0001437749-14-019084 | 10-K | XBRL Viewer | Factset Research Systems INC

Basic earnings per common share (in Dollars per share)

$ 211,543

$ 198,637

$ 188,809

$ 4.98

$ 4.53

$ 4.22

Diluted earnings per common share (in Dollars per share)

$ 4.92

$ 4.45

$ 4.12

Weighted average common shares (Basic) (in Shares)

42,436

43,890

44,784

Weighted average common shares (Diluted) (in Shares)

42,970

44,624

45,810

[1]	Revenues are attributed to countries based on the location of the client.

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($)
$ in Thousands

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2014

Aug. 31, 2013

Aug. 31, 2012

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

$ 211,543

$ 198,637

$ 188,809

Net unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedges*

^[1]

5,357

(3,296)

(2,141)

Other comprehensive income (loss)

7,895

(5,151)

(14,925)

13,252

(8,447)

(17,066)

Comprehensive Income

$ 224,795

$ 190,190

$ 171,743

[1]	The unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedges disclosed above was net of tax (expense) benefit of ($3,193), $1,965, and $1,283 for the fiscal years ended August 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

The portion of profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, which is attributable to the parent.

Balance, beginning of year at Aug. 31, 2011

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Parentheticals) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Tax expense on the net unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedges	$ (3,193)	$ 1,965	$ 1,283

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 116,378	$ 196,627
Investments	20,008	12,725
Accounts receivable, net of reserves of $1,662 and $1,644 at August 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively	90,354	73,290
Prepaid taxes	6,532	16,937
Deferred taxes	1,841	2,803
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	14,662	15,652
Total current assets	249,775	318,034
LONG-TERM ASSETS
Property, equipment and leasehold improvements, at cost	201,713	192,338
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	(144,072)	(126,967)
Property, equipment and leasehold improvements, net	57,641	65,371
Goodwill	285,608	244,573
Intangible assets, net	41,855	36,223
Deferred taxes	22,377	22,023
Other assets	5,956	3,973
TOTAL ASSETS	663,212	690,197
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	26,971	29,864
Accrued compensation	42,481	40,137
Deferred fees	36,504	29,319
Taxes payable	5,036	3,769
Dividends payable	16,299	15,164
Total current liabilities	127,291	118,253
NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES
Deferred taxes	2,921	2,396
Taxes payable	5,501	5,435
Deferred rent and other non-current liabilities	16,417	22,334
TOTAL LIABILITIES	152,130	148,418
Commitments and contingencies (See Note 17)
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Preferred stock, $.01 par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized, none issued	0	0
Common stock, $.01 par value, 150,000,000 shares authorized, 49,110,218 and 48,110,740 shares issued; 41,792,802 and 43,324,410 shares outstanding at August 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively	491	481
Additional paid-in capital	413,754	326,869
Treasury stock, at cost: 7,317,416 and 4,786,330 shares at August 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively	(734,746)	(454,917)
Retained earnings	849,504	700,519
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(17,921)	(31,173)
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY	511,082	541,779
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY	$ 663,212	$ 690,197

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parentheticals) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Accounts receivable, reserves (in Dollars)	$ 1,662	$ 1,644
Preferred stock par value (in Dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	10,000,000	10,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Common stock, par value (in Dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	150,000,000	150,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	49,110,218	48,110,740
Common stock, shares outstanding	41,792,802	43,324,410
Treasury stock shares	7,317,416	4,786,330

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows $ in Thousands	Aug. 31, 2014 USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2013 USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2012 USD ($)
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income	$ 211,543	$ 198,637	$ 188,809
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities
Depreciation and amortization	34,435	35,779	33,779
Stock-based compensation expense	22,891	39,951	21,982
Deferred income taxes	(1,028)	3,175	(3,760)
Gain on sale of assets	(62)	(26)	0
Tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements	(11,955)	(25,225)	(11,159)
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions
Accounts receivable, net of reserves	(13,299)	859	2,083
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	(2,903)	3,355	9
Accrued compensation	1,953	(776)	519
Deferred fees	3,594	(1,107)	(2,573)
Taxes payable, net of prepaid taxes	23,309	13,498	4,209
Prepaid expenses and other assets	(1,535)	2,105	(445)
Deferred rent and other non-current liabilities	(1,672)	(2,846)	(905)
Other working capital accounts, net	(248)	2,430	(583)
Net cash provided by operating activities	265,023	269,809	231,965
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired	(46,873)	(705)	(21,329)
Purchases of investments	(20,415)	(15,613)	(15,000)
Proceeds from maturities of investments	14,323	14,423	0
Purchases of property, equipment and leasehold improvements, net of proceeds from dispositions	(17,743)	(18,517)	(22,520)
Net cash used in investing activities	(70,708)	(20,412)	(58,849)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Dividend payments	(61,007)	(56,002)	(49,983)
Repurchase of common stock	(279,829)	(332,168)	(153,641)
Proceeds from employee stock plans	52,152	124,537	33,747
Tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements	11,955	25,225	11,159
Net cash used in financing activities	(276,729)	(238,408)	(158,718)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	2,165	(3,406)	(7,039)
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	(80,249)	7,583	7,359
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	196,627	189,044	181,685
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	116,378	196,627	189,044
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information
Cash paid during the year for income taxes, net of refunds	67,152	53,153	73,219
Supplemental Disclosure of Non-Cash Transactions
Dividends declared, not paid	16,299	15,164	13,727
Stock issued for acquisition of business	$ 0	$ 0	$ 3,974

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity - USD ($)
$ in Thousands

Common Stock [Member]

Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]

Treasury Stock [Member]

Retained Earnings [Member]

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]

Total

$ 614

$ 432,538

$ (824,382)

$ 912,078

$ (5,660)

$ 515,188

Net unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedges, net of tax

(14,925)

(2,141)

^[1]

Repurchase of common stock, including stock swaps

188,809

Dividends

(51,887)

(152,933)

Common stock issued for employee stock plans

33,383

33,392

Stock-based compensation expense

21,982

Tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements

11,159

Stock issued for acquisition of business

(11)

3,985

3,974

Purchase of common stock upon restricted stock vesting

(354)

Retirement of treasury stock

(167)

(361,482)

850,935

(489,286)

Balance, end of year at Aug. 31, 2012

456

137,569

(122,749)

559,714

(22,726)

552,264

Net unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedges, net of tax

(5,151)

(3,296)

^[1]

Repurchase of common stock, including stock swaps

198,637

Dividends

(57,832)

(327,454)

Common stock issued for employee stock plans

124,124

124,149

Stock-based compensation expense

39,951

Tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements

25,225

Stock issued for acquisition of business

Purchase of common stock upon restricted stock vesting

(4,714)

Retirement of treasury stock

Balance, end of year at Aug. 31, 2013

481

326,869

(454,917)

700,519

(31,173)

541,779

Net unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedges, net of tax

7,895

5,357

^[1]

Repurchase of common stock, including stock swaps

211,543

Dividends

(62,558)

(275,415)

Common stock issued for employee stock plans

52,039

Stock-based compensation expense

22,891

Tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements

11,955

Stock issued for acquisition of business

Purchase of common stock upon restricted stock vesting

(4,414)

Retirement of treasury stock

Balance, end of year at Aug. 31, 2014

$ 491

$ 413,754

$ (734,746)

$ 849,504

$ (17,921)

$ 511,082

[1]	The unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedges disclosed above was net of tax (expense) benefit of ($3,193), $1,965, and $1,283 for the fiscal years ended August 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Note 1 - Organization and Nature of Business

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2014

Nature of Operations [Text Block]

1. ORGANIZATION AND NATURE OF BUSINESS

FactSet Research Systems Inc. (the “Company” or “FactSet”) is a provider of integrated financial information and analytical applications to the global investment community. FactSet combines content regarding companies and securities from major markets all over the globe into a single online platform of information and analytics. By consolidating content from hundreds of databases with powerful analytics, FactSet supports the investment process from initial research to published results for buy and sell-side professionals. These professionals include portfolio managers, research and performance analysts, risk managers, marketing professionals, sell-side equity research professionals, investment bankers and fixed income professionals. The Company’s applications provide users access to company analysis, multicompany comparisons, industry analysis, company screening, portfolio analysis, predictive risk measurements, alphatesting, portfolio optimization and simulation, real-time news and quotes and tools to value and analyze fixed income securities and portfolios. With Microsoft Office integration, wireless access and customizable options, FactSet offers a complete financial workflow solution. The Company’s revenues are derived from subscriptions to services such as workstations, content and applications.

Note 2 - Basis of Presentation

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2014

Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]

2. BASIS OF PRESENTATION

FactSet conducts business globally and is managed on a geographic basis. The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All intercompany activity and balances have been eliminated from the consolidated financial statements. The Company has evaluated subsequent events through the date that the financial statements were issued.

The Company’s consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The preparation of consolidated financial statements and related disclosures in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. 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 date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Significant estimates have been made in areas that include accrued compensation, allocation of purchase price to acquired assets and liabilities, income taxes, stock-based compensation, valuation of goodwill, and useful lives and valuation of fixed and intangible assets. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Note 3 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2014

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]

3. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The significant accounting policies of the Company and its subsidiaries are summarized below.

Revenue Recognition

The Company’s revenues are derived from month-to-month subscriptions to services such as workstations (also referred to as users), content and applications. The majority of clients are invoiced monthly to reflect the actual services provided. The remaining clients are invoiced quarterly, annually or biannually in advance. Subscription revenue is earned each month as the service is rendered to clients on a monthly basis. FactSet recognizes revenue when the client subscribes to FactSet services, the service has been rendered and earned during the month, the amount of the subscription is fixed or determinable based on established rates quoted on an annualized basis and collectability is reasonably assured. A provision for billing adjustments and cancellation of services is estimated and accounted for as a reduction of revenue, with a corresponding reduction to accounts receivable.

Accounts Receivable and Deferred Fees

Amounts that have been earned but not yet paid are reflected on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as accounts receivable, net of reserves. Amounts invoiced in advance or client payments that are in excess of earned subscription revenues are reflected on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as deferred fees. As of August 31, 2014, the amount of accounts receivable that was unbilled totaled $3.0 million, which was billed in fiscal 2015.

The Company calculates its receivable reserve through analyzing aged client receivables, reviewing the recent history of client receivable write-offs and understanding general market and economic conditions. In accordance with this policy, a receivable reserve of $1.7 million and $1.6 million was recorded as of August 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as a reduction to accounts receivable.

Cost of Services

Cost of services is comprised of compensation for Company employees within the content collection, consulting, product development, software and systems engineering groups in addition to data costs, amortization of identifiable intangible assets, computer maintenance and depreciation expenses and client-related communication costs.

Selling, General and Administrative

Selling, general and administrative expenses include compensation for the sales and various other support and administrative departments, travel and entertainment expenses, marketing costs, rent, amortization of leasehold improvements, depreciation of furniture and fixtures, office expenses, professional fees and other miscellaneous expenses.

Earnings per Share

Basic earnings per share (“EPS”) is computed by dividing net income by the number of weighted average common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the number of weighted average common shares outstanding during the period increased by the dilutive effect of potential common shares outstanding during the period. The number of potential common shares outstanding has been determined in accordance with the treasury stock method to the extent they are dilutive. Common share equivalents consist of common shares issuable upon the exercise of outstanding share-based compensation awards, including employee stock options and restricted stock. Under the treasury stock method, the exercise price paid by the optionee, future stock-based compensation expense that the Company has not yet recognized and the amount of tax benefits that would be recorded in additional paid-in capital when the award becomes deductible are assumed to be used to repurchase shares.

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The Company discloses comprehensive income (loss) in accordance with applicable standards for the reporting and display of comprehensive income (loss) in a set of financial statements. Comprehensive income (loss) is defined as the change in net assets of a business enterprise during a period from transactions generated from non-owner sources. It includes all changes in equity during a period except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners.

Fair Value Measures

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received from selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability (i.e., the “exit price”) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. In determining fair value, the use of various valuation methodologies, including market, income and cost approaches is permissible. The Company considers the principal or most advantageous market in which it would transact and considers assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability. The accounting guidance for fair value measurements establishes a fair value hierarchy that requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. There are three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value based on the reliability of inputs. A financial instrument’s categorization within the fair value hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The Company’s cash equivalents are classified as Level 1 while the Company’s derivative instruments (foreign exchange forward contracts) and certificates of deposit are classified as Level 2. There were no Level 3 assets or liabilities held by FactSet as of August 31, 2014 or 2013.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents consist of demand deposits and corporate money market funds with original maturities of three months or less and are reported at fair value. The Company’s corporate money market funds are traded in an active market and the net asset value of each fund on the last day of the quarter is used to determine its fair value.

Investments

Investments consist of certificates of deposits with original maturities greater than three months, but less than one year and, as such, are classified as investments (short-term) on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. These certificates of deposit are held for investment and are not debt securities. The Company’s investments are associated with its purchase of certificates of deposits in India with maturities of less than twelve months from the date of purchase. Interest income earned from the certificates of deposit during fiscal 2014 and 2013 were $1.2 million and $1.3 million, respectively. The Company’s cash, cash equivalents and investments portfolio did not experience any realized or unrealized losses as a result of counterparty credit risk or ratings change during fiscal 2014 and 2013.

Property, Equipment and Leasehold Improvements

Property, equipment and leasehold improvements are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Computers and related equipment are depreciated on a straight-line basis over estimated useful lives of three years. Furniture and fixtures are depreciated on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives of seven years. Leasehold improvements are amortized on a straight-line basis over the terms of the related leases or estimated useful lives of the improvements, whichever period is shorter. Repairs and maintenance expenditures, which are not considered leasehold improvements and do not extend the useful life of the property and equipment, are expensed as incurred.

The Company performs a test for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an individual asset or asset group may not be recoverable. Should projected undiscounted future cash flows be less than the carrying amount of the asset or asset group, an impairment charge reducing the carrying amount to fair value is required. Fair value is determined based on the most appropriate valuation technique, including discounted cash flows.

Goodwill

Goodwill has resulted from the acquisitions of the Insyte, LionShares, Mergerstat, CallStreet, JCF, TrueCourse, Derivative Solutions, AlphaMetrics, Global Filings, DealMaven, Thomson Fundamentals, Market Metrics, StreetAccount, Revere and Matrix businesses. Goodwill resulting from the acquisitions of LionShares, Mergerstat, TrueCourse, Derivative Solutions, Market Metrics, StreetAccount, Revere and Matrix are income tax-deductible based on the structure of the acquisition. On an ongoing basis, the Company evaluates goodwill at the reporting unit level for indications of potential impairment. Goodwill is tested for impairment based on the present value of discounted cash flows, and, if impaired, written down to fair value. FactSet has determined that there were three reporting units during fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012, which are consistent with the operating segments reported because there is no discrete financial information available for the subsidiaries within each operating segment. The Company’s reporting units evaluated for potential impairment were U.S., Europe and Asia Pacific, which reflects the level of internal reporting the Company uses to manage its business and operations. The Company performed an annual goodwill impairment test during the fourth quarter of fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012 and determined that there were no reporting units that were deemed at risk and there had been no impairment.

Intangible Assets

Intangible assets consist of certain acquired content databases, client relationships, software technology, non-compete agreements and trade names resulting from the acquisitions of Mergerstat (M&A data), JCF (earnings and other estimates), TrueCourse (takeover defense intelligence), Derivative Solutions (fixed income), AlphaMetrics (research and performance evaluation networking tool), Global Filings (equity and fixed income prospectuses), DealMaven (investment banking workflow tool), Thomson Fundamentals (financial data), Market Metrics (U.S. market research data on advisor-sold investments and insurance products), StreetAccount (financial news), Revere (industry taxonomy and supply chain data) and Matrix (UK mutual fund intelligence) depending on the nature of the intangible asset, are amortized on either a straight-line or an accelerated basis using estimated useful lives ranging between two and twenty years. The remaining useful lives of intangible assets subject to amortization are evaluated quarterly to determine whether events and circumstances warrant a revision to the remaining period of amortization. If the estimate of the remaining useful life is changed, the remaining carrying amount of the intangible asset is amortized prospectively over that revised remaining useful life. These intangible assets have no assigned residual values. Intangible assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. Determination of recoverability is based on an estimate of undiscounted future cash flows resulting from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition. Measurement of any impairment loss for intangible assets that management expects to hold and use is based on the amount the carrying value exceeds the fair value of the asset. No impairment of intangible assets has been identified during any of the fiscal years presented.

Internal Use Software

Certain costs related to computer software developed or obtained for internal use are capitalized. FactSet capitalizes only those direct costs incurred during the application development and implementation stages for developing, purchasing or otherwise acquiring software solely to meet the Company’s internal needs. Capitalized costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the underlying software, three years or less. During fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Company capitalized $0.7 million, $0.7 million and $0.9 million, respectively of internal employee compensation costs associated with the application development and implementation stages for developing software for internal use only. In fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012, FactSet recorded amortization expense related to capitalized software of $0.8 million, $0.9 million and $0.9 million, respectively.

Product Development

The Company capitalizes software development costs related to software to be sold, leased, or otherwise marketed. Software development costs are expensed as incurred until technological feasibility has been established, at which time such costs are capitalized until the product is available for general release to the public. Once the point of technological feasibility is reached, which is the completion of a working prototype that has been certified as having no critical bugs and is a release candidate or has alternative future uses, development costs are capitalized until the product is ready for general release. Research and product development costs not subject to capitalization are expensed as incurred. As of August 31, 2014 and 2013, there were no software development costs capitalized related to software to be sold, leased, or otherwise marketed.

Accrued Liabilities

Accrued liabilities include estimates relating to employee compensation, operating expenses and tax liabilities. Approximately 15% of the Company’s employee incentive compensation programs are discretionary. FactSet conducts a final review of Company and departmental individual performance each fiscal year end to determine the amount of discretionary employee compensation. The Company also reviews compensation throughout the year to determine how overall performance tracks against management’s expectations. Management takes these and other factors, including historical performance, into account in reviewing accrued compensation estimates quarterly and adjusting accrual rates as appropriate. The amount of the variable employee compensation recorded within accrued compensation as of August 31, 2014 and 2013, was $37.3 million and $35.2 million, respectively.

Derivative Instruments

FactSet conducts business outside the U.S. in several currencies including the British Pound Sterling, Euro, Japanese Yen, Indian Rupee and Philippine Peso. As such, it is exposed to movements in foreign currency exchange rates compared to the U.S. dollar. To manage the exposures related to the effects of foreign exchange rate fluctuations, the Company utilizes derivative instruments (foreign currency forward contracts). The Company’s primary objective in holding derivatives is to reduce the volatility of earnings and cash flows associated with changes in foreign currency. In designing a specific hedging approach, FactSet considers several factors, including offsetting exposures, significance of exposures, forecasting risk and potential effectiveness of the hedge. These transactions are designated and accounted for as cash flow hedges in accordance with applicable accounting guidance. The changes in fair value for these foreign currency forward contracts are initially reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss and subsequently reclassified into operating expenses when the hedged exposure affects earnings. The gains and losses on foreign currency forward contracts mitigate the variability in operating expenses associated with currency movements. All derivatives are assessed for effectiveness at each reporting period. The Company does not enter into foreign exchange forward contracts for trading or speculative purposes.

Foreign Currency Translation

Certain wholly owned subsidiaries within the Europe and Asia Pacific segments operate under a functional currency different from the U.S. dollar, such as the British Pound Sterling, Euro, Japanese Yen, Indian Rupee and Philippines Peso. The financial statements of these foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars using period-end rates of exchange for assets and liabilities, and average rates for the period for revenues and expenses. Translation gains and losses that arise from translating assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses of foreign operations are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss as a component of stockholders’ equity. The accumulated foreign currency translation loss totaled $18.4 million and $26.3 million at August 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Income and Deferred Taxes

Income tax expense is based on taxable income determined in accordance with current enacted laws and tax rates. Deferred income taxes are recorded for the temporary differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities using currently enacted tax rates. FactSet recognizes the financial effect of an income tax position only if it is more likely than not (greater than 50%) that the tax position will prevail upon tax examination, based solely on the technical merits of the tax position as of the reporting date. Otherwise, no benefit or expense can be recognized in the consolidated financial statements. The tax benefits recognized are measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement. Additionally, FactSet accrues interest on all tax exposures for which reserves have been established consistent with jurisdictional tax laws. Interest is classified as income tax expense in the financial statements. As of August 31, 2014, the Company had gross unrecognized tax benefits totaling $5.5 million, including $1.1 million of accrued interest, recorded as non-current taxes payable in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

Stock-Based Compensation

Accounting guidance requires the measurement and recognition of compensation expense for all share-based payment awards made to employees and directors including stock options, restricted stock and common shares acquired under employee stock purchases based on estimated fair values of the share awards that are scheduled to vest during the period. FactSet uses the straight-line attribution method for all awards with graded vesting features and service conditions only. Under this method, the amount of compensation expense that is recognized on any date is at least equal to the vested portion of the award on that date. For all stock-based awards with performance conditions, the graded vesting attribution method is used by the Company to determine the monthly stock-based compensation expense over the applicable vesting periods.

As stock-based compensation expense recognized is based on awards ultimately expected to vest, it has been reduced for estimated forfeitures. Forfeitures are estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. Forfeitures were estimated based primarily on historical experience. Windfall tax benefits, defined as tax deductions that exceed recorded stock-based compensation, are classified as cash inflows from financing activities.

Performance-based stock options require management to make assumptions regarding the likelihood of achieving Company performance targets on a quarterly basis. The number of performance-based options that vest will be predicated on the Company achieving certain performance levels. A change in the financial performance levels the Company achieves could result in changes to FactSet’s current estimate of the vesting percentage and related stock-based compensation.

Treasury Stock

The Company accounts for repurchased common stock under the cost method and includes such treasury stock as a component of its stockholders’ equity. At the time treasury stock retirement is approved by FactSet’s Board of Directors, the Company’s accounting policy is to deduct its par value from common stock, reduce additional paid-in capital (“APIC”) by the amount recorded in APIC when the stock was originally issued and any remaining excess of cost as a deduction from retained earnings.

Operating Leases

The Company conducts all of its operations in leased facilities which have minimum lease obligations under non-cancelable operating leases. Certain of these leases contain rent escalations based on specified percentages. Most of the leases contain renewal options and require payments for taxes, insurance and maintenance. Rent expense is charged to operations as incurred except for escalating rents, which are charged to operations on a straight-line basis over the life of the lease. Lease incentives, relating to allowances provided by landlords, are amortized over the term of the lease as a reduction of rent expense. Costs associated with acquiring a subtenant, including broker commissions and tenant allowances, are amortized over the sublease term as a reduction of sublease income.

Business Combinations

The Company records acquisitions using the purchase method of accounting. All of the assets acquired, liabilities assumed, contractual contingencies and contingent consideration are recognized at their fair value on the acquisition date. The application of the purchase method of accounting for business combinations requires management to make significant estimates and assumptions in the determination of the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in order to properly allocate purchase price consideration between assets that are depreciated and amortized from goodwill. The excess of the fair value of purchase consideration over the fair values of these identifiable assets and liabilities is recorded as goodwill. Acquisition-related expenses and restructuring costs are recognized separately from the business combination and are expensed as incurred.

Concentrations of Risk

Cash and cash equivalents are maintained with several financial institutions. Deposits held with banks may exceed the amount of insurance provided on such deposits. Generally, these deposits may be redeemed upon demand and are maintained with financial institutions with reputable credit and therefore bear minimal credit risk. The Company seeks to mitigate its credit risks by spreading such risks across multiple counterparties and monitoring the risk profiles of these counterparties.

New Accounting Standards or Updates Recently Adopted

Except for the new accounting standard updates disclosed below, the new updates issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) during the last two fiscal years did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Balance Sheet Offsetting

In December 2011, the FASB issued an accounting standard update requiring enhanced disclosures about certain financial instruments and derivative instruments that are offset in the balance sheet or that are subject to enforceable master netting arrangements or similar agreements. In January 2013, the FASB issued a clarifying accounting standard update, which limited the scope of the previous guidance to only derivatives, repurchase type agreements and securities borrowing and lending transactions. This accounting standard update was adopted by FactSet in the first quarter of fiscal 2014. Other than the additional disclosure, the adoption of this accounting standard update did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets

In July 2012, the FASB issued an accounting standard update intended to simplify how an entity tests indefinite-lived intangible assets other than goodwill for impairment by providing entities with an option to perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether further impairment testing is necessary. FactSet adopted this accounting standard update in the first quarter of fiscal 2014 and its adoption did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Reporting of Amounts Reclassified out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

In February 2013, the FASB issued an accounting standard update to require reclassification adjustments from other comprehensive income to be presented either in the financial statements or in the notes to the financial statements. This accounting standard update became effective for FactSet beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2014 and the additional information has been disclosed in Note 6.

Cumulative Translation Adjustments

In March 2013, the FASB issued an accounting standard update requiring an entity to release into net income the entire amount of a cumulative translation adjustment related to its investment in a foreign entity when as a parent it either sells a part or all of its investment in a foreign entity or no longer holds a controlling financial interest in a subsidiary or group of assets within a foreign entity. This accounting standard update was adopted by FactSet beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2014 and did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

RecentAccounting Standards or Updates Not Yet Effective

Reporting Discontinued Operations

In April 2014, the FASB issued an accounting standard update that changes the criteria for reporting discontinued operations. Under the accounting standard update, a disposal of a component of an entity or a group of components of an entity is required to be reported in discontinued operations if the disposal represents a strategic shift that has, or will have, a major effect on an entity's operations and financial results when either it qualifies as held for sale, disposed of by sale, or disposed of other than by sale. This accounting standard update will be effective for FactSet beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2016. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this accounting standard update on its consolidated financial statements.

