FactSet Research Systems (FDS) 10-Q 9 Apr 20 2020 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Cover

Cover - shares	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020
Entity Information [Line Items]
Document Type	10-Q
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Period End Date	Feb. 29, 2020
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	1-11869
Entity Registrant Name	FACTSET RESEARCH SYSTEMS INC.
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	DE
Entity Tax Identification Number	13-3362547
Entity Address, Address Line One	45 Glover Avenue
Entity Address, City or Town	Norwalk
Entity Address, State or Province	CT
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	06850
City Area Code	203
Local Phone Number	810-1000
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		37,871,737
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock, $0.01 Par Value
Trading Symbol	FDS
Entity Central Index Key	0001013237
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--08-31
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2020
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Amendment Flag	false
New York Stock Exchange LLC
Entity Information [Line Items]
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
The Nasdaq Stock Market
Entity Information [Line Items]
Security Exchange Name	NASDAQ

Consolidated Statements of Inco

Consolidated Statements of Income - Unaudited - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2020	Feb. 28, 2019	Feb. 29, 2020	Feb. 28, 2019
Income Statement [Abstract]
Revenue	$ 369,780	$ 354,895	$ 736,438	$ 706,535
Operating expenses
Cost of services	176,218	165,108	341,175	331,884
Selling, general and administrative	87,305	81,099	175,820	165,424
Total operating expenses	263,523	246,207	516,995	497,308
Operating income	106,257	108,688	219,443	209,227
Other expenses
Interest expense, net	(2,661)	(4,211)	(5,792)	(8,670)
Other expense, net	(487)	(128)	(1,801)	(265)
Income before income taxes	103,109	104,349	211,850	200,292
Provision for income taxes	14,423	19,647	29,207	31,294
Net income	$ 88,686	$ 84,702	$ 182,643	$ 168,998
Basic earnings per common share (in USD per share)	$ 2.34	$ 2.23	$ 4.82	$ 4.44
Diluted earnings per common share (in USD per share)	$ 2.30	$ 2.19	$ 4.73	$ 4.37
Basic weighted average common shares (in shares)	37,875	38,055	37,927	38,081
Diluted weighted average common shares (in shares)	38,576	38,619	38,582	38,714

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - Unaudited - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
		Feb. 29, 2020	Feb. 28, 2019	Feb. 29, 2020	Feb. 28, 2019
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income		$ 88,686	$ 84,702	$ 182,643	$ 168,998
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax
Net unrealized gain on cash flow hedges	[1]	(208)	527	1,843	1,565
Foreign currency translation adjustments		(1,565)	5,026	6,222	(4,478)
Other comprehensive (loss) income		(1,773)	5,553	8,065	(2,913)
Comprehensive income		86,913	90,255	190,708	166,085
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives arising during period net of tax		$ (73)	$ 179
Other comprehensive income (loss), cash flow hedge, gain (loss), after reclassification, tax				$ 641	$ 767
[1]	For the three and six months ended February 29, 2020, the unrealized (loss) gain on cash flow hedges were net of a tax benefit of $73 thousand and a tax expense of $641 thousand, respectively. For the three and six months ended February 28, 2019, the unrealized gain on cash flow hedges was net of a tax expense of $179 thousand and $767 thousand, respectively.

Consolidated Balance Sheets - U

Consolidated Balance Sheets - Unaudited - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Feb. 29, 2020	Aug. 31, 2019
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 343,488	$ 359,799
Investments	23,885	25,813
Accounts receivable, net of reserves of $7,939 at February 29, 2020 and $10,511 at August 31, 2019	168,139	146,309
Prepaid taxes	25,917	15,033
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	39,676	36,858
Total current assets	601,105	583,812
Property, equipment and leasehold improvements, net	135,016	119,384
Goodwill	690,637	685,729
Intangible assets, net	128,243	133,691
Deferred taxes	7,172	7,571
Lease right-of-use assets, net	235,930
Other assets	30,469	29,943
TOTAL ASSETS	1,828,572	1,560,130
LIABILITIES
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	73,454	79,620
Current lease liabilities	27,830
Accrued compensation	40,810	64,202
Deferred fees	59,184	47,656
Dividends payable	27,251	27,445
Total current liabilities	228,529	218,923
Long-term debt	574,264	574,174
Deferred taxes	13,562	16,391
Deferred fees	9,344	10,088
Taxes payable	25,958	26,292
Lease liabilities	257,235
Other non-current liabilities	2,920	42,006
TOTAL LIABILITIES	1,111,812	887,874
Commitments and contingencies (see Note 16)
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized, none issued	0	0
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 150,000,000 shares authorized, 40,452,351 and 40,104,192 shares issued, 37,849,247 and 38,117,840 shares outstanding at February 29, 2020 and August 31, 2019, respectively	405	401
Additional paid-in capital	875,488	806,973
Treasury stock, at cost: 2,603,104 and 1,986,352 shares at February 29, 2020 and August 31, 2019, respectively	(593,980)	(433,799)
Retained earnings	501,326	373,225
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(66,479)	(74,544)
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY	716,760	672,256
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY	$ 1,828,572	$ 1,560,130

Consolidated Balance Sheets -_2

Consolidated Balance Sheets - Unaudited (Parentheticals) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Feb. 29, 2020	Aug. 31, 2019
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Accounts receivable, net of reserve	$ 7,939	$ 10,511
Preferred stock, par value (in USD 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 USD per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	150,000,000	150,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	40,452,351	40,104,192
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	37,849,247	38,117,840
Treasury stock, shares	(2,603,104)	(1,986,352)

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - Unaudited - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2020	Feb. 28, 2019
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income	$ 182,643	$ 168,998
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities
Depreciation and amortization	28,296	29,052
Stock-based compensation expense	18,028	16,140
Deferred income taxes	(3,091)	1,088
Loss on sale of assets	145	196
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions
Accounts receivable, net of reserves	(21,835)	(19,676)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	10,356	(5,423)
Accrued compensation	(23,518)	(26,266)
Deferred fees	10,775	9,729
Taxes payable, net of prepaid taxes	(12,182)	(17,385)
Other, net	5,843	(10,899)
Net cash provided by operating activities	195,460	145,554
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Purchases of property, equipment and leasehold improvements, net of proceeds from dispositions	(51,899)	(21,482)
Purchases of investments	(2,236)	(7,927)
Proceeds from maturity or sale of investments	4,199	10,041
Net cash used in investing activities	(49,936)	(19,368)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Repurchases of common stock	(158,595)	(110,739)
Dividend payments	(54,363)	(48,442)
Proceeds from employee stock plans	50,487	43,362
Other financing, net	(1,586)	0
Net cash used by financing activities	(164,057)	(115,819)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	2,222	(655)
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	(16,311)	9,712
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	359,799	208,623
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 343,488	$ 218,335

Consolidated Statements of Chan

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity - Unaudited - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Treasury Stock	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Beginning balance (in shares) at Aug. 31, 2018		39,264,849		1,072,263
Beginning balance at Aug. 31, 2018	$ 525,900	$ 393	$ 667,531	$ (213,428)	$ 122,843	$ (51,439)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	168,998				168,998
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(2,913)					(2,913)
Common stock issued for employee stock plans (in shares)		349,846
Common stock issued for employee stock plans	48,871	$ 4	48,867
Vesting of restricted stock (in shares)		75,530
Vesting of restricted stock	$ (6,155)			$ (6,155)
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)	489,945			489,945
Repurchases of common stock	$ (104,584)			$ (104,584)
Stock-based compensation expense	16,140		16,140
Dividends declared	(48,756)				(48,756)
Ending balance (in shares) at Feb. 28, 2019		39,690,225		1,590,060
Ending balance at Feb. 28, 2019	599,521	$ 397	732,538	$ (324,167)	244,388	(53,635)
Beginning balance (in shares) at Nov. 30, 2018		39,447,491		1,366,613
Beginning balance at Nov. 30, 2018	541,209	$ 394	694,078	$ (278,146)	184,071	(59,188)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	84,702				84,702
Other comprehensive income (loss)	5,553					5,553
Common stock issued for employee stock plans (in shares)		219,815
Common stock issued for employee stock plans	30,758	$ 3	30,755
Vesting of restricted stock (in shares)		22,919		8,502
Vesting of restricted stock	$ (1,878)			$ (1,878)
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)	214,945			214,945
Repurchases of common stock	$ (44,143)			$ (44,143)
Stock-based compensation expense	7,705		7,705
Dividends declared	(24,385)				(24,385)
Ending balance (in shares) at Feb. 28, 2019		39,690,225		1,590,060
Ending balance at Feb. 28, 2019	599,521	$ 397	732,538	$ (324,167)	244,388	(53,635)
Beginning balance (in shares) at Aug. 31, 2019		40,104,192		1,986,352
Beginning balance at Aug. 31, 2019	672,256	$ 401	806,973	$ (433,799)	373,225	(74,544)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	182,643				182,643
Other comprehensive income (loss)	8,065					8,065
Common stock issued for employee stock plans (in shares)		331,683		43
Common stock issued for employee stock plans	50,480	$ 4	50,487	$ (11)
Vesting of restricted stock (in shares)		16,476
Vesting of restricted stock	$ (1,575)			$ (1,575)
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)	610,500			610,500
Repurchases of common stock	$ (158,595)			$ (158,595)
Stock-based compensation expense	18,028		18,028
Dividends declared	(54,542)				(54,542)
Ending balance (in shares) at Feb. 29, 2020		40,452,351		2,603,104
Ending balance at Feb. 29, 2020	716,760	$ 405	875,488	$ (593,980)	501,326	(66,479)
Beginning balance (in shares) at Nov. 30, 2019		40,239,308		2,335,130
Beginning balance at Nov. 30, 2019	691,877	$ 402	835,968	$ (519,678)	439,891	(64,706)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	88,686				88,686
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(1,773)					(1,773)
Common stock issued for employee stock plans (in shares)		211,943		43
Common stock issued for employee stock plans	31,298	$ 3	31,306	$ (11)
Vesting of restricted stock (in shares)		1,100		431
Vesting of restricted stock	$ (119)			$ (119)
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)	267,500			267,500
Repurchases of common stock	$ (74,172)			$ (74,172)
Stock-based compensation expense	8,214		8,214
Dividends declared	(27,251)				(27,251)
Ending balance (in shares) at Feb. 29, 2020		40,452,351		2,603,104
Ending balance at Feb. 29, 2020	$ 716,760	$ 405	$ 875,488	$ (593,980)	$ 501,326	$ (66,479)

