Fair Isaac (FICO) 10-K 12 Nov 13 2013 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Oct. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013
Document Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Document Type	'10-K	'	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'	'
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-13	'	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'FY	'	'
Trading Symbol	'FICO	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'FAIR ISAAC CORP	'	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000814547	'	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--09-30	'	'
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	'Yes	'	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'	'
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	34,567,208	'
Entity Public Float	'	'	$1,031,516,584

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$83,178	$71,609
Marketable securities available for sale, current portion	'	22,008
Accounts receivable, net	143,733	142,595
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	22,277	23,113
Total current assets	249,188	259,325
Marketable securities available for sale, less current portion	7,107	5,417
Other investments	11,033	11,083
Property and equipment, net	45,155	41,080
Goodwill	773,931	757,504
Intangible assets, net	57,361	52,299
Deferred income taxes	11,132	22,856
Other assets	6,640	9,047
Total assets	1,161,547	1,158,611
Current liabilities:	'	'
Accounts payable	19,216	18,958
Accrued compensation and employee benefits	39,281	50,043
Other accrued liabilities	35,202	43,645
Deferred revenue	49,181	47,959
Current maturities on debt	23,000	49,000
Total current liabilities	165,880	209,605
Senior notes	447,000	455,000
Other liabilities	17,990	19,600
Total liabilities	630,870	684,205
Commitments and contingencies	'	'
Stockholders' equity:	'	'
Preferred stock ($0.01 par value; 1,000 shares authorized; none issued and outstanding)	'	'
Common stock ($0.01 par value; 200,000 shares authorized, 88,857 shares issued and 34,786 and 34,839 shares outstanding at September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively)	348	348
Paid-in-capital	1,110,198	1,103,611
Treasury stock, at cost (54,071 and 54,018 shares at September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively)	-1,751,057	-1,718,570
Retained earnings	1,192,096	1,104,825
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-20,908	-15,808
Total stockholders' equity	530,677	474,406
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$1,161,547	$1,158,611

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified
Preferred stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	1,000	1,000
Preferred stock, issued	'	'
Preferred stock, outstanding	'	'
Common stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	200,000	200,000
Common stock, shares issued	88,857	88,857
Common stock, shares outstanding	34,786	34,839
Treasury stock, shares	54,071	54,018

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_INC

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012		Sep. 30, 2011
Revenues:	'		'		'
Transactional and maintenance	$514,304		$466,175		$453,430
Professional services	135,194		124,971		115,941
License	93,946		85,277		50,312
Total revenues	743,444		676,423		619,683
Operating expenses:	'		'		'
Cost of revenues	229,468	[1]	197,947	[1]	186,470	[1]
Research and development	66,967		59,527		62,129
Selling, general and administrative	268,395	[1]	238,522	[1]	223,615	[1]
Amortization of intangible assets	13,535	[1]	6,944	[1]	7,741	[1]
Restructuring and acquisition-related	3,486		5,125		12,391
Total operating expenses	581,851		508,065		492,346
Operating income	161,593		168,358		127,337
Interest income	54		317		2,192
Interest expense	-30,281		-31,734		-32,364
Other income (expense), net	618		-698		290
Income before income taxes	131,984		136,243		97,455
Provision for income taxes	41,889		44,239		25,893
Net income	90,095		92,004		71,562
Other comprehensive income (loss):	'		'		'
Unrealized losses on investments, net of tax benefit of $3 and $23, for the years ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively	'		-4		-33
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-5,100		5,905		-1,998
Comprehensive income	$84,995		$97,905		$69,531
Basic earnings per share	$2.55		$2.64		$1.82
Shares used in computing basic earnings per share	35,332		34,909		39,359
Diluted earnings per share	$2.48		$2.55		$1.79
Shares used in computing diluted earnings per share	36,292		36,063		39,988
[1]	Cost of revenues and selling, general and administrative expenses exclude the amortization of intangible assets. See Note 7 to consolidated financial statements.

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_INC1

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Unrealized losses on investments, tax benefit	$3	$23

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_STO

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (USD $)	Total	Common Stock	Paid-in- Capital	Treasury Stock	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
In Thousands
Beginning Balance at Sep. 30, 2010	$474,914	$399	$1,103,244	($1,556,253)	$947,202	($19,678)
Beginning Balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2010	'	39,882	'	'	'	'
Share-based compensation	15,500	'	15,500	'	'	'
Issuance of treasury stock under employee stock plans (in shares)	'	800	'	'	'	'
Issuance of treasury stock under employee stock plans	7,613	8	-17,757	25,362	'	'
Tax effect from share-based payment arrangements	-2,599	'	-2,599	'	'	'
Repurchases of common stock (shares)	'	-3,598	'	'	'	'
Repurchases of common stock	-96,325	-36	'	-96,289	'	'
Dividends paid ($0.08 per share)	-3,140	'	'	'	-3,140	'
Net income	71,562	'	'	'	71,562	'
Unrealized losses on investments, net of tax benefit ($23 for 2011 & $3 for 2012)	-33	'	'	'	'	-33
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-1,998	'	'	'	'	-1,998
Ending Balance at Sep. 30, 2011	465,494	371	1,098,388	-1,627,180	1,015,624	-21,709
Ending Balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2011	'	37,084	'	'	'	'
Share-based compensation	21,229	'	21,229	'	'	'
Issuance of treasury stock under employee stock plans (in shares)	'	2,942	'	'	'	'
Issuance of treasury stock under employee stock plans	70,793	29	-22,085	92,849	'	'
Tax effect from share-based payment arrangements	6,079	'	6,079	'	'	'
Repurchases of common stock (shares)	'	-5,187	'	'	'	'
Repurchases of common stock	-184,291	-52	'	-184,239	'	'
Dividends paid ($0.08 per share)	-2,803	'	'	'	-2,803	'
Net income	92,004	'	'	'	92,004	'
Unrealized losses on investments, net of tax benefit ($23 for 2011 & $3 for 2012)	-4	'	'	'	'	-4
Foreign currency translation adjustments	5,905	'	'	'	'	5,905
Ending Balance at Sep. 30, 2012	474,406	348	1,103,611	-1,718,570	1,104,825	-15,808
Ending Balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2012	'	34,839	'	'	'	'
Share-based compensation	25,850	'	25,850	'	'	'
Issuance of treasury stock under employee stock plans (in shares)	'	1,642	'	'	'	'
Issuance of treasury stock under employee stock plans	30,256	17	-22,150	52,389	'	'
Tax effect from share-based payment arrangements	2,887	'	2,887	'	'	'
Repurchases of common stock (shares)	'	-1,695	'	'	'	'
Repurchases of common stock	-84,893	-17	'	-84,876	'	'
Dividends paid ($0.08 per share)	-2,824	'	'	'	-2,824	'
Net income	90,095	'	'	'	90,095	'
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-5,100	'	'	'	'	-5,100
Ending Balance at Sep. 30, 2013	$530,677	$348	$1,110,198	($1,751,057)	$1,192,096	($20,908)
Ending Balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2013	'	34,786	'	'	'	'

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_STO1

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Dividends paid, per share	$0.08	$0.08	$0.08
Unrealized losses on investments, tax benefit	'	$3	$23

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'	'
Net income	$90,095	$92,004	$71,562
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	33,214	21,549	24,197
Share-based compensation	25,850	21,229	15,500
Deferred income taxes	3,671	-7,121	1,252
Tax effect from share-based payment arrangements	2,887	6,079	-2,599
Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements	-6,362	-8,079	-1,664
Net amortization of premium on marketable securities	8	221	554
Provision of (benefit from) doubtful accounts	327	-122	-583
Net loss on sales of property and equipment	351	63	169
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:	'	'	'
Accounts receivable	1,286	-26,490	8,571
Prepaid expenses and other assets	-822	802	2,060
Accounts payable	-590	6,810	-1,749
Accrued compensation and employee benefits	-11,729	11,314	3,154
Other liabilities	1,823	1,455	18,727
Deferred revenue	-3,889	10,032	-2,995
Net cash provided by operating activities	136,120	129,746	136,156
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'	'
Purchases of property and equipment	-24,147	-25,483	-14,020
Purchases of marketable securities	'	-48,067	-144,224
Proceeds from sale of marketable securities	'	'	13,644
Proceeds from maturities of marketable securities	22,000	131,659	92,759
Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired	-32,874	-123,631	'
Distribution from (purchase of) cost method investees	50	-148	140
Net cash used in investing activities	-34,971	-65,670	-51,701
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'	'
Proceeds from revolving line of credit	30,000	'	'
Payments on revolving line of credit and other short-term loans	-18,676	-5,466	'
Payments on senior notes	-49,000	-8,000	-8,000
Debt issuance costs	'	'	-736
Proceeds from issuance of treasury stock under employee stock plans	30,256	70,793	7,613
Dividends paid	-2,824	-2,803	-3,140
Repurchases of common stock	-82,752	-191,056	-91,422
Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements	6,362	8,079	1,664
Net cash used in financing activities	-86,634	-128,453	-94,021
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	-2,946	234	-881
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	11,569	-64,143	-10,447
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year	71,609	135,752	146,199
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year	83,178	71,609	135,752
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:	'	'	'
Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds of $2,471, $584 and $207 during the years ended September 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively	24,141	36,852	11,460
Cash paid for interest	31,011	31,421	31,974
Supplemental disclosures of non-cash investing and financing activities:	'	'	'
Unsettled repurchases of common stock	2,141	'	6,765
Purchase of property and equipment included in accounts payable	$681	$641	$4,790

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS1

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Cash paid for income taxes, refunds	$2,471	$584	$207

Nature_of_Business_and_Summary

Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	'
	1. 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 and healthcare organizations.
	In these consolidated financial statements, FICO is referred to as “we,” “us,” “our,” or “FICO.”
	Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation
	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of FICO and its subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the dates of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Significant items subject to such estimates and assumptions include, but are not limited to: revenue recognition; recoverability of accounts receivable; valuation of goodwill and intangible assets, including impairment assessment; valuation of share-based compensation; and realizability of deferred tax assets.
	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 10.
	Investments
	Management determines the appropriate classification of our investments in marketable debt and equity securities at the time of purchase, and re-evaluates this designation at each balance sheet date. While it is our intent to hold debt securities to maturity, our investments in U.S. government obligations and marketable equity and debt securities that have readily determinable fair values are classified as available-for-sale, as the sale of such securities may be required prior to maturity to implement management strategies. Therefore, such securities are carried at fair value with unrealized gains or losses related to these securities included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). The fair value of marketable securities is based upon inputs including quoted prices for identical or similar assets. Realized gains and losses are included in other income (expense), net on the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. The cost of investments sold is based on the specific identification method. Losses resulting from other than temporary declines in fair value are charged to operations. Investments with remaining maturities over one year are classified as long-term investments.
	Our investments in equity securities of companies over which we do not have significant influence are accounted for under the cost method. The investment is originally recorded at cost and adjusted for additional contributions or distributions. Management periodically reviews cost-method investments for instances where fair value is less than the carrying amount and the decline in value is determined to be other than temporary. If the decline in value is judged to be other than temporary, the carrying amount of the security is written down to fair value and the resulting loss is charged to operations. We currently do not have investments in which we own 20% to 50% and exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies, therefore we do not account for any investment under the equity method.
	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. 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
	Office furniture and equipment	3 to 7 years
	Leasehold improvements	Shorter of estimated
		useful life or lease term
	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 $19.7 million, $14.6 million and $16.5 million during fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011, 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 and Intangible Assets
	Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired in connection with our business combinations. We test goodwill for impairment at the reporting unit level at least annually during the fourth quarter of each fiscal year and more frequently if impairment indicators are identified. We have determined that our reporting units are the same as our reportable segments. The first step of the goodwill impairment test is a comparison of the fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying value. We estimate the fair values of our reporting units 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. We performed our annual goodwill impairment tests as of July 1, 2013 and 2012, and determined our goodwill was not impaired.
	Finite-lived intangible assets are tested for impairment if impairment indicators arise. We amortize our finite-lived intangible assets which result from our acquisitions over the following estimated useful lives:
		Estimated Useful Life
	Completed technology	4 to 10 years
	Customer contracts and relationships	5 to 15 years
	Trade names	1 to 5 years
	Revenue Recognition
	Software Licenses
	Software license fee revenue is recognized when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, software is made available to our customers, the fee is fixed or determinable and collection is probable. The determination of whether fees are fixed or determinable and collection is probable involves the use of judgment. If at the outset of an arrangement we determine that the arrangement fee is not fixed or determinable, revenue is deferred until the arrangement fee becomes fixed or determinable, assuming all other revenue recognition criteria have been met. If at the outset of an arrangement we determine that collectability is not probable, revenue is deferred until the earlier of when collectability becomes probable or the receipt of payment. If there is uncertainty as to the customer’s acceptance of our deliverables, revenue is not recognized until the earlier of receipt of customer acceptance, expiration of the acceptance period, or when we can demonstrate we meet the acceptance criteria. We evaluate contract terms and customer information to ensure that these criteria are met prior to our recognition of license fee revenue.
	We use the residual method to recognize revenue when a software arrangement includes one or more elements to be delivered at a future date provided the following criteria are met: (i) vendor-specific objective evidence (“VSOE”) of the fair value does not exist for one or more of the delivered items but exists for all undelivered elements, (ii) all other applicable revenue recognition criteria are met and (iii) the fair value of all of the undelivered elements is less than the arrangement fee. VSOE of fair value is based on the normal pricing practices for those products and services when sold separately by us and customer renewal rates for post-contract customer support services. Under the residual method, the fair value of the undelivered elements is deferred and the remaining portion of the arrangement fee is recognized as revenue. If evidence of the fair value of one or more undelivered elements does not exist, the revenue is deferred and recognized when delivery of those elements occurs or when fair value can be established. Changes to the elements in a software arrangement, the ability to identify VSOE for those elements, the fair value of the respective elements, and change to a product’s estimated life cycle could materially impact the amount of earned and unearned revenue.
	Revenues from post-contract customer support services, such as software maintenance, are recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the support period. The majority of our software maintenance agreements provide technical support as well as unspecified software product upgrades and releases when and if made available by us during the term of the support period.
	Transactional-based Revenues
	Transactional-based revenue is recognized when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, fees are fixed or determinable, and collection is reasonably assured. Revenues from our credit scoring, data processing, data management and internet delivery services are recognized as these services are performed. Revenues from transactional or unit-based license fees under software license arrangements, network service and internally-hosted software agreements are recognized based on minimum contractual amounts or on system usage that exceeds minimum contractual amounts. Certain of our transactional-based revenues are based on transaction or active account volumes as reported by our clients. In instances where volumes are reported to us in arrears, we estimate volumes based on preliminary customer transaction information or average actual reported volumes for an immediate trailing period. Differences between our estimates and actual final volumes reported are recorded in the period in which actual volumes are reported. We have not experienced significant variances between our estimates and actual reported volumes in the past and anticipate that we will be able to continue to make reasonable estimates in the future. If for some reason we were unable to reasonably estimate transaction volumes in the future, revenue may be deferred until actual customer data is received, and this could have a material impact on our consolidated results of operations.
	Consulting Services
	We provide consulting, training, model development and software integration services under both hourly-based time and materials and fixed-priced contracts. Revenues from these services are generally recognized as the services are performed. For fixed-price service contracts, we use a proportionate performance model with hours as the input method of attribution to determine progress towards completion, with consideration also given to output measures, such as contract milestones, when applicable. In such instances, management is required to estimate the total estimated hours of the project. Adjustments to estimates are made in the period in which the facts requiring such revisions become known and, accordingly, recognized revenues and profits are subject to revisions as the contract progresses to completion. Estimated losses, if any, are recorded in the period in which current estimates of total contract revenue and contract costs indicate a loss. If substantive uncertainty related to customer acceptance of services exists, we defer the associated revenue until the contract is completed. We have not experienced significant variances between our estimates and actual hours in the past and anticipate that we will be able to continue to make reasonable estimates in the future. If for some reason we are unable to accurately estimate the input measures, revenue would be deferred until the contract is complete, and this could have a material impact on our consolidated results of operations.
	Services that are sold in connection with software license arrangements generally qualify for separate accounting from the license element because they do not involve significant production, modification or customization of our products and are not otherwise considered to be essential to the functionality of our software. In arrangements where the professional services do not qualify for separate accounting from the license element, the combined software license and professional services revenue are recognized based on contract accounting using either the percentage-of-completion or completed-contract method.
	Hosting Services
	We are an application service provider (“ASP”), where we provide hosting services that allow customers access to software that resides on our servers. The ASP model typically includes an up-front fee and a monthly commitment from the customer that commences upon completion of the implementation through the remainder of the customer life. The up-front fee is the initial setup fee, or the implementation fee. The monthly commitment includes, but is not limited to, a fixed monthly fee or a transactional fee based on system usage that exceeds monthly minimums. Revenue is recognized from ASP transactions when there is persuasive evidence of an arrangement, the service has been provided to the customer, the amount of fees is fixed or determinable and the collection of the Company’s fees is probable. We do not view the activities of signing the contract or providing initial setup services as discrete earnings events. Revenue is typically deferred until the date the customer commences use of our services, at which point the up-front fees are recognized ratably over the expected life of the customer relationship. ASP transactional fees are recorded monthly as earned.
	Multiple-Deliverable Arrangements including Non-Software
	When we enter into a multiple-deliverable arrangement that includes non-software, each deliverable is accounted for as a separate unit of accounting if the following criteria are met: (i) the delivered item or items have value to the customer on a standalone basis and (ii) for an arrangement that includes a general right of return relative to the delivered item(s), delivery or performance of the undelivered item(s) is considered probable and substantially in our control. We consider a deliverable to have standalone value if we sell this item separately or if the item is sold by another vendor or could be resold by the customer. Further, our revenue arrangements generally do not include a general right of return relative to delivered products. Revenue for multiple element arrangements is allocated to the software and non-software deliverables based on a relative selling price. We use VSOE in our allocation of arrangement consideration when it is available. We define VSOE as a median price of recent standalone transactions that are priced within a narrow range, as defined by us. If a product or service is seldom sold separately, it is unlikely that we can determine VSOE. In circumstances when VSOE does not exist, we then assess whether we can obtain third-party evidence (“TPE”) of the selling price. It may be difficult for us to obtain sufficient information on competitor pricing to substantiate TPE and therefore we may not always be able to use TPE. When we are unable to establish selling price using VSOE or TPE, we use estimated selling price (“ESP”) in our allocation of arrangement consideration. The objective of ESP is to determine the price at which we would transact if the product or service were sold by us on a standalone basis. Our determination of ESP involves weighting several factors based on the specific facts and circumstances of each arrangement. The factors include, but are not limited to, geographies, market conditions, gross margin objectives, pricing practices and controls, customer segment pricing strategies and the product lifecycle.
	Gross vs. Net Revenue Reporting
	We apply accounting guidance to determine whether we report revenue for certain transactions based upon the gross amount billed to the customer, or the net amount retained by us. In accordance with the guidance we record revenue on a gross basis for sales in which we have acted as the principal and on a net basis for those sales in which we have in substance acted as an agent or broker in the transaction.
	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 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 results of operations and financial position.
	Income Taxes
	We estimate our income taxes based on the various jurisdictions where we conduct business, which involves significant judgment in determining our income tax provision. We estimate our current tax liability using currently enacted tax rates and laws and assess temporary differences that result from differing treatments of certain items for tax and accounting purposes. These differences result in deferred tax assets and liabilities recorded on our balance sheet using the currently enacted tax rates and laws that will apply to taxable income for the years in which those tax assets are expected to be realized or settled. We then assess the likelihood our deferred tax assets will be realized and to the extent we believe realization is not likely, 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; 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 forward foreign currency contracts have maturity periods of less than three months.
At the end of the reporting period, foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities are remeasured into the functional currencies of the reporting entities at current market rates. The change in value from this remeasurement is reported as a foreign exchange gain or loss for that period in other income (expense), net in the accompanying consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. We recorded transactional foreign currency exchange losses of $0.8 million, $1.5 million and $1.0 million during fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
Share-Based Compensation
We account for share-based compensation using the fair value recognition provisions as required in the accounting literature. We estimate the fair value of options granted using the Black-Scholes option valuation model. 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. We estimate the expected term of options granted based on historical exercise patterns. The dividend yield assumption is based on historical dividend payouts. The risk-free interest rate assumption is based on observed interest rates appropriate for the term of our employee options. 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. For options granted, we amortize the fair value on a straight-line basis. All options are amortized over the requisite service periods of the awards, which are generally the vesting periods. If factors change we may decide to use different assumptions under the Black-Scholes option valuation model in the future, which could materially affect our share-based compensation expense, net income and earnings per share. See Note 14 for further discussion of our share-based employee benefit plans.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
We assess potential impairment of long-lived assets and certain identifiable intangible assets with finite lives whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to the future undiscounted net cash flows that are expected to be generated by the asset. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets. We determined that our long-lived assets were not impaired at September 30, 2013 and 2012.
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 $2.5 million, $1.8 million and $1.0 million in fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
New Accounting Pronouncements Recently Issued or Adopted
In December 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued ASU No. 2011-11, “Balance Sheet (Topic 210): Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities.” (ASU 2011-11). ASU 2011-11 provides for additional disclosures of both gross information and net information about both instruments and transactions eligible for offset in the statement of financial position and instruments and transactions subject to an agreement similar to a master netting arrangement. In January 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-01, “Balance Sheet (Topic 210): Clarifying the Scope of Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities.” (ASU 2013-01). ASU 2013-01 clarifies that ordinary trade receivables and payables are not in the scope of ASU 2011-11. Specifically, ASU 2011-11 applies only to derivatives, repurchase agreements and reverse purchase agreements, and securities borrowing and securities lending transactions that are either offset in accordance with specific criteria contained in the FASB Accounting Standards Codification™ or subject to a master netting arrangement or similar agreement. Both ASU 2013-01 and ASU 2011-11 are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning on or after January 1, 2013, which means that they will be effective for our fiscal year beginning October 1, 2013. Retrospective adoption is required. We do not believe that adoption of ASU 2013-01 or ASU 2011-11 will have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-02, “Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income.” (ASU 2013-02). ASU 2013-02 requires reporting entities to provide information about the amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income by component. In addition, reporting entities will be required to present, either on the face of the statement of income and comprehensive income or in the footnotes to the financial statements, significant amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income by statements of income and comprehensive income line item. ASU 2013-02 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning on or after December 15, 2012, which means that it will be effective for our fiscal year beginning October 1, 2013. Early adoption is permitted. We do not believe that adoption of ASU 2013-02 will have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-11, “Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists.” (ASU 2013-11). ASU 2013-11 provides guidance for presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit. ASU 2013-11 provides that a benefit should be presented in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward, except as follows. To the extent a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward is not available at the reporting date under the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction to settle any additional income taxes that would result from the disallowance of a tax position or the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction does not require the entity to use, and the entity does not intend to use, the deferred tax asset for such purpose, the unrecognized tax benefit should be presented in the financial statements as a liability and should not be combined with deferred tax assets. ASU 2013-11 is effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those years, beginning on or after December 15, 2013, which means it will be effective for our fiscal year beginning October 1, 2014. We do not believe that adoption of ASU 2013-11 will have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Business_Combinations

