Fair Isaac (FICO) 10-K 8 Nov 19 2019 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Oct. 25, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share
Entity Address, Address Line One	181 Metro Drive, Suite 700
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	DE
Document Transition Report	false
Document Annual Report	true
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2019
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2019
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Trading Symbol	FICO
Entity Registrant Name	Fair Isaac Corp
Entity Central Index Key	0000814547
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--09-30
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		28,961,612
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Public Float			$ 5,769,737,106
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity File Number	1-11689
Entity Tax Identification Number	94-1499887
Entity Address, City or Town	San Jose,
Entity Address, State or Province	CA
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	95110-1346
City Area Code	408
Local Phone Number	535-1500
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 106,426	$ 90,023
Accounts receivable, net	297,427	266,742
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	51,853	39,624
Total current assets	455,706	396,389
Marketable securities	20,222	18,059
Other investments	1,643	1,697
Property and equipment, net	53,027	48,837
Goodwill	803,542	800,890
Intangible assets, net	14,139	14,536
Deferred income taxes	6,006	13,805
Other assets	79,163	36,254
Total assets	1,433,448	1,330,467
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	23,118	20,251
Accrued compensation and employee benefits	106,240	84,292
Other accrued liabilities	32,454	31,025
Deferred revenue	111,016	103,335
Current maturities on debt	218,000	235,000
Total current liabilities	490,828	473,903
Long-term debt	606,790	528,944
Other liabilities	46,063	40,183
Total liabilities	1,143,681	1,043,030
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders’ equity:
Preferred stock ($0.01 par value; 1,000 shares authorized; none issued and outstanding)	0	0
Common stock ($0.01 par value; 200,000 shares authorized, 88,857 shares issued and 28,944 and 29,015 shares outstanding at September 30, 2019 and September 30, 2018, respectively)	289	290
Paid-in-capital	1,225,365	1,211,051
Treasury stock, at cost (59,913 and 59,842 shares at September 30, 2019 and September 30, 2018, respectively)	(2,802,450)	(2,612,007)
Retained earnings	1,956,648	1,764,524
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(90,085)	(76,421)
Total stockholders’ equity	289,767	287,437
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$ 1,433,448	$ 1,330,467

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares)	1,000,000	1,000,000
Preferred stock, issued (in shares)	0	0
Preferred stock, outstanding (in shares)	0	0
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	200,000,000	200,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	88,857,000	88,857,000
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	28,944,000	29,015,000
Treasury stock, shares	59,913,000	59,842,000

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCO

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	$ 1,160,083	$ 1,000,146	$ 934,983
Operating expenses:
Cost of revenues	336,845	312,898	287,607
Research and development	149,478	128,383	110,870
Selling, general and administrative	414,086	376,912	337,167
Amortization of intangible assets	6,126	6,594	12,709
Restructuring and acquisition-related	0	0	4,471
Total operating expenses	906,535	824,787	752,824
Operating income	253,548	175,359	182,159
Interest expense, net	(39,752)	(31,311)	(25,790)
Other income (expense), net	2,276	12,884	(86)
Income before income taxes	216,072	156,932	156,283
Provision for income taxes	23,948	30,450	22,869
Net income	192,124	126,482	133,414
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(13,664)	(9,926)	10,517
Comprehensive income	$ 178,460	$ 116,556	$ 143,931
Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 6.63	$ 4.26	$ 4.32
Shares used in computing basic earnings per share (in shares)	28,980	29,711	30,862
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 6.34	$ 4.06	$ 4.14
Shares used in computing diluted earnings per share (in shares)	30,294	31,180	32,245
Transactional and maintenance
Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	$ 860,948	$ 750,603	$ 633,927
Professional services
Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	184,095	176,910	177,904
License
Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	$ 115,040	$ 72,633	$ 123,152

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOC

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock	Paid-in- Capital	Treasury Stock	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Beginning Balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2016		30,935
Beginning Balance at Sep. 30, 2016	$ 481,316	$ 309	$ 1,188,913	$ (2,136,760)	$ 1,505,866	$ (77,012)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Share-based compensation	61,222		61,222
Issuance of treasury stock under employee stock plans (in shares)		774
Issuance of treasury stock under employee stock plans	(25,758)	$ 8	(54,704)	28,938
Repurchases of common stock (in shares)		(1,466)
Repurchases of common stock	(193,290)	$ (15)		(193,275)
Dividends paid	(1,238)				(1,238)
Net income	133,414				133,414
Foreign currency translation adjustments	10,517					10,517
Ending Balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2017		30,243
Ending Balance at Sep. 30, 2017	466,183	$ 302	1,195,431	(2,301,097)	1,638,042	(66,495)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Share-based compensation	74,814		74,814
Issuance of treasury stock under employee stock plans (in shares)		633
Issuance of treasury stock under employee stock plans	(33,181)	$ 7	(59,194)	26,006
Repurchases of common stock (in shares)		(1,861)
Repurchases of common stock	(336,935)	$ (19)		(336,916)
Net income	126,482				126,482
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(9,926)					(9,926)
Ending Balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2018		29,015
Ending Balance at Sep. 30, 2018	287,437	$ 290	1,211,051	(2,612,007)	1,764,524	(76,421)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Share-based compensation	82,973		82,973
Issuance of treasury stock under employee stock plans (in shares)		854
Issuance of treasury stock under employee stock plans	(30,209)	$ 8	(68,659)	38,442
Repurchases of common stock (in shares)		(925)
Repurchases of common stock	(228,894)	$ (9)		(228,885)
Net income	192,124				192,124
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(13,664)					(13,664)
Ending Balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2019		28,944
Ending Balance at Sep. 30, 2019	$ 289,767	$ 289	$ 1,225,365	$ (2,802,450)	$ 1,956,648	$ (90,085)

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 192,124	$ 126,482	$ 133,414
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	31,612	30,182	36,214
Share-based compensation	82,973	74,814	61,222
Deferred income taxes	7,701	10,584	(6,248)
Provision of doubtful accounts	518	623	1,640
Net gain (loss) on marketable securities	761	(1,449)	0
Gain on sale of cost-method investment	0	(10,000)	0
Net loss on sales of property and equipment	127	231	14
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	(36,176)	(8,266)	2,858
Prepaid expenses and other assets	(55,507)	(9,790)	(9,863)
Accounts payable	1,885	843	(2,027)
Accrued compensation and employee benefits	22,380	7,352	6,464
Other liabilities	1,463	6,246	(81)
Deferred revenue	10,489	(4,800)	2,037
Net cash provided by operating activities	260,350	223,052	225,644
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment	(23,981)	(31,299)	(19,828)
Proceeds from sales of marketable securities	3,480	3,230	0
Purchases of marketable securities	(6,404)	(6,050)	0
Proceeds from Sale and Maturity of Other Investments	0	20,000	0
Payments to Acquire Other Investments	0	0	(777)
Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(15,855)	0	0
Net cash used in investing activities	(42,760)	(14,119)	(20,605)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from revolving line of credit	229,000	427,000	190,000
Payments on revolving line of credit	(141,000)	(531,000)	(84,000)
Proceeds from issuance of senior notes	0	400,000	0
Payments on senior notes	(28,000)	(131,000)	(72,000)
Payments on debt issuance costs	0	(7,849)	0
Repayments of Long-term Capital Lease Obligations	(945)	0	0
Proceeds from issuance of treasury stock under employee stock plans	22,788	11,023	14,474
Taxes paid related to net share settlement of equity awards	(52,996)	(44,205)	(40,232)
Dividends paid	0	0	(1,238)
Repurchases of common stock	(228,894)	(342,596)	(187,629)
Net cash used in financing activities	(200,047)	(218,627)	(180,625)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	(1,140)	(5,901)	5,278
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	16,403	(15,595)	29,692
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year	90,023	105,618	75,926
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year	106,426	90,023	105,618
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds of $1,372, $3,079 and $3,757 during the years ended September 30, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively	18,779	13,398	31,315
Cash paid for interest	39,924	26,106	26,083
Supplemental disclosures of non-cash investing and financing activities:
Capital Lease Obligation Incurred	5,803	0	0
Unsettled repurchases of common stock	0	0	5,661
Purchase of property and equipment included in accounts payable	$ 1,448	$ 1,913	$ 1,751

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CA_2

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Cash paid for income taxes, refunds	$ 1,372	$ 3,079	$ 3,757

Nature of Business and Summary

Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Fair Isaac Corporation Incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware, Fair Isaac Corporation (“FICO”) is a provider of analytic, software and data management products and services that enable businesses to automate, improve and connect decisions. FICO provides a range of analytical solutions, credit scoring and credit account management products and services to banks, credit reporting agencies, credit card processing agencies, insurers, retailers, healthcare organizations and public agencies. In these consolidated financial statements, FICO is referred to as “we,” “us,” “our,” or “the Company.” Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation Effective October 1, 2018, we adopted ASU No. 2014-09, “ Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) ” (“ASU 2014-09”) using the full retrospective method. In connection with this adoption, the results and related disclosures for the comparative fiscal 2018 and 2017 presented in this Form 10-K were adjusted to be presented as if ASU 2014‑09 had been in effect during such fiscal years. See “New Accounting Pronouncements” and “Revenue Recognition” below. All amounts and disclosures set forth in this Form 10-K reflect these changes. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of FICO and its subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. Use of Estimates We make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and the disclosures made in the accompanying notes. For example, we use estimates in determining the collectibility of accounts receivable; the appropriate levels of various accruals; labor hours in connection with fixed-fee service contracts; the amount of our tax provision and the realizability of deferred tax assets. We also use estimates in determining the remaining economic lives and carrying values of acquired intangible assets, property and equipment, and other long-lived assets. In addition, we use assumptions to estimate the fair value of reporting units and share-based compensation. Actual results may differ from our estimates. Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash in banks and investments with an original maturity of 90 days or less at time of purchase. Fair Value of Financial Instruments The fair value of certain of our financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, receivables, other current assets, accounts payable, accrued compensation and employee benefits, other accrued liabilities and amounts outstanding under our revolving line of credit, approximate their carrying amounts because of the short-term maturity of these instruments. The fair values of our cash and cash equivalents and marketable security investments are disclosed in Note 4. The fair value of our derivative instruments is disclosed in Note 5. The fair value of our senior notes is disclosed in Note 9. Investments We categorize our investments in debt and equity instruments as trading, available-for-sale or held-to-maturity at the time of purchase. Trading securities are carried at fair value with unrealized gains or losses included in income (expense). Available-for-sale securities are carried at fair value measurements using quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities with unrealized gains or losses included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Held-to-maturity securities are carried at amortized cost. Dividends and interest income are accrued as earned. Realized gains and losses are determined on a specific identification basis and are included in other income (expense). We review marketable securities for impairment whenever circumstances and situations change such that there is an indication that the carrying amounts may not be recovered. We did not classify any securities as held-to-maturity or available-for-sale during each of the three years ended September 30, 2019, 2018, and 2017. Investments with remaining maturities over one year are classified as long-term investments. We have certain other investments for which there is no readily determinable fair value. These investments are recorded at cost, less impairment (if any) plus or minus adjustments for observable price changes. The carrying value of these investments was $1.6 million and $1.7 million at September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively, and they are reported in other assets on our balance sheets. At September 30, 2019, we reviewed the carrying value of these investments and concluded that they were not impaired and as of that date, we are unable to exercise significant influence over the investees. Concentration of Risk Financial instruments that potentially expose us to concentrations of risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities and accounts receivable, which are generally not collateralized. Our policy is to place our cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities with high quality financial institutions, commercial corporations and government agencies in order to limit the amount of credit exposure. We have established guidelines relative to diversification and maturities for maintaining safety and liquidity. We generally do not require collateral from our customers, but our credit extension and collection policies include analyzing the financial condition of potential customers, establishing credit limits, monitoring payments, and aggressively pursuing delinquent accounts. We maintain allowances for potential credit losses. A significant portion of our revenues are derived from the sales of products and services to the consumer credit and banking industries. Property and Equipment Property and equipment are recorded at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Major renewals and improvements are capitalized, while repair and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred. Assets acquired under capital leases are included in property and equipment with corresponding depreciation included in accumulated depreciation. Depreciation and amortization charges are calculated using the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives: Estimated Useful Life Data processing equipment and software 3 years to 6 years Office furniture and equipment 3 years to 7 years Leasehold improvements Shorter of estimated Equipment under capital lease Shorter of estimated The cost and accumulated depreciation for property and equipment sold, retired or otherwise disposed of are removed from the applicable accounts and resulting gains or losses are recorded in our consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. Depreciation and amortization on property and equipment totaled $24.2 million , $22.6 million and $23.0 million during fiscal 2019, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. Internal-Use Software Costs incurred to develop internal-use software during the application development stage are capitalized and reported at cost. Application development stage costs generally include costs associated with internal-use software configuration, coding, installation and testing. Costs of significant upgrades and enhancements that result in additional functionality are also capitalized whereas costs incurred for maintenance and minor upgrades and enhancements are expensed as incurred. Capitalized costs are amortized using the straight-line method over two to three years . Software development costs required to be capitalized for internal-use software have not been material to date. Capitalized Software and Research and Development Costs Software development costs relating to products to be sold in the normal course of business are expensed as incurred as research and development costs until technological feasibility is established. Technological feasibility for our products occurs approximately concurrently with the general release of our products; accordingly, we have not capitalized any development or production costs. Costs we incur to maintain and support our existing products after the general release of the product are expensed in the period they are incurred and included in research and development costs in our consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. Goodwill, Acquisition Intangibles and Other Long-Lived Assets Goodwill represents the excess of cost over the fair value of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed in business combinations. We assess goodwill for impairment for each of our reporting units on an annual basis during the fourth quarter using a July 1 measurement date unless circumstances require a more frequent measurement. We have determined that our reporting units are the same as our reportable segments. When evaluating goodwill for impairment, we may first perform an assessment qualitatively whether it is more likely than not that a reporting unit's carrying amount exceeds its fair value, referred to as a “step zero” approach. If, based on the review of the qualitative factors, we determine it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, we would bypass the two-step impairment test. Events and circumstances we consider in performing the “step zero” qualitative assessment include macro-economic conditions, market and industry conditions, internal cost factors, share price fluctuations, and the operational stability and the overall financial performance of the reporting units. If we conclude that it is more likely than not that a reporting unit's fair value is less than its carrying amount, we would perform the first step (“step one”) of the two-step impairment test and calculate the estimated fair value of the reporting unit by using discounted cash flow valuation models and by comparing our reporting units to guideline publicly-traded companies. These methods require estimates of our future revenues, profits, capital expenditures, working capital, and other relevant factors, as well as selecting appropriate guideline publicly-traded companies for each reporting unit. We estimate these amounts by evaluating historical trends, current budgets, operating plans, industry data, and other relevant factors. Alternatively, we may bypass the qualitative assessment described above for any reporting unit in any period and proceed directly to performing step one of the goodwill impairment test. For each of fiscal 2019 and 2018, we performed a step zero qualitative analysis for our annual assessment of goodwill impairment. After evaluating and weighing all relevant events and circumstances, we concluded that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of any of our reporting units was less their carrying amounts, and did not perform a step one quantitative analysis. For fiscal 2017, we elected to proceed directly to the step one quantitative analysis for all of our reporting units, and determined goodwill was not impaired for any of our reporting units as there was a substantial excess of fair value over carrying value for each of our reporting units. Consequently, we did not recognize any goodwill impairment charges in fiscal 2019, 2018 or 2017. We amortize our finite-lived intangible assets which result from our acquisitions over the following estimated useful lives: Estimated Useful Life Completed technology 4 years to 10 years Customer contracts and relationships 5 years to 15 years Trade names 1 year to 3 years Non-compete agreements 2 years Our intangible assets that have finite useful lives and other long-lived assets are assessed for potential impairment when there is evidence that events and circumstances related to our financial performance and economic environment indicate the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable. When impairment indicators are identified, we test for impairment using undiscounted cash flows. If such tests indicate impairment, then we measure and record the impairment as the difference between the carrying value of the asset and the fair value of the asset. We did not recognize any impairment charges on intangible assets that have finite useful lives or other long-lived assets in fiscal 2019, 2018 and 2017 . Revenue Recognition Contracts with Customers Our revenue is primarily derived from term-based or perpetual licensing of software and scoring products and solutions, and associated maintenance; SaaS subscription services; scoring and credit monitoring services for consumers; and professional services. For contracts with customers that contain various combinations of products and services, we evaluate whether the products or services are distinct — distinct products or services will be accounted for as separate performance obligations, while non-distinct products or services are combined with others to form a single performance obligation. For contracts with multiple performance obligations, the transaction price is allocated to each performance obligation on a relative SSP basis. Revenue is recognized when control of the promised goods or services is transferred to our customers. License revenue is derived from contracts in which we grant our direct customers or distributors the right to deploy or resell our software and scoring products and solutions on-premises. Our software offerings often include a perpetual or term-based license and post-contract support or maintenance, both of which generally represent distinct performance obligations and are accounted for separately. The transaction price is either in the form of a fixed consideration with separate stated prices for license and maintenance, or a sales or usage-based royalty — sometimes subject to a guaranteed minimum — for the license and maintenance bundle. When the amount is in the form of a fixed consideration, including the guaranteed minimum in sales or usage-based royalty, license revenue from distinct on-premises license is recognized at the point in time when the software or scoring solution is made available to the customer or distributor. Any royalties not subject to the guaranteed minimum or earned in excess of the minimum amount are recognized as transactional revenue when the subsequent sales or usage occurs. Revenue allocated to maintenance is generally recognized ratably over the contract period as customers simultaneously consume and receive benefits. In addition to sales or usage-based royalty on our software and scoring products, transactional revenue is also derived from SaaS contracts in which we provide customers with access to and standard support for our software application either in the FICO ® Analytic Cloud or AWS, our primary cloud infrastructure provider, on a subscription basis. The transaction price typically includes a fixed consideration in the form of a guaranteed minimum that allows up to a certain level of usage and a variable consideration in the form of usage or transaction-based fees in excess of the minimum threshold; or usage or transaction-based variable amount not subject to a minimum threshold. We determined the nature of our SaaS arrangements is to provide continuous access to our hosted application in the cloud, i.e., a stand-ready obligation that comprises a series of distinct service periods (e.g., a series of distinct daily, monthly or annual periods of service). We estimate the total variable consideration at contract inception — subject to any constraints that may apply — and update the estimates as new information becomes available and recognize the amount ratably over the SaaS service period, unless we determine it is appropriate to allocate the variable amount to each distinct service period and recognize revenue as each distinct service period is performed. We also derive transactional revenue from credit scoring and monitoring services that provide consumers access to their credit reports and enable them to monitor their credit. These are provided as either a one-time or ongoing subscription service renewed monthly or annually, all with a fixed consideration. We determined the nature of the subscription service is a stand-ready obligation to generate credit reports, provide credit monitoring and other services for our customers, which comprises a series of distinct service periods (e.g., a series of distinct daily, monthly or annual periods of service). Revenue from one-time or monthly subscription services is recognized during the period when service is performed. Revenue from annual subscription services is recognized ratably over the subscription period. Professional services include software or SaaS implementation, consulting, model development, training services and premium cloud support. They are sold either standalone, or together with other products or services and generally represent distinct performance obligations. The transaction price can be a fixed amount or on a time and materials basis. Revenue on fixed-price services is recognized using an input method based on labor hours expended which we believe provides a faithful depiction of the transfer of services. Revenue on services provided on a time and materials basis is recognized applying the “right-to-invoice” practical expedient as the amount to which we have a right to invoice the customer corresponds directly with the value of our performance to the customer. In addition, we sell premium cloud support on a subscription basis for a fixed amount, and revenue is recognized ratably over the contract term. Significant Judgments Our contracts with customers often include promises to transfer multiple products and services to a customer. Determining whether products and services are considered distinct and should be accounted for separately may require significant judgment. Specifically, when implementation service is included in the original software or SaaS offerings, judgment is required to determine if the implementation service significantly modifies or customizes the software or SaaS service in such a way that the risks of providing it and the customization service are inseparable. In rare instances, contracts may include significant modification or customization of the software of SaaS service and will result in the combination of software or SaaS service and implementation service as one performance obligation. We determine the SSPs using data from our historical standalone sales, or, in instances where such information is not available (such as when we do not sell the product or service separately), we consider factors such as the stated contract prices, our overall pricing practices and objectives, go-to-market strategy, size and type of the transactions, and effects of the geographic area on pricing, among others. When the selling price of a product or service is highly variable, we may use the residual approach to determine the SSP of that product or service. Significant judgment may be required to determine the SSP for each distinct performance obligation when it involves the consideration of many market conditions and entity-specific factors discussed above. Significant judgment may be required to determine the timing of satisfaction of a performance obligation in certain professional services contracts with a fixed consideration, in which we measure progress using an input method based on labor hours expended. In order to estimate the total hours of the project, we make assumptions about labor utilization, efficiency of processes, the customer’s specification and IT environment, among others. For certain complex projects, due to the risks and uncertainties inherent with the estimation process and factors relating to the assumptions, actual progress may differ due to the change in estimated total hours. Adjustments to estimates are made in the period in which the facts requiring such revisions become known and, accordingly, recognized revenues are subject to revisions as the contract progresses to completion. Capitalized Commission Costs We capitalize incremental commission fees paid as a result of obtaining customer contracts. Capitalized commission costs, which are recorded in other assets within the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, were $33.7 million and $27.1 million at September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Capitalized commission costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over ten years — determined using a portfolio approach — based on the transfer of goods or services to which the assets relate, taking into consideration both the initial and future contracts as we do not typically pay a commission on a contract renewal. The amortization costs are included in selling, general, and administrative expenses of our consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. The amount of amortization was $5.0 million , $4.5 million and $4.2 million during the years ended September 30, 2019, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. There was no impairment loss in relation to the costs capitalized. We apply a practical expedient to recognize the incremental costs of obtaining contracts as an expense when incurred if the amortization period of the assets that we otherwise would have recognized is one year or less. These costs are recorded within selling, general, and administrative expenses. See Note 15 for our discussion on disaggregation of revenues, and Note 16 for contract balances and performance obligations. Business Combinations Accounting for our acquisitions requires us to recognize, separately from goodwill, the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed at their acquisition-date fair values. Goodwill as of the acquisition date is measured as the excess of consideration transferred and the net of the acquisition-date fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed. While we use our best estimates and assumptions to accurately value assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date, our estimates are inherently uncertain and subject to refinement. As a result, during the measurement period, which may be up to one year from the acquisition date, we record adjustments to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed with the corresponding offset to goodwill. Upon the conclusion of the measurement period or final determination of the values of assets acquired or liabilities assumed, whichever comes first, any subsequent adjustments are recorded to our consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. Accounting for business combinations requires our management to make significant estimates and assumptions, especially at the acquisition date, including our estimates for intangible assets, contractual obligations assumed, pre-acquisition contingencies and contingent consideration, where applicable. If we cannot reasonably determine the fair value of a pre-acquisition contingency (non-income tax related) by the end of the measurement period, we will recognize an asset or a liability for such pre-acquisition contingency if: (i) it is probable that an asset existed or a liability had been incurred at the acquisition date and (ii) the amount of the asset or liability can be reasonably estimated. Although we believe the assumptions and estimates we have made in the past have been reasonable and appropriate, they are based in part on historical experience and information obtained from the management of the acquired companies and are inherently uncertain. Subsequent to the measurement period, changes in our estimates of such contingencies will affect earnings and could have a material effect on our consolidated results of operations and financial position. Examples of critical estimates in valuing certain of the intangible assets we have acquired include but are not limited to: (i) future expected cash flows from software license sales, support agreements, consulting contracts, other customer contracts and acquired developed technologies and patents; (ii) expected costs to develop the in-process research and development into commercially viable products and estimated cash flows from the projects when completed; and (iii) the acquired company’s brand and competitive position, as well as assumptions about the period of time the acquired brand will continue to be used in the combined company’s product portfolio. Unanticipated events and circumstances may occur that may affect the accuracy or validity of such assumptions, estimates or actual results. In addition, uncertain tax positions and tax related valuation allowances assumed in connection with a business combination are initially estimated as of the acquisition date. We reevaluate these items quarterly based upon facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date with any adjustments to our preliminary estimates being recorded to goodwill provided that we are within the measurement period. Subsequent to the measurement period or our final determination of the tax allowance’s or contingency’s estimated value, whichever comes first, changes to these uncertain tax positions and tax related valuation allowances will affect our provision for income taxes in our consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income and could have a material impact on our consolidated results of operations and financial position. Income Taxes We estimate our income taxes based on the various jurisdictions where we conduct business, which involves significant judgment in determining our income tax provision. We estimate our current tax liability using currently enacted tax rates and laws and assess temporary differences that result from differing treatments of certain items for tax and accounting purposes. These differences result in deferred tax assets and liabilities recorded on our balance sheet using the currently enacted tax rates and laws that will apply to taxable income for the years in which those tax assets are expected to be realized or settled. We then assess the likelihood our deferred tax assets will be realized and to the extent we believe realization is not more likely than not, we establish a valuation allowance. When we establish a valuation allowance or increase this allowance in an accounting period, we record a corresponding income tax expense in our consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. In assessing the need for the valuation allowance, we consider future taxable income in the jurisdictions we operate; our ability to carry back tax attributes to prior years; an analysis of our deferred tax assets and the periods over which they will be realizable; and ongoing prudent and feasible tax planning strategies. An increase in the valuation allowance would have an adverse impact, which could be material, on our income tax provision and net income in the period in which we record the increase. On December 22, 2017, the Tax Act was enacted by the U.S. government. The Tax Act makes broad and complex changes to the U.S. tax code that affect our fiscal year ended September 30, 2019, including but not limited to: (1) creating the base erosion anti-abuse tax measure that taxes certain payments between a U.S. corporation and its foreign subsidiaries; (2) creating a new provision designed to tax global intangible low-tax income of foreign subsidiaries; and (3) a foreign derived intangible income. We have estimated the impact of these changes in our income tax provision for 2019. We recognize and measure benefits for uncertain tax positions using a two-step approach. The first step is to evaluate the tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return by determining if the technical merits of the tax position indicate it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained upon audit, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes. For tax positions more likely than not of being sustained upon audit, the second step is to measure the tax benefit as the largest amount more than 50% likely of being realized upon settlement. Significant judgment is required to evaluate uncertain tax positions and they are evaluated on a quarterly basis. Our evaluations are based upon a number of factors, including changes in facts or circumstances, changes in tax law, correspondence with tax authorities during the course of audits and effective settlement of audit issues. Changes in the recognition or measurement of uncertain tax positions could result in material increases or decreases in our income tax expense in the period in which we make the change, which could have a material impact on our effective tax rate and operating results. A description of our accounting policies associated with tax-related contingencies and valuation allowances assumed as part of a business combination is provided under “Business Combinations” above. Earnings per Share Basic earnings per share are computed on the basis of the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period under measurement. Diluted earnings per share are based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding and potential common shares. Potential common shares result from the assumed exercise of outstanding stock options or other potentially dilutive equity instruments, when they are dilutive under the treasury stock method. Comprehensive Income Comprehensive income is the change in our equity (net assets) during each period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources. It includes net income, foreign currency translation adjustments and unrealized gains and losses on our investments in marketable securities, net of tax. Foreign Currency and Derivative Financial Instruments We have determined that the functional currency of each foreign operation is the local currency. Assets and liabilities denominated in their local foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rate on the balance sheet date. Revenues and expenses are translated at average rates of exchange prevailing during the period. Foreign currency translation adjustments are accumulated as a separate component of consolidated stockholders’ equity. We utilize derivative instruments to manage market risks associated with fluctuations in certain foreign currency exchange rates as they relate to specific balances of accounts receivable and cash denominated in foreign currencies. We principally utilize foreign currency forward contracts to protect against market risks arising in the normal course of business. Our policies prohibit the use of derivative instruments for the sole purpose of trading for profit on price fluctuations or to enter into contracts that intentionally increase our underlying exposure. All of our foreign currency forward contracts have maturity periods of less than three months. At the end of the reporting period, foreign-currency-denominated assets and liabilities are remeasured into the functional currencies of the reporting entities at current market rates. The change in value from this remeasurement is reported as a foreign exchange gain or loss for that period in other income (expense), net in the accompanying consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. We recorded transactional foreign exchange losses of $0.0 million , $0.4 million and $1.1 million during fiscal 2019, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. Share-Based Compensation We measure stock-based compensation cost at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and recognize it as expense, net of estimated forfeitures, over the vesting or service period, as applicable, of the stock award (generally three to four years ). See Note 13 for further discussion of our share-based employee benefit plans. Advertising and Promotion Costs Advertising and promotion costs are expensed as incurred and are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. Advertising and promotion costs totaled $3.6 million , $4.1 million and $3.1 million in fiscal 2019, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. New Accounting Pronouncements Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09. The standard’s core principle is that a reporting entity will recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. In addition, the standard requires disclosure of the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from the contracts with customers. The guidance permits two methods of adoption: full retrospective method or modified retrospective method. We adopted ASU 2014-09 in the firs