Organization and Nature of Busi

Organization and Nature of Business	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2020
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Organization and Nature of Business	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 the Company serves 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 Americas, EMEA (formerly known as Europe), and Asia Pacific. The Company primarily delivers insight and information through the workflow solutions of Research, Analytics and Trading, Content and Technology Solutions ("CTS") 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 configurable desktop and mobile platform, comprehensive data feeds, an open marketplace and digital portals and application programming interfaces ("APIs"). The Company’s revenue is primarily derived from subscriptions to products and services such as workstations, analytics, enterprise data, and research management.

Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2020
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	BASIS OF PRESENTATION FactSet conducts business globally and is managed on a geographic basis. The accompany ing unaudited consolidated financial statements and notes of FactSet and its wholly-owned subsidiaries included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States ("GAAP") for interim financial information and the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all information and footnotes required by GAAP for annual financial statements. The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and our wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany activity and balances have been eliminated. In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements include all normal recurring adjustments, transactions or events discretely impacting the interim periods considered necessary to present fairly the Company’s results of operations, financial position, cash flows and equity. Certain notes and other information have been condensed or omitted in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, therefore the information in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2019, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") on October 30, 2019. The Company has evaluated subsequent events through the date that the financial statements were issued. Reclassification The Company reclassified certain prior year comparative figures from Interest expense net, to Other expense, net including non-operational foreign exchange gains and losses in the Consolidated Statement of Income to conform to the current year's presentation.

Recent Accounting Pronouncement

Recent Accounting Pronouncements	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2020
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS As of February 29, 2020, the Company 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 first six months of fiscal 2020 that had a material impact on the consolidated financial statements other than the new lease accounting standard discussed below. R efer to Note 15 Leases for additional information. New Accounting Standards or Updates Recently Adopted Leases In February 2016, the FASB issued an accounting standard update related to accounting for leases. The update requires the recognition of lease right-of use (“ROU”) assets and liabilities on the balance sheet and the disclosure of qualitative and quantitative information about leasing arrangements . The guidance also eliminates the requirement for an entity to use bright-line tests in determining lease classification. FactSet adopted 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 were not restated and follow the Company's previous policy under ASC 840, Leases. Refer to FactSet’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2019, filed with the SEC on October 30, 2019, for further details of the Company’s policy prior to adoption of ASC 842. FactSet elected the package of practical expedients permitted under the transition guidance, which permits the Company not to reassess the prior conclusions about lease identification, lease classification, and initial direct costs. FactSet did not elect the use-of-hindsight practical expedient in determining the lease term and in assessing impairment. FactSet elected the practical expedient not to 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 not to recognize lease liabilities and right-of-use assets for leases with a term of 12 months or less. FactSet will recognize lease payments on a straight-line basis over the lease term. As of November 30, 2019, the Company recognized ROU assets, net of amortization of $217.0 million and corresponding current and non-current lease liabilities of $266.4 million, related primarily to the Company’s real estate leases. There was no material impact to the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income, Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders' Equity. Refer to Note 15 Leases for more information regarding the Company's lease accounting. Hedge Accounting Simplification During the first quarter of fiscal 2020, FactSet adopted the accounting standard updated issued by the FASB in August 2017, which focused on reducing the complexity of and simplifying 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. The adoption of this standard had no impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. Recent Accounting Standards or Updates Not Yet Effective 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. The 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 Company's 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. The 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. The adoption of this accounting standard update is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. Income Tax Simplification In December 2019, the FASB issued an accounting standard update to simplify various aspects related to accounting for income taxes, eliminating certain exceptions to the general principles in accounting for income taxes related to intraperiod tax allocation, simplifying when companies recognize deferred taxes in an interim period, and clarifying certain aspects of the current guidance to promote consistent application. The guidance will be effective for the Company in the first quarter of fiscal 2022, with early adoption permitted. Most amendments are required to be applied on a prospective basis, while certain amendments must be applied on a retrospective or modified retrospective basis. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact of adopting the guidance on its consolidated financial statements. No other new accounting pronouncements issued or effective as of February 29, 2020 have had or are expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2020
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Revenue Recognition	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, and research management. 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 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 is satisfied. 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. Contracts with clients can include certain fulfillment costs, comprised of up-front costs to allow for the delivery of services and products, which are recoverable. In connection with the adoption of the revenue recognition standard, fulfillment costs are recognized as an asset, recorded in 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, and amortized consistent with the associated revenue for providing the services. 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 geographic region, which includes the Americas, EMEA and Asia Pacific. FactSet believes these regions are reflective of how the Company manages the business and the markets in which it serves. These 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: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended February 29, February 28, February 29, February 28, (in thousands) 2020 2019 2020 2019 Americas $ 232,731 $ 223,315 $ 464,061 $ 445,518 EMEA 102,105 98,933 202,935 196,698 Asia Pacific 34,944 32,647 69,442 64,319 Total Revenue $ 369,780 $ 354,895 $ 736,438 $ 706,535

Fair Value Measures

Fair Value Measures	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2020
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measures	FAIR VALUE MEASURES Fair value is defined as the price that would be received from selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability (i.e., the "exit price") in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. In determining fair value, the use of various valuation methodologies, including market, income and cost approaches is permissible. The Company considers the principal or most advantageous market in which it would transact and considers assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability. 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 its 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 the Company’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 the Company as of February 29, 2020 or August 31, 2019. (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 February 29, 2020 and August 31, 2019. The Company did not have any transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements during the periods presented. Fair Value Measurements at February 29, 2020 (in thousands) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Assets Corporate money market funds (1) $ 51,537 $ — $ — $ 51,537 Mutual funds (2) — 18,532 — 18,532 Certificates of deposit (3) — 5,352 — 5,352 Derivative instruments (4) — 610 — 610 Total assets measured at fair value $ 51,537 $ 24,494 $ — $ 76,031 Liabilities Derivative instruments (4) $ — $ 1,181 $ — $ 1,181 Total liabilities measured at fair value $ — $ 1,181 $ — $ 1,181 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 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 th e C onsolidated 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 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 secur ities 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 der ivative 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 are classified as Level 2 assets. (b) Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Non-Recurring Basis Assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis relate primarily to our tangible fixed assets, operating lease assets, goodwill and intangible assets. 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. These non-financial assets and liabilities are remeasured in the event of an other-than temporary impairment. The Company reviews goodwill and intangible assets for impairment annually, during the fourth quarter of each fiscal year, or as circumstances indicate the possibility for impairment. The Company monitors the carrying value of long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate its carrying amount may not be recoverable. During the six months ended February 29, 2020, 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 O nly As of February 29, 2020, and August 31, 2019, 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.

