0001437749-15-019227 | 10-K | XBRL Viewer | Factset Research Systems INC

Basic earnings per common share (in Dollars per share)

$ 241,051

$ 211,543

$ 198,637

$ 5.80

$ 4.98

$ 4.53

Diluted earnings per common share (in Dollars per share)

$ 5.71

$ 4.92

$ 4.45

Weighted average common shares (Basic) (in Shares)

41,572

42,436

43,890

Weighted average common shares (Diluted) (in Shares)

42,235

42,970

44,624

[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, 2015

Aug. 31, 2014

Aug. 31, 2013

Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax

$ 241,051

$ 211,543

$ 198,637

Net unrealized (loss) gain on cash flow hedges*

^[1]

(868)

5,357

(3,296)

Other comprehensive (loss) income

(25,263)

7,895

(5,151)

(26,131)

13,252

(8,447)

Comprehensive income

$ 214,920

$ 224,795

$ 190,190

[1]	The unrealized (loss) gain on cash flow hedges disclosed above was net of tax benefit (expense) of $512, ($3,193) and $1,965 for the fiscal years ended August 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, 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, 2012

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Parentheticals) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Tax expense on the net unrealized gain on cash flow hedges	$ 512	$ (3,193)	$ 11,965

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 158,914	$ 116,378
Investments	23,497	20,008
Accounts receivable, net of reserves of $1,580 and $1,662 at August 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively	95,064	90,354
Prepaid taxes	4,808	6,532
Deferred taxes	2,105	1,841
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	19,786	14,662
Total current assets	304,174	249,775
LONG-TERM ASSETS
Property, equipment and leasehold improvements, at cost	213,279	201,713
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	(154,015)	(144,072)
Property, equipment and leasehold improvements, net	59,264	57,641
Goodwill	308,287	285,608
Intangible assets, net	40,052	41,855
Deferred taxes	20,599	22,377
Other assets	4,295	5,956
TOTAL ASSETS	736,671	663,212
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	33,880	26,971
Accrued compensation	44,916	42,481
Deferred fees	38,488	36,504
Deferred taxes	562
Taxes payable	3,755	5,036
Dividends payable	18,179	16,299
Total current liabilities	139,780	127,291
NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES
Long-term debt	35,000	0
Deferred taxes	1,697	2,921
Taxes payable	6,776	5,501
Deferred rent and other non-current liabilities	21,834	16,417
TOTAL LIABILITIES	205,087	152,130
Commitments and contingencies (See Note 18)
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Preferred stock, $.01 par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized, none issued
Common stock, $.01 par value, 150,000,000 shares authorized, 50,328,423 and 49,110,218 shares issued; 41,316,902 and 41,792,802 shares outstanding at August 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively	503	491
Additional paid-in capital	542,355	413,754
Treasury stock, at cost: 9,011,521 and 7,317,416 shares at August 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively	(988,873)	(734,746)
Retained earnings	1,021,651	849,504
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(44,052)	(17,921)
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY	531,584	511,082
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY	$ 736,671	$ 663,212

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parentheticals) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Accounts receivable, reserves (in Dollars)	$ 1,580	$ 1,662
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	50,328,423	49,110,218
Common stock, shares outstanding	41,316,902	41,792,802
Treasury stock shares	9,011,521	7,317,416

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows $ in Thousands	Aug. 31, 2015 USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2014 USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2013 USD ($)
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income	$ 241,051	$ 211,543	$ 198,637
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities
Depreciation and amortization	31,349	34,435	35,779
Stock-based compensation expense	26,371	22,891	39,951
Deferred income taxes	(969)	(1,028)	3,175
Gain on sale of assets	(34)	(62)	(26)
Tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements	(28,948)	(11,955)	(25,225)
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions
Accounts receivable, net of reserves	(4,300)	(13,299)	859
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	8,123	(2,903)	3,355
Accrued compensation	3,516	1,953	(776)
Deferred fees	53	3,594	(1,107)
Taxes payable, net of prepaid taxes	30,437	23,309	13,498
Prepaid expenses and other assets	(4,523)	(1,535)	2,105
Deferred rent and other non-current liabilities	4,322	(1,672)	(2,846)
Other working capital accounts, net	(6)	(248)	2,430
Net cash provided by operating activities	306,442	265,023	269,809
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired	(34,758)	(46,873)	(705)
Purchases of investments	(24,264)	(20,415)	(15,613)
Proceeds from sales of investments	19,827	14,323	14,423
Purchases of property, equipment and leasehold improvements, net of proceeds from dispositions	(25,682)	(17,743)	(18,517)
Net cash used in investing activities	(64,877)	(70,708)	(20,412)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Dividend payments	(66,551)	(61,007)	(56,002)
Repurchase of common stock	(256,217)	(279,829)	(332,168)
Proceeds from debt	35,000
Debt issuance costs	(32)
Proceeds from employee stock plans	71,526	52,152	124,537
Tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements	28,948	11,955	25,225
Net cash used in financing activities	(187,326)	(276,729)	(238,408)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(11,703)	2,165	(3,406)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	42,536	(80,249)	7,583
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	116,378	196,627	189,044
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	158,914	116,378	196,627
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information
Cash paid during the year for income taxes, net of refunds	64,750	67,152	53,153
Supplemental Disclosure of Non-Cash Transactions
Dividends declared, not paid	18,179	$ 16,299	$ 15,164
Stock issued for acquisition of business	$ 2,991

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

Common Stock [Member]

Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]

Treasury Stock [Member]

Retained Earnings [Member]

AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]

Total

$ 456

$ 137,569

$ (122,749)

$ 559,714

$ (22,726)

$ 552,264

Net unrealized (loss) gain 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

Purchase of common stock upon restricted stock vesting

(4,714)

Balance, end of year at Aug. 31, 2013

481

326,869

(454,917)

700,519

(31,173)

541,779

Net unrealized (loss) gain 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

52,049

Stock-based compensation expense

22,891

Tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements

11,955

Purchase of common stock upon restricted stock vesting

(4,414)

Balance, end of year at Aug. 31, 2014

491

413,754

(734,746)

849,504

(17,921)

511,082

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

(25,263)

(868)

^[1]

Repurchase of common stock, including stock swaps

241,051

Dividends

(68,904)

(253,076)

Common stock issued for employee stock plans

72,381

72,393

Stock-based compensation expense

26,371

Tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements

28,948

Stock issued for acquisition of business

901

2,090

2,991

Purchase of common stock upon restricted stock vesting

(3,141)

Balance, end of year at Aug. 31, 2015

$ 503

$ 542,355

$ (988,873)

$ 1,021,651

$ (44,052)

$ 531,584

[1]	The unrealized (loss) gain on cash flow hedges disclosed above was net of tax benefit (expense) of $512, ($3,193) and $1,965 for the fiscal years ended August 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Note 1 - Organization and Nature of Business

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2015

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 and industry analyses, multicompany comparisons, 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, 2015

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 allocation of purchase price to acquired assets and liabilities, stock-based compensation, income taxes, accrued 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, 2015

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 to 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, 2015, the amount of accounts receivable that was unbilled totaled $4.0 million, which was billed in fiscal 2016.

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 $1.6 million and $1.7 million was recorded as of August 31, 2015 and 2014, 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, computer maintenance and depreciation expenses, amortization of identifiable intangible assets, 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 in addition to 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 (“APIC”) 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, 2015 or 2014.

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 2015, 2014 and 2013 were $2.0 million, $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 2015 and 2014.

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, Matrix, ETF.com and Code Red 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. The Company is required to test goodwill for impairment annually, or more frequently if impairment indicators occur. 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. FactSet has three reporting units, which are consistent with the operating segments reported as there is no discrete financial information available for the subsidiaries within each operating segment. The reporting units evaluated for potential impairment were the U.S., Europe and Asia Pacific, which reflect the level of internal reporting the Company uses to manage its business and operations. The Company performed its annual goodwill impairment test during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015, consistent with the timing of previous years, at which time it was determined that there were no indications of impairment, with the fair value of each of the Company’s reporting units significantly exceeding carrying value.

Intangible Assets

FactSet’s identifiable intangible assets consist of acquired content databases, client relationships, software technology, non-compete agreements and trade names resulting from acquisitions, which have been fully integrated into the Company’s operations. Depending on the nature of the intangible asset, the identifiable intangible assets 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.

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. At the end of each fiscal year, FactSet conducts a final review of both Company and individual performance within each department 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, 2015 and 2014, was $38.6 million and $37.3 million, respectively.

Derivative Instruments

FactSet conducts business outside the U.S. in several currencies including the Indian Rupee, Philippine Peso, British Pound Sterling, Euro and Japanese Yen. As such, it is exposed to movements in foreign currency exchange rates compared to the U.S. dollar. The Company utilizes derivative instruments (foreign currency forward contracts) to manage the exposures related to the effects of foreign exchange rate fluctuations and 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 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 (“AOCL”) 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.

Foreign Currency Translation

Certain wholly owned subsidiaries within the European 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 Philippine 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 AOCL as a component of stockholders’ equity. The accumulated foreign currency translation loss totaled $43.7 million and $18.4 million at August 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Income and Deferred Taxes

Income tax expense is based on taxable income determined in accordance with currently 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, 2015, the Company had gross unrecognized tax benefits totaling $6.8 million, including $1.3 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 are 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 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 three fiscal years 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, Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss.

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.

Recent Accounting 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 does not believe this new accounting standard update will have a material impact 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 2019, with early adoption in fiscal 2018 permitted. 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. The Company does not believe this new accounting standard update will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

Income Statement Presentation – Extraordinary and Unusual Items

In January 2015, the FASB issued an accounting standard update that eliminates from GAAP the concept of extraordinary items. This accounting standard update will be effective for FactSet beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2017. The standard primarily involves presentation and disclosure and, therefore, is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or its cash flows.

Simplification Guidance on Debt Issuance Costs

In April 2015, the FASB issued an accounting standard update which changes the presentation of debt issuance costs in the applicable financial statements. Under the accounting standard update, an entity should present such costs in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the related debt liability rather than as an asset. Amortization of the costs is reported as interest expense. This accounting standard update will be effective for FactSet beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2017. The Company does not believe this new accounting standard update will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

In August 2015, the FASB issued an accounting standard update to amend the previous guidance issued in April 2015 and address debt issuance costs related to line-of-credit arrangements. The accounting standard update allows an entity to present debt issuance costs related to a line-of-credit as an asset and subsequently amortize the deferred debt issuance costs ratably over the term of the line-of-credit arrangement, regardless of whether there are any outstanding borrowings on the arrangement. This accounting standard update did not impact the effective date of the previously issued guidance and the Company does not believe it will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

Customers’ Accounting for Cloud Computing Costs

In April 2015, the FASB issued an accounting standard update to provide guidance on a customer’s accounting for cloud computing costs. Under the accounting standard update, a customer must determine whether a cloud computing arrangement contains a software license. If so, the customer would account for the fees related to the software license element in a manner consistent with how the accounting for software licenses is accounted for under previously issued guidance. If the arrangement does not contain a software license, the customer would account for the arrangement as a service contract. This guidance will be effective for FactSet beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2017. The Company does not believe this new accounting standard update will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

No other new accounting pronouncements issued or effective as of August 31, 2015 have had or are expected to have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Note 4 - Fair Value Measures

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2015

Fair Value, Measurement Inputs, Disclosure [Text Block]

4. FAIR VALUE MEASURES

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, 2015 or 2014.

(a) Assets and 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, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands):

	Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
August 31, 2015	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Assets
Corporate money market funds ⁽¹⁾	$	89,443	$	—	$	—	$	89,443
Certificates of deposit ⁽²⁾		—		23,497		—		23,497
Derivative instruments ⁽³⁾		—		1,035		—		1,035
Total assets measured at fair value	$	89,443	$	24,532	$	—	$	113,975

Liabilities
Derivative instruments ⁽³⁾	$	—	$	1,602	$	—	$	1,602
Total liabilities measured at fair value	$	—	$	1,602	$	—	$	1,602

	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	$	—	$	—	$	75,363
Certificates of deposit ⁽²⁾		—		20,008		—		20,008
Derivative instruments ⁽³⁾		—		1,406		—		1,406
Total assets measured at fair value	$	75,363	$	21,414	$	—	$	96,777

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

⁽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.

(b) 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 2015 and 2014, no fair value adjustments or material fair value measurements were required for the Company’s non-financial assets or liabilities.

(c) Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value for Disclosure Purposes only

As of August 31, 2015, the fair value of the Company’s long-term debt was $35.0 million, which approximated its carrying amount given its floating interest rate basis. FactSet did not have any long-term debt as of August 31, 2014. The fair value of the Company’s long-term debt was determined based on quoted market prices for debt with a similar maturity, and thus categorized as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.

Note 5 - Derivative Instruments

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2015

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. The Company utilizes derivative instruments (foreign currency forward contracts) to manage the exposures related to the effects of foreign exchange rate fluctuations and 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 AOCL and subsequently reclassified into operating expenses when the hedged exposure affects earnings. There was no discontinuance of cash flow hedges during fiscal 2015 or 2014, and as such, no corresponding gains or losses related to changes in the value of the Company’s contracts were reclassified into earnings prior to settlement.

As of August 31, 2015, FactSet maintained the following foreign currency forward contracts to hedge its Indian Rupee, British Pound Sterling and Euro exposure:

●

Indian Rupee - foreign currency forward contracts to hedge approximately 75% of its Indian Rupee exposure through the second quarter of fiscal 2018.

●

British Pound Sterling - foreign currency forward contracts to hedge approximately 50% of its British Pound Sterling exposure through the second quarter of fiscal 2016.

●

Euro - foreign currency forward contracts to hedge approximately 50% of its Euro exposure through the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016.

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, 2015		Aug 31, 2014		Aug 31, 2015			Aug 31, 2014
Indian Rupee	$	56,320	$	38,479	$	(990	)	$	700
Philippine Peso		—		6,500		—			115
Euro		20,263		—		143			—
British Pound Sterling		15,831		—		280			—
Total	$	92,414	$	44,979	$	(567	)	$	815

As of August 31, 2015, the gross notional value of foreign exchange contracts to purchase Indian Rupees with U.S. dollars was Rs. 4.0 billion. The gross notional value of foreign exchange contracts to purchase Euros with U.S. dollars was €18.1 million. The gross notional value of foreign exchange contracts to purchase British Pound Sterling with U.S. dollars was £10.5 million.

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, 2015		Aug 31, 2014
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments	Assets: Foreign Currency Forward Contracts
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets	$	1,035	$	114
	Other assets	$	—		1,292
	Liabilities: Foreign Currency Forward Contracts
	Accounts payable and accrued expenses	$	—	$	591
	Deferred rent and other non-current liabilities	$	1,602	$	—

All derivatives were designated as hedging instruments as of August 31, 2015 and 2014, 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, (in thousands):

(Loss) Gain Recognized

in AOCL on Derivatives
(Effective Portion)

Location of Loss

(Loss) Reclassified
from AOCL into Income
(Effective Portion)

Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships

2015

2014

2013

Reclassified from AOCL into Income(Effective Portion)

2015

2014

2013

Foreign currency forward contracts

(1,939

)

8,294

(6,258

)

SG&A

(559

)

(260

)

(1,000

)

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, 2015, FactSet estimates that $1.0 million of net derivative gains 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, 2015 and 2014, respectively, information related to these offsetting arrangements was as follows (in thousands):

	Derivatives Offset in Consolidated Balance Sheets
August 31, 2015	Gross Derivative Amounts			Gross Derivative Amounts Offset in Balance Sheet			Net Amounts
Fair value of assets	$	1,040		$	(5	)	$	1,035
Fair value of liabilities		(1,607	)		5			(1,602	)
Total	$	(567	)	$	—		$	(567	)

	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		$	—	$	1,406
Fair value of liabilities		(626	)		35		(591	)
Total	$	780		$	35	$	815

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.

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

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2015

Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block]

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

The components of other comprehensive (loss) income during the fiscal years ended August 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013 are as follows (in thousands):

	August 31, 2015						August 31, 2014				August 31, 2013
	Pre-tax			Net of tax			Pre-tax		Net of tax		Pre-tax			Net of tax
Foreign currency translation adjustments	$	(25,263	)	$	(25,263	)	$	7,895	$	7,895	$	(5,151	)	$	(5,151	)
Realized loss on cash flow hedges reclassified to earnings ⁽¹⁾		559			352			260		164		1,000			622
Unrealized (loss) gain on cash flow hedges recognized in AOCL		(1,939	)		(1,220	)		8,294		5,193		(6,258	)		(3,918	)
Other comprehensive (loss) income	$	(26,643	)	$	(26,131	)	$	16,449	$	13,252	$	(10,409	)	$	(8,447	)

⁽¹⁾

Reclassified to Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

The components of AOCL are as follows (in thousands):

	August 31, 2015			August 31, 2014
Accumulated unrealized (losses) gains on cash flow hedges, net of tax	$	(358	)	$	510
Accumulated foreign currency translation adjustments		(43,694	)		(18,431	)
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss	$	(44,052	)	$	(17,921	)

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.

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Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block]

Note 7 - Segment Information

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2015

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

7. SEGMENT INFORMATION

Operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise that engage in business activities from which they 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, product development 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, Italy, Ireland, Latvia, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Spain, South Africa, Sweden and Dubai. The Asia Pacific segment is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan with office locations in Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore 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 services. Each segment records compensation expense, 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 $308.3 million of goodwill reported by the Company at August 31, 2015, 69% was recorded in the U.S. segment, 30% 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, 2015	U.S.		Europe		Asia Pacific		Total
Revenues from clients	$	678,774	$	251,522	$	76,472	$	1,006,768
Segment operating profit		172,980		116,310		42,628		331,918
Total assets		427,990		239,689		68,992		736,671
Depreciation and amortization		23,645		5,135		2,569		31,349
Stock-based compensation		23,006		2,991		374		26,371
Capital expenditures		22,459		460		2,763		25,682

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

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

Years Ended August 31,	2015		2014		2013
Revenues⁽¹⁾
United States	$	678,774	$	624,642	$	586,865
United Kingdom		144,769		131,848		121,072
All other European countries		106,753		95,547		87,755
Asia Pacific		76,472		68,298		62,420
Total revenues	$	1,006,768	$	920,335	$	858,112

⁽¹⁾

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,	2015		2014		2013
Long-lived Assets⁽¹⁾
United States	$	49,923	$	46,294	$	51,184
United Kingdom		3,655		4,669		4,806
All other European countries		1,322		2,267		3,051
Asia Pacific		4,364		4,411		6,330
Total long-lived assets	$	59,264	$	57,641	$	65,371

⁽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.

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.

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Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block]

Note 8 - Business Combinations

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2015

Business Combinations [Abstract]

8. BUSINESS COMBINATIONS

Code Red, Inc.

On February 6, 2015, FactSet acquired Code Red, Inc. (“Code Red”) for $36.0 million. At the time of acquisition, Code Red employed 32 individuals and had annual subscriptions of $9.3 million. Code Red provides research management technologies to the investment community, including endowments and foundations, institutional asset managers, sovereign wealth funds, pensions, and hedge funds. With the addition of Code Red to FactSet's existing Research Management Solutions (“RMS”), FactSet now offers an RMS for all its clients' workflows, which is consistent with the Company’s strategy of offering software and tools to make client workflows more efficient. This factor contributed to a purchase price in excess of fair value of Code Red’s net tangible and intangible assets, leading to the recognition of goodwill.

The total purchase price of Code Red is as follows (in thousands):

Cash consideration	$	32,962
Fair value of FactSet stock issued		2,991
Total purchase price	$	35,953

The purchase price was allocated to Code Red’s net tangible and intangible assets based upon their estimated fair value as of the date of acquisition. Based upon these estimated fair values and the preliminary intangible assets valuation, the purchase price allocation is as follows (in thousands):

Tangible assets acquired	$	3,090
Amortizable intangible assets
Software technology		4,728
Client relationships		3,089
Non-compete agreements		277
Trade name		127
Goodwill		29,627
Total assets acquired	$	40,938
Liabilities assumed		(4,985	)
Net assets acquired	$	35,953

Intangible assets of $8.2 million have been allocated to amortizable intangible assets consisting of software technology, amortized over six years using a straight-line amortization method; client relationships, amortized over seven years using an accelerated amortization method; non-compete agreements, amortized over four years using a straight-line amortization method; and trade name, amortized over three years using a straight-line amortization method.

Goodwill totaling $29.6 million represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net tangible and intangible assets acquired. Goodwill generated from the Code Red acquisition is included in the U.S. segment and is not deductible for income tax purposes. The results of operations of Code Red have been included in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income since the completion of the acquisition on February 6, 2015 and the results did not have a material impact as of August 31, 2015. Pro forma information has not been presented because the effect of this acquisition was 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 providing intelligence to the UK financial services industry and 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.

The purchase price was allocated to Matrix’ net tangible and intangible assets based upon their estimated fair value as of the date of 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 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.

Revere Data

On September 1, 2013, FactSet paid $15.3 million in cash to acquire the assets of Revere Data, LLC (“Revere”) to complement the Company's commitment to provide its clients with insightful content sets. 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 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.

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

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).

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Note 9 - Goodwill

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2015

Goodwill Disclosure [Text Block]

9. GOODWILL

Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by segment for fiscal years ended August 31, 2015 and 2014 are as follows (in thousands):

	U.S.		Europe			Asia Pacific			Total
Balance at August 31, 2013	$	167,822	$	73,424		$	3,327		$	244,573
Goodwill acquired during the period		11,612		25,531			—			37,143
Foreign currency translations		—		4,077			(185	)		3,892
Balance at August 31, 2014	$	179,434	$	103,032		$	3,142		$	285,608
Goodwill acquired during the period		32,435		—			—			32,435
Foreign currency translations		—		(9,307	)		(449	)		(9,756	)
Balance at August 31, 2015	$	211,869	$	93,725		$	2,693		$	308,287

Goodwill is not amortized as it has an estimated indefinite life. At least annually, the Company is required to test 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 as there is no discrete financial information available for the subsidiaries within each operating segment. The Company’s reporting units evaluated for potential impairment were the 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 its annual goodwill impairment test during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015, consistent with the timing of previous years, at which time it was determined that there were no indications of impairment, with the fair value of each of the Company’s reporting units significantly exceeding carrying value.

Note 10 - Intangible Assets

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2015

Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block]

10. INTANGIBLE ASSETS

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

At August 31, 2015	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Net Carrying Amount
Data content	$	39,911	$	16,667	$	23,244
Client relationships		27,873		18,241		9,632
Software technology		21,203		15,042		6,161
Non-compete agreements		1,058		637		421
Trade names		1,614		1,020		594
Total	$	91,659	$	51,607	$	40,052

At August 31, 2014	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Net Carrying Amount
Data content	$	56,974	$	27,644	$	29,320
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

During fiscal 2015, $9.1 million of intangible assets were acquired with a weighted average useful life of 6.3 years.

The details of the intangible assets acquired in the Code Red acquisition during fiscal 2015 are outlined as follows (in thousands):

Code Red Preliminary Intangible Assets Allocation	Amortization Period (years)		Acquisition Cost
Software technology		6.0	$	4,728
Client relationships		7.0		3,089
Non-compete agreements		4.0		277
Trade name		3.0		127
Total		6.3	$	8,221

Amortization expense recorded for intangible assets during fiscal years 2015, 2014 and 2013 was $8.2 million, $8.5 million and $7.1 million, respectively. As of August 31, 2015, estimated intangible asset amortization expense for each of the next five years and thereafter are as follows (in thousands):

Fiscal Year	Estimated Amortization Expense
2016	$	7,031
2017		6,949
2018		5,816
2019		4,492
2020		3,461
Thereafter		12,303
Total	$	40,052

Note 11 - Property, Equipment and Leasehold Improvements

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2015

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,	2015			2014
Leasehold improvements	$	92,427		$	90,487
Computers and related equipment		87,732			81,853
Furniture and fixtures		33,120			29,373

Subtotal	$	213,279		$	201,713
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization		(154,015	)		(144,072	)
Property, equipment and leasehold improvements, net	$	59,264		$	57,641

Depreciation expense was $23.1 million, $25.9 million and $28.4 million for fiscal years 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Note 12 - Common Stock and Earnings Per Share

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2015

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Earnings Per Share [Text Block]

12. COMMON STOCK AND EARNINGS PER SHARE

On May 12, 2015, FactSet’s Board of Directors approved a 12.8% increase in the regular quarterly dividend from $0.39 to $0.44 per share, or $1.76 per share per annum.

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

Years Ended August 31,	2015			2014			2013
Balance, beginning of year (September 1)		41,793			43,324			44,279
Common stock issued for employee stock plans		1,213			959			2,459
Repurchases of common stock		(1,689	)		(2,490	)		(3,414	)
Balance, end of year (August 31)		41,317			41,793			43,324

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,	2015		2014		2013		2015		2014		2013		2015		2014		2013
Basic EPS
Income available to common stockholders	$	241,051	$	211,543	$	198,637		41,572		42,436		43,890	$	5.80	$	4.98	$	4.53
Diluted EPS
Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock								663		534		734
Income available to common stockholders	$	241,051	$	211,543	$	198,637		42,235		42,970		44,624	$	5.71	$	4.92	$	4.45

Dilutive potential common shares consist of stock options and unvested restricted stock. There were 88,090 stock options excluded from the fiscal 2015 calculation of diluted earnings per share because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive. There were no stock options excluded from the fiscal 2014 calculation of diluted earnings per share while 6,408 stock options were excluded from the fiscal 2013 calculation.

As of August 31, 2015, 2014, 2013, 478,945, 380,653 and 1,202,685, respectively, performance-based stock options 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, 2015

Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]

Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block]

13. STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Preferred Stock

At August 31, 2015 and 2014, 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, 2015 and 2014, there were 150,000,000 shares of common stock ($.01 par value per share) authorized, of which 50,328,423 and 49,110,218 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, 2015 and 2014, there were 9,011,521 and 7,317,416 shares of treasury stock (at cost) outstanding, respectively. As a result, 41,316,902 and 41,792,802 shares of FactSet common stock were outstanding at August 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Share Repurchase Program

On December 15, 2014, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a $300.0 million expansion of the existing share repurchase program. During fiscal 2015, the Company repurchased 1,689,337 shares for $252.8 million leaving $134.2 million authorized for future share repurchases as of August 31, 2015. During fiscal 2014, the Company repurchased 2,489,993 shares for $275.4 million. At August 31, 2014, $87.0 million remained 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 share repurchase program and it is expected that share repurchases will be paid for using existing and future cash generated by operations.

Restricted Stock

Restricted stock awards entitle the holder to shares of common stock as the awards vest over time. During fiscal 2015, 94,870 of previously granted restricted stock awards vested and were included in common stock outstanding as of August 31, 2015 (less 23,192 shares repurchased from employees at a cost of $3.1 million to cover their cost of taxes upon vesting of the restricted stock). 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 at a cost of $4.4 million to cover their cost of taxes upon vesting of the restricted stock). During fiscal 2014, 149,741 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 10, 2015	$	0.44	Regular (cash)	August 31, 2015	$	18,179	September 15, 2015
May 12, 2015	$	0.44	Regular (cash)	May 29, 2015	$	18,274	June 16, 2015
February 11, 2015	$	0.39	Regular (cash)	February 27, 2015	$	16,236	March 17, 2015
November 12, 2014	$	0.39	Regular (cash)	November 28, 2014	$	16,216	December 16, 2014
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

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.

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Note 14 - Stock Option and Retirement Plans

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2015

Compensation and Employee Benefit Plans [Text Block]

14. STOCK OPTION AND RETIREMENT PLANS

Stock Options

The FactSet Research Systems Inc. 2004 Stock Option and Award Plan, as Amended and Restated (the “Option Plan”) provides for the grant of share-based awards, including stock options and restricted stock awards to employees of FactSet. The expiration date of the Option Plan is December 14, 2020. Stock options granted under the Option Plan expire either seven or ten years from the date of grant and the majority vest ratably over a period of five years. 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. Options are not transferable or assignable other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution. During the grantee’s lifetime, the options may be exercised only by the grantee.

Stock Option Activity

In fiscal years 2015, 2014 and 2013, stock options to purchase 828,652, 391,478 and 1,674,966 shares of common stock, respectively, were granted to existing employees and non-employee directors of the Company. These options have a weighted average grant date exercise price of $141.79, $106.73 and $92.21 for fiscal years 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

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, 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⁽¹⁾		(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⁽²⁾		(849	)		91.98
Balance at August 31, 2014		3,482		$	79.67
Granted – non performance-based		677			140.49
Granted – performance-based		138			148.52
Granted – non-employee Directors grant		14			138.48
Exercised		(1,060	)		63.03
Forfeited		(134	)		106.01
Balance at August 31, 2015		3,117		$	100.71

⁽¹⁾

In November 2011, FactSet 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.

⁽²⁾

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 August 2014.

Stock Options Outstanding and Exercisable

The following table summarizes ranges of outstanding and exercisable options as of August 31, 2015 (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
$35.80 – $63.09		255		1.0	$	54.62	$	26,340		255	$	54.62	$	26,340
$66.46 – $66.81		351		1.2	$	66.47	$	32,098		351	$	66.47	$	32,098
$87.26 – $90.92		372		5.6	$	90.14	$	25,213		169	$	89.44	$	11,574
$91.06 – $92.22		654		7.1	$	92.19	$	42,986		336	$	92.20	$	22,083
$94.84 – $96.10		326		6.0	$	94.88	$	20,550		227	$	94.85	$	14,317
$102.01 – $110.31		358		8.2	$	106.88	$	18,273		14	$	107.64	$	704
$131.31 – $139.02		484		9.1	$	131.91	$	12,586		—	$	—	$	—
$148.52 – $166.74		317		9.6	$	157.21	$	225		—	$	—	$	—
Total Fiscal 2015		3,117		6.3	$	100.71	$	178,271		1,352	$	78.70	$	107,116

Prior Year Amounts		August 31, 2014				August 31, 2013
	Number of Shares		Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share		Number of Shares		Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share
Outstanding at fiscal year end		3,482	$	79.67		4,729	$	75.95
Exercisable at fiscal year end		1,899	$	68.78		1,925	$	59.70

The aggregate intrinsic value of in-the-money stock options exercisable at August 31, 2015 and 2014 was $107.1 million and $111.3 million, respectively. Aggregate intrinsic value represents the difference between the Company’s closing stock price of $157.92 at August 31, 2015 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, 2015 and 2014 was 3.9 years and 3.4 years, respectively. The total pre-tax intrinsic value of stock options exercised during fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013 was $92.7 million, $44.0 million, and $99.1 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 during the measurement period subsequent to the date of grant. Dependent on the financial performance levels attained by FactSet, a percentage 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.

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 first growth target as outlined within the terms of the grant was achieved, 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 during fiscal 2014. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015, the third growth target was achieved, thus the third 20% tranche vested on August 31, 2015. As of August 31, 2015, the Company estimates that the fourth 20% tranche will vest by August 31, 2017, resulting in unamortized stock-based compensation expense of $0.6 million to be recognized over the remaining vesting period of 2.0 years. A change, up or down, in the actual financial performance levels achieved by StreetAccount in future fiscal years could result in the following changes to the current estimate of the vesting percentage and related expense (in thousands):

Vesting

Percentage

Cumulative

Catch-up Adjustment*

Remaining Expense

to be Recognized

Fourth 20% (current expectation)

619

Fifth 20%

1,216

1,003

* Amounts represent the cumulative catch-up adjustment to be recorded if there was a change in the vesting percentage as of August 31, 2015.

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. The remaining 80% of the performance-based options previously granted were recorded as forfeitures in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014. As of the end of fiscal 2015, total unamortized stock-based compensation expense of $0.9 million will be recognized over the remaining vesting period of 2.1 years in connection with this grant.

February 2015 Performance-based Option Grant Review

In connection with the acquisition of Code Red during the second quarter of fiscal 2015, FactSet granted 137,522 performance-based stock options. These performance-based options are eligible to vest four years from date of grant if certain Code Red ASV and operating margin targets are achieved over the measurement period. The option holders must also remain employed by FactSet to be eligible to vest. Of the total grant, 68,761 performance-based options are eligible for vesting based on achieving the growth targets over a four year measurement period ending February 28, 2019 and the remaining 68,761 options are eligible to cliff vest based on a two year measurement period ending February 28, 2017. As of August 31, 2015, total unamortized stock-based compensation of $2.1 million will be recognized as expense over the remaining vesting period of 3.4 years. A change, up or down, in the actual financial performance levels achieved by Code Red in future fiscal years could result in the following changes to the current estimate of the vesting percentage and related expense (in thousands):

Vesting Percentage	Cumulative Catch-up Adjustment*			Remaining Expense to be Recognized
0%	$	(338	)	$	0
10%	$	(253	)	$	516
40% (current expectation)	$	0		$	2,063
70%	$	253		$	3,609
100%	$	506		$	5,156

* Amounts represent the cumulative catch-up adjustment to be recorded if there was a change in the vesting percentage as of August 31, 2015.

Other Performance-based Option Grants

In connection with the acquisitions of Matrix and Revere, FactSet granted 165,949 and 36,695 performance-based stock options, respectively, during fiscal 2014. 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, 2015 FactSet does not believe these targets are 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, 18,553 options became eligible to vest based upon the achievement of certain ASV and operating margins during the measurement period ending August 31, 2015. This results in unamortized stock-based compensation expense of $0.4 million to be recognized over the remaining vesting period of 3.0 years. Of the remaining 18,142 performance-based options previously granted, 6,184 were recorded as forfeitures in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015 while the remaining 11,958 vest 80% after four years if the measurement criterion is achieved over the four year period ending August 31, 2017.

Restricted Stock and Stock Unit Awards

The Company’s Option Plan plans permit the issuance of restricted stock and restricted stock units. Restricted stock awards are subject to continued employment over a specified period.

Restricted Stock and Stock Unit Awards Activity

In fiscal years 2015, 2014 and 2013, FactSet granted 54,862, 204,124 and 131,702 restricted stock awards to employees of the Company, respectively. These awards have a weighted average grant date fair value of $138.23, $101.95 and $85.80 for fiscal years 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

As of August 31, 2015, a total of 313,407 shares of restricted stock and restricted stock units were unvested and outstanding, which results in unamortized stock-based compensation of $20.5 million to be recognized as stock-based compensation expense over the remaining vesting period of 3.2 years.

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, 2012		383			$	71.34
Granted (restricted stock and stock units)		132				85.80
Vested⁽¹⁾		(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⁽²⁾		(135	)			84.48
Canceled/forfeited		(59	)			86.39
Balance at August 31, 2014		368			$	89.77
Granted (restricted stock and stock units)		55				138.23
Vested⁽³⁾		(95	)			70.94
Canceled/forfeited		(15	)			101.04
Balance at August 31, 2015		313			$	103.34

⁽¹⁾

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 40% 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.

⁽²⁾

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).

⁽³⁾

The 94,870 restricted stock awards that vested during fiscal 2015 were comprised of: 53,495 of awards granted on October 23, 2014, which cliff vested 60% after three years (on October 23, 2012) and 40% after five years (on October 23, 2014); 14,683 restricted stock awards that were granted on April 8, 2013, which cliff vest 20% annually upon the anniversary date of the grant; 17,228 awards relating to restricted stock granted on February 9, 2010; and 9,464 restricted stock awards that were previously granted between November 2013 and November 2014.

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 the Employee Stock Option Plan			Share-based Awards Available for Grant under the Non-Employee Stock Option Plan
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⁽¹⁾		(329	)		—
Share-based awards canceled/forfeited⁽²⁾		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⁽¹⁾		(510	)		—
Share-based awards canceled/forfeited⁽²⁾		993			9
Balance at August 31, 2014		3,222			102
Granted – non performance-based options		(677	)		—
Granted – performance-based options		(138	)		—
Granted – non-employee Directors grant		—			(14	)
Restricted stock awards granted⁽¹⁾		(137	)		—
Share-based awards canceled/forfeited⁽²⁾		171			—
Balance at August 31, 2015		2,441			88

⁽¹⁾

Each restricted stock award granted is equivalent to 2.5 shares granted under the Company’s Option Plan.