Revenue Recognition

In May 2014, the FASB issued an accounting standard update which provides clarified principles for recognizing revenue arising from contracts with clients and supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. The core principle of the revenue model is that an entity recognizes revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to clients in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. In applying the revenue model to contracts within its scope, an entity will identify the contract with a client, identify the performance obligations in the contract, determine the transaction price, allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract and recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation. This accounting standard update will be effective for FactSet beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2018. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this accounting standard update on its consolidated financial statements.

Going Concern

In August 2014, the FASB issued an accounting standard update that requires management to evaluate and disclose whether there are conditions and events that raise substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year after financial statements are issued. The evaluation and disclosure will be required to be made for both annual and interim reporting periods, if applicable, along with an evaluation as to whether management’s plans alleviate that doubt. This accounting standard update will be effective for FactSet beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2017.

Note 4 - Fair Value Measures

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2014

Fair Value, Measurement Inputs, Disclosure [Text Block]

4. FAIR VALUE MEASURES

(a) Fair Value Hierarchy

The accounting guidance for fair value measurements establishes a fair value hierarchy that requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. There are three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value based on the reliability of inputs. A financial instrument’s categorization within the fair value hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment and may affect their placement within the fair value hierarchy levels. FactSet has categorized its cash equivalents, investments and derivatives within the hierarchy as follows:

Level 1 - applies to assets or liabilities for which there are quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. These Level 1 assets and liabilities include FactSet’s corporate money market funds that are classified as cash equivalents.

Level 2 - applies to assets or liabilities for which there are inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in markets with insufficient volume or infrequent transactions (less active markets); or model-derived valuations in which significant inputs are observable or can be derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data. The Company’s certificates of deposit and derivative instruments are classified as Level 2.

Level 3 - applies to assets or liabilities for which there are unobservable inputs to the valuation methodology that are significant to the measurement of the fair value of the assets or liabilities. There were no Level 3 assets or liabilities held by FactSet as of August 31, 2014 or 2013.

(b) Assetsand Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

The following tables shows by level within the fair value hierarchy the Company’s assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis at August 31, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):

	Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
August 31, 2014	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total

Assets
Corporate money market funds ⁽¹⁾	$	75,363	$	0	$	0	$	75,363
Certificates of deposit ⁽²⁾		0		20,008		0		20,008
Derivative Instruments ⁽³⁾		0		1,406		0		1,406
Total assets measured at fair value	$	75,363	$	21,414	$	0	$	96,777

Liabilities
Derivative instruments ⁽³⁾	$	0	$	591	$	0	$	591
Total liabilities measured at fair value	$	0	$	591	$	0	$	591

	Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
August 31, 2013	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total

Assets
Corporate money market funds ⁽¹⁾	$	156,693	$	0	$	0	$	156,693
Certificates of deposit ⁽²⁾		0		12,725		0		12,725
Total assets measured at fair value	$	156,693	$	12,725	$	0	$	169,418

Liabilities
Derivative instruments ⁽³⁾	$	0	$	7,740	$	0	$	7,740
Total liabilities measured at fair value	$	0	$	7,740	$	0	$	7,740

(1)

The Company’s corporate money market funds are traded in an active market and the net asset value of each fund on the last day of the quarter is used to determine its fair value. As such, the Company’s corporate money market funds are classified as Level 1 and included in cash and cash equivalents on the consolidated balance sheet.

(2)

The Company’s certificates of deposit held for investment are not debt securities and are classified as Level 2. These certificates of deposit have original maturities greater than three months, but less than one year and, as such, are classified as investments (short-term) on the consolidated balance sheet.

(3)

The Company utilizes the income approach to measure fair value for its derivative instruments (foreign exchange forward contracts). The income approach uses pricing models that rely on market observable inputs such as spot, forward and interest rates, as well as credit default swap spreads and therefore are classified as Level 2.

The Company did not have any transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements during the periods presented.

(c) Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Non-recurring Basis

Certain assets, including goodwill and intangible assets, and liabilities, are measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis; that is, the assets and liabilities are not measured at fair value on an ongoing basis but are subject to fair value adjustments in certain circumstances such as when they are deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired. The fair values of these non-financial assets and liabilities are determined based on valuation techniques using the best information available, and may include quoted market prices, market comparables, and discounted cash flow projections. An impairment charge is recorded when the cost exceeds its fair value, based upon the results of such valuations. During fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2013, no fair value adjustments or material fair value measurements were required for the Company’s non-financial assets or liabilities.

Note 5 - Derivative Instruments

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2014

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block]

5. DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS

Cash Flow Hedges

FactSet conducts business outside the U.S. in several currencies including the British Pound Sterling, Euro, Japanese Yen, Indian Rupee and Philippine Peso. As such, it is exposed to movements in foreign currency exchange rates compared to the U.S. dollar. To manage the exposures related to the effects of foreign exchange rate fluctuations, the Company utilizes derivative instruments (foreign currency forward contracts). The Company’s primary objective in holding derivatives is to reduce the volatility of earnings and cash flows associated with changes in foreign currency. The Company does not enter into foreign exchange forward contracts for trading or speculative purposes. In designing a specific hedging approach, FactSet considered several factors, including offsetting exposures, significance of exposures, forecasting risk and potential effectiveness of the hedge. The gains and losses on foreign currency forward contracts offset the variability in operating expenses associated with currency movements. The changes in fair value for these foreign currency forward contracts are initially reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss (“AOCL”) and subsequently reclassified into operating expenses when the hedged exposure affects earnings. There was no discontinuance of cash flow hedges during fiscal 2014 or fiscal 2013, and as such, no corresponding gains or losses related to changes in the value of our contracts were reclassified into earnings prior to settlement.

As of August 31, 2014, FactSet maintained foreign currency forward contracts to hedge approximately 75% of its Indian Rupee exposure through the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016 and approximately 50% of its Philippines Peso exposure through the second quarter of fiscal 2015. As of August 31, 2014, the notional principal and fair value of foreign exchange contracts to purchase Indian Rupees with U.S. dollars was Rs.2.5 billion and $0.7 million, respectively. As of August 31, 2014, the notional principal and fair value of foreign exchange contracts to purchase Philippine Pesos with U.S. dollars was Php 288.6 million and $0.1 million, respectively.

The following is a summary of all hedging positions and corresponding fair values (in thousands):

	Gross Notional Value				Fair Value Asset (Liability)
Currency Hedged (in U.S. dollars)	Aug 31, 2014		Aug 31, 2013		Aug 31, 2014		Aug 31, 2013
Indian Rupee	$	38,479	$	47,388	$	700	$	(7,693	)
Philippine Peso		6,500		11,700		115		(178	)
British Pound		0		10,436		0		131
Total	$	44,979	$	69,524	$	815	$	(7,740	)

Counterparty Credit Risk

As a result of the use of derivative instruments, the Company is exposed to counterparty credit risk. FactSet has incorporated counterparty risk into the fair value of its derivative assets and its own credit risk into the value of the Company’s derivative liabilities. FactSet calculates credit risk from observable data related to credit default swaps (“CDS”) as quoted by publicly available information. Counterparty risk is represented by CDS spreads related to the senior secured debt of the respective bank with whom FactSet has executed these derivative transactions. Because CDS spread information is not available for FactSet, the Company’s credit risk is determined based on using a simple average of CDS spreads for peer companies. To mitigate counterparty credit risk, FactSet enters into contracts with large financial institutions. The Company regularly reviews its credit exposure balances as well as the creditworthiness of the counterparties. The Company does not expect any losses as a result of default of its counterparties.

Fair Value of Derivative Instruments

The following tables provide a summary of the fair value amounts of derivative instruments and gains and losses on derivative instruments (in thousands):

Designation of Derivatives	Balance Sheet Location	Aug 31, 2014		Aug 31, 2013
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments	Assets: Foreign Currency Forward Contracts
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets	$	114	$	0
	Other assets	$	1,292		0
	Liabilities: Foreign Currency Forward Contracts
	Accounts payable and accrued expenses	$	591	$	3,085
	Deferred rent and other non-current liabilities	$	0	$	4,655

All derivatives were designated as hedging instruments as of August 31, 2014 and August 31, 2013, respectively.

Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships

The following table provides the pre-tax effect of derivative instruments in cash flow hedging relationships for the each of the three fiscal years ended August 31, 2014 (in thousands):

Gain (Loss) Recognized

in AOCL on Derivatives
(Effective Portion)

Location of Gain (Loss)Reclassified from AOCL

into Income (Effective

(Loss) Reclassifiedfrom AOCL into Income(Effective Portion)

Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships

2014

2013

2012

Portion)

2014

2013

2012

Foreign currency forward contracts

8,294

(6,258

)

(4,450

)

SG&A

(260

)

(1,000

)

(1,031

)

No amount of ineffectiveness was recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Income for these designated cash flow hedges and all components of each derivative’s gain or loss was included in the assessment of hedge effectiveness. As of August 31, 2014, FactSet estimates that $0.5 million of net derivative losses related to its cash flow hedges included in AOCL will be reclassified into earnings within the next 12 months.

Offsetting of Derivative Instruments

FactSet’s master netting and other similar arrangements with its respective counterparties allow for net settlement under certain conditions. As of August 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, information related to these offsetting arrangements was as follows (in thousands):

	Derivatives Offset in Consolidated Balance Sheets
August 31, 2014	Gross Derivative Amounts			Gross Derivative Amounts Offset in Balance Sheet		Net Amounts
Fair value of assets	$	1,406		$	0	$	1,406
Fair value of liabilities		(626	)		35		(591	)
Total	$	780		$	35	$	815

	Derivatives Offset in Consolidated Balance Sheets
August 31, 2013	Gross Derivative Amounts			Gross Derivative Amounts Offset in Balance Sheet		Net Amounts
Fair value of assets	$	131		$	0	$	131
Fair value of liabilities		(7,871	)		0		(7,871	)
Total	$	(7,740	)	$	0	$	(7,740	)

The entire disclosure for derivative instruments and hedging activities including, but not limited to, risk management strategies, non-hedging derivative instruments, assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses, and methodologies and assumptions used in determining the amounts.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 30
-Section 45
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6441202&loc=d3e80720-113993

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4C
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35706170&loc=SL5624171-113959

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35706170&loc=d3e41620-113959

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4B
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35706170&loc=SL5624163-113959

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35706170&loc=SL5579240-113959

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4D
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35706170&loc=SL5624177-113959

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 30
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35736893&loc=d3e80784-113994

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 5
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35706170&loc=d3e41641-113959

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1A
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35706170&loc=SL5579245-113959

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4H
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35706170&loc=SL5624258-113959

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 30
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35736893&loc=d3e80748-113994

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4K
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35706170&loc=SL5708775-113959

Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4J
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35706170&loc=SL5708773-113959

Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4A
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35706170&loc=SL5618551-113959

Reference 15: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1B
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35706170&loc=SL5580258-113959

Reference 16: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4E
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35706170&loc=SL5624181-113959

Reference 17: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 25
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6886632&loc=d3e76258-113986

Reference 18: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35706170&loc=d3e41638-113959

Reference 19: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(n))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26873400&loc=d3e23780-122690

Note 6 - Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2014

Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block]

6. OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) AND ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

The components of other comprehensive income (loss) during the twelve months ended August 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 are as follows (in thousands):

	Aug 31, 2014				Aug 31, 2013						Aug 31, 2012
	Pre-tax		Net of tax		Pre-tax			Net of tax			Pre-tax			Net of tax
Foreign currency translation adjustments	$	7,895	$	7,895	$	(5,151	)	$	(5,151	)	$	(14,925	)	$	(14,925	)
Realized loss on cash flow hedges reclassified to earnings ⁽¹⁾		260		164		1,000			622			1,031			645
Unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedges recognized in AOCL		8,294		5,193		(6,258	)		(3,918	)		(4,450	)		(2,786	)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	$	16,449	$	13,252	$	(10,409	)	$	(8,447	)	$	(18,344	)	$	(17,066	)

⁽¹⁾ Reclassified to Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

The components of accumulated other comprehensive loss is as follows (in thousands):

	Aug 31, 2014			Aug 31, 2013
Accumulated unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges, net of tax	$	510		$	(4,847	)
Accumulated foreign currency translation adjustments		(18,431	)		(26,326	)
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss	$	(17,921	)	$	(31,173	)

The entire disclosure for comprehensive income, which includes, but is not limited to, 1) the amount of income tax expense or benefit allocated to each component of other comprehensive income, including reclassification adjustments, 2) the reclassification adjustments for each classification of other comprehensive income and 3) the ending accumulated balances for each component of comprehensive income.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 15
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=36458714&loc=d3e689-108580

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 1A
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=36458714&loc=SL7669619-108580

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 12
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=36458714&loc=d3e640-108580

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 17
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=36458714&loc=d3e716-108580

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 16
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=36458714&loc=d3e709-108580

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.3-04)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27012166&loc=d3e187085-122770

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 11
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=36458714&loc=d3e637-108580

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 14
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=36458714&loc=d3e681-108580

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Reclassification Adjustments
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6522872

Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block]

Note 7 - Segment Information

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2014

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

7. SEGMENT INFORMATION

Operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise that engage in business activities from which it may earn revenues and incur expenses, whose operating results are regularly reviewed by the enterprise’s chief operating decision maker (“CODM”) to make decisions about resources to be allocated to the segment and assess its performance, and for which discrete financial information is available. FactSet’s CODM is its Chief Executive Officer, who is responsible for making decisions about resources allocated amongst the operating segments based on actual results.

FactSet’s operating segments are aligned with how the Company, including its CODM, manages the business and the demographic markets in which FactSet serves. The Company’s internal financial reporting structure is based on three segments; U.S., Europe and Asia Pacific. FactSet believes this alignment helps it better manage the business and view the markets the Company serves, which are centered on providing integrated global financial and economic information. Sales, consulting, data collection and software engineering are the primary functional groups within the U.S., Europe and Asia Pacific segments that provide global financial and economic information to investment managers, investment banks and other financial services professionals. The U.S. segment services finance professionals including financial institutions throughout the Americas, while the European and Asia Pacific segments service investment professionals located throughout Europe and Asia, respectively. The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the Note 3, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.

The European segment is headquartered in London, England and maintains office locations in France, Germany, the Netherlands, Latvia, Sweden, Dubai and Italy. The Asia Pacific segment is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan with office locations in Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia and Mumbai, India. Segment revenues reflect direct sales to clients based in their respective geographic locations. There are no intersegment or intercompany sales of the FactSet service. Each segment records compensation, including stock-based compensation, amortization of intangible assets, depreciation of furniture and fixtures, amortization of leasehold improvements, communication costs, professional fees, rent expense, travel, marketing, office and other direct expenses. Expenditures associated with the Company’s data centers, third party data costs and corporate headquarters charges are recorded by the U.S. segment and are not allocated to the other segments. The content collection centers located in India and the Philippines benefit all of the Company’s operating segments and thus the expenses incurred at these locations are allocated to each segment based on a percentage of revenues. Of the total $285.6 million of goodwill reported by the Company at August 31, 2014, 63% was recorded in the U.S. segment, 36% in the European segment and the remaining 1% in the Asia Pacific segment.

The following reflects the results of operations of the segments consistent with the Company’s management system. These results are used, in part, by management, both in evaluating the performance of, and in allocating resources to, each of the segments (in thousands).

Year Ended August 31, 2014	U.S.		Europe		Asia Pacific		Total
Revenues from clients	$	624,642	$	227,395	$	68,298	$	920,335
Segment operating profit		165,004		100,937		36,278		302,219
Total assets		362,255		239,654		61,303		663,212
Depreciation and amortization		25,574		5,656		3,205		34,435
Stock-based compensation		20,288		2,231		372		22,891
Capital expenditures		16,047		647		1,049		17,743

Year Ended August 31, 2013	U.S.		Europe		Asia Pacific		Total
Revenues from clients	$	586,865	$	208,827	$	62,420	$	858,112
Segment operating profit		138,706		100,187		30,526		269,419
Total assets		444,406		193,202		52,589		690,197
Depreciation and amortization		27,757		4,027		3,995		35,779
Stock-based compensation		37,307		2,264		380		39,951
Capital expenditures		13,649		1,276		3,592		18,517

Year Ended August 31, 2012	U.S.		Europe		Asia Pacific		Total
Revenues from clients	$	550,474	$	197,404	$	57,915	$	805,793
Segment operating profit		149,968		95,417		27,605		272,990
Total assets		377,320		266,967		49,856		694,143
Depreciation and amortization		25,061		4,922		3,796		33,779
Stock-based compensation		20,180		1,680		122		21,982
Capital expenditures		20,408		488		1,624		22,520

GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION - The following table sets forth information for those countries that are 10% or more of revenues (in thousands).

Years Ended August 31,	2014		2013		2012

Revenues*
United States	$	624,642	$	586,865	$	550,474
United Kingdom		131,848		121,072		114,435
All other European countries		95,547		87,755		82,969
Asia Pacific		68,298		62,420		57,915
Total revenues	$	920,335	$	858,112	$	805,793

* Revenues are attributed to countries based on the location of the client.

The following table sets forth long-lived assets by geographic area (in thousands):

At August 31,	2014		2013		2012

Long-lived Assets**
United States	$	46,294	$	51,184	$	60,288
United Kingdom		4,669		4,806		5,466
All other European countries		2,267		3,051		2,951
Asia Pacific		4,411		6,330		7,825
Total long-lived assets	$	57,641	$	65,371	$	76,530

** Long-lived assets consist of property, equipment and leasehold improvements, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization and exclude goodwill, intangible assets, deferred taxes and other assets.

The entire disclosure for reporting segments including data and tables. Reportable segments include those that meet any of the following quantitative thresholds a) it's reported revenue, including sales to external customers and intersegment sales or transfers is 10 percent or more of the combined revenue, internal and external, of all operating segments b) the absolute amount of its reported profit or loss is 10 percent or more of the greater, in absolute amount of 1) the combined reported profit of all operating segments that did not report a loss or 2) the combined reported loss of all operating segments that did report a loss c) its assets are 10 percent or more of the combined assets of all operating segments.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 34
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8981-108599

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 41
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e9038-108599

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 33
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8971-108599

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 12
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8595-108599

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8380-108599

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 32
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8933-108599

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 26
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8844-108599

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 35
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8984-108599

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 40
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e9031-108599

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 42
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e9054-108599

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 10
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8538-108599

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 29
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8864-108599

Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 31
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8924-108599

Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 30
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8906-108599

Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block]

Note 8 - Business Combinations

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2014

Business Combinations [Abstract]

8. BUSINESS COMBINATIONS

Revere Data

On September 1, 2013, FactSet acquired the assets of Revere Data, LLC (“Revere”) to complement the Company's commitment to provide its clients with insightful content sets, for $15.3 million in cash. Revere classifies companies into a unique industry taxonomy and offers a database of supply chain relationships that helps investors identify companies’ interrelationships and mutual dependencies. As of the date of acquisition, Revere had annual subscriptions of $5 million. The opportunity for FactSet to offer this robust data to new and existing clients contributed to a purchase price in excess of fair value of the Revere net tangible and intangible assets. As a result, FactSet recorded goodwill in connection with this transaction.

Allocation of the purchase price to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed was finalized during the second quarter of fiscal 2014. The total purchase price was allocated to Revere’s net tangible and intangible assets based upon their estimated fair value as of the date of acquisition.

The final Revere purchase price of $15.3 million was allocated as follows (in thousands):

Tangible assets acquired	$	544
Amortizable intangible assets
Data content		2,799
Client relationships		827
Non-compete agreements		162
Trade name		293
Goodwill		11,612
Total assets acquired		16,237
Liabilities assumed		(949	)
Net assets acquired	$	15,288

Intangible assets of $4.1 million have been allocated to amortizable intangible assets consisting of data content, amortized over five years using a straight-line amortization method; client relationships, amortized over seven years using an accelerated amortization method; non-compete agreements, amortized over two years using a straight-line amortization method; and trade name, amortized over four years using a straight-line amortization method.

Goodwill totaling $11.6 million represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net tangible and intangible assets acquired. Goodwill generated from the Revere acquisition is included in the U.S. segment and is deductible for income tax purposes. The results of the operations of Revere have been included in the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Income since the completion of the acquisition on September 1, 2013 and did not have a material impact on fiscal 2014 results. Pro forma information has not been presented because the effects of this acquisition were not material to the Company’s consolidated financial results.

Matrix Data Limited

During the second quarter of fiscal 2014, FactSet acquired Matrix Data Limited (“Matrix”) for a total purchase price of $31.8 million. Matrix’ primary line of business is a provider of intelligence to the UK financial services industry, covering market share of mutual fund distribution. Matrix has developed customer, channel and market benchmarking solutions that help clients optimize product distribution and improve marketing effectiveness to drive revenue growth. At the time of acquisition, Matrix had annual subscriptions of $7 million. The acquisition of Matrix allows FactSet to expand its current U.S. advisor-sold investments and insurance products to the UK, with the potential to ultimately expand this coverage throughout continental Europe. The opportunity for FactSet to develop an international presence and complement its existing U.S. product offerings contributed to a purchase price in excess of fair value of the Matrix net tangible and intangible assets, leading to the recognition of goodwill in connection with the acquisition.

Allocation of the purchase price to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed was finalized during the third quarter of fiscal 2014. There were no material adjustments between the preliminary and final allocation of purchase price. The total purchase price was allocated to Matrix’ net tangible and intangible assets based upon their estimated fair value as of the date of acquisition.

The final Matrix purchase price of $31.8 million was allocated as follows (in thousands):

Tangible assets acquired	$	7,459
Amortizable intangible assets
Data content		3,408
Client relationships		2,816
Software technology		1,708
Trade name		670
Non-compete agreements		147
Goodwill		25,531
Total assets acquired		41,739
Liabilities assumed		(9,941	)
Net assets acquired	$	31,798

Intangible assets of $8.7 million have been allocated to amortizable intangible assets consisting of data content, amortized over four years using a straight-line amortization method; client relationships, amortized over eight years using an accelerated amortization method; software technology, amortized over five years using a straight-line amortization method; non-compete agreements, amortized over three years using a straight-line amortization method; and trade name, amortized over four years using a straight-line amortization method.

Goodwill totaling $25.5 million represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net tangible and intangible assets acquired. Goodwill generated from the Matrix acquisition is included in the European segment and is deductible for income tax purposes. The results of the operations of Matrix have been included in the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Income since the completion of the acquisition and did not have a material impact on consolidated fiscal 2014 financial results, and as such, pro forma information has not been presented.

The entire disclosure for a business combination (or series of individually immaterial business combinations) completed during the period, including background, timing, and recognized assets and liabilities. The disclosure may include leverage buyout transactions (as applicable).

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 5
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=25497992&loc=d3e1497-128463

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=25497992&loc=d3e1490-128463

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=25497992&loc=d3e1392-128463

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 30
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35744584&loc=d3e7008-128479

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=25497992&loc=d3e1486-128463

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 30
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35744584&loc=d3e6927-128479

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=39739317&loc=d3e4845-128472

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 6
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=25497992&loc=d3e1500-128463

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 7
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=25497992&loc=d3e1524-128463

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 30
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35744584&loc=d3e7000-128479

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=39739317&loc=d3e4922-128472

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=39739317&loc=d3e4934-128472

Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=39739317&loc=d3e4926-128472

Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=25497992&loc=d3e1383-128463

Reference 15: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 30
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35744584&loc=d3e6996-128479

Disclosure Text Block Supplement [Abstract]

Note 9 - Goodwill

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2014

Goodwill Disclosure [Text Block]

9. GOODWILL

Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by segment for fiscal years ended August 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows (in thousands):

	U.S.		Europe			Asia Pacific			Total
Balance at August 31, 2012	$	167,817	$	73,806		$	4,168		$	245,791
Goodwill acquired during the period		5		0			0			5
Foreign currency translations		0		(382	)		(841	)		(1,223	)
Balance at August 31, 2013	$	167,822	$	73,424		$	3,327		$	244,573
Goodwill acquired during the period		11,612		25,531			0			37,143
Foreign currency translations		0		4,077			(185	)		3,892
Balance at August 31, 2014	$	179,434	$	103,032		$	3,142		$	285,608

Goodwill is not amortized as it has an estimated infinite life. At least annually, the Company evaluates goodwill at the reporting unit level for potential impairment. Goodwill is tested for impairment based on the present value of discounted cash flows, and, if impaired, written down to fair value based on discounted cash flows. The Company has three reporting units, which are consistent with the operating segments reported because there is no discrete financial information available for the subsidiaries within each operating segment. The Company’s reporting units evaluated for potential impairment were U.S., Europe and Asia Pacific, which reflects the level of internal reporting the Company uses to manage its business and operations. The Company performed an annual goodwill impairment test during the fourth quarter of fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012, which determined that there were no reporting units that were deemed at risk. The fair value of each of the Company’s reporting units significantly exceeded carrying value, thus there had been no impairment.

Note 10 - Intangible Assets

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2014

Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block]

10. INTANGIBLE ASSETS

FactSet’s identifiable intangible assets consist of acquired content databases, client relationships, software technology, non-compete agreements and trade names resulting from previous acquisitions, which have been fully integrated into the Company’s operations. The weighted average useful life of the Company’s acquired intangible assets at August 31, 2014 was 11.1 years. The Company amortizes intangible assets over their estimated useful lives, which are evaluated quarterly to determine whether events and circumstances warrant a revision to the remaining period of amortization. There were no changes to the estimate of the remaining useful lives during fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012. Amortizable intangible assets are tested for impairment based on undiscounted cash flows, and, if impaired, written down to fair value based on discounted cash flows. No impairment of intangible assets has been identified during any of the periods presented. The intangible assets have no assigned residual values.