Derivative Instruments

Derivative Instruments	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2020
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative Instruments	DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS Cash Flow Hedges FactSet conducts business outside the U.S. in several currencies including British Pound Sterling, Euro, Indian Rupee, and Philippine Peso. 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 currency forward contracts for trading or speculative purposes . Refer to Note 16, Commitments and Contingencies – Concentrations 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 the first six months of fiscal 2020 or 2019, 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 February 29, 2020, FactSet maintained foreign currency forward contracts to hedge a portion of its British Pound Sterling, Euro, Indian Rupee, and Philippine Peso exposures. FactSet entered into a series of forward contracts to mitigate its currency exposure ranging from 25% to 63% over their respective hedged periods. The current foreign currency forward contracts are set to mature at various points between the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020 through the first quarter of fiscal 2021. The following is a summary of the gross notional values of the derivative instruments: (in thousands, in U.S. dollars) Gross Notional Value February 29, 2020 August 31, 2019 Foreign Currency Forward Contracts $ 80,277 $ 113,700 As of February 29, 2020, the gross notional value of foreign currency forward contracts to purchase Philippine Pesos and Indian Rupees with U.S. dollars was ₱842.6 billion and Rs1,434.3 billion, respectively. The gross notional value of foreign currency forward contracts to purchase U.S. dollars with Euros and British Pound Sterling was €20.5 million and £16.5 million, respectively. Fair Value of Derivative Instruments The following is a summary of the fair values of the derivative instruments: Fair Value of Derivative Instruments Derivatives designated as hedging instruments Derivative Assets Derivative Liabilities February 29, 2020 August 31, 2019 February 29, 2020 August 31, 2019 Balance Sheet Classification Fair Value Fair Value Balance Sheet Classification Fair Value Fair Value Foreign Currency Forward Contracts Prepaid expenses and other current assets $ 610 $ 520 Accounts payable and accrued expenses $ 1,181 $ 3,575 All derivatives were designated as hedging instruments as of February 29, 2020 and August 31, 2019. Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships The following table provides the pre-tax effect of derivative instruments in cash flow hedging relationships for the three months ended February 29, 2020 and February 28, 2019 , respectively: (in thousands) (Loss) Gain Recognized in AOCL on Derivatives Location of Loss Reclassified from AOCL into Income Loss Reclassified from AOCL into Income Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships 2020 2019 2020 2019 Foreign currency forward contracts $ (630) $ 321 SG&A $ (349) $ (385) The following table provides the pre-tax effect of derivative instruments in cash flow hedging relationships for the six months ended February 29, 2020 and February 28, 2019, respectively: (in thousands) Gain Recognized in AOCL on Derivatives Location of Loss Reclassified from AOCL into Income Loss Reclassified from AOCL into Income Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships 2020 2019 2020 2019 Foreign currency forward contracts $ 1,402 $ 2,264 SG&A $ (1,082) $ (784) As of February 29, 2020 , the Company assessed that these cash flow hedges were effective. All components of each derivative’s gain or loss were recorded in the Consolidated Statement of Income in Selling, general, and administrative ("SG&A"). As of February 29, 2020, the Company estimates that $0.6 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 February 29, 2020, and August 31, 2019, there were no material amounts recorded net on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Other Comprehensive Income (Los

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2020
Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income And Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Abstract]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	OTHER COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME AND ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS The components of other comprehensive (loss) income for the three months ended February 29, 2020 and February 28, 2019 are as follows: February 29, 2020 February 28, 2019 (in thousands) Pre-tax Net of tax Pre-tax Net of tax Foreign currency translation adjustments $ (1,565) $ (1,565) $ 5,026 $ 5,026 Net unrealized (loss) gain on cash flow hedges recognized in AOCL (281) (208) 706 527 Other comprehensive (loss) income $ (1,846) $ (1,773) $ 5,732 $ 5,553 The components of other comprehensive income for the six months ended February 29, 2020 and February 28, 2019 are as follows: February 29, 2020 February 28, 2019 (in thousands) Pre-tax Net of tax Pre-tax Net of tax Foreign currency translation adjustments $ 6,222 $ 6,222 $ (4,478) $ (4,478) Net unrealized gain on cash flow hedges recognized in AOCL 2,484 1,843 2,332 1,565 Other comprehensive income (loss) $ 8,706 $ 8,065 $ (2,146) $ (2,913) The components of AOCL are as follows: (in thousands) February 29, 2020 August 31, 2019 Accumulated unrealized losses on cash flow hedges, net of tax $ (423) $ (2,266) Accumulated foreign currency translation adjustments (66,056) (72,278) Total accumulated other comprehensive loss $ (66,479) $ (74,544)

Segment Information

Segment Information	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2020
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Information	SEGMENT INFORMATION Operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise that have the following characteristics: (i) it engages in business activities from which it may earn revenue and incur expense, (ii) its operating results are regularly reviewed by the company's chief operating decision maker ("CODM") for resource allocation decisions and performance assessment, and (iii) its discrete financial information is available. The Company's Chief Executive Officer functions as the CODM. The Company’s operating segments are aligned with how the Company, including its CODM, manages the business and the geographic markets in which it serves, with a primary focus on providing integrated global financial and economic information. The Company’s internal financial reporting structure is based on three segments: the Americas, EMEA and Asia Pacific. The primary workflow solutions within the Americas, EMEA and Asia Pacific segments are Research, Analytics and Trading, Content and Technology Solutions and Wealth. These workflow solutions provide global financial and economic information to investment managers, investment banks and other financial services professionals. The Americas segment serves our clients throughout North, Central, and South America. The EMEA segment serves our clients in countries in Europe and Africa. The Asia Pacific segment serves our clients in countries in Asia and Australia. Segment revenue reflects direct sales to clients based in these 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 Americas 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 tables reflect the results of operations of the Company's segments: (in thousands) For the three months ended February 29, 2020 Americas EMEA Asia Pacific Total Revenue $ 232,731 $ 102,105 $ 34,944 $ 369,780 Operating income $ 41,310 $ 42,664 $ 22,283 $ 106,257 Capital expenditures $ 15,050 $ 349 $ 9,720 $ 25,119 (in thousands) For the three months ended February 28, 2019 Americas EMEA Asia Pacific Total Revenue $ 223,315 $ 98,933 $ 32,647 $ 354,895 Operating income $ 45,696 $ 43,248 $ 19,744 $ 108,688 Capital expenditures $ 7,254 $ 434 $ 4,269 $ 11,957 (in thousands) For the six months ended February 29, 2020 Americas EMEA Asia Pacific Total Revenue $ 464,061 $ 202,935 $ 69,442 $ 736,438 Operating income $ 90,933 $ 83,882 $ 44,628 $ 219,443 Capital expenditures $ 39,074 $ 1,517 $ 11,308 $ 51,899 (in thousands) For the six months ended February 28, 2019 Americas EMEA Asia Pacific Total Revenue $ 445,518 $ 196,698 $ 64,319 $ 706,535 Operating income $ 89,537 $ 82,337 $ 37,353 $ 209,227 Capital expenditures $ 11,358 $ 1,697 $ 8,427 $ 21,482 The following table reflects the total assets for the Company's segments: (in thousands) Segment Assets February 29, 2020 August 31, 2019 Americas $ 959,283 $ 851,014 EMEA 683,298 588,911 Asia Pacific 185,991 120,205 Total assets $ 1,828,572 $ 1,560,130

Goodwill

Goodwill	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2020
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill	GOODWILL Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by segment for the six months ended February 29, 2020 are as follows: (in thousands) Americas EMEA Asia Pacific Total Balance at August 31, 2019 $ 386,195 $ 296,459 $ 3,075 $ 685,729 Foreign currency translations — 4,964 (56) 4,908 Balance at February 29, 2020 $ 386,195 $ 301,423 $ 3,019 $ 690,637

Common Stock and Earnings Per S

Common Stock and Earnings Per Share	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2020
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Common Stock and Earnings Per Share	COMMON STOCK AND EARNINGS PER SHARE On February 18, 2020, FactSet’s Board of Directors approved a regular quarterly dividend of $0.72 per share. The cash dividend of $27.1 million was paid on March 19, 2020 to common stockholders of record at the close of business on February 28, 2020. Shares of common stock outstanding were as follows: Six Months Ended February 29, February 28, (in thousands) 2020 2019 Balance, beginning of year at September 1, 2019 and 2018, respectively 38,118 38,192 Common stock issued for employee stock plans 348 426 Repurchase of common stock from employees (1) (6) (28) Repurchase of common stock under the share repurchase program (611) (490) Balance at February 29, 2020 and February 28 2019, respectively 37,849 38,100 (1) For the six months ended February 29, 2020 and February 28, 2019, the Company repurchased 6,252 and 27,852 shares, or $1.6 million and $6.1 million of common stock, respectively, in settlement of employee tax withholding obligations due upon the vesting of restricted stock and exercise of stock options. 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 Weighted Per Share For the three months ended February 29, 2020 Basic EPS Income available to common stockholders $ 88,686 37,875 $ 2.34 Diluted EPS Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock 701 Income available to common stockholders plus assumed conversions $ 88,686 38,576 $ 2.30 For the three months ended February 28, 2019 Basic EPS Income available to common stockholders $ 84,702 38,055 $ 2.23 Diluted EPS Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock 564 Income available to common stockholders plus assumed conversions $ 84,702 38,619 $ 2.19 For the six months ended February 29, 2020 Basic EPS Income available to common stockholders $ 182,643 37,927 $ 4.82 Diluted EPS Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock 655 Income available to common stockholders plus assumed conversions $ 182,643 38,582 $ 4.73 For the six months ended February 28, 2019 Basic EPS Income available to common stockholders $ 168,998 38,081 $ 4.44 Diluted EPS Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock 633 Income available to common stockholders plus assumed conversions $ 168,998 38,714 $ 4.37 Dilutive potential common shares consist of stock options and unvested performance-based awards. There were 18,065 stock options excluded from the calculation of diluted EPS for the six months ended February 29, 2020, because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive. For the six months ended February 28, 2019, the number of stock options excluded from calculation of diluted EPS was 447,709.