Business Combinations	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Business Combinations	'
	2. Business Combinations
	CR Software
	On November 21, 2012, we acquired 100% of the ownership interest of CR Software, LLC (“CR Software”), a provider of enterprise-class collections and recovery solutions for credit issuers, government organizations, collection agencies, retailers, healthcare and other leading enterprises. The primary objective of the acquisition was to help us accelerate the delivery of robust collections and recovery capabilities to clients across multiple industries and organization sizes.
	The following table summarizes the consideration paid for CR Software and the allocation of purchase price to assets acquired and liabilities assumed, recognized based on a valuation at the acquisition date:
		(In thousands)
	Consideration
	Cash	$	29,649
	Acquisition-related costs (included in the company’s consolidated statement of income and comprehensive income for the year ended September 30, 2013 as a component of restructuring and acquisition-related expense)	$	306
	Recognized amounts of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	1,211
	Accounts receivable, net		2,943
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		119
	Property and equipment, net		238
	Intangible assets:
	Completed technology		10,800
	Customer relationships		5,500
	Trade names		200
	Other assets		28
	Accounts payable		(400	)
	Accrued compensation and employee benefits		(506	)
	Other accrued liabilities		(1,057	)
	Deferred revenue		(178	)
	Notes payable to affiliate		(2,925	)
	Total identifiable net assets		15,973
	Goodwill		13,676
	Total	$	29,649
	The acquired identifiable intangible assets have a weighted average useful life of approximately 8.8 years and are being amortized using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives as follows: completed technology, five to ten years, customer relationships, ten years, and trade names, one year. The goodwill of $13.7 million arising from the acquisition consists largely of the revenue synergies created by market expansion and increasingly rapid innovation for our collections & recovery solutions. The goodwill was allocated to our Applications segment and is not deductible for tax purposes. CR Software has been included in our operating results since the acquisition date.
	Infoglide
	On April 1, 2013, we acquired 100% of the common stock of Infoglide Software, Inc. (“Infoglide”) for $4.4 million in cash. Infoglide is a provider of entity resolution and social network analysis solutions used primarily to improve fraud detection, security and compliance. Infoglide’s solutions expedite fraud investigations and will further differentiate FICO’s fraud solutions in banking, insurance, retail and healthcare, as well as enabling FICO analytics to be applied to fraud, security and compliance challenges across multiple industries, including telecommunications and cyber-security. Infoglide has been included in our operating results since the acquisition date.
	The pro forma impact of these acquisitions was not deemed material to our results of operations for the periods presented.

Cash_Cash_Equivalents_and_Mark

Cash, Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities Available for Sale	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities Available for Sale	'
	3. Cash, Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities Available for Sale
	The following is a summary of cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities available for sale at September 30, 2013 and 2012:
		September 30, 2013									September 30, 2012
		Amortized		Gross			Gross		Fair Value		Amortized		Gross			Gross			Fair Value
		Cost		Unrealized			Unrealized				Cost		Unrealized			Unrealized
				Gains			Losses						Gains			Losses
		(In thousands)
	Cash and Cash Equivalents:
	Cash	$	82,493	$	—		$	—	$	82,493	$	70,965	$	—		$	—		$	70,965
	Money market funds		439		—			—		439		397		—			—			397
	Non U.S. money market funds		246		—			—		246		247		—			—			247
	Total	$	83,178	$	—		$	—	$	83,178	$	71,609	$	—		$	—		$	71,609
	Short-term Marketable Securities:
	U.S. government obligations	$	—	$	—		$	—	$	—	$	20,001	$	—		$	(1	)	$	20,000
	U.S. corporate debt		—		—			—		—		2,007		1			—			2,008
	Total	$	—	$	—		$	—	$	—	$	22,008	$	1		$	(1	)	$	22,008
	Long-term Marketable Securities:
	Marketable equity securities	$	6,006	$	1,101		$	—	$	7,107	$	5,016	$	401		$	—		$	5,417
	Short-term marketable securities mature at various dates over the course of the next twelve months. The long-term marketable equity securities represent securities held under a supplemental retirement and savings plan for senior management employees, which are distributed upon termination or retirement of the employees.
	The following table shows the gross unrealized losses and fair value of our investments with unrealized losses that are not deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position, at September 30, 2012:
		September 30, 2012
		Less than 12 months					12 months or greater				Total
		Fair		Unrealized			Fair		Unrealized		Fair		Unrealized
		Value		Losses			Value		Losses		Value		Losses
		(In thousands)
	Description of Securities:
	U.S. government obligations	$	15,000	$	(1	)	$	—	$	—	$	15,000	$	(1	)
	Total	$	15,000	$	(1	)	$	—	$	—	$	15,000	$	(1	)

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value Measurements	'
	4. 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 equity securities.
		•		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. Our Level 2 assets are comprised of U.S. government and corporate debt obligations that are generally held to maturity.
		•		Level 3 — uses one or more significant inputs that are unobservable and supported by little or no market activity, and that reflect the use of significant management judgment. Level 3 assets and liabilities include those whose fair value measurements are determined using pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies or similar valuation techniques, and significant management judgment or estimation. We do not have any assets or liabilities that are valued using inputs identified under a Level 3 hierarchy.
	The following table represents financial assets that we measured at fair value on a recurring basis at September 30, 2013 and 2012:
	September 30, 2013		Active Markets for		Significant Other		Fair Value as of
			Identical Instruments		Observable Inputs		September 30, 2013
			(Level 1)		(Level 2)
					(In thousands)
	Assets:
	Cash equivalents (1)		$	685	$	—	$	685
	Marketable securities (3)			7,107		—		7,107
	Total		$	7,792	$	—	$	7,792
	September 30, 2012		Active Markets for		Significant Other		Fair Value as of
			Identical Instruments		Observable Inputs		September 30, 2012
			(Level 1)		(Level 2)
					(In thousands)
	Assets:
	Cash equivalents (1)		$	644	$	—	$	644
	U.S. corporate debt (2)			—		2,008		2,008
	U.S. government obligations (2)			—		20,000		20,000
	Marketable securities (3)			5,417		—		5,417
	Total		$	6,061	$	22,008	$	28,069
	-1	Included in cash and cash equivalents on our balance sheet at September 30, 2013 and 2012. Not included in this table are cash deposits of $82.5 million and $71.0 million at September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	-2	Included in current marketable securities on our balance sheet at September 30, 2012.
	-3	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 balance sheet at September 30, 2013 and 2012.
	Where applicable, we use quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities to determine fair value. This pricing applies to our Level 1 investments. To the extent quoted prices in active markets for assets or liabilities are not available, the valuation techniques used to measure the fair values of our financial assets incorporate market inputs, which include reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, benchmark yields, issuer spreads, benchmark securities and other inputs derived from or corroborated by observable market data. This methodology applies to our Level 2 investments. The Company has not changed its valuation techniques in measuring the fair value of any financial assets and liabilities during the period.
	For the fair value of our derivative instruments and Senior Notes, see Note 5 and Note 10 to the consolidated financial statements, respectively.

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen

Derivative Financial Instruments	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Derivative Financial Instruments	'
	5. 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 accounts 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 currency exchange rates. We routinely enter into contracts to offset exposures denominated in the British pound, Euro and Canadian dollar.
	Foreign currency denominated accounts receivable and cash balances are remeasured at foreign currency rates in effect on the balance sheet date with the effects of changes in foreign currency rates reported in other income (expense), net. The forward contracts are not designated as hedges and are marked to market through other income (expense), net. Fair value changes in the forward contracts help mitigate the changes in the value of the remeasured accounts receivable and cash balances attributable to changes in foreign currency exchange rates. The forward contracts are short-term in nature and typically have average maturities at inception of less than three months.
	The following table summarizes our outstanding forward foreign currency contracts, by currency at September 30, 2013 and 2012:
		September 30, 2013
		Contract Amount				Fair Value
		Foreign		US$		US$
		Currency
		(In thousands)
	Sell foreign currency:
	Canadian dollar (CAD)		CAD 4,700	$	4,542	$	—
	Euro (EUR)		EUR 5,400	$	7,307		—
	Buy foreign currency:
	British pound (GBP)		GBP 6,513	$	10,500		—
		September 30, 2012
		Contract Amount				Fair Value
		Foreign		US$		US$
		Currency
		(In thousands)
	Sell foreign currency:
	Canadian dollar (CAD)		CAD 2,750	$	2,794	$	—
	Euro (EUR)		EUR 4,060	$	5,255		—
	Buy foreign currency:
	British pound (GBP)		GBP 6,131	$	9,950		—
	The forward foreign currency contracts were entered into on September 30 of each fiscal year; therefore, their fair value was $0 at September 30, 2013 and 2012.
	Gains on derivative financial instruments are recorded in our consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income as a component of other income (expense), net. These amounts are shown below for the years ended September 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011:
		Year Ended September 30,
		2013		2012		2011
		(in thousands)
	Foreign currency forward contracts	$	25	$	453	$	—

Receivables

Receivables	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Receivables	'
	6. Receivables
	Receivables at September 30, 2013 and 2012 consisted of the following:
			September 30,
			2013			2012
			(In thousands)
	Billed		$	115,640		$	113,514
	Unbilled (1)			31,250			32,487
				146,890			146,001
	Less: allowance for doubtful accounts			(3,157	)		(3,406	)
	Receivables, net		$	143,733		$	142,595
	-1	Represents revenue recorded in excess of amounts billable pursuant to contract provisions and generally become billable at contractually specified dates or upon the attainment of milestones. Unbilled amounts are expected to be realized within one year.
	Activity in the allowance for doubtful accounts was as follows:
			Year Ended September 30,
			2013			2012
			(In thousands)
	Balance, beginning of year		$	3,406		$	3,714
	Add: expense			327			(122	)
	Less: write-offs (net of recoveries)			(576	)		(186	)
	Balance, end of year		$	3,157		$	3,406

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	'
	7. Goodwill and Intangible Assets
	Intangible assets that are subject to amortization consisted of the following at September 30, 2013 and 2012:
		September 30, 2013												September 30, 2012
		(In thousands, except average life)
		Gross			Accumulated			Net			Average			Gross		Accumulated			Net		Average
		Carrying			Amortization						Life			Carrying		Amortization					Life
		Amount												Amount
	Completed technology	$	84,604		$	(53,347	)	$	31,257			5		$	92,437	$	(66,950	)	$	25,487		5
	Customer contracts and relationships		56,321			(30,422	)		25,899			13			73,046		(47,224	)		25,822		12
	Trade names		230			(182	)		48			1			9,801		(9,290	)		511		3
		$	141,155		$	(83,951	)		57,204			8		$	175,284	$	(123,464	)		51,820		11
	Foreign currency translation adjustments								157											479
	Intangible assets, net							$	57,361										$	52,299
	Amortization expense associated with our intangible assets, which has been reflected as a separate operating expense caption within the accompanying consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income, consisted of the following during fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011:
		Year Ended September 30,
		2013			2012			2011
		(In thousands)
	Cost of revenues	$	6,630		$	1,332		$	2,274
	Selling, general and administrative expenses		6,905			5,612			5,467
	Total	$	13,535		$	6,944		$	7,741
	In the table above, cost of revenues reflects our amortization of completed technology, and selling, general and administrative expenses reflect our amortization of other intangible assets.
	Estimated future intangible asset amortization expense associated with intangible assets existing at September 30, 2013, was as follows (in thousands):
	Year Ended September 30,
	2014	$	11,557
	2015		11,409
	2016		11,180
	2017		10,044
	2018		2,866
	Thereafter		10,305
	Total	$	57,361
	The following table summarizes changes to goodwill during fiscal 2013 and 2012, both in total and as allocated to our operating segments. We have not recognized any goodwill impairment losses to date.
		Applications			Scores			Tools			Total
		(In thousands)
	Balance at September 30, 2011	$	451,205		$	146,648		$	66,835		$	664,688
	Addition from acquisition		87,280			—			—			87,280
	Foreign currency translation adjustment		4,458			—			1,078			5,536
	Balance at September 30, 2012		542,943			146,648			67,913			757,504
	Addition from acquisition		17,457			—			—			17,457
	Foreign currency translation adjustment		(862	)		—			(168	)		(1,030	)
	Balance at September 30, 2013	$	559,538		$	146,648		$	67,745		$	773,931

Composition_of_Certain_Financi

Composition of Certain Financial Statement Captions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Composition of Certain Financial Statement Captions	'
	8. Composition of Certain Financial Statement Captions
	The following table presents the composition of property and equipment and other accrued liabilities at September 30, 2013 and 2012:
		September 30,
		2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	Property and equipment:
	Data processing equipment and software	$	139,035		$	161,215
	Office furniture and equipment		11,670			6,963
	Leasehold improvements		24,117			21,341
	Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization		(129,667	)		(148,439	)
	Total	$	45,155		$	41,080
	Other accrued liabilities:
	Interest payable	$	8,519		$	9,747
	Income taxes payable		6,821			11,754
	Other		19,862			22,144
	Total	$	35,202		$	43,645

Revolving_Line_of_Credit

Revolving Line of Credit	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Revolving Line of Credit	'
	9. Revolving Line of Credit
	We have a $200 million unsecured revolving line of credit with a syndicate of banks that expires on September 28, 2016. 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 the Company’s 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 0.50% or (ii) LIBOR plus an applicable margin. The margin on LIBOR borrowings ranges from 1.000% to 1.625% and is determined based on our consolidated leverage ratio. In addition, we must pay utilization fees if borrowings and commitments under the credit facility exceed 50% of the total credit facility commitment, as well as facility fees. The credit facility contains certain restrictive covenants including maintaining a maximum consolidated leverage ratio of 3.0 and a minimum fixed charge ratio of 2.5, and also contains other covenants typical of unsecured facilities. As of September 30, 2013, we had $15.0 million in borrowings outstanding at an interest rate of 1.3125% and were in compliance with all financial covenants under this credit facility.

Senior_Notes

Senior Notes	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Senior Notes	'
	10. Senior Notes
	On May 7, 2008, we issued $275 million of Senior Notes in a private placement to a group of institutional investors (the “2008 Senior Notes”). The 2008 Senior Notes were issued in four series as follows:
	Series	Amount		Interest Rate				Maturity Date
	A	$41 million			6.37	%			May 7, 2013
	B	$40 million			6.37	%			7-May-15
	C	$63 million			6.71	%			7-May-15
	D	$131 million			7.18	%			7-May-18
	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” and, with the 2008 Senior Notes, the “Senior Notes”). The 2010 Senior Notes were issued in four series as follows:
	Series	Amount		Interest Rate				Maturity Date
	E	$60 million			4.72	%			July 14, 2016
	F	$72 million			5.04	%			14-Jul-17
	G	$28 million			5.42	%			14-Jul-19
	H	$85 million			5.59	%			14-Jul-20
	We are required to pay the entire unpaid principal balances of each note series on its maturity date except for Series B notes, which required annual principal payments of $8.0 million starting on May 7, 2011 and ending on May 7, 2015. The Series A note matured on May 7, 2013 and the entire $41 million principal balance was repaid. The Senior Notes require interest payments semi-annually and also include certain restrictive covenants. As of September 30, 2013, we were in compliance with all financial covenants which include the maintenance of consolidated net debt to consolidated EBITDA ratio and a fixed charge coverage ratio. The issuance of the Senior Notes also required us to make certain covenants typical of unsecured facilities.
	The following table presents the principal amounts, carrying amounts, and fair values for our Senior Notes at September 30, 2013 and 2012:
		September 30, 2013										September 30, 2012
		Principal				Carrying				Fair Value		Principal		Carrying		Fair Value
						Amounts								Amounts
		(In thousands)										(In thousands)
	May 2008 $275 million Senior Notes	$	210,000			$	210,000			$	221,393	$	259,000	$	259,000	$	275,201
	July 2010 $245 million Senior Notes	$	245,000			$	245,000			$	241,035	$	245,000	$	245,000	$	243,866
	We measure the fair value of our Senior Notes based on Level 2 inputs, which include quoted market prices and interest rate spreads of similar securities.
	Future principal payments for the Senior Notes are as follows (in thousands):
	Year Ended September 30,
	2014	$	8,000
	2015		71,000
	2016		60,000
	2017		72,000
	2018		131,000
	Thereafter		113,000
	Total	$	455,000

Employee_Benefit_Plans

Employee Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Employee Benefit Plans	'
	11. Employee Benefit Plans
	Defined Contribution Plans
	We sponsor the Fair Isaac Corporation 401(k) plan for eligible employees. 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 $6.3 million, $5.5 million and $5.1 million during fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011, 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 $10.5 million, $17.4 million and $10.1 million during fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Restructuring_Expenses

Restructuring Expenses	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Restructuring Expenses	'
	12. Restructuring Expenses
	During fiscal 2013, we incurred net charges totaling $2.5 million consisting of $1.6 million in facilities charges associated with vacating excess leased space in Minnesota, $1.1 million in severance charges due to the elimination of 52 positions primarily in the U.S., and a reversal of $0.2 million of previously recognized severance costs due to favorable adjustments. Cash payments for all the severance costs were paid during fiscal 2013. Cash payments for substantially all the facilities charges will be paid by the end of fiscal 2014.
	During fiscal 2012, we incurred $4.0 million in severance charges due to the elimination of 85 positions mainly within the product and technology organization of the Company. Cash payments for all the severance costs have been paid by the end of fiscal 2013.
	During fiscal 2011, we incurred charges totaling $12.4 million as a result of $8.2 million in severance charges due to the elimination of 177 positions throughout the company, and $4.2 million in facilities charges associated with vacating excess leased space primarily in Minnesota and Georgia. Cash payments for all the severance costs were paid during fiscal 2011. Cash payments for substantially all the facilities charges have been paid by the end of fiscal 2013.
	The following table summarizes our restructuring accruals associated with the above actions. The current portion and non-current portion was recorded in other accrued current liabilities and other liabilities, respectively, within the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
		Accrual at			Expense		Cash			Expense			Accrual at
		September 30,			Additions		Payments			Reversals			September 30,
		2010											2011
		(In thousands)
	Facilities charges	$	2,836		$	4,226	$	(1,700	)	$	—		$	5,362
	Employee separation		742			8,165		(7,873	)		—			1,034
			3,578		$	12,391	$	(9,573	)	$	—			6,396
	Less: current portion		(1,474	)										(3,062	)
	Non-current	$	2,104										$	3,334
		Accrual at			Expense		Cash			Expense			Accrual at
		September 30,			Additions		Payments			Reversals			September 30,
		2011											2012
		(In thousands)
	Facilities charges	$	5,362		$	—	$	(2,029	)	$	—		$	3,333
	Employee separation		1,034			3,978		(2,541	)		—			2,471
			6,396		$	3,978	$	(4,570	)	$	—			5,804
	Less: current portion		(3,062	)										(4,944	)
	Non-current	$	3,334										$	860
		Accrual at			Expense		Cash			Expense			Accrual at
		September 30,			Additions		Payments			Reversals			September 30,
		2012											2013
		(In thousands)
	Facilities charges	$	3,333		$	1,624	$	(3,225	)	$	—		$	1,732
	Employee separation		2,471			1,095		(3,313	)		(253	)		—
			5,804		$	2,719	$	(6,538	)	$	(253	)		1,732
	Less: current portion		(4,944	)										(1,732	)
	Non-current	$	860										$	—

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Income Taxes	'
	13. Income Taxes
	The provision for income taxes was as follows during fiscal 2013, 2012, and 2011:
		Year ended September 30,
		2013			2012			2011
		(In thousands)
	Current:
	Federal	$	31,469		$	42,502		$	22,019
	State		2,755			4,899			2,873
	Foreign		3,994			3,959			(251	)
			38,218			51,360			24,641
	Deferred:
	Federal		(468	)		(6,843	)		59
	State		2,069			(925	)		(112	)
	Foreign		2,070			647			1,305
			3,671			(7,121	)		1,252
	Total provision	$	41,889		$	44,239		$	25,893
	The foreign provision was based on foreign pretax earnings of $24.3 million, $26.9 million and $20.6 million in fiscal 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively. Current foreign tax expense related to foreign tax withholdings was $4.8 million, $6.3 million and $5.4 million in fiscal 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively. Foreign withholding tax and related foreign tax credits are included in federal current tax expense above.
	Deferred tax assets and liabilities at September 30, 2013 and 2012 were as follows:
		September 30,
		2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	Deferred tax assets:
	Net operating loss carryforward	$	21,529		$	22,120
	Research credit carryforward		4,074			2,310
	Capital loss carryforward		165			91
	Investments		1,101			1,141
	Accrued compensation		1,662			1,297
	Share-based compensation		16,443			20,109
	Deferred revenue		2,139			3,577
	Accrued lease costs		1,127			1,774
	Property and equipment		2,155			3,629
	Other		7,093			14,183
			57,488			70,231
	Less valuation allowance		(8,712	)		(5,425	)
	Total deferred tax assets		48,776			64,806
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Intangible assets		(29,912	)		(31,364	)
	Prepaid expense		(3,526	)		(3,405	)
	Other		(1,515	)		(1,019	)
	Total deferred tax liabilities		(34,953	)		(35,788	)
	Deferred tax assets, net	$	13,823		$	29,018
	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, 2013.
	For fiscal 2013, the increase in the valuation allowance was due to a change in the California tax law in which FICO adopted the single sales factor election that will result in lower income apportioned to California. The lower income apportioned to California in the future will result in FICO not being able to utilize the existing Research & Development Tax credits it had recorded as deferred tax assets. The remaining valuation allowance is associated with operations where the Company has a Net Operating Loss (“NOL”) carryforward where realization remains uncertain.
	As of September 30, 2013, we had available U.S. federal, state and foreign NOL carryforwards of approximately $31.5 million, $6.2 million, and $10.2 million, respectively. The NOLs were acquired in connection with our acquisitions of Braun in fiscal 2005, Adeptra and Entiera in fiscal 2012, and Infoglide in fiscal 2013. The change in NOL during fiscal 2013 was due to utilization of federal NOL and acquisition of Infoglide. The U.S. federal NOL carryforward will expire at various dates beginning in fiscal 2024, if not utilized. The state NOL carryforward will begin to expire at various dates beginning in fiscal 2021, if not utilized. The UK NOL carryforward does not have an expiration date. Utilization of the U.S. federal and state NOL are subject to an annual limitation due to the “change in ownership” provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the “Code”), as amended, and similar state provisions. We also have available excess California state research credit of approximately $3.4 million. The California state research credit does not have an expiration date; however, due to the adoption of the single sales factor election, FICO has recorded a valuation allowance of $3.4 million.
	The reconciliation between the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate of 35% and our effective tax rate is shown below for fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011:
		Year Ended September 30,
		2013			2012			2011
		(In thousands)
	Income tax provision at U.S. federal statutory rate	$	46,194		$	47,685		$	34,117
	State income taxes, net of U.S. federal benefit		2,689			3,663			2,770
	Foreign taxes		(2,855	)		(3,616	)		(9,867	)
	Intercompany dividend		(32	)		2,692			3,822
	Research credits		(2,412	)		(375	)		(2,559	)
	Domestic production deduction		(2,168	)		(3,054	)		(2,494	)
	Tax audit settlements		—			(1,203	)		1,524
	CA Valuation		2,310			—			—
	Other		(1,837	)		(1,553	)		(1,420	)
	Recorded income tax provision	$	41,889		$	44,239		$	25,893
	The 2013 effective tax rate was positively impacted by the reenactment of the U.S. Federal Research and Development Credit. The 2012 effective tax rate was negatively impacted by the expiration of the U.S. Federal Research and Development credit and a one-time tax impact of a legal entity restructuring charge.
	In 2013 and 2012, the foreign taxes consist of tax rate differentials, local country permanent items, and prior years’ true ups.
	In general, it is the practice and intention of the Company to reinvest the earnings of its non-U.S. subsidiaries in those operations. As of September 30, 2013, the Company has not made a provision for U.S. or additional foreign withholding taxes on approximately $48.6 million of the excess of the amount for financial reporting over the tax basis of investments in foreign subsidiaries that are essentially permanent in duration. Generally, such amounts become subject to U.S. taxation upon the remittance of dividends and under certain other circumstances. It is not practicable to estimate the amount of deferred tax liability related to investments in these foreign subsidiaries.
	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 2008. We are currently under audit by the IRS for tax returns filed for fiscal years 2008 through 2012 and by California Franchise Tax Board for fiscal 2006 through 2011. We do not anticipate any adjustments related to those audits that will result in a material change to our consolidated financial statements.
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:
	Year Ended September 30,
	2013			2012			2011
	(In thousands)
Gross unrecognized tax benefits at beginning of year	$	7,501		$	9,539		$	12,286
Gross increases for tax positions in prior years		508			64			547
Gross decreases for tax positions in prior years		—			(2,035	)		—
Gross increases based on tax positions related to the current year		1,000			681			1,000
Decreases for settlements and payments		—			(748	)		(4,294	)
Gross unrecognized tax benefits at end of year	$	9,009		$	7,501		$	9,539
We had $9.0 million of total unrecognized tax benefits as of September 30, 2013. Included in the $9.0 million of total gross unrecognized tax benefits as of September 30, 2013 was $7.2 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 reasonably possible that a $7.0 million reduction of the uncertain tax benefits will occur in the next 12 months.
We recognize interest expense related to unrecognized tax benefits and penalties as part of the provision for income taxes in our consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. We recognize interest earned related to income tax matters as interest income in our consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. As of September 30, 2013, we have accrued interest of $0.9 million related to the unrecognized tax benefits.

StockBased_Employee_Benefit_Pl

Stock-Based Employee Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Stock-Based Employee Benefit Plans	'
	14. Stock-Based Employee Benefit Plans
	Description of Stock Option and Share Plans
	We maintained the 1992 Long-term Incentive Plan (the “1992 Plan”) under which we could grant stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units and common stock to officers, key employees and non-employee directors. The 1992 Plan expired by its terms on February 4, 2012.
	In November 2003, our Board of Directors approved the adoption of the 2003 Employment Inducement Award Plan (the “2003 Plan”). The 2003 Plan reserved 2,250,000 shares of common stock solely for the granting of inducement stock options and other awards, as defined, that met the “employment inducement award” exception to the New York Stock Exchange’s listing standards requiring shareholder approval of equity-based inducement incentive plans. Except for the employment inducement award criteria, awards under the 2003 Plan were generally consistent with those made under our 1992 Plan. The Compensation Committee terminated the 2003 Plan, effective February 7, 2012.
	On February 7, 2012 our shareholders approved the adoption of the 2012 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “2012 Plan”). The 2012 Plan authorizes the issuance of 6,000,000 shares of our common stock. Unused shares under the 1992 Plan and the 2003 Plan will not be available for grants under the 2012 Plan. Under the terms of the 2012 Plan, the pool of shares available for issuance may be used for all types of equity awards available under the 2012 Plan, which include 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 will be eligible to receive awards under the 2012 Plan. As of September 30, 2013, 1,731,492 shares remained available for grants under this plan. The 2012 Plan will terminate on the tenth anniversary of its adoption by our Board of Directors. Stock option awards granted typically have a maximum term of seven years and vest ratably over four years. Stock option awards granted prior to October 1, 2005 under the 1992 Plan typically had a maximum term of ten years and vested ratably over four years.
	Description of Employee Stock Purchase Plan
	Under our Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“Purchase Plan”), we are authorized to issue up to 5,062,500 shares of common stock to eligible employees. Employees may have up to 10% of their base salary withheld through payroll deductions to purchase FICO common stock during semi-annual offering periods. The purchase price of the stock is 85% of the fair market value on the exercise date (the last day of each offering period). Offering period means approximately six-month periods commencing (a) on the first trading day on or after January 1 and terminating on the last trading day in the following June, and (b) on the first trading day on or after July 1 and terminating on the last trading day in the following December. The Purchase Plan was suspended effective January 1, 2009 and employees cannot contribute to the Purchase Plan until the suspension is repealed.
	At September 30, 2013, 2,707,966 shares remained available for issuance.
	Share-Based Compensation Expense
	We recorded share-based compensation expense of $25.9 million, $21.2 million and $15.5 million in fiscal years 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The total tax benefit related to this share-based compensation expense was $9.2 million, $7.8 million and $5.8 million in fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. As of September 30, 2013, there was $54.5 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 2.67 years.
	Determining Fair Value
	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 2013, 2012 and 2011:
		Year Ended September 30,
		2013			2012			2011
	Stock Options:
	Average expected term (years)		4.1			4.31			4.27
	Expected volatility (range)		35-37	%		38-41	%		39-41	%
	Weighted average volatility		37	%		40	%		40	%
	Risk-free interest rate (range)		0.5-1.1	%		0.5-1.5	%		0.6-2.1	%
	Average expected dividend yield		0.2	%		0.3	%		0.3	%
	Expected dividend yield (range)		0.2	%		0.2-0.3	%		0.3	%
	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. The dividend yield assumption is based on historical dividend payouts.
	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 fair value of restricted stock units granted is the fair value of our common stock on the date of grant adjusted for the expected dividend yield. We amortize the fair value on a straight-line basis over the vesting period.
	Stock-Based Activity
	The following table summarizes option activity during fiscal 2013:
		Shares			Weighted-			Weighted-			Aggregate
					average			average			Intrinsic Value
					Exercise			Remaining
					Price			Contractual
								Term
		(In thousands)						(In years)			(In thousands)
	Outstanding at October 1, 2012		4,034		$	33.01
	Granted		757			42.86
	Exercised		(1,360	)		31.79
	Forfeited		(334	)		26.03
	Expired		(410	)		44.73
	Outstanding at September 30, 2013		2,687		$	35.48			4.86		$	53,203
	Options exercisable at September 30, 2013		942		$	32.57			3.57		$	21,388
	Vested and expected to vest at September 30, 2013		2,435		$	35.03			4.78		$	49,312
	The weighted average fair value of options granted were $12.53, $12.32 and $8.02 during fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding at September 30, 2013 was calculated as the difference between the exercise price of the underlying options and the market price of our common stock for all 2.7 million outstanding shares, which had exercise prices lower than the $55.28 market price of our common stock at September 30, 2013. The total intrinsic value of options exercised was $19.8 million, $31.2 million and $4.4 million during fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, determined as of the date of exercise.
	The following table summarizes restricted stock unit activity during fiscal 2013:
		Shares			Weighted-
					average
					Price
		(In thousands)
	Outstanding at October 1, 2012		1,732		$	33.31
	Granted		782			42.59
	Released		(603	)		30.08
	Forfeited		(195	)		34.57
	Outstanding at September 30, 2013		1,716			38.54
	The weighted average fair value of restricted stock units granted were $42.27, $37.8 and $24.38 during fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The total intrinsic value of restricted stock units that vested was $26.7 million, $15.5 million and $9.7 million during fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, determined as of the date of vesting.
	In fiscal 2013 we received $30.3 million in cash from stock option exercises, with the tax benefit realized for the tax deductions from these exercises of $6.8 million.
	Due primarily to our ongoing program of repurchasing shares on the open market, we had approximately 54.1 million treasury shares at September 30, 2013. We satisfy stock option exercises, Purchase Plan issuances and vesting of restricted stock units from this pool of treasury shares.