The gross carrying amounts and accumulated amortization totals related to the Company’s identifiable intangible assets are as follows (in thousands):

At August 31, 2014	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Net Carrying Amount
Data content	$	56,974	$	27,644	$	29,329
Client relationships		25,821		17,443		8,378
Software technology		22,881		20,089		2,792
Non-compete agreements		2,465		1,881		584
Trade names		1,729		958		771
Total	$	109,870	$	68,015	$	41,855

At August 31, 2013	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Net Carrying Amount
Data content	$	49,185	$	22,419	$	26,766
Client relationships		22,915		16,185		6,730
Software technology		20,914		19,126		1,788
Non-compete agreements		2,154		1,293		861
Trade names		758		680		78
Total	$	95,926	$	59,703	$	36,223

During the first quarter of fiscal 2014, $4.1 million of intangible assets were acquired with a weighted average useful life of 5.2 years due to the Revere acquisition. During the second quarter of fiscal 2014, FactSet acquired an additional $8.7 million of intangible assets in connection with the Matrix acquisition with a weighted average estimated useful life of 5.4 years. There were no intangible assets acquired during fiscal 2013.

The details of the intangible assets acquired in the Revere acquisition during fiscal 2014 are outlined as follows (in thousands):

Revere Intangible Asset Allocation	Amortization Period	Acquisition Cost
Data content	5.0 years	$	2,799
Client relationships	7.0 years		827
Non-compete agreements	2.0 years		162
Trade name	4.0 years		293
Total	5.2 years	$	4,081

The details of the intangible assets acquired in the Matrix acquisition during fiscal 2014 are outlined as follows (in thousands):

Matrix Intangible Asset Allocation	Amortization Period	Acquisition Cost
Data content	4.0 years	$	3,408
Client relationships	7.9 years		2,816
Non-compete agreements	3.0 years		147
Trade name	3.8 years		670
Technology	4.8 years		1,708
Total	5.4 years	$	8,749

Amortization expense recorded for intangible assets during fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $8.5 million, $7.1 million and $7.5 million, respectively. As of August 31, 2014, estimated intangible asset amortization expense for each of the next five years and thereafter are as follows (in thousands):

Fiscal Year	Estimated Amortization Expense

2015	$	7,670
2016		5,855
2017		5,773
2018		4,622
2019		3,335
Thereafter		14,600
Total	$	41,855

Note 11 - Property, Equipment and Leasehold Improvements

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2014

Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]

Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block]

11. PROPERTY, EQUIPMENT AND LEASEHOLD IMPROVEMENTS

Property, equipment and leasehold improvements consist of the following (in thousands):

At August 31,	2014			2013
Leasehold improvements	$	90,487		$	90,040
Computers and related equipment		81,853			73,320
Furniture and fixtures		29,373			28,978
Subtotal	$	201,713		$	192,338
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization		(144,072	)		(126,967	)
Property, equipment and leasehold improvements, net	$	57,641		$	65,371

Depreciation expense was $25.9 million, $28.4 million and $26.1 million for fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Note 12 - Common Stock and Earnings Per Share

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2014

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Earnings Per Share [Text Block]

12. COMMON STOCK AND EARNINGS PER SHARE

On May 5, 2014, FactSet’s Board of Directors approved an 11% increase in the regular quarterly dividend, beginning with the Company’s dividend payment in June 2014 of $0.39 per share, or $1.56 per share per annum.

Shares of common stock outstanding were as follows (in thousands):

Years Ended August 31,	2014			2013			2012
Balance, beginning of year (September 1)		43,324			44,279			45,055
Common stock issued for employee stock plans		959			2,459			825
Stock issued for acquisition of business		-			-			43
Repurchase of common stock		(2,490	)		(3,414	)		(1,644	)
Balance, end of year (August 31)		41,793			43,324			44,279

A reconciliation of the weighted average shares outstanding used in the basic and diluted earnings per share computations is as follows (in thousands, except per share data):

	Net Income (Numerator)						Weighted Average Common Shares (Denominator)						Per Share Amount
Years Ended August 31,	2014		2013		2012		2014		2013		2012		2014		2013		2012
Basic EPS
Income available to common stockholders	$	211,543	$	198,637	$	188,809		42,436		43,890		44,784	$	4.98	$	4.53	$	4.22
Diluted EPS
Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock								534		734		1,026
Income available to common stockholders plus assumed conversions	$	211,543	$	198,637	$	188,809		42,970		44,624		45,810	$	4.92	$	4.45	$	4.12

Dilutive potential common shares consist of stock options and unvested restricted stock. No outstanding stock options were excluded from the fiscal 2014 calculation of diluted earnings per share compared to 6,408 stock options excluded from the fiscal 2013 calculation because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive. A total of 383,058 stock options were excluded from the fiscal 2012 calculation of diluted earnings per share because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive.

As of August 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, 380,653, 1,202,685 and 1,710,017, respectively, performance-based stock option grants were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share. Performance-based stock options are omitted from the calculation of diluted earnings per share until the performance criteria have been met.

Note 13 - Stockholders' Equity

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2014

Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]

Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block]

13. STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Preferred Stock

At August 31, 2014 and 2013, there were 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock ($.01 par value per share) authorized, of which no shares were issued and outstanding. FactSet’s Board of Directors may from time to time authorize the issuance of one or more series of preferred stock and, in connection with the creation of such series, determine the characteristics of each such series including, without limitation, the preference and relative, participating, optional or other special rights, and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions of the series.

Common Stock

At August 31, 2014 and 2013, there were 150,000,000 shares of common stock ($.01 par value per share) authorized, of which 49,110,218 and 48,110,740 shares were issued, respectively. The authorized shares of common stock are issuable for any proper corporate purpose, including future stock splits, stock dividends, acquisitions, raising equity capital or to adopt additional employee benefit plans.

Treasury Stock

At August 31, 2014 and 2013, there were 7,317,416 and 4,786,330 shares of treasury stock (at cost) outstanding, respectively. As a result, 41,792,802 and 43,324,410 shares of FactSet common stock were outstanding at August 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Share Repurchase Program

On December 16, 2013, FactSet’s Board of Directors approved a $300 million expansion to the existing share repurchase program. During fiscal 2014, the Company repurchased 2,489,993 shares for $275.4 million. At August 31, 2014, $87.0 million remains authorized for future share repurchases. Repurchases will be made from time to time in the open market and privately negotiated transactions, subject to market conditions. No minimum number of shares to be repurchased has been fixed. There is no timeframe to complete the repurchase program and it is expected that share repurchases will be paid using existing and future cash generated by operations. During fiscal 2013, the Company repurchased 3.4 million shares for $327.3 million under the share repurchase program.

In addition to the purchase of 2,489,993 shares under the existing share repurchase program, FactSet repurchased 41,093 shares for $4.4 million from employees to cover their cost of taxes upon the vesting of previously granted restricted stock during fiscal 2014, as compared to 50,828 shares for $4.7 million in fiscal 2013.

Restricted Stock

Restricted stock awards entitle the holder to shares of common stock as the awards vest over time. During fiscal 2014, 135,205 of previously granted restricted stock awards vested and were included in common stock outstanding as of August 31, 2014 (less 41,093 shares repurchased from employees to cover their cost of taxes upon vesting of the restricted stock). During fiscal 2013, 149,741 of previously granted restricted stock awards vested and were included in common stock outstanding at August 31, 2013 (less 50,828 shares repurchased from employees to cover their cost of taxes upon vesting of the restricted stock). During fiscal 2012, 14,258 restricted stock awards vested.

Dividends

The Company’s Board of Directors declared the following dividends during the periods presented:

Declaration Date	Dividends Per Share of Common Stock		Type	Record Date	Total $ Amount (in thousands)		Payment Date

August 14, 2014	$	0.39	Regular (cash)	August 29, 2014	$	16,299	September 16, 2014
May 5, 2014	$	0.39	Regular (cash)	May 30, 2014	$	16,386	June 17, 2014
February 11, 2014	$	0.35	Regular (cash)	February 28, 2014	$	14,827	March 18, 2014
November 14, 2013	$	0.35	Regular (cash)	November 29, 2013	$	15,046	December 17, 2013
August 15, 2013	$	0.35	Regular (cash)	August 31, 2013	$	15,164	September 17, 2013
May 14, 2013	$	0.35	Regular (cash)	May 31, 2013	$	15,413	June 18, 2013
February 21, 2013	$	0.31	Regular (cash)	February 28, 2013	$	13,510	March 19, 2013
November 15, 2012	$	0.31	Regular (cash)	November 30, 2012	$	13,746	December 18, 2012
August 8, 2012	$	0.31	Regular (cash)	August 31, 2012	$	13,727	September 18, 2012
May 8, 2012	$	0.31	Regular (cash)	May 31, 2012	$	13,893	June 19, 2012
February 14, 2012	$	0.27	Regular (cash)	February 29, 2012	$	12,085	March 20, 2012
November 10, 2011	$	0.27	Regular (cash)	November 30, 2011	$	12,181	December 20, 2011

All of the above cash dividends were paid from existing cash resources. Future dividend payments will depend on the Company’s earnings, capital requirements, financial condition and other factors considered relevant by the Company and is subject to final determination by the Company’s Board of Directors.

The entire disclosure for shareholders' equity comprised of portions attributable to the parent entity and noncontrolling interest, including other comprehensive income. Includes, but is not limited to, balances of common stock, preferred stock, additional paid-in capital, other capital and retained earnings, accumulated balance for each classification of other comprehensive income and amount of comprehensive income.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(d),(e))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26873400&loc=d3e23780-122690

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21484-112644

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 310
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (SAB TOPIC 4.E)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27010918&loc=d3e74512-122707

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 5
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21488-112644

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.29-31)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 4
-Subparagraph (SAB TOPIC 4.C)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27012166&loc=d3e187143-122770

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 6
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21506-112644

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.3-04)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27012166&loc=d3e187085-122770

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 30
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6405834&loc=d3e23285-112656

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21475-112644

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Preferred Stock
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6521494

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21463-112644

Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 11
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21564-112644

Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 08
-Paragraph d
-Article 4

Reference 15: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph 29, 30, 31
-Article 5

Reference 16: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)
-Number Topic 4
-Section E

Reference 17: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 08
-Article 4

Reference 18: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)
-Number Topic 4
-Section C

Reference 19: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 04
-Article 3

Employee Stock Option And Retirement Plans [Abstract]

Note 14 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2014

Employee Stock Option And Retirement Plans [Text Block]

14. EMPLOYEE STOCK OPTION AND RETIREMENT PLANS

Stock Options

Options granted without performance conditions under the Company’s stock option plans expire either seven or ten years from the date of grant and the majority vest at a rate of 20% after the first year and 1.67% per month thereafter for years two through five. Options become vested and exercisable provided the employee continues employment with the Company through the applicable vesting date and remain exercisable until expiration or cancellation. Majority of the options granted with performance conditions expire ten years from the date of grant and vest at a rate of 40% after the first two years and 1.67% per month thereafter for years three through five. Options are not transferable or assignable other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution. During the grantee’s lifetime, they may be exercised only by the grantee.

Stock Option Activity

In fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012, stock options to purchase 391,478, 1,674,966, and 1,468,513 shares of common stock, respectively, at prices which ranged from $87.26 to $110.31 were granted to existing employees and non-employee directors of the Company. A summary of stock option activity is as follows (in thousands, except per share data):

	Number Outstanding			Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share

Balance at August 31, 2011		6,132		$	57.28
Granted – non performance-based		540			93.96
Granted – performance-based		907			93.80
Granted – non-employee Directors grant		21			87.26
Exercised		(731	)		35.96
Forfeited*		(786	)		87.37
Balance at August 31, 2012		6,083		$	64.76
Granted – non performance-based		645			92.22
Granted – performance-based		1,011			92.22
Granted – non-employee Directors grant		19			91.06
Exercised		(2,286	)		52.25
Forfeited**		(743	)		93.84
Balance at August 31, 2013		4,729		$	75.95
Granted – non performance-based		174			103.36
Granted – performance-based		203			109.56
Granted – non-employee Directors grant		14			107.65
Exercised		(789	)		57.56
Forfeited***		(849	)		91.98
Balance at August 31, 2014		3,482		$	79.67

* In November 2010, the Company granted 734,334 performance-based employee stock options. None of these performance-based stock options granted vested because FactSet did not achieve certain performance levels during the two fiscal years ended August 31, 2012. As such, these stock options were recorded as forfeitures in August 2012.

** In November 2011, the Company granted 665,551 performance-based employee stock options. None of these performance-based stock options granted vested because FactSet did not achieve certain performance levels during the two fiscal years ended August 31, 2013. As such, these stock options were recorded as forfeitures in August 2013.

*** Included in the number of stock options forfeited during fiscal 2014 were 791,348 shares that related to previously granted performance-based stock options. In November 2012, FactSet granted 1,011,510 performance-based employee stock options. Based upon the actual growth in both organic ASV and diluted EPS during the two fiscal years ended August 31, 2014, 20% of the shares became eligible to vest on August 31, 2014 and the remaining were recorded as forfeitures in 2014.

Stock Options Outstanding and Exercisable

The following table summarizes ranges of outstanding and exercisable options as of August 31, 2014 (in thousands, except per share data and the weighted average remaining years of contractual life):

					Outstanding						Exercisable
Range of Exercise Prices Per Share			Number Outstanding		Weighted Average Remaining Years of Contractual Life		Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share		Aggregate Intrinsic Value		Number Exercisable		Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share		Aggregate Intrinsic Value
$29.00	-	$58.78		356		0.9	$	35.28	$	32,845		356	$	35.28	$	32,845
$63.09	-	$65.67		527		1.7	$	64.23	$	33,265		386	$	64.65	$	24,211
$66.46	-	$66.81		565		2.1	$	66.47	$	34,411		528	$	66.47	$	32,188
$87.26	-	$91.06		489		6.5	$	90.21	$	18,192		229	$	89.80	$	8,599
$92.22	-	$92.55		751		8.1	$	92.22	$	26,416		195	$	92.23	$	6,852
$94.84	-	$103.30		542		7.5	$	96.90	$	16,535		205	$	95.11	$	6,612
$107.65	-	$110.31		252		9.1	$	109.32	$	4,559		0	$	109.32	$	0
Total Fiscal 2014				3,482		5.2	$	79.67	$	166,223		1,899	$	68.78	$	111,307

Prior Year Amounts		2013				2012
	Number of Shares		Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share		Number of Shares		Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share
Outstanding at fiscal year end		4,729	$	75.95		6,083	$	64.76
Exercisable at fiscal year end		1,925	$	59.70		2,858	$	48.44

The aggregate intrinsic value of in-the-money stock options exercisable at August 31, 2014 and 2013 was $111.3 million and $82.1 million, respectively. Aggregate intrinsic value represents the difference between the Company’s closing stock price of $127.40 at August 31, 2014 and the exercise price multiplied by the number of options exercisable as of that date. The weighted average remaining contractual life of stock options exercisable at August 31, 2014 and 2013 was 3.4 years and 2.8 years, respectively. The total pre-tax intrinsic value of stock options exercised during fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $44.0 million, $99.1 million, and $43.0 million, respectively.

Performance-based Stock Options

Performance-based stock options require management to make assumptions regarding the likelihood of achieving Company performance targets. The number of performance-based options that vest will be predicated on the Company achieving performance levels for both organic ASV and diluted earnings per share during the two fiscal years subsequent to the date of grant. Dependent on the financial performance levels attained by FactSet during the two subsequent fiscal years, 0%, 20%, 60% or 100% of the performance-based stock options will vest to the grantees of those stock options. However, there is no current guarantee that such options will vest in whole or in part.

November 2012 Annual Employee Performance-based Option Grant Review

In November 2012, FactSet granted 1,011,510 performance-based employee stock options. The number of performance-based options that would become eligible to vest was based upon the Company achieving performance levels for both organic ASV and diluted earnings per share during the two fiscal years ended August 31, 2014. Based upon the actual growth in organic ASV and diluted EPS through August 31, 2014, 20%, or 185,014 (net of options forfeited through the end of fiscal 2014), of the previously granted shares became eligible to vest on August 31, 2014 with 40% scheduled to vest on November 1, 2014 and the remaining 60% will vest at a monthly rate of 1.67% through October 2017. As of the end of fiscal 2014, total unamortized stock-based compensation expense of $2.1 million will be recognized over the remaining vesting period of 3.1 years in connection with this grant.

July 2012 Performance-based Option Grant Review

In July 2012, FactSet granted 241,546 performance-based employee stock options, which are eligible to vest in 20% tranches depending upon future StreetAccount user growth through August 31, 2017. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013, the StreetAccount business achieved the growth target as outlined within the terms of the grant, thus 20% or 48,314 options vested on August 31, 2013. The second 20% tranche vested on August 31, 2014 as a result of accelerated expansion of Street Account users. In addition, due to the accelerated 2014 growth and forecasted future usage growth, the Company estimated that the third 20% tranche would vest by August 31, 2017. This reflected a higher performance level than previously estimated and accordingly, increased the number of options that will vest to a total 60%, which required FactSet to record a pre-tax stock-based compensation charge of $1.4 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2014. The change in estimate also results in unamortized stock-based compensation expense of $0.9 million to be recognized over the remaining vesting period of 3.0 years.

Matrix and Revere Performance-based Option Grants

In connection with the acquisitions of Matrix and Revere during fiscal 2014, FactSet granted 165,949 and 36,695 performance-based stock options, to senior management of those companies, respectively. The performance-based options granted in connection with the acquisition of Matrix will vest only if ASV and operating margin targets related to the Matrix business are met during a five year measurement period ending December 23, 2018, and the option holders remain employed by FactSet. As of August 31, 2014 FactSet did not believe these targets were probable of being achieved, and as such, no stock-based compensation expense is expected to be realized in connection with these options. Of the 36,695 performance-based stock options granted in connection with the Revere acquisition, FactSet estimates that 18,553 options will vest based upon the achievement of certain ASV and operating margins during the measurement period ending August 31, 2015. This view results in unamortized stock-based compensation expense of $0.5 million to be recognized over the remaining vesting period of 4.0 years.

Restricted Stockand Stock Unit Awards

The Company’s option plans permit the issuance of restricted stock and restricted stock units. Restricted stock awards are subject to continued employment over a specified period. A summary of restricted stock award activity is as follows (in thousands, except per award data):

	Number Outstanding			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Award
Balance at August 31, 2011		407		$	71.31
Granted (restricted stock and stock units)		-			-
Vested		(14	)		69.02
Canceled/forfeited		(10	)		77.13
Balance at August 31, 2012		383		$	71.34
Granted (restricted stock and stock units)		132			85.80
Vested*		(150	)		62.34
Canceled/forfeited		(7	)		81.38
Balance at August 31, 2013		358		$	80.43
Granted (restricted stock and stock units)		204			101.95
Vested**		(135	)		84.48
Canceled/forfeited		(59	)		86.39
Balance at August 31, 2014		368		$	89.77

*Of the total 149,741 restricted stock awards that vested during fiscal 2013, 87,758 related to awards granted on October 23, 2009. These restricted stock awards cliff vested 60% after three years (on October 23, 2012) and the remaining 40% will vest after five years (on October 23, 2014). An additional 55,572 awards that vested in fiscal 2013 related to awards granted on February 9, 2010 which cliff vested 100% after three years (on February 9, 2013). The remaining 6,411 restricted stock awards that vested were previously granted between June 2010 and July 2011 and vesting occurred when certain ASV targets were met in fiscal 2013.

** The 135,205 restricted stock awards that vested during fiscal 2014 were comprised of: 62,544 of awards granted on November 8, 2010, which cliff vested 60% after three years (on November 8, 2013) with the remaining 40% cliff vesting after five years (on November 8, 2015); 29,087 of awards granted on April 14, 2011, which vested 100% after three years on April 14, 2014; 26,344 restricted stock awards that were granted on April 8, 2013, which cliff vest 20% annually upon the anniversary date of the grant; and 17,230 awards relating to restricted stock granted on February 9, 2010 which cliff vested 50% after four years (on February 9, 2014) and the remaining 50% vesting after six years on February 9, 2016.

November 2013 Employee Restricted Stock Award

On November 1, 2013, FactSet granted 153,972 restricted stock awards with a fair value of $102.22, which entitle the holder to shares of common stock as the awards vest over time. These restricted stock awards cliff vest 60% after three years (on November 1, 2016) and the remaining 40% after five years (on November 1, 2018). As of August 31, 2014 unamortized stock-based compensation expense of $11.3 million is to be amortized ratably to compensation expense over the remaining vesting period of 4.2 years.

Matrix and Revere Restricted Stock Units

In connection with the acquisitions of Matrix and Revere, FactSet granted 30,144 restricted stock units and 7,744 performance-based restricted stock units, respectively. The Matrix restricted stock units cliff vest 60% after three years with the remaining 40% vesting after five years. As of August 31, 2014 unamortized stock-based compensation expense of $2.7 million is to be amortized ratably to compensation expense over the remaining vesting period of 4.3 years. Of the 7,744 performance-based restricted stock units granted in connection with the Revere acquisition, 3,872 are estimated to vest based upon management’s belief that certain ASV and operating margin targets will be achieved during the measurement period ending August 31, 2017. As of August 31, 2014 unamortized stock-based compensation of $0.3 million will be amortized to compensation expense over the remaining vesting period of 4.0 years. The remaining 3,872 performance-based restricted stock units granted in connection with the Revere acquisition are expected to be forfeited.

Share-based Awards Available for Grant

A summary of share-based awards available for grant is as follows (in thousands):

	Share-based Awards Available for Grant under Employee Stock Option Plans			Share-based Awards Available for Grant under Non-Employee Stock Option Plans
Balance at August 31, 2011		4,977			147
Granted – non performance-based options		(540	)		-
Granted – performance-based options		(907	)		-
Granted – non-employee Directors grant		-			(21	)
Restricted stock awards granted*		-			-
Share-based awards canceled/forfeited		810			-
Balance at August 31, 2012		4,340			126
Granted – non performance-based options		(645	)		-
Granted – performance-based options		(1,011	)		-
Granted – non-employee Directors grant		-			(19	)
Restricted stock awards granted*		(329	)		-
Share-based awards canceled/forfeited		761			-
Balance at August 31, 2013		3,116			107
Granted – non performance-based options		(174	)		-
Granted – performance-based options		(203	)		-
Granted – non-employee Directors grant		-			(14	)
Restricted stock awards granted*		(510	)		-
Share-based awards canceled/forfeited		993			9
Balance at August 31, 2014		3,222			102

* Under the Company’s option plan, for each restricted stock award granted/canceled/forfeited, an equivalent of 2.5 shares is added back to the available share-based awards balance.

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

On December 16, 2008, the Company’s stockholders ratified the adoption of the FactSet Research Systems Inc. 2008 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “Purchase Plan”). A total of 500,000 shares have been reserved for issuance under the Purchase Plan. There is no expiration date for the Purchase Plan. Shares of FactSet common stock may be purchased by eligible employees under the Purchase Plan in three-month intervals at a purchase price equal to at least 85% of the lesser of the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on either the first day or the last day of each three-month offering period. Employee purchases may not exceed 10% of their gross compensation during an offering period. During fiscal 2014, employees purchased 74,889 shares as compared to 75,281 shares in fiscal 2013 and 85,487 shares in fiscal 2012. At August 31, 2014, 44,881 shares were reserved for future issuance under the Purchase Plan. On October 23, 2014, FactSet’s Board of Directors approved an amendment to increase the maximum number of shares available for purchase under the Purchase Plan to 1,000,000 shares. Approval of the amendment to the Purchase Plan is subject to approval by stockholders of FactSet at the Company’s annual meeting scheduled to be held on December 16, 2014.

401(k) Plan

The Company established a 401(k) Plan (the “401(k) Plan”) in fiscal 1993. The 401(k) Plan is a defined contribution plan covering all full-time, U.S. employees of the Company and is subject to the provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. Each year, participants may contribute up to 60% of their eligible annual compensation, subject to annual limitations established by the Internal Revenue Code. The Company matches up to 4% of employees’ earnings, capped at the IRS annual maximum. Company matching contributions are subject to a five year graduated vesting schedule. All full-time, U.S. employees are eligible for the matching contribution by the Company. The Company contributed $7.7 million, $7.5 million, and $6.7 million in matching contributions to employee 401(k) accounts during fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Note 15 - Stock-Based Compensation

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2014

Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]

Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block]

15. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

The Company recognized total stock-based compensation expense of $22.9 million, $40.0 million, and $22.0 million in fiscal 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. Stock-based compensation expense for fiscal 2013 includes pre-tax charges of $18.3 million related to the vesting of performance-based options granted in connection with the acquisition of Market Metrics in June 2010 and StreetAccount in June 2012. These performance-based options vested in fiscal 2013 when each acquired business accelerated to achieve stretch growth targets established on the date of grant.

As of August 31, 2014, $49.4 million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested awards is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 3.3 years. There was no stock-based compensation capitalized as of August 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Employee Stock Option Fair Value Determinations

The Company utilizes the lattice-binomial option-pricing model (“binomial model”) to estimate the fair value of new employee stock option grants. The Company’s determination of fair value of stock option awards on the date of grant using the binomial model is affected by the Company’s stock price as well as assumptions regarding a number of variables. These variables include, but are not limited to the Company’s expected stock price volatility over the term of the awards, interest rates, option forfeitures and employee stock option exercise behaviors.

Fiscal 2014

Q1 2014 – 35,508 non performance-based employee stock options and 36,695 performance-based employee stock options were granted at a weighted average exercise price of $109.49 and a weighted average estimated fair value of $31.78 per share.

Q2 2014 – 138,902 non performance-based employee stock options and 165,949 performance-based employee stock options were granted at a weighted average exercise price of $106.03 and a weighted average estimated fair value of $29.14 per share.

Q3 2014 – There were no employee stock options granted during the third quarter of fiscal 2014.

Q4 2014 – There were no employee stock options granted during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014.