Stockholders' Equity

Stockholders' Equity	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2020
Equity [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity	STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY Share Repurchase Program Repurchases are made from time to time in the open market and privately negotiated transactions, subject to market conditions. For the three months ended February 29, 2020 and February 28, 2019, the Company repurchased 267,500 shares for $74.2 million and 214,945 shares for $44.1 million, respectively. For the six months ended February 29, 2020 and February 28, 2019, the Company repurchased 610,500 shares for $158.6 million and 489,945 shares for $104.6 million, respectively. As of February 29, 2020, $80.0 million remained authorized for future share repurchases. 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. On March 24, 2020, the Board of Directors of FactSet approved a $220.0 million increase to the existing share repurchase program. Subsequent to this expansion, a total of $300.0 million is available for future share repurchases. Restricted Stock Restricted stock awards entitle the holders to receive shares of common stock as the awards vest over time. During the first six months of fiscal 2020, previously granted restricted stock of 16,476 shares vested and were included in common stock outstanding as of February 29, 2020 (recorded net of 6,209 shares repurchased from employees at a cost of $1.6 million to cover their cost of taxes upon vesting of the restricted stock). During the comparable period a year ago, 75,530 shares of previously granted restricted stock vested and were included in common stock outstanding as of February 28, 2019 (recorded net of 27,852 shares repurchased from employees at a cost of $6.1 million to cover their cost of taxes upon vesting of the restricted stock). Dividends The Company’s Board of Directors declared t he following dividends for the first six months of fiscal 2020 and 2019 respectively: Year Ended Dividends per Record Date Total $ Amount Payment Date Fiscal 2020 First Quarter $ 0.72 November 29, 2019 $ 27,291 December 19, 2019 Second Quarter $ 0.72 February 28, 2020 $ 27,251 March 19, 2020 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 Future cash dividend payments will depend on the Company’s earnings, capital requirements, financial condition and other factors considered relevant by the Company and are subject to final determination by the Company’s Board of Directors.

Employee and Non-employee Direc

Employee and Non-employee Director Stock Option and Retirement Plans	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2020
Compensation Related Costs [Abstract]
Employee and Non-employee Director Stock Option and Retirement Plans	EMPLOYEE AND NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTOR STOCK OPTION AND RETIREMENT PLANS Stock Compensation Activity Employee Stock Option Awards During the six months ended February 29, 2020, FactSet granted 417,417 stock options with a weighted average exercise price of $255.95 to existing employees of the Company. The majority of the stock options granted during the first six months of fiscal 2020 related to the annual employee grant on November 1, 2019 under the FactSet Research Systems Inc. Stock Option and Award Plan, as Amended and Restated (the "LTIP"). On November 1, 2019, FactSet granted 412,098 non-performance-based employee stock options, using the lattice-binomial option-pricing model. These stock option awards vest 20% annually on the anniversary date of the grant and are fully vested after five years, expiring ten years from the date of grant. The estimated fair value of employee stock options granted on November 1, 2019 was determined with the following assumptions: November 1, 2019 Grant Details Risk-free interest rate 1.59% - 1.79% Expected life (years) 7.22 Expected volatility 23% - 26% Dividend yield 1.09% Estimated fair value $60.19 Exercise price $255.87 Fair value as a percentage of exercise price 23.5% Non-Employee Director Stock Option Grant 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 February 29, 2020, shares available for future grant under the Director Plan was 247,876. The expiration date of the Director Plan is December 19, 2027. On January 15, 2020, FactSet granted 16,080 stock options to the Company's non-employee directors, using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following assumptions: January 15, 2020 Grant Details Risk-free interest rate 1.64% Expected life (years) 5.4 Expected volatility 22.0% Dividend yield 1.11% Estimated Fair Value $54.74 Exercise price $271.51 Fair value as a percentage of exercise price 20.2% Restricted Stock Units During the first six months of fiscal 2020, FactSet granted 30,379 non-performance based restricted stock units ("RSUs") and 36,501 performance-based restricted stock units ("PRSUs"). The majority of the RSUs and PRSUs granted were related to the annual employee grant on November 1, 2019. FactSet granted 29,817 RSUs and 36,501 PRSUs with a weighted average grant date fair value of $245.48 under the LTIP plan. The RSUs and PRSUs granted to employees entitle the holders to shares of common stock as the units vest over time or the performance period, but not to dividends declared on the underlying shares, while the restricted stock is unvested. The grant date fair value of restricted stock units is measured by reducing the grant date price of FactSet's common stock 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 RSUs vest 20% annually on the anniversary date of grant and are fully vested after five years and PRSUs cliff vest three years from the anniversary date of grant based on the achievement of certain performance metrics. 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 the first day or the last day of each three-month offering period. Employee purchases may not exceed 10% of their gross compensation and there is a $25,000 contribution limit per employee during an offering period. During the three months ended February 29, 2020, employees purchased 11,493 shares at a weighted average price of $221.12 compared to 12,624 shares at a weighted average price of $199.36 for the three months ended February 28, 2019. During the six months ended February 29, 2020, employees purchased 22,652 shares at a weighted average price of $220.91 compared to 25,719 shares at a weighted average price of $198.33 for the six months ended February 28, 2019. At February 29, 2020, the ESPP had 197,758 shares reserved for future issuance. Stock-based Compensation The Company recognized total stock-based compensation expense of $8.2 million and $7.7 million during the three months ended February 29, 2020 and February 28, 2019, respectively. During the six months ended February 29, 2020 and February 28, 2019, the Company recognized total stock-based compensation expense of $18.0 million and $16.1 million, respectively. As of February 29, 2020, $98.5 million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested equity awards is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 3.3 years. Stock-based compensation expense related to the ESPP was $0.5 million for both the three months ended February 29, 2020 and February 28, 2019. Stock-based compensation expense related to the ESPP was $1.0 million for both the six months ended February 29, 2020 and February 28, 2019. There was no stock-based compensation capitalized for the three and six months ended February 29, 2020 or February 28, 2019.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2020
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	INCOME TAXES Income tax expense is based on taxable income determined in accordance with current enacted laws and tax rates. Deferred income taxes are recorded for the temporary differences between the financial statement and the tax bases of assets and liabilities using currently enacted tax rates. Provision for Income Taxes The provision for income taxes is as follows: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended February 29, February 28, February 29, February 28, (in thousands) 2020 2019 2020 2019 Income before income taxes $ 103,109 $ 104,349 $ 211,850 $ 200,292 Provision for income taxes $ 14,423 $ 19,647 $ 29,207 $ 31,294 Effective tax rate 14.0 % 18.8 % 13.8 % 15.6 % FactSet’s effective tax rate is based on recurring factors and nonrecurring events, including the taxation of foreign income. The Company’s effective tax rate will vary based on, among other things, changes in levels of foreign income, as well as discrete and other nonrecurring events that may not be predictable. FactSet’s effective tax rate is lower than the applicable U.S. corporate income tax rate for the three and six months ended February 29, 2020 due to R&D tax benefits, foreign derived intangible income deduction ("FDII"), and excess tax benefits associated with share-based payments. For the three months ended February 29, 2020, the provision for income taxes was $14.4 million, a decrease of 26.6% from the same period a year ago. The provision decreased due primarily to a higher windfall tax benefit from stock-based compensation of $4.7 million for the three months ended February 29, 2020 compared to the prior year period, a $2.4 million income tax expense from the settlement with a tax authority recognized during the three months ended February 28, 2019, partially offset by a $1.1 million benefit from the revision of the one-time transition tax on accumulated earnings and profits of foreign subsidiaries permitted by the TCJA recognized during the three months ended February 28, 2019. For the six months ended February 29, 2020, the provision for income taxes was $29.2 million, a decrease of 6.7% from the same period a year ago. The provision decreased mainly due to higher net tax benefits, partially offset by higher operating income for the six months ended February 29, 2020 compared to the prior year period. The net increase in tax benefits of $10.6 million for the six months ended February 29, 2020, compared to $6.6 million for the prior year period, was primarily driven by an income tax expense from the settlement with a tax authority recorded during the six months ended February 28, 2019, coupled with benefits recognized during the six months ended February 29, 2020 from finalizing prior years' tax returns, remeasurement of a foreign net deferred tax position due to changes in the jurisdiction's tax rate and higher windfall tax benefits from stock-based compensation. The reduction in the provision was partially offset by the benefit from the revision of the one-time transition tax on accumulated earnings and profits of foreign subsidiaries permitted by the TCJA recognized during the six months ended February 28, 2019. FactSet finalized the accounting for the tax effects of the TCJA with respect to the one-time transition tax; however the tax effects may be affected by changes in interpretations at the federal and state levels, and any additional regulatory guidance that may be issued.

Debt

Debt	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2020
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt	DEBT FactSet’s debt obligations consisted of the following: (in thousands) February 29, 2020 August 31, 2019 2019 Revolving Credit Facility (maturity date of March 29, 2024) $ 575,000 $ 575,000 On March 29, 2019, the Company entered into 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"). 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. As of February 29, 2020, FactSet has 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 February 29, 2020 and August 31, 2019. The principal balance is payable in full on the maturity date. The fair value of the Company's long-term debt was $575.0 million as of February 29, 2020, which the Company believes approximates the carrying amount as the terms and interest rate 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%. For the three months ended February 29, 2020 and February 28, 2019 the Company recorded interest expense of $3.8 million and $5.1 million, respectively, on its outstanding debt amounts. For the six months ended February 29, 2020 and February 28, 2019 the Company recorded interest expense of $8.0 million and $9.9 million, respectively, on its outstanding debt amounts. The weighted average interest rate on amounts outstanding under the Company's credit facilities was 2.76% and 3.35% for the year to date ended February 29, 2020 and August 31, 2019, 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 maintains a consolidated net leverage ratio, as measured by total net funded debt/EBITDA (as defined in the 2019 Credit Agreement) 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 February 29, 2020.

Leases

Leases	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2020
Leases [Abstract]
Leases	LEASES In February 2016, the FASB issued an accounting standard update related to accounting for leases. The update requires the recognition of ROU assets and liabilities on the balance sheet and the disclosure of qualitative and quantitative information about leasing arrangements. FactSet adopted the standard as of 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. FactSet reviews new arrangements at inception to evaluate whether the Company obtains substantially all the economic benefits of and has the right to control the use of an asset. If FactSet determines that an arrangement qualifies as a lease, a lease liability and a corresponding ROU asset are recognized on the lease commencement date which includes fixed lease payments and certain qualifying index-based variable payments. In determining the amount of lease payments used in measuring ROU assets and lease liabilities, FactSet elected 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 did not elect the use-of-hindsight practical expedient in determining the lease term and in assessing impairment. FactSet elected the practical expedient not to 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 ROU 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 in O ccupancy expense (a component of SG&A expense) . The adoption of the lease standard primarily related to the Company’s real estate operating leases. As a result of the adoption of the standard, the Company recognized lease liabilities (initially measured at the present value of the future minimum lease payments over the remaining lease term at the commencement date) of $266.4 million as of November 30, 2019 , included in Current lease liabilities and Lease liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The Company also recognized ROU assets (initially measured as the lease liabilities, adjusted for deferred rent and lease incentives) of $217.0 million as of November 30, 2019 , included in Lease right-of-use assets, net on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. As of February 29, 2020, the ROU assets balance was $235.9 million and the Lease liabilities balance was $285.1 million, classified in the same Consolidated Balance Sheet accounts used upon adoption. Lease liabilities are measured as the present value of the future minimum lease payments over the lease term using FactSet’s incremental borrowing rate ("IBR") within the geography where the leased asset is located, as there is no rate implicit in the Company’s operating lease arrangements. As FactSet does not have any outstanding public debt, the Company estimates the IBR based on FactSet’s estimated credit rating and available market information. The IBR is determined at lease commencement, or as of September 1, 2019 for operating leases in existence upon adoption of ASC 842. The IBR is subsequently reassessed upon a modification to the lease arrangement. As of February 29, 2020 , the Company’s leases have remaining terms of less than one year to just over 15 years. The ROU assets and lease liabilities recognized did not include any renewal or termination options that were not yet reasonably certain to be exercised. FactSet’s operating lease net expense for the three and six months ended February 29, 2020 was $9.8 million and $20.4 million, respectively. Charges related to FactSet's operating leases that are variable, and therefore not included in the measurement of the lease liabilities for the three and six months ended February 29, 2020 were $4.4 million and $9.5 million, respectively. The following table reconciles FactSet’s future undiscounted cash flows related to the Company’s operating leases and the reconciliation to the operating lease liability as of February 29, 2020 : (in thousands) Minimum Lease Years ended August 31, Remainder of 2020 $ 18,618 2021 38,574 2022 35,845 2023 32,147 2024 30,222 Thereafter 194,375 Total undiscounted lease payments 349,781 Less: imputed interest 64,716 Present value of total lease payments $ 285,065 FactSet previously entered into a real estate lease in the Philippines, which was planned to commence in phases, providing FactSet with access to the underlying leased rental space during fiscal 2020. The rental space that FactSet has not taken possession of as of February 29, 2020 is not included in the table above nor included in the lease ROU assets and liabilities as of February 29, 2020. The lease is for approximately 10 years and the undiscounted future rent payments for those leases that have not commenced as of February 29, 2020 is approximately $45 million. The following table presents other information related to the operating leases recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of February 29, 2020 : Weighted average remaining lease term (in years) 10.5 Weighted average discount rate (IBR) 3.9% Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities (in millions) $ 9.4

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2020
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	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). Purchase Commitments with Suppliers Purchase commitments represent payments due in future periods 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, the Company had total purchase commitments with suppliers of $69.9 million. There were no material changes in the Company’s purchase commitments during the six months ended February 29, 2020. Letters of Credit Approximately $2.9 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 February 29, 2020. These standby letters of credit utilize the same covenants included in the 2019 Credit Agreement. Refer to Note 14 Debt for more information on these covenants. Contingencies Income Taxes Uncertain income tax positions are accounted for in accordance with applicable accounting guidance , refer to Note 13 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 February 29, 2020, 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 the 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 February 29, 2020. FactSet believes that it will ultimately prevail if the Company is presented with a formal assessment; however, 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. Concentrations of Credit Risk Cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents are maintained primarily with five financial institutions. Depos its 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. The Company 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 period presented. At February 29, 2020, the Company’s largest individual client accounted for approximately 3% of total annual subscriptions, and subscriptions from the ten largest clients did not surpass 14% of total annual subscriptions, consistent with the level at August 31, 2019. As of February 29, 2020, the receivable reserve was $7.9 million compared to $10.5 million as of August 31, 2019. Derivative Instruments As a result of the use of derivative instruments, the Company 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. Concentrations 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 for the six months ended February 29, 2020 or February 28, 2019.

Subsequent Event

Subsequent Event	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2020
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Event	Subsequent Event

Recent Accounting Pronounceme_2

Recent Accounting Pronouncements (Policies)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2020
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
New Accounting Standards or Updates Recently Adopted and Recent Accounting Standards or Updates Not Yet Effective	New Accounting Standards or Updates Recently Adopted Leases In February 2016, the FASB issued an accounting standard update related to accounting for leases. The update requires the recognition of lease right-of use (“ROU”) assets and liabilities on the balance sheet and the disclosure of qualitative and quantitative information about leasing arrangements . The guidance also eliminates the requirement for an entity to use bright-line tests in determining lease classification. FactSet adopted 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 were not restated and follow the Company's previous policy under ASC 840, Leases. Refer to FactSet’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2019, filed with the SEC on October 30, 2019, for further details of the Company’s policy prior to adoption of ASC 842. FactSet elected the package of practical expedients permitted under the transition guidance, which permits the Company not to reassess the prior conclusions about lease identification, lease classification, and initial direct costs. FactSet did not elect the use-of-hindsight practical expedient in determining the lease term and in assessing impairment. FactSet elected the practical expedient not to 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 not to recognize lease liabilities and right-of-use assets for leases with a term of 12 months or less. FactSet will recognize lease payments on a straight-line basis over the lease term. As of November 30, 2019, the Company recognized ROU assets, net of amortization of $217.0 million and corresponding current and non-current lease liabilities of $266.4 million, related primarily to the Company’s real estate leases. There was no material impact to the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income, Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders' Equity. Refer to Note 15 Leases for more information regarding the Company's lease accounting. Hedge Accounting Simplification During the first quarter of fiscal 2020, FactSet adopted the accounting standard updated issued by the FASB in August 2017, which focused on reducing the complexity of and simplifying 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. The adoption of this standard had no impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. Recent Accounting Standards or Updates Not Yet Effective 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. The 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 Company's 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. The 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. The adoption of this accounting standard update is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. Income Tax Simplification In December 2019, the FASB issued an accounting standard update to simplify various aspects related to accounting for income taxes, eliminating certain exceptions to the general principles in accounting for income taxes related to intraperiod tax allocation, simplifying when companies recognize deferred taxes in an interim period, and clarifying certain aspects of the current guidance to promote consistent application. The guidance will be effective for the Company in the first quarter of fiscal 2022, with early adoption permitted. Most amendments are required to be applied on a prospective basis, while certain amendments must be applied on a retrospective or modified retrospective basis. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact of adopting the guidance on its consolidated financial statements.

Revenue Recognition (Tables)

Revenue Recognition (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2020
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Disaggregation of revenue	The following table presents this disaggregation of revenue by geography: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended February 29, February 28, February 29, February 28, (in thousands) 2020 2019 2020 2019 Americas $ 232,731 $ 223,315 $ 464,061 $ 445,518 EMEA 102,105 98,933 202,935 196,698 Asia Pacific 34,944 32,647 69,442 64,319 Total Revenue $ 369,780 $ 354,895 $ 736,438 $ 706,535

Fair Value Measures (Tables)

Fair Value Measures (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2020
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis	The Company did not have any transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements during the periods presented. Fair Value Measurements at February 29, 2020 (in thousands) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Assets Corporate money market funds (1) $ 51,537 $ — $ — $ 51,537 Mutual funds (2) — 18,532 — 18,532 Certificates of deposit (3) — 5,352 — 5,352 Derivative instruments (4) — 610 — 610 Total assets measured at fair value $ 51,537 $ 24,494 $ — $ 76,031 Liabilities Derivative instruments (4) $ — $ 1,181 $ — $ 1,181 Total liabilities measured at fair value $ — $ 1,181 $ — $ 1,181 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 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 th e C onsolidated 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 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 secur ities 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 der ivative 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 are classified as Level 2 assets.

