenced	65,441
Leases not yet commenced, due in 2021	599
Leases not yet commenced, due in 2022	4,792
Leases not yet commenced, due in 2023	6,443
Leases not yet commenced, due in 2024	6,591
Leases not yet commenced, due in 2025	6,742
Leases not yet commenced, due thereafter	40,274
Leases not yet commenced, early termination penalty	$ 4,370
Real estate [Member]
Leases [Line Items]
Weighted-average remaining lease term (in years)	4 years 9 months 18 days
Real estate [Member] | Minnesota [Member]
Leases [Line Items]
Remaining lease term	16 years
Real estate [Member] | Georgia [Member]
Leases [Line Items]
Remaining lease term	6 years
Real estate [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Leases [Line Items]
Remaining lease term	9 years

OTHER COMMITMENTS AND CONTING_2

OTHER COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Self-insurance liabilities	$ 9,046	$ 7,576

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Details)

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Details) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Oct. 24, 2018
Common shares repurchased
Share repurchase authorization				$ 500,000
Common shares repurchased	499	2,632	3,584
Payments for common shares repurchased	$ 14,000	$ 118,547	$ 200,000
Remaining available for repurchase	$ 287,452

BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION (s

BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION (segment results) (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)customers	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2020USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2020USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)customers	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2019USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)customerssegment	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)customerssegment	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)customers
Business segment information [Line Items]
Number of reportable segments | segment									4	3
Revenue	$ 454,492	$ 439,461	$ 410,405	$ 486,423	$ 522,071	$ 493,593	$ 493,986	$ 499,065	$ 1,790,781	$ 2,008,715	$ 1,998,025
Depreciation and amortization									(110,792)	(126,036)	(131,100)
Interest expense									(23,140)	(34,682)	(27,112)
Net income attributable to non-controlling Interest									91	0	0
Asset impairment charges	$ 0	$ (2,760)	$ (4,883)	$ (90,330)	0	(390,980)	0	0	(97,973)	(390,980)	(101,319)
Restructuring, integration and other costs									(80,665)	(79,511)	(21,203)
CEO transition costs					(851)	(1,145)	(1,906)	(5,488)	30	(9,390)	(7,210)
Share-based compensation expense									(21,824)	(19,702)	(13,378)
Share-based compensation expense										(19,138)	(11,689)
Acquisition transaction costs									(8)	(215)	(1,719)
Certain legal-related benefit (expense)					$ (3)	$ 0	$ (6,005)	$ (412)	2,164	(6,420)	(10,502)
(Loss) gain on sales of businesses and customer lists									(1,846)	(124)	15,641
Loss on debt retirement									0	0	(453)
Income (loss) before income taxes									30,579	(185,630)	212,631
Reportable business segments [Member]
Business segment information [Line Items]
Adjusted EBITDA									538,022	655,538	649,799
Reportable business segments [Member] | Payments [Member]
Business segment information [Line Items]
Revenue									301,901	269,573	224,546
Adjusted EBITDA									68,117	74,384	59,016
Reportable business segments [Member] | Cloud Solutions [Member]
Business segment information [Line Items]
Revenue									252,773	318,383	307,589
Adjusted EBITDA									61,580	77,199	69,976
Reportable business segments [Member] | Promotional Solutions [Member]
Business segment information [Line Items]
Revenue									529,649	640,892	658,357
Adjusted EBITDA									66,620	101,293	105,586
Reportable business segments [Member] | Checks [Member]
Business segment information [Line Items]
Revenue									706,458	779,867	807,533
Adjusted EBITDA									341,705	402,662	415,221
Corporate operations [Member]
Business segment information [Line Items]
Adjusted EBITDA									$ (173,480)	$ (174,672)	$ (140,502)
Customer concentration risk [Member]
Business segment information [Line Items]
Number of customers | customers	0				0				0	0	0
Customer concentration risk [Member] | Total revenue benchmark [Member]
Business segment information [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage									10.00%	10.00%	10.00%

BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION (d

BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION (disaggregated revenue information) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Sep. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Product and service information [Line Items]
Total revenue	$ 454,492	$ 439,461	$ 410,405	$ 486,423	$ 522,071	$ 493,593	$ 493,986	$ 499,065	$ 1,790,781	$ 2,008,715	$ 1,998,025
U. S. [Member]
Product and service information [Line Items]
Total revenue									1,678,187	1,888,036	1,871,375
Foreign, primarily Canada and Australia [Member]
Product and service information [Line Items]
Total revenue									112,594	120,679	126,650
Reportable business segments [Member] | Payments [Member]
Product and service information [Line Items]
Total revenue									301,901	269,573	224,546
Reportable business segments [Member] | Payments [Member] | U. S. [Member]
Product and service information [Line Items]
Total revenue									266,920	233,152	188,156
Reportable business segments [Member] | Payments [Member] | Foreign, primarily Canada and Australia [Member]
Product and service information [Line Items]
Total revenue									34,981	36,421	36,390
Reportable business segments [Member] | Cloud Solutions [Member]
Product and service information [Line Items]
Total revenue									252,773	318,383	307,589
Reportable business segments [Member] | Cloud Solutions [Member] | U. S. [Member]
Product and service information [Line Items]
Total revenue									220,699	283,695	269,919
Reportable business segments [Member] | Cloud Solutions [Member] | Foreign, primarily Canada and Australia [Member]
Product and service information [Line Items]
Total revenue									32,074	34,688	37,670
Reportable business segments [Member] | Promotional Solutions [Member]
Product and service information [Line Items]
Total revenue									529,649	640,892	658,357
Reportable business segments [Member] | Promotional Solutions [Member] | U. S. [Member]
Product and service information [Line Items]
Total revenue									506,240	613,830	629,592
Reportable business segments [Member] | Promotional Solutions [Member] | Foreign, primarily Canada and Australia [Member]
Product and service information [Line Items]
Total revenue									23,409	27,062	28,765
Reportable business segments [Member] | Checks [Member]
Product and service information [Line Items]
Total revenue									706,458	779,867	807,533
Reportable business segments [Member] | Checks [Member] | U. S. [Member]
Product and service information [Line Items]
Total revenue									684,328	757,359	783,708
Reportable business segments [Member] | Checks [Member] | Foreign, primarily Canada and Australia [Member]
Product and service information [Line Items]
Total revenue									22,130	22,508	23,825
Checks [Member]
Product and service information [Line Items]
Total revenue									706,458	779,867	807,533
Checks [Member] | Reportable business segments [Member] | Checks [Member]
Product and service information [Line Items]
Total revenue									706,458	779,867	807,533
Forms and other products [Member]
Product and service information [Line Items]
Total revenue									316,245	348,757	357,700
Forms and other products [Member] | Reportable business segments [Member] | Promotional Solutions [Member]
Product and service information [Line Items]
Total revenue									316,245	348,757	357,700
Treasury management solutions [Member]
Product and service information [Line Items]
Total revenue									226,105	193,527	148,011
Treasury management solutions [Member] | Reportable business segments [Member] | Payments [Member]
Product and service information [Line Items]
Total revenue									226,105	193,527	148,011
Marketing and promotional solutions [Member]
Product and service information [Line Items]
Total revenue									213,404	292,135	300,657
Marketing and promotional solutions [Member] | Reportable business segments [Member] | Promotional Solutions [Member]
Product and service information [Line Items]
Total revenue									213,404	292,135	300,657
Web and hosted solutions [Member]
Product and service information [Line Items]
Total revenue									133,618	156,097	156,164
Web and hosted solutions [Member] | Reportable business segments [Member] | Cloud Solutions [Member]
Product and service information [Line Items]
Total revenue									133,618	156,097	156,164
Data-driven marketing solutions [Member]
Product and service information [Line Items]
Total revenue									119,155	162,286	151,425
Data-driven marketing solutions [Member] | Reportable business segments [Member] | Cloud Solutions [Member]
Product and service information [Line Items]
Total revenue									119,155	162,286	151,425
Other payments solutions [Member]
Product and service information [Line Items]
Total revenue									75,796	76,046	76,535
Other payments solutions [Member] | Reportable business segments [Member] | Payments [Member]
Product and service information [Line Items]
Total revenue									$ 75,796	$ 76,046	$ 76,535

RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES (Detail

RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Other current and non-current assets [Member]
Loans and notes receivable from distributors [Line Items]
Loans and notes receivable from distributors	$ 37,076	$ 70,383
Loans and notes receivable from distributors [Member]
Loans and notes receivable from distributors [Line Items]
Allowance for uncollectible accounts	$ 3,995	$ 284	$ 284	$ 273

SUMMARIZED QUARTERLY FINANCIA_3

SUMMARIZED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2020	Sep. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]
Total revenue		$ 454,492	$ 439,461	$ 410,405	$ 486,423	$ 522,071	$ 493,593	$ 493,986	$ 499,065	$ 1,790,781	$ 2,008,715	$ 1,998,025
Gross profit		262,514	265,000	248,122	284,374	315,010	289,870	291,458	299,442	1,060,010	1,195,780	1,206,277
Net income (loss) attributable to Deluxe		$ 24,663	$ 29,417	$ 14,859	$ (60,131)	$ 44,824	$ (318,493)	$ 32,582	$ 41,190	$ 8,808	$ (199,897)	$ 149,630
Earnings (loss) per share:
Earnings (loss) per share - basic		$ 0.59	$ 0.70	$ 0.36	$ (1.43)	$ 1.06	$ (7.49)	$ 0.75	$ 0.93	$ 0.21	$ (4.65)	$ 3.18
Earnings (loss) per share - diluted		0.58	0.70	0.35	(1.45)	1.06	(7.49)	0.75	0.93	0.19	(4.65)	3.16
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	$ 2,760	$ 4,883	$ 90,330	$ 0	$ 390,980	$ 0	$ 0	$ 97,973	$ 390,980	$ 101,319
Restructuring and integration expense		21,551	18,923	20,382	18,483	23,356	27,674	17,497	6,283	79,339	74,810	21,203
Certain legal-related (benefit) expense						3	0	6,005	412	(2,164)	6,420	10,502
CEO transition costs						851	1,145	1,906	5,488	$ (30)	$ 9,390	$ 7,210
Discrete income tax expense (benefit)	[1]	$ (837)	$ 353	$ 661	$ 13,406	$ (298)	$ 62,854	$ 1,194	$ 926
[1]	Relates primarily to the tax effects of share-based compensation and the non-deductible portion of goodwill impairment charges.