0001437749-19-020894 | 10-K | XBRL Viewer | Factset Research Systems INC

Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax

$ 352,790

$ 267,085

$ 258,259

Net unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedges(1)

^[1]

504

(7,288)

5,017

Foreign currency translation adjustments

(24,325)

(9,431)

28,816

Other comprehensive (loss) income

(23,821)

(16,719)

33,833

Comprehensive income

$ 328,969

$ 250,366

$ 292,092

[1]	The unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedges disclosed above was net of tax (expense) benefit of ($387), $3,518, and ($3,049) for the fiscal years ended August 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

Balance (in shares) at Aug. 31, 2016

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

+ References + Details

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Aug. 31, 2019	Aug. 31, 2018
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 359,799	$ 208,623
Investments	25,813	29,259
Accounts receivable, net of reserves of $10,511 at August 31, 2019 and $3,490 at August 31, 2018	146,309	156,639
Prepaid taxes	15,033	6,274
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	36,858	30,121
Total current assets	583,812	430,916
Property, equipment and leasehold improvements, net	132,524	100,545
Goodwill	685,729	701,833
Intangible assets, net	120,551	148,935
Deferred taxes	7,571	9,716
Other assets	29,943	27,502
TOTAL ASSETS	1,560,130	1,419,447
LIABILITIES
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	79,620	72,059
Accrued compensation	64,202	66,479
Deferred fees	47,656	49,700
Taxes payable	0	8,453
Dividends payable	27,445	24,443
Total current liabilities	218,923	221,134
Long-term debt	574,174	574,775
Deferred taxes	16,391	21,190
Deferred fees	10,088	7,833
Taxes payable	26,292	29,626
Deferred rent and other non-current liabilities	42,006	38,989
TOTAL LIABILITIES	887,874	893,547
Commitments and contingencies (See Note 19)
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Preferred stock, $.01 par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized, none issued	0	0
Common stock, $.01 par value, 150,000,000 shares authorized, 40,104,192 and 39,264,849 shares issued, 38,117,840 and 38,192,586 shares outstanding at August 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively	401	393
Additional paid-in capital	806,973	667,531
Treasury stock, at cost: 1,986,352 and 1,072,263 shares at August 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively	(433,799)	(213,428)
Retained earnings	373,225	122,843
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(74,544)	(51,439)
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY	672,256	525,900
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY	$ 1,560,130	$ 1,419,447

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parentheticals) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Aug. 31, 2019	Aug. 31, 2018
Accounts receivable, reserves	$ 10,511	$ 3,490
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares)	10,000,000	10,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued (in shares)	0	0
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	150,000,000	150,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	40,104,192	39,264,849
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	38,117,840	38,192,586
Treasury stock, shares (in shares)	1,986,352	1,072,263

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows $ in Thousands	Aug. 31, 2019 USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2018 USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2017 USD ($)
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income	$ 352,790	$ 267,085	$ 258,259
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities
Depreciation and amortization	60,463	57,285	48,294
Stock-based compensation expense	32,400	31,516	34,183
Deferred income taxes	(2,278)	(1,910)	4,879
Loss on sale of assets	196	140	1,282
Tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements	0	0	(10,331)
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions
Accounts receivable, net of reserves	10,205	(8,417)	(29,503)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	(2,290)	12,077	(2,226)
Accrued compensation	(1,743)	5,735	6,427
Deferred fees	458	6,035	(229)
Taxes payable, net of prepaid taxes	(19,238)	27,659	7,877
Other, net	(3,827)	(11,537)	1,613
Net cash provided by operating activities	427,136	385,668	320,527
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Acquisition of businesses and investments, net of cash and cash equivalents acquired	0	(15,000)	(303,086)
Purchases of investments	(11,135)	(12,470)	(30,757)
Proceeds from maturity or sale of investments	14,405	12,459	23,399
Purchases of property, equipment and leasehold improvements	(59,370)	(33,520)	(36,862)
Net cash used in investing activities	(56,100)	(48,531)	(347,306)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Dividend payments	(100,052)	(89,408)	(80,898)
Repurchase of common stock	(220,372)	(303,955)	(260,978)
Repayment of debt	(575,000)	0	(365,000)
Proceeds from debt	575,000	0	640,000
Proceeds from employee stock plans	107,051	71,610	50,045
Tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements	0	0	10,331
Other financing activities, net	(901)	1,716	(1,661)
Net cash used in financing activities	(214,274)	(320,037)	(8,161)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(5,586)	(3,208)	1,264
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	151,176	13,892	(33,676)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	208,623	194,731	228,407
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	359,799	208,623	194,731
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information
Cash paid during the year for interest	19,509	15,676	8,466
Cash paid during the year for income taxes, net of refunds	89,997	68,707	74,788
Supplemental Disclosure of Non-Cash Transactions
Dividends declared, not paid	$ 27,445	$ 24,443	$ 21,853

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

ASR Agreement [Member]

Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]

ASR Agreement [Member]

Treasury Stock [Member]

ASR Agreement [Member]

Common Stock [Member]

Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]

Treasury Stock [Member]

Retained Earnings [Member]

AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]

Total

51,150,978

11,112,753

Balance at Aug. 31, 2016

$ 512

$ 623,195

$ (1,321,700)

$ 1,283,927

$ (68,553)

$ 517,381

Other comprehensive income

258,259

33,833

Common stock issued for employee stock plans (in shares)

561,960

Common stock issued for employee stock plans

$ 6

50,039

50,045

Vesting of restricted stock (in shares)

132,194

49,771

Vesting of restricted stock

$ (7,847)

(7,847)

Repurchases of common stock (in shares)

102,916

103,000

1,556,660

Repurchases of common stock

$ (253,131)

(253,131)

Stock-based compensation expense

34,183

Tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements

10,331

Accelerated share repurchase

$ 24,000

$ (24,000)

$ 0

Dividends declared

(83,363)

Balance (in shares) at Aug. 31, 2017

51,845,132

12,822,100

Balance at Aug. 31, 2017

$ 518

741,748

$ (1,606,678)

1,458,823

(34,720)

559,691

Other comprehensive income

267,085

(16,719)

Common stock issued for employee stock plans (in shares)

685,807

Common stock issued for employee stock plans

$ 8

80,983

80,991

Vesting of restricted stock (in shares)

26,599

8,070

Vesting of restricted stock

$ (1,514)

Repurchases of common stock (in shares)

(0)

1,534,782

1,534,398

Repurchases of common stock

$ (302,441)

Stock-based compensation expense

31,517

Dividends declared

(92,710)

Retirement of treasury shares (in shares)

(13,292,689)

Retirement of treasury shares

$ (133)

(186,717)

$ 1,697,205

(1,510,355)

Balance (in shares) at Aug. 31, 2018

39,264,849

1,072,263

Balance at Aug. 31, 2018

$ 393

667,531

$ (213,428)

122,843

(51,439)

525,900

Other comprehensive income

352,790

(23,821)

Common stock issued for employee stock plans (in shares)

753,942

Common stock issued for employee stock plans

$ 7

107,043

107,050

Vesting of restricted stock (in shares)

85,401

31,644

Vesting of restricted stock

$ 1

(1)

$ (7,241)

Repurchases of common stock (in shares)

(0)

882,445

Repurchases of common stock

$ (213,130)

Stock-based compensation expense

32,400

Dividends declared

(103,710)

Cumulative effect of adoption of accounting standards*

^[1]

1,302

716

2,018

Balance (in shares) at Aug. 31, 2019

40,104,192

1,986,352

Balance at Aug. 31, 2019

$ 401

$ 806,973

$ (433,799)

$ 373,225

$ (74,544)

$ 672,256

[1]

Includes the cumulative effect of adoption of accounting standards primarily due to both the adoption of the new revenue recognition standard (ASC 606) resulting in a cumulative increase to retained earnings related to certain fulfillment costs and the accounting standard update related to the TCJA providing for the reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive loss to retained earnings for stranded tax effects. See Notes 3 and 4 for additional information.

Note 1 - Organization and Nature of Business

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2019

Nature of Operations [Text Block]

1. ORGANIZATION AND NATURE OF BUSINESS

FactSet Research Systems Inc. (the “Company” or “FactSet”) is a global provider of integrated financial information, analytical applications and industry-leading services for the investment and corporate communities. For over 40 years, global financial professionals have utilized the Company’s content and multi-asset class solutions across each stage of the investment process. FactSet’s goal is to provide a seamless user experience spanning idea generation, research, portfolio construction, trade execution, performance measurement, risk management, reporting, and portfolio analysis, in which we serve the front, middle, and back offices to drive productivity and improved performance. FactSet’s flexible, open data and technology solutions can be implemented both across the investment portfolio lifecycle or as standalone components serving different workflows in the organization. FactSet is focused on growing the business throughout each of its three segments, the U.S., Europe, and Asia Pacific. The Company primarily delivers insight and information through the workflow solutions of Research, Analytics and Trading, Content and Technology Solutions and Wealth.

FactSet currently serves financial professionals, which include portfolio managers, investment research professionals, investment bankers, risk and performance analysts, wealth advisors, and corporate clients. FactSet provides both insights on global market trends and intelligence on companies and industries, as well as capabilities to monitor portfolio risk and performance and to execute trades. The Company combines dedicated client service with open and flexible technology offerings, such as a comprehensive data marketplace, a configurable mobile and desktop platform, digital portals and application programming interface (“APIs”). FactSet revenue is primarily derived from subscriptions to products and services such as workstations, analytics, enterprise data, research management, and trade execution.

Note 2 - Basis of Presentation

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2019

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 and notes of FactSet and its wholly-owned subsidiaries are prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”). The preparation of consolidated financial statements and related disclosures in conformity with GAAP 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 revenue 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.

The Company has evaluated subsequent events through the date that the financial statements were issued.

Reclassification

Certain comparative figures in the Company's Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows have been reclassified to conform to the current year's presentation.

Note 3 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2019

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 majority of the Company’s revenue is derived from client access to its hosted proprietary data and analytics platform, which can include various combinations of products and services available over the contractual term. The hosted platform is a subscription-based service that consists primarily of providing access to products and services including workstations, analytics, enterprise data, research management, and trade execution. The Company determined that the subscription-based service represents a single performance obligation covering a series of distinct products and services that are substantially the same and that have the same pattern of transfer to the client. Based on the nature of the services and products offered by FactSet, the Company applies an input time-based measure of progress as the client is simultaneously receiving and consuming the benefits of the platform. The Company records revenue for its contracts using the over-time revenue recognition model as a client is invoiced or performance is satisfied. 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 of client payments that are in excess of earned subscription revenue are reflected on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as Deferred fees. As of August 31, 2019, the amount of accounts receivable that was unbilled totaled $15.8 million, which will be billed in fiscal 2020. As of August 31, 2018, the amount of accounts receivable that was unbilled totaled $6.4 million, which was billed in fiscal 2019.

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 $10.5 million and $3.5 million was recorded as of August 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, within 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.

Research and Product Development Costs

FactSet does not have a separate research and product development department, but rather the Product Development and Engineering departments work closely with our strategists, product managers, sales and other client-facing specialists to identify areas of improvement with the goal of providing increased value to clients. As such, research and product development costs relate to the salary and benefits for the Company’s product development, software engineering and technical support staff and, as such, these costs are expensed when incurred within cost of services as employee compensation. The Company expects to allocate a similar percentage of its workforce in future years in order to continue to develop new products and enhancements, respond quickly to market changes and meet the needs of its clients efficiently. FactSet incurred research and product development costs of $214.7 million, $217.1 million and $215.0 million during fiscal years 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

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 EPS 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. For the purpose of calculating EPS, common shares outstanding include 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 option holder and future stock-based compensation expense that the Company has not yet recognized 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 Measurements

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, 2019 or 2018. Refer to Note 5 Fair Value Measures for the definition of the fair value hierarchy.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents consist of demand deposits and 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 readily convertible into cash 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 both mutual funds and certificates of deposit as both are part of the Company’s investment strategy. These mutual funds and certificates of deposit are included as Investments (short-term) on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets as the certificates of deposit have original maturities greater than three months, but less than one year and the mutual funds can be liquidated at that Company’s discretion. The mutual funds and certificates of deposit are held for investment and are not considered debt securities. Interest income earned from these investments during fiscal 2019, 2018 and 2017 was $1.5 million, $1.3 million and $1.6 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 2019 and 2018.

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 at the reporting unit level is reviewed for impairment annually, and more frequently if impairment indicators exist. Goodwill is deemed to be impaired and written-down in the period in which the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value. FactSet has three reporting units, U.S, Europe and Asia Pacific, which are consistent with the operating segments reported, as discrete financial information is not available for subsidiaries within the operating segments.

FactSet may elect to perform a qualitative analysis for the reporting units to determine whether it is more likely than not the fair value of the reporting unit is greater than its carrying value. In performing a qualitative assessment, FactSet considers such factors as macro-economic conditions, industry and market conditions in which FactSet operates including the competitive environment and significant changes in demand for the Company’s services. The Company also considers its share price both in absolute terms and in relation to peer companies. If the qualitative analysis indicates that it is more likely than not the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount or if FactSet elects not to perform a qualitative analysis, a quantitative analysis is performed to determine whether a goodwill impairment exists.

The quantitative goodwill impairment analysis is used to identify potential impairment by comparing fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount using an income approach, along with other relevant market information, derived from a discounted cash flow model to estimate fair value of FactSet’s reporting units. The annual review of carrying value of goodwill, requires the Company develop estimates of future business performance. These estimates are used to derive expected cash flows and include assumptions regarding future sales levels and the level of working capital needed to support a given business. The discounted cash flow model also includes a determination of FactSet’s weighted average cost of capital by reporting unit. Cost of capital is based on assumptions about interest rates, as well as a risk-adjusted rate of return required by FactSet’s equity investors. Changes in these estimates can impact present value of expected cash flows used in determining fair value of a reporting unit. An impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value, if any, would be recognized. The loss recognized would not exceed total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit.

The Company performed its annual goodwill impairment test during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019 utilizing a qualitative analysis and concluded it was more likely than not the fair value of each reporting unit was greater than its respective carrying value and no impairment charge was required.

Intangible Assets

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

Accrued Liabilities

Accrued liabilities include estimates relating to employee compensation, operating expenses and tax liabilities. 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, 2019 and 2018, was $49.4 million and $43.6 million, respectively.

Derivative Instruments

FactSet conducts business outside the U.S. in several currencies including the Euro, Indian Rupee, Philippine Peso, British Pound Sterling, and Japanese Yen. As such, the Company 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 operate under a functional currency different from the U.S. dollar, such as the Euro, Indian Rupee, Philippine Peso, British Pound Sterling, and Japanese Yen. 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, revenue and expenses of foreign operations are recorded in AOCL as a component of stockholders’ equity. The accumulated foreign currency translation loss totaled $72.3 million and $48.0 million at August 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

Income and Deferred Taxes

Income tax expense is based on taxable income determined in accordance with current enacted laws and tax rates. Deferred income taxes are recorded for the temporary differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities using current 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, 2019, the Company had gross unrecognized tax benefits totaling $10.9 million, including $1.1 million of accrued interest, recorded as Taxes payable (non-current) on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

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. For fiscal 2019 and 2018, windfall tax benefits, defined as tax deductions that exceed recorded stock-based compensation, are classified as cash inflows from operations and in fiscal 2017 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. The Company accounts for the formal retirement of treasury stock by deducting its par value from common stock, reducing additional paid-in capital (“APIC”) by the average amount recorded in APIC when the stock was originally issued and any remaining excess of cost deducted 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 accounts for its business combinations using the purchase method of accounting. The acquisition purchase price is allocated to the underlying identified, tangible and intangible assets and liabilities assumed, based on their respective estimated fair values on the acquisition date. The excess of the purchase consideration over the fair values of the identified assets and liabilities is recorded as goodwill and assigned to one or more reporting units. The amounts and useful lives assigned to acquisition-related tangible and intangible assets impact the amount and timing of future amortization expense. Determining the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed and the expected useful life, requires management’s judgment and often involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions, including assumptions with respect to future cash inflows and outflows, discount rates, asset lives and market multiples, among other items. 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

As of the beginning of fiscal 2019, FactSet implemented all applicable new accounting standards and updates issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) that were in effect. There were no new standards or updates adopted during the last three fiscal years that had a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

Revenue Recognition

In May 2014 and July 2015, the FASB issued accounting standard updates which clarified principles for recognizing revenue arising from contracts with clients and superseded 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. The new guidance also requires increased disclosures including the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows related to contracts with clients.

The standard allows two methods of adoption: i) retrospectively to each prior period presented ("full retrospective method"), or ii) retrospectively with the cumulative effect recognized in retained earnings as of the date of adoption ("modified retrospective method"). FactSet adopted the new standard using the modified retrospective method as of the beginning of its first quarter of fiscal 2019.

FactSet’s implementation efforts include the evaluation of contract revenue under the new guidance. Additionally, an assessment of the qualitative and quantitative impacts of pricing changes during the contractual term and fulfillment costs was made.

The Company derives most of its revenue by providing client access to its hosted proprietary data and analytics platform, which can include various combinations of products and services available over the contractual term. The Company determined that the subscription-based service represents a single performance obligation covering a series of distinct products and services that are substantially the same and that have the same pattern of transfer to the client. FactSet recorded an opening cumulative increase to retained earnings of $2.5 million, or $2.0 million net of tax, during the first quarter of fiscal 2019, related to certain fulfillment costs, which include up-front costs to allow for the delivery of services and products that are expected to be recovered. Under the new standard, such up-front costs are recognized as an asset and amortized consistent with the associated revenue for providing the services. The adoption of the new standards did not materially change the Company’s accounting policy for revenue recognition and did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Refer to Note 4 Revenue Recognition for further details.

Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities

During the first quarter of fiscal 2019, FactSet adopted the accounting standard update issued by the FASB in January 2016, which amended the recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure of certain financial instruments. Under the amended guidance, investments in equity securities, excluding equity method investments, will be measured at fair value with changes in fair value to be recognized in net income. This guidance was applied on a modified retrospective approach through a cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings as permitted by the standard and did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Cash Flow Simplification

During the first quarter of fiscal 2019, FactSet adopted the accounting standard update issued by the FASB in August 2016, which simplified how certain transactions are classified in the statement of cash flows. This included revised guidance on the cash flow classification of debt prepayments and debt extinguishment costs, contingent consideration payments made after a business combination and distributions received from equity method investments. The guidance is intended to reduce diversity in practice across all industries. The adoption of this standard had no impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Income Taxes on Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets

During the first quarter of fiscal 2019, FactSet adopted the accounting standard update issued by the FASB in October 2016, which removed the prohibition against the immediate recognition of the current and deferred income tax effects of intra-entity transfers of assets other than inventory. The guidance was issued in order to reduce diversity in practice related to the tax consequences of certain types of intra-entity asset transfers, particularly those involving intellectual property. The adoption of this standard had no impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Share-Based Payments

During the first quarter of fiscal 2019, FactSet adopted the accounting standard update issued by the FASB in May 2017, which amended the scope of modification accounting for share-based payment arrangements. The guidance focused on changes to the terms or conditions of share-based payment awards that would require the application of modification accounting and specifies that an entity would not apply modification accounting if the fair value, vesting conditions and classification of the awards are the same immediately before and after the modification. The adoption of this standard had no impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

During the first quarter of fiscal 2019, FactSet adopted the accounting standard update issued by the FASB in February 2018, which allowed companies to reclassify certain stranded income tax effects resulting from the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the "TCJA") from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Implementation Costs in a Cloud Computing Arrangement

During the first quarter of fiscal 2019, FactSet adopted the accounting standard update issued by the FASB in August 2018, which related to a client’s accounting for implementation costs incurred in a cloud computing arrangement that is a service contract. This guidance aligns the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs in a cloud computing service contract with the guidance for capitalizing implementation costs to develop or obtain internal-use software. Capitalized implementation costs will be amortized over the term of the arrangement. This accounting standard update will be effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2021, however the Company elected to early adopt this standard on a prospective basis during the first quarter of fiscal 2019. There was no impact to the Company’s consolidated financial statements as a result of the adoption of this standard, as FactSet is currently accounting for costs incurred in a cloud computing arrangement in accordance with the guidance provided in this standard.

Recent Accounting Standards or Updates Not Yet Effective

Leases

In February 2016, the FASB issued an accounting standard update related to accounting for leases. The guidance introduces a lessee model that requires most leases to be reported on the balance sheet. The accounting standard update aligns many of the underlying principles of the new lessor model with those in the FASB’s new revenue recognition standard. The guidance also eliminates the requirement in current GAAP for an entity to use bright-line tests in determining lease classification. FactSet will adopt the new accounting standard effective September 1, 2019, using a modified retrospective approach to record the required cumulative effect adjustments to the opening balance sheet in the period of adoption, rather than in the earliest comparative period presented. As such, the Company's historical consolidated financial statements will not be restated.

FactSet will elect the package of practical expedients permitted under the transition guidance, which permits the Company not to reassess under the new standard the prior conclusions about lease identification, lease classification, and initial direct costs. FactSet will not elect the use-of-hindsight practical expedient in determining the lease term and in assessing impairment. FactSet will also elect the practical expedient to not separate lease components from non-lease components but, rather, to combine them into one single lease component. The Company has also elected to apply the short-term lease exception to not recognize lease liabilities and right-of-use assets for leases with a term of 12 months or less. FactSet will recognize these lease payments on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

The Company does not expect the adoption of the new lease accounting standard to have a material impact on its Consolidated Statements of Income, Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income and Consolidated Statements of Cash flows. The Company does expect the adoption to have a material impact to its Consolidated Balance Sheet due to the recognition of the required right of use asset and liability, which will primarily relate to the Company's real estate operating leases. Refer to Note 19 Commitments and Contingencies for information regarding the Company's undiscounted future lease commitments.