Derivative Instruments (Tables)

Derivative Instruments (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2020
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of all hedging positions and corresponding fair value	The following is a summary of the gross notional values of the derivative instruments: (in thousands, in U.S. dollars) Gross Notional Value February 29, 2020 August 31, 2019 Foreign Currency Forward Contracts $ 80,277 $ 113,700
Summary of derivative instruments	The following is a summary of the fair values of the derivative instruments: Fair Value of Derivative Instruments Derivatives designated as hedging instruments Derivative Assets Derivative Liabilities February 29, 2020 August 31, 2019 February 29, 2020 August 31, 2019 Balance Sheet Classification Fair Value Fair Value Balance Sheet Classification Fair Value Fair Value Foreign Currency Forward Contracts Prepaid expenses and other current assets $ 610 $ 520 Accounts payable and accrued expenses $ 1,181 $ 3,575
Schedule of pre-tax effect of derivative instruments in cash flow hedging relationships	(in thousands) (Loss) Gain Recognized in AOCL on Derivatives Location of Loss Reclassified from AOCL into Income Loss Reclassified from AOCL into Income Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships 2020 2019 2020 2019 Foreign currency forward contracts $ (630) $ 321 SG&A $ (349) $ (385) The following table provides the pre-tax effect of derivative instruments in cash flow hedging relationships for the six months ended February 29, 2020 and February 28, 2019, respectively: (in thousands) Gain Recognized in AOCL on Derivatives Location of Loss Reclassified from AOCL into Income Loss Reclassified from AOCL into Income Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships 2020 2019 2020 2019 Foreign currency forward contracts $ 1,402 $ 2,264 SG&A $ (1,082) $ (784)

Other Comprehensive Income (L_2

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2020
Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income And Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Abstract]
Schedule of components of other comprehensive income (loss)	The components of other comprehensive (loss) income for the three months ended February 29, 2020 and February 28, 2019 are as follows: February 29, 2020 February 28, 2019 (in thousands) Pre-tax Net of tax Pre-tax Net of tax Foreign currency translation adjustments $ (1,565) $ (1,565) $ 5,026 $ 5,026 Net unrealized (loss) gain on cash flow hedges recognized in AOCL (281) (208) 706 527 Other comprehensive (loss) income $ (1,846) $ (1,773) $ 5,732 $ 5,553 The components of other comprehensive income for the six months ended February 29, 2020 and February 28, 2019 are as follows: February 29, 2020 February 28, 2019 (in thousands) Pre-tax Net of tax Pre-tax Net of tax Foreign currency translation adjustments $ 6,222 $ 6,222 $ (4,478) $ (4,478) Net unrealized gain on cash flow hedges recognized in AOCL 2,484 1,843 2,332 1,565 Other comprehensive income (loss) $ 8,706 $ 8,065 $ (2,146) $ (2,913) The components of AOCL are as follows: (in thousands) February 29, 2020 August 31, 2019 Accumulated unrealized losses on cash flow hedges, net of tax $ (423) $ (2,266) Accumulated foreign currency translation adjustments (66,056) (72,278) Total accumulated other comprehensive loss $ (66,479) $ (74,544)

Segment Information (Tables)

Segment Information (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2020
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of segment reporting information	(in thousands) For the six months ended February 29, 2020 Americas EMEA Asia Pacific Total Revenue $ 464,061 $ 202,935 $ 69,442 $ 736,438 Operating income $ 90,933 $ 83,882 $ 44,628 $ 219,443 Capital expenditures $ 39,074 $ 1,517 $ 11,308 $ 51,899 (in thousands) For the six months ended February 28, 2019 Americas EMEA Asia Pacific Total Revenue $ 445,518 $ 196,698 $ 64,319 $ 706,535 Operating income $ 89,537 $ 82,337 $ 37,353 $ 209,227 Capital expenditures $ 11,358 $ 1,697 $ 8,427 $ 21,482 The following table reflects the total assets for the Company's segments: (in thousands) Segment Assets February 29, 2020 August 31, 2019 Americas $ 959,283 $ 851,014 EMEA 683,298 588,911 Asia Pacific 185,991 120,205 Total assets $ 1,828,572 $ 1,560,130

Goodwill (Tables)

Goodwill (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2020
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of goodwill	Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by segment for the six months ended February 29, 2020 are as follows: (in thousands) Americas EMEA Asia Pacific Total Balance at August 31, 2019 $ 386,195 $ 296,459 $ 3,075 $ 685,729 Foreign currency translations — 4,964 (56) 4,908 Balance at February 29, 2020 $ 386,195 $ 301,423 $ 3,019 $ 690,637

Common Stock and Earnings Per_2

Common Stock and Earnings Per Share (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2020
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of common stock outstanding	Shares of common stock outstanding were as follows: Six Months Ended February 29, February 28, (in thousands) 2020 2019 Balance, beginning of year at September 1, 2019 and 2018, respectively 38,118 38,192 Common stock issued for employee stock plans 348 426 Repurchase of common stock from employees (1) (6) (28) Repurchase of common stock under the share repurchase program (611) (490) Balance at February 29, 2020 and February 28 2019, respectively 37,849 38,100 (1) For the six months ended February 29, 2020 and February 28, 2019, the Company repurchased 6,252 and 27,852 shares, or $1.6 million and
Schedule of weighted average number of shares	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 Weighted Per Share For the three months ended February 29, 2020 Basic EPS Income available to common stockholders $ 88,686 37,875 $ 2.34 Diluted EPS Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock 701 Income available to common stockholders plus assumed conversions $ 88,686 38,576 $ 2.30 For the three months ended February 28, 2019 Basic EPS Income available to common stockholders $ 84,702 38,055 $ 2.23 Diluted EPS Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock 564 Income available to common stockholders plus assumed conversions $ 84,702 38,619 $ 2.19 For the six months ended February 29, 2020 Basic EPS Income available to common stockholders $ 182,643 37,927 $ 4.82 Diluted EPS Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock 655 Income available to common stockholders plus assumed conversions $ 182,643 38,582 $ 4.73 For the six months ended February 28, 2019 Basic EPS Income available to common stockholders $ 168,998 38,081 $ 4.44 Diluted EPS Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock 633 Income available to common stockholders plus assumed conversions $ 168,998 38,714 $ 4.37

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2020
Equity [Abstract]
Schedule of dividends declared	The Company’s Board of Directors declared t he following dividends for the first six months of fiscal 2020 and 2019 respectively: Year Ended Dividends per Record Date Total $ Amount Payment Date Fiscal 2020 First Quarter $ 0.72 November 29, 2019 $ 27,291 December 19, 2019 Second Quarter $ 0.72 February 28, 2020 $ 27,251 March 19, 2020 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

Employee and Non-employee Dir_2

Employee and Non-employee Director Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2020
Compensation Related Costs [Abstract]
Schedule of assumptions about stock options	The estimated fair value of employee stock options granted on November 1, 2019 was determined with the following assumptions: November 1, 2019 Grant Details Risk-free interest rate 1.59% - 1.79% Expected life (years) 7.22 Expected volatility 23% - 26% Dividend yield 1.09% Estimated fair value $60.19 Exercise price $255.87 Fair value as a percentage of exercise price 23.5% January 15, 2020 Grant Details Risk-free interest rate 1.64% Expected life (years) 5.4 Expected volatility 22.0% Dividend yield 1.11% Estimated Fair Value $54.74 Exercise price $271.51 Fair value as a percentage of exercise price 20.2%

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2020
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of income taxes	The provision for income taxes is as follows: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended February 29, February 28, February 29, February 28, (in thousands) 2020 2019 2020 2019 Income before income taxes $ 103,109 $ 104,349 $ 211,850 $ 200,292 Provision for income taxes $ 14,423 $ 19,647 $ 29,207 $ 31,294 Effective tax rate 14.0 % 18.8 % 13.8 % 15.6 %

Debt (Tables)

Debt (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2020
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of debt obligations	FactSet’s debt obligations consisted of the following: (in thousands) February 29, 2020 August 31, 2019 2019 Revolving Credit Facility (maturity date of March 29, 2024) $ 575,000 $ 575,000

Leases (Tables)

Leases (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2020
Leases [Abstract]
Schedule of future minimum commitments	The following table reconciles FactSet’s future undiscounted cash flows related to the Company’s operating leases and the reconciliation to the operating lease liability as of February 29, 2020 : (in thousands) Minimum Lease Years ended August 31, Remainder of 2020 $ 18,618 2021 38,574 2022 35,845 2023 32,147 2024 30,222 Thereafter 194,375 Total undiscounted lease payments 349,781 Less: imputed interest 64,716 Present value of total lease payments $ 285,065
Schedule of other information related to operating leases	The following table presents other information related to the operating leases recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of February 29, 2020 : Weighted average remaining lease term (in years) 10.5 Weighted average discount rate (IBR) 3.9% Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities (in millions) $ 9.4

Recent Accounting Pronounceme_3

Recent Accounting Pronouncements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Feb. 29, 2020	Nov. 30, 2019
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
ROU assets, net of amortization	$ 235,930	$ 217,000
Non-current lease liabilities	$ 285,065	$ 266,400

Revenue Recognition (Details)

Revenue Recognition (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2020	Feb. 28, 2019	Feb. 29, 2020	Feb. 28, 2019
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 369,780	$ 354,895	$ 736,438	$ 706,535
Americas
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Revenue	232,731	223,315	464,061	445,518
EMEA
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Revenue	102,105	98,933	202,935	196,698
Asia Pacific
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 34,944	$ 32,647	$ 69,442	$ 64,319

Fair Value Measures - Narrative

Fair Value Measures - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)	Feb. 29, 2020	Aug. 31, 2019
Level 3
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]
Assets, fair value	$ 0	$ 0
Liabilities, fair value	0	0
Level 2 | Estimate of fair value measurement
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 575,000,000	$ 575,000,000