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share	'
	15. Earnings Per Share
	The following table reconciles the numerators and denominators of basic and diluted earnings per share (“EPS”) during fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011:
		Year Ended September 30,
		2013		2012		2011
		(In thousands, except per share data)
	Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per share — net income	$	90,095	$	92,004	$	71,562
	Denominator — share:
	Basic weighted-average shares		35,332		34,909		39,359
	Effect of dilutive securities		960		1,154		629
	Diluted weighted-average shares		36,292		36,063		39,988
	Earnings per share:
	Basic	$	2.55	$	2.64	$	1.82
	Diluted	$	2.48	$	2.55	$	1.79
	The computation of diluted EPS excludes options to purchase approximately 111,000, 1,420,000, and 3,598,000 shares of common stock for fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, because the options’ exercise prices exceeded the average market price of our common stock in these fiscal years and their inclusion would be antidilutive.

Related_Party_Transactions

Related Party Transactions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Related Party Transactions	'
	16. Related Party Transactions
	We have a $10 million investment in convertible preferred stock of a private company. The company is developing a range of products focused on revenue cycle activities for hospitals and healthcare providers. Related party revenue was immaterial for the years ended September 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011. The accounts receivable balance from this company was not significant as of September 30, 2013 and 2012.

Segment_Information

Segment Information	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Information	'
	17. Segment Information
	We are organized into the following three reportable segments to align with internal management of our worldwide business operations based on product offerings.
		•		Applications. Our Applications products are pre-configured Decision Management applications and associated professional services, designed for a specific type of business problem or process, such as marketing, account origination, customer management, fraud and insurance claims management.
		•		Scores. This segment includes our business-to-business scoring solutions, our myFICO® solutions for consumers and associated professional services. Our scoring solutions give our clients access to analytics that can be easily integrated into their transaction streams and decision-making processes. Our scoring solutions are distributed through major credit reporting agencies, as well as services through which we provide our scores to clients directly.
		•		Tools. The Tools segment is composed of software tools and associated professional services that clients can use to create their own custom Decision Management applications.
	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 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 2013, 2012 and 2011:
			Year Ended September 30, 2013
			Applications			Scores			Tools			Unallocated			Total
												Corporate
												Expenses
			(In thousands)
	Segment revenues:
	Transactional and maintenance		$	306,738		$	175,281		$	32,285		$	—		$	514,304
	Professional services			110,081			4,012			21,101			—			135,194
	License			59,265			1,520			33,161			—			93,946
	Total segment revenues			476,084			180,813			86,547			—			743,444
	Segment operating expense			(346,222	)		(51,781	)		(70,011	)		(70,966	)		(538,980	)
	Segment operating income		$	129,862		$	129,032		$	16,536		$	(70,966	)		204,464
	Unallocated share-based compensation expense															(25,850	)
	Unallocated amortization expense															(13,535	)
	Unallocated restructuring and acquisition-related															(3,486	)
	Operating income															161,593
	Unallocated interest income															54
	Unallocated interest expense															(30,281	)
	Unallocated other expense, net															618
	Income before income taxes														$	131,984
	Depreciation expense		$	14,171		$	867		$	1,998		$	2,643		$	19,679
			Year Ended September 30, 2012
			Applications			Scores			Tools			Unallocated			Total
												Corporate
												Expenses
			(In thousands)
	Segment revenues:
	Transactional and maintenance		$	263,726		$	172,218		$	30,231		$	—		$	466,175
	Professional services			104,637			2,382			17,952			—			124,971
	License			56,241			1,023			28,013			—			85,277
	Total segment revenues			424,604			175,623			76,196			—			676,423
	Segment operating expense			(291,778	)		(52,687	)		(58,597	)		(71,705	)		(474,767	)
	Segment operating income		$	132,826		$	122,936		$	17,599		$	(71,705	)		201,656
	Unallocated share-based compensation expense															(21,229	)
	Unallocated amortization expense															(6,944	)
	Unallocated restructuring and acquisition-related															(5,125	)
	Operating income															168,358
	Unallocated interest income															317
	Unallocated interest expense															(31,734	)
	Unallocated other expense, net															(698	)
	Income before income taxes														$	136,243
	Depreciation expense		$	11,321		$	724		$	1,258		$	1,302		$	14,605
			Year Ended September 30, 2011
			Applications			Scores			Tools			Unallocated			Total
												Corporate
												Expenses
			(In thousands)
	Segment revenues:
	Transactional and maintenance		$	258,736		$	164,918		$	29,776		$	—		$	453,430
	Professional services			100,921			2,102			12,918			—			115,941
	License			23,371			1,547			25,394			—			50,312
	Total segment revenues			383,028			168,567			68,088			—			619,683
	Segment operating expense			(276,467	)		(55,169	)		(54,398	)		(70,680	)		(456,714	)
	Segment operating income		$	106,561		$	113,398		$	13,690		$	(70,680	)		162,969
	Unallocated share-based compensation expense															(15,500	)
	Unallocated amortization expense															(7,741	)
Unallocated restructuring and acquisition-related															(12,391	)
Operating income															127,337
Unallocated interest income															2,192
Unallocated interest expense															(32,364	)
Unallocated other income, net															290
Income before income taxes														$	97,455
Depreciation expense		$	12,784		$	1,007		$	1,667		$	998		$	16,456
Our revenues and percentage of revenues by reportable market segments were as follows for fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011, the majority of which were derived from the sale of products and services within the banking (including consumer credit) industry:
		Year Ended September 30,
		2013						2012						2011
		(Dollars in thousands)
Applications		$	476,084			64	%	$	424,604			63	%	$	383,028		62	%
Scores			180,813			24	%		175,623			26	%		168,567		27	%
Tools			86,547			12	%		76,196			11	%		68,088		11	%
Total		$	743,444			100	%	$	676,423			100	%	$	619,683		100	%
Within our Applications segment our fraud solutions accounted for 22%, 25% and 23% of total revenues in each of fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively; our customer management solutions accounted for 11%, 13% and 13% of total revenues, in each of these periods, respectively; and our collections & recovery solutions accounted for 9%, 8% and 8% for each of these periods, respectively.
Our revenues and percentage of revenues on a geographical basis are summarized below for fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011.
		Year Ended September 30,
		2013						2012						2011
		(Dollars in thousands)
United States		$	449,437			60	%	$	410,178			61	%	$	389,676		63	%
United Kingdom			79,238			11	%		66,964			10	%		58,941		9	%
Other countries			214,769			29	%		199,281			29	%		171,066		28	%
Total		$	743,444			100	%	$	676,423			100	%	$	619,683		100	%
During fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011, no individual customer accounted for 10% or more of our total revenues; however, we derive a substantial portion of revenues from our contracts with the three major credit reporting agencies, TransUnion, Equifax and Experian. Revenues collectively generated by agreements with these customers accounted for 16%, 18% and 18% of our total revenues in fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. At September 30, 2013 and 2012, 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, 2013 and 2012. At September 30, 2013 and 2012, no individual country outside of the United States accounted for 10% or more of total consolidated net property and equipment.
		September 30,
		2013						2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
United States		$	39,737			88	%	$	35,571			87	%
International			5,418			12	%		5,509			13	%
Total		$	45,155			100	%	$	41,080			100	%

Commitments

Commitments	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Commitments	'
	18. Commitments
	Minimum future commitments under non-cancelable operating leases and other obligations were as follows at September 30, 2013:
	Year Ended September 30,	Future
		Minimum
		Lease
		Commitments
		(In thousands)
	2014	$	24,676
	2015		19,173
	2016		16,267
	2017		12,628
	2018		11,104
	Thereafter		21,350
	Total	$	105,198
	Lease Commitments
	The above amounts have contractual sublease commitments totaling $1.1 million in fiscal 2014. We occupy the majority of our facilities under non-cancelable operating leases with lease terms in excess of one year. Such facility leases generally provide for annual increases based upon the Consumer Price Index or fixed increments. Rent expense under operating leases, including month-to-month leases, totaled $22.1 million, $21.3 million and $21.1 million during fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	Other 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 25 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, 2013
Contingencies	'
	19. 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, 2013
Guarantees	'
	20. 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, 2013
Supplementary Financial Data (Unaudited)	'
	21. 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, 2013. 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,
			2013		2013		2013		2012
			(In thousands, except per share data)
	Revenues		$	190,327	$	183,772	$	179,325	$	190,020
	Cost of revenues (2)			56,809		57,655		58,856		56,148
	Gross profit			133,518		126,117		120,469		133,872
	Net income		$	28,557	$	19,622	$	18,495	$	23,421
	Earnings per share (1):
	Basic		$	0.81	$	0.55	$	0.52	$	0.67
	Diluted		$	0.79	$	0.54	$	0.51	$	0.65
	Shares used in computing earnings per share:
	Basic			35,132		35,499		35,664		35,043
	Diluted			36,151		36,385		36,492		36,151
			Quarter Ended
			September 30,		June 30,		March 31,		December 31,
			2012		2012		2012		2011
			(In thousands, except per share data)
	Revenues		$	186,075	$	160,478	$	159,521	$	170,349
	Cost of revenues (2)			55,327		47,832		48,814		45,974
	Gross profit			130,748		112,646		110,707		124,375
	Net income		$	21,246	$	20,749	$	20,012	$	29,997
	Earnings per share (1):
	Basic		$	0.62	$	0.61	$	0.57	$	0.83
	Diluted		$	0.6	$	0.59	$	0.55	$	0.81
	Shares used in computing earnings per share:
	Basic			34,262		34,004		35,331		36,034
	Diluted			35,513		35,293		36,552		36,887
	-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.
	-2	Cost of revenues excludes amortization expense of $1.7 million, $1.7 million, $1.7 million, $1.5 million, $0.5 million, $0.1 million, $0.1 million and $0.6 million for the quarters ended September 30, 2013, June 30, 2013, March 31, 2013, December 31, 2012, September 30, 2012, June 30, 2012, March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.

Nature_of_Business_and_Summary1

Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation	'
	Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation
	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
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the dates of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Significant items subject to such estimates and assumptions include, but are not limited to: revenue recognition; recoverability of accounts receivable; valuation of goodwill and intangible assets, including impairment assessment; valuation of share-based compensation; and realizability of deferred tax assets.
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
	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 10.
Investments	'
	Investments
	Management determines the appropriate classification of our investments in marketable debt and equity securities at the time of purchase, and re-evaluates this designation at each balance sheet date. While it is our intent to hold debt securities to maturity, our investments in U.S. government obligations and marketable equity and debt securities that have readily determinable fair values are classified as available-for-sale, as the sale of such securities may be required prior to maturity to implement management strategies. Therefore, such securities are carried at fair value with unrealized gains or losses related to these securities included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). The fair value of marketable securities is based upon inputs including quoted prices for identical or similar assets. Realized gains and losses are included in other income (expense), net on the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. The cost of investments sold is based on the specific identification method. Losses resulting from other than temporary declines in fair value are charged to operations. Investments with remaining maturities over one year are classified as long-term investments.
	Our investments in equity securities of companies over which we do not have significant influence are accounted for under the cost method. The investment is originally recorded at cost and adjusted for additional contributions or distributions. Management periodically reviews cost-method investments for instances where fair value is less than the carrying amount and the decline in value is determined to be other than temporary. If the decline in value is judged to be other than temporary, the carrying amount of the security is written down to fair value and the resulting loss is charged to operations. We currently do not have investments in which we own 20% to 50% and exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies, therefore we do not account for any investment under the equity method.
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. 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
	Office furniture and equipment	3 to 7 years
	Leasehold improvements	Shorter of estimated
		useful life or lease term
	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 $19.7 million, $14.6 million and $16.5 million during fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
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 and Intangible Assets
	Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired in connection with our business combinations. We test goodwill for impairment at the reporting unit level at least annually during the fourth quarter of each fiscal year and more frequently if impairment indicators are identified. We have determined that our reporting units are the same as our reportable segments. The first step of the goodwill impairment test is a comparison of the fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying value. We estimate the fair values of our reporting units 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. We performed our annual goodwill impairment tests as of July 1, 2013 and 2012, and determined our goodwill was not impaired.
	Finite-lived intangible assets are tested for impairment if impairment indicators arise. We amortize our finite-lived intangible assets which result from our acquisitions over the following estimated useful lives:
		Estimated Useful Life
	Completed technology	4 to 10 years
	Customer contracts and relationships	5 to 15 years
	Trade names	1 to 5 years
Revenue Recognition	'
	Revenue Recognition
	Software Licenses
	Software license fee revenue is recognized when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, software is made available to our customers, the fee is fixed or determinable and collection is probable. The determination of whether fees are fixed or determinable and collection is probable involves the use of judgment. If at the outset of an arrangement we determine that the arrangement fee is not fixed or determinable, revenue is deferred until the arrangement fee becomes fixed or determinable, assuming all other revenue recognition criteria have been met. If at the outset of an arrangement we determine that collectability is not probable, revenue is deferred until the earlier of when collectability becomes probable or the receipt of payment. If there is uncertainty as to the customer’s acceptance of our deliverables, revenue is not recognized until the earlier of receipt of customer acceptance, expiration of the acceptance period, or when we can demonstrate we meet the acceptance criteria. We evaluate contract terms and customer information to ensure that these criteria are met prior to our recognition of license fee revenue.
	We use the residual method to recognize revenue when a software arrangement includes one or more elements to be delivered at a future date provided the following criteria are met: (i) vendor-specific objective evidence (“VSOE”) of the fair value does not exist for one or more of the delivered items but exists for all undelivered elements, (ii) all other applicable revenue recognition criteria are met and (iii) the fair value of all of the undelivered elements is less than the arrangement fee. VSOE of fair value is based on the normal pricing practices for those products and services when sold separately by us and customer renewal rates for post-contract customer support services. Under the residual method, the fair value of the undelivered elements is deferred and the remaining portion of the arrangement fee is recognized as revenue. If evidence of the fair value of one or more undelivered elements does not exist, the revenue is deferred and recognized when delivery of those elements occurs or when fair value can be established. Changes to the elements in a software arrangement, the ability to identify VSOE for those elements, the fair value of the respective elements, and change to a product’s estimated life cycle could materially impact the amount of earned and unearned revenue.
	Revenues from post-contract customer support services, such as software maintenance, are recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the support period. The majority of our software maintenance agreements provide technical support as well as unspecified software product upgrades and releases when and if made available by us during the term of the support period.
	Transactional-based Revenues
	Transactional-based revenue is recognized when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, fees are fixed or determinable, and collection is reasonably assured. Revenues from our credit scoring, data processing, data management and internet delivery services are recognized as these services are performed. Revenues from transactional or unit-based license fees under software license arrangements, network service and internally-hosted software agreements are recognized based on minimum contractual amounts or on system usage that exceeds minimum contractual amounts. Certain of our transactional-based revenues are based on transaction or active account volumes as reported by our clients. In instances where volumes are reported to us in arrears, we estimate volumes based on preliminary customer transaction information or average actual reported volumes for an immediate trailing period. Differences between our estimates and actual final volumes reported are recorded in the period in which actual volumes are reported. We have not experienced significant variances between our estimates and actual reported volumes in the past and anticipate that we will be able to continue to make reasonable estimates in the future. If for some reason we were unable to reasonably estimate transaction volumes in the future, revenue may be deferred until actual customer data is received, and this could have a material impact on our consolidated results of operations.
	Consulting Services
	We provide consulting, training, model development and software integration services under both hourly-based time and materials and fixed-priced contracts. Revenues from these services are generally recognized as the services are performed. For fixed-price service contracts, we use a proportionate performance model with hours as the input method of attribution to determine progress towards completion, with consideration also given to output measures, such as contract milestones, when applicable. In such instances, management is required to estimate the total estimated hours of the project. Adjustments to estimates are made in the period in which the facts requiring such revisions become known and, accordingly, recognized revenues and profits are subject to revisions as the contract progresses to completion. Estimated losses, if any, are recorded in the period in which current estimates of total contract revenue and contract costs indicate a loss. If substantive uncertainty related to customer acceptance of services exists, we defer the associated revenue until the contract is completed. We have not experienced significant variances between our estimates and actual hours in the past and anticipate that we will be able to continue to make reasonable estimates in the future. If for some reason we are unable to accurately estimate the input measures, revenue would be deferred until the contract is complete, and this could have a material impact on our consolidated results of operations.
	Services that are sold in connection with software license arrangements generally qualify for separate accounting from the license element because they do not involve significant production, modification or customization of our products and are not otherwise considered to be essential to the functionality of our software. In arrangements where the professional services do not qualify for separate accounting from the license element, the combined software license and professional services revenue are recognized based on contract accounting using either the percentage-of-completion or completed-contract method.
	Hosting Services
	We are an application service provider (“ASP”), where we provide hosting services that allow customers access to software that resides on our servers. The ASP model typically includes an up-front fee and a monthly commitment from the customer that commences upon completion of the implementation through the remainder of the customer life. The up-front fee is the initial setup fee, or the implementation fee. The monthly commitment includes, but is not limited to, a fixed monthly fee or a transactional fee based on system usage that exceeds monthly minimums. Revenue is recognized from ASP transactions when there is persuasive evidence of an arrangement, the service has been provided to the customer, the amount of fees is fixed or determinable and the collection of the Company’s fees is probable. We do not view the activities of signing the contract or providing initial setup services as discrete earnings events. Revenue is typically deferred until the date the customer commences use of our services, at which point the up-front fees are recognized ratably over the expected life of the customer relationship. ASP transactional fees are recorded monthly as earned.
	Multiple-Deliverable Arrangements including Non-Software
	When we enter into a multiple-deliverable arrangement that includes non-software, each deliverable is accounted for as a separate unit of accounting if the following criteria are met: (i) the delivered item or items have value to the customer on a standalone basis and (ii) for an arrangement that includes a general right of return relative to the delivered item(s), delivery or performance of the undelivered item(s) is considered probable and substantially in our control. We consider a deliverable to have standalone value if we sell this item separately or if the item is sold by another vendor or could be resold by the customer. Further, our revenue arrangements generally do not include a general right of return relative to delivered products. Revenue for multiple element arrangements is allocated to the software and non-software deliverables based on a relative selling price. We use VSOE in our allocation of arrangement consideration when it is available. We define VSOE as a median price of recent standalone transactions that are priced within a narrow range, as defined by us. If a product or service is seldom sold separately, it is unlikely that we can determine VSOE. In circumstances when VSOE does not exist, we then assess whether we can obtain third-party evidence (“TPE”) of the selling price. It may be difficult for us to obtain sufficient information on competitor pricing to substantiate TPE and therefore we may not always be able to use TPE. When we are unable to establish selling price using VSOE or TPE, we use estimated selling price (“ESP”) in our allocation of arrangement consideration. The objective of ESP is to determine the price at which we would transact if the product or service were sold by us on a standalone basis. Our determination of ESP involves weighting several factors based on the specific facts and circumstances of each arrangement. The factors include, but are not limited to, geographies, market conditions, gross margin objectives, pricing practices and controls, customer segment pricing strategies and the product lifecycle.
	Gross vs. Net Revenue Reporting
	We apply accounting guidance to determine whether we report revenue for certain transactions based upon the gross amount billed to the customer, or the net amount retained by us. In accordance with the guidance we record revenue on a gross basis for sales in which we have acted as the principal and on a net basis for those sales in which we have in substance acted as an agent or broker in the transaction.
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 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 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 balance sheet using the currently enacted tax rates and laws that will apply to taxable income for the years in which those tax assets are expected to be realized or settled. We then assess the likelihood our deferred tax assets will be realized and to the extent we believe realization is not likely, 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; 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 forward foreign currency contracts have maturity periods of less than three months.
	At the end of the reporting period, foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities are remeasured into the functional currencies of the reporting entities at current market rates. The change in value from this remeasurement is reported as a foreign exchange gain or loss for that period in other income (expense), net in the accompanying consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. We recorded transactional foreign currency exchange losses of $0.8 million, $1.5 million and $1.0 million during fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
Share-Based Compensation	'
	Share-Based Compensation
	We account for share-based compensation using the fair value recognition provisions as required in the accounting literature. We estimate the fair value of options granted using the Black-Scholes option valuation model. 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. We estimate the expected term of options granted based on historical exercise patterns. The dividend yield assumption is based on historical dividend payouts. The risk-free interest rate assumption is based on observed interest rates appropriate for the term of our employee options. 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. For options granted, we amortize the fair value on a straight-line basis. All options are amortized over the requisite service periods of the awards, which are generally the vesting periods. If factors change we may decide to use different assumptions under the Black-Scholes option valuation model in the future, which could materially affect our share-based compensation expense, net income and earnings per share. See Note 14 for further discussion of our share-based employee benefit plans.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets	'
	Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
	We assess potential impairment of long-lived assets and certain identifiable intangible assets with finite lives whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to the future undiscounted net cash flows that are expected to be generated by the asset. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets. We determined that our long-lived assets were not impaired at September 30, 2013 and 2012.
Advertising and Promotion Costs	'
	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 $2.5 million, $1.8 million and $1.0 million in fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
New Accounting Pronouncements Recently Issued or Adopted	'
	New Accounting Pronouncements Recently Issued or Adopted
	In December 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued ASU No. 2011-11, “Balance Sheet (Topic 210): Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities.” (ASU 2011-11). ASU 2011-11 provides for additional disclosures of both gross information and net information about both instruments and transactions eligible for offset in the statement of financial position and instruments and transactions subject to an agreement similar to a master netting arrangement. In January 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-01, “Balance Sheet (Topic 210): Clarifying the Scope of Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities.” (ASU 2013-01). ASU 2013-01 clarifies that ordinary trade receivables and payables are not in the scope of ASU 2011-11. Specifically, ASU 2011-11 applies only to derivatives, repurchase agreements and reverse purchase agreements, and securities borrowing and securities lending transactions that are either offset in accordance with specific criteria contained in the FASB Accounting Standards Codification™ or subject to a master netting arrangement or similar agreement. Both ASU 2013-01 and ASU 2011-11 are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning on or after January 1, 2013, which means that they will be effective for our fiscal year beginning October 1, 2013. Retrospective adoption is required. We do not believe that adoption of ASU 2013-01 or ASU 2011-11 will have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.
	In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-02, “Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income.” (ASU 2013-02). ASU 2013-02 requires reporting entities to provide information about the amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income by component. In addition, reporting entities will be required to present, either on the face of the statement of income and comprehensive income or in the footnotes to the financial statements, significant amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income by statements of income and comprehensive income line item. ASU 2013-02 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning on or after December 15, 2012, which means that it will be effective for our fiscal year beginning October 1, 2013. Early adoption is permitted. We do not believe that adoption of ASU 2013-02 will have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.
	In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-11, “Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists.” (ASU 2013-11). ASU 2013-11 provides guidance for presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit. ASU 2013-11 provides that a benefit should be presented in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward, except as follows. To the extent a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward is not available at the reporting date under the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction to settle any additional income taxes that would result from the disallowance of a tax position or the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction does not require the entity to use, and the entity does not intend to use, the deferred tax asset for such purpose, the unrecognized tax benefit should be presented in the financial statements as a liability and should not be combined with deferred tax assets. ASU 2013-11 is effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those years, beginning on or after December 15, 2013, which means it will be effective for our fiscal year beginning October 1, 2014. We do not believe that adoption of ASU 2013-11 will have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Nature_of_Business_and_Summary2

Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
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
	Office furniture and equipment	3 to 7 years
	Leasehold improvements	Shorter of estimated
		useful life or lease term
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 to 10 years
	Customer contracts and relationships	5 to 15 years
	Trade names	1 to 5 years

Business_Combinations_Tables

Business Combinations (Tables) (CR Software, LLC)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
CR Software, LLC	'
Consideration Paid and Amounts for Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed	'
	The following table summarizes the consideration paid for CR Software and the allocation of purchase price to assets acquired and liabilities assumed, recognized based on a valuation at the acquisition date:
		(In thousands)
	Consideration
	Cash	$	29,649
	Acquisition-related costs (included in the company’s consolidated statement of income and comprehensive income for the year ended September 30, 2013 as a component of restructuring and acquisition-related expense)	$	306
	Recognized amounts of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	1,211
	Accounts receivable, net		2,943
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		119
	Property and equipment, net		238
	Intangible assets:
	Completed technology		10,800
	Customer relationships		5,500
	Trade names		200
	Other assets		28
	Accounts payable		(400	)
	Accrued compensation and employee benefits		(506	)
	Other accrued liabilities		(1,057	)
	Deferred revenue		(178	)
	Notes payable to affiliate		(2,925	)
	Total identifiable net assets		15,973
	Goodwill		13,676
	Total	$	29,649

Cash_Cash_Equivalents_and_Mark1

Cash, Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities Available for Sale (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Summary of Cash, Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities Available for Sale	'
	The following is a summary of cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities available for sale at September 30, 2013 and 2012:
		September 30, 2013									September 30, 2012
		Amortized		Gross			Gross		Fair Value		Amortized		Gross			Gross			Fair Value
		Cost		Unrealized			Unrealized				Cost		Unrealized			Unrealized
				Gains			Losses						Gains			Losses
		(In thousands)
	Cash and Cash Equivalents:
	Cash	$	82,493	$	—		$	—	$	82,493	$	70,965	$	—		$	—		$	70,965
	Money market funds		439		—			—		439		397		—			—			397
	Non U.S. money market funds		246		—			—		246		247		—			—			247
	Total	$	83,178	$	—		$	—	$	83,178	$	71,609	$	—		$	—		$	71,609
	Short-term Marketable Securities:
	U.S. government obligations	$	—	$	—		$	—	$	—	$	20,001	$	—		$	(1	)	$	20,000
	U.S. corporate debt		—		—			—		—		2,007		1			—			2,008
	Total	$	—	$	—		$	—	$	—	$	22,008	$	1		$	(1	)	$	22,008
	Long-term Marketable Securities:
	Marketable equity securities	$	6,006	$	1,101		$	—	$	7,107	$	5,016	$	401		$	—		$	5,417
Gross Unrealized Losses and Fair Value of Investments	'
	The following table shows the gross unrealized losses and fair value of our investments with unrealized losses that are not deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position, at September 30, 2012:
		September 30, 2012
		Less than 12 months					12 months or greater				Total
		Fair		Unrealized			Fair		Unrealized		Fair		Unrealized
		Value		Losses			Value		Losses		Value		Losses
		(In thousands)
	Description of Securities:
	U.S. government obligations	$	15,000	$	(1	)	$	—	$	—	$	15,000	$	(1	)
	Total	$	15,000	$	(1	)	$	—	$	—	$	15,000	$	(1	)

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
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, 2013 and 2012:
	September 30, 2013		Active Markets for		Significant Other		Fair Value as of
			Identical Instruments		Observable Inputs		September 30, 2013
			(Level 1)		(Level 2)
					(In thousands)
	Assets:
	Cash equivalents (1)		$	685	$	—	$	685
	Marketable securities (3)			7,107		—		7,107
	Total		$	7,792	$	—	$	7,792
	September 30, 2012		Active Markets for		Significant Other		Fair Value as of
			Identical Instruments		Observable Inputs		September 30, 2012
			(Level 1)		(Level 2)
					(In thousands)
	Assets:
	Cash equivalents (1)		$	644	$	—	$	644
	U.S. corporate debt (2)			—		2,008		2,008
	U.S. government obligations (2)			—		20,000		20,000
	Marketable securities (3)			5,417		—		5,417
	Total		$	6,061	$	22,008	$	28,069
	-1	Included in cash and cash equivalents on our balance sheet at September 30, 2013 and 2012. Not included in this table are cash deposits of $82.5 million and $71.0 million at September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	-2	Included in current marketable securities on our balance sheet at September 30, 2012.
	-3	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 balance sheet at September 30, 2013 and 2012.

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen1

Derivative Financial Instruments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Schedule of Notional Amounts of Outstanding Derivative Positions	'
	The following table summarizes our outstanding forward foreign currency contracts, by currency at September 30, 2013 and 2012:
		September 30, 2013
		Contract Amount				Fair Value
		Foreign		US$		US$
		Currency
		(In thousands)
	Sell foreign currency:
	Canadian dollar (CAD)		CAD 4,700	$	4,542	$	—
	Euro (EUR)		EUR 5,400	$	7,307		—
	Buy foreign currency:
	British pound (GBP)		GBP 6,513	$	10,500		—
		September 30, 2012
		Contract Amount				Fair Value
		Foreign		US$		US$
		Currency
		(In thousands)
	Sell foreign currency:
	Canadian dollar (CAD)		CAD 2,750	$	2,794	$	—
	Euro (EUR)		EUR 4,060	$	5,255		—
	Buy foreign currency:
	British pound (GBP)		GBP 6,131	$	9,950		—
Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) in Statement of Financial Performance	'
	Gains on derivative financial instruments are recorded in our consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income as a component of other income (expense), net. These amounts are shown below for the years ended September 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011:
		Year Ended September 30,
		2013		2012		2011
		(in thousands)
	Foreign currency forward contracts	$	25	$	453	$	—

Receivables_Tables

Receivables (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Receivables	'
	Receivables at September 30, 2013 and 2012 consisted of the following:
			September 30,
			2013			2012
			(In thousands)
	Billed		$	115,640		$	113,514
	Unbilled (1)			31,250			32,487
				146,890			146,001
	Less: allowance for doubtful accounts			(3,157	)		(3,406	)
	Receivables, net		$	143,733		$	142,595
	-1	Represents revenue recorded in excess of amounts billable pursuant to contract provisions and generally become billable at contractually specified dates or upon the attainment of milestones. Unbilled amounts are expected to be realized within one year.
Activity of Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	'
	Activity in the allowance for doubtful accounts was as follows:
			Year Ended September 30,
			2013			2012
			(In thousands)
	Balance, beginning of year		$	3,406		$	3,714
	Add: expense			327			(122	)
	Less: write-offs (net of recoveries)			(576	)		(186	)
	Balance, end of year		$	3,157		$	3,406

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets1

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization	'
	Intangible assets that are subject to amortization consisted of the following at September 30, 2013 and 2012:
		September 30, 2013												September 30, 2012
		(In thousands, except average life)
		Gross			Accumulated			Net			Average			Gross		Accumulated			Net		Average
		Carrying			Amortization						Life			Carrying		Amortization					Life
		Amount												Amount
	Completed technology	$	84,604		$	(53,347	)	$	31,257			5		$	92,437	$	(66,950	)	$	25,487		5
	Customer contracts and relationships		56,321			(30,422	)		25,899			13			73,046		(47,224	)		25,822		12
	Trade names		230			(182	)		48			1			9,801		(9,290	)		511		3
		$	141,155		$	(83,951	)		57,204			8		$	175,284	$	(123,464	)		51,820		11
	Foreign currency translation adjustments								157											479
	Intangible assets, net							$	57,361										$	52,299
Schedule of Amortization Expense	'
	Amortization expense associated with our intangible assets, which has been reflected as a separate operating expense caption within the accompanying consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income, consisted of the following during fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011:
		Year Ended September 30,
		2013			2012			2011
		(In thousands)
	Cost of revenues	$	6,630		$	1,332		$	2,274
	Selling, general and administrative expenses		6,905			5,612			5,467
	Total	$	13,535		$	6,944		$	7,741
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense	'
	Estimated future intangible asset amortization expense associated with intangible assets existing at September 30, 2013, was as follows (in thousands):
	Year Ended September 30,
	2014	$	11,557
	2015		11,409
	2016		11,180
	2017		10,044
	2018		2,866
	Thereafter		10,305
	Total	$	57,361
Schedule of Goodwill	'
	The following table summarizes changes to goodwill during fiscal 2013 and 2012, both in total and as allocated to our operating segments. We have not recognized any goodwill impairment losses to date.
		Applications			Scores			Tools			Total
		(In thousands)
	Balance at September 30, 2011	$	451,205		$	146,648		$	66,835		$	664,688
	Addition from acquisition		87,280			—			—			87,280
	Foreign currency translation adjustment		4,458			—			1,078			5,536
	Balance at September 30, 2012		542,943			146,648			67,913			757,504
	Addition from acquisition		17,457			—			—			17,457
	Foreign currency translation adjustment		(862	)		—			(168	)		(1,030	)
	Balance at September 30, 2013	$	559,538		$	146,648		$	67,745		$	773,931

Composition_of_Certain_Financi1

Composition of Certain Financial Statement Captions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment	'
	The following table presents the composition of property and equipment and other accrued liabilities at September 30, 2013 and 2012:
		September 30,
		2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	Property and equipment:
	Data processing equipment and software	$	139,035		$	161,215
	Office furniture and equipment		11,670			6,963
	Leasehold improvements		24,117			21,341
	Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization		(129,667	)		(148,439	)
	Total	$	45,155		$	41,080
Other Accrued Liabilities	'
	Other accrued liabilities:
	Interest payable	$	8,519		$	9,747
	Income taxes payable		6,821			11,754
	Other		19,862			22,144
	Total	$	35,202		$	43,645

Senior_Notes_Tables

Senior Notes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Senior Notes	'
	The 2008 Senior Notes were issued in four series as follows:
	Series	Amount		Interest Rate				Maturity Date
	A	$41 million			6.37	%			May 7, 2013
	B	$40 million			6.37	%			7-May-15
	C	$63 million			6.71	%			7-May-15
	D	$131 million			7.18	%			7-May-18
	Series	Amount		Interest Rate				Maturity Date
	E	$60 million			4.72	%			July 14, 2016
	F	$72 million			5.04	%			14-Jul-17
	G	$28 million			5.42	%			14-Jul-19
	H	$85 million			5.59	%			14-Jul-20
Principal Amounts Carrying amounts and Fair Values of Senior Notes	'
	The following table presents the principal amounts, carrying amounts, and fair values for our Senior Notes at September 30, 2013 and 2012:
		September 30, 2013										September 30, 2012
		Principal				Carrying				Fair Value		Principal		Carrying		Fair Value
						Amounts								Amounts
		(In thousands)										(In thousands)
	May 2008 $275 million Senior Notes	$	210,000			$	210,000			$	221,393	$	259,000	$	259,000	$	275,201
	July 2010 $245 million Senior Notes	$	245,000			$	245,000			$	241,035	$	245,000	$	245,000	$	243,866
Future Principal Payments For the Senior Notes	'
	Future principal payments for the Senior Notes are as follows (in thousands):
	Year Ended September 30,
	2014	$	8,000
	2015		71,000
	2016		60,000
	2017		72,000
	2018		131,000
	Thereafter		113,000
	Total	$	455,000