Fiscal 2013

●

Q1 2013 – 635,308 non performance-based employee stock options and 1,011,510 performance-based employee stock options were granted at a weighted average exercise price of $92.22 and a weighted average estimated fair value of $26.87 per share.

●

Q2 2013 – 9,367 non performance-based employee stock options were granted at a weighted average exercise price of $92.55 and a weighted average estimated fair value of $26.69 per share.

●

Q3 2013 – There were no employee stock options granted during the third quarter of fiscal 2013.

●

Q4 2013 – There were no employee stock options granted during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013.

Fiscal 2012

●

Q1 2012 – 419,593 non performance-based employee stock options and 665,551 performance-based employee stock options were granted at a weighted average exercise price of $94.84 and a weighted average estimated fair value of $32.08 per share.

●

Q2 2012 – There were no employee stock options granted during the second quarter of fiscal 2012.

●

Q3 2012 – There were no employee stock options granted during the third quarter of fiscal 2012.

●

Q4 2012 – 120,847 non performance-based employee stock options and 241,546 performance-based employee stock options were granted at a weighted average exercise price of $90.92 and fair value of $33.11 per share.

The weighted average estimated fair value of employee stock options granted during fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012 was determined using the binomial model with the following weighted average assumptions:

	2014				2013				2012
Term structure of risk-free interest rate		0.01%	-	2.6%		0.16%	-	1.91%		0.13%	-	2.41%
Expected life (years)		7.6	-	7.8		7.6	-	7.8		7.6	-	9.1
Term structure of volatility		23%	-	33%		24%	-	33%		29%	-	36%
Dividend yield			1.35%				1.30%				1.16%
Weighted average estimated fair value			$29.64				$26.87				$32.34
Weighted average exercise price			$106.69				$92.22				$93.86
Fair value as a percentage of exercise price			27.8%				29.1%				34.5%

The risk-free interest rate assumption for periods within the contractual life of the option is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant. Expected volatility is based on a combination of historical volatility of the Company’s stock and implied volatilities of publicly traded options to buy FactSet common stock with contractual terms closest to the expected life of options granted to employees. The approach to utilize a mix of historical and implied volatility was based upon the availability of actively traded options on the Company’s stock and the Company’s assessment that a combination of implied volatility and historical volatility is best representative of future stock price trends. The Company uses historical data to estimate option exercises and employee termination within the valuation model. The dividend yield assumption is based on the Company’s history and expectation of dividend payouts. The expected life of employee stock options represents the weighted average period the stock options are expected to remain outstanding and is a derived output of the binomial model. The binomial model estimates employees exercise behavior based on the option’s remaining vested life and the extent to which the option is in-the-money. The binomial model estimates the probability of exercise as a function of these two variables based on the entire history of exercises and cancellations of all past option grants made by the Company.

Non-Employee Director Stock Option Fair Value Determinations

The 2008 Non-Employee Directors’ Stock Option Plan (the “Directors’ Plan”) provides for the grant of share-based awards, including stock options, to non-employee directors of FactSet. A total of 250,000 shares of FactSet common stock have been reserved for issuance under the Directors’ Plan. The expiration date of the Directors’ Plan is December 1, 2018.

The Company utilizes the Black-Scholes model to estimate the fair value of new non-employee Director stock option grants. The Company’s determination of fair value of share-based payment awards on the date of grant is affected by the Company’s stock price as well as assumptions regarding a number of variables. These variables include, but are not limited to the Company’s expected stock price volatility over the term of the awards, interest rates, option forfeitures and employee stock option exercise behaviors.

Fiscal 2014

On January 15, 2014, FactSet granted 14,424 stock options to the Company’s non-employee Directors. All of the options granted on have a weighted average estimated fair value of $27.04 per share, using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions:

Risk-free interest rate	1.66	%
Expected life (in years)	5.4
Expected volatility	28.9	%
Dividend yield	1.35	%

Fiscal 2013

On January 15, 2013, FactSet granted 18,781 stock options to the Company’s non-employee Directors at a weighted average estimated fair value of $24.23 per share, using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions:

Risk-free interest rate	0.89	%
Expected life (years)	5.4
Expected volatility	32	%
Dividend yield	1.30	%

Fiscal 2012

On January 13, 2012, FactSet granted 20,976 stock options to the Company’s non-employee Directors, including a one-time new Director grant of 5,244 stock options for Robin A. Abrams, who was elected to FactSet’s Board of Directors on December 13, 2011. All of the options granted on January 13, 2012 have a weighted average estimated fair value of $24.79 per share, using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions:

Risk-free interest rate	0.94	%
Expected life (years)	5.4
Expected volatility	34	%
Dividend yield	1.11	%

The risk-free interest rate assumption for periods within the contractual life of the option is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant. Expected volatility is based on the historical volatility of the Company’s stock. The Company uses historical data to estimate option exercises and non-employee director terminations within the valuation model. The dividend yield assumption is based on the Company’s history and expectation of dividend payouts.

Restricted Stock Fair Value Determinations

Restricted stock granted to employees entitle the holder to shares of common stock as the award vests over time, but not to dividends declared on the underlying shares while the restricted stock is unvested. The grant date fair value of restricted stock awards are measured by reducing the grant date price of FactSet’s share by the present value of the dividends expected to be paid on the underlying stock during the requisite service period, discounted at the appropriate risk-free interest rate. Restricted stock awards are amortized to expense over the vesting period.

Fiscal 2014

●

7,744 restricted stock units with a fair value of $103.30 were granted on September 17, 2013.

●

153,972 shares of restricted stock with a fair value of $102.22 were granted on November 1, 2013.

●

30,144 shares of restricted stock with a fair value of $102.84 were granted on December 23, 2013.

●

12,264 restricted stock units with a fair value of $95.45 were granted on February 3, 2014.

Fiscal 2013

●

131,702 restricted stock units granted on April 8, 2013 with a fair value of $85.80.

Fiscal 2012

●

There were no restricted stocks awards granted during fiscal 2012.

Employee Stock Purchase PlanFair Value Determinations

During fiscal 2014, employees purchased 74,889 shares at a weighted average price of $89.28 as compared to 75,281 shares at a weighted average price of $80.77 in fiscal 2013 and 85,487 shares at a weighted average price of $75.20 in fiscal 2012. Stock-based compensation expense recorded during fiscal 2014, 2013, and 2012 relating to the employee stock purchase plan was $1.3 million, $1.2 million and $1.3 million, respectively.

The Company uses the Black-Scholes model to calculate the estimated fair value for the employee stock purchase plan. The weighted average estimated fair value of employee stock purchase plan grants during fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012 were $17.76, $15.79, and $16.09 per share, respectively, with the following weighted average assumptions:

	2014			2013			2012
Risk-free interest rate		0.04	%		0.07	%		0.06	%
Expected life (months)		3			3			3
Expected volatility		9.8	%		9.8	%		14.8	%
Dividend yield		1.38	%		1.38	%		1.26	%

Accuracy of Fair Value Estimates

The Company is responsible for determining the assumptions used in estimating the fair value of its share-based payment awards. The Company’s determination of fair value of share-based payment awards on the date of grant using an option-pricing model is affected by the Company’s stock price as well as assumptions regarding a number of highly complex and subjective variables. These variables include, but are not limited to the Company’s expected stock price volatility over the term of the awards, interest rates, option forfeiture rates and actual and projected employee stock option exercise behaviors. Option-pricing models were developed for use in estimating the value of traded options that have no vesting or hedging restrictions and are fully transferable.

Note 16 - Income Taxes

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2014

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]

16. INCOME TAXES

Provision for Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes is as follows (in thousands):

Years Ended August 31,	2014			2013			2012
U.S. operations	$	242,839		$	220,778		$	229,772
Non-U.S. operations		60,625			50,132			44,933
Income before income taxes	$	303,464		$	270,910		$	274,705
U.S. operations	$	81,998		$	61,328		$	76,020
Non-U.S. operations		9,923			10,945			9,876
Total provision for income taxes	$	91,921		$	72,273		$	85,896
Effective tax rate		30.3	%		26.7	%		31.3	%

The components of the provision for income taxes consist of the following (in thousands):

Years Ended August 31,	2014			2013			2012
Current
U.S. federal	$	77,368		$	52,625		$	73,272
U.S. state and local		3,972			3,309			4,305
Non-U.S.		10,350			11,188			10,224
Total current taxes	$	91,690		$	67,122		$	87,801
Deferred
U.S. federal	$	547		$	5,036			(1,405	)
U.S. state and local		111			359			(152	)
Non-U.S.		(427	)		(243	)		(348	)
Total deferred taxes	$	231		$	5,151		$	(1,905	)
Total provision for income taxes	$	91,921		$	72,273		$	85,896

The provision for income taxes differs from the amount of income tax determined by applying the U.S. statutory federal income tax rate to income before income taxes as a result of the following factors (expressed as a percentage of income before income taxes):

Years Ended August 31,	2014			2013			2012
Tax at federal U.S. statutory tax rate		35.0	%		35.0	%		35.0	%
Increase (decrease) in taxes resulting from:
State and local taxes, net of U.S. federal income tax benefit		1.8			2.0			2.1
Foreign income at other than U.S. rates		(2.9	)		(2.5	)		(1.9	)
Domestic production activities deduction		(2.1	)		(2.6	)		(2.6	)
Income tax benefit from R&D tax credits		(1.1	)		(4.1	)		(0.8	)
Income tax benefits from foreign tax credits		(0.4	)		(1.2	)		(0.5	)
Other, net		0.0			0.1			0.0
Effective tax rate		30.3	%		26.7	%*		31.3	%

* The fiscal 2013 effective tax rate of 26.7% includes income tax benefits of $7.2 million primarily from the reenactment of the U.S. Federal R&D tax credit in January 2013 and the finalization of the fiscal 2012 tax return. The reenactment of the credit was retroactive to January 1, 2012 and extends through the end of the 2013 calendar year.

Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities

The significant components of deferred tax assets that are recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets were as follows (in thousands):

At August 31,	2014			2013
Deferred tax assets
Current
Receivable reserve	$	597		$	614
Deferred rent		1,067			2,191
Other		177			(2	)
Net current deferred taxes	$	1,841		$	2,803
Non-current
Depreciation on property, equipment and leasehold improvements	$	9,831		$	6,329
Deferred rent		3,572			2,772
Stock-based compensation		18,160			19,828
Purchased intangible assets, including acquired technology		(10,750	)		(8,401	)
Other		1,564			1,495
Net non-current deferred taxes	$	22,377		$	22,023
Total deferred tax assets	$	24,218		$	24,826

The significant components of deferred tax liabilities that are recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets were as follows (in thousands):

At August 31,	2014			2013
Deferred tax liabilities (non-current)
Purchased intangible assets, including acquired technology	$	3,478		$	2,761
Stock-based compensation		(860	)		(365	)
Other		303			0
Total deferred tax liabilities (non-current)	$	2,921		$	2,396

A provision has not been made for additional U.S. Federal taxes as all undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries are considered to be invested indefinitely or will be repatriated free of additional tax. The amount of such undistributed earnings of these foreign subsidiaries included in consolidated retained earnings was immaterial at August 31, 2014 and August 31, 2013. As such, the unrecognized deferred tax liability on those undistributed earnings was immaterial. These earnings could become subject to additional tax if they are remitted as dividends, loaned to FactSet, or upon sale of the subsidiary’s stock.

Unrecognized Tax Positions

Applicable accounting guidance prescribes a comprehensive model for the financial statement recognition, measurement, classification and disclosure of uncertain tax positions that a company has taken or expects to take on a tax return. A company can recognize the financial effect of an income tax position only if it is more likely than not (greater than 50%) that the tax position will prevail upon tax examination, based solely on the technical merits of the tax position. Otherwise, no benefit or expense can be recognized in the consolidated financial statements. The tax benefits recognized are measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than fifty percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement. Additionally, companies are required to accrue interest on all tax exposures for which reserves have been established consistent with jurisdictional tax laws.

As of August 31, 2014, the Company had gross unrecognized tax benefits totaling $5.5 million, including $1.1 million of accrued interest, recorded as non-current taxes payable in the consolidated balance sheet. Approximately $0.9 million of these unrecognized tax benefits would have affected the current year effective tax rate if realized as of August 31, 2014. Unrecognized tax benefits represent tax positions taken on tax returns but not yet recognized in the consolidated financial statements. When applicable, the Company adjusts the previously recorded tax expense to reflect examination results when the position is ultimately settled. The Company regularly engages in discussions and negotiations with tax authorities regarding tax matters in various jurisdictions. It is reasonably possible that certain federal, foreign, and state tax matters may be concluded in the next 12 months. However, FactSet has no reason to believe that such audits will result in the payment of additional taxes and/or penalties that would have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial position, beyond current estimates. Any changes in accounting estimates resulting from new developments with respect to uncertain tax positions will be recorded as appropriate. The Company does not currently anticipate that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will significantly change within the next 12 months.

The following table summarizes the changes in the balance of gross unrecognized tax benefits (in thousands):

Unrecognized income tax benefits at August 31, 2011	$	7,204
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year		691
Additions for tax positions of prior years		470
Statute of limitations lapse		(613	)
Reductions from settlements with taxing authorities		(2,288	)

Unrecognized income tax benefits at August 31, 2012	$	5,464
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year		1,372
Additions for tax positions of prior years		986
Statute of limitations lapse		(1,103	)
Reductions from settlements with taxing authorities		(1,284	)

Unrecognized income tax benefits at August 31, 2013	$	5,435
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year		921
Additions for tax positions of prior years		628
Statute of limitations lapse		(717	)
Reductions from settlements with taxing authorities		(766	)

Unrecognized income tax benefits at August 31, 2014	$	5,501

In the normal course of business, the Company’s tax filings are subject to audit by federal, state and foreign tax authorities. At August 31, 2014, the Company remained subject to examination in the following major tax jurisdictions for the tax years as indicated below:

Major Tax Jurisdictions		Open Tax Years
U.S.
Federal		2013 through 2014
State (various)		2010 through 2014

Europe
France		2011 through 2014
United Kingdom		2012 through 2014

Note 17 - Commitments and Contingencies

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2014

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]

17. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Commitments represent obligations, such as those for future purchases of goods or services that are not yet recorded on the balance sheet as liabilities. FactSet records liabilities for commitments when incurred (i.e., when the goods or services are received).

Lease Commitments

At August 31, 2014 the Company leases approximately 193,000 square feet of office space at its headquarters in Norwalk, Connecticut. In addition, FactSet leases office space for its U.S. reportable segment in New York, New York; Boston, Massachusetts; Chicago, Illinois; San Francisco, California; Austin, Texas; Jackson, Wyoming; Atlanta, Georgia; Tuscaloosa, Alabama; Newark, Ridgewood and Piscataway, New Jersey; Manchester, New Hampshire; Reston, Virginia, Youngstown, Ohio, and Toronto, Canada. The Company’s European segment operates in leased office space in London, England; Paris and Avon, France; Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Frankfurt, Germany; Dubai, United Arab Emirates; Milan, Italy; Stockholm, Sweden; and Riga, Latvia. Office space in Tokyo, Japan; Hong Kong; Singapore; Mumbai, India; and Sydney, Australia are leased by FactSet for its Asia Pacific operating segment. The data content collection centers located in Hyderabad, India and Manila, the Philippines benefit all of the Companies operating segments. The leases expire on various dates through 2031. Total minimum rental payments associated with the leases are recorded as rent expense (a component of selling, general and administrative expenses) on a straight-line basis over the periods of the respective non-cancelable lease terms.

During fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012, rent expense (including operating costs) for all operating leases amounted to $37.7 million, $36.2 million, and $34.6 million, respectively. At August 31, 2014 and 2013, deferred rent reported within the consolidated balance sheet totaled $18.3 million and $19.6 million, of which $14.9 million and $16.1 million, respectively, was reported as a non-current liability within the line item Deferred Rent and Other Non-Current Liabilities. Approximately $1.8 million of standby letters of credit have been issued during the ordinary course of business in connection with the Company’s current leased office space as of August 31, 2014. These standby letters of credit contain covenants that, among other things, require FactSet to maintain minimum levels of consolidated net worth and certain leverage and fixed charge ratios. As of August 31, 2014 and 2013, FactSet was in compliance with all covenants contained in the standby letters of credit.

At August 31, 2014, the Company’s lease commitments for office space provide for the following future minimum rental payments under non-cancelable operating leases with remaining terms in excess of one year (in thousands):

Years Ended August 31,	Minimum Lease Payments
2015	$	26,717
2016		20,610
2017		23,779
2018		22,448
2019		20,878
Thereafter		91,757
Total	$	206,189

Included in the future minimum rental payments outlined above are $93.7 million in future rent payments related to a 15-year lease agreement executed in February 2014 to support the Company’s New York operations into calendar year 2031. Additional lease commitments assumed in connection with the Revere and Matrix acquisitions were immaterial, but did add approximately 11,000 square feet of office space.

Purchase Commitments with Suppliers

Purchase obligations represent payments due in future periods in respect of commitments to the Company’s various data vendors as well as commitments to purchase goods and services such as telecommunication and computer maintenance services. These purchase commitments are agreements that are enforceable and legally binding on FactSet and that specify all significant terms, including: fixed or minimum quantities to be purchased; fixed, minimum or variable price provisions; and the approximate timing of the transaction. As of August 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company had total purchase commitments with suppliers of $53.3 million and $50.2 million, respectively.

Contingencies

Legal Matters

FactSet accrues non income-tax liabilities for contingencies when management believes that a loss is probable and the amounts can be reasonably estimated, while contingent gains are recognized only when realized. The Company is subject to legal proceedings, claims, and litigation arising in the ordinary course of business, including intellectual property litigation. Based on information available, FactSet’s management does not believe that the ultimate outcome of these unresolved matters against the Company, individually or in the aggregate, is likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company's consolidated financial position, its results of operations or its cash flows.

Income Taxes

Uncertain income tax positions are accounted for in accordance with applicable accounting guidance (see Note 16). FactSet is currently under audit by multiple tax authorities. The Company has reserved for potential adjustments to its provision for income taxes that may result from examinations by, or any negotiated agreements with, these tax authorities, and the Company believes that the final outcome of these examinations or agreements will not have a material effect on its results of operations. If events occur which indicate payment of these amounts is unnecessary, the reversal of the liabilities would result in the recognition of tax benefits in the period FactSet determines the liabilities are no longer necessary. If the Company’s estimates of the federal, state, and foreign income tax liabilities are less than the ultimate assessment, a further charge to expense would result.

Indemnifications

As permitted or required under Delaware law and to the maximum extent allowable under that law, FactSet has certain obligations to indemnify its current and former officers and directors for certain events or occurrences while the officer or director is, or was serving, at FactSet’s request in such capacity. These indemnification obligations are valid as long as the director or officer acted in good faith and in a manner the person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company, and with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful. The maximum potential amount of future payments FactSet could be required to make under these indemnification obligations is unlimited; however, FactSet has a director and officer insurance policy that it believes mitigates FactSet's exposure and may enable FactSet to recover a portion of any future amounts paid. The Company believes the estimated fair value of these indemnification obligations is immaterial.

Note 18 - Risks and Concentrations of Credit Risk

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2014

Risks and Uncertainties [Abstract]

Concentration Risk Disclosure [Text Block]

18. RISKS AND CONCENTRATIONS OF CREDIT RISK

Financial Risk Management

Foreign Currency Exchange Risk

The Company is exposed to changes in foreign currency exchange rates, which could affect its operating results, financial position and cash flows. The Company’s primary foreign currency market exposures include the British Pound Sterling, Euro, Japanese Yen, Indian Rupee and Philippine Peso. To the extent that FactSet’s international activities recorded in local currencies increase in the future, its exposure to fluctuations in currency exchange rates will correspondingly increase. FactSet manages its exposure to foreign currency exchange risk through its regular operating and financing activities and, when appropriate, through the use of derivative financial instruments. These derivative financial instruments are utilized to hedge currency exposures as well as to reduce earnings volatility resulting from shifts in market rates. FactSet only enters into foreign currency forward contracts to manage foreign currency exposures. The fair market values of all the Company’s derivative contracts change with fluctuations in currency rates and are designed so that any changes in their values are offset by changes in the values of the underlying exposures. See Note 5 to these Consolidated Financial Statements for additional analysis of the Company’s foreign currency exchange rate risk.

Interest Rate Risk

The fair market value of the Company’s cash and investments at August 31, 2014 was $136.4 million. FactSet’s cash and cash equivalents consist of demand deposits and money market funds with original maturities of three months or fewer and are reported at fair value. The Company’s investments consist of certificates of deposits with original maturities greater than three months, but less than one year and, as such, are reported as short-term investments. It is anticipated that the fair market value of the Company’s portfolio will continue to be immaterially affected by fluctuations in interest rates. Because FactSet has a restrictive investment policy, its financial exposure to fluctuations in interest rates is expected to remain low. The Company does not believe that the value or liquidity of its cash and investments have been significantly impacted by the recent credit crisis.

Current market events have not required the Company to modify materially or change its financial risk management strategies with respect to its exposures to foreign currency exchange risk and interest rate risk.

Concentrations of Credit Risk

Cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents are primarily maintained with two financial institutions. Deposits held with banks may exceed the amount of insurance provided on such deposits. These deposits may be redeemed upon demand and are maintained with financial institutions with reputable credit and therefore bear minimal credit risk. The Company seeks to mitigate its credit risks by spreading such risks across multiple counterparties and monitoring the risk profiles of these counterparties.

Accounts Receivable

Accounts receivable are unsecured and are derived from revenues earned from clients located around the globe. FactSet performs ongoing credit evaluations of its clients and does not require collateral from its clients. The Company maintains reserves for potential write-offs and these losses have historically been within expectations. No single client represented 10% or more of FactSet's total revenues in any fiscal year presented. At August 31, 2014, the Company’s largest individual client accounted for 2% of total subscriptions and annual subscriptions from the ten largest clients did not surpass 15% of total subscriptions, consistent with August 31, 2013. At August 31, 2014 and 2013, the receivable reserve was $1.7 million and $1.6 million, respectively.

Derivative Instruments

As a result of the use of derivative instruments, the Company is exposed to counterparty credit risk. FactSet has incorporated counterparty risk into the fair value of its derivative assets and its own credit risk into the value of the Company’s derivative liabilities. FactSet calculates credit risk from observable data related to credit default swaps as quoted by publicly available information. Counterparty risk is represented by CDS spreads related to the senior secured debt of the respective bank with whom FactSet has executed these derivative transactions. Because CDS spread information is not available for FactSet, the Company’s credit risk is determined based on using a simple average of CDS spreads for peer companies as determined by FactSet. To mitigate counterparty credit risk, FactSet enters into contracts with large financial institutions and regularly review credit exposure balances as well as the creditworthiness of the counterparties.

Data Content Providers

Certain datasets that FactSet relies on have a limited number of suppliers, although the Company makes every effort to assure that, where reasonable, alternative sources are available. However, FactSet is not dependent on any one third party data supplier in order to meet the needs of its clients. FactSet combines the data from these commercial databases into its own dedicated single online service, which the client accesses to perform their analysis. No single vendor or data supplier represented 10% or more of FactSet's total data expenses in any fiscal year presented.

Note 19 - Unaudited Quarterly Financial Data

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2014

Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]

Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block]

19. UNAUDITED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA

The following table presents selected unaudited financial information for each of the quarterly periods in the years ended August 31, 2014 and 2013. The results for any quarter are not necessarily indicative of future quarterly results and, accordingly, period-to-period comparisons should not be relied upon as an indication of future performance (in thousands, except per share data).

Fiscal 2014	First Quarter		Second Quarter		Third Quarter		Fourth Quarter

Revenues	$	222,975	$	226,934	$	231,761	$	238,664
Cost of services		83,250		87,254		90,661		92,521
Selling, general and administrative		64,985		64,626		68,063		66,757
Operating income		74,740		75,054		73,037		79,386
Net income		52,178		52,426		51,532		55,407
Diluted earnings per common share*	$	1.19	$	1.22	$	1.21	$	1.31
Weighted average common shares (diluted)		43,773		43,107		42,615		42,386

Fiscal 2013	First Quarter		Second Quarter		Third Quarter		Fourth Quarter

Revenues	$	211,085	$	213,083	$	214,613	$	219,332
Cost of services		73,586		75,842		76,721		80,231
Selling, general and administrative		66,414		81,077		66,255		68,567
Operating income		71,085		56,164		71,637		70,534
Net income		49,769		44,539		53,367		50,964
Diluted earnings per common share*	$	1.11	$	1.00	$	1.20	$	1.16
Weighted average common shares (diluted)		44,984		44,455		44,485		44,043

* Diluted earnings per common share is calculated independently for each of the periods presented. Accordingly, the sum of the quarterly earnings per share amounts may not equal the total for the year.

