Fair Isaac (FICO) 10-K 12 Nov 20 2019 FY Annual report Financial data

Cover

Cover - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Oct. 30, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020
Cover [Abstract]
Document Type	10-K
Document Annual Report	true
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2020
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	1-11689
Entity Registrant Name	Fair Isaac Corp
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	DE
Entity Tax Identification Number	94-1499887
Entity Address, Address Line One	181 Metro Drive, Suite 700
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
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share
Trading Symbol	FICO
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
ICFR Auditor Attestation Flag	true
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Public Float			$ 7,095,692,430
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		29,098,177
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2019
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Entity Central Index Key	0000814547
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--09-30

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 157,394	$ 106,426
Accounts receivable, net	334,180	297,427
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	42,504	51,853
Total current assets	534,078	455,706
Marketable securities	25,513	20,222
Other investments	1,060	1,643
Property and equipment, net	46,419	53,027
Operating lease, right-of-use asset	57,656
Goodwill	812,364	803,542
Intangible assets, net	9,236	14,139
Deferred Income Taxes and Other Assets, Current	14,629	6,006
Other assets	105,285	79,163
Total assets	1,606,240	1,433,448
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	23,033	23,118
Accrued compensation and employee benefits	117,952	106,240
Other accrued liabilities	63,367	32,454
Deferred revenue	115,159	111,016
Current maturities on debt	95,000	218,000
Total current liabilities	414,511	490,828
Long-term debt	739,435	606,790
Operating lease liabilities	73,207
Other Liabilities, Noncurrent	48,005	46,063
Total liabilities	1,275,158	1,143,681
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 29,096 and 28,944 shares outstanding at September 30, 2020 and September 30, 2019, respectively)	291	289
Paid-in-capital	1,218,583	1,225,365
Treasury stock, at cost (59,761 and 59,913 shares at September 30, 2020 and September 30, 2019, respectively)	(2,997,856)	(2,802,450)
Retained earnings	2,193,059	1,956,648
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(82,995)	(90,085)
Total stockholders’ equity	331,082	289,767
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$ 1,606,240	$ 1,433,448

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
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)	29,096,000	28,944,000
Treasury stock, shares	59,761,000	59,913,000

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCO

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Revenues:
Total revenues	$ 1,294,562	$ 1,160,083	$ 1,000,146
Operating expenses:
Cost of revenues	361,142	336,845	312,898
Research and development	166,499	149,478	128,383
Selling, general and administrative	420,930	414,086	376,912
Amortization of intangible assets	4,993	6,126	6,594
Restructuring and impairment charges	45,029	0	0
Total operating expenses	998,593	906,535	824,787
Operating income	295,969	253,548	175,359
Interest expense, net	(42,177)	(39,752)	(31,311)
Other income, net	3,208	2,276	12,884
Income before income taxes	257,000	216,072	156,932
Provision for income taxes	20,589	23,948	30,450
Net income	236,411	192,124	126,482
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments	7,090	(13,664)	(9,926)
Comprehensive income	$ 243,501	$ 178,460	$ 116,556
Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 8.13	$ 6.63	$ 4.26
Shares used in computing basic earnings per share (in shares)	29,067	28,980	29,711
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 7.90	$ 6.34	$ 4.06
Shares used in computing diluted earnings per share (in shares)	29,932	30,294	31,180
Transactional and maintenance
Revenues:
Total revenues	$ 973,933	$ 860,948	$ 750,603
Professional services
Revenues:
Total revenues	183,040	184,095	176,910
License
Revenues:
Total revenues	$ 137,589	$ 115,040	$ 72,633

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, 2017		30,243
Beginning 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)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Share-based compensation	93,681		93,681
Issuance of treasury stock under employee stock plans (in shares)		827
Issuance of treasury stock under employee stock plans	(60,644)	$ 9	(100,463)	39,810
Repurchases of common stock (in shares)		(675)
Repurchases of common stock	(235,223)	$ (7)		(235,216)
Net income	236,411				236,411
Foreign currency translation adjustments	7,090					7,090
Ending Balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2020		29,096
Ending Balance at Sep. 30, 2020	$ 331,082	$ 291	$ 1,218,583	$ (2,997,856)	$ 2,193,059	$ (82,995)

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 236,411	$ 192,124	$ 126,482
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	30,367	31,612	30,182
Share-based compensation	93,681	82,973	74,814
Deferred income taxes	(8,639)	7,701	10,584
Non-cash operating lease costs	20,011
Impairment loss on operating lease assets	28,016
Provision of doubtful accounts	3,199	518	623
Net gain (loss) on marketable securities	(2,071)	761	(1,449)
Gain on sale of equity investments	0	0	(10,000)
Net loss on sales and abandonment of property and equipment	5,249	127	231
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	(59,889)	(36,176)	(8,266)
Prepaid expenses and other assets	(960)	(55,507)	(9,790)
Accounts payable	1,059	1,885	843
Accrued compensation and employee benefits	12,065	22,380	7,352
Other liabilities	693	1,463	6,246
Deferred revenue	5,724	10,489	(4,800)
Net cash provided by operating activities	364,916	260,350	223,052
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment	(21,989)	(23,981)	(31,299)
Proceeds from sales of marketable securities	3,470	3,480	3,230
Purchases of marketable securities	(6,119)	(6,404)	(6,050)
Distribution from equity investments	0	0	20,000
Distribution from equity investments	55	0	0
Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired	0	(15,855)	0
Net cash used in investing activities	(24,583)	(42,760)	(14,119)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from revolving line of credit	263,000	229,000	427,000
Payments on revolving line of credit	(513,000)	(141,000)	(531,000)
Proceeds from issuance of senior notes	350,000	0	400,000
Payments on senior notes	(85,000)	(28,000)	(131,000)
Payments on debt issuance costs	(6,840)	0	(7,849)
Payments on finance leases	(1,716)	(945)	0
Proceeds from issuance of treasury stock under employee stock plans	42,258	22,788	11,023
Taxes paid related to net share settlement of equity awards	(102,903)	(52,996)	(44,205)
Repurchases of common stock	(235,223)	(228,894)	(342,596)
Net cash used in financing activities	(289,424)	(200,047)	(218,627)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	59	(1,140)	(5,901)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	50,968	16,403	(15,595)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year	106,426	90,023	105,618
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year	157,394	106,426	90,023
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds of $1,931, $1,372 and $3,079 during the years ended September 30, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively	10,152	18,779	13,398
Cash paid for interest	37,735	39,924	26,106
Supplemental disclosures of non-cash investing and financing activities:
Finance lease obligation incurred	1,387	5,803	0
Purchase of property and equipment included in accounts payable	$ 166	$ 1,448	$ 1,913

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CA_2

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Cash paid for income taxes, refunds	$ 1,931	$ 1,372	$ 3,079

Nature of Business and Summary

Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
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, 2019, we adopted 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”) using the modified retrospective approach, under which financial results reported in prior periods were not restated. As a result, the consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2020 is not comparable with that as of September 30, 2019. See our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019 filed with the SEC on November 8, 2019 for lease policies that were in effect in prior periods before adoption of Topic 842. 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; variable considerations included in the transaction price for our customer contracts; 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. As the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, estimates and assumptions about future events and their effects cannot be determined with certainty and therefore require increased judgment. These estimates and assumptions may change in future periods and will be recognized in the consolidated financial statements as new events occur and additional information becomes known. To the extent our actual results differ materially from those estimates and assumptions, our future financial statements could be affected. For more information, see Part I, Item 1A “Risk Factors” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. 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, 2020, 2019 and 2018 . 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 $1.1 million and $1.6 million at September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and they are reported in other assets on our consolidated balance sheets. At September 30, 2020 , we reviewed the carrying value of these investments and concluded that they were not impaired and as of that date, we were 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 $23.5 million , $24.2 million and $22.6 million during fiscal 2020, 2019 and 2018 , 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 our fourth fiscal 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 fiscal 2017, we elected to proceed directly to the step one quantitative analysis for all of our reporting units. There was a substantial excess of fair value over carrying value for each of our reporting units and we determined goodwill was not impaired for any of our reporting units for fiscal 2017. For fiscal 2018, 2019 and 2020, 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. Consequently, we did not perform a step one quantitative analysis and determined goodwill was not impaired for any of our reporting units for fiscal 2018, 2019 and 2020. 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 10 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 2020, 2019 and 2018 . 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; software-as-a-service (“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 separately stated prices for license and maintenance, a single subscription with license and maintenance bundled, or a 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 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 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 Amazon Web Services (“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 $38.6 million and $33.7 million at September 30, 2020 and 2019 , 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 $5.7 million , $5.0 million and $4.5 million during the years ended September 30, 2020, 2019 and 2018 , 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 consolidated balance sheets 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. 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, net in the accompanying consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. We recorded transactional foreign exchange losses of $1.0 million , $0.0 million and $0.4 million during fiscal 2020, 2019 and 2018 , 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 $8.7 million , $3.6 million and $4.1 million in fiscal 2020, 2019 and 2018 , respectively. New Accounting Pronouncements Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements In February 2016, the FASB issued Topic 842, which requires the recognition of operating lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet. Leases are classified as either finance or operating, with classification

Business Combinations

Business Combinations	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Business Combinations	Business Combinations There were no acquisitions incurred during fiscal 2020. In fiscal 2019, we acquired 100% of the equity of eZmCom, Inc. for $18.6 million in cash. We recorded $6.0 million of intangible assets which 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. There were no acquisitions incurred during fiscal 2018.

Cash, Cash Equivalents and Mark

Cash, Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities Available for Sale	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
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, 2020 and 2019 : September 30, 2020 September 30, 2019 Amortized Cost Fair Value Amortized Cost Fair Value (In thousands) Cash and Cash Equivalents: Cash $ 122,119 $ 122,119 $ 77,525 $ 77,525 Money market funds 35,275 35,275 22,102 22,102 Bank time deposits — — 6,799 6,799 Total $ 157,394 $ 157,394 $ 106,426 $ 106,426 Long-term Marketable Securities: Marketable securities $ 20,195 $ 25,513 $ 17,193 $ 20,222 The assets included in marketable securities represent long-term marketable equity 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. These investments are treated as trading securities and recorded at fair value.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
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 did not have any liabilities that are valued using inputs identified under a Level 1 hierarchy as of September 30, 2020 and 2019 . • 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 did not have any assets that are valued using inputs identified under a Level 2 hierarchy as of September 30, 2020 and 2019 . 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 did not have any assets or liabilities that are valued using inputs identified under a Level 3 hierarchy as of September 30, 2020 and 2019 . The following table represents financial assets that we measured at fair value on a recurring basis at September 30, 2020 and 2019 : September 30, 2020 Active Markets for Identical Instruments (Level 1) Fair Value as of September 30, 2020 (In thousands) Assets: Cash equivalents (1) $ 35,275 $ 35,275 Marketable securities (2) 25,513 25,513 Total $ 60,788 $ 60,788 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 (1) Included in cash and cash equivalents on our consolidated balance sheets at September 30, 2020 and 2019 . Not included in this table are cash deposits of $122.1 million and $77.5 million at September 30, 2020 and 2019 , 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, 2020 and 2019 . 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 years ended September 30, 2020 , 2019 or 2018 .

Derivative Financial Instrument

Derivative Financial Instruments	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
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, net. The forward contracts are not designated as hedges and are marked to market through other income, 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, 2020 and 2019 : September 30, 2020 Contract Amount Fair Value Foreign Currency USD USD (In thousands) Sell foreign currency: Euro (EUR) EUR 15,000 $ 17,656 — Buy foreign currency: British pound (GBP) GBP 16,555 $ 21,300 — Singapore dollar (SGD) SGD 7,815 $ 5,700 — September 30, 2019 Contract Amount Fair Value Foreign Currency USD USD (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 — The foreign currency forward contracts were entered into on September 30 of each fiscal year; therefore, their fair value was $0 at September 30, 2020 and 2019 . Losses on derivative financial instruments are recorded in our consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income as a component of other income, net. These amounts are shown below for the years ended September 30, 2020, 2019 and 2018 : Year Ended September 30, 2020 2019 2018 (In thousands) Loss on foreign currency forward contracts $ 347 $ 896 $ 476

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
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, 2020 and 2019 : September 30, 2020 September 30, 2019 Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Average Life Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Average Life (In thousands, except average life) Completed technology $ 83,764 $ (80,136 ) $ 3,628 5 $ 82,724 $ (77,331 ) $ 5,393 5 Customer contracts and relationships 19,332 (13,870 ) 5,462 9 30,583 (22,283 ) 8,300 8 Trade names — — — 0 150 (25 ) 125 1 Non-compete agreements 350 (204 ) 146 2 350 (29 ) 321 2 $ 103,446 $ (94,210 ) $ 9,236 $ 113,807 $ (99,668 ) $ 14,139 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, 2020 2019 2018 (In thousands) Completed technology $ 1,766 $ 1,974 $ 2,380 Customer contracts and relationships 2,927 4,098 4,214 Trade names 125 25 — Non-compete agreements 175 29 — Total $ 4,993 $ 6,126 $ 6,594 Estimated future intangible asset amortization expense associated with intangible assets existing at September 30, 2020 , was as follows (in thousands): Year Ending September 30, 2021 $ 3,646 2022 3,356 2023 1,317 2024 917 2025 — Thereafter — Total $ 9,236 The following table summarizes changes to goodwill during fiscal 2020 and 2019 , 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, 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 Foreign currency translation adjustment 8,190 — 632 8,822 Balance at September 30, 2020 $ 596,804 $ 146,648 $ 68,912 $ 812,364

Composition of Certain Financia

Composition of Certain Financial Statement Captions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
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, net and other assets at September 30, 2020 and 2019 : September 30, 2020 2019 (In thousands) Property and equipment: Data processing equipment and software $ 108,913 $ 110,874 Office furniture and equipment 20,478 21,443 Leasehold improvements 25,239 33,360 Equipment under capital lease 6,489 6,398 Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization (114,700 ) (119,048 ) Total $ 46,419 $ 53,027 Other assets: Long-term receivables $ 54,074 $ 34,370 Prepaid commissions 38,579 33,700 Others 12,632 11,093 Total $ 105,285 $ 79,163 As a strategic cost initiative in fiscal 2020 we committed to a course of action to adjust our facilities footprint in light of post-pandemic workforce patterns. As a result of this initiative, we recorded a net impairment loss of $5.2 million on abandonment of property and equipment. See Note 11 for additional information regarding our restructuring and impairment charges.

Revolving Line of Credit

Revolving Line of Credit	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
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, following which maintaining a minimum interest coverage ratio of 3.00 is required. The credit agreement also contains other covenants typical of unsecured facilities. As of September 30, 2020 , we had $95.0 million in borrowings outstanding at a weighted-average interest rate of 1.285% and we were in compliance with all financial covenants under this credit facility.

Senior Notes

Senior Notes	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
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 On July 14, 2020, the aggregate principal amount of Series H of 2010 Senior Notes was repaid at maturity. At September 30, 2020, the 2010 Senior Notes were no longer outstanding. On May 8, 2018, we issued $400 million of senior notes in a private offering to qualified institutional investors (the “2018 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 . On December 6, 2019, we issued $350 million of senior notes in a private offering to qualified institutional investors (the “2019 Senior Notes,” along with the 2010 Senior Notes and 2018 Senior Notes, the “Senior Notes”). We used the net proceeds to repay a large portion of the outstanding balance on our revolving credit facility. The 2019 Senior Notes require interest payments semi-annually at a rate of 4.00% per annum and will mature on June 15, 2028 . The indentures for the 2018 Senior Notes and the 2019 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, 2020 and 2019 : September 30, 2020 September 30, 2019 Face Value (*) Fair Value Face Value (*) Fair Value (In thousands) The 2010 Senior Notes $ — $ — $ 85,000 $ 86,121 The 2018 Senior Notes 400,000 442,000 400,000 428,000 The 2019 Senior Notes 350,000 358,750 — — Total $ 750,000 $ 800,750 $ 485,000 $ 514,121 (*) The carrying value of the Senior Notes was reduced by the net debt issuance costs of $10.6 million and $5.2 million at September 30, 2020 and 2019 , respectively. Future principal payments for the Senior Notes are as follows (in thousands): Year Ending September 30, 2021 $ — 2022 — 2023 — 2024 — 2025 — Thereafter 750,000 Total $ 750,000

Employee Benefit Plans

Employee Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
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 $10.1 million , $10.3 million and $8.8 million during fiscal 2020, 2019 and 2018 , 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 $60.6 million , $57.5 million and $48.4 million during fiscal 2020, 2019 and 2018 , respectively.

Restructuring Expenses

Restructuring Expenses	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring Expenses	Restructuring and Impairment Charges During fiscal 2020, we incurred net charges totaling $45.0 million consisting of $28.0 million in impairment loss on operating lease assets, $5.2 million in impairment loss on disposals of property and equipment and $11.8 million in restructuring charges. The impairment losses were associated with closing certain non-core offices and reducing office space in other locations to better align with anticipated needs in light of post-pandemic workforce patterns. The restructuring charges related to employee separation costs as a result of eliminating 209 positions throughout the Company. Cash payments for all the employee separation costs will be paid by the end of our fiscal 2021. There were no restructuring and impairment charges incurred during fiscal 2019 and 2018. The following tables summarize our restructuring accruals associated with the employee separation 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, 2018 Expense Additions Cash Payments Accrual Adjustments 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 $ — Accrual at September 30, 2019 Expense Additions Cash Payments Accrual Adjustments (*) Accrual at September 30, 2020 (In thousands) Facilities charges $ 1,378 $ — $ — $ (1,378 ) $ — Employee separation — 11,768 (3,577 ) — 8,191 1,378 $ 11,768 $ (3,577 ) $ (1,378 ) 8,191 Less: current portion (1,378 ) (8,191 ) Non-current $ — $ — (*) Upon adoption of Topic 842, accrued lease exit obligations of $1.4 million , which were associated with vacating excess leased space in fiscal 2017, were reclassified to operating lease liabilities.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes The provision for income taxes was as follows during fiscal 2020, 2019 and 2018 : Year ended September 30, 2020 2019 2018 (In thousands) Current: Federal $ 14,566 $ 1,299 $ 8,071 State 2,180 (423 ) 2,236 Foreign 12,482 15,371 9,559 29,228 16,247 19,866 Deferred: Federal (8,575 ) 7,003 13,987 State (957 ) 947 132 Foreign 893 (249 ) (3,535 ) (8,639 ) 7,701 10,584 Total provision $ 20,589 $ 23,948 $ 30,450 The foreign provision was based on foreign pre-tax earnings of $42.2 million , $36.0 million and $10.8 million in fiscal 2020, 2019 and 2018 , respectively. Current foreign tax expense related to foreign tax withholdings was $6.4 million , $6.5 million and $6.0 million in fiscal 2020, 2019 and 2018 , respectively. Foreign withholding tax and related foreign tax credits are included in current tax expense above. Deferred tax assets and liabilities at September 30, 2020 and 2019 were as follows: September 30, 2020 2019 (In thousands) Deferred tax assets: Loss and credit carryforwards $ 31,015 $ 26,702 Compensation benefits 29,640 23,931 Operating lease liabilities 21,827 — Other assets 9,000 9,393 91,482 60,026 Less: valuation allowance (24,563 ) (19,231 ) Total deferred tax assets 66,919 40,795 Deferred tax liabilities: Intangible assets (14,715 ) (15,114 ) Deferred commission (9,027 ) (7,920 ) Property and equipment (3,135 ) (3,511 ) Operating lease right-of-use assets (13,719 ) — Other liabilities (11,694 ) (8,244 ) Total deferred tax liabilities (52,290 ) (34,789 ) Deferred tax assets, net $ 14,629 $ 6,006 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, 2020. As of September 30, 2020 , we had available U.S. federal, state and foreign net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards of approximately $7.6 million , $0.1 million , and $31.3 million , respectively. The U.S. federal NOLs were acquired in connection with our acquisitions of Adeptra in fiscal 2012 and Infoglide in fiscal 2013. The U.S. federal NOL carryforward will expire at various dates beginning in fiscal 2024, if not utilized. The state NOL carryforward will expire at various dates beginning in fiscal 2021 , if not utilized. The $31.3 million of foreign NOL includes $5.5 million related to China and $19.5 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 NOLs 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 2020 we generated approximately $4.7 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 $16.6 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 $16.6 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 each of fiscal 2020 and fiscal 2019, and 24.5% in fiscal 2018) to income before provision for income taxes for fiscal 2020, 2019 and 2018 is shown below: Year Ended September 30, 2020 2019 2018 (In thousands) Income tax provision at U.S. federal statutory rate $ 53,970 $ 45,375 $ 38,495 State income taxes, net of U.S. federal benefit 4,619 4,194 2,755 Foreign tax rate differential 493 839 (649 ) Research credits (5,868 ) (5,761 ) (3,486 ) Domestic production deduction — — (2,421 ) Amended returns/audit settlements/statute expirations (1,085 ) (2,268 ) (2,349 ) Foreign 7,513 11,177 4,040 Valuation allowance 5,332 (333 ) 1,907 Foreign tax credit and foreign withholding tax 2,086 (464 ) 1,320 Excess tax benefits relating to stock-based compensation (45,086 ) (24,891 ) (22,253 ) Tax effect of the Tax Act — — 16,719 GILTI, FDII and BEAT 5,050 1,931 — Other (6,435 ) (5,851 ) (3,628 ) Recorded income tax provision $ 20,589 $ 23,948 $ 30,450 The decrease in our income tax provision in fiscal 2020 compared to fiscal 2019 was due to an increase in the excess tax benefits related to stock-based compensation in fiscal 2020. The decrease in our income tax provision in fiscal 2019 compared to fiscal 2018 was 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. As of September 30, 2020, we had approximately $111.7 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 and state income tax due upon 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. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows: Year Ended September 30, 2020 2019 2018 (In thousands) Gross unrecognized tax benefits at beginning of year $ 5,834 $ 6,113 $ 6,480 Gross increases for tax positions in prior years 883 509 404 Gross decreases for tax positions in prior years (65 ) (611 ) — Gross increases based on tax positions related to the current year 2,260 1,439 1,625 Decreases for settlements and payments — (637 ) — Decreases due to statute expiration (918 ) (979 ) (2,396 ) Gross unrecognized tax benefits at end of year $ 7,994 $ 5,834 $ 6,113 We had $8.0 million of total unrecognized tax benefits as of September 30, 2020 , including $7.8 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 significant reduction of the uncertain tax benefits in the next twelve months. We recognize interest expense and penalties 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, 2020 , we had accrued interest of $0.4 million related to the unrecognized tax benefits.

Stock-Based Employee Benefit Pl

Stock-Based Employee Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
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. 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 generally vest annually over three years based on the achievement of specified criteria. At September 30, 2020 , there were 4,998,722 shares available for issuance under the 2012 Plan. Description of Employee Stock Purchase Plan We maintain the 2019 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “2019 Purchase Plan”) under which we are authorized to issue 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, 2020 , there were 949,702 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 $93.7 million , $83.0 million and $74.8 million in fiscal years 2020, 2019 and 2018 , respectively. The total tax benefit related to this share-based compensation expense was $13.2 million , $12.5 million and $15.7 million in fiscal 2020, 2019 and 2018 , respectively. As of September 30, 2020 , there was $127.7 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 2.33 years. In fiscal 2020 we received $25.4 million in cash from stock option exercises, with the tax benefit realized for the tax deductions from these exercises of $30.2 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 2020, 2019 and 2018 : Year Ended September 30, 2020 2019 2018 Stock Options: Weighted-average expected term (years) 4.46 4.26 4.78 Expected volatility (range) 30.0 - 35.9 % 31.1 - 32.4 % 33.6 % - 35.1 % Weighted-average volatility 30.6 % 32.2 % 34.6 % Risk-free interest rate (range) 0.36 - 1.68 % 2.50 - 2.68 % 2.03 % - 2.65 % Weighted-average expected dividend yield — % — % — % 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. We have not declared or paid any cash dividends on our common stock since May 2017, and we do not presently plan to pay cash dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future. Consequently, we used an expected dividend yield of zero in the years presented. 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 2020 : Shares Weighted- average Exercise Price Weighted- average Remaining Contractual Term Aggregate Intrinsic Value (In thousands) (In years) (In thousands) Outstanding at September 30, 2019 616 $ 89.36 Granted 32 364.23 Exercised (401 ) 63.47 Forfeited (1 ) 185.05 Outstanding at September 30, 2020 246 $ 166.80 3.84 $ 63,605 Exercisable at September 30, 2020 168 $ 130.87 3.06 $ 49,435 Vested and expected to vest at September 30, 2020 243 $ 165.32 3.82 $ 63,125 The weighted-average fair value of options granted were $99.30 , $59.63 and $56.61 during fiscal 2020, 2019 and 2018 , respectively. The aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding at September 30, 2020 was calculated as the difference between the exercise price of the underlying options and the market price of our common stock for the 0.2 million outstanding options, which had exercise prices lower than the $425.38 market price of our common stock at September 30, 2020 . The total intrinsic value of options exercised was $132.6 million , $99.1 million and $41.4 million during fiscal 2020, 2019 and 2018 , 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 2020 : Shares Weighted-average Grant-date Fair Value (In thousands) Outstanding at September 30, 2019 998 $ 159.99 Granted 218 356.66 Released (434 ) 138.04 Forfeited (61 ) 200.38 Outstanding at September 30, 2020 721 $ 229.10 The weighted-average fair value of the RSUs granted were $356.66 , $206.29 and $161.85 during fiscal 2020, 2019 and 2018 , respectively. The total intrinsic value of the RSUs that vested was $159.0 million , $91.2 million and $70.7 million during fiscal 2020, 2019 and 2018 , 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 target 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 2020 : Shares Weighted- average Grant-date Fair Value (In thousands) Outstanding at September 30, 2019 195 $ 163.38 Granted 53 354.18 Released (101 ) 152.45 Forfeited (20 ) 175.50 Outstanding at September 30, 2020 127 $ 248.97 The weighted-average fair value of the PSUs granted were $354.18 , $185.05 and $157.17 during fiscal 2020, 2019 and 2018 , respectively. The total intrinsic value of the PSUs that vested was $36.5 million , $19.3 million and $15.1 million during fiscal 2020, 2019 and 2018 , 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 2020, 2019 and 2018 : Year Ended September 30, 2020 2019 2018 Expected volatility in FICO’s stock price 25.2 % 24.6 % 24.6 % Expected volatility in Russell 3000 Index 12.9 % 12.8 % 12.7 % Correlation between FICO and the Russell 3000 Index 64.0 % 66.6 % 63.1 % Risk-free interest rate 1.67 % 2.73 % 1.92 % Average expected dividend yield — % — % — % 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. Because we have not declared or paid any cash dividends on our common stock since May 2017, and we do not presently plan to pay cash dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future, we used an expected dividend yield of zero. 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 2020 : Shares Weighted- average Grant-date Fair Value (In thousands) Outstanding at September 30, 2019 100 $ 188.63 Granted 96 249.13 Released (123 ) 171.42 Forfeited (10 ) 202.48 Outstanding at September 30, 2020 63 $ 311.91 The weighted-average fair value of the MSUs granted were $249.13 , $169.46 and $151.78 during fiscal 2020, 2019 and 2018 , respectively. The total intrinsic value of the MSUs that vested was $44.6 million , $21.6 million and $18.7 million during fiscal 2020, 2019 and 2018 , 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. During fiscal 2020, a total of 50,298 shares of our common stock with a weighted-average purchase price of $334.21 per share was issued under the 2019 Purchase Plan. As our first semi-annual offering period started on September 1, 2019, there were no

Earnings per Share

Earnings per Share	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
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 2020, 2019 and 2018 : Year Ended September 30, 2020 2019 2018 (In thousands, except per share data) Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per share — net income $ 236,411 $ 192,124 $ 126,482 Denominator — share: Basic weighted-average shares 29,067 28,980 29,711 Effect of dilutive securities 865 1,314 1,469 Diluted weighted-average shares 29,932 30,294 31,180 Earnings per share: Basic $ 8.13 $ 6.63 $ 4.26 Diluted $ 7.90 $ 6.34 $ 4.06 Anti-dilutive stock-based awards excluded from the calculations of diluted EPS were immaterial during the periods presented.

