CERNER (CERN) 10-Q 5 May 21 2021 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document And Entity Information

Document And Entity Information - shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Apr. 30, 2021
Entity Information [Line Items]
Document Type	10-Q
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2021
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	0-15386
Entity Registrant Name	CERNER CORPORATION
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	DE
Entity Address, Address Line One	2800 Rock Creek Parkway
Entity Address, City or Town	North Kansas City,
Entity Address, State or Province	MO
Entity Tax Identification Number	43-1196944
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	64117
City Area Code	816
Local Phone Number	221-1024
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share
Trading Symbol	CERN
Security Exchange Name	NASDAQ
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		301,317,068
Entity Central Index Key	0000804753
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2021
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 997,861	$ 615,615
Short-term investments	476,362	442,473
Receivables, net	1,175,139	1,168,712
Inventory	30,442	23,027
Prepaid expenses and other	375,376	401,160
Total current assets	3,055,180	2,650,987
Property and equipment, net	1,803,027	1,804,083
Right-of-use assets	102,871	104,536
Software development costs, net	1,028,513	1,009,349
Goodwill	912,043	914,520
Intangible assets, net	316,368	329,249
Long-term investments	492,704	510,220
Other assets	197,704	198,152
Total assets	7,908,410	7,521,096
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	279,256	235,755
Current installments of long-term debt	225,000	0
Deferred revenue	407,736	393,293
Accrued payroll and tax withholdings	313,184	309,814
Other current liabilities	237,964	229,764
Total current liabilities	1,463,140	1,168,626
Long-term Debt	1,611,102	1,336,069
Deferred income taxes	372,037	376,035
Other liabilities	149,694	157,799
Total liabilities	3,595,973	3,038,529
Shareholders' Equity:
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 500,000,000 shares authorized, 374,048,596 shares issued at March 31, 2021 and 373,224,832 shares issued at December 31, 2020	3,740	3,732
Additional paid-in capital	2,368,227	2,288,806
Retained earnings	6,580,612	6,475,551
Treasury stock, 72,276,054 shares at March 31, 2021 and 67,371,686 shares at December 31, 2020	(4,514,718)	(4,164,718)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net	(125,424)	(120,804)
Total shareholders' equity	4,312,437	4,482,567
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$ 7,908,410	$ 7,521,096
Common stock, par value	$ 0.01
Common Stock, Shares Authorized	500,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	374,048,596	373,224,832
Treasury Stock, Shares	72,276,054	67,371,686

Consolidated Statements Of Oper

Consolidated Statements Of Operations - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Revenues	$ 1,387,778	$ 1,411,741
Costs and expenses:
Costs of revenue	230,656	254,416
Sales and client service	622,176	636,649
Software development (Includes amortization of $64,850 and $61,011, respectively)	192,327	185,320
General and administrative	112,365	139,852
Amortization of acquisition-related intangibles	12,196	17,128
Total costs and expenses	1,169,720	1,233,365
Operating earnings	218,058	178,376
Other income, net	1,206	5,595
Earnings before income taxes	219,264	183,971
Income taxes	(47,012)	(36,812)
Net earnings	$ 172,252	$ 147,159
Basic earnings per share	$ 0.57	$ 0.48
Diluted earnings per share	$ 0.56	$ 0.47
Basic weighted average shares outstanding	304,731	309,657
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding	308,031	312,240
Software development, amortization	$ 64,850	$ 61,011

Consolidated Statements Of Comp

Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent [Abstract]
Net earnings	$ 172,252	$ 147,159
Foreign currency translation adjustment and other (net of taxes (benefit) of $(679) and $425, respectively)	(8,991)	(20,546)
Unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedge (net of taxes (benefit) of $1,509 and $(6,350), respectively)	4,588	(19,308)
Unrealized holding gain (loss) on available-for-sale investments (net of tax benefit of $71 and $279, respectively)	(217)	(849)
Comprehensive income	167,632	106,456
Foreign currency translation adjustment and other, taxes (benefit)	(679)	425
Unrealized loss on cash flow hedge, (taxes) benefit	(1,509)	6,350
Change in net unrealized holding gain (loss) on available-for-sale investments, (taxes) benefit	$ 71	$ 279

Consolidated Statements Of Cash

Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net earnings	$ 172,252	$ 147,159
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	175,313	172,646
Share-based compensation expense	47,950	35,031
Provision for deferred income taxes	(2,829)	10,449
Investment gains	0	(477)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Receivables, net	(12,301)	(22,774)
Inventory	(7,411)	(296)
Prepaid expenses and other	24,173	(13,681)
Accounts payable	30,118	8,539
Accrued income taxes	21,378	1,105
Deferred revenue	14,768	(42,310)
Other accrued liabilities	(12,977)	(11,885)
Net cash provided by operating activities	450,434	283,506
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Capital purchases	(75,925)	(49,248)
Capitalized software development costs	(83,550)	(73,855)
Purchases of investments	(321,670)	(39,194)
Sales and maturities of investments	306,935	36,112
Purchase of other intangibles	(7,975)	(9,682)
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired	0	(744)
Net cash used in investing activities	(182,185)	(136,611)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Long-term debt issuance	500,000	300,000
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	36,514	118,203
Payments to taxing authorities in connection with shares directly withheld from associates	(4,897)	(4,517)
Treasury stock purchases	(341,715)	(650,000)
Dividends paid	(67,477)	(56,047)
Other financing activities	(5,310)	(3,600)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	117,115	(295,961)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(3,118)	(7,365)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	382,246	(156,431)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	615,615	441,843
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 997,861	$ 285,412

Consolidated Statements of Chan

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity Statement - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjustment	Treasury Stock [Member]	AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]
Balance at Dec. 28, 2019		$ 3,676	$ 1,905,171	$ 5,934,909	$ (4,606)	$ (3,407,768)	$ (118,660)
Common stock, shares issued at Dec. 28, 2019		367,635,000
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Exercise of stock options		$ 26	114,050
Exercise of stock options, shares		2,543,000
Employee share-based compensation expense			35,031
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)							(40,703)
Treasury stock purchases						(650,000)
Cash dividends declared				(55,206)
Net earnings	$ 147,159			147,159
Balance at Mar. 31, 2020		$ 3,702	2,054,252	6,022,256		(4,057,768)	(159,363)
Common Stock, shares issued at Mar. 31, 2020		370,178,000
Balance at Dec. 31, 2020	$ 4,482,567	$ 3,732	2,288,806	6,475,551		(4,164,718)	(120,804)
Common stock, shares issued at Dec. 31, 2020	373,224,832	373,225,000
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Exercise of stock options		$ 8	31,471
Exercise of stock options, shares		824,000
Employee share-based compensation expense			47,950
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)							(4,620)
Treasury stock purchases	$ 350,000					(350,000)
Cash dividends declared				(67,191)
Net earnings	172,252			172,252
Balance at Mar. 31, 2021	$ 4,312,437	$ 3,740	$ 2,368,227	$ 6,580,612		$ (4,514,718)	$ (125,424)
Common Stock, shares issued at Mar. 31, 2021	374,048,596	374,049,000

Supplemental Cash Flow Informat

Supplemental Cash Flow Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Table Text Block]	Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information Three Months Ended (In thousands) 2021 2020 Cash paid during the period for: Interest (including amounts capitalized of $2,692 and $4,633, respectively) $ 15,549 $ 11,811 Income taxes, net of refunds 19,216 2,869 Non-cash items: Lease liabilities recorded upon the commencement of operating leases 7,745 17,762 Financed capital purchases 1,361 —

Supplemental Cash Flow Inform_2

Supplemental Cash Flow Information details - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Interest Paid, Capitalized	$ 2,692	$ 4,633
Interest Paid	15,549	11,811
Income Taxes Paid, Net	19,216	2,869
Right-of-Use Asset Obtained in Exchange for Operating Lease Liability	7,745	17,762
Capital Expenditures Incurred but Not yet Paid	$ 1,361	$ 0

Interim Statement Presentation

Interim Statement Presentation (Notes)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Interim Statement Presentation	Interim Statement Presentation Basis of Presentation The condensed consolidated financial statements included herein have been prepared by Cerner Corporation ("Cerner," the "Company," "we," "us" or "our") without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP") have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in our latest annual report on Form 10-K. In management's opinion, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include all adjustments (consisting of only normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly the financial position and the results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented. Our interim results as presented in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q are not necessarily indicative of the operating results for the entire year. The condensed consolidated financial statements were prepared using GAAP. These principles require us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses. Actual results could differ from those estimates. All references to quarters or three month periods ended 2021 and 2020 in these notes to condensed consolidated financial statements refer to the respective three month periods ended March 31, 2021 and March 31, 2020, unless otherwise noted. Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information Three Months Ended (In thousands) 2021 2020 Cash paid during the period for: Interest (including amounts capitalized of $2,692 and $4,633, respectively) $ 15,549 $ 11,811 Income taxes, net of refunds 19,216 2,869 Non-cash items: Lease liabilities recorded upon the commencement of operating leases 7,745 17,762 Financed capital purchases 1,361 — Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Reference Rate Reform. The Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting in March 2020 and ASU 2021-01, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Scope in January 2021. Such guidance provides optional financial reporting alternatives to reduce the cost and complexity associated with the accounting for contracts and hedging relationships affected by reference rate reform, such as the upcoming discontinuance of the London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR"). The accommodations within this guidance may be applied prospectively from the beginning of our 2020 first quarter through December 31, 2022. We are currently evaluating the effect that this guidance may have on our contracts that reference LIBOR, specifically, our Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (as amended, the "Credit Agreement") and related interest rate swap. As of the date of this filing, we have not elected to apply any of the provisions of this guidance.
Description of New Accounting Pronouncements Not yet Adopted [Text Block]	The Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting in March 2020 and ASU 2021-01, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Scope in January 2021. Such guidance provides optional financial reporting alternatives to reduce the cost and complexity associated with the accounting for contracts and hedging relationships affected by reference rate reform, such as the upcoming discontinuance of the London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR"). The accommodations within this guidance may be applied prospectively from the beginning of our 2020 first quarter through December 31, 2022. We are currently evaluating the effect that this guidance may have on our contracts that reference LIBOR, specifically, our Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (as amended, the "Credit Agreement") and related interest rate swap. As of the date of this filing, we have not elected to apply any of the provisions of this guidance.

Revenue from Contracts with Cus

Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Notes)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Text Block]	Revenue Recognition Disaggregation of Revenue The following table presents revenues disaggregated by our business models: Three Months Ended 2021 2020 (In thousands) Domestic International Total Domestic International Total Licensed software $ 148,833 $ 12,828 $ 161,661 $ 146,497 $ 11,535 $ 158,032 Technology resale 37,891 7,781 45,672 44,449 7,038 51,487 Subscriptions 95,383 4,429 99,812 86,936 7,449 94,385 Professional services 434,162 60,260 494,422 452,784 58,562 511,346 Managed services 282,076 35,300 317,376 279,736 29,618 309,354 Support and maintenance 217,499 45,825 263,324 223,416 50,265 273,681 Reimbursed travel 6,148 (637) 5,511 12,597 859 13,456 Total revenues $ 1,221,992 $ 165,786 $ 1,387,778 $ 1,246,415 $ 165,326 $ 1,411,741 The following table presents our revenues disaggregated by timing of revenue recognition: Three Months Ended 2021 2020 (In thousands) Domestic International Total Domestic International Total Revenue recognized over time $ 1,152,849 $ 153,868 $ 1,306,717 $ 1,165,515 $ 153,444 $ 1,318,959 Revenue recognized at a point in time 69,143 11,918 81,061 80,900 11,882 92,782 Total revenues $ 1,221,992 $ 165,786 $ 1,387,778 $ 1,246,415 $ 165,326 $ 1,411,741 Transaction Price Allocated to Remaining Performance Obligations As of March 31, 2021, the aggregate amount of transaction price allocated to performance obligations that are unsatisfied (or partially unsatisfied) for executed contracts approximates $13.07 billion of which we expect to recognize approximately 30% of the revenue over the next 12 months and the remainder thereafter. Contract Liabilities Customer payments received in advance of satisfaction of the related performance obligations are deferred as contract liabilities. Such amounts are classified in our condensed consolidated balance sheets as "Deferred revenue". During the three months ended March 31, 2021, we recognized $138 million of revenues that were included in our contract liability balance at the beginning of such period. Significant Customers Revenues attributable to our relationships (as the prime contractor or a subcontractor) with U.S. government agencies, within our Domestic segment, comprised 20% and 17% of our consolidated revenues for the first three months of 2021 and 2020, respectively. Amounts due in connection with these relationships comprised 16% and 13% of client receivables as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.

Receivables

Receivables	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Receivables [Abstract]
Receivables	Receivables A summary of net receivables is as follows: (In thousands) March 31, 2021 December 31, 2020 Client receivables $ 1,351,234 $ 1,322,278 Less: Provision for expected credit losses 176,095 153,566 Total receivables, net $ 1,175,139 $ 1,168,712 In addition to the client receivables presented above, at both March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, we had $17 million of non-current net client receivables, which are presented in "Other assets" in our condensed consolidated balance sheets. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of our provision for expected credit losses is as follows: (In thousands) Current Non-current Total Provision for expected credit losses - balance at December 31, 2020 $ 153,566 $ 38,564 $ 192,130 Additions charged to costs and expenses 20,251 — 20,251 Deductions, foreign currency and other 2,278 — 2,278 Provision for expected credit losses - balance at March 31, 2021 $ 176,095 $ 38,564 $ 214,659 Our estimates of expected credit losses for client receivables at both March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, were primarily based on historical credit loss experience and adjustments for certain asset-specific risk characteristics (i.e. known client financial hardship or bankruptcy). Exposure to credit losses may increase if our clients are adversely affected by changes in healthcare laws; changes in reimbursement or payor models; economic pressures or uncertainty associated with local or global economic recessions; disruption associated with the COVID-19 pandemic; or other client-specific factors. Although we have historically not experienced significant credit losses, it is possible that there could be an adverse impact from potential adjustments to the carrying amount of client receivables as clients' cash flows are impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and related economic uncertainty, which may be material. During the first three months of 2021 and 2020, we received total client cash collections of $1.44 billion and $1.37 billion, respectively.

Investments

Investments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Investments [Abstract]
Investments	Investments Available-for-sale investments at March 31, 2021 were as follows: (In thousands) Adjusted Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value Cash equivalents: Money market funds $ 165,667 $ — $ — $ 165,667 Time deposits 31,588 — — 31,588 Commercial Paper 131,000 — — 131,000 Government and corporate bonds 9,709 — — 9,709 Total cash equivalents 337,964 — — 337,964 Short-term investments: Time deposits 31,192 — — 31,192 Commercial paper 252,500 9 (70) 252,439 Government and corporate bonds 192,606 226 (101) 192,731 Total short-term investments 476,298 235 (171) 476,362 Long-term investments: Government and corporate bonds 105,645 10 (72) 105,583 Total available-for-sale investments $ 919,907 $ 245 $ (243) $ 919,909 Available-for-sale investments at December 31, 2020 were as follows: (In thousands) Adjusted Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value Cash equivalents: Money market funds $ 40,027 $ — $ — $ 40,027 Time deposits 36,756 — — 36,756 Commercial Paper 61,000 — — 61,000 Total cash equivalents 137,783 — — 137,783 Short-term investments: Time deposits 28,302 — — 28,302 Commercial Paper 264,000 12 (19) 263,993 Government and corporate bonds 149,975 247 (44) 150,178 Total short-term investments 442,277 259 (63) 442,473 Long-term investments: Government and corporate bonds 136,983 152 (57) 137,078 Total available-for-sale investments $ 717,043 $ 411 $ (120) $ 717,334 We sold available-for-sale investments for proceeds of $5 million during the three months ended March 31, 2020, resulting in insignificant losses in the period. Other Investments At March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, we had investments in equity securities that do not have readily determinable fair values of $369 million and $361 million, respectively, accounted for in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification Topic ("ASC") 321, Investments-Equity Securities . Such investments are included in "Long-term investments" in our condensed consolidated balance sheets. We did not record any changes in the measurement of such investments during the three months ended March 31, 2021 and March 31, 2020, respectively. At March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, we had investments in equity securities reported under the equity method of accounting of $18 million and $12 million, respectively. Such investments are included in "Long-term investments" in our condensed consolidated balance sheets.