⁽²⁾

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

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

At the 2014 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of FactSet held on December 16, 2014, the stockholders of FactSet voted on and approved the Amended and Restated FactSet Research Systems Inc. 2008 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “Purchase Plan”), including the reservation of an additional 500,000 shares of common stock for issuance thereunder. The amendment and restatement of the Purchase Plan was approved by FactSet’s Board of Directors on October 23, 2014 and became effective with stockholder approval on December 16, 2014. As a result of such stockholder approval, the Purchase Plan was amended and modified to increase the maximum number of shares of common stock authorized for issuance over the term of the Purchase Plan by 500,000 shares. 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 2015, employees purchased 63,265 shares as compared to 74,889 shares in fiscal 2014 and 75,281 shares in fiscal 2013. At August 31, 2015, 481,616 shares were reserved for future issuance under the Purchase Plan.

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 $8.6 million, $7.7 million, and $7.5 million in matching contributions to employee 401(k) accounts during fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Note 15 - Stock-based Compensation

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2015

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 $26.4 million, $22.9 million and $40.0 million in fiscal 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively. As of August 31, 2015, $60.5 million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested awards is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 3.4 years. There was no stock-based compensation capitalized as of August 31, 2015 and 2014, 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.

Q1 2015	462,913 non performance-based employee stock options were granted at a weighted average exercise price of $131.31 and a weighted average estimated fair value of $37.67 per share.
Q2 2015	25,075 non performance-based employee stock options and 137,522 performance-based employee stock options were granted at a weighted average exercise price of $147.05 and a weighted average estimated fair value of $43.05 per share.
Q3 2015	61,210 non performance-based employee stock options were granted at a weighted average exercise price of $159.14 and a weighted average estimated fair value of $44.95 per share.
Q4 2015	128,090 non performance-based employee stock options were granted at a weighted average exercise price of $165.02 and a weighted average estimated fair value of $54.10 per share.
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.
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.

The weighted average estimated fair value of employee stock options granted during fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013 was determined using the binomial model with the following weighted average assumptions:

	2015			2014			2013
Term structure of risk-free interest rate	0.01%	-	2.3%	0.01%	-	2.6%	0.16%	-	1.91%
Expected life (years)	5.8	-	9.4	7.6	-	7.8	7.6	-	7.8
Term structure of volatility	20%	-	31%	23%	-	33%	24%	-	33%
Dividend yield			1.32%			1.35%			1.30%
Weighted average estimated fair value			$41.87			$29.64			$26.87
Weighted average exercise price			$141.84			$106.69			$92.22
Fair value as a percentage of exercise price			29.5%			27.8%			29.1%

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 2015

On January 15, 2015, FactSet granted 13,842 stock options to the Company’s non-employee Directors at a weighted average estimated fair value of $28.18 per share, using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions:

Risk-free interest rate	1.45	%
Expected life (years)	5.4
Expected volatility	23	%
Dividend yield	1.30	%

Fiscal 2014

On January 15, 2014, FactSet granted 14,424 stock options to the Company’s non-employee Directors at 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 (years)	5.4
Expected volatility	29	%
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	%

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 2015

–

9,384 restricted stock units with a fair value of $127.88 were granted on November 3, 2014.

–

841 shares of restricted stock with a fair value of $124.18 were granted on November 3, 2014.

–

15,070 shares of restricted stock with a fair value of $132.71 were granted on December 17, 2014.

–

1,724 restricted stock units with a fair value of $145.01 were granted on February 9, 2015.

–

21,294 shares of restricted stock with a fair value of $140.88 were granted on February 9, 2015.

–

397 shares of restricted stock with a fair value of $151.50 were granted on May 1, 2015.

–

448 shares of restricted stock with a fair value of $153.89 were granted on May 1, 2015.

–

5,704 shares of restricted stock with a fair value of $157.84 were granted on July 31, 2015.

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.

Employee Stock Purchase Plan Fair Value Determinations

During fiscal 2015, employees purchased 63,265 shares at a weighted average price of $122.76 compared to 74,889 shares at a weighted average price of $89.28 in fiscal 2014 and 75,281 shares at a weighted average price of $80.77 in fiscal 2013. Stock-based compensation expense recorded during fiscal 2015, 2014, and 2013 relating to the employee stock purchase plan was $1.5 million, $1.3 million and $1.2 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 2015, 2014 and 2013 were $24.05, $17.76 and $15.79 per share, respectively, with the following weighted average assumptions:

	2015			2014			2013
Risk-free interest rate		0.03	%		0.04	%		0.07	%
Expected life (months)		3			3			3
Expected volatility		16.3	%		9.8	%		9.8	%
Dividend yield		1.15	%		1.38	%		1.38	%

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, 2015

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]

16. INCOME 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.

Provision for Income Taxes

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

Years Ended August 31,	2015			2014			2013
U.S. operations	$	263,411		$	242,839		$	220,778
Non-U.S. operations		70,343			60,625			50,132
Income before income taxes	$	333,754		$	303,464		$	270,910

U.S. operations	$	88,147		$	81,998		$	61,328
Non-U.S. operations		4,556			9,923			10,945
Total provision for income taxes	$	92,703		$	91,921		$	72,273
Effective tax rate		27.8	%		30.3	%		26.7	%

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

Years Ended August 31,	2015			2014			2013
Current
U.S. federal	$	82,885		$	77,368		$	52,625
U.S. state and local		4,419			3,972			3,309
Non-U.S.		6,368			10,350			11,188
Total current taxes	$	93,672			91,690		$	67,122
Deferred
U.S. federal	$	720		$	547		$	5,036
U.S. state and local		123			111			358
Non-U.S.		(1,812	)		(427	)		(243	)
Total deferred taxes	$	(969	)	$	231		$	5,151
Total provision for income taxes	$	92,703		$	91,921		$	72,273

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,	2015				2014			2013
Tax at U.S. Federal 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		1.6				1.8			2.0
Foreign income at other than U.S. rates		(3.0	)			(2.9	)		(2.5	)
Domestic production activities deduction		(2.2	)			(2.1	)		(2.6	)
Income tax benefits from R&D tax credits		(2.7	)			(1.1	)		(4.1	)
Income tax benefits from foreign tax credits		(0.3	)			(0.4	)		(1.2	)
Other, net		(0.6	)			0.0			0.1
Effective tax rate		27.8	%	⁽¹⁾		30.3	%		26.7	%⁽²⁾

⁽¹⁾

The fiscal 2015 effective tax rate of 27.8% includes income tax benefits of $8.8 million primarily from the reenactment of the U.S. Federal R&D Tax Credit (the “U.S. Federal R&D tax credit”) in December 2014, finalizing prior year tax returns and other discrete items.

⁽²⁾

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 finalizing prior year tax returns.

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,	2015			2014
Current
Receivable reserve	$	541		$	597
Deferred rent		794			1,067
Other		770			177
Net current deferred tax assets	$	2,105		$	1,841
Non-current
Depreciation on property, equipment and leasehold improvements	$	10,880		$	9,831
Deferred rent		5,108			3,572
Stock-based compensation		17,562			18,160
Purchased intangible assets, including acquired technology		(17,533	)		(10,750	)
Other		4,582			1,564
Net non-current deferred tax assets	$	20,599		$	22,377
Total deferred tax assets	$	22,704		$	24,218

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

At August 31,	2015			2014
Current
Other	$	562		$	—
Net current deferred tax liabilities	$	562		$	—
Non-current
Purchased intangible assets, including acquired technology	$	1,886		$	3,478
Stock-based compensation		—			(860	)
Other		(189	)		303
Net non-current deferred tax liabilities	$	1,697		$	2,921
Total deferred tax liabilities	$	2,259		$	2,921

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, 2015 and 2014. 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, 2015, the Company had gross unrecognized tax benefits totaling $6.8 million, including $1.3 million of accrued interest, recorded as non-current taxes payable in the consolidated balance sheet. Approximately $1.0 million of these unrecognized tax benefits would have affected the current year effective tax rate if realized as of August 31, 2015. 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. The Company recognizes interest and penalty charges related to unrecognized tax benefits as income tax expense, which is consistent with the recognition in prior reporting periods. The Company recognized interest charges of $0.2 million, $0.1 million and less than $0.1 million during the fiscal years ended August 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

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, 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
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year		962
Additions for tax positions of prior years		1,122
Statute of limitations lapse		(809	)
Unrecognized income tax benefits at August 31, 2015	$	6,776

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, 2015, 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 2015
State (various)		2010 through 2015

Europe
United Kingdom		2013 through 2015
France		2012 through 2015

Note 17 - Debt

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2015

Long-term Debt [Text Block]

17. DEBT

FactSet’s debt obligations consisted of the following (in thousands):

At August 31,	2015		2014
2015 Revolving Credit Facility (maturity date of September 21, 2018)	$	35,000	$	—
Total Outstanding Debt at fiscal year-end	$	35,000	$	—

On February 6, 2015, the Company entered into a Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) between FactSet, as the borrower, and Bank of America, N.A., as the lender (the “Lender”). At that date, the Credit Agreement provided for a $35.0 million revolving credit facility (the “Revolving Credit Facility”), under which the Company could request borrowings. The Credit Agreement also allowed FactSet to arrange for additional borrowings for an aggregate amount of up to $265.0 million provided that any such request for additional borrowings was in a minimum amount of $25.0 million.

For purposes of funding its acquisition of Code Red on February 6, 2015, FactSet borrowed $35.0 million in the form of a Eurodollar rate loan (the “Loan”) under the Revolving Credit Facility. The proceeds of the Loan made under the Credit Agreement could be used for permitted acquisitions and general corporate purposes. There are no prepayment penalties if the Company elects to prepay the Loan prior to its scheduled maturity date. The principal balance is payable in full on the maturity date. The $35.0 million borrowed under the Loan bears interest on the outstanding principal amount at a rate equal to the Eurodollar rate plus 0.50% and is reported as long-term debt within the Consolidated Balance Sheet at August 31, 2015. The Eurodollar rate is defined in the Credit Agreement as the rate per annum equal to one-month LIBOR. Interest on the Loan is payable quarterly in arrears and on the maturity date. During fiscal 2015 the Company paid approximately $0.1 million in interest on its outstanding Loan amount.

On September 21, 2015, the Company amended the Credit Agreement to borrow an additional $265.0 million (the “Second Amendment) in order to fund FactSet’s acquisition of Portware, LLC (“Portware”) which was announced on September 22, 2015, and closed on October 16, 2015. The maturity date on all outstanding loan amounts (which total $300.0 million as of October 30, 2015) is September 21, 2018. The Second Amendment also allows FactSet, subject to certain requirements, to arrange for additional borrowings with the Lender for an aggregate amount of up to $400.0 million, provided that any such request for additional borrowings must be in a minimum amount of $25.0 million. For more information on the Portware acquisition, see Note 21, Subsequent Events.

As of August 31, 2015, no commitment fee was owed by FactSet since it borrowed the then-full amount of the Revolving Credit Facility on February 6, 2015. Other fees incurred by the Company, such as legal costs to draft and review the Credit Agreement, totaled less than $0.1 million and were capitalized as loan origination fees. These loan origination fees are being amortized into interest expense over the term of the Loan (three years) using the effective interest method and totaled less than $0.1 million in fiscal 2015.

The Credit Agreement contains covenants restricting certain FactSet activities, which are usual and customary for this type of loan. In addition, the Credit Agreement requires that FactSet must maintain a consolidated leverage ratio, as measured by total funded debt/EBITDA below a specified level as of the end of each fiscal quarter. The Company was in compliance with all of the covenants of the Credit Agreement as of August 31, 2015.

Note 18 - Commitments and Contingencies

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2015

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]

18. 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, 2015, the Company leases approximately 202,000 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; 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 2015, 2014 and 2013, rent expense (including operating costs) for all operating leases amounted to $38.6 million, $37.7 million and $36.2 million, respectively. At August 31, 2015 and 2014, deferred rent reported within the consolidated balance sheet totaled $20.9 million and $18.3 million, of which $18.4 million and $14.9 million, respectively, was reported as a non-current liability within the line item Deferred Rent and Other Non-Current Liabilities.

Approximately $1.0 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, 2015. 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, 2015 and 2014, FactSet was in compliance with all covenants contained in the standby letters of credit.

In fiscal 2015, FactSet entered into the following new lease agreements:

	●	Boston, Massachusetts: A new lease amendment was signed to extend and expand the Company’s existing office space in Boston by 4,809 rentable square feet. At the time of signing, the renewal resulted in incremental future minimum rental payments of $6.6 million through June 2022.
	●	Hyderabad, India: -A new lease amendment was entered into during November 2014 to renew the Company’s existing office space in Hyderabad. At the time of signing, the renewal resulted in incremental future minimum rental payments of $2.2 million over the non-cancelable lease term through November 2019. -A new lease agreement was entered into during April 2015 for 43,830 square feet of new office space in Hyderabad. At the time of signing, the new lease agreement resulted in incremental future minimum rental payments of $1.8 million over the lease term through September 2020.
	●	Manila, Philippines: A new lease agreement was entered into during April 2015 for 13,043 square feet of new office space in Manila. At the time of signing, the new lease agreement resulted in incremental future minimum rental payments of $1.5 million over the non-cancelable lease term through June 2020.
	●	New York, New York: A new lease amendment was signed to extend and expand the Company’s existing office space in New York by 19,979 rentable square feet. At the time of signing, the renewal resulted in incremental future minimum rental payments of $21.2 million through August 2031. The amendment included approximately $1.9 million in tenant allowances.
	●	Norwalk, Connecticut: A new lease amendment was signed to extend and expand the Company’s existing office space in Norwalk by 9,587 rentable square feet. At the time of signing, the renewal resulted in incremental future minimum rental payments of $0.9 million through December 2019.
	●	London, England: A new lease agreement was entered into in July 2015 for 15,051 square feet of new office space in London. At the time of signing, the new lease agreement resulted in incremental future minimum rental payments of $21.1 million over the non-cancelable lease term through March 2031.

At August 31, 2015, 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
2016	$	22,695
2017		28,002
2018		27,373
2019		25,974
2020		20,129
Thereafter		145,929
Total	$	270,102

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, 2015 and 2014, the Company had total purchase commitments with suppliers of $65.2 million and $53.3 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 19 - Risks and Concentrations of Credit Risk

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2015

Risks and Uncertainties [Abstract]

Concentration Risk Disclosure [Text Block]

19. 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, Derivative Instruments, 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, 2015 was $182.4 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.

As of August 31, 2015, the fair value of the Company’s long-term debt was $35.0 million, which approximated its carrying amount given its floating interest rate basis and was determined based on quoted market prices for debt with a similar maturity. The debt bears interest on the outstanding principal amount at a rate equal to 0.50% plus the Eurodollar rate, which is defined in the agreement as the rate per annum equal to one-month LIBOR. It is anticipated that the fair market value of the Company’s debt will continue to be immaterially affected by fluctuations in interest rates and FactSet does not believe that the value of its debt has been significantly impacted by current market events.

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, 2015, 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, 2014. At August 31, 2015 and 2014, the receivable reserve was $1.6 million and $1.7 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 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 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 data sets 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 20 - Unaudited Quarterly Financial Data

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2015

Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]

Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block]

20. UNAUDITED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA

The following table presents selected unaudited financial information for each of the quarterly periods in the years ended August 31, 2015 and 2014. 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 2015	First Quarter		Second Quarter		Third Quarter		Fourth Quarter
Revenues	$	242,676	$	247,792	$	254,522	$	261,779
Cost of services		97,543		99,516		100,686		107,595
Selling, general and administrative		64,873		67,628		68,480		68,531
Operating income		80,260		80,648		85,356		85,653
Net income		55,860		61,598		61,409		62,184
Diluted earnings per common share⁽¹⁾	$	1.32	$	1.46	$	1.45	$	1.48
Weighted average common shares (diluted)		42,340		42,306		42,297		41,995

⁽¹⁾

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 fiscal year.

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⁾	$	1.19	$	1.22	$	1.21	$	1.31
Weighted average common shares (diluted)		43,773		43,107		42,615		42,386

⁽¹⁾

Note 21 - Subsequent Events

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2015

Subsequent Events [Abstract]

Subsequent Events [Text Block]

21. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

As previously announced, on September 21, 2015, FactSet agreed to acquire (the “Acquisition”) all of the issued and outstanding membership interests of Portware pursuant to a Securities Purchase Agreement by and among FactSet, Long Ridge Equity Partners I, LP, Long Ridge Offshore Subsidiary Holdings, LLC, Portware Investors Parallel Holdings LLC, Portware, Long Ridge Portware Holdings, Inc. and the Individual Sellers (as defined therein). On October 16, 2015, the Company completed the Acquisition for $265.0 million in cash, less certain adjustments set forth in the Securities Purchase Agreement, including, among others, a customary working capital adjustment. FactSet funded the Acquisition by borrowing $265.0 million on October 16, 2015 under its existing revolving credit facility, which it had amended on September 21, 2015.

With the acquisition of Portware, FactSet will offer a platform that will increase value to global asset managers by expanding its capabilities to include multi-asset trade automation. Revenue from Portware will be recognized based on geographic business activities in accordance with how the Company’s operating segments are currently aligned. The Company expects the majority of the purchase price to be allocated to goodwill and acquired intangible assets. The pro forma financials that may be required in connection with the Acquisition have not been included as the valuation of certain assets and liabilities is ongoing as of the date of this Form 10-K.

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2015

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]

Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Text Block]

Schedule II – Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

Years Ended August 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013 (in thousands):

Receivable reserve and billing adjustments⁽¹⁾	Balance at Beginning of Year		Charged to Expense/ Against Revenue		Write-offs, Net of Recoveries		Balance at End of Year
2015	$	1,662	$	2.268	$	2,350	$	1,580
2014	$	1,644	$	2,135	$	2,117	$	1,662
2013	$	1,830	$	1,580	$	1,766	$	1,644

⁽¹⁾

Additions to the receivable reserve for doubtful accounts are charged to bad debt expense. Additions to the receivable reserve for billing adjustments are charged against revenues.