Segment Information

Segment Information	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
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, financial crimes compliance, 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 AWS. • Scores . This segment includes our business-to-business scoring solutions and services, our business-to-consumer scoring solutions and services including 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 worldwide, 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. Decision management software is currently delivered as part of the FICO ® Decision Management Platform and is increasingly being adopted to connect decisioning solutions or previously disconnected use cases. These tools are available to our customers as on-premises software, through the FICO ® Analytic Cloud or 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 2020, 2019 and 2018 : Year Ended September 30, 2020 Applications Scores Decision Management Software Unallocated Corporate Expenses Total (In thousands) Segment revenues: Transactional and maintenance $ 393,994 $ 517,024 $ 62,915 $ — $ 973,933 Professional services 136,677 1,600 44,763 — 183,040 License 71,375 9,923 56,291 — 137,589 Total segment revenues 602,046 528,547 163,969 — 1,294,562 Segment operating expense (448,505 ) (74,237 ) (187,444 ) (144,704 ) (854,890 ) Segment operating income (loss) $ 153,541 $ 454,310 $ (23,475 ) $ (144,704 ) $ 439,672 Unallocated share-based compensation expense (93,681 ) Unallocated amortization expense (4,993 ) Unallocated restructuring and impairment charges (45,029 ) Operating income 295,969 Unallocated interest expense, net (42,177 ) Unallocated other income, net 3,208 Income before income taxes $ 257,000 Depreciation expense $ 18,021 $ 617 $ 4,397 $ 418 $ 23,453 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 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 Information about disaggregated revenue by product deployment methods was as follows: Year Ended September 30, 2020 Reportable Segments On-Premises SaaS Scores Total Percentage (Dollars in thousands) Applications $ 340,702 $ 261,344 $ — $ 602,046 46 % Scores — — 528,547 528,547 41 % Decision Management Software 125,269 38,700 — 163,969 13 % Total $ 465,971 $ 300,044 $ 528,547 $ 1,294,562 100 % 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 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 % We derive a significant portion of revenues internationally, and 32% , 34% , and 35% of total consolidated revenues were derived from clients outside the U.S. during fiscal 2020, 2019 and 2018 , respectively. Information about disaggregated revenue by primary geographical markets was as follows: Year Ended September 30, 2020 Reportable Segments North America Latin America Europe, Middle East and Africa Asia Pacific Total (In thousands) Applications $ 331,290 $ 40,047 $ 157,793 $ 72,916 $ 602,046 Scores 511,333 3,576 6,385 7,253 528,547 Decision Management Software 87,305 18,674 39,406 18,584 163,969 Total $ 929,928 $ 62,297 $ 203,584 $ 98,753 $ 1,294,562 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 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 Within our Applications segment our fraud solutions accounted for 15% , 18% and 17% of total revenues in each of fiscal 2020, 2019 and 2018 , respectively, and our customer communication services accounted for 8% , 9% and 10% 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 2020, 2019 and 2018 : Year Ended September 30, 2020 2019 2018 (Dollars in thousands) Experian $ 181,036 14 % $ 148,037 13 % $ 109,097 11 % TransUnion and Equifax 239,166 18 % 183,523 16 % 142,179 14 % Other customers 874,360 68 % 828,523 71 % 748,870 75 % Total $ 1,294,562 100 % $ 1,160,083 100 % $ 1,000,146 100 % At September 30, 2020 and 2019 , 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, 2020 and 2019 : September 30, 2020 2019 (Dollars in thousands) United States $ 29,375 63 % $ 38,058 72 % United Kingdom 8,776 19 % 7,801 15 % Other countries 8,268 18 % 7,168 13 % Total $ 46,419 100 % $ 53,027 100 %

Contract Balances and Performan

Contract Balances and Performance Obligation	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Text Block]	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, 2020 and 2019 consisted of the following: September 30, 2020 2019 (In thousands) Billed $ 211,776 $ 206,714 Unbilled 181,550 127,651 393,326 334,365 Less: allowance for doubtful accounts (5,072 ) (2,568 ) Net receivables 388,254 331,797 Less: long-term receivables * (54,074 ) (34,370 ) Short-term receivables * 334,180 297,427 (*) Short-term receivables and long-term receivables were recorded in accounts receivable, net and other assets, respectively, within the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Activity in the allowance for doubtful accounts was as follows: Year Ended September 30, 2020 2019 (In thousands) Allowance for doubtful accounts, beginning balance $ 2,568 $ 3,439 Add: expense 3,199 518 Less: write-offs (net of recoveries) (695 ) (1,389 ) Allowance for doubtful accounts, ending balance $ 5,072 $ 2,568 Contract assets balance at September 30, 2020 and 2019 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, 2020 2019 (In thousands) Deferred revenues, beginning balance $ 116,320 $ 108,118 Revenue recognized that was included in the deferred revenues balance at the beginning of the period (101,640 ) (93,265 ) Increases due to billings, excluding amounts recognized as revenue during the period 107,461 101,467 Deferred revenues, ending balance (*) $ 122,141 $ 116,320 (*) Ending balance at September 30, 2020 included current portion of $115.1 million and long-term portion of $7.0 million that were recorded in deferred revenue and other liabilities, respectively, within the consolidated balance sheets. 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. 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 Revenue allocated to remaining performance obligations represents contracted revenue that will be recognized in future periods, which is comprised of deferred revenue and amounts that will be invoiced and recognized as revenue in future periods. This does not include: • Revenue that will be recognized in future periods from usage-based royalty from license sales; • SaaS transactional revenue from variable considerations that will be recognized in the distinct service period during which it is earned; and • Revenue from variable considerations that will be recognized in accordance with the “right-to-invoice” practical expedient, such as fees from our professional services billed based on a time and materials basis. Revenue allocated to remaining performance obligations was $298.0 million as of September 30, 2020, of which we expect to recognize approximately 50% over the next 18 months and the remainder thereafter. Revenue allocated to remaining performance obligations was $238.4 million as of September 30, 2019.

Leases Leases

Leases Leases	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Leases [Abstract]
Operating leases	Leases We lease office space and data centers under operating lease arrangements, which constitute the majority of our lease obligations. We also enter into finance lease agreements from time to time for certain computer equipment. For any lease with a lease term in excess of 12 months, the related lease assets and liabilities are recognized on our consolidated balance sheets as either operating or finance leases at the commencement of an agreement where it is determined that a lease exists. We have lease agreements that contain both lease and non-lease components, and we have elected to combine these components together and account for them as a single lease component for all classes of assets. Leases with a lease term of 12 months or less are not recorded on our consolidated balance sheets. Furthermore, we recognize lease expense for these leases on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Operating lease assets represent the right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and operating lease liabilities represent the obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. These assets and liabilities are recognized based on the present value of future payments over the lease term at the commencement date. We use a collateralized incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at the commencement date, including the lease term, in determining the present value of future payments. In calculating the incremental borrowing rates, we consider recent ratings from credit agencies and current lease demographic information. Our operating leases also typically require payment of real estate taxes, common area maintenance, insurance and other operating costs as well as payments that are adjusted based on a consumer price index. These components comprise the majority of our variable lease cost and are excluded from the present value of our lease obligations. In instances where they are fixed, they are included due to our election to combine lease and non-lease components. Operating lease assets also include prepaid lease payments and initial direct costs, and are reduced by lease incentives. Our lease terms generally do not include options to extend or terminate the lease unless it is reasonably certain that the option will be exercised. Fixed payments may contain predetermined fixed rent escalations. We recognize the related rent expense on a straight-line basis from the commencement date to the end of the lease term. As a strategic cost initiative in fiscal 2020 we committed to a course of action to adjust our facilities footprint in light of post-pandemic workforce patterns, including closing certain non-core offices and reducing office space in other locations to better align with anticipated needs. As a result of this initiative, we recorded a net impairment of $28.0 million on operating lease right-of-use assets. Prior to the adoption of ASC 842, these adjustments were described as restructuring expenses - facilities charges. See Note 11 for additional information regarding our restructuring and impairment charges. The following table presents the lease balances within the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2020: Balance Sheet Location September 30, 2020 (In thousands) Assets Operating leases Operating lease right-of-use assets $ 57,656 Finance leases (*) Property and equipment, net 5,021 Total lease assets $ 62,677 Liabilities Current: Operating leases Other accrued liabilities $ 22,787 Finance leases Other accrued liabilities 2,186 Non-current: Operating leases Operating lease liabilities 73,207 Finance leases Other liabilities 3,076 Total lease liabilities $ 101,256 (*) Finance leases are recorded net of accumulated depreciation of $1.5 million . The components of our operating and finance lease expenses were as follows: Year Ended (In thousands) Operating lease cost $ 23,624 Finance lease cost: Depreciation of lease assets 2,078 Interest on lease liabilities 186 Short-term lease cost 1,171 Variable lease cost 3,264 Total lease cost $ 30,323 The following table presents weighted-average remaining lease term and weighted-average discount rates related to our operating and finance leases: September 30, 2020 Operating Leases Finance Leases Weighted-average remaining lease term (in months) 63 29 Weighted-average discount rate 3.86 % 2.56 % Supplemental cash flow information related to our operating and finance leases was as follows: Year Ended (In thousands) Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: Operating cash outflow for operating leases $ 18,801 Operating cash outflow for finance leases 186 Financing cash outflow for finance leases 1,716 Lease assets obtained in exchange for new lease liabilities: Operating leases 11,457 Finance leases 1,387 Future lease payments under our non-cancellable leases as of September 30, 2020 were as follows: (In thousands) Operating Leases Finance Leases Fiscal 2021 $ 26,047 $ 2,397 Fiscal 2022 21,925 2,240 Fiscal 2023 17,109 784 Fiscal 2024 14,384 — Fiscal 2025 9,004 — Thereafter 17,131 — Total future undiscounted lease payments 105,600 5,421 Less imputed interest (9,606 ) (159 ) Total reported lease liability $ 95,994 $ 5,262 In accordance with the prior guidance—ASC 840, Leases—our leases were previously designated as either capital or operating. Previously designated capital leases are now considered finance leases under the new guidance, Topic 842. The designation of operating leases remains substantially unchanged under the new guidance. The future minimum lease payments by fiscal year as determined prior to the adoption of Topic 842 under our previously designated capital and operating leases as disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019, were as follows: (In thousands) Operating Leases Capital Leases Fiscal 2020 $ 19,842 $ 1,935 Fiscal 2021 19,969 1,934 Fiscal 2022 17,677 1,934 Fiscal 2023 16,940 — Fiscal 2024 14,887 — Thereafter 24,431 — Total minimum lease payments $ 113,746 5,803 Less amount representing interest (379 ) Present value of minimum lease payments $ 5,424
Finance leases	Leases We lease office space and data centers under operating lease arrangements, which constitute the majority of our lease obligations. We also enter into finance lease agreements from time to time for certain computer equipment. For any lease with a lease term in excess of 12 months, the related lease assets and liabilities are recognized on our consolidated balance sheets as either operating or finance leases at the commencement of an agreement where it is determined that a lease exists. We have lease agreements that contain both lease and non-lease components, and we have elected to combine these components together and account for them as a single lease component for all classes of assets. Leases with a lease term of 12 months or less are not recorded on our consolidated balance sheets. Furthermore, we recognize lease expense for these leases on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Operating lease assets represent the right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and operating lease liabilities represent the obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. These assets and liabilities are recognized based on the present value of future payments over the lease term at the commencement date. We use a collateralized incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at the commencement date, including the lease term, in determining the present value of future payments. In calculating the incremental borrowing rates, we consider recent ratings from credit agencies and current lease demographic information. Our operating leases also typically require payment of real estate taxes, common area maintenance, insurance and other operating costs as well as payments that are adjusted based on a consumer price index. These components comprise the majority of our variable lease cost and are excluded from the present value of our lease obligations. In instances where they are fixed, they are included due to our election to combine lease and non-lease components. Operating lease assets also include prepaid lease payments and initial direct costs, and are reduced by lease incentives. Our lease terms generally do not include options to extend or terminate the lease unless it is reasonably certain that the option will be exercised. Fixed payments may contain predetermined fixed rent escalations. We recognize the related rent expense on a straight-line basis from the commencement date to the end of the lease term. As a strategic cost initiative in fiscal 2020 we committed to a course of action to adjust our facilities footprint in light of post-pandemic workforce patterns, including closing certain non-core offices and reducing office space in other locations to better align with anticipated needs. As a result of this initiative, we recorded a net impairment of $28.0 million on operating lease right-of-use assets. Prior to the adoption of ASC 842, these adjustments were described as restructuring expenses - facilities charges. See Note 11 for additional information regarding our restructuring and impairment charges. The following table presents the lease balances within the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2020: Balance Sheet Location September 30, 2020 (In thousands) Assets Operating leases Operating lease right-of-use assets $ 57,656 Finance leases (*) Property and equipment, net 5,021 Total lease assets $ 62,677 Liabilities Current: Operating leases Other accrued liabilities $ 22,787 Finance leases Other accrued liabilities 2,186 Non-current: Operating leases Operating lease liabilities 73,207 Finance leases Other liabilities 3,076 Total lease liabilities $ 101,256 (*) Finance leases are recorded net of accumulated depreciation of $1.5 million . The components of our operating and finance lease expenses were as follows: Year Ended (In thousands) Operating lease cost $ 23,624 Finance lease cost: Depreciation of lease assets 2,078 Interest on lease liabilities 186 Short-term lease cost 1,171 Variable lease cost 3,264 Total lease cost $ 30,323 The following table presents weighted-average remaining lease term and weighted-average discount rates related to our operating and finance leases: September 30, 2020 Operating Leases Finance Leases Weighted-average remaining lease term (in months) 63 29 Weighted-average discount rate 3.86 % 2.56 % Supplemental cash flow information related to our operating and finance leases was as follows: Year Ended (In thousands) Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: Operating cash outflow for operating leases $ 18,801 Operating cash outflow for finance leases 186 Financing cash outflow for finance leases 1,716 Lease assets obtained in exchange for new lease liabilities: Operating leases 11,457 Finance leases 1,387 Future lease payments under our non-cancellable leases as of September 30, 2020 were as follows: (In thousands) Operating Leases Finance Leases Fiscal 2021 $ 26,047 $ 2,397 Fiscal 2022 21,925 2,240 Fiscal 2023 17,109 784 Fiscal 2024 14,384 — Fiscal 2025 9,004 — Thereafter 17,131 — Total future undiscounted lease payments 105,600 5,421 Less imputed interest (9,606 ) (159 ) Total reported lease liability $ 95,994 $ 5,262 In accordance with the prior guidance—ASC 840, Leases—our leases were previously designated as either capital or operating. Previously designated capital leases are now considered finance leases under the new guidance, Topic 842. The designation of operating leases remains substantially unchanged under the new guidance. The future minimum lease payments by fiscal year as determined prior to the adoption of Topic 842 under our previously designated capital and operating leases as disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019, were as follows: (In thousands) Operating Leases Capital Leases Fiscal 2020 $ 19,842 $ 1,935 Fiscal 2021 19,969 1,934 Fiscal 2022 17,677 1,934 Fiscal 2023 16,940 — Fiscal 2024 14,887 — Thereafter 24,431 — Total minimum lease payments $ 113,746 5,803 Less amount representing interest (379 ) Present value of minimum lease payments $ 5,424