Business Combinations

Business Combinations	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Business Combinations	Business Combinations On August 9, 2019, we acquired 100% of the equity of EZMCOM for $18.6 million in cash. EZMCOM is a provider of digital security and authentication products that helps organizations protect users, data and applications from credential theft, account takeover and breaches. We expect that this acquisition will help provide our clients, including the world’s largest financial services institutions, with a seamless approach to authentication and customer onboarding across digital channels, mobile devices, servers and workstations. We recorded, separately from goodwill, the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed at their acquisition-date fair values, which included $2.7 million of cash and $6.0 million of intangible assets primarily consisting of completed technology. The intangible assets are being amortized using the straight-line method over a weighted average useful life of 4.73 years . We allocated $11.2 million of goodwill to our Applications segment that is deductible for tax purposes. EZMCOM has been included in our operating results since the acquisition date. The pro forma impact of this acquisition was not deemed material to our results of operations. There were no acquisitions incurred during fiscal 2018 and 2017.

Cash, Cash Equivalents and Mark

Cash, Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities Available for Sale	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities Available for Sale	Cash, Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities The following is a summary of cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities at September 30, 2019 and 2018 : September 30, 2019 September 30, 2018 Amortized Cost Fair Value Amortized Cost Fair Value (In thousands) Cash and Cash Equivalents: Cash $ 77,525 $ 77,525 $ 71,610 $ 71,610 Money market funds 22,102 22,102 13,813 13,813 Bank time deposits 6,799 6,799 4,600 4,600 Total $ 106,426 $ 106,426 $ 90,023 $ 90,023 Long-term Marketable Securities: Marketable securities $ 17,193 $ 20,222 $ 14,313 $ 18,059 The assets included in marketable securities represent long-term marketable equity securities held under a supplemental retirement and savings plan for senior management employees, which are distributed upon termination or retirement of the employees. These investments are treated as trading securities and recorded at fair value.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	Fair Value Measurements Fair value is defined as the price that would be received from the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. The accounting guidance establishes a three-level hierarchy for disclosure that is based on the extent and level of judgment used to estimate the fair value of assets and liabilities. • Level 1 — uses unadjusted quoted prices that are available in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Our Level 1 assets are comprised of money market funds and certain marketable securities. We do not have any liabilities that are valued using inputs identified under a Level 1 hierarchy as of September 30, 2019 and 2018 . • Level 2 — uses inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are either directly or indirectly observable through correlation with market data. These include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active; and inputs to valuation models or other pricing methodologies that do not require significant judgment because the inputs used in the model, such as interest rates and volatility, can be corroborated by readily observable market data. We do not have any assets that are valued using inputs identified under a Level 2 hierarchy as of September 30, 2019 and 2018 . We measure the fair value of the Senior Notes based on Level 2 inputs, which include quoted market prices and interest rate spreads of similar securities. • Level 3 — uses one or more significant inputs that are unobservable and supported by little or no market activity, and that reflect the use of significant management judgment. Level 3 assets and liabilities include those whose fair value measurements are determined using pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies or similar valuation techniques, and significant management judgment or estimation. We do not have any assets or liabilities that are valued using inputs identified under a Level 3 hierarchy as of September 30, 2019 and 2018 . The following table represents financial assets that we measured at fair value on a recurring basis at September 30, 2019 and 2018 : September 30, 2019 Active Markets for Identical Instruments (Level 1) Fair Value as of September 30, 2019 (In thousands) Assets: Cash equivalents (1) $ 28,901 $ 28,901 Marketable securities (2) 20,222 20,222 Total $ 49,123 $ 49,123 September 30, 2018 Active Markets for Identical Instruments (Level 1) Fair Value as of September 30, 2018 (In thousands) Assets: Cash equivalents (1) $ 18,413 $ 18,413 Marketable securities (2) 18,059 18,059 Total $ 36,472 $ 36,472 (1) Included in cash and cash equivalents on our balance sheet at September 30, 2019 and 2018 . Not included in this table are cash deposits of $77.5 million and $71.6 million at September 30, 2019 and 2018 , respectively. (2) Represents securities held under a supplemental retirement and savings plan for certain officers and senior management employees, which are distributed upon termination or retirement of the employees. Included in long-term marketable securities on our consolidated balance sheets at September 30, 2019 and 2018 . For the fair value of our derivative instruments and senior notes, see Note 5 and Note 9, respectively. There were no transfers between Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy during the year ended September 30, 2019 , 2018 or 2017 .

Derivative Financial Instrument

Derivative Financial Instruments	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative Financial Instruments	Derivative Financial Instruments We use derivative instruments to manage risks caused by fluctuations in foreign exchange rates. The primary objective of our derivative instruments is to protect the value of foreign-currency-denominated receivable and cash balances from the effects of volatility in foreign exchange rates that might occur prior to conversion to their functional currencies. We principally utilize foreign currency forward contracts, which enable us to buy and sell foreign currencies in the future at fixed exchange rates and economically offset changes in foreign exchange rates. We routinely enter into contracts to offset exposures denominated in the British pound, Euro and Singapore dollar. Foreign-currency-denominated receivable and cash balances are remeasured at foreign exchange rates in effect on the balance sheet date with the effects of changes in foreign exchange rates reported in other income (expense), net. The forward contracts are not designated as hedges and are marked to market through other income (expense), net. Fair value changes in the forward contracts help mitigate the changes in the value of the remeasured receivable and cash balances attributable to changes in foreign exchange rates. The forward contracts are short-term in nature and typically have average maturities at inception of less than three months . The following tables summarize our outstanding foreign currency forward contracts, by currency at September 30, 2019 and 2018 : September 30, 2019 Contract Amount Fair Value Foreign Currency US$ US$ (In thousands) Sell foreign currency: Euro (EUR) EUR 10,800 $ 11,723 — Buy foreign currency: British pound (GBP) GBP 5,200 $ 6,400 — Singapore dollar (SGD) SGD 5,798 $ 4,200 — September 30, 2018 Contract Amount Fair Value Foreign Currency US$ US$ (In thousands) Sell foreign currency: Euro (EUR) EUR 9,000 $ 10,372 — Buy foreign currency: British pound (GBP) GBP 8,598 $ 11,200 — Singapore dollar (SGD) SGD 9,580 $ 7,000 — The foreign currency forward contracts were entered into on September 30 of each fiscal year; therefore, their fair value was $0 at September 30, 2019 and 2018 . Gains (losses) on derivative financial instruments are recorded in our consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income as a component of other income (expense), net. These amounts are shown below for the years ended September 30, 2019, 2018 and 2017 : Year Ended September 30, 2019 2018 2017 (In thousands) Gain (loss) on foreign currency forward contracts $ (896 ) $ (476 ) $ 210

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	Goodwill and Intangible Assets Intangible assets that are subject to amortization consisted of the following at September 30, 2019 and 2018 : September 30, 2019 September 30, 2018 Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Average Life Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Average Life (In thousands, except average life) Completed technology $ 82,724 $ (77,331 ) $ 5,393 5 $ 82,295 $ (77,400 ) $ 4,895 5 Customer contracts and relationships 30,583 (22,283 ) 8,300 8 28,692 (19,051 ) 9,641 8 Trade names 150 (25 ) 125 1 — — — 0 Non-compete agreements 350 (29 ) 321 2 — — — 0 $ 113,807 $ (99,668 ) $ 14,139 $ 110,987 $ (96,451 ) $ 14,536 Amortization expense associated with our intangible assets is reflected as a separate operating expense caption—amortization of intangible assets—and is excluded from cost of revenues and selling, general and administrative expenses within the accompanying consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. Amortization expense consisted of the following: Year Ended September 30, 2019 2018 2017 (In thousands) Completed technology $ 1,974 $ 2,380 $ 6,511 Customer contracts and relationships 4,098 4,214 6,009 Trade names 25 — 189 Non-compete agreements 29 — — Total $ 6,126 $ 6,594 $ 12,709 Estimated future intangible asset amortization expense associated with intangible assets existing at September 30, 2019 , was as follows (in thousands): Year Ending September 30, 2020 $ 4,959 2021 3,617 2022 3,329 2023 1,317 2024 917 Thereafter — Total $ 14,139 The following table summarizes changes to goodwill during fiscal 2019 and 2018 , both in total and as allocated to our operating segments. We have not recognized any goodwill impairment losses to date. Applications Scores Decision Management Software Total (In thousands) Balance at September 30, 2017 $ 588,288 $ 146,648 $ 69,478 $ 804,414 Foreign currency translation adjustment (3,127 ) — (397 ) (3,524 ) Balance at September 30, 2018 585,161 146,648 69,081 800,890 Addition from acquisitions 11,233 — — 11,233 Foreign currency translation adjustment (7,780 ) — (801 ) (8,581 ) Balance at September 30, 2019 $ 588,614 $ 146,648 $ 68,280 $ 803,542

Composition of Certain Financia

Composition of Certain Financial Statement Captions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Composition of Certain Financial Statement Captions	Composition of Certain Financial Statement Captions The following table presents the composition of property and equipment at September 30, 2019 and 2018 : September 30, 2019 2018 (In thousands) Property and equipment: Data processing equipment and software $ 110,874 $ 104,789 Office furniture and equipment 21,443 22,207 Leasehold improvements 33,360 29,158 Equipment under capital lease 6,398 — Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization (119,048 ) (107,317 ) Total $ 53,027 $ 48,837

Revolving Line of Credit

Revolving Line of Credit	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Revolving Line of Credit	Revolving Line of Credit On May 8, 2018, we amended our credit agreement with a syndicate of banks, extending the maturity date of the unsecured revolving line of credit from December 30, 2019 to May 8, 2023 , while reducing our borrowing capacity to $400 million with an option to increase it by another $100 million . Proceeds from the credit facility can be used for working capital and general corporate purposes and may also be used for the refinancing of existing debt, acquisitions, and the repurchase of our common stock. Interest on amounts borrowed under the credit facility is based on (i) a base rate, which is the greater of (a) the prime rate and (b) the Federal Funds rate plus 0.500% and (c) the one-month LIBOR rate plus 1.000% , plus, in each case, an applicable margin, or (ii) an adjusted LIBOR rate plus an applicable margin. The applicable margin for base rate borrowings ranges from 0% to 0.875% and for LIBOR borrowings ranges from 1.000% to 1.875% and is determined based on our consolidated leverage ratio. In addition, we must pay credit facility fees. The credit facility contains certain restrictive covenants including maintaining a maximum consolidated leverage ratio of 3.25 , subject to a step up to 3.75 following certain permitted acquisitions; and a minimum fixed charge ratio of 2.50 through the maturity of our 2010 Senior Notes in July 2020, upon which maintaining a minimum interest coverage ratio of 3.00 . The credit agreement also contains other covenants typical of unsecured facilities. The credit agreement also contains other covenants typical of unsecured facilities. As of September 30, 2019 , we had $345.0 million in borrowings outstanding at a weighted average interest rate of 3.423% , of which $212.0 million was classified as a long-term liability and recorded in long-term debt within the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. We were in compliance with all financial covenants under this credit facility as of September 30, 2019 .

Senior Notes

Senior Notes	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Senior Notes	Senior Notes On July 14, 2010, we issued $245 million of senior notes in a private placement to a group of institutional investors (the “2010 Senior Notes”). The 2010 Senior Notes were issued in four series as follows: Series Amount Interest Rate Maturity Date (In millions) E $ 60.0 4.72 % July 14, 2016 F $ 72.0 5.04 % July 14, 2017 G $ 28.0 5.42 % July 14, 2019 H $ 85.0 5.59 % July 14, 2020 The 2010 Senior Notes require us to pay the entire unpaid principal balances of each note series on its maturity date. The 2010 Senior Notes also require interest payments semi-annually and contain certain restrictive covenants, including the maintenance of a maximum consolidated net debt to consolidated EBITDA ratio of 3.00 and a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of 2.50 . We were in compliance with all financial covenants under the 2010 Senior Notes as of September 30, 2019 . On May 8, 2018, we issued $400 million of senior notes in a private offering to qualified institutional investors (the “2018 Senior Notes”, and with the 2010 Senior Notes, the “Senior Notes”). The 2018 Senior Notes require interest payments semi-annually at a rate of 5.25% per annum and will mature on May 15, 2026 . The purchase agreements for the 2010 Senior Notes and the indenture for the 2018 Senior Notes contain certain covenants typical of unsecured obligations. The following table presents the carrying amounts and fair values for the Senior Notes at September 30, 2019 and 2018 : September 30, 2019 September 30, 2018 Carrying Fair Value Carrying Fair Value (In thousands) The 2010 Senior Notes $ 85,000 $ 86,121 $ 113,000 $ 114,413 The 2018 Senior Notes 400,000 428,000 400,000 404,000 Total $ 485,000 $ 514,121 $ 513,000 $ 518,413 (1) Amounts exclusive of net debt issuance cost of $5.2 million and $6.1 million at September 30, 2019 and 2018 , respectively. Future principal payments for the Senior Notes are as follows (in thousands): Year Ending September 30, 2020 $ 85,000 2021 — 2022 — 2023 — 2024 — Thereafter 400,000 Total $ 485,000

Employee Benefit Plans

Employee Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Employee Benefit Plans	Employee Benefit Plans Defined Contribution Plans We sponsor the Fair Isaac Corporation 401(k) plan for eligible employees in the U.S. Under this plan, eligible employees may contribute up to 25% of compensation, not to exceed statutory limits. We also provide a company matching contribution. Investment in FICO common stock is not an option under this plan. Our contributions into all 401(k) plans, including former-acquired-company-sponsored plans that have since merged into the Fair Isaac Corporation 401(k) plan or have been frozen, totaled $10.3 million , $8.8 million and $8.4 million during fiscal 2019, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. Employee Incentive Plans We maintain various employee incentive plans for the benefit of eligible employees, including officers. The awards generally are based on the achievement of certain financial and performance objectives subject to the discretion of management. Total expenses under our employee incentive plans were $57.5 million , $48.4 million and $41.6 million during fiscal 2019, 2018 and 2017 , respectively.