Credit Losses on Financial Instruments

In June 2016, the FASB issued an accounting standard that significantly changes how entities will measure credit losses for most financial assets and certain other instruments that are not measured at fair value through net income. The standard will replace today’s “incurred loss” approach with an “expected loss” model for instruments measured at amortized cost. This guidance will be effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2021. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this accounting standard update but it is not expected to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

Goodwill Impairment Test

In January 2017, the FASB issued an accounting standard update which removes the requirement for companies to compare the implied fair value of goodwill with its carrying amount as part of step 2 of the goodwill impairment test. A goodwill impairment will now be the amount by which a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill. This accounting standard update will be effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2021, with early adoption permitted for any impairment tests performed after January 1, 2017 and is not expected to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

Hedge Accounting Simplification

In August 2017, the FASB issued an accounting standard update to reduce the complexity of and simplify the application of hedge accounting. The guidance refines and expands hedge accounting for both financial and nonfinancial risk components, eliminates the need to separately measure and report hedge ineffectiveness, and aligns the recognition and presentation of the effects of the hedging instrument and the hedged item in the financial statements. This guidance will be effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2020. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this accounting standard update but it is not expected to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

No other new accounting pronouncements issued or effective as of August 31, 2019 have had or are expected to have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Note 4 - Revenue Recognition

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2019

Revenue from Contract with Customer [Text Block]

4. REVENUE RECOGNITION

The Company derives most of its revenue by providing client access to its hosted proprietary data and analytics platform which can include various combinations of products and services available over the contractual term. The hosted platform is a subscription-based service that consists primarily of providing access to products and services including workstations, analytics, enterprise data, research management, and trade execution. The Company determined that the subscription-based service represents a single performance obligation covering a series of distinct products and services that are substantially the same and that have the same pattern of transfer to the client. The Company determined that the nature of the promise to the client is to provide daily access to one overall data and analytics platform. This platform provides integrated financial information, analytical applications and industry-leading service for the investment community. Based on the nature of the services and products offered by FactSet, the Company applies an input time-based measure of progress as the client is simultaneously receiving and consuming the benefits of the platform. The Company records revenue for its contracts using the over-time revenue recognition model as a client is invoiced or performance in satisfied, which is comparable with how revenue is recognized today. FactSet does not consider payment terms a performance obligation for customers with contractual terms that are one year or less and has elected the practical expedient.

In FactSet’s assessment of contracts with clients, the Company did identify a small portion of contracts with certain fulfillment costs, which include up-front costs to allow for the delivery of services and products that are expected to be recovered. In connection with the adoption of the new standard, these fulfillment costs are recognized as an asset and amortized consistent with the associated revenue for providing the services, which prior to adoption were expensed. As a result, during the first quarter of fiscal 2019, FactSet recorded an opening cumulative increase to Retained earnings of $2.5 million, or $2.0 million net of tax, with an offsetting increase related to the current asset portion in Prepaid expenses and other current assets and the non-current asset portion in Other assets based on the term of the license period. Prospectively, fulfillment costs will continue to be recognized in the same accounts used for the adoption impact, which include the Prepaid expenses and other current assets account for the current portion and Other assets for the non-current portion, based on the term of the license period. The differences between the Company’s reported operating results as of August 31, 2019, which reflect the application of the new standard on the Company’s contracts, and the results that would have been reported as if the accounting was performed pursuant to the accounting standards previously in effect, were not material. There are no significant judgments that would impact the timing of revenue recognition. The majority of client contracts have a duration of one year or less, or the amount FactSet is entitled to receive corresponds directly with the value of performance obligations completed to date, and therefore, the Company does not disclose the value of the remaining unsatisfied performance obligations.

Disaggregated Revenue

The Company disaggregates revenue from contracts with clients by demographic region which include U.S., Europe and Asia Pacific. FactSet believes these geographic regions are reflective of how the Company manages the business and the demographic markets in which it serves. The geographic regions best depict the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows related to contracts with clients. Refer to Note 8 Segment Information for further information on revenue by geographic region.

The following table presents this disaggregation of revenue by geography:

	August 31,
(in thousands)	2019		2018		2017
U.S.	$	894,554	$	841,908	$	784,146
Europe	$	408,084	$	387,589	$	330,332
Asia Pacific	$	132,713	$	120,648	$	106,701
Total Revenue	$	1,435,351	$	1,350,145	$	1,221,179

Note 5 - Fair Value Measures

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2019

Fair Value Measurement and Measurement Inputs, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Text Block]

5. 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 fair value 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, mutual funds 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, 2019 or 2018.

(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, 2019 and 2018:

	Fair Value Measurements at August 31, 2019
(in thousands)	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Assets
Corporate money market funds⁽¹⁾	$	75,849	$	—	$	—	$	75,849
Mutual Funds⁽²⁾		—		18,583		—		18,583
Certificates of deposit⁽³⁾		—		7,090		—		7,090
Derivative instruments⁽⁴⁾		—		520		—		520
Total assets measured at fair value	$	75,849	$	26,193	$	—	$	102,042

Liabilities
Derivative instruments⁽⁴⁾	$	—	$	3,575	$	—	$	3,575
Total liabilities measured at fair value	$	—	$	3,575	$	—	$	3,575

	Fair Value Measurements at August 31, 2018
(in thousands)	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Assets
Corporate money market funds⁽¹⁾	$	75	$	—	$	—	$	75
Mutual Funds⁽²⁾		—		18,668		—		18,668
Certificates of deposit⁽³⁾		—		10,591		—		10,591
Derivative instruments⁽⁴⁾		—		90		—		90
Total assets measured at fair value	$	75	$	29,349	$	—	$	29,424

Liabilities
Derivative instruments⁽⁴⁾	$	—	$	4,036	$	—	$	4,036
Total liabilities measured at fair value	$	—	$	4,036	$	—	$	4,036

(1)

The Company’s corporate money market funds are readily convertible into cash 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 assets and included in Cash and cash equivalents within the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

(2)

The Company’s mutual funds have a fair value based on the fair value of the underlying investments held by the mutual funds allocated to each share of the mutual fund using a net asset value approach. The fair value of the underlying investments is based on observable inputs. As such, the Company’s mutual funds are classified as Level 2 assets and are classified as Investments (short-term) on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

(3)

The Company’s certificates of deposit held for investment are not debt securities and are classified as Level 2 assets. 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) within the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

(4)

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 assets.

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 comparable information, 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 2019 and 2018, 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, 2019, and 2018, the fair value of the Company’s long-term debt was $575.0 million, which approximated its carrying amount given the application of a floating interest rate equal to the daily LIBOR rate plus a spread using a debt leverage pricing grid. As the interest rate is a variable rate, adjusted based on market conditions, it approximates the current market-rate for similar instruments available to companies with comparable credit quality and maturity, and therefore, the long-term debt is categorized as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.

Note 6 - Derivative Instruments

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2019

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block]

6. DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS

Cash Flow Hedges

FactSet conducts business outside the U.S. in several currencies including the Euro, Indian Rupee, Philippine Peso, British Pound Sterling, 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 currency forward contracts for trading or speculative purposes. See Note 19, Commitments and Contingencies - Concentration of Credit Risk, for further discussion on counterparty credit risk.

In designing a specific hedging approach, FactSet considered several factors, including offsetting exposures, the significance of exposures, the forecasting of risk and the potential effectiveness of the hedge. The gains and losses on foreign currency forward contracts offset the variability in operating expenses associated with currency movements. The changes in fair value for these foreign currency forward contracts are initially reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss ("AOCL'") and subsequently reclassified into operating expenses when the hedge is settled. There was no discontinuance of cash flow hedges during fiscal 2019 or 2018, 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, 2019, FactSet maintained the following foreign currency forward contracts to hedge its exposures:

•

Philippine Peso – foreign currency forward contracts to hedge approximately 75% of its Philippine Peso exposure through the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020.

•

Indian Rupee – foreign currency forward contracts to hedge approximately 50% of its Indian Rupee exposure through the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2020, and 25% of its Indian Rupee exposure through the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020.

•

Euro – foreign currency forward contracts to hedge approximately 75% of its Euro exposure through the first quarter of fiscal 2020, 50% of its Euro exposure from the second quarter through the third quarter of fiscal 2020, and 25% of its Euro exposure through the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020.

•

British Pound Sterling – foreign currency forward contracts to hedge approximately 75% of its British Pound sterling exposure through the first quarter of fiscal 2020, 50% of its British Pound Sterling exposure from the second quarter through the third quarter of fiscal 2020, and 25% of its British Pound Sterling exposure through the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020.

The following is a summary of all hedging positions and corresponding fair values:

Currency Hedged	Gross Notional Value				Fair Value (Liability) Asset
(in thousands, in U.S. dollars)	August 31, 2019		August 31, 2018		August 31, 2019			August 31, 2018
Philippine Peso	$	26,000	$	52,000	$	520		$	(1,230	)
Indian Rupee		20,410		50,780		(998	)		(1,490	)
Euro		40,854		26,312		(1,230	)		(503	)
British Pound Sterling		26,436		18,995		(1,347	)		(723	)
Total	$	113,700	$	148,087	$	(3,055	)	$	(3,946	)

As of August 31, 2019, the gross notional value of foreign currency forward contracts to purchase Philippine Pesos and Indian Rupees with U.S. dollars was ₱1.4 billion and Rs.1.4 billion, respectively. The gross notional value of foreign currency forward contracts to purchase U.S. dollars with Euros and British Pound Sterling was €35.7 million and £20.5 million, respectively.

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:

Designation of Derivatives (in thousands)	Balance Sheet Location	August 31, 2019		August 31, 2018
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments	Assets: Foreign Currency Forward Contracts
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets	$	520	$	90
	Other assets	$	—	$	—

	Liabilities: Foreign Currency Forward Contracts
	Accounts payable and accrued expenses	$	3,575	$	1,731
	Deferred rent and other non-current liabilities	$	—	$	2,305

All derivatives were designated as hedging instruments as of August 31, 2019 and 2018, 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, 2019, 2018 and 2017:

(in thousands)

(Loss) Gain Recognized

in AOCL on Derivatives

(Effective Portion)

Location of (Loss)

Gain Reclassified

from AOCL

(Loss) Gain Reclassified

from AOCL into Income

(Effective Portion)

Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships

2019

2018

2017

into Income

(Effective Portion)

2019

2018

2017

Foreign currency forward contracts

(187

)

(7,700

)

5,183

SG&A

(1,794

)

3,106

(2,883

)

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 were included in the assessment of hedge effectiveness. As of August 31, 2019, FactSet estimates that $3.1 million of net derivative losses related to its cash flow hedges included in AOCL will be reclassified into earnings within the next 12 months.

Offsetting of Derivative Instruments

FactSet’s master netting and other similar arrangements with its respective counterparties allow for net settlement under certain conditions. As of August 31, 2019 and 2018, there were no material amounts recorded net on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Note 7 - Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2019

Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block]

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

The components of other comprehensive (loss) income during the fiscal years ended August 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

	August 31, 2019						August 31, 2018						August 31, 2017
(in thousands)	Pre-tax			Net of tax			Pre-tax			Net of tax			Pre-tax		Net of tax
Foreign currency translation adjustments	$	(24,325	)	$	(24,325	)	$	(9,431	)	$	(9,431	)	$	28,816	$	28,816
Net unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedges recognized in AOCL		891			504			(10,806	)		(7,288	)		8,066		5,017
Other comprehensive (loss) income	$	(23,434	)	$	(23,821	)	$	(20,237	)	$	(16,719	)	$	36,882	$	33,833

The components of AOCL are as follows:

(in thousands)	August 31, 2019			August 31, 2018
Accumulated unrealized losses on cash flow hedges, net of tax	$	(2,266	)	$	(3,486	)
Accumulated foreign currency translation adjustments		(72,278	)		(47,953	)
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss	$	(74,544	)	$	(51,439	)

Note 8 - Segment Information

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2019

Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block]

8. SEGMENT INFORMATION

Operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise that have the following characteristics: (i) it engages in business activities from which they may earn revenues and incur expenses, (ii) its operating results are regularly reviewed by the company’s chief operating decision maker to make decisions about resources to be allocated to the segment and assess its performance, and (iii) its discrete financial information is available. Executive management, along with the CEO, constitute FactSet’s chief operating decision making group (“CODMG”). Executive management consists of certain executives who directly report to the CEO, consisting of the Chief Financial Officer, Chief Technology and Product Officer, Global Head of Sales and Client Solutions, General Counsel, Chief Human Resources Officer and Head of Analytics and Trading. The CODMG reviews financial information at the operating segment level and is responsible for making decisions about resources allocated amongst the operating segments based on actual results.

The Company's operating segments are aligned with how the Company, including its CODMG, manages the business and the demographic markets in which it serves. The Company’s internal financial reporting structure is based on three segments: the U.S., Europe and Asia Pacific. The Company believes this alignment helps to better manage the business and view the markets it 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. These functional groups provide global financial and economic information to investment managers, investment banks and other financial services professionals.

The U.S. segment serves investment professionals including financial institutions throughout the Americas. The Europe and Asia Pacific segments serve investment professionals located throughout Europe and Asia Pacific, respectively. Segment revenue reflects direct sales to clients based in their respective geographic locations. 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, 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, the Philippines, and Latvia, benefit all the Company’s operating segments and thus the expenses incurred at these locations are allocated to each segment based on a percentage of revenue.

The following reflects the results of operations of the segments, consistent with the Company’s management structure. 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, 2019	U.S.		Europe		Asia Pacific		Total
Revenue from clients	$	894,554	$	408,084	$	132,713	$	1,435,351
Segment operating profit		179,374		179,258		79,403		438,035
Total assets		851,014		588,911		120,205		1,560,130
Depreciation and amortization		40,018		14,703		5,742		60,463
Stock-based compensation		26,152		5,320		928		32,400
Capital expenditures		43,647		2,595		13,128		59,370

Year Ended August 31, 2018	U.S.		Europe		Asia Pacific		Total
Revenue from clients	$	841,908	$	387,589	$	120,648	$	1,350,145
Segment operating profit		148,095		148,977		69,132		366,204
Total assets		724,259		585,497		109,692		1,419,448
Depreciation and amortization		37,453		15,710		4,122		57,285
Stock-based compensation		26,014		4,857		645		31,516
Capital expenditures		20,358		3,140		10,022		33,520

Year Ended August 31, 2017	U.S.		Europe		Asia Pacific		Total
Revenue from clients	$	784,146	$	330,332	$	106,701	$	1,221,179
Segment operating profit		137,104		153,676		61,355		352,135
Total assets		703,941		609,368		100,006		1,413,315
Depreciation and amortization		35,244		9,837		3,213		48,294
Stock-based compensation		30,247		3,320		616		34,183
Capital expenditures		29,561		2,385		4,916		36,862

GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION - The following table sets forth information for those countries that are 10% or more of revenue:

	Years ended August 31,
(in thousands)	2019		2018		2017
Revenue⁽¹⁾
United States	$	894,554	$	841,908	$	784,146
United Kingdom		166,944		157,346		163,732
All other European countries		241,140		230,243		166,600
Asia Pacific		132,713		120,648		106,701
Total revenue	$	1,435,351	$	1,350,145	$	1,221,179

(1)

Revenue is attributed to countries based on the location of the client.

The following table sets forth long-lived assets by geographic area:

	At August 31,
(in thousands)	2019		2018
Long-lived Assets⁽¹⁾
United States	$	99,783	$	74,792
United Kingdom		5,347		5,806
All other European countries		5,069		5,774
Asia Pacific		22,325		14,173
Total long-lived assets	$	132,524	$	100,545

(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 9 - Business Combinations

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2019

Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block]

9. BUSINESS COMBINATIONS

BISAM

On March 17, 2017, FactSet acquired BI-SAM Technologies (“BISAM”) for a total purchase price of $217.6 million. BISAM is a global provider of portfolio performance and attribution, multi-asset risk, GIPS composites management and reporting. BISAM’s product offerings include B-One, BISAM’s cross-asset solution, which will serve as a complement to both FactSet’s portfolio analytics suite and client reporting solutions, and Cognity, which enhances FactSet’s risk analysis for derivatives and quantitative portfolio construction. These factors contributed to a purchase price in excess of fair value of BISAM’s net tangible and intangible assets, leading to the recognition of goodwill. At the time of acquisition, BISAM employed over 160 employees based primarily in its New York, Boston, Paris, London and Sofia offices. Total transaction costs of $3.2 million were recorded within Selling, General and Administrative (“SG&A”) expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Income during fiscal 2017.

The total purchase price of $217.6 million was allocated to BISAM’s net tangible and intangible assets based upon their estimated fair value as of the date of acquisition. The allocation included $27.6 million to tangible assets and $56.6 million to amortizable intangible assets consisting of client relationships, amortized over 16 years using an accelerated amortization method; software technology, amortized over five years using a straight-line amortization method; and a trade name, amortized over four years using a straight-line amortization method.

Goodwill totaling $173.9 million represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net tangible and intangible assets acquired. Goodwill generated from the BISAM acquisition is included in the US and European segments and is not deductible for income tax purposes. The results of operations of BISAM have been included in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income since the completion of the acquisition on March 17, 2017. Pro forma information has not been presented because the effect of the BISAM acquisition is not material to the Company’s consolidated financial results.

VERMILION

On November 8, 2016, FactSet acquired Vermilion Holdings Limited (“Vermilion”) for a total purchase price of $67.9 million. Vermilion is a global provider of client reporting and communications solutions and services to the financial services industry. Client reporting is a growing area of the market as regulatory requirements rise and with the acquisition of Vermilion and its Vermilion Reporting Suite (“VRS”), FactSet now offers a workflow around all elements of the client reporting process, which it expects will expand as investors grow increasingly sophisticated. This factor contributed to a purchase price in excess of fair value of Vermilion’s net tangible and intangible assets, leading to the recognition of goodwill. At the time of acquisition, Vermilion employed 59 individuals in its London, Boston and Singapore offices. Total transaction costs related to the acquisition were $0.7 million in fiscal 2017 and recorded within SG&A expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Income during fiscal 2017.

The total purchase price of $67.9 million was allocated to Vermilion’s net tangible and intangible assets based upon their estimated fair value as of the date of acquisition. The allocation included $8.0 million to tangible assets and $18.2 million to intangible assets, consisting of client relationships, amortized over 15 years using an accelerated amortization method; software technology, amortized over six years using a straight-line amortization method; non-compete agreements, amortized over three years using a straight-line amortization method; and a trade name, amortized over four years using a straight-line amortization method.

Goodwill totaling $51.2 million represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net tangible and intangible assets acquired. Goodwill generated from the Vermilion acquisition is included in the European segment and is not deductible for income tax purposes. The results of operations of Vermilion have been included in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income since the completion of the acquisition on November 8, 2016. Pro forma information has not been presented because the effect of the Vermilion acquisition is not material to the Company’s consolidated financial results.

Note 10 - Goodwill

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2019

Goodwill Disclosure [Text Block]

10. GOODWILL

Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by segment for fiscal years ended August 31, 2019 and 2018 are as follows:

(in thousands)	U.S.			Europe			Asia Pacific			Total
Balance at August 31, 2017	$	386,835		$	317,759		$	2,966		$	707,560
Acquisitions and other adjustments		(640	)		(1,562	)		—			(2,202	)
Foreign currency translations		—			(3,503	)		(22	)		(3,525	)
Balance at August 31, 2018	$	386,195		$	312,694		$	2,944		$	701,833
Foreign currency translations		—			(16,235	)		131			(16,104	)
Balance at August 31, 2019	$	386,195		$	296,459		$	3,075		$	685,729

Goodwill is not amortized as it is estimated to have an indefinite life. At least annually, the Company is required to test goodwill at the reporting unit level for potential impairment, and, if impaired, write down to fair value based on the present value of discounted cash flows. The Company’s 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 three reporting units are consistent with the operating segments reported as there is no discrete financial information available for the subsidiaries within each operating segment. The Company performed its annual goodwill impairment test during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019, consistent with the timing of previous years, utilizing a qualitative analysis and concluded it was more likely than not the fair value of each reporting unit was greater than its respective carrying value and no impairment charge was required.

Note 11 - Intangible Assets

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2019

Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block]

11. INTANGIBLE ASSETS

FactSet’s identifiable intangible assets consist of acquired content databases, client relationships, software technology, non-compete agreements and trade names resulting from previous acquisitions, which have been fully integrated into the Company’s operations. The weighted average useful life of the Company’s intangible assets at August 31, 2019 was 12.6 years. The Company amortizes intangible assets over their estimated useful lives, which are evaluated quarterly to determine whether events and circumstances warrant a revision to the remaining period of amortization. There have been no material changes to the estimate of the remaining useful lives during fiscal years 2019, 2018 and 2017. If indicators of impairment are present, amortizable intangible assets are tested for impairment comparing the carrying value to undiscounted cash flows and, if impaired, written down to fair value based on discounted cash flows. No impairment of intangible assets has been identified during any of the periods presented. The intangible assets have no assigned residual values.

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

At August 31, 2019 (in thousands)	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Net Carrying Amount
Data content	$	32,200	$	21,512	$	10,688
Client relationships		95,905		35,506		60,399
Software technology		105,426		56,965		48,461
Non-compete agreements		1,311		1,228		83
Trade names		3,994		3,074		920
Total	$	238,836	$	118,285	$	120,551

At August 31, 2018 (in thousands)	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Net Carrying Amount
Data content	$	33,992	$	20,990	$	13,002
Client relationships		98,882		29,387		69,495
Software technology		106,505		44,231		62,274
Non-compete agreements		4,840		2,381		2,459
Trade names		4,070		2,365		1,705
Total	$	248,289	$	99,354	$	148,935

Amortization expense recorded for intangible assets during fiscal years 2019, 2018 and 2017 was $25.1 million, $24.7 million and $19.9 million, respectively. As of August 31, 2019, estimated intangible asset amortization expense for each of the next five years and thereafter are as follows:

Fiscal Year (in thousands)	Estimated Amortization Expense
2020	$	22,151
2021		20,859
2022		18,088
2023		13,508
2024		8,061
Thereafter		37,884
Total	$	120,551

Note 12 - Property, Equipment and Leasehold Improvements

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2019

Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block]

12. PROPERTY, EQUIPMENT AND LEASEHOLD IMPROVEMENTS

Property, equipment and leasehold improvements consist of the following:

	August 31,
(in thousands)	2019			2018
Leasehold improvements	$	155,520		$	119,479
Computers and related equipment		153,868			181,623
Furniture and fixtures		48,986			44,699
Subtotal	$	358,374		$	345,801
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization		(225,850	)		(245,256	)
Property, equipment and leasehold improvements, net	$	132,524		$	100,545

Depreciation expense was $35.4 million, $32.6 million and $28.0 million for fiscal years 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

Note 13 - Common Stock and Earnings Per Share

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2019

Earnings Per Share [Text Block]

13. COMMON STOCK AND EARNINGS PER SHARE

On May 17, 2019, FactSet's Board of Directors approved a 12.5% increase in the regular quarterly dividend from $0.64 to $0.72 per share.

Shares of common stock outstanding were as follows:

	Years ended August 31,
(in thousands)	2019			2018			2017
Balance, beginning of year (September 1)		38,193			39,023			40,038
Common stock issued for employee stock plans		839			712			693
Repurchase of common stock from employees(1)		(32	)		(8	)		(50	)
Repurchase of common stock under the share repurchase program		(882	)		(1,534	)		(1,555	)
Repurchase of common stock under accelerated share repurchase agreement		—			—			(103	)
Balance, end of year (August 31)		38,118			38,193			39,023

⁽¹⁾

For fiscal 2019, 2018 and 2017, the Company repurchased 31,644, 8,070 and 49,771 shares, or $7.2 million, $1.5 million and $7.8 million, of common stock, respectively, in settlement of employee tax withholding obligations due upon the vesting of restricted stock.