Commitments

Commitments	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments	Commitments 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. We are also a party to a management agreement with 23 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, 2020
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, 2020
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, 2020
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, 2020 . 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 $ 374,356 $ 313,731 $ 307,971 $ 298,504 Cost of revenues (1) 93,676 88,569 88,139 90,758 Gross profit 280,680 225,162 219,832 207,746 Net income $ 59,126 $ 64,076 $ 58,288 $ 54,921 Earnings per share (2): Basic $ 2.04 $ 2.21 $ 2.00 $ 1.89 Diluted $ 1.98 $ 2.15 $ 1.94 $ 1.82 Shares used in computing earnings per share: Basic 29,045 29,005 29,194 29,025 Diluted 29,833 29,744 29,985 30,169 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 (1) Cost of revenues excludes amortization expense of $0.3 million , $0.4 million , $0.5 million , $0.6 million , $0.5 million , $0.5 million , $0.5 million and $0.5 million for the quarters ended September 30, 2020 , June 30, 2020 , March 31, 2020 , December 31, 2019 , September 30, 2019 , June 30, 2019 , March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 , 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.

Subsequent Events

Subsequent Events	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	Subsequent Events In October 2020, we entered into a purchase agreement with Rackspace US, Inc. (“Rackspace”) pursuant to which Rackspace will provide to us primary cloud infrastructure services as a reseller of AWS. The initial term is a five-year period for which we have a minimum purchase obligation of $120 million over the first 3 years with the ability to roll up to $12 million into a fourth year if we spend less than the minimum commitment. The purpose of this agreement is to replace services that were previously provided directly through AWS.

Nature of Business and Summar_2

Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation	Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation Effective October 1, 2019, we adopted 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”) using the modified retrospective approach, under which financial results reported in prior periods were not restated. As a result, the consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2020 is not comparable with that as of September 30, 2019. See our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019 filed with the SEC on November 8, 2019 for lease policies that were in effect in prior periods before adoption of Topic 842. 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; variable considerations included in the transaction price for our customer contracts; 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. As the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, estimates and assumptions about future events and their effects cannot be determined with certainty and therefore require increased judgment. These estimates and assumptions may change in future periods and will be recognized in the consolidated financial statements as new events occur and additional information becomes known. To the extent our actual results differ materially from those estimates and assumptions, our future financial statements could be affected. For more information, see Part I, Item 1A “Risk Factors” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
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, 2020, 2019 and 2018 . 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 $1.1 million and $1.6 million at September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and they are reported in other assets on our consolidated balance sheets. At September 30, 2020 , we reviewed the carrying value of these investments and concluded that they were not impaired and as of that date, we were 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 our fourth fiscal 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 fiscal 2017, we elected to proceed directly to the step one quantitative analysis for all of our reporting units. There was a substantial excess of fair value over carrying value for each of our reporting units and we determined goodwill was not impaired for any of our reporting units for fiscal 2017. For fiscal 2018, 2019 and 2020, 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. Consequently, we did not perform a step one quantitative analysis and determined goodwill was not impaired for any of our reporting units for fiscal 2018, 2019 and 2020. 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 10 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; software-as-a-service (“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 separately stated prices for license and maintenance, a single subscription with license and maintenance bundled, or a 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 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 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 Amazon Web Services (“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 $38.6 million and $33.7 million at September 30, 2020 and 2019 , 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 $5.7 million , $5.0 million and $4.5 million during the years ended September 30, 2020, 2019 and 2018 , 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 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 consolidated balance sheets 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. 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	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, 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 February 2016, the FASB issued Topic 842, which requires the recognition of operating lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet. Leases are classified as either finance or operating, with classification affecting the pattern of expense recognition in the income statement. Under the new standard, disclosures are required to enable users of financial statements to assess the amount, timing and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. In the first quarter of fiscal 2020, we adopted Topic 842 using the “Comparatives Under 840 Option” approach to transition. In accordance with the standard, the comparative information has not been restated and continues to be reported under the accounting standards in effect for those periods. Topic 842 provided a package of practical expedients that allow an entity to not reassess (1) whether any expired or existing contracts contain a lease, (2) the lease classification of any expired or existing lease, and (3) initial direct costs for any existing leases. We elected to apply the package of practical expedients, and did not elect the hindsight practical expedient in determining the lease term for existing leases as of October 1, 2019. Adoption of Topic 842 did not result in the recognition of a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption. The most significant impact of adoption was the recognition of operating lease assets and operating lease liabilities of $89.8 million and $98.9 million , respectively, while our accounting for existing capital leases (now referred to as finance leases) remained substantially unchanged. We expect the impact of adoption to be immaterial to our consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income and consolidated statements of cash flows on an ongoing basis. As part of our adoption, we also modified our control procedures and processes, none of which materially affected our internal control over financial reporting. See Note 17 for additional information regarding our accounting policy for leases and additional disclosures. 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. We do not believe that adoption of ASU 2018-15 will have a significant impact 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. We do not believe that adoption of Topic 326 will have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements. We do not expect that any other recently issued accounting pronouncements will have a significant effect on our financial statements.
Leases policy	We lease office space and data centers under operating lease arrangements, which constitute the majority of our lease obligations. We also enter into finance lease agreements from time to time for certain computer equipment. For any lease with a lease term in excess of 12 months, the related lease assets and liabilities are recognized on our consolidated balance sheets as either operating or finance leases at the commencement of an agreement where it is determined that a lease exists. We have lease agreements that contain both lease and non-lease components, and we have elected to combine these components together and account for them as a single lease component for all classes of assets. Leases with a lease term of 12 months or less are not recorded on our consolidated balance sheets. Furthermore, we recognize lease expense for these leases on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Operating lease assets represent the right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and operating lease liabilities represent the obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. These assets and liabilities are recognized based on the present value of future payments over the lease term at the commencement date. We use a collateralized incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at the commencement date, including the lease term, in determining the present value of future payments. In calculating the incremental borrowing rates, we consider recent ratings from credit agencies and current lease demographic information. Our operating leases also typically require payment of real estate taxes, common area maintenance, insurance and other operating costs as well as payments that are adjusted based on a consumer price index. These components comprise the majority of our variable lease cost and are excluded from the present value of our lease obligations. In instances where they are fixed, they are included due to our election to combine lease and non-lease components. Operating lease assets also include prepaid lease payments and initial direct costs, and are reduced by lease incentives. Our lease terms generally do not include options to extend or terminate the lease unless it is reasonably certain that the option will be exercised. Fixed payments may contain predetermined fixed rent escalations. We recognize the related rent expense on a straight-line basis from the commencement date to the end of the lease term.

Nature of Business and Summar_3

Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
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 10 years Trade names 1 year to 3 years Non-compete agreements 2 years

Cash, Cash Equivalents and Ma_2

Cash, Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities Available for Sale (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
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, 2020 and 2019 : September 30, 2020 September 30, 2019 Amortized Cost Fair Value Amortized Cost Fair Value (In thousands) Cash and Cash Equivalents: Cash $ 122,119 $ 122,119 $ 77,525 $ 77,525 Money market funds 35,275 35,275 22,102 22,102 Bank time deposits — — 6,799 6,799 Total $ 157,394 $ 157,394 $ 106,426 $ 106,426 Long-term Marketable Securities: Marketable securities $ 20,195 $ 25,513 $ 17,193 $ 20,222

Fair Value Measurements (Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
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, 2020 and 2019 : September 30, 2020 Active Markets for Identical Instruments (Level 1) Fair Value as of September 30, 2020 (In thousands) Assets: Cash equivalents (1) $ 35,275 $ 35,275 Marketable securities (2) 25,513 25,513 Total $ 60,788 $ 60,788 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 (1) Included in cash and cash equivalents on our consolidated balance sheets at September 30, 2020 and 2019 . Not included in this table are cash deposits of $122.1 million and $77.5 million at September 30, 2020 and 2019 , 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, 2020 and 2019 .

Derivative Financial Instrume_2

Derivative Financial Instruments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
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, 2020 and 2019 : September 30, 2020 Contract Amount Fair Value Foreign Currency USD USD (In thousands) Sell foreign currency: Euro (EUR) EUR 15,000 $ 17,656 — Buy foreign currency: British pound (GBP) GBP 16,555 $ 21,300 — Singapore dollar (SGD) SGD 7,815 $ 5,700 — September 30, 2019 Contract Amount Fair Value Foreign Currency USD USD (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 —
Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) in Statement of Financial Performance	These amounts are shown below for the years ended September 30, 2020, 2019 and 2018 : Year Ended September 30, 2020 2019 2018 (In thousands) Loss on foreign currency forward contracts $ 347 $ 896 $ 476

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
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, 2020 and 2019 : September 30, 2020 September 30, 2019 Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Average Life Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Average Life (In thousands, except average life) Completed technology $ 83,764 $ (80,136 ) $ 3,628 5 $ 82,724 $ (77,331 ) $ 5,393 5 Customer contracts and relationships 19,332 (13,870 ) 5,462 9 30,583 (22,283 ) 8,300 8 Trade names — — — 0 150 (25 ) 125 1 Non-compete agreements 350 (204 ) 146 2 350 (29 ) 321 2 $ 103,446 $ (94,210 ) $ 9,236 $ 113,807 $ (99,668 ) $ 14,139
Schedule of Amortization Expense	Amortization expense consisted of the following: Year Ended September 30, 2020 2019 2018 (In thousands) Completed technology $ 1,766 $ 1,974 $ 2,380 Customer contracts and relationships 2,927 4,098 4,214 Trade names 125 25 — Non-compete agreements 175 29 — Total $ 4,993 $ 6,126 $ 6,594
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense	Estimated future intangible asset amortization expense associated with intangible assets existing at September 30, 2020 , was as follows (in thousands): Year Ending September 30, 2021 $ 3,646 2022 3,356 2023 1,317 2024 917 2025 — Thereafter — Total $ 9,236
Schedule of Goodwill	The following table summarizes changes to goodwill during fiscal 2020 and 2019 , 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, 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 Foreign currency translation adjustment 8,190 — 632 8,822 Balance at September 30, 2020 $ 596,804 $ 146,648 $ 68,912 $ 812,364

Composition of Certain Financ_2

Composition of Certain Financial Statement Captions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment	The following table presents the composition of property and equipment, net and other assets at September 30, 2020 and 2019 : September 30, 2020 2019 (In thousands) Property and equipment: Data processing equipment and software $ 108,913 $ 110,874 Office furniture and equipment 20,478 21,443 Leasehold improvements 25,239 33,360 Equipment under capital lease 6,489 6,398 Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization (114,700 ) (119,048 ) Total $ 46,419 $ 53,027 Other assets: Long-term receivables $ 54,074 $ 34,370 Prepaid commissions 38,579 33,700 Others 12,632 11,093 Total $ 105,285 $ 79,163

Senior Notes (Tables)

Senior Notes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
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, 2020 and 2019 : September 30, 2020 September 30, 2019 Face Value (*) Fair Value Face Value (*) Fair Value (In thousands) The 2010 Senior Notes $ — $ — $ 85,000 $ 86,121 The 2018 Senior Notes 400,000 442,000 400,000 428,000 The 2019 Senior Notes 350,000 358,750 — — Total $ 750,000 $ 800,750 $ 485,000 $ 514,121 (*) The carrying value of the Senior Notes was reduced by the net debt issuance costs of $10.6 million and $5.2 million at September 30, 2020 and 2019 , respectively.
Future Principal Payments For the Senior Notes	Future principal payments for the Senior Notes are as follows (in thousands): Year Ending September 30, 2021 $ — 2022 — 2023 — 2024 — 2025 — Thereafter 750,000 Total $ 750,000

Restructuring Expenses (Tables)

Restructuring Expenses (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs	The following tables summarize our restructuring accruals associated with the employee separation 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, 2018 Expense Additions Cash Payments Accrual Adjustments 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 $ — Accrual at September 30, 2019 Expense Additions Cash Payments Accrual Adjustments (*) Accrual at September 30, 2020 (In thousands) Facilities charges $ 1,378 $ — $ — $ (1,378 ) $ — Employee separation — 11,768 (3,577 ) — 8,191 1,378 $ 11,768 $ (3,577 ) $ (1,378 ) 8,191 Less: current portion (1,378 ) (8,191 ) Non-current $ — $ —

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Provision for Income Taxes	The provision for income taxes was as follows during fiscal 2020, 2019 and 2018 : Year ended September 30, 2020 2019 2018 (In thousands) Current: Federal $ 14,566 $ 1,299 $ 8,071 State 2,180 (423 ) 2,236 Foreign 12,482 15,371 9,559 29,228 16,247 19,866 Deferred: Federal (8,575 ) 7,003 13,987 State (957 ) 947 132 Foreign 893 (249 ) (3,535 ) (8,639 ) 7,701 10,584 Total provision $ 20,589 $ 23,948 $ 30,450
Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities	Deferred tax assets and liabilities at September 30, 2020 and 2019 were as follows: September 30, 2020 2019 (In thousands) Deferred tax assets: Loss and credit carryforwards $ 31,015 $ 26,702 Compensation benefits 29,640 23,931 Operating lease liabilities 21,827 — Other assets 9,000 9,393 91,482 60,026 Less: valuation allowance (24,563 ) (19,231 ) Total deferred tax assets 66,919 40,795 Deferred tax liabilities: Intangible assets (14,715 ) (15,114 ) Deferred commission (9,027 ) (7,920 ) Property and equipment (3,135 ) (3,511 ) Operating lease right-of-use assets (13,719 ) — Other liabilities (11,694 ) (8,244 ) Total deferred tax liabilities (52,290 ) (34,789 ) Deferred tax assets, net $ 14,629 $ 6,006
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 each of fiscal 2020 and fiscal 2019, and 24.5% in fiscal 2018) to income before provision for income taxes for fiscal 2020, 2019 and 2018 is shown below: Year Ended September 30, 2020 2019 2018 (In thousands) Income tax provision at U.S. federal statutory rate $ 53,970 $ 45,375 $ 38,495 State income taxes, net of U.S. federal benefit 4,619 4,194 2,755 Foreign tax rate differential 493 839 (649 ) Research credits (5,868 ) (5,761 ) (3,486 ) Domestic production deduction — — (2,421 ) Amended returns/audit settlements/statute expirations (1,085 ) (2,268 ) (2,349 ) Foreign 7,513 11,177 4,040 Valuation allowance 5,332 (333 ) 1,907 Foreign tax credit and foreign withholding tax 2,086 (464 ) 1,320 Excess tax benefits relating to stock-based compensation (45,086 ) (24,891 ) (22,253 ) Tax effect of the Tax Act — — 16,719 GILTI, FDII and BEAT 5,050 1,931 — Other (6,435 ) (5,851 ) (3,628 ) Recorded income tax provision $ 20,589 $ 23,948 $ 30,450
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, 2020 2019 2018 (In thousands) Gross unrecognized tax benefits at beginning of year $ 5,834 $ 6,113 $ 6,480 Gross increases for tax positions in prior years 883 509 404 Gross decreases for tax positions in prior years (65 ) (611 ) — Gross increases based on tax positions related to the current year 2,260 1,439 1,625 Decreases for settlements and payments — (637 ) — Decreases due to statute expiration (918 ) (979 ) (2,396 ) Gross unrecognized tax benefits at end of year $ 7,994 $ 5,834 $ 6,113

Stock-Based Employee Benefit _2

Stock-Based Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
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 2020, 2019 and 2018 : Year Ended September 30, 2020 2019 2018 Stock Options: Weighted-average expected term (years) 4.46 4.26 4.78 Expected volatility (range) 30.0 - 35.9 % 31.1 - 32.4 % 33.6 % - 35.1 % Weighted-average volatility 30.6 % 32.2 % 34.6 % Risk-free interest rate (range) 0.36 - 1.68 % 2.50 - 2.68 % 2.03 % - 2.65 % Weighted-average expected dividend yield — % — % — %
Summary of Option Activity	The following table summarizes option activity during fiscal 2020 : Shares Weighted- average Exercise Price Weighted- average Remaining Contractual Term Aggregate Intrinsic Value (In thousands) (In years) (In thousands) Outstanding at September 30, 2019 616 $ 89.36 Granted 32 364.23 Exercised (401 ) 63.47 Forfeited (1 ) 185.05 Outstanding at September 30, 2020 246 $ 166.80 3.84 $ 63,605 Exercisable at September 30, 2020 168 $ 130.87 3.06 $ 49,435 Vested and expected to vest at September 30, 2020 243 $ 165.32 3.82 $ 63,125
Summary of Restricted Stock Unit and Market Stock Unit Activity	The following table summarizes the MSUs activity during fiscal 2020 : Shares Weighted- average Grant-date Fair Value (In thousands) Outstanding at September 30, 2019 100 $ 188.63 Granted 96 249.13 Released (123 ) 171.42 Forfeited (10 ) 202.48 Outstanding at September 30, 2020 63 $ 311.91 The following table summarizes the RSUs activity during fiscal 2020 : Shares Weighted-average Grant-date Fair Value (In thousands) Outstanding at September 30, 2019 998 $ 159.99 Granted 218 356.66 Released (434 ) 138.04 Forfeited (61 ) 200.38 Outstanding at September 30, 2020 721 $ 229.10
Summary of Performance Stock Unit Activity	The following table summarizes the PSUs activity during fiscal 2020 : Shares Weighted- average Grant-date Fair Value (In thousands) Outstanding at September 30, 2019 195 $ 163.38 Granted 53 354.18 Released (101 ) 152.45 Forfeited (20 ) 175.50 Outstanding at September 30, 2020 127 $ 248.97
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 2020, 2019 and 2018 : Year Ended September 30, 2020 2019 2018 Expected volatility in FICO’s stock price 25.2 % 24.6 % 24.6 % Expected volatility in Russell 3000 Index 12.9 % 12.8 % 12.7 % Correlation between FICO and the Russell 3000 Index 64.0 % 66.6 % 63.1 % Risk-free interest rate 1.67 % 2.73 % 1.92 % Average expected dividend yield — % — % — %

Earnings per Share (Tables)

Earnings per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
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 2020, 2019 and 2018 : Year Ended September 30, 2020 2019 2018 (In thousands, except per share data) Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per share — net income $ 236,411 $ 192,124 $ 126,482 Denominator — share: Basic weighted-average shares 29,067 28,980 29,711 Effect of dilutive securities 865 1,314 1,469 Diluted weighted-average shares 29,932 30,294 31,180 Earnings per share: Basic $ 8.13 $ 6.63 $ 4.26 Diluted $ 7.90 $ 6.34 $ 4.06

Segment Information (Tables)

Segment Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment	The following tables summarize segment information for fiscal 2020, 2019 and 2018 : Year Ended September 30, 2020 Applications Scores Decision Management Software Unallocated Corporate Expenses Total (In thousands) Segment revenues: Transactional and maintenance $ 393,994 $ 517,024 $ 62,915 $ — $ 973,933 Professional services 136,677 1,600 44,763 — 183,040 License 71,375 9,923 56,291 — 137,589 Total segment revenues 602,046 528,547 163,969 — 1,294,562 Segment operating expense (448,505 ) (74,237 ) (187,444 ) (144,704 ) (854,890 ) Segment operating income (loss) $ 153,541 $ 454,310 $ (23,475 ) $ (144,704 ) $ 439,672 Unallocated share-based compensation expense (93,681 ) Unallocated amortization expense (4,993 ) Unallocated restructuring and impairment charges (45,029 ) Operating income 295,969 Unallocated interest expense, net (42,177 ) Unallocated other income, net 3,208 Income before income taxes $ 257,000 Depreciation expense $ 18,021 $ 617 $ 4,397 $ 418 $ 23,453 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 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
Disaggregation of Revenue	Information about disaggregated revenue by product deployment methods was as follows: Year Ended September 30, 2020 Reportable Segments On-Premises SaaS Scores Total Percentage (Dollars in thousands) Applications $ 340,702 $ 261,344 $ — $ 602,046 46 % Scores — — 528,547 528,547 41 % Decision Management Software 125,269 38,700 — 163,969 13 % Total $ 465,971 $ 300,044 $ 528,547 $ 1,294,562 100 % 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 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, 2020 Reportable Segments North America Latin America Europe, Middle East and Africa Asia Pacific Total (In thousands) Applications $ 331,290 $ 40,047 $ 157,793 $ 72,916 $ 602,046 Scores 511,333 3,576 6,385 7,253 528,547 Decision Management Software 87,305 18,674 39,406 18,584 163,969 Total $ 929,928 $ 62,297 $ 203,584 $ 98,753 $ 1,294,562 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 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
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 2020, 2019 and 2018 : Year Ended September 30, 2020 2019 2018 (Dollars in thousands) Experian $ 181,036 14 % $ 148,037 13 % $ 109,097 11 % TransUnion and Equifax 239,166 18 % 183,523 16 % 142,179 14 % Other customers 874,360 68 % 828,523 71 % 748,870 75 % Total $ 1,294,562 100 % $ 1,160,083 100 % $ 1,000,146 100 %
Property and Equipment Net on Geographical Basis	Our property and equipment, net, on a geographical basis are summarized below at September 30, 2020 and 2019 : September 30, 2020 2019 (Dollars in thousands) United States $ 29,375 63 % $ 38,058 72 % United Kingdom 8,776 19 % 7,801 15 % Other countries 8,268 18 % 7,168 13 % Total $ 46,419 100 % $ 53,027 100 %

Contract Balances and Perform_2

Contract Balances and Performance Obligations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Receivables	Receivables at September 30, 2020 and 2019 consisted of the following: September 30, 2020 2019 (In thousands) Billed $ 211,776 $ 206,714 Unbilled 181,550 127,651 393,326 334,365 Less: allowance for doubtful accounts (5,072 ) (2,568 ) Net receivables 388,254 331,797 Less: long-term receivables * (54,074 ) (34,370 ) Short-term receivables * 334,180 297,427 (*) Short-term receivables and long-term receivables were recorded in accounts receivable, net and other assets, respectively, within the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss	Activity in the allowance for doubtful accounts was as follows: Year Ended September 30, 2020 2019 (In thousands) Allowance for doubtful accounts, beginning balance $ 2,568 $ 3,439 Add: expense 3,199 518 Less: write-offs (net of recoveries) (695 ) (1,389 ) Allowance for doubtful accounts, ending balance $ 5,072 $ 2,568
Contract with Customer, Asset and Liability	Significant changes in the deferred revenues balances are as follows: Year Ended September 30, 2020 2019 (In thousands) Deferred revenues, beginning balance $ 116,320 $ 108,118 Revenue recognized that was included in the deferred revenues balance at the beginning of the period (101,640 ) (93,265 ) Increases due to billings, excluding amounts recognized as revenue during the period 107,461 101,467 Deferred revenues, ending balance (*) $ 122,141 $ 116,320 (*) Ending balance at September 30, 2020 included current portion of $115.1 million and long-term portion of $7.0 million that were recorded in deferred revenue and other liabilities, respectively, within the consolidated balance sheets. Ending balance at September 30, 2019 included current portion of $111.0 million and long-term portion of $5.3 million

Leases (Tables)

Leases (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Leases [Abstract]
Schedule of Operating & Finance Lease Assets and Liabilities	The following table presents the lease balances within the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2020: Balance Sheet Location September 30, 2020 (In thousands) Assets Operating leases Operating lease right-of-use assets $ 57,656 Finance leases (*) Property and equipment, net 5,021 Total lease assets $ 62,677 Liabilities Current: Operating leases Other accrued liabilities $ 22,787 Finance leases Other accrued liabilities 2,186 Non-current: Operating leases Operating lease liabilities 73,207 Finance leases Other liabilities 3,076 Total lease liabilities $ 101,256 (*) Finance leases are recorded net of accumulated depreciation of $1.5 million .
Schedule of Lease Expenses, Weighted Average Lease Term and Weighted Average Discount Rates, and Supplemental Cash Flow Information	The components of our operating and finance lease expenses were as follows: Year Ended (In thousands) Operating lease cost $ 23,624 Finance lease cost: Depreciation of lease assets 2,078 Interest on lease liabilities 186 Short-term lease cost 1,171 Variable lease cost 3,264 Total lease cost $ 30,323 The following table presents weighted-average remaining lease term and weighted-average discount rates related to our operating and finance leases: September 30, 2020 Operating Leases Finance Leases Weighted-average remaining lease term (in months) 63 29 Weighted-average discount rate 3.86 % 2.56 % Supplemental cash flow information related to our operating and finance leases was as follows: Year Ended (In thousands) Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: Operating cash outflow for operating leases $ 18,801 Operating cash outflow for finance leases 186 Financing cash outflow for finance leases 1,716 Lease assets obtained in exchange for new lease liabilities: Operating leases 11,457 Finance leases 1,387
Schedule of Future Lease Payments, Operating Leases	Future lease payments under our non-cancellable leases as of September 30, 2020 were as follows: (In thousands) Operating Leases Finance Leases Fiscal 2021 $ 26,047 $ 2,397 Fiscal 2022 21,925 2,240 Fiscal 2023 17,109 784 Fiscal 2024 14,384 — Fiscal 2025 9,004 — Thereafter 17,131 — Total future undiscounted lease payments 105,600 5,421 Less imputed interest (9,606 ) (159 ) Total reported lease liability $ 95,994 $ 5,262
Schedule of Future Lease Payments, Finance Leases	Future lease payments under our non-cancellable leases as of September 30, 2020 were as follows: (In thousands) Operating Leases Finance Leases Fiscal 2021 $ 26,047 $ 2,397 Fiscal 2022 21,925 2,240 Fiscal 2023 17,109 784 Fiscal 2024 14,384 — Fiscal 2025 9,004 — Thereafter 17,131 — Total future undiscounted lease payments 105,600 5,421 Less imputed interest (9,606 ) (159 ) Total reported lease liability $ 95,994 $ 5,262
Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments, Operating Leases	The future minimum lease payments by fiscal year as determined prior to the adoption of Topic 842 under our previously designated capital and operating leases as disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019, were as follows: (In thousands) Operating Leases Capital Leases Fiscal 2020 $ 19,842 $ 1,935 Fiscal 2021 19,969 1,934 Fiscal 2022 17,677 1,934 Fiscal 2023 16,940 — Fiscal 2024 14,887 — Thereafter 24,431 — Total minimum lease payments $ 113,746 5,803 Less amount representing interest (379 ) Present value of minimum lease payments $ 5,424
Schedule of Future Minimum Lease Payments, Capital Leases	The future minimum lease payments by fiscal year as determined prior to the adoption of Topic 842 under our previously designated capital and operating leases as disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019, were as follows: (In thousands) Operating Leases Capital Leases Fiscal 2020 $ 19,842 $ 1,935 Fiscal 2021 19,969 1,934 Fiscal 2022 17,677 1,934 Fiscal 2023 16,940 — Fiscal 2024 14,887 — Thereafter 24,431 — Total minimum lease payments $ 113,746 5,803 Less amount representing interest (379 ) Present value of minimum lease payments $ 5,424

Supplementary Financial Data _2

Supplementary Financial Data (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
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, 2020 . 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 $ 374,356 $ 313,731 $ 307,971 $ 298,504 Cost of revenues (1) 93,676 88,569 88,139 90,758 Gross profit 280,680 225,162 219,832 207,746 Net income $ 59,126 $ 64,076 $ 58,288 $ 54,921 Earnings per share (2): Basic $ 2.04 $ 2.21 $ 2.00 $ 1.89 Diluted $ 1.98 $ 2.15 $ 1.94 $ 1.82 Shares used in computing earnings per share: Basic 29,045 29,005 29,194 29,025 Diluted 29,833 29,744 29,985 30,169 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 (1) Cost of revenues excludes amortization expense of $0.3 million , $0.4 million , $0.5 million , $0.6 million , $0.5 million , $0.5 million , $0.5 million and $0.5 million for the quarters ended September 30, 2020 , June 30, 2020 , March 31, 2020 , December 31, 2019 , September 30, 2019 , June 30, 2019 , March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 , 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, 2020
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 ($)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Other investments	$ 1,060,000	$ 1,643,000
Depreciation and amortization, property and equipment	23,500,000	24,200,000	$ 22,600,000
Foreign exchange gains (losses)	1,000,000	0	400,000
Advertising and promotion costs	8,700,000	3,600,000	4,100,000
Capitalized Contract Cost, Impairment Loss	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
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, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
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	9 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	10 years
Trade names
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated useful life	0 years	1 year
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	2 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, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Capitalized Contract Cost, Net, Noncurrent	$ 38,579,000	$ 33,700,000
Capitalized Contract Cost, Amortization Period	10 years
Capitalized Contract Cost, Amortization	$ 5,700,000	5,000,000	$ 4,500,000
Capitalized Contract Cost, Impairment Loss	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

Nature of Business and Summar_8

Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - New Accounting Pronouncements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Oct. 01, 2019
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2020
Total reported lease liability	$ 95,994
Operating lease, right-of-use asset	$ 57,656
Accounting Standards Update 2016-02
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Total reported lease liability		$ 98,900
Operating lease, right-of-use asset		$ 89,800

Business Combinations - Additio

Business Combinations - Additional Information (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)business	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)business
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of businesses acquired | business	0		0
Goodwill	$ 812,364	$ 803,542	$ 800,890
EZMCOM
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Common stock acquired		100.00%
Cash consideration		$ 18,600
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, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	$ 157,394	$ 106,426
Fair Value	157,394	106,426
Cash and Cash Equivalents | Cash
Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	122,119	77,525
Fair Value	122,119	77,525
Cash and Cash Equivalents | Money market funds
Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	35,275	22,102
Fair Value	35,275	22,102
Cash and Cash Equivalents | Bank Time Deposits
Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	0	6,799
Fair Value	0	6,799
Long-term Marketable Securities | Marketable securities
Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities [Line Items]
Trading Securities, Cost	20,195	17,193
Debt Securities, Trading, and Equity Securities, FV-NI	$ 25,513	$ 20,222

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, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Assets:
Total		$ 60,788	$ 49,123
Cash
Assets:
Cash equivalents	[1]	35,275	28,901
Marketable securities
Assets:
Debt Securities, Trading, and Equity Securities, FV-NI	[2]	25,513	20,222
Active Markets for Identical Instruments (Level 1)
Assets:
Total		60,788	49,123
Active Markets for Identical Instruments (Level 1) | Cash
Assets:
Cash equivalents	[1]	35,275	28,901
Active Markets for Identical Instruments (Level 1) | Marketable securities
Assets:
Debt Securities, Trading, and Equity Securities, FV-NI	[2]	$ 25,513	$ 20,222
[1]	Included in cash and cash equivalents on our consolidated balance sheets at September 30, 2020 and 2019 . Not included in this table are cash deposits of $122.1 million and $77.5 million at September 30, 2020 and 2019 , 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, 2020 and 2019 .

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, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Cash
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash deposits	$ 122.1	$ 77.5

Derivative Financial Instrume_3

Derivative Financial Instruments - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
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, 2020GBP (£)	Sep. 30, 2020SGD ($)	Sep. 30, 2020EUR (€)	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2019GBP (£)	Sep. 30, 2019SGD ($)	Sep. 30, 2019EUR (€)	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)
Foreign Exchange Contracts To Sell European Euro for US Dollar | Short
Derivative [Line Items]
Contract amount of forward foreign currency contracts			€ 15,000	$ 17,656			€ 10,800	$ 11,723
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	£ 16,555			21,300	£ 5,200			6,400
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		$ 7,815		5,700		$ 5,798		4,200
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, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Foreign Currency Forward Contracts
Derivative [Line Items]
Loss on foreign currency forward contracts	$ 347	$ 896	$ 476

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, 2020	Jun. 30, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization of intangible assets									$ 4,993	$ 6,126	$ 6,594
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 103,446				$ 113,807				103,446	113,807
Accumulated Amortization	(94,210)				(99,668)				(94,210)	(99,668)
Total	9,236				14,139				9,236	14,139
Completed technology
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization of intangible assets	300	$ 400	$ 500	$ 600	500	$ 500	$ 500	$ 500	1,766	1,974	2,380
Gross Carrying Amount	83,764				82,724				83,764	82,724
Accumulated Amortization	(80,136)				(77,331)				(80,136)	(77,331)
Total	3,628				5,393				$ 3,628	$ 5,393
Average Life									5 years	5 years
Customer contracts and relationships
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization of intangible assets									$ 2,927	$ 4,098	4,214
Gross Carrying Amount	19,332				30,583				19,332	30,583
Accumulated Amortization	(13,870)				(22,283)				(13,870)	(22,283)
Total	5,462				8,300				$ 5,462	$ 8,300
Average Life									9 years	8 years
Trade names
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization of intangible assets									$ 125	$ 25	0
Gross Carrying Amount	0				150				0	150
Accumulated Amortization	0				(25)				0	(25)
Total	0				125				$ 0	$ 125
Average Life									0 years	1 year
Non-compete agreements
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization of intangible assets									$ 175	$ 29	$ 0
Gross Carrying Amount	350				350				350	350
Accumulated Amortization	(204)				(29)				(204)	(29)
Total	$ 146				$ 321				$ 146	$ 321
Average Life									2 years	2 years

Goodwill and Intangible Asset_3

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Amortization Expense Associated with Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Amortization expense of intangible assets	$ 4,993	$ 6,126	$ 6,594

Goodwill and Intangible Asset_4

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Estimated Future Intangible Asset Amortization Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Estimated future intangible asset amortization expense
2018	$ 3,646
2019	3,356
2020	1,317
2021	917
2022	0
Thereafter	0
Total	$ 9,236	$ 14,139

Goodwill and Intangible Asset_5

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Summary of Changes to Goodwill (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	$ 803,542	$ 800,890
Goodwill, Acquired During Period		11,233
Foreign currency translation adjustment	8,822	(8,581)
Ending Balance	812,364	803,542
Applications
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	588,614	585,161
Goodwill, Acquired During Period		11,233
Foreign currency translation adjustment	8,190	(7,780)
Ending Balance	596,804	588,614
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	68,280	69,081
Goodwill, Acquired During Period		0
Foreign currency translation adjustment	632	(801)
Ending Balance	$ 68,912	$ 68,280

Composition of Certain Financ_3

Composition of Certain Financial Statement Captions - Property and Equipment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Property and equipment:
Data processing equipment and software	$ 108,913	$ 110,874
Office furniture and equipment	20,478	21,443
Leasehold improvements	25,239	33,360
Equipment under capital leases	6,489	6,398
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization	(114,700)	(119,048)
Total	46,419	53,027
Accounts Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss, Noncurrent	54,074	34,370
Capitalized Contract Cost, Net, Noncurrent	38,579	33,700
Prepaid Expense	12,632	11,093
Other assets	$ 105,285	$ 79,163

Composition of Certain Financ_4

Composition of Certain Financial Statement Captions - Additional Detail (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment Impairment or Disposal Disclosure	$ 5.2

Revolving Line of Credit - Addi

Revolving Line of Credit - Additional Information (Details)	May 08, 2018USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of credit, current borrowing capacity	$ 400,000,000
Revolving credit facility, expiration date	May 8, 2023
Line of credit, option to increase borrowing capacity	$ 100,000,000
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		$ 95,000,000
Interest rate of borrowings outstanding		1.285%
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)	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)	Dec. 06, 2019USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)	May 08, 2018USD ($)	Jul. 14, 2010USD ($)Contract
Debt Disclosure [Line Items]
Debt issuance costs	$ 10,600,000		$ 5,200,000
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
May 2018 Senior Notes
Debt Disclosure [Line Items]
Senior Notes issued in a private placement to a group of institutional investors				$ 400,000,000
December 2019 Senior Notes
Debt Disclosure [Line Items]
Senior Notes issued in a private placement to a group of institutional investors		$ 350,000,000

Senior Notes - Summary of Senio

Senior Notes - Summary of Senior Notes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 06, 2019	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
December 2019 Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	4.00%
Maturity date	Jun. 15, 2028

Senior Notes - Principal Amount

Senior Notes - Principal Amounts Carrying Amounts and Fair Values of Senior Notes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying amounts	$ 750,000	$ 485,000
Fair value	800,750	514,121
Debt issuance costs	10,600	5,200
July 2010 Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying amounts	0	85,000
Fair value	0	86,121
May 2018 Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying amounts	400,000	400,000
Fair value	442,000	428,000
December 2019 Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying amounts	350,000	0
Fair value	$ 358,750	$ 0

Senior Notes - Future Principal

Senior Notes - Future Principal Payments For Senior Notes (Details) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
2019	$ 0
2020	0
2021	0
2022	0
2023	0
Thereafter	750,000
Total	$ 750,000

Employee Benefit Plans - Additi

Employee Benefit Plans - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Eligible employees contribution to 401(k) plan (up to 25%)	25.00%
Employer contributions into 401(k) plans	$ 10.1	$ 10.3	$ 8.8
Employee incentive plans expenses	$ 60.6	$ 57.5	$ 48.4