Additional financial statement schedules have been omitted since they are either not required, not applicable, or the information is otherwise included.

Accounting Policies, by Policy (Policies)	12 Months Ended
Accounting Policies, by Policy (Policies)	Aug. 31, 2015
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 to 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, 2015, the amount of accounts receivable that was unbilled totaled $4.0 million, which was billed in fiscal 2016. 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 $1.6 million and $1.7 million was recorded as of August 31, 2015 and 2014, 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, computer maintenance and depreciation expenses, amortization of identifiable intangible assets, 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 in addition to 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 (“APIC”) 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, 2015 or 2014.
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 2015, 2014 and 2013 were $2.0 million, $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 2015 and 2014.
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, Matrix, ETF.com and Code Red 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. The Company is required to test goodwill for impairment annually, or more frequently if impairment indicators occur. 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. FactSet has three reporting units, which are consistent with the operating segments reported as there is no discrete financial information available for the subsidiaries within each operating segment. The reporting units evaluated for potential impairment were the U.S., Europe and Asia Pacific, which reflect the level of internal reporting the Company uses to manage its business and operations. The Company performed its annual goodwill impairment test during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015, consistent with the timing of previous years, at which time it was determined that there were no indications of impairment, with the fair value of each of the Company’s reporting units significantly exceeding carrying value.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Intangible Assets FactSet’s identifiable intangible assets consist of acquired content databases, client relationships, software technology, non-compete agreements and trade names resulting from acquisitions, which have been fully integrated into the Company’s operations. Depending on the nature of the intangible asset, the identifiable intangible assets 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.
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. At the end of each fiscal year, FactSet conducts a final review of both Company and individual performance within each department 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, 2015 and 2014, was $38.6 million and $37.3 million, respectively.
Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Derivative Instruments FactSet conducts business outside the U.S. in several currencies including the Indian Rupee, Philippine Peso, British Pound Sterling, Euro and Japanese Yen. As such, it is exposed to movements in foreign currency exchange rates compared to the U.S. dollar. The Company utilizes derivative instruments (foreign currency forward contracts) to manage the exposures related to the effects of foreign exchange rate fluctuations and 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 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 (“AOCL”) 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.
Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy [Policy Text Block]	Foreign Currency Translation Certain wholly owned subsidiaries within the European 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 Philippine 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 AOCL as a component of stockholders’ equity. The accumulated foreign currency translation loss totaled $43.7 million and $18.4 million at August 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Income and Deferred Taxes Income tax expense is based on taxable income determined in accordance with currently 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, 2015, the Company had gross unrecognized tax benefits totaling $6.8 million, including $1.3 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 are 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 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 three fiscal years 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, Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss. 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. Recent Accounting 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 does not believe this new accounting standard update will have a material impact 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 2019, with early adoption in fiscal 2018 permitted. 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. The Company does not believe this new accounting standard update will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. Income Statement Presentation – Extraordinary and Unusual Items In January 2015, the FASB issued an accounting standard update that eliminates from GAAP the concept of extraordinary items. This accounting standard update will be effective for FactSet beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2017. The standard primarily involves presentation and disclosure and, therefore, is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or its cash flows. Simplification Guidance on Debt Issuance Costs In April 2015, the FASB issued an accounting standard update which changes the presentation of debt issuance costs in the applicable financial statements. Under the accounting standard update, an entity should present such costs in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the related debt liability rather than as an asset. Amortization of the costs is reported as interest expense. This accounting standard update will be effective for FactSet beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2017. The Company does not believe this new accounting standard update will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. In August 2015, the FASB issued an accounting standard update to amend the previous guidance issued in April 2015 and address debt issuance costs related to line-of-credit arrangements. The accounting standard update allows an entity to present debt issuance costs related to a line-of-credit as an asset and subsequently amortize the deferred debt issuance costs ratably over the term of the line-of-credit arrangement, regardless of whether there are any outstanding borrowings on the arrangement. This accounting standard update did not impact the effective date of the previously issued guidance and the Company does not believe it will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. Customers’ Accounting for Cloud Computing Costs In April 2015, the FASB issued an accounting standard update to provide guidance on a customer’s accounting for cloud computing costs. Under the accounting standard update, a customer must determine whether a cloud computing arrangement contains a software license. If so, the customer would account for the fees related to the software license element in a manner consistent with how the accounting for software licenses is accounted for under previously issued guidance. If the arrangement does not contain a software license, the customer would account for the arrangement as a service contract. This guidance will be effective for FactSet beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2017. The Company does not believe this new accounting standard update will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. No other new accounting pronouncements issued or effective as of August 31, 2015 have had or are expected to have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Note 4 - Fair Value Measures (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2015

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

	Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
August 31, 2015	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Assets
Corporate money market funds ⁽¹⁾	$	89,443	$	—	$	—	$	89,443
Certificates of deposit ⁽²⁾		—		23,497		—		23,497
Derivative instruments ⁽³⁾		—		1,035		—		1,035
Total assets measured at fair value	$	89,443	$	24,532	$	—	$	113,975

Liabilities
Derivative instruments ⁽³⁾	$	—	$	1,602	$	—	$	1,602
Total liabilities measured at fair value	$	—	$	1,602	$	—	$	1,602

	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	$	—	$	—	$	75,363
Certificates of deposit ⁽²⁾		—		20,008		—		20,008
Derivative instruments ⁽³⁾		—		1,406		—		1,406
Total assets measured at fair value	$	75,363	$	21,414	$	—	$	96,777

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

Note 5 - Derivative Instruments (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2015

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, 2015		Aug 31, 2014		Aug 31, 2015			Aug 31, 2014
Indian Rupee	$	56,320	$	38,479	$	(990	)	$	700
Philippine Peso		—		6,500		—			115
Euro		20,263		—		143			—
British Pound Sterling		15,831		—		280			—
Total	$	92,414	$	44,979	$	(567	)	$	815

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

Designation of Derivatives	Balance Sheet Location	Aug 31, 2015		Aug 31, 2014
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments	Assets: Foreign Currency Forward Contracts
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets	$	1,035	$	114
	Other assets	$	—		1,292
	Liabilities: Foreign Currency Forward Contracts
	Accounts payable and accrued expenses	$	—	$	591
	Deferred rent and other non-current liabilities	$	1,602	$	—

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

(Loss) Gain Recognized

in AOCL on Derivatives
(Effective Portion)

Location of Loss

(Loss) Reclassified
from AOCL into Income
(Effective Portion)

Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships

2015

2014

2013

Reclassified from AOCL into Income(Effective Portion)

2015

2014

2013

Foreign currency forward contracts

(1,939

)

8,294

(6,258

)

SG&A

(559

)

(260

)

(1,000

)

Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block]

	Derivatives Offset in Consolidated Balance Sheets
August 31, 2015	Gross Derivative Amounts			Gross Derivative Amounts Offset in Balance Sheet			Net Amounts
Fair value of assets	$	1,040		$	(5	)	$	1,035
Fair value of liabilities		(1,607	)		5			(1,602	)
Total	$	(567	)	$	—		$	(567	)

	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		$	—	$	1,406
Fair value of liabilities		(626	)		35		(591	)
Total	$	780		$	35	$	815

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

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2015

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

	August 31, 2015						August 31, 2014				August 31, 2013
	Pre-tax			Net of tax			Pre-tax		Net of tax		Pre-tax			Net of tax
Foreign currency translation adjustments	$	(25,263	)	$	(25,263	)	$	7,895	$	7,895	$	(5,151	)	$	(5,151	)
Realized loss on cash flow hedges reclassified to earnings ⁽¹⁾		559			352			260		164		1,000			622
Unrealized (loss) gain on cash flow hedges recognized in AOCL		(1,939	)		(1,220	)		8,294		5,193		(6,258	)		(3,918	)
Other comprehensive (loss) income	$	(26,643	)	$	(26,131	)	$	16,449	$	13,252	$	(10,409	)	$	(8,447	)

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

	August 31, 2015			August 31, 2014
Accumulated unrealized (losses) gains on cash flow hedges, net of tax	$	(358	)	$	510
Accumulated foreign currency translation adjustments		(43,694	)		(18,431	)
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss	$	(44,052	)	$	(17,921	)

Note 7 - Segment Information (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2015

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

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

Year Ended August 31, 2015	U.S.		Europe		Asia Pacific		Total
Revenues from clients	$	678,774	$	251,522	$	76,472	$	1,006,768
Segment operating profit		172,980		116,310		42,628		331,918
Total assets		427,990		239,689		68,992		736,671
Depreciation and amortization		23,645		5,135		2,569		31,349
Stock-based compensation		23,006		2,991		374		26,371
Capital expenditures		22,459		460		2,763		25,682

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

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

Years Ended August 31,	2015		2014		2013
Revenues⁽¹⁾
United States	$	678,774	$	624,642	$	586,865
United Kingdom		144,769		131,848		121,072
All other European countries		106,753		95,547		87,755
Asia Pacific		76,472		68,298		62,420
Total revenues	$	1,006,768	$	920,335	$	858,112

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

At August 31,	2015		2014		2013
Long-lived Assets⁽¹⁾
United States	$	49,923	$	46,294	$	51,184
United Kingdom		3,655		4,669		4,806
All other European countries		1,322		2,267		3,051
Asia Pacific		4,364		4,411		6,330
Total long-lived assets	$	59,264	$	57,641	$	65,371

Note 8 - Business Combinations (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2015

Business Combinations [Abstract]

Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table Text Block]

Cash consideration	$	32,962
Fair value of FactSet stock issued		2,991
Total purchase price	$	35,953

Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block]

Tangible assets acquired	$	3,090
Amortizable intangible assets
Software technology		4,728
Client relationships		3,089
Non-compete agreements		277
Trade name		127
Goodwill		29,627
Total assets acquired	$	40,938
Liabilities assumed		(4,985	)
Net assets acquired	$	35,953

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

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

Note 9 - Goodwill (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2015

Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block]

	U.S.		Europe			Asia Pacific			Total
Balance at August 31, 2013	$	167,822	$	73,424		$	3,327		$	244,573
Goodwill acquired during the period		11,612		25,531			—			37,143
Foreign currency translations		—		4,077			(185	)		3,892
Balance at August 31, 2014	$	179,434	$	103,032		$	3,142		$	285,608
Goodwill acquired during the period		32,435		—			—			32,435
Foreign currency translations		—		(9,307	)		(449	)		(9,756	)
Balance at August 31, 2015	$	211,869	$	93,725		$	2,693		$	308,287

Note 10 - Intangible Assets (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2015

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

At August 31, 2015	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Net Carrying Amount
Data content	$	39,911	$	16,667	$	23,244
Client relationships		27,873		18,241		9,632
Software technology		21,203		15,042		6,161
Non-compete agreements		1,058		637		421
Trade names		1,614		1,020		594
Total	$	91,659	$	51,607	$	40,052

At August 31, 2014	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Net Carrying Amount
Data content	$	56,974	$	27,644	$	29,320
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

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

Code Red Preliminary Intangible Assets Allocation	Amortization Period (years)		Acquisition Cost
Software technology		6.0	$	4,728
Client relationships		7.0		3,089
Non-compete agreements		4.0		277
Trade name		3.0		127
Total		6.3	$	8,221

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

Fiscal Year	Estimated Amortization Expense
2016	$	7,031
2017		6,949
2018		5,816
2019		4,492
2020		3,461
Thereafter		12,303
Total	$	40,052

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

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2015

Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]

Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block]

At August 31,	2015			2014
Leasehold improvements	$	92,427		$	90,487
Computers and related equipment		87,732			81,853
Furniture and fixtures		33,120			29,373

Subtotal	$	213,279		$	201,713
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization		(154,015	)		(144,072	)
Property, equipment and leasehold improvements, net	$	59,264		$	57,641

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

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2015

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Schedule of Stock by Class [Table Text Block]

Years Ended August 31,	2015			2014			2013
Balance, beginning of year (September 1)		41,793			43,324			44,279
Common stock issued for employee stock plans		1,213			959			2,459
Repurchases of common stock		(1,689	)		(2,490	)		(3,414	)
Balance, end of year (August 31)		41,317			41,793			43,324

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,	2015		2014		2013		2015		2014		2013		2015		2014		2013
Basic EPS
Income available to common stockholders	$	241,051	$	211,543	$	198,637		41,572		42,436		43,890	$	5.80	$	4.98	$	4.53
Diluted EPS
Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock								663		534		734
Income available to common stockholders	$	241,051	$	211,543	$	198,637		42,235		42,970		44,624	$	5.71	$	4.92	$	4.45

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
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Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]

Note 13 - Stockholders' Equity (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2015

Dividends Declared [Table Text Block]

Declaration Date	Dividends Per Share of Common Stock		Type	Record Date	Total $ Amount (in thousands)		Payment Date
August 10, 2015	$	0.44	Regular (cash)	August 31, 2015	$	18,179	September 15, 2015
May 12, 2015	$	0.44	Regular (cash)	May 29, 2015	$	18,274	June 16, 2015
February 11, 2015	$	0.39	Regular (cash)	February 27, 2015	$	16,236	March 17, 2015
November 12, 2014	$	0.39	Regular (cash)	November 28, 2014	$	16,216	December 16, 2014
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

Note 14 - Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2015

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

(in thousands, except per share data)	Number Outstanding			Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share
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⁽¹⁾		(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⁽²⁾		(849	)		91.98
Balance at August 31, 2014		3,482		$	79.67
Granted – non performance-based		677			140.49
Granted – performance-based		138			148.52
Granted – non-employee Directors grant		14			138.48
Exercised		(1,060	)		63.03
Forfeited		(134	)		106.01
Balance at August 31, 2015		3,117		$	100.71

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
$35.80 – $63.09		255		1.0	$	54.62	$	26,340		255	$	54.62	$	26,340
$66.46 – $66.81		351		1.2	$	66.47	$	32,098		351	$	66.47	$	32,098
$87.26 – $90.92		372		5.6	$	90.14	$	25,213		169	$	89.44	$	11,574
$91.06 – $92.22		654		7.1	$	92.19	$	42,986		336	$	92.20	$	22,083
$94.84 – $96.10		326		6.0	$	94.88	$	20,550		227	$	94.85	$	14,317
$102.01 – $110.31		358		8.2	$	106.88	$	18,273		14	$	107.64	$	704
$131.31 – $139.02		484		9.1	$	131.91	$	12,586		—	$	—	$	—
$148.52 – $166.74		317		9.6	$	157.21	$	225		—	$	—	$	—
Total Fiscal 2015		3,117		6.3	$	100.71	$	178,271		1,352	$	78.70	$	107,116

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

Prior Year Amounts		August 31, 2014				August 31, 2013
	Number of Shares		Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share		Number of Shares		Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share
Outstanding at fiscal year end		3,482	$	79.67		4,729	$	75.95
Exercisable at fiscal year end		1,899	$	68.78		1,925	$	59.70

Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Vesting Percentage and Related Expenses [Table Text Block]

Vesting

Percentage

Cumulative

Catch-up Adjustment*

Remaining Expense

to be Recognized

Fourth 20% (current expectation)

619

Fifth 20%

1,216

1,003

Vesting Percentage	Cumulative Catch-up Adjustment*			Remaining Expense to be Recognized
0%	$	(338	)	$	0
10%	$	(253	)	$	516
40% (current expectation)	$	0		$	2,063
70%	$	253		$	3,609
100%	$	506		$	5,156

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

(in thousands, except per award data)	Number Outstanding			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Award
Balance at August 31, 2012		383			$	71.34
Granted (restricted stock and stock units)		132				85.80
Vested⁽¹⁾		(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⁽²⁾		(135	)			84.48
Canceled/forfeited		(59	)			86.39
Balance at August 31, 2014		368			$	89.77
Granted (restricted stock and stock units)		55				138.23
Vested⁽³⁾		(95	)			70.94
Canceled/forfeited		(15	)			101.04
Balance at August 31, 2015		313			$	103.34

Disclosure of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table Text Block]

	Share-based Awards Available for Grant under the Employee Stock Option Plan			Share-based Awards Available for Grant under the Non-Employee Stock Option Plan
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⁽¹⁾		(329	)		—
Share-based awards canceled/forfeited⁽²⁾		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⁽¹⁾		(510	)		—
Share-based awards canceled/forfeited⁽²⁾		993			9
Balance at August 31, 2014		3,222			102
Granted – non performance-based options		(677	)		—
Granted – performance-based options		(138	)		—
Granted – non-employee Directors grant		—			(14	)
Restricted stock awards granted⁽¹⁾		(137	)		—
Share-based awards canceled/forfeited⁽²⁾		171			—
Balance at August 31, 2015		2,441			88

Note 15 - Stock-based Compensation (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2015

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

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

	2015			2014			2013
Term structure of risk-free interest rate	0.01%	-	2.3%	0.01%	-	2.6%	0.16%	-	1.91%
Expected life (years)	5.8	-	9.4	7.6	-	7.8	7.6	-	7.8
Term structure of volatility	20%	-	31%	23%	-	33%	24%	-	33%
Dividend yield			1.32%			1.35%			1.30%
Weighted average estimated fair value			$41.87			$29.64			$26.87
Weighted average exercise price			$141.84			$106.69			$92.22
Fair value as a percentage of exercise price			29.5%			27.8%			29.1%

Non-Employee Directors' 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	1.45	%
Expected life (years)	5.4
Expected volatility	23	%
Dividend yield	1.30	%

Risk-free interest rate	1.66	%
Expected life (years)	5.4
Expected volatility	29	%
Dividend yield	1.35	%

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

2008 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]

	2015			2014			2013
Risk-free interest rate		0.03	%		0.04	%		0.07	%
Expected life (months)		3			3			3
Expected volatility		16.3	%		9.8	%		9.8	%
Dividend yield		1.15	%		1.38	%		1.38	%

Note 16 - Income Taxes (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2015

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

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

Years Ended August 31,	2015			2014			2013
U.S. operations	$	263,411		$	242,839		$	220,778
Non-U.S. operations		70,343			60,625			50,132
Income before income taxes	$	333,754		$	303,464		$	270,910

U.S. operations	$	88,147		$	81,998		$	61,328
Non-U.S. operations		4,556			9,923			10,945
Total provision for income taxes	$	92,703		$	91,921		$	72,273
Effective tax rate		27.8	%		30.3	%		26.7	%

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

Years Ended August 31,	2015			2014			2013
Current
U.S. federal	$	82,885		$	77,368		$	52,625
U.S. state and local		4,419			3,972			3,309
Non-U.S.		6,368			10,350			11,188
Total current taxes	$	93,672			91,690		$	67,122
Deferred
U.S. federal	$	720		$	547		$	5,036
U.S. state and local		123			111			358
Non-U.S.		(1,812	)		(427	)		(243	)
Total deferred taxes	$	(969	)	$	231		$	5,151
Total provision for income taxes	$	92,703		$	91,921		$	72,273

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

Years Ended August 31,	2015				2014			2013
Tax at U.S. Federal 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		1.6				1.8			2.0
Foreign income at other than U.S. rates		(3.0	)			(2.9	)		(2.5	)
Domestic production activities deduction		(2.2	)			(2.1	)		(2.6	)
Income tax benefits from R&D tax credits		(2.7	)			(1.1	)		(4.1	)
Income tax benefits from foreign tax credits		(0.3	)			(0.4	)		(1.2	)
Other, net		(0.6	)			0.0			0.1
Effective tax rate		27.8	%	⁽¹⁾		30.3	%		26.7	%⁽²⁾

Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block]

At August 31,	2015			2014
Current
Receivable reserve	$	541		$	597
Deferred rent		794			1,067
Other		770			177
Net current deferred tax assets	$	2,105		$	1,841
Non-current
Depreciation on property, equipment and leasehold improvements	$	10,880		$	9,831
Deferred rent		5,108			3,572
Stock-based compensation		17,562			18,160
Purchased intangible assets, including acquired technology		(17,533	)		(10,750	)
Other		4,582			1,564
Net non-current deferred tax assets	$	20,599		$	22,377
Total deferred tax assets	$	22,704		$	24,218

At August 31,	2015			2014
Current
Other	$	562		$	—
Net current deferred tax liabilities	$	562		$	—
Non-current
Purchased intangible assets, including acquired technology	$	1,886		$	3,478
Stock-based compensation		—			(860	)
Other		(189	)		303
Net non-current deferred tax liabilities	$	1,697		$	2,921
Total deferred tax liabilities	$	2,259		$	2,921

Summary of Income Tax Contingencies [Table Text Block]

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
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year		962
Additions for tax positions of prior years		1,122
Statute of limitations lapse		(809	)
Unrecognized income tax benefits at August 31, 2015	$	6,776

Summary of Income Tax Examinations [Table Text Block]

Major Tax Jurisdictions		Open Tax Years
U.S.
Federal		2013 through 2015
State (various)		2010 through 2015

Europe
United Kingdom		2013 through 2015
France		2012 through 2015

Note 17 - Debt (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2015

Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block]

At August 31,	2015		2014
2015 Revolving Credit Facility (maturity date of September 21, 2018)	$	35,000	$	—
Total Outstanding Debt at fiscal year-end	$	35,000	$	—

Note 18 - Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2015

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

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

Years Ended August 31,	Minimum Lease Payments
2016	$	22,695
2017		28,002
2018		27,373
2019		25,974
2020		20,129
Thereafter		145,929
Total	$	270,102

Note 20 - Unaudited Quarterly Financial Data (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2015

Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block]

Fiscal 2015	First Quarter		Second Quarter		Third Quarter		Fourth Quarter
Revenues	$	242,676	$	247,792	$	254,522	$	261,779
Cost of services		97,543		99,516		100,686		107,595
Selling, general and administrative		64,873		67,628		68,480		68,531
Operating income		80,260		80,648		85,356		85,653
Net income		55,860		61,598		61,409		62,184
Diluted earnings per common share⁽¹⁾	$	1.32	$	1.46	$	1.45	$	1.48
Weighted average common shares (diluted)		42,340		42,306		42,297		41,995

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⁾	$	1.19	$	1.22	$	1.21	$	1.31
Weighted average common shares (diluted)		43,773		43,107		42,615		42,386

Note 3 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015 USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2014 USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2013 USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2012 USD ($)
Note 3 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) [Line Items]
Unbilled Receivables, Not Billable	$ 4,000,000
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable	1,600,000	$ 1,700,000
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	113,975,000	96,777,000
Financial and Nonfinancial Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	1,602,000	591,000
Interest Income and Fees, Bankers Acceptances, Certificates of Deposit and Commercial Paper	$ 2,000,000	1,200,000	$ 1,300,000
Number of Reporting Units	3
Impairment of Intangible Assets, Finite-lived	$ 0	0	0
Employee Compensation, Percentage of Discretionary Incentives	15.00%
Accrued Bonuses	$ 38,600,000	37,300,000
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax	(43,694,000)	(18,431,000)
Unrecognized Tax Benefits	6,776,000	5,501,000	$ 5,435,000	$ 5,464,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Interest on Income Taxes Accrued	$ 1,300,000	1,100,000
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
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
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Note 3 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	$ 0	0
Financial and Nonfinancial Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	$ 0	$ 0

Note 4 - Fair Value Measures (Details) - USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Note 4 - Fair Value Measures (Details) [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	$ 113,975,000	$ 96,777,000
Financial and Nonfinancial Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	1,602,000	591,000
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	35,000,000
Long-term Debt	35,000,000	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Note 4 - Fair Value Measures (Details) [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Financial and Nonfinancial Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	$ 0	$ 0

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

Aug. 31, 2015

Aug. 31, 2014

Assets

^[1]

$ 89,443,000

$ 75,363,000

^[2]

23,497,000

20,008,000

^[3]

1,035,000

1,406,000

113,975,000

96,777,000

Total liabilities measured at fair value

^[3]

1,602,000

591,000

1,602,000

591,000

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]

Assets

^[1]

89,443,000

75,363,000

^[2]

^[3]

89,443,000

75,363,000

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]

^[3]

Assets

^[1]

^[2]

23,497,000

20,008,000

^[3]

1,035,000

1,406,000

24,532,000

21,414,000

Total liabilities measured at fair value

^[3]

1,602,000

591,000

1,602,000

591,000

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Assets

^[1]

^[2]

^[3]

Total liabilities measured at fair value

^[3]

$ 0

[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 Millions, £ in Millions, ₨ in Billions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015 USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2014 USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2015 INR (₨)	Aug. 31, 2015 PHP (₱)	Aug. 31, 2015 GBP (£)
Note 5 - Derivative Instruments (Details) [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) on Discontinuation of Foreign Currency Cash Flow Hedge Due to Forecasted Transaction Probable of Not Occurring, Net	$ 0	$ 0
India, Rupees
Note 5 - Derivative Instruments (Details) [Line Items]
Percent of Foreign Exchange Contracts Hedged	75.00%
United Kingdom, Pounds
Note 5 - Derivative Instruments (Details) [Line Items]
Percent of Foreign Exchange Contracts Hedged	50.00%
Euro Member Countries, Euro
Note 5 - Derivative Instruments (Details) [Line Items]
Percent of Foreign Exchange Contracts Hedged	50.00%
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] \| Cash Flow Hedging [Member]
Note 5 - Derivative Instruments (Details) [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Notional Amount	$ 92,414,000	44,979,000	₨ 4.0	₱ 18.1	£ 10.5
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassification from Accumulated OCI to Income, Estimated Net Amount to be Transferred	(1,000,000)
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] \| India, Rupees \| Cash Flow Hedging [Member]
Note 5 - Derivative Instruments (Details) [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Notional Amount	56,320,000	$ 38,479,000
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] \| United Kingdom, Pounds \| Cash Flow Hedging [Member]
Note 5 - Derivative Instruments (Details) [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Notional Amount	15,831,000
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] \| Euro Member Countries, Euro \| Cash Flow Hedging [Member]
Note 5 - Derivative Instruments (Details) [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Notional Amount	$ 20,263,000

Note 5 - Derivative Instruments (Details) - Hedging Positions and Corresponding Fair Values - Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] $ in Thousands, ₱ in Millions, £ in Millions, ₨ in Billions	Aug. 31, 2015 USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2015 INR (₨)	Aug. 31, 2015 PHP (₱)	Aug. 31, 2015 GBP (£)	Aug. 31, 2014 USD ($)
Note 5 - Derivative Instruments (Details) - Hedging Positions and Corresponding Fair Values [Line Items]
Fair Value Asset (Liability)	$ (567)				$ 815
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| Cash Flow Hedging [Member]
Note 5 - Derivative Instruments (Details) - Hedging Positions and Corresponding Fair Values [Line Items]
Gross Notional Value	92,414	₨ 4.0	₱ 18.1	£ 10.5	44,979
Fair Value Asset (Liability)	(567)				815
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| Cash Flow Hedging [Member] \| India, Rupees
Note 5 - Derivative Instruments (Details) - Hedging Positions and Corresponding Fair Values [Line Items]
Gross Notional Value	56,320				38,479
Fair Value Asset (Liability)	(990)				700
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| Cash Flow Hedging [Member] \| Philippines, Pesos
Note 5 - Derivative Instruments (Details) - Hedging Positions and Corresponding Fair Values [Line Items]
Gross Notional Value					6,500
Fair Value Asset (Liability)					$ 115
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| Cash Flow Hedging [Member] \| Euro Member Countries, Euro
Note 5 - Derivative Instruments (Details) - Hedging Positions and Corresponding Fair Values [Line Items]
Gross Notional Value	20,263
Fair Value Asset (Liability)	143
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| Cash Flow Hedging [Member] \| United Kingdom, Pounds
Note 5 - Derivative Instruments (Details) - Hedging Positions and Corresponding Fair Values [Line Items]
Gross Notional Value	15,831
Fair Value Asset (Liability)	$ 280

Note 5 - Derivative Instruments (Details) - Fair Value Amounts of Derivative Instruments and Gains - Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments Assets: Foreign Currency Forward Contracts
Derivatives assets designated as hedging instruments	$ 1,040	$ 1,406
Liabilities: Foreign Currency Forward Contracts
Derivatives liabilities designated as hedging instruments	1,607	626
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| Cash Flow Hedging [Member] \| Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets [Member]
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments Assets: Foreign Currency Forward Contracts
Derivatives assets designated as hedging instruments	1,035	114
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| Cash Flow Hedging [Member] \| Other Assets [Member]
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments Assets: Foreign Currency Forward Contracts
Derivatives assets designated as hedging instruments		1,292
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| Cash Flow Hedging [Member] \| Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities [Member]
Liabilities: Foreign Currency Forward Contracts
Derivatives liabilities designated as hedging instruments		$ 591
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| Cash Flow Hedging [Member] \| Deferred Rent and Other Non-current Liabilities [Member]
Liabilities: Foreign Currency Forward Contracts
Derivatives liabilities designated as hedging instruments	$ 1,602

Note 5 - Derivative Instruments (Details) - Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships - Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] - Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member] - Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] - Cash Flow Hedging [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Note 5 - Derivative Instruments (Details) - Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships [Line Items]
Foreign currency forward contracts	$ (1,939)	$ 8,294	$ (6,258)
Foreign currency forward contracts	$ (559)	$ (260)	$ (1,000)

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

Aug. 31, 2015

Aug. 31, 2014

Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]

Net derivative asset amounts

^[1]

$ 1,035

$ 1,406

Net derivative liability amounts

^[1]

(1,602)

(591)

Foreign Exchange Contract [Member]

Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]

Gross derivative asset amounts

1,040

1,406

Gross derivative asset amounts offset in balance sheet

(5)

Net derivative asset amounts

1,035

1,406

Gross derivative liability amounts

(1,607)

(626)

Gross derivative liability amounts offset in balance sheet

Net derivative liability amounts

(1,602)

(591)

Gross derivative amounts

(567)

780

Gross derivative amounts offset in balance sheet

Net derivative amounts

$ (567)

$ 815

[1]

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

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2015

Aug. 31, 2014

Aug. 31, 2013

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

$ (25,263)

$ 7,895

$ (5,151)

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

(25,263)

7,895

(5,151)

^[1]

559

260

1,000

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

^[1]

352

164

622

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

(1,939)

8,294

(6,258)

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

(1,220)

5,193

(3,918)

Other comprehensive (loss) income

(26,643)

16,449

(10,409)

Other comprehensive (loss) income

$ (26,131)

$ 13,252

$ (8,447)

[1]	Reclassified to Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Note 6 - Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) - Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Abstract]
Accumulated unrealized (losses) gains on cash flow hedges, net of tax	$ (358)	$ 510
Accumulated foreign currency translation adjustments	(43,694)	(18,431)
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss	$ (44,052)	$ (17,921)

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.

Note 7 - Segment Information (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Note 7 - Segment Information (Details) $ in Thousands	Aug. 31, 2015 USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2014 USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2013 USD ($)
Note 7 - Segment Information (Details) [Line Items]
Number of Operating Segments	3
Goodwill (in Dollars)	$ 308,287	$ 285,608	$ 244,573
UNITED STATES
Note 7 - Segment Information (Details) [Line Items]
Goodwill (in Dollars)	$ 211,869	179,434	167,822
Goodwill Percentage Per Segment	69.00%
Europe [Member]
Note 7 - Segment Information (Details) [Line Items]
Goodwill (in Dollars)	$ 93,725	103,032	73,424
Goodwill Percentage Per Segment	30.00%
Asia Pacific [Member]
Note 7 - Segment Information (Details) [Line Items]
Goodwill (in Dollars)	$ 2,693	$ 3,142	$ 3,327
Goodwill Percentage Per Segment	1.00%

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

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2015

May 31, 2015

Feb. 28, 2015

Nov. 30, 2014

Aug. 31, 2014

May 31, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

Nov. 30, 2013

Aug. 31, 2015

Aug. 31, 2014

Aug. 31, 2013

$ 261,779

$ 254,522

$ 247,792

$ 242,676

$ 238,664

$ 231,761

$ 226,934

$ 222,975

$ 1,006,768

^[1]

$ 920,335

^[1]

$ 858,112

^[1]

85,653

$ 85,356

$ 80,648

$ 80,260

79,386

$ 73,037

$ 75,054

$ 74,740

331,918

302,219

269,419

736,671

663,212

736,671

663,212

690,197

31,349

34,435

35,779

26,371

22,891

39,951

25,682

17,743

18,517

UNITED STATES

^[1]

678,774

624,642

586,865

172,980

165,004

138,706

427,990

362,255

427,990

362,255

444,406

23,645

25,574

27,757

23,006

20,288

37,307

22,459

16,047

13,649

Europe [Member]

251,522

227,395

208,827

116,310

100,937

100,187

239,689

239,654

239,689

239,654

193,202

5,135

5,656

4,027

2,991

2,231

2,264

460

647

1,276

Asia Pacific [Member]

^[1]

76,472

68,298

62,420

42,628

36,278

30,526

$ 68,992

$ 61,303

68,992

61,303

52,589

2,569

3,205

3,995

374

372

380

$ 2,763

$ 1,049

$ 3,592

[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, 2015

May 31, 2015

Feb. 28, 2015

Nov. 30, 2014

Aug. 31, 2014

May 31, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

Nov. 30, 2013

Aug. 31, 2015

Aug. 31, 2014

Aug. 31, 2013

$ 261,779

$ 254,522

$ 247,792

$ 242,676

$ 238,664

$ 231,761

$ 226,934

$ 222,975

$ 1,006,768

^[1]

$ 920,335

^[1]

$ 858,112

^[1]

UNITED STATES

^[1]

678,774

624,642

586,865

UNITED KINGDOM

All Other European Countries [Member]

^[1]

144,769

131,848

121,072

^[1]

106,753

95,547

87,755

Asia Pacific [Member]

^[1]

$ 76,472

$ 68,298

$ 62,420

[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, 2015

Aug. 31, 2014

Aug. 31, 2013

^[1]

$ 59,264

$ 57,641

$ 65,371

UNITED STATES

^[1]

49,923

46,294

51,184

UNITED KINGDOM

All Other European Countries [Member]

^[1]

3,655

4,669

4,806

^[1]

1,322

2,267

3,051

Asia Pacific [Member]

Income available to common stockholders (in Dollars)

^[1]

$ 4,364

$ 4,411

$ 6,330

[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) $ in Thousands			3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
Note 8 - Business Combinations (Details) $ in Thousands	Feb. 06, 2015 USD ($)	Sep. 01, 2013 USD ($)	Feb. 28, 2015 USD ($)	Feb. 28, 2014 USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2015 USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2014 USD ($)
Note 8 - Business Combinations (Details) [Line Items]
Goodwill, Acquired During Period (in Dollars)					$ 32,435	$ 37,143
Code Red, Inc. [Member]
Note 8 - Business Combinations (Details) [Line Items]
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred (in Dollars)	$ 35,953
Number of Employees	32
Subscription and Circulation Revenue (in Dollars)	$ 9,300
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired (in Dollars)	8,200		$ 9,100		8,221
Goodwill, Acquired During Period (in Dollars)	$ 29,600
Matrix Data Limited [Member]
Note 8 - Business Combinations (Details) [Line Items]
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred (in Dollars)				$ 31,800
Subscription and Circulation Revenue (in Dollars)				7,000
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired (in Dollars)				8,700
Goodwill, Acquired During Period (in Dollars)				$ 25,500
Revere Data, LLC [Member]
Note 8 - Business Combinations (Details) [Line Items]
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred (in Dollars)		$ 15,300
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired (in Dollars)		4,100
Goodwill, Acquired During Period (in Dollars)		11,600
Business Acquisition, Revenue Reported by Acquired Entity for Last Annual Period (in Dollars)		$ 5,000
Computer Software, Intangible Asset [Member] \| Code Red, Inc. [Member]
Note 8 - Business Combinations (Details) [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	6 years
Computer Software, Intangible Asset [Member] \| Matrix Data Limited [Member]
Note 8 - Business Combinations (Details) [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life				5 years
Customer Relationships [Member] \| Code Red, Inc. [Member]
Note 8 - Business Combinations (Details) [Line Items]
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired (in Dollars)					3,089
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
Customer Relationships [Member] \| Revere Data, LLC [Member]
Note 8 - Business Combinations (Details) [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life		7 years
Noncompete Agreements [Member] \| Code Red, Inc. [Member]
Note 8 - Business Combinations (Details) [Line Items]
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired (in Dollars)					277
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	4 years
Noncompete Agreements [Member] \| Matrix Data Limited [Member]
Note 8 - Business Combinations (Details) [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life				3 years
Noncompete Agreements [Member] \| Revere Data, LLC [Member]
Note 8 - Business Combinations (Details) [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life		2 years
Trade Names [Member] \| Code Red, Inc. [Member]
Note 8 - Business Combinations (Details) [Line Items]
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired (in Dollars)					127
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	3 years
Trade Names [Member] \| Matrix Data Limited [Member]
Note 8 - Business Combinations (Details) [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life				4 years
Trade Names [Member] \| Revere Data, LLC [Member]
Note 8 - Business Combinations (Details) [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life		4 years
Data Content [Member] \| Code Red, Inc. [Member]
Note 8 - Business Combinations (Details) [Line Items]
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired (in Dollars)					$ 4,728
Data Content [Member] \| Matrix Data Limited [Member]
Note 8 - Business Combinations (Details) [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life				4 years
Data Content [Member] \| Revere Data, LLC [Member]
Note 8 - Business Combinations (Details) [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life		5 years

Note 8 - Business Combinations (Details) - Purchase Price of Acquisition - Code Red, Inc. [Member] $ in Thousands	Feb. 06, 2015 USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash consideration	$ 32,962
Fair value of FactSet stock issued	2,991
Total purchase price	$ 35,953

Note 8 - Business Combinations (Details) - Assets Acquired - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Aug. 31, 2015	Feb. 06, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Feb. 28, 2014	Sep. 01, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013
Note 8 - Business Combinations (Details) - Assets Acquired [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 308,287		$ 285,608			$ 244,573
Code Red, Inc. [Member]
Note 8 - Business Combinations (Details) - Assets Acquired [Line Items]
Tangible assets acquired		$ 3,090
Goodwill		29,627
Total assets acquired					$ 40,938
Liabilities assumed		(4,985)
Net assets acquired		35,953
Matrix Data Limited [Member]
Note 8 - Business Combinations (Details) - Assets Acquired [Line Items]
Tangible assets acquired				$ 7,459
Goodwill				25,531
Total assets acquired				41,739
Liabilities assumed				(9,941)
Net assets acquired				31,798
Revere Data, LLC [Member]
Note 8 - Business Combinations (Details) - Assets Acquired [Line Items]
Tangible assets acquired					544
Goodwill					11,612
Total assets acquired		16,237
Liabilities assumed					(949)
Net assets acquired					15,288
Computer Software, Intangible Asset [Member] \| Code Red, Inc. [Member]
Note 8 - Business Combinations (Details) - Assets Acquired [Line Items]
Amortizable intangible assets		4,728
Computer Software, Intangible Asset [Member] \| Matrix Data Limited [Member]
Note 8 - Business Combinations (Details) - Assets Acquired [Line Items]
Amortizable intangible assets				1,708
Customer Relationships [Member] \| Code Red, Inc. [Member]
Note 8 - Business Combinations (Details) - Assets Acquired [Line Items]
Amortizable intangible assets		3,089
Customer Relationships [Member] \| Matrix Data Limited [Member]
Note 8 - Business Combinations (Details) - Assets Acquired [Line Items]
Amortizable intangible assets				2,816
Customer Relationships [Member] \| Revere Data, LLC [Member]
Note 8 - Business Combinations (Details) - Assets Acquired [Line Items]
Amortizable intangible assets					827
Noncompete Agreements [Member] \| Code Red, Inc. [Member]
Note 8 - Business Combinations (Details) - Assets Acquired [Line Items]
Amortizable intangible assets		277
Noncompete Agreements [Member] \| Matrix Data Limited [Member]
Note 8 - Business Combinations (Details) - Assets Acquired [Line Items]
Amortizable intangible assets				147
Noncompete Agreements [Member] \| Revere Data, LLC [Member]
Note 8 - Business Combinations (Details) - Assets Acquired [Line Items]
Amortizable intangible assets					162
Trade Names [Member] \| Code Red, Inc. [Member]
Note 8 - Business Combinations (Details) - Assets Acquired [Line Items]
Amortizable intangible assets		$ 127
Trade Names [Member] \| Matrix Data Limited [Member]
Note 8 - Business Combinations (Details) - Assets Acquired [Line Items]
Amortizable intangible assets				670
Trade Names [Member] \| Revere Data, LLC [Member]
Note 8 - Business Combinations (Details) - Assets Acquired [Line Items]
Amortizable intangible assets					293
Data Content [Member] \| Matrix Data Limited [Member]
Note 8 - Business Combinations (Details) - Assets Acquired [Line Items]
Amortizable intangible assets				$ 3,408
Data Content [Member] \| Revere Data, LLC [Member]
Note 8 - Business Combinations (Details) - Assets Acquired [Line Items]
Amortizable intangible assets					$ 2,799

Note 9 - Goodwill (Details)	12 Months Ended
Note 9 - Goodwill (Details)	Aug. 31, 2015
Disclosure Text Block Supplement [Abstract]
Number of Reportable Segments	3

Note 9 - Goodwill (Details) - Changes in the Carrying Amount of Goodwill by Segment - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Goodwill [Line Items]
Balance	$ 285,608	$ 244,573
Goodwill acquired during the period	32,435	37,143
Foreign currency translations	(9,756)	3,892
Balance	308,287	285,608
UNITED STATES
Goodwill [Line Items]
Balance	179,434	167,822
Goodwill acquired during the period	32,435	11,612
Balance	211,869	179,434
Europe [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Balance	103,032	73,424
Goodwill acquired during the period		25,531
Foreign currency translations	(9,307)	4,077
Balance	93,725	103,032
Asia Pacific [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Balance	3,142	3,327
Foreign currency translations	(449)	(185)
Balance	$ 2,693	$ 3,142

Note 10 - Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 06, 2015	Feb. 28, 2015	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Note 10 - Intangible Assets (Details) [Line Items]
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life			11 years 36 days
Impairment of Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill)			$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Asset, Residual Value			0
Amortization of Intangible Assets			$ 8,200	$ 8,500	$ 7,100
Code Red, Inc. [Member]
Note 10 - Intangible Assets (Details) [Line Items]
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life		6 years 109 days	6 years 109 days
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired	$ 8,200	$ 9,100	$ 8,221

Note 10 - Intangible Assets (Details) - Identifiable Intangible Assets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	$ 91,659	$ 109,870
Accumulated amortization	51,607	68,015
Net carrying amount	40,052	41,855
Data Content [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	39,911	56,974
Accumulated amortization	16,667	27,644
Net carrying amount	23,244	29,320
Customer Relationships [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	27,873	25,821
Accumulated amortization	18,241	17,443
Net carrying amount	9,632	8,378
Computer Software, Intangible Asset [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	21,203	22,881
Accumulated amortization	15,042	20,089
Net carrying amount	6,161	2,792
Noncompete Agreements [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	1,058	2,465
Accumulated amortization	637	1,881
Net carrying amount	421	584
Trade Names [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	1,614	1,729
Accumulated amortization	1,020	958
Net carrying amount	$ 594	$ 771

Note 10 - Intangible Assets (Details) - Intangible Assets Acquired - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 06, 2015	Feb. 28, 2015	Aug. 31, 2015
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization period			11 years 36 days
Code Red, Inc. [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization period		6 years 109 days	6 years 109 days
Acquisition cost	$ 8,200	$ 9,100	$ 8,221
Data Content [Member] \| Code Red, Inc. [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization period			6 years
Acquisition cost			$ 4,728
Customer Relationships [Member] \| Code Red, Inc. [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization period			7 years
Acquisition cost			$ 3,089
Noncompete Agreements [Member] \| Code Red, Inc. [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization period			4 years
Acquisition cost			$ 277
Trade Names [Member] \| Code Red, Inc. [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization period			3 years
Acquisition cost			$ 127

Note 10 - Intangible Assets (Details) - Estimated Amortization Expense $ in Thousands	Aug. 31, 2015 USD ($)
Estimated Amortization Expense [Abstract]
2016	$ 7,031
2017	6,949
2018	5,816
2019	4,492
2020	3,461
Thereafter	12,303
Total	$ 40,052

Note 11 - Property, Equipment and Leasehold Improvements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Depreciation	$ 23.1	$ 25.9	$ 28.4

Note 11 - Property, Equipment and Leasehold Improvements (Details) - Property, Equipment and Leasehold Improvements - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant, and equipment	$ 213,279	$ 201,713
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	(154,015)	(144,072)
Property, equipment and leasehold improvements, net	59,264	57,641
Leasehold Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant, and equipment	92,427	90,487
Computer Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant, and equipment	87,732	81,853
Furniture and Fixtures [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant, and equipment	$ 33,120	$ 29,373

Note 12 - Common Stock and Earnings Per Share (Details) - $ / shares			12 Months Ended
	May 12, 2015	May 11, 2015	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Note 12 - Common Stock and Earnings Per Share (Details) [Line Items]
Increase in Dividend Rate	12.80%
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid (in Dollars per share)	$ 0.44	$ 0.39
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Note 12 - Common Stock and Earnings Per Share (Details) [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount			88,090	0	6,408
Performance Shares [Member]
Note 12 - Common Stock and Earnings Per Share (Details) [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount			478,945	380,653	1,202,685
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)	$ 1.76

Note 12 - Common Stock and Earnings Per Share (Details) - Shares of Common Stock Outstanding - shares	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Shares of Common Stock Outstanding [Abstract]
Balance, beginning of year (September 1)	41,792,802	43,324,000	44,279,000
Common stock issued for employee stock plans	1,213,000	959,000	2,459,000
Repurchases of common stock	(1,689,337)	(2,489,993)	(3,414,000)
Balance, end of year (August 31)	41,316,902	41,792,802	43,324,000

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, 2015

May 31, 2015

Feb. 28, 2015

Nov. 30, 2014

Aug. 31, 2014

May 31, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

Nov. 30, 2013

Aug. 31, 2015

Aug. 31, 2014

Aug. 31, 2013

Basic EPS

$ 241,051

$ 211,543

$ 198,637

Income available to common stockholders

41,572

42,436

43,890

Income available to common stockholders (in Dollars per share)

$ 5.80

$ 4.98

$ 4.53

Diluted EPS

Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock

663

534

734

Income available to common stockholders (in Dollars)

$ 241,051

$ 211,543

$ 198,637

Income available to common stockholders

41,995

42,297

42,306

42,340

42,386

42,615

43,107

43,773

42,235

42,970

44,624

Income available to common stockholders (in Dollars per share)

$ 1.48

^[1]

$ 1.45

^[1]

$ 1.46

^[1]

$ 1.32

^[1]

$ 1.31

^[1]

$ 1.21

^[1]

$ 1.22

^[1]

$ 1.19

^[1]

$ 5.71

$ 4.92

$ 4.45

[1]	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 fiscal year.

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

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

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

12 Months Ended

Dec. 15, 2014

Aug. 31, 2015

Aug. 31, 2014

Aug. 31, 2013

Aug. 31, 2012

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

50,328,423

49,110,218

Treasury Stock, Shares

9,011,521

7,317,416

Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding

41,316,902

41,792,802

43,324,000

44,279,000

Stock Repurchase Program, Additional Amount Authorized (in Dollars)

$ 300,000

Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired

1,689,337

2,489,993

3,414,000

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

$ 253,076

$ 275,415

$ 327,454

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

$ 134,200

87,000

Shares Paid for Tax Withholding for Share Based Compensation

23,192

$ 3,100

$ 4,400

Previously Granted Restricted Stock Awards [Member]

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

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

94,870

135,205

Shares Paid for Tax Withholding for Share Based Compensation

41,093

Restricted Stock [Member]

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

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

95,000

^[1]

149,741

^[2]

150,000

^[3]

[1]	The 94,870 restricted stock awards that vested during fiscal 2015 were comprised of: 53,495 of awards granted on October 23, 2014, which cliff vested 60% after three years (on October 23, 2012) and 40% after five years (on October 23, 2014); 14,683 restricted stock awards that were granted on April 8, 2013, which cliff vest 20% annually upon the anniversary date of the grant; 17,228 awards relating to restricted stock granted on February 9, 2010; and 9,464 restricted stock awards that were previously granted between November 2013 and November 2014.
[2]	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 torestricted stock granted on February 9, 2010 which cliff vested 50% after four years (on February 9, 2014).
[3]	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 40% 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 - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	Aug. 10, 2015	May 12, 2015	Feb. 11, 2015	Nov. 12, 2014	Aug. 14, 2014	May 05, 2014	Feb. 11, 2014	Nov. 14, 2013	Aug. 15, 2013	May 14, 2013	Feb. 21, 2013	Nov. 15, 2012
Dividends Declared [Abstract]
Dividends Per Share of Common Stock	$ 0.44	$ 0.44	$ 0.39	$ 0.39	$ 0.39	$ 0.39	$ 0.35	$ 0.35	$ 0.35	$ 0.35	$ 0.31	$ 0.31
Record Date	Aug. 31, 2015	May 29, 2015	Feb. 27, 2015	Nov. 28, 2014	Aug. 29, 2014	May 30, 2014	Feb. 28, 2014	Nov. 29, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013	May 31, 2013	Feb. 28, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012
Total $ Amount	$ 18,179	$ 18,274	$ 16,236	$ 16,216	$ 16,299	$ 16,386	$ 14,827	$ 15,046	$ 15,164	$ 15,413	$ 13,510	$ 13,746
Payment Date	Sep. 15, 2015	Jun. 16, 2015	Mar. 17, 2015	Dec. 16, 2014	Sep. 16, 2014	Jun. 17, 2014	Mar. 18, 2014	Dec. 17, 2013	Sep. 17, 2013	Jun. 18, 2013	Mar. 19, 2013	Dec. 18, 2012

Note 14 - Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) - USD ($)

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

13 Months Ended

22 Months Ended

24 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2015

May 01, 2015

Feb. 09, 2015

Dec. 17, 2014

Nov. 03, 2014

Oct. 23, 2014

Aug. 31, 2014

Feb. 03, 2014

Dec. 23, 2013

Nov. 01, 2013

Sep. 17, 2013

Apr. 08, 2013

Apr. 14, 2011

Nov. 08, 2010

Feb. 09, 2010

Oct. 23, 2009

Aug. 31, 2015

Aug. 31, 2014

Aug. 31, 2013

Nov. 30, 2012

Jul. 31, 2012

Nov. 30, 2011

Aug. 31, 2015

Feb. 28, 2015

Aug. 31, 2014

May 31, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

Nov. 30, 2013

Aug. 31, 2013

May 31, 2013

Nov. 30, 2012

Aug. 31, 2015

Aug. 31, 2014

Aug. 31, 2013

Nov. 30, 2014

Aug. 31, 2013

Aug. 31, 2017

Dec. 16, 2014

Aug. 31, 2012

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

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

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

134,000

849,000

^[1]

743,000

^[2]

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

$ 107,116,000

Share Price (in Dollars per share)

$ 157.92

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

$ 60,500,000

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

3 years 146 days

Common Stock, Capital Shares Reserved for Future Issuance

500,000

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Purchase Price of Common Stock, Percent

85.00%

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Maximum Employee Subscription Rate

10.00%

Defined Contribution Plan, Maximum Annual Contributions Per Employee, Percent

60.00%

Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Matching Contribution, Percent of Employees' Gross Pay

4.00%

Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Matching Contribution, Vesting Period

5 years

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

$ 8,600,000

$ 7,700,000

$ 7,500,000

Performance Shares [Member]

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

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

137,522

165,949

36,695

1,011,510

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage

20.00%

Performance Shares [Member] | Code Red, Inc. [Member]

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

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period

4 years

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

137,522

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage

0.00%

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

$ 2,100,000

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

3 years 146 days

Performance Shares [Member] | Matrix Data Limited [Member]

Note 14 - 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, Options Measurement Period

5 years

Performance Shares [Member] | Revere Data, LLC [Member]

Note 14 - 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, Forfeitures in Period

6,184

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

$ 400,000

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

3 years

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

18,553

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Not Vested, Number of Shares

18,142

Performance Shares [Member] | Revere Data, LLC [Member] | Scenario, Forecast [Member]

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

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage

80.00%

Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Options Measurement Period

4 years

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

11,958

Restricted Stock [Member]

Note 14 - 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

5,704

448

21,294

15,070

841

12,264

30,144

153,972

7,744

14,683

55,000

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)

$ 157.84

$ 153.89

$ 140.88

$ 132.71

$ 124.18

$ 95.45

$ 102.84

$ 102.22

$ 103.30

$ 85.80

$ 138.23

$ 101.95

$ 85.80

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number

368,000

313,000

368,000

358,000

313,000

368,000

358,000

313,000

368,000

358,000

383,000

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

95,000

^[3]

149,741

^[4]

150,000

^[5]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other Than Options, Share Equivalent

2.5

Restricted Stock [Member] | Vested During Fiscal 2013 [Member]

Note 14 - 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

87,758

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

55,572

149,741

Restricted Stock [Member] | Vested During Fiscal 2014 [Member]

Note 14 - 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

29,087

62,544

17,230

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

135,205

Restricted Stock [Member] | Vested During Fiscal 2015 [Member]

Note 14 - 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

53,495

17,228

9,464

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

94,870

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

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

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

$ 0

2008 Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]

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

Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in Dollars per share)

$ 122.76

$ 89.28

$ 80.77

Common Stock, Capital Shares Reserved for Future Issuance

481,616

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Additional Shares Authorized

500,000

Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Employee Stock Purchase Plans

63,265

74,889

75,281

Treasury Stock Acquired, Average Cost Per Share (in Dollars per share)