Fair Value Measures - Schedule

Fair Value Measures - Schedule of Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value (Details) - USD ($)	Feb. 29, 2020	Aug. 31, 2019
Fair value
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative instruments	$ 610,000	$ 520,000
Total assets measured at fair value	76,031,000	102,042,000
Derivative instruments	1,181,000	3,575,000
Total liabilities measured at fair value	1,181,000	3,575,000
Fair value | Corporate money market funds
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	51,537,000	75,849,000
Fair value | Mutual funds
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Mutual funds	18,532,000	18,583,000
Fair value | Certificates of deposit
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Certificates of deposit	5,352,000	7,090,000
Level 1 | Fair value
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative instruments	0	0
Total assets measured at fair value	51,537,000	75,849,000
Derivative instruments	0	0
Total liabilities measured at fair value	0	0
Level 1 | Fair value | Corporate money market funds
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	51,537,000	75,849,000
Level 1 | Fair value | Mutual funds
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Mutual funds	0	0
Level 1 | Fair value | Certificates of deposit
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Certificates of deposit	0	0
Level 2 | Fair value
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative instruments	610,000	520,000
Total assets measured at fair value	24,494,000	26,193,000
Derivative instruments	1,181,000	3,575,000
Total liabilities measured at fair value	1,181,000	3,575,000
Level 2 | Fair value | Corporate money market funds
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Level 2 | Fair value | Mutual funds
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Mutual funds	18,532,000	18,583,000
Level 2 | Fair value | Certificates of deposit
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Certificates of deposit	5,352,000	7,090,000
Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total assets measured at fair value	0	0
Level 3 | Fair value
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative instruments	0	0
Total assets measured at fair value	0	0
Derivative instruments	0	0
Total liabilities measured at fair value	0	0
Level 3 | Fair value | Corporate money market funds
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Level 3 | Fair value | Mutual funds
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Mutual funds	0	0
Level 3 | Fair value | Certificates of deposit
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Certificates of deposit	$ 0	$ 0

Derivative Instruments - Narrat

Derivative Instruments - Narrative (Details) € in Millions, £ in Millions, ₱ in Billions, ₨ in Billions	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2020	Feb. 29, 2020USD ($)	Feb. 28, 2019USD ($)	Feb. 29, 2020GBP (£)	Feb. 29, 2020EUR (€)	Feb. 29, 2020INR (₨)	Feb. 29, 2020PHP (₱)	Aug. 31, 2019USD ($)
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Discontinuance of cash flow hedges		$ 0	$ 0
Estimated net derivative losses related to cash flow hedges included in AOCL to be reclassified into earnings within the next 12 months		(600,000)
Philippine Peso | Forecast
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Percent of foreign exchange contracts hedged (in percentage)	63.00%
Foreign exchange contract | Cash flow hedging | Designated as hedging instrument
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Gross notional amount		$ 80,277,000		£ 16.5	€ 20.5	₨ 1,434.3	₱ 842.6	$ 113,700,000
British Pound Sterling | Forecast
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Percent of foreign exchange contracts hedged (in percentage)	25.00%

Derivative Instruments - Hedgin

Derivative Instruments - Hedging Positions and Corresponding Fair Values (Details) $ in Thousands, € in Millions, £ in Millions, ₱ in Billions, ₨ in Billions	Feb. 29, 2020USD ($)	Feb. 29, 2020INR (₨)	Feb. 29, 2020GBP (£)	Feb. 29, 2020EUR (€)	Feb. 29, 2020PHP (₱)	Aug. 31, 2019USD ($)
Cash flow hedging | Designated as hedging instrument | Foreign exchange contract
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Gross Notional Value	$ 80,277	₨ 1,434.3	£ 16.5	€ 20.5	₱ 842.6	$ 113,700

Derivative Instruments - Fair V

Derivative Instruments - Fair Value Amounts of Derivative Instruments (Details) - Foreign exchange contract - Cash flow hedging - Designated as hedging instrument - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Feb. 29, 2020	Aug. 31, 2019
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Derivative Assets	$ 610	$ 520
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Derivative Liabilities	$ 1,181	$ 3,575

Derivative Instruments - Deriva

Derivative Instruments - Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2020	Feb. 28, 2019	Feb. 29, 2020	Feb. 28, 2019
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Loss Reclassified from AOCL into Income	$ (281)		$ 2,484
Cash flow hedging | Designated as hedging instrument | Foreign exchange contract | SG&A
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
(Loss) Gain Recognized in AOCL on Derivatives	(630)	$ 321	1,402	$ 2,264
Loss Reclassified from AOCL into Income	$ (349)	$ (385)	$ (1,082)	$ (784)

Other Comprehensive Income (L_3

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2020	Feb. 28, 2019	Feb. 29, 2020	Feb. 28, 2019	Aug. 31, 2019
Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income And Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Abstract]
Foreign currency translation adjustments, pre-tax	$ (1,565)	$ 5,026	$ 6,222	$ (4,478)
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax	(1,565)	5,026	6,222	(4,478)
Net unrealized gain on cash flow hedges recognized in AOCL	(208)		1,843
Net unrealized gain on cash flow hedges recognized in AOCL, pre-tax		706		2,332
Net unrealized gain on cash flow hedges recognized in AOCL, net of tax		527		1,565
Other comprehensive income (loss), pre-tax	(1,846)	5,732	8,706	(2,146)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(1,773)	$ 5,553	8,065	$ (2,913)
Accumulated unrealized losses on cash flow hedges, net of tax	(423)		(423)		$ (2,266)
Accumulated foreign currency translation adjustments	(66,056)		(66,056)		(72,278)
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss	(66,479)		(66,479)		$ (74,544)
Loss Reclassified from AOCL into Income	$ (281)		$ 2,484

Segment Information - Narrative

Segment Information - Narrative (Details)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2020segment
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of reportable segments	3

Segment Information - Results o

Segment Information - Results of Operations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2020	Feb. 28, 2019	Feb. 29, 2020	Feb. 28, 2019	Aug. 31, 2019
Revenue	$ 369,780	$ 354,895	$ 736,438	$ 706,535
Operating income	106,257	108,688	219,443	209,227
Capital expenditures	25,119	11,957	51,899	21,482
Assets	1,828,572		1,828,572		$ 1,560,130
Americas
Revenue	232,731	223,315	464,061	445,518
Operating income	41,310	45,696	90,933	89,537
Capital expenditures	15,050	7,254	39,074	11,358
Assets	959,283		959,283		851,014
EMEA
Revenue	102,105	98,933	202,935	196,698
Operating income	42,664	43,248	83,882	82,337
Capital expenditures	349	434	1,517	1,697
Assets	683,298		683,298		588,911
Asia Pacific
Revenue	34,944	32,647	69,442	64,319
Operating income	22,283	19,744	44,628	37,353
Capital expenditures	9,720	$ 4,269	11,308	$ 8,427
Assets	$ 185,991		$ 185,991		$ 120,205

Goodwill - Changes in the Carry

Goodwill - Changes in the Carrying Amount of Goodwill by Segment (Details) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2020USD ($)
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	$ 685,729
Foreign currency translations	4,908
Ending Balance	690,637
Americas
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	386,195
Foreign currency translations	0
Ending Balance	386,195
EMEA
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	296,459
Foreign currency translations	4,964
Ending Balance	301,423
Asia Pacific
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	3,075
Foreign currency translations	(56)
Ending Balance	$ 3,019

Goodwill - Narrative (Details)

Goodwill - Narrative (Details)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2020reporting_unit
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Number of reporting units	3

Common Stock and Earnings Per_3

Common Stock and Earnings Per Share - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	Mar. 19, 2020	Feb. 29, 2020	Feb. 28, 2019	Feb. 29, 2020	Feb. 28, 2019	Nov. 30, 2019	Nov. 30, 2018
Dividends per share of common stock (in USD per share)		$ 0.72	$ 0.64	$ 0.72	$ 0.64	$ 0.72	$ 0.64
Dividend payments				$ 54,363	$ 48,442
Subsequent event
Dividend payments	$ 27,100
Stock options
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share (in shares)		18,065	447,709
Performance shares
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share (in shares)		36,501	206,417

Common Stock and Earnings Per_4

Common Stock and Earnings Per Share - Shares of Common Stock Outstanding (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2020	Feb. 28, 2019	Feb. 29, 2020	Feb. 28, 2019
Schedule of Common Stock Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Balance (in shares)			38,117,840	38,192,000
Common stock issued for employee stock plans (in shares)			348,000	426,000
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)	(267,500)	(214,945)	(610,500)	(489,945)
Balance (in shares)	37,849,247	38,100,000	37,849,247	38,100,000
Shares repurchased from employees (in shares)			6,252	27,852
Cost of shares repurchased from employees			$ 1.6	$ 6.1
Repurchase of common stock from employees
Schedule of Common Stock Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)			(6,000)	(28,000)
Repurchase of common stock under the share repurchase program
Schedule of Common Stock Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)			(611,000)	(490,000)

Common Stock and Earnings Per_5

Common Stock and Earnings Per Share - Weighted Average Shares Outstanding (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2020	Feb. 28, 2019	Feb. 29, 2020	Feb. 28, 2019
Basic EPS
Net Income (Numerator)	$ 88,686	$ 84,702	$ 182,643	$ 168,998
Weighted Average Common Shares (Denominator)	37,875	38,055	37,927	38,081
Per Share Amount	$ 2.34	$ 2.23	$ 4.82	$ 4.44
Diluted EPS
Weighted Average Common Shares (Denominator)	701	564	655	633
Income available to common stockholders plus assumed conversions, net income amount	$ 88,686	$ 84,702	$ 182,643	$ 168,998
Income available to common stockholders plus assumed conversion, weighted average common shares (in shares)	38,576	38,619	38,582	38,714
Income available to common stockholders plus assumed conversions, per share amount (in dollars per share)	$ 2.30	$ 2.19	$ 4.73	$ 4.37
Basic earnings per common share (in USD per share)	2.34	2.23	4.82	4.44
Diluted earnings per common share (in USD per share)	$ 2.30	$ 2.19	$ 4.73	$ 4.37