Restructuring_Expenses_Tables

Restructuring Expenses (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs	'
	The following table summarizes our restructuring accruals associated with the above actions. The current portion and non-current portion was recorded in other accrued current liabilities and other liabilities, respectively, within the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
		Accrual at			Expense		Cash			Expense			Accrual at
		September 30,			Additions		Payments			Reversals			September 30,
		2010											2011
		(In thousands)
	Facilities charges	$	2,836		$	4,226	$	(1,700	)	$	—		$	5,362
	Employee separation		742			8,165		(7,873	)		—			1,034
			3,578		$	12,391	$	(9,573	)	$	—			6,396
	Less: current portion		(1,474	)										(3,062	)
	Non-current	$	2,104										$	3,334
		Accrual at			Expense		Cash			Expense			Accrual at
		September 30,			Additions		Payments			Reversals			September 30,
		2011											2012
		(In thousands)
	Facilities charges	$	5,362		$	—	$	(2,029	)	$	—		$	3,333
	Employee separation		1,034			3,978		(2,541	)		—			2,471
			6,396		$	3,978	$	(4,570	)	$	—			5,804
	Less: current portion		(3,062	)										(4,944	)
	Non-current	$	3,334										$	860
		Accrual at			Expense		Cash			Expense			Accrual at
		September 30,			Additions		Payments			Reversals			September 30,
		2012											2013
		(In thousands)
	Facilities charges	$	3,333		$	1,624	$	(3,225	)	$	—		$	1,732
	Employee separation		2,471			1,095		(3,313	)		(253	)		—
			5,804		$	2,719	$	(6,538	)	$	(253	)		1,732
	Less: current portion		(4,944	)										(1,732	)
	Non-current	$	860										$	—

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Provision for Income Taxes	'
	The provision for income taxes was as follows during fiscal 2013, 2012, and 2011:
		Year ended September 30,
		2013			2012			2011
		(In thousands)
	Current:
	Federal	$	31,469		$	42,502		$	22,019
	State		2,755			4,899			2,873
	Foreign		3,994			3,959			(251	)
			38,218			51,360			24,641
	Deferred:
	Federal		(468	)		(6,843	)		59
	State		2,069			(925	)		(112	)
	Foreign		2,070			647			1,305
			3,671			(7,121	)		1,252
	Total provision	$	41,889		$	44,239		$	25,893
Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities	'
	Deferred tax assets and liabilities at September 30, 2013 and 2012 were as follows:
		September 30,
		2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	Deferred tax assets:
	Net operating loss carryforward	$	21,529		$	22,120
	Research credit carryforward		4,074			2,310
	Capital loss carryforward		165			91
	Investments		1,101			1,141
	Accrued compensation		1,662			1,297
	Share-based compensation		16,443			20,109
	Deferred revenue		2,139			3,577
	Accrued lease costs		1,127			1,774
	Property and equipment		2,155			3,629
	Other		7,093			14,183
			57,488			70,231
	Less valuation allowance		(8,712	)		(5,425	)
	Total deferred tax assets		48,776			64,806
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Intangible assets		(29,912	)		(31,364	)
	Prepaid expense		(3,526	)		(3,405	)
	Other		(1,515	)		(1,019	)
	Total deferred tax liabilities		(34,953	)		(35,788	)
	Deferred tax assets, net	$	13,823		$	29,018
Reconciliation Between Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate and Effective Tax Rate	'
	The reconciliation between the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate of 35% and our effective tax rate is shown below for fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011:
		Year Ended September 30,
		2013			2012			2011
		(In thousands)
	Income tax provision at U.S. federal statutory rate	$	46,194		$	47,685		$	34,117
	State income taxes, net of U.S. federal benefit		2,689			3,663			2,770
	Foreign taxes		(2,855	)		(3,616	)		(9,867	)
	Intercompany dividend		(32	)		2,692			3,822
	Research credits		(2,412	)		(375	)		(2,559	)
	Domestic production deduction		(2,168	)		(3,054	)		(2,494	)
	Tax audit settlements		—			(1,203	)		1,524
	CA Valuation		2,310			—			—
	Other		(1,837	)		(1,553	)		(1,420	)
	Recorded income tax provision	$	41,889		$	44,239		$	25,893
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,
		2013			2012			2011
		(In thousands)
	Gross unrecognized tax benefits at beginning of year	$	7,501		$	9,539		$	12,286
	Gross increases for tax positions in prior years		508			64			547
	Gross decreases for tax positions in prior years		—			(2,035	)		—
	Gross increases based on tax positions related to the current year		1,000			681			1,000
	Decreases for settlements and payments		—			(748	)		(4,294	)
	Gross unrecognized tax benefits at end of year	$	9,009		$	7,501		$	9,539

StockBased_Employee_Benefit_Pl1

Stock-Based Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
AssumptionsUsed to Estimate Fair Value of 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 2013, 2012 and 2011:
		Year Ended September 30,
		2013			2012			2011
	Stock Options:
	Average expected term (years)		4.1			4.31			4.27
	Expected volatility (range)		35-37	%		38-41	%		39-41	%
	Weighted average volatility		37	%		40	%		40	%
	Risk-free interest rate (range)		0.5-1.1	%		0.5-1.5	%		0.6-2.1	%
	Average expected dividend yield		0.2	%		0.3	%		0.3	%
	Expected dividend yield (range)		0.2	%		0.2-0.3	%		0.3	%
Summary of Option Activity	'
	The following table summarizes option activity during fiscal 2013:
		Shares			Weighted-			Weighted-			Aggregate
					average			average			Intrinsic Value
					Exercise			Remaining
					Price			Contractual
								Term
		(In thousands)						(In years)			(In thousands)
	Outstanding at October 1, 2012		4,034		$	33.01
	Granted		757			42.86
	Exercised		(1,360	)		31.79
	Forfeited		(334	)		26.03
	Expired		(410	)		44.73
	Outstanding at September 30, 2013		2,687		$	35.48			4.86		$	53,203
	Options exercisable at September 30, 2013		942		$	32.57			3.57		$	21,388
	Vested and expected to vest at September 30, 2013		2,435		$	35.03			4.78		$	49,312
Summary of Restricted Stock Unit Activity	'
	The following table summarizes restricted stock unit activity during fiscal 2013:
		Shares			Weighted-
					average
					Price
		(In thousands)
	Outstanding at October 1, 2012		1,732		$	33.31
	Granted		782			42.59
	Released		(603	)		30.08
	Forfeited		(195	)		34.57
	Outstanding at September 30, 2013		1,716			38.54

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Reconciliation of Numerators and Denominators of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share	'
	The following table reconciles the numerators and denominators of basic and diluted earnings per share (“EPS”) during fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011:
		Year Ended September 30,
		2013		2012		2011
		(In thousands, except per share data)
	Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per share — net income	$	90,095	$	92,004	$	71,562
	Denominator — share:
	Basic weighted-average shares		35,332		34,909		39,359
	Effect of dilutive securities		960		1,154		629
	Diluted weighted-average shares		36,292		36,063		39,988
	Earnings per share:
	Basic	$	2.55	$	2.64	$	1.82
	Diluted	$	2.48	$	2.55	$	1.79

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment	'
	The following tables summarize segment information for fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011:
		Year Ended September 30, 2013
		Applications			Scores			Tools			Unallocated			Total
											Corporate
											Expenses
		(In thousands)
	Segment revenues:
	Transactional and maintenance	$	306,738		$	175,281		$	32,285		$	—		$	514,304
	Professional services		110,081			4,012			21,101			—			135,194
	License		59,265			1,520			33,161			—			93,946
	Total segment revenues		476,084			180,813			86,547			—			743,444
	Segment operating expense		(346,222	)		(51,781	)		(70,011	)		(70,966	)		(538,980	)
	Segment operating income	$	129,862		$	129,032		$	16,536		$	(70,966	)		204,464
	Unallocated share-based compensation expense														(25,850	)
	Unallocated amortization expense														(13,535	)
	Unallocated restructuring and acquisition-related														(3,486	)
	Operating income														161,593
	Unallocated interest income														54
	Unallocated interest expense														(30,281	)
	Unallocated other expense, net														618
	Income before income taxes													$	131,984
	Depreciation expense	$	14,171		$	867		$	1,998		$	2,643		$	19,679
		Year Ended September 30, 2012
		Applications			Scores			Tools			Unallocated			Total
											Corporate
											Expenses
		(In thousands)
	Segment revenues:
	Transactional and maintenance	$	263,726		$	172,218		$	30,231		$	—		$	466,175
	Professional services		104,637			2,382			17,952			—			124,971
	License		56,241			1,023			28,013			—			85,277
	Total segment revenues		424,604			175,623			76,196			—			676,423
	Segment operating expense		(291,778	)		(52,687	)		(58,597	)		(71,705	)		(474,767	)
	Segment operating income	$	132,826		$	122,936		$	17,599		$	(71,705	)		201,656
	Unallocated share-based compensation expense														(21,229	)
	Unallocated amortization expense														(6,944	)
	Unallocated restructuring and acquisition-related														(5,125	)
	Operating income														168,358
	Unallocated interest income														317
	Unallocated interest expense														(31,734	)
	Unallocated other expense, net														(698	)
	Income before income taxes													$	136,243
	Depreciation expense	$	11,321		$	724		$	1,258		$	1,302		$	14,605
		Year Ended September 30, 2011
		Applications			Scores			Tools			Unallocated			Total
											Corporate
											Expenses
		(In thousands)
	Segment revenues:
	Transactional and maintenance	$	258,736		$	164,918		$	29,776		$	—		$	453,430
	Professional services		100,921			2,102			12,918			—			115,941
	License		23,371			1,547			25,394			—			50,312
	Total segment revenues		383,028			168,567			68,088			—			619,683
	Segment operating expense		(276,467	)		(55,169	)		(54,398	)		(70,680	)		(456,714	)
	Segment operating income	$	106,561		$	113,398		$	13,690		$	(70,680	)		162,969
	Unallocated share-based compensation expense														(15,500	)
	Unallocated amortization expense														(7,741	)
	Unallocated restructuring and acquisition-related														(12,391	)
	Operating income														127,337
	Unallocated interest income														2,192
	Unallocated interest expense														(32,364	)
	Unallocated other income, net														290
	Income before income taxes													$	97,455
Depreciation expense	$	12,784		$	1,007		$	1,667		$	998		$	16,456
Revenues and Percentage of Revenues by Reportable Market Segments	'
	Our revenues and percentage of revenues by reportable market segments were as follows for fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011, the majority of which were derived from the sale of products and services within the banking (including consumer credit) industry:
		Year Ended September 30,
		2013						2012						2011
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Applications	$	476,084			64	%	$	424,604			63	%	$	383,028		62	%
	Scores		180,813			24	%		175,623			26	%		168,567		27	%
	Tools		86,547			12	%		76,196			11	%		68,088		11	%
	Total	$	743,444			100	%	$	676,423			100	%	$	619,683		100	%
Revenues and Percentage of Revenues on Geographical Basis	'
	Our revenues and percentage of revenues on a geographical basis are summarized below for fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011.
		Year Ended September 30,
		2013						2012						2011
		(Dollars in thousands)
	United States	$	449,437			60	%	$	410,178			61	%	$	389,676		63	%
	United Kingdom		79,238			11	%		66,964			10	%		58,941		9	%
	Other countries		214,769			29	%		199,281			29	%		171,066		28	%
	Total	$	743,444			100	%	$	676,423			100	%	$	619,683		100	%
Property and Equipment Net on Geographical Basis	'
	At September 30, 2013 and 2012, no individual country outside of the United States accounted for 10% or more of total consolidated net property and equipment.
		September 30,
		2013						2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
	United States	$	39,737			88	%	$	35,571			87	%
	International		5,418			12	%		5,509			13	%
	Total	$	45,155			100	%	$	41,080			100	%

Commitments_Tables

Commitments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Minimum Future Commitments Under Non-Cancelable Operating Leases and Other Obligations	'
	Minimum future commitments under non-cancelable operating leases and other obligations were as follows at September 30, 2013:
	Year Ended September 30,	Future
		Minimum
		Lease
		Commitments
		(In thousands)
	2014	$	24,676
	2015		19,173
	2016		16,267
	2017		12,628
	2018		11,104
	Thereafter		21,350
	Total	$	105,198

Supplementary_Financial_Data_U1

Supplementary Financial Data (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Selected Unaudited Consolidated Financial Results	'
	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,
			2013		2013		2013		2012
			(In thousands, except per share data)
	Revenues		$	190,327	$	183,772	$	179,325	$	190,020
	Cost of revenues (2)			56,809		57,655		58,856		56,148
	Gross profit			133,518		126,117		120,469		133,872
	Net income		$	28,557	$	19,622	$	18,495	$	23,421
	Earnings per share (1):
	Basic		$	0.81	$	0.55	$	0.52	$	0.67
	Diluted		$	0.79	$	0.54	$	0.51	$	0.65
	Shares used in computing earnings per share:
	Basic			35,132		35,499		35,664		35,043
	Diluted			36,151		36,385		36,492		36,151
			Quarter Ended
			September 30,		June 30,		March 31,		December 31,
			2012		2012		2012		2011
			(In thousands, except per share data)
	Revenues		$	186,075	$	160,478	$	159,521	$	170,349
	Cost of revenues (2)			55,327		47,832		48,814		45,974
	Gross profit			130,748		112,646		110,707		124,375
	Net income		$	21,246	$	20,749	$	20,012	$	29,997
	Earnings per share (1):
	Basic		$	0.62	$	0.61	$	0.57	$	0.83
	Diluted		$	0.6	$	0.59	$	0.55	$	0.81
	Shares used in computing earnings per share:
	Basic			34,262		34,004		35,331		36,034
	Diluted			35,513		35,293		36,552		36,887
	-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.
	-2	Cost of revenues excludes amortization expense of $1.7 million, $1.7 million, $1.7 million, $1.5 million, $0.5 million, $0.1 million, $0.1 million and $0.6 million for the quarters ended September 30, 2013, June 30, 2013, March 31, 2013, December 31, 2012, September 30, 2012, June 30, 2012, March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.

Estimated_Useful_Life_of_Prope

Estimated Useful Life of Property and Equipment (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Data processing equipment and software	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Property and equipment, estimated useful life	'3 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

Nature_of_Business_and_Summary3

Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization, property and equipment	$19.70	$14.60	$16.50
Foreign currency exchange gains (losses)	-0.8	-1.5	-1
Advertising and promotion costs	$2.50	$1.80	$1

Estimated_Useful_Life_of_Defin

Estimated Useful Life of Definite-Lived Intangible Assets (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Completed technology | Minimum	'
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'
Finite-lived intangible assets, estimated useful life	'4 years
Completed technology | Maximum	'
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'
Finite-lived intangible assets, estimated useful life	'10 years
Customer relationships | Minimum	'
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'
Finite-lived intangible assets, estimated useful life	'5 years
Customer relationships | Maximum	'
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'
Finite-lived intangible assets, estimated useful life	'15 years
Trade names | Minimum	'
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'
Finite-lived intangible assets, estimated useful life	'1 year
Trade names | Maximum	'
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'
Finite-lived intangible assets, estimated useful life	'5 years

Business_Combinations_Addition

Business Combinations - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2011

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Nov. 21, 2012

Nov. 21, 2012

Nov. 21, 2012

Nov. 21, 2012

Nov. 21, 2012

Apr. 02, 2013

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Completed technology

Completed technology

Customer relationships

Customer relationships

Trade names

Trade names

CR Software, LLC

CR Software, LLC

CR Software, LLC

CR Software, LLC

CR Software, LLC

Infoglide Software, Inc. (Infoglide)

Minimum

Maximum

Minimum

Maximum

Minimum

Maximum

Completed technology

Completed technology

Customer relationships

Trade names

Minimum

Maximum

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Common stock acquired

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

100.00%

'

'

'

'

100.00%

Acquired identifiable intangible assets weighted average useful life

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'8 years 9 months 18 days

'

'

'

'

'

Estimated useful life

'

'

'

'4 years

'10 years

'5 years

'15 years

'1 year

'5 years

'

'5 years

'10 years

'10 years

'1 year

'

Goodwill

$773,931

$757,504

$664,688

'

'

'

'

'

'

$13,676

'

'

'

'

'

Cash consideration

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$29,649

'

'

'

'

$4,400

Consideration_Paid_for_CR_Soft

Consideration Paid for CR Software and Amounts for Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Nov. 21, 2012	Nov. 21, 2012	Nov. 21, 2012	Nov. 21, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified				CR Software, LLC	CR Software, LLC	CR Software, LLC	CR Software, LLC
					Completed technology	Customer relationships	Trade names
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Cash	'	'	'	$29,649	'	'	'
Acquisition-related costs (included in the company's consolidated statement of income and comprehensive income for the year ended September 30, 2013 as a component of restructuring and acquisition-related expense)	'	'	'	306	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	'	'	'	1,211	'	'	'
Accounts receivable, net	'	'	'	2,943	'	'	'
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	'	'	'	119	'	'	'
Property and equipment, net	'	'	'	238	'	'	'
Intangible assets:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Intangible assets	'	'	'	'	10,800	5,500	200
Other assets	'	'	'	28	'	'	'
Accounts payable	'	'	'	-400	'	'	'
Accrued compensation and employee benefits	'	'	'	-506	'	'	'
Other accrued liabilities	'	'	'	-1,057	'	'	'
Deferred revenue	'	'	'	-178	'	'	'
Notes payable to affiliate	'	'	'	-2,925	'	'	'
Total identifiable net assets	'	'	'	15,973	'	'	'
Goodwill	773,931	757,504	664,688	13,676	'	'	'
Total	'	'	'	$29,649	'	'	'