Accounting Policies, by Policy (Policies)	12 Months Ended
Accounting Policies, by Policy (Policies)	Aug. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Revenue Recognition The Company’s revenues are derived from month-to-month subscriptions to services such as workstations (also referred to as users), content and applications. The majority of clients are invoiced monthly to reflect the actual services provided. The remaining clients are invoiced quarterly, annually or biannually in advance. Subscription revenue is earned each month as the service is rendered to clients on a monthly basis. FactSet recognizes revenue when the client subscribes to FactSet services, the service has been rendered and earned during the month, the amount of the subscription is fixed or determinable based on established rates quoted on an annualized basis and collectability is reasonably assured. A provision for billing adjustments and cancellation of services is estimated and accounted for as a reduction of revenue, with a corresponding reduction to accounts receivable.
Accounts Receivable and Deferred Fees [Policy Text Block]	Accounts Receivable and Deferred Fees Amounts that have been earned but not yet paid are reflected on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as accounts receivable, net of reserves. Amounts invoiced in advance or client payments that are in excess of earned subscription revenues are reflected on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as deferred fees. As of August 31, 2014, the amount of accounts receivable that was unbilled totaled $3.0 million, which was billed in fiscal 2015.
Receivables, Trade and Other Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Doubtful Accounts, Policy [Policy Text Block]	The Company calculates its receivable reserve through analyzing aged client receivables, reviewing the recent history of client receivable write-offs and understanding general market and economic conditions. In accordance with this policy, a receivable reserve of $1.7 million and $1.6 million was recorded as of August 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as a reduction to accounts receivable.
Cost of Sales, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Cost of Services Cost of services is comprised of compensation for Company employees within the content collection, consulting, product development, software and systems engineering groups in addition to data costs, amortization of identifiable intangible assets, computer maintenance and depreciation expenses and client-related communication costs.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Selling, General and Administrative Selling, general and administrative expenses include compensation for the sales and various other support and administrative departments, travel and entertainment expenses, marketing costs, rent, amortization of leasehold improvements, depreciation of furniture and fixtures, office expenses, professional fees and other miscellaneous expenses.
Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Earnings per Share Basic earnings per share (“EPS”) is computed by dividing net income by the number of weighted average common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the number of weighted average common shares outstanding during the period increased by the dilutive effect of potential common shares outstanding during the period. The number of potential common shares outstanding has been determined in accordance with the treasury stock method to the extent they are dilutive. Common share equivalents consist of common shares issuable upon the exercise of outstanding share-based compensation awards, including employee stock options and restricted stock. Under the treasury stock method, the exercise price paid by the optionee, future stock-based compensation expense that the Company has not yet recognized and the amount of tax benefits that would be recorded in additional paid-in capital when the award becomes deductible are assumed to be used to repurchase shares.
Comprehensive Income, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Comprehensive Income (Loss) The Company discloses comprehensive income (loss) in accordance with applicable standards for the reporting and display of comprehensive income (loss) in a set of financial statements. Comprehensive income (loss) is defined as the change in net assets of a business enterprise during a period from transactions generated from non-owner sources. It includes all changes in equity during a period except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners.
Fair Value Measurement, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Fair Value Measures Fair value is defined as the price that would be received from selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability (i.e., the “exit price”) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. In determining fair value, the use of various valuation methodologies, including market, income and cost approaches is permissible. The Company considers the principal or most advantageous market in which it would transact and considers assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability. The accounting guidance for fair value measurements establishes a fair value hierarchy that requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. There are three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value based on the reliability of inputs. A financial instrument’s categorization within the fair value hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The Company’s cash equivalents are classified as Level 1 while the Company’s derivative instruments (foreign exchange forward contracts) and certificates of deposit are classified as Level 2. There were no Level 3 assets or liabilities held by FactSet as of August 31, 2014 or 2013.
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents consist of demand deposits and corporate money market funds with original maturities of three months or less and are reported at fair value. The Company’s corporate money market funds are traded in an active market and the net asset value of each fund on the last day of the quarter is used to determine its fair value.
Investment, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Investments Investments consist of certificates of deposits with original maturities greater than three months, but less than one year and, as such, are classified as investments (short-term) on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. These certificates of deposit are held for investment and are not debt securities. The Company’s investments are associated with its purchase of certificates of deposits in India with maturities of less than twelve months from the date of purchase. Interest income earned from the certificates of deposit during fiscal 2014 and 2013 were $1.2 million and $1.3 million, respectively. The Company’s cash, cash equivalents and investments portfolio did not experience any realized or unrealized losses as a result of counterparty credit risk or ratings change during fiscal 2014 and 2013.
Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Property, Equipment and Leasehold Improvements Property, equipment and leasehold improvements are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Computers and related equipment are depreciated on a straight-line basis over estimated useful lives of three years. Furniture and fixtures are depreciated on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives of seven years. Leasehold improvements are amortized on a straight-line basis over the terms of the related leases or estimated useful lives of the improvements, whichever period is shorter. Repairs and maintenance expenditures, which are not considered leasehold improvements and do not extend the useful life of the property and equipment, are expensed as incurred. The Company performs a test for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an individual asset or asset group may not be recoverable. Should projected undiscounted future cash flows be less than the carrying amount of the asset or asset group, an impairment charge reducing the carrying amount to fair value is required. Fair value is determined based on the most appropriate valuation technique, including discounted cash flows.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Goodwill, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Goodwill Goodwill has resulted from the acquisitions of the Insyte, LionShares, Mergerstat, CallStreet, JCF, TrueCourse, Derivative Solutions, AlphaMetrics, Global Filings, DealMaven, Thomson Fundamentals, Market Metrics, StreetAccount, Revere and Matrix businesses. Goodwill resulting from the acquisitions of LionShares, Mergerstat, TrueCourse, Derivative Solutions, Market Metrics, StreetAccount, Revere and Matrix are income tax-deductible based on the structure of the acquisition. On an ongoing basis, the Company evaluates goodwill at the reporting unit level for indications of potential impairment. Goodwill is tested for impairment based on the present value of discounted cash flows, and, if impaired, written down to fair value. FactSet has determined that there were three reporting units during fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012, which are consistent with the operating segments reported because there is no discrete financial information available for the subsidiaries within each operating segment. The Company’s reporting units evaluated for potential impairment were U.S., Europe and Asia Pacific, which reflects the level of internal reporting the Company uses to manage its business and operations. The Company performed an annual goodwill impairment test during the fourth quarter of fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012 and determined that there were no reporting units that were deemed at risk and there had been no impairment.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Intangible Assets Intangible assets consist of certain acquired content databases, client relationships, software technology, non-compete agreements and trade names resulting from the acquisitions of Mergerstat (M&A data), JCF (earnings and other estimates), TrueCourse (takeover defense intelligence), Derivative Solutions (fixed income), AlphaMetrics (research and performance evaluation networking tool), Global Filings (equity and fixed income prospectuses), DealMaven (investment banking workflow tool), Thomson Fundamentals (financial data), Market Metrics (U.S. market research data on advisor-sold investments and insurance products), StreetAccount (financial news), Revere (industry taxonomy and supply chain data) and Matrix (UK mutual fund intelligence) depending on the nature of the intangible asset, are amortized on either a straight-line or an accelerated basis using estimated useful lives ranging between two and twenty years. The remaining useful lives of intangible assets subject to amortization are evaluated quarterly to determine whether events and circumstances warrant a revision to the remaining period of amortization. If the estimate of the remaining useful life is changed, the remaining carrying amount of the intangible asset is amortized prospectively over that revised remaining useful life. These intangible assets have no assigned residual values. Intangible assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. Determination of recoverability is based on an estimate of undiscounted future cash flows resulting from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition. Measurement of any impairment loss for intangible assets that management expects to hold and use is based on the amount the carrying value exceeds the fair value of the asset. No impairment of intangible assets has been identified during any of the fiscal years presented.
Internal Use Software, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Internal Use Software Certain costs related to computer software developed or obtained for internal use are capitalized. FactSet capitalizes only those direct costs incurred during the application development and implementation stages for developing, purchasing or otherwise acquiring software solely to meet the Company’s internal needs. Capitalized costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the underlying software, three years or less. During fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Company capitalized $0.7 million, $0.7 million and $0.9 million, respectively of internal employee compensation costs associated with the application development and implementation stages for developing software for internal use only. In fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012, FactSet recorded amortization expense related to capitalized software of $0.8 million, $0.9 million and $0.9 million, respectively.
Research, Development, and Computer Software, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Product Development The Company capitalizes software development costs related to software to be sold, leased, or otherwise marketed. Software development costs are expensed as incurred until technological feasibility has been established, at which time such costs are capitalized until the product is available for general release to the public. Once the point of technological feasibility is reached, which is the completion of a working prototype that has been certified as having no critical bugs and is a release candidate or has alternative future uses, development costs are capitalized until the product is ready for general release. Research and product development costs not subject to capitalization are expensed as incurred. As of August 31, 2014 and 2013, there were no software development costs capitalized related to software to be sold, leased, or otherwise marketed.
Accrued Liabilities [Policy Text Block]	Accrued Liabilities Accrued liabilities include estimates relating to employee compensation, operating expenses and tax liabilities. Approximately 15% of the Company’s employee incentive compensation programs are discretionary. FactSet conducts a final review of Company and departmental individual performance each fiscal year end to determine the amount of discretionary employee compensation. The Company also reviews compensation throughout the year to determine how overall performance tracks against management’s expectations. Management takes these and other factors, including historical performance, into account in reviewing accrued compensation estimates quarterly and adjusting accrual rates as appropriate. The amount of the variable employee compensation recorded within accrued compensation as of August 31, 2014 and 2013, was $37.3 million and $35.2 million, respectively.
Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Derivative Instruments FactSet conducts business outside the U.S. in several currencies including the British Pound Sterling, Euro, Japanese Yen, Indian Rupee and Philippine Peso. As such, it is exposed to movements in foreign currency exchange rates compared to the U.S. dollar. To manage the exposures related to the effects of foreign exchange rate fluctuations, the Company utilizes derivative instruments (foreign currency forward contracts). The Company’s primary objective in holding derivatives is to reduce the volatility of earnings and cash flows associated with changes in foreign currency. In designing a specific hedging approach, FactSet considers several factors, including offsetting exposures, significance of exposures, forecasting risk and potential effectiveness of the hedge. These transactions are designated and accounted for as cash flow hedges in accordance with applicable accounting guidance. The changes in fair value for these foreign currency forward contracts are initially reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss and subsequently reclassified into operating expenses when the hedged exposure affects earnings. The gains and losses on foreign currency forward contracts mitigate the variability in operating expenses associated with currency movements. All derivatives are assessed for effectiveness at each reporting period. The Company does not enter into foreign exchange forward contracts for trading or speculative purposes.
Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy [Policy Text Block]	Foreign Currency Translation Certain wholly owned subsidiaries within the Europe and Asia Pacific segments operate under a functional currency different from the U.S. dollar, such as the British Pound Sterling, Euro, Japanese Yen, Indian Rupee and Philippines Peso. The financial statements of these foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars using period-end rates of exchange for assets and liabilities, and average rates for the period for revenues and expenses. Translation gains and losses that arise from translating assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses of foreign operations are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss as a component of stockholders’ equity. The accumulated foreign currency translation loss totaled $18.4 million and $26.3 million at August 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Income and Deferred Taxes Income tax expense is based on taxable income determined in accordance with current enacted laws and tax rates. Deferred income taxes are recorded for the temporary differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities using currently enacted tax rates. FactSet recognizes the financial effect of an income tax position only if it is more likely than not (greater than 50%) that the tax position will prevail upon tax examination, based solely on the technical merits of the tax position as of the reporting date. Otherwise, no benefit or expense can be recognized in the consolidated financial statements. The tax benefits recognized are measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement. Additionally, FactSet accrues interest on all tax exposures for which reserves have been established consistent with jurisdictional tax laws. Interest is classified as income tax expense in the financial statements. As of August 31, 2014, the Company had gross unrecognized tax benefits totaling $5.5 million, including $1.1 million of accrued interest, recorded as non-current taxes payable in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block]	Stock-Based Compensation Accounting guidance requires the measurement and recognition of compensation expense for all share-based payment awards made to employees and directors including stock options, restricted stock and common shares acquired under employee stock purchases based on estimated fair values of the share awards that are scheduled to vest during the period. FactSet uses the straight-line attribution method for all awards with graded vesting features and service conditions only. Under this method, the amount of compensation expense that is recognized on any date is at least equal to the vested portion of the award on that date. For all stock-based awards with performance conditions, the graded vesting attribution method is used by the Company to determine the monthly stock-based compensation expense over the applicable vesting periods. As stock-based compensation expense recognized is based on awards ultimately expected to vest, it has been reduced for estimated forfeitures. Forfeitures are estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. Forfeitures were estimated based primarily on historical experience. Windfall tax benefits, defined as tax deductions that exceed recorded stock-based compensation, are classified as cash inflows from financing activities. Performance-based stock options require management to make assumptions regarding the likelihood of achieving Company performance targets on a quarterly basis. The number of performance-based options that vest will be predicated on the Company achieving certain performance levels. A change in the financial performance levels the Company achieves could result in changes to FactSet’s current estimate of the vesting percentage and related stock-based compensation.
Treasury Stock [Policy Text Block]	Treasury Stock The Company accounts for repurchased common stock under the cost method and includes such treasury stock as a component of its stockholders’ equity. At the time treasury stock retirement is approved by FactSet’s Board of Directors, the Company’s accounting policy is to deduct its par value from common stock, reduce additional paid-in capital (“APIC”) by the amount recorded in APIC when the stock was originally issued and any remaining excess of cost as a deduction from retained earnings.
Lease, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Operating Leases The Company conducts all of its operations in leased facilities which have minimum lease obligations under non-cancelable operating leases. Certain of these leases contain rent escalations based on specified percentages. Most of the leases contain renewal options and require payments for taxes, insurance and maintenance. Rent expense is charged to operations as incurred except for escalating rents, which are charged to operations on a straight-line basis over the life of the lease. Lease incentives, relating to allowances provided by landlords, are amortized over the term of the lease as a reduction of rent expense. Costs associated with acquiring a subtenant, including broker commissions and tenant allowances, are amortized over the sublease term as a reduction of sublease income.
Business Combinations Policy [Policy Text Block]	Business Combinations The Company records acquisitions using the purchase method of accounting. All of the assets acquired, liabilities assumed, contractual contingencies and contingent consideration are recognized at their fair value on the acquisition date. The application of the purchase method of accounting for business combinations requires management to make significant estimates and assumptions in the determination of the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in order to properly allocate purchase price consideration between assets that are depreciated and amortized from goodwill. The excess of the fair value of purchase consideration over the fair values of these identifiable assets and liabilities is recorded as goodwill. Acquisition-related expenses and restructuring costs are recognized separately from the business combination and are expensed as incurred.
Concentration Risk, Credit Risk, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Concentrations of Risk Cash and cash equivalents are maintained with several financial institutions. Deposits held with banks may exceed the amount of insurance provided on such deposits. Generally, these deposits may be redeemed upon demand and are maintained with financial institutions with reputable credit and therefore bear minimal credit risk. The Company seeks to mitigate its credit risks by spreading such risks across multiple counterparties and monitoring the risk profiles of these counterparties.
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]	New Accounting Standards or Updates Recently Adopted Except for the new accounting standard updates disclosed below, the new updates issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) during the last two fiscal years did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Balance Sheet Offsetting In December 2011, the FASB issued an accounting standard update requiring enhanced disclosures about certain financial instruments and derivative instruments that are offset in the balance sheet or that are subject to enforceable master netting arrangements or similar agreements. In January 2013, the FASB issued a clarifying accounting standard update, which limited the scope of the previous guidance to only derivatives, repurchase type agreements and securities borrowing and lending transactions. This accounting standard update was adopted by FactSet in the first quarter of fiscal 2014. Other than the additional disclosure, the adoption of this accounting standard update did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets In July 2012, the FASB issued an accounting standard update intended to simplify how an entity tests indefinite-lived intangible assets other than goodwill for impairment by providing entities with an option to perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether further impairment testing is necessary. FactSet adopted this accounting standard update in the first quarter of fiscal 2014 and its adoption did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Reporting of Amounts Reclassified out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income In February 2013, the FASB issued an accounting standard update to require reclassification adjustments from other comprehensive income to be presented either in the financial statements or in the notes to the financial statements. This accounting standard update became effective for FactSet beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2014 and the additional information has been disclosed in Note 6. Cumulative Translation Adjustments In March 2013, the FASB issued an accounting standard update requiring an entity to release into net income the entire amount of a cumulative translation adjustment related to its investment in a foreign entity when as a parent it either sells a part or all of its investment in a foreign entity or no longer holds a controlling financial interest in a subsidiary or group of assets within a foreign entity. This accounting standard update was adopted by FactSet beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2014 and did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
Description of New Accounting Pronouncements Not yet Adopted [Text Block]	RecentAccounting Standards or Updates Not Yet Effective Reporting Discontinued Operations In April 2014, the FASB issued an accounting standard update that changes the criteria for reporting discontinued operations. Under the accounting standard update, a disposal of a component of an entity or a group of components of an entity is required to be reported in discontinued operations if the disposal represents a strategic shift that has, or will have, a major effect on an entity's operations and financial results when either it qualifies as held for sale, disposed of by sale, or disposed of other than by sale. This accounting standard update will be effective for FactSet beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2016. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this accounting standard update on its consolidated financial statements. Revenue Recognition In May 2014, the FASB issued an accounting standard update which provides clarified principles for recognizing revenue arising from contracts with clients and supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. The core principle of the revenue model is that an entity recognizes revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to clients in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. In applying the revenue model to contracts within its scope, an entity will identify the contract with a client, identify the performance obligations in the contract, determine the transaction price, allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract and recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation. This accounting standard update will be effective for FactSet beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2018. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this accounting standard update on its consolidated financial statements. Going Concern In August 2014, the FASB issued an accounting standard update that requires management to evaluate and disclose whether there are conditions and events that raise substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year after financial statements are issued. The evaluation and disclosure will be required to be made for both annual and interim reporting periods, if applicable, along with an evaluation as to whether management’s plans alleviate that doubt. This accounting standard update will be effective for FactSet beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2017.

Note 4 - Fair Value Measures (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2014

Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block]

	Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
August 31, 2014	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total

Assets
Corporate money market funds ⁽¹⁾	$	75,363	$	0	$	0	$	75,363
Certificates of deposit ⁽²⁾		0		20,008		0		20,008
Derivative Instruments ⁽³⁾		0		1,406		0		1,406
Total assets measured at fair value	$	75,363	$	21,414	$	0	$	96,777

Liabilities
Derivative instruments ⁽³⁾	$	0	$	591	$	0	$	591
Total liabilities measured at fair value	$	0	$	591	$	0	$	591

	Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
August 31, 2013	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total

Assets
Corporate money market funds ⁽¹⁾	$	156,693	$	0	$	0	$	156,693
Certificates of deposit ⁽²⁾		0		12,725		0		12,725
Total assets measured at fair value	$	156,693	$	12,725	$	0	$	169,418

Liabilities
Derivative instruments ⁽³⁾	$	0	$	7,740	$	0	$	7,740
Total liabilities measured at fair value	$	0	$	7,740	$	0	$	7,740

Note 5 - Derivative Instruments (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2014

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Foreign Exchange Contracts, Statement of Financial Position [Table Text Block]

	Gross Notional Value				Fair Value Asset (Liability)
Currency Hedged (in U.S. dollars)	Aug 31, 2014		Aug 31, 2013		Aug 31, 2014		Aug 31, 2013
Indian Rupee	$	38,479	$	47,388	$	700	$	(7,693	)
Philippine Peso		6,500		11,700		115		(178	)
British Pound		0		10,436		0		131
Total	$	44,979	$	69,524	$	815	$	(7,740	)

Schedule of Derivatives Instruments Statements of Financial Performance and Financial Position, Location [Table Text Block]

Designation of Derivatives	Balance Sheet Location	Aug 31, 2014		Aug 31, 2013
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments	Assets: Foreign Currency Forward Contracts
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets	$	114	$	0
	Other assets	$	1,292		0
	Liabilities: Foreign Currency Forward Contracts
	Accounts payable and accrued expenses	$	591	$	3,085
	Deferred rent and other non-current liabilities	$	0	$	4,655

Schedule of Cash Flow Hedges Included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]

Gain (Loss) Recognized

in AOCL on Derivatives
(Effective Portion)

Location of Gain (Loss)Reclassified from AOCL

into Income (Effective

(Loss) Reclassifiedfrom AOCL into Income(Effective Portion)

Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships

2014

2013

2012

Portion)

2014

2013

2012

Foreign currency forward contracts

8,294

(6,258

)

(4,450

)

SG&A

(260

)

(1,000

)

(1,031

)

Offsetting Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block]

	Derivatives Offset in Consolidated Balance Sheets
August 31, 2014	Gross Derivative Amounts			Gross Derivative Amounts Offset in Balance Sheet		Net Amounts
Fair value of assets	$	1,406		$	0	$	1,406
Fair value of liabilities		(626	)		35		(591	)
Total	$	780		$	35	$	815

	Derivatives Offset in Consolidated Balance Sheets
August 31, 2013	Gross Derivative Amounts			Gross Derivative Amounts Offset in Balance Sheet		Net Amounts
Fair value of assets	$	131		$	0	$	131
Fair value of liabilities		(7,871	)		0		(7,871	)
Total	$	(7,740	)	$	0	$	(7,740	)

Note 6 - Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2014

Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table Text Block]

	Aug 31, 2014				Aug 31, 2013						Aug 31, 2012
	Pre-tax		Net of tax		Pre-tax			Net of tax			Pre-tax			Net of tax
Foreign currency translation adjustments	$	7,895	$	7,895	$	(5,151	)	$	(5,151	)	$	(14,925	)	$	(14,925	)
Realized loss on cash flow hedges reclassified to earnings ⁽¹⁾		260		164		1,000			622			1,031			645
Unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedges recognized in AOCL		8,294		5,193		(6,258	)		(3,918	)		(4,450	)		(2,786	)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	$	16,449	$	13,252	$	(10,409	)	$	(8,447	)	$	(18,344	)	$	(17,066	)

Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]

	Aug 31, 2014			Aug 31, 2013
Accumulated unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges, net of tax	$	510		$	(4,847	)
Accumulated foreign currency translation adjustments		(18,431	)		(26,326	)
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss	$	(17,921	)	$	(31,173	)

Note 7 - Segment Information (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2014

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]

Year Ended August 31, 2014	U.S.		Europe		Asia Pacific		Total
Revenues from clients	$	624,642	$	227,395	$	68,298	$	920,335
Segment operating profit		165,004		100,937		36,278		302,219
Total assets		362,255		239,654		61,303		663,212
Depreciation and amortization		25,574		5,656		3,205		34,435
Stock-based compensation		20,288		2,231		372		22,891
Capital expenditures		16,047		647		1,049		17,743

Year Ended August 31, 2013	U.S.		Europe		Asia Pacific		Total
Revenues from clients	$	586,865	$	208,827	$	62,420	$	858,112
Segment operating profit		138,706		100,187		30,526		269,419
Total assets		444,406		193,202		52,589		690,197
Depreciation and amortization		27,757		4,027		3,995		35,779
Stock-based compensation		37,307		2,264		380		39,951
Capital expenditures		13,649		1,276		3,592		18,517

Year Ended August 31, 2012	U.S.		Europe		Asia Pacific		Total
Revenues from clients	$	550,474	$	197,404	$	57,915	$	805,793
Segment operating profit		149,968		95,417		27,605		272,990
Total assets		377,320		266,967		49,856		694,143
Depreciation and amortization		25,061		4,922		3,796		33,779
Stock-based compensation		20,180		1,680		122		21,982
Capital expenditures		20,408		488		1,624		22,520

Schedule of Revenue from External Customers Attributed to Foreign Countries by Geographic Area [Table Text Block]

Years Ended August 31,	2014		2013		2012

Revenues*
United States	$	624,642	$	586,865	$	550,474
United Kingdom		131,848		121,072		114,435
All other European countries		95,547		87,755		82,969
Asia Pacific		68,298		62,420		57,915
Total revenues	$	920,335	$	858,112	$	805,793

Schedule of Disclosure on Geographic Areas, Long-Lived Assets in Individual Foreign Countries by Country [Table Text Block]

At August 31,	2014		2013		2012

Long-lived Assets**
United States	$	46,294	$	51,184	$	60,288
United Kingdom		4,669		4,806		5,466
All other European countries		2,267		3,051		2,951
Asia Pacific		4,411		6,330		7,825
Total long-lived assets	$	57,641	$	65,371	$	76,530

Note 8 - Business Combinations (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2014

Business Combinations [Abstract]

Schedule of Purchase Price Allocation [Table Text Block]

Tangible assets acquired	$	544
Amortizable intangible assets
Data content		2,799
Client relationships		827
Non-compete agreements		162
Trade name		293
Goodwill		11,612
Total assets acquired		16,237
Liabilities assumed		(949	)
Net assets acquired	$	15,288

Tangible assets acquired	$	7,459
Amortizable intangible assets
Data content		3,408
Client relationships		2,816
Software technology		1,708
Trade name		670
Non-compete agreements		147
Goodwill		25,531
Total assets acquired		41,739
Liabilities assumed		(9,941	)
Net assets acquired	$	31,798

Note 9 - Goodwill (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2014

Disclosure Text Block Supplement [Abstract]

Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block]

	U.S.		Europe			Asia Pacific			Total
Balance at August 31, 2012	$	167,817	$	73,806		$	4,168		$	245,791
Goodwill acquired during the period		5		0			0			5
Foreign currency translations		0		(382	)		(841	)		(1,223	)
Balance at August 31, 2013	$	167,822	$	73,424		$	3,327		$	244,573
Goodwill acquired during the period		11,612		25,531			0			37,143
Foreign currency translations		0		4,077			(185	)		3,892
Balance at August 31, 2014	$	179,434	$	103,032		$	3,142		$	285,608

Note 10 - Intangible Assets (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2014

Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block]

At August 31, 2014	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Net Carrying Amount
Data content	$	56,974	$	27,644	$	29,329
Client relationships		25,821		17,443		8,378
Software technology		22,881		20,089		2,792
Non-compete agreements		2,465		1,881		584
Trade names		1,729		958		771
Total	$	109,870	$	68,015	$	41,855

At August 31, 2013	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Net Carrying Amount
Data content	$	49,185	$	22,419	$	26,766
Client relationships		22,915		16,185		6,730
Software technology		20,914		19,126		1,788
Non-compete agreements		2,154		1,293		861
Trade names		758		680		78
Total	$	95,926	$	59,703	$	36,223

Schedule of Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Table Text Block]

