Deferred contract costs - Schedule of Deferred Contract Costs (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Deferred contract costs
Deferred contract costs	$ 30,114	$ 27,282
Less: accumulated amortization	(11,932)	(8,156)
Total deferred contract costs, net	$ 18,182	$ 19,126

Deferred incremental direct costs before deducting accumulated amortization, which are incurred typically at a contract's inception so that the company may be in a position to fulfill all contractual obligations of an arrangement. The costs are directly related to specified activities under the arrangement and are deferred in order to match revenue. Excludes start-up costs (such as one-time activities related to opening a new facility, introducing a new product or service, establishing business with a new class of customers, preopening costs and organization costs), which are expensed as incurred.

No definition available.

Name:	mms_DeferredContractCostsGross
Namespace Prefix:	mms_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant