Basis of Presentation (Policies)	9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2020
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Basis of Accounting	The accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) of Black Knight, Inc. and its subsidiaries ("Black Knight," the "Company," "we," "us" or "our") were prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"), and all adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included.
Consolidation	All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
Use of Estimates	The preparation of these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), as well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Reportable Segments	Reporting Segments We conduct our operations through two reporting segments: (1) Software Solutions and (2) Data and Analytics. See further discussion in Note 16 — Segment Information.
Stock Repurchase Program	Share Repurchase Program On February 12, 2020, our Board of Directors approved a three-year share repurchase program authorizing us to repurchase up to 10.0 million shares of our outstanding common stock through February 12, 2023, through open market purchases, negotiated transactions or other means, in accordance with applicable securities laws and other restrictions. This share repurchase program replaces our previous share repurchase program that expired on February 2, 2020. There were no share repurchases during the nine months ended September 30, 2020.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents Highly liquid instruments purchased with original maturities of three months or less are considered cash equivalents. Cash equivalents are invested with high credit quality financial institutions and consist of short-term investments, such as demand deposit accounts, money market accounts, money market funds and time deposits. The carrying amounts of these instruments reported in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) approximate their fair value because of their immediate or short-term maturities.
Trade Receivables, Net	Trade Receivables, Net The carrying amounts reported in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) for Trade receivables, net approximate their fair value because of their short-term nature.
Allowance for Credit Losses	Allowance for Credit Losses We record our billed and unbilled trade receivables and contract assets at their amortized cost less an allowance for expected credit losses that are not expected to be recovered. We recognize an allowance for the remaining lifetime expected credit losses based on management’s expectation of collectability. We base our estimate on multiple factors including historical experience with bad debts, our relationship with our clients and their credit quality, the aging of respective asset balances, current macroeconomic conditions and management’s expectations of conditions in the future. Our allowance for expected credit losses is based on management’s assessment of the collectability of assets with similar risk characteristics. We pool our respective asset balances based on risk characteristics primarily related to financial asset type, extent of client relationship, product/solution, business division and delinquency status. Subsequent changes are recorded as an adjustment in Operating expenses. We write off trade receivables in the period when the likelihood of collection of a trade receivable balance is considered remote.
Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates	Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates We account for our investments in unconsolidated affiliates using the equity method of accounting when we determine we have significant influence over our investee. We record our share of equity-based compensation expense from equity method investments as an adjustment to our investment with a related adjustment to our equity.
Deferred Revenues	Deferred RevenuesDeferred revenues represent our obligations to transfer solutions or services to our clients for which we have received consideration, or an amount of consideration is due, from the client.
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests	Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests Redeemable noncontrolling interests represent the collective 40% equity interest owned by Cannae and THL in Optimal Blue Holdco. We have call rights on THL's and Cannae’s equity interests in Optimal Blue Holdco that are exercisable beginning September 15, 2023 at a call price equal to the greater of (i) the fair market value of such interests and (ii) an amount that would result in the multiple of THL’s or Cannae’s return on investment to equal 2.0, as applicable. In addition, THL and Cannae have the right to put their respective interests in Optimal Blue Holdco to (i) Optimal Blue Holdco if there is a change of control of Black Knight or (ii) Optimal Blue Holdco, BKT or Black Knight that are exercisable beginning September 15, 2023. We have the option to satisfy the purchase price, which shall be equal to the fair market value of such interest, in connection with the exercise of any put or call right either in cash or Black Knight common stock other than a put in connection with a change of control of Black Knight, in which case the purchase price is payable only in cash. The equity interests will be settled at the current fair value at the time we receive notice of the put election as determined by the parties or by a third party appraisal under the terms of OB Holdco LLC Agreement. As these redeemable noncontrolling interests provide for redemption features not solely within our control, they are presented on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) outside of shareholders' equity. We recognize any changes in the redemption price related to these redeemable noncontrolling interests as they occur through Additional paid-in capital.
Equity-based Compensation	Equity-Based Compensation We expense employee equity-based payments in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 718, Compensation — Stock Compensation, which requires compensation cost measured using the grant date fair value of equity-based payments to be recognized over the requisite service period, which generally equals the vesting period. For awards with a performance condition, we recognize compensation cost under the graded vesting method over the requisite service period of the award, which at times results in accelerated recognition of the cost. We do not recognize compensation cost if the performance condition is not considered probable of achievement. If at any point we determine that the performance condition is improbable of achievement, we reverse any previously recognized compensation cost for that award. The fair value of our restricted stock awards is measured based on the closing market price of our stock on the grant date. Income tax effects of awards are recorded in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings and Comprehensive Earnings (Unaudited) when the awards vest or are settled. We account for forfeitures as they occur.
Transition and Integration Costs	Transition and Integration CostsTransition and integration costs for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 primarily consisted of costs associated with acquisitions and expense reduction initiatives
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Recent Accounting Pronouncements Current Expected Credit Losses ("CECL") (ASC Topic 326, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses ("ASC 326")) In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses, as well as several other related updates, which were codified as ASC 326. This update changes how companies measure and recognize credit losses for many financial assets. The new standard requires companies to immediately recognize an estimate of credit losses expected to occur over the remaining life of the financial assets included in the scope of this standard. Our financial assets that are included in the scope of ASC 326 are primarily receivables and contract assets. We applied an integrated approach to analyzing the effects of adopting ASC 326, including developing accounting policies and positions, evaluating differences from applying the requirements of the new standard to our previous business practices and assessing the need for any changes in our processes and design of internal controls. The primary effect of adopting the new standard relates to the changes in our estimated credit losses and providing additional disclosures about our financial assets that are included in the scope of this new standard. Based on our assessment, we did not identify a material change in our financial condition, results of operation or business practices. We adopted ASC 326 on January 1, 2020 using a modified retrospective approach. The effect of adoption was an adjustment of $1.1 million, net of tax to opening Retained earnings on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Equity (Unaudited). Other Accounting Pronouncements In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting. This update provides for optional financial reporting alternatives to reduce the cost and complexity associated with the accounting for contracts and hedging relationships affected by reference rate reform. The accommodations are effective for all entities through December 31, 2022. They may be applied from the beginning of the interim period that includes the issuance of this update. We do not expect the adoption of this update to have a material effect on our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) and related disclosures. In January 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-01, Investments—Equity Securities (Topic 321), Investments—Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323), and Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815). The amendments clarify that an entity should consider observable transactions that require it to either apply or discontinue the equity method of accounting for the purposes of applying the measurement alternative in accordance with Topic 321 immediately before applying or upon discontinuing the equity method. This update also clarifies certain interactions between the guidance to account for certain equity securities, equity method investments and the guidance in Topic 815, including measuring certain purchased options and forward contracts to acquire investments. This update is effective prospectively for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, with early adoption permitted. We do not expect the adoption of this update to have a material effect on our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) and related disclosures.