Restructuring Expenses - Additi

Restructuring Expenses - Additional Information (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)position	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and impairment charges	$ 45,029,000	$ 0	$ 0
Impairment loss on operating lease assets	28,016,000
Property, Plant and Equipment Impairment or Disposal Disclosure	$ 5,200,000
Number of positions reduced | position	209
Restructuring charges	$ 11,768,000	0	$ 0
Facilities charges
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	0	$ 0
Employee separation
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	$ 11,768,000

Restructuring Expenses - Summar

Restructuring Expenses - Summary of Restructuring Accruals and Certain Facility Closures (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 1,378,000
Expense additions	11,768,000	$ 0	$ 0
Cash payments	(3,577,000)
Accrual adjustments	(1,378,000)
Ending balance	8,191,000	1,378,000
Less: current portion	8,191,000	1,378,000	3,850,000
Non-current	0	0	1,378,000
Facilities charges
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	1,378,000	5,228,000
Expense additions	0	0
Cash payments	0	(3,850,000)
Accrual adjustments	(1,378,000)	0
Ending balance	0	1,378,000	$ 5,228,000
Employee separation
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	0
Expense additions	11,768,000
Cash payments	(3,577,000)
Accrual adjustments	0
Ending balance	8,191,000	$ 0
Accounting Standards Update 2016-02 | Facilities charges
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Accrual adjustments	$ 1,400,000

Income Taxes - Provision for In

Income Taxes - Provision for Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Current:
Federal	$ 14,566	$ 1,299	$ 8,071
State	2,180	(423)	2,236
Foreign	12,482	15,371	9,559
Current income tax	29,228	16,247	19,866
Deferred:
Federal	(8,575)	7,003	13,987
State	(957)	947	132
Foreign	893	(249)	(3,535)
Deferred income taxes	(8,639)	7,701	10,584
Total provision	$ 20,589	$ 23,948	$ 30,450

Income Taxes - Additional Infor

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Foreign pretax earnings	$ 42,200	$ 36,000	$ 10,800
Current foreign tax expense related to foreign tax withholdings	6,400	6,500	6,000
Unrecognized tax benefits	7,994	$ 5,834	$ 6,113	$ 6,480
Unrecognized tax benefits that would impact the effective tax rate if recognized	7,800
Unrecognized tax benefits, accrued interest	$ 400
Effective income tax rate	21.00%	21.00%	24.50%
Unremitted earnings of foreign subsidiaries	$ 111,700
California Franchise Tax Board | Research Tax Credit Carryforward
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Excess state research credit	16,600
Valuation allowance	16,600
U.S. Federal
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards	$ 7,600
Net operating loss carryforwards expiration dates	2024
U.S. Federal | Research Tax Credit Carryforward
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Excess state research credit	$ 4,700
State
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards	$ 100
Net operating loss carryforwards expiration dates	2021
Foreign NOL carryforwards
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards	$ 31,300
Foreign NOL carryforwards | China
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards	5,500
Foreign NOL carryforwards | GERMANY
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards	$ 19,500

Income Taxes - Deferred Tax Ass

Income Taxes - Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Deferred tax assets:
Loss and credit carryforwards	$ 31,015	$ 26,702
Compensation benefits	29,640	23,931
Operating lease liabilities	21,827	0
Other assets	9,000	9,393
Deferred tax assets, gross	91,482	60,026
Less valuation allowance	(24,563)	(19,231)
Total deferred tax assets	66,919	40,795
Deferred tax liabilities:
Intangible assets	(14,715)	(15,114)
Deferred commission	(9,027)	(7,920)
Property and equipment	(3,135)	(3,511)
Operating lease right-of-use assets	(13,719)	0
Other liabilities	(11,694)	(8,244)
Total deferred tax liabilities	(52,290)	(34,789)
Deferred tax assets, net	$ 14,629	$ 6,006

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, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent	21.00%	21.00%	24.50%
Income tax provision at U.S. federal statutory rate	$ 53,970	$ 45,375	$ 38,495
State income taxes, net of U.S. federal benefit	4,619	4,194	2,755
Foreign tax rate differential	493	839	(649)
Research credits	(5,868)	(5,761)	(3,486)
Domestic production deduction	0	0	(2,421)
Amended returns/audit settlements/statute expirations	(1,085)	(2,268)	(2,349)
Foreign	7,513	11,177	4,040
Valuation allowance	5,332	(333)	1,907
Foreign tax credit and tax withholding	2,086	(464)	1,320
Excess tax benefits relating to stock-based compensation	(45,086)	(24,891)	(22,253)
Tax effect of the Tax Act	0	0	16,719
GILTI, FDII and BEAT	5,050	1,931	0
Other	(6,435)	(5,851)	(3,628)
Total provision	$ 20,589	$ 23,948	$ 30,450

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, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Gross unrecognized tax benefits at beginning of year	$ 5,834	$ 6,113	$ 6,480
Gross increases for tax positions in prior years	883	509	404
Gross decreases for tax positions in prior years	(65)	(611)	0
Gross increases based on tax positions related to the current year	2,260	1,439	1,625
Decreases for settlements and payments	0	(637)	0
Decreases due to statute expiration	(918)	(979)	(2,396)
Gross unrecognized tax benefits at end of year	$ 7,994	$ 5,834	$ 6,113

Stock-Based Employee Benefit _3

Stock-Based Employee Benefit Plans - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
ESPP, purchase price of the stock as a percentage of fair market value on the exercise date	15.00%
Share-based compensation expense	$ 93.7	$ 83	$ 74.8
Tax benefit related to share-based compensation expense	13.2	$ 12.5	$ 15.7
Unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested share-based compensation arrangements	$ 127.7
Unrecognized compensation cost, weighted average recognition period	2 years 3 months 29 days
Cash received from stock option exercises	$ 25.4
Tax benefit from the stock option exercises	$ 30.2
Weighted average fair value of options granted (in dollars per share)	$ 99.30	$ 59.63	$ 56.61
Number of options that had exercise prices lower than the market price of common stock (in shares)	200,000
Market price of common stock (in dollars per share)	$ 425.38
Total intrinsic value of options exercised	$ 132.6	$ 99.1	$ 41.4
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)	$ 356.66	$ 206.29	$ 161.85
Total intrinsic value of restricted stock units, performance stock units, and market stock units	$ 159	$ 91.2	$ 70.7
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)	$ 354.18	$ 185.05	$ 157.17
Total intrinsic value of restricted stock units, performance stock units, and market stock units	$ 36.5	$ 19.3	$ 15.1
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)	$ 249.13	$ 169.46	$ 151.78
Total intrinsic value of restricted stock units, performance stock units, and market stock units	$ 44.6	$ 21.6	$ 18.7
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)	4,998,722
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares available for grants under stock plan (in shares)	949,702
Authorized shares of common stock for grant under stock plan (in shares)	1,000,000
ESPP, percentage of salary withheld through payroll deductions to purchase FICO common stock	15.00%
ESPP, 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, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted average volatility
Equity Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted average expected term (years)	4 years 5 months 15 days	4 years 3 months 3 days	4 years 9 months 10 days
Expected volatility (range), minimum	30.00%	31.10%	33.60%
Expected volatility (range), maximum	35.90%	32.40%	35.10%
Weighted average volatility	30.60%	32.20%	34.60%
Risk free interest rate, minimum	0.36%	2.50%	2.03%
Risk free interest rate, maximum	1.68%	2.68%	2.65%
Weighted average expected dividend yield	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

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, 2020USD ($)$ / sharesshares
Shares
Outstanding at September 30, 2019 (in shares) | shares	616
Granted (in shares) | shares	32
Exercised (in shares) | shares	(401)
Forfeited (in shares) | shares	(1)
Outstanding at September 30, 2020 (in shares) | shares	246
Options exercisable at September 30, 2020 (in shares) | shares	168
Vested and expected to vest at September 30, 2020 (in shares) | shares	243
Weighted- average Exercise Price
Outstanding at September 30, 2019 (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 89.36
Granted (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	364.23
Exercised (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	63.47
Forfeited (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	185.05
Outstanding at September 30, 2020 (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	166.80
Options exercisable at September 30, 2020 (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	130.87
Vested and expected to vest at September 30, 2020 (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 165.32
Weighted- average Remaining Contractual Term
Outstanding at September 30, 2020	3 years 10 months 2 days
Exercisable at September 30, 2020	3 years 21 days
Vested and expected to vest at September 30, 2018	3 years 9 months 25 days
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding at September 30, 2020 | $	$ 63,605
Exercisable at September 30, 2020 | $	49,435
Vested and expected to vest at September 30, 2017 | $	$ 63,125

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, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Restricted stock units (RSUs)
Shares
Outstanding at September 30, 2019 (in shares)	998
Granted (in shares)	218
Released (in shares)	(434)
Forfeited (in shares)	(61)
Outstanding at September 30, 2020 (in shares)	721	998
Weighted-average Grant-date Fair Value
Outstanding at September 30, 2019 (in dollars per share)	$ 159.99
Granted (in dollars per share)	356.66	$ 206.29	$ 161.85
Released (in dollars per share)	138.04
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	200.38
Outstanding at September 30, 2020 (in dollars per share)	$ 229.10	$ 159.99
Performance stock units (PSUs)
Shares
Outstanding at September 30, 2019 (in shares)	195
Granted (in shares)	53
Released (in shares)	(101)
Forfeited (in shares)	(20)
Outstanding at September 30, 2020 (in shares)	127	195
Weighted-average Grant-date Fair Value
Outstanding at September 30, 2019 (in dollars per share)	$ 163.38
Granted (in dollars per share)	354.18	$ 185.05	157.17
Released (in dollars per share)	152.45
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	175.50
Outstanding at September 30, 2020 (in dollars per share)	$ 248.97	$ 163.38
Market stock units (MSUs)
Shares
Outstanding at September 30, 2019 (in shares)	100
Granted (in shares)	96
Released (in shares)	(123)
Forfeited (in shares)	(10)
Outstanding at September 30, 2020 (in shares)	63	100
Weighted-average Grant-date Fair Value
Outstanding at September 30, 2019 (in dollars per share)	$ 188.63
Granted (in dollars per share)	249.13	$ 169.46	$ 151.78
Released (in dollars per share)	171.42
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	202.48
Outstanding at September 30, 2020 (in dollars per share)	$ 311.91	$ 188.63

Stock-Based Employee Benefit _7

Stock-Based Employee Benefit Plans - Assumptions Used to Estimate Fair Value of Market Stock Units (Details) - Market stock units (MSUs)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected volatility in FICO’s stock price	25.20%	24.60%	24.60%
Expected volatility in Russell 3000 Index	12.90%	12.80%	12.70%
Correlation between FICO and the Russell 3000 Index	64.00%	66.60%	63.10%
Risk-free interest rate	1.67%	2.73%	1.92%
Average expected dividend yield	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Stock-Based Employee Benefit _8

Stock-Based Employee Benefit Plans - Summary of ESPP activities (Details) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
ESPP, Discount from Market Price, Purchase Date	15.00%
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
ESPP, Discount from Market Price, Purchase Date	85.00%
ESPP, Shares Issued in Period	50,298	0
ESPP, Per Share Weighted Average Price of Shares Purchased	$ 334.21

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, 2020		Jun. 30, 2020		Mar. 31, 2020		Dec. 31, 2019		Sep. 30, 2019		Jun. 30, 2019		Mar. 31, 2019		Dec. 31, 2018		Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per share
Net income	$ 59,126		$ 64,076		$ 58,288		$ 54,921		$ 54,584		$ 64,152		$ 33,381		$ 40,007		$ 236,411	$ 192,124	$ 126,482
Denominator — share:
Basic weighted-average shares (in shares)	29,045		29,005		29,194		29,025		28,918		28,967		29,074		28,961		29,067	28,980	29,711
Effect of dilutive securities (in shares)																	865	1,314	1,469
Diluted weighted-average shares (in shares)	29,833		29,744		29,985		30,169		30,290		30,292		30,259		30,336		29,932	30,294	31,180
Earnings per share:
Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 2.04	[1]	$ 2.21	[1]	$ 2	[1]	$ 1.89	[1]	$ 1.89	[1]	$ 2.21	[1]	$ 1.15	[1]	$ 1.38	[1]	$ 8.13	$ 6.63	$ 4.26
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 1.98	[1]	$ 2.15	[1]	$ 1.94	[1]	$ 1.82	[1]	$ 1.80	[1]	$ 2.12	[1]	$ 1.10	[1]	$ 1.32	[1]	$ 7.90	$ 6.34	$ 4.06
[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.