$ 74,889

$ 75,281

2004 Stock Option and Award Plan [Member]

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

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

828,652

391,478

1,674,966

Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in Dollars per share)

$ 141.79

$ 106.73

$ 92.21

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

$ 111,300,000

$ 107,100,000

$ 111,300,000

$ 107,100,000

$ 111,300,000

$ 107,100,000

$ 111,300,000

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

3 years 328 days

3 years 146 days

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

$ 92,700,000

$ 44,000,000

$ 99,100,000

2004 Stock Option and Award Plan [Member] | Employee Stock Option [Member]

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

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period

5 years

2004 Stock Option and Award Plan [Member] | Performance-based Employee Stock Options [Member]

Note 14 - 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, Forfeitures in Period

665,551

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested, Number of Shares

2004 Stock Option and Award Plan [Member] | November 2012 Annual Employee Performance-based Option Grant [Member]

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

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

1,011,510

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

$ 900,000

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

2 years 36 days

2004 Stock Option and Award Plan [Member] | July 2012 Performance-based Option Grant [Member]

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

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

241,546

2004 Stock Option and Award Plan [Member] | Restricted Stock [Member]

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

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

$ 20,500,000

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

3 years 73 days

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

^[6]

137,000

510,000

329,000

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)

$ 138.23

$ 101.95

$ 85.80

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number

313,407

2004 Stock Option and Award Plan [Member] | Restricted Stock [Member] | Employees [Member]

Note 14 - 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

54,862

204,124

131,702

Granted Between June 2010 and July 2011 [Member] | Restricted Stock [Member] | Vested During Fiscal 2013 [Member]

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

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

6,411

Became Eligible to Vest on August 31, 2014 [Member] | 2004 Stock Option and Award Plan [Member] | November 2012 Annual Employee Performance-based Option Grant [Member]

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

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested, Number of Shares

185,014

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage

20.00%

Became Eligible to Vest on August 31, 2014 [Member] | 2004 Stock Option and Award Plan [Member] | November 2012 Annual Employee Performance-based Option Grant [Member] | Recorded as Forfeitures [Member]

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

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage

80.00%

Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche One [Member] | Performance Shares [Member]

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

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested, Number of Shares

48,314

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage

20.00%

Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche One [Member] | Performance Shares [Member] | Code Red, Inc. [Member]

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

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period

4 years

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

68,761

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage

10.00%

Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche Two [Member] | Performance Shares [Member]

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

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage

20.00%

Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche Two [Member] | Performance Shares [Member] | Code Red, Inc. [Member]

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

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period

2 years

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

68,761

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage

40.00%

Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche Three [Member] | Performance Shares [Member]

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

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage

20.00%

Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche Three [Member] | Performance Shares [Member] | Code Red, Inc. [Member]

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

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage

70.00%

Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche Four [Member] | Performance Shares [Member]

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

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage

20.00%

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

$ 600,000

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

2 years

Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche Four [Member] | Performance Shares [Member] | Scenario, Forecast [Member]

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

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage

20.00%

Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche Four [Member] | Performance Shares [Member] | Code Red, Inc. [Member]

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

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage

100.00%

Vest After Three Years [Member] | Restricted Stock [Member] | Vested During Fiscal 2013 [Member]

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

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period

3 years

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage

100.00%

60.00%

Vest After Three Years [Member] | Restricted Stock [Member] | Vested During Fiscal 2014 [Member]

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

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period

3 years

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage

100.00%

60.00%

Vest After Three Years [Member] | Restricted Stock [Member] | Vested During Fiscal 2015 [Member]

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

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period

3 years

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage

60.00%

Vest After Five Years [Member] | Restricted Stock [Member] | Vested During Fiscal 2013 [Member]

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

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period

5 years

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage

40.00%

Vest After Five Years [Member] | Restricted Stock [Member] | Vested During Fiscal 2014 [Member]

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

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period

5 years

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage

40.00%

Vest After Five Years [Member] | Restricted Stock [Member] | Vested During Fiscal 2015 [Member]

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

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period

5 years

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage

40.00%

Vest Annually [Member] | Restricted Stock [Member] | Vested During Fiscal 2014 [Member]

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

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage

20.00%

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

26,344

Vest Annually [Member] | Restricted Stock [Member] | Vested During Fiscal 2015 [Member]

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

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage

20.00%

Vest After Four Years [Member] | Restricted Stock [Member] | Vested During Fiscal 2014 [Member]

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

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period

4 years

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage

50.00%

Minimum [Member] | 2004 Stock Option and Award Plan [Member] | Employee Stock Option [Member]

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

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Period

7 years

Maximum [Member] | Employee Stock Option [Member]

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

Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in Dollars per share)

$ 141.84

$ 106.69

$ 92.22

Maximum [Member] | 2004 Stock Option and Award Plan [Member] | Employee Stock Option [Member]

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

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Period

10 years

[1]	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 asforfeitures in August 2014.
[2]	In November 2011, FactSet 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.
[3]	The 94,870 restricted stock awards that vested during fiscal 2015 were comprised of: 53,495 of awards granted on October 23, 2014, which cliff vested 60% after three years (on October 23, 2012) and 40% after five years (on October 23, 2014); 14,683 restricted stock awards that were granted on April 8, 2013, which cliff vest 20% annually upon the anniversary date of the grant; 17,228 awards relating to restricted stock granted on February 9, 2010; and 9,464 restricted stock awards that were previously granted between November 2013 and November 2014.
[4]	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 torestricted stock granted on February 9, 2010 which cliff vested 50% after four years (on February 9, 2014).
[5]	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 40% 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.
[6]	Each restricted stock award granted is equivalent to 2.5 shares granted under the Company's option plan.

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

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2015

May 31, 2015

Feb. 28, 2015

Nov. 30, 2014

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, 2015

Aug. 31, 2014

Aug. 31, 2013

Note 14 - Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) - Summary of Stock Option Activity [Line Items]

Balance, number outstanding

3,482,000

4,729,000

6,083,000

3,482,000

4,729,000

6,083,000

Balance, weighted average exercise price per share

$ 79.67

$ 75.95

$ 64.76

$ 79.67

$ 75.95

$ 64.76

Exercised, number outstanding

(1,060,000)

(789,000)

(2,286,000)

Exercised, weighted average exercise price per share

$ 63.03

$ 57.56

$ 52.25

Forfeited, number outstanding

(134,000)

(849,000)

^[1]

(743,000)

^[2]

Forfeited, weighted average exercise price per share

$ 106.01

$ 91.98

^[1]

$ 93.84

^[2]

Balance, number outstanding

3,117,000

3,482,000

4,729,000

3,117,000

3,482,000

4,729,000

Balance, weighted average exercise price per share

$ 100.71

$ 79.67

$ 75.95

$ 100.71

$ 79.67

$ 75.95

Non-employee Director [Member]

Note 14 - Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) - Summary of Stock Option Activity [Line Items]

Granted, weighted average exercise price per share

14,000

19,000

$ 138.48

$ 107.65

$ 91.06

Non-performance Based [Member]

Note 14 - Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) - Summary of Stock Option Activity [Line Items]

Granted, weighted average exercise price per share

128,090

61,210

25,075

462,913

138,902

35,508

9,367

635,308

677,000

174,000

645,000

$ 165.02

$ 159.14

$ 131.31

$ 92.55

$ 140.49

$ 103.36

$ 92.22

Performance-based Options [Member]

Note 14 - Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) - Summary of Stock Option Activity [Line Items]

Granted, weighted average exercise price per share

138,000

203,000

1,011,000

$ 148.52

$ 109.56

$ 92.22

[1]	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 asforfeitures in August 2014.
[2]	In November 2011, FactSet 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.

Note 14 - 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, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Number Outstanding (in Shares)	3,117	3,482	4,729	6,083
Weighted Average Remaining Years of Contractual Life	6 years 109 days
Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share, Outstanding	$ 100.71	$ 79.67	$ 75.95	$ 64.76
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Outstanding (in Dollars)	$ 178,271
Number Exercisable (in Shares)	1,352	1,899	1,925
Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share, Exercisable	$ 78.70	$ 68.78	$ 59.70
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Exercisable (in Dollars)	$ 107,116
Range 1 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Range of Exercise Prices Per Share, Lower Limit	$ 35.80
Range of Exercise Prices Per Share, Upper Limit	$ 63.09
Number Outstanding (in Shares)	255
Weighted Average Remaining Years of Contractual Life	1 year
Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share, Outstanding	$ 54.62
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Outstanding (in Dollars)	$ 26,340
Number Exercisable (in Shares)	255
Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share, Exercisable	$ 54.62
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Exercisable (in Dollars)	$ 26,340
Range 2 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Range of Exercise Prices Per Share, Lower Limit	$ 66.46
Range of Exercise Prices Per Share, Upper Limit	$ 66.81
Number Outstanding (in Shares)	351
Weighted Average Remaining Years of Contractual Life	1 year 73 days
Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share, Outstanding	$ 66.47
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Outstanding (in Dollars)	$ 32,098
Number Exercisable (in Shares)	351
Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share, Exercisable	$ 66.47
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Exercisable (in Dollars)	$ 32,098
Range 3 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Range of Exercise Prices Per Share, Lower Limit	$ 87.26
Range of Exercise Prices Per Share, Upper Limit	$ 90.92
Number Outstanding (in Shares)	372
Weighted Average Remaining Years of Contractual Life	5 years 219 days
Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share, Outstanding	$ 90.14
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Outstanding (in Dollars)	$ 25,213
Number Exercisable (in Shares)	169
Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share, Exercisable	$ 89.44
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Exercisable (in Dollars)	$ 11,574
Range 4 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Range of Exercise Prices Per Share, Lower Limit	$ 91.06
Range of Exercise Prices Per Share, Upper Limit	$ 92.22
Number Outstanding (in Shares)	654
Weighted Average Remaining Years of Contractual Life	7 years 36 days
Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share, Outstanding	$ 92.19
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Outstanding (in Dollars)	$ 42,986
Number Exercisable (in Shares)	336
Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share, Exercisable	$ 92.20
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Exercisable (in Dollars)	$ 22,083
Range 5 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Range of Exercise Prices Per Share, Lower Limit	$ 94.84
Range of Exercise Prices Per Share, Upper Limit	$ 96.10
Number Outstanding (in Shares)	326
Weighted Average Remaining Years of Contractual Life	6 years
Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share, Outstanding	$ 94.88
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Outstanding (in Dollars)	$ 20,550
Number Exercisable (in Shares)	227
Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share, Exercisable	$ 94.85
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Exercisable (in Dollars)	$ 14,317
Range 6 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Range of Exercise Prices Per Share, Lower Limit	$ 102.01
Range of Exercise Prices Per Share, Upper Limit	$ 110.31
Number Outstanding (in Shares)	358
Weighted Average Remaining Years of Contractual Life	8 years 73 days
Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share, Outstanding	$ 106.88
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Outstanding (in Dollars)	$ 18,273
Number Exercisable (in Shares)	14
Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share, Exercisable	$ 107.64
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Exercisable (in Dollars)	$ 704
Range 7 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Range of Exercise Prices Per Share, Lower Limit	$ 131.31
Range of Exercise Prices Per Share, Upper Limit	$ 139.02
Number Outstanding (in Shares)	484
Weighted Average Remaining Years of Contractual Life	9 years 36 days
Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share, Outstanding	$ 131.91
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Outstanding (in Dollars)	$ 12,586
Range 8 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Range of Exercise Prices Per Share, Lower Limit	$ 148.52
Range of Exercise Prices Per Share, Upper Limit	$ 166.74
Number Outstanding (in Shares)	317
Weighted Average Remaining Years of Contractual Life	9 years 219 days
Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share, Outstanding	$ 157.21
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Outstanding (in Dollars)	$ 225

Note 14 - Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) - Stock Options Outstanding and Exercisable - $ / shares shares in Thousands	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Stock Options Outstanding and Exercisable [Abstract]
Outstanding at fiscal year end	3,117	3,482	4,729	6,083
Outstanding at fiscal year end	$ 100.71	$ 79.67	$ 75.95	$ 64.76
Exercisable at fiscal year end	1,352	1,899	1,925
Exercisable at fiscal year end	$ 78.70	$ 68.78	$ 59.70

Note 14 - Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) - Changes to the Current Estimate of the Vesting Percentage and Related Expense - Performance Shares [Member] - USD ($)
$ in Thousands

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2015

Aug. 31, 2014

Jul. 31, 2012

Aug. 31, 2013

Aug. 31, 2015

Note 14 - Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) - Changes to the Current Estimate of the Vesting Percentage and Related Expense [Line Items]

Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche Four [Member]

20.00%

Note 14 - Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) - Changes to the Current Estimate of the Vesting Percentage and Related Expense [Line Items]

^[1]

$ 0

$ 619

Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche Five [Member]

20.00%

Note 14 - Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) - Changes to the Current Estimate of the Vesting Percentage and Related Expense [Line Items]

^[1]

$ 1,216

$ 1,003

Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche One [Member]

20.00%

Note 14 - Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) - Changes to the Current Estimate of the Vesting Percentage and Related Expense [Line Items]

Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche Two [Member]

20.00%

Note 14 - Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) - Changes to the Current Estimate of the Vesting Percentage and Related Expense [Line Items]

Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche Three [Member]

20.00%

Note 14 - Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) - Changes to the Current Estimate of the Vesting Percentage and Related Expense [Line Items]

Note 14 - Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) - Changes to the Current Estimate of the Vesting Percentage and Related Expense [Line Items]

20.00%

Code Red, Inc. [Member]

$ (338)

$ 0

Code Red, Inc. [Member] | Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche Four [Member]

0.00%

Note 14 - Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) - Changes to the Current Estimate of the Vesting Percentage and Related Expense [Line Items]

^[1]

$ 506

$ 5,156

Code Red, Inc. [Member] | Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche One [Member]

100.00%

Note 14 - Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) - Changes to the Current Estimate of the Vesting Percentage and Related Expense [Line Items]

^[1]

$ (253)

$ 516

Code Red, Inc. [Member] | Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche Two [Member]

10.00%

Note 14 - Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) - Changes to the Current Estimate of the Vesting Percentage and Related Expense [Line Items]

^[1]

$ 0

$ 2,063

Code Red, Inc. [Member] | Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche Three [Member]

40.00%

Note 14 - Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) - Changes to the Current Estimate of the Vesting Percentage and Related Expense [Line Items]

^[1]

$ 253

$ 3,609

Note 14 - Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) - Summary of Restricted Stock Award [Line Items]

70.00%

[1]	Amounts represent the cumulative catch-up adjustment to be recorded if there was a change in the vesting percentage as of August 31, 2015.

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

12 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2015

May 01, 2015

Feb. 09, 2015

Dec. 17, 2014

Nov. 03, 2014

Feb. 03, 2014

Dec. 23, 2013

Nov. 01, 2013

Sep. 17, 2013

Apr. 08, 2013

Aug. 31, 2015

Aug. 31, 2014

Aug. 31, 2013

368,000

358,000

383,000

Granted (restricted stock and stock units)

$ 89.77

$ 80.43

$ 71.34

5,704

448

21,294

15,070

841

12,264

30,144

153,972

7,744

14,683

55,000

204,000

132,000

Granted (restricted stock and stock units)

$ 157.84

$ 153.89

$ 140.88

$ 132.71

$ 124.18

$ 95.45

$ 102.84

$ 102.22

$ 103.30

$ 85.80

$ 138.23

$ 101.95

$ 85.80

Vested

(95,000)

^[1]

(149,741)

^[2]

(150,000)

^[3]

Vested

$ 70.94

^[1]

$ 84.48

^[2]

$ 62.34

^[3]

Canceled/forfeited

(15,000)

(59,000)

(7,000)

Canceled/forfeited

$ 101.04

$ 86.39

$ 81.38

313,000

368,000

358,000

2004 Stock Option and Award Plan [Member]

$ 103.34

$ 89.77

$ 80.43

[1]	The 94,870 restricted stock awards that vested during fiscal 2015 were comprised of: 53,495 of awards granted on October 23, 2014, which cliff vested 60% after three years (on October 23, 2012) and 40% after five years (on October 23, 2014); 14,683 restricted stock awards that were granted on April 8, 2013, which cliff vest 20% annually upon the anniversary date of the grant; 17,228 awards relating to restricted stock granted on February 9, 2010; and 9,464 restricted stock awards that were previously granted between November 2013 and November 2014.
[2]	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 torestricted stock granted on February 9, 2010 which cliff vested 50% after four years (on February 9, 2014).
[3]	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 40% 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 14 - Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) - Summary of Share-based Awards Available for Grant - shares

12 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2015

May 01, 2015

Feb. 09, 2015

Dec. 17, 2014

Nov. 03, 2014

Feb. 03, 2014

Dec. 23, 2013

Nov. 01, 2013

Sep. 17, 2013

Apr. 08, 2013

Aug. 31, 2015

Aug. 31, 2014

Aug. 31, 2013

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Share-based awards canceled/forfeited

3,222,000

3,116,000

4,340,000

^[1]

171,000

993,000

761,000

Non-Employee Directors' Stock Option Plan [Member]

2,441,000

3,222,000

3,116,000

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Share-based awards canceled/forfeited

102,000

107,000

126,000

^[1]

9,000

Non-Employee Directors' Stock Option Plan [Member] | Non-employee Director [Member]

88,000

102,000

107,000

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Granted – options

(14,000)

(19,000)

Non-performance Based [Member] | 2004 Stock Option and Award Plan [Member]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Granted – options

(677,000)

(174,000)

(645,000)

Performance-based Options [Member] | 2004 Stock Option and Award Plan [Member]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Granted – options

(138,000)

(203,000)

(1,011,000)

Restricted Stock [Member]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Restricted stock awards granted

(5,704)

(448)

(21,294)

(15,070)

(841)

(12,264)

(30,144)

(153,972)

(7,744)

(14,683)

(55,000)

(204,000)

(132,000)

Restricted Stock [Member] | 2004 Stock Option and Award Plan [Member]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Restricted stock awards granted

^[2]

(137,000)

(510,000)

(329,000)

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

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Restricted stock awards granted

^[2]