Restructuring Expenses

Restructuring Expenses	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring Expenses	Restructuring Expenses There was no restructuring expense incurred during fiscal 2019 and 2018. During fiscal 2017, we incurred net charges totaling $4.5 million consisting of $1.7 million in facilities charges associated with vacating excess leased space in San Rafael, California and $2.8 million in employee separation costs due to the elimination of 79 positions throughout the Company. Cash payments for all the facilities charges will be paid by the end of fiscal 2020. Cash payments for all the employee separation costs were paid before the end of the second quarter of fiscal 2018. The following tables summarize our restructuring accruals associated with the above actions. The current portion and non-current portion were recorded in other accrued liabilities and other liabilities, respectively, within the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Accrual at September 30, 2017 Cash Payments Accrual at September 30, 2018 (In thousands) Facilities charges $ 8,120 $ (2,892 ) $ 5,228 Employee separation 185 (185 ) — 8,305 $ (3,077 ) 5,228 Less: current portion (3,077 ) (3,850 ) Non-current $ 5,228 $ 1,378 Accrual at September 30, 2018 Cash Payments Accrual at September 30, 2019 (In thousands) Facilities charges $ 5,228 $ (3,850 ) $ 1,378 Less: current portion (3,850 ) (1,378 ) Non-current $ 1,378 $ —

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”) was enacted by the U.S. government. The Tax Act makes broad and complex changes to the U.S. tax code that affect our fiscal year ended September 30, 2019, including but not limited to: (1) creating the base erosion anti-abuse tax measure that taxes certain payments between a U.S. corporation and its foreign subsidiaries; (2) creating a new provision designed to tax global intangible low-tax income (“GILTI”) of foreign subsidiaries; and (3) a foreign derived intangible income. We have estimated the impact of these changes in our income tax provision for 2019. The GILTI provisions impose a tax on foreign income in excess of a deemed return on tangible assets of foreign corporations. The FASB Staff Q&A, Topic 740, No. 5, “ Accounting for Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income ”, states that an entity can make an accounting policy election to either recognize deferred taxes for temporary basis differences expected to reverse as GILTI in future years or provide for the tax expense related to GILTI in the year the tax is incurred as a period expense. We have elected to account for any potential GILTI tax in the period in which it is incurred. The provision for income taxes was as follows during fiscal 2019, 2018 and 2017 : Year ended September 30, 2019 2018 2017 As Adjusted As Adjusted (In thousands) Current: Federal $ 1,299 $ 8,071 $ 19,576 State (423 ) 2,236 1,055 Foreign 15,371 9,559 8,486 16,247 19,866 29,117 Deferred: Federal 7,003 13,987 (8,523 ) State 947 132 (296 ) Foreign (249 ) (3,535 ) 2,571 7,701 10,584 (6,248 ) Total provision $ 23,948 $ 30,450 $ 22,869 The foreign provision was based on foreign pre-tax earnings of $36.0 million , $10.8 million and $43.3 million in fiscal 2019, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. Current foreign tax expense related to foreign tax withholdings was $6.5 million , $6.0 million and $4.6 million in fiscal 2019, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. Foreign withholding tax and related foreign tax credits are included in current tax expense above. Deferred tax assets and liabilities at September 30, 2019 and 2018 were as follows: September 30, 2019 2018 As Adjusted (In thousands) Deferred tax assets: Loss and credit carryforwards $ 26,702 $ 24,377 Compensation benefits 23,931 30,388 Other assets 9,393 10,735 60,026 65,500 Less valuation allowance (19,231 ) (19,564 ) Total deferred tax assets 40,795 45,936 Deferred tax liabilities: Intangible assets (15,114 ) (15,921 ) Deferred Commission (7,920 ) (6,368 ) Property and equipment (3,511 ) (2,616 ) Other liabilities (8,244 ) (7,226 ) Total deferred tax liabilities (34,789 ) (32,131 ) Deferred tax assets, net $ 6,006 $ 13,805 Based upon the level of historical taxable income and projections for future taxable income over the periods that the deferred tax assets will reverse, management believes it is more likely than not that we will realize the benefits of the deferred tax assets, net of the existing valuation allowance at September 30, 2019. As of September 30, 2019 , we had available U.S. federal, state and foreign net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards of approximately $10.6 million , $0.2 million , and $25.0 million , respectively. The U.S. NOLs were acquired in connection with our acquisitions of Braun in fiscal 2005, Adeptra in fiscal 2012 and Infoglide in fiscal 2013. The U.S. federal NOL carryforward will expire at various dates beginning in fiscal 2020 , if not utilized. The state NOL carryforward will expire at various dates beginning in fiscal 2021 , if not utilized. The $25.0 million of foreign NOL includes $3.5 million related to China and $12.7 million related to Germany. Due to a limited ability to utilize the China and Germany NOLs, a full valuation allowance has been recorded on the China and Germany NOLs, resulting in no tax benefit. Utilization of the U.S. federal and state NOL are subject to an annual limitation due to the “change in ownership” provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and similar state provisions. In fiscal 2018 we generated approximately $3.8 million of excess federal research credits which are expected to be utilized fully in future tax years. We also have available excess California state research credit of approximately $14.1 million . The California state research credit does not have an expiration date; however, based on enacted law and expected future cash taxes, we have recorded a valuation allowance of $14.1 million . A reconciliation of the provision for income taxes, with the amount computed by applying the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate ( 21% in fiscal 2019, 24.5% in fiscal 2018, and 35% in fiscal 2017) to income before provision for income taxes for fiscal 2019, 2018 and 2017 is shown below: Year Ended September 30, 2019 2018 2017 As Adjusted As Adjusted (In thousands) Income tax provision at U.S. federal statutory rate $ 45,375 $ 38,495 $ 54,699 State income taxes, net of U.S. federal benefit 4,194 2,755 2,072 Foreign tax rate differential 839 (649 ) (4,082 ) Intercompany interest — — (477 ) Research credits (5,761 ) (3,486 ) (2,572 ) Domestic production deduction — (2,421 ) (2,759 ) Amended returns/audit settlements/statute expirations (2,268 ) (2,349 ) (1,296 ) Foreign 11,177 4,040 935 Valuation allowance (333 ) 1,907 2,512 Foreign tax credit (464 ) 1,320 (1,342 ) Excess tax benefits relating to stock-based compensation (24,891 ) (22,253 ) (24,746 ) Tax effect of the Tax Act — 16,719 — Other (3,920 ) (3,628 ) (75 ) Recorded income tax provision $ 23,948 $ 30,450 $ 22,869 The decrease in our income tax provision in fiscal 2019 compared to fiscal 2018 is due to the decrease in the overall federal tax rate from the blended 24.5% in fiscal 2018 to 21% in fiscal 2019 and the recording of several one-time items in fiscal 2018 related to the enactment of the Tax Act. The increase in our income tax provision in fiscal 2018 compared to fiscal 2017 was primarily due to recording the impact related to the enactment of the Tax Act in fiscal 2018. This includes re-measurement to our deferred for the tax rate changes, the one-time deemed repatriation transition tax, and the loss of deductibility of performance-based compensation for certain employees. As of September 30, 2019, we have approximately $95.6 million of unremitted earnings of non-U.S. subsidiaries. The Company generates substantial cash flow in the U.S. and does not have a current need for the cash to be returned to the U.S. from the foreign entities. In the event these earnings are later remitted to the U.S., any estimated withholding tax on remittance of those earnings is expected to be immaterial to the income tax provision. Unrecognized Tax Benefit for Uncertain Tax Positions We conduct business globally and, as a result, file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various state and foreign jurisdictions. In the normal course of business, we are subject to examination by taxing authorities. With a few exceptions, we are no longer subject to U.S. federal, state, local, or foreign income tax examinations for fiscal years prior to 2015. We are currently under audit by South Carolina and New York State for fiscal years 2016, 2017 and 2018. We do not anticipate any adjustments related to those audits that will result in a material change to our consolidated financial statements. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows: Year Ended September 30, 2019 2018 2017 (In thousands) Gross unrecognized tax benefits at beginning of year $ 6,113 $ 6,480 $ 6,799 Gross increases for tax positions in prior years 509 404 57 Gross decreases for tax positions in prior years (611 ) — (19 ) Gross increases based on tax positions related to the current year 1,439 1,625 1,291 Decreases for settlements and payments (637 ) — (151 ) Decreases due to statue expiration (979 ) (2,396 ) (1,497 ) Gross unrecognized tax benefits at end of year $ 5,834 $ 6,113 $ 6,480 We had $5.8 million of total unrecognized tax benefits as of September 30, 2019 , including $5.7 million of tax benefits that, if recognized, would impact the effective tax rate. Although the timing and outcome of audit settlements are uncertain, it is unlikely there will be a reduction of the uncertain tax benefits in the next twelve months. We recognize interest expense related to unrecognized tax benefits and penalties as part of the provision for income taxes in our consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. We recognize interest earned related to income tax matters as interest income in our consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. As of September 30, 2019 , we have accrued interest of $0.3 million related to the unrecognized tax benefits.

Stock-Based Employee Benefit Pl

Stock-Based Employee Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]
Stock-Based Employee Benefit Plans	Stock-Based Employee Benefit Plans Description of Stock Option and Share Plans We maintain the 2012 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “2012 Plan”) under which we are authorized to issue equity awards, including stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock awards, stock unit awards and other stock-based awards. All employees, consultants and advisors of FICO or any subsidiary, as well as all non-employee directors are eligible to receive awards under the 2012 Plan. We also have awards currently outstanding under the 1992 Long-Term Incentive Plan, which was adopted in February 1992 and expired in February 2012. Stock option awards have a maximum term of seven years . In general, stock option awards and restricted stock unit awards not subject to market or performance conditions vest annually over four years . Restricted stock unit awards subject to market or performance conditions vest annually over three years based on the achievement of specified criteria. At September 30, 2019 , there were 4,259,396 shares available for issuance under the 2012 Plan. Description of Employee Stock Purchase Plan On February 28, 2019 our shareholders approved the adoption of the 2019 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “2019 Purchase Plan”). The 2019 Purchase Plan authorizes the issuance of up to 1,000,000 shares of common stock to eligible employees. Employees may have up to 15% of their eligible pay withheld through payroll deductions to purchase FICO common stock during semi-annual offering periods. The purchase price of the stock is 85% of the closing sales price on the last trading day of each offering period. Offering period means approximately six -month periods commencing (a) on the first trading day on or after September 1 and terminating on the last trading day in the following February, and (b) on the first trading day on or after March 1 and terminating on the last trading day in the following August. At September 30, 2019 , there were 1,000,000 shares available for issuance under the 2019 Purchase Plan. We satisfy stock option exercises, vesting of restricted stock units and the 2019 Purchase Plan issuances from treasury shares. Share-Based Compensation Expense and Related Income Tax Benefits We recorded share-based compensation expense of $83.0 million , $74.8 million and $61.2 million in fiscal years 2019, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. The total tax benefit related to this share-based compensation expense was $12.5 million , $15.7 million and $20.4 million in fiscal 2019, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. As of September 30, 2019 , there was $122.7 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested share-based compensation arrangements granted under all equity compensation plans. Total unrecognized compensation cost will be adjusted for future changes in estimated forfeitures. We expect to recognize that cost over a weighted average period of 2.41 years. In fiscal 2019 we received $22.8 million in cash from stock option exercises, with the tax benefit realized for the tax deductions from these exercises of $23.3 million . Stock-Based Activity Stock Options We estimate the fair value of stock options granted using the Black-Scholes option valuation model and we amortize the fair value on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. We used the following assumptions to estimate the fair value of our stock options during fiscal 2019, 2018 and 2017 : Year Ended September 30, 2019 2018 2017 Stock Options: Weighted average expected term (years) 4.26 4.78 5.00 Expected volatility (range) 31.1 - 32.4 % 33.6 - 35.1 % 35.3 % Weighted average volatility 32.2 % 34.6 % 35.3 % Risk-free interest rate (range) 2.50 - 2.68 % 2.03 - 2.65 % 2.02 % Weighted average expected dividend yield — % — % 0.07 % Expected dividend yield (range) — % — % 0.07 % Expected Volatility. We estimate the volatility of our common stock at the date of grant based on a combination of the implied volatility of publicly traded options on our common stock and our historical volatility rate. Expected Term. The expected term represents the period that our stock options are expected to be outstanding. We estimate the expected term based on historical experience of similar awards, giving consideration to the contractual terms of the stock-based awards, vesting schedules and expectations of future employee behavior. Dividends. In fiscal 2017 the dividend yield assumption was based on historical dividend payments, which were discontinued in May 2017. Risk-Free Interest Rate. The risk-free interest rate assumption is based on observed interest rates appropriate for the term of our employee options. Forfeitures. We use historical data to estimate pre-vesting option forfeitures and record share-based compensation expense only for those awards that are expected to vest. The following table summarizes option activity during fiscal 2019 : Shares Weighted- average Exercise Price Weighted- average Remaining Contractual Term Aggregate Intrinsic Value (In thousands) (In years) (In thousands) Outstanding at October 1, 2018 996 $ 63.13 Granted 81 196.43 Exercised (456 ) 50.03 Forfeited (5 ) 178.09 Outstanding at September 30, 2019 616 $ 89.36 2.76 $ 131,921 Exercisable at September 30, 2019 533 $ 73.89 2.25 $ 122,381 Vested and expected to vest at September 30, 2019 613 $ 88.84 2.74 $ 131,509 The weighted average fair value of options granted were $59.63 , $56.61 and $43.80 during fiscal 2019, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. The aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding at September 30, 2019 was calculated as the difference between the exercise price of the underlying options and the market price of our common stock for the 0.6 million outstanding shares, which had exercise prices lower than the $303.52 market price of our common stock at September 30, 2019 . The total intrinsic value of options exercised was $99.1 million , $41.4 million and $27.0 million during fiscal 2019, 2018 and 2017 , respectively, determined as of the date of exercise. Restricted Stock Units The fair value of restricted stock units (“RSUs”) granted is the closing market price of our common stock on the date of grant, adjusted for the expected dividend yield, if applicable. We amortize the fair value on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. The following table summarizes the RSUs activity during fiscal 2019 : Shares Weighted-average Grant-date Fair Value (In thousands) Outstanding at October 1, 2018 1,113 $ 127.34 Granted 370 206.29 Released (448 ) 118.73 Forfeited (37 ) 140.17 Outstanding at September 30, 2019 998 $ 159.99 The weighted average fair value of the RSUs granted were $206.29 , $161.85 and $122.47 during fiscal 2019, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. The total intrinsic value of the RSUs that vested was $91.2 million , $70.7 million and $58.7 million during fiscal 2019, 2018 and 2017 , respectively, determined as of the date of vesting. Performance Share Units Performance share units (“PSUs”) are granted to our senior officers and earned based on pre-established performance goals approved by the Leadership Development and Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors for any given performance period. The range of payout is zero to 200% of the number of granted PSUs, based on the outcome of the performance conditions. We estimate the fair value of the PSUs using the closing market price of our common stock on the date of grant, adjusted for the expected dividend yield if applicable, based on the performance condition that is probable of achievement. We amortize the fair values over the requisite service period for each vesting tranche of the award. We reassess the probability at each reporting period and recognize the cumulative effect of the change in estimate in the period of change. The following table summarizes the PSUs activity during fiscal 2019 : Shares Weighted- average Grant-date Fair Value (In thousands) Outstanding at October 1, 2018 210 $ 133.76 Granted 91 185.05 Released (106 ) 123.04 Outstanding at September 30, 2019 195 $ 163.38 The weighted average fair value of the PSUs granted were $185.05 , $157.17 and $121.30 during fiscal 2019, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. The total intrinsic value of the PSUs that vested was $19.3 million , $15.1 million and $16.6 million during fiscal 2019, 2018 and 2017 , respectively, determined as of the date of vesting. Market Share Units Market share units (“MSUs”) are granted to our senior officers and earned based on our total stockholder return relative to the Russell 3000 Index over performance periods of one , two and three years . We estimate the fair value of MSUs granted using the Monte Carlo valuation model and amortize the fair values over the requisite service period for each vesting tranche of the award. In addition, we do not reverse the compensation cost solely because the market condition is not satisfied, and the award is therefore not earned by the employee, provided the requisite service is rendered. We used the following assumptions to estimate the fair value of our MSUs during fiscal 2019, 2018 and 2017 : Year Ended September 30, 2019 2018 2017 Expected volatility in FICO’s stock price 24.6 % 24.6 % 27.4 % Expected volatility in Russell 3000 Index 12.8 % 12.7 % 13.6 % Correlation between FICO and the Russell 3000 Index 66.6 % 63.1 % 59.8 % Risk-free interest rate 2.73 % 1.92 % 1.40 % Average expected dividend yield — % — % 0.07 % The expected volatility was determined based on daily historical movements in our stock price and the Russell 3000 Index for the three years preceding the grant date. The correlation between FICO and the Russell 3000 Index was determined based on historical daily stock price movements for the three years preceding the grant date. The dividend yield was determined using the historical dividend payout and a trailing twelve -month closing stock price on the grant date for fiscal 2017, and in May 2017 we discontinued dividend payments. The risk-free rate was determined based on U.S. Treasury zero-coupon yields over the three -year performance period. The following table summarizes the MSUs activity during fiscal 2019 : Shares Weighted- average Grant-date Fair Value (In thousands) Outstanding at October 1, 2018 114 $ 159.34 Granted 105 169.46 Released (119 ) 143.57 Outstanding at September 30, 2019 100 $ 188.63 The weighted average fair value of the MSUs granted were $169.46 , $151.78 and $108.09 during fiscal 2019, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. The total intrinsic value of the MSUs that vested was $21.6 million , $18.7 million and $20.2 million during fiscal 2019, 2018 and 2017 , respectively, determined as of the date of vesting. Employee Stock Purchase Plan The compensation expense on the employee stock purchase plan arises from the 15% discount offered to participants. As our first semi-annual offering period started on September 1, 2019, no shares have been purchased as of September 30, 2019.

Earnings per Share

Earnings per Share	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings per Share	Earnings per Share The following table presents reconciliations for the numerators and denominators of basic and diluted earnings per share (“EPS”) during fiscal 2019, 2018 and 2017 : Year Ended September 30, 2019 2018 2017 As Adjusted As Adjusted (In thousands, except per share data) Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per share — net income $ 192,124 $ 126,482 $ 133,414 Denominator — share: Basic weighted-average shares 28,980 29,711 30,862 Effect of dilutive securities 1,314 1,469 1,383 Diluted weighted-average shares 30,294 31,180 32,245 Earnings per share: Basic $ 6.63 $ 4.26 $ 4.32 Diluted $ 6.34 $ 4.06 $ 4.14 The computation of diluted EPS excludes options to purchase approximately 4,000 , 5,000 , and 8,000 shares of common stock for fiscal 2019, 2018 and 2017 , respectively, because the exercise prices of the options exceeded the average market price of our common stock in these fiscal years and their inclusion would be antidilutive.

Segment Information

Segment Information	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Information	Segment Information We are organized into the following three operating segments, each of which is a reportable segment, to align with internal management of our worldwide business operations based on product offerings. • Applications. This segment includes pre-configured decision management applications designed for a specific type of business problem or process — such as marketing, account origination, customer management, fraud, collections and insurance claims management — as well as associated professional services. These applications are available to our customers as on-premises software, and many are available as hosted, SaaS applications through the FICO ® Analytic Cloud or third-party public clouds, such as those provided by AWS. • Scores. This segment includes our business-to-business scoring solutions, our myFICO ® solutions for consumers and associated professional services. Our scoring solutions give our clients access to analytics that can be easily integrated into their transaction streams and decision-making processes. Our scoring solutions are distributed through major credit reporting agencies, as well as services through which we provide our scores to clients directly. • Decision Management Software. This segment is composed of analytic and decision management software tools that clients can use to create their own custom decision management applications, our FICO ® Decision Management Suite, as well as associated professional services. These tools are available to our customers as on-premises software or through the FICO ® Analytic Cloud or third-party public clouds, such as those provided by AWS. Our Chief Executive Officer evaluates segment financial performance based on segment revenues and segment operating income. Segment operating expenses consist of direct and indirect costs principally related to personnel, facilities, consulting, travel and depreciation. Indirect costs are allocated to the segments generally based on relative segment revenues, fixed rates established by management based upon estimated expense contribution levels and other assumptions that management considers reasonable. We do not allocate broad-based incentive expense, share-based compensation expense, restructuring and acquisition-related expense, amortization expense, various corporate charges and certain other income and expense measures to our segments. These income and expense items are not allocated because they are not considered in evaluating the segment’s operating performance. Our Chief Executive Officer does not evaluate the financial performance of each segment based on its respective assets or capital expenditures; rather, depreciation amounts are allocated to the segments from their internal cost centers as described above. The following tables summarize segment information for fiscal 2019, 2018 and 2017 : Year Ended September 30, 2019 Applications Scores Decision Management Software Unallocated Corporate Expenses Total (In thousands) Segment revenues: Transactional and maintenance $ 395,398 $ 415,288 $ 50,262 $ — $ 860,948 Professional services 137,258 2,157 44,680 — 184,095 License 72,378 3,732 38,930 — 115,040 Total segment revenues 605,034 421,177 133,872 — 1,160,083 Segment operating expense (443,872 ) (59,821 ) (168,988 ) (144,755 ) (817,436 ) Segment operating income (loss) $ 161,162 $ 361,356 $ (35,116 ) $ (144,755 ) $ 342,647 Unallocated share-based compensation expense (82,973 ) Unallocated amortization expense (6,126 ) Operating income 253,548 Unallocated interest expense, net (39,752 ) Unallocated other income, net 2,276 Income before income taxes $ 216,072 Depreciation expense $ 18,766 $ 498 $ 4,036 $ 904 $ 24,204 Year Ended September 30, 2018 (As Adjusted) Applications Scores Decision Management Software Unallocated Corporate Expenses Total (In thousands) Segment revenues: Transactional and maintenance $ 372,283 $ 331,662 $ 46,658 $ — $ 750,603 Professional services 142,736 1,900 32,274 — 176,910 License 49,356 2,308 20,969 — 72,633 Total segment revenues 564,375 335,870 99,901 — 1,000,146 Segment operating expense (420,411 ) (63,452 ) (134,261 ) (125,255 ) (743,379 ) Segment operating income (loss) $ 143,964 $ 272,418 $ (34,360 ) $ (125,255 ) 256,767 Unallocated share-based compensation expense (74,814 ) Unallocated amortization expense (6,594 ) Operating income 175,359 Unallocated interest expense, net (31,311 ) Unallocated other income, net 12,884 Income before income taxes $ 156,932 Depreciation expense $ 15,651 $ 555 $ 5,471 $ 956 $ 22,633 Year Ended September 30, 2017 (As Adjusted) Applications Scores Decision Management Software Unallocated Corporate Expenses Total (In thousands) Segment revenues: Transactional and maintenance $ 335,560 $ 254,424 $ 43,943 $ — $ 633,927 Professional services 140,990 2,869 34,045 — 177,904 License 84,084 2,244 36,824 — 123,152 Total segment revenues 560,634 259,537 114,812 — 934,983 Segment operating expense (392,307 ) (54,369 ) (122,839 ) (104,907 ) (674,422 ) Segment operating income (loss) $ 168,327 $ 205,168 $ (8,027 ) $ (104,907 ) 260,561 Unallocated share-based compensation expense (61,222 ) Unallocated amortization expense (12,709 ) Unallocated restructuring and acquisition-related expenses (4,471 ) Operating income 182,159 Unallocated interest expense, net (25,790 ) Unallocated other expense, net (86 ) Income before income taxes $ 156,283 Depreciation expense $ 15,857 $ 991 $ 4,783 $ 1,349 $ 22,980 Information about disaggregated revenue by product deployment methods was as follows: Year Ended September 30, 2019 Reportable Segments On-Premises SaaS Scores Total Percentage (Dollars in thousands) Applications $ 360,105 $ 244,929 $ — $ 605,034 52 % Scores — — 421,177 421,177 36 % Decision Management Software 108,447 25,425 — 133,872 12 % Total $ 468,552 $ 270,354 $ 421,177 $ 1,160,083 100 % Year Ended September 30, 2018 (As Adjusted) Reportable Segments On-Premises SaaS Scores Total Percentage (Dollars in thousands) Applications $ 337,162 $ 227,213 $ — $ 564,375 56 % Scores — — 335,870 335,870 34 % Decision Management Software 86,172 13,729 — 99,901 10 % Total $ 423,334 $ 240,942 $ 335,870 $ 1,000,146 100 % Year Ended September 30, 2017 (As Adjusted) Reportable Segments On-Premises SaaS Scores Total Percentage (Dollars in thousands) Applications $ 367,944 $ 192,690 $ — $ 560,634 60 % Scores — — 259,537 259,537 28 % Decision Management Software 104,995 9,817 — 114,812 12 % Total $ 472,939 $ 202,507 $ 259,537 $ 934,983 100 % We derive a significant portion of revenues internationally, and 34% , 35% , and 37% of total consolidated revenues were derived from clients outside the U.S. during fiscal 2019, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. Information about disaggregated revenue by primary geographical markets was as follows: Year Ended September 30, 2019 Reportable Segments North America Latin America Europe, Middle East and Africa Asia Pacific Total (In thousands) Applications $ 338,990 $ 42,656 $ 155,539 $ 67,849 $ 605,034 Scores 404,778 4,591 6,359 5,449 421,177 Decision Management Software 63,397 18,040 33,288 19,147 133,872 Total $ 807,165 $ 65,287 $ 195,186 $ 92,445 $ 1,160,083 Year Ended September 30, 2018 (As Adjusted) Reportable Segments North America Latin America Europe, Middle East and Africa Asia Pacific Total (In thousands) Applications $ 318,836 $ 39,136 $ 141,358 $ 65,045 $ 564,375 Scores 328,990 1,366 3,989 1,525 335,870 Decision Management Software 53,184 5,035 24,245 17,437 99,901 Total $ 701,010 $ 45,537 $ 169,592 $ 84,007 $ 1,000,146 Year Ended September 30, 2017 (As Adjusted) Reportable Segments North America Latin America Europe, Middle East and Africa Asia Pacific Total (In thousands) Applications $ 327,226 $ 34,678 $ 139,765 $ 58,965 $ 560,634 Scores 250,260 1,573 3,831 3,873 259,537 Decision Management Software 62,758 7,112 30,222 14,720 114,812 Total $ 640,244 $ 43,363 $ 173,818 $ 77,558 $ 934,983 Within our Applications segment our fraud solutions accounted for 18% , 17% and 19% of total revenues in each of fiscal 2019, 2018 and 2017 , respectively, our customer communication services accounted for 9% , 10% and 10% of total revenues in each of these periods, respectively; and our customer management solutions accounted for 6% , 8% and 8% of total revenues in each of these periods, respectively. Revenue generated from a single customer or a group of customers which represented 10% or greater of total revenue are summarized below for fiscal 2019, 2018 and 2017 : Year Ended September 30, 2019 2018 2017 As Adjusted As Adjusted (Dollars in thousands) Experian $ 148,037 13 % $ 109,097 11 % $ 80,096 9 % TransUnion and Equifax 183,523 16 % 142,179 14 % 99,735 11 % Other customers 828,523 71 % 748,870 75 % 755,152 80 % Total $ 1,160,083 100 % $ 1,000,146 100 % $ 934,983 100 % At September 30, 2019 and 2018 , no individual customer accounted for 10% or more of total consolidated receivables. Our property and equipment, net, on a geographical basis are summarized below at September 30, 2019 and 2018 : September 30, 2019 2018 (Dollars in thousands) United States $ 38,058 72 % $ 39,593 81 % United Kingdom 7,801 15 % 4,296 9 % Other countries 7,168 13 % 4,948 10 % Total $ 53,027 100 % $ 48,837 100 %

Contract Balances and Performan

Contract Balances and Performance Obligations Contract Balances and Performance Obligation	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Text Block]	16. Contract Balances and Performance Obligations Contract Balances We record a receivable when we satisfy a performance obligation prior to invoicing if only the passage of time is required before payment is due or if we have an unconditional right to consideration before we satisfy a performance obligation. We record a contract asset when we satisfy a performance obligation prior to invoicing but our right to consideration is conditional. We record deferred revenue when the payment is made or due before we satisfy a performance obligation. Receivables at September 30, 2019 and 2018 consisted of the following: September 30, 2019 2018 As Adjusted (In thousands) Billed $ 206,714 $ 196,960 Unbilled 127,651 73,221 334,365 270,181 Less: allowance for doubtful accounts (2,568 ) (3,439 ) Net receivables (*) $ 331,797 $ 266,742 (*) Included short-term receivables of $297.4 million and long-term receivables of $34.4 million that were recorded in accounts receivable, net and other assets, respectively, within the accompanying consolidated balance sheets at September 30, 2019. Long-term receivables were not material at September 30, 2018. Activity in the allowance for doubtful accounts was as follows: Year Ended September 30, 2019 2018 (In thousands) Balance, beginning of year $ 3,439 $ 2,941 Add: expense 518 623 Less: write-offs (net of recoveries) (1,389 ) (125 ) Balance, end of year $ 2,568 $ 3,439 Contract assets balance at September 30, 2019 and 2018 was immaterial. Deferred revenue primarily relates to our maintenance and SaaS contracts billed annually in advance and generally recognized ratably over the term of the service period. Significant changes in the deferred revenues balances are as follows: Year Ended September 30, 2019 2018 As Adjusted (In thousands) Deferred revenues, beginning balance $ 108,118 $ 114,729 Revenue recognized that was included in the deferred revenues balance at the beginning of the period (93,265 ) (83,125 ) Increases due to billings, excluding amounts recognized as revenue during the period 101,467 76,514 Deferred revenues, ending balance (*) $ 116,320 $ 108,118 (*) Ending balance at September 30, 2019 included current portion of $111.0 million and long-term portion of $5.3 million that were recorded in deferred revenue and other liabilities, respectively, within the consolidated balance sheets. Ending balance at September 30, 2018 included current portion of $103.3 million and long-term portion of $4.8 million that were recorded in deferred revenue and other liabilities, respectively, within the consolidated balance sheets. Payment terms and conditions vary by contract type, although terms generally include a requirement of payment within 30 to 60 days. In instances where the timing of revenue recognition differs from the timing of invoicing, we have determined our contracts generally do not include a significant financing component. The primary purpose of our invoicing terms is to provide customers with simplified and predictable ways of purchasing our products and services, not to provide customers with financing or to receive financing from our customers. Examples include multi-year on-premises licenses that are invoiced annually with revenue recognized upfront, and invoicing at the beginning of a subscription term with revenue recognized ratably over the contract period. Performance Obligations The following table includes estimated revenue expected to be recognized in the future related to performance obligations that are unsatisfied (or partially unsatisfied) at the end of the reporting period: Year Ending September 30, Performance Obligations (In thousands) 2020 $ 84,022 2021 66,809 2022 39,960 2023 26,188 2024 16,512 Thereafter 4,879 Total $ 238,370 We apply the optional exemption that permits the omission of information about remaining performance obligations that have original expected durations of one year or less. We also applied the transition practical expedient that permits the omission of prior-period information about our performance obligations.

Commitments

Commitments	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments	Commitments We occupy the majority of our facilities under non-cancelable operating leases with lease terms in excess of one year. Such facility leases generally provide for annual increases based upon the Consumer Price Index or fixed increments. Rent expense under operating leases, including month-to-month leases, totaled $21.6 million , $19.8 million and $18.6 million during fiscal 2019, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. We have also entered into capital lease commitments for certain computer equipment. Property acquired through capital leases and the associated depreciation of these assets is included in property and equipment on our consolidated balance sheets. The current portion and long-term portion of our capital lease obligations is reported in other accrued liabilities and other liabilities, respectively within the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. In the ordinary course of business, we enter into contractual purchase obligations and other agreements that are legally binding and specify certain minimum payment terms. Minimum future commitments under our non-cancelable leases and other obligations were as follows at September 30, 2019 : Future Minimum Lease Commitments Other Commitments Year Ending September 30, Capital Leases Operating Leases (In thousands) 2020 $ 1,935 $ 19,842 $ 7,000 2021 1,934 19,969 — 2022 1,934 17,677 — 2023 — 16,940 — 2024 — 14,887 — Thereafter — 24,431 — Total $ 5,803 $ 113,746 $ 7,000 We are also a party to a management agreement with 24 of our executives providing for certain payments and other benefits in the event of a qualified change in control of FICO, coupled with a termination of the officer during the following year.

Contingencies

Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Contingencies	Contingencies We are in disputes with certain customers regarding amounts owed in connection with the sale of certain of our products and services. We also have had claims asserted by former employees relating to compensation and other employment matters. We are also involved in various other claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business. We record litigation accruals for legal matters which are both probable and estimable. For legal proceedings for which there is a reasonable possibility of loss (meaning those losses for which the likelihood is more than remote but less than probable), we have determined we do not have material exposure on an aggregate basis.

Guarantees

Guarantees	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Guarantees [Abstract]
Guarantees	Guarantees In the ordinary course of business, we are not subject to potential obligations under guarantees , except for standard indemnification and warranty provisions that are contained within many of our customer license and service agreements and certain supplier agreements, including underwriter agreements, as well as standard indemnification agreements that we have executed with certain of our officers and directors, and give rise only to the disclosure in the consolidated financial statements. In addition, we continue to monitor the conditions that are subject to the guarantees and indemnifications to identify whether it is probable that a loss has occurred, and would recognize any such losses under the guarantees and indemnifications when those losses are estimable. Indemnification and warranty provisions contained within our customer license and service agreements and certain supplier agreements are generally consistent with those prevalent in our industry. The duration of our product warranties generally does not exceed 90 days following delivery of our products. We have not incurred significant obligations under customer indemnification or warranty provisions historically and do not expect to incur significant obligations in the future. Accordingly, we do not maintain accruals for potential customer indemnification or warranty-related obligations. The indemnification agreements that we have executed with certain of our officers and directors would require us to indemnify such officers and directors in certain instances. We have not incurred obligations under these indemnification agreements historically and do not expect to incur significant obligations in the future. Accordingly, we do not maintain accruals for potential officer or director indemnification obligations. The maximum potential amount of future payments that we could be required to make under the indemnification provisions in our customer license and service agreements, and officer and director agreements is unlimited.

Supplementary Financial Data (U

Supplementary Financial Data (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Supplementary Financial Data (Unaudited)	Supplementary Financial Data (Unaudited) The following table presents selected unaudited consolidated financial results for each of the eight quarters in the two-year period ended September 30, 2019 . In the opinion of management, this unaudited information has been prepared on the same basis as the audited information and includes all adjustments (consisting of only normal recurring adjustments, except as noted below) necessary for a fair statement of the consolidated financial information for the period presented. Quarter Ended September 30, June 30, March 31, December 31, (In thousands, except per share data) Revenues $ 305,344 $ 314,249 $ 278,234 $ 262,256 Cost of revenues (1) 87,996 87,215 85,568 76,066 Gross profit 217,348 227,034 192,666 186,190 Net income $ 54,584 $ 64,152 $ 33,381 $ 40,007 Earnings per share (2): Basic $ 1.89 $ 2.21 $ 1.15 $ 1.38 Diluted $ 1.80 $ 2.12 $ 1.10 $ 1.32 Shares used in computing earnings per share: Basic 28,918 28,967 29,074 28,961 Diluted 30,290 30,292 30,259 30,336 Quarter Ended September 30, June 30, March 31, December 31, As Adjusted As Adjusted As Adjusted As Adjusted (In thousands, except per share data) Revenues $ 256,532 $ 254,993 $ 256,260 $ 232,361 Cost of revenues (1) 79,962 79,011 79,493 74,432 Gross profit 176,570 175,982 176,767 157,929 Net income $ 32,713 $ 29,721 $ 31,169 $ 32,879 Earnings per share (2): Basic $ 1.13 $ 1.00 $ 1.04 $ 1.09 Diluted $ 1.07 $ 0.95 $ 1.00 $ 1.04 Shares used in computing earnings per share: Basic 29,077 29,708 29,985 30,078 Diluted 30,702 31,161 31,300 31,561 (1) Cost of revenues excludes amortization expense of $0.5 million , $0.5 million , $0.5 million , $0.5 million , $0.5 million , $0.6 million , $0.6 million and $0.7 million for the quarters ended September 30, 2019 , June 30, 2019 , March 31, 2019 , December 31, 2018 , September 30, 2018 , June 30, 2018 , March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , respectively. (2) Earnings per share is computed independently for each of the quarters presented. Therefore, the sum of the quarterly per share amounts may not equal the totals for the respective years.