A reconciliation of the weighted average shares outstanding used in the basic and diluted earnings per share (“EPS”) computations is as follows:

(in thousands, except per share data)	Net Income (Numerator)		Weighted Average Common Shares (Denominator)		Per Share Amount
For the year ended August 31, 2019
Basic EPS
Income available to common stockholders	$	352,790		38,144	$	9.25
Diluted EPS
Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock				729
Income available to common stockholders plus assumed conversions	$	352,790		38,873	$	9.08
For the year ended August 31, 2018
Basic EPS
Income available to common stockholders	$	267,085		38,733	$	6.90
Diluted EPS
Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock				644
Income available to common stockholders plus assumed conversions	$	267,085		39,377	$	6.78
For the year ended August 31, 2017
Basic EPS
Income available to common stockholders	$	258,259		39,444	$	6.55
Diluted EPS
Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock				198
Income available to common stockholders plus assumed conversions	$	258,259		39,642	$	6.51

Dilutive potential common shares consist of stock options and unvested restricted stock awards. There were 11,481 stock options excluded from the fiscal 2019 calculation of diluted EPS, because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive. There were no stock options excluded from the fiscal 2018 calculation of diluted EPS and there were 704,786 stock options excluded from the fiscal 2017 calculations of diluted EPS, because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive.

There were no performance-based stock options excluded from the calculation of diluted EPS for fiscal 2019. As of August 31, 2018 and 2017, the number of performance-based stock options excluded from the calculation of diluted EPS was 249,443 and 415,061, respectively. Performance-based stock options are omitted from the calculation of diluted EPS until the performance criteria is considered probable of being achieved.

Note 14 - Stockholders' Equity

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2019

Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block]

14. STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Preferred Stock

At August 31, 2019 and 2018, there were 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock ($0.01 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, 2019 and 2018, there were 150,000,000 shares of common stock ($0.01 par value per share) authorized, of which 40,104,192 and 39,264,849 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

On January 31, 2018, FactSet retired 13,292,689 shares of treasury stock. These retired shares are now included in the Company’s pool of authorized but unissued shares. The retired treasury stock was initially recorded using the cost method and had a carrying value of $1.7 billion at January 31, 2018. The Company’s accounting policy upon the formal retirement of treasury stock is to deduct its par value from common stock ($0.1 million), reduce additional paid-in capital (“APIC”) by the average amount recorded in APIC when stock was originally issued ($186.7 million) and any remaining excess of cost as a reduction to retained earnings ($1.5 billion). As of August 31, 2019, and August 31, 2018, there were 1,986,352 and 1,072,263 shares of treasury stock (at cost) outstanding, respectively.

Share Repurchase Program

Repurchases will be made from time to time in the open market and privately negotiated transactions, subject to market conditions. During fiscal 2019, the Company repurchased 882,445 shares for $213.1 million compared to 1,534,398 shares for $302.4 million in fiscal 2018.

On June 24, 2019, the Board of Directors of FactSet approved a $210.0 million expansion of the existing share repurchase program. Subsequent to this expansion, $238.6 million remains authorized for future share repurchases as of August 31, 2019. There is no defined number of shares to be repurchased over a specified timeframe through the life of the share repurchase program. It is expected that share repurchases will be paid 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 2019, previously granted restricted stock awards of 85,401 shares vested and were included in common stock outstanding as of August 31, 2019 (recorded net of 31,644 shares repurchased from employees at a cost of $7.2 million to cover their cost of taxes upon vesting of the restricted stock). During fiscal 2018, 26,599 shares of previously granted restricted stock awards vested and were included in common stock outstanding as of August 31, 2018 (recorded net of 8,070 shares repurchased from employees at a cost of $1.5 million to cover their cost of taxes upon vesting of the restricted stock).

Dividends

The Company’s Board of Directors declared the following dividends on our common stock during the periods presented:

Year Ended	Dividends per Share of Common Stock		Record Date	Total amount (in thousands)		Payment Date
Fiscal 2019
First Quarter	$	0.64	November 30, 2018	$	24,372	December 18, 2018
Second Quarter	$	0.64	February 28, 2019	$	24,385	March 19, 2019
Third Quarter	$	0.72	May 31, 2019	$	27,506	June 18, 2019
Fourth Quarter	$	0.72	August 30, 2019	$	27,445	September 19, 2019

Fiscal 2018
First Quarter	$	0.56	November 30, 2017	$	21,902	December 19, 2017
Second Quarter	$	0.56	February 28, 2018	$	21,799	March 20, 2018
Third Quarter	$	0.64	May 31, 2018	$	24,566	June 19, 2018
Fourth Quarter	$	0.64	August 31, 2018	$	24,443	September 18, 2018

All 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.

Note 15 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2019

Compensation and Employee Benefit Plans [Text Block]

15. EMPLOYEE STOCK OPTION AND RETIREMENT PLANS

Stock Options Awards

The FactSet Research Systems Inc. Stock Option and Award Plan, as amended and restated (the “Long Term Incentive Plan” or “LTIP”) provides for the grant of share-based awards, including stock options and restricted stock awards to employees of FactSet. The expiration date of the Long Term Incentive Plan is December 19, 2027. Stock options granted under the LTIP expire not more than 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.

As of August 31, 2019, a total of 2,524,304 stock options were outstanding at a weighted average exercise price of $168.50. Unamortized stock-based compensation of $80.4 million is expected to be recognized as stock-based compensation expense over the remaining weighted average vesting period of 3.0 years.

Stock Option Activity

In fiscal years 2019, 2018 and 2017, FactSet granted 502,139, 610,628 and 1,026,984 stock options, respectively. These stock options have a weighted average exercise price of $223.68, $190.65 and $157.09 to existing employees of the Company, respectively.

A summary of stock option activity is as follows:

Number Outstanding

Weighted Average

Exercise Price Per Share

Balance at August 31, 2016
3,364 $ 129.54

Granted – non performance-based
713 $ 152.89

Granted – performance-based
291 $ 166.29

Granted – non-employee Directors grant
24 $ 170.24

Exercised
(487
)
$ 86.17

Forfeited
(539
)
$ 160.31

Balance at August 31, 2017
3,366 $ 139.29

Granted – non performance-based
575 $ 190.14

Granted – performance-based
17 $ 200.20

Granted – non-employee Directors grant
19 $ 197.75

Exercised
(622
)
$ 113.73

Forfeited
(212
)
$ 158.14

Balance at August 31, 2018
3,143 $ 153.05

Granted – non performance-based
482 $ 224.35

Granted – non-employee Directors grant
20 $ 207.88

Exercised
(705
)
$ 137.61

Forfeited
(416
)
$ 170.54

Balance at August 31, 2019
2,524 $ 168.50

Stock Options Outstanding and Exercisable

The following table summarizes ranges of outstanding and exercisable options as of August 31, 2019 (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

$87.26 - $92.22 184 2.98 $ 91.86 $ 33,175 184 $ 91.86 $ 33,175

$94.84 - $110.31 88 2.89 $ 99.70 $ 15,102 88 $ 99.70 $ 15,102

$131.31 - $148.52 280 5.01 $ 134.18 $ 38,636 156 $ 136.38 $ 21,134

$150.81 - $152.28 470 7.12 $ 152.25 $ 56,307 150 $ 152.25 $ 18,007

$159.14 - $170.24 299 6.09 $ 164.99 $ 32,050 98 $ 164.19 $ 10,612

$171.22 - $175.20 254 6.21 $ 175.04 $ 24,715 124 $ 175.04 $ 11,989

$189.98 - $200.20 475 8.21 $ 190.73 $ 38,637 73 $ 190.45 $ 5,985

$200.99 - $286.74 474 9.18 $ 223.79 $ 22,883 1 $ 221.88 $ 71

Total Fiscal 2019
2,524 $ 261,505 874 $ 116,075

The following table summarizes outstanding and exercisable options as of August 31, 2018 and 2017 (in thousands, except the weighted average exercise price per share):

August 31, 2018

August 31, 2017

Number of

Shares

Weighted

Average

Exercise Price

Per Share

Number of

Shares

Weighted

Average

Exercise Price

Per Share

Outstanding at fiscal year end
3,143 $ 153.05 3,366 $ 139.29

Exercisable at fiscal year end
1,022 $ 126.27 918 $ 105.14

The total number of in-the-money options exercisable as of August 31, 2019 was 0.9 million with a weighted average exercise price $139.32. The aggregate intrinsic value of in-the-money stock options exercisable at August 31, 2019 and 2018 was $116.1 million and $105.3 million, respectively. The aggregate intrinsic value represents the difference between the Company’s closing stock price as of August 31, 2019 of $272.09 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, 2019 and 2018 was 5.3 years and 5.6 years, respectively. The total pre-tax intrinsic value of stock options exercised during fiscal 2019, 2018 and 2017 was $73.0 million, $50.1 million and $38.0 million, respectively.

Performance-based Equity Awards

Performance-based equity awards, whether in the form of stock options or restricted stock, require management to make assumptions regarding the likelihood of achieving Company performance targets. The number of performance-based awards 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 awards will vest to the grantees. However, there is no current guarantee that such awards will vest in whole or in part.

June 2017 Performance-based Option Grant Review

In connection with the acquisition of BISAM, FactSet granted 206,417 performance-based stock options in June 2017. These performance-based options were scheduled to vest 40% on the second anniversary date of the grant and 20% on each subsequent anniversary date, if certain BISAM revenue and operating income targets were achieved by March 31, 2019. In the third quarter of fiscal 2019, it was determined that the performance criteria were not achieved by March 31, 2019, and, as such, the options were forfeited, and no stock-based compensation expense was recorded for this performance-based option grant for fiscal 2019.

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 2019, 2018 and 2017, FactSet granted 73,047, 3,497 and 62,400 restricted stock awards to employees of the Company, respectively. These awards have a weighted average grant date fair value of $239.03, $189.28 and $158.26 for fiscal years 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

As of August 31, 2019, a total of 123,794 shares of restricted stock and restricted stock units were unvested and outstanding, which results in unamortized stock-based compensation of $21.8 million to be recognized as stock-based compensation expense over the remaining vesting period of 3.1 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, 2016
262 126.27

Granted (restricted stock and stock units)
62 158.26

Vested⁽¹⁾
(132
)
123.28

Canceled/forfeited
(10
)
130.32

Balance at August 31, 2017
182 138.62

Granted (restricted stock and stock units)
3 189.28

Vested⁽²⁾
(27
)
155.95

Canceled/forfeited
(15
)
116.29

Balance at August 31, 2018
143 139.34

Granted (restricted stock and stock units)
73 239.03

Vested⁽³⁾
(85
)
125.04

Canceled/forfeited
(7
)
181.32

Balance at August 31, 2019
124 205.47

⁽¹⁾

The 132,194 restricted stock awards that vested during fiscal 2017 were comprised of: 73,522 of awards relating to restricted stock granted on November 1, 2013, which cliff vested 60% after three years, 17,328 of awards relating to restricted stock granted on October 16, 2015, which vested 20% annually upon the anniversary date of the grant and 30,162 of awards relating to restricted stock granted on October 16, 2015, which were modified to accelerate vest 100% in conjunction with employee severance. Additionally, 11,182 awards vested related to other grants.

⁽²⁾

The 26,599 restricted stock awards that vested during fiscal 2018 were comprised of: 9,765 of awards relating to restricted stock granted on October 16, 2015 and 8,600 of awards relating to restricted stock granted on June 30, 2017 which vest at a rate of 20% annually upon the anniversary date of the grant, respectively. Additionally, 8,234 awards vested related to other grants.

⁽³⁾

The 85,401 restricted stock awards that vested during fiscal 2019 were comprised of: 42,276 of awards relating to restricted stock granted on November 1,2013 and 9,451 of awards relating to restricted stock granted on October 16, 2015, which vest at a rate of 20% annually upon the anniversary date of the grant, respectively, 18,691 of awards relating to restricted stock granted on February 9, 2015, which vest 100% upon the four year anniversary date of the grant, 8,924 of awards relating to restricted stock granted on June 30, 2017, which vest 60% after three years and 40% after five years. Additionally, there were 6,059 awards that vested related to other grants.

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, 2016
1,491 66

Granted – non performance-based options
(713
)
—

Granted – performance-based options
(291
)
—

Granted – non-employee Directors grant
— (24
)

Restricted stock awards granted⁽¹⁾
(156
)
—

Share-based awards canceled/forfeited⁽²⁾
566 —

Balance at August 31, 2017
897 42

Increase in the number of shares available for issuance
5,750 250

Granted – non performance-based options
(575
)
—

Granted – performance-based options
(17
)
—

Granted – non-employee Directors grant
— (19
)

Restricted stock awards granted⁽¹⁾
(9
)
—

Share-based awards canceled/forfeited⁽²⁾
252 9

Balance at August 31, 2018
6,298 282

Granted – non performance-based options
(481
)
(20
)

Restricted stock awards granted⁽¹⁾
(183
)
—

Share-based awards canceled/forfeited⁽²⁾
433 2

Balance at August 31, 2019
6,067 264

⁽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

Shares of FactSet common stock may be purchased by eligible employees under the FactSet Research Systems Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan, as Amended and Restated (the "ESPP") in three-month intervals. The purchase price is equal to 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 and a $25,000 contribution limit during an offering period.

During fiscal 2019, employees purchased 48,532 shares at a weighted average price of $205.64 as compared to 64,230 shares at a weighted average price of $160.34 for fiscal 2018. At August 31, 2019, the ESPP had 220,410 shares reserved for future issuance.

Employee Benefit Plans

The Company established its 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 (“IRC”). Each year, participants may contribute up to 60% of their eligible annual compensation, subject to annual limitations established by the IRC. The Company matches up to 4% of employees’ earnings, capped at the Internal Revenue Service 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 $10.9 million, $11.6 million, and $10.1 million in matching contributions to employee 401(k) accounts during fiscal 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

Note 16 - Stock-based Compensation

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2019

Share-based Payment Arrangement [Text Block]

16. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

The Company recognized total stock-based compensation expense of $32.4 million, $31.5 million and $34.2 million in fiscal 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively. As of August 31, 2019, $80.4 million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested awards is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 3.0 years. There was no stock-based compensation capitalized as of August 31, 2019 and 2018, 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 binomial model is affected by the Company’s stock price, as well as, assumptions regarding several variables, which 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, to determine the grant date stock option award fair value.

Q1 2019	454,598 non-performance-based employee stock options were granted at a weighted average exercise price of $221.93 and a weighted average estimated fair value of $56.77 per share.
Q2 2019	6,115 non-performance-based employee stock options were granted at a weighted average exercise price of $207.84 and a weighted average estimated fair value of $53.18 per share.
Q3 2019	2,320 non-performance-based employee stock options were granted at a weighted average exercise price of $267.02 and a weighted average estimated fair value of $68.33 per share.
Q4 2019	18,530 non-performance-based employee stock options were granted at a weighted average exercise price of $283.96 and a weighted average estimated fair value of $65.60 per share.
Q1 2018	553,942 non-performance-based employee stock options were granted at a weighted average exercise price of $189.98 and a weighted average estimated fair value of $48.27 per share.
Q2 2018	15,363 non-performance-based employee stock options were granted at a weighted average exercise price of $192.11 and a weighted average estimated fair value of $48.82 per share.
Q3 2018	There were no employee stock options granted during the three months ended May 31, 2018.
Q4 2018	5,848 non-performance-based employee stock options and 16,512 performance-based employee stock options were both granted at a weighted average exercise price of $200.20 with a weighted average estimated fair value of $50.87 per share.
Q1 2017	671,263 non performance-based employee stock options and 22,460 performance-based employee stock options were both granted at a weighted average exercise price of $152.51 with a weighted average estimated fair value of $39.60 per share.
Q2 2017	61,744 performance-based employee stock options were granted at a weighted average exercise price of $169.16 and a weighted average estimated fair value of $43.81 per share.
Q3 2017	11,604 non performance-based employee stock options were granted at a weighted average exercise price of $163.05 and a weighted average estimated fair value of $42.23 per share.
Q4 2017	29,650 non performance-based employee stock options and 206,417 performance-based employee stock options were granted at a weighted average exercise price of $165.75 and a weighted average estimated fair value of $42.93 per share.

The weighted average estimated fair value of employee stock options granted during fiscal 2019, 2018 and 2017 was determined using the binomial model with the following weighted average assumptions:

	2019				2018				2017
Term structure of risk-free interest rate		1.28%	—	3.14%		1.28%	—	2.41%		0.07%	—	2.09%
Expected life (years)		7.1	—	7.1		7.4	—	7.4		7.4	—	8.1
Term structure of volatility		18%	—	29%		19%	—	29%		21%	—	30%
Dividend yield			1.15%				1.32%				1.18%
Weighted average estimated fair value			$57.12				$48.39				$40.68
Weighted average exercise price			$224.35				$190.42				$156.77
Fair value as a percentage of exercise price			25.5%				25.4%				25.9%

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 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Option and Award Plan, as Amended and Restated (the "Director Plan"), provides for the grant of share-based awards, including stock options, to non-employee directors of FactSet. As of August 31, 2019, shares available for future grant under the Director Plan was 263,956. The expiration date of the Director Plan is December 19, 2027.

The Company utilizes the Black-Scholes model to estimate the fair value of new non-employee Director stock option grants. The Black-Scholes model is affected by the Company’s stock price, as well as, assumptions regarding several variables, which 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, to determine the grant date stock-based payment award fair value.

Fiscal 2019

On January 15, 2019, FactSet granted 20,576 stock options to the Company’s non-employee Directors. These options have a weighted average estimated fair value of $42.77 per share, using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions:

Risk-free interest rate	2.51	%
Expected life (years)	5.4
Expected volatility	20.5	%
Dividend yield	1.17	%

Fiscal 2018

On January 12, 2018, FactSet granted 18,963 stock options to the Company’s non-employee Directors. These options have a weighted average estimated fair value of $38.76 per share, using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions:

Risk-free interest rate	2.34	%
Expected life (years)	5.4
Expected volatility	19.7	%
Dividend yield	1.16	%

Fiscal 2017

On January 13, 2017, FactSet granted 23,846 stock options to the Company’s non-employee Directors, including one-time new director grants of 2,104 for both Malcolm Frank and Sheila B. Jordan, who were elected to FactSet’s Board of Directors on December 20, 2016. All the options granted on January 13, 2017, have a weighted average estimated fair value of $35.65 per share, using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions:

Risk-free interest rate	1.95	%
Expected life (years)	5.4
Expected volatility	22.7	%
Dividend yield	1.24	%

Restricted Stock Fair Value Determinations

Restricted stock granted to employees entitles 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 is 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. The expense associated with restricted stock awards is amortized over the vesting period. During fiscal 2019, there were 73,047 restricted stock awards granted with a weighted average grant date fair value of $239.03 compared to 3,497 restricted stock awards granted with a weighted average grant date fair value of $189.28 in fiscal 2018.

Q1 2019	41,102 shares of restricted stock were granted at a weighted average estimated fair value of $212.66 per share.
Q2 2019	51 shares of restricted stock were granted at a weighted average estimated fair value of $210.67 per share.
Q3 2019	265 shares of restricted stock were granted at a weighted average estimated fair value of $255.95 per share.
Q4 2019	31,629 shares of restricted stock were granted at a weighted average estimated fair value of $273.19 per share.
Q1 2018	961 shares of restricted stock were granted at a weighted average estimated fair value of $182.17 per share.
Q2 2018	No restricted stock granted.
Q3 2018	No restricted stock granted.
Q4 2018	2,536 shares of restricted stock were granted at a weighted average estimated fair value of $191.97 per share.
Q1 2017	5,084 shares of restricted stock were granted at a weighted average estimated fair value of $151.63 per share.
Q2 2017	7,843 shares of restricted stock were granted at a weighted average estimated fair value of $161.31 per share.
Q3 2017	No restricted stock granted.
Q4 2017	49,473 shares of restricted stock were granted at a weighted average estimated fair value of $158.46 per share.

Employee Stock Purchase Plan Fair Value Determinations

During fiscal 2019, employees purchased 48,532 shares at a weighted average price of $205.64 compared to 64,230 shares at a weighted average price of $160.34 in fiscal 2018 and 75,372 shares at a weighted average price of $136.34 in fiscal 2017. Stock-based compensation expense recorded during fiscal 2019, 2018 and 2017 relating to the employee stock purchase plan was $2.0 million, $1.6 million and $2.1 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 2019, 2018 and 2017, was $41.06, $31.83 and $28.16 per share, respectively, with the following weighted average assumptions:

	2019			2018			2017
Risk-free interest rate		2.33	%		1.55	%		0.69	%
Expected life (months)		3			3			3
Expected volatility		10.89	%		10.19	%		8.60	%
Dividend yield		1.12	%		1.27	%		1.25	%

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 several 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 17 - Income Taxes

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2019

Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]

17. INCOME TAXES

Provision for Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes is as follows:

	Years ended August 31,
(in thousands)	2019			2018			2017
U.S. operations	$	288,860		$	199,654		$	218,650
Non-U.S. operations		133,105			152,184			125,662
Income before income taxes	$	421,965		$	351,838		$	344,312

U.S. operations	$	55,824		$	65,778		$	65,403
Non-U.S. operations		13,351			18,975			20,650
Total provision for income taxes	$	69,175		$	84,753		$	86,053
Effective tax rate		16.4	%		24.1	%		25.0	%

The components of the provision for income taxes consist of the following:

	Years ended August 31,
(in thousands)	2019			2018			2017
Current
U.S. federal	$	35,688		$	58,835		$	58,057
U.S. state and local		18,389			5,159			5,659
Non-U.S.		17,376			22,669			17,458
Total current taxes	$	71,453		$	86,663		$	81,174

Deferred
U.S. federal	$	1,813		$	2,079		$	4,320
U.S. state and local		(217	)		(295	)		(77	)
Non-U.S.		(3,874	)		(3,694	)		636
Total deferred taxes	$	(2,278	)	$	(1,910	)	$	4,879
Total provision for income taxes	$	69,175		$	84,753		$	86,053

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:

	Years ended August 31,
(expressed as a percentage of income before income taxes)	2019			2018				2017
Tax at U.S. Federal statutory tax rate		21.0	%		25.7	%			35.0	%
Increase (decrease) in taxes resulting from:
State and local taxes, net of U.S. federal income tax benefit		4.0			2.9				1.8
Foreign income at other than U.S. rates		(1.4	)		(3.2	)			(7.0	)	⁽³⁾
Foreign derived intangible income deduction		(1.7	)		—				—
Domestic production activities deduction		—			(1.6	)			(2.1	)
Income tax benefits from R&D tax credits		(3.5	)		(3.7	)			(3.3	)
Income tax benefits from foreign tax credits		—			—				(0.3	)
Share-based payments⁽¹⁾		(3.2	)		(2.7	)			—
One-time transition tax from TCJA		(0.4	)		6.6		⁽²⁾		—
Other, net		1.6			0.1				0.9
Effective tax rate		16.4	%		24.1	%			25.0	%

⁽¹⁾

During the first quarter of fiscal 2018, FactSet adopted an accounting standard that requires all excess tax benefits or deficiencies related to share-based payments to be reported within the consolidated statement of income that were previously reported within equity. The adoption of this standard resulted in the recognition of $9.5 million of excess tax benefits to FactSet’s provision for income taxes during fiscal 2018.

⁽²⁾

The enactment of the TCJA resulted in a one-time transition tax expense of $23.2 million during the second quarter of fiscal 2018.

⁽³⁾

Includes a 200 basis point benefit as a result of FactSet’s global realignment. Effective September 1, 2016, FactSet realigned certain aspects of its global operations from FactSet Research Systems Inc., its U.S. parent company, to FactSet UK Limited, a U.K. operating company, to better position the Company to serve its growing client base outside the U.S. This realignment allows the Company to further implement strategic corporate objectives and helps achieve operational and financial efficiencies, while complementing FactSet’s increasing global growth and reach.

The fiscal 2019 provision for income taxes was $69.2 million, a decrease of 18.4% from the same period a year ago. The decrease was primarily attributable to the enactment of the TCJA. The TCJA imposed a one-time transition tax expense, which resulted in a $23.2 million impact to the income tax provision for fiscal 2018, without a comparable impact in fiscal 2019. This transition tax impact was revised during fiscal 2019, resulting in a net benefit of $3.4 million upon finalizing the accounting for the tax effects of the TCJA. The TCJA also lowered the statutory U.S corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%, effective January 1, 2018, which was fully applicable for fiscal 2019 compared to the lower tax rate being phased in for the prior year comparable period. The reduction in the U.S. corporate income tax rate required a remeasurement of FactSet's net U.S. deferred tax position, which resulted in a non-recurring tax charge of $2.2 million during fiscal 2018. The decrease in the income tax provision was partially offset by a $3.3 million income tax expense from finalizing prior years’ tax returns and other discrete items for fiscal 2019.

Due to the changes in taxation of undistributed foreign earnings under the TCJA, FactSet will continue to analyze foreign subsidiary earnings, as well as global working capital requirements, and may repatriate earnings when the amounts are remitted substantially free of additional tax.

Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities

The significant components of deferred tax assets that recorded within the Consolidated Balance Sheets were as follows:

	At August 31,
(in thousands)	2019			2018
Deferred tax assets:
Receivable reserve	$	1,517		$	599
Depreciation on property, equipment and leasehold improvements		2,858			1,032
Deferred rent		9,454			7,711
Stock-based compensation		13,755			14,827
Purchased intangible assets, including acquired technology		(27,116	)		(24,059	)
Other		7,103			9,606
Total deferred tax assets	$	7,571		$	9,716

The significant components of deferred tax liabilities recorded within the Consolidated Balance Sheets were as follows:

	At August 31,
(in thousands	2019			2018
Deferred tax liabilities:
Stock-based compensation	$	(1,067	)	$	(946	)
Purchased intangible assets, including acquired technology		17,188			22,429
Other		270			(293	)
Total deferred tax liabilities	$	16,391		$	21,190

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. 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 be sustained based on its 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 50% likelihood of being realized upon effective settlement with a taxing authority. Additionally, FactSet accrues interest on all tax exposures for which reserves have been established consistent with jurisdictional tax laws.

The determination of liabilities related to unrecognized tax benefits, including associated interest and penalties, requires significant estimates. There can be no assurance that the Company will accurately predict the audit outcomes, 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. For this reason and due to ongoing audits by multiple tax authorities, FactSet will regularly engage in discussions and negotiations with tax authorities regarding tax matters in various jurisdictions. The Company adjusts these reserves in light of changing facts and circumstances, such as the closing of a tax audit or the refinement of an estimate. To the extent that the final outcome of these matters is different than the amounts recorded, such differences will affect the provision for income taxes in the period in which such determination is made. The Company does not currently anticipate that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will significantly change within the next 12 months.

FactSet classifies the liability for unrecognized tax benefits as Taxes Payable (non-current) and to the extent that the Company anticipates payment of cash within one year, the benefit will be classified as Taxes Payable (current). Additionally, the Company accrues interest on all tax exposures for which reserves have been established consistent with jurisdictional tax laws. This interest is classified as income tax expense in the financial statements. As of August 31, 2019, FactSet had gross unrecognized tax benefits totaling $10.9 million, including $1.1 million of accrued interest, recorded as Taxes Payable (non-current) within the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

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

(in thousands)
Unrecognized income tax benefits at August 31, 2016	$	8,782
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year		3,896
Additions for tax positions of prior years		628
Statute of limitations lapse		(1,822	)
Unrecognized income tax benefits at August 31, 2017	$	11,484
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year		2,954
Additions for tax positions of prior years		531
Statute of limitations lapse		(3,146	)
Reductions from settlements with Taxing Authorities		(2,600	)
Unrecognized income tax benefits at August 31, 2018	$	9,223
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year		3,133
Additions for tax positions of prior years		507
Statute of limitations lapse		(1,979	)
Reductions from settlements with Taxing Authorities		—
Unrecognized income tax benefits at August 31, 2019	$	10,884

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, 2019, 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	2016	through	2018
State (various)	2016	through	2018

Europe
United Kingdom	2017	through	2018
France	2017	through	2018
Germany	2016	through	2018

Note 18 - Debt

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2019

Long-term Debt [Text Block]

18. DEBT

FactSet’s debt obligations consisted of the following:

	At August 31,
(in thousands)	2019		2018
2017 Revolving Credit Facility	$	—	$	575,000
2019 Revolving Credit Facility (maturity date of March 29, 2024)	$	575,000	$	—

2019 Credit Agreement

On March 29, 2019, the Company entered into the 2019 Credit Agreement (the "2019 Credit Agreement") between FactSet, as the borrower, and PNC Bank, National Association ("PNC"), as the administrative agent and lender. The 2019 Credit Agreement provides for a $750.0 million revolving credit facility (the "2019 Revolving Credit Facility"). FactSet may request borrowings under the 2019 Revolving Credit Facility until its maturity date of March 29, 2024. The 2019 Credit Agreement also allows FactSet, subject to certain requirements, to arrange for additional borrowings with PNC for an aggregate amount up to $500.0 million, provided that any such request for additional borrowings must be in a minimum amount of $25.0 million.

FactSet borrowed $575.0 million of the available $750.0 million provided by the 2019 Revolving Credit Facility, resulting in $175.0 million available to be withdrawn. FactSet is required to pay a commitment fee using a pricing grid currently at 0.10% based on the daily amount by which the available balance in the 2019 Revolving Credit Facility exceeds the borrowed amount. All outstanding loan amounts are reported as Long-term debt within the consolidated balance sheets at August 31, 2019. The principal balance is payable in full on the maturity date.

The fair value of our long-term debt was $575.0 million as of August 31, 2019, which the Company believe approximates carrying amount as the terms and interest rates approximate market rates given its floating interest rate basis. Borrowings under the loan bear interest on the outstanding principal amount at a rate equal to the daily LIBOR rate plus a spread using a debt leverage pricing grid, currently at 0.875%. During fiscal years 2019, 2018 and 2017, FactSet recorded interest expense of $19.8 million, $15.9 million and $8.4 million, respectively, on its outstanding debt amounts. The weighted average interest rate on amounts outstanding under our credit facilities was 3.35% and 2.69% as of August 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Interest on the loan outstanding is payable quarterly, in arrears, and on the maturity date.

During fiscal 2019, FactSet incurred approximately $0.9 million in debt issuance costs related to the 2019 Credit Agreement. These costs were capitalized as loan origination fees and are amortized into interest expense ratably over the term of the 2019 Credit Agreement.

The 2019 Credit Agreement contains covenants and requirements restricting certain FactSet activities, which are usual and customary for this type of loan. In addition, the 2019 Credit Agreement requires that FactSet maintain a consolidated net leverage ratio, as measured by total net funded debt/EBITDA below a specified level as of the end of each fiscal quarter. The Company was in compliance with all the covenants and requirements within the 2019 Credit Agreement as of August 31, 2019.

The borrowings from the 2019 Credit Agreement were used to retire all outstanding debt under the previous 2017 Credit Agreement between FactSet, as the borrower, and PNC as the lender on March 29, 2019. The total principal amount of the debt outstanding at the time of retirement was $575.0 million and there were no prepayment penalties.

2017 Credit Agreement

On March 17, 2017, the Company entered into a Credit Agreement (the "2017 Credit Agreement") between FactSet, as the borrower, and PNC Bank, National Association ("PNC"), as the administrative agent and lender. The 2017 Credit Agreement provided for a $575.0 million revolving credit facility (the "2017 Revolving Credit Facility"). FactSet could have requested borrowings under the 2017 Revolving Credit Facility until its maturity or retirement date. The 2017 Credit Agreement also allowed FactSet, subject to certain requirements, to arrange for additional borrowings with PNC for an aggregate amount of up to $225.0 million, provided that any such request for additional borrowings was in a minimum amount of $25.0 million. Borrowings under the loan were subject to interest on the outstanding principal amount at a rate equal to the daily LIBOR rate plus 1.00%. Interest on the loan outstanding was payable quarterly in arrears and on the maturity date. The principal balance was also payable in full on the maturity date. There were no prepayment penalties when the Company elected to prepay the outstanding loan amounts on March 29, 2019.

Note 19 - Commitments and Contingencies

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2019

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]

19. 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

Including new lease agreements executed during fiscal 2019, the Company's worldwide leased office space increased to approximately 1,860,000 square feet of office space under various non-cancelable operating leases which expire on various dates through 2035. Total minimum rental payments associated with the leases are recorded as occupancy expense (a component of Selling, General & Administrative, "SG&A" expense) on a straight-line basis over the periods of the respective non-cancelable lease terms. Future minimum commitments for the Company's operating leases in place as of August 31, 2019 are as follows:

(in thousands) Years ended August 31,	Minimum Lease Payments
2020	$	41,414
2021		40,051
2022		36,011
2023		33,890
2024		33,072
Thereafter		215,523
Total	$	399,961

During fiscal 2019, 2018 and 2017, rent expense (including operating costs) for all operating leases amounted to $56.7 million, $54.6 million and $48.4 million, respectively. At August 31, 2019 and 2018, deferred rent reported within the Consolidated Balance Sheets totaled $42.6 million and $39.4 million, of which $39.1 million and $33.6 million, respectively, was reported as a non-current liability within the line item Deferred Rent and Other Non-Current Liabilities.

Approximately $2.8 million of standby letters of credit have been issued during the ordinary course of business in connection with the Company’s current leased office space as of August 31, 2019. 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, 2019 and 2018, FactSet was in compliance with all covenants contained in the standby letters of credit.

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 they 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, 2019 and 2018, the Company had total purchase commitments with suppliers of $83.3 million and $79.0 million, respectively. There were no material changes in the Company’s purchase commitments with suppliers during fiscal 2019.

Contingencies

Income Taxes

Uncertain income tax positions are accounted for in accordance with applicable accounting guidance, refer to Note 17 Income Taxes for further details. FactSet is currently under audit by tax authorities and has reserved for potential adjustments to its provision for income taxes that may result from examinations by, or any negotiated settlements with, these tax authorities. The Company believes that the final outcome of these examinations or settlements 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.

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 engaged in various legal proceedings, claims and litigation that have arisen in the ordinary course of business, including employment matters, commercial and intellectual property litigation. The outcome of all the matters against the Company is subject to future resolution, including the uncertainties of litigation. Based on information available at August 31, 2019, FactSet’s management believes that the ultimate outcome of these unresolved matters against the Company, individually or in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's consolidated financial position, its results of operations or its cash flows.

Sales Tax Matters

In August 2019, FactSet received a Notice of Intent to Assess (the “Notice”) additional sales taxes, interest and underpayment penalties from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Revenue relating to prior tax periods. The Notice follows FactSet’s previously disclosed response to a letter from the Commonwealth requesting additional sales information. Based upon the Notice, it is the Commonwealth's intention to assess sales/use tax, interest and penalties on previously recorded sales transactions. The Company filed an appeal to the Notice and intends to contest any such assessment, if assessed, and continues to cooperate with the Commonwealth’s inquiry. Due to uncertainty surrounding the assessment process, the Company is unable to reasonably estimate the ultimate outcome of this matter and, as such, has not recorded a liability as of August 31, 2019. While FactSet believes that it will ultimately prevail if the Company is presented with a formal assessment; if FactSet does not prevail, the amount could have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position, cash flows and results of operations.

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 20 - Risks and Concentrations of Credit Risk

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2019

Concentration Risk Disclosure [Text Block]

20. RISKS AND CONCENTRATIONS OF CREDIT RISK

Financial Risk Management

Foreign Currency Exchange Risk

The Company conducts business outside the U.S. in several currencies including the Euro, Indian Rupee, Philippine Peso, British Pound Sterling, and Japanese Yen. 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. To manage the exposures related to the effects of foreign exchange rate fluctuations, the Company utilizes derivative instruments (foreign currency forward contracts). By their nature, all derivative instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of market and credit risk. The market risk associated with these instruments resulting from currency exchange movements is expected to offset the market risk of the underlying transactions, assets and liabilities being hedged. FactSet does not believe there is significant risk of loss in the event of non-performance by the counterparties associated with these instruments because these transactions are executed with a major financial institution. Further, the Company’s policy is to deal with counterparties having a minimum investment grade or better credit rating. Credit risk is managed through the continuous monitoring of exposures to such counterparties. FactSet’s primary objective in holding derivatives is to reduce the volatility of earnings associated with changes in foreign currency.

Interest Rate Risk

Cash and Cash Equivalents and Investments

The fair market value of FactSet’s cash and cash equivalents and investments at August 31, 2019 was $385.6 million. The Company’s cash and cash equivalents consist of demand deposits and money market funds with original maturities of three months or less and are reported at fair value. The Company’s investments consist of both mutual funds and certificates of deposit as both are part of the Company’s investment strategy. These mutual funds and certificates of deposit are included as Investments (short term) on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets as the mutual funds can be liquidated at our discretion and the certificates of deposit have original maturities greater than three months, but less than one year. The mutual funds and certificates of deposit are held for investment and are not considered debt securities. It is anticipated that the fair market value of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents and investments will continue to be immaterially affected by fluctuations in interest rates. Preservation of principal is the primary goal of FactSet’s cash and cash equivalents and investment policy. Pursuant to the FactSet's established investment guidelines, the Company tries to achieve high levels of credit quality, liquidity and diversification. The Company's investment guidelines do not permit FactSet to invest in puts, calls, strips, short sales, straddles, options, commodities, precious metals, futures or investments on margin. As the Company 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 cash equivalents and investments have been significantly impacted by current market events.

Debt

As of August 31, 2019, the fair value of FactSet’s long-term debt was $575.0 million, which approximated its carrying amount. The application of a floating interest rate equal to the daily LIBOR rate plus a spread using a debt leverage pricing grid, approximates the current market rate for similar transactions. It is anticipated that the fair market value of FactSet’s debt will continue to be immaterially affected by fluctuations in interest rates and the Company does not believe that the value of its debt has been significantly impacted by current market events. The debt bears interest on the outstanding principal amount at a rate equal to the daily LIBOR rate plus a spread using a debt leverage pricing grid currently at 0.875%. During fiscal 2019 and fiscal 2018, the Company recorded interest expense of $19.8 million and $15.9 million, respectively, on its outstanding debt amounts. Assuming all terms of the Company’s outstanding long-term debt remained the same, a hypothetical 25 basis point change (up or down) in the one-month LIBOR rate would result in a $1.4 million change in its annual interest expense.

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 maintained primarily with five 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 revenue earned from clients located around the globe. FactSet does not require collateral from its clients but performs credit evaluations on an ongoing basis. The Company maintains reserves for potential write-offs and evaluates the adequacy of the reserves periodically. These losses have historically been within expectations. No single client represented 10% or more of FactSet's total revenue in any fiscal year presented. At August 31, 2019, the Company’s largest individual client accounted for approximately 3% of total annual subscriptions, and subscriptions from the ten largest clients did not surpass 15% of total annual subscriptions, consistent with August 31, 2018. As of August 31, 2019 and 2018, the receivable reserve was $10.5 million and $3.5 million, respectively.

Derivative Instruments

As a result of the use of derivative instruments, FactSet is exposed to counterparty credit risk. The Company has incorporated counterparty credit risk into the fair value of its derivative assets and its own credit risk into the value of the Company’s derivative liabilities, when applicable. For derivative instruments, the Company 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 the Company has executed these derivative transactions. To mitigate counterparty credit risk, the Company enters into contracts with large financial institutions and regularly reviews its credit exposure balances as well as the creditworthiness of the counterparties. For the Company's liabilities, as 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. The Company does not expect any losses as a result of default of its counterparties.

Concentration of Other Risk

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. 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 more than 10% of FactSet's total data costs during fiscal 2019, except for one vendor, which is a supplier of risk models and portfolio optimizer data to FactSet and represented 11% of FactSet’s data costs in fiscal 2019.

Note 21 - Unaudited Quarterly Financial Data

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2019

Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block]

21. UNAUDITED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA

The following table presents selected unaudited financial information for each of the quarterly periods in the years ended August 31, 2019 and 2018. 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.

Fiscal 2019 (in thousands, except per share data)	First Quarter		Second Quarter		Third Quarter		Fourth Quarter
Revenue	$	351,640	$	354,895	$	364,533	$	364,283
Cost of services	$	166,776	$	165,108	$	163,832	$	167,730
Selling, general and administrative	$	84,325	$	81,099	$	83,461	$	84,985
Operating income	$	100,539	$	108,688	$	117,240	$	111,568
Net income	$	84,296	$	84,702	$	92,265	$	91,527
Diluted EPS⁽¹⁾	$	2.17	$	2.19	$	2.37	$	2.34
Diluted weighted average common shares		38,809		38,619		38,993		39,056

Fiscal 2018 (in thousands, except per share data)	First Quarter		Second Quarter		Third Quarter		Fourth Quarter
Revenue	$	329,141	$	335,231	$	339,911	$	345,861
Cost of services	$	161,524	$	163,232	$	165,073	$	169,467
Selling, general and administrative	$	78,519	$	76,514	$	81,573	$	88,038
Operating income	$	89,098	$	95,485	$	93,265	$	88,356
Net income	$	70,379	$	53,137	$	74,746	$	68,823
Diluted EPS⁽¹⁾	$	1.77	$	1.33	$	1.91	$	1.77
Diluted weighted average common shares		39,680		39,846		39,104		38,879

⁽¹⁾

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

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2019

SEC Schedule, 12-09, Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Text Block]

	2.	Financial Statements Schedule

		Schedule II – Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

		Years ended August 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 (in thousands):

Receivable Reserve and Billing Adjustments	Balance at Beginning of Year		Charged to Expense/ Against Revenue⁽¹⁾		Write-offs, Net of Recoveries			Balance at End of Year
2019	$	3,490	$	11,474	$	(4,453	)	$	10,511
2018	$	2,738	$	4,737	$	(3,985	)	$	3,490
2017	$	1,521	$	3,381	$	(2,164	)	$	2,738

⁽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 revenue.