Revere Intangible Asset Allocation	Amortization Period	Acquisition Cost
Data content	5.0 years	$	2,799
Client relationships	7.0 years		827
Non-compete agreements	2.0 years		162
Trade name	4.0 years		293
Total	5.2 years	$	4,081

Matrix Intangible Asset Allocation	Amortization Period	Acquisition Cost
Data content	4.0 years	$	3,408
Client relationships	7.9 years		2,816
Non-compete agreements	3.0 years		147
Trade name	3.8 years		670
Technology	4.8 years		1,708
Total	5.4 years	$	8,749

Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block]

Fiscal Year	Estimated Amortization Expense

2015	$	7,670
2016		5,855
2017		5,773
2018		4,622
2019		3,335
Thereafter		14,600
Total	$	41,855

Note 11 - Property, Equipment and Leasehold Improvements (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2014

Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]

Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block]

At August 31,	2014			2013
Leasehold improvements	$	90,487		$	90,040
Computers and related equipment		81,853			73,320
Furniture and fixtures		29,373			28,978
Subtotal	$	201,713		$	192,338
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization		(144,072	)		(126,967	)
Property, equipment and leasehold improvements, net	$	57,641		$	65,371

Note 12 - Common Stock and Earnings Per Share (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2014

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Schedule of Stock by Class [Table Text Block]

Years Ended August 31,	2014			2013			2012
Balance, beginning of year (September 1)		43,324			44,279			45,055
Common stock issued for employee stock plans		959			2,459			825
Stock issued for acquisition of business		-			-			43
Repurchase of common stock		(2,490	)		(3,414	)		(1,644	)
Balance, end of year (August 31)		41,793			43,324			44,279

Schedule of Weighted Average Number of Shares [Table Text Block]

	Net Income (Numerator)						Weighted Average Common Shares (Denominator)						Per Share Amount
Years Ended August 31,	2014		2013		2012		2014		2013		2012		2014		2013		2012
Basic EPS
Income available to common stockholders	$	211,543	$	198,637	$	188,809		42,436		43,890		44,784	$	4.98	$	4.53	$	4.22
Diluted EPS
Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock								534		734		1,026
Income available to common stockholders plus assumed conversions	$	211,543	$	198,637	$	188,809		42,970		44,624		45,810	$	4.92	$	4.45	$	4.12

Tabular disclosure of an entity's stock, including par or stated value per share, number and dollar amount of share subscriptions, shares authorized, shares issued, shares outstanding, number and dollar amount of shares held in an employee trust, dividend per share, total dividends, share conversion features, par value plus additional paid in capital, the value of treasury stock and other information necessary to a fair presentation, and EPS information. Stock by class includes common, convertible, and preferred stocks which are not redeemable or redeemable solely at the option of the issuer. Includes preferred stock with redemption features that are solely within the control of the issuer and mandatorily redeemable stock if redemption is required to occur only upon liquidation or termination of the reporting entity. If more than one issue is outstanding, state the title of each issue and the corresponding dollar amount; dollar amount of any shares subscribed but unissued and the deduction of subscriptions receivable there from; number of shares authorized, issued, and outstanding.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 6
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21506-112644

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 480
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27011957&loc=d3e177068-122764

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27012166&loc=d3e187085-122770

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 10
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21553-112644

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(d),(e))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26873400&loc=d3e23780-122690

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21475-112644

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6403732&loc=d3e21300-112643

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 7
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21521-112644

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.28,29)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21484-112644

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 8
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21538-112644

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 5
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21488-112644

Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph 30
-Article 5

Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph 29
-Article 5

Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]

Note 13 - Stockholders' Equity (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2014

Dividend Declaration and Payment Details [Table Text Block]

Declaration Date	Dividends Per Share of Common Stock		Type	Record Date	Total $ Amount (in thousands)		Payment Date

August 14, 2014	$	0.39	Regular (cash)	August 29, 2014	$	16,299	September 16, 2014
May 5, 2014	$	0.39	Regular (cash)	May 30, 2014	$	16,386	June 17, 2014
February 11, 2014	$	0.35	Regular (cash)	February 28, 2014	$	14,827	March 18, 2014
November 14, 2013	$	0.35	Regular (cash)	November 29, 2013	$	15,046	December 17, 2013
August 15, 2013	$	0.35	Regular (cash)	August 31, 2013	$	15,164	September 17, 2013
May 14, 2013	$	0.35	Regular (cash)	May 31, 2013	$	15,413	June 18, 2013
February 21, 2013	$	0.31	Regular (cash)	February 28, 2013	$	13,510	March 19, 2013
November 15, 2012	$	0.31	Regular (cash)	November 30, 2012	$	13,746	December 18, 2012
August 8, 2012	$	0.31	Regular (cash)	August 31, 2012	$	13,727	September 18, 2012
May 8, 2012	$	0.31	Regular (cash)	May 31, 2012	$	13,893	June 19, 2012
February 14, 2012	$	0.27	Regular (cash)	February 29, 2012	$	12,085	March 20, 2012
November 10, 2011	$	0.27	Regular (cash)	November 30, 2011	$	12,181	December 20, 2011

Note 14 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2014

Employee Stock Option And Retirement Plans [Abstract]

Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights Award Activity [Table Text Block]

	Number Outstanding			Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share

Balance at August 31, 2011		6,132		$	57.28
Granted – non performance-based		540			93.96
Granted – performance-based		907			93.80
Granted – non-employee Directors grant		21			87.26
Exercised		(731	)		35.96
Forfeited*		(786	)		87.37
Balance at August 31, 2012		6,083		$	64.76
Granted – non performance-based		645			92.22
Granted – performance-based		1,011			92.22
Granted – non-employee Directors grant		19			91.06
Exercised		(2,286	)		52.25
Forfeited**		(743	)		93.84
Balance at August 31, 2013		4,729		$	75.95
Granted – non performance-based		174			103.36
Granted – performance-based		203			109.56
Granted – non-employee Directors grant		14			107.65
Exercised		(789	)		57.56
Forfeited***		(849	)		91.98
Balance at August 31, 2014		3,482		$	79.67

Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, by Exercise Price Range [Table Text Block]

					Outstanding						Exercisable
Range of Exercise Prices Per Share			Number Outstanding		Weighted Average Remaining Years of Contractual Life		Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share		Aggregate Intrinsic Value		Number Exercisable		Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share		Aggregate Intrinsic Value
$29.00	-	$58.78		356		0.9	$	35.28	$	32,845		356	$	35.28	$	32,845
$63.09	-	$65.67		527		1.7	$	64.23	$	33,265		386	$	64.65	$	24,211
$66.46	-	$66.81		565		2.1	$	66.47	$	34,411		528	$	66.47	$	32,188
$87.26	-	$91.06		489		6.5	$	90.21	$	18,192		229	$	89.80	$	8,599
$92.22	-	$92.55		751		8.1	$	92.22	$	26,416		195	$	92.23	$	6,852
$94.84	-	$103.30		542		7.5	$	96.90	$	16,535		205	$	95.11	$	6,612
$107.65	-	$110.31		252		9.1	$	109.32	$	4,559		0	$	109.32	$	0
Total Fiscal 2014				3,482		5.2	$	79.67	$	166,223		1,899	$	68.78	$	111,307

Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block]

Prior Year Amounts		2013				2012
	Number of Shares		Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share		Number of Shares		Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share
Outstanding at fiscal year end		4,729	$	75.95		6,083	$	64.76
Exercisable at fiscal year end		1,925	$	59.70		2,858	$	48.44

Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units Activity [Table Text Block]

	Number Outstanding			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Award
Balance at August 31, 2011		407		$	71.31
Granted (restricted stock and stock units)		-			-
Vested		(14	)		69.02
Canceled/forfeited		(10	)		77.13
Balance at August 31, 2012		383		$	71.34
Granted (restricted stock and stock units)		132			85.80
Vested*		(150	)		62.34
Canceled/forfeited		(7	)		81.38
Balance at August 31, 2013		358		$	80.43
Granted (restricted stock and stock units)		204			101.95
Vested**		(135	)		84.48
Canceled/forfeited		(59	)		86.39
Balance at August 31, 2014		368		$	89.77

Schedule of Share Based Awards Available For Grant [Table Text Block]

	Share-based Awards Available for Grant under Employee Stock Option Plans			Share-based Awards Available for Grant under Non-Employee Stock Option Plans
Balance at August 31, 2011		4,977			147
Granted – non performance-based options		(540	)		-
Granted – performance-based options		(907	)		-
Granted – non-employee Directors grant		-			(21	)
Restricted stock awards granted*		-			-
Share-based awards canceled/forfeited		810			-
Balance at August 31, 2012		4,340			126
Granted – non performance-based options		(645	)		-
Granted – performance-based options		(1,011	)		-
Granted – non-employee Directors grant		-			(19	)
Restricted stock awards granted*		(329	)		-
Share-based awards canceled/forfeited		761			-
Balance at August 31, 2013		3,116			107
Granted – non performance-based options		(174	)		-
Granted – performance-based options		(203	)		-
Granted – non-employee Directors grant		-			(14	)
Restricted stock awards granted*		(510	)		-
Share-based awards canceled/forfeited		993			9
Balance at August 31, 2014		3,222			102

Note 15 - Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2014

Non-Employee Stock Option Plan [Member]

Note 15 - Stock-Based Compensation (Tables) [Line Items]

Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block]

Risk-free interest rate	1.66	%
Expected life (in years)	5.4
Expected volatility	28.9	%
Dividend yield	1.35	%

Risk-free interest rate	0.89	%
Expected life (years)	5.4
Expected volatility	32	%
Dividend yield	1.30	%

Risk-free interest rate	0.94	%
Expected life (years)	5.4
Expected volatility	34	%
Dividend yield	1.11	%

Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]

Note 15 - Stock-Based Compensation (Tables) [Line Items]

Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block]

	2014			2013			2012
Risk-free interest rate		0.04	%		0.07	%		0.06	%
Expected life (months)		3			3			3
Expected volatility		9.8	%		9.8	%		14.8	%
Dividend yield		1.38	%		1.38	%		1.26	%

Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block]

	2014				2013				2012
Term structure of risk-free interest rate		0.01%	-	2.6%		0.16%	-	1.91%		0.13%	-	2.41%
Expected life (years)		7.6	-	7.8		7.6	-	7.8		7.6	-	9.1
Term structure of volatility		23%	-	33%		24%	-	33%		29%	-	36%
Dividend yield			1.35%				1.30%				1.16%
Weighted average estimated fair value			$29.64				$26.87				$32.34
Weighted average exercise price			$106.69				$92.22				$93.86
Fair value as a percentage of exercise price			27.8%				29.1%				34.5%

Note 16 - Income Taxes (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2014

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Income before Income Tax, Domestic and Foreign [Table Text Block]

Years Ended August 31,	2014			2013			2012
U.S. operations	$	242,839		$	220,778		$	229,772
Non-U.S. operations		60,625			50,132			44,933
Income before income taxes	$	303,464		$	270,910		$	274,705
U.S. operations	$	81,998		$	61,328		$	76,020
Non-U.S. operations		9,923			10,945			9,876
Total provision for income taxes	$	91,921		$	72,273		$	85,896
Effective tax rate		30.3	%		26.7	%		31.3	%

Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block]

Years Ended August 31,	2014			2013			2012
Current
U.S. federal	$	77,368		$	52,625		$	73,272
U.S. state and local		3,972			3,309			4,305
Non-U.S.		10,350			11,188			10,224
Total current taxes	$	91,690		$	67,122		$	87,801
Deferred
U.S. federal	$	547		$	5,036			(1,405	)
U.S. state and local		111			359			(152	)
Non-U.S.		(427	)		(243	)		(348	)
Total deferred taxes	$	231		$	5,151		$	(1,905	)
Total provision for income taxes	$	91,921		$	72,273		$	85,896

Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block]

Years Ended August 31,	2014			2013			2012
Tax at federal U.S. statutory tax rate		35.0	%		35.0	%		35.0	%
Increase (decrease) in taxes resulting from:
State and local taxes, net of U.S. federal income tax benefit		1.8			2.0			2.1
Foreign income at other than U.S. rates		(2.9	)		(2.5	)		(1.9	)
Domestic production activities deduction		(2.1	)		(2.6	)		(2.6	)
Income tax benefit from R&D tax credits		(1.1	)		(4.1	)		(0.8	)
Income tax benefits from foreign tax credits		(0.4	)		(1.2	)		(0.5	)
Other, net		0.0			0.1			0.0
Effective tax rate		30.3	%		26.7	%*		31.3	%

Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets [Table Text Block]

At August 31,	2014			2013
Deferred tax assets
Current
Receivable reserve	$	597		$	614
Deferred rent		1,067			2,191
Other		177			(2	)
Net current deferred taxes	$	1,841		$	2,803
Non-current
Depreciation on property, equipment and leasehold improvements	$	9,831		$	6,329
Deferred rent		3,572			2,772
Stock-based compensation		18,160			19,828
Purchased intangible assets, including acquired technology		(10,750	)		(8,401	)
Other		1,564			1,495
Net non-current deferred taxes	$	22,377		$	22,023
Total deferred tax assets	$	24,218		$	24,826

At August 31,	2014			2013
Deferred tax liabilities (non-current)
Purchased intangible assets, including acquired technology	$	3,478		$	2,761
Stock-based compensation		(860	)		(365	)
Other		303			0
Total deferred tax liabilities (non-current)	$	2,921		$	2,396

Summary of Income Tax Contingencies [Table Text Block]

Unrecognized income tax benefits at August 31, 2011	$	7,204
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year		691
Additions for tax positions of prior years		470
Statute of limitations lapse		(613	)
Reductions from settlements with taxing authorities		(2,288	)

Unrecognized income tax benefits at August 31, 2012	$	5,464
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year		1,372
Additions for tax positions of prior years		986
Statute of limitations lapse		(1,103	)
Reductions from settlements with taxing authorities		(1,284	)

Unrecognized income tax benefits at August 31, 2013	$	5,435
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year		921
Additions for tax positions of prior years		628
Statute of limitations lapse		(717	)
Reductions from settlements with taxing authorities		(766	)

Unrecognized income tax benefits at August 31, 2014	$	5,501

Summary of Income Tax Examinations [Table Text Block]

Major Tax Jurisdictions		Open Tax Years
U.S.
Federal		2013 through 2014
State (various)		2010 through 2014

Europe
France		2011 through 2014
United Kingdom		2012 through 2014

Note 17 - Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2014

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases [Table Text Block]

Years Ended August 31,	Minimum Lease Payments
2015	$	26,717
2016		20,610
2017		23,779
2018		22,448
2019		20,878
Thereafter		91,757
Total	$	206,189

Note 19 - Unaudited Quarterly Financial Data (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2014

Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block]

Fiscal 2014	First Quarter		Second Quarter		Third Quarter		Fourth Quarter

Revenues	$	222,975	$	226,934	$	231,761	$	238,664
Cost of services		83,250		87,254		90,661		92,521
Selling, general and administrative		64,985		64,626		68,063		66,757
Operating income		74,740		75,054		73,037		79,386
Net income		52,178		52,426		51,532		55,407
Diluted earnings per common share*	$	1.19	$	1.22	$	1.21	$	1.31
Weighted average common shares (diluted)		43,773		43,107		42,615		42,386

Fiscal 2013	First Quarter		Second Quarter		Third Quarter		Fourth Quarter

Revenues	$	211,085	$	213,083	$	214,613	$	219,332
Cost of services		73,586		75,842		76,721		80,231
Selling, general and administrative		66,414		81,077		66,255		68,567
Operating income		71,085		56,164		71,637		70,534
Net income		49,769		44,539		53,367		50,964
Diluted earnings per common share*	$	1.11	$	1.00	$	1.20	$	1.16
Weighted average common shares (diluted)		44,984		44,455		44,485		44,043

Note 3 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014 USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2013 USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2012 USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2011 USD ($)
Certificates of Deposit [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Note 3 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) [Line Items]
Investment Securities Maturity Period	3 months
Certificates of Deposit [Member] \| Maximum [Member] \| INDIA
Note 3 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) [Line Items]
Investment Securities Maturity Period	12 months
Certificates of Deposit [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Note 3 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) [Line Items]
Investment Securities Maturity Period	1 year
Computer Equipment [Member]
Note 3 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	3 years
Furniture and Fixtures [Member]
Note 3 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	7 years
Internal Use Software [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Note 3 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	3 years
Internal Use Software [Member]
Note 3 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) [Line Items]
Development Costs, Period Cost	$ 700	$ 700	$ 900
Amortization of Intangible Assets	$ 800	900	$ 900
Minimum [Member]
Note 3 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	2 years
Maximum [Member]
Note 3 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	20 years
Unbilled Receivables, Not Billable	$ 3,000
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable	1,700	1,600
Interest Income and Fees, Bankers Acceptances, Certificates of Deposit and Commercial Paper	$ 1,200	$ 1,300
Number of Reportable Segments	3	3	3
Number of Operating Segments	3	3	3
Amortization of Intangible Assets	$ 8,500	$ 7,100	$ 7,500
Employee Compensation Percentage of Discretionary Incentives	15.00%
Accrued Bonuses	$ 37,300	35,200
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax	(18,431)	(26,326)
Unrecognized Tax Benefits	5,501	$ 5,435	$ 5,464	$ 7,204
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Interest on Income Taxes Accrued	$ 1,100

Note 4 - Fair Value Measures (Details) - Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value - USD ($)
$ in Thousands

Aug. 31, 2014

Aug. 31, 2013

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]

Assets

^[1]

$ 75,363

$ 156,693

^[2]

^[3]

75,363

156,693

Liabilities

^[3]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]

Assets

^[1]

^[2]

20,008

12,725

^[3]

1,406

21,414

12,725

Liabilities

^[3]

591

7,740

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

591

7,740

Assets

^[1]

^[2]

Liabilities

^[3]

^[1]

75,363

156,693

^[2]

20,008

12,725

1,406

131

96,777

169,418

^[3]

591

7,740

Offsetting of Derivative Instruments [Abstract]

$ 591

$ 7,740

[1]	The Company's corporate money market funds are traded in an active market and the net asset value of each fund on the last day of the quarter is used to determine its fair value. As such, the Company's corporate money market funds are classified as Level 1 and included in cash and cash equivalents on the consolidated balance sheet.
[2]	The Company's certificates of deposit held for investment are not debt securities and are classified as Level 2. These certificates of deposit have original maturities greater than three months, but less than one year and, as such, are classified as investments (short-term) on the consolidated balance sheet.
[3]	The Company utilizes the income approach to measure fair value for its derivative instruments (foreign exchange forward contracts). The income approach uses pricing models that rely on market observable inputs such as spot, forward and interest rates, as well as credit default swap spreads and therefore are classified as Level 2.

Note 5 - Derivative Instruments (Details) $ in Thousands, ₱ in Millions, ₨ in Billions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014 USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2014 INR (₨)	Aug. 31, 2014 PHP (₱)	Aug. 31, 2013 USD ($)
Through The End Of The Second Quarter Of Fiscal 2016 [Member] \| India, Rupees
Note 5 - Derivative Instruments (Details) [Line Items]
Percent Of Foreign Exchange Contracts Hedged	75.00%
Through The End Of Fiscal 2014 [Member] \| Philippines, Pesos
Note 5 - Derivative Instruments (Details) [Line Items]
Percent Of Foreign Exchange Contracts Hedged	50.00%
India, Rupees
Note 5 - Derivative Instruments (Details) [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Notional Amount	$ 38,479	₨ 2.5		$ 47,388
Derivative Assets (Liabilities), at Fair Value, Net	700			(7,693)
Philippines, Pesos
Note 5 - Derivative Instruments (Details) [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Notional Amount	6,500			11,700
Derivative Assets (Liabilities), at Fair Value, Net	115			(178)
Derivative Asset, Notional Amount	44,979		₱ 288.6	69,524
Derivative Assets (Liabilities), at Fair Value, Net	815			$ (7,740)
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassification from Accumulated OCI to Income, Estimated Net Amount to be Transferred	$ (500)

Note 5 - Derivative Instruments (Details) - Hedging Positions and Corresponding Fair Values $ in Thousands, ₱ in Millions, ₨ in Billions	Aug. 31, 2014 USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2014 INR (₨)	Aug. 31, 2014 PHP (₱)	Aug. 31, 2013 USD ($)
India, Rupees
Note 5 - Derivative Instruments (Details) - Hedging Positions and Corresponding Fair Values [Line Items]
Gross Notional Value	$ 38,479	₨ 2.5		$ 47,388
Fair Value Asset (Liability)	700			(7,693)
Philippines, Pesos
Note 5 - Derivative Instruments (Details) - Hedging Positions and Corresponding Fair Values [Line Items]
Gross Notional Value	6,500			11,700
Fair Value Asset (Liability)	115			(178)
United Kingdom, Pounds
Note 5 - Derivative Instruments (Details) - Hedging Positions and Corresponding Fair Values [Line Items]
Gross Notional Value	0			10,436
Fair Value Asset (Liability)	0			131
Gross Notional Value	44,979		₱ 288.6	69,524
Fair Value Asset (Liability)	$ 815			$ (7,740)

Note 5 - Derivative Instruments (Details) - Fair Value Amounts of Derivative Instruments and Gains - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets [Member]
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments Assets: Foreign Currency Forward Contracts
Derivatives Assets designated as hedging instruments	$ 114	$ 0
Other Assets [Member]
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments Assets: Foreign Currency Forward Contracts
Derivatives Assets designated as hedging instruments	1,292	0
Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities [Member]
Liabilities: Foreign Currency Forward Contracts
Derivatives Liability designated as hedging instruments	591	3,085
Deferred Rent and Other Non-current Liabilities [Member]
Liabilities: Foreign Currency Forward Contracts
Derivatives Liability designated as hedging instruments	0	4,655
Derivatives Assets designated as hedging instruments	1,406	131
Derivatives Liability designated as hedging instruments	$ 626	$ 7,871

Note 5 - Derivative Instruments (Details) - Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships [Abstract]
Foreign currency forward contracts	$ 8,294	$ (6,258)	$ (4,450)
Foreign currency forward contracts	$ (260)	$ (1,000)	$ (1,031)

Note 5 - Derivative Instruments (Details) - Offsetting of Derivative Instruments - USD ($)
$ in Thousands

Aug. 31, 2014

Aug. 31, 2013

Fair value of assets

$ 1,406

$ 131

Fair value of assets

1,406

131

Fair value of liabilities

(626)

(7,871)

Fair value of liabilities

^[1]

(591)

(7,740)

Total

780

(7,740)

Total

$ 815

$ (7,740)

[1]

Note 6 - Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) - Components of Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) and Amounts Reclassified out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income - USD ($)
$ in Thousands

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2014

Aug. 31, 2013

Aug. 31, 2012

Components of Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) and Amounts Reclassified out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]

$ 7,895

$ (5,151)

$ (14,925)

Realized loss on cash flow hedges reclassified to earnings (1)

7,895

(5,151)

(14,925)

^[1]

260

1,000

1,031

Realized loss on cash flow hedges reclassified to earnings (1)

^[1]

164

622

645

Unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedges recognized in AOCL

8,294

(6,258)

(4,450)

Unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedges recognized in AOCL

5,193

(3,918)

(2,786)

Other comprehensive income (loss)

16,449

(10,409)

(18,344)

Other comprehensive income (loss)

$ 13,252

$ (8,447)

$ (17,066)

[1]	Reclassified to Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Note 6 - Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) - The Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
The Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Abstract]
Accumulated unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges, net of tax	$ 510	$ (4,847)
Accumulated foreign currency translation adjustments	(18,431)	(26,326)
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss	$ (17,921)	$ (31,173)

Accumulated change in equity from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources, net of tax effect, at period end. Excludes Net Income (Loss), and accumulated changes in equity from transactions resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners. Includes foreign currency translation items, certain pension adjustments, unrealized gains and losses on certain investments in debt and equity securities, other than temporary impairment (OTTI) losses related to factors other than credit losses on available-for-sale and held-to-maturity debt securities that an entity does not intend to sell and it is not more likely than not that the entity will be required to sell before recovery of the amortized cost basis, as well as changes in the fair value of derivatives related to the effective portion of a designated cash flow hedge.

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Note 7 - Segment Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
European Union [Member]
Note 7 - Segment Information (Details) [Line Items]
Goodwill (in Dollars)	$ 285,600
UNITED STATES
Note 7 - Segment Information (Details) [Line Items]
Goodwill (in Dollars)	$ 179,434	$ 167,822	$ 167,817
Goodwill Percentage Per Segment	63.00%
Europe [Member]
Note 7 - Segment Information (Details) [Line Items]
Goodwill (in Dollars)	$ 103,032	73,424	73,806
Goodwill Percentage Per Segment	36.00%
Asia Pacific [Member]
Note 7 - Segment Information (Details) [Line Items]
Goodwill (in Dollars)	$ 3,142	3,327	4,168
Goodwill Percentage Per Segment	1.00%
Goodwill (in Dollars)	$ 285,608	$ 244,573	$ 245,791

Note 7 - Segment Information (Details) - Results of Operations - USD ($)
$ in Thousands

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2014

May 31, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

Nov. 30, 2013

Aug. 31, 2013

May 31, 2013

Feb. 28, 2013

Nov. 30, 2012

Aug. 31, 2014

Aug. 31, 2013

Aug. 31, 2012

UNITED STATES

^[1]

$ 624,642

$ 586,865

$ 550,474

165,004

138,706

149,968

$ 362,255

$ 444,406

362,255

444,406

377,320

25,574

27,757

25,061

20,288

37,307

20,180

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

16,047

13,649

20,408

Europe [Member]

227,395

208,827

197,404

100,937

100,187

95,417

239,654

193,202

239,654

193,202

266,967

5,656

4,027

4,922

2,231

2,264

1,680

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

647

1,276

488

Asia Pacific [Member]

^[1]

68,298

62,420

57,915

36,278

30,526

27,605

61,303

52,589

61,303

52,589

49,856

3,205

3,995

3,796

372

380

122

1,049

3,592

1,624

238,664

$ 231,761

$ 226,934

$ 222,975

219,332

$ 214,613

$ 213,083

$ 211,085

920,335

^[1]

858,112

^[1]

805,793

^[1]

79,386

$ 73,037

$ 75,054

$ 74,740

70,534

$ 71,637

$ 56,164

$ 71,085

302,219

269,419

272,990

$ 663,212

$ 690,197

663,212

690,197

694,143

34,435

35,779

33,779

22,891

39,951

21,982

$ 17,743

$ 18,517

$ 22,520

[1]	Revenues are attributed to countries based on the location of the client.