Nature of Business and Summar_2

Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation	Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation Effective October 1, 2018, we adopted ASU No. 2014-09, “ Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) ” (“ASU 2014-09”) using the full retrospective method. In connection with this adoption, the results and related disclosures for the comparative fiscal 2018 and 2017 presented in this Form 10-K were adjusted to be presented as if ASU 2014‑09 had been in effect during such fiscal years. See “New Accounting Pronouncements” and “Revenue Recognition” below. All amounts and disclosures set forth in this Form 10-K reflect these changes. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of FICO and its subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates We make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and the disclosures made in the accompanying notes. For example, we use estimates in determining the collectibility of accounts receivable; the appropriate levels of various accruals; labor hours in connection with fixed-fee service contracts; the amount of our tax provision and the realizability of deferred tax assets. We also use estimates in determining the remaining economic lives and carrying values of acquired intangible assets, property and equipment, and other long-lived assets. In addition, we use assumptions to estimate the fair value of reporting units and share-based compensation. Actual results may differ from our estimates.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash in banks and investments with an original maturity of 90 days or less at time of purchase.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Investments	Investments We categorize our investments in debt and equity instruments as trading, available-for-sale or held-to-maturity at the time of purchase. Trading securities are carried at fair value with unrealized gains or losses included in income (expense). Available-for-sale securities are carried at fair value measurements using quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities with unrealized gains or losses included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Held-to-maturity securities are carried at amortized cost. Dividends and interest income are accrued as earned. Realized gains and losses are determined on a specific identification basis and are included in other income (expense). We review marketable securities for impairment whenever circumstances and situations change such that there is an indication that the carrying amounts may not be recovered. We did not classify any securities as held-to-maturity or available-for-sale during each of the three years ended September 30, 2019, 2018, and 2017. Investments with remaining maturities over one year are classified as long-term investments. We have certain other investments for which there is no readily determinable fair value. These investments are recorded at cost, less impairment (if any) plus or minus adjustments for observable price changes. The carrying value of these investments was $1.6 million and $1.7 million at September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively, and they are reported in other assets on our balance sheets. At September 30, 2019, we reviewed the carrying value of these investments and concluded that they were not impaired and as of that date, we are unable to exercise significant influence over the investees.
Concentration of Risk	Concentration of Risk Financial instruments that potentially expose us to concentrations of risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities and accounts receivable, which are generally not collateralized. Our policy is to place our cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities with high quality financial institutions, commercial corporations and government agencies in order to limit the amount of credit exposure. We have established guidelines relative to diversification and maturities for maintaining safety and liquidity. We generally do not require collateral from our customers, but our credit extension and collection policies include analyzing the financial condition of potential customers, establishing credit limits, monitoring payments, and aggressively pursuing delinquent accounts. We maintain allowances for potential credit losses. A significant portion of our revenues are derived from the sales of products and services to the consumer credit and banking industries.
Property and Equipment	Property and Equipment Property and equipment are recorded at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Major renewals and improvements are capitalized, while repair and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred. Assets acquired under capital leases are included in property and equipment with corresponding depreciation included in accumulated depreciation. Depreciation and amortization charges are calculated using the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives: Estimated Useful Life Data processing equipment and software 3 years to 6 years Office furniture and equipment 3 years to 7 years Leasehold improvements Shorter of estimated Equipment under capital lease Shorter of estimated
Internal-use Software	Internal-Use Software Costs incurred to develop internal-use software during the application development stage are capitalized and reported at cost. Application development stage costs generally include costs associated with internal-use software configuration, coding, installation and testing. Costs of significant upgrades and enhancements that result in additional functionality are also capitalized whereas costs incurred for maintenance and minor upgrades and enhancements are expensed as incurred. Capitalized costs are amortized using the straight-line method over two to three years . Software development costs required to be capitalized for internal-use software have not been material to date.
Capitalized Software and Research and Development Costs	Capitalized Software and Research and Development Costs Software development costs relating to products to be sold in the normal course of business are expensed as incurred as research and development costs until technological feasibility is established. Technological feasibility for our products occurs approximately concurrently with the general release of our products; accordingly, we have not capitalized any development or production costs. Costs we incur to maintain and support our existing products after the general release of the product are expensed in the period they are incurred and included in research and development costs in our consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	Goodwill, Acquisition Intangibles and Other Long-Lived Assets Goodwill represents the excess of cost over the fair value of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed in business combinations. We assess goodwill for impairment for each of our reporting units on an annual basis during the fourth quarter using a July 1 measurement date unless circumstances require a more frequent measurement. We have determined that our reporting units are the same as our reportable segments. When evaluating goodwill for impairment, we may first perform an assessment qualitatively whether it is more likely than not that a reporting unit's carrying amount exceeds its fair value, referred to as a “step zero” approach. If, based on the review of the qualitative factors, we determine it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, we would bypass the two-step impairment test. Events and circumstances we consider in performing the “step zero” qualitative assessment include macro-economic conditions, market and industry conditions, internal cost factors, share price fluctuations, and the operational stability and the overall financial performance of the reporting units. If we conclude that it is more likely than not that a reporting unit's fair value is less than its carrying amount, we would perform the first step (“step one”) of the two-step impairment test and calculate the estimated fair value of the reporting unit by using discounted cash flow valuation models and by comparing our reporting units to guideline publicly-traded companies. These methods require estimates of our future revenues, profits, capital expenditures, working capital, and other relevant factors, as well as selecting appropriate guideline publicly-traded companies for each reporting unit. We estimate these amounts by evaluating historical trends, current budgets, operating plans, industry data, and other relevant factors. Alternatively, we may bypass the qualitative assessment described above for any reporting unit in any period and proceed directly to performing step one of the goodwill impairment test. For each of fiscal 2019 and 2018, we performed a step zero qualitative analysis for our annual assessment of goodwill impairment. After evaluating and weighing all relevant events and circumstances, we concluded that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of any of our reporting units was less their carrying amounts, and did not perform a step one quantitative analysis. For fiscal 2017, we elected to proceed directly to the step one quantitative analysis for all of our reporting units, and determined goodwill was not impaired for any of our reporting units as there was a substantial excess of fair value over carrying value for each of our reporting units. Consequently, we did not recognize any goodwill impairment charges in fiscal 2019, 2018 or 2017. We amortize our finite-lived intangible assets which result from our acquisitions over the following estimated useful lives: Estimated Useful Life Completed technology 4 years to 10 years Customer contracts and relationships 5 years to 15 years Trade names 1 year to 3 years Non-compete agreements 2 years
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets	Our intangible assets that have finite useful lives and other long-lived assets are assessed for potential impairment when there is evidence that events and circumstances related to our financial performance and economic environment indicate the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable. When impairment indicators are identified, we test for impairment using undiscounted cash flows. If such tests indicate impairment, then we measure and record the impairment as the difference between the carrying value of the asset and the fair value of the asset.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition Contracts with Customers Our revenue is primarily derived from term-based or perpetual licensing of software and scoring products and solutions, and associated maintenance; SaaS subscription services; scoring and credit monitoring services for consumers; and professional services. For contracts with customers that contain various combinations of products and services, we evaluate whether the products or services are distinct — distinct products or services will be accounted for as separate performance obligations, while non-distinct products or services are combined with others to form a single performance obligation. For contracts with multiple performance obligations, the transaction price is allocated to each performance obligation on a relative SSP basis. Revenue is recognized when control of the promised goods or services is transferred to our customers. License revenue is derived from contracts in which we grant our direct customers or distributors the right to deploy or resell our software and scoring products and solutions on-premises. Our software offerings often include a perpetual or term-based license and post-contract support or maintenance, both of which generally represent distinct performance obligations and are accounted for separately. The transaction price is either in the form of a fixed consideration with separate stated prices for license and maintenance, or a sales or usage-based royalty — sometimes subject to a guaranteed minimum — for the license and maintenance bundle. When the amount is in the form of a fixed consideration, including the guaranteed minimum in sales or usage-based royalty, license revenue from distinct on-premises license is recognized at the point in time when the software or scoring solution is made available to the customer or distributor. Any royalties not subject to the guaranteed minimum or earned in excess of the minimum amount are recognized as transactional revenue when the subsequent sales or usage occurs. Revenue allocated to maintenance is generally recognized ratably over the contract period as customers simultaneously consume and receive benefits. In addition to sales or usage-based royalty on our software and scoring products, transactional revenue is also derived from SaaS contracts in which we provide customers with access to and standard support for our software application either in the FICO ® Analytic Cloud or AWS, our primary cloud infrastructure provider, on a subscription basis. The transaction price typically includes a fixed consideration in the form of a guaranteed minimum that allows up to a certain level of usage and a variable consideration in the form of usage or transaction-based fees in excess of the minimum threshold; or usage or transaction-based variable amount not subject to a minimum threshold. We determined the nature of our SaaS arrangements is to provide continuous access to our hosted application in the cloud, i.e., a stand-ready obligation that comprises a series of distinct service periods (e.g., a series of distinct daily, monthly or annual periods of service). We estimate the total variable consideration at contract inception — subject to any constraints that may apply — and update the estimates as new information becomes available and recognize the amount ratably over the SaaS service period, unless we determine it is appropriate to allocate the variable amount to each distinct service period and recognize revenue as each distinct service period is performed. We also derive transactional revenue from credit scoring and monitoring services that provide consumers access to their credit reports and enable them to monitor their credit. These are provided as either a one-time or ongoing subscription service renewed monthly or annually, all with a fixed consideration. We determined the nature of the subscription service is a stand-ready obligation to generate credit reports, provide credit monitoring and other services for our customers, which comprises a series of distinct service periods (e.g., a series of distinct daily, monthly or annual periods of service). Revenue from one-time or monthly subscription services is recognized during the period when service is performed. Revenue from annual subscription services is recognized ratably over the subscription period. Professional services include software or SaaS implementation, consulting, model development, training services and premium cloud support. They are sold either standalone, or together with other products or services and generally represent distinct performance obligations. The transaction price can be a fixed amount or on a time and materials basis. Revenue on fixed-price services is recognized using an input method based on labor hours expended which we believe provides a faithful depiction of the transfer of services. Revenue on services provided on a time and materials basis is recognized applying the “right-to-invoice” practical expedient as the amount to which we have a right to invoice the customer corresponds directly with the value of our performance to the customer. In addition, we sell premium cloud support on a subscription basis for a fixed amount, and revenue is recognized ratably over the contract term. Significant Judgments Our contracts with customers often include promises to transfer multiple products and services to a customer. Determining whether products and services are considered distinct and should be accounted for separately may require significant judgment. Specifically, when implementation service is included in the original software or SaaS offerings, judgment is required to determine if the implementation service significantly modifies or customizes the software or SaaS service in such a way that the risks of providing it and the customization service are inseparable. In rare instances, contracts may include significant modification or customization of the software of SaaS service and will result in the combination of software or SaaS service and implementation service as one performance obligation. We determine the SSPs using data from our historical standalone sales, or, in instances where such information is not available (such as when we do not sell the product or service separately), we consider factors such as the stated contract prices, our overall pricing practices and objectives, go-to-market strategy, size and type of the transactions, and effects of the geographic area on pricing, among others. When the selling price of a product or service is highly variable, we may use the residual approach to determine the SSP of that product or service. Significant judgment may be required to determine the SSP for each distinct performance obligation when it involves the consideration of many market conditions and entity-specific factors discussed above. Significant judgment may be required to determine the timing of satisfaction of a performance obligation in certain professional services contracts with a fixed consideration, in which we measure progress using an input method based on labor hours expended. In order to estimate the total hours of the project, we make assumptions about labor utilization, efficiency of processes, the customer’s specification and IT environment, among others. For certain complex projects, due to the risks and uncertainties inherent with the estimation process and factors relating to the assumptions, actual progress may differ due to the change in estimated total hours. Adjustments to estimates are made in the period in which the facts requiring such revisions become known and, accordingly, recognized revenues are subject to revisions as the contract progresses to completion. Capitalized Commission Costs We capitalize incremental commission fees paid as a result of obtaining customer contracts. Capitalized commission costs, which are recorded in other assets within the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, were $33.7 million and $27.1 million at September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Capitalized commission costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over ten years — determined using a portfolio approach — based on the transfer of goods or services to which the assets relate, taking into consideration both the initial and future contracts as we do not typically pay a commission on a contract renewal. The amortization costs are included in selling, general, and administrative expenses of our consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. The amount of amortization was $5.0 million , $4.5 million and $4.2 million during the years ended September 30, 2019, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. There was no impairment loss in relation to the costs capitalized. We apply a practical expedient to recognize the incremental costs of obtaining contracts as an expense when incurred if the amortization period of the assets that we otherwise would have recognized is one year or less. These costs are recorded within selling, general, and administrative expenses. See Note 15 for our discussion on disaggregation of revenues, and Note 16 for contract balances and performance obligations.
Business Combinations	Business Combinations Accounting for our acquisitions requires us to recognize, separately from goodwill, the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed at their acquisition-date fair values. Goodwill as of the acquisition date is measured as the excess of consideration transferred and the net of the acquisition-date fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed. While we use our best estimates and assumptions to accurately value assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date, our estimates are inherently uncertain and subject to refinement. As a result, during the measurement period, which may be up to one year from the acquisition date, we record adjustments to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed with the corresponding offset to goodwill. Upon the conclusion of the measurement period or final determination of the values of assets acquired or liabilities assumed, whichever comes first, any subsequent adjustments are recorded to our consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. Accounting for business combinations requires our management to make significant estimates and assumptions, especially at the acquisition date, including our estimates for intangible assets, contractual obligations assumed, pre-acquisition contingencies and contingent consideration, where applicable. If we cannot reasonably determine the fair value of a pre-acquisition contingency (non-income tax related) by the end of the measurement period, we will recognize an asset or a liability for such pre-acquisition contingency if: (i) it is probable that an asset existed or a liability had been incurred at the acquisition date and (ii) the amount of the asset or liability can be reasonably estimated. Although we believe the assumptions and estimates we have made in the past have been reasonable and appropriate, they are based in part on historical experience and information obtained from the management of the acquired companies and are inherently uncertain. Subsequent to the measurement period, changes in our estimates of such contingencies will affect earnings and could have a material effect on our consolidated results of operations and financial position. Examples of critical estimates in valuing certain of the intangible assets we have acquired include but are not limited to: (i) future expected cash flows from software license sales, support agreements, consulting contracts, other customer contracts and acquired developed technologies and patents; (ii) expected costs to develop the in-process research and development into commercially viable products and estimated cash flows from the projects when completed; and (iii) the acquired company’s brand and competitive position, as well as assumptions about the period of time the acquired brand will continue to be used in the combined company’s product portfolio. Unanticipated events and circumstances may occur that may affect the accuracy or validity of such assumptions, estimates or actual results. In addition, uncertain tax positions and tax related valuation allowances assumed in connection with a business combination are initially estimated as of the acquisition date. We reevaluate these items quarterly based upon facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date with any adjustments to our preliminary estimates being recorded to goodwill provided that we are within the measurement period. Subsequent to the measurement period or our final determination of the tax allowance’s or contingency’s estimated value, whichever comes first, changes to these uncertain tax positions and tax related valuation allowances will affect our provision for income taxes in our consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income and could have a material impact on our consolidated results of operations and financial position.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes
Earnings per Share	Earnings per Share Basic earnings per share are computed on the basis of the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period under measurement. Diluted earnings per share are based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding and potential common shares. Potential common shares result from the assumed exercise of outstanding stock options or other potentially dilutive equity instruments, when they are dilutive under the treasury stock method.
Comprehensive Income	Comprehensive Income Comprehensive income is the change in our equity (net assets) during each period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources. It includes net income, foreign currency translation adjustments and unrealized gains and losses on our investments in marketable securities, net of tax.
Foreign Currency and Derivative Financial Instruments	Foreign Currency and Derivative Financial Instruments We have determined that the functional currency of each foreign operation is the local currency. Assets and liabilities denominated in their local foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rate on the balance sheet date. Revenues and expenses are translated at average rates of exchange prevailing during the period. Foreign currency translation adjustments are accumulated as a separate component of consolidated stockholders’ equity. We utilize derivative instruments to manage market risks associated with fluctuations in certain foreign currency exchange rates as they relate to specific balances of accounts receivable and cash denominated in foreign currencies. We principally utilize foreign currency forward contracts to protect against market risks arising in the normal course of business. Our policies prohibit the use of derivative instruments for the sole purpose of trading for profit on price fluctuations or to enter into contracts that intentionally increase our underlying exposure. All of our foreign currency forward contracts have maturity periods of less than three months. At the end of the reporting period, foreign-currency-denominated assets and liabilities are remeasured into the functional currencies of the reporting entities at current market rates. The change in value from this remeasurement is reported as a foreign exchange gain or loss for that period in other income (expense), net in the accompanying consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income.
Share-Based Compensation	Share-Based Compensation We measure stock-based compensation cost at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and recognize it as expense, net of estimated forfeitures, over the vesting or service period, as applicable, of the stock award (generally three to four years
Advertising and Promotion Costs	Advertising and Promotion Costs
New Accounting Pronouncements	New Accounting Pronouncements Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09. The standard’s core principle is that a reporting entity will recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. In addition, the standard requires disclosure of the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from the contracts with customers. The guidance permits two methods of adoption: full retrospective method or modified retrospective method. We adopted ASU 2014-09 in the first quarter of our fiscal 2019 using the full retrospective method which required us to adjust each prior reporting period presented. This adoption primarily affected timing of revenue recognition of license revenue on term licenses and transactional revenue on guaranteed minimum fees related to our on-premises software products. Under the new standard, we recognize revenue when control of the license is transferred to the customer, rather than at the date payments become due and payable when there are extended payment terms, or ratably over the term of the contract as required under the previous standard. In addition, revenue attributable to a software license renewal is recognized at the beginning of the applicable renewal period rather than at the signing of the renewal agreement as required under the previous standard. Additionally, under the new standard, when we enter into noncancellable contracts that provide unconditional rights to payment from our customers for services we have not yet completed or services we will provide in the near future, we present receivables—our unconditional rights to payments—and deferred revenues on a gross basis, rather than on a net basis. Finally, under the new standard we capitalize and amortize contract acquisition costs such as commissions paid for SaaS cloud services contracts in excess of one year. Following the adoption of ASU 2014-09, the revenue recognition for our other sales arrangements remained materially consistent with our historical practice. Upon adoption of ASU 2014-09, we applied the standard’s practical expedients that permit the omission of prior-period information about our performance obligations. Adoption of the standard impacted our previously reported results as follows: Consolidated Balance Sheets September 30, 2018 As Previously Reported Adjustment As Adjusted (In thousands) Accounts receivable, net $ 208,865 $ 57,877 $ 266,742 Deferred income taxes 20,117 (6,312 ) 13,805 Other assets 12,431 23,823 36,254 Other accrued liabilities 30,457 568 31,025 Deferred revenue 52,215 51,120 103,335 Stockholders’ equity 263,737 23,700 287,437 Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income Year Ended September 30, 2018 Year Ended September 30, 2017 As Previously Reported Adjustment As Adjusted As Previously Reported Adjustment As Adjusted (In thousands, except per share amounts) Revenues 1,032,475 (32,329 ) 1,000,146 932,169 2,814 934,983 Cost of revenues 310,699 2,199 312,898 287,123 484 287,607 Selling, general and administrative 380,362 (3,450 ) 376,912 339,796 (2,629 ) 337,167 Provision for income taxes 45,595 (15,145 ) 30,450 23,068 (199 ) 22,869 Net income 142,415 (15,933 ) 126,482 128,256 5,158 133,414 Comprehensive income 132,502 (15,946 ) 116,556 138,773 5,158 143,931 Basic earnings per share 4.79 (0.53 ) 4.26 4.16 0.16 4.32 Diluted earnings per share 4.57 (0.51 ) 4.06 3.98 0.16 4.14 Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows Year Ended September 30, 2018 Year Ended September 30, 2017 As Previously Reported Adjustment As Adjusted As Previously Reported Adjustment As Adjusted (In thousands) Cash flows from operating activities: Net income $ 142,415 $ (15,933 ) $ 126,482 $ 128,256 $ 5,158 $ 133,414 Deferred income taxes 25,729 (15,145 ) 10,584 (6,049 ) (199 ) (6,248 ) Changes in operating assets and liabilities (39,493 ) 31,078 (8,415 ) 4,347 (4,959 ) (612 ) Recent Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-15, “ Intangibles—Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Internal-Use Software. ” ASU 2018-15 aligns the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a cloud computing arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software. The standard is effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, which means that it will be effective for our fiscal year beginning October 1, 2020. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of our pending adoption of ASU 2018-15 on our consolidated financial statements. In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, “ Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments ” and subsequent amendments to the initial guidance: ASU 2018-19, ASU 2019-04 and ASU 2019-05 (collectively, “Topic 326”). Topic 326 requires measurement and recognition of expected credit losses for financial assets held. Topic 326 is effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, which means it will be effective for our fiscal year beginning October 1, 2020. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of our pending adoption of Topic 326 on our consolidated financial statements. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, “ Leases (Topic 842) ” and subsequent amendments to the initial guidance: ASU 2017-13, ASU 2018-10, ASU 2018-11, ASU 2018-20 and ASU 2019-01 (collectively, “Topic 842”). Topic 842 requires companies to generally recognize on the balance sheet operating and financing lease liabilities and corresponding right-of-use assets. Topic 842 is effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, which means it will be effective for our fiscal year beginning October 1, 2019. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of our pending adoption of Topic 842 on our consolidated financial statements. We expect that most of our operating leases will be recognized as right-of-use assets and corresponding lease liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets, which will increase our total assets and total liabilities upon adoption. Subject to the completion of our assessment, we expect the adoption of the standard will result in recognition of right-of-use assets of approximately $90 million and lease liability of approximately $99 million in our consolidated balance sheets. We do not expect that any other recently issued accounting pronouncements will have a significant effect on our financial statements.

Nature of Business and Summar_3

Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Estimated Useful Life of Property and Equipment	Depreciation and amortization charges are calculated using the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives: Estimated Useful Life Data processing equipment and software 3 years to 6 years Office furniture and equipment 3 years to 7 years Leasehold improvements Shorter of estimated Equipment under capital lease Shorter of estimated
Estimated Useful Life of Definite-Lived Intangible Assets	We amortize our finite-lived intangible assets which result from our acquisitions over the following estimated useful lives: Estimated Useful Life Completed technology 4 years to 10 years Customer contracts and relationships 5 years to 15 years Trade names 1 year to 3 years Non-compete agreements 2 years
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Text Block]	Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows Year Ended September 30, 2018 Year Ended September 30, 2017 As Previously Reported Adjustment As Adjusted As Previously Reported Adjustment As Adjusted (In thousands) Cash flows from operating activities: Net income $ 142,415 $ (15,933 ) $ 126,482 $ 128,256 $ 5,158 $ 133,414 Deferred income taxes 25,729 (15,145 ) 10,584 (6,049 ) (199 ) (6,248 ) Changes in operating assets and liabilities (39,493 ) 31,078 (8,415 ) 4,347 (4,959 ) (612 ) Consolidated Balance Sheets September 30, 2018 As Previously Reported Adjustment As Adjusted (In thousands) Accounts receivable, net $ 208,865 $ 57,877 $ 266,742 Deferred income taxes 20,117 (6,312 ) 13,805 Other assets 12,431 23,823 36,254 Other accrued liabilities 30,457 568 31,025 Deferred revenue 52,215 51,120 103,335 Stockholders’ equity 263,737 23,700 287,437 Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income Year Ended September 30, 2018 Year Ended September 30, 2017 As Previously Reported Adjustment As Adjusted As Previously Reported Adjustment As Adjusted (In thousands, except per share amounts) Revenues 1,032,475 (32,329 ) 1,000,146 932,169 2,814 934,983 Cost of revenues 310,699 2,199 312,898 287,123 484 287,607 Selling, general and administrative 380,362 (3,450 ) 376,912 339,796 (2,629 ) 337,167 Provision for income taxes 45,595 (15,145 ) 30,450 23,068 (199 ) 22,869 Net income 142,415 (15,933 ) 126,482 128,256 5,158 133,414 Comprehensive income 132,502 (15,946 ) 116,556 138,773 5,158 143,931 Basic earnings per share 4.79 (0.53 ) 4.26 4.16 0.16 4.32 Diluted earnings per share 4.57 (0.51 ) 4.06 3.98 0.16 4.14

Cash, Cash Equivalents and Ma_2

Cash, Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities Available for Sale (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Summary of Cash, Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities Available for Sale	The following is a summary of cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities at September 30, 2019 and 2018 : September 30, 2019 September 30, 2018 Amortized Cost Fair Value Amortized Cost Fair Value (In thousands) Cash and Cash Equivalents: Cash $ 77,525 $ 77,525 $ 71,610 $ 71,610 Money market funds 22,102 22,102 13,813 13,813 Bank time deposits 6,799 6,799 4,600 4,600 Total $ 106,426 $ 106,426 $ 90,023 $ 90,023 Long-term Marketable Securities: Marketable securities $ 17,193 $ 20,222 $ 14,313 $ 18,059

Fair Value Measurements (Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis	The following table represents financial assets that we measured at fair value on a recurring basis at September 30, 2019 and 2018 : September 30, 2019 Active Markets for Identical Instruments (Level 1) Fair Value as of September 30, 2019 (In thousands) Assets: Cash equivalents (1) $ 28,901 $ 28,901 Marketable securities (2) 20,222 20,222 Total $ 49,123 $ 49,123 September 30, 2018 Active Markets for Identical Instruments (Level 1) Fair Value as of September 30, 2018 (In thousands) Assets: Cash equivalents (1) $ 18,413 $ 18,413 Marketable securities (2) 18,059 18,059 Total $ 36,472 $ 36,472 (1) Included in cash and cash equivalents on our balance sheet at September 30, 2019 and 2018 . Not included in this table are cash deposits of $77.5 million and $71.6 million at September 30, 2019 and 2018 , respectively. (2) Represents securities held under a supplemental retirement and savings plan for certain officers and senior management employees, which are distributed upon termination or retirement of the employees. Included in long-term marketable securities on our consolidated balance sheets at September 30, 2019 and 2018 .