Debt

Debt	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt Disclosure	Long-term Debt The following is a summary of indebtedness outstanding: (In thousands) March 31, 2021 December 31, 2020 Credit agreement loans due May 5, 2024 $ 600,000 $ 600,000 Senior notes: Series 2021-A due March 24, 2026 100,000 — Series 2021-B due March 24, 2031 400,000 — Series 2020-A due March 11, 2030 300,000 300,000 Series 2015-A due February 15, 2022 225,000 225,000 Series 2015-B due February 14, 2025 200,000 200,000 Other 11,662 11,662 Total indebtedness 1,836,662 1,336,662 Less: debt issuance costs (560) (593) Indebtedness, net 1,836,102 1,336,069 Less: current installments of long-term debt (225,000) — Long-term debt $ 1,611,102 $ 1,336,069 Credit Agreement As of March 31, 2021, the interest rate on revolving credit loans outstanding under our Credit Agreement was 0.91% based on LIBOR plus the applicable spread. We are exposed to market risk from fluctuations in the variable interest rates on outstanding indebtedness under our Credit Agreement. In order to manage this exposure, we have entered into an interest rate swap agreement to hedge the variability of cash flows associated with such interest obligations. The interest rate swap is designated as a cash flow hedge, which effectively fixes the interest rate on the hedged indebtedness under our Credit Agreement at 3.06%. At March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, this swap was in a net liability position with an aggregate fair value of $31 million and $37 million, respectively; which is presented in our condensed consolidated balance sheets in "Other current liabilities" . Series 2021 Senior Notes We entered into a Master Note Agreement on November 11, 2019, and subsequently amended on October 8, 2020 (collectively and as amended, the "2019 Shelf Agreement"), pursuant to which we may issue and sell up to an aggregate principal amount of $1.80 billion of unsecured senior promissory notes. In March 2021, we issued $500 million aggregate principal amount of unsecured senior notes (the "Series 2021 Senior Notes"), pursuant to the 2019 Shelf Agreement. The issuance consisted of $100 million of 2.00% Series 2021-A Notes due March 24, 2026 and $400 million of 2.59% Series 2021-B Notes due March 24, 2031. Interest on the Series 2021 Senior Notes is payable semiannually on each March 24 and September 24, commencing September 24, 2021, and the principal balance is due at maturity. The Company may prepay at any time all, or any part of, the outstanding principal amount of the Series 2021 Senior Notes, subject to the payment of a make-whole amount. The Series 2021 Senior Notes are subject to the terms of the 2019 Shelf Agreement, which contains customary events of default and covenants related to limitations on indebtedness and transactions with affiliates and the maintenance of certain financial ratios. As of the date of this filing, $1.00 billion remains available for sale under the 2019 Shelf Agreement, which is uncommitted and subject to participation by the purchasers.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	Fair Value Measurements We determine fair value measurements used in our consolidated financial statements based upon the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The fair value hierarchy distinguishes between (1) market participant assumptions developed based on market data obtained from independent sources (observable inputs) and (2) an entity's own assumptions about market participant assumptions developed based on the best information available in the circumstances (unobservable inputs). The fair value hierarchy consists of three broad levels, which gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are described below: • Level 1 – Valuations based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the entity has the ability to access. • Level 2 – Valuations based on quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities, quoted prices in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities. • Level 3 – Valuations based on inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities. The following table details our investments in available-for-sale debt securities measured and recorded at fair value on a recurring basis at March 31, 2021: (In thousands) Fair Value Measurements Using Description Balance Sheet Classification Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Money market funds Cash equivalents $ 165,667 $ — $ — Time deposits Cash equivalents — 31,588 — Commercial paper Cash equivalents — 131,000 — Government and corporate bonds Cash equivalents — 9,709 — Time deposits Short-term investments — 31,192 — Commercial paper Short-term investments — 252,439 — Government and corporate bonds Short-term investments — 192,731 — Government and corporate bonds Long-term investments — 105,583 — The following table details our investments in available-for-sale debt securities measured and recorded at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2020: (In thousands) Fair Value Measurements Using Description Balance Sheet Classification Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Money market funds Cash equivalents $ 40,027 $ — $ — Time deposits Cash equivalents — 36,756 — Commercial paper Cash equivalents — 61,000 — Time deposits Short-term investments — 28,302 — Commercial paper Short-term investments — 263,993 — Government and corporate bonds Short-term investments — 150,178 — Government and corporate bonds Long-term investments — 137,078 — Our interest rate swap agreement is measured and recorded at fair value on a recurring basis using a Level 2 valuation. The fair value of such agreement is based on the market standard methodology of netting the discounted expected future variable cash receipts and the discounted future fixed cash payments. The variable cash receipts are based on an expectation of future interest rates derived from observed market interest rate forward curves. Since these inputs are observable in active markets over the terms that the instrument is held, the derivative is classified as Level 2 in the hierarchy. We estimate the fair value of our long-term, fixed rate debt using a Level 3 discounted cash flow analysis based on current borrowing rates for debt with similar maturities. We estimate the fair value of our long-term, variable rate debt using a Level 3 discounted cash flow analysis based on LIBOR rate forward curves. The fair value of our long-term debt at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 was approximately $1.85 billion and $1.36 billion, respectively. The carrying amount of such debt at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 was $1.83 billion and $1.33 billion, respectively.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income TaxesWe determine the tax provision for interim periods using an estimate of our annual effective tax rate, adjusted for discrete items, if any, that are taken into account in the relevant period. Each quarter we update our estimate of the annual effective tax rate, and if our estimated tax rate changes, we make a cumulative adjustment. Our effective tax rate was 21.4% and 20.0% for the first three months of 2021 and 2020, respectively. The increase in the effective tax rate in the first quarter of 2021 is primarily due to a decrease in net excess tax benefits recognized as a component of income tax expense in connection with the exercise of stock options and the vesting of restricted share and share unit awards.

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	Earnings Per Share A reconciliation of the numerators and the denominators of the basic and diluted per share computations are as follows: Three Months Ended 2021 2020 Earnings Shares Per-Share Earnings Shares Per-Share (In thousands, except per share data) (Numerator) (Denominator) Amount (Numerator) (Denominator) Amount Basic earnings per share: Income available to common shareholders $ 172,252 304,731 $ 0.57 $ 147,159 309,657 $ 0.48 Effect of dilutive securities: Stock options, non-vested shares and share units — 3,300 — 2,583 Diluted earnings per share: Income available to common shareholders including assumed conversions $ 172,252 308,031 $ 0.56 $ 147,159 312,240 $ 0.47 For the three months ended March 31, 2021 and March 31, 2020, options to purchase 1.1 million and 4.1 million shares of common stock at per share prices ranging from $52.32 to $76.49 and $56.76 to $76.49, respectively, were outstanding but were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because they were anti-dilutive.

Share-Based Compensation

Share-Based Compensation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]
Shareholders' Equity and Share-based Payments	Share-Based Compensation and Equity Stock Options Stock option activity for the three months ended March 31, 2021 was as follows: (In thousands, except per share and term data) Number of Weighted- Aggregate Weighted-Average Outstanding at beginning of year 10,204 $ 58.59 Exercised (705) 51.57 Forfeited and expired (41) 58.83 Outstanding as of March 31, 2021 9,458 $ 59.11 $ 120,781 5.36 Exercisable as of March 31, 2021 5,997 $ 57.99 $ 83,349 4.53 As of March 31, 2021, there was $39 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to stock options granted under all plans. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.77 years. Non-vested Shares and Share Units Non-vested share and share unit activity for the three months ended March 31, 2021 was as follows: (In thousands, except per share data) Number of Shares Weighted-Average Outstanding at beginning of year 4,131 $ 68.05 Granted 71 73.95 Vested (188) 65.89 Forfeited (64) 69.07 Outstanding as of March 31, 2021 3,950 $ 68.24 As of March 31, 2021, there was $158 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested share and share unit awards granted under all plans. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.68 years. Share-Based Compensation Cost The following table presents total compensation expense recognized with respect to stock options, non-vested shares and share units, and our associate stock purchase plan: Three Months Ended (In thousands) 2021 2020 Stock option and non-vested share and share unit compensation expense $ 47,950 $ 35,031 Associate stock purchase plan expense 1,548 1,101 Amounts capitalized in software development costs, net of amortization (1,663) (745) Amounts charged against earnings, before income tax benefit $ 47,835 $ 35,387 Amount of related income tax benefit recognized in earnings $ 10,256 $ 6,443 Treasury Stock Under our current share repurchase program, which was initially approved by our Board of Directors in May 2017 and most recently amended in December 2019, the Company is authorized to repurchase up to $3.70 billion of shares of our common stock, excluding transaction costs. The repurchases are to be effectuated in the open market, by block purchase, in privately negotiated transactions, or through other transactions managed by broker-dealers. No time limit was set for the completion of the program. During the three months ended March 31, 2021, we repurchased 4.9 million shares for total consideration of $350 million under the program. The shares were recorded as treasury stock and accounted for under the cost method. No repurchased shares have been retired. As of March 31, 2021, $577 million remained available for repurchase under the program. Dividends On March 25, 2021, our Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.22 per share on our issued and outstanding common stock, which was paid on April 20, 2021 to shareholders of record as of April 6, 2021. In connection with the declaration of such dividend, our non-vested shares and share units are entitled to dividend equivalents, which will be payable to the holder subject to, and upon vesting of, the underlying awards. Our outstanding stock options are not entitled to dividend or dividend equivalents. At both March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, our condensed consolidated balance sheets included liabilities for dividends payable of $69 million, which are included in "Other current liabilities". Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net (AOCI) The components of AOCI, net of tax, were as follows: Foreign currency translation adjustment and other Unrealized loss on cash flow hedge Unrealized holding gain (loss) on available-for-sale investments Total (In thousands) Balance at December 31, 2020 $ (93,450) $ (27,788) $ 434 $ (120,804) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (8,991) 2,061 (217) (7,147) Amounts reclassified from AOCI — 2,527 — 2,527 Balance at March 31, 2021 $ (102,441) $ (23,200) $ 217 $ (125,424) Foreign currency translation adjustment and other Unrealized loss on cash flow hedge Unrealized holding gain (loss) on available-for-sale investments Total (In thousands) Balance at December 28, 2019 $ (106,347) $ (12,578) $ 265 $ (118,660) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (20,546) (20,430) (849) (41,825) Amounts reclassified from AOCI — 1,122 — 1,122 Balance at March 31, 2020 $ (126,893) $ (31,886) $ (584) $ (159,363) The effects on net earnings of amounts reclassified from AOCI were as follows: (In thousands) Three Months Ended AOCI Component Location 2021 2020 Unrealized loss on cash flow hedge Other income, net $ (3,217) $ (1,372) Income taxes 690 250 Total amount reclassified, net of tax $ (2,527) $ (1,122)

Contingencies

Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Contingencies Disclosure	Contingencies We accrue estimates for resolution of any legal and other contingencies when losses are probable and reasonably estimable in accordance with ASC 450, Contingencies ("ASC 450"). No less than quarterly, and as facts and circumstances change, we review the status of each significant matter underlying a legal proceeding or claim and assess our potential financial exposure. We accrue a liability for an estimated loss if the potential loss from any legal proceeding or claim is considered probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated. Significant judgment is required in both the determination of probability and the determination as to whether the amount of an exposure is reasonably estimable, and accruals are based only on the information available to our management at the time the judgment is made, which may prove to be incomplete or inaccurate or unanticipated events and circumstances may occur that might cause us to change those estimates and assumptions. Furthermore, the outcome of legal proceedings is inherently uncertain, and we may incur substantial defense costs and expenses defending any of these matters. Should any one or a combination of more than one of these proceedings be successful, or should we determine to settle any one or a combination of these matters, we may be required to pay substantial sums, become subject to the entry of an injunction or be forced to change the manner in which we operate our business, which could have a material adverse impact on our business, results of operations, cash flows or financial condition. Cerner Health Services, Inc. ("Cerner HS"), a wholly owned subsidiary of Cerner Corporation, filed a lawsuit in the Chester County, Pennsylvania, Court of Common Pleas against NextGen Healthcare Information Systems, LLC ("NextGen") relating to a dispute arising out of a supplier relationship initially established between Siemens Health Services, Inc. and NextGen prior to the acquisition of the assets of Siemens Health Services, Inc. by Cerner HS in 2015. In September 2017, the court issued a preliminary injunction to prevent NextGen from refusing to honor certain contractual obligations to support Cerner HS's clients who use NextGen ambulatory EHR solutions. In September 2018, NextGen filed a counterclaim alleging breach of contract and tortious interference. NextGen’s expert testified at trial that NextGen should be entitled to collect profit disgorgement damages of $122 million or, at least $18 million of ambulatory-related disgorgement damages. Alternatively, he claimed NextGen should recover $26 million in lost profit damages. A remote trial commenced on January 25, 2021 and trial continues. We believe NextGen's claims are without merit and are vigorously defending against them; however, there can be no assurances as to the outcome of the dispute. We have not concluded that a loss related to the claims raised by NextGen in its counterclaim is probable, nor have we accrued a liability related to these claims. Although a loss may be reasonably possible (as defined in ASC 450), we do not have sufficient information to determine the amount or range of reasonably possible loss in light of the inherent difficulty of predicting the outcome of litigation generally, the wide range of damages presented by NextGen's expert, and the continued lack of clarity on the causal connection between Cerner Corporation's and Cerner HS's actions and any alleged damages. The terms of our agreements with our clients generally provide for limited indemnification of such clients against losses, expenses and liabilities arising from third party or other claims based on, among other things, alleged infringement by our solutions of an intellectual property right of third parties or damages caused by data privacy breaches or system interruptions. The terms of such indemnification often limit the scope of and remedies for such indemnification obligations and generally include, as applicable, a right to replace or modify an infringing solution. For several reasons, including the lack of a sufficient number of prior indemnification claims relating to IP infringement, data privacy breaches or system interruptions, the inherent uncertainty stemming from such claims, and the lack of a monetary liability limit for such claims under the terms of the corresponding agreements with our clients, we cannot determine the maximum amount of potential future payments, if any, related to such indemnification provisions. In addition to commitments and obligations in the ordinary course of business, we are involved in various other legal proceedings and claims that arise in the ordinary course of business, including for example, employment and client disputes and litigation alleging solution and implementation defects, personal injury, intellectual property infringement, violations of law, breaches of contract and warranties, and compliance audits by various government agencies. Many of these proceedings are at preliminary stages and many seek an indeterminate amount of damages. At this time, we do not believe the range of potential losses under any claims to be material to our consolidated financial statements.

Segment Reporting

Segment Reporting	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Reporting	Segment Reporting We have two operating segments, Domestic and International. Revenues are derived primarily from the sale of clinical, financial and administrative information solutions and services. The cost of revenues includes the cost of third-party consulting services, computer hardware, devices and sublicensed software purchased from manufacturers for delivery to clients. It also includes the cost of hardware maintenance and sublicensed software support subcontracted to the manufacturers. Operating expenses incurred by the geographic business segments consist of sales and client service expenses including salaries of sales and client service personnel, expenses associated with our managed services business, marketing expenses, communications expenses and unreimbursed travel expenses. "Other" includes expenses that have not been allocated to the operating segments, such as software development, general and administrative expenses, certain organizational restructuring and other expense, share-based compensation expense, and certain amortization and depreciation. Performance of the segments is assessed at the operating earnings level by our chief operating decision maker, who is our Chief Executive Officer. Items such as interest, income taxes, capital expenditures and total assets are managed at the consolidated level and thus are not included in our operating segment disclosures. Accounting policies for each of the reportable segments are the same as those used on a consolidated basis. The following table presents a summary of our operating segments and other expense for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and March 31, 2020: (In thousands) Domestic International Other Total Three Months Ended 2021 Revenues $ 1,221,992 $ 165,786 $ — $ 1,387,778 Costs of revenue 205,694 24,962 — 230,656 Operating expenses 560,562 61,614 316,888 939,064 Total costs and expenses 766,256 86,576 316,888 1,169,720 Operating earnings (loss) $ 455,736 $ 79,210 $ (316,888) $ 218,058 (In thousands) Domestic International Other Total Three Months Ended 2020 Revenues $ 1,246,415 $ 165,326 $ — $ 1,411,741 Costs of revenue 228,567 25,849 — 254,416 Operating expenses 570,094 66,555 342,300 978,949 Total costs and expenses 798,661 92,404 342,300 1,233,365 Operating earnings (loss) $ 447,754 $ 72,922 $ (342,300) $ 178,376