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

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	Aug. 31, 2019
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Revenue [Policy Text Block]	Revenue Recognition The majority of the Company’s revenue is derived from client access to its hosted proprietary data and analytics platform, which can include various combinations of products and services available over the contractual term. The hosted platform is a subscription-based service that consists primarily of providing access to products and services including workstations, analytics, enterprise data, research management, and trade execution. The Company determined that the subscription-based service represents a single performance obligation covering a series of distinct products and services that are substantially the same and that have the same pattern of transfer to the client. Based on the nature of the services and products offered by FactSet, the Company applies an input time-based measure of progress as the client is simultaneously receiving and consuming the benefits of the platform. The Company records revenue for its contracts using the over-time revenue recognition model as a client is invoiced or performance is satisfied. 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 of client payments that are in excess of earned subscription revenue are reflected on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as Deferred fees. As of August 31, 2019, the amount of accounts receivable that was unbilled totaled $15.8 million, which will be billed in fiscal 2020. As of August 31, 2018, the amount of accounts receivable that was unbilled totaled $6.4 million, which was billed in fiscal 2019. 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 $10.5 million and $3.5 million was recorded as of August 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, within the Consolidated Balance Sheets as a reduction to Accounts receivable.
Cost of Goods and Service [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.
Research and Development Expense, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Research and Product Development Costs FactSet does not have a separate research and product development department, but rather the Product Development and Engineering departments work closely with our strategists, product managers, sales and other client-facing specialists to identify areas of improvement with the goal of providing increased value to clients. As such, research and product development costs relate to the salary and benefits for the Company’s product development, software engineering and technical support staff and, as such, these costs are expensed when incurred within cost of services as employee compensation. The Company expects to allocate a similar percentage of its workforce in future years in order to continue to develop new products and enhancements, respond quickly to market changes and meet the needs of its clients efficiently. FactSet incurred research and product development costs of $214.7 million, $217.1 million and $215.0 million during fiscal years 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
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 EPS 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. For the purpose of calculating EPS, common shares outstanding include 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 option holder and future stock-based compensation expense that the Company has not yet recognized 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 Measurements 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, 2019 or 2018. Refer to Note 5 Fair Value Measures for the definition of the fair value hierarchy.
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents consist of demand deposits and 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 readily convertible into cash 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 both mutual funds and certificates of deposit as both are part of the Company’s investment strategy. These mutual funds and certificates of deposit are included as Investments (short-term) on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets as the certificates of deposit have original maturities greater than three months, but less than one year and the mutual funds can be liquidated at that Company’s discretion. The mutual funds and certificates of deposit are held for investment and are not considered debt securities. Interest income earned from these investments during fiscal 2019, 2018 and 2017 was $1.5 million, $1.3 million and $1.6 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 2019 and 2018.
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 at the reporting unit level is reviewed for impairment annually, and more frequently if impairment indicators exist. Goodwill is deemed to be impaired and written-down in the period in which the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value. FactSet has three reporting units, U.S, Europe and Asia Pacific, which are consistent with the operating segments reported, as discrete financial information is not available for subsidiaries within the operating segments. FactSet may elect to perform a qualitative analysis for the reporting units to determine whether it is more likely than not the fair value of the reporting unit is greater than its carrying value. In performing a qualitative assessment, FactSet considers such factors as macro-economic conditions, industry and market conditions in which FactSet operates including the competitive environment and significant changes in demand for the Company’s services. The Company also considers its share price both in absolute terms and in relation to peer companies. If the qualitative analysis indicates that it is more likely than not the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount or if FactSet elects not to perform a qualitative analysis, a quantitative analysis is performed to determine whether a goodwill impairment exists. The quantitative goodwill impairment analysis is used to identify potential impairment by comparing fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount using an income approach, along with other relevant market information, derived from a discounted cash flow model to estimate fair value of FactSet’s reporting units. The annual review of carrying value of goodwill, requires the Company develop estimates of future business performance. These estimates are used to derive expected cash flows and include assumptions regarding future sales levels and the level of working capital needed to support a given business. The discounted cash flow model also includes a determination of FactSet’s weighted average cost of capital by reporting unit. Cost of capital is based on assumptions about interest rates, as well as a risk-adjusted rate of return required by FactSet’s equity investors. Changes in these estimates can impact present value of expected cash flows used in determining fair value of a reporting unit. An impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value, if any, would be recognized. The loss recognized would not exceed total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. The Company performed its annual goodwill impairment test during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019 utilizing a qualitative analysis and concluded it was more likely than not the fair value of each reporting unit was greater than its respective carrying value and no impairment charge was required.
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 previous acquisitions, which have been fully integrated into the Company’s operations. The Company amortizes intangible assets over their estimated useful lives, which are evaluated quarterly to determine whether events and circumstances warrant a revision to the remaining period of amortization. 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. Amortizable Intangible assets are tested for impairment, if indicators of impairment are present, based on undiscounted cash flows, and, if impaired, written down to fair value based on discounted cash flows. No impairment of intangible assets has been identified during any of the fiscal years presented. The intangible assets have no assigned residual values.
Accrued Liabilities [Policy Text Block]	Accrued Liabilities Accrued liabilities include estimates relating to employee compensation, operating expenses and tax liabilities. 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, 2019 and 2018, was $49.4 million and $43.6 million, respectively.
Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Derivative Instruments FactSet conducts business outside the U.S. in several currencies including the Euro, Indian Rupee, Philippine Peso, British Pound Sterling, and Japanese Yen. As such, the Company 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 operate under a functional currency different from the U.S. dollar, such as the Euro, Indian Rupee, Philippine Peso, British Pound Sterling, and Japanese Yen. 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, revenue and expenses of foreign operations are recorded in AOCL as a component of stockholders’ equity. The accumulated foreign currency translation loss totaled $72.3 million and $48.0 million at August 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Income and Deferred Taxes Income tax expense is based on taxable income determined in accordance with current enacted laws and tax rates. Deferred income taxes are recorded for the temporary differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities using current 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, 2019, the Company had gross unrecognized tax benefits totaling $10.9 million, including $1.1 million of accrued interest, recorded as Taxes payable (non-current) on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Share-based Payment Arrangement [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. For fiscal 2019 and 2018, windfall tax benefits, defined as tax deductions that exceed recorded stock-based compensation, are classified as cash inflows from operations and in fiscal 2017 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. The Company accounts for the formal retirement of treasury stock by deducting its par value from common stock, reducing additional paid-in capital (“APIC”) by the average amount recorded in APIC when the stock was originally issued and any remaining excess of cost deducted from retained earnings.
Lessee, Leases [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 accounts for its business combinations using the purchase method of accounting. The acquisition purchase price is allocated to the underlying identified, tangible and intangible assets and liabilities assumed, based on their respective estimated fair values on the acquisition date. The excess of the purchase consideration over the fair values of the identified assets and liabilities is recorded as goodwill and assigned to one or more reporting units. The amounts and useful lives assigned to acquisition-related tangible and intangible assets impact the amount and timing of future amortization expense. Determining the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed and the expected useful life, requires management’s judgment and often involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions, including assumptions with respect to future cash inflows and outflows, discount rates, asset lives and market multiples, among other items. 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 As of the beginning of fiscal 2019, FactSet implemented all applicable new accounting standards and updates issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) that were in effect. There were no new standards or updates adopted during the last three fiscal years that had a material impact on the consolidated financial statements. Revenue Recognition In May 2014 and July 2015, the FASB issued accounting standard updates which clarified principles for recognizing revenue arising from contracts with clients and superseded 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. The new guidance also requires increased disclosures including the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows related to contracts with clients. The standard allows two methods of adoption: i) retrospectively to each prior period presented ("full retrospective method"), or ii) retrospectively with the cumulative effect recognized in retained earnings as of the date of adoption ("modified retrospective method"). FactSet adopted the new standard using the modified retrospective method as of the beginning of its first quarter of fiscal 2019. FactSet’s implementation efforts include the evaluation of contract revenue under the new guidance. Additionally, an assessment of the qualitative and quantitative impacts of pricing changes during the contractual term and fulfillment costs was made. The Company derives most of its revenue by providing client access to its hosted proprietary data and analytics platform, which can include various combinations of products and services available over the contractual term. The Company determined that the subscription-based service represents a single performance obligation covering a series of distinct products and services that are substantially the same and that have the same pattern of transfer to the client. FactSet recorded an opening cumulative increase to retained earnings of $2.5 million, or $2.0 million net of tax, during the first quarter of fiscal 2019, related to certain fulfillment costs, which include up-front costs to allow for the delivery of services and products that are expected to be recovered. Under the new standard, such up-front costs are recognized as an asset and amortized consistent with the associated revenue for providing the services. The adoption of the new standards did not materially change the Company’s accounting policy for revenue recognition and did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Refer to Note 4 Revenue Recognition for further details. Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities During the first quarter of fiscal 2019, FactSet adopted the accounting standard update issued by the FASB in January 2016, which amended the recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure of certain financial instruments. Under the amended guidance, investments in equity securities, excluding equity method investments, will be measured at fair value with changes in fair value to be recognized in net income. This guidance was applied on a modified retrospective approach through a cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings as permitted by the standard and did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Cash Flow Simplification During the first quarter of fiscal 2019, FactSet adopted the accounting standard update issued by the FASB in August 2016, which simplified how certain transactions are classified in the statement of cash flows. This included revised guidance on the cash flow classification of debt prepayments and debt extinguishment costs, contingent consideration payments made after a business combination and distributions received from equity method investments. The guidance is intended to reduce diversity in practice across all industries. The adoption of this standard had no impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Income Taxes on Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets During the first quarter of fiscal 2019, FactSet adopted the accounting standard update issued by the FASB in October 2016, which removed the prohibition against the immediate recognition of the current and deferred income tax effects of intra-entity transfers of assets other than inventory. The guidance was issued in order to reduce diversity in practice related to the tax consequences of certain types of intra-entity asset transfers, particularly those involving intellectual property. The adoption of this standard had no impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Share-Based Payments During the first quarter of fiscal 2019, FactSet adopted the accounting standard update issued by the FASB in May 2017, which amended the scope of modification accounting for share-based payment arrangements. The guidance focused on changes to the terms or conditions of share-based payment awards that would require the application of modification accounting and specifies that an entity would not apply modification accounting if the fair value, vesting conditions and classification of the awards are the same immediately before and after the modification. The adoption of this standard had no impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income During the first quarter of fiscal 2019, FactSet adopted the accounting standard update issued by the FASB in February 2018, which allowed companies to reclassify certain stranded income tax effects resulting from the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the "TCJA") from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Implementation Costs in a Cloud Computing Arrangement During the first quarter of fiscal 2019, FactSet adopted the accounting standard update issued by the FASB in August 2018, which related to a client’s accounting for implementation costs incurred in a cloud computing arrangement that is a service contract. This guidance aligns the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs in a cloud computing service contract with the guidance for capitalizing implementation costs to develop or obtain internal-use software. Capitalized implementation costs will be amortized over the term of the arrangement. This accounting standard update will be effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2021, however the Company elected to early adopt this standard on a prospective basis during the first quarter of fiscal 2019. There was no impact to the Company’s consolidated financial statements as a result of the adoption of this standard, as FactSet is currently accounting for costs incurred in a cloud computing arrangement in accordance with the guidance provided in this standard. *Recent Accounting Standards or Updates Not* Yet Effective** Leases In February 2016, the FASB issued an accounting standard update related to accounting for leases. The guidance introduces a lessee model that requires most leases to be reported on the balance sheet. The accounting standard update aligns many of the underlying principles of the new lessor model with those in the FASB’s new revenue recognition standard. The guidance also eliminates the requirement in current GAAP for an entity to use bright-line tests in determining lease classification. FactSet will adopt the new accounting standard effective September 1, 2019, using a modified retrospective approach to record the required cumulative effect adjustments to the opening balance sheet in the period of adoption, rather than in the earliest comparative period presented. As such, the Company's historical consolidated financial statements will not be restated. FactSet will elect the package of practical expedients permitted under the transition guidance, which permits the Company not to reassess under the new standard the prior conclusions about lease identification, lease classification, and initial direct costs. FactSet will not elect the use-of-hindsight practical expedient in determining the lease term and in assessing impairment. FactSet will also elect the practical expedient to not separate lease components from non-lease components but, rather, to combine them into one single lease component. The Company has also elected to apply the short-term lease exception to not recognize lease liabilities and right-of-use assets for leases with a term of 12 months or less. FactSet will recognize these lease payments on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The Company does not expect the adoption of the new lease accounting standard to have a material impact on its Consolidated Statements of Income, Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income and Consolidated Statements of Cash flows. The Company does expect the adoption to have a material impact to its Consolidated Balance Sheet due to the recognition of the required right of use asset and liability, which will primarily relate to the Company's real estate operating leases. Refer to Note 19 Commitments and Contingencies for information regarding the Company's undiscounted future lease commitments. Credit Losses on Financial Instruments In June 2016, the FASB issued an accounting standard that significantly changes how entities will measure credit losses for most financial assets and certain other instruments that are not measured at fair value through net income. The standard will replace today’s “incurred loss” approach with an “expected loss” model for instruments measured at amortized cost. This guidance will be effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2021. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this accounting standard update but it is not expected to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements. Goodwill Impairment Test In January 2017, the FASB issued an accounting standard update which removes the requirement for companies to compare the implied fair value of goodwill with its carrying amount as part of step 2 of the goodwill impairment test. A goodwill impairment will now be the amount by which a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill. This accounting standard update will be effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2021, with early adoption permitted for any impairment tests performed after January 1, 2017 and is not expected to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements. Hedge Accounting Simplification In August 2017, the FASB issued an accounting standard update to reduce the complexity of and simplify the application of hedge accounting. The guidance refines and expands hedge accounting for both financial and nonfinancial risk components, eliminates the need to separately measure and report hedge ineffectiveness, and aligns the recognition and presentation of the effects of the hedging instrument and the hedged item in the financial statements. This guidance will be effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2020. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this accounting standard update but it is not expected to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements. No other new accounting pronouncements issued or effective as of August 31, 2019 have had or are expected to have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Note 4 - Revenue Recognition (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2019

Disaggregation of Revenue [Table Text Block]

	August 31,
(in thousands)	2019		2018		2017
U.S.	$	894,554	$	841,908	$	784,146
Europe	$	408,084	$	387,589	$	330,332
Asia Pacific	$	132,713	$	120,648	$	106,701
Total Revenue	$	1,435,351	$	1,350,145	$	1,221,179

Note 5 - Fair Value Measures (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2019

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

	Fair Value Measurements at August 31, 2019
(in thousands)	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Assets
Corporate money market funds⁽¹⁾	$	75,849	$	—	$	—	$	75,849
Mutual Funds⁽²⁾		—		18,583		—		18,583
Certificates of deposit⁽³⁾		—		7,090		—		7,090
Derivative instruments⁽⁴⁾		—		520		—		520
Total assets measured at fair value	$	75,849	$	26,193	$	—	$	102,042

Liabilities
Derivative instruments⁽⁴⁾	$	—	$	3,575	$	—	$	3,575
Total liabilities measured at fair value	$	—	$	3,575	$	—	$	3,575

	Fair Value Measurements at August 31, 2018
(in thousands)	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Assets
Corporate money market funds⁽¹⁾	$	75	$	—	$	—	$	75
Mutual Funds⁽²⁾		—		18,668		—		18,668
Certificates of deposit⁽³⁾		—		10,591		—		10,591
Derivative instruments⁽⁴⁾		—		90		—		90
Total assets measured at fair value	$	75	$	29,349	$	—	$	29,424

Liabilities
Derivative instruments⁽⁴⁾	$	—	$	4,036	$	—	$	4,036
Total liabilities measured at fair value	$	—	$	4,036	$	—	$	4,036

Note 6 - Derivative Instruments (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2019

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

Currency Hedged	Gross Notional Value				Fair Value (Liability) Asset
(in thousands, in U.S. dollars)	August 31, 2019		August 31, 2018		August 31, 2019			August 31, 2018
Philippine Peso	$	26,000	$	52,000	$	520		$	(1,230	)
Indian Rupee		20,410		50,780		(998	)		(1,490	)
Euro		40,854		26,312		(1,230	)		(503	)
British Pound Sterling		26,436		18,995		(1,347	)		(723	)
Total	$	113,700	$	148,087	$	(3,055	)	$	(3,946	)

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

Designation of Derivatives (in thousands)	Balance Sheet Location	August 31, 2019		August 31, 2018
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments	Assets: Foreign Currency Forward Contracts
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets	$	520	$	90
	Other assets	$	—	$	—

	Liabilities: Foreign Currency Forward Contracts
	Accounts payable and accrued expenses	$	3,575	$	1,731
	Deferred rent and other non-current liabilities	$	—	$	2,305

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

(in thousands)

(Loss) Gain Recognized

in AOCL on Derivatives

(Effective Portion)

Location of (Loss)

Gain Reclassified

from AOCL

(Loss) Gain Reclassified

from AOCL into Income

(Effective Portion)

Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships

2019

2018

2017

into Income

(Effective Portion)

2019

2018

2017

Foreign currency forward contracts

(187

)

(7,700

)

5,183

SG&A

(1,794

)

3,106

(2,883

)

Note 7 - Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2019

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

	August 31, 2019						August 31, 2018						August 31, 2017
(in thousands)	Pre-tax			Net of tax			Pre-tax			Net of tax			Pre-tax		Net of tax
Foreign currency translation adjustments	$	(24,325	)	$	(24,325	)	$	(9,431	)	$	(9,431	)	$	28,816	$	28,816
Net unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedges recognized in AOCL		891			504			(10,806	)		(7,288	)		8,066		5,017
Other comprehensive (loss) income	$	(23,434	)	$	(23,821	)	$	(20,237	)	$	(16,719	)	$	36,882	$	33,833

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

(in thousands)	August 31, 2019			August 31, 2018
Accumulated unrealized losses on cash flow hedges, net of tax	$	(2,266	)	$	(3,486	)
Accumulated foreign currency translation adjustments		(72,278	)		(47,953	)
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss	$	(74,544	)	$	(51,439	)

Note 8 - Segment Information (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2019

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

(in thousands)
Year Ended August 31, 2019	U.S.		Europe		Asia Pacific		Total
Revenue from clients	$	894,554	$	408,084	$	132,713	$	1,435,351
Segment operating profit		179,374		179,258		79,403		438,035
Total assets		851,014		588,911		120,205		1,560,130
Depreciation and amortization		40,018		14,703		5,742		60,463
Stock-based compensation		26,152		5,320		928		32,400
Capital expenditures		43,647		2,595		13,128		59,370

Year Ended August 31, 2018	U.S.		Europe		Asia Pacific		Total
Revenue from clients	$	841,908	$	387,589	$	120,648	$	1,350,145
Segment operating profit		148,095		148,977		69,132		366,204
Total assets		724,259		585,497		109,692		1,419,448
Depreciation and amortization		37,453		15,710		4,122		57,285
Stock-based compensation		26,014		4,857		645		31,516
Capital expenditures		20,358		3,140		10,022		33,520

Year Ended August 31, 2017	U.S.		Europe		Asia Pacific		Total
Revenue from clients	$	784,146	$	330,332	$	106,701	$	1,221,179
Segment operating profit		137,104		153,676		61,355		352,135
Total assets		703,941		609,368		100,006		1,413,315
Depreciation and amortization		35,244		9,837		3,213		48,294
Stock-based compensation		30,247		3,320		616		34,183
Capital expenditures		29,561		2,385		4,916		36,862

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

	Years ended August 31,
(in thousands)	2019		2018		2017
Revenue⁽¹⁾
United States	$	894,554	$	841,908	$	784,146
United Kingdom		166,944		157,346		163,732
All other European countries		241,140		230,243		166,600
Asia Pacific		132,713		120,648		106,701
Total revenue	$	1,435,351	$	1,350,145	$	1,221,179

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

	At August 31,
(in thousands)	2019		2018
Long-lived Assets⁽¹⁾
United States	$	99,783	$	74,792
United Kingdom		5,347		5,806
All other European countries		5,069		5,774
Asia Pacific		22,325		14,173
Total long-lived assets	$	132,524	$	100,545

Note 10 - Goodwill (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2019

Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block]

(in thousands)	U.S.			Europe			Asia Pacific			Total
Balance at August 31, 2017	$	386,835		$	317,759		$	2,966		$	707,560
Acquisitions and other adjustments		(640	)		(1,562	)		—			(2,202	)
Foreign currency translations		—			(3,503	)		(22	)		(3,525	)
Balance at August 31, 2018	$	386,195		$	312,694		$	2,944		$	701,833
Foreign currency translations		—			(16,235	)		131			(16,104	)
Balance at August 31, 2019	$	386,195		$	296,459		$	3,075		$	685,729

Note 11 - Intangible Assets (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2019

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

At August 31, 2019 (in thousands)	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Net Carrying Amount
Data content	$	32,200	$	21,512	$	10,688
Client relationships		95,905		35,506		60,399
Software technology		105,426		56,965		48,461
Non-compete agreements		1,311		1,228		83
Trade names		3,994		3,074		920
Total	$	238,836	$	118,285	$	120,551

At August 31, 2018 (in thousands)	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Net Carrying Amount
Data content	$	33,992	$	20,990	$	13,002
Client relationships		98,882		29,387		69,495
Software technology		106,505		44,231		62,274
Non-compete agreements		4,840		2,381		2,459
Trade names		4,070		2,365		1,705
Total	$	248,289	$	99,354	$	148,935

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

Fiscal Year (in thousands)	Estimated Amortization Expense
2020	$	22,151
2021		20,859
2022		18,088
2023		13,508
2024		8,061
Thereafter		37,884
Total	$	120,551

Note 12 - Property, Equipment and Leasehold Improvements (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2019

Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block]

	August 31,
(in thousands)	2019			2018
Leasehold improvements	$	155,520		$	119,479
Computers and related equipment		153,868			181,623
Furniture and fixtures		48,986			44,699
Subtotal	$	358,374		$	345,801
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization		(225,850	)		(245,256	)
Property, equipment and leasehold improvements, net	$	132,524		$	100,545

Note 13 - Common Stock and Earnings Per Share (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2019

Schedule of Stock by Class [Table Text Block]

	Years ended August 31,
(in thousands)	2019			2018			2017
Balance, beginning of year (September 1)		38,193			39,023			40,038
Common stock issued for employee stock plans		839			712			693
Repurchase of common stock from employees(1)		(32	)		(8	)		(50	)
Repurchase of common stock under the share repurchase program		(882	)		(1,534	)		(1,555	)
Repurchase of common stock under accelerated share repurchase agreement		—			—			(103	)
Balance, end of year (August 31)		38,118			38,193			39,023

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

(in thousands, except per share data)	Net Income (Numerator)		Weighted Average Common Shares (Denominator)		Per Share Amount
For the year ended August 31, 2019
Basic EPS
Income available to common stockholders	$	352,790		38,144	$	9.25
Diluted EPS
Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock				729
Income available to common stockholders plus assumed conversions	$	352,790		38,873	$	9.08
For the year ended August 31, 2018
Basic EPS
Income available to common stockholders	$	267,085		38,733	$	6.90
Diluted EPS
Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock				644
Income available to common stockholders plus assumed conversions	$	267,085		39,377	$	6.78
For the year ended August 31, 2017
Basic EPS
Income available to common stockholders	$	258,259		39,444	$	6.55
Diluted EPS
Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock				198
Income available to common stockholders plus assumed conversions	$	258,259		39,642	$	6.51

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.