Derivative Financial Instrume_2

Derivative Financial Instruments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Notional Amounts of Outstanding Derivative Positions	The following tables summarize our outstanding foreign currency forward contracts, by currency at September 30, 2019 and 2018 : September 30, 2019 Contract Amount Fair Value Foreign Currency US$ US$ (In thousands) Sell foreign currency: Euro (EUR) EUR 10,800 $ 11,723 — Buy foreign currency: British pound (GBP) GBP 5,200 $ 6,400 — Singapore dollar (SGD) SGD 5,798 $ 4,200 — September 30, 2018 Contract Amount Fair Value Foreign Currency US$ US$ (In thousands) Sell foreign currency: Euro (EUR) EUR 9,000 $ 10,372 — Buy foreign currency: British pound (GBP) GBP 8,598 $ 11,200 — Singapore dollar (SGD) SGD 9,580 $ 7,000 —
Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) in Statement of Financial Performance	These amounts are shown below for the years ended September 30, 2019, 2018 and 2017 : Year Ended September 30, 2019 2018 2017 (In thousands) Gain (loss) on foreign currency forward contracts $ (896 ) $ (476 ) $ 210

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization	Intangible assets that are subject to amortization consisted of the following at September 30, 2019 and 2018 : September 30, 2019 September 30, 2018 Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Average Life Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Average Life (In thousands, except average life) Completed technology $ 82,724 $ (77,331 ) $ 5,393 5 $ 82,295 $ (77,400 ) $ 4,895 5 Customer contracts and relationships 30,583 (22,283 ) 8,300 8 28,692 (19,051 ) 9,641 8 Trade names 150 (25 ) 125 1 — — — 0 Non-compete agreements 350 (29 ) 321 2 — — — 0 $ 113,807 $ (99,668 ) $ 14,139 $ 110,987 $ (96,451 ) $ 14,536
Schedule of Amortization Expense	Year Ended September 30, 2019 2018 2017 (In thousands) Completed technology $ 1,974 $ 2,380 $ 6,511 Customer contracts and relationships 4,098 4,214 6,009 Trade names 25 — 189 Non-compete agreements 29 — — Total $ 6,126 $ 6,594 $ 12,709
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense	Estimated future intangible asset amortization expense associated with intangible assets existing at September 30, 2019 , was as follows (in thousands): Year Ending September 30, 2020 $ 4,959 2021 3,617 2022 3,329 2023 1,317 2024 917 Thereafter — Total $ 14,139
Schedule of Goodwill	The following table summarizes changes to goodwill during fiscal 2019 and 2018 , both in total and as allocated to our operating segments. We have not recognized any goodwill impairment losses to date. Applications Scores Decision Management Software Total (In thousands) Balance at September 30, 2017 $ 588,288 $ 146,648 $ 69,478 $ 804,414 Foreign currency translation adjustment (3,127 ) — (397 ) (3,524 ) Balance at September 30, 2018 585,161 146,648 69,081 800,890 Addition from acquisitions 11,233 — — 11,233 Foreign currency translation adjustment (7,780 ) — (801 ) (8,581 ) Balance at September 30, 2019 $ 588,614 $ 146,648 $ 68,280 $ 803,542

Composition of Certain Financ_2

Composition of Certain Financial Statement Captions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment	The following table presents the composition of property and equipment at September 30, 2019 and 2018 : September 30, 2019 2018 (In thousands) Property and equipment: Data processing equipment and software $ 110,874 $ 104,789 Office furniture and equipment 21,443 22,207 Leasehold improvements 33,360 29,158 Equipment under capital lease 6,398 — Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization (119,048 ) (107,317 ) Total $ 53,027 $ 48,837

Senior Notes (Tables)

Senior Notes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Senior Notes	The 2010 Senior Notes were issued in four series as follows: Series Amount Interest Rate Maturity Date (In millions) E $ 60.0 4.72 % July 14, 2016 F $ 72.0 5.04 % July 14, 2017 G $ 28.0 5.42 % July 14, 2019 H $ 85.0 5.59 % July 14, 2020
Principal Amounts Carrying amounts and Fair Values of Senior Notes	The following table presents the carrying amounts and fair values for the Senior Notes at September 30, 2019 and 2018 : September 30, 2019 September 30, 2018 Carrying Fair Value Carrying Fair Value (In thousands) The 2010 Senior Notes $ 85,000 $ 86,121 $ 113,000 $ 114,413 The 2018 Senior Notes 400,000 428,000 400,000 404,000 Total $ 485,000 $ 514,121 $ 513,000 $ 518,413
Future Principal Payments For the Senior Notes	Future principal payments for the Senior Notes are as follows (in thousands): Year Ending September 30, 2020 $ 85,000 2021 — 2022 — 2023 — 2024 — Thereafter 400,000 Total $ 485,000

Restructuring Expenses (Tables)

Restructuring Expenses (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs	The following tables summarize our restructuring accruals associated with the above actions. The current portion and non-current portion were recorded in other accrued liabilities and other liabilities, respectively, within the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Accrual at September 30, 2017 Cash Payments Accrual at September 30, 2018 (In thousands) Facilities charges $ 8,120 $ (2,892 ) $ 5,228 Employee separation 185 (185 ) — 8,305 $ (3,077 ) 5,228 Less: current portion (3,077 ) (3,850 ) Non-current $ 5,228 $ 1,378 Accrual at September 30, 2018 Cash Payments Accrual at September 30, 2019 (In thousands) Facilities charges $ 5,228 $ (3,850 ) $ 1,378 Less: current portion (3,850 ) (1,378 ) Non-current $ 1,378 $ —

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Provision for Income Taxes	The provision for income taxes was as follows during fiscal 2019, 2018 and 2017 : Year ended September 30, 2019 2018 2017 As Adjusted As Adjusted (In thousands) Current: Federal $ 1,299 $ 8,071 $ 19,576 State (423 ) 2,236 1,055 Foreign 15,371 9,559 8,486 16,247 19,866 29,117 Deferred: Federal 7,003 13,987 (8,523 ) State 947 132 (296 ) Foreign (249 ) (3,535 ) 2,571 7,701 10,584 (6,248 ) Total provision $ 23,948 $ 30,450 $ 22,869
Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities	Deferred tax assets and liabilities at September 30, 2019 and 2018 were as follows: September 30, 2019 2018 As Adjusted (In thousands) Deferred tax assets: Loss and credit carryforwards $ 26,702 $ 24,377 Compensation benefits 23,931 30,388 Other assets 9,393 10,735 60,026 65,500 Less valuation allowance (19,231 ) (19,564 ) Total deferred tax assets 40,795 45,936 Deferred tax liabilities: Intangible assets (15,114 ) (15,921 ) Deferred Commission (7,920 ) (6,368 ) Property and equipment (3,511 ) (2,616 ) Other liabilities (8,244 ) (7,226 ) Total deferred tax liabilities (34,789 ) (32,131 ) Deferred tax assets, net $ 6,006 $ 13,805
Reconciliation Between Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate and Effective Tax Rate	A reconciliation of the provision for income taxes, with the amount computed by applying the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate ( 21% in fiscal 2019, 24.5% in fiscal 2018, and 35% in fiscal 2017) to income before provision for income taxes for fiscal 2019, 2018 and 2017 is shown below: Year Ended September 30, 2019 2018 2017 As Adjusted As Adjusted (In thousands) Income tax provision at U.S. federal statutory rate $ 45,375 $ 38,495 $ 54,699 State income taxes, net of U.S. federal benefit 4,194 2,755 2,072 Foreign tax rate differential 839 (649 ) (4,082 ) Intercompany interest — — (477 ) Research credits (5,761 ) (3,486 ) (2,572 ) Domestic production deduction — (2,421 ) (2,759 ) Amended returns/audit settlements/statute expirations (2,268 ) (2,349 ) (1,296 ) Foreign 11,177 4,040 935 Valuation allowance (333 ) 1,907 2,512 Foreign tax credit (464 ) 1,320 (1,342 ) Excess tax benefits relating to stock-based compensation (24,891 ) (22,253 ) (24,746 ) Tax effect of the Tax Act — 16,719 — Other (3,920 ) (3,628 ) (75 ) Recorded income tax provision $ 23,948 $ 30,450 $ 22,869
Reconciliation of Beginning and Ending Amount of Unrecognized Tax Benefits	A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows: Year Ended September 30, 2019 2018 2017 (In thousands) Gross unrecognized tax benefits at beginning of year $ 6,113 $ 6,480 $ 6,799 Gross increases for tax positions in prior years 509 404 57 Gross decreases for tax positions in prior years (611 ) — (19 ) Gross increases based on tax positions related to the current year 1,439 1,625 1,291 Decreases for settlements and payments (637 ) — (151 ) Decreases due to statue expiration (979 ) (2,396 ) (1,497 ) Gross unrecognized tax benefits at end of year $ 5,834 $ 6,113 $ 6,480

Stock-Based Employee Benefit _2

Stock-Based Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]
Assumptions Used to Estimate Fair Value of Stock Options	We used the following assumptions to estimate the fair value of our stock options during fiscal 2019, 2018 and 2017 : Year Ended September 30, 2019 2018 2017 Stock Options: Weighted average expected term (years) 4.26 4.78 5.00 Expected volatility (range) 31.1 - 32.4 % 33.6 - 35.1 % 35.3 % Weighted average volatility 32.2 % 34.6 % 35.3 % Risk-free interest rate (range) 2.50 - 2.68 % 2.03 - 2.65 % 2.02 % Weighted average expected dividend yield — % — % 0.07 % Expected dividend yield (range) — % — % 0.07 %
Summary of Option Activity	The following table summarizes option activity during fiscal 2019 : Shares Weighted- average Exercise Price Weighted- average Remaining Contractual Term Aggregate Intrinsic Value (In thousands) (In years) (In thousands) Outstanding at October 1, 2018 996 $ 63.13 Granted 81 196.43 Exercised (456 ) 50.03 Forfeited (5 ) 178.09 Outstanding at September 30, 2019 616 $ 89.36 2.76 $ 131,921 Exercisable at September 30, 2019 533 $ 73.89 2.25 $ 122,381 Vested and expected to vest at September 30, 2019 613 $ 88.84 2.74 $ 131,509
Summary of Restricted Stock Unit and Market Stock Unit Activity	The following table summarizes the MSUs activity during fiscal 2019 : Shares Weighted- average Grant-date Fair Value (In thousands) Outstanding at October 1, 2018 114 $ 159.34 Granted 105 169.46 Released (119 ) 143.57 Outstanding at September 30, 2019 100 $ 188.63 The following table summarizes the RSUs activity during fiscal 2019 : Shares Weighted-average Grant-date Fair Value (In thousands) Outstanding at October 1, 2018 1,113 $ 127.34 Granted 370 206.29 Released (448 ) 118.73 Forfeited (37 ) 140.17 Outstanding at September 30, 2019 998 $ 159.99
Summary of Performance Stock Unit Activity	The following table summarizes the PSUs activity during fiscal 2019 : Shares Weighted- average Grant-date Fair Value (In thousands) Outstanding at October 1, 2018 210 $ 133.76 Granted 91 185.05 Released (106 ) 123.04 Outstanding at September 30, 2019 195 $ 163.38
Assumptions Used to Estimate Fair Value of Market Stock Units	We used the following assumptions to estimate the fair value of our MSUs during fiscal 2019, 2018 and 2017 : Year Ended September 30, 2019 2018 2017 Expected volatility in FICO’s stock price 24.6 % 24.6 % 27.4 % Expected volatility in Russell 3000 Index 12.8 % 12.7 % 13.6 % Correlation between FICO and the Russell 3000 Index 66.6 % 63.1 % 59.8 % Risk-free interest rate 2.73 % 1.92 % 1.40 % Average expected dividend yield — % — % 0.07 %

Earnings per Share (Tables)

Earnings per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Reconciliation of Numerators and Denominators of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share	The following table presents reconciliations for the numerators and denominators of basic and diluted earnings per share (“EPS”) during fiscal 2019, 2018 and 2017 : Year Ended September 30, 2019 2018 2017 As Adjusted As Adjusted (In thousands, except per share data) Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per share — net income $ 192,124 $ 126,482 $ 133,414 Denominator — share: Basic weighted-average shares 28,980 29,711 30,862 Effect of dilutive securities 1,314 1,469 1,383 Diluted weighted-average shares 30,294 31,180 32,245 Earnings per share: Basic $ 6.63 $ 4.26 $ 4.32 Diluted $ 6.34 $ 4.06 $ 4.14

Segment Information (Tables)

Segment Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment	The following tables summarize segment information for fiscal 2019, 2018 and 2017 : Year Ended September 30, 2019 Applications Scores Decision Management Software Unallocated Corporate Expenses Total (In thousands) Segment revenues: Transactional and maintenance $ 395,398 $ 415,288 $ 50,262 $ — $ 860,948 Professional services 137,258 2,157 44,680 — 184,095 License 72,378 3,732 38,930 — 115,040 Total segment revenues 605,034 421,177 133,872 — 1,160,083 Segment operating expense (443,872 ) (59,821 ) (168,988 ) (144,755 ) (817,436 ) Segment operating income (loss) $ 161,162 $ 361,356 $ (35,116 ) $ (144,755 ) $ 342,647 Unallocated share-based compensation expense (82,973 ) Unallocated amortization expense (6,126 ) Operating income 253,548 Unallocated interest expense, net (39,752 ) Unallocated other income, net 2,276 Income before income taxes $ 216,072 Depreciation expense $ 18,766 $ 498 $ 4,036 $ 904 $ 24,204 Year Ended September 30, 2018 (As Adjusted) Applications Scores Decision Management Software Unallocated Corporate Expenses Total (In thousands) Segment revenues: Transactional and maintenance $ 372,283 $ 331,662 $ 46,658 $ — $ 750,603 Professional services 142,736 1,900 32,274 — 176,910 License 49,356 2,308 20,969 — 72,633 Total segment revenues 564,375 335,870 99,901 — 1,000,146 Segment operating expense (420,411 ) (63,452 ) (134,261 ) (125,255 ) (743,379 ) Segment operating income (loss) $ 143,964 $ 272,418 $ (34,360 ) $ (125,255 ) 256,767 Unallocated share-based compensation expense (74,814 ) Unallocated amortization expense (6,594 ) Operating income 175,359 Unallocated interest expense, net (31,311 ) Unallocated other income, net 12,884 Income before income taxes $ 156,932 Depreciation expense $ 15,651 $ 555 $ 5,471 $ 956 $ 22,633 Year Ended September 30, 2017 (As Adjusted) Applications Scores Decision Management Software Unallocated Corporate Expenses Total (In thousands) Segment revenues: Transactional and maintenance $ 335,560 $ 254,424 $ 43,943 $ — $ 633,927 Professional services 140,990 2,869 34,045 — 177,904 License 84,084 2,244 36,824 — 123,152 Total segment revenues 560,634 259,537 114,812 — 934,983 Segment operating expense (392,307 ) (54,369 ) (122,839 ) (104,907 ) (674,422 ) Segment operating income (loss) $ 168,327 $ 205,168 $ (8,027 ) $ (104,907 ) 260,561 Unallocated share-based compensation expense (61,222 ) Unallocated amortization expense (12,709 ) Unallocated restructuring and acquisition-related expenses (4,471 ) Operating income 182,159 Unallocated interest expense, net (25,790 ) Unallocated other expense, net (86 ) Income before income taxes $ 156,283 Depreciation expense $ 15,857 $ 991 $ 4,783 $ 1,349 $ 22,980
Disaggregation of Revenue	Information about disaggregated revenue by primary geographical markets was as follows: Year Ended September 30, 2019 Reportable Segments North America Latin America Europe, Middle East and Africa Asia Pacific Total (In thousands) Applications $ 338,990 $ 42,656 $ 155,539 $ 67,849 $ 605,034 Scores 404,778 4,591 6,359 5,449 421,177 Decision Management Software 63,397 18,040 33,288 19,147 133,872 Total $ 807,165 $ 65,287 $ 195,186 $ 92,445 $ 1,160,083 Year Ended September 30, 2018 (As Adjusted) Reportable Segments North America Latin America Europe, Middle East and Africa Asia Pacific Total (In thousands) Applications $ 318,836 $ 39,136 $ 141,358 $ 65,045 $ 564,375 Scores 328,990 1,366 3,989 1,525 335,870 Decision Management Software 53,184 5,035 24,245 17,437 99,901 Total $ 701,010 $ 45,537 $ 169,592 $ 84,007 $ 1,000,146 Year Ended September 30, 2017 (As Adjusted) Reportable Segments North America Latin America Europe, Middle East and Africa Asia Pacific Total (In thousands) Applications $ 327,226 $ 34,678 $ 139,765 $ 58,965 $ 560,634 Scores 250,260 1,573 3,831 3,873 259,537 Decision Management Software 62,758 7,112 30,222 14,720 114,812 Total $ 640,244 $ 43,363 $ 173,818 $ 77,558 $ 934,983 Information about disaggregated revenue by product deployment methods was as follows: Year Ended September 30, 2019 Reportable Segments On-Premises SaaS Scores Total Percentage (Dollars in thousands) Applications $ 360,105 $ 244,929 $ — $ 605,034 52 % Scores — — 421,177 421,177 36 % Decision Management Software 108,447 25,425 — 133,872 12 % Total $ 468,552 $ 270,354 $ 421,177 $ 1,160,083 100 % Year Ended September 30, 2018 (As Adjusted) Reportable Segments On-Premises SaaS Scores Total Percentage (Dollars in thousands) Applications $ 337,162 $ 227,213 $ — $ 564,375 56 % Scores — — 335,870 335,870 34 % Decision Management Software 86,172 13,729 — 99,901 10 % Total $ 423,334 $ 240,942 $ 335,870 $ 1,000,146 100 % Year Ended September 30, 2017 (As Adjusted) Reportable Segments On-Premises SaaS Scores Total Percentage (Dollars in thousands) Applications $ 367,944 $ 192,690 $ — $ 560,634 60 % Scores — — 259,537 259,537 28 % Decision Management Software 104,995 9,817 — 114,812 12 % Total $ 472,939 $ 202,507 $ 259,537 $ 934,983 100 %
Revenues and Percentage of Revenues by Customers	Revenue generated from a single customer or a group of customers which represented 10% or greater of total revenue are summarized below for fiscal 2019, 2018 and 2017 : Year Ended September 30, 2019 2018 2017 As Adjusted As Adjusted (Dollars in thousands) Experian $ 148,037 13 % $ 109,097 11 % $ 80,096 9 % TransUnion and Equifax 183,523 16 % 142,179 14 % 99,735 11 % Other customers 828,523 71 % 748,870 75 % 755,152 80 % Total $ 1,160,083 100 % $ 1,000,146 100 % $ 934,983 100 %
Property and Equipment Net on Geographical Basis	Our property and equipment, net, on a geographical basis are summarized below at September 30, 2019 and 2018 : September 30, 2019 2018 (Dollars in thousands) United States $ 38,058 72 % $ 39,593 81 % United Kingdom 7,801 15 % 4,296 9 % Other countries 7,168 13 % 4,948 10 % Total $ 53,027 100 % $ 48,837 100 %

Contract Balances and Perform_2

Contract Balances and Performance Obligations Contract Balances and Performance Obligations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Receivables	Receivables at September 30, 2019 and 2018 consisted of the following: September 30, 2019 2018 As Adjusted (In thousands) Billed $ 206,714 $ 196,960 Unbilled 127,651 73,221 334,365 270,181 Less: allowance for doubtful accounts (2,568 ) (3,439 ) Net receivables (*) $ 331,797 $ 266,742 (*) Included short-term receivables of $297.4 million and long-term receivables of $34.4 million that were recorded in accounts receivable, net and other assets, respectively, within the accompanying consolidated balance sheets at September 30, 2019. Long-term receivables were not material at September 30, 2018.
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss	Activity in the allowance for doubtful accounts was as follows: Year Ended September 30, 2019 2018 (In thousands) Balance, beginning of year $ 3,439 $ 2,941 Add: expense 518 623 Less: write-offs (net of recoveries) (1,389 ) (125 ) Balance, end of year $ 2,568 $ 3,439
Contract with Customer, Asset and Liability	Significant changes in the deferred revenues balances are as follows: Year Ended September 30, 2019 2018 As Adjusted (In thousands) Deferred revenues, beginning balance $ 108,118 $ 114,729 Revenue recognized that was included in the deferred revenues balance at the beginning of the period (93,265 ) (83,125 ) Increases due to billings, excluding amounts recognized as revenue during the period 101,467 76,514 Deferred revenues, ending balance (*) $ 116,320 $ 108,118
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction	The following table includes estimated revenue expected to be recognized in the future related to performance obligations that are unsatisfied (or partially unsatisfied) at the end of the reporting period: Year Ending September 30, Performance Obligations (In thousands) 2020 $ 84,022 2021 66,809 2022 39,960 2023 26,188 2024 16,512 Thereafter 4,879 Total $ 238,370

Commitments (Tables)

Commitments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Minimum Future Commitments Under Non-Cancelable Operating Leases and Other Obligations	Minimum future commitments under our non-cancelable leases and other obligations were as follows at September 30, 2019 : Future Minimum Lease Commitments Other Commitments Year Ending September 30, Capital Leases Operating Leases (In thousands) 2020 $ 1,935 $ 19,842 $ 7,000 2021 1,934 19,969 — 2022 1,934 17,677 — 2023 — 16,940 — 2024 — 14,887 — Thereafter — 24,431 — Total $ 5,803 $ 113,746 $ 7,000

Supplementary Financial Data _2

Supplementary Financial Data (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Selected Unaudited Consolidated Financial Results	The following table presents selected unaudited consolidated financial results for each of the eight quarters in the two-year period ended September 30, 2019 . In the opinion of management, this unaudited information has been prepared on the same basis as the audited information and includes all adjustments (consisting of only normal recurring adjustments, except as noted below) necessary for a fair statement of the consolidated financial information for the period presented. Quarter Ended September 30, June 30, March 31, December 31, (In thousands, except per share data) Revenues $ 305,344 $ 314,249 $ 278,234 $ 262,256 Cost of revenues (1) 87,996 87,215 85,568 76,066 Gross profit 217,348 227,034 192,666 186,190 Net income $ 54,584 $ 64,152 $ 33,381 $ 40,007 Earnings per share (2): Basic $ 1.89 $ 2.21 $ 1.15 $ 1.38 Diluted $ 1.80 $ 2.12 $ 1.10 $ 1.32 Shares used in computing earnings per share: Basic 28,918 28,967 29,074 28,961 Diluted 30,290 30,292 30,259 30,336 Quarter Ended September 30, June 30, March 31, December 31, As Adjusted As Adjusted As Adjusted As Adjusted (In thousands, except per share data) Revenues $ 256,532 $ 254,993 $ 256,260 $ 232,361 Cost of revenues (1) 79,962 79,011 79,493 74,432 Gross profit 176,570 175,982 176,767 157,929 Net income $ 32,713 $ 29,721 $ 31,169 $ 32,879 Earnings per share (2): Basic $ 1.13 $ 1.00 $ 1.04 $ 1.09 Diluted $ 1.07 $ 0.95 $ 1.00 $ 1.04 Shares used in computing earnings per share: Basic 29,077 29,708 29,985 30,078 Diluted 30,702 31,161 31,300 31,561 (1) Cost of revenues excludes amortization expense of $0.5 million , $0.5 million , $0.5 million , $0.5 million , $0.5 million , $0.6 million , $0.6 million and $0.7 million for the quarters ended September 30, 2019 , June 30, 2019 , March 31, 2019 , December 31, 2018 , September 30, 2018 , June 30, 2018 , March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , respectively. (2) Earnings per share is computed independently for each of the quarters presented. Therefore, the sum of the quarterly per share amounts may not equal the totals for the respective years.