Segment Information - Summary o

Segment Information - Summary of Segment Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Segment revenues:
Total revenues	$ 1,294,562	$ 1,160,083	$ 1,000,146
Segment operating expense	(998,593)	(906,535)	(824,787)
Operating income	295,969	253,548	175,359
Unallocated share-based compensation expense	(93,681)	(82,973)	(74,814)
Unallocated amortization expense	(4,993)	(6,126)	(6,594)
Unallocated restructuring and impairment charges	(45,029)
Unallocated interest expense, net	(42,177)	(39,752)	(31,311)
Unallocated other income (expense), net	3,208	2,276	12,884
Income before income taxes	257,000	216,072	156,932
Depreciation expense	23,453	24,204	22,633
Applications
Segment revenues:
Total revenues	602,046	605,034	564,375
Scores
Segment revenues:
Total revenues	528,547	421,177	335,870
Decision Management Software
Segment revenues:
Total revenues	163,969	133,872	99,901
Operating Segments
Segment revenues:
Segment operating expense	(854,890)	(817,436)	(743,379)
Operating income	439,672	342,647	256,767
Operating Segments | Applications
Segment revenues:
Total revenues	602,046	605,034	564,375
Segment operating expense	(448,505)	(443,872)	(420,411)
Operating income	153,541	161,162	143,964
Depreciation expense	18,021	18,766	15,651
Operating Segments | Scores
Segment revenues:
Total revenues	528,547	421,177	335,870
Segment operating expense	(74,237)	(59,821)	(63,452)
Operating income	454,310	361,356	272,418
Depreciation expense	617	498	555
Operating Segments | Decision Management Software
Segment revenues:
Total revenues	163,969	133,872	99,901
Segment operating expense	(187,444)	(168,988)	(134,261)
Operating income	(23,475)	(35,116)	(34,360)
Depreciation expense	4,397	4,036	5,471
Unallocated Corporate Expenses
Segment revenues:
Segment operating expense	(144,704)	(144,755)	(125,255)
Operating income	(144,704)	(144,755)	(125,255)
Depreciation expense	418	904	956
Transactional and maintenance
Segment revenues:
Total revenues	973,933	860,948	750,603
Transactional and maintenance | Operating Segments | Applications
Segment revenues:
Total revenues	393,994	395,398	372,283
Transactional and maintenance | Operating Segments | Scores
Segment revenues:
Total revenues	517,024	415,288	331,662
Transactional and maintenance | Operating Segments | Decision Management Software
Segment revenues:
Total revenues	62,915	50,262	46,658
Professional services
Segment revenues:
Total revenues	183,040	184,095	176,910
Professional services | Operating Segments | Applications
Segment revenues:
Total revenues	136,677	137,258	142,736
Professional services | Operating Segments | Scores
Segment revenues:
Total revenues	1,600	2,157	1,900
Professional services | Operating Segments | Decision Management Software
Segment revenues:
Total revenues	44,763	44,680	32,274
License
Segment revenues:
Total revenues	137,589	115,040	72,633
License | Operating Segments | Applications
Segment revenues:
Total revenues	71,375	72,378	49,356
License | Operating Segments | Scores
Segment revenues:
Total revenues	9,923	3,732	2,308
License | Operating Segments | Decision Management Software
Segment revenues:
Total revenues	$ 56,291	$ 38,930	$ 20,969

Segment Information - Disaggreg

Segment Information - Disaggregation of Revenue (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	$ 1,294,562	$ 1,160,083	$ 1,000,146
North America
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	929,928	807,165	701,010
Latin America
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	62,297	65,287	45,537
Europe, Middle East and Africa
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	203,584	195,186	169,592
Asia Pacific
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	98,753	92,445	84,007
On-Premises
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	465,971	468,552	423,334
SaaS
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	300,044	270,354	240,942
Scores
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	528,547	421,177	335,870
Applications
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	602,046	605,034	564,375
Applications | North America
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	331,290	338,990	318,836
Applications | Latin America
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	40,047	42,656	39,136
Applications | Europe, Middle East and Africa
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	157,793	155,539	141,358
Applications | Asia Pacific
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	72,916	67,849	65,045
Applications | On-Premises
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	340,702	360,105	337,162
Applications | SaaS
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	261,344	244,929	227,213
Applications | Scores
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	0	0	0
Scores
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	528,547	421,177	335,870
Scores | North America
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	511,333	404,778	328,990
Scores | Latin America
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	3,576	4,591	1,366
Scores | Europe, Middle East and Africa
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	6,385	6,359	3,989
Scores | Asia Pacific
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	7,253	5,449	1,525
Scores | On-Premises
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	0	0	0
Scores | SaaS
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	0	0	0
Scores | Scores
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	528,547	421,177	335,870
Decision Management Software
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	163,969	133,872	99,901
Decision Management Software | North America
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	87,305	63,397	53,184
Decision Management Software | Latin America
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	18,674	18,040	5,035
Decision Management Software | Europe, Middle East and Africa
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	39,406	33,288	24,245
Decision Management Software | Asia Pacific
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	18,584	19,147	17,437
Decision Management Software | On-Premises
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	125,269	108,447	86,172
Decision Management Software | SaaS
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	38,700	25,425	13,729
Decision Management Software | Scores
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	$ 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	32.00%	34.00%	35.00%
Revenue from Contract with Customer Benchmark | Applications
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	46.00%	52.00%	56.00%
Revenue from Contract with Customer Benchmark | Scores
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	41.00%	36.00%	34.00%
Revenue from Contract with Customer Benchmark | Decision Management Software
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	13.00%	12.00%	10.00%

Segment Information - Additiona

Segment Information - Additional Information (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020Segmentcustomer	Sep. 30, 2019customer	Sep. 30, 2018
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	15.00%	18.00%	17.00%
Revenue Benchmark | Product Concentration Risk | Applications | Customer Cummunication Services
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	8.00%	9.00%	10.00%
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, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Total revenues	$ 1,294,562	$ 1,160,083	$ 1,000,146
Experian
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Total revenues	181,036	148,037	109,097
TransUnion & Equifax customer
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Total revenues	239,166	183,523	142,179
Other customers
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Total revenues	$ 874,360	$ 828,523	$ 748,870
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	14.00%	13.00%	11.00%
Revenue Benchmark | Customer Concentration Risk | TransUnion & Equifax customer
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	18.00%	16.00%	14.00%
Revenue Benchmark | Customer Concentration Risk | Other customers
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	68.00%	71.00%	75.00%

Segment Information - Property

Segment Information - Property and Equipment Net on Geographical Basis (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Property and equipment, net	$ 46,419	$ 53,027
United States
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Property and equipment, net	29,375	38,058
United Kingdom
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Property and equipment, net	8,776	7,801
Other countries
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Property and equipment, net	$ 8,268	$ 7,168
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	63.00%	72.00%
Geographic Concentration Risk | United Kingdom | Property Plant and Equipment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	19.00%	15.00%
Geographic Concentration Risk | Other countries | Property Plant and Equipment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	18.00%	13.00%

Contract Balances and Perform_3

Contract Balances and Performance Obligations - Receivables (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Accounts Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss [Abstract]
Billed Receivables	$ 211,776	$ 206,714
Unbilled Receivables	181,550	127,651
Receivables Gross	393,326	334,365
Allowance for doubtful accounts	(5,072)	(2,568)	$ (3,439)
Net receivables	388,254	331,797
Accounts Receivable, net , noncurrent	(54,074)	(34,370)
Accounts receivable, net	334,180	297,427
Expense, Allowance for Credit Loss	3,199	518
Write-off	$ (695)	$ (1,389)

Contract Balances and Perform_4

Contract Balances and Performance Obligations - Contract Liability (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Contract with Customer, Liability, Current	$ 115,100	$ 111,000
Contract with Customer, Liability	122,141	116,320	$ 108,118
Contract with Customer, Liability, Revenue Recognized	(101,640)	(93,265)
Contract With Customer, Liability, Excluding Revenue Recognized	107,461	101,467
Contract with Customer, Liability, Noncurrent	$ 7,000	$ 5,300

Contract Balances and Perform_5

Contract Balances and Performance Obligations - Additional Information (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
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) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Amount	$ 298	$ 238.4
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, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Period	18 months
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Percentage	50.00%

Leases - Lease Assets and Liabi

Leases - Lease Assets and Liabilities (Details) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)
Assets
Operating lease, right-of-use asset	$ 57,656
Finance lease, right-of-use asset	5,021
Total lease assets	62,677
Current:
Operating lease liabilities	22,787
Finance lease liabilities	2,186
Non-current:
Operating lease liabilities	73,207
Finance lease liabilities	3,076
Total lease liabilities	$ 101,256
Operating lease right-of-use assets	us-gaap:OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset
Property and equipment, net	us-gaap:PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet
Other accrued liabilities	us-gaap:AccruedLiabilitiesCurrent
Other accrued liabilities	us-gaap:AccruedLiabilitiesCurrent
Operating lease liabilities	us-gaap:OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent
Other liabilities	us-gaap:OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent
Finance lease accumulated depreciation	$ 1,500

Leases - Lease Cost (Details)

Leases - Lease Cost (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)
Leases [Abstract]
Operating lease cost	$ 23,624
Finance lease, depreciation of lease assets	2,078
Finance lease, interest on lease liabilities	186
Short-term lease cost	1,171
Variable lease cost	3,264
Total lease cost	$ 30,323
Operating Lease, weighted average remaining lease term	63 months
Finance lease, weighted average remaining lease term	29 months
Operating lease, weighted average discount rate	3.86%
Finance lease, weighted average discount rate	2.56%

Leases - Related Cash Flow Info

Leases - Related Cash Flow Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Operating cash outflow for operating leases	$ 18,801
Operating cash outflow for finance leases	186
Finance Lease, Principal Payments	1,716	$ 945	$ 0
Lease assets obtained in exchange for new lease liabilities:
Operating lease	11,457
Finance lease	$ 1,387

Leases - Lease Liability Maturi

Leases - Lease Liability Maturity (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Operating Leases, After Adoption of 842
Fiscal 2021	$ 26,047
Fiscal 2022	21,925
Fiscal 2023	17,109
Fiscal 2024	14,384
Fiscal 2025	9,004
Thereafter	17,131
Total future undiscounted lease payments	105,600
Less imputed interest	(9,606)
Total reported lease liability	95,994
Finance Leases, After Adoption of 842
Fiscal 2021	2,397
Fiscal 2022	2,240
Fiscal 2023	784
Fiscal 2024	0
Fiscal 2025	0
Thereafter	0
Total future undiscounted lease payments	5,421
Less imputed interest	(159)
Total reported lease liability	$ 5,262
Operating Leases, Before Adoption of 842
Fiscal 2020		$ 19,842
Fiscal 2021		19,969
Fiscal 2022		17,677
Fiscal 2023		16,940
Fiscal 2024		14,887
Thereafter		24,431
Total minimum lease payments		113,746
Capital Leases, Before Adoption of 842
Fiscal 2020		1,935
Fiscal 2021		1,934
Fiscal 2022		1,934
Fiscal 2023		0
Fiscal 2024		0
Thereafter		0
Total minimum lease payments		5,803
Less amount representing interest		(379)
Present value of minimum lease payments		$ 5,424

Leases - Additional Detail (Det

Leases - Additional Detail (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)
Leases [Abstract]
Impairment loss on operating lease assets	$ 28,016

Commitments - Additional Inform

Commitments - Additional Information (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020executive
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Number of executives in a management agreement providing for certain payments and other benefits in the event of a qualified change	23

Guarantees - Additional Informa

Guarantees - Additional Information (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
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, 2020		Jun. 30, 2020		Mar. 31, 2020		Dec. 31, 2019		Sep. 30, 2019		Jun. 30, 2019		Mar. 31, 2019		Dec. 31, 2018		Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Revenues	$ 374,356		$ 313,731		$ 307,971		$ 298,504		$ 305,344		$ 314,249		$ 278,234		$ 262,256
Cost of revenues	93,676	[1]	88,569	[1]	88,139	[1]	90,758	[1]	87,996	[1]	87,215	[1]	85,568	[1]	76,066	[1]	$ 361,142	$ 336,845	$ 312,898
Gross profit	280,680		225,162		219,832		207,746		217,348		227,034		192,666		186,190
Net income	$ 59,126		$ 64,076		$ 58,288		$ 54,921		$ 54,584		$ 64,152		$ 33,381		$ 40,007		$ 236,411	$ 192,124	$ 126,482
Earnings per share:
Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 2.04	[2]	$ 2.21	[2]	$ 2	[2]	$ 1.89	[2]	$ 1.89	[2]	$ 2.21	[2]	$ 1.15	[2]	$ 1.38	[2]	$ 8.13	$ 6.63	$ 4.26
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 1.98	[2]	$ 2.15	[2]	$ 1.94	[2]	$ 1.82	[2]	$ 1.80	[2]	$ 2.12	[2]	$ 1.10	[2]	$ 1.32	[2]	$ 7.90	$ 6.34	$ 4.06
Shares used in computing earnings per share:
Basic weighted-average shares (in shares)	29,045		29,005		29,194		29,025		28,918		28,967		29,074		28,961		29,067	28,980	29,711
Diluted (in shares)	29,833		29,744		29,985		30,169		30,290		30,292		30,259		30,336		29,932	30,294	31,180
[1]	Cost of revenues excludes amortization expense of $0.3 million , $0.4 million , $0.5 million , $0.6 million , $0.5 million , $0.5 million , $0.5 million and $0.5 million for the quarters ended September 30, 2020 , June 30, 2020 , March 31, 2020 , December 31, 2019 , September 30, 2019 , June 30, 2019 , March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 , 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, 2020	Jun. 30, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization of intangible assets									$ 4,993	$ 6,126	$ 6,594
Completed technology
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization of intangible assets	$ 300	$ 400	$ 500	$ 600	$ 500	$ 500	$ 500	$ 500	$ 1,766	$ 1,974	$ 2,380

Subsequent Events - Additional

Subsequent Events - Additional Information (Details) - Subsequent Event - USD ($) $ in Millions	Oct. 31, 2020	Oct. 30, 2020
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Long-term Purchase Commitment, Amount	$ 120
Long-term Purchase Commitment, Period	5 years
Other Commitment		$ 12
Long-Term Purchase Commitment, Period One
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Long-term Purchase Commitment, Period	3 years
Long-Term Purchase Commitment, Period Two
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Long-term Purchase Commitment, Period	1 year