+ References

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+ Details

Note 14 - Stockholders' Equity (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2019

Dividends Declared [Table Text Block]

Year Ended	Dividends per Share of Common Stock		Record Date	Total amount (in thousands)		Payment Date
Fiscal 2019
First Quarter	$	0.64	November 30, 2018	$	24,372	December 18, 2018
Second Quarter	$	0.64	February 28, 2019	$	24,385	March 19, 2019
Third Quarter	$	0.72	May 31, 2019	$	27,506	June 18, 2019
Fourth Quarter	$	0.72	August 30, 2019	$	27,445	September 19, 2019

Fiscal 2018
First Quarter	$	0.56	November 30, 2017	$	21,902	December 19, 2017
Second Quarter	$	0.56	February 28, 2018	$	21,799	March 20, 2018
Third Quarter	$	0.64	May 31, 2018	$	24,566	June 19, 2018
Fourth Quarter	$	0.64	August 31, 2018	$	24,443	September 18, 2018

Note 15 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2019

Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option and Stock Appreciation Rights, Activity [Table Text Block]

	Number Outstanding			Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share
Balance at August 31, 2016		3,364		$	129.54
Granted – non performance-based		713		$	152.89
Granted – performance-based		291		$	166.29
Granted – non-employee Directors grant		24		$	170.24
Exercised		(487	)	$	86.17
Forfeited		(539	)	$	160.31
Balance at August 31, 2017		3,366		$	139.29
Granted – non performance-based		575		$	190.14
Granted – performance-based		17		$	200.20
Granted – non-employee Directors grant		19		$	197.75
Exercised		(622	)	$	113.73
Forfeited		(212	)	$	158.14
Balance at August 31, 2018		3,143		$	153.05
Granted – non performance-based		482		$	224.35
Granted – non-employee Directors grant		20		$	207.88
Exercised		(705	)	$	137.61
Forfeited		(416	)	$	170.54
Balance at August 31, 2019		2,524		$	168.50

Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, 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
$87.26	-	$92.22		184		2.98	$	91.86	$	33,175		184	$	91.86	$	33,175
$94.84	-	$110.31		88		2.89	$	99.70	$	15,102		88	$	99.70	$	15,102
$131.31	-	$148.52		280		5.01	$	134.18	$	38,636		156	$	136.38	$	21,134
$150.81	-	$152.28		470		7.12	$	152.25	$	56,307		150	$	152.25	$	18,007
$159.14	-	$170.24		299		6.09	$	164.99	$	32,050		98	$	164.19	$	10,612
$171.22	-	$175.20		254		6.21	$	175.04	$	24,715		124	$	175.04	$	11,989
$189.98	-	$200.20		475		8.21	$	190.73	$	38,637		73	$	190.45	$	5,985
$200.99	-	$286.74		474		9.18	$	223.79	$	22,883		1	$	221.88	$	71
Total Fiscal 2019				2,524					$	261,505		874			$	116,075

Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Activity [Table Text Block]

	August 31, 2018				August 31, 2017
	Number of Shares		Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share		Number of Shares		Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share
Outstanding at fiscal year end		3,143	$	153.05		3,366	$	139.29
Exercisable at fiscal year end		1,022	$	126.27		918	$	105.14

Share-based Payment Arrangement, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Unit, Activity [Table Text Block]

(in thousands, except per award data)	Number Outstanding			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Award
Balance at August 31, 2016		262			126.27
Granted (restricted stock and stock units)		62			158.26
Vested⁽¹⁾		(132	)		123.28
Canceled/forfeited		(10	)		130.32
Balance at August 31, 2017		182			138.62
Granted (restricted stock and stock units)		3			189.28
Vested⁽²⁾		(27	)		155.95
Canceled/forfeited		(15	)		116.29
Balance at August 31, 2018		143			139.34
Granted (restricted stock and stock units)		73			239.03
Vested⁽³⁾		(85	)		125.04
Canceled/forfeited		(7	)		181.32
Balance at August 31, 2019		124			205.47

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

(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, 2016		1,491			66
Granted – non performance-based options		(713	)		—
Granted – performance-based options		(291	)		—
Granted – non-employee Directors grant		—			(24	)
Restricted stock awards granted⁽¹⁾		(156	)		—
Share-based awards canceled/forfeited⁽²⁾		566			—
Balance at August 31, 2017		897			42
Increase in the number of shares available for issuance		5,750			250
Granted – non performance-based options		(575	)		—
Granted – performance-based options		(17	)		—
Granted – non-employee Directors grant		—			(19	)
Restricted stock awards granted⁽¹⁾		(9	)		—
Share-based awards canceled/forfeited⁽²⁾		252			9
Balance at August 31, 2018		6,298			282
Granted – non performance-based options		(481	)		(20	)
Restricted stock awards granted⁽¹⁾		(183	)		—
Share-based awards canceled/forfeited⁽²⁾		433			2
Balance at August 31, 2019		6,067			264

Note 16 - Stock-based Compensation (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2019

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

	2019				2018				2017
Term structure of risk-free interest rate		1.28%	—	3.14%		1.28%	—	2.41%		0.07%	—	2.09%
Expected life (years)		7.1	—	7.1		7.4	—	7.4		7.4	—	8.1
Term structure of volatility		18%	—	29%		19%	—	29%		21%	—	30%
Dividend yield			1.15%				1.32%				1.18%
Weighted average estimated fair value			$57.12				$48.39				$40.68
Weighted average exercise price			$224.35				$190.42				$156.77
Fair value as a percentage of exercise price			25.5%				25.4%				25.9%

The 2008 Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]

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

	2019			2018			2017
Risk-free interest rate		2.33	%		1.55	%		0.69	%
Expected life (months)		3			3			3
Expected volatility		10.89	%		10.19	%		8.60	%
Dividend yield		1.12	%		1.27	%		1.25	%

Non Employee Directors Stock Option Plan [Member]

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

Risk-free interest rate	2.51	%
Expected life (years)	5.4
Expected volatility	20.5	%
Dividend yield	1.17	%

Risk-free interest rate	2.34	%
Expected life (years)	5.4
Expected volatility	19.7	%
Dividend yield	1.16	%

Risk-free interest rate	1.95	%
Expected life (years)	5.4
Expected volatility	22.7	%
Dividend yield	1.24	%

Note 17 - Income Taxes (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2019

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

	Years ended August 31,
(in thousands)	2019			2018			2017
U.S. operations	$	288,860		$	199,654		$	218,650
Non-U.S. operations		133,105			152,184			125,662
Income before income taxes	$	421,965		$	351,838		$	344,312

U.S. operations	$	55,824		$	65,778		$	65,403
Non-U.S. operations		13,351			18,975			20,650
Total provision for income taxes	$	69,175		$	84,753		$	86,053
Effective tax rate		16.4	%		24.1	%		25.0	%

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

	Years ended August 31,
(in thousands)	2019			2018			2017
Current
U.S. federal	$	35,688		$	58,835		$	58,057
U.S. state and local		18,389			5,159			5,659
Non-U.S.		17,376			22,669			17,458
Total current taxes	$	71,453		$	86,663		$	81,174

Deferred
U.S. federal	$	1,813		$	2,079		$	4,320
U.S. state and local		(217	)		(295	)		(77	)
Non-U.S.		(3,874	)		(3,694	)		636
Total deferred taxes	$	(2,278	)	$	(1,910	)	$	4,879
Total provision for income taxes	$	69,175		$	84,753		$	86,053

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

	Years ended August 31,
(expressed as a percentage of income before income taxes)	2019			2018				2017
Tax at U.S. Federal statutory tax rate		21.0	%		25.7	%			35.0	%
Increase (decrease) in taxes resulting from:
State and local taxes, net of U.S. federal income tax benefit		4.0			2.9				1.8
Foreign income at other than U.S. rates		(1.4	)		(3.2	)			(7.0	)	⁽³⁾
Foreign derived intangible income deduction		(1.7	)		—				—
Domestic production activities deduction		—			(1.6	)			(2.1	)
Income tax benefits from R&D tax credits		(3.5	)		(3.7	)			(3.3	)
Income tax benefits from foreign tax credits		—			—				(0.3	)
Share-based payments⁽¹⁾		(3.2	)		(2.7	)			—
One-time transition tax from TCJA		(0.4	)		6.6		⁽²⁾		—
Other, net		1.6			0.1				0.9
Effective tax rate		16.4	%		24.1	%			25.0	%

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

	At August 31,
(in thousands)	2019			2018
Deferred tax assets:
Receivable reserve	$	1,517		$	599
Depreciation on property, equipment and leasehold improvements		2,858			1,032
Deferred rent		9,454			7,711
Stock-based compensation		13,755			14,827
Purchased intangible assets, including acquired technology		(27,116	)		(24,059	)
Other		7,103			9,606
Total deferred tax assets	$	7,571		$	9,716

	At August 31,
(in thousands	2019			2018
Deferred tax liabilities:
Stock-based compensation	$	(1,067	)	$	(946	)
Purchased intangible assets, including acquired technology		17,188			22,429
Other		270			(293	)
Total deferred tax liabilities	$	16,391		$	21,190

Summary of Income Tax Contingencies [Table Text Block]

(in thousands)
Unrecognized income tax benefits at August 31, 2016	$	8,782
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year		3,896
Additions for tax positions of prior years		628
Statute of limitations lapse		(1,822	)
Unrecognized income tax benefits at August 31, 2017	$	11,484
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year		2,954
Additions for tax positions of prior years		531
Statute of limitations lapse		(3,146	)
Reductions from settlements with Taxing Authorities		(2,600	)
Unrecognized income tax benefits at August 31, 2018	$	9,223
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year		3,133
Additions for tax positions of prior years		507
Statute of limitations lapse		(1,979	)
Reductions from settlements with Taxing Authorities		—
Unrecognized income tax benefits at August 31, 2019	$	10,884

Summary of Income Tax Examinations [Table Text Block]

Major Tax Jurisdictions	Open Tax Years
U.S.
Federal	2016	through	2018
State (various)	2016	through	2018

Europe
United Kingdom	2017	through	2018
France	2017	through	2018
Germany	2016	through	2018

Note 18 - Debt (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2019

Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block]

	At August 31,
(in thousands)	2019		2018
2017 Revolving Credit Facility	$	—	$	575,000
2019 Revolving Credit Facility (maturity date of March 29, 2024)	$	575,000	$	—

Note 19 - Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2019

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

(in thousands) Years ended August 31,	Minimum Lease Payments
2020	$	41,414
2021		40,051
2022		36,011
2023		33,890
2024		33,072
Thereafter		215,523
Total	$	399,961

Note 21 - Unaudited Quarterly Financial Data (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2019

Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block]

Fiscal 2019 (in thousands, except per share data)	First Quarter		Second Quarter		Third Quarter		Fourth Quarter
Revenue	$	351,640	$	354,895	$	364,533	$	364,283
Cost of services	$	166,776	$	165,108	$	163,832	$	167,730
Selling, general and administrative	$	84,325	$	81,099	$	83,461	$	84,985
Operating income	$	100,539	$	108,688	$	117,240	$	111,568
Net income	$	84,296	$	84,702	$	92,265	$	91,527
Diluted EPS⁽¹⁾	$	2.17	$	2.19	$	2.37	$	2.34
Diluted weighted average common shares		38,809		38,619		38,993		39,056

Fiscal 2018 (in thousands, except per share data)	First Quarter		Second Quarter		Third Quarter		Fourth Quarter
Revenue	$	329,141	$	335,231	$	339,911	$	345,861
Cost of services	$	161,524	$	163,232	$	165,073	$	169,467
Selling, general and administrative	$	78,519	$	76,514	$	81,573	$	88,038
Operating income	$	89,098	$	95,485	$	93,265	$	88,356
Net income	$	70,379	$	53,137	$	74,746	$	68,823
Diluted EPS⁽¹⁾	$	1.77	$	1.33	$	1.91	$	1.77
Diluted weighted average common shares		39,680		39,846		39,104		38,879

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2019

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Table Text Block]

Receivable Reserve and Billing Adjustments	Balance at Beginning of Year		Charged to Expense/ Against Revenue⁽¹⁾		Write-offs, Net of Recoveries			Balance at End of Year
2019	$	3,490	$	11,474	$	(4,453	)	$	10,511
2018	$	2,738	$	4,737	$	(3,985	)	$	3,490
2017	$	1,521	$	3,381	$	(2,164	)	$	2,738

Note 1 - Organization and Nature of Business (Details Textual)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2019
Number of Reportable Segments	3

Note 3 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details Textual) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2018 USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2019 USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2018 USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2017 USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2016 USD ($)
Unbilled Receivables, Current		$ 15,800	$ 6,400
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Ending Balance		10,500	3,500
Research and Development Expense, Total		214,700	217,100	$ 215,000
Interest Income and Fees, Bankers Acceptances, Certificates of Deposit and Commercial Paper		$ 1,500	1,300	1,600
Number of Reporting Units		3
Goodwill, Impairment Loss		$ 0
Impairment of Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill), Total		0
Accrued Bonuses		49,400	43,600
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax, Ending Balance		(72,278)	(47,953)
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Ending Balance		10,884	$ 9,223	$ 11,484	$ 8,782
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Interest on Income Taxes Accrued		$ 1,100
Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 [Member]
Cumulative Effect on Retained Earnings, before Tax	$ 2,500
Cumulative Effect on Retained Earnings, Net of Tax, Total	$ 2,000
Computer Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life		3 years
Furniture and Fixtures [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life		7 years

Note 4 - Revenue Recognition (Details Textual) - Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 [Member] $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2018 USD ($)
Cumulative Effect on Retained Earnings, before Tax	$ 2.5
Cumulative Effect on Retained Earnings, Net of Tax, Total	$ 2.0

Note 4 - Revenue Recognition - Disaggregation of Revenue (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2019	May 31, 2019	Feb. 28, 2019	Nov. 30, 2018	Aug. 31, 2018	May 31, 2018	Feb. 28, 2018	Nov. 30, 2017	Aug. 31, 2019	Aug. 31, 2018	Aug. 31, 2017
Revenue	$ 364,283,000	$ 364,533,000	$ 354,895,000	$ 351,640,000	$ 345,861	$ 339,911	$ 335,231	$ 329,141	$ 1,435,351,000	$ 1,350,145,000	$ 1,221,179,000
UNITED STATES
Revenue									894,554,000	841,908,000	784,146,000
Europe [Member]
Revenue									408,084,000	387,589,000	330,332,000
Asia Pacific [Member]
Revenue									$ 132,713,000	$ 120,648,000	$ 106,701,000

Note 5 - Fair Value Measures (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Aug. 31, 2019	Aug. 31, 2018
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	$ 575,000
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	0	$ 0
Financial Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure, Total	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] \| Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	$ 575,000	$ 575,000

Note 5 - Fair Value Measures - Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands

Aug. 31, 2019

Aug. 31, 2018

Fair Value, Recurring [Member]

^[1]

$ 520

$ 90

102,042

29,424

^[1]

3,575

4,036

Fair Value, Recurring [Member] | Money Market Funds [Member]

3,575

4,036

Fair Value, Recurring [Member] | Mutual Funds [Member]

^[2]

75,849

Fair Value, Recurring [Member] | Certificates of Deposit [Member]

^[3]

18,583

18,668

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Fair Value, Recurring [Member]

^[4]

7,090

10,591

^[1]

75,849

^[1]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Fair Value, Recurring [Member] | Money Market Funds [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Fair Value, Recurring [Member] | Mutual Funds [Member]

^[2]

75,849

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Fair Value, Recurring [Member] | Certificates of Deposit [Member]

^[3]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Fair Value, Recurring [Member]

^[4]

^[1]

520

26,193

29,349

^[1]

3,575

4,036

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Fair Value, Recurring [Member] | Money Market Funds [Member]

3,575

4,036

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Fair Value, Recurring [Member] | Mutual Funds [Member]

^[2]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Fair Value, Recurring [Member] | Certificates of Deposit [Member]

^[3]

18,583

18,668

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

^[4]

7,090

10,591

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Fair Value, Recurring [Member]

^[1]

^[1]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Fair Value, Recurring [Member] | Money Market Funds [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Fair Value, Recurring [Member] | Mutual Funds [Member]

^[2]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Fair Value, Recurring [Member] | Certificates of Deposit [Member]

^[3]

^[4]

$ 0

[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 assets.
[2]	The Company's corporate money market funds are readily convertible into cash 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 assets and included in Cash and cash equivalents within the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
[3]	The Company's mutual funds have a fair value based on the fair value of the underlying investments held by the mutual funds allocated to each share of the mutual fund using a net asset value approach. The fair value of the underlying investments is based on observable inputs. As such, the Company's mutual funds are classified as Level 2 assets and are classified as Investments (short-term) on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
[4]	The Company's certificates of deposit held for investment are not debt securities and are classified as Level 2 assets. 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) within the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Note 6 - Derivative Instruments (Details Textual) $ in Thousands, € in Millions, £ in Millions, ₱ in Billions, ₨ in Billions	3 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2020	May 31, 2020	Feb. 28, 2020	Nov. 30, 2019	Aug. 31, 2019 USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2018 USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2019 PHP (₱)	Aug. 31, 2019 INR (₨)	Aug. 31, 2019 EUR (€)	Aug. 31, 2019 GBP (£)
Gain (Loss) on Discontinuation of Foreign Currency Cash Flow Hedge Due to Forecasted Transaction Probable of Not Occurring, Net					$ 0	$ 0
Foreign Currency Forward Contracts, Philippine Peso [Member] \| Cash Flow Hedging [Member] \| Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative, Notional Amount					26,000	52,000
Foreign Currency Forward Contracts, Philippine Peso [Member] \| Forecast [Member]
Percent of Foreign Exchange Contracts Hedged	75.00%
Foreign Currency Forward Contracts, Indian Rupee [Member] \| Cash Flow Hedging [Member] \| Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative, Notional Amount					20,410	50,780
Foreign Currency Forward Contracts, Indian Rupee [Member] \| Forecast [Member]
Percent of Foreign Exchange Contracts Hedged	25.00%	50.00%
Foreign Currency Forward Contracts, Euro [Member] \| Cash Flow Hedging [Member] \| Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative, Notional Amount					40,854	26,312
Foreign Currency Forward Contracts, Euro [Member] \| Forecast [Member]
Percent of Foreign Exchange Contracts Hedged		25.00%	50.00%	75.00%
Foreign Currency Forward Contracts, British Pound Sterling [Member] \| Cash Flow Hedging [Member] \| Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative, Notional Amount					26,436	18,995
Foreign Currency Forward Contracts, British Pound Sterling [Member] \| Forecast [Member]
Percent of Foreign Exchange Contracts Hedged	25.00%	50.00%		75.00%
Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] \| Cash Flow Hedging [Member] \| Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative, Notional Amount					113,700	$ 148,087	₱ 1.4	₨ 1.4	€ 35.7	£ 20.5
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassification from Accumulated OCI to Income, Estimated Net Amount to be Transferred					$ 3,100

Note 6 - Derivative Instruments - Hedging Positions and Corresponding Fair Values (Details) - Cash Flow Hedging [Member] - Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] $ in Thousands, € in Millions, £ in Millions, ₱ in Billions, ₨ in Billions	Aug. 31, 2019 USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2019 PHP (₱)	Aug. 31, 2019 INR (₨)	Aug. 31, 2019 EUR (€)	Aug. 31, 2019 GBP (£)	Aug. 31, 2018 USD ($)
Foreign Currency Forward Contracts, Philippine Peso [Member]
Gross Notional Value	$ 26,000					$ 52,000
Fair Value Asset (Liability)	520					(1,230)
Foreign Currency Forward Contracts, Indian Rupee [Member]
Gross Notional Value	20,410					50,780
Fair Value Asset (Liability)	(998)					(1,490)
Foreign Currency Forward Contracts, Euro [Member]
Gross Notional Value	40,854					26,312
Fair Value Asset (Liability)	(1,230)					(503)
Foreign Currency Forward Contracts, British Pound Sterling [Member]
Gross Notional Value	26,436					18,995
Fair Value Asset (Liability)	(1,347)					(723)
Foreign Exchange Contract [Member]
Gross Notional Value	113,700	₱ 1.4	₨ 1.4	€ 35.7	£ 20.5	148,087
Fair Value Asset (Liability)	$ (3,055)					$ (3,946)

Note 6 - Derivative Instruments - Fair Value Amounts of Derivative Instruments and Gains (Details) - Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] - Cash Flow Hedging [Member] - Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Aug. 31, 2019	Aug. 31, 2018
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets [Member]
Derivative assets	$ 520	$ 90
Other Assets [Member]
Derivative assets	0	0
Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities [Member]
Derivative liabilities	3,575	1,731
Deferred Rent and Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member]
Derivative liabilities	$ 0	$ 2,305

Note 6 - Derivative Instruments - Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships (Details) - Cash Flow Hedging [Member] - Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] - Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] - Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2019	Aug. 31, 2018	Aug. 31, 2017
Foreign currency forward contracts	$ (187)	$ (7,700)	$ 5,183
Foreign currency forward contracts	$ (1,794)	$ 3,106	$ (2,883)

Note 7 - Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss - Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2019	Aug. 31, 2018	Aug. 31, 2017
Foreign currency translation adjustments, pre-tax	$ (24,325)	$ (9,431)	$ 28,816
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax	(24,325)	(9,431)	28,816
Net unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedges recognized in AOCL	891	(10,806)	8,066
Net unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedges recognized in AOCL	504	(7,288)	5,017
Other comprehensive income (loss), pre-tax	(23,434)	(20,237)	36,882
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	$ (23,821)	$ (16,719)	$ 33,833

Note 7 - Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss - Components of Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Aug. 31, 2019	Aug. 31, 2018
Accumulated unrealized losses on cash flow hedges, net of tax	$ (2,266)	$ (3,486)
Accumulated foreign currency translation adjustments	(72,278)	(47,953)
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss	$ (74,544)	$ (51,439)

Accumulated adjustment, net of tax, that results from the process of translating subsidiary financial statements and foreign equity investments into the reporting currency from the functional currency of the reporting entity, net of reclassification of realized foreign currency translation gains or losses.

+ References + Details

Note 8 - Segment Information (Details Textual)	12 Months Ended
Note 8 - Segment Information (Details Textual)	Aug. 31, 2019
Number of Reportable Segments	3

Note 8 - Segment Information - Results of Operations (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended			13 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2019	May 31, 2019	Feb. 28, 2019	Nov. 30, 2018	Aug. 31, 2018	May 31, 2018	Feb. 28, 2018	Nov. 30, 2017	Aug. 31, 2019	Aug. 31, 2018	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2017
Revenue from clients	$ 364,283,000	$ 364,533,000	$ 354,895,000	$ 351,640,000	$ 345,861	$ 339,911	$ 335,231	$ 329,141	$ 1,435,351,000	$ 1,350,145,000	$ 1,221,179,000
Segment operating profit	111,568,000	$ 117,240,000	$ 108,688,000	$ 100,539,000	88,356,000	$ 93,265,000	$ 95,485,000	$ 89,098,000	438,035,000	366,204,000	352,135,000
Total assets	1,560,130,000				1,419,447,000				1,560,130,000	1,419,447,000	1,413,315,000	$ 1,413,315,000
Depreciation and amortization									60,463,000	57,285,000	48,294,000
Stock-based compensation									32,400,000	31,516,000	34,183,000	34,200,000
Capital expenditures									59,370,000	33,520,000	36,862,000
UNITED STATES
Revenue from clients									894,554,000	841,908,000	784,146,000
Segment operating profit									179,374,000	148,095,000	137,104,000
Total assets	851,014,000				724,259,000				851,014,000	724,259,000	703,941,000	703,941,000
Depreciation and amortization									40,018,000	37,453,000	35,244,000
Stock-based compensation									26,152,000	26,014,000	30,247,000
Capital expenditures									43,647,000	20,358,000	29,561,000
Europe [Member]
Revenue from clients									408,084,000	387,589,000	330,332,000
Segment operating profit									179,258,000	148,977,000	153,676,000
Total assets	588,911,000				585,497,000				588,911,000	585,497,000	609,368,000	609,368,000
Depreciation and amortization									14,703,000	15,710,000	9,837,000
Stock-based compensation									5,320,000	4,857,000	3,320,000
Capital expenditures									2,595,000	3,140,000	2,385,000
Asia Pacific [Member]
Revenue from clients									132,713,000	120,648,000	106,701,000
Segment operating profit									79,403,000	69,132,000	61,355,000
Total assets	$ 120,205,000				$ 109,692,000				120,205,000	109,692,000	100,006,000	$ 100,006,000
Depreciation and amortization									5,742,000	4,122,000	3,213,000
Stock-based compensation									928,000	645,000	616,000
Capital expenditures									$ 13,128,000	$ 10,022,000	$ 4,916,000

Note 8 - Segment Information - Revenues from Countries That Are 10% Or More of Revenues (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2019

Aug. 31, 2018

Aug. 31, 2017

$ 1,435,351

$ 1,350,145

$ 1,221,179

UNITED STATES

^[1]

894,554

841,908

784,146

UNITED KINGDOM

All Other European Countries [Member]

^[1]

166,944

157,346

163,732

^[1]

241,140

230,243

166,600

Asia Pacific [Member]

^[1]

$ 132,713

$ 120,648

$ 106,701

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

Note 8 - Segment Information - Long-lived Assets by Geographic Areas (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands

Aug. 31, 2019

Aug. 31, 2018

^[1]

$ 132,524

$ 100,545

UNITED STATES

^[1]

99,783

74,792

UNITED KINGDOM

All Other European Countries [Member]

^[1]

5,347

5,806

^[1]

5,069

5,774

Asia Pacific [Member]

^[1]