Note 7 - Segment Information (Details) - Revenues From Countries That Are 10% Or More Of Revenues - USD ($)
$ in Thousands

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2014

May 31, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

Nov. 30, 2013

Aug. 31, 2013

May 31, 2013

Feb. 28, 2013

Nov. 30, 2012

Aug. 31, 2014

Aug. 31, 2013

Aug. 31, 2012

UNITED STATES

^[1]

$ 624,642

$ 586,865

$ 550,474

UNITED KINGDOM

All Other European Countries [Member]

^[1]

131,848

121,072

114,435

^[1]

95,547

87,755

82,969

Asia Pacific [Member]

^[1]

68,298

62,420

57,915

$ 238,664

$ 231,761

$ 226,934

$ 222,975

$ 219,332

$ 214,613

$ 213,083

$ 211,085

$ 920,335

^[1]

$ 858,112

^[1]

$ 805,793

^[1]

[1]	Revenues are attributed to countries based on the location of the client.

Note 7 - Segment Information (Details) - Long-Lived Assets By Geographic Areas - USD ($)
$ in Thousands

Aug. 31, 2014

Aug. 31, 2013

Aug. 31, 2012

UNITED STATES

^[1]

$ 46,294

$ 51,184

$ 60,288

UNITED KINGDOM

All Other European Countries [Member]

^[1]

4,669

4,806

5,466

^[1]

2,267

3,051

2,951

Asia Pacific [Member]

^[1]

4,411

6,330

7,825

^[1]

$ 57,641

$ 65,371

$ 76,530

[1]	Long-lived assets consist of property, equipment and leasehold improvements, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization and exclude goodwill, intangible assets, deferred taxes and other assets.

Note 8 - Business Combinations (Details) - USD ($)		3 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
Note 8 - Business Combinations (Details) - USD ($)	Sep. 02, 2013	May 31, 2014	Feb. 28, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Data Content [Member] \| Revere Data, LLC [Member]
Note 8 - Business Combinations (Details) [Line Items]
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired (in Dollars)					$ 2,799,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	5 years
Data Content [Member] \| Matrix Data Limited [Member]
Note 8 - Business Combinations (Details) [Line Items]
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired (in Dollars)					3,408,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life		4 years
Customer Relationships [Member] \| Revere Data, LLC [Member]
Note 8 - Business Combinations (Details) [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	7 years
Customer Relationships [Member] \| Matrix Data Limited [Member]
Note 8 - Business Combinations (Details) [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life		8 years
Noncompete Agreements [Member] \| Revere Data, LLC [Member]
Note 8 - Business Combinations (Details) [Line Items]
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired (in Dollars)					162,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	2 years
Noncompete Agreements [Member] \| Matrix Data Limited [Member]
Note 8 - Business Combinations (Details) [Line Items]
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired (in Dollars)					147,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life		3 years
Trade Names [Member] \| Revere Data, LLC [Member]
Note 8 - Business Combinations (Details) [Line Items]
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired (in Dollars)					293,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	4 years
Trade Names [Member] \| Matrix Data Limited [Member]
Note 8 - Business Combinations (Details) [Line Items]
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired (in Dollars)					670,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life		4 years
Software Technology [Member] \| Matrix Data Limited [Member]
Note 8 - Business Combinations (Details) [Line Items]
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired (in Dollars)					1,708,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life		5 years
Revere Data, LLC [Member]
Note 8 - Business Combinations (Details) [Line Items]
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred (in Dollars)	$ 15,300,000
Business Acquisition, Revenue Reported by Acquired Entity for Last Annual Period (in Dollars)	5,000,000
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired (in Dollars)	4,100,000			$ 4,100,000	4,081,000
Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Goodwill Amount (in Dollars)	$ 11,600,000
Matrix Data Limited [Member]
Note 8 - Business Combinations (Details) [Line Items]
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred (in Dollars)		$ 31,800,000
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired (in Dollars)		8,700,000	$ 8,700,000		$ 8,749,000
Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Goodwill Amount (in Dollars)		25,500,000
Subscription and Circulation Revenue (in Dollars)		$ 7,000,000
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired (in Dollars)						$ 0

Note 8 - Business Combinations (Details) - Purchase Price Allocation - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Aug. 31, 2014	May 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Data Content [Member] \| Revere Data, LLC [Member]
Note 8 - Business Combinations (Details) - Purchase Price Allocation [Line Items]
Amortizable Intangible Assets		$ 2,799
Data Content [Member] \| Matrix Data Limited [Member]
Note 8 - Business Combinations (Details) - Purchase Price Allocation [Line Items]
Amortizable Intangible Assets		3,408
Client Relationships [Member] \| Revere Data, LLC [Member]
Note 8 - Business Combinations (Details) - Purchase Price Allocation [Line Items]
Amortizable Intangible Assets		827
Client Relationships [Member] \| Matrix Data Limited [Member]
Note 8 - Business Combinations (Details) - Purchase Price Allocation [Line Items]
Amortizable Intangible Assets		2,816
Non-Compete Agreements [Member] \| Revere Data, LLC [Member]
Note 8 - Business Combinations (Details) - Purchase Price Allocation [Line Items]
Amortizable Intangible Assets		162
Non-Compete Agreements [Member] \| Matrix Data Limited [Member]
Note 8 - Business Combinations (Details) - Purchase Price Allocation [Line Items]
Amortizable Intangible Assets		147
Trade Names [Member] \| Revere Data, LLC [Member]
Note 8 - Business Combinations (Details) - Purchase Price Allocation [Line Items]
Amortizable Intangible Assets		293
Trade Names [Member] \| Matrix Data Limited [Member]
Note 8 - Business Combinations (Details) - Purchase Price Allocation [Line Items]
Amortizable Intangible Assets		670
Software Technology [Member] \| Matrix Data Limited [Member]
Note 8 - Business Combinations (Details) - Purchase Price Allocation [Line Items]
Amortizable Intangible Assets		1,708
Revere Data, LLC [Member]
Note 8 - Business Combinations (Details) - Purchase Price Allocation [Line Items]
Tangible assets acquired		544
Goodwill		11,612
Total assets acquired		16,237
Liabilities assumed		(949)
Net assets acquired		15,288
Matrix Data Limited [Member]
Note 8 - Business Combinations (Details) - Purchase Price Allocation [Line Items]
Tangible assets acquired		7,459
Goodwill		25,531
Total assets acquired		41,739
Liabilities assumed		(9,941)
Net assets acquired		$ 31,798
Goodwill	$ 285,608		$ 244,573	$ 245,791

Note 9 - Goodwill (Details)	12 Months Ended
Note 9 - Goodwill (Details)	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Disclosure Text Block Supplement [Abstract]
Number of Reportable Segments	3	3	3

Note 9 - Goodwill (Details) - Changes in the Carrying Amount of Goodwill by Segment - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
UNITED STATES
Goodwill [Line Items]
Balance	$ 167,822	$ 167,817
Goodwill Acquired	11,612	5
Foreign Currency Translations	0	0
Balance	179,434	167,822
Europe [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Balance	73,424	73,806
Goodwill Acquired	25,531	0
Foreign Currency Translations	4,077	(382)
Balance	103,032	73,424
Asia Pacific [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Balance	3,327	4,168
Goodwill Acquired	0	0
Foreign Currency Translations	(185)	(841)
Balance	3,142	3,327
Balance	244,573	245,791
Goodwill Acquired	37,143	5
Foreign Currency Translations	3,892	(1,223)
Balance	$ 285,608	$ 244,573

Note 10 - Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($)		3 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
Note 10 - Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($)	Sep. 02, 2013	May 31, 2014	Feb. 28, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Revere Data, LLC [Member]
Note 10 - Intangible Assets (Details) [Line Items]
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life				5 years 73 days	5 years 73 days
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired	$ 4,100,000			$ 4,100,000	$ 4,081,000
Matrix Data Limited [Member]
Note 10 - Intangible Assets (Details) [Line Items]
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life			5 years 146 days		5 years 146 days
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired		$ 8,700,000	$ 8,700,000		$ 8,749,000
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life					11 years 36 days
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired						$ 0
Amortization of Intangible Assets					$ 8,500,000	$ 7,100,000	$ 7,500,000

Note 10 - Intangible Assets (Details) - Identifiable Intangible Assets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Data Content [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 56,974	$ 49,185
Accumulated Amortization	27,644	22,419
Net Carrying Amount	29,329	26,766
Client Relationships [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	25,821	22,915
Accumulated Amortization	17,443	16,185
Net Carrying Amount	8,378	6,730
Software Technology [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	22,881	20,914
Accumulated Amortization	20,089	19,126
Net Carrying Amount	2,792	1,788
Non-Compete Agreements [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	2,465	2,154
Accumulated Amortization	1,881	1,293
Net Carrying Amount	584	861
Trade Names [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	1,729	758
Accumulated Amortization	958	680
Net Carrying Amount	771	78
Gross Carrying Amount	109,870	95,926
Accumulated Amortization	68,015	59,703
Net Carrying Amount	$ 41,855	$ 36,223

Note 10 - Intangible Assets (Details) - Intangible Assets Acquired - USD ($)		3 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
	Sep. 02, 2013	May 31, 2014	Feb. 28, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Data Content [Member] \| Revere Data, LLC [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization Period					5 years
Acquisition Cost					$ 2,799,000
Data Content [Member] \| Matrix Data Limited [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization Period					4 years
Acquisition Cost					$ 3,408,000
Client Relationships [Member] \| Revere Data, LLC [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization Period					7 years
Acquisition Cost					$ 827,000
Client Relationships [Member] \| Matrix Data Limited [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization Period					7 years 328 days
Acquisition Cost					$ 2,816,000
Noncompete Agreements [Member] \| Revere Data, LLC [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization Period					2 years
Acquisition Cost					$ 162,000
Noncompete Agreements [Member] \| Matrix Data Limited [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization Period					3 years
Acquisition Cost					$ 147,000
Trade Names [Member] \| Revere Data, LLC [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization Period					4 years
Acquisition Cost					$ 293,000
Trade Names [Member] \| Matrix Data Limited [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization Period					3 years 292 days
Acquisition Cost					$ 670,000
Software Technology [Member] \| Matrix Data Limited [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization Period					4 years 292 days
Acquisition Cost					$ 1,708,000
Revere Data, LLC [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization Period				5 years 73 days	5 years 73 days
Acquisition Cost	$ 4,100,000			$ 4,100,000	$ 4,081,000
Matrix Data Limited [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization Period			5 years 146 days		5 years 146 days
Acquisition Cost		$ 8,700,000	$ 8,700,000		$ 8,749,000
Amortization Period					11 years 36 days
Acquisition Cost						$ 0

Note 10 - Intangible Assets (Details) - Estimated Amortization Expense $ in Thousands	Aug. 31, 2014 USD ($)
Estimated Amortization Expense [Abstract]
2015	$ 7,670
2016	5,855
2017	5,773
2018	4,622
2019	3,335
Thereafter	14,600
Total	$ 41,855

Note 11 - Property, Equipment and Leasehold Improvements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Depreciation	$ 25.9	$ 28.4	$ 26.1

Note 11 - Property, Equipment and Leasehold Improvements (Details) - Property, Equipment and Leasehold Improvements - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Leasehold Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant, And Equipment	$ 90,487	$ 90,040
Computer Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant, And Equipment	81,853	73,320
Furniture and Fixtures [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant, And Equipment	29,373	28,978
Property, Plant, And Equipment	201,713	192,338
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	(144,072)	(126,967)
Property, equipment and leasehold improvements, net	$ 57,641	$ 65,371

Note 12 - Common Stock and Earnings Per Share (Details) - $ / shares		1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	May 05, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Equity Option [Member]
Note 12 - Common Stock and Earnings Per Share (Details) [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount			0	6,408	383,058
Performance-Based Stock Options [Member]
Note 12 - Common Stock and Earnings Per Share (Details) [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount			380,653	1,202,685	1,710,017
Per Annum [Member]
Note 12 - Common Stock and Earnings Per Share (Details) [Line Items]
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid (in Dollars per share)		$ 1.56
Increase in Dividend Rate	11.00%
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid (in Dollars per share)		$ 0.39

Note 12 - Common Stock and Earnings Per Share (Details) - Shares of Common Stock Outstanding - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Shares of Common Stock Outstanding [Abstract]
Balance, beginning of year (September 1)	43,324,410	44,279,000	45,055,000
Common stock issued for employee stock plans	959,000	2,459,000	825,000
Stock issued for acquisition of business (in Dollars)			$ 43
Repurchase of common stock	(2,490,000)	(3,414,000)	(1,644,000)
Balance, end of year (August 31)	41,792,802	43,324,410	44,279,000

Note 12 - Common Stock and Earnings Per Share (Details) - Weighted Average Shares Outstanding - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014	May 31, 2014	Feb. 28, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013	May 31, 2013	Feb. 28, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Basic EPS
Income available to common stockholders (in Dollars)									$ 211,543	$ 198,637	$ 188,809
Income available to common stockholders									42,436	43,890	44,784
Income available to common stockholders (in Dollars per share)									$ 4.98	$ 4.53	$ 4.22
Diluted EPS
Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock									534	734	1,026
Income available to common stockholders plus assumed conversions (in Dollars)									$ 211,543	$ 198,637	$ 188,809
Income available to common stockholders plus assumed conversions	42,386	42,615	43,107	43,773	44,043	44,485	44,455	44,984	42,970	44,624	45,810
Income available to common stockholders plus assumed conversions (in Dollars per share)	$ 1.31	$ 1.21	$ 1.22	$ 1.19	$ 1.16	$ 1.20	$ 1.00	$ 1.11	$ 4.92	$ 4.45	$ 4.12

The amount of net income (loss) for the period per each share of common stock or unit outstanding during the reporting period.

Restricted Stock [Member] | Previously Granted Awards [Member]

Note 13 - Stockholders' Equity (Details) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands

12 Months Ended

14 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2014

Aug. 31, 2013

Aug. 31, 2012

Jul. 31, 2011

Dec. 16, 2013

Aug. 31, 2011

Note 13 - Stockholders' Equity (Details) [Line Items]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period

135,205

Restricted Stock [Member]

Note 13 - Stockholders' Equity (Details) [Line Items]

Shares Paid for Tax Withholding for Share Based Compensation

41,093

50,828

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period

149,741

6,411

Share Repurchase Program [Member]

Note 13 - Stockholders' Equity (Details) [Line Items]

Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired

2,489,993

3,400,000

Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method (in Dollars)

$ 275,400

$ 327,300

Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized

10,000,000

Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share (in Dollars per share)

$ 0.01

Preferred Stock, Shares Issued

Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding

Common Stock, Shares Authorized

150,000,000

Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share (in Dollars per share)

$ 0.01

Common Stock, Shares, Issued

49,110,218

48,110,740

Treasury Stock, Shares

7,317,416

4,786,330

Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding

41,792,802

43,324,410

44,279,000

45,055,000

Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount (in Dollars)

$ 300,000

Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method (in Dollars)

$ 275,415

$ 327,454

$ 152,933

Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount (in Dollars)

$ 87,000

Shares Paid for Tax Withholding for Share Based Compensation

41,093

50,828

$ 4,400

$ 4,700

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period

135,205

^[1]

150,000

^[2]

14,258

[1]

The 135,205 restricted stock awards that vested during fiscal 2014 were comprised of: 62,544 of awards granted on November 8, 2010, which cliff vested 60% after three years (on November 8, 2013) with the remaining 40% cliff vesting after five years (on November 8, 2015) 29,087 of awards granted on April 14, 2011, which vested 100% after three years on April 14, 2014 26,344 restricted stock awards that were granted on April 8, 2013, which cliff vest 20% annually upon the anniversary date of the grant and 17,230 awards relating to restricted stock granted on February 9, 2010 which cliff vested 50% after four years (on February 9, 2014) and the remaining 50% vesting after six years on February 9, 2016.

[2]

Of the total 149,741 restricted stock awards that vested during fiscal 2013, 87,758 related to awards granted on October 23, 2009. These restricted stock awards cliff vested 60% after three years (on October 23, 2012) and the remaining 40% will vest after five years (on October 23, 2014). An additional 55,572 awards that vested in fiscal 2013 related to awards granted on February 9, 2010 which cliff vested 100% after three years (on February 9, 2013). The remaining 6,411 restricted stock awards that vested were previously granted between June 2010 and July 2011 and vesting occurred when certain ASV targets were met in fiscal 2013.

Note 13 - Stockholders' Equity (Details) - Dividends Declared During the Period $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014 USD ($) $ / shares
August 14, 2014 [Member]
Note 13 - Stockholders' Equity (Details) - Dividends Declared During the Period [Line Items]
Dividends Per Share Of Common Stock \| $ / shares	$ 0.39
Record Date	Aug. 29, 2014
Total $ Amount \| $	$ 16,299
Payment Date	Sep. 16, 2014
May 5, 2014 Declaration Date [Member]
Note 13 - Stockholders' Equity (Details) - Dividends Declared During the Period [Line Items]
Dividends Per Share Of Common Stock \| $ / shares	$ 0.39
Record Date	May 30, 2014
Total $ Amount \| $	$ 16,386
Payment Date	Jun. 17, 2014
February 11, 2014 Declaration Date [Member]
Note 13 - Stockholders' Equity (Details) - Dividends Declared During the Period [Line Items]
Dividends Per Share Of Common Stock \| $ / shares	$ 0.35
Record Date	Feb. 28, 2014
Total $ Amount \| $	$ 14,827
Payment Date	Mar. 18, 2014
November 14, 2013 Declaration Date [Member]
Note 13 - Stockholders' Equity (Details) - Dividends Declared During the Period [Line Items]
Dividends Per Share Of Common Stock \| $ / shares	$ 0.35
Record Date	Nov. 29, 2013
Total $ Amount \| $	$ 15,046
Payment Date	Dec. 17, 2013
August 15, 2013 Declaration Date [Member]
Note 13 - Stockholders' Equity (Details) - Dividends Declared During the Period [Line Items]
Dividends Per Share Of Common Stock \| $ / shares	$ 0.35
Record Date	Aug. 31, 2013
Total $ Amount \| $	$ 15,164
Payment Date	Sep. 17, 2013
May 14, 2013 Declaration Date [Member]
Note 13 - Stockholders' Equity (Details) - Dividends Declared During the Period [Line Items]
Dividends Per Share Of Common Stock \| $ / shares	$ 0.35
Record Date	May 31, 2013
Total $ Amount \| $	$ 15,413
Payment Date	Jun. 18, 2013
February 21, 2013 Declaration Date [Member]
Note 13 - Stockholders' Equity (Details) - Dividends Declared During the Period [Line Items]
Dividends Per Share Of Common Stock \| $ / shares	$ 0.31
Record Date	Feb. 28, 2013
Total $ Amount \| $	$ 13,510
Payment Date	Mar. 19, 2013
November 15, 2012 Declaration Date [Member]
Note 13 - Stockholders' Equity (Details) - Dividends Declared During the Period [Line Items]
Dividends Per Share Of Common Stock \| $ / shares	$ 0.31
Record Date	Nov. 30, 2012
Total $ Amount \| $	$ 13,746
Payment Date	Dec. 18, 2012
August 8, 2012 Declaration Date [Member]
Note 13 - Stockholders' Equity (Details) - Dividends Declared During the Period [Line Items]
Dividends Per Share Of Common Stock \| $ / shares	$ 0.31
Record Date	Aug. 31, 2012
Total $ Amount \| $	$ 13,727
Payment Date	Sep. 18, 2012
May 8, 2012 Declaration Date [Member]
Note 13 - Stockholders' Equity (Details) - Dividends Declared During the Period [Line Items]
Dividends Per Share Of Common Stock \| $ / shares	$ 0.31
Record Date	May 31, 2012
Total $ Amount \| $	$ 13,893
Payment Date	Jun. 19, 2012
February 14, 2012 Declaration Date [Member]
Note 13 - Stockholders' Equity (Details) - Dividends Declared During the Period [Line Items]
Dividends Per Share Of Common Stock \| $ / shares	$ 0.27
Record Date	Feb. 29, 2012
Total $ Amount \| $	$ 12,085
Payment Date	Mar. 20, 2012
November 10, 2011 Declaration Date [Member]
Note 13 - Stockholders' Equity (Details) - Dividends Declared During the Period [Line Items]
Dividends Per Share Of Common Stock \| $ / shares	$ 0.27
Record Date	Nov. 30, 2011
Total $ Amount \| $	$ 12,181
Payment Date	Dec. 20, 2011

Note 14 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

14 Months Ended

Jan. 15, 2014

Nov. 02, 2013

Apr. 08, 2013

Jan. 15, 2013

Jan. 13, 2012

Apr. 14, 2011

Nov. 08, 2010

Feb. 09, 2010

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 23, 2013

Nov. 30, 2012

Jul. 31, 2012

Nov. 30, 2011

Nov. 30, 2010

Oct. 23, 2009

May 31, 2014

Aug. 31, 2014

Aug. 31, 2013

Aug. 31, 2012

Jul. 31, 2011

Oct. 31, 2017

Nov. 01, 2014

Nov. 08, 2013

Feb. 09, 2013

Oct. 23, 2012

Dec. 16, 2008

Granted Without Performance Conditions [Member] | Minimum [Member]

Note 14 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) [Line Items]

Stock Option Expiration Term

7 years

Granted Without Performance Conditions [Member] | Maximum [Member]

Note 14 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) [Line Items]

Stock Option Expiration Term

10 years

Majority of Options Granted with Performance Conditions [Member] | Maximum [Member]

Note 14 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) [Line Items]

Stock Option Expiration Term

10 years

November 2010 Annual Employee Performance-based Option Grant Review [Member]

Note 14 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) [Line Items]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross

734,334

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Number

November 2011 Annual Employee Performance-based Option Grant Review [Member]

Note 14 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) [Line Items]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross

665,551

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Number

Other Performace-Based Options [Member] | Matrix Data Limited [Member]

Note 14 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) [Line Items]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross

165,949

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period

7,744

Other Performace-Based Options [Member] | Revere Data, LLC [Member]

Note 14 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) [Line Items]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross

36,695

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Number

18,553

Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized (in Dollars)

$ 500

Other Performace-Based Options [Member]

Note 14 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) [Line Items]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period

791,348

Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition

4 years

November 2012 Annual Employee Performance-based Option Grant Review [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]

Note 14 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) [Line Items]

November 2012 Annual Employee Performance-based Option Grant Review [Member]

60.00%

40.00%

Note 14 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) [Line Items]

Stock Option Vesting Rate for First Two Years for Grant Date

1.67%

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross

1,011,510

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Number

185,014

Percent of Performance-Based Stock Options Expected to Vest

20.00%

Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized (in Dollars)

$ 2,100

Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition

3 years 36 days

In-The-Money Stock Options [Member]

Note 14 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) [Line Items]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value (in Dollars)

$ 111,300

$ 82,100

Financial Performance Level One [Member]

Note 14 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) [Line Items]

Financial Performance Level Two [Member]

0.00%

Note 14 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) [Line Items]

Financial Performance Level Three [Member]

20.00%

Note 14 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) [Line Items]

Financial Performance Level Four [Member]

60.00%

Note 14 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) [Line Items]

July 2012 Performance Based Option Grant Review [Member] | Employee Stock Option [Member]

100.00%

Note 14 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) [Line Items]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award Accelerated Compensation Cost (in Dollars)

$ 1,400

July 2012 Performance Based Option Grant Review [Member]

Note 14 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) [Line Items]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross

241,546

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Number

48,314

Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized (in Dollars)

$ 900

Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition

3 years

Restricted Stock [Member] | After Three Years [Member] | Matrix Data Limited [Member]

Note 14 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) [Line Items]

Restricted Stock [Member] | After Three Years [Member]

60.00%

Note 14 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) [Line Items]

Restricted Stock [Member] | After Five Years [Member] | Matrix Data Limited [Member]

60.00%

Note 14 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) [Line Items]

Restricted Stock [Member] | After Five Years [Member]

40.00%

Note 14 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) [Line Items]

Restricted Stock [Member] | Matrix Data Limited [Member]

40.00%

Note 14 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) [Line Items]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period

30,144

Restricted Stock [Member] | Revere Data, LLC [Member]

Note 14 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) [Line Items]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Number

3,872

Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized (in Dollars)

$ 300

Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition

4 years

Restricted Stock [Member]

Note 14 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) [Line Items]

Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized (in Dollars)

40.00%

100.00%

60.00%

$ 11,300

Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition

4 years 73 days

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period

149,741

6,411

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period

153,972

55,572

30,144

87,758

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in Dollars per share)

$ 102.22

$ 102.84

Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]

Note 14 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) [Line Items]

Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Estimated Quantity of Shares to be Repurchased in Following Period, Maximum

1,000,000

Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]

Note 14 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) [Line Items]

Common Stock, Capital Shares Reserved for Future Issuance

44,881

Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Employee Stock Purchase Plans

74,889

75,281

85,487

Matrix and Revere [Member]

Note 14 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) [Line Items]

Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized (in Dollars)

$ 2,700

Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition

4 years 109 days

Stock Option Vesting Rate After First Year of Grant Date

20.00%

Stock Option Vesting Rate Per Month from Two Years through Five Years of Grant Date