Subsequent Events

Subsequent Events	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	Subsequent Events Kantar Health On April 1, 2021, we acquired Kantar Health, a division of Kantar Group, for a base cash purchase price of $375 million. Kantar Health provides data, analytics, commercial research, and consulting services to the life sciences industry. The base purchase price is subject to post-closing adjustments for working capital and certain other adjustments, as specified in the Securities Purchase Agreement dated December 16, 2020, as amended. Our acquisition of Kantar Health will be treated as a purchase in accordance with ASC 805, Business Combinations , which requires allocation of the purchase price to the estimated fair values of assets and liabilities acquired in the transaction. Due to the timing of the acquisition subsequent to our first quarter 2021 period-end, certain disclosures, including the preliminary allocation of purchase price, have been omitted from this quarterly report on Form 10-Q because the initial accounting for the business combination is incomplete as of the filing date. We will include necessary disclosures in our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for our second quarter of 2021. 2021 Share Repurchase Program On April 23, 2021, our Board of Directors approved a new share repurchase program (the "2021 Share Repurchase Program"), which authorizes the Company to repurchase up to $3.75 billion in the aggregate of shares of our common stock, excluding transaction costs. The 2021 Share Repurchase Program is incremental to our current program originally approved in May 2017. The repurchases are to be effectuated in the open market, by block purchase, in privately negotiated transactions, or through other transactions managed by broker-dealers, or any combination thereof. The 2021 Share Repurchase Program will expire on December 31, 2023.

Organization, Consolidation and

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block]	The condensed consolidated financial statements were prepared using GAAP

Revenue from Contracts with C_2

Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Table Text Block]	Disaggregation of Revenue The following table presents revenues disaggregated by our business models: Three Months Ended 2021 2020 (In thousands) Domestic International Total Domestic International Total Licensed software $ 148,833 $ 12,828 $ 161,661 $ 146,497 $ 11,535 $ 158,032 Technology resale 37,891 7,781 45,672 44,449 7,038 51,487 Subscriptions 95,383 4,429 99,812 86,936 7,449 94,385 Professional services 434,162 60,260 494,422 452,784 58,562 511,346 Managed services 282,076 35,300 317,376 279,736 29,618 309,354 Support and maintenance 217,499 45,825 263,324 223,416 50,265 273,681 Reimbursed travel 6,148 (637) 5,511 12,597 859 13,456 Total revenues $ 1,221,992 $ 165,786 $ 1,387,778 $ 1,246,415 $ 165,326 $ 1,411,741 The following table presents our revenues disaggregated by timing of revenue recognition: Three Months Ended 2021 2020 (In thousands) Domestic International Total Domestic International Total Revenue recognized over time $ 1,152,849 $ 153,868 $ 1,306,717 $ 1,165,515 $ 153,444 $ 1,318,959 Revenue recognized at a point in time 69,143 11,918 81,061 80,900 11,882 92,782 Total revenues $ 1,221,992 $ 165,786 $ 1,387,778 $ 1,246,415 $ 165,326 $ 1,411,741

Receivables (Tables)

Receivables (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Receivables [Abstract]
Summary of Net Receivables	A summary of net receivables is as follows: (In thousands) March 31, 2021 December 31, 2020 Client receivables $ 1,351,234 $ 1,322,278 Less: Provision for expected credit losses 176,095 153,566 Total receivables, net $ 1,175,139 $ 1,168,712
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss	A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of our provision for expected credit losses is as follows: (In thousands) Current Non-current Total Provision for expected credit losses - balance at December 31, 2020 $ 153,566 $ 38,564 $ 192,130 Additions charged to costs and expenses 20,251 — 20,251 Deductions, foreign currency and other 2,278 — 2,278 Provision for expected credit losses - balance at March 31, 2021 $ 176,095 $ 38,564 $ 214,659

Investments (Tables)

Investments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Investments [Abstract]
Schedule of available-for-sale investments	Available-for-sale investments at March 31, 2021 were as follows: (In thousands) Adjusted Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value Cash equivalents: Money market funds $ 165,667 $ — $ — $ 165,667 Time deposits 31,588 — — 31,588 Commercial Paper 131,000 — — 131,000 Government and corporate bonds 9,709 — — 9,709 Total cash equivalents 337,964 — — 337,964 Short-term investments: Time deposits 31,192 — — 31,192 Commercial paper 252,500 9 (70) 252,439 Government and corporate bonds 192,606 226 (101) 192,731 Total short-term investments 476,298 235 (171) 476,362 Long-term investments: Government and corporate bonds 105,645 10 (72) 105,583 Total available-for-sale investments $ 919,907 $ 245 $ (243) $ 919,909 Available-for-sale investments at December 31, 2020 were as follows: (In thousands) Adjusted Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value Cash equivalents: Money market funds $ 40,027 $ — $ — $ 40,027 Time deposits 36,756 — — 36,756 Commercial Paper 61,000 — — 61,000 Total cash equivalents 137,783 — — 137,783 Short-term investments: Time deposits 28,302 — — 28,302 Commercial Paper 264,000 12 (19) 263,993 Government and corporate bonds 149,975 247 (44) 150,178 Total short-term investments 442,277 259 (63) 442,473 Long-term investments: Government and corporate bonds 136,983 152 (57) 137,078 Total available-for-sale investments $ 717,043 $ 411 $ (120) $ 717,334

Debt (Tables)

Debt (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Debt	The following is a summary of indebtedness outstanding: (In thousands) March 31, 2021 December 31, 2020 Credit agreement loans due May 5, 2024 $ 600,000 $ 600,000 Senior notes: Series 2021-A due March 24, 2026 100,000 — Series 2021-B due March 24, 2031 400,000 — Series 2020-A due March 11, 2030 300,000 300,000 Series 2015-A due February 15, 2022 225,000 225,000 Series 2015-B due February 14, 2025 200,000 200,000 Other 11,662 11,662 Total indebtedness 1,836,662 1,336,662 Less: debt issuance costs (560) (593) Indebtedness, net 1,836,102 1,336,069 Less: current installments of long-term debt (225,000) — Long-term debt $ 1,611,102 $ 1,336,069

Fair Value Measurements (Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis	The following table details our investments in available-for-sale debt securities measured and recorded at fair value on a recurring basis at March 31, 2021: (In thousands) Fair Value Measurements Using Description Balance Sheet Classification Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Money market funds Cash equivalents $ 165,667 $ — $ — Time deposits Cash equivalents — 31,588 — Commercial paper Cash equivalents — 131,000 — Government and corporate bonds Cash equivalents — 9,709 — Time deposits Short-term investments — 31,192 — Commercial paper Short-term investments — 252,439 — Government and corporate bonds Short-term investments — 192,731 — Government and corporate bonds Long-term investments — 105,583 — The following table details our investments in available-for-sale debt securities measured and recorded at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2020: (In thousands) Fair Value Measurements Using Description Balance Sheet Classification Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Money market funds Cash equivalents $ 40,027 $ — $ — Time deposits Cash equivalents — 36,756 — Commercial paper Cash equivalents — 61,000 — Time deposits Short-term investments — 28,302 — Commercial paper Short-term investments — 263,993 — Government and corporate bonds Short-term investments — 150,178 — Government and corporate bonds Long-term investments — 137,078 —

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Reconciliation Of The Numerators And The Denominators Of The Basic And Diluted Per Share	A reconciliation of the numerators and the denominators of the basic and diluted per share computations are as follows: Three Months Ended 2021 2020 Earnings Shares Per-Share Earnings Shares Per-Share (In thousands, except per share data) (Numerator) (Denominator) Amount (Numerator) (Denominator) Amount Basic earnings per share: Income available to common shareholders $ 172,252 304,731 $ 0.57 $ 147,159 309,657 $ 0.48 Effect of dilutive securities: Stock options, non-vested shares and share units — 3,300 — 2,583 Diluted earnings per share: Income available to common shareholders including assumed conversions $ 172,252 308,031 $ 0.56 $ 147,159 312,240 $ 0.47