Nature of Business and Summar_4

Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Estimated Useful Life of Property and Equipment (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Data processing equipment and software | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, estimated useful life	3 years
Data processing equipment and software | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, estimated useful life	6 years
Office furniture and equipment | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, estimated useful life	3 years
Office furniture and equipment | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, estimated useful life	7 years
Leasehold improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, estimated useful life	Shorter of estimated useful life or lease term
Equipment under capital lease
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, estimated useful life	Shorter of estimateduseful life or lease term

Nature of Business and Summar_5

Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Other investments	$ 1,643	$ 1,697
Depreciation and amortization, property and equipment	24,200	22,600	$ 23,000
Foreign exchange gains (losses)	0	400	1,100
Advertising and promotion costs	$ 3,600	$ 4,100	$ 3,100
Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Stock option awards vesting period	3 years
Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Stock option awards vesting period	4 years
Software Development | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, estimated useful life	2 years
Software Development | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, estimated useful life	3 years

Nature of Business and Summar_6

Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Estimated Useful Life of Definite-Lived Intangible Assets (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Completed technology
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated useful life	5 years	5 years
Completed technology | Minimum
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated useful life	4 years
Completed technology | Maximum
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated useful life	10 years
Customer contracts and relationships
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated useful life	8 years	8 years
Customer contracts and relationships | Minimum
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated useful life	5 years
Customer contracts and relationships | Maximum
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated useful life	15 years
Trade names
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated useful life	1 year	0 years
Trade names | Minimum
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated useful life	1 year
Trade names | Maximum
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated useful life	3 years
Non-compete agreements
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated useful life	2 years	0 years

Nature of Business and Summar_7

Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Revenues Related (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Accounts receivable, net	$ 297,427,000	$ 266,742,000
Deferred income taxes	6,006,000	13,805,000
Other assets	79,163,000	36,254,000
Other accrued liabilities	32,454,000	31,025,000
Deferred revenue	111,016,000	103,335,000
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent	289,767,000	287,437,000	$ 466,183,000	$ 481,316,000
Capitalized Contract Cost, Net	$ 33,700,000	27,100,000
Capitalized Contract Cost, Amortization Period	10 years
Capitalized Contract Cost, Amortization	$ 5,000,000	4,500,000	$ 4,200,000
Capitalized Contract Cost, Impairment Loss	$ 0
As Previously Reported
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Accounts receivable, net		208,865,000
Deferred income taxes		20,117,000
Other assets		12,431,000
Other accrued liabilities		30,457,000
Deferred revenue		52,215,000
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent		263,737,000
Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 | Adjustment
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Accounts receivable, net		57,877,000
Deferred income taxes		(6,312,000)
Other assets		23,823,000
Other accrued liabilities		568,000
Deferred revenue		51,120,000
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent		$ 23,700,000

Nature of Business and Summar_8

Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - New Accounting Pronouncements (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended																12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019		Jun. 30, 2019		Mar. 31, 2019		Dec. 31, 2018		Sep. 30, 2018		Jun. 30, 2018		Mar. 31, 2018		Dec. 31, 2017		Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Oct. 01, 2019
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax																	$ 1,160,083	$ 1,000,146	$ 934,983
Cost of revenues	$ 87,996	[1]	$ 87,215	[1]	$ 85,568	[1]	$ 76,066	[1]	$ 79,962	[1]	$ 79,011	[1]	$ 79,493	[1]	$ 74,432	[1]	336,845	312,898	287,607
Selling, general and administrative																	414,086	376,912	337,167
Provision for income taxes																	23,948	30,450	22,869
Net income	$ 54,584		$ 64,152		$ 33,381		$ 40,007		$ 32,713		$ 29,721		$ 31,169		$ 32,879		192,124	126,482	133,414
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent																	$ 178,460	$ 116,556	$ 143,931
Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 1.89	[2]	$ 2.21	[2]	$ 1.15	[2]	$ 1.38	[2]	$ 1.13	[2]	$ 1	[2]	$ 1.04	[2]	$ 1.09	[2]	$ 6.63	$ 4.26	$ 4.32
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 1.80	[2]	$ 2.12	[2]	$ 1.10	[2]	$ 1.32	[2]	$ 1.07	[2]	$ 0.95	[2]	$ 1	[2]	$ 1.04	[2]	$ 6.34	$ 4.06	$ 4.14
Deferred income taxes																	$ 7,701	$ 10,584	$ (6,248)
Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital																		(8,415)	(612)
Accounting Standards Update 2016-02 | Forecast [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Operating Lease, Liability																				$ 99,000
Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset																				$ 90,000
As Previously Reported
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax																		1,032,475	932,169
Cost of revenues																		310,699	287,123
Selling, general and administrative																		380,362	339,796
Provision for income taxes																		45,595	23,068
Net income																		142,415	128,256
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent																		$ 132,502	$ 138,773
Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share)																		$ 4.79	$ 4.16
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)																		$ 4.57	$ 3.98
Deferred income taxes																		$ 25,729	$ (6,049)
Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital																		(39,493)	4,347
Adjustment | Accounting Standards Update 2014-09
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax																		(32,329)	2,814
Cost of revenues																		2,199	484
Selling, general and administrative																		(3,450)	(2,629)
Provision for income taxes																		(15,145)	(199)
Net income																		(15,933)	5,158
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent																		$ (15,946)	$ 5,158
Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share)																		$ (0.53)	$ 0.16
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)																		$ (0.51)	$ 0.16
Deferred income taxes																		$ (15,145)	$ (199)
Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital																		$ 31,078	$ (4,959)
[1]	Cost of revenues excludes amortization expense of $0.5 million , $0.5 million , $0.5 million , $0.5 million , $0.5 million , $0.6 million , $0.6 million and $0.7 million for the quarters ended September 30, 2019 , June 30, 2019 , March 31, 2019 , December 31, 2018 , September 30, 2018 , June 30, 2018 , March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , respectively.
[2]	Earnings per share is computed independently for each of the quarters presented. Therefore, the sum of the quarterly per share amounts may not equal the totals for the respective years.

Business Combinations - Additio

Business Combinations - Additional Information (Details) $ in Thousands	Aug. 09, 2019USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)business	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)business	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of businesses acquired | business		0	0
Goodwill		$ 800,890	$ 804,414	$ 803,542
EZMCOM
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Common stock acquired	100.00%
Cash consideration	$ 18,600
Cash Acquired from Acquisition	2,700
Intangible assets acquired	$ 6,000
Weighted average useful life	4 years 8 months 23 days
Goodwill	$ 11,200

Cash, Cash Equivalents and Ma_3

Cash, Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities Available for Sale - Summary of Cash, Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities Available for Sale (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	$ 106,426	$ 90,023
Fair Value	106,426	90,023
Cash and Cash Equivalents | Cash
Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	77,525	71,610
Fair Value	77,525	71,610
Cash and Cash Equivalents | Money market funds
Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	22,102	13,813
Fair Value	22,102	13,813
Cash and Cash Equivalents | Bank Time Deposits
Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	6,799	4,600
Fair Value	6,799	4,600
Long-term Marketable Securities | Marketable securities
Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities [Line Items]
Trading Securities, Cost	17,193	14,313
Debt Securities, Trading, and Equity Securities, FV-NI	$ 20,222	$ 18,059

Fair Value Measurements - Finan

Fair Value Measurements - Financial Assets Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis (Details) - Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Assets:
Total		$ 49,123	$ 36,472
Cash
Assets:
Cash equivalents	[1]	28,901	18,413
Marketable securities
Assets:
Debt Securities, Trading, and Equity Securities, FV-NI	[2]	20,222	18,059
Active Markets for Identical Instruments (Level 1)
Assets:
Total		49,123	36,472
Active Markets for Identical Instruments (Level 1) | Cash
Assets:
Cash equivalents	[1]	28,901	18,413
Active Markets for Identical Instruments (Level 1) | Marketable securities
Assets:
Debt Securities, Trading, and Equity Securities, FV-NI	[2]	$ 20,222	$ 18,059
[1]	Included in cash and cash equivalents on our balance sheet at September 30, 2019 and 2018 . Not included in this table are cash deposits of $77.5 million and $71.6 million at September 30, 2019 and 2018 , respectively.
[2]	Represents securities held under a supplemental retirement and savings plan for certain officers and senior management employees, which are distributed upon termination or retirement of the employees. Included in long-term marketable securities on our consolidated balance sheets at September 30, 2019 and 2018 .

Fair Value Measurements - Fin_2

Fair Value Measurements - Financial Assets Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Cash
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash deposits	$ 77.5	$ 71.6

Derivative Financial Instrume_3

Derivative Financial Instruments - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Derivative [Line Items]
Short-term forward contracts, average maturities at inception	3 months
Foreign Currency Forward Contracts
Derivative [Line Items]
Forward foreign currency contracts fair value	$ 0	$ 0

Derivative Financial Instrume_4

Derivative Financial Instruments - Summary of Outstanding Forward Foreign Currency Contracts by Currency (Details) - Foreign Currency Forward Contracts - Not Designated as Hedging Instrument € in Thousands, £ in Thousands, $ in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2019GBP (£)	Sep. 30, 2019SGD ($)	Sep. 30, 2019EUR (€)	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018GBP (£)	Sep. 30, 2018SGD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018EUR (€)	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)
Foreign Exchange Contracts To Sell European Euro for US Dollar | Short
Derivative [Line Items]
Contract amount of forward foreign currency contracts			€ 10,800	$ 11,723			€ 9,000	$ 10,372
Fair value of forward foreign currency contracts to sell and buy foreign currency				0				0
Foreign Exchange Contracts To Purchase British Pounds With US Dollars | Long
Derivative [Line Items]
Contract amount of forward foreign currency contracts	£ 5,200			6,400	£ 8,598			11,200
Fair value of forward foreign currency contracts to sell and buy foreign currency				0				0
Foreign Exchange Contracts To Purchase Singapore Dollars With United States Dollars | Long
Derivative [Line Items]
Contract amount of forward foreign currency contracts		$ 5,798		4,200		$ 9,580		7,000
Fair value of forward foreign currency contracts to sell and buy foreign currency				$ 0				$ 0

Derivative Financial Instrume_5

Derivative Financial Instruments - Gains Losses on Derivative Financial Instruments Recorded in Consolidated Statements of Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Foreign Currency Forward Contracts
Derivative [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on foreign currency forward contracts	$ (896)	$ (476)	$ 210

Goodwill and Intangible Asset_2

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization of intangible assets	$ 500	$ 500	$ 500	$ 500	$ 500	$ 600	$ 600	$ 700	$ 6,126	$ 6,594	$ 12,709
Gross Carrying Amount	113,807				110,987				113,807	110,987
Accumulated Amortization	(99,668)				(96,451)				(99,668)	(96,451)
Total	14,139				14,536				14,139	14,536
Completed technology
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization of intangible assets									1,974	2,380	6,511
Gross Carrying Amount	82,724				82,295				82,724	82,295
Accumulated Amortization	(77,331)				(77,400)				(77,331)	(77,400)
Total	5,393				4,895				$ 5,393	$ 4,895
Average Life									5 years	5 years
Customer contracts and relationships
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization of intangible assets									$ 4,098	$ 4,214	6,009
Gross Carrying Amount	30,583				28,692				30,583	28,692
Accumulated Amortization	(22,283)				(19,051)				(22,283)	(19,051)
Total	8,300				9,641				$ 8,300	$ 9,641
Average Life									8 years	8 years
Trade names
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization of intangible assets									$ 25	$ 0	189
Gross Carrying Amount	150				0				150	0
Accumulated Amortization	(25)				0				(25)	0
Total	125				0				$ 125	$ 0
Average Life									1 year	0 years
Non-compete agreements
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization of intangible assets									$ 29	$ 0	$ 0
Gross Carrying Amount	350				0				350	0
Accumulated Amortization	(29)				0				(29)	0
Total	$ 321				$ 0				$ 321	$ 0
Average Life									2 years	0 years

Goodwill and Intangible Asset_3

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Amortization Expense Associated with Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Amortization expense of intangible assets	$ 500	$ 500	$ 500	$ 500	$ 500	$ 600	$ 600	$ 700	$ 6,126	$ 6,594	$ 12,709

Goodwill and Intangible Asset_4

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Estimated Future Intangible Asset Amortization Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Estimated future intangible asset amortization expense
2018	$ 4,959
2019	3,617
2020	3,329
2021	1,317
2022	917
Thereafter	0
Total	$ 14,139	$ 14,536

Goodwill and Intangible Asset_5

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Summary of Changes to Goodwill (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	$ 800,890	$ 804,414
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	11,233
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(8,581)	(3,524)
Ending Balance	803,542	800,890
Applications
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	585,161	588,288
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	11,233
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(7,780)	(3,127)
Ending Balance	588,614	585,161
Scores
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	146,648	146,648
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	0
Foreign currency translation adjustment	0	0
Ending Balance	146,648	146,648
Decision Management Software
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	69,081	69,478
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	0
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(801)	(397)
Ending Balance	$ 68,280	$ 69,081

Composition of Certain Financ_3

Composition of Certain Financial Statement Captions - Property and Equipment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Property and equipment:
Data processing equipment and software	$ 110,874	$ 104,789
Office furniture and equipment	21,443	22,207
Leasehold improvements	33,360	29,158
Equipment under capital leases	6,398	0
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization	(119,048)	(107,317)
Total	$ 53,027	$ 48,837

Revolving Line of Credit - Addi

Revolving Line of Credit - Additional Information (Details)	May 08, 2018USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of credit, current borrowing capacity	$ 400,000,000
Line of credit, option to increase borrowing capacity	$ 100,000,000
Revolving credit facility, expiration date	May 8, 2023
Credit facility restrictive covenant, minimum fixed charge ratio	2.50
Interest coverage ratio	3
Credit facility restrictive covenant, maximum consolidated leverage ratio	3.25
Credit facility restrictive covenant, maximum consolidated leverage ratio step up	3.75
Borrowings outstanding		$ 345,000,000
Interest rate of borrowings outstanding		3.423%
Long-term debt
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Borrowings outstanding		$ 212,000,000
Federal Fund Rate
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt instrument basis spread on variable rate	0.50%
LIBOR
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt instrument basis spread on variable rate	1.00%
LIBOR | Minimum
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt instrument basis spread on variable rate	1.00%
LIBOR | Maximum
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt instrument basis spread on variable rate	1.875%
Base Rate | Minimum
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt instrument basis spread on variable rate	0.00%
Base Rate | Maximum
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt instrument basis spread on variable rate	0.875%

Senior Notes - Additional Infor

Senior Notes - Additional Information (Details)	Jul. 14, 2010USD ($)Contract	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	May 08, 2018USD ($)
Debt Disclosure [Line Items]
Debt Issuance Costs, Net		$ 5,200,000	$ 6,100,000
July 2010 Senior Notes
Debt Disclosure [Line Items]
Senior Notes issued in a private placement to a group of institutional investors	$ 245,000,000
Number of series of Senior Notes issued | Contract	4
Debt Instrument, Covenant, Leverage Ratio, Maximum	3
Debt Instrument, Covenant, Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio, Minimum	2.50
May 2018 Senior Notes
Debt Disclosure [Line Items]
Senior Notes issued in a private placement to a group of institutional investors				$ 400,000,000

Senior Notes - Summary of Senio

Senior Notes - Summary of Senior Notes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	May 08, 2018	Jul. 14, 2010
May 2018 Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	5.25%
Maturity date	May 15, 2026
Series E
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Amount		$ 60
Interest rate		4.72%
Maturity date		Jul. 14, 2016
Series F
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Amount		$ 72
Interest rate		5.04%
Maturity date		Jul. 14, 2017
Series G
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Amount		$ 28
Interest rate		5.42%
Maturity date		Jul. 14, 2019
Series H
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Amount		$ 85
Interest rate		5.59%
Maturity date		Jul. 14, 2020

Senior Notes - Principal Amount

Senior Notes - Principal Amounts Carrying Amounts and Fair Values of Senior Notes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying amounts	$ 485,000	$ 513,000
Fair value	514,121	518,413
Debt issuance costs, net	(5,200)	(6,100)
July 2010 Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying amounts	85,000	113,000
Fair value	86,121	114,413
May 2018 Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying amounts	400,000	400,000
Fair value	$ 428,000	$ 404,000

Senior Notes - Future Principal

Senior Notes - Future Principal Payments For Senior Notes (Details) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
2019	$ 85,000
2020	0
2021	0
2022	0
2023	0
Thereafter	400,000
Total	$ 485,000

Employee Benefit Plans - Additi

Employee Benefit Plans - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Eligible employees contribution to 401(k) plan (up to 25%)	25.00%
Employer contributions into 401(k) plans	$ 10.3	$ 8.8	$ 8.4
Employee incentive plans expenses	$ 57.5	$ 48.4	$ 41.6

Restructuring Expenses - Additi

Restructuring Expenses - Additional Information (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)position
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	$ 0	$ 0	$ 4,500,000
Number of positions reduced | position			79
Facilities charges
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges			$ 1,700,000
Employee separation
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges			$ 2,800,000

Restructuring Expenses - Summar

Restructuring Expenses - Summary of Restructuring Accruals and Certain Facility Closures (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 5,228,000	$ 8,305,000
Expense additions	0	0	$ 4,500,000
Cash payments		(3,077,000)
Ending balance		5,228,000	8,305,000
Less: current portion	(1,378,000)	(3,850,000)	(3,077,000)
Non-current	0	1,378,000	5,228,000
Facilities charges
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	5,228,000	8,120,000
Expense additions			1,700,000
Cash payments	(3,850,000)	(2,892,000)
Ending balance	1,378,000	5,228,000	8,120,000
Employee separation
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 0	185,000
Expense additions			2,800,000
Cash payments		(185,000)
Ending balance		$ 0	$ 185,000

Income Taxes - Provision for In

Income Taxes - Provision for Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Current:
Federal	$ 1,299	$ 8,071	$ 19,576
State	(423)	2,236	1,055
Foreign	15,371	9,559	8,486
Current income tax	16,247	19,866	29,117
Deferred:
Federal	7,003	13,987	(8,523)
State	947	132	(296)
Foreign	(249)	(3,535)	2,571
Deferred income taxes	7,701	10,584	(6,248)
Total provision	$ 23,948	$ 30,450	$ 22,869

Income Taxes - Additional Infor

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Foreign pretax earnings	$ 36,000	$ 10,800	$ 43,300
Current foreign tax expense related to foreign tax withholdings	6,500	6,000	4,600
Unrecognized tax benefits	5,834	$ 6,113	$ 6,480	$ 6,799
Unrecognized tax benefits that would impact the effective tax rate if recognized	5,700
Unrecognized tax benefits, accrued interest	$ 300
Effective income tax rate	21.00%	24.50%	35.00%
Unremitted earnings of foreign subsidiaries	$ 95,600
California Franchise Tax Board | Research Tax Credit Carryforward
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Excess state research credit	14,100
Valuation allowance	14,100
U.S. Federal
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards	$ 10,600
Net operating loss carryforwards expiration dates	2020
U.S. Federal | Research Tax Credit Carryforward
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Excess state research credit	$ 3,800
State
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards	$ 200
Net operating loss carryforwards expiration dates	2021
Foreign NOL carryforwards
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards	$ 25,000
Foreign NOL carryforwards | China
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards	3,500
Foreign NOL carryforwards | GERMANY
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards	$ 12,700

Income Taxes - Deferred Tax Ass

Income Taxes - Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Deferred tax assets:
Loss and credit carryforwards	$ 26,702	$ 24,377
Compensation benefits	23,931	30,388
Other assets	9,393	10,735
Deferred tax assets, gross	60,026	65,500
Less valuation allowance	(19,231)	(19,564)
Total deferred tax assets	40,795	45,936
Deferred tax liabilities:
Intangible assets	(15,114)	(15,921)
Deferred Commission	(7,920)	(6,368)
Property and equipment	(3,511)	(2,616)
Other liabilities	(8,244)	(7,226)
Total deferred tax liabilities	(34,789)	(32,131)
Deferred tax assets, net	$ 6,006	$ 13,805

Income Taxes - Reconciliation B

Income Taxes - Reconciliation Between Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate and Effective Tax Rate (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent	21.00%	24.50%	35.00%
Income tax provision at U.S. federal statutory rate	$ 45,375	$ 38,495	$ 54,699
State income taxes, net of U.S. federal benefit	4,194	2,755	2,072
Foreign tax rate differential	839	(649)	(4,082)
Intercompany interest	0	0	(477)
Research credits	(5,761)	(3,486)	(2,572)
Domestic production deduction	0	(2,421)	(2,759)
Amended returns/audit settlements/statute expirations	(2,268)	(2,349)	(1,296)
Foreign	11,177	4,040	935
Valuation allowance	(333)	1,907	2,512
Foreign tax credit	(464)	1,320	(1,342)
Excess tax benefits relating to stock-based compensation	(24,891)	(22,253)	(24,746)
Tax effect of the Tax Act	0	16,719	0
Other	(3,920)	(3,628)	(75)
Total provision	$ 23,948	$ 30,450	$ 22,869

Income Taxes - Reconciliation o

Income Taxes - Reconciliation of Beginning and Ending Amount of Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Gross unrecognized tax benefits at beginning of year	$ 6,113	$ 6,480	$ 6,799
Gross increases for tax positions in prior years	509	404	57
Gross decreases for tax positions in prior years	(611)	0	(19)
Gross increases based on tax positions related to the current year	1,439	1,625	1,291
Decreases for settlements and payments	(637)	0	(151)
Decreases due to statue expiration	(979)	(2,396)	(1,497)
Gross unrecognized tax benefits at end of year	$ 5,834	$ 6,113	$ 6,480