Summary_of_Cash_Cash_Equivalen

Summary of Cash, Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities Available for Sale (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Cash and Cash Equivalents	'	'
Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	$83,178	$71,609
Fair Value	83,178	71,609
Cash and Cash Equivalents | Cash equivalents	'	'
Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	82,493	70,965
Fair Value	82,493	70,965
Cash and Cash Equivalents | Money Market Funds	'	'
Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	439	397
Fair Value	439	397
Cash and Cash Equivalents | Non U.S money market funds	'	'
Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	246	247
Fair Value	246	247
Short-term marketable securities	'	'
Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	'	22,008
Gross Unrealized Gains	'	1
Gross Unrealized Losses	'	-1
Fair Value	'	22,008
Short-term marketable securities | U.S. government obligations	'	'
Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	'	20,001
Gross Unrealized Losses	'	-1
Fair Value	'	20,000
Short-term marketable securities | U.S. corporate debt	'	'
Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	'	2,007
Gross Unrealized Gains	'	1
Fair Value	'	2,008
Long-term marketable securities | Marketable Equity Securities	'	'
Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	6,006	5,016
Gross Unrealized Gains	1,101	401
Fair Value	$7,107	$5,417

Cash_Cash_Equivalents_and_Mark2

Cash, Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities Available for Sale - Additional Information (Detail) (Maximum)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Maximum	'
Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities [Line Items]	'
Short-term marketable securities, maturity period	'12 months

Gross_Unrealized_Losses_and_Fa

Gross Unrealized Losses and Fair Value of Investments (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2012
Investments, Unrealized Loss Position [Line Items]	'
Less than 12 months, Fair Value	$15,000
Less than 12 months, Unrealized Losses	-1
12 months or greater, Fair Value	'
12 months or greater, Unrealized Losses	'
Total, Fair Value	15,000
Total, Unrealized Losses	-1
U.S. government obligations	'
Investments, Unrealized Loss Position [Line Items]	'
Less than 12 months, Fair Value	15,000
Less than 12 months, Unrealized Losses	-1
12 months or greater, Fair Value	'
12 months or greater, Unrealized Losses	'
Total, Fair Value	15,000
Total, Unrealized Losses	($1)

Financial_Assets_Measured_at_F

Financial Assets Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis (Detail) (Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring, USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets:	'		'
Total	$7,792		$28,069
Cash equivalents	'		'
Assets:	'		'
Cash equivalents	685	[1]	644	[1]
U.S. corporate debt	'		'
Assets:	'		'
Marketable securities available-for-sale	'		2,008	[2]
U.S. government obligations	'		'
Assets:	'		'
Marketable securities available-for-sale	'		20,000	[2]
Marketable securities	'		'
Assets:	'		'
Marketable securities available-for-sale	7,107	[3]	5,417	[3]
Active Markets for Identical Instruments (Level 1)	'		'
Assets:	'		'
Total	7,792		6,061
Active Markets for Identical Instruments (Level 1) | Cash equivalents	'		'
Assets:	'		'
Cash equivalents	685	[1]	644	[1]
Active Markets for Identical Instruments (Level 1) | Marketable securities	'		'
Assets:	'		'
Marketable securities available-for-sale	7,107	[3]	5,417	[3]
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)	'		'
Assets:	'		'
Total	'		22,008
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | U.S. corporate debt	'		'
Assets:	'		'
Marketable securities available-for-sale	'		2,008	[2]
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | U.S. government obligations	'		'
Assets:	'		'
Marketable securities available-for-sale	'		$20,000	[2]
[1]	Included in cash and cash equivalents on our balance sheet at September 30, 2013 and 2012. Not included in this table are cash deposits of $82.5 million and $71.0 million at September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
[2]	Included in current marketable securities on our balance sheet at September 30, 2012.
[3]	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 balance sheet at September 30, 2013 and 2012.

Financial_Assets_Measured_at_F1

Financial Assets Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis (Parenthetical) (Detail) (Cash, USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Cash	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Cash deposits	$82.50	$71

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen2

Derivative Financial Instruments - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
		Foreign currency forward contracts	Foreign currency forward contracts
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'
Short-term forward contracts, average maturities at inception	'3 months	'	'
Forward foreign currency contracts fair value	'	$0	$0

Summary_of_Outstanding_Forward

Summary of Outstanding Forward Foreign Currency Contracts by Currency (Detail)

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Foreign Exchange Contracts to Sell Canadian Dollar for US Dollar

Foreign Exchange Contracts to Sell Canadian Dollar for US Dollar

Foreign Exchange Contracts to Sell Canadian Dollar for US Dollar

Foreign Exchange Contracts to Sell Canadian Dollar for US Dollar

Foreign Exchange Contracts to Sell Canadian Dollar for US Dollar

Foreign Exchange Contracts to Sell Canadian Dollar for US Dollar

Foreign Exchange Contracts To Sell European Euro for US Dollar

Foreign Exchange Contracts To Sell European Euro for US Dollar

Foreign Exchange Contracts To Sell European Euro for US Dollar

Foreign Exchange Contracts To Sell European Euro for US Dollar

Foreign Exchange Contracts To Sell European Euro for US Dollar

Foreign Exchange Contracts To Sell European Euro for US Dollar

Foreign Exchange Contracts To Purchase British Pounds With US Dollars

Foreign Exchange Contracts To Purchase British Pounds With US Dollars

Foreign Exchange Contracts To Purchase British Pounds With US Dollars

Foreign Exchange Contracts To Purchase British Pounds With US Dollars

Foreign Exchange Contracts To Purchase British Pounds With US Dollars

Foreign Exchange Contracts To Purchase British Pounds With US Dollars

USD ($)

USD ($)

Foreign currency forward contracts

Foreign currency forward contracts

Foreign currency forward contracts

Foreign currency forward contracts

USD ($)

USD ($)

Foreign currency forward contracts

Foreign currency forward contracts

Foreign currency forward contracts

Foreign currency forward contracts

USD ($)

USD ($)

Foreign currency forward contracts

Foreign currency forward contracts

Foreign currency forward contracts

Foreign currency forward contracts

Short

Short

Short

Short

Short

Short

Short

Short

Short

Short

Short

Short

Not Designated as Hedging Instrument

Not Designated as Hedging Instrument

Not Designated as Hedging Instrument

Not Designated as Hedging Instrument

Not Designated as Hedging Instrument

Not Designated as Hedging Instrument

Not Designated as Hedging Instrument

Not Designated as Hedging Instrument

Not Designated as Hedging Instrument

Not Designated as Hedging Instrument

Not Designated as Hedging Instrument

Not Designated as Hedging Instrument

USD ($)

CAD

USD ($)

CAD

USD ($)

EUR (€)

USD ($)

EUR (€)

USD ($)

GBP (£)

USD ($)

GBP (£)

Derivative [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Contract amount of forward foreign currency contracts

'

'

$4,542

4,700

$2,794

2,750

'

'

$7,307

€ 5,400

$5,255

€ 4,060

'

'

$10,500

£ 6,513

$9,950

£ 6,131

Fair value of forward foreign currency contracts to sell and buy foreign currency

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gains_Losses_on_Derivative_Fin

Gains Losses on Derivative Financial Instruments Recorded in Consolidated Statements of Income (Detail) (Foreign currency forward contracts, USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Foreign currency forward contracts	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Foreign currency forward contracts	$25	$453

Receivables_Detail

Receivables (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012		Sep. 30, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'		'
Billed	$115,640		$113,514		'
Unbilled	31,250	[1]	32,487	[1]	'
Receivables, Gross, Current, Total	146,890		146,001		'
Less: allowance for doubtful accounts	-3,157		-3,406		-3,714
Receivables, net	$143,733		$142,595		'
[1]	Represents revenue recorded in excess of amounts billable pursuant to contract provisions and generally become billable at contractually specified dates or upon the attainment of milestones. Unbilled amounts are expected to be realized within one year.

Activity_of_Allowance_for_Doub

Activity of Allowance for Doubtful Accounts (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'	'
Balance, beginning of year	$3,406	$3,714	'
Add: expense	327	-122	-583
Less: write-offs (net of recoveries)	-576	-186	'
Balance, end of year	$3,157	$3,406	$3,714

Intangible_Assets_Subject_to_A

Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Intangible assets, net	$57,361	$52,299
Foreign currency translation adjustments	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Intangible assets, net	157	479
Finite Lived Intangible Assets Before Translation Adjustment	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	141,155	175,284
Accumulated Amortization	-83,951	-123,464
Intangible assets, net	57,204	51,820
Average Life	'8 years	'11 years
Finite Lived Intangible Assets Before Translation Adjustment | Completed technology	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	84,604	92,437
Accumulated Amortization	-53,347	-66,950
Intangible assets, net	31,257	25,487
Average Life	'5 years	'5 years
Finite Lived Intangible Assets Before Translation Adjustment | Customer relationships	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	56,321	73,046
Accumulated Amortization	-30,422	-47,224
Intangible assets, net	25,899	25,822
Average Life	'13 years	'12 years
Finite Lived Intangible Assets Before Translation Adjustment | Trade names	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	230	9,801
Accumulated Amortization	-182	-9,290
Intangible assets, net	$48	$511
Average Life	'1 year	'3 years

Amortization_Expense_Associate

Amortization Expense Associated with Intangible Assets (Detail) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2011

Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amortization expense of intangible assets

$1,700

$1,700

$1,700

$1,500

$500

$100

$100

$600

$13,535

[1]

$6,944

[1]

$7,741

[1]

Cost of revenues

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amortization expense of intangible assets

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

6,630

1,332

2,274

Selling, general and administrative expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amortization expense of intangible assets

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$6,905

$5,612

$5,467

[1]

Cost of revenues and selling, general and administrative expenses exclude the amortization of intangible assets. See Note 7 to consolidated financial statements.

Estimated_Future_Intangible_As

Estimated Future Intangible Asset Amortization Expense (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Estimated future intangible asset amortization expense	'	'
2014	$11,557	'
2015	11,409	'
2016	11,180	'
2017	10,044	'
2018	2,866	'
Thereafter	10,305	'
Total	$57,361	$52,299

Summary_of_Changes_to_Goodwill

Summary of Changes to Goodwill (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended							12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
			Applications	Applications	Scores	Scores	Scores	Tools	Tools
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	$757,504	$664,688	$542,943	$451,205	$146,648	$146,648	$146,648	$67,913	$66,835
Addition from acquisition	17,457	87,280	17,457	87,280	'	'	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustment	-1,030	5,536	-862	4,458	'	'	'	-168	1,078
Ending Balance	$773,931	$757,504	$559,538	$542,943	$146,648	$146,648	$146,648	$67,745	$67,913

Property_and_Equipment_Detail

Property and Equipment (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Property and equipment:	'	'
Data processing equipment and software	$139,035	$161,215
Office furniture and equipment	11,670	6,963
Leasehold improvements	24,117	21,341
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization	-129,667	-148,439
Total	$45,155	$41,080

Other_Accrued_Liabilities_Deta

Other Accrued Liabilities (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Other accrued liabilities:	'	'
Interest payable	$8,519	$9,747
Income taxes payable	6,821	11,754
Other	19,862	22,144
Total	$35,202	$43,645

Revolving_Line_of_Credit_Addit

Revolving Line of Credit - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'
Unsecured revolving line of credit	$200
Revolving credit facility, expiration date	28-Sep-16
Revolving credit facility, interest rate description	'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 0.50% or (ii) LIBOR plus an applicable margin. The margin on LIBOR borrowings ranges from 1.000% to 1.625% and is determined based on our consolidated leverage ratio.
Revolving credit facility, utilization fees, percentage of total credit facility commitment to exceed	50.00%
Credit facility restrictive covenant, maximum consolidated leverage ratio	3
Credit facility restrictive covenant, minimum fixed charge ratio	2.5
Interest rate of borrowings outstanding	1.31%
Borrowings outstanding	$15
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	1.63%
Federal Fund Rate	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'
Debt instrument basis spread on variable rate	0.50%

Senior_Notes_Additional_Inform

Senior Notes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended									1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	7-May-08	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Jul. 14, 2010	31-May-08	Sep. 30, 2013
				May 2008 senior notes	May 2008 senior notes	May 2008 senior notes	July 2010 senior notes	July 2010 senior notes	July 2010 senior notes	Series A note	Series A note
Debt Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Senior Notes issued in a private placement to a group of institutional investors	'	'	'	$210,000,000	$259,000,000	$275,000,000	$245,000,000	$245,000,000	$245,000,000	'	'
Senior Notes issued in a private placement to a group of institutional investors, annual principal payment	'	'	'	8,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Senior notes maturity date	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	7-May-13	7-May-13
Payments on senior notes	$49,000,000	$8,000,000	$8,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$41,000,000

Senior_Notes_Detail

Senior Notes (Detail) (USD $)

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

31-May-08

Sep. 30, 2013

7-May-08

31-May-08

7-May-08

31-May-08

7-May-08

31-May-08

7-May-08

Jul. 31, 2010

Jul. 14, 2010

Jul. 31, 2010

Jul. 14, 2010

Jul. 31, 2010

Jul. 14, 2010

Jul. 31, 2010

Jul. 14, 2010

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Series A note

Series A note

Series A note

Series B

Series B

Series C

Series C

Series D

Series D

Series E

Series E

Series F

Series F

Series G

Series G

Series H

Series H

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amount

$447,000

$455,000

'

'

$41,000

'

$40,000

'

$63,000

'

$131,000

'

$60,000

'

$72,000

'

$28,000

'

$85,000

Interest Rate

'

'

'

'

6.37%

'

6.37%

'

6.71%

'

7.18%

'

4.72%

'

5.04%

'

5.42%

'

5.59%

Maturity Date

'

'

7-May-13

7-May-13

'

7-May-15

'

7-May-15

'

7-May-18

'

14-Jul-16

'

14-Jul-17

'

14-Jul-19

'

14-Jul-20

'

Principal_Amounts_Carrying_Amo

Principal Amounts Carrying Amounts and Fair Values of Senior Notes (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	7-May-08	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Jul. 14, 2010
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	May 2008 senior notes	May 2008 senior notes	May 2008 senior notes	July 2010 senior notes	July 2010 senior notes	July 2010 senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Principal	$210,000	$259,000	$275,000	$245,000	$245,000	$245,000
Carrying Amounts	210,000	259,000	'	245,000	245,000	'
Fair Value	$221,393	$275,201	'	$241,035	$243,866	'

Principal_Amounts_Carrying_Amo1

Principal Amounts Carrying Amounts and Fair Values of Senior Notes (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	7-May-08	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Jul. 14, 2010
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	May 2008 senior notes	May 2008 senior notes	May 2008 senior notes	July 2010 senior notes	July 2010 senior notes	July 2010 senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Senior Notes issued in a private placement to a group of institutional investors	$210,000	$259,000	$275,000	$245,000	$245,000	$245,000

Future_Principal_Payments_For_

Future Principal Payments For Senior Notes (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
2014	$8,000
2015	71,000
2016	60,000
2017	72,000
2018	131,000
Thereafter	113,000
Total	$455,000

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Additio

Employee Benefit Plans - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Employee Benefits Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Eligible employees contribution to 401(k) plan	25.00%	'	'
Employer contributions into 401(k) plans	$6.30	$5.50	$5.10
Employee incentive plans expenses	$10.50	$17.40	$10.10

Restructuring_Expenses_Additio

Restructuring Expenses - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'
Restructuring charges	$2,719	$3,978	$12,391
Number of positions reduced	52	85	177
Reversal of severance cost	253	'	'
Employee separation	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'
Restructuring charges	1,095	3,978	8,165
Reversal of severance cost	253	'	'
Facilities charges	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'
Restructuring charges	$1,624	'	$4,226

Summary_of_Restructuring_Accru

Summary of Restructuring Accruals and Certain Facility Closures (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Less: current portion	($1,732)	($4,944)	($3,062)	($1,474)
Non-current	'	860	3,334	2,104
Beginning balance	5,804	6,396	3,578	'
Expense Additions	2,719	3,978	12,391	'
Cash Payments	-6,538	-4,570	-9,573	'
Expense reversal	-253	'	'	'
Ending balance	1,732	5,804	6,396	'
Facilities charges	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Beginning balance	3,333	5,362	2,836	'
Expense Additions	1,624	'	4,226	'
Cash Payments	-3,225	-2,029	-1,700	'
Ending balance	1,732	3,333	5,362	'
Employee separation	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Beginning balance	2,471	1,034	742	'
Expense Additions	1,095	3,978	8,165	'
Cash Payments	-3,313	-2,541	-7,873	'
Expense reversal	-253	'	'	'
Ending balance	'	$2,471	$1,034	'

Provision_for_Income_Taxes_Det

Provision for Income Taxes (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Current:	'	'	'
Federal	$31,469	$42,502	$22,019
State	2,755	4,899	2,873
Foreign	3,994	3,959	-251
Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Total	38,218	51,360	24,641
Deferred:	'	'	'
Federal	-468	-6,843	59
State	2,069	-925	-112
Foreign	2,070	647	1,305
Deferred income taxes	3,671	-7,121	1,252
Recorded income tax provision	$41,889	$44,239	$25,893

Income_Taxes_Additional_Inform

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Income Taxes [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Foreign pretax earnings	$24,300,000	$26,900,000	$20,600,000	'
Current foreign tax expense related to foreign tax withholdings	4,800,000	6,300,000	5,400,000	'
U.S. federal statutory income tax rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%	'
Excess amount for financial reporting over tax basis of investments in foreign subsidiaries	48,600,000	'	'	'
Unrecognized tax benefits	9,009,000	7,501,000	9,539,000	12,286,000
Unrecognized tax benefits that would impact the effective tax rate if recognized	7,200,000	'	'	'
Uncertain tax benefits will occur in the next 12 months	7,000,000	'	'	'
Unrecognized tax benefits, accrued interest	900,000	'	'	'
U.S. federal	'	'	'	'
Income Taxes [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net operating loss carryforwards	31,500,000	'	'	'
Net operating loss carryforwards expiration dates	'2024	'	'	'
State	'	'	'	'
Income Taxes [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net operating loss carryforwards	6,200,000	'	'	'
Net operating loss carryforwards expiration dates	'2021	'	'	'
Foreign NOL carryforwards	'	'	'	'
Income Taxes [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net operating loss carryforwards	10,200,000	'	'	'
CA state research credit	'	'	'	'
Income Taxes [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Excess state research credit	3,400,000	'	'	'
Valuation allowance	$3,400,000	'	'	'