$ 22,325

$ 14,173

[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 9 - Business Combinations (Details Textual) $ in Millions			12 Months Ended
	Mar. 17, 2017 USD ($)	Nov. 08, 2016 USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2017 USD ($)
BI-SAM Technologies [Member] \| Customer Relationships [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	16 years
BI-SAM Technologies [Member] \| Computer Software, Intangible Asset [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	5 years
BI-SAM Technologies [Member] \| Trade Names [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	4 years
BI-SAM Technologies [Member] \| Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member]
Business Combination, Acquisition Related Costs			$ 3.2
Vermilion Holdings Limited [Member]
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Total		$ 67.9
Vermilion Holdings Limited [Member] \| Customer Relationships [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life		15 years
Vermilion Holdings Limited [Member] \| Computer Software, Intangible Asset [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life		6 years
Vermilion Holdings Limited [Member] \| Trade Names [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life		4 years
Vermilion Holdings Limited [Member] \| Noncompete Agreements [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life		3 years
Vermilion Holdings Limited [Member] \| Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member]
Business Combination, Acquisition Related Costs			$ 0.7
BI-SAM Technologies [Member]
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Total	$ 217.6
Tangible Assets Acquired	27.6
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired	56.6
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	$ 173.9
BI-SAM Technologies [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Entity Number of Employees	160
Vermilion Holdings Limited [Member]
Entity Number of Employees		59
Tangible Assets Acquired		$ 8.0
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired		18.2
Goodwill, Acquired During Period		$ 51.2

Note 10 - Goodwill (Details Textual) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Note 10 - Goodwill (Details Textual) $ in Thousands	Aug. 31, 2019 USD ($)
Number of Reporting Units	3
Goodwill, Impairment Loss	$ 0

Note 10 - Goodwill - Changes in the Carrying Amount of Goodwill by Segment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2019	Aug. 31, 2018
Balance	$ 701,833	$ 707,560
Acquisitions and other adjustments		(2,202)
Foreign currency translations	(16,104)	(3,525)
Balance	685,729	701,833
UNITED STATES
Balance	386,195	386,835
Acquisitions and other adjustments		(640)
Foreign currency translations	0	0
Balance	386,195	386,195
Europe [Member]
Balance	312,694	317,759
Acquisitions and other adjustments		(1,562)
Foreign currency translations	(16,235)	(3,503)
Balance	296,459	312,694
Asia Pacific [Member]
Balance	2,944	2,966
Acquisitions and other adjustments		0
Foreign currency translations	131	(22)
Balance	$ 3,075	$ 2,944

Note 11 - Intangible Assets (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2019	Aug. 31, 2018	Aug. 31, 2017
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life	12 years 7 months 6 days
Impairment of Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill), Total	$ 0
Amortization of Intangible Assets, Total	$ 25,100	$ 24,700	$ 19,900

Note 11 - Intangible Assets - Identifiable Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Aug. 31, 2019	Aug. 31, 2018
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 238,836	$ 248,289
Accumulated Amortization	118,285	99,354
Net Carrying Amount	120,551	148,935
Data Content [Member]
Gross Carrying Amount	32,200	33,992
Accumulated Amortization	21,512	20,990
Net Carrying Amount	10,688	13,002
Customer Relationships [Member]
Gross Carrying Amount	95,905	98,882
Accumulated Amortization	35,506	29,387
Net Carrying Amount	60,399	69,495
Computer Software, Intangible Asset [Member]
Gross Carrying Amount	105,426	106,505
Accumulated Amortization	56,965	44,231
Net Carrying Amount	48,461	62,274
Noncompete Agreements [Member]
Gross Carrying Amount	1,311	4,840
Accumulated Amortization	1,228	2,381
Net Carrying Amount	83	2,459
Trade Names [Member]
Gross Carrying Amount	3,994	4,070
Accumulated Amortization	3,074	2,365
Net Carrying Amount	$ 920	$ 1,705

Note 11 - Intangible Assets - Estimated Amortization Expense (Details) $ in Thousands	Aug. 31, 2019 USD ($)
2020	$ 22,151
2021	20,859
2022	18,088
2023	13,508
2024	8,061
Thereafter	37,884
Total	$ 120,551

Note 12 - Property, Equipment and Leasehold Improvements (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2019	Aug. 31, 2018	Aug. 31, 2017
Depreciation, Total	$ 35.4	$ 32.6	$ 28.0

Note 12 - Property, Equipment and Leasehold Improvements - Property, Equipment and Leasehold Improvements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Aug. 31, 2019	Aug. 31, 2018
Property, equipment and leasehold improvements	$ 358,374	$ 345,801
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	(225,850)	(245,256)
Property, equipment and leasehold improvements, net	132,524	100,545
Leasehold Improvements [Member]
Property, equipment and leasehold improvements	155,520	119,479
Computer Equipment [Member]
Property, equipment and leasehold improvements	153,868	181,623
Furniture and Fixtures [Member]
Property, equipment and leasehold improvements	$ 48,986	$ 44,699

Note 13 - Common Stock and Earnings Per Share (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions			12 Months Ended
	May 17, 2019	May 16, 2019	Aug. 31, 2019	Aug. 31, 2018	Aug. 31, 2017
Increase in Dividend Rate	12.50%
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid	$ 0.72	$ 0.64
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Shares Withheld for Tax Withholding Obligation			31,644	8,070	49,771
Payment, Tax Withholding, Share-based Payment Arrangement			$ 7.2	$ 1.5	$ 7.8
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount			11,481	0	704,786
Performance Shares [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount			0	249,443	415,061

Note 13 - Common Stock and Earnings Per Share - Shares of Common Stock Outstanding (Details) - shares

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2019

Aug. 31, 2018

Aug. 31, 2017

Common stock issued for employee stock plans (in shares)

38,192,586

39,023,000

40,038,000

839,000

712,000

693,000

(882,445)

(1,534,398)

Repurchase of Common Stock from Employees [Member]

38,117,840

38,192,586

39,023,000

Share Repurchase Program [Member]

^[1]

(32,000)

(8,000)

(50,000)

(882,000)

(1,534,000)

(1,555,000)

ASR Agreement [Member]

Income available to common stockholders, net income (numerator)

(103,000)

[1]	For fiscal 2019, 2018 and 2017, the Company repurchased 31,644, 8,070 and 49,771 shares, or $7.2 million, $1.5 million and $7.8 million, of common stock, respectively, in settlement of employee tax withholding obligations due upon the vesting of restricted stock.

Note 13 - Common Stock and Earnings Per Share - Weighted Average Shares Outstanding (Details) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2019

May 31, 2019

Feb. 28, 2019

Nov. 30, 2018

Aug. 31, 2018

May 31, 2018

Feb. 28, 2018

Nov. 30, 2017

Aug. 31, 2019

Aug. 31, 2018

Aug. 31, 2017

$ 352,790

$ 267,085

$ 258,259

Basic weighted average common shares (in shares)

38,144,000

38,733,000

39,444,000

Income available to common stockholders, per share amount (in dollars per share)

$ 9.25

$ 6.90

$ 6.55

Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock, weighted average common share (denominator) (in shares)

729,000

644,000

198,000

Income available to common stockholders plus assumed conversions, net income (numerator)

$ 352,790

$ 267,085

$ 258,259

Diluted weighted average common shares (in shares)

39,056

38,993

38,619

38,809

38,879,000

39,104,000

39,846,000

39,680,000

38,873,000

39,377,000

39,642,000

Diluted EPS(1) (in dollars per share)

$ 2.34

^[1]

$ 2.37

^[1]

$ 2.19

^[1]

$ 2.17

^[1]

$ 1.77

^[1]

$ 1.91

^[1]

$ 1.33

^[1]

$ 1.77

^[1]

$ 9.08

$ 6.78

$ 6.51

Basic earnings per common share (in dollars per share)

9.25

6.90

6.55

Diluted earnings per common share (in dollars per share)

$ 2.34

^[1]

$ 2.37

^[1]

$ 2.19

^[1]

$ 2.17

^[1]

$ 1.77

^[1]

$ 1.91

^[1]

$ 1.33

^[1]

$ 1.77

^[1]

$ 9.08

$ 6.78

$ 6.51

[1]	Diluted earnings per common share is calculated independently for each of the periods presented. Accordingly, the sum of the quarterly EPS 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.

+ References

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+ Details

Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized

The amount of net income (loss) for the period available to each share of common stock or common unit outstanding during the reporting period and to each share or unit that would have been outstanding assuming the issuance of common shares or units for all dilutive potential common shares or units outstanding during the reporting period.

+ References

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+ Details

Note 14 - Stockholders' Equity (Details Textual) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands

12 Months Ended

Jun. 24, 2019

Jan. 31, 2018

Aug. 31, 2019

Aug. 31, 2018

Aug. 31, 2017

10,000,000

Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share

$ 0.01

Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding, Ending Balance

Preferred Stock, Shares Issued, Total

Common Stock, Shares Authorized

150,000,000

Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share

$ 0.01

Common Stock, Shares, Issued, Total

40,104,192

39,264,849

Treasury Stock, Shares, Retired

13,292,689

Treasury Stock, Shares, Ending Balance

$ (0)

1,986,352

1,072,263

Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired

882,445

1,534,398

Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method

$ 213,130

$ 302,441

$ 253,131

Stock Repurchase Program, Increase in Authorized Amount

$ 210,000

Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount

$ 238,600

Share-based Payment Arrangement, Shares Withheld for Tax Withholding Obligation

31,644

8,070

49,771

Payment, Tax Withholding, Share-based Payment Arrangement

$ 7,200

$ 1,500

$ 7,800

Restricted Stock [Member]

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

85,401

^[1]

26,599

^[2]

132,000

^[3]

Treasury Stock [Member]

Treasury Stock, Shares, Retired

13,292,689

Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired

$ (1,700,000)

$ (1,697,205)

882,445

1,534,782

1,556,660

Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method

$ 213,130

$ 302,441

$ 253,131

Common Stock [Member]

Treasury Stock, Shares, Retired

13,292,689

Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]

100

$ 133

Retained Earnings [Member]

186,700

186,717

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number, Ending Balance

$ 1,500,000

$ 1,510,355

[1]	The 85,401 restricted stock awards that vested during fiscal 2019 were comprised of: 42,276 of awards relating to restricted stock granted on November 1,2013 and 9,451 of awards relating to restricted stock granted on October 16, 2015, which vest at a rate of 20% annually upon the anniversary date of the grant, respectively, 18,691 of awards relating to restricted stock granted on February 9, 2015, which vest 100% upon the four year anniversary date of the grant, 8,924 of awards relating to restricted stock granted on June 30, 2017, which vest 60% after three years and 40% after five years. Additionally, there were 6,059 awards that vested related to other grants.
[2]	The 26,599 restricted stock awards that vested during fiscal 2018 were comprised of: 9,765 of awards relating to restricted stock granted on October 16, 2015 and 8,600 of awards relating to restricted stock granted on June 30, 2017 which vest at a rate of 20% annually upon the anniversary date of the grant, respectively. Additionally, 8,234 awards vested related to other grants.
[3]	The 132,194 restricted stock awards that vested during fiscal 2017 were comprised of: 73,522 of awards relating to restricted stock granted on November 1, 2013, which cliff vested 60% after three years, 17,328 of awards relating to restricted stock granted on October 16, 2015, which vested 20% annually upon the anniversary date of the grant and 30,162 of awards relating to restricted stock granted on October 16, 2015, which were modified to accelerate vest 100% in conjunction with employee severance. Additionally, 11,182 awards vested related to other grants.

Note 14 - Stockholders' Equity - Dividends Declared (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2019	May 31, 2019	Feb. 28, 2019	Nov. 30, 2018	Aug. 31, 2018	May 31, 2018	Feb. 28, 2018	Nov. 30, 2017
Dividends Per Share of Common Stock (in dollars per share)	$ 0.72	$ 0.72	$ 0.64	$ 0.64	$ 0.64	$ 0.64	$ 0.56	$ 0.56
Record Date	Aug. 30, 2019	May 31, 2019	Feb. 28, 2019	Nov. 30, 2018	Aug. 31, 2018	May 31, 2018	Feb. 28, 2018	Nov. 30, 2017
Total $ Amount	$ 27,445	$ 27,506	$ 24,385	$ 24,372	$ 24,443	$ 24,566	$ 21,799	$ 21,902
Payment Date	Sep. 19, 2019	Jun. 18, 2019	Mar. 19, 2019	Dec. 18, 2018	Sep. 18, 2018	Jun. 19, 2018	Mar. 20, 2018	Dec. 19, 2017

Note 15 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details Textual) - USD ($)

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

13 Months Ended

Dec. 19, 2017

Jun. 30, 2017

Oct. 16, 2015

Feb. 09, 2015

Nov. 01, 2013

Jun. 30, 2017

Aug. 31, 2019

May 31, 2019

Feb. 28, 2019

Nov. 30, 2018

Aug. 31, 2018

May 31, 2018

Feb. 28, 2018

Nov. 30, 2017

Aug. 31, 2017

May 31, 2017

Feb. 28, 2017

Nov. 30, 2016

Aug. 31, 2019

Aug. 30, 2019

Aug. 31, 2018

Aug. 30, 2018

Aug. 31, 2017

Aug. 30, 2017

Aug. 31, 2017

Aug. 31, 2016

2,524,000

3,143,000

3,366,000

2,524,000

3,143,000

3,366,000

3,364,000

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price, Ending Balance

$ 168.50

$ 153.05

$ 139.29

$ 168.50

$ 153.05

$ 139.29

$ 129.54

Share-based Payment Arrangement, Nonvested Award, Cost Not yet Recognized, Amount, Total

$ 80,400,000

Share-based Payment Arrangement, Nonvested Award, Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition

3 years

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

Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price

$ 224.35

$ 190.42

$ 156.77

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number

1,022,000

918,000

1,022,000

918,000

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price

$ 126.27

$ 105.14

$ 126.27

$ 105.14

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value

$ 116,075,000

Share Price

$ 272.09

Share-based Payment Arrangement, Expense

$ 32,400,000

$ 31,516,000

$ 34,183,000

$ 34,200,000

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%

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Maximum Contribution Limit

$ 25,000

Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Employee Stock Purchase Plans

48,532

64,230

Stock Issued During Period Employee Stock Purchase Plans Weighted Average Price Per Share

$ 205.64

$ 160.34

Common Stock, Capital Shares Reserved for Future Issuance

220,410

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

$ 10,900,000

$ 11,600,000

$ 10,100,000

Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option [Member]

Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price

$ 200.20

$ 165.75

$ 163.05

$ 169.16

$ 152.51

Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option [Member] | LTIP [Member]

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

5 years

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number, Ending Balance

2,524,304

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price, Ending Balance

$ 168.50

Share-based Payment Arrangement, Nonvested Award, Cost Not yet Recognized, Amount, Total

$ 80,400,000

Share-based Payment Arrangement, Nonvested Award, Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition

3 years

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

502,139

610,628

1,026,984

Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price

$ 223.68

$ 190.65

$ 157.09

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number

900,000

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price

$ 139.32

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value

$ 116,100,000

$ 105,300,000

$ 116,100,000

$ 105,300,000

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

5 years 3 months 18 days

5 years 7 months 6 days

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

$ 73,000,000.0

$ 50,100,000

$ 38,000,000.0

Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option [Member] | LTIP [Member] | Maximum [Member]

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

10 years

Restricted Stock [Member]

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

31,629

265

41,102

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

2,536

961

49,473

7,843

5,084

73,047

3,497

62,000

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

$ 273.19

$ 255.95

$ 210.67

$ 212.66

$ 191.97

$ 182.17

$ 158.46

$ 161.31

$ 151.63

$ 239.03

$ 189.28

$ 158.26

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

124,000

143,000

182,000

124,000

143,000

182,000

262,000

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

85,401

^[1]

26,599

^[2]

132,000

^[3]

Restricted Stock [Member] | LTIP [Member]

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

4 years

3 years

Share-based Payment Arrangement, Nonvested Award, Cost Not yet Recognized, Amount, Total

$ 21,800,000

Share-based Payment Arrangement, Nonvested Award, Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition

3 years 1 month 6 days

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

8,924

18,691

73,047

3,497

62,400

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

$ 239.03

$ 189.28

$ 158.26

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

123,794

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

85,401

26,599

132,194

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

2.5

Restricted Stock [Member] | LTIP [Member] | Market Research Business [Member]

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

8,234

Restricted Stock [Member] | LTIP [Member] | Disposal Group, Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations [Member]

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

6,059

11,182

Restricted Stock [Member] | LTIP [Member] | Share-based Payment Arrangement, Tranche One [Member]

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

20.00%

100.00%

60.00%

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

8,600

17,328

73,522

Restricted Stock [Member] | LTIP [Member] | Share-based Payment Arrangement, Tranche Two [Member]

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%

100.00%

20.00%

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

30,162

42,276

Restricted Stock [Member] | LTIP [Member] | Share-based Payment Arrangement, Tranche Three [Member]

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%

20.00%

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

9,765

Restricted Stock [Member] | LTIP [Member] | Share-based Payment Arrangement, Tranche Four [Member]

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

9,451

Performance Shares [Member]

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

16,512

61,744

22,460

17,000

291,000

Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price

$ 200.20

$ 166.29

Performance Shares [Member] | BI-SAM Technologies [Member]

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

206,417

Share-based Payment Arrangement, Expense

$ 0

Performance Shares [Member] | BI-SAM Technologies [Member] | Share-based Payment Arrangement, Tranche One [Member]

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

40.00%

Performance Shares [Member] | BI-SAM Technologies [Member] | Share-based Payment Arrangement, Tranche Two [Member]

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

20.00%

[1]	The 85,401 restricted stock awards that vested during fiscal 2019 were comprised of: 42,276 of awards relating to restricted stock granted on November 1,2013 and 9,451 of awards relating to restricted stock granted on October 16, 2015, which vest at a rate of 20% annually upon the anniversary date of the grant, respectively, 18,691 of awards relating to restricted stock granted on February 9, 2015, which vest 100% upon the four year anniversary date of the grant, 8,924 of awards relating to restricted stock granted on June 30, 2017, which vest 60% after three years and 40% after five years. Additionally, there were 6,059 awards that vested related to other grants.
[2]	The 26,599 restricted stock awards that vested during fiscal 2018 were comprised of: 9,765 of awards relating to restricted stock granted on October 16, 2015 and 8,600 of awards relating to restricted stock granted on June 30, 2017 which vest at a rate of 20% annually upon the anniversary date of the grant, respectively. Additionally, 8,234 awards vested related to other grants.
[3]	The 132,194 restricted stock awards that vested during fiscal 2017 were comprised of: 73,522 of awards relating to restricted stock granted on November 1, 2013, which cliff vested 60% after three years, 17,328 of awards relating to restricted stock granted on October 16, 2015, which vested 20% annually upon the anniversary date of the grant and 30,162 of awards relating to restricted stock granted on October 16, 2015, which were modified to accelerate vest 100% in conjunction with employee severance. Additionally, 11,182 awards vested related to other grants.

Note 15 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans - Summary of Stock Option Activity (Details) - $ / shares	3 Months Ended												12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2019	May 31, 2019	Feb. 28, 2019	Nov. 30, 2018	Aug. 31, 2018	May 31, 2018	Feb. 28, 2018	Nov. 30, 2017	Aug. 31, 2017	May 31, 2017	Feb. 28, 2017	Nov. 30, 2016	Aug. 31, 2019	Aug. 31, 2018	Aug. 31, 2017
Balance (in shares)				3,143,000				3,366,000				3,364,000	3,143,000	3,366,000	3,364,000
Balance, weighted average price per share (in dollars per share)				$ 153.05				$ 139.29				$ 129.54	$ 153.05	$ 139.29	$ 129.54
Granted (in shares)						0
Granted, weighted average price per share (in dollars per share)													$ 224.35	$ 190.42	$ 156.77
Exercised (in shares)													(705,000)	(622,000)	(487,000)
Exercised, weighted average price per share (in dollars per share)													$ 137.61	$ 113.73	$ 86.17
Forfeited (in shares)													(416,000)	(212,000)	(539,000)
Forfeited, weighted average price per share (in dollars per share)													$ 170.54	$ 158.14	$ 160.31
Balance (in shares)	2,524,000				3,143,000				3,366,000				2,524,000	3,143,000	3,366,000
Balance, weighted average price per share (in dollars per share)	$ 168.50				$ 153.05				$ 139.29				$ 168.50	$ 153.05	$ 139.29
Non Performance Based [Member]
Granted (in shares)	18,530	2,320	6,115	454,598	5,848		15,363	553,942	29,650	11,604		671,263	482,000	575,000	713,000
Granted, weighted average price per share (in dollars per share)	$ 283.96	$ 267.02	$ 207.84	$ 221.93			$ 192.11	$ 189.98					$ 224.35	$ 190.14	$ 152.89
Performance Shares [Member]
Granted (in shares)					16,512						61,744	22,460		17,000	291,000
Granted, weighted average price per share (in dollars per share)														$ 200.20	$ 166.29
Non-Employee Director Grant [Member]
Granted (in shares)													20,000	19,000	24,000
Granted, weighted average price per share (in dollars per share)													$ 207.88	$ 197.75	$ 170.24