Share-Based Compensation (Table

Share-Based Compensation (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]
Schedule Of Stock Options Activity	Stock option activity for the three months ended March 31, 2021 was as follows: (In thousands, except per share and term data) Number of Weighted- Aggregate Weighted-Average Outstanding at beginning of year 10,204 $ 58.59 Exercised (705) 51.57 Forfeited and expired (41) 58.83 Outstanding as of March 31, 2021 9,458 $ 59.11 $ 120,781 5.36 Exercisable as of March 31, 2021 5,997 $ 57.99 $ 83,349 4.53
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock Activity	Non-vested share and share unit activity for the three months ended March 31, 2021 was as follows: (In thousands, except per share data) Number of Shares Weighted-Average Outstanding at beginning of year 4,131 $ 68.05 Granted 71 73.95 Vested (188) 65.89 Forfeited (64) 69.07 Outstanding as of March 31, 2021 3,950 $ 68.24
Compensation Expense Recognized In The Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Operations	The following table presents total compensation expense recognized with respect to stock options, non-vested shares and share units, and our associate stock purchase plan: Three Months Ended (In thousands) 2021 2020 Stock option and non-vested share and share unit compensation expense $ 47,950 $ 35,031 Associate stock purchase plan expense 1,548 1,101 Amounts capitalized in software development costs, net of amortization (1,663) (745) Amounts charged against earnings, before income tax benefit $ 47,835 $ 35,387 Amount of related income tax benefit recognized in earnings $ 10,256 $ 6,443
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	The components of AOCI, net of tax, were as follows: Foreign currency translation adjustment and other Unrealized loss on cash flow hedge Unrealized holding gain (loss) on available-for-sale investments Total (In thousands) Balance at December 31, 2020 $ (93,450) $ (27,788) $ 434 $ (120,804) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (8,991) 2,061 (217) (7,147) Amounts reclassified from AOCI — 2,527 — 2,527 Balance at March 31, 2021 $ (102,441) $ (23,200) $ 217 $ (125,424) Foreign currency translation adjustment and other Unrealized loss on cash flow hedge Unrealized holding gain (loss) on available-for-sale investments Total (In thousands) Balance at December 28, 2019 $ (106,347) $ (12,578) $ 265 $ (118,660) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (20,546) (20,430) (849) (41,825) Amounts reclassified from AOCI — 1,122 — 1,122 Balance at March 31, 2020 $ (126,893) $ (31,886) $ (584) $ (159,363)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	The effects on net earnings of amounts reclassified from AOCI were as follows: (In thousands) Three Months Ended AOCI Component Location 2021 2020 Unrealized loss on cash flow hedge Other income, net $ (3,217) $ (1,372) Income taxes 690 250 Total amount reclassified, net of tax $ (2,527) $ (1,122)

Segment Reporting (Tables)

Segment Reporting (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Summary of the Operating Information	The following table presents a summary of our operating segments and other expense for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and March 31, 2020: (In thousands) Domestic International Other Total Three Months Ended 2021 Revenues $ 1,221,992 $ 165,786 $ — $ 1,387,778 Costs of revenue 205,694 24,962 — 230,656 Operating expenses 560,562 61,614 316,888 939,064 Total costs and expenses 766,256 86,576 316,888 1,169,720 Operating earnings (loss) $ 455,736 $ 79,210 $ (316,888) $ 218,058 (In thousands) Domestic International Other Total Three Months Ended 2020 Revenues $ 1,246,415 $ 165,326 $ — $ 1,411,741 Costs of revenue 228,567 25,849 — 254,416 Operating expenses 570,094 66,555 342,300 978,949 Total costs and expenses 798,661 92,404 342,300 1,233,365 Operating earnings (loss) $ 447,754 $ 72,922 $ (342,300) $ 178,376

Policies (Details)

Policies (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]	These principles require us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses
Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block]	The condensed consolidated financial statements were prepared using GAAP

Disaggregation of Revenue (Deta

Disaggregation of Revenue (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 1,387,778	$ 1,411,741
Transferred over Time [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	1,306,717	1,318,959
Transferred at Point in Time [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	81,061	92,782
Domestic Segment
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	1,221,992	1,246,415
Domestic Segment | Transferred over Time [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	1,152,849	1,165,515
Domestic Segment | Transferred at Point in Time [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	69,143	80,900
International Segment [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	165,786	165,326
International Segment [Member] | Transferred over Time [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	153,868	153,444
International Segment [Member] | Transferred at Point in Time [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	11,918	11,882
Revenue, Licensed Software, Net [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	161,661	158,032
Revenue, Licensed Software, Net [Member] | Domestic Segment
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	148,833	146,497
Revenue, Licensed Software, Net [Member] | International Segment [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	12,828	11,535
Revenue, Technology Resale, Net [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	45,672	51,487
Revenue, Technology Resale, Net [Member] | Domestic Segment
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	37,891	44,449
Revenue, Technology Resale, Net [Member] | International Segment [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	7,781	7,038
Revenue, Subscriptions, Net [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	99,812	94,385
Revenue, Subscriptions, Net [Member] | Domestic Segment
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	95,383	86,936
Revenue, Subscriptions, Net [Member] | International Segment [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	4,429	7,449
Revenue, Professional Services, Net [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	494,422	511,346
Revenue, Professional Services, Net [Member] | Domestic Segment
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	434,162	452,784
Revenue, Professional Services, Net [Member] | International Segment [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	60,260	58,562
Revenue, Managed Services, Net [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	317,376	309,354
Revenue, Managed Services, Net [Member] | Domestic Segment
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	282,076	279,736
Revenue, Managed Services, Net [Member] | International Segment [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	35,300	29,618
Revenue, Support and Maintenance Services, Net [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	263,324	273,681
Revenue, Support and Maintenance Services, Net [Member] | Domestic Segment
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	217,499	223,416
Revenue, Support and Maintenance Services, Net [Member] | International Segment [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	45,825	50,265
Revenue, Reimbursement Revenue [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	5,511	13,456
Revenue, Reimbursement Revenue [Member] | Domestic Segment
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	6,148	12,597
Revenue, Reimbursement Revenue [Member] | International Segment [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	$ (637)	$ 859

Performance Obligation (Details

Performance Obligation (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021USD ($)
Revenue Recognition [Line Items]
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation	$ 13,070
Contract with Customer, Liability, Revenue Recognized	$ 138
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Explanation	we expect to recognize approximately 30% of the revenue over the next 12 months and the remainder thereafter

Revenue from Contracts with C_3

Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Segment Reporting, Disclosure of Major Customers	20	17
Credit Concentration Risk [Member]
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	16.00%	13.00%
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	16.00%	13.00%

Receivables (Narrative) (Detail

Receivables (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Receivables [Abstract]
Accounts Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss, Noncurrent	$ 17
Client cash collections	$ 1,440	$ 1,370

Receivables (Summary Of Net Rec

Receivables (Summary Of Net Receivables) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Receivables [Abstract]
Gross accounts receivable	$ 1,351,234	$ 1,322,278
Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts	176,095	153,566
Total receivables, net	$ 1,175,139	$ 1,168,712

Schedule of Valuation and Quali

Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Accounts Receivable, Credit Loss Expense (Reversal)	$ 20,251
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Writeoff	2,278
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss	214,659	$ 192,130
Current Expected Credit Losses
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Accounts Receivable, Credit Loss Expense (Reversal)	20,251
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Writeoff	2,278
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss	176,095	153,566
Non-current Expected Credit Losses
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Accounts Receivable, Credit Loss Expense (Reversal)	0
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Writeoff	0
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss	$ 38,564	$ 38,564

Investments (Narrative) (Detail

Investments (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Investments [Abstract]
Proceeds from Sale of Available-for-sale Securities	$ 5
Equity Securities without Readily Determinable Fair Value, Amount		$ 369	$ 361
Equity Method Investments		$ 18	$ 12

Investments (Details)