Basis of Presentation (Policies)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2020

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

The accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) of Black Knight, Inc. and its subsidiaries ("Black Knight," the "Company," "we," "us" or "our") were prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"), and all adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included.

Consolidation

All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), as well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Reportable Segments

Reporting Segments

We conduct our operations through two reporting segments: (1) Software Solutions and (2) Data and Analytics. See further discussion in Note 16 — Segment Information.

Stock Repurchase Program

Share Repurchase Program

On February 12, 2020, our Board of Directors approved a three-year share repurchase program authorizing us to repurchase up to 10.0 million shares of our outstanding common stock through February 12, 2023, through open market purchases, negotiated transactions or other means, in accordance with applicable securities laws and other restrictions. This share repurchase program replaces our previous share repurchase program that expired on February 2, 2020.

There were no share repurchases during the nine months ended September 30, 2020.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Highly liquid instruments purchased with original maturities of three months or less are considered cash equivalents. Cash equivalents are invested with high credit quality financial institutions and consist of short-term investments, such as demand deposit accounts, money market accounts, money market funds and time deposits. The carrying amounts of these instruments reported in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) approximate their fair value because of their immediate or short-term maturities.

Trade Receivables, Net

The carrying amounts reported in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) for Trade receivables, net approximate their fair value because of their short-term nature.

Allowance for Credit Losses

We record our billed and unbilled trade receivables and contract assets at their amortized cost less an allowance for expected credit losses that are not expected to be recovered. We recognize an allowance for the remaining lifetime expected credit losses based on management’s expectation of collectability. We base our estimate on multiple factors including historical experience with bad debts, our relationship with our clients and their credit quality, the aging of respective asset balances, current macroeconomic conditions and management’s expectations of conditions in the future. Our allowance for expected credit losses is based on management’s assessment of the collectability of assets with similar risk characteristics. We pool our respective asset balances based on risk characteristics primarily related to financial asset type, extent of client relationship, product/solution, business division and delinquency status.

Subsequent changes are recorded as an adjustment in Operating expenses. We write off trade receivables in the period when the likelihood of collection of a trade receivable balance is considered remote.

Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates

We account for our investments in unconsolidated affiliates using the equity method of accounting when we determine we have significant influence over our investee. We record our share of equity-based compensation expense from equity method investments as an adjustment to our investment with a related adjustment to our equity.

Deferred Revenues

Deferred RevenuesDeferred revenues represent our obligations to transfer solutions or services to our clients for which we have received consideration, or an amount of consideration is due, from the client.

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests

Redeemable noncontrolling interests represent the collective 40% equity interest owned by Cannae and THL in Optimal Blue Holdco. We have call rights on THL's and Cannae’s equity interests in Optimal Blue Holdco that are exercisable beginning September 15, 2023 at a call price equal to the greater of (i) the fair market value of such interests and (ii) an amount that would result in the multiple of THL’s or Cannae’s return on investment to equal 2.0, as applicable. In addition, THL and Cannae have the right to put their respective interests in Optimal Blue Holdco to (i) Optimal Blue Holdco if there is a change of control of Black Knight or (ii) Optimal Blue Holdco, BKT or Black Knight that are exercisable beginning September 15, 2023. We have the option to satisfy the purchase price, which shall be equal to the fair market value of such interest, in connection with the exercise of any put or call right either in cash or Black Knight common stock other than a put in connection with a change of control of Black Knight, in which case the purchase price is payable only in cash. The equity interests will be settled at the current fair value at the time we receive notice of the put election as determined by the parties or by a third party appraisal under the terms of OB Holdco LLC Agreement.

As these redeemable noncontrolling interests provide for redemption features not solely within our control, they are presented on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) outside of shareholders' equity. We recognize any changes in the redemption price related to these redeemable noncontrolling interests as they occur through Additional paid-in capital.

Equity-based Compensation

Equity-Based Compensation

We expense employee equity-based payments in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 718, Compensation — Stock Compensation, which requires compensation cost measured using the grant date fair value of equity-based payments to be recognized over the requisite service period, which generally equals the vesting period. For awards with a performance condition, we recognize compensation cost under the graded vesting method over the requisite service period of the award, which at times results in accelerated recognition of the cost. We do not recognize compensation cost if the performance condition is not considered probable of achievement. If at any point we determine that the performance condition is improbable of achievement, we reverse any previously recognized compensation cost for that award.

The fair value of our restricted stock awards is measured based on the closing market price of our stock on the grant date. Income tax effects of awards are recorded in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings and Comprehensive Earnings (Unaudited) when the awards vest or are settled. We account for forfeitures as they occur.

Transition and Integration Costs

Transition and Integration CostsTransition and integration costs for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 primarily consisted of costs associated with acquisitions and expense reduction initiatives

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Current Expected Credit Losses ("CECL") (ASC Topic 326, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses ("ASC 326"))

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses, as well as several other related updates, which were codified as ASC 326. This update changes how companies measure and recognize credit losses for many financial assets. The new standard requires companies to immediately recognize an estimate of credit losses expected to occur over the remaining life of the financial assets included in the scope of this standard.

Our financial assets that are included in the scope of ASC 326 are primarily receivables and contract assets. We applied an integrated approach to analyzing the effects of adopting ASC 326, including developing accounting policies and positions, evaluating differences from applying the requirements of the new standard to our previous business practices and assessing the need for any changes in our processes and design of internal controls.

The primary effect of adopting the new standard relates to the changes in our estimated credit losses and providing additional disclosures about our financial assets that are included in the scope of this new standard. Based on our assessment, we did not identify a material change in our financial condition, results of operation or business practices.

We adopted ASC 326 on January 1, 2020 using a modified retrospective approach. The effect of adoption was an adjustment of $1.1 million, net of tax to opening Retained earnings on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Equity (Unaudited).

Other Accounting Pronouncements

In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting. This update provides for optional financial reporting alternatives to reduce the cost and complexity associated with the accounting for contracts and hedging relationships affected by reference rate reform.

The accommodations are effective for all entities through December 31, 2022. They may be applied from the beginning of the interim period that includes the issuance of this update. We do not expect the adoption of this update to have a material effect on our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) and related disclosures.

In January 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-01, Investments—Equity Securities (Topic 321), Investments—Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323), and Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815). The amendments clarify that an entity should consider observable transactions that require it to either apply or discontinue the equity method of accounting for the purposes of applying the measurement alternative in accordance with Topic 321 immediately before applying or upon discontinuing the equity method. This update also clarifies certain interactions between the guidance to account for certain equity securities, equity method investments and the guidance in Topic 815, including measuring certain purchased options and forward contracts to acquire investments. This update is effective prospectively for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, with early adoption permitted. We do not expect the adoption of this update to have a material effect on our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) and related disclosures.