Note 15 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans - Exercise Price Ranges of Outstanding and Exercisable Options (Details) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2019 USD ($) $ / shares shares
Number Outstanding (in shares) \| shares	2,524
Outstanding Aggregate Intrinsic Value \| $	$ 261,505
Exercisable Number Exercisable (in shares) \| shares	874
Exercisable Aggregate Intrinsic Value \| $	$ 116,075
Range 1 [Member]
Range of Exercise Prices Per Share, Lower Limit (in dollars per share)	$ 87.26
Range of Exercise Prices Per Share, Upper Limit (in dollars per share)	$ 92.22
Number Outstanding (in shares) \| shares	184
Outstanding Weighted Average Remaining Years of Contractual Life (Year)	2 years 11 months 23 days
Outstanding Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share (in dollars per share)	$ 91.86
Outstanding Aggregate Intrinsic Value \| $	$ 33,175
Exercisable Number Exercisable (in shares) \| shares	184
Exercisable Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share (in dollars per share)	$ 91.86
Exercisable Aggregate Intrinsic Value \| $	$ 33,175
Range 2 [Member]
Range of Exercise Prices Per Share, Lower Limit (in dollars per share)	$ 94.84
Range of Exercise Prices Per Share, Upper Limit (in dollars per share)	$ 110.31
Number Outstanding (in shares) \| shares	88
Outstanding Weighted Average Remaining Years of Contractual Life (Year)	2 years 10 months 20 days
Outstanding Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share (in dollars per share)	$ 99.70
Outstanding Aggregate Intrinsic Value \| $	$ 15,102
Exercisable Number Exercisable (in shares) \| shares	88
Exercisable Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share (in dollars per share)	$ 99.70
Exercisable Aggregate Intrinsic Value \| $	$ 15,102
Range 3 [Member]
Range of Exercise Prices Per Share, Lower Limit (in dollars per share)	$ 131.31
Range of Exercise Prices Per Share, Upper Limit (in dollars per share)	$ 148.52
Number Outstanding (in shares) \| shares	280
Outstanding Weighted Average Remaining Years of Contractual Life (Year)	5 years 3 days
Outstanding Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share (in dollars per share)	$ 134.18
Outstanding Aggregate Intrinsic Value \| $	$ 38,636
Exercisable Number Exercisable (in shares) \| shares	156
Exercisable Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share (in dollars per share)	$ 136.38
Exercisable Aggregate Intrinsic Value \| $	$ 21,134
Range 4 [Member]
Range of Exercise Prices Per Share, Lower Limit (in dollars per share)	$ 150.81
Range of Exercise Prices Per Share, Upper Limit (in dollars per share)	$ 152.28
Number Outstanding (in shares) \| shares	470
Outstanding Weighted Average Remaining Years of Contractual Life (Year)	7 years 1 month 13 days
Outstanding Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share (in dollars per share)	$ 152.25
Outstanding Aggregate Intrinsic Value \| $	$ 56,307
Exercisable Number Exercisable (in shares) \| shares	150
Exercisable Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share (in dollars per share)	$ 152.25
Exercisable Aggregate Intrinsic Value \| $	$ 18,007
Range 5 [Member]
Range of Exercise Prices Per Share, Lower Limit (in dollars per share)	$ 159.14
Range of Exercise Prices Per Share, Upper Limit (in dollars per share)	$ 170.24
Number Outstanding (in shares) \| shares	299
Outstanding Weighted Average Remaining Years of Contractual Life (Year)	6 years 1 month 2 days
Outstanding Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share (in dollars per share)	$ 164.99
Outstanding Aggregate Intrinsic Value \| $	$ 32,050
Exercisable Number Exercisable (in shares) \| shares	98
Exercisable Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share (in dollars per share)	$ 164.19
Exercisable Aggregate Intrinsic Value \| $	$ 10,612
Range 6 [Member]
Range of Exercise Prices Per Share, Lower Limit (in dollars per share)	$ 171.22
Range of Exercise Prices Per Share, Upper Limit (in dollars per share)	$ 175.20
Number Outstanding (in shares) \| shares	254
Outstanding Weighted Average Remaining Years of Contractual Life (Year)	6 years 2 months 15 days
Outstanding Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share (in dollars per share)	$ 175.04
Outstanding Aggregate Intrinsic Value \| $	$ 24,715
Exercisable Number Exercisable (in shares) \| shares	124
Exercisable Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share (in dollars per share)	$ 175.04
Exercisable Aggregate Intrinsic Value \| $	$ 11,989
Range 7 [Member]
Range of Exercise Prices Per Share, Lower Limit (in dollars per share)	$ 189.98
Range of Exercise Prices Per Share, Upper Limit (in dollars per share)	$ 200.20
Number Outstanding (in shares) \| shares	475
Outstanding Weighted Average Remaining Years of Contractual Life (Year)	8 years 2 months 15 days
Outstanding Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share (in dollars per share)	$ 190.73
Outstanding Aggregate Intrinsic Value \| $	$ 38,637
Exercisable Number Exercisable (in shares) \| shares	73
Exercisable Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share (in dollars per share)	$ 190.45
Exercisable Aggregate Intrinsic Value \| $	$ 5,985
Range 8 [Member]
Range of Exercise Prices Per Share, Lower Limit (in dollars per share)	$ 200.99
Range of Exercise Prices Per Share, Upper Limit (in dollars per share)	$ 286.74
Number Outstanding (in shares) \| shares	474
Outstanding Weighted Average Remaining Years of Contractual Life (Year)	9 years 2 months 4 days
Outstanding Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share (in dollars per share)	$ 223.79
Outstanding Aggregate Intrinsic Value \| $	$ 22,883
Exercisable Number Exercisable (in shares) \| shares	1
Exercisable Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share (in dollars per share)	$ 221.88
Exercisable Aggregate Intrinsic Value \| $	$ 71

Note 15 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans - Stock Options Outstanding and Exercisable (Details) - $ / shares shares in Thousands	Aug. 31, 2019	Aug. 31, 2018	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016
Outstanding at fiscal year end (in shares)	2,524	3,143	3,366	3,364
Outstanding at fiscal year end (in dollars per share)	$ 168.50	$ 153.05	$ 139.29	$ 129.54
Exercisable at fiscal year end (in shares)		1,022	918
Exercisable at fiscal year end (in dollars per share)		$ 126.27	$ 105.14

Note 15 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans - Summary of Restricted Stock Award (Details) - Restricted Stock [Member] - $ / shares

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2019

May 31, 2019

Feb. 28, 2019

Nov. 30, 2018

Aug. 31, 2018

May 31, 2018

Feb. 28, 2018

Nov. 30, 2017

Aug. 31, 2017

May 31, 2017

Feb. 28, 2017

Nov. 30, 2016

Aug. 31, 2019

Aug. 31, 2018

Aug. 31, 2017

Restricted stock balance (in shares)

143,000

182,000

262,000

143,000

182,000

262,000

Restricted stock balance, weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share)

$ 139.34

$ 138.62

$ 126.27

$ 139.34

$ 138.62

$ 126.27

Restricted stock granted (in shares)

2,536

961

49,473

7,843

5,084

73,047

3,497

62,000

Restricted stock granted, weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share)

$ 273.19

$ 255.95

$ 210.67

$ 212.66

$ 191.97

$ 182.17

$ 158.46

$ 161.31

$ 151.63

$ 239.03

$ 189.28

$ 158.26

Restricted stock vested (in shares)

(85,401)

^[1]

(26,599)

^[2]

(132,000)

^[3]

Restricted stock vested, weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share)

$ 125.04

^[1]

$ 155.95

^[2]

$ 123.28

^[3]

Restricted stock canceled/forfeited (in shares)

(7,000)

(15,000)

(10,000)

Restricted stock canceled/ forfeited, weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share)

$ 181.32

$ 116.29

$ 130.32

Restricted stock balance (in shares)

124,000

143,000

182,000

124,000

143,000

182,000

Restricted stock balance, weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share)

$ 205.47

$ 139.34

$ 138.62

$ 205.47

$ 139.34

$ 138.62

[1]	The 85,401 restricted stock awards that vested during fiscal 2019 were comprised of: 42,276 of awards relating to restricted stock granted on November 1,2013 and 9,451 of awards relating to restricted stock granted on October 16, 2015, which vest at a rate of 20% annually upon the anniversary date of the grant, respectively, 18,691 of awards relating to restricted stock granted on February 9, 2015, which vest 100% upon the four year anniversary date of the grant, 8,924 of awards relating to restricted stock granted on June 30, 2017, which vest 60% after three years and 40% after five years. Additionally, there were 6,059 awards that vested related to other grants.
[2]	The 26,599 restricted stock awards that vested during fiscal 2018 were comprised of: 9,765 of awards relating to restricted stock granted on October 16, 2015 and 8,600 of awards relating to restricted stock granted on June 30, 2017 which vest at a rate of 20% annually upon the anniversary date of the grant, respectively. Additionally, 8,234 awards vested related to other grants.
[3]	The 132,194 restricted stock awards that vested during fiscal 2017 were comprised of: 73,522 of awards relating to restricted stock granted on November 1, 2013, which cliff vested 60% after three years, 17,328 of awards relating to restricted stock granted on October 16, 2015, which vested 20% annually upon the anniversary date of the grant and 30,162 of awards relating to restricted stock granted on October 16, 2015, which were modified to accelerate vest 100% in conjunction with employee severance. Additionally, 11,182 awards vested related to other grants.

Note 15 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans - Summary of Share-based Awards Available for Grant (Details) - shares

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2019

Aug. 31, 2018

Aug. 31, 2017

LTIP [Member]

Share-based awards canceled/forfeited (in shares)

6,298,000

897,000

1,491,000

^[1]

433,000

252,000

566,000

Increase in the number of shares available for issuance (in shares)

5,750,000

LTIP [Member] | Non Performance Based [Member]

6,067,000

6,298,000

897,000

LTIP [Member] | Performance Shares [Member]

(481,000)

(575,000)

(713,000)

LTIP [Member] | Non-Employee Director Grant [Member]

(17,000)

(291,000)

LTIP [Member] | Restricted Stock [Member]

(183,000)

(9,000)

^[2]

(156,000)

^[2]

Director Plan [Member]

Share-based awards canceled/forfeited (in shares)

282,000

42,000

66,000

^[1]

2,000

9,000

Increase in the number of shares available for issuance (in shares)

250,000

Director Plan [Member] | Non Performance Based [Member]

263,956

282,000

42,000

Director Plan [Member] | Performance Shares [Member]

(20,000)

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

Director Plan [Member] | Restricted Stock [Member]

(19,000)

(24,000)

Tax at U.S. Federal statutory tax rate

^[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 16 - Stock-based Compensation (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands				3 Months Ended												12 Months Ended					13 Months Ended
	Jan. 15, 2019	Jan. 12, 2018	Jan. 13, 2017	Aug. 31, 2019	May 31, 2019	Feb. 28, 2019	Nov. 30, 2018	Aug. 31, 2018	May 31, 2018	Feb. 28, 2018	Nov. 30, 2017	Aug. 31, 2017	May 31, 2017	Feb. 28, 2017	Nov. 30, 2016	Aug. 31, 2019	Aug. 30, 2019	Aug. 31, 2018	Aug. 30, 2018	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Expense																$ 32,400		$ 31,516		$ 34,183	$ 34,200
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Nonvested Award, Cost Not yet Recognized, Amount, Total				$ 80,400												$ 80,400
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Nonvested Award, Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition																3 years
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Amount Capitalized																$ 0		$ 0
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross									0
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price																$ 224.35		$ 190.42		$ 156.77
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value																$ 57.12		$ 48.39		$ 40.68
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Employee Stock Purchase Plans																	48,532		64,230
Director Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross	20,576	18,963	23,846
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 42.77	$ 38.76	$ 35.65
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant				263,956				282,000				42,000				263,956		282,000		42,000	42,000	66,000
Director Plan [Member] \| Malcolm Frank [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross			2,104
The 2008 Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Expense																$ 2,000		$ 1,600		$ 2,100
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price																$ 205.64		$ 160.34		$ 136.34
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value																$ 41.06		$ 31.83		$ 28.16
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Employee Stock Purchase Plans																48,532		64,230		75,372
Non Performance Based [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross				18,530	2,320	6,115	454,598	5,848		15,363	553,942	29,650	11,604		671,263	482,000		575,000		713,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price				$ 283.96	$ 267.02	$ 207.84	$ 221.93			$ 192.11	$ 189.98					$ 224.35		$ 190.14		$ 152.89
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value				$ 65.60	$ 68.33	$ 53.18	$ 56.77			$ 48.82	$ 48.27
Performance Shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross								16,512						61,744	22,460			17,000		291,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price																		$ 200.20		$ 166.29
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price								$ 200.20				$ 165.75	$ 163.05	$ 169.16	$ 152.51
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value								$ 50.87				$ 42.93	$ 42.23	$ 43.81	$ 39.60
Performance Based [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross												206,417
Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross				31,629	265	51	41,102
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period								2,536	0	0	961	49,473	0	7,843	5,084	73,047		3,497		62,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value				$ 273.19	$ 255.95	$ 210.67	$ 212.66	$ 191.97			$ 182.17	$ 158.46		$ 161.31	$ 151.63	$ 239.03		$ 189.28		$ 158.26

Note 16 - Stock-based Compensation - Summary of Stock Option Weighted Average Assumptions of Employee Stock Options (Details) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2019	Aug. 31, 2018	Aug. 31, 2017
Dividend yield	1.15%	1.32%	1.18%
Weighted average estimated fair value (in dollars per share)	$ 57.12	$ 48.39	$ 40.68
Granted, weighted average price per share (in dollars per share)	$ 224.35	$ 190.42	$ 156.77
Fair value as a percentage of exercise price	25.50%	25.40%	25.90%
Minimum [Member]
Term structure of risk-free interest rate	1.28%	1.28%	0.07%
Expected life (years) (Year)	7 years 1 month 6 days	7 years 4 months 24 days	7 years 4 months 24 days
Term structure of volatility	18.00%	19.00%	21.00%
Maximum [Member]
Term structure of risk-free interest rate	3.14%	2.41%	2.09%
Expected life (years) (Year)	7 years 1 month 6 days	7 years 4 months 24 days	8 years 1 month 6 days
Term structure of volatility	29.00%	29.00%	30.00%

Note 16 - Stock-based Compensation - Summary of Stock Option Weighted Average Assumptions of Non-employee Director Stock Options (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2019	Aug. 31, 2018	Aug. 31, 2017
Dividend yield	1.15%	1.32%	1.18%
Non Employee Directors Stock Option Plan [Member] \| Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option [Member]
Risk-free interest rate	2.51%	2.34%	1.95%
Expected life (Year)	5 years 4 months 24 days	5 years 4 months 24 days	5 years 4 months 24 days
Expected volatility	20.50%	19.70%	22.70%
Dividend yield	1.17%	1.16%	1.24%

Note 16 - Stock-based Compensation - Summary of Stock Option Weighted Average Assumptions, Employee Stock Purchase Plan (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2019	Aug. 31, 2018	Aug. 31, 2017
Dividend yield	1.15%	1.32%	1.18%
The 2008 Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]
Risk-free interest rate	2.33%	1.55%	0.69%
Expected life (Year)	3 months	3 months	3 months
Expected volatility	10.89%	10.19%	8.60%
Dividend yield	1.12%	1.27%	1.25%

Note 17 - Income Taxes (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2018	May 31, 2018	Aug. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Aug. 31, 2018	Aug. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Expense (Benefit), Share-based Payment Arrangement, Amount						$ 9,500
Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations, Transition Tax	$ 23,200
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Operational Realignment, Basis Point								2.00%
Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Total			$ 69,175		$ 84,753			$ 86,053
Percentage Change in Total Provision for Income Taxes			18.40%
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Transition Tax for Accumulated Foreign Earnings, Income Tax Expense		$ 23,200	$ 3,400
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent			21.00%	21.00%	25.70%		35.00%	35.00%
Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations, Adjustment of Deferred Tax (Asset) Liability			$ 3,300		$ 2,200
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Ending Balance			10,884		$ 9,223			$ 11,484	$ 8,782
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Interest on Income Taxes Accrued			$ 1,100

Note 17 - Income Taxes - Provision for Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2019	Aug. 31, 2018	Aug. 31, 2017
U.S. operations	$ 288,860	$ 199,654	$ 218,650
Non-U.S. operations	133,105	152,184	125,662
Income before income taxes	421,965	351,838	344,312
U.S. operations	55,824	65,778	65,403
Non-U.S. operations	13,351	18,975	20,650
Total provision for income taxes	$ 69,175	$ 84,753	$ 86,053
Effective tax rate	16.40%	24.10%	25.00%

Note 17 - Income Taxes - Components of the Provision for Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2019	Aug. 31, 2018	Aug. 31, 2017
Current
U.S. federal	$ 35,688	$ 58,835	$ 58,057
U.S. state and local	18,389	5,159	5,659
Non-U.S.	17,376	22,669	17,458
Total current taxes	71,453	86,663	81,174
Deferred
U.S. federal	1,813	2,079	4,320
U.S. state and local	(217)	(295)	(77)
Non-U.S.	(3,874)	(3,694)	636
Total deferred taxes	(2,278)	(1,910)	4,879
Total provision for income taxes	$ 69,175	$ 84,753	$ 86,053

Note 17 - Income Taxes - Percentage of Income Before Income Taxes (Details)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2019

Dec. 31, 2018

Aug. 31, 2018

Dec. 31, 2017

Aug. 31, 2017

21.00%

25.70%

35.00%

Increase (decrease) in taxes resulting from:

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

4.00%

2.90%

1.80%

Foreign income at other than U.S. rates

(1.40%)

(3.20%)

(7.00%)

^[1]

Foreign derived intangible income deduction

(1.70%)

0.00%

Domestic production activities deduction

0.00%

(1.60%)

(2.10%)

Income tax benefits from R&D tax credits

(3.50%)

(3.70%)

(3.30%)

Income tax benefits from foreign tax credits

0.00%

(0.30%)

Share-based payments(1)

^[2]

(3.20%)

(2.70%)

0.00%

One-time transition tax from TCJA

(0.40%)

6.60%

^[3]

0.00%

Other, net

1.60%

0.10%

0.90%

Effective tax rate

16.40%

24.10%

25.00%

[1]	Includes a 200 basis point benefit as a result of FactSet's global realignment. Effective September 1, 2016, FactSet realigned certain aspects of its global operations from FactSet Research Systems Inc., its U.S. parent company, to FactSet UK Limited, a U.K. operating company, to better position the Company to serve its growing client base outside the U.S. This realignment allows the Company to further implement strategic corporate objectives and helps achieve operational and financial efficiencies, while complementing FactSet's increasing global growth and reach.
[2]	During the first quarter of fiscal 2018, FactSet adopted an accounting standard that requires all excess tax benefits or deficiencies related to share-based payments to be reported within the consolidated statement of income that were previously reported within equity. The adoption of this standard resulted in the recognition of $9.5 million of excess tax benefits to FactSet's provision for income taxes during fiscal 2018.
[3]	The enactment of the TCJA resulted in a one-time transition tax expense of $23.2 million during the second quarter of fiscal 2018.

Note 17 - Income Taxes - Significant Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Aug. 31, 2019	Aug. 31, 2018
Deferred tax assets:
Receivable reserve	$ 1,517	$ 599
Depreciation on property, equipment and leasehold improvements	2,858	1,032
Deferred rent	9,454	7,711
Stock-based compensation	13,755	14,827
Purchased intangible assets, including acquired technology	(27,116)	(24,059)
Other	7,103	9,606
Total deferred tax assets	7,571	9,716
Deferred tax liabilities:
Stock-based compensation	(1,067)	(946)
Purchased intangible assets, including acquired technology	17,188	22,429
Other	270	(293)
Total deferred tax liabilities	$ 16,391	$ 21,190

Note 17 - Income Taxes - Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2019	Aug. 31, 2018	Aug. 31, 2017
Unrecognized income tax benefits	$ 9,223	$ 11,484	$ 8,782
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year	3,133	2,954	3,896
Additions for tax positions of prior years	507	531	628
Statute of limitations lapse	(1,979)	(3,146)	(1,822)
Reductions from settlements with Taxing Authorities	0	(2,600)
Unrecognized income tax benefits	$ 10,884	$ 9,223	$ 11,484

Note 17 - Income Taxes - Major Tax Jurisdictions in Which the Company and Affiliates Operate and the Earliest Tax Year Subject to Examination (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2019
Domestic Tax Authority [Member] \| Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member]
Open tax years	2016
State and Local Jurisdiction [Member]
Open tax years	2016
Foreign Tax Authority [Member] \| Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) [Member]
Open tax years	2017
Foreign Tax Authority [Member] \| Ministry of the Economy, Finance and Industry, France [Member]
Open tax years	2017
Foreign Tax Authority [Member] \| Federal Ministry of Finance, Germany [Member]
Open tax years	2016

Note 18 - Debt (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
Note 18 - Debt (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 17, 2017	May 31, 2019	Aug. 31, 2019	Aug. 31, 2018	Aug. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 29, 2019
Long-term Debt, Total			$ 574,174	$ 574,775
Interest Expense, Debt, Total			$ 19,800	$ 15,900	$ 8,400
Weighted Average [Member]
Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate at Period End			3.35%	2.69%
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate			0.875%
The 2019 Revolving Credit Facility [Member] \| PNC Bank, National Associations [Member]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity							$ 750,000
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Amount Of Additional Borrowings			$ 175,000				500,000
Line of Credit Facility, Minimum Borrowing Amount Required for Additional Borrowings							25,000
Long-term Line of Credit, Total			$ 575,000
Line of Credit Facility, Commitment Fee Percentage		0.10%
Debt Issuance Costs, Net, Total						$ 900
Long-term Debt, Gross							$ 575,000
The 2019 Revolving Credit Facility [Member] \| PNC Bank, National Associations [Member] \| London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate			0.875%
The 2017 Revolving Credit Facility [Member] \| PNC Bank, National Associations [Member]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	$ 575,000
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Amount Of Additional Borrowings	225,000
Line of Credit Facility, Minimum Borrowing Amount Required for Additional Borrowings	$ 25,000
Long-term Debt, Total			$ 575,000
The 2017 Revolving Credit Facility [Member] \| PNC Bank, National Associations [Member] \| London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	1.00%

Note 18 - Debt - Debt Obligations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Aug. 31, 2019	Aug. 31, 2018
Long-term Debt, Total	$ 574,174	$ 574,775
The 2017 Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Long-term Debt, Total	0	575,000
The 2019 Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Long-term Debt, Total	$ 575,000	$ 0

Note 19 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details Textual) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2019 USD ($) ft²	Aug. 31, 2018 USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2017 USD ($)
Area of Real Estate Property \| ft²	1,860,000
Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Total	$ 56,700	$ 54,600	$ 48,400
Other Liabilities, Noncurrent, Total	42,006	38,989
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount	2,800
Purchase Commitment, Remaining Minimum Amount Committed	83,300	79,000
Deferred Rent [Member]
Other Liabilities, Total	42,600	39,400
Other Liabilities, Noncurrent, Total	$ 39,100	$ 33,600

Note 19 - Commitments and Contingencies - Future Minimum Lease Commitments (Details) $ in Thousands	Aug. 31, 2019 USD ($)
2020	$ 41,414
2021	40,051
2022	36,011
2023	33,890
2024	33,072
Thereafter	215,523
Total	$ 399,961

Note 20 - Risks and Concentrations of Credit Risk (Details Textual) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2019 USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2019 USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2018 USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2017 USD ($)
Investments and Cash, Total	$ 385.6	$ 385.6
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	575.0	575.0
Interest Expense, Debt, Total		19.8	$ 15.9	$ 8.4
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Ending Balance	$ 10.5	$ 10.5	3.5
Subscription Revenue [Member]
Concentration Risk, Percentage		3.00%
Data Costs [Member] \| Supplier Concentration Risk [Member]
Concentration Risk, Percentage		11.00%
Number of Vendors	1	1
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] \| The Loan [Member]
Interest Expense, Debt, Total		$ 19.8	$ 15.9
Hypothetical Basis Point Change, LIBOR Rate	0.25%
Change in Annual Interest Expense		$ 1.4
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate		0.875%

Note 21 - Unaudited Quarterly Financial Data - Unaudited Quarterly Results (Details) - USD ($)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2019

May 31, 2019

Feb. 28, 2019

Nov. 30, 2018

Aug. 31, 2018

May 31, 2018

Feb. 28, 2018

Nov. 30, 2017

Aug. 31, 2019

Aug. 31, 2018

Aug. 31, 2017

Revenue

$ 364,283,000

$ 364,533,000

$ 354,895,000

$ 351,640,000

$ 345,861

$ 339,911

$ 335,231

$ 329,141

$ 1,435,351,000

$ 1,350,145,000

$ 1,221,179,000

Cost of services

167,730,000

163,832,000

165,108,000

166,776,000

169,467,000

165,073,000

163,232,000

161,524,000

663,446,000

659,296,000

566,580,000

Selling, general and administrative

84,985,000

83,461,000

81,099,000

84,325,000

88,038,000

81,573,000

76,514,000

78,519,000

333,870,000

324,645,000

302,464,000

Operating income

111,568,000

117,240,000

108,688,000

100,539,000

88,356,000

93,265,000

95,485,000

89,098,000

438,035,000

366,204,000

352,135,000