Investments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Adjusted Cost	$ 919,907	$ 717,043
Gross Unrealized Gains	245	411
Gross Unrealized Losses	(243)	(120)
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	919,909	717,334
Cash equivalents [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Adjusted Cost	337,964	137,783
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	337,964	137,783
Cash equivalents [Member] | Money market funds [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Adjusted Cost	165,667	40,027
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	165,667	40,027
Cash equivalents [Member] | Time deposits [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Adjusted Cost	31,588	36,756
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	31,588	36,756
Cash equivalents [Member] | Commercial paper [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Adjusted Cost	131,000	61,000
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	131,000	61,000
Cash equivalents [Member] | Government and corporate bonds [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Adjusted Cost	9,709
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	9,709
Short-term investments [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Adjusted Cost	476,298	442,277
Gross Unrealized Gains	235	259
Gross Unrealized Losses	(171)	(63)
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	476,362	442,473
Short-term investments [Member] | Time deposits [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Adjusted Cost	31,192	28,302
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	31,192	28,302
Short-term investments [Member] | Commercial paper [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Adjusted Cost	252,500	264,000
Gross Unrealized Gains	9	12
Gross Unrealized Losses	(70)	(19)
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	252,439	263,993
Short-term investments [Member] | Government and corporate bonds [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Adjusted Cost	192,606	149,975
Gross Unrealized Gains	226	247
Gross Unrealized Losses	(101)	(44)
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	192,731	150,178
Long-term investments [Member] | Government and corporate bonds [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Adjusted Cost	105,645	136,983
Gross Unrealized Gains	10	152
Gross Unrealized Losses	(72)	(57)
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	$ 105,583	$ 137,078

Schedule of Indebtedness Outsta

Schedule of Indebtedness Outstanding (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying amount of long-term debt	$ 1,836,662	$ 1,336,662
Debt Issuance Costs, Noncurrent, Net	560	593
Long-term Debt, Net of Debt Issuances Costs	1,836,102	1,336,069
Current installments of long-term debt	(225,000)	0
Long-term Debt	1,611,102	1,336,069
Line of Credit
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying amount of long-term debt	$ 600,000	600,000
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	May 5, 2024
Senior Notes - Series 2021-A due March 24, 2026
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying amount of long-term debt	$ 100,000	0
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	Mar. 24, 2026
Senior Notes - Series 2021-B due March 24, 2031
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying amount of long-term debt	$ 400,000	0
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	Mar. 24, 2031
Senior Notes - Series 2020-A due March 11, 2030
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying amount of long-term debt	$ 300,000	300,000
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	Mar. 11, 2030
Senior Notes - Series 2015 A due February 15, 2022
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying amount of long-term debt	$ 225,000	225,000
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	Feb. 15, 2022
Senior Notes - Series 2015-B due February 14, 2025
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying amount of long-term debt	$ 200,000	200,000
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	Feb. 14, 2025
Other
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying amount of long-term debt	$ 11,662	$ 11,662

Indebtedness (Narrative) (Detai

Indebtedness (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate at Period End	0.91%
General Discussion of Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities	We are exposed to market risk from fluctuations in the variable interest rates on outstanding indebtedness under our Credit Agreement. In order to manage this exposure, we have entered into an interest rate swap agreement to hedge the variability of cash flows associated with such interest obligations. The interest rate swap is designated as a cash flow hedge, which effectively fixes the interest rate on the hedged indebtedness under our Credit Agreement at 3.06%
Derivative, Fair Value, Net	$ 31	$ 37
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	$ 500
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	2.00%
Debt Instrument, Frequency of Periodic Payment	payable semiannually
Debt Instrument, Date of First Required Payment	Sep. 24, 2021
Debt Instrument, Restrictive Covenants	The Series 2021 Senior Notes are subject to the terms of the 2019 Shelf Agreement, which contains customary events of default and covenants related to limitations on indebtedness and transactions with affiliates and the maintenance of certain financial ratios.
Debt Instrument, Amount Uncommitted and Available for Sale	$ 1,000
Debt Instrument, Total Amount Authorized under Shelf Agreement	$ 1,800
Senior Notes - Series 2020-A due March 11, 2030
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	Mar. 11, 2030
Senior Notes - Series 2021-A due March 24, 2026
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	$ 100
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	2.00%
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	Mar. 24, 2026
Senior Notes - Series 2021-B due March 24, 2031
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	$ 400
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	2.59%
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	Mar. 24, 2031

Fair Value Measurements (Narrat

Fair Value Measurements (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements, Valuation Processes, Description	We estimate the fair value of our long-term, fixed rate debt using a Level 3 discounted cash flow analysis based on current borrowing rates for debt with similar maturities. We estimate the fair value of our long-term, variable rate debt using a Level 3 discounted cash flow analysis based on LIBOR rate forward curves.
Fair value of long-term debt, including current maturities	$ 1,850	$ 1,360
Unsecured Debt	$ 1,830	$ 1,330

Fair Value Measurements Fair Va

Fair Value Measurements Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	$ 919,909	$ 717,334
Level 1 [Member] | Money market funds [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure	165,667	40,027
Level 2 [Member] | Time deposits [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure	31,588	36,756
Level 2 [Member] | Commercial paper [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure	131,000	61,000
Level 2 [Member] | Government and corporate bonds [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure	9,709
Level 3 [Member] | Money market funds [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Level 3 [Member] | Time deposits [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Short-term investments [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	476,362	442,473
Short-term investments [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Time deposits [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	31,192	28,302
Short-term investments [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Commercial paper [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	252,439	263,993
Short-term investments [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Government and corporate bonds [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	192,731	150,178
Short-term investments [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Time deposits [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	0	0
Short-term investments [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Commercial paper [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	0
Short-term investments [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Government and corporate bonds [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	0	0
Long-term investments [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Government and corporate bonds [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	105,583	137,078
Long-term investments [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Government and corporate bonds [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	$ 0	$ 0

Income Taxes (Details)

Income Taxes (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Effective tax rate	21.40%	20.00%

Earnings Per Share (Reconciliat

Earnings Per Share (Reconciliation Of The Numerators And The Denominators Of The Basic And Diluted Per Share) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Income available to common shareholders, basic	$ 172,252	$ 147,159
Income available to common shareholders including assumed conversions, diluted	$ 172,252	$ 147,159
Basic weighted average shares outstanding	304,731	309,657
Stock options and non-vested shares, incremental shares	3,300	2,583
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding	308,031	312,240
Basic earnings per share	$ 0.57	$ 0.48
Diluted earnings per share	$ 0.56	$ 0.47

Earnings Per Share (Narrative)

Earnings Per Share (Narrative) (Details) - $ / shares shares in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share, amount	1.1	4.1
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share, exercise price, lower range limit	$ 52.32	$ 56.76
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share, exercise price, upper range limit	$ 76.49	$ 76.49

Share-Based Compensation (Sched

Share-Based Compensation (Schedule Of Stock Options Activity) (Details) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021USD ($)$ / sharesshares
Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]
Outstanding at beginning of year, number of shares | shares	10,204
Outstanding at beginning of year, weighted-average exercise price | $ / shares	$ 58.59
Exercised, number of shares | shares	(705)
Exercised, weighted-average exercise price | $ / shares	$ 51.57
Forfeited and expired, number of shares | shares	(41)
Forfeited and expired, weighted-average exercise price | $ / shares	$ 58.83
Outstanding end of year, number of shares | shares	9,458
Outstanding at end of year, weighted-average exercise price | $ / shares	$ 59.11
Outstanding at end of year, aggregate intrinsic value | $	$ 120,781
Outstanding at end of year, weighted-average remaining contractual term	5 years 4 months 9 days
Exercisable at end of year, number of shares | shares	5,997
Exercisable at end of year, weighted-average exercise price | $ / shares	$ 57.99
Exercisable at end of year, aggregate intrinsic value | $	$ 83,349
Exercisable at end of year, weighted-average remaining contractual term	4 years 6 months 10 days

Share-Based Compensation (Sch_2

Share-Based Compensation (Schedule Of Non-Vested Shares Activity) (Details) - Restricted Stock [Member] shares in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021$ / sharesshares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Outstanding at beginning of year, number of shares | shares	4,131
Outstanding at beginning of year, weighted-average grant date fair value | $ / shares	$ 68.05
Granted, number of shares | shares	71
Granted, weighted-average grant date fair value | $ / shares	$ 73.95
Vested, number of shares | shares	(188)
Vested, weighted-average grant date fair value | $ / shares	$ 65.89
Forfeited, number of shares | shares	(64)
Forfeited, weighted-average grant date fair value | $ / shares	$ 69.07
Outstanding at end of year, number of shares | shares	3,950
Outstanding at end of year, weighted-average grant date fair value | $ / shares	$ 68.24

Share-Based Compensation (Compe

Share-Based Compensation (Compensation Expense Recognized In The Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Operations) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Amounts charged against earnings, before income tax benefit	$ 47,835	$ 35,387
Amount of related income tax benefit recognized in earnings	10,256	6,443
Stock option and non-vested share compensation expense
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Amounts charged against earnings, before income tax benefit	47,950	35,031
Associate stock purchase plan expense
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Amounts charged against earnings, before income tax benefit	1,548	1,101
Amounts capitalized in software development costs, net of amortization
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Amounts charged against earnings, before income tax benefit	$ (1,663)	$ (745)

Schedule of Accumulated Other C

Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 28, 2019
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net	$ (125,424)	$ (159,363)	$ (120,804)	$ (118,660)
OCI, before Reclassifications, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent	(7,147)	(41,825)
Reclassification from AOCI, Current Period, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent	2,527	1,122
Accumulated Foreign Currency Adjustment Attributable to Parent
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net	(102,441)	(126,893)	(93,450)	(106,347)
OCI, before Reclassifications, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent	(8,991)	(20,546)
Reclassification from AOCI, Current Period, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent	0	0
Accumulated Gain (Loss), Net, Cash Flow Hedge, Parent
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net	(23,200)	(31,886)	(27,788)	(12,578)
OCI, before Reclassifications, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent	2,061	(20,430)
Reclassification from AOCI, Current Period, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent	2,527	1,122
AOCI, Accumulated Gain (Loss), Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Parent
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net	217	(584)	$ 434	$ 265
OCI, before Reclassifications, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent	(217)	(849)
Reclassification from AOCI, Current Period, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent	$ 0	$ 0

Reclassification out of Accumul

Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Other income, net	$ 1,206	$ 5,595
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	(47,012)	(36,812)
Net earnings	172,252	147,159
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net earnings	(2,527)	(1,122)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Accumulated Gain (Loss), Net, Cash Flow Hedge, Parent
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Other income, net	(3,217)	(1,372)
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	$ 690	$ 250

Share-Based Compensation (Narra

Share-Based Compensation (Narrative) (Details) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021USD ($)$ / sharesshares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Share-based Awards Other than Options	$ 158
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Stock Options	39
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount	3,700
Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount	$ 577
Dividends Payable, Date Declared	Mar. 25, 2021
Dividends Payable, Amount Per Share | $ / shares	$ 0.22
Dividends Payable, Date to be Paid	Apr. 20, 2021
Dividends Payable, Date of Record	Apr. 6, 2021
Dividends Payable	$ 69
Treasury stock purchases	$ 350
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired | shares	4,900
Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Period of recognition for remaining share-based compensation expense	1 year 9 months 7 days
Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Period of recognition for remaining share-based compensation expense	1 year 8 months 4 days

Contingencies Contingencies (De

Contingencies Contingencies (Details) - NextGen [Member]	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Loss Contingency, Management's Assessment and Process	Cerner Health Services, Inc. ("Cerner HS"), a wholly owned subsidiary of Cerner Corporation, filed a lawsuit in the Chester County, Pennsylvania, Court of Common Pleas against NextGen Healthcare Information Systems, LLC ("NextGen") relating to a dispute arising out of a supplier relationship initially established between Siemens Health Services, Inc. and NextGen prior to the acquisition of the assets of Siemens Health Services, Inc. by Cerner HS in 2015. In September 2017, the court issued a preliminary injunction to prevent NextGen from refusing to honor certain contractual obligations to support Cerner HS's clients who use NextGen ambulatory EHR solutions. In September 2018, NextGen filed a counterclaim alleging breach of contract and tortious interference. NextGen’s expert testified at trial that NextGen should be entitled to collect profit disgorgement damages of $122 million or, at least $18 million of ambulatory-related disgorgement damages. Alternatively, he claimed NextGen should recover $26 million in lost profit damages. A remote trial commenced on January 25, 2021 and trial continues. We believe NextGen's claims are without merit and are vigorously defending against them; however, there can be no assurances as to the outcome of the dispute. We have not concluded that a loss related to the claims raised by NextGen in its counterclaim is probable, nor have we accrued a liability related to these claims. Although a loss may be reasonably possible (as defined in ASC 450), we do not have sufficient information to determine the amount or range of reasonably possible loss in light of the inherent difficulty of predicting the outcome of litigation generally, the wide range of damages presented by NextGen's expert, and the continued lack of clarity on the causal connection between Cerner Corporation's and Cerner HS's actions and any alleged damages.
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss Contingency, Management's Assessment and Process	Cerner Health Services, Inc. ("Cerner HS"), a wholly owned subsidiary of Cerner Corporation, filed a lawsuit in the Chester County, Pennsylvania, Court of Common Pleas against NextGen Healthcare Information Systems, LLC ("NextGen") relating to a dispute arising out of a supplier relationship initially established between Siemens Health Services, Inc. and NextGen prior to the acquisition of the assets of Siemens Health Services, Inc. by Cerner HS in 2015. In September 2017, the court issued a preliminary injunction to prevent NextGen from refusing to honor certain contractual obligations to support Cerner HS's clients who use NextGen ambulatory EHR solutions. In September 2018, NextGen filed a counterclaim alleging breach of contract and tortious interference. NextGen’s expert testified at trial that NextGen should be entitled to collect profit disgorgement damages of $122 million or, at least $18 million of ambulatory-related disgorgement damages. Alternatively, he claimed NextGen should recover $26 million in lost profit damages. A remote trial commenced on January 25, 2021 and trial continues. We believe NextGen's claims are without merit and are vigorously defending against them; however, there can be no assurances as to the outcome of the dispute. We have not concluded that a loss related to the claims raised by NextGen in its counterclaim is probable, nor have we accrued a liability related to these claims. Although a loss may be reasonably possible (as defined in ASC 450), we do not have sufficient information to determine the amount or range of reasonably possible loss in light of the inherent difficulty of predicting the outcome of litigation generally, the wide range of damages presented by NextGen's expert, and the continued lack of clarity on the causal connection between Cerner Corporation's and Cerner HS's actions and any alleged damages.

Segment Reporting (Summary Of T

Segment Reporting (Summary Of The Operating Information) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 1,387,778	$ 1,411,741
Costs of revenue	230,656	254,416
Operating expenses	939,064	978,949
Total costs and expenses	1,169,720	1,233,365
Operating earnings (loss)	218,058	178,376
Domestic Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	1,221,992	1,246,415
Costs of revenue	205,694	228,567
Operating expenses	560,562	570,094
Total costs and expenses	766,256	798,661
Operating earnings (loss)	455,736	447,754
International Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	165,786	165,326
Costs of revenue	24,962	25,849
Operating expenses	61,614	66,555
Total costs and expenses	86,576	92,404
Operating earnings (loss)	79,210	72,922
Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating expenses	316,888	342,300
Total costs and expenses	316,888	342,300
Operating earnings (loss)	$ (316,888)	$ (342,300)

Subsequent Events (Details)

Subsequent Events (Details) - Subsequent Event [Member]	3 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021
2021 Share Repurchase Program
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Subsequent Event, Description	On April 23, 2021, our Board of Directors approved a new share repurchase program (the "2021 Share Repurchase Program"), which authorizes the Company to repurchase up to $3.75 billion in the aggregate of shares of our common stock, excluding transaction costs. The 2021 Share Repurchase Program is incremental to our current program originally approved in May 2017. The repurchases are to be effectuated in the open market, by block purchase, in privately negotiated transactions, or through other transactions managed by broker-dealers, or any combination thereof. The 2021 Share Repurchase Program will expire on December 31, 2023.
Kantar Health Acquisition [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Subsequent Event, Description	On April 1, 2021, we acquired Kantar Health, a division of Kantar Group, for a base cash purchase price of $375 million. Kantar Health provides data, analytics, commercial research, and consulting services to the life sciences industry. The base purchase price is subject to post-closing adjustments for working capital and certain other adjustments, as specified in the Securities Purchase Agreement dated December 16, 2020, as amended.