Deferred_Tax_Assets_and_Liabil

Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Deferred tax assets:	'	'
Net operating loss carryforward	$21,529	$22,120
Research credit carryforward	4,074	2,310
Capital loss carryforward	165	91
Investments	1,101	1,141
Accrued compensation	1,662	1,297
Share-based compensation	16,443	20,109
Deferred revenue	2,139	3,577
Accrued lease costs	1,127	1,774
Property and equipment	2,155	3,629
Other	7,093	14,183
Deferred Tax Assets, Gross, Total	57,488	70,231
Less valuation allowance	-8,712	-5,425
Total deferred tax assets	48,776	64,806
Deferred tax liabilities:	'	'
Intangible assets	-29,912	-31,364
Prepaid expense	-3,526	-3,405
Other	-1,515	-1,019
Total deferred tax liabilities	-34,953	-35,788
Deferred tax assets, net	$13,823	$29,018

Reconciliation_Between_Federal

Reconciliation Between Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate and Effective Tax Rate (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Income Taxes [Line Items]	'	'	'
Income tax provision at U.S. federal statutory rate	$46,194	$47,685	$34,117
State income taxes, net of U.S. federal benefit	2,689	3,663	2,770
Foreign taxes	-2,855	-3,616	-9,867
Intercompany dividend	-32	2,692	3,822
Research credits	-2,412	-375	-2,559
Domestic production deduction	-2,168	-3,054	-2,494
Tax audit settlements	'	-1,203	1,524
CA Valuation	2,310	'	'
Other	-1,837	-1,553	-1,420
Recorded income tax provision	$41,889	$44,239	$25,893

Reconciliation_of_Beginning_an

Reconciliation of Beginning and Ending Amount of Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]	'	'	'
Gross unrecognized tax benefits at beginning of year	$7,501	$9,539	$12,286
Gross increases for tax positions in prior years	508	64	547
Gross decreases for tax positions in prior years	'	-2,035	'
Gross increases based on tax positions related to the current year	1,000	681	1,000
Decreases for settlements and payments	'	-748	-4,294
Gross unrecognized tax benefits at end of year	$9,009	$7,501	$9,539

Stock_Based_Employee_Benefit_P

Stock Based Employee Benefit Plans - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Share-based compensation	$25,850,000	$21,229,000	$15,500,000
Tax benefit related to share-based compensation expense	9,200,000	7,800,000	5,800,000
Unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested share-based compensation arrangements	54,500,000	'	'
Unrecognized compensation cost, weighted average recognition period	'2 years 8 months 1 day	'	'
Weighted average fair value of options granted	$12.53	$12.32	$8.02
Number of options that had exercise prices lower than the market price of common stock	2,700,000	'	'
Market price of common stock	$55.28	'	'
Total intrinsic value of options exercised	19,800,000	31,200,000	4,400,000
Weighted average fair value of restricted stock units and non-vested shares granted	$42.59	'	'
Cash received from stock option exercises and the issuance of stock under the Purchase Plan	30,300,000	'	'
Tax benefit realized for tax deductions from option exercises	6,800,000	'	'
Treasury stock, shares	54,071,000	54,018,000	'
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 and non-vested shares granted	$42.27	$37.80	$24.38
Total intrinsic value of restricted stock units and non-vested shares vested	$26,700,000	$15,500,000	$9,700,000
2003 Employment Inducement Award Plan	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Authorized shares of common stock for grant under stock plan	2,250,000	'	'
2012 Long-Term Incentive Plan	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Authorized shares of common stock for grant under stock plan	6,000,000	'	'
Shares available for grants under stock plan	1,731,492	'	'
Stock option awards vesting period	'4 years	'	'
2012 Long-Term Incentive Plan | Maximum	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Stock option awards term	'7 years	'	'
2012 Long-Term Incentive Plan | Awards Granted Prior to October 1, 2005	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Stock option awards vesting period	'4 years	'	'
2012 Long-Term Incentive Plan | Awards Granted Prior to October 1, 2005 | Maximum	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Stock option awards term	'10 years	'	'
Employee Stock Purchase Plan	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Authorized shares of common stock for grant under stock plan	5,062,500	'	'
Shares available for grants under stock plan	2,707,966	'	'
Employee stock purchase plans, percentage of salary withheld through payroll deductions to purchase FICO common stock	10.00%	'	'
Employee stock purchase plans, purchase price of the stock as a percentage of fair market value on the exercise date	85.00%	'	'
Employee stock purchase plans, offering period (in months)	'6 months	'	'

Assumptions_Used_to_Estimate_F

Assumptions Used to Estimate Fair Value of Stock Options (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Average expected term (years)	'4 years 1 month 6 days	'4 years 3 months 22 days	'4 years 3 months 7 days
Expected volatility (range), minimum	35.00%	38.00%	39.00%
Expected volatility (range), maximum	37.00%	41.00%	41.00%
Weighted average volatility	37.00%	40.00%	40.00%
Risk free interest rate, minimum	0.50%	0.50%	0.60%
Risk free interest rate, maximum	1.10%	1.50%	2.10%
Average expected dividend yield	0.20%	0.30%	0.30%
Expected dividend yield (range), minimum	0.20%	0.20%	0.30%
Expected dividend yield (range), maximum	'	0.30%	'

Summary_of_Option_Activity_Det

Summary of Option Activity (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013
Shares	'
Beginning Balance	4,034
Granted	757
Exercised	-1,360
Forfeited	-334
Expired	-410
Ending Balance	2,687
Options exercisable at September 30, 2013	942
Vested and expected to vest at September 30, 2013	2,435
Weighted-average Exercise Price	'
Beginning Balance	$33.01
Granted	$42.86
Exercised	$31.79
Forfeited	$26.03
Expired	$44.73
Ending Balance	$35.48
Options exercisable at September 30, 2013	$32.57
Vested and expected to vest at September 30, 2013	$35.03
Weighted-average Remaining Contractual Term	'
Outstanding at September 30, 2013	'4 years 10 months 10 days
Options exercisable at September 30, 2013	'3 years 6 months 26 days
Vested and expected to vest at September 30, 2013	'4 years 9 months 11 days
Aggregate Intrinsic Value	'
Outstanding at September 30, 2013	$53,203
Options exercisable at September 30, 2013	21,388
Vested and expected to vest at September 30, 2013	$49,312

Summary_of_Restricted_Stock_Un

Summary of Restricted Stock Unit Activity (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013
Shares	'
Beginning Balance	1,732
Granted	782
Released	-603
Forfeited	-195
Ending Balance	1,716
Weighted-average Price	'
Beginning Balance	$33.31
Granted	$42.59
Released	$30.08
Forfeited	$34.57
Ending Balance	$38.54

Reconciliation_of_Numerators_a

Reconciliation of Numerators and Denominators of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended																12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013		Jun. 30, 2013		Mar. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Sep. 30, 2012		Jun. 30, 2012		Mar. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011		Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per share	'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'	'	'
Net income	$28,557		$19,622		$18,495		$23,421		$21,246		$20,749		$20,012		$29,997		$90,095	$92,004	$71,562
Denominator - share:	'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'	'	'
Basic weighted-average shares	35,132		35,499		35,664		35,043		34,262		34,004		35,331		36,034		35,332	34,909	39,359
Effect of dilutive securities	'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'		960	1,154	629
Diluted weighted-average shares	36,151		36,385		36,492		36,151		35,513		35,293		36,552		36,887		36,292	36,063	39,988
Earnings per share:	'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'	'	'
Basic	$0.81	[1]	$0.55	[1]	$0.52	[1]	$0.67	[1]	$0.62	[1]	$0.61	[1]	$0.57	[1]	$0.83	[1]	$2.55	$2.64	$1.82
Diluted	$0.79	[1]	$0.54	[1]	$0.51	[1]	$0.65	[1]	$0.60	[1]	$0.59	[1]	$0.55	[1]	$0.81	[1]	$2.48	$2.55	$1.79
[1]	Earnings per share is computed independently for each of the quarters presented. Therefore, the sum of the quarterly per share amounts may not equal the totals for the respective years.

Earnings_Per_Share_Additional_

Earnings Per Share - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'
Options to purchase shares of common stock excluded in the computation of diluted earnings per share because their inclusion would be antidilutive, shares	111,000	1,420,000	3,598,000

Related_Party_Transactions_Add

Related Party Transactions - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'
Investment in convertible preferred stock in a private company	$10

Summary_of_Segment_Information

Summary of Segment Information (Detail) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2011

Segment revenues:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Transactional and maintenance

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$514,304

$466,175

$453,430

Professional services

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

135,194

124,971

115,941

License

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

93,946

85,277

50,312

Total segment revenues

190,327

183,772

179,325

190,020

186,075

160,478

159,521

170,349

743,444

676,423

619,683

Segment operating expense

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-581,851

-508,065

-492,346

Unallocated share-based compensation expense

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-25,850

-21,229

-15,500

Unallocated amortization expense

-1,700

-1,700

-1,700

-1,500

-500

-100

-100

-600

-13,535

[1]

-6,944

[1]

-7,741

[1]

Unallocated restructuring and acquisition-related

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-3,486

-5,125

-12,391

Unallocated restructuring and acquisition-related

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-2,719

-3,978

-12,391

Operating income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

161,593

168,358

127,337

Unallocated interest income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

54

317

2,192

Unallocated interest expense

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-30,281

-31,734

-32,364

Unallocated other expense, net

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

618

-698

290

Income before income taxes

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

131,984

136,243

97,455

Depreciation expense

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

19,679

14,605

16,456

Applications

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Segment revenues:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Transactional and maintenance

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

306,738

263,726

258,736

Professional services

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

110,081

104,637

100,921

License

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

59,265

56,241

23,371

Total segment revenues

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

476,084

424,604

383,028

Depreciation expense

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

14,171

11,321

12,784

Scores

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Segment revenues:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Transactional and maintenance

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

175,281

172,218

164,918

Professional services

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4,012

2,382

2,102

License

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,520

1,023

1,547

Total segment revenues

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

180,813

175,623

168,567

Depreciation expense

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

867

724

1,007

Tools

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Segment revenues:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Transactional and maintenance

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

32,285

30,231

29,776

Professional services

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

21,101

17,952

12,918

License

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

33,161

28,013

25,394

Total segment revenues

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

86,547

76,196

68,088

Depreciation expense

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,998

1,258

1,667

Unallocated Corporate Expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Segment revenues:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Depreciation expense

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,643

1,302

998

Operating Segments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Segment revenues:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Segment operating expense

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-538,980

-474,767

-456,714

Operating income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

204,464

201,656

162,969

Operating Segments | Applications

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Segment revenues:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Segment operating expense

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-346,222

-291,778

-276,467

Operating income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

129,862

132,826

106,561

Operating Segments | Scores

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Segment revenues:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Segment operating expense

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-51,781

-52,687

-55,169

Operating income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

129,032

122,936

113,398

Operating Segments | Tools

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Segment revenues:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Segment operating expense

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-70,011

-58,597

-54,398

Operating income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

16,536

17,599

13,690

Operating Segments | Unallocated Corporate Expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Segment revenues:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Segment operating expense

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-70,966

-71,705

-70,680

Operating income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

($70,966)

($71,705)

($70,680)

[1]

Cost of revenues and selling, general and administrative expenses exclude the amortization of intangible assets. See Note 7 to consolidated financial statements.

Revenues_And_Percentage_Of_Rev

Revenues And Percentage Of Revenues By Reportable Market Segments (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	$190,327	$183,772	$179,325	$190,020	$186,075	$160,478	$159,521	$170,349	$743,444	$676,423	$619,683
Concentration of risk percentage	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Applications	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	476,084	424,604	383,028
Applications | Sales Revenue, Services, Net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Concentration of risk percentage	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	64.00%	63.00%	62.00%
Scores	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	180,813	175,623	168,567
Scores | Sales Revenue, Services, Net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Concentration of risk percentage	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	24.00%	26.00%	27.00%
Tools	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$86,547	$76,196	$68,088
Tools | Sales Revenue, Services, Net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Concentration of risk percentage	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	12.00%	11.00%	11.00%

Segment_Information_Additional

Segment Information - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Concentration of risk percentage	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Credit Concentration Risk	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Concentration of risk percentage	16.00%	18.00%	18.00%
Sales Revenue, Services, Net | Applications	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Concentration of risk percentage	64.00%	63.00%	62.00%
Sales Revenue, Services, Net | Applications | Fraud Solutions	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Concentration of risk percentage	22.00%	25.00%	23.00%
Sales Revenue, Services, Net | Applications | Customer Management Solutions	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Concentration of risk percentage	11.00%	13.00%	13.00%
Sales Revenue, Services, Net | Applications | Collections & Recovery solutions	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Concentration of risk percentage	9.00%	8.00%	8.00%

Recovered_Sheet1

Revenues and Percentage of Revenues on Geographical Basis (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	$190,327	$183,772	$179,325	$190,020	$186,075	$160,478	$159,521	$170,349	$743,444	$676,423	$619,683
Concentration of risk percentage	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
United States	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	449,437	410,178	389,676
United States | Sales Revenue, Services, Net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Concentration of risk percentage	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	60.00%	61.00%	63.00%
United Kingdom	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	79,238	66,964	58,941
United Kingdom | Sales Revenue, Services, Net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Concentration of risk percentage	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	11.00%	10.00%	9.00%
Other countries	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$214,769	$199,281	$171,066
Other countries | Sales Revenue, Services, Net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Concentration of risk percentage	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	29.00%	29.00%	28.00%

Property_and_Equipment_Net_on_

Property and Equipment Net on Geographical Basis (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Property and equipment, net	$45,155	$41,080	'
Concentration of risk percentage	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
United States	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Property and equipment, net	39,737	35,571	'
United States | Property Plant and Equipment	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Concentration of risk percentage	88.00%	87.00%	'
International	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Property and equipment, net	$5,418	$5,509	'
International | Property Plant and Equipment	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Concentration of risk percentage	12.00%	13.00%	'

Minimum_Future_Commitments_Und

Minimum Future Commitments Under Non Cancelable Operating Leases and Other Obligations (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Future Minimum Lease Commitments	'
2014	$24,676
2015	19,173
2016	16,267
2017	12,628
2018	11,104
Thereafter	21,350
Total	$105,198

Commitments_Additional_Informa

Commitments - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
	Employee
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Contractual sublease commitments in 2014	$1.10	'	'
Rent expense under operating leases	$22.10	$21.30	$21.10
Number of executives in a management agreement providing for certain payments and other benefits in the event of a qualified change	25	'	'

Guarantees_Additional_Informat

Guarantees - Additional Information (Detail) (Maximum)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Maximum	'
Product Warranty [Line Items]	'
Duration of product warranties	'90 days

Selected_Unaudited_Consolidate

Selected Unaudited Consolidated Financial Results (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended																12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013		Jun. 30, 2013		Mar. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Sep. 30, 2012		Jun. 30, 2012		Mar. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012		Sep. 30, 2011
Quarterly Financial Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'
Revenues	$190,327		$183,772		$179,325		$190,020		$186,075		$160,478		$159,521		$170,349		$743,444		$676,423		$619,683
Cost of revenues	56,809	[1]	57,655	[1]	58,856	[1]	56,148	[1]	55,327	[1]	47,832	[1]	48,814	[1]	45,974	[1]	229,468	[2]	197,947	[2]	186,470	[2]
Gross profit	133,518		126,117		120,469		133,872		130,748		112,646		110,707		124,375		'		'		'
Net income	$28,557		$19,622		$18,495		$23,421		$21,246		$20,749		$20,012		$29,997		$90,095		$92,004		$71,562
Earnings per share :	'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'
Basic	$0.81	[3]	$0.55	[3]	$0.52	[3]	$0.67	[3]	$0.62	[3]	$0.61	[3]	$0.57	[3]	$0.83	[3]	$2.55		$2.64		$1.82
Diluted	$0.79	[3]	$0.54	[3]	$0.51	[3]	$0.65	[3]	$0.60	[3]	$0.59	[3]	$0.55	[3]	$0.81	[3]	$2.48		$2.55		$1.79
Shares used in computing earnings per share:	'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'
Basic	35,132		35,499		35,664		35,043		34,262		34,004		35,331		36,034		35,332		34,909		39,359
Diluted	36,151		36,385		36,492		36,151		35,513		35,293		36,552		36,887		36,292		36,063		39,988
[1]	Cost of revenues excludes amortization expense of $1.7 million, $1.7 million, $1.7 million, $1.5 million, $0.5 million, $0.1 million, $0.1 million and $0.6 million for the quarters ended September 30, 2013, June 30, 2013, March 31, 2013, December 31, 2012, September 30, 2012, June 30, 2012, March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.
[2]	Cost of revenues and selling, general and administrative expenses exclude the amortization of intangible assets. See Note 7 to consolidated financial statements.
[3]	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.

Selected_Unaudited_Consolidate1

Selected Unaudited Consolidated Financial Results (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2011

Quarterly Financial Information [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amortization expense

$1,700

$1,700

$1,700

$1,500

$500

$100

$100

$600

$13,535

[1]

$6,944

[1]

$7,741

[1]

[1]

Cost of revenues and selling, general and administrative expenses exclude the amortization of intangible assets. See Note 7 to consolidated financial statements.