Stockholders' Equity - Narrativ

Stockholders' Equity - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2020	Feb. 28, 2019	Feb. 29, 2020	Feb. 28, 2019	Mar. 25, 2020	Mar. 24, 2020
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)	267,500	214,945	610,500	489,945
Repurchases of common stock	$ 74,172,000	$ 44,143,000	$ 158,595,000	$ 104,584,000
Remaining authorized repurchase amount	$ 80,000,000		80,000,000
Cost of shares repurchased from employees			$ 1,600,000	$ 6,100,000
Subsequent event
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Remaining authorized repurchase amount					$ 300,000,000
Approved addition to authorized amount						$ 220,000,000
Restricted stock units
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Restricted stock vested (in shares)			16,476	75,530
Cost of shares repurchased from employees			$ 1,600,000	$ 6,100,000
Treasury Stock
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)	267,500	214,945	610,500	489,945
Repurchases of common stock	$ 74,172,000	$ 44,143,000	$ 158,595,000	$ 104,584,000
Vesting of restricted stock (in shares)	431	8,502
Treasury Stock | Restricted stock units
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Vesting of restricted stock (in shares)			6,209	27,852

Stockholders' Equity - Dividend

Stockholders' Equity - Dividends Declared (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2020	Nov. 30, 2019	Feb. 28, 2019	Nov. 30, 2018
Equity [Abstract]
Dividends per Share of Common Stock (in USD per share)	$ 0.72	$ 0.72	$ 0.64	$ 0.64
Total Amount	$ 27,251	$ 27,291	$ 24,385	$ 24,372

Employee and Non-employee Dir_3

Employee and Non-employee Director Stock Option and Retirement Plans - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)	Jan. 15, 2020	Nov. 01, 2019	Feb. 29, 2020	Feb. 28, 2019	Feb. 29, 2020	Feb. 28, 2019
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted average exercise price (in USD per share)		$ 255.87
Estimated fair value (in USD per share)	$ 271.51	$ 60.19
Purchase price (in percentage)					85.00%
Maximum employee subscription rate (in percentage)			10.00%		10.00%
Maximum contribution limit					$ 25,000
Number of share purchased by employees (in shares)			11,493	12,624	22,652	25,719
Stock issued during period employee stock purchase plans weighted average price per share (in USD per share)			$ 221.12	$ 199.36	$ 220.91	$ 198.33
Capital shares reserved for future issuance (in shares)			197,758		197,758
Stock based compensation expense			$ 8,200,000	$ 7,700,000	$ 18,000,000	$ 16,100,000
Unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested equity			98,500,000		98,500,000
Shares repurchased from employees, amount capitalized			$ 0	0	$ 0	0
LTIP
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock options granted (in shares)					417,417
Weighted average exercise price (in USD per share)					$ 255.95
Number of shares available for grant (in shares)			5,600,000		5,600,000
Director Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares available for grant (in shares)			247,876		247,876
Director Plan | Non-employee | Directors
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock options granted (in shares)	16,080
Weighted average grant date fair value (in USD per share)	$ 54.74
ESPP
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock based compensation expense			$ 500,000	$ 500,000	$ 1,000,000	$ 1,000,000
Stock options | LTIP
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock options granted (in shares)			412,098
Award vesting (in percentage)					20.00%
Award vesting period					5 years
Stock options | LTIP | Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expiration period					10 years
Restricted stock units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Non-option award grants (in shares)					30,379
Restricted stock units | LTIP
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock options granted (in shares)					29,817
Award vesting period					5 years
Weighted average grant date fair value (in USD per share)					$ 245.48
Restricted stock units | LTIP | Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting (in percentage)					20.00%
Performance-based restricted stock units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Non-option award grants (in shares)					36,501
Performance-based restricted stock units | LTIP
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock options granted (in shares)					36,501
Award vesting period					3 years

Employee and Non-employee Dir_4

Employee and Non-employee Director Stock Option and Retirement Plans - Schedule of Assumptions Used in the Estimated Fair Value of Employee Stock Options Granted (Details) - $ / shares	Jan. 15, 2020	Nov. 01, 2019
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Risk-free interest rate	164.00%
Expected life (Years)	5 years 4 months 24 days	7 years 2 months 19 days
Expected volatility (as a percent)	2200.00%
Dividend yield (as a percent)	111.00%	109.00%
Estimated fair value (in USD per share)	$ 271.51	$ 60.19
Exercise price (in USD per share)		$ 255.87
Fair value as a percentage of exercise price	2020.00%	2350.00%
Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Risk-free interest rate		1.59%
Expected volatility (as a percent)		23.00%
Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Risk-free interest rate		1.79%
Expected volatility (as a percent)		26.00%

Income Taxes - Provision for In

Income Taxes - Provision for Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2020	Feb. 28, 2019	Feb. 29, 2020	Feb. 28, 2019
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income before income taxes	$ 103,109	$ 104,349	$ 211,850	$ 200,292
Provision for income taxes	$ 14,423	$ 19,647	$ 29,207	$ 31,294
Effective tax rate	14.00%	18.80%	13.80%	15.60%

Income Taxes - Narrative (Detai

Income Taxes - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2020	Feb. 28, 2019	Feb. 29, 2020	Feb. 28, 2019
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Provision for income taxes	$ 14,423	$ 19,647	$ 29,207	$ 31,294
Percentage change in total provision for income taxes	26.60%		(6.70%)
Higher windfall tax benefit from stock-based compensation	$ 4,700
Settlement with tax authority		2,400	$ 10,600	$ 6,600
Benefit from revision of one-time transition tax		$ 1,100

Debt - Schedule of Debt Obligat

Debt - Schedule of Debt Obligations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Feb. 29, 2020	Aug. 31, 2019
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt obligations	$ 574,264	$ 574,174
2019 Revolving Credit Facility (maturity date of March 29, 2024)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt obligations	$ 575,000	$ 575,000

Debt - Narrative (Details)

Debt - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2020	Feb. 28, 2019	Feb. 29, 2020	Feb. 28, 2019	Aug. 31, 2019	Mar. 29, 2019
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest paid	$ 3,800,000	$ 5,100,000	$ 8,000,000	$ 9,900,000
Weighted Average
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate at period end (in percentage)	2.76%		2.76%		3.35%
2019 Revolving Credit Facility (maturity date of March 29, 2024) | PNC Bank, National Associations
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity						$ 750,000,000
Maximum amount of additional borrowings	$ 175,000,000		$ 175,000,000			500,000,000
Minimum borrowing amount required for additional borrowings						$ 25,000,000
Long-term line of credit	$ 575,000,000		$ 575,000,000
Commitment fee percentage (in percentage)			0.10%
Debt issuance costs					$ 900,000
2019 Revolving Credit Facility (maturity date of March 29, 2024) | PNC Bank, National Associations | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate (in percentage)			0.875%

Leases - Narrative (Details)

Leases - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2020	Feb. 29, 2020	Feb. 28, 2019	Nov. 30, 2019
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Lease liabilities	$ 285,065	$ 285,065		$ 266,400
ROU assets	235,930	235,930		$ 217,000
Operating lease expense	9,800		$ 20,400
Variable lease cost	$ 4,400	$ 9,500
Lease not yet commenced, term of contract	10 years	10 years
Lease not yet commenced, undiscounted amount	$ 45,000	$ 45,000
Minimum
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Remaining lease term		1 year
Maximum
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Remaining lease term		15 years

Leases - Schedule of Future Min

Leases - Schedule of Future Minimum Commitments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Feb. 29, 2020	Nov. 30, 2019
Leases [Abstract]
Remainder of 2020	$ 18,618
2021	38,574
2022	35,845
2023	32,147
2024	30,222
Thereafter	194,375
Total undiscounted lease payments	349,781
Less: imputed interest	64,716
Present value of total lease payments	$ 285,065	$ 266,400

Leases - Schedule of Other Info

Leases - Schedule of Other Information Related to Operating Lease (Details) $ in Millions	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2020USD ($)
Leases [Abstract]
Weighted average remaining lease term (in years)	10 years 6 months
Weighted average discount rate (incremental borrowing rate)	390.00%
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities (in millions)	$ 9.4

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Feb. 29, 2020	Aug. 31, 2019
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Purchase commitment, remaining minimum amount committed		$ 69.9
Letters of credit outstanding	$ 2.9
Largest individual client percent of total subscriptions (in percentage)	3.00%
Percentage of subscription from ten largest clients (in percentage)	14.00%
Receivable reserve	$ 7.9	$ 10.5

Uncategorized Items - fds-20200

Label	Element	Value	[1]
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption	us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption	$ 2,020,000
AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption	us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption	717,000
Retained Earnings [Member]
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption	us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption	$ 1,303,000
[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 U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act ("TCJA") providing for the reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive loss to retained earnings for stranded tax effects. See Note 4 for additional revenue recognition information.