Stock-Based Employee Benefit _3

Stock-Based Employee Benefit Plans - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Employee stock purchase plans, purchase price of the stock as a percentage of fair market value on the exercise date	15.00%
Share-based compensation expense	$ 83	$ 74.8	$ 61.2
Tax benefit related to share-based compensation expense	12.5	$ 15.7	$ 20.4
Unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested share-based compensation arrangements	$ 122.7
Unrecognized compensation cost, weighted average recognition period	2 years 4 months 28 days
Cash received from stock option exercises	$ 22.8
Tax benefit from the stock option exercises	$ 23.3
Weighted average fair value of options granted (in dollars per share)	$ 59.63	$ 56.61	$ 43.80
Number of options that had exercise prices lower than the market price of common stock (in shares)	600,000
Market price of common stock (in dollars per share)	$ 303.52
Total intrinsic value of options exercised	$ 99.1	$ 41.4	$ 27
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock option awards vesting period	4 years
Restricted Stock Units Subject To Market or Performance Conditions
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock option awards vesting period	3 years
Restricted stock units and non-vested shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted average fair value of restricted stock units, performance stock units, and market stock units (in dollars per share)	$ 206.29	$ 161.85	$ 122.47
Total intrinsic value of restricted stock units, performance stock units, and market stock units	$ 91.2	$ 70.7	$ 58.7
Awards granted in period (in shares)	370,000
Performance stock units (PSUs)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted average fair value of restricted stock units, performance stock units, and market stock units (in dollars per share)	$ 185.05	$ 157.17	$ 121.30
Total intrinsic value of restricted stock units, performance stock units, and market stock units	$ 19.3	$ 15.1	$ 16.6
Awards granted in period (in shares)	91,000
Market stock units (MSUs)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted average fair value of restricted stock units, performance stock units, and market stock units (in dollars per share)	$ 169.46	$ 151.78	$ 108.09
Total intrinsic value of restricted stock units, performance stock units, and market stock units	$ 21.6	$ 18.7	$ 20.2
Awards granted in period (in shares)	105,000
Market stock units (MSUs) | Performance period year one
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Performance period	1 year
Market stock units (MSUs) | Performance period year two
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Performance period	2 years
Market stock units (MSUs) | Performance period year three
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Performance period	3 years
Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock option awards vesting period	4 years
Maximum | Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock option awards term	7 years
Maximum | Performance stock units (PSUs)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Performance condition payout (percent)	200.00%
Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock option awards vesting period	3 years
Minimum | Performance stock units (PSUs)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Performance condition payout (percent)	0.00%
2012 Long-Term Incentive Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares available for grants under stock plan (in shares)	4,259,396
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares available for grants under stock plan (in shares)	1,000,000
Authorized shares of common stock for grant under stock plan (in shares)	1,000,000
Employee stock purchase plans, percentage of salary withheld through payroll deductions to purchase FICO common stock (up to 10%)	15.00%
Employee stock purchase plans, purchase price of the stock as a percentage of fair market value on the exercise date	85.00%
Employee stock purchase plans, offering period (in months)	6 months

Stock-Based Employee Benefit _4

Stock-Based Employee Benefit Plans - Assumptions Used to Estimate Fair Value of Stock Options (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]
Weighted average expected term (years)	4 years 3 months 3 days	4 years 9 months 10 days	5 years
Expected volatility (range), minimum	31.10%	33.60%	35.30%
Expected volatility (range), maximum	32.40%	35.10%	35.30%
Weighted average volatility	32.20%	34.60%	35.30%
Risk free interest rate, minimum	2.50%	2.03%	2.02%
Risk free interest rate, maximum	2.68%	2.65%	2.02%
Weighted average expected dividend yield	0.00%	0.00%	0.07%
Expected dividend yield (range), minimum	0.00%	0.00%	0.07%
Expected dividend yield (range), maximum	0.00%	0.00%	0.07%

Stock-Based Employee Benefit _5

Stock-Based Employee Benefit Plans - Summary of Option Activity (Details) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)$ / sharesshares
Shares
Outstanding at October 1, 2017 (in shares) | shares	996
Granted (in shares) | shares	81
Exercised (in shares) | shares	(456)
Forfeited (in shares) | shares	(5)
Outstanding at September 30, 2018 (in shares) | shares	616
Options exercisable at September 30, 2018 (in shares) | shares	533
Vested and expected to vest at September 30, 2018 (in shares) | shares	613
Weighted- average Exercise Price
Outstanding at October 1, 2017 (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 63.13
Granted (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	196.43
Exercised (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	50.03
Forfeited (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	178.09
Outstanding at September 30, 2018 (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	89.36
Options exercisable at September 30, 2018 (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	73.89
Vested and expected to vest at September 30, 2018 (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 88.84
Weighted- average Remaining Contractual Term
Outstanding at September 30, 2019	2 years 9 months 3 days
Exercisable at September 30, 2019	2 years 3 months
Vested and expected to vest at September 30, 2018	2 years 8 months 26 days
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding at September 30, 2019 | $	$ 131,921
Exercisable at September 30, 2019 | $	122,381
Vested and expected to vest at September 30, 2017 | $	$ 131,509

Stock-Based Employee Benefit _6

Stock-Based Employee Benefit Plans - Summary of Restricted Stock Unit and Performance Stock Unit Activity (Details) - $ / shares shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Restricted stock units (RSUs)
Shares
Outstanding at October 1, 2017 (in shares)	1,113
Granted (in shares)	370
Released (in shares)	(448)
Forfeited (in shares)	(37)
Outstanding at September 30, 2018 (in shares)	998	1,113
Weighted-average Grant-date Fair Value
Outstanding at October 1, 2017 (in dollars per share)	$ 127.34
Granted (in dollars per share)	206.29	$ 161.85	$ 122.47
Released (in dollars per share)	118.73
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	140.17
Outstanding at September 30, 2018 (in dollars per share)	$ 159.99	$ 127.34
Performance stock units (PSUs)
Shares
Outstanding at October 1, 2017 (in shares)	210
Granted (in shares)	91
Released (in shares)	(106)
Outstanding at September 30, 2018 (in shares)	195	210
Weighted-average Grant-date Fair Value
Outstanding at October 1, 2017 (in dollars per share)	$ 133.76
Granted (in dollars per share)	185.05	$ 157.17	121.30
Released (in dollars per share)	123.04
Outstanding at September 30, 2018 (in dollars per share)	$ 163.38	$ 133.76
Market stock units (MSUs)
Shares
Outstanding at October 1, 2017 (in shares)	114
Granted (in shares)	105
Released (in shares)	(119)
Outstanding at September 30, 2018 (in shares)	100	114
Weighted-average Grant-date Fair Value
Outstanding at October 1, 2017 (in dollars per share)	$ 159.34
Granted (in dollars per share)	169.46	$ 151.78	$ 108.09
Released (in dollars per share)	143.57
Outstanding at September 30, 2018 (in dollars per share)	$ 188.63	$ 159.34

Stock-Based Employee Benefit _7

Stock-Based Employee Benefit Plans - Assumptions Used to Estimate Fair Value of Market Stock Units (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Average expected dividend yield	0.00%	0.00%	0.07%
Market stock units (MSUs)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected volatility in FICO’s stock price	24.60%	24.60%	27.40%
Expected volatility in Russell 3000 Index	12.80%	12.70%	13.60%
Correlation between FICO and the Russell 3000 Index	66.60%	63.10%	59.80%
Risk-free interest rate	2.73%	1.92%	1.40%
Average expected dividend yield	0.00%	0.00%	0.07%

Stock-Based Employee Benefit _8

Stock-Based Employee Benefit Plans - Summary of ESPP activities (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019shares
Share-based Payment Arrangement - ESPP [Abstract]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Discount from Market Price, Purchase Date	15.00%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Shares Purchased for Award	0

Earnings per Share - Reconcilia

Earnings per Share - Reconciliation of Numerators and Denominators of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended																12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019		Jun. 30, 2019		Mar. 31, 2019		Dec. 31, 2018		Sep. 30, 2018		Jun. 30, 2018		Mar. 31, 2018		Dec. 31, 2017		Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per share
Net income	$ 54,584		$ 64,152		$ 33,381		$ 40,007		$ 32,713		$ 29,721		$ 31,169		$ 32,879		$ 192,124	$ 126,482	$ 133,414
Denominator — share:
Basic weighted-average shares (in shares)	28,918		28,967		29,074		28,961		29,077		29,708		29,985		30,078		28,980	29,711	30,862
Effect of dilutive securities (in shares)																	1,314	1,469	1,383
Diluted weighted-average shares (in shares)	30,290		30,292		30,259		30,336		30,702		31,161		31,300		31,561		30,294	31,180	32,245
Earnings per share:
Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 1.89	[1]	$ 2.21	[1]	$ 1.15	[1]	$ 1.38	[1]	$ 1.13	[1]	$ 1	[1]	$ 1.04	[1]	$ 1.09	[1]	$ 6.63	$ 4.26	$ 4.32
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 1.80	[1]	$ 2.12	[1]	$ 1.10	[1]	$ 1.32	[1]	$ 1.07	[1]	$ 0.95	[1]	$ 1	[1]	$ 1.04	[1]	$ 6.34	$ 4.06	$ 4.14
[1]	Earnings per share is computed independently for each of the quarters presented. Therefore, the sum of the quarterly per share amounts may not equal the totals for the respective years.

Earnings per Share - Additional

Earnings per Share - Additional Information (Details) - shares shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Options to purchase shares of common stock excluded in the computation of diluted earnings per share because their inclusion would be antidilutive (in shares)	4	5	8

Segment Information - Summary o

Segment Information - Summary of Segment Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Segment revenues:
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax									$ 1,160,083	$ 1,000,146	$ 934,983
Segment operating expense									(906,535)	(824,787)	(752,824)
Operating income									253,548	175,359	182,159
Unallocated share-based compensation expense									(82,973)	(74,814)	(61,222)
Unallocated amortization expense	$ (500)	$ (500)	$ (500)	$ (500)	$ (500)	$ (600)	$ (600)	$ (700)	(6,126)	(6,594)	(12,709)
Unallocated restructuring and acquisition-related expenses									0	0	(4,471)
Unallocated interest expense, net									(39,752)	(31,311)	(25,790)
Unallocated other income (expense), net									2,276	12,884	(86)
Income before income taxes									216,072	156,932	156,283
Depreciation expense									24,204	22,633	22,980
Applications
Segment revenues:
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax									605,034	564,375	560,634
Scores
Segment revenues:
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax									421,177	335,870	259,537
Decision Management Software
Segment revenues:
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax									133,872	99,901	114,812
Operating Segments
Segment revenues:
Segment operating expense									(817,436)	(743,379)	(674,422)
Operating income									342,647	256,767	260,561
Operating Segments | Applications
Segment revenues:
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax									605,034	564,375	560,634
Segment operating expense									(443,872)	(420,411)	(392,307)
Operating income									161,162	143,964	168,327
Depreciation expense									18,766	15,651	15,857
Operating Segments | Scores
Segment revenues:
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax									421,177	335,870	259,537
Segment operating expense									(59,821)	(63,452)	(54,369)
Operating income									361,356	272,418	205,168
Depreciation expense									498	555	991
Operating Segments | Decision Management Software
Segment revenues:
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax									133,872	99,901	114,812
Segment operating expense									(168,988)	(134,261)	(122,839)
Operating income									(35,116)	(34,360)	(8,027)
Depreciation expense									4,036	5,471	4,783
Unallocated Corporate Expenses
Segment revenues:
Segment operating expense									(144,755)	(125,255)	(104,907)
Operating income									(144,755)	(125,255)	(104,907)
Depreciation expense									904	956	1,349
Transactional and maintenance
Segment revenues:
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax									860,948	750,603	633,927
Transactional and maintenance | Operating Segments | Applications
Segment revenues:
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax									395,398	372,283	335,560
Transactional and maintenance | Operating Segments | Scores
Segment revenues:
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax									415,288	331,662	254,424
Transactional and maintenance | Operating Segments | Decision Management Software
Segment revenues:
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax									50,262	46,658	43,943
Professional services
Segment revenues:
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax									184,095	176,910	177,904
Professional services | Operating Segments | Applications
Segment revenues:
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax									137,258	142,736	140,990
Professional services | Operating Segments | Scores
Segment revenues:
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax									2,157	1,900	2,869
Professional services | Operating Segments | Decision Management Software
Segment revenues:
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax									44,680	32,274	34,045
License
Segment revenues:
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax									115,040	72,633	123,152
License | Operating Segments | Applications
Segment revenues:
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax									72,378	49,356	84,084
License | Operating Segments | Scores
Segment revenues:
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax									3,732	2,308	2,244
License | Operating Segments | Decision Management Software
Segment revenues:
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax									$ 38,930	$ 20,969	$ 36,824

Segment Information - Disaggreg

Segment Information - Disaggregation of Revenue (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	$ 1,160,083	$ 1,000,146	$ 934,983
North America
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	807,165	701,010	640,244
Latin America
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	65,287	45,537	43,363
Europe, Middle East and Africa
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	195,186	169,592	173,818
Asia Pacific
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	92,445	84,007	77,558
On-Premises
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	468,552	423,334	472,939
SaaS
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	270,354	240,942	202,507
Scores
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	421,177	335,870	259,537
Applications
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	605,034	564,375	560,634
Applications | North America
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	338,990	318,836	327,226
Applications | Latin America
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	42,656	39,136	34,678
Applications | Europe, Middle East and Africa
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	155,539	141,358	139,765
Applications | Asia Pacific
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	67,849	65,045	58,965
Applications | On-Premises
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	360,105	337,162	367,944
Applications | SaaS
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	244,929	227,213	192,690
Applications | Scores
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	0	0	0
Scores
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	421,177	335,870	259,537
Scores | North America
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	404,778	328,990	250,260
Scores | Latin America
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	4,591	1,366	1,573
Scores | Europe, Middle East and Africa
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	6,359	3,989	3,831
Scores | Asia Pacific
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	5,449	1,525	3,873
Scores | On-Premises
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	0	0	0
Scores | SaaS
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	0	0	0
Scores | Scores
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	421,177	335,870	259,537
Decision Management Software
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	133,872	99,901	114,812
Decision Management Software | North America
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	63,397	53,184	62,758
Decision Management Software | Latin America
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	18,040	5,035	7,112
Decision Management Software | Europe, Middle East and Africa
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	33,288	24,245	30,222
Decision Management Software | Asia Pacific
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	19,147	17,437	14,720
Decision Management Software | On-Premises
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	108,447	86,172	104,995
Decision Management Software | SaaS
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	25,425	13,729	9,817
Decision Management Software | Scores
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Revenue from Contract with Customer Benchmark
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Revenue from Contract with Customer Benchmark | Non-US [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	34.00%	35.00%	37.00%
Revenue from Contract with Customer Benchmark | Applications
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	52.00%	56.00%	60.00%
Revenue from Contract with Customer Benchmark | Scores
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	36.00%	34.00%	28.00%
Revenue from Contract with Customer Benchmark | Decision Management Software
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	12.00%	10.00%	12.00%

Segment Information - Additiona

Segment Information - Additional Information (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019Segmentcustomer	Sep. 30, 2018customer	Sep. 30, 2017
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of reportable segments | Segment	3
Revenue Benchmark | Product Concentration Risk | Applications | Fraud Solutions
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	18.00%	17.00%	19.00%
Revenue Benchmark | Product Concentration Risk | Applications | Customer Cummunication Services
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	9.00%	10.00%	10.00%
Revenue Benchmark | Product Concentration Risk | Applications | Customer Management Solutions
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	6.00%	8.00%	8.00%
Revenue Benchmark | Customer Concentration Risk
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Accounts Receivable | Customer Concentration Risk
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Concentration risk, number of customers | customer	0	0

Segment Information - Revenues

Segment Information - Revenues and Percentage of Revenues on Customers Basis (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	$ 1,160,083	$ 1,000,146	$ 934,983
Experian
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	148,037	109,097	80,096
TransUnion & Equifax customer
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	183,523	142,179	99,735
Other customers
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	$ 828,523	$ 748,870	$ 755,152
Revenue Benchmark | Customer Concentration Risk
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Revenue Benchmark | Customer Concentration Risk | Experian
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	13.00%	11.00%	9.00%
Revenue Benchmark | Customer Concentration Risk | TransUnion & Equifax customer
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	16.00%	14.00%	11.00%
Revenue Benchmark | Customer Concentration Risk | Other customers
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	71.00%	75.00%	80.00%

Segment Information - Property

Segment Information - Property and Equipment Net on Geographical Basis (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Property and equipment, net	$ 53,027	$ 48,837
United States
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Property and equipment, net	38,058	39,593
United Kingdom
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Property and equipment, net	7,801	4,296
Other countries
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Property and equipment, net	$ 7,168	$ 4,948
Geographic Concentration Risk | Property Plant and Equipment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	100.00%	100.00%
Geographic Concentration Risk | United States | Property Plant and Equipment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	72.00%	81.00%
Geographic Concentration Risk | United Kingdom | Property Plant and Equipment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	15.00%	9.00%
Geographic Concentration Risk | Other countries | Property Plant and Equipment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	13.00%	10.00%

Contract Balances and Perform_3

Contract Balances and Performance Obligations - Receivables (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Accounts Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss [Abstract]
Billed Receivables	$ 206,714	$ 196,960
Unbilled Receivables	127,651	73,221
Receivables Gross	334,365	270,181
Allowance for doubtful accounts	(2,568)	(3,439)	$ (2,941)
Net receivables	331,797	266,742
Accounts receivable, net	297,427	266,742
Accounts Receivable, net , noncurrent		34,400
Expense, Allowance for Credit Loss	518	623
Write-off	$ (1,389)	$ (125)

Contract Balances and Perform_4

Contract Balances and Performance Obligations - Contract Liability (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Contract with Customer, Liability, Current	$ 111,000	$ 103,300
Contract with Customer, Liability	116,320	108,118	$ 114,729
Contract with Customer, Liability, Revenue Recognized	(93,265)	(83,125)
Contract With Customer, Liability, Excluding Revenue Recognized	101,467	76,514
Contract with Customer, Liability, Noncurrent	$ 5,300	$ 4,800

Contract Balances and Perform_5

Contract Balances and Performance Obligations - Additional Information (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Minimum
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items]
Contract with customer, payment term	30 days
Maximum
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items]
Contract with customer, payment term	60 days

Contract Balances and Perform_6

Contract Balances and Performance Obligations - Performance Obligations (Details) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Amount	$ 238,370
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2019-10-01
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Amount	84,022
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2020-10-01
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Amount	66,809
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2021-10-01
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Amount	39,960
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2022-10-01
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Amount	26,188
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2023-10-01
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Amount	16,512
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2025-10-01
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Amount	$ 4,879

Commitments - Minimum Future Co

Commitments - Minimum Future Commitments Under Non Cancelable Operating Leases and Other Obligations (Details) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Lease Commitments
Capital Leases - 2020	$ 1,935
Capital Leases - 2021	1,934
Capital Leases - 2022	1,934
Capital Leases - 2023	0
Capital Leases - 2024	0
Capital Leases - Thereafter	0
Capital Leases, Total	5,803
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Lease Commitments
Operating Leases - 2020	19,842
Operating Leases - 2021	19,969
Operating Leases - 2022	17,677
Operating Leases - 2023	16,940
Operating Leases - 2024	14,887
Thereafter	24,431
Total	113,746
Other Commitments
Other Commitment, 2020	7,000
Other Commitment, 2021	0
Other Commitment, 2022	0
Other Commitment, 2023	0
Other Commitment, 2024	0
Other Commitment, Thereafter	0
Other Commitment	$ 7,000

Commitments - Additional Inform

Commitments - Additional Information (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)executive	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Rent expense under operating leases | $	$ 21.6	$ 19.8	$ 18.6
Number of executives in a management agreement providing for certain payments and other benefits in the event of a qualified change | executive	24

Guarantees - Additional Informa

Guarantees - Additional Information (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Maximum
Product Warranty [Line Items]
Duration of product warranties	90 days

Supplementary Financial Data _3

Supplementary Financial Data (Unaudited) - Selected Unaudited Consolidated Financial Results (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended																12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019		Jun. 30, 2019		Mar. 31, 2019		Dec. 31, 2018		Sep. 30, 2018		Jun. 30, 2018		Mar. 31, 2018		Dec. 31, 2017		Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Revenues	$ 305,344		$ 314,249		$ 278,234		$ 262,256		$ 256,532		$ 254,993		$ 256,260		$ 232,361
Cost of revenues	87,996	[1]	87,215	[1]	85,568	[1]	76,066	[1]	79,962	[1]	79,011	[1]	79,493	[1]	74,432	[1]	$ 336,845	$ 312,898	$ 287,607
Gross profit	217,348		227,034		192,666		186,190		176,570		175,982		176,767		157,929
Net income	$ 54,584		$ 64,152		$ 33,381		$ 40,007		$ 32,713		$ 29,721		$ 31,169		$ 32,879		$ 192,124	$ 126,482	$ 133,414
Earnings per share:
Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 1.89	[2]	$ 2.21	[2]	$ 1.15	[2]	$ 1.38	[2]	$ 1.13	[2]	$ 1	[2]	$ 1.04	[2]	$ 1.09	[2]	$ 6.63	$ 4.26	$ 4.32
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 1.80	[2]	$ 2.12	[2]	$ 1.10	[2]	$ 1.32	[2]	$ 1.07	[2]	$ 0.95	[2]	$ 1	[2]	$ 1.04	[2]	$ 6.34	$ 4.06	$ 4.14
Shares used in computing earnings per share:
Basic weighted-average shares (in shares)	28,918		28,967		29,074		28,961		29,077		29,708		29,985		30,078		28,980	29,711	30,862
Diluted (in shares)	30,290		30,292		30,259		30,336		30,702		31,161		31,300		31,561		30,294	31,180	32,245
[1]	Cost of revenues excludes amortization expense of $0.5 million , $0.5 million , $0.5 million , $0.5 million , $0.5 million , $0.6 million , $0.6 million and $0.7 million for the quarters ended September 30, 2019 , June 30, 2019 , March 31, 2019 , December 31, 2018 , September 30, 2018 , June 30, 2018 , March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , respectively.
[2]	Earnings per share is computed independently for each of the quarters presented. Therefore, the sum of the quarterly per share amounts may not equal the totals for the respective years.

Supplementary Financial Data _4

Supplementary Financial Data (Unaudited) - Selected Unaudited Consolidated Financial Results - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Amortization of intangible assets	$ 500	$ 500	$ 500	$ 500	$ 500	$ 600	$ 600	$ 700	$ 6,126	$ 6,594	$ 12,709