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

Note 15 - Stock-based Compensation (Details) - USD ($)														3 Months Ended												12 Months Ended			24 Months Ended
Note 15 - Stock-based Compensation (Details) - USD ($)	Jul. 31, 2015	May 01, 2015	Feb. 09, 2015	Jan. 15, 2015	Dec. 17, 2014	Nov. 03, 2014	Feb. 03, 2014	Jan. 15, 2014	Dec. 23, 2013	Nov. 01, 2013	Sep. 17, 2013	Apr. 08, 2013	Jan. 01, 2013	Aug. 31, 2015	May 31, 2015	Feb. 28, 2015	Nov. 30, 2014	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, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2015	Dec. 16, 2014
Note 15 - Stock-based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense (in Dollars)																										$ 26,371,000	$ 22,891,000	$ 39,951,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized (in Dollars)														$ 60,500,000												$ 60,500,000			$ 60,500,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition																										3 years 146 days
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 (in Shares)																		0	0			0	0
Common Stock, Capital Shares Reserved for Future Issuance (in Shares)																														500,000
2008 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	$ 26,400,000
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 (in Shares)														128,090	61,210	25,075	462,913			138,902	35,508			9,367	635,308	677,000	174,000	645,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price														$ 165.02	$ 159.14		$ 131.31							$ 92.55		$ 140.49	$ 103.36	$ 92.22
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value														$ 54.10	$ 44.95		$ 37.67							$ 26.69
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 (in Shares)																137,522				165,949	36,695				1,011,510
Performance and Non-performance [Member]
Note 15 - Stock-based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price																$ 147.05				$ 106.03	$ 109.49				$ 92.22
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value																$ 43.05				$ 29.14	$ 31.78				$ 26.87
Non-Employee Directors' Stock Option Plan [Member]
Note 15 - Stock-based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross (in Shares)				13,842				14,424					18,781
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value				$ 28.18				$ 27.04					$ 24.23
Common Stock, Capital Shares Reserved for Future Issuance (in Shares)														250,000												250,000			250,000
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Note 15 - Stock-based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period (in Shares)		397	1,724			9,384
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value		$ 151.50	$ 145.01			$ 127.88
Restricted Stock [Member]
Note 15 - Stock-based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period (in Shares)	5,704	448	21,294		15,070	841	12,264		30,144	153,972	7,744	14,683														55,000	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	$ 157.84	$ 153.89	$ 140.88		$ 132.71	$ 124.18	$ 95.45		$ 102.84	$ 102.22	$ 103.30	$ 85.80														$ 138.23	$ 101.95	$ 85.80
2008 Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]
Note 15 - Stock-based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense (in Dollars)																										$ 1,500,000	$ 1,300,000	$ 1,200,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price																										$ 122.76	$ 89.28	$ 80.77
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value																										$ 24.05	$ 17.76	$ 15.79
Common Stock, Capital Shares Reserved for Future Issuance (in Shares)														481,616												481,616			481,616
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Employee Stock Purchase Plans (in Shares)																										63,265	74,889	75,281

Note 15 - Stock-based Compensation (Details) - Summary of Stock Option Weighted Average Assumptions of Employee Stock Options - Employee Stock Option [Member] - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
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%	0.01%	0.16%
Expected life (years)	5 years 292 days	7 years 219 days	7 years 219 days
Term structure of volatility	20.00%	23.00%	24.00%
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	2.30%	2.60%	1.91%
Expected life (years)	9 years 146 days	7 years 292 days	7 years 292 days
Term structure of volatility	31.00%	33.00%	33.00%
Dividend yield	1.32%	1.35%	1.30%
Weighted average estimated fair value (in Dollars per share)	$ 41.87	$ 29.64	$ 26.87
Weighted average exercise price (in Dollars per share)	$ 141.84	$ 106.69	$ 92.22
Fair value as a percentage of exercise price	29.50%	27.80%	29.10%

Note 15 - Stock-based Compensation (Details) - Summary of Stock Option Weighted Average Assumptions of Employee Stock Options - Non-Employee Directors' Stock Option Plan [Member]	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Note 15 - Stock-based Compensation (Details) - Summary of Stock Option Weighted Average Assumptions of Employee Stock Options [Line Items]
Risk-free interest rate	1.45%	1.66%	0.89%
Expected life (years)	5 years 146 days	5 years 146 days	5 years 146 days
Expected volatility	23.00%	29.00%	32.00%
Dividend yield	1.30%	1.35%	1.30%

Note 15 - Stock-based Compensation (Details) - Summary of Stock Option Weighted Average Assumptions, Employee Stock Purchase Plan - 2008 Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Note 15 - Stock-based Compensation (Details) - Summary of Stock Option Weighted Average Assumptions, Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Line Items]
Risk-free interest rate	0.03%	0.04%	0.07%
Expected life (months)	3 years	3 years	3 years
Expected volatility	16.30%	9.80%	9.80%
Dividend yield	1.15%	1.38%	1.38%

Note 16 - Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2015

Aug. 31, 2014

Aug. 31, 2013

Aug. 31, 2012

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent

27.80%

^[1]

30.30%

26.70%

^[2]

Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Credit, Research, Amount

$ 8,800

$ 7,200

Unrecognized Tax Benefits

6,776

$ 5,501

5,435

$ 5,464

Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Interest on Income Taxes Accrued

1,300

1,100

Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate

1,000

Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Interest on Income Taxes Expense

$ 200

$ 100

[1]	The fiscal 2015 effective tax rate of 27.8% includes income tax benefits of $8.8 million primarily from the reenactment of the U.S. Federal R&D Tax Credit (the "U.S. Federal R&D tax credit") in December 2014, finalizing prior year tax returns and other discrete items.
[2]	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 finalizing prior year tax returns.

Note 16 - Income Taxes (Details) - Provision for Income Taxes by Geographic Operations - USD ($)
$ in Thousands

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2015

Aug. 31, 2014

Aug. 31, 2013

Provision for Income Taxes by Geographic Operations [Abstract]

U.S. operations

$ 263,411

$ 242,839

$ 220,778

Non-U.S. operations

70,343

60,625

50,132

Income before income taxes

333,754

303,464

270,910

U.S. operations

88,147

81,998

61,328

Non-U.S. operations

4,556

9,923

10,945

Total provision for income taxes

$ 92,703

$ 91,921

$ 72,273

Effective tax rate

27.80%

^[1]

30.30%

26.70%

^[2]

[1]	The fiscal 2015 effective tax rate of 27.8% includes income tax benefits of $8.8 million primarily from the reenactment of the U.S. Federal R&D Tax Credit (the "U.S. Federal R&D tax credit") in December 2014, finalizing prior year tax returns and other discrete items.
[2]	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 finalizing prior year tax returns.

Note 16 - Income Taxes (Details) - Components of the Provision for Income Taxes - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Current
U.S. federal	$ 82,885	$ 77,368	$ 52,625
U.S. state and local	4,419	3,972	3,309
Non-U.S.	6,368	10,350	11,188
Total current taxes	93,672	91,690	67,122
Deferred
U.S. federal	720	547	5,036
U.S. state and local	123	111	358
Non-U.S.	(1,812)	(427)	(243)
Total deferred taxes	(969)	231	5,151
Total provision for income taxes	$ 92,703	$ 91,921	$ 72,273

Note 16 - Income Taxes (Details) - Percentage of Income Before Income Taxes

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2015

Aug. 31, 2014

Aug. 31, 2013

Percentage of Income Before Income Taxes [Abstract]

Tax at U.S. Federal statutory tax rate

35.00%

Increase (decrease) in taxes resulting from:

State and local taxes, net of U.S. federal income tax benefit

1.60%

1.80%

2.00%

Foreign income at other than U.S. rates

(3.00%)

(2.90%)

(2.50%)

Domestic production activities deduction

(2.20%)

(2.10%)

(2.60%)

Income tax benefits from R&D tax credits

(2.70%)

(1.10%)

(4.10%)

Income tax benefits from foreign tax credits

(0.30%)

(0.40%)

(1.20%)

Other, net

(0.60%)

0.00%

0.10%

Effective tax rate

27.80%

^[1]

30.30%

26.70%

^[2]

[1]	The fiscal 2015 effective tax rate of 27.8% includes income tax benefits of $8.8 million primarily from the reenactment of the U.S. Federal R&D Tax Credit (the "U.S. Federal R&D tax credit") in December 2014, finalizing prior year tax returns and other discrete items.
[2]	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 finalizing prior year tax returns.

Note 16 - Income Taxes (Details) - Significant Components of Deferred Tax Assets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Current
Receivable reserve	$ 541	$ 597
Deferred rent	794	1,067
Other	770	177
Net current deferred tax assets	2,105	1,841
Non-current
Depreciation on property, equipment and leasehold improvements	10,880	9,831
Deferred rent	5,108	3,572
Stock-based compensation	17,562	18,160
Purchased intangible assets, including acquired technology	(17,533)	(10,750)
Other	4,582	1,564
Net non-current deferred tax assets	20,599	22,377
Total deferred tax assets	22,704	24,218
Current
Other	562
Net current deferred tax liabilities	562
Non-current
Purchased intangible assets, including acquired technology	1,886	3,478
Stock-based compensation		(860)
Other	(189)	303
Net non-current deferred tax liabilities	1,697	2,921
Total deferred tax liabilities	$ 2,259	$ 2,921

Note 16 - Income Taxes (Details) - Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits [Abstract]
Unrecognized income tax benefits	$ 5,501	$ 5,435	$ 5,464
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year	962	921	1,372
Additions for tax positions of prior years	1,122	628	986
Statute of limitations lapse	(809)	(717)	(1,103)
Reductions from settlements with taxing authorities		(766)	(1,284)
Unrecognized income tax benefits	$ 6,776	$ 5,501	$ 5,435

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, 2015
Domestic Tax Authority [Member] \| Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member] \| Earliest Tax Year [Member]
U.S.
Open Tax Years	2013
Domestic Tax Authority [Member] \| Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member] \| Latest Tax Year [Member]
U.S.
Open Tax Years	2015
State and Local Jurisdiction [Member] \| State (Various) [Member] \| Earliest Tax Year [Member]
U.S.
Open Tax Years	2010
State and Local Jurisdiction [Member] \| State (Various) [Member] \| Latest Tax Year [Member]
U.S.
Open Tax Years	2015
Foreign Tax Authority [Member] \| Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) [Member] \| Earliest Tax Year [Member]
U.S.
Open Tax Years	2013
Foreign Tax Authority [Member] \| Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) [Member] \| Latest Tax Year [Member]
U.S.
Open Tax Years	2015
Foreign Tax Authority [Member] \| Ministry of the Economy, Finance and Industry, France [Member] \| Earliest Tax Year [Member]
U.S.
Open Tax Years	2012
Foreign Tax Authority [Member] \| Ministry of the Economy, Finance and Industry, France [Member] \| Latest Tax Year [Member]
U.S.
Open Tax Years	2015

Note 17 - Debt (Details) - USD ($)		12 Months Ended
Note 17 - Debt (Details) - USD ($)	Feb. 06, 2015	Aug. 31, 2015	Oct. 30, 2015	Oct. 16, 2015	Sep. 21, 2015
Eurodollar [Member]
Note 17 - Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate		0.50%
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Note 17 - Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	$ 35,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Amount of Additional Borrowings	265,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Minimum Borrowing Amount Required for Additional Borrowings	25,000,000
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] \| Subsequent Event [Member]
Note 17 - Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Long-term Line of Credit			$ 300,000,000
The Loan [Member] \| Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Note 17 - Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity		$ 35,000,000
Long-term Line of Credit	$ 35,000,000	35,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Commitment Fee Amount		$ 0
Debt Instrument, Term		3 years
The Loan [Member] \| Revolving Credit Facility [Member] \| Eurodollar [Member]
Note 17 - Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	0.50%
The Loan [Member] \| Revolving Credit Facility [Member] \| Subsequent Event [Member]
Note 17 - Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Amount of Additional Borrowings					$ 400,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Minimum Borrowing Amount Required for Additional Borrowings					$ 25,000,000
Additional Long Term Line Of Credit				$ 265,000,000
Maximum [Member] \| The Loan [Member] \| Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Note 17 - Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Interest Paid		$ 100,000
Debt Issuance Cost		100,000
Amortization of Financing Costs		$ 100,000

Note 17 - Debt (Details) - Debt Obligations - Revolving Credit Facility [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Aug. 31, 2015	Feb. 06, 2015
Note 17 - Debt (Details) - Debt Obligations [Line Items]
2015 Revolving Credit Facility (maturity date of September 21, 2018)		$ 35,000
The Loan [Member]
Note 17 - Debt (Details) - Debt Obligations [Line Items]
2015 Revolving Credit Facility (maturity date of September 21, 2018)	$ 35,000
Total Outstanding Debt at fiscal year-end	$ 35,000	$ 35,000

The carrying value as of the balance sheet date of the current and noncurrent portions of long-term obligations drawn from a line of credit, which is a bank's commitment to make loans up to a specific amount. Examples of items that might be included in the application of this element may consist of letters of credit, standby letters of credit, and revolving credit arrangements, under which borrowings can be made up to a maximum amount as of any point in time conditional on satisfaction of specified terms before, as of and after the date of drawdowns on the line. Includes short-term obligations that would normally be classified as current liabilities but for which (a) postbalance sheet date issuance of a long term obligation to refinance the short term obligation on a long term basis, or (b) the enterprise has entered into a financing agreement that clearly permits the enterprise to refinance the short-term obligation on a long term basis and the following conditions are met (1) the agreement does not expire within 1 year and is not cancelable by the lender except for violation of an objectively determinable provision, (2) no violation exists at the BS date, and (3) the lender has entered into the financing agreement is expected to be financially capable of honoring the agreement.

Unaudited Quarterly Results [Abstract]

Note 18 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015 USD ($) ft²	Aug. 31, 2014 USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2013 USD ($)
Note 18 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details) [Line Items]
Operating Leases, Rent Expense	$ 38,600	$ 37,700	$ 36,200
Other Liabilities, Noncurrent	21,834	16,417
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due	270,102
Purchase Commitment, Remaining Minimum Amount Committed	$ 65,200	53,300
Boston, Massachusetts [Member]
Note 18 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details) [Line Items]
Area of Real Estate Property (in Square Feet) \| ft²	4,809
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due	$ 6,600
Existing Office [Member] \| Hyderabad, India [Member]
Note 18 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details) [Line Items]
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due	$ 2,200
New Office [Member] \| Hyderabad, India [Member]
Note 18 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details) [Line Items]
Area of Real Estate Property (in Square Feet) \| ft²	43,830
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due	$ 1,800
New Office [Member] \| Manila, Philippines [Member]
Note 18 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details) [Line Items]
Area of Real Estate Property (in Square Feet) \| ft²	13,043
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due	$ 1,500
New Office [Member] \| New York [Member]
Note 18 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details) [Line Items]
Area of Real Estate Property (in Square Feet) \| ft²	19,979
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due	$ 21,200
Tenant Allowances	$ 1,900
New Office [Member] \| Norwalk, Connecticut [Member]
Note 18 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details) [Line Items]
Area of Real Estate Property (in Square Feet) \| ft²	9,587
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due	$ 900
New Office [Member] \| London, England [Member]
Note 18 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details) [Line Items]
Area of Real Estate Property (in Square Feet) \| ft²	15,051
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due	$ 21,100
Deferred Rent [Member]
Note 18 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details) [Line Items]
Other Liabilities	20,900	18,300
Other Liabilities, Noncurrent	18,400	$ 14,900
Standby Letters of Credit [Member]
Note 18 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details) [Line Items]
Long-term Line of Credit	$ 1,000
Norwalk, Connecticut [Member]
Note 18 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details) [Line Items]
Area of Real Estate Property (in Square Feet) \| ft²	202,000

Note 18 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details) - Future Minimum Lease Commitments $ in Thousands	Aug. 31, 2015 USD ($)
Future Minimum Lease Commitments [Abstract]
2016	$ 22,695
2017	28,002
2018	27,373
2019	25,974
2020	20,129
Thereafter	145,929
Total	$ 270,102

Note 19 - Risks and Concentrations of Credit Risk (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Note 19 - Risks and Concentrations of Credit Risk (Details) [Line Items]
Investments and Cash	$ 182.4
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	35.0
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable	$ 1.6	$ 1.7
Eurodollar [Member]
Note 19 - Risks and Concentrations of Credit Risk (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	0.50%
Subscription Revenue [Member] \| Customer Concentration Risk [Member]
Note 19 - Risks and Concentrations of Credit Risk (Details) [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	2.00%

Note 20 - Unaudited Quarterly Financial Data (Details) - Unaudited Quarterly Results - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2015

May 31, 2015

Feb. 28, 2015

Nov. 30, 2014

Aug. 31, 2014

May 31, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

Nov. 30, 2013

Aug. 31, 2015

Aug. 31, 2014

Aug. 31, 2013

Revenues

$ 261,779

$ 254,522

$ 247,792

$ 242,676

$ 238,664

$ 231,761

$ 226,934

$ 222,975

$ 1,006,768

^[1]

$ 920,335

^[1]

$ 858,112

^[1]

Cost of services

107,595

100,686

99,516

97,543

92,521

90,661

87,254

83,250

405,339

353,686

306,379

Selling, general and administrative

68,531

68,480

67,628

64,873

66,757

68,063

64,626

64,985

269,511

264,430

282,314

Operating income

85,653

85,356

80,648

80,260

79,386

73,037

75,054

74,740

331,918

302,219

269,419

Diluted earnings per common share(1) (in Dollars per share)

$ 62,184

$ 61,409

$ 61,598

$ 55,860

$ 55,407

$ 51,532

$ 52,426

$ 52,178

$ 241,051

$ 211,543

$ 198,637

$ 1.48

^[2]

$ 1.45

^[2]

$ 1.46

^[2]

$ 1.32

^[2]

$ 1.31

^[2]

$ 1.21

^[2]

$ 1.22

^[2]

$ 1.19

^[2]

$ 5.71

$ 4.92

$ 4.45

Weighted average common shares (diluted) (in Shares)

41,995

42,297

42,306

42,340

42,386

42,615

43,107

43,773

42,235

42,970

44,624

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

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