1.67%

Stock Option Vesting Rate for First Two Years for Grant Date

40.00%

Stock Option Vesting Rate Per Month from Three Years through Five Years

1.67%

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross

14,424

18,781

20,976

391,478

1,674,966

1,468,513

Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Lower Range Limit (in Dollars per share)

$ 87.26

Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Upper Range Limit (in Dollars per share)

$ 110.31

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period

849,000

743,000

786,000

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value (in Dollars)

$ 111,307

Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award Options Closing Share Price (in Dollars per share)

$ 127.40

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term

3 years 146 days

2 years 292 days

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Intrinsic Value (in Dollars)

$ 44,000

$ 99,100

$ 43,000

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period

20.00%

100.00%

50.00%

40.00%

60.00%

135,205

^[1]

150,000

^[2]

14,258

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period

26,344

29,087

62,544

17,230

204,000

132,000

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in Dollars per share)

$ 101.95

$ 85.80

Common Stock, Capital Shares Reserved for Future Issuance

500,000

Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Employee Stock Purchase Plans

959,000

2,459,000

825,000

Defined Contribution Plan, Maximum Annual Contributions Per Employee, Percent

60.00%

Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Matching Contribution, Percent of Match

4.00%

Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Discretionary Contribution Amount (in Dollars)

$ 7,700

$ 7,500

$ 6,700

[1]

[2]

Note 14 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) - Summary of Stock Option Activity - $ / shares				3 Months Ended						12 Months Ended
	Jan. 15, 2014	Jan. 15, 2013	Jan. 13, 2012	Feb. 28, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013	Feb. 28, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012	Aug. 31, 2012	Nov. 30, 2011	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Non-Performance Based [Member]
Note 14 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) - Summary of Stock Option Activity [Line Items]
Granted, Number outstanding				138,902	35,508	9,367	635,308	120,847	665,551	174,000	645,000	540,000
Granted, Weighted average exercise price per share						$ 92.55				$ 103.36	$ 92.22	$ 93.96
Performance Shares [Member]
Note 14 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) - Summary of Stock Option Activity [Line Items]
Granted, Number outstanding										203,000	1,011,000	907,000
Granted, Weighted average exercise price per share										$ 109.56	$ 92.22	$ 93.80
Non-Employee Director Grant [Member]
Note 14 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) - Summary of Stock Option Activity [Line Items]
Granted, Number outstanding										14,000	19,000	21,000
Granted, Weighted average exercise price per share										$ 107.65	$ 91.06	$ 87.26
Balance, Number outstanding					4,729,000		6,083,000		6,132,000	4,729,000	6,083,000	6,132,000
Balance, Weighted average exercise price per share					$ 75.95		$ 64.76		$ 57.28	$ 75.95	$ 64.76	$ 57.28
Granted, Number outstanding	14,424	18,781	20,976							391,478	1,674,966	1,468,513
Exercised, Number outstanding										(789,000)	(2,286,000)	(731,000)
Exercised, Weighted average exercise price per share										$ 57.56	$ 52.25	$ 35.96
Forfeited, Number outstanding										(849,000)	(743,000)	(786,000)
Forfeited, Weighted average exercise price per share										$ 91.98	$ 93.84	$ 87.37
Balance, Number outstanding								6,083,000		3,482,000	4,729,000	6,083,000
Balance, Weighted average exercise price per share								$ 64.76		$ 79.67	$ 75.95	$ 64.76

Note 14 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) - Exercise Price Ranges Of Outstanding And Exercisable Options - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011
Range 1 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Range of Exercise Prices - Minimum	$ 29.00
Range of Exercise Prices - Maximum	$ 58.78
Outstanding - Number Outstanding (in Shares)	356
Outstanding - Weighted Average Remaining Years of Contractual Life	328 days
Outstanding - Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share	$ 35.28
Outstanding - Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in Dollars)	$ 32,845
Exercisable - Number Exercisable (in Shares)	356
Exercisable - Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share	$ 35.28
Exercisable - Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in Dollars)	$ 32,845
Range 2 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Range of Exercise Prices - Minimum	$ 63.09
Range of Exercise Prices - Maximum	$ 65.67
Outstanding - Number Outstanding (in Shares)	527
Outstanding - Weighted Average Remaining Years of Contractual Life	1 year 255 days
Outstanding - Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share	$ 64.23
Outstanding - Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in Dollars)	$ 33,265
Exercisable - Number Exercisable (in Shares)	386
Exercisable - Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share	$ 64.65
Exercisable - Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in Dollars)	$ 24,211
Range 3 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Range of Exercise Prices - Minimum	$ 66.46
Range of Exercise Prices - Maximum	$ 66.81
Outstanding - Number Outstanding (in Shares)	565
Outstanding - Weighted Average Remaining Years of Contractual Life	2 years 36 days
Outstanding - Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share	$ 66.47
Outstanding - Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in Dollars)	$ 34,411
Exercisable - Number Exercisable (in Shares)	528
Exercisable - Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share	$ 66.47
Exercisable - Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in Dollars)	$ 32,188
Range 4 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Range of Exercise Prices - Minimum	$ 87.26
Range of Exercise Prices - Maximum	$ 91.06
Outstanding - Number Outstanding (in Shares)	489
Outstanding - Weighted Average Remaining Years of Contractual Life	6 years 6 months
Outstanding - Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share	$ 90.21
Outstanding - Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in Dollars)	$ 18,192
Exercisable - Number Exercisable (in Shares)	229
Exercisable - Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share	$ 89.80
Exercisable - Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in Dollars)	$ 8,599
Range 5 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Range of Exercise Prices - Minimum	$ 92.22
Range of Exercise Prices - Maximum	$ 92.55
Outstanding - Number Outstanding (in Shares)	751
Outstanding - Weighted Average Remaining Years of Contractual Life	8 years 36 days
Outstanding - Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share	$ 92.22
Outstanding - Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in Dollars)	$ 26,416
Exercisable - Number Exercisable (in Shares)	195
Exercisable - Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share	$ 92.23
Exercisable - Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in Dollars)	$ 6,852
Range 6 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Range of Exercise Prices - Minimum	$ 94.84
Range of Exercise Prices - Maximum	$ 103.30
Outstanding - Number Outstanding (in Shares)	542
Outstanding - Weighted Average Remaining Years of Contractual Life	7 years 6 months
Outstanding - Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share	$ 96.90
Outstanding - Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in Dollars)	$ 16,535
Exercisable - Number Exercisable (in Shares)	205
Exercisable - Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share	$ 95.11
Exercisable - Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in Dollars)	$ 6,612
Range 7 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Range of Exercise Prices - Minimum	$ 107.65
Range of Exercise Prices - Maximum	$ 110.31
Outstanding - Number Outstanding (in Shares)	252
Outstanding - Weighted Average Remaining Years of Contractual Life	9 years 36 days
Outstanding - Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share	$ 109.32
Outstanding - Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in Dollars)	$ 4,559
Exercisable - Number Exercisable (in Shares)	0
Exercisable - Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share	$ 109.32
Exercisable - Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in Dollars)	$ 0
Range of Exercise Prices - Minimum	$ 87.26
Range of Exercise Prices - Maximum	$ 110.31
Outstanding - Number Outstanding (in Shares)	3,482	4,729	6,083	6,132
Outstanding - Weighted Average Remaining Years of Contractual Life	5 years 73 days
Outstanding - Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share	$ 79.67	$ 75.95	$ 64.76	$ 57.28
Outstanding - Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in Dollars)	$ 166,223
Exercisable - Number Exercisable (in Shares)	1,899	1,925	2,858
Exercisable - Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share	$ 68.78	$ 59.70	$ 48.44
Exercisable - Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in Dollars)	$ 111,307

Note 14 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) - Stock Options Outstanding and Exercisable - $ / shares shares in Thousands	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011
Stock Options Outstanding and Exercisable [Abstract]
Outstanding at fiscal year end	3,482	4,729	6,083	6,132
Outstanding at fiscal year end	$ 79.67	$ 75.95	$ 64.76	$ 57.28
Exercisable at fiscal year end	1,899	1,925	2,858
Exercisable at fiscal year end	$ 68.78	$ 59.70	$ 48.44

Note 14 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) - Summary of Restricted Stock Award - $ / shares

12 Months Ended

Apr. 08, 2013

Apr. 14, 2011

Nov. 08, 2010

Feb. 09, 2010

Aug. 31, 2014

Aug. 31, 2013

Aug. 31, 2012

Summary of Restricted Stock Award [Abstract]

358,000

383,000

Granted (restricted stock and stock units)

$ 80.43

$ 71.34

26,344

29,087

62,544

17,230

204,000

132,000

Granted (restricted stock and stock units)

$ 101.95

$ 85.80

Vested

(135,205)

^[1]

(150,000)

^[2]

(14,258)

Vested

$ 84.48

^[1]

$ 62.34

^[2]

$ 69.02

Canceled/forfeited

(59,000)

(7,000)

(10,000)

Canceled/forfeited

$ 86.39

$ 81.38

$ 77.13

368,000

358,000

383,000

Non-Performance Based [Member] | Employee Option Plan [Member]

$ 89.77

$ 80.43

$ 71.34

[1]

[2]

Note 14 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) - Summary of Share-Based Awards Available For Grant - shares

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Nov. 02, 2013

Apr. 08, 2013

Apr. 14, 2011

Nov. 08, 2010

Feb. 09, 2010

Dec. 23, 2013

Oct. 23, 2009

Aug. 31, 2014

Aug. 31, 2013

Aug. 31, 2012

Note 14 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) - Summary of Share-Based Awards Available For Grant [Line Items]

Granted - Performance and non-performance based options

(174,000)

(645,000)

(540,000)

Performance Shares [Member] | Employee Option Plan [Member]

Note 14 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) - Summary of Share-Based Awards Available For Grant [Line Items]

Granted - Performance and non-performance based options

(203,000)

(1,011,000)

(907,000)

Non-Employee Director Grant [Member] | Non-Employee Stock Option Plan [Member]

Note 14 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) - Summary of Share-Based Awards Available For Grant [Line Items]

Granted - Performance and non-performance based options

(14,000)

(19,000)

(21,000)

Restricted Stock [Member] | Employee Option Plan [Member]

Note 14 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) - Summary of Share-Based Awards Available For Grant [Line Items]

Restricted Stock [Member] | Non-Employee Stock Option Plan [Member]

(510,000)

^[1]

(329,000)

^[1]

Note 14 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) - Summary of Share-Based Awards Available For Grant [Line Items]

Restricted Stock [Member]

^[1]

Note 14 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) - Summary of Share-Based Awards Available For Grant [Line Items]

Employee Option Plan [Member]

(153,972)

(55,572)

(30,144)

(87,758)

Note 14 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) - Summary of Share-Based Awards Available For Grant [Line Items]

Share-based awards canceled/forfeited

3,116,000

4,340,000

4,977,000

993,000

^[1]

761,000

810,000

^[1]

Non-Employee Stock Option Plan [Member]

3,222,000

3,116,000

4,340,000

Note 14 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) - Summary of Share-Based Awards Available For Grant [Line Items]

Share-based awards canceled/forfeited

107,000

126,000

147,000

^[1]

9,000

102,000

107,000

126,000

Share-based awards canceled/forfeited

(26,344)

(29,087)

(62,544)

(17,230)

(204,000)

(132,000)

849,000

743,000

786,000

[1]	Under the Company's option plan, for each restricted stock award granted/canceled/forfeited, an equivalent of 2.5 shares is added back to the available share-based awards balance.

Note 15 - Stock-Based Compensation (Details) - USD ($)										1 Months Ended			3 Months Ended										12 Months Ended
Note 15 - Stock-Based Compensation (Details) - USD ($)	Feb. 03, 2014	Jan. 15, 2014	Nov. 02, 2013	Apr. 08, 2013	Jan. 15, 2013	Jan. 13, 2012	Apr. 14, 2011	Nov. 08, 2010	Feb. 09, 2010	Dec. 23, 2013	Sep. 17, 2013	Oct. 23, 2009	Aug. 31, 2014	May 31, 2014	Feb. 28, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013	May 31, 2013	Feb. 28, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012	Aug. 31, 2012	Nov. 30, 2011	Aug. 31, 2014	Apr. 08, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 16, 2008
Director [Member]
Note 15 - Stock-Based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross						5,244
Performance Shares [Member] \| Market Metrics and Street Account [Member]
Note 15 - Stock-Based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense (in Dollars)																									$ 18,300,000
Performance Shares [Member]
Note 15 - Stock-Based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross																							203,000		1,011,000	907,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in Dollars per share)																							$ 109.56		$ 92.22	$ 93.80
Performance Based [Member] \| Market Metrics [Member]
Note 15 - Stock-Based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized (in Dollars)													$ 49,400,000										$ 49,400,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition																							3 years 109 days
Performance Based [Member]
Note 15 - Stock-Based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross															165,949	36,695				1,011,510	241,546	419,593
Non-Performance Based [Member]
Note 15 - Stock-Based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross															138,902	35,508			9,367	635,308	120,847	665,551	174,000		645,000	540,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in Dollars per share)																			$ 92.55				$ 103.36		$ 92.22	$ 93.96
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in Dollars per share)																			$ 26.69
Performance and Non-Performance [Member]
Note 15 - Stock-Based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross													0	0			0	0
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in Dollars per share)															$ 106.03	$ 109.49				$ 92.22	$ 90.92	$ 94.84
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in Dollars per share)															$ 29.14	$ 31.78				$ 26.87	$ 33.11	$ 32.08
Non-Employee Directors' Stock Option Plan [Member]
Note 15 - Stock-Based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]
Common Stock, Capital Shares Reserved for Future Issuance																											250,000
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Note 15 - Stock-Based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in Dollars per share)																								$ 85.80
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period	12,264										7,744													131,702
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in Dollars per share)	$ 95.45										$ 103.30
Restricted Stock [Member]
Note 15 - Stock-Based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized (in Dollars)													$ 11,300,000										$ 11,300,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition																							4 years 73 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period			153,972						55,572	30,144		87,758														0
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in Dollars per share)			$ 102.22							$ 102.84
Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]
Note 15 - Stock-Based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense (in Dollars)																							$ 1,300,000		$ 1,200,000	$ 1,300,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in Dollars per share)																							$ 89.28		$ 80.77	$ 75.20
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in Dollars per share)																							$ 17.76		$ 15.79	$ 16.09
Common Stock, Capital Shares Reserved for Future Issuance													44,881										44,881
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Employee Stock Purchase Plans																							74,889		75,281	85,487
Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]
Note 15 - Stock-Based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense (in Dollars)																							$ 22,900,000		$ 40,000,000	$ 22,000,000
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense (in Dollars)																							22,891,000		39,951,000	$ 21,982,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs, Capitalized Amount (in Dollars)																							$ 0		$ 0
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross		14,424			18,781	20,976																	391,478		1,674,966	1,468,513
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in Dollars per share)		$ 27.04			$ 24.23	$ 24.79
Common Stock, Capital Shares Reserved for Future Issuance																												500,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period				26,344			29,087	62,544	17,230														204,000		132,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in Dollars per share)																							$ 101.95		$ 85.80
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Employee Stock Purchase Plans																							959,000		2,459,000	825,000

Note 15 - Stock-Based Compensation (Details) - Summary of Stock Option Weighted Average Assumptions Of Employee Stock Options - $ / shares				12 Months Ended
	Jan. 15, 2014	Jan. 15, 2013	Jan. 13, 2012	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Employee Stock Option [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Note 15 - Stock-Based Compensation (Details) - Summary of Stock Option Weighted Average Assumptions Of Employee Stock Options [Line Items]
Term structure of risk-free interest rate				0.01%	0.16%	0.13%
Expected life (years)				7 years 219 days	7 years 219 days	7 years 219 days
Term structure of volatility				23.00%	24.00%	29.00%
Employee Stock Option [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Note 15 - Stock-Based Compensation (Details) - Summary of Stock Option Weighted Average Assumptions Of Employee Stock Options [Line Items]
Term structure of risk-free interest rate				2.60%	1.91%	2.41%
Expected life (years)				7 years 292 days	7 years 292 days	9 years 36 days
Term structure of volatility				33.00%	33.00%	36.00%
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Note 15 - Stock-Based Compensation (Details) - Summary of Stock Option Weighted Average Assumptions Of Employee Stock Options [Line Items]
Dividend yield				1.35%	1.30%	1.16%
Weighted average estimated fair value (in Dollars per share)				$ 29.64	$ 26.87	$ 32.34
Weighted average exercise price (in Dollars per share)				$ 106.69	$ 92.22	$ 93.86
Fair value as a percentage of exercise price				27.80%	29.10%	34.50%
Weighted average estimated fair value (in Dollars per share)	$ 27.04	$ 24.23	$ 24.79

Note 15 - Stock-Based Compensation (Details) - Summary of Stock Option Weighted Average Assumptions - Non-Employee Directors' Stock Option Plan [Member]	Jan. 15, 2014	Jan. 15, 2013	Jan. 15, 2012
Note 15 - Stock-Based Compensation (Details) - Summary of Stock Option Weighted Average Assumptions [Line Items]
Risk-free interest rate	1.66%	0.89%	0.94%
Expected life (in years)	5 years 146 days	5 years 146 days	5 years 146 days
Expected volatility	28.90%	32.00%	34.00%
Dividend yield	1.35%	1.30%	1.11%

Note 15 - Stock-Based Compensation (Details) - Summary of Stock Option Weighted Average Assumptions, Employee - Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Note 15 - Stock-Based Compensation (Details) - Summary of Stock Option Weighted Average Assumptions, Employee [Line Items]
Risk-free interest rate	0.04%	0.07%	0.06%
Expected life (months)	3 years	3 years	3 years
Expected volatility	9.80%	9.80%	14.80%
Dividend yield	1.38%	1.38%	1.26%

Note 16 - Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Note 16 - Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Aug. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent	35.00%	26.70%	35.00%	35.00%
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Credit, Research, Amount		$ 7,200
Unrecognized Tax Benefits	$ 5,501		$ 5,435	$ 5,464	$ 7,204
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Interest on Income Taxes Accrued	1,100
Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate	$ 900

Note 16 - Income Taxes (Details) - Provision for Income Taxes by Geographic Operations - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Provision for Income Taxes by Geographic Operations [Abstract]
U.S. operations	$ 242,839	$ 220,778	$ 229,772
Non-U.S. operations	60,625	50,132	44,933
Income before income taxes	303,464	270,910	274,705
U.S. operations	81,998	61,328	76,020
Non-U.S. operations	9,923	10,945	9,876
Total provision for income taxes	$ 91,921	$ 72,273	$ 85,896
Effective tax rate	30.30%	26.70%	31.30%

Note 16 - Income Taxes (Details) - Components of the Provision for Income Taxes - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Current
U.S. federal	$ 77,368	$ 52,625	$ 73,272
U.S. state and local	3,972	3,309	4,305
Non-U.S.	10,350	11,188	10,224
Total current taxes	91,690	67,122	87,801
Deferred
U.S. federal	547	5,036	(1,405)
U.S. state and local	111	359	(152)
Non-U.S.	(427)	(243)	(348)
Total deferred taxes	231	5,151	(1,905)
Total provision for income taxes	$ 91,921	$ 72,273	$ 85,896

Note 16 - Income Taxes (Details) - Percentage of Income Before Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Percentage of Income Before Income Taxes [Abstract]
Tax at federal U.S. statutory tax rate	35.00%	26.70%	35.00%	35.00%
Increase (decrease) in taxes resulting from:
State and local taxes, net of U.S. federal income tax benefit	1.80%		2.00%	2.10%
Foreign income at other than U.S. rates	(2.90%)		(2.50%)	(1.90%)
Domestic production activities deduction	(2.10%)		(2.60%)	(2.60%)
Income tax benefit from R&D tax credits	(1.10%)		(4.10%)	(0.80%)
Income tax benefits from foreign tax credits	(0.40%)		(1.20%)	(0.50%)
Other, net	0.00%		0.10%	0.00%
Effective tax rate	30.30%		26.70%	31.30%

Note 16 - Income Taxes (Details) - Significant Components of Deferred Tax Assets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Current
Receivable reserve	$ 597	$ 614
Deferred rent	1,067	2,191
Other	177	(2)
Net current deferred taxes	1,841	2,803
Non-current
Depreciation on property, equipment and leasehold improvements	9,831	6,329
Deferred rent	3,572	2,772
Stock-based compensation	18,160	19,828
Purchased intangible assets, including acquired technology	(10,750)	(8,401)
Other	1,564	1,495
Net non-current deferred taxes	22,377	22,023
Total deferred tax assets	24,218	24,826
Deferred tax liabilities (non-current)
Purchased intangible assets, including acquired technology	3,478	2,761
Stock-based compensation	(860)	(365)
Other	303	0
Total deferred tax liabilities (non-current)	$ 2,921	$ 2,396

Note 16 - Income Taxes (Details) - Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits [Abstract]
Unrecognized income tax benefits	$ 5,435	$ 5,464	$ 7,204
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year	921	1,372	691
Additions for tax positions of prior years	628	986	470
Statute of limitations lapse	(717)	(1,103)	(613)
Reductions from settlements with taxing authorities	(766)	(1,284)	(2,288)
Unrecognized income tax benefits	$ 5,501	$ 5,435	$ 5,464

Note 16 - Income Taxes (Details) - Major Tax Jurisdictions In Which The Company And Affiliates Operate And The Earliest Tax Year Subject to Examination	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Domestic Tax Authority [Member] \| Minimum [Member] \| Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member]
U.S.
Open Tax Years	2013
Domestic Tax Authority [Member] \| Maximum [Member] \| Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member]
U.S.
Open Tax Years	2014
State and Local Jurisdiction [Member] \| Minimum [Member] \| State (Various) [Member]
U.S.
Open Tax Years	2010
State and Local Jurisdiction [Member] \| Maximum [Member] \| State (Various) [Member]
U.S.
Open Tax Years	2014
Foreign Tax Authority [Member] \| Minimum [Member] \| Ministry of the Economy, Finance and Industry, France [Member]
U.S.
Open Tax Years	2011
Foreign Tax Authority [Member] \| Minimum [Member] \| Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) [Member]
U.S.
Open Tax Years	2012
Foreign Tax Authority [Member] \| Maximum [Member] \| Ministry of the Economy, Finance and Industry, France [Member]
U.S.
Open Tax Years	2014
Foreign Tax Authority [Member] \| Maximum [Member] \| Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) [Member]
U.S.
Open Tax Years	2014

Note 17 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details)	12 Months Ended
Note 17 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details)	Aug. 31, 2014 USD ($) ft²	Aug. 31, 2013 USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2012 USD ($)
Deferred Rent [Member]
Note 17 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details) [Line Items]
Other Liabilities	$ 18,300,000	$ 19,600,000
Other Liabilities, Noncurrent	14,900,000	16,100,000
Standby Letters of Credit [Member]
Note 17 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details) [Line Items]
Long-term Line of Credit	$ 1,800,000
Norwalk, Connecticut [Member]
Note 17 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details) [Line Items]
Area of Real Estate Property (in Square Feet) \| ft²	193,000
Lease Agreement, February 2014 [Member]
Note 17 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details) [Line Items]
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due	$ 93,700,000
Lessee Leasing Arrangements, Operating Leases, Term of Contract	15 years
Additional Lease Commitments Assumed with Revere and Matrix Acqusitions [Member]
Note 17 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details) [Line Items]
Area of Real Estate Property (in Square Feet) \| ft²	11,000
Operating Leases, Rent Expense	$ 37,700,000	36,200,000	$ 34,600,000
Other Liabilities, Noncurrent	16,417,000	22,334,000
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due	206,189,000
Long-term Purchase Commitment, Amount	$ 53,300,000	$ 50.2

Note 17 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details) - Future Minimum Lease Commitments $ in Thousands	Aug. 31, 2014 USD ($)
Future Minimum Lease Commitments [Abstract]
2015	$ 26,717
2016	20,610
2017	23,779
2018	22,448
2019	20,878
Thereafter	91,757
Total	$ 206,189

Note 18 - Risks and Concentrations of Credit Risk (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Subscriptions [Member]
Note 18 - Risks and Concentrations of Credit Risk (Details) [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	2.00%
Investments and Cash	$ 136.4
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable	$ 1.7	$ 1.6

Note 19 - Unaudited Quarterly Financial Data (Details) - Quarterly Financial Data - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2014

May 31, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

Nov. 30, 2013

Aug. 31, 2013

May 31, 2013

Feb. 28, 2013

Nov. 30, 2012

Aug. 31, 2014

Aug. 31, 2013

Aug. 31, 2012

Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]

Revenues

$ 238,664

$ 231,761

$ 226,934

$ 222,975

$ 219,332

$ 214,613

$ 213,083

$ 211,085

$ 920,335

^[1]

$ 858,112

^[1]

$ 805,793

^[1]

Cost of services

92,521

90,661

87,254

83,250

80,231

76,721

75,842

73,586

353,686

306,379

275,537

Selling, general and administrative

66,757

68,063

64,626

64,985

68,567

66,255

81,077

66,414

264,430

282,314

257,266

Operating income

79,386

73,037

75,054

74,740

70,534

71,637

56,164

71,085

302,219

269,419

272,990

Diluted earnings per common share* (in Dollars per share)

$ 55,407

$ 51,532

$ 52,426

$ 52,178

$ 50,964

$ 53,367

$ 44,539

$ 49,769

$ 211,543

$ 198,637

$ 188,809

$ 1.31

$ 1.21

$ 1.22

$ 1.19

$ 1.16

$ 1.20

$ 1.00

$ 1.11

$ 4.92

$ 4.45

$ 4.12

Weighted average common shares (diluted) (in Shares)

42,386

42,615

43,107

43,773

44,043

44,485

44,455

44,984

42,970

44,624

45,810

[1]	Revenues are attributed to countries based on the location of the client.

The portion of profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, which is attributable to the parent.